Attack Life Not Others
395 episodes - English - Latest episode: 16 days ago - ★★★★★ - 24 ratingsWe all have an enemy within ourselves that must be defeated. Don't deny that. Realize it. Accept it. Own it. Learn to focus that energy and become a powerful, peaceful warrior — a better, stronger person.
Tim Hoover and Steve Mittman, lifelong martial artists, kick around things like 𝗰𝗼𝗻𝗳𝗶𝗱𝗲𝗻𝗰𝗲, 𝗰𝗼𝗻𝘀𝗶𝘀𝘁𝗲𝗻𝗰𝘆, 𝗰𝗼𝘂𝗿𝗮𝗴𝗲, 𝗱𝗶𝘀𝗰𝗶𝗽𝗹𝗶𝗻𝗲, 𝗳𝗮𝗶𝘁𝗵, 𝗿𝗶𝘁𝘂𝗮𝗹𝘀, 𝘀𝗲𝗹𝗳-𝗿𝗲𝘀𝗽𝗲𝗰𝘁, and more — in a way that's appreciated by everyone. Martial artist or not, 𝘁𝗵𝗶𝘀 𝗽𝗼𝗱𝗰𝗮𝘀𝘁 𝘄𝗶𝗹𝗹 𝗶𝗺𝗽𝗿𝗼𝘃𝗲 𝘆𝗼𝘂𝗿 𝗹𝗶𝗳𝗲. Together, we'll 𝘼𝙩𝙩𝙖𝙘𝙠 𝙇𝙄𝙁𝙀, 𝙉𝙤𝙩 𝙊𝙩𝙝𝙚𝙧𝙨!
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Episodes
Ep 244 - Man's Best Friend
October 06, 2022 07:30 - 4 minutes - 4.71 MBLast year Tim and Steve talked about Lessons We Can Learn From Dogs. On this brief episode Tim reflects further about “Man’s Best Friend” and how it’s a good thing they can’t speak. He brings up deception, communication, body language, and more.
Ep 243 - Cause and Effect
September 30, 2022 02:51 - 9 minutes - 8.91 MBTim and Steve talk more about The Ripple Effect including: Inspire before you expire What you do for others stays behind Some decisions are easy, some are not The theory of Karma, the cycle of cause and effect Make a conscious effort to help others and do the right thing
Ep 242 - Do You Really Want to "Live in The Moment?"
September 22, 2022 20:50 - 9 minutes - 9.21 MBTom Parker, Tim, and Steve talk about being in the moment. Certainly there’s value to being aware, being present, and being mindful. But living in the moment is not always attainable — and we might not desire it as much as we’re led to think we should with how often the mantra is used. That and more is on this episode.
Ep 241 - Do You Have What It Takes?
September 15, 2022 14:27 - 15 minutes - 14.6 MBYou can’t give what you don’t have. No matter what it is — if you don’t have it, you can’t give it. The more you strive to get it, the more elusive it may become. It is many things. It is all good. It is what Bernie, Tim, and Steve talk about this week. It needs to be pursued It is having awareness It is compassion It is confidence It is gratitude It is energy It is grace It is love. It’s simple: First you must have love for yourself before you can have love for others.
Ep 240 - The Only Easy Day Was Yesterday
September 08, 2022 07:30 - 7 minutes - 7.34 MB“The only easy day was yesterday” — US Navy SEALs This mantra should instill true hope in us. We say true hope because the only thing worse than no hope is false hope. We should all strive to have positive outlooks. But we also must be grounded in reality. Expecting no obstacles is not realistic, and that sets you up for failure. Alternatively, if you wake up realizing there's a good chance there for challenges and obstacles in the coming day — you will be better prepared to handle whate...
Ep 239 - Nothing but The Truth
August 30, 2022 16:34 - 2 minutes - 2.26 MBIn this brief, yet profound episode, Tim talks about the truth. First, what is truth? "A man who lies to himself, and believes his own lies, becomes unable to recognize truth, either in himself or in anyone else." — Fyodor Dostoyevsky From Britannica: Truth is the aim of belief; falsity is a fault. People need the truth about the world in order to thrive. Truth is important. Believing what is not true is apt to spoil people’s plans and may even cost them their lives. Telling what is not ...
