Podcast Episodes

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...

We all need something that comforts us. If you don’t have someone, something, or some place — you MUST find one. Having a source of comfort allows one to handle uncomfortable moments. Just like the song “Turn! Turn! Turn!” says, “There is a season (Turn, Turn, Turn), and a time to every purpose under Heaven” — there is a time to be a “tough guy or gal” and a time to not be. Being kind, compassionate, loving, thoughtful, and considerate, does NOT make one any less tough. In fact, embracing those ...

It's Sensei Hoover's birthday — and being the kind of guy he is, his idea of celebrating is working on becoming a better person and helping others do the same. He and Steve Mittman are joined once again by Frank Grigoli. They all share thoughts on ways we can fix some of the problems in the world today. Hear the following and more: The paraphrased version of a statement Mother Teresa made — “I was once asked why I don't participate in anti-war demonstrations. I said that I will never do t...

You can’t respect others until you respect yourself, and that begins with respecting your own body. Martial arts exist to strengthen and preserve our minds, our bodies, and our spirits — not tear them down. While we are the first to say hardship builds character — and just like muscles, sometimes things need to be broken down in order to grow stronger — we’ve seen many regret wearing out their bodies simply for ego and financial gain. Unfortunately, that’s what primarily is being promoted with t...

We’ve talked before about becoming comfortable in your own skin and how to deal with uncomfortable situations. “Owning your space” is self-explanatory when it comes to the physical. If someone invades your space with intent to harm your physical body — it’s obvious that self-defense could, and should, be used. No one has the right to touch you with bad intent, and certainly not hurt you — physically. But think about this. On a metaphysical level, how often do you let people “hurt” you? Make no ...

Get comfortable feeling uncomfortable. EMBRACE being uncomfortable — and find a way to make it comfortable Getting out of your comfort zone is the ONLY way to get more out of life, to be successful, or to possibly get out of a rut Contrary to what you might believe — happy, content, passionate, successful people are not always comfortable Becoming comfortable in your own skin and becoming stronger — is only achieved by forcing yourself to deal with uncomfortable situations “The ...

Our motto with Attack Life, Not Others is Mind, Body, Spirit — meaning one must be equally well-conditioned in all 3 of these areas in order to attack life and thrive. Mind and Body are both pretty straightforward, yet we often get asked about the Spirit. What is it? Does it have to do with religion. Can one have spiritual strength without being religious? In this very brief, yet profound episode, Sensei Hoover talks about: Find your faith — find your purpose — find your life We were ...

Sensei Hoover and Steve Mittman talk about anticipation. Is anticipating something good, bad, or neither? Anticipation leads to preparedness. Preparedness allows one to handle a situation more effectively. It puts time on one's side. Time is the most valuable commodity anyone has. With more time we have more distance. With more distance there is greater security and safety. That equals a greater quality of life. As with everything discussed on Attack Life, Not Others — this applies to everything...

Sensei Hoover and Steve Mittman talk about Combat Chaos™ — the self-protection/self-defense curriculum Steve instructs at HKA. Then they get into the difference between sparring in a respectful, controlled, class environment and a real fight — where it can be pure chaos with all kinds of uncontrollable variables. While on the surface, this may seem strictly “martial arts talk” — remember practically everything discussed on this show can be carried over to everyday living. For instance, whether w...

As we've discussed before, in addition to Hoover Karate Academy, Sensei Hoover owns and operates a private detective agency — Confidential Investigations, Inc. He shares a recent occurrence where the situation could have ended much differently. It's a perfect example of our CEE principle in action. You might not be a private investigator, but it's safe to say you could find many things in your day-to-day activities where CEE could improve your life, increase your efficiency and effectiveness, an...

"Never forget where you came from — but don't let that stop you from where you're going." Hear a story that was told to Sensei Hoover by one of his instructors decades ago. You'll see how profound it is and why it has stuck with him all these years. Sensei Hoover also talks about some memories from one of his belt tests as he was ranking up to eventually become a black belt in Tae Kwon Do. If for no other reason, listen to hear how moisture from a toilet played a part in getting him through t...

A couple guests — Frank and Jim — share a story and how they've learned to deal with altercations that have the potential to escalate. Like what you hear? Rate and review by clicking here, then “View in iTunes” and go to Ratings and Reviews