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In this episode, Joe sits down with Brad Edmondson, Black Belt and owner of Misfits Jiu-Jitsu in St. Charles, IL, to explore how jiu-jitsu became the lifeline that helped him rise from severe depression into a life of purpose, balance, and leadership. Brad shares openly about starting his training at age 30 during one of the darkest seasons of his life, the mentors who shaped him, and how the discipline of jiu-jitsu rewired his mind, his identity, and his belief in himself.

Together, Joe and Brad dive into the connection between movement and mental health, what it means to build a safe and positive training environment, and how Brad uses jiu-jitsu as a tool for emotional regulation, resilience, and personal transformation. This conversation is raw, inspiring, and filled with practical wisdom for anyone navigating their own internal battles or searching for a path back to themselves.

A powerful reminder that healing doesn’t always start with talking — sometimes it starts with stepping on the mat.

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In this episode, Joe sits down with tech leader and entrepreneur Ernest Saco, a first-generation college graduate, husband, and father of three, who is balancing a full-time role at a leading AI video startup while building his own AI company on the side. Ernest opens up about the realities of fatherhood, identity, work/life balance, and the courage required to chase a vision while showing up fully for your family.

This conversation is about discipline, culture, pressure, purpose, and the truth that success is built quietly — one intentional choice at a time. Ernest’s story is a reminder that healing, growth, and leadership all begin with who you decide to be.

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In this episode of the Strongoo Podcast, Joe sits down with Dr. Jennifer Piemonte, a postdoctoral research associate and instructor of Psychology of Personality at the University of Illinois. Together, they explore one of the most fascinating questions in psychology — Where do our personalities come from?

Dr. Piemonte shares insights on the balance between nature and nurture, the impact of our environments on genetic expression, and how concepts like self-determination theory connect to fitness, motivation, and healing. This thoughtful conversation bridges science and soul, aligning perfectly with Strongoo’s belief that movement is the physical practice of mental health.

Tune in to learn how understanding your personality can deepen self-awareness, enhance motivation, and transform the way you approach your goals — inside and outside the gym.

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In this episode, Joe sits down with his friend and thoughtful soul Christopher Smith for a wide-ranging conversation on life, love, and the deep power of listening. Together, they reflect on what it means to truly hear someone without needing to fix them, and how love—when rooted in presence—can be a powerful form of healing.

This isn’t just a talk between friends—it’s a reminder that growth comes through connection, and that some of the most meaningful transformations happen when we slow down and listen with our whole hearts.

Hope you enjoy!

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In this episode, we dive into the heart of Letting Go‘s Chapter 21, where David R. Hawkins answers some of the most pressing questions about the practice of surrender. We explore why surrendering emotions is often met with resistance, how to integrate letting go into daily routines, and the powerful impact it has on meditation, relationships, and even the aging process. Whether you’re new to the path of surrender or deepening your practice, this conversation offers practical insights into how consistent release clears the mind, softens the heart, and aligns us with the flow of life itself. Learn how the simple act of “cleaning up” your inner world, day by day, leads to profound transformation.

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In this heartfelt conversation, Joe and Abby dive deep into the meaning of perfection, the beauty found in imperfection, and how our understanding of God and love shapes the way we see ourselves and the world. Together, they explore how embracing our flaws can actually bring us closer to true connection, purpose, and grace.

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In The Feeling is the Secret, Neville Goddard presents the idea that our emotions and feelings are the true creative force behind our experiences. He explains that the subconscious mind is impressionable and responds not to what we think, but to what we feel. Goddard teaches that by imagining and feeling the desired outcome as already real, we impress that feeling upon the subconscious, which then works to bring it into our reality. He emphasizes that consciousness is the only reality, and that through visualization, belief, and feeling, we can shape our external world. Ultimately, the book teaches that feeling is the key to manifesting desires and living a life in alignment with one’s true intentions.

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In Verse 11 from the Tao Te Ching, Dr. Wayne Dyer explores the concept that something is made from nothing. Using the example of a wheel, he explains how the hub and empty spaces between the spokes are essential for the wheel to function. Similarly, a vessel is formed by molding clay around nothing, and a room is defined by the empty spaces within its walls, doors, and windows. Dyer emphasizes that creation begins with nothingness, and that this space is necessary for new things to take form. The chapter invites readers to embrace emptiness as the starting point for all creation.

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In The Eye of the I, Dr. David Hawkins explains that the intellect, rooted in the ego mind, hinders spiritual growth because it relies on analyzing concepts through human-made definitions, which are inherently limited. This intellectual approach enforces separation and prevents direct experience of enlightenment, which transcends words and analysis. The ego uses intellect to maintain control and assert itself, blocking the path to non-dual awareness. True spiritual awakening requires moving beyond the mind’s analytical functions and embracing a state of presence and intuitive knowing.

Enjoy!

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In his powerful closing monologue in the movie “The Great Dictator", Charlie Chaplin’s character, a humble barber mistaken for a dictator, makes an impassioned plea for unity, compassion, and human rights. He rejects oppression and hatred, urging listeners to rise above greed and division to embrace kindness, democracy, and freedom for all. Chaplin calls for an end to tyranny and a return to humanity’s essential goodness, reminding people that life can be beautiful when guided by love, not fear. The speech is both a warning against authoritarianism and a hopeful vision of a world where empathy and solidarity prevail over hate and cruelty.

It’s an unforgettable call to action, encouraging individuals to fight for a just, loving world. 

Enjoy!