London Real Podcast Summary

Episode: From Victim to Victor: How Nick Santonastasso Defied The Odds To Build An Unstoppable Mindset
Host: Brian Rose
Guest: Nick Santonastasso
Date: March 16, 2025

Overview

In this powerful conversation, Brian Rose sits down with motivational speaker, author, and mindset coach Nick Santonastasso in Dubai. Born with Hanhart syndrome, Nick was given less than a 30% chance to live and grew up with no legs and only one functioning arm. Despite daunting challenges, he's become a bodybuilder, inspirational speaker, and advocate for millions worldwide. The episode delves deep into Nick’s journey from self-hate and adversity to resilience, self-mastery, brotherhood, and global influence. Nick shares his philosophies on mindset, adversity, masculinity, personal development, fear, and the importance of both inner and outer transformation.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. The Power of Mindset & Identity

Time: 00:01 – 04:54

Psychology as the Real Limiter:
Nick opens stating, “It's always the psychology that is holding you back. You don't get the life you have. You get the life you focus on. Don't miss that.” (00:01)
Transforming Through Pain:
Nick recounts the depth of his suffering in youth, to the point of being willing to amputate his own arm for a chance at being a wrestler, illustrating the catalyzing role of pain:

“That's how much pain I was in that I was willing to do whatever it takes to get out of the fire and into a cooler place.” (00:43)
Decision-making & Cutting Off Limiting Beliefs:
Both Nick and Brian discuss the necessity and difficulty of tough decisions, emphasizing that not deciding is worse than a ‘bad’ decision.

“The only bad decision is not making a decision. All of us are one piece of information or one new belief away from a whole different life.” – Nick (01:21)

2. The Metaphor of Cutting Off to Move Forward

Time: 20:57 – 33:02

Literal & Figurative Subtraction:
Nick’s arm amputation is a metaphor for what others must ‘cut out’ to move to the next level—be it habits, relationships, or beliefs:

“Success isn't always addition. Success is actually subtraction. ... What are the very things right now that you need to cut off that no longer serve you?” (29:49) “You actually have the advantage because you're more resourceful than the guy who is fed everything.” (30:44)
No One Holds You Accountable When They Pity You:
Brian: “Everybody gives you a pass because of your condition... In a weird way, it's even harder for you because no one's holding you accountable.” (23:12)

3. Brotherhood, Suffering, and Becoming a Man

Time: 38:38 – 43:34

Brotherhood as Essential for Growth:
Athletic brotherhood gave Nick a sense of purpose and support.

“It's better to suffer with your bros than suffer alone.” (39:03) “Find a brotherhood… but let me shift that and say become the man that attracts a brotherhood.” (39:16)
Physicality and Agency:
The fastest self-confidence comes from treating your body as a gift.

“What tends to piss me off is people with all their arms and all their legs that don't value their body... If I had legs, I'd be running around town... I just want to run.” (41:29)

4. Pattern Recognition and the Power of Presence

Time: 44:13 – 47:43

Patterns Reveal Character:
Nick teaches pattern recognition—how people do one thing is how they do everything.

“If someone's in shape, they probably don't cut corners… That translates into business, relationships, communication, everything.” (44:13)
Human Breakthroughs are the Ultimate Gift:
“What do you gift a billionaire?... The greatest gift that I can give high level individuals is a breakthrough.” (45:46)

5. Transforming Fear: Friend or Foe?

Time: 47:43 – 56:32

Understand and Leverage Fear:
Nick describes fabricated fear vs. real, life-threatening fear.

"If I do this, will I die? And if the answer is no, it's fabricated fear..." (50:07)
The Ripple Effect of Courage:
When Nick jumped from a cliff in Colombia, he overcame fear and inspired strangers, underlining that any act of courage creates communal ripples.

“You overcoming your fears and pursuing your purpose and your mission will be an authentic filter to see who's your right or die and who's not.” (55:16)

6. Emotional Honesty: Even the Strong Struggle

Time: 20:57 – 23:25, 57:21 – 59:10

“I Still Break, Too”:
Nick is open about ongoing struggles, even as a mindset coach.

“Just a couple days ago, I wanted to quit everything. ... The guys that you watch, they struggle, too.” (20:57)

7. The Modern Male, Masculinity & Leading the Lineage

Time: 59:10 – 64:48

Mature, Heart-Centered Masculinity:
Nick argues for a new model of manhood that combines strength and vulnerability.

