In this episode of "A Swift Kick in the Ass" Podcast, John interviews Carmen "The Momba" Gulliksen, a former collegiate athlete and professional boxer who has transitioned into advocating for self-defense and mental health through her leadership role at the Martial Arts Marshall Leaders Institute. They discuss Carmen's diverse background, her experiences in professional boxing, and her efforts to create resources and communities for self-defense training, particularly for women and minorities. The conversation covers the psychological and physical aspects of martial arts training, the importance of self-defense and personal growth, and Carmen's upcoming fight and organizational initiatives focused on empowering women through fitness and resilience programs.

Get her book: Author - https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0DQ1WS4S9?ref=cm_sw_r_ffobk_cp_ud_dp_WGBX3NEH2MWRCHAWS0FD&ref_=cm_sw_r_ffobk_cp_ud_dp_WGBX3NEH2MWRCHAWS0FD&social_share=cm_sw_r_ffobk_cp_ud_dp_WGBX3NEH2MWRCHAWS0FD&skipTwisterOG=1&bestFormat=true

Web: https://www.carmenthemomba.com/

Momba Merch: https://www.carmenthemomba.com/category/all-products

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/carmen.the.mom.ba/

In each episode, we bring you:

Engaging Interviews: Hear from industry experts, thought leaders, and everyday heroes who have overcome challenges and achieved greatness and get your ass moving.

Practical Tips: Get actionable advice and strategies that you can implement right away to make positive changes in your life.

Real Talk: No sugar-coating here! We are asinine about our bold desire to live on our terms and challenge conventional belief. Each episode tackles the hard truths and provides the motivation you need to push through obstacles and reach your goals.

Be Bold. Be Strong. Be Asinine! Our mascot, Assimus Maximus, symbolizes resilience and personal growth. Embrace your inner strength and join us on this journey.

Don't forget to subscribe, hit the notification bell, and leave a comment to let us know what you think. A Life on Your Terms Starts Now.

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In this episode of ASKITA, John brings Jennifer R. Levin, PhD, LMFT, FT, to the studio to discuss tragic and sudden loss.

Jennifer R. Levin, PhD, LMFT, FT, is a nationally respected grief expert and therapist specializing in sudden or unexpected loss. A licensed therapist, she is one fewer than 300 mental health professionals worldwide credentialed as a Fellow in Thanatology, the top distinction in the field of death, dying, and bereavement. For more than three decades, Dr. Levin has guided individuals and communities through the disorienting pain of traumatic grief — especially after suicide, overdose, accidents, or unexpected illness.

Her book is "The Traumatic Loss Workbook: Powerful Skills for Navigating the Grief Caused by a Sudden or Unexpected Death" (New Harbinger Publications, July 1, 2025). Designed to be both gentle and practical, the workbook offers readers clinically grounded tools based in cognitive behavioral therapy, mindfulness, and narrative therapy to stabilize and begin healing. It's a lifeline for anyone experiencing overwhelming grief and for professionals supporting them.

Dr. Levin is the founder of Traumatic Grief Solutions, a consultancy supporting companies, nonprofits and schools through proactive grief planning and crisis response; and Therapy Heals, Inc., a private therapy practice supporting individuals living with sudden or unexpected loss.. She hosts the podcast "Untethered: Healing the Pain From a Sudden Death." Learn more at TraumaticGriefSolutions.com.

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In this episode of ASKITA, John gets asinine about our personal growth as it relates to American Democracy. This is a non-partisan episode that will get you thinking about how you engage in our political system. If you are stressed, anxious and looking for like minded poeple who care about community, you especially don't want to miss it.

John introduces his long-time friend Josh Wilk, the founder of Renew Democracy 250, and shares Josh's personal story, including his father's experiences as a Holocaust survivor and Nazi hunter. Josh explains that his organization aims to honor his father's legacy by promoting democracy and fighting against tyranny, drawing parallels between his father's experiences in Nazi Germany and current political trends in the United States.

How do you think you are you going to celebrate our country's 250th anniversary? Listen to this episode and you may be kicked into action

In this episode of ASKITA, John interviews Alla Kaplan, a former stripper and current business woman, about her life experiences and podcast "The Jewish Stripper." They discuss Alla's journey from immigrating to the United States as a child to her experiences in the adult entertainment industry, her struggles with mental health and substance abuse, and her path to recovery and personal growth. The conversation touches on various topics including cultural attitudes towards stripping, misconceptions about the industry, and Alla's efforts to help others through her podcast and writing

"Be Stubborn. Be Strong. Be Asinine." perfectly encapsulates the no-excuses resilience A Swift Kick In The Ass stands for.

The phrase "Be Bold. Be Stubborn. Be Asinine." encapsulates a unique approach to life and decision-making that challenges conventional wisdom. Being bold involves taking risks and stepping out of one's comfort zone to achieve greatness. It's about having the courage to pursue dreams and the audacity to break barriers. Being stubborn, on the other hand, speaks to perseverance and unwavering determination. It's about holding onto your goals despite obstacles and naysayers. However, being asinine — typically viewed as foolish or silly — might seem counterintuitive. Yet, embracing a touch of asininity can encourage creativity and innovation, enabling one to think outside the box and approach problems from unconventional angles. While balance is key, this mantra serves as a reminder that success often requires a blend of courage, persistence, and a willingness to embrace the unexpected.

