ight Club is a great movie (and book), in this episode we are investigating it’s literary wisdom by making our way through a really great post on the same subject. — This great post by Shreya Badonia on Medium (Post LInk) about Fight Club and how it helped her question her life in a positive direction. Aaron and I decided to do the say by way of her post. Bravo Shreva! 6 Quotes From Fight Club That Will Hit You In The GutHere are some great quotes and thoughts pulled from the episode and...
In this powerful Warrior Mindset episode, we explore the idea of breaking barrier; physical, psychological, cultural, and institutional. From Miyamoto Musashi to Harriet Tubman, Bass Reeves to Kyle Maynard, we dissect what makes a true warrior: relentless discipline, adaptive thinking, and the refusal to accept limits. These warriors didn’t just fight battles, they redefined the battlefield. Whether you're navigating internal struggles or societal expectations, this episode challenges y...
Combat sports offer far more than physical conditioning. They give people structure, community, and a brutally honest way to face themselves. Many who struggle with anxiety, depression, or identity issues find stability through training because progress is undeniable and earned. Combat sports replace stigma with connection, giving people a place to fail safely and rebuild confidence. For some, the discipline and consistency found on the mats becomes a lifeline that modern life no longer provi...
This episode dives deep into the hidden link between anxiety and status obsession, drawing from martial arts culture, personal stories, and a revealing Men’s Health article. We explore how fear, aggression, and substance abuse often mask insecurity, especially in sparring environments. Through the lens of martial arts training, stoic philosophy, and 25 years of gym leadership, we offer strategies for facing anxiety with purpose, not ego. From bullying scars to business stress, we show how ene...
What if heaven wasn’t a peaceful escape, but a battleground for warriors? In this episode, we explore the myth of the Einherjar, Norse warriors who trained for Ragnarok in eternal preparation. But this isn’t just myth, it’s a mindset. We connect their legendary grit to modern challenges like discipline, failure, growth, and inner strength. Through repetition, not perfection, you’ll learn to train, fall, rise, and repeat. We fuse Norse myth with samurai philosophy to help you reframe struggle ...
Can we use AI to enhance human connection rather than replace it? In this Part 2 of our AI series episodes, Shekeese and I explore how humanist technology, rooted in ethics, education, and responsible use, can transform our relationship with AI. From the dangers of “AI slop” to the potential for real, inquiry-based interaction, we highlight why teaching students to treat AI like a tool, not a replacement, is crucial. We dig into tech company accountability, regulation, social media’s societal...
Discover the power of *Ichigeki Hisatsu*—“one strike, certain death”, and how this Kyokushin Karate philosophy can transform the way you live, train, and lead. Inspired by Masutatsu Oyama’s legendary discipline, from his mountain training to the 100-man kumite, this episode explores how acting with full intent and focus creates mastery in all areas of life. We unpack how practices like Tameshiwari (test breaking) build both physical power and mental resilience, offering tools to face fear, di...
Technology is evolving faster than our understanding of it. In this episode, Shekeese and I dive into the creative and ethical tensions shaping today’s digital world. We examine how nonprofits, designers, and educators wrestle with AI-generated art versus original creativity, revealing why comprehension matters more than speed. Drawing parallels between AI mastery and martial-arts discipline, we argue that foundational knowledge must precede innovation. We contrast hustle-culture pressures, e...
Let's challenge some stereotypes by dissecting this "10 Harsh Masculine Truths" post and reframing toxic masculinity as an issue of individual character. Through stoic principles, we emphasize humility, resilience, and genuine strength over cynicism or bravado. Shifting to the life in the Dojo, we explore the true meaning of earning a Blackbelt, not as an end goal but as the beginning of lifelong learning, teaching, and humility. We discuss aging as a martial artist and the importance of incl...
Modern society stands at a crossroads between integrity and adaptation. In this episode, we explore whether evolving cultural norms erode traditional virtues across martial arts, entrepreneurship, and politics. Drawing from the voices of the great Stoics, we examine how societal pressure challenges long-held standards and values. We then uncover the essence of the warrior ethos, rooted in wisdom, justice, fortitude, and temperance, through examples from Gladiator, Naruto, and real-world...
