Life's a Fight

Talk about a rich piece of writing. "The Man in the Arena" has inspired millions--and shamed unworthy critics--since Theodore Roosevelt voiced it in a speech over 100 years ago. The Spaniard has been the Man in the Arena, of course, and he and Dread walk through the passage in this episode. In drawing out its many lessons, they touch on an unlikely set of movie stars—Charlton Heston, Amy Schumer and Bruce Lee. Also mentioned: Gymnastics training, recovery from alcoholism, tribal elders and dirty dishes. You gotta hear about the dirty dishes.

Prepare to be inspired. This week The Spaniard took a new step that helped a new friend see a way forward. This happened after one of The Spaniard's closest followers took him up on the offer of a consulting call. That person turned out to have a remarkable story of transformation, and the Spaniard gave him a specific way to start sharing it. This is how change ripples outward.

This episode will let you mix it up with famous fighters. The stories will take you in close with three UFC stars: Frankie Edgar, Georges St-Pierre and Jon Jones. You'll hear what The Spaniard learned from each, and how each influences him to this day, every day. Also: Dread has a story about politicians that's not political.

Yes, mindset matters. In this episode, you'll hear how one simple shift of perspective transformed The Spaniard's college wrestling career from mediocre to one win away from All-American. His key decision back then: HAVE FUN! And his decision now, when he starts to feel career pressure: HAVE FUN! Now it's your turn. Take off that backpack full of rocks (The Spaniard will explain that) and rediscover joy. Also: Favorite movie moments from The Rookie and Dumb & Dumber.

It's host versus co-host this time. The Spaniard finds competition essential while Dread questions that. The Spaniard gives a wrestler's and fighter's appreciation of flesh-and-blood opponents: how they have shaped him, how they have obsessed him, and how he sometimes has to search for their equivalents. The conversation highlights how competitors personify high standards and how the highest performance might require a winner and a loser. Also: Will baby Rocky let The Spaniard work out?

Three days after the birth of his second child, The Spaniard discusses Fathership (a Spaniard term): his gratitude, his hopes, his plans, and how little he and his wife are sleeping. What does this mean for you? The tale involving Sheetz will make you think about the power of example. The discussion of summer camp and iffy acquaintances will help you watch for good and bad influences. The story in the hospital will alert you to opportunities to make simple, difficult decisions for growth. Whatever your relationship to parenting—past, present, future, never—there are thoughts here to help you put your arms around what matters most to you. Also: The three inspirations for the new baby's name!

Okay, Community Watchdog, when do you guard the greater good? Only when it's really all about you? In this episode, that big question springs from something small: The rules at the pool. Dread dives into uncomfortability about living his values, and The Spaniard sends a sheepdog after him (you'll see what that means). The two trade Abe Lincoln quotes and discuss how a big part of tact is just slowing down. Also: For The Spaniard's wife, Labor Day might mean just that!

The Spaniard gets anxious? Yup. So does every fighter he ever met, before a fight. Hear how the Spaniard got the willies before being interviewed for the major podcast Entrepreneur on Fire--which happens to be the first one he ever listened to. If you think anxiety means you're doing something wrong ... you're wrong! Pick up tips including quotes form Seneca, Jamie Foxx and Tony Robbins. (There's also another shout-out related to the new show intro. We mean you, Good Dad Project!)

Do you have friends, mentors and partners to push you, question you and help you keep moving toward your goals? The Spaniard does. In this episode, you'll hear that live, in a discussion that ends up making him back away from the microphone. (But it's all good, you'll see.) It's intense, positive talk that will help you see how to continue your efforts while staying true to yourself—your core enthusiasms, your special gifts, and the strengths and skills that you build and maintain. This episode is fun, this episode is uncomfortable. Hey: It's funcomfortable! (Also, a musical intro debuts!)

The 2016 Olympics have concluded, but not discussing them—specifically the crushing experience of USA wrestler Jordan Burroughs. The Spaniard got to know him and his family in a special way on the set of a Ralph Lauren commercial, and you can, too, in the touching documentary "My Name is Jordan," currently at FloWrestling.com. Highlighting Jordan means highlighting humility, the pursuit of victory, the agony of defeat, and the joys and challenges of success. This talk will help you travel the highs and lows of your own road.