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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by Gene Crawford | Aug 20, 2024 | Podcast
What does it take to truly command respect without coming off as arrogant? Uncover the secrets behind this delicate balance in our latest episode. We dive into the essence of respect in communication, sharing personal stories and valuable insights on empathy, active listening, and politeness. From meeting new people to professional interactions, find out how these foundational elements can shape and elevate your connections.
We also touch on the balance between expecting respectful interactions and avoiding an entitled attitude. Authenticity and respect in interactions are more than just concepts—they are practices we can master. We share insights from various settings, including concerts and gyms, emphasizing the power of genuine actions over fear-based respect. Reflecting on the importance of self-awareness and adaptability, especially in professional and martial arts contexts, we highlight how these principles can help maintain positive relationships.
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by Gene Crawford | Apr 29, 2024 | Podcast
Success is often clouded by self-doubt and the fear of being exposed as an imposter. In this latest episode Greg and I discuss overcoming these fears through authenticity and vulnerability.
We share our experiences with imposter syndrome and discuss the impact of societal pressures and curated social media. We offer insights from our backgrounds in business, martial arts, real estate, providing strategies to help you fight self-doubt.
We examine the role of external validation and emphasize the importance of internal metrics, highlighting Gary Vaynerchuk’s and Dr. Sean Pastuch’s insights. We define imposter syndrome and its various types, using personal stories to illustrate our journey through self-acceptance.
One significant takeaway is the struggle with pricing our worth. We discuss how the tension between commercial success and artistic integrity can fuel imposter feelings, especially when it comes to pricing and negotiation. We stress the importance of valuing one’s work and charging what one is truly worth.
Remember, imposter syndrome doesn’t define you. It’s a shared experience, and by confronting it with honesty and courage, we can all emerge victorious.
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by Gene Crawford | Apr 8, 2024 | Podcast
It’s time to dig into the ‘Flow State‘, that magical realm where passion and performance dance in perfect harmony. In this episode Greg and I talk through the art and science of optimal experience, where you can achieve peak performance not only in your professional life but also in your daily activities and hobbies.
Let’s break down the myth of multitasking and the paradox of self-awareness, shall we? It turns out, multitasking might not be the productivity hack we once thought it was. Instead, we learn that creating environments conducive to deep work is what leads to those breakthrough moments of innovation. We’ll look at how mindfulness and viewing failure as feedback can become gateways to achieving and sustaining flow. It’s all about the balance between skill and challenge, and how mindfulness practices can equip you to harness this powerful state of mind. Whether you’re crafting a masterpiece or crunching numbers, discovering how to cultivate conditions for flow can reshape the way you approach your passions and projects.
Here’s a sneak peek into some of the key moments from the episode:
- Exploring the Power of Flow State
- Characteristics of Flow State
- Finding and Sustaining Flow State
- Achieving Flow State in Work
- Achieving Flow State Through Mindfulness
Tune in, get inspired, and start your own journey to mastering flow state. Remember, focus on what matters, stay dedicated to your growth, and you’ll find yourself in the zone more often than not. Happy listening!
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by Gene Crawford | Mar 11, 2024 | Podcast
There are journeys that challenge the body, and then there are those that transform the soul. In this captivating episode we’re taken along on one such transformative journey—the Camino de Santiago.
The episode unfolds with Andrew Askins, where his tale becomes more than just an exploration of an ancient trail; it’s a testament to the bonds of friendship and the birth of unexpected passions. Andrew’s account of his spiritual and physical pilgrimage along the ancient Camino de Santiago reveals a profound truth: resilience and camaraderie are transformative powers that guide us through life’s challenging paths.
What is it about the Camino that inspires such profound reflection? Perhaps it’s the shared struggle, a “trauma bonding” of sorts, as Andrew suggests. There’s something about enduring the grueling task of a 500-mile hike that fosters deep connections, akin to those forged in the disciplined practice of martial arts or the challenges of running a business.
The episode is a call to embrace minimalism and the essence of life unveiled on an ancient trek of transformation. As Andrew shares reflections on the Camino, we’re reminded of the importance of taking a break to reset not just our minds but also our hearts. It’s an invitation to step off the beaten path and discover that the most rewarding destinations often lie beyond the familiar.
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