Conversations from the Hearth

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Join Master John Olds as he sits down with martial artists across the globe to discuss stories of martial arts training, instruction, and practice. Co-hosted by Jesse Trader (formerly, by Mr. Trevor Olds)

Rising Phoenix Martial Arts


    • Jul 14, 2023 LATEST EPISODE
    • monthly NEW EPISODES
    • 48m AVG DURATION
    • 71 EPISODES


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    Latest episodes from Conversations from the Hearth

    Episode 72 with Grand Master Warlock

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 14, 2023 34:42


    Grand Master Warlock joins the show to discuss European martial arts, medieval sport, and more! We experienced some technical difficulties with the audio during recording, but were able to salvage most of the conversation. We appreciate your patience!

    Episode 71 - Dr. James Hernandez

    Play Episode Listen Later May 26, 2023 74:37


    Dr. Hernandez joins the show to discuss Hoi Jeon Moo Sool and the importance of lineage.

    hernandez james hernandez
    Episode 70 - Taekwondo & Korea w/ Master James Lockett

    Play Episode Listen Later May 12, 2023 72:40


    This week we sat down with Master James Lockett of United States Taekwondo. He told us about his experiences training in Taekwondo in Korea, and there were many fun stories!

    Episode 69 - Visiting Master: Scot Conway

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 7, 2023 34:18


    Grandmaster Conway returns to the show to discuss protecting others and his upcoming seminar at Rising Phoenix! Check out Grandmaster Conway's publications and buy a book at https://www.amazon.com/stores/author/... Learn more about Rising Phoenix at https://www.risingphoenixtkd.com/

    Episode 68 - A. O. K. Past, Present & Future w/ Grand Master D. E. Chambers

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 30, 2023 41:02


    We sat down with Grand Master D.E. Chambers of Northside Karate in Houston (https://www.northsidekarate.org/) to discuss his martial arts history and the future of the Amateur Organization of Karate. Learn more about Rising Phoenix Martial Arts at https://risingphoenixtkd.com/

    Episode 67 - BJJ & All Things Martial Arts w/ Professor Scott Burr

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 24, 2023 52:07


    We had a great conversation with Professor Scott Burr of Enclave Jiu-Jitsu. A second degree black belt in BJJ, he shared his knowledge of the martial arts on a wide range of topics. He is a published author with many great books.

    martial arts burr professor scott
    Episode 66 - Karate State Championships w/ Supreme Grand Master Abel Villareal

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 17, 2023 36:18


    Grand Master Villareal joins us to discuss the A.O.K. Karate State Championship, and share the story of how this long-running tournament came to be!

    Episode 65 - Martial Arts Demonstration w/ Grand Master Tim Kirby & Grand Master Diane Reeve-Kirby

    Play Episode Listen Later Feb 3, 2023 43:16


    Grandmaster Reeve Kirby returns to the show with special guest Grandmaster Tim Kirby! The two industry veterans share their thoughts on what makes martial arts demonstration effective and inspiring.

    Episode 64 - Goal Setting w/ Sensei Ramsey Veitch & Sifu Jacob Arenstein

    Play Episode Listen Later Jan 27, 2023 80:23


    Sensei Veitch and Sifu Arenstein return to the show to shed some light on goal setting and staying motivated over a lifetime of martial arts practice. Learn about Rising Phoenix Martial Arts at https://risingphoenixtkd.com/ Learn more about Impulse Martial Arts at https://impulsemartialarts.com/ Learn more about Spring Martial Arts at https://www.springmartialarts.com/

    Episode 63 - Martial Arts Demonstration w/ Master David Popper

    Play Episode Listen Later Dec 13, 2022 73:02


    Owner and Head Instructor at Martial Arts Institute North in Overland Park, Kansas, Master Popper returns to the show to discuss the many forms and benefits of martial arts demonstration! Learn more about Master Popper and Martial Arts Institute North at https://mainorth.com/ Learn more about Rising Phoenix at https://risingphoenixtkd.com/ Music courtesy of https://podcastthemes.com/

    Episode 62 - Awareness in the Martial Arts w/ Jason Brick, Alex & Nicholas Gaudynski, Jacob Arenstein

    Play Episode Listen Later Dec 3, 2022 61:56


    Today we are joined by a special cast of returning guests, all with a unique perspective on awareness.

    brick martial arts alex nicholas
    Episode 61 - The Self-Defense Mindset w/ Mr. Steve Ruddock