Ep 238 - Stick with Principles, Improve Everyone's Lives
August 25, 2022 07:30 - 6 minutes - 6.26 MBA couple weeks ago, Tim Hawk, Tim Hoover, and Steve Mittman discussed some differences between principles and trends. Some trends can be good, but it's principles that most often help you and those around you live a better life. This is Part 2 from that conversation — basic, yet profound: Principles can have long-term effects There are mental, physical, and spiritual principles Some of these “eternal” concepts apply to your mind, body, and spirit all together Embracing tried-and-true, ...
Ep 237 - Maintain Your Vehicle
August 18, 2022 07:30 - 9 minutes - 8.93 MBYour martial arts training becomes a vehicle — allowing you to experience things in life that you may not have been able to access otherwise. All things at some points hit plateaus. If it's a priority for you, and you value its purpose, you need to push through. Martial arts is exactly that — an “art.” It becomes YOUR art. It becomes YOUR vehicle. Maintain your vehicle. It will take you many places.
Ep 236 - Principles vs Trends
August 11, 2022 17:29 - 8 minutes - 8.19 MBPrinciples stand the test of time. Trends, similar to fads, come and go. Principles are fundamental truths that serve as the foundation for systems of belief or behavior. Trends are the directions in which things develop or change. In martial arts — and life in general — time and trust are two of the major differences between principles and trends. Some trends can be good, but it's principles that most often help you live a life with greater pride and fulfillment. Tim Hawk joins Tim Hoov...
Ep 236 - Principles vs Trends
August 11, 2022 17:29Principles stand the test of time. Trends, similar to fads, come and go. Principles are fundamental truths that serve as the foundation for systems of belief or behavior. Trends are the directions in which things develop or change. In martial arts — and life in general — time and trust are two of the major differences between principles and trends. Some trends can be good, but it's principles that most often help you live a life with greater pride and fulfillment. Tim Hawk joins Tim Hoov...
Ep 235 - Big Things Start with Little Words
August 04, 2022 07:30 - 6 minutes - 6.24 MBTim shares a recent experience where the wrong words were spoken. "Words have meaning and names have power." — Author Unknown "Action speaks louder than words but not nearly as often." — Mark Twain “I AM: Two of the most powerful words, for what you put after them shapes your reality” — Gary Hensel "Some day we’ll be able to measure the power of words … They get on the walls. They get in your wallpaper. They get in your rugs, in your upholstery, and your clothes, and finally in to yo...
Ep 234 - Attack Life with Good Nutrients
July 28, 2022 07:30 - 13 minutes - 12.3 MBTo attack life you must stay physically active with at least some type of exercise. Chelsea Hoover, MS, RD, LDN from Fuel for Thought Nutrition tells us how get the most out of whatever activity it is that you do — martial arts, running, strength training, etc. She talks about coconut water and other natural sources of electrolytes, omega 3s for your joints, beetroot juice, and more.
Ep 233 - Find Your Network
July 21, 2022 07:30 - 4 minutes - 4.51 MBOn this episode Dave, Tim, and Steve discuss the importance of finding a "second" family. Surround yourself with like-minded individuals. Or better yet — surround yourself with positive people who uplift and empower you, and perhaps those you aspire to be like. "Show me your friends and I’ll show you your future." — Dan Peña “You are the average of the five people you spend the most time with.” — Jim Rohn
Ep 232 - Finding Your Authentic Self
July 14, 2022 23:06 - 15 minutes - 14.3 MBOn this episode Tom, Tim, and Steve discuss these things and more: A reason, season, and a lifetime The importance of finding your true, authentic self What might be the most engaging aspect of a person The question Tom almost always asked a job applicant How we have a lot of false images and projections of people The Scorpion and Frog fable which teaches that a bad person can’t resist their true self “Don’t try to be someone or something you’re not — it’s just a waste of time in whic...
