Kicking it with Kirk

Today we have a special spin on the content you're used to. Sometimes it's great to just kick back, relax, and shoot the shit with friends. On this episode, I'm joined by Cody Menhetten who is basically Kelso from "That 70's Show". In our dialogue, we speak on self awareness, rationalizing the "no homo" aspect of stick shift cars, Orientalism, incels, and well...the list goes on. While it may be a casual conversation, I urge you listeners to pay close attention to this episode and the way we communicate. I truly believe close friends should be able to hold dialogue the way we do in this episode, and if you do not have people in your life like this, then I urge you to find them. Find people who can dig deeper into the perspective of the world around us, ourselves, but also people who can completely fuck off when the time is right. Sometimes the universe pairs two personalities to make amazing content, and I hope you all enjoy this episode as much as I did making it,Advertiser List:www.elevfitness.com

Bringing back older episodes with the current flair you're used to! In this episode, I have one of the best conversations I've had on the show with my close friend (and main sponsor of the show) Jimmy Gomes CEO of Elevated Fitness. I find this episode to be so important for you listeners because we discuss many different aspects of internal growth, and some of the processes myself and Jimmy took to get to where we are at respectively. Internal growth can be challenging, because many of us may not even know how to grow. Listening to this conversation though, I feel like you and your friend groups should be having the same one me and Jimmy have on the show, and if you aren't START having it! Start talking to each other about how you're improving, or what is holding you back. DIG DEEPER as a human spirit to find out what your highest potential is. There is power in self awareness, and in perspective. Sponsor List:Elevated Fitnesswww.ELEVfitness.com 

Sometimes the universe brings two people together to share a story so compelling you feel so blessed to hear and be a part of the conversation, and that is exactly what to expect from this episode. This week, I am joined by Tisha Nickson, a person who at 16 was sold into sex slavery by her own mother, was beaten and abused for 2 years, and overcame that adversity with faith, hope, and ultimately in the end forgiveness. There is so much to learn from this dialogue, but ultimately this is a story of what un-shattering willpower can do for someone.There is power in her story and perspective, give it a listen. Tisha's Book: https://www.amazon.com/Victim-Victory-Journey-Slavery-Freedom/dp/1642372366Advertiser list:Elevated Fitnesswww.elevfitness.comIG@ELEV.fitness

As promised, I will be bringing back some of the best episodes the show had in its inception, retrofitted to the new format you know and love today. On this episode, I kick it with a sex addict in what might be the most compelling interview I have done thus far. It is very easy to hyper-sexualize and romanticize a sex addiction, or even to not believe it exists, but what if it consumes your whole life? My brave guest sits down to talk about her addiction, her hopes to overcomes it, and her message to others in the same situation. Listen to her, feel her message, and absorb her perspective because there is power in that. 

As promised, I want to bring back some of the best content the show had during its inception. Statistics show that 14.7 million adults have some form of sexual addiction in America, and in this day and age it is very easy as a society to romanticize and glorify sexual behavior even if it becomes excessive. On this rewind episode, I have a guest on the show who speaks on the not so glamorous side to addiction. In this interview, she bravely opens up her story and how the addiction consumes her life, the hope she has to overcome it, and the message she has to others in her situation. I have to be honest and say this is probably the most provocative yet thought provoking interview I have done thus far, and I implore you to really take the time to hear, see, and FEEL what she is going through. Hear her perspective, because there is power in that. 

As promised, I want to bring back some of the best content the show had during its inception. On this rewind episode, Noelia Valle joins me to talk about self love, how to discover it, and the steps one can take to show this trait daily. Before listening to this episode ask yourself, "Am I loving myself to my fullest, and do I know HOW to love myself?" If this is something you want to know the answer to, then the universe brought you to the right place. Sit back, relax, and kick it with me and Noelia as we teach you how to love yourself like Kanye loves...Kanye!