“I believe heart centered masculine is way more valuable than what they call the toxic masculinity.” (59:43) “You can only heal your people as much as you're willing to heal yourself.” (60:47)
Lineage Leadership:

“Pain is passed down the bloodline until someone's ready to feel it… The moment you're the one that feels it, that heals it. What a legacy.” (61:35)

8. Communication as Superpower

Time: 77:34 – 81:01

Value of Communication:
“If we can create better communicators, we can change the world, because we lead from the front. ... When you're a communicator, you become more valuable in the marketplace” (77:34)
- Practicing, repetition, and willingness to “suck long enough to be great at it” are crucial. (79:29)

9. Finding the Right Environment: Why Dubai

Time: 86:29 – 101:38

Recognizing Where You’re Valued:
Nick made the bold move from America to Dubai to re-enter “the fire,” break the law of familiarity, and find an environment that appreciated his value.

“Essentially, the water didn’t change, but the environment valued it differently. Most of you right now are probably valuable, but are in an environment that doesn’t value you.” (92:59)
On Dubai’s Unique Culture:
He admires Dubai for its inclusivity (“people of determination”), relationships built on mission & integrity, and for valuing character over material flexing.

10. Legacy, Service & Future Vision

Time: 105:26 – 110:49

Foundation for People with Disabilities:
Nick plans to launch a foundation to give medical equipment to children, aiming to “be the arms and legs for other kids.” (117:18)

“How dare me now be in this place and not turn around and be a blessing?” (118:41)
On Music and Creativity:
Nick’s dream is to heal and connect through music, and encourages others to express their true selves artistically, free from judgment.

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

On Fear:
“If I do this, will I die? And if the answer is no, it’s fabricated fear stopping you from getting to the next level.” – Nick (50:07)
On Self-Image and Focus:
“You don’t get the life you have. You get the life you focus on. Don’t miss that.” – Nick (00:01, 36:43)
On Sacrifice and Becoming a Wrestler:
“We need to cut my arm off.” – Nick (00:41)
Brian: “That’s a savage move, man.” (00:41)
On Brotherhood:
“It’s better to suffer with your bros than suffer alone.” – Nick (39:07)
On Compassionate Masculinity:
“Some of you are just so hard because you’ve never dealt with the trauma. … You can only heal your people as much as you’re willing to heal yourself.” (60:36)
On Legacy:
“I just want to make sure that as a man while I was here, I did good things and I helped people. I made money, I gave money and I enjoyed it and I didn’t waste this vessel. That’s what I’d be most proud of.” – Nick (107:26)

Timestamps for Critical Segments

Nick’s Origin Story & Psychology: 00:01 – 04:54
Identity Shift & Arm Amputation: 20:57 – 33:02
Brotherhood & Physicality: 38:38 – 43:34
Patterns & Presence: 44:13 – 47:43
Fear: Friend or Foe?: 47:43 – 56:32
Vulnerability in Success: 20:57 – 23:25, 57:21 – 59:10
Masculinity & Lineage: 59:10 – 64:48
Communication & Influence: 77:34 – 81:01
Dubai: Environment & Value: 86:29 – 101:38
Foundation, Legacy & Music: 105:26 – 110:49
Relationships & Energy: 112:19 – 117:10

Additional Themes and Lessons

True Strength Comes from Story Ownership:
Adversity isn’t a curse but a gift if you own your story and spin it into service and example for others.
Daily Work Never Stops:
Even so-called experts struggle. Progress, not perfection, is the target.
Service as Greatest Power:
The question, “How can I be a blessing today?” reframes life from self to service.

Nick’s Parting Wisdom

“Everybody has a next level for them. And if the man with no legs or an arm can kick you into the next gear, then so be it… My mouth will be moving and words will be coming out of my mouth, but not everybody will receive their blessings here today. And that’s okay. We love you too. But maybe you need to rewatch this if you didn’t get anything from it.” (117:18)

For Further Information

Nick’s Socials: Instagram, YouTube, TikTok (@nicksanto)
Nick’s Foundation: Announced on this episode; details forthcoming

Summary prepared for listeners seeking inspiration, practical mindset tools, and a fresh outlook on adversity, masculinity, and impact—delivered in Nick’s unfiltered, heart-centered, and actionable style.

