Ruben Gonzalez, four-time record-holding Olympian, bestselling author, and sought-after keynote speaker, returns to Monday Morning Radio for a wide-ranging, deeply practical conversation about perseverance, belief, and the wisdom of following proven leaders.

Ruben’s story is anything but conventional. He didn’t begin competing at an elite level until his mid-20s, and has never used his lack of natural athleticism as an excuse for falling short.

His career — on the luge track and beyond — has been built on desire, discipline, and a stubborn refusal to quit. Now in his 60s, he offers practical strategies for building courage through small daily choices, managing risk intelligently rather than avoiding it, and reframing success not as medals or riches, but as significance — the impact you have on others.

As always, this episode draws out insights that go beyond inspiration, focusing on actionable steps every listener can take to compete at their highest level — in sports, business, and life.

[More details on Cafe Olympia Coaching are available here.]

Monday Morning Radio is hosted by the father-son duo of Dean and Maxwell Rotbart.

Photo: Ruben Gonzalez
Posted: December 29, 2025
Monday Morning Run Time: 47:14
Episode: 14.30

RUBEN’S PREVIOUS APPEARANCES:

• Has Anyone Ever Told You That You’re Too Old to Chase Your Dream?

• “Iron Sharpens Iron”

• From Benchwarmer to Olympic Record Holder and Business Champion

Gene Sticco embraces three of the core tenets that Monday Morning Radio host Dean Rotbart advocates for anyone who wants to break from the pack:

1. Be audacious.

2. Act on your dreams and passions.

3. Let the naysayers laugh, and then do it anyway.

Sticco is an entrepreneur and U.S. Air Force special forces veteran. He is also a newly announced candidate for the Oval Office in 2024.

Rotbart describes Gene as a serious candidate with no serious chance of winning. That said, for the example Gene sets for business owners, entrepreneurs, and creatives, among others, he is already a victor. 

Plato once observed:

“One of the penalties for refusing to participate in politics is that you end up being governed by your inferiors.”

Sticco is taking the Greek philosopher’s words to heart, and they apply equally to those in every industry and profession where individuals settle for following rather than leading.

Although Gene knew nothing about running an Opera company, he has funneled his experience and passion into serving as General Director of the Mystic Side Opera, a newly formed company that showcases some impressive local talents, including Gene’s wife, Natalya, who is a mezzo-soprano.

Whether it's opera, the Air Force, or a run for the White House, Gene Sticco is a bold and decisive role model. You can vote for Gene with your ears right now, exclusively on Monday Morning Radio.

[You’ll find Gene’s campaign website at ForThePromiseofAmerica.com]

Photo: Gene Sticco, Committee to Elect Gene Sticco
Posted: March 13, 2023
Monday Morning Run Time: 54:40
Episode: 11.30