Podcast Episodes

We talk about customs, rituals, and traditions. Every society, every culture, every religion, and every nation has them. Many of us have our individual rituals. The martial arts run deep with rituals. Most rituals — if performed regularly and properly — improve our lives, keeping us on track. However, too much of a good thing sometimes can be bad, especially if the ritual isn’t relevant any longer. Challenge and question rituals to see if they make sense The key to a good ritual is aw...

Clarence Cook is a well-known personal trainer in Allentown, PA. Anyone that knows him knows he is a stand-up guy — the perfect example of what our podcast is about. He attacks life, not others. He consistently trains and maintains things that are meaningful to him. Faith, family, and friends are of paramount importance in his life. “C” has been taking care of himself in order to help others around him consistently for many decades. And just like Tim and Steve spoke about last week — not s...

"They may forget what you said — but they will never forget how you made them feel.” — Carl W Buehner In this touching episode, Tim and Steve talk about people in their lives that have had long-term influences on them. Those that have a person (or people) like that are fortunate. We should strive to refine ourselves regularly to honor them. Like some batteries, sometimes we need to be depleted in order to recharge or refine You can’t be ordinary and do the extraordinary In the ...

Our guest, Gary Shankweiler is a martial artist and an NRA Certified Instructor with over 50 years of experience with firearms. Keeping politics out of it — whether or not you are a proponent of more gun control laws, the fact is the Second Amendment of the United States Constitution reads: "A well regulated Militia, being necessary to the security of a free State, the right of the people to keep and bear Arms, shall not be infringed." That being the case, if you’re purchasing a gun you MUST tak...

It was on this date — March 21st — one year ago that we launched Attack Life, Not Others. By now you know there are several principles that much of what we talk about is based on. One of those fundamentals is the way of the peaceful warrior. There are many things outside our control. Often all we can control is not letting anyone steal our peace. On this episode we talk about that and more, including: What is the martial arts mindset? Why is it important for everyone to have? H...

Last week we talked about Steve jumping on (or shall we say ”dancing with”) the opportunity to help a good cause and grow outside his comfort zone. Getting outside your comfort zone is a fundamental principle we reference often because it’s crucial in becoming a stronger person. On today’s episode we are joined by Shelley Brown, President & CEO of the State Theatre in Easton, PA. Next month — Thursday, April 18th — Steve Mittman will be competing at the State Theatre in Dancing With The Lehigh ...

Tim and Steve talk about the yin yang principle — the duality of opposing forces — and how all things exist as inseparable, yet contradictory opposites. By recognizing, being aware, and capitalizing on this universal truth — one will be better off. Topics discussed include: You can't find courage unless you have a certain amount of fear Steve is choosing to get outside his comfort zone in a few weeks (details here) There's a time and place for everything in the right amount — a...

“The key to life is service; not to a device, but to your home and humanity.” “We each have a choice to make when confronted with hardship, but what we do before that can make it easier.” — Anthony Droz On last week’s episode we talked about how our human hands are used in many ways — for both destructive and peaceful purposes. On today’s episode Tim Hoover and Steve Mittman are honored to have Marine Corps Veteran Anthony Droz from Outward Bound as their special guest. Some amazing and profoun...

Here are some of the topics on this episode: Faith, family, and friends The definition of “martial arts” Strength through relationships, tribes, and “villages” Keeping life simple — learning what’s real and what’s not Human hands are used in many ways and for many purposes Our hands can be used in a destructive way or in a peaceful manner Life is chaotic — we're on a “collision course” all the time — whether we like it or not Some of these “co...

In Episode 051 we talked about healing from injuries and dealing with pain. Tricia Butynskyi, MPT, DPT from Good Shepherd in Macungie, Pennsylvania is back again — this time to talk about the integration of the martial arts and Western medicine. We talk about the proper way to breathe, why our breath is so important, and more.

We’ve talked before about the importance of maintaining a high quality of life. We’ve also discussed how even though martial arts are rough and physical, training should not decrease your longevity. If it does, that would be counterproductive. Because, after all, martial arts are ultimately about the preservation of life — and with that comes life quality. Sensei Hoover talks about how he treats days that he trains a little differently. This includes drinking more water, eating greater nutrient...

In Episode 047 we talked about eliminating the word “almost” in order to become better, stronger people and have greater relationships. On this episode we talk about the opposite. It’s good to be aware of absolutes in life. With absolutes, we feel secure, safe, and strong. They are black and white, there are no gray areas. Absolutes are foundations we can lean on — pillars upon which we can build our lives. They provide a framework for everything else. Realize what you absolutely feel and kno...

Pain can be felt emotionally, mentally, physically, and spiritually. Last week we talked about how we all deal with adversity, and how no one gets by without dealing with some type of pain and hardship. Today we're talking about pain as it pertains to physical injuries, surgery, or overuse. Our guest on this episode is Tricia Butynskyi, MPT, DPT from Good Shepherd. She is the Site Manager at their Outpatient Physical Therapy location in Macungie, Pennsylvania. She has successfully treated a w...

