From Small-Town Vermont to Meeting Kendrick Lamar | Mike Squires & Friends Podcast #97

Former NYPD officer Lenny opens up about his journey from the police force to hitting rock bottom, finding faith, and winning a MrBeast challenge. Hear about his toughest moments on the job, personal struggles, and how he turned his life around. Mike Squires & Friends is proudly sponsored by Distrokid. To get 30% off your first year’s membership, check out: http://distrokid.com/vip/mikesquires Crazy Merch: https://lifeismerch.com/ Join The Squires Squad (Early Access): https://app.grouped.com/mikesquires Connect with Mike Squires: https://set.page/mikesquires/ Stream Mike Squires & Friends: https://pods.to/mikesquires 00:00 Welcome & Introduction to Lenny 00:18 Inside the Mr. Beast Challenge & Thumbnail Process 01:43 Behind the Scenes: Thumbnail Production 02:47 Learning About Lenny – Police Background 03:34 Why Lenny Became a Cop 06:14 Stepping Away After 17 Years as Officer 08:04 Hardest Moments as a NYPD Officer 09:14 Policing by Numbers and Systemic Pressures 11:18 Challenges of the NYPD and Impact on Officers 12:18 Rewarding Aspects and NYPD Camaraderie 12:56 Finding Purpose and Leaving Stability 15:00 Leaving for Real Estate & Personal Growth 15:57 Business Betrayal, Crypto Loss & Hitting Rock Bottom 18:05 Faith, Coping Mechanisms & Turning to God 20:25 Breaking Addictions and Joining Men's Group 22:01 Rock Bottom as Stepping Stone 23:01 Getting the Mr. Beast DM & Answered Prayers 26:22 Interviewing for Mr. Beast – The Mr. Beast Toy Twist 29:12 Winning the Challenge, Manifestation & God’s Plan 31:31 First Impressions – Family Visit Behind the Scenes 34:15 Arriving at the Challenge – Production Day Details 38:35 Entering the Prison & First Meeting with Ian 40:00 First Impressions: Jimmy & Ian 43:03 Ian's Backstory & Transformation 45:43 Locked In: Days in the Challenge & Bonding 47:34 Life in the Challenge – Routine & Spiritual Resilience 50:35 Lessons from Prison: Empathy, Redemption & Forgiveness 53:53 Ian’s Redemption, Public Perception & Judgment 57:01 Working Together: The Rock Challenge 01:01:04 Brotherhood, Vulnerability, and Night Talks 01:05:46 Funny Moments, Rivalries, and Days Inside 01:08:44 Hacks, Losing Track of Time & Lacrosse Stick Story 01:12:44 Content Creation, East Coast Dyes, and New Beginnings 01:16:00 Family, Humility, and What Set Lenny Apart 01:19:24 Day 99: Solitary, The Finale, and Brotherhood 01:22:29 Reuniting with Family & Post-Challenge Reflections 01:24:19 Adjustment, True Prison vs. Challenge & Support 01:26:00 Final Thoughts – Faith, Message to the World & Outro Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices