Podcast Episodes

Our special guest on this show is Tony Grigoli. A few episodes ago we talked about how if you don't like the results you're getting — the “ripple” so to speak — that you might consider jumping into a different pond. In Tony's situation, he literally crossed the pond to the United States to create a better life for his family. Listen to Tony's story. No matter how bad things may appear with COVID, politics, and social unrest, Americans still live in the greatest country on earth. There’s a re...

Just like COVID-19 is spread one person at a time — like a ripple effect, we can spread hope and positivity — one by one by one. Tim and Steve are joined by Len DiNote to talk about what his son, Matt, is doing. More than ever before, we all need to make the good come about. Matt the Travelin' Hat is doing it his way. Find your way. Put a purpose behind your intention. You'll find commitment — as excuses will be eliminated. Our brains are hardwired to connect — to be selfless, not selfish.

Coach Aaron Cerrone returns, and Tim and Steve pick up from last week’s show where they talked about every action having a reaction. Ripple effect /ˈripəl ə fekt/ noun — the continuing and spreading results of an event or action This episode is a reminder to choose wisely who and what you spend your time around — because they will affect you. You, in turn, will affect others — whether you realize it or not.

For every action there is a reaction. Regardless of whether it’s positive or negative, everything has a ripple effect. Don't look for someone else or something else to put you in a better mood The way you think, the words you speak, and the actions you take all affect others Negative energy turns into anger, and anger drains you of your lifeforce and vitality

Life is always changing. In fact, the only thing constant — is that things will change. Changes affect everyone, and we all deal with them differently. Tim Speiss joins Tim Hoover and Steve Mittman on this episode. Most things in life are outside of our control Dealing with changes is a skill that can be improved Self-defense is not just about defending our physical bodies What changes have been hard for you to deal with? What changes in your life have turned out to be f...

Whatever you’re going through — no matter how big or small — it’s just a moment in time. It is up to you how you decide to handle it. Fight back in your own way. This episode is a simple reminder of a couple age-old adages: This too shall pass When life gives you lemons, make lemonade

Aaron Cerrone is the owner and head instructor of Mid America Martial Arts in Omaha, NE. He started his martial arts journey with Sensei Hoover while in 6th grade— roughly 35 years ago. This episode reunites Tim and his former student, Aaron, to discover the profound and long-term impact they had on each other. It’s a reminder that not only do we never know who we might influence, but also how that influence may continue spreading for years to come. This is the case with positive and negative...

Tim briefly recaps the last couple episodes based around Cobra Kai — leading to two thoughts he shares: “We learn from the things we suffer.” — Aesop “Do not expect to become perfect at once. If you do, you will be disappointed. Be better today than you were yesterday, and be better tomorrow than you are today.” — Lorenzo Snow

As we continue to discuss Cobra Kai, Steve’s topic is the motto of the show’s dojo: “Strike First, Strike Hard, No Mercy!” Is there anything wrong with that? In The Karate Kid — the answer would be yes — considering that sentiment came into play in the tournament at the end of the movie. But life is not a tournament. Steve presents that the real answer to that question lies in the context of any situation and the intent behind why one would “deploy” the concept of “Strike First, Strike Hard, ...

Tim and Steve discuss Cobra Kai — the very popular TV series based on The Karate Kid films. Tim brings up philosophies of two martial arts movie icons — Mr Miyagi and Bruce Lee. Incidentally, it was on this date — October 1st — back in 1893 that Yip Man was born. It was while training under Yip Man and in Wing Chun, that Bruce Lee's philosophy began developing. When punching water, Bruce noticed that no matter how hard he struck, the water did not suffer damage. The nature of water is to flow...

We frequently talk about the importance of good choices and quality rituals. If you’re like most people, you're finding that being consistent with these practices is taking more effort these days during the pandemic. With martial arts, you'll often hear Tim speak about the benefits of training in a dojo or gym — as opposed to on your own. The energy is contagious, motivating, and reciprocal. Also, the people you train with become your accountability partners. Having an accountability partner ...

Bernie, Tim, and Steve talk about: The noise, frustration, and angst people are feeling Experiencing the state of grace — the condition of being in God's favor What you read, what you do, what you think about, and what comes out of your mouth is what you put out into the universe — shaping what you see and feel around you compassion | (kəmˈpaSHən) (noun) — sympathetic pity and concern for the sufferings or misfortunes of others

Today — September 10, 2020 — is the 40th anniversary of Sensei Tim Hoover receiving his first black belt. He reflects on what it meant to him then, what it means to him now, and what it should mean to you. “It’s not what we can’t do, it’s what we CAN do that matters.” — Sensei Tim Hoover

Right now is an opportunity to think about what things in your life are real and what are illusions. It’s a great time to realize what your purpose is. Decide what makes you happy. Recognize what makes you stronger — and do more of that. Reflect on what is essential to you. Set your priorities, but also learn to adapt.

"United we stand, divided we fall" — John Dickinson “A house divided against itself cannot stand” — Abraham Lincoln This is not a time to be on cruise control Believe in yourself, never say die, and have the spirit of a peaceful warrior Now more than ever, we must be focused and mindful of our thoughts and actions

During the pandemic it’s all too easy to get stuck in a rut. When you lack motivation, get yourself going by doing what boxer’s have been doing for decades. Getting started is usually the hardest part of anything. Once you get momentum, it's much easier to keep going.

Now, more than ever, during the pandemic, it’s important to be healthy and strong — mentally, physically, and spiritually. There’s plenty of information and inspiration to be found, including on our podcast, on how and why to do that. Much focus is given to adults, but we must not neglect the health of our kids. What they hear and see greatly affects them, too. As we discussed last week, you cannot rely on others for answers. You must take control of your own health by making wise decisions. ...

Stop waiting for someone else to give you the answer Learn to be your own leader by trusting your gut and listening more Rather than aptitude — it's your attitude that determines your altitude

Chelsea from Fuel for Thought Nutrition offers advice on nutrition to help with inflammation and keeping your immune system strong. Last week we talked about the role our minds play in our overall health — now we talk about food we consume and its effect on how we feel.

Dr Jarrod Spencer from Mind of the Athlete, LLC joins us as he talks about the role our mind plays in our overall health, well-being, and performance. Hear his advice on how to stay motivated and sharp, even if we can’t be as active as we’d like. Contact Jarrod if you’re interested in his keynote speech for business leaders or his signature keynote speech for athletes.

Tim shares a neat story of how during the pandemic he’s been forced to quiet his mind and rewire his brain — strengthening inner senses: Instinct Intuition Inspiration Imagination

Life Coach Dr Bernie joins Tim and Steve to talk about “The Camouflage Effect” — and how it’s more prevalent these days because of the stress the world is feeling with the pandemic. In other words, people’s true colors are coming out more often. On this episode: How to know who you can trust Learn what “The Camouflage Effect” is What to do if you realize someone is hiding an agenda Everyone gives off signals — learn to trust your gut instinct in reading telltale signs ...

Refuse to waste this time There’s nothing quite like “the fight” A few simple words can greatly help others We all must be fighters as we step into “the unknown”

“Happiness consists more in conveniences of pleasure that occur every day than in great pieces of good fortune that happen but seldom." — Benjamin Franklin Don’t rely on outside sources for happiness — not people, nor things You must actively do what it takes to make yourself happy — before you can help others “It isn’t what you have — or who you are — or where you are — or what you are doing that makes you happy or unhappy. It is what you think about." — Dale Carnegie "The secret...