    Play Episode Listen Later Nov 28, 2022 75:49


    Lifelong martial artist and co-owner of Nick Cerio's Kenpo Karate in Bellingham, MA, Mr. Steve Ruddock joins us as we dive deep into the self-defense mindset. Learn more about Mr. Ruddock at https://www.nckbellingham.com/ Learn more about Rising Phoenix at https://risingphoenixtkd.com/ Music courtesy of https://podcastthemes.com/

    Episode 60 - Realities of Weapons Training w/ Sensei Ramsey Veitch

    Play Episode Listen Later Nov 11, 2022 69:22


    Lifelong martial artist and Head Instructor at Impulse Martial Arts in Easton, Pennsylvania, Sensei Veitch returns to the show to discuss weapons training and the realities of self defense. Learn more about Sensei Veitch at https://impulsemartialarts.com/ Learn more about Rising Phoenix at https://risingphoenixtkd.com/ Music courtesy of https://podcastthemes.com/

    Episode 59 - Visiting Master: Jason Brick

    Play Episode Listen Later Nov 3, 2022 23:03


    Lifelong martial artist and author of a number of books and articles, Sensei Brick joins us to share a bit about his upcoming seminar at Rising Phoenix. Learn more about Sensei Brick at https://www.safestfamilyontheblock.org/ and check out his new book, "There I Was... When Nothing Happened" at https://www.amazon.com/There-When-Nothing-Happened-Professionals/dp/B0BCSLS82N Learn more about Rising Phoenix at https://risingphoenixtkd.com/ Music courtesy of https://podcastthemes.com/

    Episode 58 - Self-Defense Lawfulness and Ethics w/ Master Chance Fine

    Play Episode Listen Later Oct 4, 2022 64:21


    Dedicated martial artist, police officer, and owner of Spherical Self-Defense, Master Fine joins us to talk about justified use of force, self-defense ethics, firearm training, and much more! Learn more about Master Fine at http://www.shawneemartialarts.org/ Learn more about Rising Phoenix at https://risingphoenixtkd.com/ Music courtesy of https://podcastthemes.com/

    Episode 57 - Making Traditional Martial Arts Practical w/ Sensei Shaun Devoy

    Play Episode Listen Later Sep 16, 2022 70:36


    Lifelong martial artist and founder of Satori Life Center, Devoy Sensei joins us to talk about traditional and progressive martial arts and practical self-defense. Learn more about Devoy Sensei at https://satorilc.com/ Learn more about Rising Phoenix at https://risingphoenixtkd.com/ Music courtesy of https://podcastthemes.com/

    Episode 56 - Don't Fight Mad w/ Master Cindy Villanueva

    Play Episode Listen Later Sep 1, 2022 74:00


    Martial artist, marketing pro, professor, mother, and author of "Don't Fight Mad: A Black Belt's Journey to Recapture Joy", Master Villanueva joins us to explore seven life changing principles outlined in her book: 1. Get in the Ring 2. Get in the Right Ring 3. Get Prepared 4. Get Comfortable with Punches 5. Don't Fight Mad 6. Mix it Up 7. Listen to Your Coach Learn more about Master Villanueva at http://cindyvillanueva.com/ Learn more about Rising Phoenix Martial Arts at https://risingphoenixtkd.com Music courtesy of https://podcastthemes.com/

    Episode 55 - Martial Arts Teaching Philosophies w/ Mr. Steve Ruddock & Mrs. Mindy Ruddock

    Play Episode Listen Later Aug 16, 2022 62:50


    Episode 55 with Mr. Steve Ruddock and Mrs. Mindy Ruddock Co-Owners and Instructors at Nick Cerio's Kenpo Karate Bellingham, Mr. and Mrs. Ruddock join us to talk about martial arts instruction and various responses to common scenarios on the mats. Learn more about Mr. and Mrs. Ruddock at https://www.nckbellingham.com/ Learn more about Rising Phoenix at https://risingphoenixtkd.com/ Music courtesy of https://podcastthemes.com/

    Episode 54 - Martial Arts and Korean Culture w/ Sabumnim Jeff Rosser

    Play Episode Listen Later Aug 8, 2022 71:50


    Episode 54 with Sabumnim Jeff Rosser Lifelong martial artist, published author, international competitor, and owner of Mudo Korean Martial Arts in North Carolina, Sabumnim Rosser joins us to talk about similarities and differences between traditional martial arts and the impact of their cultural origins on how they are practiced and perceived. Learn more about Sabumnim Rosser at https://mudokma.com/ Learn more about Rising Phoenix at https://risingphoenixtkd.com/ Music courtesy of https://podcastthemes.com/