In case you missed them, be sure to check out the last two episodes where Mike Mittman joined Sensei Hoover and Steve Mittman. They talked about the struggle Larry Holmes had against the odds to become the Heavyweight Champion, how he was determined to fulfill his dreams, and what we all can learn from how he did it. This week's conversation includes: How hardship builds character When you give up on one thing, you start giving up on a lot of things We all deal with adversity — no on...

Last week Mike Mittman joined Sensei Hoover and Steve Mittman. Mike shared his unique insight and some rare stories about Larry Holmes. He talked about the boxing legend’s struggle against the odds to become the Hall of Fame Heavyweight Champion we now know him as. Part of his rise to the top included being a sparring partner for Muhammad Ali, Joe Frazier, and Earnie Shavers. But “The Champ” eventually realized to live his dream he would need to become his own boss and prevent getting “sparring ...

Larry Holmes, Hall of Fame Heavyweight Champion, is the topic of discussion as Mike Mittman, Steve’s dad, joins us on the show. Mike has a unique perspective and exclusive insight into both the iconic career of The Easton Assassin, and also the personal side of the boxing legend. Some of the things you'll hear include: How and why Larry became a sparring partner for Muhammad Ali and Joe Frazier As discussed in last week's episode, Larry didn't believe in "almost" doing something How ...

"The difference between the almost right word and the right word is really a large matter — it's the difference between the lightning bug and the lightning.” — Mark Twain We talk about Twain’s quote and how it can change our lives on this last episode of 2018. We must work on eliminating the word “almost” if we want to become better, stronger people and have greater relationships. Next episode — the first of 2019 — we kick off a several-part series with Steve’s Dad, Mike Mittman, talking about...

Tirun Gopal MD, is the Medical Director of the Department of Ob-Gyn at St Luke's Hospital in San Francisco, CA. After completing an internship and residency in Obstetrics and Gynecology in Bombay, he came to the US in 1974. He completed a second round of internships and a residency program in the US and began his practice in Allentown, PA. Dr Gopal received formal training in Ayurveda from the Open International University of Complementary Medicine and the New England Institute of Ayurvedic Medi...

We talk about the importance of good choices, good practices, and quality rituals. The definition of a ritual is: “An act or series of acts regularly repeated in a set precise manner.” Another way of saying “regularly repeated” could be consistent. Two things that help us become more consistent are leadership and fellowship. Even though consistency is so powerful, results are not able to be observed right away. And because we are hardwired to seek instant gratification (especia...

Out of an impromptu talk with a teenage black belt came the discussion for this episode: RELATIONSHIP It’s important to cultivate REAL relationships. People are in our lives either for a reason, a season, or a lifetime. Learn the difference. LEADERSHIP Leadership is like an arrow. The arrow’s tip (the leader) must have mass behind it (quality relationships), otherwise it’s nothing. Find good leaders and mentors (ones with no hidden agendas). Follow them and emulate them. HARDSHIP Realiz...

If you’ve heard our show before you’ll know we use principles from the martial arts as the foundation for discussion, but in a way so that the concepts can be appreciated by everyone — even those who are NOT martial artists. Our show is intended for anyone who’s looking to live a healthier, cleaner, more vibrant, fulfilling life and become a better, stronger person. We continue to follow that format, however, if you ARE a martial artist you’ll really appreciate this episode. Sensei Tim Speiss...

The Hebrew word Kadosh (קדוש​) translates to "holy" but really means "to separate" or "to set apart." Therefore, a HOLIday is a SEPARATE day — a day that is to be treated unlike others. There is appreciation, respect, and caring that isn't present at other times. On this holiday — Thanksgiving 2018 — Sensei Hoover and Steve Mittman talk about their blessings and blessings we can all be grateful for. Being thankful makes your life better in more ways than we could ever cover in our podcast. On...

Anger, aggressive behavior, and conflict is on the rise among drivers, coworkers, all over social media, and even within families — locally where we are based in Allentown, PA and the Lehigh Valley area — and also worldwide. There are scientific studies that prove this, but even setting those aside it’s very apparent that aggression is rampant. Aggressive behavior sneaks up on you when you're least expecting it It’s easier said than done, but we must strive to ignore what other people...

This episode is especially for anyone in a leadership position — teachers, coaches, managers, etc. It's a great reminder that by helping others — YOU will be more fulfilled. Conversely, by taking care of yourself — THOSE AROUND YOU will be more fulfilled. Again, the duality of yin and yang is present. Raul and Julie, husband and wife, are two martial arts students from HKA. They join Sensei Hoover and Steve Mittman to talk about the opportunities teachers have to change lives. Julie has been a t...