Ep 231 - 18 Spiritual Practices for Personal Renewal
July 07, 2022 07:30 - 14 minutes - 13.5 MBLast week Tom, Tim, and Steve discussed the book Sacred Pauses by April Yamasaki. This is Part 2 from that conversation. As Yamasaki says — in a fast-paced world full of distractions, these pauses offer ways to find everyday personal renewal. How many of these 18 "Pauses" are part of your life? Creating space Slowing down Becoming quiet Engaging scripture Praying it like it is Getting outside Being alone without being lonely Valuing relationships Giving Praying the Lord's Prayer...
Ep 230 - Are You Juggling Too Many Balls?
June 30, 2022 07:30 - 10 minutes - 9.94 MBDo you feel stuck in the rat race? Are you unhappily going through the motions in life — feeling unfulfilled, unchallenged, and uninspired? Do you feel as if you're not accomplishing anything unless you're constantly busy? Tom Parker joins Tim and Steve in the first of several episodes discussing "Sacred Pauses" and the importance of creating a type of oasis from the chaos and busyness of life. “And you may find yourself living in a shotgun shack And you may find yourself in another par...
Ep 229 - Girl Power
June 23, 2022 13:21 - 12 minutes - 11.5 MBAnna — a black belt student who has been training for over 20 years — joins Tim and Steve to discuss some of the differences between women and men training in the dojo: There are no weight divisions or gender divisions in life — life is not fair Women often have a disadvantage in the dojo when training with men Many men can learn a thing or two from women in the dojo Frustration is a part of our lives — we must deal with it “There's something so special about a woman who dominates in a ...
Ep 228 - The Touchstones of Goodness
June 16, 2022 07:30 - 5 minutes - 5.74 MB2 weeks ago Marc, Tim, and Steve discussed Marcus Aurelius and the Touchstones of Goodness. This is Part 2 from that conversation. More on Marcus Aurelius is discussed, and much of it you can read below. We also talk about: The importance of finding a community where positive growth is cultivated Creating a “current” — a flow of what it is you ultimately want through consistency Marcus Aurelius called them the “Touchstones of Goodness” — Courage, Temperance, Justice, Wisdom. These are g...
Ep 227 - Replace Fear with Hope, Faith, and Love
June 09, 2022 07:30 - 5 minutes - 5.43 MBTim and Steve talk about the abundance of fear right now. It’s time to replace fear with: Hope Truth Faith Love fearmonger | (ˈfɪərˌmʌŋɡər) (noun) — someone who deliberately spreads fear among people
Ep 226 - Courage, Justice, Temperance, Wisdom
June 02, 2022 07:30 - 5 minutes - 5.1 MBMarc Berardinelli, Tim, and Steve discuss Marcus Aurelius and the Touchstones of Goodness: Many call them “cardinal virtues” — they have been adopted by Christianity, most of the Western world, as well as Buddhism, Hinduism, and just about every other philosophy They’re called “cardinal" because they originate from the Latin cardo which means hinge It’s pivotal stuff — the hardware upon which the door to the "good life" hangs
Ep 225 - Moments of Compassion Require Courage
May 26, 2022 15:09 - 5 minutes - 5.38 MBThere must be a strength that comes from your heart to stand up to the world and still do good things Courage is built around Faith Courage and Faith together create Compassion
Ep 224 - The Slow Horse Ultimately Wins
May 19, 2022 07:30 - 13 minutes - 12.6 MBBob Vidoni joins Tim and Steve to discuss one of his favorite profound excerpts from Zen Mind, Beginner's Mind — the book of teachings by the late Shunryu Suzuki. We should always strive to be the best we can be, however, "the best" is relative. If you think you're always going to "win" simply because you're the best, you'll be mistaken. Overcome the pain and grow through facing obstacles There's always going to be something that knocks us back Slow down and don't worry about being the "...
