7 | Carlos Tearney | Community Leadership and Fighting for More than Survival

When Carlos Tearney walks into a room, he brings more than world championship titles and a fifth-degree black belt. For those of us lucky enough to know him, we know he brings his mega-watt smile, but he also brings depth.  Carlos' story was shaped by the streets of Syracuse, forged through loss, transformation, and an unshakable commitment to helping others rise.

In this episode of The Dr. Melissa Show, we go far beyond martial arts. Carlos opens up about the night his sister was attacked—and how that moment became the catalyst for a lifetime of teaching others how to defend not just their bodies, but their sense of worth, safety, and self.

We talk about identity, fatherhood, the quiet weight of trauma, and what it really means to “read the room” when survival is a skill you learn young. Carlos shares how he rewired his own mindset through years of training, built an empire of empowerment in his community, and why he believes confidence isn’t taught—it’s remembered.

This conversation is raw, powerful, and deeply human.

You’ll hear:
*How self-defense becomes self-trust
*Why men struggle with vulnerability—and what can shift that
*The “fight” that happens off the mat
*How trauma teaches hyper-vigilance—and how healing rewires it
*What it takes to change your story (and why some never do)
*The legacy Carlos is building with every student he trains

This one’s personal. For Carlos. For Dr. Melissa. For anyone who’s ever had to get back up.

Connect with Carlos:
🌐 https://ctchampionsma.com
Carlos is currently the owner and head instructor of Champions Martial Arts and Fitness which offers training in multiple forms of martial arts as well as summer camps, combative self-defense and kickboxing based fitness training. 

⚠️ Disclaimer: This podcast is intended for informational and inspirational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional counseling or mental health treatment. Listening to this podcast does not constitute a therapeutic relationship. If you are experiencing a mental health concern, please reach out to a licensed professional.
🔹 Brought to you by CNY Mental Health Counseling, PLLC
We proudly serve individuals, couples, and families across New York State and partner with schools, nonprofits, and corporate teams to support mental wellness and resilience.
🌐 Learn more: www.cnymhc.com
📍 Please note: Due to state licensure laws, services are only available to residents of New York State.
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Want to be a guest on the show? Email: info@drmelissacarman.com

This is what we explore in depth inside my private executive coaching practice. If you're a high-performer or leading a team navigating growth, identity, or burnout—let’s talk.