by Gene Crawford | Jun 16, 2025 | Podcast
Let’s unpack the power of intentional pause—how stepping back from distractions, toxic relationships, and the nonstop grind can spark surprising clarity and personal growth. Inspired by Mark Manson and grounded in real-life stories, we explore setting boundaries, embracing silence, and knowing when to walk away, or dig in. From parenting lessons to internet drama, we tackle the mental toll of energy drains and the value of strategic thinking in both relationships and work. Humor meets hard truths as we confront chaos, cut through the noise, and find strength in choosing peace over performance.
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by Gene Crawford | Jun 9, 2025 | Podcast
In this episode, we dive into the story of Zach Smith, co-founder of Anywhere.com, a travel company built on connection, resilience, and intention. Zach shares how a chance encounter in Costa Rica led to a business that now crafts immersive, locally guided journeys in developing countries. We explore how Anywhere.com fosters global understanding, the grit it took to overcome legal threats, and the strategy behind its growth. Zach also opens up about staying grounded through physical fitness and real-world engagement. His perspective challenges us to lead with presence, embrace cultural curiosity, and build something meaningful through persistence and purpose.
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by Gene Crawford | Jun 2, 2025 | Podcast
In this Debrief episode, we kick off with the bizarre trend of men shaving their eyelashes, a quirky gateway into a deeper discussion about how AI might be dulling our problem-solving and empathetic abilities. From there, we confront social media’s culture of complaint, emphasizing the value of personal accountability and small, consistent action. Shifting to leadership, we question the obsession with KPIs, advocating instead for empathy-driven innovation. Finally, inspired by figures like Anthony Mackie, we explore modern masculinity, physical readiness, and the power of using digital platforms for growth. Tune in for sharp insights on staying human in a hyper-digital world.
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by Gene Crawford | May 26, 2025 | Podcast
We’re talking with Bill Phillips; retired Navy Commander, cancer survivor, and founder of the KFG Project. After a stage three colorectal cancer diagnosis, Bill leaned on the mental tools forged in military service to navigate the fight of his life. We explore how his mantra “Keep F*ing Going” became a lifeline and mission, now driving KFG’s work supporting veterans and first responders through cancer recovery. Bill shares raw insights on purpose after service, resilience through chaos, and the power of presence. This is a powerful conversation about grit, healing, and building a legacy through hardship.
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by Gene Crawford | May 19, 2025 | Podcast
Discover how to build mental resilience by adopting five powerful habits drawn from warriors like Jocko Willink, Miyamoto Musashi, and David Goggins. In this episode, we explore the strength of discipline over motivation, the value of voluntary hardship, and the role of self-reflection through tools like journaling and Naikan. Learn how digital detoxes and strategic disconnection can sharpen your focus, and why community support—or disciplined solitude, builds long-term grit. Whether you’re training your body or your mind, these foundational habits will help you forge unshakable mental armor and thrive in a world that demands clarity, strength, and resilience.
Distraction is the enemy of clarity
“You can’t sharpen your sword in a hurricane. And yet, most people live in one — a digital storm of alerts, opinions, fake urgency, and dopamine bait. Warriors think differently. We disconnect to reconnect.
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