London Real Podcast Summary

Episode: From Victim to Victor: How Nick Santonastasso Defied The Odds To Build An Unstoppable Mindset
Host: Brian Rose
Guest: Nick Santonastasso
Date: March 16, 2025

Overview

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. The Power of Mindset & Identity

Time: 00:01 – 04:54

Psychology as the Real Limiter:
Nick opens stating, “It's always the psychology that is holding you back. You don't get the life you have. You get the life you focus on. Don't miss that.” (00:01)
Transforming Through Pain:
Nick recounts the depth of his suffering in youth, to the point of being willing to amputate his own arm for a chance at being a wrestler, illustrating the catalyzing role of pain:

“That's how much pain I was in that I was willing to do whatever it takes to get out of the fire and into a cooler place.” (00:43)
Decision-making & Cutting Off Limiting Beliefs:
Both Nick and Brian discuss the necessity and difficulty of tough decisions, emphasizing that not deciding is worse than a ‘bad’ decision.

“The only bad decision is not making a decision. All of us are one piece of information or one new belief away from a whole different life.” – Nick (01:21)

2. The Metaphor of Cutting Off to Move Forward

Time: 20:57 – 33:02

Literal & Figurative Subtraction:
Nick’s arm amputation is a metaphor for what others must ‘cut out’ to move to the next level—be it habits, relationships, or beliefs:

“Success isn't always addition. Success is actually subtraction. ... What are the very things right now that you need to cut off that no longer serve you?” (29:49) “You actually have the advantage because you're more resourceful than the guy who is fed everything.” (30:44)
No One Holds You Accountable When They Pity You:
Brian: “Everybody gives you a pass because of your condition... In a weird way, it's even harder for you because no one's holding you accountable.” (23:12)

3. Brotherhood, Suffering, and Becoming a Man

Time: 38:38 – 43:34

Brotherhood as Essential for Growth:
Athletic brotherhood gave Nick a sense of purpose and support.

“It's better to suffer with your bros than suffer alone.” (39:03) “Find a brotherhood… but let me shift that and say become the man that attracts a brotherhood.” (39:16)
Physicality and Agency:
The fastest self-confidence comes from treating your body as a gift.

“What tends to piss me off is people with all their arms and all their legs that don't value their body... If I had legs, I'd be running around town... I just want to run.” (41:29)

4. Pattern Recognition and the Power of Presence

Time: 44:13 – 47:43

Patterns Reveal Character:
Nick teaches pattern recognition—how people do one thing is how they do everything.

“If someone's in shape, they probably don't cut corners… That translates into business, relationships, communication, everything.” (44:13)
Human Breakthroughs are the Ultimate Gift:
“What do you gift a billionaire?... The greatest gift that I can give high level individuals is a breakthrough.” (45:46)

5. Transforming Fear: Friend or Foe?

Time: 47:43 – 56:32

Understand and Leverage Fear:
Nick describes fabricated fear vs. real, life-threatening fear.

"If I do this, will I die? And if the answer is no, it's fabricated fear..." (50:07)
The Ripple Effect of Courage:
When Nick jumped from a cliff in Colombia, he overcame fear and inspired strangers, underlining that any act of courage creates communal ripples.

“You overcoming your fears and pursuing your purpose and your mission will be an authentic filter to see who's your right or die and who's not.” (55:16)

6. Emotional Honesty: Even the Strong Struggle

Time: 20:57 – 23:25, 57:21 – 59:10

“I Still Break, Too”:
Nick is open about ongoing struggles, even as a mindset coach.

“Just a couple days ago, I wanted to quit everything. ... The guys that you watch, they struggle, too.” (20:57)

7. The Modern Male, Masculinity & Leading the Lineage

Time: 59:10 – 64:48

Mature, Heart-Centered Masculinity:
Nick argues for a new model of manhood that combines strength and vulnerability.

“I believe heart centered masculine is way more valuable than what they call the toxic masculinity.” (59:43) “You can only heal your people as much as you're willing to heal yourself.” (60:47)
Lineage Leadership:

“Pain is passed down the bloodline until someone's ready to feel it… The moment you're the one that feels it, that heals it. What a legacy.” (61:35)

8. Communication as Superpower

Time: 77:34 – 81:01

Value of Communication:
“If we can create better communicators, we can change the world, because we lead from the front. ... When you're a communicator, you become more valuable in the marketplace” (77:34)
- Practicing, repetition, and willingness to “suck long enough to be great at it” are crucial. (79:29)

9. Finding the Right Environment: Why Dubai

Time: 86:29 – 101:38

Recognizing Where You’re Valued:
Nick made the bold move from America to Dubai to re-enter “the fire,” break the law of familiarity, and find an environment that appreciated his value.

