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We've all heard the advice: "Just change your attitude!" But what if that's not enough? In this eye-opening exploration of Phil Stutz and Barry Michels' groundbreaking book "The Tools," we discover why attitude adjustments often fail where specific behavioral tools succeed.

The frustration cycle is familiar—we commit to change, but our behaviors remain stubbornly the same. As Stutz and Michels powerfully state, "A new attitude means nothing unless followed by a change in behavior." This episode unpacks their revolutionary approach to personal transformation through five distinct psychological tools designed to combat specific challenges: the Reversal of Desire for confronting pain and avoidance, Active Love for releasing anger, Inner Authority for building confidence, Grateful Flow for shifting to gratitude, and Jeopardy for maintaining motivation through consequences.

What makes this wisdom particularly fascinating is how these modern psychological techniques quietly echo traditional Judeo-Christian virtues—a connection we explore while examining the practical applications of each tool. Whether you're struggling with procrastination, fear, anger, or lack of confidence, these tools offer concrete procedures to implement at the exact moment you need intervention. This isn't about passive enlightenment; it's about active engagement with your challenges. As we emphasize at the Mojo Academy, the goal isn't just to collect wisdom but to move from theory to action, creating real and lasting changes in our lives. Ready to build your psychological toolkit and transform those good intentions into meaningful behavior change?

Key Points from the Episode:

• Attitudes alone cannot control behavior—specific procedures are required for specific problems
• The Tools presents five practical psychological techniques developed by psychotherapists
• Reversal of Desire helps confront pain and avoidance to take action
• Active Love releases anger through cultivating forgiveness 
• Inner Authority builds self-confidence by connecting with inner strength
• Grateful Flow shifts from negativity to gratitude
• Jeopardy encourages sustained effort by visualizing consequences of inaction
• These tools parallel traditional Judeo-Christian virtues despite secular presentation
• Consistent application of these tools transforms theory into action

Be sure to check out our show page at teammojoacademy.com, where we have everything we discussed in this podcast, as well as other great resources.

Other resources: 

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Twenty years ago today, we bid farewell to a titan of world history and the Catholic Church - Pope John Paul II. His passing marked the end of an extraordinary 26-year pontificate that redefined the papacy, transformed the Church, and helped reshape the geopolitical landscape of our modern world.

Born Karol Wojtyla in Poland, he emerged as the first non-Italian pope since the 16th century at a critical moment when many questioned whether anyone could effectively lead the Church amid the turbulence of modernity. Instead of shrinking from this challenge, he embraced it with unparalleled vigor, traveling to 129 countries, speaking to millions, and addressing contemporary issues from human rights to interfaith dialogue with remarkable insight and courage.   

Three books we used for todays podcast

• The End and the Beginning
• The Church and the Modern Era
• A Pope and A President

As we commemorate this significant anniversary, John Paul II's legacy offers guidance for our complex times. His canonization in 2014 recognized what millions already knew – that in this remarkable man, we witnessed a rare alignment of personal holiness, intellectual brilliance, and moral courage that changed our world. What might his enduring message "Be not afraid" mean for you today?

Key Points from the Episode:

• First non-Italian pope in 455 years who became the most consequential pontiff in over 400 centuries

• Traveled to 129 countries, engaging with millions and addressing contemporary issues from human rights to interfaith dialogue
• Skillfully navigated implementation of Vatican II reforms, balancing tradition with modernity
• His 1979 visit to Poland sparked the Solidarity movement that helped crack the Iron Curtain
• Historic December 1989 meeting with Gorbachev symbolized communism's surrender to religious freedom
• Canonized in 2014 after crowds chanted "Santo Subito" (Sainthood Now) following his death
• His message "Be not afraid" remains a powerful call to courage, faith and action in uncertain times

Continue reflecting on how St. John Paul II's legacy has shaped your own faith journey, and join us as we pray for his intercession.

Other resources: 

CC#10--Nine Days That Changed the World 

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Dr. Jay Bhattacharya's recent confirmation as NIH Director marks a stunning reversal of fortune for one of the pandemic's most prominent scientific dissidents. With a Senate vote of 53-47 along party lines on March 25th, 2025, this appointment represents nothing less than vindication for a brilliant Stanford professor who dared challenge the orthodoxy of lockdown policies.

