Caddie Conversations

Welcome to Caddie Conversations, where golf meets greatness! Hosted by former Division 1 golfer Vanessa Laris Campos, this podcast takes you beyond the fairways and greens to uncover the stories of success, grit, and purpose from leaders, innovators, and game-changers. Through authentic, on-course conversations, Vanessa blends her experience as a golfer and entrepreneur to explore what drives people to achieve excellence, how they define success, and the lessons they’ve learned along the way. Whether we’re helping someone fine-tune their swing or carrying their clubs, every episode dives deep into the heart of what makes champions on and off the course. Tune in for inspiring insights, practical wisdom, and, of course, a few golf tips. Let’s walk the course together and discover what success really looks like!

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Episodes

Thursday May 08, 2025

In this episode of Caddie Conversations, Vanessa Campos hits the fairway with Matt Choi — endurance athlete, entrepreneur, and content creator — for a raw and real conversation on the golf course. From his early days in corporate life to becoming a full-time media company, Matt shares how he’s turned passion into purpose without compromising his values. They talk humility, creativity, faith, building a team, and how movement fuels inspiration. Oh, and there are a few questionable swings and bunker battles along the way.
Whether you’re a content creator, a runner, or someone chasing meaningful success — this one’s for you.
Key Takeaways:
Purpose > Platform: Matt sees himself as a media company first — not just a content creator. Intentional storytelling is his game.
Run, Sauna, Shower, Repeat: Movement and solitude are Matt’s secret weapons for unlocking creative flow.
Don’t Chase Metrics: Success isn’t about followers — it’s about walking in purpose and doing what you love daily.
Everyone Can Try, Few Go Deep: There’s room for everyone in content creation, but mastering your lane takes time and grit.
Be a Student for Life: Matt’s goal for the “18th hole” of life? To still be learning — from everyone and everything.
Faith & Perspective: Gratitude and spiritual grounding keep him joyful and steady in the highs and lows.
 

Thursday Jan 30, 2025

In this episode of Caddie Conversations, Vanessa Campos sits down with Mike Gonzales, a professional drummer who has worked with some of the biggest names in music, including Keith Urban and the house band for Kill Tony, the worlds #1 live comedy podcast. Mike shares his journey from an aspiring athlete to a full-time musician, the work ethic that has carried him through, and the lessons he’s learned from both music and life.
From landing last-minute gigs with top artists to embracing failure as a stepping stone, Mike’s story is a testament to the power of hard work, preparation, and the right mindset. Whether you’re an aspiring creative, an entrepreneur, or just someone looking for inspiration, this episode is packed with wisdom you won’t want to miss.
Key Takeaways:
- Hard work beats talent when talent doesn’t work hard.
- Opportunities come to those who stay ready.
- Surround yourself with people better than you.
- Failure is a lesson, not a loss.
- Passion fuels persistence.
- The process is more important than the destination.
- Reputation matters. People hire not just based on skill but also on attitude and reliability.
- Faith and purpose drive success.

Thursday Jan 23, 2025

In this episode of Caddie Conversations, I sit down with Matt Lupi—assistant general manager and personal trainer at the social performance club, Kollective, in Austin, Texas, host of the Defined Success podcast, and an online coach. We dive deep into what it truly means to be successful, the power of daily discipline, and how small actions lead to massive changes over time.
Matt shares his personal journey from aspiring pre-med student to podcasting and coaching, offering valuable insights on mental performance, personal development, and what it means to stay committed to growth. We also discuss how faith plays a role in defining success and how a selfless mindset can lead to greater impact.
Whether you’re chasing big goals, struggling with daily habits, or looking for inspiration to take action in your life, this episode is packed with motivation and practical advice to help you stay on course.Key Takeaways: 
•Success is an evolving concept
•Small daily wins build long-term success
•Surrounding yourself with the right people accelerates growth
•Discipline is key to unlocking potential
•Self-talk shapes confidence and performance
•Investing in personal development leads to transformation
•Helping others brings fulfillment and purpose
•Mental resilience is crucial for overcoming challenges

Thursday Jan 16, 2025

In this episode of Caddie Conversations, we sit down with Nate Boyer-Green Beret, former NFL player, filmmaker, and co-founder of Merging Vets & Players (MVP). Nate shares his remarkable journey from serving in combat zones to walking onto the football field with the Texas Longhorns and signing with the Seattle Seahawks, but his passion for storytelling takes center stage.
Now a filmmaker, Nate dives into how his love for storytelling allows him to connect with others and inspire change in a whole new way.
From leading on the battlefield to creating impactful films, Nate reflects on how his experiences have shaped his vision, fueled his creativity, and empowered him to amplify voices that need to be heard.
This conversation is a powerful exploration of resilience, leadership, and using storytelling to make a difference. Tune in to hear how Nate continues to inspire and impact the world-on and off the screen.Key Takeaways: 
- Life is About Taking Chances and Persisting
- Purpose and Service Drive Fulfillment
- It’s Never Too Late to Pursue a Dream
- Overcoming Limiting Beliefs
- Storytelling is a Powerful Tool
- Personal Growth Comes Through Challenges
- Success is About Presence, Not Perfection
- The Power of Small Actions

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