Ep 223 - Lose So That You Win
May 12, 2022 07:30 - 5 minutes - 5.04 MBTim and Steve talk about sparring in the dojo. When people fight in a controlled atmosphere it’s often best to use that experience to grow from — rather than win. It’s about embracing and purposely losing in the short term — in order to win in the long run. It’s our “Ninja vs Samurai” concept. There’s a time and place for each.
Ep 222 - Random Thoughts on Confidence, Fear, and More
May 05, 2022 19:12 - 14 minutes - 13.3 MBSome of the profound thoughts Bernie, Tim, and Steve share: Strive to not take things personally, and not be concerned with being popular Own your thoughts, your words, and your space — stop renting these Confidence must grow in all different types of situations Controlling fear is a lifelong struggle
Ep 221 - It's Good Until It's Not
April 28, 2022 07:30 - 11 minutes - 10.9 MBBernie, Tim, and Steve talk about: A simple way to take conflict out of discussions How you are responsible for yourself — and that is all How controlling your ego allows you to make good choices
Ep 220 - Joy and Pain are like Sunshine and Rain
April 21, 2022 07:30 - 7 minutes - 7.31 MBLike the song “Joy and Pain” this episode reminds us that life’s beauty often comes after pain. Learn through your mistakes One of the biggest fears people have is failure You've got to experience failure before you can succeed Sometimes you must taste the “sour” before you can enjoy the “sweet” “Joy and pain are like sunshine and rain Over and over you can be sure There will be sorrow but you will endure Where there's a flower there's the sun and the rain Oh and it's wonderful they...
Ep 219 - Be Real, Set Yourself Free
April 14, 2022 07:30 - 8 minutes - 8.37 MBPat Shea has more guts than most. His courage to share a social media post is commendable. It might be what you need to hear. It will resonate with a lot of people, but very few would be as brave to admit the things he says. Listen to this episode and let us know if you can relate. “The most important day is the day you decide that you're good enough for you. It's the day you set yourself free.” — Brittany Josephina
Ep 218 - To Make a Difference You've Got to Be Different
April 07, 2022 07:30 - 6 minutes - 5.91 MBWhen you want to become great, when you want to make a difference in people's lives, when you want to live a purposeful life — things happen when you want them as much as you want to breathe. Hear the story about the football coach and the aspiring athlete. “If you desire to make a difference in the world, you must be different from the world.” — Elaine S Dalton On this episode we talk about choices, grit, discipline, willpower, and more.
Ep 217 - Let's Create What It Is We DO Want
March 31, 2022 07:30 - 3 minutes - 3.74 MBThe way you think, the words you speak, and the actions you take — it's all energy. Focus your energy on what you want, rather than what you're looking to avoid. "I will never attend an anti-war rally. If you have a peace rally, invite me." — Mother Teresa
Ep 216 - Martial Arts Training is Unique and Not For Everyone
March 24, 2022 07:30 - 6 minutes - 6.4 MBTim and Steve talk about how training in the martial arts is unique to other forms of physical exercise. Some of what's discussed includes: Martial arts training "rewires your brain" No place for electronics — you're "unplugged" Relationships are not only mandatory, but necessary A unique way to approach mental focus and spiritual awareness Eliminating external noise and dealing with real distractions that are within you “Any man could, if he were so inclined, be the sculptor of his ow...
Ep 215 - Teaching, Preaching, Reaching
March 17, 2022 23:58 - 13 minutes - 13 MBSteve Fleisher joins Tim and Steve. When people ask exactly what it is he does, he tells them he does a little teaching, a little preaching, and a little reaching. Some of the topics include: “Top of the Main Line to the bottom of the drain line” If you can put a price tag on something, it's not that valuable Who is rich? A rich person is one who is content with what they have It’s the intangibles that have the greatest value: life, love, health, family, friendship, happiness, time, and ...
