Episodes
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Ref Popeye Ray sits down with legendary MMA referee Big John McCarthy for a wide-ranging conversation about the early days of the UFC, life in law enforcement, what it really takes to be a referee, and why fighter safety matters inside the cage.
Big John shares stories from his upbringing, his father’s influence in LAPD and SWAT, his path into law enforcement, training with the Gracies, becoming one of the most recognized officials in combat sports, and how the referee’s role has evolved from the early “no rules” era of MMA.
They also talk about Bruce Lee, Gene LeBell, Chuck Norris, bare knuckle fighting, judging, referee training, boxing, and John’s return to officiating.
This is a conversation about fighting, discipline, legacy, respect, and the people who helped shape combat sports.
Subscribe for more conversations from Third Man in the Ring with Ref Popeye Ray. -
With more than 125 film credits and 300 television appearances, Pepe reflects on growing up in Corpus Christi, discovering his love for performing at an early age, moving to Hollywood, and building a lasting career when opportunities for Latino actors were limited. He shares stories from films including Car Wash, The Jerk, American Me, and Scarface, while discussing the importance of representation and telling stories that reflect the Latino community.
Pepe also opens up about his marriage, mentoring young performers, creating his one-man show, his artwork and documentary, and the health challenges he has recently faced. Throughout the conversation, he shares the values that have guided him: staying positive, helping others succeed, supporting the people around you, and finding richness in a life spent doing what you love.
More than a conversation about movies, this episode is about perseverance, generosity, purpose, and the legacy Pepe Serna hopes to leave behind. -
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Pastor Raul Ries joins Popeye Ray on Third Man in the Ring for a powerful conversation about his life, his testimony, and the transforming power of Jesus Christ.
In this episode, Pastor Raul shares about growing up in a violent home, the anger and bitterness that shaped his early life, his time serving in Vietnam, and the moment God began to change his heart. What started as a life marked by rage, pain, and violence became a testimony of redemption, ministry, and the grace of God.
Popeye Ray and Pastor Raul also talk about Calvary Chapel, the importance of preaching the truth, reaching people who feel too far gone, and how Christians should think biblically about Israel in today’s world.
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He grew up in gang culture…believed he would die in the streets…and was proud of it. Today, his life looks completely different. In this episode of Third Man in the Ring, Popeye Ray sits down with Jay to talk about a life most people will never understand. From violence, jail, and losing friends… to finding purpose, faith, and a new direction. This isn’t just a story about where he came from, it’s about what changed, and why it matters.
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In this powerful episode, Ray sits down with Miguel Salorio, who was wrongfully convicted and spent 25 years in prison for a crime he says he did not commit. Miguel shares his journey, the pain of losing years of his life, and what it has been like trying to rebuild after finally coming home. This is a conversation about injustice, survival, faith, and starting over.
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In this powerful episode of Third Man in the Ring, Popeye Ray sits down with John from Calvary Chapel Chino Valley to share a story of redemption, grace, and transformation.
John grew up in church but eventually fell into rebellion, addiction, and a destructive lifestyle that led him to jail, broken relationships, and even a suicide attempt. At his lowest point, when everything seemed lost, God intervened in a way that would completely change the direction of his life.
Today, John serves in ministry alongside Pastor David Rosales, helping lead men and encouraging others who are struggling with addiction, despair, and brokenness.
This episode is a powerful reminder that no one is beyond the reach of God’s grace.
If you or someone you know is struggling, this story is proof that transformation is possible. -
In this episode of Third Man in the Ring, Popeye Ray sits down with top referee Robert Hoyle to talk about the craft of officiating at the highest level of boxing.
Hoyle breaks down what it takes to work championship fights, how referees prepare before stepping into the ring, and how split-second decisions can change the course of a fight. He discusses studying legends like Richard Steele, observing elite camps in Las Vegas, and earning credibility fight by fight.
From managing intensity in the clinch to knowing when to step in and when to let fighters work, this episode dives deep into the mindset and responsibility of the third man in the ring. -
In this episode of Third Man in the Ring, we sit down with renowned boxing trainer Manny Robles to talk about what it really takes to build champions—inside and outside the ring.
If you’re a fighter, coach, or fan who wants the behind-the-scenes truth about boxing, this one is for you. -
Marine Staff Sergeant Octavio was leading a convoy in Iraq when a daisy-chain IED of 80mm mortars blew his vehicle apart, killing Captain Maloney and Lance Corporal Help and leaving Octavio with third-degree burns over 70% of his body, a shattered arm, and a long road through ICU, skin grafts, and daily wound care.