Y'all ready for the skinny on the veGAINS?!?! There are many reasons one considers a plant based diet. Whether it be for health reasons, environmental, or compassion toward sentient life, the positive impact of a plant based diet are many. Now listen, ya boy is a MEAT EATER, so understanding and recalibrating what I know as food fact poses a difficulty sometimes. Luckily to break it down Barney style, I will be joined by Stephanie Harter. Stephanie is a podcast host, plant warrior princess, and award winning author of "The Skinny on Eating Like You Give a Damn." We will be discussing the benefits of a plant based diet, the tunnel vision on focusing just on protein as the king macronutrient, and how to make small changes in everyday life to be a healthier you. If you want to read more about plant based dieting, check out Stephanie's website at www.eatinglikeyougiveadamn.com and check out her book and podcast :)Advertisers:www.ELEVfitness.com 

Human culture has produced literature, philosophy, religions, and many other works over the course of thousands of years to answer some of life's valued questions. In the quest to find the answers, Kirkuleez kicks it with Dr. Sean Lake, a professor of humanities. In this episode, the Doc will explain the ancient knowledge given to us to answer life's time tested curiosities, how different philosophies overlap each other, and the possible purpose of our life while we are here on this earth. This episode is filled with a plethora of information on how to live and find meaning, and I hope to impart curiosity in you listener, because remember there is POWER in perspective. 

As the search for the meaning of life, existence, and human purpose continues, host Kirkuleez finds himself in the Guang Ming Temple. This beautiful three story temple hosts a Buddhist community that welcomes all with open arms and greets everyone with hands clasped and a slight bow. Among the welcoming community is Peter Meluso, an instructor, docent, and head of volunteer efforts here at Guang Ming. For this week's episode, Mr. Meluso sits down for an interview and shares the knowledge of Buddha, how to find peace in your life, how to follow the middle path, and so much more. Whether you are Buddhist, curious about it, or just want to learn something new this episode will increase your perspective of the world around you. Stay curious. There is power in perspective.Music:Finding Movement by Kevin MacLeod is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution license (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/)Source: http://incompetech.com/music/royalty-free/index.html?isrc=USUAN1100693Artist: http://incompetech.com/

In America’s political climate, it goes without saying that tensions are high in terms of immigration. The current US administration has taken measures to restrict the ability of recently graduated and skilled foreign nationals to work legally in the U.S. The student visa process right now is “a nightmare,” for many who just want a shot at making their American dream come true. Many of the recent anti-immigrant policies in the United States are the direct result of Trump’s “Buy American, Hire American”, but what exactly IS American, when we are talking about a country made on the backs of immigrants from different colors, races, and creeds? I get a chance to sit down and get a fresh perspective from 2 students who are immigrants in America as they discuss their journey, their trials, and the citizenship process. Why is this important to you listener? Because for many of you, being in the USA is your birthright, but for others to have the same opportunity as you it's not so easy. Hearing their story, you might just learn something new.  

What is holding you back from achieving your dreams? Thinking they’re too big? Not ideal circumstances in life? Trials and tribulations? We as humans experience obstacles to achieve our dreams DAILY, but how we overcome them defines us. On today's episode, Kirkuleez is joined by Hakeem "Raquan Beats" Roberts who is a music producer and author of his brand new book "The 7 8 Year Degree: A story of Triumph". Hakeem takes the time to share his experience of crawling out of the mud on his way to success to pursue his true passion, music and education. In a truly inspiring tale he wants to leave this episode with the mentality "Where there is a will, there is a way. If there is a chance in a million that you can do something, anything, that you feel you’re meant to do, do it."You can find Hakeem's book on Amazon Now!Ad list:www.ELEvfitness.com 

There is power in perspective BDE Gang. In a little series being compiled out of pure curiosity, Kirkuleez tries to answer the common questions of mankind through different walks of faith and philosophies. On today's episode, Ray Lynch comes back on the show to talk about Christianity's lens on the discussion. Topics ranging from "Can Christianity and the Big Bang coincide in the same teaching?", "What is man's purpose?", and even "Do we truly have free will?" will be covered and much more. Additionally, Kirk opens up about being your authentic self and explains why he's been acting so weird lately. 

I constantly hear people lumping together military vets into one homogenous likeminded group, and in some senses of course we are. This opinion however spans into political agendas, social ideologies, or even the topic of PTSD. As a vet myself, I tend to think I do not 100% fit this "veteran stereotype", and there are plenty others like me who also fit this demographic. I'm joined by my buddy Jeff, as he discusses his opinion in the topics stated above, as well as the importance of having a conversation about issues today and hearing each other out. At the end of the day while we all had the same mission, veterans are people too and our beliefs vary the same as the general population. Sponsor List:Elevated Fitnesswww.elevfitness.comInstagram: @ELEV.fitness

There is always two sides to every story. In the highly contested topic of the Alabama Abortion Bill recently passed, it is always imperative (with anything) to hear everyone's perspective on the matter. Following last week's Pro-Life guest, I am joined by Danielle Lagrande, a student attending George Mason Law School and avid human rights activist. She will be joining me to weigh in on the current legislative move as well as discuss certain talking points last week's guest had made.

