Life's a Fight

Ahhh, there's nothing like hard work and lots of it. The Spaniard and Dread compare notes on the joys and challenges of long hours. On the bright side, there is peace to be found during early-morning starts, and there are good habits to absorb from toiling friends. On the dark side, there can be difficulty dialing back striving, as well as discouragement from failing to see returns. The guys share how they have learned how to even things out and aim to get the most from their efforts. Listen for the story of how The Spaniard's train was stopped when he was almost home after a long day.

The Spaniard just ran the Army 10-Miler with his brother, a veteran, and he found inspiration in every direction. He describes competitors who bow to no challenge, and he highlights two thought-provoking T-shirts that he spotted. This leads to discussion of aging well and of leading versus following versus obstructing. We also gain Dread's recommendation for protecting feet, whether we want it or not.

A college coach recently recruited The Spaniard to boost his team's mental and physical capacities. You'll hear how this work is helping high performers reach new levels of toughness and camaraderie through discipline and vulnerability. You'll also hear how The Spaniard doggedly pursued a Mastermind group participant to allow continued growth. Plus, there are shout-outs to the remarkable Jocko Willink of Jocko Podcast, a discussion of something called emotional fluency, and new examples of old-guy vocabulary.

As demonstrated in the previous episode, Frankie Edgar is a champion not only in the UFC but as a person. Now The Spaniard and Dread review their takeaways from the interview. These include the power of a support team, the importance of finding hard work that you can love and the paradox of navigating toward goals that might be unreachable. Also: The Spaniard recalls a brush with Channing Tatum and starts rattling off the period table.

"You can be a good person AND the best in the world. Frankie is a perfect example." The Spaniard says that in this extra-special episode featuring Frankie Edgar, active UFC fighter and former lightweight champion, whose friendship with the Spaniard began during college. Frankie's devotion to family, friends, teammates and training shines as he discusses a career that led from underground fighting to an upcoming bout in Madison Square Garden. Frankie was The Spaniard's inspiration to pursue the UFC, and he is the best possible first guest on "A Fighter's Mindset." Where else will you hear two guys compare notes on both changing diapers and breaking bones around their eye sockets?

The Spaniard and Dread fighting with each other?? Say it ain't so! Okay, it ain't so. But there was some frowning about podcast work during Dread's vacation, so this discussion is about partners negotiating challenges. It highlights the importance of rest and listening to yourself and to each other. There's also a reminder about what seagulls eat and a surprise at the end of the episode!

This episode concludes the review of The Spaniard's memoir "Driven: My Unlikely Journey from Classroom to Cage." Discussion topics include: Persevering through unpleasant tasks; maintaining supportive and inspiring relationships; seeking out teachers and mentors; and preparing for the deep lows that often accompany high aims. As well as reminiscing about the birth of Gracie June Brenneman! The messages that shine through are: Don't settle. Follow your passions. Be YOU. Also: A quick clarification on just who wrote the Declaration of Independence; a brief tangent on nicknames; and the first podcast appearance of a Spaniard family member!

Reading is vital for growth, so The Spaniard and Dread decided to present occasional book discussions. The first title they chose is The Spaniard's own book, "Driven: My Unlikely Journey from Classroom To Cage." In the first of two sessions, they explain how the book came together and expand on certain sections. This talk touches on maintaining clarity about your own purpose, developing secondary skills demanded by your goal, and balancing risk with other desires and obligations. Also, there is some murkiness about authoring The Declaration of Independence.

Want a juicy example of pursuing a big goal with A Fighter's Mindset? How about working for over 18 months to deliver a one-man stage show? Who did this? The Spaniard's podcasting pal Keith "Dread" Eldred! In this episode, hear why and how he did it and learn about key practices including starting small, working daily, building on plateaus, varying training and inviting failure. Also: The Spaniard keeps saying "barber" instead of "stylist."

The Spaniard and Dread make a disclaimer early in this episode that they cannot officially discuss what they are discussing: Managing weight. You and your doctor have to decide what is best for you. Having said that, the guys share what has been useful for them. Here's a preview of the simple takeaways: Drink Water, Record Everything, and Personalize Your System. Oh, and this: Plan Your Cheating. (Or does that mean that it's not cheating?)