by Gene Crawford | Dec 15, 2025 | Podcast
In this powerful Warrior Mindset episode, we explore the idea of breaking barrier; physical, psychological, cultural, and institutional. From Miyamoto Musashi to Harriet Tubman, Bass Reeves to Kyle Maynard, we dissect what makes a true warrior: relentless discipline, adaptive thinking, and the refusal to accept limits.
These warriors didn’t just fight battles, they redefined the battlefield. Whether you’re navigating internal struggles or societal expectations, this episode challenges you to confront what’s holding you back and break through it with clarity, purpose, and grit. Adapt faster. Endure longer. Think deeper. This is how legends are made.
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by Gene Crawford | Dec 8, 2025 | Podcast
Combat sports offer far more than physical conditioning. They give people structure, community, and a brutally honest way to face themselves. Many who struggle with anxiety, depression, or identity issues find stability through training because progress is undeniable and earned. Combat sports replace stigma with connection, giving people a place to fail safely and rebuild confidence. For some, the discipline and consistency found on the mats becomes a lifeline that modern life no longer provides.
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by Gene Crawford | Dec 1, 2025 | Podcast
This episode dives deep into the hidden link between anxiety and status obsession, drawing from martial arts culture, personal stories, and a revealing Men’s Health article. We explore how fear, aggression, and substance abuse often mask insecurity, especially in sparring environments. Through the lens of martial arts training, stoic philosophy, and 25 years of gym leadership, we offer strategies for facing anxiety with purpose, not ego. From bullying scars to business stress, we show how energy, preparation, and authenticity can transform fear into strength. This is your guide to embracing discomfort, fostering accountability, and rejecting performative masculinity.
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by Gene Crawford | Nov 3, 2025 | Podcast
Technology is evolving faster than our understanding of it. In this episode, Shekeese and I dive into the creative and ethical tensions shaping today’s digital world. We examine how nonprofits, designers, and educators wrestle with AI-generated art versus original creativity, revealing why comprehension matters more than speed. Drawing parallels between AI mastery and martial-arts discipline, we argue that foundational knowledge must precede innovation. We contrast hustle-culture pressures, echoed by voices like Gary V., with the virtue of deliberate practice and media literacy. From rebranding challenges to copyright debates around music, NFTs, and AI, we explore ownership, authenticity, and regulation in a world where creativity and technology collide. This is a deep look at mastery, understanding, and responsible progress in the digital age.
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by Gene Crawford | Oct 20, 2025 | Podcast
Modern society stands at a crossroads between integrity and adaptation. In this episode, we explore whether evolving cultural norms erode traditional virtues across martial arts, entrepreneurship, and politics. Drawing from the voices of the great Stoics, we examine how societal pressure challenges long-held standards and values. We then uncover the essence of the warrior ethos, rooted in wisdom, justice, fortitude, and temperance, through examples from Gladiator, Naruto, and real-world practice. We dissect leadership in the modern age, contrasting authenticity with performative virtue. From Marcus Aurelius to today’s influencers, we reveal how social media often rewards image over integrity, urging a return to genuine strength and disciplined conviction.
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