"Nothing is impossible. The word itself says “I’m possible!”" — Audrey Hepburn

Abraham Maslow was a famous American clinical psychologist. He became best known for his theory on the Hierarchy of Needs. The model depicting this is known as Maslow’s pyramid. On this episode Tim and Steve discussed the following quote:

“One can choose to go back toward safety or forward toward growth. Growth must be chosen again and again; fear must be overcome again and again.” — Abraham Maslow

NOTE: At the time of recording, they only discussed the first sentence from Maslow, and were not aware of the second part. With the second part taken into account, you’ll see Tim and Steve’s thoughts are congruent with Maslow’s.

Maslow believed that each level in his needs hierarchy must be met in order to focus on the next. Starting from the bottom of the pyramid:

1. Physiological Needs: These are the basic needs for survival, such as food, water, shelter, and sleep.

2. Safety Needs: Once the physiological needs are satisfied, people seek safety and security, including personal and financial security, health and well-being, and protection from danger.

3. Love and Belonging Needs: Humans have a fundamental need for social interaction, including friendship, intimacy, and a sense of community.

4. Esteem Needs: This level involves the desire for respect, recognition, achievement, and self-esteem.

5. Self-Actualization Needs: The highest level of needs involves the realization of one's full potential and the pursuit of personal growth and fulfillment.

According to Maslow, we all must satisfy lower-level needs before we can move on to higher-level needs. When lower-level needs are not met, they become the primary focus, and we cannot fully devote ourselves to satisfying higher-level needs, and ultimately achieve self-actualization.

"There is nothing better than a friend, unless it is a friend with chocolate." — Linda Grayson

Dr Robert "Bobby" Livingston, a 1988 Olympic Cyclist and Doctor of Chiropractic, realized early on that one of his strengths was the ability to embrace suffering. Bobby joins Tim and Steve as they discuss these topics and more:

• Fight or flight

• Self-discipline

• Olympic cycling

• Yin yang philosophy

• Staples “Easy Button"

• Mind-body connection

• Healthy lifestyle choices

• Holistic, integrative medicine

• Diabetes and other chronic diseases

• The value of suffering (no pain, no gain)

"He who conquers others is strong. He who conquers himself is mighty." — Lao Tzu

To live a quality life you must stay vigilant in protecting and preserving what you have. Self-defense is not just about physical tactics and techniques. It’s defending “The Pillars” — your faith, your mind, your body, your spirit, your relationships, and your finances.

• Faith is not a magical thing. Nurture it through prayer, gratitude, and reflection.

• Being mindful of your mental health means avoiding toxic people and bad situations.

• Eating right and exercising are essential in keeping your body strong and maintaining physical health.

• Set meaningful goals, fight to find purpose, take on responsibility, and find ways to contribute to the world to keep your spirit alive and thriving.

• Be aware of the people around you. Surround yourself with people who help you grow.

• Financially, we must take care of our families and the people who depend on us. We must be wise with money and make smart decisions.

Self-defense is about self-preservation — so you and those around you can live a greater life. It’s being aware of your faith, mind, body, spirit, relationships, and finances — and taking the steps to ensure you’re living a life of quality and purpose.

“It is better to light a candle than curse the darkness.” — Eleanor Roosevelt

Are our lives random or predetermined? Many factors contribute to the journey. Nature and nurture both play a role. Many things we have no control over — but we can control how we respond to circumstances and the opportunities we are presented with.

We can use our talents, resources, and blessings we have been given to create a life full of purpose and meaning — helping others less fortunate, and leaving a positive impact.

“If you want to awaken all of humanity, then awaken all of yourself.” — Lao Tzu

Thirty years ago, Brian Miller and Steve Mittman got their first black belts together — training under Tim Hoover at his karate school in Whitehall, PA.

On this episode, you'll hear the process Brian discovered that can help you in all aspects of life. Brian, Tim, and Steve talk about achievement, bullying, confidence, how good things take time, patience, philosophies of Bruce Lee, Royce Gracie and the early days of the UFC, sacrifice, suffering, the “eye of the tiger,” and so much more.