Looking back at Scott Atlas's book "A Plague Upon Our House," we're reminded how Bhattacharya stood as one of the few voices of reason during the chaotic early pandemic response. 

For those who questioned the wisdom and ethics of pandemic policies that caused immeasurable harm to education, mental health, and economic wellbeing, this moment feels like justice.

What will Bhattacharya's leadership mean for American public health? After years of politicized health guidance and eroded institutional trust, his evidence-based approach offers hope for meaningful reform. The very scientist once dismissed as a "nobody" now holds the power to reshape how we prepare for and respond to future health emergencies. Subscribe to our podcast for continued analysis as this story unfolds, and share your thoughts on this remarkable turn of events.

Key Points from the Episode:

• Senate confirmed Dr. J Bhattacharya as NIH director on March 25th, 2025
• Scott Atlas's book "A Plague Upon Our House" highlighted Bhattacharya as a hero who got COVID right
• The Great Barrington Declaration (Oct 2020) called for focused protection of vulnerable populations
• Biden once dismissed these views on 60 Minutes saying "Nobody thinks Atlas makes any sense"
• Great Barrington Declaration has gained over 900,000 verified signatures since publication
• Trump administration appointments include Kash Patel at FBI and Kevin Hassett at National Economic Council
• Bhattacharya's confirmation represents vindication after years of opposition to his pandemic approach

Other resources: 

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The battle for America's historical narrative has never been more consequential. When Howard Zinn's "A People's History of the United States" claims that "Lincoln initiated hostilities by trying to repossess the federal base at Fort Sumter," it fundamentally misrepresents the spark that ignited the Civil War. This seemingly small distortion reveals a much larger problem with how many Americans are learning their own history.

As we fight for historical literacy, remember that understanding our true past – with all its triumphs and failures – is essential for building a better future. Join us as we continue challenging historical misrepresentations and championing works that get the American story right.

Key Points from the Episode:

• Howard Zinn claimed Lincoln "initiated hostilities by trying to repossess" Fort Sumter, a federal base already under Union control
• Primary sources show Lincoln sent only supplies to the fort, not troops, and notified Confederate authorities in advance
• Confederate forces fired first, before supply ships even arrived, contradicting Zinn's version
• Zinn's Marxist reinterpretation consistently misrepresents historical events to fit his ideological framework
• Three recommended alternatives: McPherson's "Battle Cry of Freedom," McClay's "Land of Hope," and Johnson's "History of the American People"
• Teaching distorted history in high schools creates students who "hate the country" because "they've been lied to"
• Americans deserve accurate history that acknowledges both flaws and achievements

Let's keep fighting the good fight and let's read the good history books.

Other resources: 

MM#129--Debunking the Lies of History

PragerU--the book that poisoned a generation

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A perfect shot, a miracle pass, and 2.1 seconds that forever altered basketball history. When Christian Laettner caught Grant Hill's 80-foot inbound pass, took one dribble, faked, and released his iconic buzzer-beater to give Duke a 104-103 overtime victory against Kentucky in the 1992 NCAA East Regional Final, he created what many still consider "The Last Great Game."   Our book of the day, The Last Great Game: Duke vs. Kentucky and the 2.1 Seconds That Changed Basketball by Gene Wojciechowski  captured the memories of this iconic duel.  

This epic contest represented far more than an Elite Eight thriller. For Duke and Coach Mike Krzyzewski, it was the crucial step toward their second consecutive national championship—something no program had accomplished since UCLA's dynasty. With future NBA stars Laettner, Hill, and Bobby Hurley, Duke embodied excellence and championship DNA.

For Kentucky, the moment carried profound emotional weight. Just three years earlier, the storied program faced potential shutdown amid NCAA sanctions and a damning Sports Illustrated cover story dubbed "Kentucky's Shame." Coach Rick Pitino rebuilt the program with four players who stayed loyal through the darkest period—Pelfrey, Feldhaus, Farmer, and Woods. In the tearful aftermath, Pitino reminded his heartbroken team that restoring Kentucky's reputation mattered more than any Final Four appearance, brandishing that same magazine cover as a symbol of how far they'd come.