Ep 214 - There Are No Shortcuts for Hard Work
March 10, 2022 13:42 - 13 minutes - 12.8 MBKevin McGee joins Tim and Steve. Some of the topics discussed include: Forget the phrase “It is what it is” — because it is what you make it A warrior shows up and puts in the hard work Become comfortable and confident Reading people “A warrior doesn’t seek pain, but if pain comes, he uses it.” — Dan Millman "If you want to see the sunshine, you have to weather the storm." — Frank Lane
Ep 213 - Community, Camaraderie, and Contribution
March 03, 2022 08:30 - 7 minutes - 7.18 MBIf we've said it once, we've said it a thousand times: Life is about choices. You and those around you will live a fuller, richer life, and perhaps discover the reason you're here if you decide to: Become a better person Become more responsible for your own actions Learn to acknowledge the noise and distractions and let them go “We rise by lifting others.” — Robert Ingersoll
Ep 212 - Acknowledge the Distraction, Then Let Go
February 24, 2022 08:30 - 8 minutes - 7.59 MBDo an online search on “how to focus” and you’ll find many “expert” blogs recommending to get rid of distractions. Good luck with that! You’ll NEVER be able to eliminate all distractions life throws at you. Paul Vrabel discusses realistic ways to improve your focus: Focus on one thing at a time Don’t get wrapped up in what could be Focus on the problem in front of you and work it Acknowledge the distraction, let it go, and come back to where you are in the moment
Ep 211 - Bruce Lee was NOT a Black Belt?!
February 17, 2022 18:05 - 8 minutes - 7.74 MB<>A means to an end helps achieve what you want, although it may not be valued or important itself. Tim and Steve suggest examining your motives, goals, and priorities in your life. Are you doing something to ultimately achieve a goal? Or because it's what you're "supposed to do" according to society and culture? The answer to this will determine where your energy is focused and if you're living the life you want — or the life others tell you that you want. In other words, are you driven i...
Ep 210 - In a Dark Time, the Eye Begins to See
February 10, 2022 08:30 - 4 minutes - 4.2 MBThere is no doubt we are living through a dark time. As Theodore Roethke wrote: “In a dark time, the eye begins to see …” Collectively, our eyes are opening up to the external world. Individually, we are seeing into our subconscious more. Many are now questioning things that before we just accepted — how we think, how we act and react, and our neuro-linguistic programming (NLP). There’s a better understanding that the animal we feed will be in charge of our lives. This is similar to last...
Ep 209 - The Choice is Yours to Make
February 03, 2022 08:30 - 6 minutes - 6.18 MBTim and Steve share a story with a duck and an eagle. You can be either. The choice is yours. If you get up in the morning expecting to have a bad day, you’ll rarely disappoint yourself. Ducks quack and complain. Eagles soar above the crowd. Don’t be a duck. Be an eagle. “I want to fly like an eagle to the sea, fly like an eagle, let my spirit carry me” — The Steve Miller Band
Ep 208 - The Gift of Fear
January 27, 2022 08:30 - 9 minutes - 8.88 MBControlling and learning about fear and anxiety has been the topic the last couple weeks with Tim Hawk, Tim, and Steve. We continue this week with these topics and more: Fear is a gift given to us (trust your instinct) Exercise, meditation, nutrition Control your breath Build relationships
Ep 207 - Understand Fear and Anxiety So They Don't Control You
January 20, 2022 08:30 - 15 minutes - 14.4 MBLast week Tim Hawk, Tim, and Steve discussed fear. On this episode, they dive deeper into understanding anxiety (especially through the pandemic). You’ll hear things you can do to eliminate both fear and anxiety — or least control them — including: Take small acts of bravery (“bridging”) Get to know your anxiety — learn as much as you can Change your perception — at minimum confirm your perception is truthful
Ep 206 - Mad, Glad, Sad, and Afraid
January 13, 2022 08:30 - 11 minutes - 10.8 MBTim Hawk — with a background in psychology — joins Tim and Steve to discuss being afraid. Fear is a primary emotion we all experience at times, in different ways and at different levels. What can we learn from fear? How can we control it? Can it be good? Hear that and more.
