I have so many memories of living in Hermosa Beach, in Southern California, not far from where I was born. In this photo, I am with trainer Jeremy Subin, known to those who really knew him as Troll, and the famous Hall of Fame catcher, Mike Piazza. We’re standing in front of Troll’s gym, known as ‘The Yard,’ where we used to train as professional athletes—or in my case, as a ‘wannabe’ athlete. As a traveling musician, I always wanted to be fit but didn’t think it was possible with my skinny frame. My girlfriend at the time, a dedicated runner, and I decided to join the local gym. That’s where I met Big Don, a half-Hawaiian, half-white guy with an incredible physique. He promised me that if I followed his regimen, I could transform my body. And I did. This gym was a hub for professional athletes, including Mike Piazza, Kobe Bryant on occasion, and many other sports stars. I remember once, during a workout session, Mike and his friend, Dodger’s first baseman Eric Karros, were surprised...