    Episode 53 - Martial Arts for Older Adults & Students with Disabilities w/ Master Samuel Morris

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 18, 2022 59:10


    5th Dan Black Belt instructor and owner of South Orlando Martial Arts, Master Samuel joins us to talk about the benefits of martial arts for older adults and students with disabilities. Learn more about Master Samuel at https://southorlandomartialarts.com/ Learn more about Rising Phoenix at https://risingphoenixtkd.com/ Music courtesy of https://podcastthemes.com/

    Episode 52 - Martial Arts & Martial Sport w/ Sabumnim Eddie Brosseau

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 27, 2022 60:50


    A lifelong martial artist and U.S. Air Force Veteran, Sabumnim Brosseau joins us to talk about martial sport, Korean martial arts, internal martial arts, and travelling the world. Learn more about Sabumnim Brosseau at https://koreanmartialartsnc.com/ Learn more about Rising Phoenix at https://risingphoenixtkd.com/ Music courtesy of https://podcastthemes.com/

    Episode 51 - Visiting Master Ben West & Mrs. Andrea West

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 15, 2022 45:47


    Lifelong martial artist and head instructor at Decatur Martial Arts in Illinois, Master West joins us along with Mrs. West to talk about martial arts relationships, different types of sparring, and effective sparring techniques before they visit the dojang later this week! Learn more about Decatur Martial Arts at https://www.facebook.com/Decatur-Mart... Learn more about Rising Phoenix at https://risingphoenixtkd.com/ Music courtesy of https://podcastthemes.com/

    Episode 50 - What Makes Rank Valuable? w/ Sensei Ramsey Veitch

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 7, 2022 102:17


    Lifelong martial artist and Head Instructor at Impulse Martial Arts in Easton, Pennsylvania, Sensei Veitch returns to the show to discuss rank integrity, the challenges of standardization, and much more. Learn more about Sensei Veitch at https://impulsemartialarts.com/ Learn more about Rising Phoenix at https://risingphoenixtkd.com/ Music courtesy of https://podcastthemes.com/

    Episode 49 - Why Fitness is Important in Martial Arts w/ Sensei Devante Foreman

    Play Episode Listen Later May 23, 2022 65:32


    A dedicated practitioner for many years, and owner of Focused Passion Martial Arts (FPMA) Karate, Sensei Foreman joins us to talk about the importance of fitness, as well as mindset, receptiveness, and more. Learn more about Sensei Foreman at https://www.facebook.com/Focsuedpassi... and check out their YouTube channel at https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCy0q... Learn more about Rising Phoenix at https://risingphoenixtkd.com/ Music courtesy of https://podcastthemes.com/

    Episode 48 - The Essence of Martial Arts w/ Grandmaster Scot Conway

    Play Episode Listen Later May 17, 2022 48:07


    A man of myriad talents, accolades, and years of wisdom, Grandmaster Conway joins us to talk about martial arts traditions, evolutions of styles, generational continuity, and much more. Learn more about Grandmaster Conway at https://scotwith1t.com/ Learn more about Rising Phoenix at https://risingphoenixtkd.com/ Music courtesy of https://podcastthemes.com/

    Episode 47 - What Makes Aikido, Aikido? w/ Sensei Alex & Sensei Nick Gaudynski

    Play Episode Listen Later May 9, 2022 68:32


    Lifelong Aikido practitioners and training partners, Sensei Alex & Sensei Nick join us to talk about Aikido, training as brothers, and more. Example of Toshu Randori: https://youtu.be/WoQQlOEnSFI Further examples of Tomiki Aikido: https://youtu.be/F4qXuVAtXUs Learn more about Sensei Alex & Sensei Nick at http://wissportaikidoclub.com/ Learn more about Rising Phoenix at https://risingphoenixtkd.com/ Music courtesy of https://podcastthemes.com/

    Episode 46 - Women as Leaders in Martial Arts w/ Grandmaster Diane Reeve Kirby

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 26, 2022 47:36


    8th Degree Black Belt and owner of Vision Martial Arts Center in Plano, TX, Grandmaster Kirby joins us to talk about leadership, women in the martial arts, instructional philosophy, and more. Learn more about Grandmaster Kirby at https://vmacplano.com/ Learn more about Rising Phoenix at https://risingphoenixtkd.com/ Music courtesy of https://podcastthemes.com/

