Latest Episodes
Kevin Iole: Boxing Hall of Famer on Ali, Tyson & 46 Years Ringside | Quinntessential Questions #68
In this episode of The Quinntessential Questions Podcast, Paul Quinn sits down with Kevin Iole, 2025 Boxing Hall of Fame inductee and legendary combat sports journalist. From being the first person in his family to attend college in Pittsburgh to covering 46 years of boxing and MMA's greatest moments, Kevin shares his extraordinary journey and the moment he met Muhammad Ali—"like I saw God."
He discusses sitting ringside when Mike Tyson bit Evander Holyfield's ear, why Mayweather-Pacquiao was "our Ali-Frazier" for modern journalists, the heartbreak of covering seven fighters who died in the ring, and his philosophy: "Sunshine is the best disinfectant." Kevin also opens up about hanging up on Mike Tyson (thinking it was a prank), surviving a plane crash with Bob Arum, being confronted by Steve Jobs at an Apple Store, and finding Diego Corrales dead two years after his greatest triumph.
Whether you're a combat sports fan, aspiring journalist, or anyone pursuing an unconventional career path, this conversation offers hard-won wisdom on storytelling, resilience, and witnessing history without compromising integrity. Let's explore what's "Inside the mind of a Boxing Hall of Fame Journalist."
Naval Diver to Prisoner to Purpose: The Lee Rocka Story | Quinntessential Questions #67
In this episode of The Quinntessential Questions Podcast, Paul Quinn sits down with Danial Lee Rocka, Naval Diver veteran turned rapper, actor, and life coach. From training combat divers in Singapore's elite forces for 10 years to serving 7 months in detention barracks for marijuana possession, Danial shares his transformation journey and the turning point that changed everything. He discusses reading 70 self-help books in prison that nobody else touched, why he chose to record music instead of becoming a security guard the day he was released, and his mission to provide free creative education to troubled youth.
Danial also opens up about working with the son of a chief of police struggling with drugs, discovering that troubled youth come from wealth AND poverty, and why attention matters more than money. Whether you're navigating a career transition, seeking redemption after mistakes, or working with at-risk youth, this conversation offers hard-won wisdom on resilience, personal branding, and refusing to let your past define your future. Let's explore what's "Inside the mind of a Naval Diver turned youth advocate".
