Attack Life, Not Others

“Mediocrity knows nothing higher than itself; but talent instantly recognizes genius.” — Arthur Conan Doyle

Steve talks about a TV pilot episode he shot for a new show that reunites teachers of all kinds (school teachers, professors, coaches, senseis) with former students to explore their lasting impact on each other. The show focuses on the mutual influence between students and teachers, creating a ripple effect that affects many. Listen to hear more about the meaningful reunions and the inspiration behind the show's concept. Tim shares insights on choosing weekly podcast topics.

“Change is the law of life. And those who look only to the past or the present are certain to miss the future.” — John F Kennedy

Lifestyle choices have a direct impact on the preservation and quality of our lives. Everything from our diet and sleep patterns to the company we keep shapes our existence. The concept of self-defense goes way beyond physical protection if we view it as a holistic approach to safeguarding our well-being against all potential harms. Tim and Steve pay tribute to the late country music icon Toby Keith, reflecting on his song

“Things do not happen. Things are made to happen.” — John F Kennedy

Through a personal anecdote about a large beehive, Tim underscores the connection between humans and bees in maintaining a harmonious relationship with the environment. On this podcast episode with Tim and Steve: Gain a deeper appreciation for the crucial role of worker bees and how they preserve their community Consider why we may all want to be like worker bees: selfless and fulfilled knowing their purpose in life

“True happiness is found in simple, seemingly unremarkable things. But to be aware of little, quiet things, you need to be quiet inside. A high degree of alertness is required. Be still. Look. Listen. Be present.” — Eckhart Tolle from Guardians of Being, Spiritual Teachings From Our Dogs and Cats

Some of the topics Tim and Steve discuss on this podcast episode: Starting the day with a prayer, fostering a positive mindset and connecting with spirituality Daily reflection on accomplishments to help assess progress and make adjustments for the next day Practices to maintain a childlike wonder and get more enjoyment out of life The importance of routines and rituals for a fulfilling life The role of external factors, like exercise, in improving mental well-being Purposeful actions in relationships, such as active listening and genuine interest The power of intentional behavior to positively impact yourself and others 00:48 - Dojo Story: Low Energy and a Mat Chat 01:35 - The Value of Mat Chats 02:05 - Sensei Bausch's Take on Adulthood 03:43 - Breaking Down Mind, Body, Spirit 05:33 - Rediscovering the Child Within 05:55 - Making Adult Life Purposeful 07:28 - Daily Rituals for a Purposeful Life 08:50 - Facing Fear of Death and Living Right 09:48 - Evening Reflections and Starting F

“Imagination is everything. It is the preview to life's coming attractions.” — Albert Einstein

Consider that God desires humans to be creative beings and to collaborate with Him in creating good things. Tapping into the creative part of the brain and bringing something cool to life is one of the most fulfilling endeavors one can undertake. "Imagination is more important than knowledge. For knowledge is limited to all we know and understand, while imagination embraces the entire world, and all there ever will be to know and understand." — Albert Einstein Tim and Steve discuss the importance of imagination and creativity in problem-solving and encourage listeners to embrace their creative abilities to find innovative solutions. They explore the idea that being creative and producing things is a means to fulfill one's purpose and be a co-creator with God. They emphasize that God is the ultimate creator and that humans are created in His image. This image does not necessarily refer to physical appearance but rather the ability to create and be creative beings.

“Men are like steel. When they lose their temper, they lose their worth.” — Chuck Norris

Last month, Tim and Steve explored the word agency — both in terms of personal purpose and as a physical agency, such as a private detective agency. As a seasoned private investigator, Tim has witnessed the darker side of life, a stark contrast to his martial arts school dedicated to fostering goodness and fortifying the minds, bodies, and spirits of its students. Life unfolds with its mix of virtues and vices. In this episode, Tim and Steve talk about the good, the bad, and the ugly, and how when you’re aware of deception you can remove the fake and fraudulent elements from your life. Embracing the yin-yang principle, they navigate the intricate balance between light and dark aspects of the world, drawing valuable lessons from these contrasting experiences.

"The distinction between what is real and what is fake is often blurred, for reality is shaped by perception and perception can be manipulated." — Anonymous

Earlier this week, on Monday’s KYW episode, Tim and Steve discussed René Descartes' famous philosophical principle: "Cogito, ergo sum," or "I think, therefore I am." On today's episode they delve into that further, talking about how humans, unlike other creatures, are self-aware and can shape their own destinies. Humans are conscious, and our unique ability to co-create with God allows us to design the lives we desire. Listen and explore the power of consciousness and our role in shaping the world around us.

“Cogito, ergo sum” (“I think, therefore I am") — René Descartes

Reflect upon the level of significance you attach to your actions and the manner in which you carry them out. Consider how deeply you care about both what you do and the way in which you do it. This seemingly simple concept holds profound insights into your life and character, offering clarity on your purpose and priorities. Tim and Steve explore the value of caring across diverse facets of life — be it in relationships, academics, marriage, or martial arts. Tim summarizes care as "Creative Adjustment during Rare Events," emphasizing the dynamic nature of genuine concern. Steve interprets care as "Creating A Real Experience," highlighting the transformative power of genuine engagement. By pondering these perspectives, you can gain a deeper understanding of your personal philosophy and the meaningful connections between your actions and the essence of who you are.

“A worthy New Year's resolution, perhaps, is to take no hatred into the New Year without requiring it to restate its purpose.” — Robert Brault “You expect good things from the New Year, you expect hope, but the New Year also has something to tell you: You create both the good things and the hope yourself, so don't expect anything, do it yourself, create it yourself, don't wait!” — Mehmet Murat ildan

A topic Tim and Steve often discuss is how nobody can control what happens, but we can all control how we react to what happens. Tim tells a story of a recent series of events that occurred, where the cops were called unnecessarily due to an alarm going off. It can be a challenge navigating what is real and what is not, determining what to respond to and what not to respond to. Many things that happen "to" us turn out to either be nothing at all, or later on, are realized to be something that happened "for" us. As we head into 2024, let this be a healthy reminder not to overreact to false information or things beyond our control. Stay level-headed and focused on what truly matters.

“When we recall Christmas past, we usually find that the simplest things, not the great occasions, give off the greatest glow of happiness.” — Bob Hope “Peace on earth will come to stay when we live Christmas every day.” — Helen Steiner Rice “Christmas is forever, not for just one day. For loving, sharing, giving are not to put away.” — Norman Wesley Brooks “Gifts of time and love are surely the basic ingredients of a truly merry Christmas.” — Peg Bracken

We dive into the concept of coincidences and their impact on all of us. Earlier this week, on Monday’s KYW episode, Tim and Steve discussed the famous quote by Einstein: "Coincidence is God's way of remaining anonymous." They expound on that further, exploring the idea that coincidences may not be as random as they seem. The two agree that coincidence is not just random chance, but rather a series of interconnected events and choices that shape our lives. Steve emphasizes the importance of showing up, engaging in life's arena, and seeking out opportunities rather than waiting for them to come. Tim recounts the early days of opening his Whitehall dojo, the conflicts he faced, and the perseverance required to build a successful martial arts school. They reminisce about a keychain with a Zig Ziglar quote that Steve hung above the water fountain at Tim's original martial arts school in Whitehall, which read, "The key to success occurs when opportunity meets preparation." That quote sums up today's podcast episode