DIG YOUR DREAM

In this “Committed Conversation” - I catch up with a young man who’s love for the game of baseball has allowed him to go from young player with big dreams to a high school stand out who recently committed to play Division 1 baseball at Sienna College.

Hear Connor talk about his love for the game, his journey to earning a collegiate scholarship, how he used setbacks and adversity as motivation and why he is so grateful and appreciative for the role that his parents have played in life.

Connor also gives us some insight why he believes work ethic is what sets you apart from your competition, what the word commitment means to him and shares of some of his short term and long term goals.

I even put him on the spot and ask him what traits are necessary to be a GOOD COACH - and why he is a fan and believes in THE GUY IN THE TIE and Digmi brand.

I have had the great privilege of coaching Connor over the last few years, and I can say without a doubt, that he is even more impressive as a young man as he is on the pitchers mound.

That is why I am beyond excited to present DIGMI DISCUSSIONS Interview #47 - “A COMMITTED CONVERSATION” with Division 1 Baseball Commit, Basking Ridge High School class of 2023 stand out pitcher, Connor Byrne

On DIGMI DISCUSSIONS Interview #46, Ray Digmi catches up with Rutgers Univeristy Associate Professor, licensed psychologist, mental performance consultant and author, Dr. Pete Economou.

Dr. Pete, a fellow Seton Hall university alum, takes some time to share his personal journey as former division 1 student athlete, and how the experiences of being an elite performer led to a professional career as a clinical psychologist, mental health counselor and collegiate educator.

Dr. Pete talks about his new book, MINDFULNESS WORKBOOK FOR BEGINNERS, and shares some tips on how best to cultivate greater positivity and gratitude. He also touches on the pros & cons of social media, why he believes that when screen time goes up, mental health goes down, and offers some tips on how to best embrace your emotions, and feel compassion and empathy toward yourself and others.

An awesome discussion with a guy who has committed his life work to mental health and is dedicated to helping others unlock the power of mindfulness.

So without further ado, here is DIGM DISCUSSIONS Interview #46 with Rutgers University Associate Professor and author, Dr. Pete Economou

Ray Digmi catches up with newly appointed Head Coach at Saint Elizabeth University, Korrissa Aguilar, for Digmi Discussions Interview #45.

"Coach K" as she is known by her players, shares her personal story as a California girl and her collegiate softball journey that gave her playing and life experiences in her home state and across the country

Listen as Korrissa shares her excitement for landing her first college head coach position at Saint Elizabeth and the challenges and responsibilities that come with that role. She also talks about her coaching philosophies, the importance of practicing positive rephrasing and why she is genuinely committed to helping others prosper.

She passionately talks about her found memories with her family growing up and emotionally shares why she feels like she got lucky when she arrived in New Jersey and how grateful she is for the people in her life.

An awesome discussion with a west coast girl who had the passion to live out her dreams and the courage to head across the country to make her mark as a coach and mentor to so many.

Long before we started this podcast, back in 2014, we started DIGMI DISCUSSIONS, a concept where we would sit down and interview some of the biggest names in sports, fashion and pop culture.

7 years ago this week, we headed down to Tampa, Florida to catch up with my former minor league roommate, Major League Baseball & Toronto Blue Jays superstar, Jose Bautista.

At the time of this interview, Bautista was one of the biggest stars in the game; ending his career as a 6x All-Star, 3x Silver Slugger Award winner and 2x Home Run Champion - while leaving us with one of the most memorable moments in baseball history - “The bat Flip” - his famous bat flip after hitting a go-ahead home run in the American League Division Series.

Listen to “Joey Bats” talk about his personal journey to the Major Leagues, how we was able to become one of baseballs most feared power hitters and how he was a part of the beginning days of digmi and why he is proud to wear the brand.

This truly was an awesome discussion with a guy who became a superstar by staying true to himself!

Ray Digmi catches up former New York Mets farmhand, Somerset Patriots All-Star and owner of Hot Korner Sports, Carlos Guzman, for Digmi Discussions Interview #44.

"Guzzy", as he is known by his friends and teammates, talks about his love for the game of baseball, how he went from Brooklyn to Oklahoma and how certain growing pains helped pave the wave for a professional playing career that lasted over a decade - A career that included playing in the New York Mets organizations and all-star appearances in the Atlantic League.

"Guzzy" shares his experience playing in the Mets organization, reminisces on his time in the Atlantic League, shares his view of travel baseball and how he feels about analytics.

He also talks about the transition of going from ballplayer to business man, shares his thoughts on Digmi, how rewarding it is being a father and shares some advice for anyone out there looking to take the first step towards their dreams.

