A Swift Kick In The Ass

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A Swift Kick In The Ass, is a podcast about the forces that motivate us to create positive personal change. The thought provoking show discusses strategies to help the ordinary person achieve extraordinary change. The show was started in 2014 being hosted by lifelong friends John W. Curren and Tom Stewart. Tom died of brain cancer on 9/16/2020. John continues the quest to disrupt conventional thinking and find true freedom through living life on his terms.

John W. Curren


    • Apr 28, 2025 LATEST EPISODE
    • every other week NEW EPISODES
    • 32m AVG DURATION
    • 174 EPISODES


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    Latest episodes from A Swift Kick In The Ass

    ASKITA E173 "From Trauma to Triumph: Scott Kesson's Story of Loss and Growth" (audio only)

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 28, 2025 59:16 Transcription Available


    In this episode of ASKITA, John interviews Scott Kesson, LPC, a licensed professional counselor from Colorado, exploring Scott's background, including his experiences as a gay man, foster parent, and mental health professional spanning 35 years in various roles. The conversation highlighted Scott's resilience, growth mindset, and commitment to living life on his own terms, emphasizing the importance of pushing through difficult situations and prioritizing personal satisfaction over financial gain. Scott is one of John's oldest friends, whom he met in college at the University of Florida in January 1985. Scott has been talked about before on this as an example of true friendship by calling out John's potentially negative path and encouraging him to act more appropriately. He gets his chance to do it again! Scott shares his experience of losing both parents at a young age. His mother died of cancer when he was 12, and his father remarried within a year. A year after that, his father passed away from a heart attack when Scott was 14, leaving him to make funeral arrangements. Scott uses this traumatic experience as a baseline to overcome future challenges. He also describes how his family situation changed drastically within two years, going from a wealthy lifestyle to one of significant debt after his father's death. His new mother had to care for four children, including Scott and his brother, while dealing with financial difficulties. Behind the Name "A Swift Kick in the Ass" conveys the idea of a sudden, forceful action or reprimand intended to motivate or correct someone. This action is intended to help not hurt, in an entertaining way that aims to help people intentionally craft a way of life (or style of living) that aligns with the very essence of their mind, body and spirit by growing though your life experience. The first A Swift Kick in The Ass podcast episode was released October 8th 2014 by two lifelong friends, John Curren and Tom Stewart, who set out to disrupt conventional belief and get people thinking about not just how to live, but rather, thrive on their terms. In this partnership, the two lifetime friends produced over 100 episodes that have been heard in over 140 countries throughout this world. Sadly, on August 16th, 2020, Tom (Tommy) Stewart passed away from brain cancer with his wife by his side. Though Tom can no longer be at the microphone, it was his wish that the show go on. He felt the message was too important to be silenced. John Curren continues to share his journey and works to motivate others to live more fully on their terms.

    ASKITA E172 The Power of Happiness Interview with Bryan Driscall

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 11, 2025 41:28


    On this episode of ASKITA, John speaks with Bryan Driscoll, author and inventor of The Goodness Game and a passionate advocate for kindness and the power of kindness.  Bryan's life story takes us back 20 years ago when a stranger's small act of generosity changed his life by showing him that everyday actions can create ripples of positive change. This put him on a mission to help others and show how small acts can have huge impact. If you are living a life on your terms, happiness has to be a condition you rank high on your list of priorities and this episode will give you practical ways to increase your already sunny disposition. If happiness is not high on your priorities, it should be. Life is too short. Live on your terms. Please Like and subscribe. That would make John very happy. Visit us at www.aswiftkickintheass.com. the goodness game: Inspire Kindness Through Small Acts – Buy Now #ASKITA #Life on  your Terms #think

    ASKITA E171 He Wantedc Pop Goes The Weasel.final

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 13, 2025 58:27


    ASKITA E170 Get Your Head Out of Your Ass If You Want to Live on Your Terms (Adult Language Warning)

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 4, 2025 40:37


    In this unapologetically raw episode of A Swift Kick in the Ass (ASKITA), John unleashes some four-letter words that might just rival a sailor's vocabulary. This one's not for the faint-hearted, so grab your earbuds or send the kids packing before you hit play! It's an eye-opening wake-up call designed to shake you out of complacency and kickstart a positive transformation. If you feel stuck, drowning in life's mess, and can't see past the darkness, let this episode be the beacon to guide your head to a better place. John doesn't hold back as he delivers a candid perspective on taking ownership of your problems and reminds you—and those you care about—that no matter the challenges, life can and will get better. It's time to take charge. Life on Your Terms starts now. #KickAssWisdom #PracticalMotivation #LifeTransformation

