Mario Lopez
Episode 183
1 AUG 2022
He is a film actor, New York Times Best-Selling author, producer, host, and two-time Emmy winner. He currently hosts NBC’s “Access Hollywood” and “Access Daily” as well as a national radio show. Plus, he even has his own sports-related podcast that is talked about on this episode. He was recently inducted into the National Wrestling Hall of Fame, recognized as the 2022 Outstanding American, having wrestled for Chula Vista High School, finishing second in the San Diego section and seventh in the California Interscholastic Federation state tournament as a senior in one-class California in 1991. He also just held a golf classic for the Providence Saint Joseph Foundation. (Listen too as he also mentions boxing and jiu-jitsu.)
Notable guest quotes:
“We were devout Catholics and, like many Latinos in our culture, it played an important role in our life. And, as I grew older, I tried to grow and build spiritual muscle. And I think I’ve gotten to a much better place too and I feel comfortable about it. It’s important for me to raise my kids and have them have a faith-based education, and they’re in Catholic school. So, it’s an incredibly important role in my life.”
“I’m always an advocate of speaking out on my faith. They say don’t talk about politics and religion, and I don’t talk about politics… but I don’t shy away from my faith. And I’m proud because I think the Lord calls on us and so I’m proud to talk about my faith and I’m happy to do so.”
“I love wrestling, it teaches you aspects of life. You build on characteristics that are important as an adult in life; toughness, obviously physically, but both and more importantly, psychologically and emotionally. It builds a strong work ethic. You learn discipline. And also, self-reliance.”
“Most of the time I had a regular high school experience. And I got to wrestle for my school, go to prom, dances, and what have you. But all the while it was always very important for me to go to Mass and say my prayers every night and it’s always been an important part of my life. And now I’m happy to continue to lean on it, to turn to my faith, and raise my children in it.”
“I try to give back to my community as much as I can.”
(of his pilgrimage to the Holy Land) “Everywhere Jesus went, that’s where I was at. I even went over to Bethlehem and Palestine… and I got to get baptized in the Jordan River.”
“I’m always proud to talk about my faith. And some people might try to discourage to you, but I don’t try to listen to them.”
“I think the Lord would be proud (of Mario’s trying) to contribute that and then being selfless and trying to help. So, just trying to do my part.”
“You turn to faith and just feel you prepared yourself, you go out there, you do your best, and you just let go and let God work through you and see what happens.”
“(Mark Wahlberg is) a buddy of mine. We just flew back together from New York and so he’s a very proud Catholic. And I love that about him. We have many similar traits.”
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