Attack Life, Not Others

“Waste no more time arguing about what a good man should be. Be one.” — Marcus Aurelius

Seneca’s quote, "No man was ever wise by chance," sets the tone for this episode as Tim and Steve explore how wisdom isn’t a byproduct of aging alone, but the result of intentional effort, experience, and learning. Aging alone does not guarantee wisdom; it is the experiences we gather and the lessons we learn from them that shape our understanding of life. Growing older comes with a unique opportunity to acquire wisdom, but this process is not automatic. It requires intentional effort — an active engagement with the world and the people around us.

“It is not that we have a short time to live, but that we waste a lot of it.” — Seneca

Tim and Steve share a heartwarming Father's Day story that shows why the little moments in life matter most. In this episode, Tim talks about how his daughter Chelsea surprised him to train together — just like they did when she was a kid. They rode bikes, laughed, shared a drink, and created an unexpected memory that reminded Tim how special these times are. Listen to hear: A real-life reminder of how powerful father-child connections can be Why it’s important to stay present and appreciate the simple joys How even an ordinary day can turn into a memory you’ll never forget If you’re a parent, a child, or just someone trying to make the most of life, this episode is a feel-good reminder to slow down and cherish what really matters.

“Any man can be a father, but it takes someone special to be a dad.” — Anne Geddes

Understanding Life’s Archetypes In this episode, Tim and Steve talk about four powerful roles we all play at different times in life: The Hero – pushes through hard times with courage and purpose The Healer – helps others and brings comfort The Victim – feels stuck, powerless, or overwhelmed The Villain – acts out of pain, fear, or anger to protect themselves They explain how we shift between these roles depending on what’s going on in our lives — and why it’s so important to notice when we’re slipping into the Victim or Villain. By staying connected to our values, we can choose to step into the Hero or Healer more often and live with purpose. Takeaway: Which role are you playing today — and is it helping you grow?

"June is the month of potential — halfway through the year, and still time to become everything you set out to be." — Unknown

Avoid the corrosion of inaction: If we neglect our space, it can quickly become cluttered with negativity and stagnation — much like debris filling an empty room. The key is to keep moving and shaking things up! Whether it's going for a run, surrounding yourself with uplifting people, or simply trying something new, these actions can prevent your space from becoming unmovable and corroded. Remember, a flat soda loses its appeal, just like a stagnant life loses its vibrancy. Tim Hoover and Steve Mittman talk more about “chasing your space” — taking care of your mental and emotional well-being. They compare it to blowing up a balloon. If you don’t fill it with good things like positive thoughts and actions, it will fill up with negativity instead. Tim says if you don’t pay attention to your space, it gets messy and unhelpful. He also compares personal growth to the fizz in soda — movement and energy keep life exciting, and being around positive people helps you grow. The message: Don’t ignore your space — fill

“Summertime is always the best of what might be.” — Charles Bowden

Tradition matters — in martial arts and in life. It teaches discipline, respect, and perseverance. Old-school practices like kata still have value, even if modern systems move away from them. Tradition connects us — like family meals and passed-down customs — helping us stay grounded. Be present — Tim ties in the four dimensions (height, width, depth, time) to explain how being mindful of posture and breath can keep us aware in both martial arts and daily life. Life is short — every breath matters, so walk with confidence and make each day count.

Some fitting Memorial Day quotes: "This nation will remain the land of the free only so long as it is the home of the brave." "Home of the free, because of the brave.” “I only regret that I have but one life to lose for my country.” — Nathan Hale “America without her soldiers would be like God without His angels.” — Claudia Pemberton “We don't know them all, but we owe them all.” Their sacrifice lives on in the freedoms we cherish. Honoring our heroes today.

Sensei Tim Hoover and Steve Mittman talk about a scary real-life incident where a woman was threatened and attacked in a movie theater parking lot. They break down why being prepared and aware in dangerous situations is so important. Tim shares lessons from his weapons training and Steve explains why "self-protection" is better than "self-defense." This episode will help you think differently about staying safe.

“No one is dumb who is curious. The people who don't ask questions remain clueless throughout their lives.” — Neil deGrasse Tyson

Introducing the Boomerang Theory — the idea that what you put out comes back to you. Tim shares a childhood story about learning to throw a boomerang and how it taught him the value of practice, patience, and consistency. Whether it’s in faith, relationships, or personal growth, success takes steady effort — not just being a “weekend warrior.” The love and energy you put in always comes back. Thanks for listening — and keep throwing your boomerang!

“Discipline is remembering what you want.” — David Campbell

The 80/20 Rule for a Better Life is what Tim and Steve discuss on this podcast episode. It’s a new spin on the 80/20 Principle, also known as the Pareto Principle: Health: 80% eating, 20% exercise Wealth: 80% habits, 20% math Talking: 80% listening, 20% speaking Learning: 80% understanding, 20% reading Achieving: 80% doing and taking action, 20% vision and dreaming Happiness: 80% purpose, 20% pleasure and fun Relationships: 80% giving, 20% receiving Self-Improvement: 80% persistence, 20% ideas Focus on the vital 80% — and the rest will take care of itself!

“If a man aspires towards a righteous life, his first act of abstinence is from injury to animals.” — Albert Einstein

There’s a powerful, often cyclical connection between teaching and learning. Tim and Steve explore how the best teaching stems from a desire to understand more deeply, and how teaching others is one of the most effective ways to grow ourselves. Key Takeaways: Teaching Is Learning: Tim shares his personal journey as a teacher and how every lesson he’s ever taught helped solidify his own understanding. The process of teaching, as Steve says, often forces us to internalize knowledge more completely. Learning What You Want to Teach, Teaching What You Want to Learn: The hosts unpack the idea that our desire to teach something often reveals a deeper desire to master it. And as we teach, we discover new insights that reflect our own ongoing growth. The Student-Teacher Relationship Is a Two-Way Street: Great teachers remain open to learning from their students. Sensitivity to the needs and emotions of others is vital, not only in classrooms but in all areas of life — relationships, work, parenting, and leadersh

"I would maintain that thanks are the highest form of thought, and that gratitude is happiness doubled by wonder." — G.K. Chesterton

Tim and Steve dive into what it really means to push through life’s tough moments — taking inspiration from the incredible life and legacy of boxing legend George Foreman. We talk about resilience, personal growth, and that powerful idea of finding your "second wind" — that hidden reserve of strength you only discover when you’re tested. George’s journey from an intimidating knockout artist to a wise, enduring champion reminds us that real strength isn’t just physical — it’s mental, emotional, and spiritual too. We also reflect on how easy it is to take things like our health, stability, and loved ones for granted. Life’s challenges — whether it’s illness, money troubles, or personal hardships — have a way of teaching us what really matters. And often, it’s in helping others that we find true purpose. Plus, we celebrate Foreman not just for his boxing career, but for the humor, heart, and generosity he shared with the world. His story is a beautiful reminder that strength can be soft, and that giving back is