Today, Pastor Octavio leads Front Sight Military Outreach in Ontario, CA. A church and ministry for veterans and their families, a “city of refuge” for those still fighting battles in their minds and hearts.
If you’re a veteran, active duty, or a family member who’s struggling, you’re not alone.
Instagram: @FrontSightMilitaryOutreachFacebook: Front Sight Military Outreach
Reach out to Front Sight Military Outreach: -
Once caught up in gang life and prison, Jaime’s story is one of redemption and transformation. Now a respected tattoo artist in West Covina, he uses his craft and his testimony to reach others who are struggling with the same darkness he once knew.
In this powerful conversation, Jaime opens up about his childhood in East L.A., the pull of gang culture in the ’80s and ’90s, his time behind bars, and the moment God changed everything. From backsliding to starting a men’s Bible study that now draws dozens each week, his journey is a raw reminder that no one is too far gone for grace.
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In this episode of Third Man in the Ring, Ref Popeye Ray sits down with legendary boxing trainer Abel Sanchez .
From his roots in La Puente to building the world-famous Summit Gym in Big Bear, Abel shares how solitude, discipline, and integrity shaped some of boxing’s greatest fighters.
Hear exclusive stories from inside the camps, what makes a true champion, and how Abel’s philosophy changed the sport. -
In this episode of Third Man in the Ring, referee Popeye Ray sits down with stand-up comedian George P. Perez, a one-of-a-kind voice in comedy.
George opens up about his upbringing, the struggles that shaped him, and how he went from the streets to performing on Netflix, HBO, Showtime, and MTV. With sharp humor and honest reflections, George shows how comedy became not just a career, but a way to transform his life.
This conversation is about more than just laughs, it’s about resilience, culture, and finding your lane when the odds are against you.
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Sal Rodriquez, drummer of the legendary funk band WAR, sits down with me on the Third Man in the Ring Podcast to share his incredible journey through music, fame, and faith. From touring the world with WAR, playing festivals across Europe and the U.S., to finding deeper purpose in life, Sal opens up about his experiences on stage, the power of music, and how faith changed everything.
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In this episode of Third Man in the Ring, we sit down with Eric Tate, Secretary-Treasurer of Teamsters Local 848. Eric shares his journey, the challenges of union leadership, and what it really takes to fight for workers’ voices. From breaking barriers to building stronger communities, this conversation pulls back the curtain on the realities of union power and personal sacrifice.
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Today's episode features a man known as Guerrero Fitness, a man who overcame a tough upbringing and the challenges of street life to build a life centered on motivation and fitness. But his focus goes beyond the physical, he's passionate about spiritual and mental strength as well. This is a powerful and timely message for young men and women who may be standing at a crossroads, searching for direction and purpose.
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I think today's testimony will bless you guys. Please give a warm welcome to MC Blvd.
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John Molina Jr. was such an exciting fighter. Excited to have him on, everyone please give a warm welcome to John Molina!
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Pat Russell refereed some AMAZING fights. He has retired from refereeing and is not judging. Today we review some of his favorite fights and go over the thought process a ref goes through.
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In Honor of the Fallen – 2nd Battalion, 5th Marines
1. Lance Cpl. Jeremiah A. Baro – KIA: Nov 4, 2004 – Age 21
2. Sgt. Douglas E. Bascom – KIA: Oct 20, 2004 – Age 25
3. Lance Cpl. Richard C. Clifton – KIA: Feb 3, 2005 – Age 19
4. Sgt. Timothy Folmar – KIA: Sep 24, 2004 – Age 21
5. Lance Cpl. Victor A. Gonzalez – KIA: Oct 13, 2004 – Age 19
6. Lance Cpl. Andrew Halverson – KIA: Oct 9, 2004 – Age 19
7. Lance Cpl. Gregory C. Howman – KIA: Sep 15, 2004 – Age 28
8. Cpl. Jared P. Hubbard – KIA: Nov 4, 2004 – Age 22
9. Lance Cpl. Sean M. Langley – KIA: Nov 7, 2004 – Age 20
10. Cpl. Matthew D. Lynch – KIA: Oct 31, 2004 – Age 25
11. Cpl. Jason T. Poindexter – KIA: Oct 12, 2004 – Age 22
12. Capt. Patrick M. Rapicault – KIA: Nov 15, 2004 – Age 34
13. Sgt. Marc T. Ryan – KIA: Nov 15, 2004 – Age 25
14. 1st Sgt. Edward Smith – KIA: Nov 15, 2004 – Age 38
15. Lance Cpl. Lance M. Thompson – KIA: Nov 15, 2004 – Age 21
16. Hospitalman Rory Brandon Aguilera – KIA: Nov 15, 2004 – Age 24 - Show more