While subsequent NCAA tournaments have delivered unforgettable moments—Villanova's 2016 championship buzzer-beater, Gordon Hayward's near-miracle in 2010, and Gonzaga's overtime thriller against UCLA in 2021—none have quite captured the perfect storm of circumstances that made the 1992 Duke-Kentucky game basketball's gold standard for drama, execution, and storytelling. As we experience each new March Madness, we're all secretly hoping to witness another contest that might finally surpass what remains, three decades later, truly the last great game.

Key Points from the Episode:

• The game represented both programs at critical points – Duke establishing dynasty status under Coach K while Kentucky was rebuilding from NCAA sanctions
• Rick Pitino had transformed Kentucky from "Kentucky's Shame" (Sports Illustrated cover) to prideful contenders in just three years
• Four Kentucky players (Pelfrey, Feldhaus, Farmer, Woods) stayed loyal through the program's sanctions and darkest period
• Duke went on to win the 1992 championship against Michigan's Fab Five, securing back-to-back titles
• We explore other "great games" since 1992 including Villanova-UNC (2016), Kansas-Memphis (2008), Duke-Butler (2010), and Gonzaga-UCLA (2021)
• The 1992 contest maintains its reputation through perfect combination of drama, stakes, program narratives, and execution

Keep fighting the good fight and enjoy the madness of March!

Other resources: 

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Basketball changed forever on March 26, 1979. What might have been just another NCAA championship game instead became the launching pad that transformed college basketball into the cultural phenomenon we now know as March Madness. Seth Davis' masterful book "When March Went Mad" chronicles this pivotal moment when Magic Johnson's Michigan State Spartans faced Larry Bird's undefeated Indiana State Sycamores.

The magic of this matchup wasn't just about the basketball. It was about contrasting personalities that captured America's imagination—Magic with his megawatt smile and flashy play style versus Bird's stoic demeanor and precision shooting from "another zip code." Their presence on college basketball's biggest stage drew an astounding 35.1 million viewers and a 24.1 Nielsen rating, still the highest-rated basketball game ever broadcast, outperforming even Michael Jordan's most-watched NBA Finals game.

What makes Davis' storytelling particularly captivating is how he goes beyond the box score to reveal the human drama. Through interviews with over 150 people connected to the game, we're transported behind the scenes to production meetings where NBC executives made the pivotal decision to focus on star power: "Nobody cares about Bob King. What about Magic and Bird?" That decision set the template for how basketball would be marketed for decades to come. (see below about Bob King and his good health outcome)

While Michigan State won 75-64, the true victor was college basketball itself. This single game lit the fuse that would explode into the tournament obsession we know today, complete with office pools, bracket challenges, and buzzer-beater moments that unite fans across America each March. Whether you're a longtime basketball junkie or just curious about how cultural phenomena take shape, this book reveals how forty minutes of basketball forever changed American sports.

Key Points from the Episode:

• Basketball junkie David Kaiser shares personal memories of falling in love with March Madness as a child
• The 1979 championship game drew an unprecedented 24.1 Nielsen rating with 35.1 million viewers
• NBC executives made the crucial decision to focus coverage on Magic and Bird rather than other storylines
• Behind-the-scenes look at how television production decisions shaped basketball broadcasting
• Michigan State won 75-64, but the real winner was college basketball itself
• No basketball game since—college or pro—has matched the ratings of this cultural touchstone
• The decade following this game (1979-1989) represents the golden age of college basketball

Keep fighting the good fight and enjoy the madness of March!

Other resources: 

Side note on Bob King stepping down as head coach which may result in questions, here is my research

"After leaving his coaching role, King continued as Athletic Director until 1980, after which he largely withdrew from public roles in athletics, likely due to his health. King passed away in 2004 at age 81, he is remembered for his basketball legacy at Indiana State and the University of New Mexico."

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Five years after a mysterious virus emerged from Wuhan, China, we're still grappling with unanswered questions about COVID-19's origins and accountability. Drawing from Sharri Markson's eye-opening book "What Really Happened in Wuhan," we explore a remarkable January 2020 meeting where Chinese democracy advocate Wei Jingsheng warned Washington insiders about a suspicious virus leak from a laboratory—weeks before the world understood what was coming.