    ASKITA E169 Reinventing Your Life One Ache at a Time: Martial Arts Over the Age of 50

    Play Episode Listen Later Feb 25, 2025 40:36


    In this episode of ASKTA...Are your aches and pains attributed to "getting older" or do they have deeper meaning as they come from blocking a kick or maybe not blocking it well enough?  We can let life beat us down or we can take a stand and kick some ass in the process. Now picture Twisted Sister's video back in the Mtv heyday and scream " I want to Rock" while you take a listen to a podcast geared to get your ass moving.  You may be encouraged to get up off your ass and do something with your life even when you your driver's license says you are old.

    ASKITA E168 Look Yourself in the Mirror and Say That

    Play Episode Listen Later Feb 20, 2025 20:34


    In this episode of ASKITA, John talks about how we should listen to ourselves and learn from the experience. If you are full fo self doubt, feel defeated before you even get out of bed....you should listen to this as you will benefit the most, but you probably won't listen as you already know. Know what> you have listened...yet. Tune in now and get more content at www.aswiftkickintheass.com. Peace!

    ASKITA E167 Deal with the Pain Now Thank Yourself later

    Play Episode Listen Later Feb 5, 2025 34:24


    In this episode of ASKITA, John talks about the hallway of life and what to do when you see a fire blocking your path. if you feel chhallenged by life and facing blocks every turn you make, please take the time to listen. it could be exactly what you need to hear to get through this. John knows you can. But you have listten and then make u7p your own mind. Keep living on your terms and have a listen.

    ASKITA E166 Your Not Wrong. You Are Going to Fail.

    Play Episode Listen Later Jan 11, 2025 36:07


    In this episode of ASKITA, John talks bluntly about the widespread problem of negativty and how our mindset dicates the future of our desired terms. You can live your dreams. But allowing yourself to learn as you succeed is part of the journey. Sometimes hearing the right words helps make everything fall in place. Maybe that is this episode for you? www.aswiftkickingtheass.com

    ASKITA E165 Leveraging the Privileges of Your Terms to Gain Freedom

    Play Episode Listen Later Nov 14, 2024 45:46


    In this exciting new episode of ASKITA, John talks about the difference between Privilege and Freedom so you can better live on your terms.  Expect to walk away with some thoughts about your own privilege and ways to use it to your advantage to gain freedom to follow your dreams to a reality that is going be amazing.  Don't miss this one! Have you had a Swift Kick In the Ass that got your life heading in a positive direction? visit www.aswiftkickintheass.com

    ASKITA E164 Blessings in Adversity

    Play Episode Listen Later Nov 5, 2024 32:59


    In this episode of ASKITA, John talks about how the work he is doing on his Dad's 1966 Bertram Bahia Mar is changing him in ways he never ecpected. Sometimes doing it yourself reaps rewards you can't imagine. It is deep as the water is that John wants to go fishing in.  But as always intended to get your ass moving on a life on your terms. Don't miss this episode and please share with a friend. www.aswiftkickintheass.com

    ASKITA E163 Life After the Party Mindy Kaufman-Opiela

    Play Episode Listen Later Sep 30, 2024 72:49


    On this episode of ASKITA, John talks with the author of "Life After The Party: A True Story About Receiving Beauty For Ashes about her book, the journey that has brought her purpose and a lot of great stories from the days of excess, rocke and roll and growing up. You donn't want to miss this one.

    ASKITA E162 Persverance: Friend or Foe?

    Play Episode Listen Later Sep 30, 2024 23:41


    In this episode of ASKITA, John talks about the character trait that has been passed down from one generation to the next and a 60 year boat of the same name. That name and trait is: Perseverance. If your life is in the stormy seas, you may enjoy this tale.

