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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by Gene Crawford | Sep 15, 2025 | Podcast
Unlock the foundations of an unbreakable mindset through the discipline-driven philosophies of Jocko Willink, Miyamoto Musashi, and David Goggins. This episode dives deep into the power of consistent daily action, waking early, making your bed, checking your gear, as the building blocks of real mental toughness. We explore how embracing voluntary hardship, journaling for self-awareness, and strategic digital detoxes can strengthen your resolve and clarity. Motivation fades, but discipline endures. Whether you’re chasing mastery or simply trying to show up stronger every day, this episode offers a roadmap to resilience and a call to take ownership of your mind, your habits, and your legacy.
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by Gene Crawford | Sep 8, 2025 | Podcast
Step into the world of martial arts as we explore the classic debate of grapplers versus strikers, diving into the strengths of jiu-jitsu, boxing, and Muay Thai while showing how blending disciplines creates well-rounded fighters. Through personal stories and humorous gym anecdotes, we reveal how martial artists mature, discovering that no style stands alone. We also highlight the colorful chaos of Street Beefs alongside the composed legacy of UFC legend Demetrius Johnson, touching on shark tanking challenges, cauliflower ear, and the enduring role of respect and humility in training. Finally, we defend foundational jiu-jitsu practices, unpack cultural taboos around belt progression, and reflect on coaching philosophies from Chad Wright to Bob Hurley, emphasizing perseverance, standards, and traditional martial values.
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by Gene Crawford | Aug 18, 2025 | Podcast
A wide-ranging episode featuring Mark Devine and Tony Blauer as we explore the power of intuition, from sensing danger in self-defense to reading subtle social cues in daily life. We then dive into how social media has redefined fame, examining the antics of Elon Musk and Kevin Durant to show how platforms manufacture virality and blur the line between notoriety and influence. Shifting gears, we unpack marketing’s obsession with buzz over clarity, using American Eagle’s Sydney Sweeney campaign as a case study, and discuss Gen Z’s workplace challenges with feedback and fundamentals. We round out with humorous takes on persistent sales tactics and Mark Zuckerberg’s martial arts pursuits, blending insight, critique, and a dash of levity.
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by Gene Crawford | Aug 11, 2025 | Podcast
Aaron and I explore Elon Musk’s controversial productivity methods, cutting meetings, ditching jargon, and challenging workplace hierarchies, alongside the importance of structure and respect. Shifting to martial arts, we unpack the controversy of Moneyberg’s rapid black belt and contrast it with Helena Crevar’s inspiring rise under John Danaher. Featuring insights from Secret Service veteran Scott Bryson, we share self-defense strategies, mindset tools, and training frameworks that build real-world awareness. This episode delivers hard-hitting lessons on leadership, integrity, and personal growth, on and off the mat.
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