Ep 205 - The Japanese Secret to a Long and Happy Life
January 06, 2022 08:30 - 13 minutes - 12.7 MBTom Parker is on to talk about ikigai — the Japanese concept of finding purpose in your life. Ikigai • 生き甲斐 • A reason for being
Ep 204 - Build Your Inner Strength for 2022
December 30, 2021 20:53 - 9 minutes - 8.68 MBEnough fear already. We’ve grown weak and it’s long past time to get our inner strength back. If you feel weak and afraid — you must replace that with hope and courage. If you feel brave and strong — you must become even stronger for others, especially children who are having an even tougher time making sense of the world right now. Our martial arts systems are reality based. We know reality. We also know fear. And we know that if you allow fear to run rampant, aggression sets in. With agg...
Ep 203 - Mushin, No Thinking or Feeling, Just Being
December 23, 2021 08:30 - 10 minutes - 9.65 MBAny boxer, martial artist, or any kind of athlete knows what it's like to be in the "zone" — where you're not thinking about the past, the future, or anything else — you're just in the moment. That's mushin. You might have experienced this while mowing the lawn, painting, or playing a musical instrument (like Eric Mintel talked about on last week's show). Mushin in Japanese is a mental state. Zen and Daoist practitioners attempt to reach this mental state during everyday activities. We a...
Ep 202 - Band of Brothers
December 16, 2021 14:24 - 9 minutes - 9.09 MBEric Mintel joins us for part 2 of our conversation. (Check out last week’s show, where we spoke about the universal rhythm and cadence in music, martial arts, and all things in life.) Find mentors that live (or have lived) the lifestyle you want (Eric credits Dave Brubeck) Prioritize your time and focus your attention (Eric credits Bruce Lee) Surround yourself with like-minded people
Ep 201 - Music to Our Ears
December 09, 2021 08:30 - 9 minutes - 8.58 MBWe’ve talked extensively about the desired balance between the "crash" and the "flow.” Homeostasis wants to occur. It can be seen all through nature, systems, structures, and relationships between all kinds of things. There’s a universal rhythm and cadence that can be found. Just by realizing that, we’re better able to navigate and “dance” through life. Jazz music might be one of the finest examples of that crash and flow at play. When a song is expertly composed and performed, we are natu...
Ep 200 - Attack Life, Not Others — What It Means To You
December 02, 2021 14:30 - 15 minutes - 14.6 MBIt’s our 200th episode! Tim and Steve talk about what Attack Life, Not Others means to them. We have an all-star cast of special guests — including Master Tim Hawk, Dr Jarrod Spencer, Chelsea Hoover, Len DiNote, and Dr Bernie. Make sure to listen all the way to the end for a surprise appearance! What does the phrase “Attack Life, Not Others” mean to you? Please tell us in the comments.
Ep 199 - Purposeful Change is About Love
November 25, 2021 08:30 - 6 minutes - 6.29 MBWe often fear change because the outcome may be unknown. However, there's a difference between just change and purposeful change. It's OK to not always be in control of things, especially when the purpose behind change is out of love for another. We can't change: The time period we were born in The location where we were born The parents who we were born from What we can do is purposely change to be a better person — and better for those around us. “You never change your life until y...
Ep 198 - Spirit of A Warrior
November 18, 2021 08:30 - 7 minutes - 6.81 MBDave Pohlmann shares an inspirational story of willpower, grit, love, and support.
Ep 197 - You Need The Crash To Have The Flow
November 11, 2021 08:30 - 8 minutes - 8.03 MBIn past episodes, we’ve discussed Bruce Lee’s famous quote pertaining to water. On one show in particular we said: “When in an adversarial situation, take the path of least resistance and ‘flow’ with it.” After contemplating that further, we clarify our thoughts on when you should and when you should not go with the flow. We want balance between the "crash" and the "flow.” Hopefully, we’ll have the right thoughts to think, the right words to speak, the right choices to make, and the right ...
Ep 196 - Character Development All Our Lives
November 05, 2021 03:00 - 10 minutes - 10.1 MBTom Parker is back to continue where he left off from last week discussing character development. What does developing your character mean? Where does one cultivate bravery, integrity, intelligence, and other traits for a winning personality — in today’s difficult world?