    ASKITA E162: Building a Foundation of Friendship on Your Terms

    Play Episode Listen Later Sep 19, 2024 36:45


    In this episode of ASKITA, John gets real about friendship and how he has built deep lasting friendships that weather the ups and downs of life. Be a friend and have a listen. Share with others who you share these common interests. This episode will really get your ass moving! www.aswiftkickintheass.com

    ASKITA E161 Bag of Lies With Patrick Taft

    Play Episode Listen Later Sep 2, 2024 75:11 Transcription Available


    In this episode of A Swift Kick in the Ass, John spends time with actor Patrick Taft, the lead male character in the suspenseful movie "Bag of Lies" (Not Bag of Bones!) now showing on Amazon Prime and Tubi. This interview is more than talk about this new independent film with a great story that gets you thinking and suspense that has you at the edge of your seat - it's a story of family, life, death, and what you would really do if given the opportunity to cheat death. The fact is we all carry a bag of lies. If you are looking to recreate your life,  this one gives you pleanty to think about. Take a listen and get your ass moving on a life on your terms. 

    ASKITA E160 Finding Your Inner BadAss

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 30, 2024 33:48


    In this episode of ASKITA, John brings his passion for helping others find a path on their terms, It's emotional power that is part of your story that is key to your success and an often overlooked but important ingredient if you are trying to create positive change in your life. Don't misss this episode!

    ASKITA E159 Broken In Out All About

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 24, 2024 42:48


    In this episode of ASKITA, John talk's about being broken, We are all broken in one way or another, But what you do to repair yourself, if you do anythng at all, matters. Give this epidsode a listen and get yourself some ideas on how to get your ass moving on a positive path.

    ASKITA E158 Same Ship Different Day

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 11, 2024 44:50


    In this episode of ASKITA, John talks about Theseus, the founder of Athens and how the Athenians honored him by memorializing his ship. Over the years, so much of the ship had ben replaced, many thought of the ship as being totally different. Others said it was the same. When you live a life on your terms, things change. Are you the same person as a result or someone different? As usual, John is going to get you thinking and on a path of positive personal change.

    ASKITA E157 Leveraging the Temporary to Live on Your Terms

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 18, 2024 31:52


    In this episode of ASKITA, John presnts a strategy you can apply to our life that will help you make the most of the inevitable...change in your life!  If you are caught up in the drain of suck, make sure to catch this episode and get living on your terms.

    ASKITA E156 Ignoring Ignorance

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 4, 2024 31:29


    In this episode of ASKITA, John talks about how ignorance is seen as such a bad word. But it is only bad if you do nothing about your ignorance as living with ignorance is not always blisss. Listen to this episode and get your ass moving in a better more positive direction.

    ASKITA E155 Parenting Your Emotion

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 3, 2024 19:48


    In this episode of ASKITA, John talks about how easy it is to get pulled into certain emotions when you are going through something and how to pull yourself back from it shifting power to more positive outcomes. This is your life. Tell it to go clean your room and take out the trash.  As with every episode, please visit www.aswiftkickintheass.com when you are looking to create positive change.

    ASKITA E154 Toys In the Driveway

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 12, 2024 32:19


    In this episode of ASKITA, John talks about a childhood dream that he has been trying to make real. His Dad doubted he could do it. His friends andf family laughed at him.  But he never gave up and now it is happening!  If you need encouragagement to keep going on a path full of twists and turns, you won't want to miss this one. 

    ASKITA E153 Navigating Uncharted Territory: From Discomfort to Courage

    Play Episode Listen Later Feb 26, 2024 47:10


    In this episode of ASKITA, John talks about how to approach life when you are taking risks...meaning you aren't really certain what is going to happen as a result of your actions. What to expect, and what you can do to make it less scary. All for those who want to kick ass in life. #KickAssInLife    

    ASKITA E152 Eye to Eye With Real-I-T-Y

    Play Episode Listen Later Dec 22, 2023 21:08


    In this episode of A Swift Kick in the Ass, the last episode planned for 2023, John has you squaring off with Real-Important-to-You terms as he tells stories of his childhood aand answers what his Dad was thinking as he sipped his beer in the heat while his relatives froze. You may find out what is real important to John and this how.  Take a Listen and get living on your terns! Interested in creating a life on your terms? visit us at www.aswiftkickintheass.com

    ASKITA E151: I Just Called You A...What You Going to Do About it?

