by Gene Crawford | Feb 2, 2026 | Podcast
Modern life is designed to eliminate friction. Faster apps. Fewer clicks. Instant results. But what does that cost us?
In this episode of Warrior Mindset, Gene and Aaron unpack the idea of friction by design and why effort, resistance, and intentional obstacles are essential for awareness, discipline, and growth. Drawing from martial training, stoic philosophy, and real-world experience, they explore the difference between useful friction that builds presence and pointless suffering that wastes energy. This is a conversation about discipline, attention, and why ease isn’t always progress.
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by Gene Crawford | Jan 26, 2026 | Podcast
Modern masculinity is stuck repeating ancient mistakes. By examining Achilles, Odysseus, and Beowulf, this episode breaks down three powerful warrior archetypes, and the predictable ways they fail. Rage, endurance, and legacy all matter, but none of them work alone.
In this episode, we cover:
Why being “dangerous” isn’t the same as being strong
How rage, endurance, and legacy each become traps
The three phases most men never progress through
Why leadership without succession always fails
What a mature warrior mindset actually looks like today
If you care about discipline, leadership, self-mastery, and building something that outlasts you, this episode is for you.The real lesson is integration, restraint, and succession.
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by Gene Crawford | Dec 29, 2025 | Podcast
This is a quieter Warrior Mindset episode about energy, restraint, and what changes after years of responsibility.
Endurance matters early. But mastery demands precision. Stoic philosophy and warrior traditions don’t teach endless effort, they teach economy.
If you’ve felt less patient, less willing to waste energy, and more intolerant of inefficiency, you’re not breaking. You’re sharpening.
This episode explores:
- Why wasted energy becomes the real enemy
- The three phases of responsibility and mastery
- Stoic discipline, frame-holding, and economy of force
- Why resentment is a signal, not a failure
- Restraint as strength under control
- This lesson only shows up after years of carrying weight.
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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 | Dec 16, 2024 | Podcast
Join us for an exhilarating conversation with Dan Jackson, fresh off his National Championship Grid win. We celebrate his team’s groundbreaking success as the first outside Florida to win since the league went national, reflecting on their five-year journey, the challenges they overcame, and the promising future of the sport of Grid. We also spotlight his remarkable comeback, insights from preseason camps, and the intense mental and physical demands of Grid and combat sports. Finally, we delve into CrossFit’s evolving landscape, athlete coaching dynamics, and the expanding culture of competitive fitness.
Dan Jackson – danejack61612
Head Coach – @atlantawild
Swim Coach – @kennesaw_masters_swim
Swim Coach – Direct Current Swimming
M. Ed. Coach Education and Athlete Development
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