I honestly did not think I would post this episode. I understand it is a hot topic, and there are extremely polarizing viewpoints on the subject of Alabama's new abortion bill. While these opinions exist, understand this show is about perspective, and not every guest will agree with your opinion or mine. Remember, it is imperative to not only hear the opposition (whatever stance that is to you), but to be able to have the conversation civilly, because true change can happen that way as opposed to spewing unsubstantiated rhetoric. I am joined by Pro-Life advocate and self-identified conservative Parker Blanchard who is a political science student following the pre-law track. Parker explains to me why he believes what he believes in this episode, and understand while this IS NOT a debate on the matter, I do offer my own personal beliefs and questions out of curiosity to hear his opinion on it. I URGE you to listen to the end, at the very least, the end. Formulate YOUR OWN opinion, do YOUR OWN research, and begin to think for yourself. Stay curious, it's all about perspective. 

In today's day an age, we are put through the RINGER on what our bodies should look like and how we talk about things that naturally occur in the human interaction. On a very special episode, Kirkuleez has a fruitful conversation on the matter with Debbie Lee aka The Duchess of Windermere. Debbie is a resource in sexual health with Fairvilla, but do NOT let that title fool you. While some may be quick to label, her work with the company and they do for the community is absolutely inspiring and worth listening to today's dialogue. Topics of conversation include: the importance of body/sex positivity in today's climate, possible pushback in the movement, and possible stigmas in Debbie's particular career field. Be sure to continue RATING, SHARING, AND SUBSCRIBE to the show if you have not yet! Stay Curious, its all about perspective! Find the podcast on IG@kickingitwithkirk and find The Duchess on IG@duchessofwindermereAdvertiser list:www.ELEVfitness.com

Britney warned us! Toxic people are EVERYWHERE, and at some point I KNOW you will encounter someone who will somehow affect your life in this negative way. In this episode Kirk kicks it with...himself as ya boy helps you identify toxic people, toxic traits, and habits so YOU KNOW when to CUT THEM OFF. Be sure to rate, review, subscribe, and share the show so others can increase their POV and maybe see a different perspective. Reach out to the show on IG@kickingitwithkirk so your DMs can be featured on the show! Stay Curious.Advertisers:www.ELEVFitness.com

THE SPOILER BAN HAS BEEN LIFTED! In a collaboration effort first heard on the "What U Need" podcast, I am teaming up with its host Chris Ortiz to analyze Avengers: Endgame. SPOILER ALERT...there's spoilers. We go into marvel theory but fret not, you know ya boy stays curious and tries to spice up conversation to get perspective out of the people I team up with. Keeping true to the "stay curious" mentality, I ask Chris his perspective on why there is possible pushback to different social and racial progressions Marvel has tried to make in its movies, as well as other topics to get your mind thinking in relation to the movie as a whole. Enjoy! 

MORE FRIENDS and a different take on this episode. Today there are S I X different perspectives on an epidemic sweeping the nation, toxic masculinity! I am joined by my radio group "Team WIN" as well as Doctor of Gender Studies Adrienne Trier-Bieniek and Professor of Psychology Derek Scorsch where we tackle the topic and all weigh in on how it arose, and what can be done to stop it from spreading!  Other topics of discussion are gender roles in today's progressive society, how to teach empathy at an early age, and does toxic FEMININITY exist as well! Be sure to subscribe, rate, share, and review the show on ApplePodcast! We are also on Stitcher, Spotify, Google Play, and the host site Buzzsprout!

In the first ever podcast collaboration, Kirk kicks it with Ale and Natalie, the ladies behind the podcast "My Not So Balanced Life". In an era where podcasting and perspective can play a huge role in getting your voice out, the ladies speak on the successes of their show and how it created a tight knit community of women (and some men) accepting their imperfections. Also discussed is their YinYang friendship dynamic, personal anecdotes of struggles women face in the workplace, and YOU BETTER stay til the end because the ladies take charge of listener mail! Please subscribe, share, rate, and review the show. Follow the show on IG@kickingitwithkirk. You can find the show wherever podcasts are played! Find "My Not So Balanced Life" on IG@mynotsobalancedlife or follow Ale (IG@unapologeticallyale) and Natalie (IG@itsjustme.natalie) individually on their personal accounts. Sponsor:Elevated Fitnesswww.ELEVfitness.com