This pivotal conversation raises profound questions: Why hasn't there been a comprehensive investigation into COVID-19's origins comparable to the Nuremberg trials after WWII or the tribunals for Rwanda and Yugoslavia? Top intelligence officials from multiple nations now believe a laboratory accident at the Wuhan Institute of Virology represents the most probable explanation. Former MI6 chief Sir Richard Dearlove states "the weight of evidence is actually on the escapee side," while former CIA Director Mike Pompeo identifies the Wuhan lab as the likely source. Yet meaningful accountability remains out of reach.

We examine the unique geopolitical challenges preventing justice—China's superpower status, the difficulty in establishing clear intent versus negligence, and international reluctance to confront Beijing. The stark reality is that China has been the source of multiple serious disease outbreaks in recent decades, raising urgent questions about global biosafety standards and potential consequences for nations that repeatedly endanger global health. Despite these obstacles, the millions who lost their lives deserve our continued pursuit of truth and accountability. Five years may not be enough time to untangle this complex catastrophe, but history shows that persistence in seeking justice matters, however challenging that path may be.

Join us as we reflect on this somber anniversary and consider what meaningful steps toward accountability might still be possible, even as the window for justice narrows with each passing year.

Key Points from the Episode:

• Exploring Sharri Markson's book "What Really Happened in Wuhan" and key early warning from Chinese democracy advocate Wei Jingsheng
• Comparing COVID-19 to historical justice mechanisms like Nuremberg, Rwanda, and Cambodia tribunals
• Examining statements from intelligence leaders including former MI6 and CIA heads supporting the lab leak theory
• Analyzing the geopolitical obstacles preventing meaningful investigation and accountability
• Questioning what justice might look like five years after the pandemic began
• Highlighting China's repeated role in pandemic outbreaks over recent decades
• Considering whether stronger international biosafety standards and potential UN Security Council consequences should be implemented

Keep fighting the good fight and seeking truth about COVID-19's origins despite the challenges.

Other resources: 

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The American economy is running like a race car at half speed, averaging just 1.8% GDP growth over the past two decades when it should be soaring at 3% or higher. This sluggish performance isn't inevitable – it's the result of specific policy choices that have weighed down our economic engine.

Using a powerful race car analogy, we explore how tax cuts function as essential engine maintenance for the economy, while excessive government spending adds unnecessary weight that drags down performance. The current initiatives to trim bureaucratic waste through the Department of Government Efficiency represent steps in the right direction, but decades of congressional neglect in oversight responsibilities have allowed inefficiencies to multiply unchecked.

Monetary policy plays a crucial role as the fuel for our economic engine. We examine Steve Forbes' compelling argument for returning to the gold standard in his book "Inflation" – a policy that historically coincided with America's greatest periods of prosperity and near-full employment. During the late 1800s under the classical gold standard, more wealth was created than in all previous centuries combined. Similarly, both the 1920s and 1960s saw unemployment rates below 5% when the dollar was pegged to gold. While the political will for such a fundamental reform seems absent today, the historical evidence suggests we should at least aim to keep inflation consistently below 3%.

As we approach America's 250th anniversary in 2026, we have a unique opportunity to implement policies that will restore robust economic growth. By properly maintaining our economic engine through tax cuts, providing clean fuel through sound monetary policy, and removing excess weight through spending discipline, we can get America's race car humming at full capacity again – creating opportunity and advancement for all Americans. What policies do you think would best accelerate our economic growth?

Key Points from the Episode:

• Tax cuts are essential to fix the economic engine and bring investment back to America
• Excessive government spending acts as dead weight on the economy, requiring immediate reduction
• Agencies often stonewall congressional oversight, perpetuating waste and inefficiency
• Steve Forbes advocates returning to the gold standard to eliminate inflation and stabilize currency
• During gold standard periods, America experienced robust growth and near-full employment
• Whipping inflation requires supply-side solutions rather than just interest rate manipulation
• The US needs consistent 3%+ GDP growth annually, not the 1.8% average of the past two decades
• Tariffs and trade policy are like tires - important but not the first priority for economic repair
• The Federal Reserve's fuel quality (monetary policy) needs significant improvement

Be sure to check out our show page at teammojoacademy.com, where you'll find everything discussed in this podcast as well as other great resources.