    Play Episode Listen Later Dec 21, 2023 26:59


    On this episode of ASKITA, John is in rare form dropping an F Bomb in yoour face. What are you going to do about it? If I tell you that is there is no choice, you wil pass me by. I would. But you wuold be missing out on the most brutally honest podcast designed to get your ass moving on a more positive path. Confrontation and how you choose to deal with it,

    ASKITA E150 Growing Change From the Inside Out

    Play Episode Listen Later Dec 5, 2023 29:15


    In the episode of ASKITA, John talks about how your decision to change begins with a Boot Right to the Ass! Bad Things Happen. The world can wear you down.  You can get overwhelmed. If your world is crashing in around you, you will definitely benefit by listening to this episode and end with some specific things to do, approaches to think about and knowledge to enable creation of lasting change that makes your life worth living. Check it out or just keep sitting in your beanbag chair eating cheetos and getting cheeto dust all over. It's not a pretty sight. So it for others as much as you do it for yourself.

    ASKITA E149 Exploring the Dark Side of Nice

    Play Episode Listen Later Nov 29, 2023 30:24


    In this episode of ASKITA, John explores the little understood nature of being "nice", kindness and how others may use this in not so nice ways. Have a listen and take away a list of actions you can either use to protections or leverage to change your terms. Not sure if I cussed in this one. But, if you are follower of this show, you know some of these topics are kid friendly. So be warned, this one exposes Nice for what it really is. And if you would be so kind, please leave comments about the show, nice or no so nice.

    ASKITA E148 Walking the Talk. Is it Really Getting You Where You Need to Go?

    Play Episode Listen Later Nov 28, 2023 28:35


    Are you living on your terms or just talking about it? In this episode, John talks about how he turned his thoughts into actions taking him to places he never imagined. Make time and space for another ASKITA. 

    ASKITA E147 Sugar Coating Your Mental Health

    Play Episode Listen Later Oct 4, 2023 25:56


    In this episode John talks about how sugar turned out to play a much larger role in the state of his mental health than thought before. This is a hard discussion to have but one that is needed for both physical and mental health. Here are some of the articles referenced in the episode:  https://www.webmd.com/diet/what-is-erythritol https://www.cnn.com/2023/09/25/health/bad-diet-exercise-wellness/index.html https://www.cnn.com/2023/02/27/health/zero-calorie-sweetener-heart-attack-stroke-wellness/index.html

    ASKITA E146 Another Life Sits Down

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 24, 2023 15:24


    In this episode of ASKITA, John talks about what to watch out for, as well as things that are going to cross your mind the next time Life knocks you down.  You won't want to miss this episode, except if you think the word "ass" is too course for you. 

    ASKITA E145 A New Soul for An Old Boot

    Play Episode Listen Later Dec 19, 2022 35:11


    In this episode, John introduces Jason Greska. Who is Jason Greska and why is John bringing him on the show?  You will have to listen to this episode to find out cause no one is going tell you otherwise. Right Here. Right Now. #NewSoulOldBoot

    ASKITA E144 Love Your Stress

    Play Episode Listen Later Dec 14, 2022 23:22


    On this episode of ASKITA, John is influenced by a National Geographic show called limitless and talks about how he strains his relationship with Stress to get new terms. 

    ASKITA E143 Thank You for Kicking My Ass

    Play Episode Listen Later Nov 21, 2022 24:23


    In this episode of ASKITA, John talks about how not everyone is thankful for the Hades they are going through. They are too busy embracing the suck and the holidays forever ruined because of it. Don't miss this episode and some helpful tips on how to make it through backed what the Mayo Clinic is saying.

    ASKITA E142 Shape Shifting and Problem Solving

    Play Episode Listen Later Nov 12, 2022 22:05


    In this episode of ASKITA, John talks about the nature of our problems and our expectations of complete resolve that get squashed every time. You won't want to miss this episode if you need to get your character in line, solve some problems and live on your terms.

    ASKITA E141 Who Says You Can't Live the Dream? You Can.

    Play Episode Listen Later Nov 9, 2022 20:17


    In the episode, John talks about he is the leading character in his own story line full of dragons, adventure and the building of his own kingdom. Real Life was never this fun but when you write the story and use it to develop your character...well you found the Holy Grail of living on your terms. Dont' miss this episode #PersonaDevelopment

    ASKITA E140 Be Someone You Are Not

    Play Episode Listen Later Nov 8, 2022 18:27


    In this episode of ASKITA, John takes on the conventional belief that you should always be yourself. You really shouldn't if you are serious about making positive change in your life. Maybe being you isn't working out so well. Time to reinvent yourself. Do something for yourself and listen to this episode.

