Podcast Episodes

Sammy Kelly, Tim, and Steve discuss the importance of being intentional about where you choose to spend your time and energy, and how letting others make decisions for you can pull you in directions that aren't best for you. They also talk about the value of finding your niche and excelling at one thing rather than trying to do everything. Sammy practices what she preaches, as she excels in the martial arts and is a talented video editor.

“There are only two days in the year that nothing can be done. One is called Yesterday and the other is called Tomorrow. Today is the right day to Love, Believe, Do and mostly Live.” — Dalai Lama

This episode’s message is clear: Find the truth, speak the truth, and you will live a more authentic and fulfilled life. When you’re in the “arena” of life, you must fight the fight and continue doing good work. That includes creating relationships and experiences where you seek out and share accurate and factual information. But you must find THE truth, not the truth you want to be. Knowing the truth allows you to make better informed decisions. We often go through life with our minds chatte...

"Enjoy life now. This is not a rehearsal." — Bob Marley

Heading into the Memorial Day weekend, this episode reminds us of how great we all have it in the United States. Thanks to the brave souls who made the ultimate sacrifice while serving our nation with their selflessness and unwavering commitment, we are able to enjoy freedom. Dr Bernie joins Tim and Steve to share his gratitude and reflect on a lifetime of political and social change in America, which he has seen in his 83 years. He believes in the power of positive individuals to persist and...

“If you must look back, do so forgivingly. If you must look forward, do so prayerfully. However, the wisest thing you can do is be present in the present — gratefully.” — Maya Angelou

This episode was prompted by a recent testing event at Tim's karate school, during which parents were asked what they hoped their children would gain from their training, with many responding that they wanted their kids to gain more confidence. Steve and Tim emphasize the role of sports, martial arts training, and other activities that involve one's mind, body, and spirit together in building self-confidence. They share personal anecdotes about their own experiences with confidence, and how i...

"Everybody is a genius. But if you judge a fish by its ability to climb a tree, it will live its whole life believing that it is stupid." — Albert Einstein

Brian Miller returns to the show with Tim and Steve, continuing the conversation about "the process" that he introduced in his previous appearance. He shares a compelling story about his experience with obstacle course racing, emphasizing the importance of hard work, dedication, patience, and even a bit of stubbornness to achieve our goals. Brian advises listeners to concentrate on the process rather than the outcome, and to seek out a mentor and trust in their guidance. However, it's also...

“Setting goals is the first step in turning the invisible into the visible.” — Tony Robbins

You'll often hear people telling you to "enjoy the journey" rather than just the destination. However, sometimes you just need to do what it takes to get past difficult moments in order to get to your destination. Tim recounts a story from a recent plane trip when a 15-year-old started to be loud and use foul language in the crowded cabin. This was a situation where the wisest thing to do, in order to get home, was just get through the uncomfortable experience — proof that the journey to our ...

"You don't have to burn books to destroy a culture. Just get people to stop reading them." — Ray Bradbury

Ben Mudge is a social media influencer, life coach, personal trainer, and fitness model (who happens to look like the superhero Thor) — and he joins Tim and Steve. Ben lives in Ireland, but will be in the Lehigh Valley on Friday, April 28th. If you hear this episode before then, head over to Sports Factory of the Lehigh Valley in Allentown to meet him. In the meantime, you'll hear these topics and more: How we all crave to be part of a tribe His belief on being unique to make life ...

"Nothing is impossible. The word itself says “I’m possible!”" — Audrey Hepburn

Abraham Maslow was a famous American clinical psychologist. He became best known for his theory on the Hierarchy of Needs. The model depicting this is known as Maslow’s pyramid. On this episode Tim and Steve discussed the following quote: “One can choose to go back toward safety or forward toward growth. Growth must be chosen again and again; fear must be overcome again and again.” — Abraham Maslow NOTE: At the time of recording, they only discussed the first sentence from Maslow, and were no...

"There is nothing better than a friend, unless it is a friend with chocolate." — Linda Grayson

Dr Robert "Bobby" Livingston, a 1988 Olympic Cyclist and Doctor of Chiropractic, realized early on that one of his strengths was the ability to embrace suffering. Bobby joins Tim and Steve as they discuss these topics and more: Fight or flight Self-discipline Olympic cycling Yin yang philosophy Staples “Easy Button" Mind-body connection Healthy lifestyle choices Holistic, integrative medicine Diabetes and other chronic...

"He who conquers others is strong. He who conquers himself is mighty." — Lao Tzu

To live a quality life you must stay vigilant in protecting and preserving what you have. Self-defense is not just about physical tactics and techniques. It’s defending “The Pillars” — your faith, your mind, your body, your spirit, your relationships, and your finances. Faith is not a magical thing. Nurture it through prayer, gratitude, and reflection. Being mindful of your mental health means avoiding toxic people and bad situations. Eating right and exercising are essential i...

“It is better to light a candle than curse the darkness.” — Eleanor Roosevelt

Are our lives random or predetermined? Many factors contribute to the journey. Nature and nurture both play a role. Many things we have no control over — but we can control how we respond to circumstances and the opportunities we are presented with. We can use our talents, resources, and blessings we have been given to create a life full of purpose and meaning — helping others less fortunate, and leaving a positive impact.

“If you want to awaken all of humanity, then awaken all of yourself.” — Lao Tzu

Thirty years ago, Brian Miller and Steve Mittman got their first black belts together — training under Tim Hoover at his karate school in Whitehall, PA. On this episode, you'll hear the process Brian discovered that can help you in all aspects of life. Brian, Tim, and Steve talk about achievement, bullying, confidence, how good things take time, patience, philosophies of Bruce Lee, Royce Gracie and the early days of the UFC, sacrifice, suffering, the “eye of the tiger,” and so much more.

“The man who asks a question is a fool for a minute, the man who does not ask is a fool for life.” — Confucius