“Essentially, the water didn’t change, but the environment valued it differently. Most of you right now are probably valuable, but are in an environment that doesn’t value you.” (92:59)
On Dubai’s Unique Culture:
He admires Dubai for its inclusivity (“people of determination”), relationships built on mission & integrity, and for valuing character over material flexing.

10. Legacy, Service & Future Vision

Time: 105:26 – 110:49

Foundation for People with Disabilities:
Nick plans to launch a foundation to give medical equipment to children, aiming to “be the arms and legs for other kids.” (117:18)

“How dare me now be in this place and not turn around and be a blessing?” (118:41)
On Music and Creativity:
Nick’s dream is to heal and connect through music, and encourages others to express their true selves artistically, free from judgment.

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

On Fear:
“If I do this, will I die? And if the answer is no, it’s fabricated fear stopping you from getting to the next level.” – Nick (50:07)
On Self-Image and Focus:
“You don’t get the life you have. You get the life you focus on. Don’t miss that.” – Nick (00:01, 36:43)
On Sacrifice and Becoming a Wrestler:
“We need to cut my arm off.” – Nick (00:41)
Brian: “That’s a savage move, man.” (00:41)
On Brotherhood:
“It’s better to suffer with your bros than suffer alone.” – Nick (39:07)
On Compassionate Masculinity:
“Some of you are just so hard because you’ve never dealt with the trauma. … You can only heal your people as much as you’re willing to heal yourself.” (60:36)
On Legacy:
“I just want to make sure that as a man while I was here, I did good things and I helped people. I made money, I gave money and I enjoyed it and I didn’t waste this vessel. That’s what I’d be most proud of.” – Nick (107:26)

Timestamps for Critical Segments

Nick’s Origin Story & Psychology: 00:01 – 04:54
Identity Shift & Arm Amputation: 20:57 – 33:02
Brotherhood & Physicality: 38:38 – 43:34
Patterns & Presence: 44:13 – 47:43
Fear: Friend or Foe?: 47:43 – 56:32
Vulnerability in Success: 20:57 – 23:25, 57:21 – 59:10
Masculinity & Lineage: 59:10 – 64:48
Communication & Influence: 77:34 – 81:01
Dubai: Environment & Value: 86:29 – 101:38
Foundation, Legacy & Music: 105:26 – 110:49
Relationships & Energy: 112:19 – 117:10

Additional Themes and Lessons

True Strength Comes from Story Ownership:
Adversity isn’t a curse but a gift if you own your story and spin it into service and example for others.
Daily Work Never Stops:
Even so-called experts struggle. Progress, not perfection, is the target.
Service as Greatest Power:
The question, “How can I be a blessing today?” reframes life from self to service.

Nick’s Parting Wisdom

For Further Information

Nick’s Socials: Instagram, YouTube, TikTok (@nicksanto)
Nick’s Foundation: Announced on this episode; details forthcoming

From Victim to Victor: How Nick Santonastasso Defied The Odds To Build An Unstoppable Mindset

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Summary

London Real Podcast Summary

Overview

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. The Power of Mindset & Identity

2. The Metaphor of Cutting Off to Move Forward

3. Brotherhood, Suffering, and Becoming a Man

4. Pattern Recognition and the Power of Presence

5. Transforming Fear: Friend or Foe?

6. Emotional Honesty: Even the Strong Struggle

7. The Modern Male, Masculinity & Leading the Lineage

8. Communication as Superpower

9. Finding the Right Environment: Why Dubai

10. Legacy, Service & Future Vision

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

Timestamps for Critical Segments

Additional Themes and Lessons

Nick’s Parting Wisdom

For Further Information

Summary

London Real Podcast Summary

Overview

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. The Power of Mindset & Identity

2. The Metaphor of Cutting Off to Move Forward

3. Brotherhood, Suffering, and Becoming a Man

4. Pattern Recognition and the Power of Presence

5. Transforming Fear: Friend or Foe?

6. Emotional Honesty: Even the Strong Struggle

7. The Modern Male, Masculinity & Leading the Lineage

8. Communication as Superpower

9. Finding the Right Environment: Why Dubai

10. Legacy, Service & Future Vision

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

Timestamps for Critical Segments

Additional Themes and Lessons

Nick’s Parting Wisdom

For Further Information