In this episode of A Swift Kick in the Ass, John Curren sits down with Lori Atwood, CFP® and founder of Fearless Finance, for a candid and practical conversation about financial planning, debt management, and building long‑term financial resilience.

For the full video version go to: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Y6CcJd_o5aA

Whether you're facing financial stress, trying to pay down debt, or simply want a clearer roadmap for your future, this episode gives you the tools and mindset to take control.

John and Lori break down the real challenges people face with money—from college expenses to unexpected emergencies—and explain why most financial problems are fixable when you stop avoiding them. Lori shares her expert guidance on creating emergency savings, building a 4–6 month financial cushion, and understanding how personality and relationship dynamics influence spending habits.

John opens up about his own debt‑free journey, the struggles he faced while raising two young children, and how aligning his financial decisions with his life goals ultimately strengthened his family. Together, they explore the connection between happiness, contentment, and financial behavior, offering listeners a powerful blend of emotional insight and practical strategy.

Lori also outlines a simple, actionable roadmap for financial resilience, including:

• Starting with a $1,000 emergency fund
• Building toward 4–6 months of expenses
• Creating rainy‑day reserves
• Tracking spending to reduce financial anxiety
• Using high‑yield savings or brokerage accounts for reserves

The episode wraps with John sharing his long‑term vision—including his dream of purchasing and developing an island property in Virginia as an Airbnb—and Lori offering a special $50 discount on Fearless Finance services for podcast listeners.

Key Topics Covered

• How to face financial fears and stop avoiding money
• Building emergency savings and long‑term financial resilience
• Paying off debt while managing family responsibilities
• The psychology of spending and emotional triggers
• Money dynamics in relationships and communication strategies
• Practical steps to reduce financial stress
• Aligning money decisions with happiness and life goals

About Our Guest

Lori Atwood, CFP® Founder of Fearless Finance Specializing in fee‑only, hourly financial planning that empowers individuals and families to take control of their financial lives.

• ✅ The hidden gut-health connection that's causing an epidemic of autoimmune diseases in children
• ✅ How she completely healed her daughter's juvenile arthritis using nutrition alone (no drugs needed!)
• ✅ The "leaky gut syndrome" secret that Big Pharma doesn't want you to know about
• ✅ Simple dietary changes that can transform your child's health in weeks
• ✅ Why treating symptoms is keeping your family sick (and what to do instead)

• Juvenile arthritis
• Autoimmune diseases
• Chronic inflammation
• Digestive issues in kids
• Food allergies and sensitivities
• Unexplained health problems

1. 00:00 - The juvenile arthritis epidemic nobody's talking about
2. 05:30 - How Starr reversed her daughter's diagnosis naturally
3. 12:45 - The leaky gut connection explained
4. 18:20 - Why medications only mask the problem
5. 25:10 - Simple detox methods you can start TODAY
6. 32:40 - The Family Health Revolution Blueprint revealed
7. 40:15 - Success stories that will inspire you

On this episode of ASKITA podcast, John and Aaron Gilbert, LICSW discuss creating a positive change in life through resilience and personal growth, with Aaron sharing insights about therapy and its benefits for healing and recovery. They explored various aspects of mental health, including the impact of negative self-talk, depression, and the importance of being present, while discussing practical tools like meditation and exercise for well-being. Aaron's website is www.bostoneveningtherapy.com Benefits and Role of Therapy Aaron discussed the benefits of therapy, emphasizing its role in providing a supportive environment where individuals can feel fully heard and understood. He highlighted how sharing one's story with a trained professional can be a significant step toward healing and recovery, offering an opportunity to make sense of experiences together. Aaron also touched on the importance of recognizing when therapy might be beneficial, suggesting that therapy can serve as a resource for expressing oneself and gaining a different perspective. Understanding Negative Self-Talk Impact John and Aaron discussed the impact of negative self-talk and depression, with John sharing his experience of feeling hyper-focused and losing perspective during a difficult time. They explored how people tend to think in extremes, whether optimistically glossing over issues or pessimistically fixated on worst-case scenarios, and Aaron noted that both extremes share a focus on the future rather than the present. Mind-Body Well-being Strategies Aaron and John discussed the importance of being present and the mind-body connection. They explored how meditation and focusing on breathing can be grounding and calming, especially when dealing with anxiety. Aaron emphasized the benefits of exercise and natural light for overall well-being, highlighting that physical activities, like walking in nature, can help improve sleep patterns and circadian rhythms. Self-Care Priorities and Daily Actions John and Aaron discussed the challenges of finding time for self-care, particularly in difficult situations. Aaron suggested that people often prioritize other activities over taking care of themselves, but emphasized that it's a matter of setting priorities. They also talked about the importance of being gentle with oneself and recognizing the value in simple, daily actions rather than focusing solely on major life events. Overcoming Self-Criticism Through Meditation Aaron and John discussed the challenges of self-criticism and the importance of maintaining personal values and virtues. They explored how meditation can help individuals recognize and let go of negative thoughts, rather than fueling them. John shared his experience of using meditation to find acceptance and manage recurring thoughts, comparing it to judo for the mind. They also touched on the role of friendship, particularly for men, in processing difficulties and the importance of self-compassion. Inner Peace and Personal Growth John and Aaron discussed the importance of resilience and personal growth, emphasizing the need to focus on inner strength and peace of mind rather than comparing oneself to others. They agreed that material success pales in comparison to inner peace and personal fulfillment, which is uniquely achievable on one's own path. Aaron suggested that self-acceptance and quieting the critical voice can lead to increased creativity, optimism, and other positive attributes that contribute to personal and professional success. Finding Positivity in Challenging Times John and Aaron discussed the importance of living in the moment and finding positivity in challenging situations, drawing from personal experiences and insights. They explored how making small, positive choices can lead to transformational growth, with Aaron emphasizing the power of recognizing and rewarding oneself for these actions. John shared his journey out of depression by choosing to change his mindset, highlighting the role of environment and support in personal growth.

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.

PLEASE LIKE AND SUBSCRIBE TO ENCOURAGE MORE EPISODES!

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

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#Life on your Terms

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