DiscoverThe Knockout Life with Phoenix CarnevaleMichael Jai White on Lightening Up, Leveling Up and Living With Purpose
Michael Jai White on Lightening Up, Leveling Up and Living With Purpose

Michael Jai White on Lightening Up, Leveling Up and Living With Purpose

Update: 2025-09-01
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Phoenix Carnevale sits down with actor, director, martial artist, and real-life superhero Michael Jai White for a deep, dynamic, and inspiring conversation. Known for his roles in Spawn, Black Dynamite, The Dark Knight, and the recently released action-comedy Trouble Man, Michael opens up about everything from emotional discipline and ego to what it really means to lighten up in life and on set.

Phoenix and Michael explore the power of mindset, overcoming adversity, the martial arts philosophy behind his success, and how his past — including surviving shootouts and early trauma — shaped the man and artist he is today. You'll hear untold stories from Hollywood, training sessions with Jon Jones, and the shocking comment a studio executive once made that still fuels his fire.

Plus, powerful parenting advice, a tribute to Method Man, how finding humor in things can be a powerful form of strength and storytelling and the return of the rapid fire round where you truly get to know Jai White.

Whether you're a fighter, a fan, or someone on a path to growth, this episode is packed with knockout wisdom.

Highlights include:

• Why letting go of ego unlocks real power

• Behind the scenes of Trouble Man, Black Dynamite and other Jai White films

• The real story of Spawn and overcoming claustrophobia

• Martial arts as a tool for life — not just in the ring or on the mats

• Advice for aspiring actors and martial artists

• The gift of poverty and gratitude in hard times

• Speed round: Jon Jones, Michelle Yeoh, Tisha Campbell & more

 

Follow the show on Instagram: @THEKNOCKOUTLIFE

Follow the show on YouTube: @TheKnockoutLifePodcast

Follow Phoenix on Instagram: @PhoenixCarnevale

 

Follow Michael Jai White @officialmichaeljai and be sure to watch Trouble Man streaming now and Hostile Takeover releasing later this year.

 

 

 

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Michael Jai White on Lightening Up, Leveling Up and Living With Purpose

Michael Jai White on Lightening Up, Leveling Up and Living With Purpose

Michael Jai White, Method Man, Michelle Yeoh, Michael Bisping, Denzel Washington, Jim Brown, Fred Williamson, Jim Kelly, Mike Epps, Roberto Benigni, Jon Jones, Tisha Campbell, Martin Sheen, Tom Cruise, Phoenix Carnevale