Please Like and Subscribe. It means so much. Check us out on You Tube, and all the other major social media platforms.

In this episode of ASKITA, John interviews Scott Kesson, LPC, a licensed professional counselor from Colorado, exploring Scott's background, including his experiences as a gay man, foster parent, and mental health professional spanning 35 years in various roles. The conversation highlighted Scott's resilience, growth mindset, and commitment to living life on his own terms, emphasizing the importance of pushing through difficult situations and prioritizing personal satisfaction over financial gain.

Scott is one of John's oldest friends, whom he met in college at the University of Florida in January 1985. Scott has been talked about before on this as an example of true friendship by calling out John's potentially negative path and encouraging him to act more appropriately. He gets his chance to do it again!

Scott shares his experience of losing both parents at a young age. His mother died of cancer when he was 12, and his father remarried within a year. A year after that, his father passed away from a heart attack when Scott was 14, leaving him to make funeral arrangements. Scott uses this traumatic experience as a baseline to overcome future challenges. He also describes how his family situation changed drastically within two years, going from a wealthy lifestyle to one of significant debt after his father's death. His new mother had to care for four children, including Scott and his brother, while dealing with financial difficulties.

Behind the Name

"A Swift Kick in the Ass" conveys the idea of a sudden, forceful action or reprimand intended to motivate or correct someone. This action is intended to help not hurt, in an entertaining way that aims to help people intentionally craft a way of life (or style of living) that aligns with the very essence of their mind, body and spirit by growing though your life experience.

The first A Swift Kick in The Ass podcast episode was released October 8th 2014 by two lifelong friends, John Curren and Tom Stewart, who set out to disrupt conventional belief and get people thinking about not just how to live, but rather, thrive on their terms.

In this partnership, the two lifetime friends produced over 100 episodes that have been heard in over 140 countries throughout this world.

Sadly, on August 16th, 2020, Tom (Tommy) Stewart passed away from brain cancer with his wife by his side.

Though Tom can no longer be at the microphone, it was his wish that the show go on. He felt the message was too important to be silenced.

John Curren continues to share his journey and works to motivate others to live more fully on their terms.

On this episode of ASKITA, John speaks with Bryan Driscoll, author and inventor of The Goodness Game and a passionate advocate for kindness and the power of kindness.

Bryan's life story takes us back 20 years ago when a stranger's small act of generosity changed his life by showing him that everyday actions can create ripples of positive change. This put him on a mission to help others and show how small acts can have huge impact.

If you are living a life on your terms, happiness has to be a condition you rank high on your list of priorities and this episode will give you practical ways to increase your already sunny disposition. If happiness is not high on your priorities, it should be. Life is too short. Live on your terms.

Please Like and subscribe. That would make John very happy.

Visit us at www.aswiftkickintheass.com.

the goodness game: Inspire Kindness Through Small Acts – Buy Now

#ASKITA

#Life on your Terms

#think

In this heartfelt and inspiring episode, John sits down with Jen Stewart, a long-time friend and widow of his former co-host, Tommy. Together, they delve into the depths of grief, resilience, and the power of community support.

Highlights:

• Martial Arts and Mental Strength: Jen, a black belt in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, shares how her martial arts training has equipped her with the mental fortitude to navigate life's toughest challenges, including the loss of her husband.
• Grief and Growth: Discover how Jen has transformed her grief into a source of strength, honoring Tommy's memory by living life to the fullest and making a positive impact on others.
• Gilda's Club: Learn about the incredible support provided by Gilda's Club, a community that helped Jen through her husband's illness and continues to offer solace to countless families affected by cancer.
• Personal Stories: John and Jen reflect on their shared past, the evolution of the podcast, and the importance of seizing opportunities and embracing new experiences.
• Legacy of Love: Hear about Jen's journey of resilience, her new relationship, and how she continues to keep Tommy's memory alive while moving forward with her life.

Join us for an episode filled with emotional insights, powerful stories, and a reminder that even in the face of adversity, we can find strength and hope.

Tune in now and be inspired by Jen's incredible journey!

#ASKITA, #LifeOnYourTerms, #Gilda'sClub

In this unapologetically raw episode of A Swift Kick in the Ass (ASKITA), John unleashes some four-letter words that might just rival a sailor's vocabulary. This one's not for the faint-hearted, so grab your earbuds or send the kids packing before you hit play! It's an eye-opening wake-up call designed to shake you out of complacency and kickstart a positive transformation.

If you feel stuck, drowning in life's mess, and can't see past the darkness, let this episode be the beacon to guide your head to a better place. John doesn't hold back as he delivers a candid perspective on taking ownership of your problems and reminds you—and those you care about—that no matter the challenges, life can and will get better. It's time to take charge. Life on Your Terms starts now. #KickAssWisdom #PracticalMotivation #LifeTransformation

In this episode of ASKTA...Are your aches and pains attributed to "getting older" or do they have deeper meaning as they come from blocking a kick or maybe not blocking it well enough? We can let life beat us down or we can take a stand and kick some ass in the process. Now picture Twisted Sister's video back in the Mtv heyday and scream " I want to Rock" while you take a listen to a podcast geared to get your ass moving. You may be encouraged to get up off your ass and do something with your life even when you your driver's license says you are old.