    ASKITA E139 The Good Bad & Fricking Ugly

    Play Episode Listen Later Oct 30, 2022 19:48


    In this episode of ASKITA, John gets answers he did not want to hear that force him to reevaluate his goal to reach first degree blackbelt and how that is going to help you recreate yourself.

    ASKITA E138 Awkwardness

    Play Episode Listen Later Oct 12, 2022 12:04


    In this episode of ASKITA, John talks not only about his own awkwardness but how to use awkwardness to your advantage in creating positive change.  #Awkward

    ASKITA E137 Buy Here Pay Here Terms

    Play Episode Listen Later Oct 8, 2022 26:01


    On this episode of ASKITA, John talks about the terms Life has us taking on to get you thinking about how to create positive change. www.aswiftkickintheass.com

    ASKITA E135 Thanks For the Memories Goodbye

    Play Episode Listen Later Aug 18, 2022 18:49


    In this episode of ASKITA, John talks about how a recent trip took him down memory lane as well as meeting up with the Here & Now. Don't miss this episode.

    ASKITA E134 Looking Paste the BS

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 20, 2022 19:12


    Warning: If your kids don't know what BS stand for, you may not want them listening.  Or maybe you should. There is some language in those episode that is not kid friendly. But it is real discussion about the importance of really knowing your BS. Understanding BS and using it properly can help you live on your terms. Don't miss this episode.

    ASKITA E133 F'ing People Up With Change!

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 30, 2022 25:52


    In this episode, John may drop the F-Bomb. There is just no better to talk about this topic without it. But you know it is for a reason. If you are trying to recreate your life by renegotiating your terms, you won't want to miss this one. It will motivate you to get your ass moving.

    ASKITA E131 Room To Grow

    Play Episode Listen Later May 19, 2022 20:30


    In this episode John talks about a technique he uses to expand his opportunities and have good positive change come to him. All it takes is you listening to this episode to give yourself room to grow.

    ASKITA E130 Recreating Your Expectations

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 14, 2022 8:54


    In today's episode, you will never know what to expect when John talks about our expectations and how they influence the terms of our life.  

    ASKITA E129 Change Begins Now

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 24, 2022 21:18


    After some time off to work on getting a new job, John is back. Rusty at the mic for sure. But., if you are serious about getting traction on your personal change, don't miss this episode. 

    ASKITA E128 Let's Talk About Grief

    Play Episode Listen Later Dec 24, 2021 13:02


    With no doubt, John's journey has had grief along the way. But that is only one part of John's journey. We cant change some of our terms. We will grieve. But We will also Live and kick some ass along the way. Time to move on from grief.

    ASKITA E127 Facing Fear Through Change

    Play Episode Listen Later Dec 24, 2021 17:12


    Facing change is not easy when it is thrust upon you, But don't let it get you down. John talks about how he is dealig with potential job loss and how to drive yourself forward. It's your life. Live it.

    ASKITA E126 Life's Terms

    Play Episode Listen Later Dec 14, 2021 14:29


    In this episode, you will learn how John defines these "Terms" and , better yet, why he defines the terms he faces and always has. Don't miss it!

    ASKITA E125 Feet On the Ground

    Play Episode Listen Later Dec 4, 2021 16:04


    In the episode...John gives you the information you need to get a foothold on your positive change.  Sit down. Ties your shoe laces and take a listen to John's PLAN (Problem|Learn What You Can Do| Align Goal With Reality| Know that no plan is perfect. 

    ASKITA E124 Ready for Change

    Play Episode Listen Later Nov 29, 2021 14:20


    Are you ready for change? Not just talk...but real change?  Listen to this episode. You are ready for A Swift Kick in the Ass!

    ASKITA E123: Searching for Security

    Play Episode Listen Later Nov 5, 2021 19:10


    In this episode, John talks about feelings anyone gets when their future is seen as at risk. What happens may not be in your control. Find out what John did to rid himself of anxiety in this episode

    ASKITA E122: Yuck Off. Yum On

    Play Episode Listen Later Sep 30, 2021 10:26


    Tom Robbins said that there are 2 ways to look at the world, Yuck and Yum.  But Yuck Off? Hint: It's not spit, swallow or gargle. You have to listen to find out. 

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