An awesome discussion with a guy who played with his heart on his sleeve and left it all the field, and who is a great example of someone who lives his life with a ton of passion and personality.

With the college baseball season upon us, I thought it would be the perfect time to share my keynote speech from last years Seton Hall Pirate Baseball “First Pitch Dinner”

On January 23rd of 2020, I had the great honor and privilege, to go back to the Seton Hall University campus and address the program that has meant so much to me and had such an impact on both my baseball and business careers.

On that special night, just three weeks after the birth of my daughter, I had the opportunity to share my personal journey with their current players, and honor my late coach, the great Mike Sheppard with an emotional letter I wrote to him following his passing in the spring of 2019.

Twenty years after I took off the Pirate uniform for the very last time - it was a chance for me to inspire, reminisce and remember a time in my life that taught me one of the most valuable lessons anyone can ever learn….

NEVER LOSE YOUR HUSTLE

I hope you enjoy this bonus, throwback episode

a night I will remember forever and a speech I know my daughter will proud of…

Ray Digmi catches up with High School & Travel Softball coach and entrepreneur, Jessica Parker for Digmi Discussions Interview #43 

Coach JP, as she is known by her players, is the founder of The Process Athlete Development, a virtual training platform that gives softball athletes drills and plans that will broaden their mental and physical game skills.

The New Jersey native talks about her love for the game of softball, her mission to empower young women through the sport and help inspire them to reach their goals, both on and off the field.

The newly engaged Parker shares her personal journey playing the game she loves, the pros and cons of the travel softball business, her coaching philosophies, where a coach should draw the line when it comes to politics, what she thinks about the guy in the tie, and shares some words of encouragement to those out there looking to take the first step towards their dreams.

An awesome discussion with someone who is an example that you don’t necessarily have to play at the highest level to offer the highest level of coaching!

On Digmi Discussions Interview #42, host Ray Digmi catches up with former Texas Rangers Manager and the 2015 American League Manager of the Year, Jeff Banister

The Texas Native shares his personal story growing up the son of a high school football coach, as a young athlete Banister overcame tremendous health and injury obstacles to eventually earn the opportunity of signing a professional baseball contract with the Pittsburgh Pirates organization. Bani talks about his experience climbing the minor league ladder and fighting his way to the Major League level - He shares the story of his one and only big league at- bat, talks about what led him to pursuing a career in coaching and why he has such as passion for mentoring young ball players to be the best athlete they can be on the diamond as well as the best man they can become in life.

The former American League Manager of the Year shares his experience leading some of the best players in the game at the Major League Level, important building blocks to a fulfilling life and the dreams and goals that still motivate him today.

An inspirational leader that is devoted to his family and committed to being a positive influence in this world - this is an interview all parents, players and coaches need to listen to.

On Digmi Discussions Interview #41, Ray Digmi catches up with founder of PG Sports Marketing and host of the “Average 2 Savage” Podcast, Paul Guarino

Hear Guarino, a Sacred Heart University alum, shares his personal story of growing up in connecticut an avid sports fan, and how that love for sports led to him building PG Sports, a marketing agency with the mission to help athletes grow their brands, everywhere and anywhere. During the growth of PG Sports, Guarino has worked with numerous professional athletes, developed an apparel brand around his agency, and has been mentioned in national publications like Forbes Magazine and has used the power of social media to interact with celebrities like Daymon John.

Guarino also passes along some motivating advice on overcoming adversity, including his own personal experience of living a life with Spinal Muscular Atrophy, and why obstacles, disabilities or injuries should never keep you from getting out there and chasing your dreams.

You’ll also be surprised to find out how Guarino first learned about the Digmi brand, and how Gary Vee’s content creator “D-Rock” is responsible for Paul becoming a guest on the Dig Your Dream podcast.

An awesome discussion with a guy who made a decision to build a business around his passion, and is a great example of where a positive, ambitious mindset can lead you!

On Digmi Discussions Interview #40, Ray Digmi catches up with the host of the “Breakthrough Mentors Podcast” and founder of “Build Better Brands”, Chris Ward Jr. ⁣
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Chris, who was born in Germany to a military family, eventually found his way home to Garden State;  he shares his personal story growing up without a father figure, the special role his mother has played in his life, and how being a family man is his proudest position •⁣
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Now as a podcast host and founder of the “Build Better Brands” platform - Chris talks about the importance of self-introspection, self confidence and why it so important for all of us to get out there and share our story. ⁣
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A compelling interview with someone who is committed to helping others find their best self and share that new found gift with others who need it! ⁣