Podcast Episodes

“Life is like a book. Some chapters are sad, some are happy, but all are necessary for the full story.” — Unknown

Your feet are your foundation. They support your entire body. With your heels together and toes apart, your foundation is compromised and you exhibit humbleness. Katie Mendez embodies humbleness. She is referred to as the "turtle" in contrast to the "rabbit," symbolizing someone who takes their time to understand the process and develop their skills. Despite challenges and slow progress, Katie's consistency and dedication have allowed her to achieve a first-degree black belt and become a teacher...

“A seed grows with no sound, but a tree falls with a huge noise. Destruction has noise, but creation is quiet. This is the power of silence. Grow Silently.” — Confucius

Excuses are a slippery slope. All it takes is one. Before you know it, you have a domino effect. From a roll of toilet paper to over $150,000 — you'll be shocked by Tim's story. Eliminate excuses, embrace discipline, and avoid negative influences.

“Architects cannot teach nature anything.” — Mark Twain

Brian Miller joins Tim Hoover and Steve Mittman. They discuss the concept of losing in order to win, and alternatively, how you can actually lose by winning — emphasizing the importance of focusing on the process and development — rather than just...

“A man cannot be comfortable without his own approval.” — Mark Twain

Controlling our emotions is crucial for overall effectiveness in life — although it's easier said than done. Tim and Steve emphasize that unchecked emotions can significantly hinder us. They further mention how primal instincts and unfamiliar emotions can emerge during a fight, making it essential to maintain control. We must keep our composure and avoid letting our emotions dictate our actions. Step back from the situation, and NEVER give anyone free rent.

Controlling our emotions is crucial for overall effectiveness in life, although it's easier said than done. Tim and Steve emphasize that unchecked emotions can hinder us significantly. They further mention how primal instincts and unfamiliar emotions can emerge during a fight, making it essential to maintain control. To be a skilled fighter, one must avoid letting emotions dictate actions and must retain composure. Step back from the situation at hand, and NEVER give anyone free rent in your he...

"Never allow someone to be your priority while allowing yourself to be their option." — Mark Twain

The Power of Persistence: Climbing Out of the Hole A few weeks ago, you heard the story of the fish that forgot who and what he was. Today, hear the story of the donkey trapped in a hole. It’s a metaphor for life's challenges and the importance of persistence. It illustrates that no matter how deep the hole is — whether it be a physical, emotional, or mental obstacle — one can overcome it through consistent effort and determination. The donkey's unwavering commitment to climbing out of the hole ...

“Accept the things to which fate binds you, and love the people with whom fate brings you together, but do so with all your heart.” — Marcus Aurelius

If you know your purpose and dig deep to realize why you do what you do, you'll have a much clearer vision. Your "why" is like a guiding force to help you stay on track and face challenges. Brian Miller joins Tim and Steve to share his perspective on this. Miller recommends asking tough questions and reflecting on why we do things. He introduces the idea of having a compass, which provides direction and motivation. Don't just seek comfort in being mediocre, strive to be the best Kn...

We tried to have a little fun on this episode, but in the end it went to the dogs!

Tim and Steve discuss the “Triangle of Success” — emphasizing the importance of having a strong support group (family, friends); finding good teachers (coaches, mentors); and showing up consistently — in order to achieve success in any area of life. They also highlight the significance of character development and personal growth.

“Don't watch the clock; do what it does. Keep going.” — Sam Levenson

This week, in honor of Independence Day here in the United States, Tim and Steve explore the relationship between freedom and happiness. They discuss the fundamental principles that shaped America and acknowledge the sacrifices made by individuals to safeguard our freedoms. Don't miss out on the captivating tale of the fish, which serves as a powerful reminder of the significance of rooting and maintaining a solid foundation while embracing growth and flexibility, much like a skilled martial ...

“You have power over your mind — not outside events. Realize this, and you will find strength.” — Marcus Aurelius

Tim and Steve explore the concept of self-discipline and its significance in personal development. They bring up the "six selves," which include discipline, respect, control, confidence, defense, and awareness. Tim highlights that discipline is the foundation for acquiring other virtues and is essential for improving relationships, maintaining physical well-being, and becoming a better person overall. The two discuss the need to work consistently and demonstrate discipline to achieve success ...

"A leader is best when people barely know he exists. When his work is done, his aim fulfilled, they will say: we did it ourselves." — Lao Tzu

Ben Mudge joins Tim and Steve again to emphasize the importance of appreciating what we have and cultivating a positive internal dialogue. Ben encourages his clients to focus on the things their bodies can do, rather than what they can't do, in order to improve their mental health. The conversation ties in with the quote from Marcus Aurelius about the privilege of being alive on this week’s KYW episode. Quotes and timestamps: 00:13 - "We want to make that place in your head the nicest envi...

"When you arise in the morning, think of what a precious privilege it is to be alive — to breathe, to think, to enjoy, to love." — Marcus Aurelius

Hear why Tim chooses to be a weed. The long and short of it is: weeds don’t just survive, they thrive in tough times. He reflects on events such as 9-11, COVID, and the recent wildfires burning in Quebec and Nova Scotia and affecting the air quality in the Northeastern United States. He questions whether these events have taught us anything and whether we have become better for them. He also shares his belief in having a warrior mindset, conditioning both body and mind for strength and resilienc...

"Everything is the product of one universal creative effort. There is nothing dead in Nature. Everything is organic and living, and therefore the whole world appears to be a living organism." — Lucius Annaeus Seneca