Other resources: 

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Reagan would be horrified by today's $36 trillion national debt—36 times the figure he found alarming in 1981. Yet history offers powerful lessons for growing our economy under this crushing weight through the success stories of three administrations that sparked extraordinary economic booms.

The Coolidge administration of the 1920s provides our first blueprint. Treasury Secretary Andrew Mellon implemented a remarkably effective strategy: slashing top tax rates from 73% to 25%, cutting federal spending from $5.1 billion to $3.1 billion, and reducing national debt by one-third. The results? A sustained 4% annual GDP growth, 70% surge in industrial output, and unemployment below 4%—the "Roaring Twenties" weren't just cultural, but economic dynamism unleashed through deliberate policy.

Kennedy later bucked Democratic orthodoxy by cutting the top tax rate from 91% to 70% in 1963. Though his rhetoric emphasized employment goals, the mechanics mirrored Mellon's approach. The economy responded dramatically with growth hitting 5.8% in 1964 and 6.6% by 1966. Reagan made these connections explicit, implementing tax cuts that slashed rates from 70% to 28%. Despite criticisms about defense spending, the economy soared—4.6% growth in 1983, an astonishing 7.2% in 1984, followed by years of consistent 3.5-4.2% expansion.

What's sobering is our current economic anemia. America hasn't experienced consecutive years of 3%+ growth since before 2005. The prescription for prosperity remains remarkably consistent across a century: slash taxes to stimulate investment, cut spending to shrink deficits, and pay down debt to free up capital. The blueprint exists—we need only the wisdom to follow it.

Key Points from the Episode:

• Coolidge and Treasury Secretary Mellon cut tax rates from 73% to 25% in the 1920s
• Their formula: slash taxes, cut federal spending, pay down debt to free up capital
• Result was 4% annual GDP growth and the "Roaring 20s" economic boom
• Kennedy bucked Democratic orthodoxy with tax cuts from 91% to 70%
• Economy responded with growth rates of 5.8% in 1964 and 6.6% in 1966
• Reagan's tax cuts led to 4.6% growth in 1983 and 7.2% in 1984
• America hasn't seen consecutive years of 3%+ growth since before 2005
• Today's prescription remains the same: tax cuts, spending restraint, debt reduction

Join us for our next episode where we'll explore how the American economy functions like a race car, breaking down the mechanics of sustainable growth in more detail.

Other resources:


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Lent is not merely about sacrificing earthly pleasures; it's an invitation to embark on a profound spiritual journey. 

In our latest podcast episode, we explore Dr. Scott Hahn's revelatory book, *The Fourth Cup*, which bridges the Jewish Passover with the Last Supper and unveils rich insights about Christ's ultimate sacrifice. Through this exploration, we discover how understanding the significance of the fourth cup can enhance our Lenten experience, transforming it into a season of deep reflection and growth.

The discussion highlights the traditional four cups of wine consumed during the Passover, each with profound meanings tied to remembrance and liberation. Delving into these themes, we explore how Jesus refrains from drinking the fourth cup during the Last Supper, only to fulfill it on the cross, declaring “It is finished.” 

This comprehension not only deepens our appreciation for the Eucharist but also emphasizes the essence of sacrifice during Lent—inviting each of us to participate in Christ’s love and mission.

Join us as we navigate practical ways to engage more deeply with our Lenten practices! 

Consider picking up *The Fourth Cup*, reflecting on its themes during Mass, and participating in the Stations of the Cross. Let's make this Lent a time for transformation and deepen our relationship with Christ. 

Ready to embrace this journey? Subscribe, share, and leave a review to connect with us further as we explore the depths of our faith together!

Key Points from the Episode:

• Exploring the significance of Lent in the Catholic faith  
• Discussing the four cups of wine in the Jewish Passover meal
• Understanding how the Last Supper and the fourth cup symbolize Jesus' ultimate sacrifice  
• Practical tips for enhancing Lenten practices through reflection and connection to Christ  

Other resources: 

Scott Hahn video talk 

Transcript from Catholic Fidelity

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