What can the ancient Samurai teach us about the ethics of artificial intelligence? Let's explore how the timeless code of Bushido; righteousness, courage, benevolence, and more. offers a surprisingly powerful framework for confronting AI’s most urgent ethical dilemmas. From deep fakes and bias in hiring algorithms to unchecked corporate profit motives, we ask whether today’s AI reflects a future of honor or exploitation. Join us as we bridge ancient warrior wisdom with cutting-edge technology...
What would happen if you committed to a single pursuit for 1,000 days, no breaks, no excuses? In this episode, we dive into the extraordinary life of Mas Oyama, founder of Kyokushin Karate, and the transformative power of the 1,000‑Day Rule. From post-war isolation in the mountains to legendary feats like fighting bulls and conquering the hundred‑man kumite, Oyama’s relentless discipline forged an unbreakable spirit. We translate these lessons into practical strategies for modern life, whethe...
What happens when a health scare rewrites your entire life story? In this heartfelt episode, Carl shares how a commitment to better habits, less alcohol, more sleep, regular exercise, intersected with smart technology to spark a full-body transformation. From tracking sleep with the Oura ring to facing down a surprise heart diagnosis, he walks us through the highs, lows, and lessons. We explore the emotional power of running, journaling, and reconnecting with old friends, along with the moder...
Can the wisdom of ancient samurai help you master stress in the modern world? In this episode, we explore how the code of Bushido can transform anxiety into strength. Learn how practices like box breathing, reflective journaling, and negative visualization create mental clarity, resilience, and self-control. Discover the power of crafting your own personal code rooted in honor, justice, and compassion—and how living with purpose can turn everyday stress into fuel for growth. This is more than...
Unlock the foundations of an unbreakable mindset through the discipline-driven philosophies of Jocko Willink, Miyamoto Musashi, and David Goggins. This episode dives deep into the power of consistent daily action, waking early, making your bed, checking your gear, as the building blocks of real mental toughness. We explore how embracing voluntary hardship, journaling for self-awareness, and strategic digital detoxes can strengthen your resolve and clarity. Motivation fades, but discipline end...
Step into the world of martial arts as we explore the classic debate of grapplers versus strikers, diving into the strengths of jiu-jitsu, boxing, and Muay Thai while showing how blending disciplines creates well-rounded fighters. Through personal stories and humorous gym anecdotes, we reveal how martial artists mature, discovering that no style stands alone. We also highlight the colorful chaos of Street Beefs alongside the composed legacy of UFC legend Demetrius Johnson, touching on shark t...
In this candid and often hilarious episode, we unpack the rollercoaster of modern parenting—from the pressures of youth sports and living vicariously through our kids, to the deeper questions of legacy, masculinity, and whether parenthood truly lives up to its promise. We reflect on how fast life shifts, both in the spotlight and at home. With humor and heart, we explore generational shifts, family dynamics, codependency, and the strange satisfaction of hearing your kids finally echo the advi...
Step into the world of Mas Oyama, founder of Kyokushin Karate, and discover how his philosophy can reshape your mindset. From self-exile and brutal mountain training to the principle of Ichigeki Hisatsu, “one strike, certain death,” Oyama’s journey reveals the power of total commitment and resilience. We explore his famed 1,000-day rule, a lesson in patience and persistence that stands in stark contrast to today’s culture of instant gratification. Through Oyama’s example, learn how embracing ...
A wide-ranging episode featuring Mark Devine and Tony Blauer as we explore the power of intuition—from sensing danger in self-defense to reading subtle social cues in daily life. We then dive into how social media has redefined fame, examining the antics of Elon Musk and Kevin Durant to show how platforms manufacture virality and blur the line between notoriety and influence. Shifting gears, we unpack marketing’s obsession with buzz over clarity, using American Eagle’s Sydney Sweeney campaign...
We explore Elon Musk’s controversial productivity methods—cutting meetings, ditching jargon, and challenging workplace hierarchies—alongside the importance of structure and respect. Shifting to martial arts, we unpack the controversy of Moneyberg’s rapid black belt and contrast it with Helena Crevar’s inspiring rise under John Danaher. Featuring insights from Secret Service veteran Scott Bryson, we share self-defense strategies, mindset tools, and training frameworks that build real-world awa...