    Episode 45 - Kung Fu, Forms, and Theory w/ Sifu Jacob Arenstein

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 18, 2022 69:17


    Lifelong Kung Fu practitioner and owner of Spring Martial Arts in Spring, TX, Sifu Arenstein joins us to talk about incorporating Kung Fu and Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, the importance of kata, martial arts theory, and more. Learn more about Sifu Arenstein at https://www.springmartialarts.com/ Learn more about Rising Phoenix at https://risingphoenixtkd.com/ Music courtesy of https://podcastthemes.com/

    Episode 44 - Generations of Martial Arts w/ Mr. Pierce Burleson

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 11, 2022 66:49


    Lifelong karate practitioner and instructor at Legends Martial Arts, Mr. Burleson joins us to talk about how martial arts training changes over years, decades, and lifetimes. Learn more about Mr. Burleson at https://www.legendsmartialarts.com/ Learn more about Rising Phoenix at https://risingphoenixtkd.com/ Music courtesy of https://podcastthemes.com/

    Episode 43 - Using Improv to Improve Your Martial Arts w/ Ms. Beverly Baker

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 21, 2022 58:53


    Owner and Head Instructor at Asphalt Anthropology, Ms. Baker joins us to talk about the use of improv in improving one's martial art, and the necessity of awareness in urban self-defense situations. Learn more about Ms. Baker at https://www.asphaltanthro.com/ Learn more about Rising Phoenix at https://risingphoenixtkd.com/ Music courtesy of https://podcastthemes.com/

    Episode 42 - Cultivating Community in the Martial Arts w/ Master Kevin Nevels

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 14, 2022 55:07


    Owner and Master Instructor at Championship Martial Arts, which has three locations in the Dallas-Fort Worth area, Master Nevels joins us to talk about community building, in the martial arts and in general! Learn more about Master Nevels and Championship Martial Arts at https://coppelltkd.com/ Learn more about Rising Phoenix at https://risingphoenixtkd.com/ Music courtesy of https://podcastthemes.com/

    Episode 41 - Doing Martial Arts as a Family w/ Master David Popper

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 9, 2022 77:43


    Owner and Master Instructor at Martial Arts Institute North in Overland Park, KS, Master Popper joins us to talk about the benefits of training as a family and more! Learn more about Master Popper and Martial Arts Institute North at https://mainorth.com/ Learn more about Rising Phoenix at https://risingphoenixtkd.com/ Music courtesy of https://podcastthemes.com/

    Episode 40 - Difference & Disability in the Martial Arts w/ Sensei James Orobono

    Play Episode Listen Later Feb 21, 2022 46:46


    Head instructor at Elite Mixed Martial Arts Center in Northampton, PA, Sensei James joins us to talk about his approach to working with diverse student populations and more. Learn more about Sensei James and Elite Mixed Martial Arts Center at https://elitemmactr.com/ Learn more about Rising Phoenix at https://risingphoenixtkd.com/ Music courtesy of https://podcastthemes.com/

    Episode 39 - Visiting Master Jason Zakrajsek

    Play Episode Listen Later Feb 16, 2022 49:50


    Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu Professor and Kuk Sul Do Master Jason Zakrajsek returns to the podcast to talk about some fundamental principles of self defense and cornerstone BJJ techniques ahead of his upcoming seminar here at Rising Phoenix! Learn more about Master Jason at https://www.kuksuldoacademy.com/ Learn more about Rising Phoenix at https://risingphoenixtkd.com/ Music courtesy of https://podcastthemes.com/

    Episode 38 - When Nothing Happened w/ Mr. Jason Brick

    Play Episode Listen Later Feb 7, 2022 50:15


    This week we spoke with Mr. Brick about his forthcoming book "There I Was When Nothing Happened", a collection of anecdotes and meditations on reducing physical violence in self-defense situations. Learn more about Jason at http://www.brickcommajason.com/and follow him on YouTube at https://www.youtube.com/c/SafestFamilyontheBlock Learn more about Rising Phoenix Martial Arts at https://risingphoenixtkd.com/ Music courtesy of https://podcastthemes.com

    Episode 37 - Goals, Reality, Results w/ Sensei Ramsey Veitch

    Play Episode Listen Later Jan 29, 2022 93:43


    Master Olds and Jesse talk with Sensei Ramsey Veitch about the impact of goal setting, realities of training and instruction, and the results of dedication and commitment to one's art. Learn more about Ramsey and Impulse Martial Arts at https://impulsemartialarts.com/ Learn more about Rising Phoenix Martial Arts at https://risingphoenixtkd.com/ Music courtesy of https://podcastthemes.com

    Episode 36 - Developing Character w/ Master Ben West & Mrs. West

    Play Episode Listen Later Jan 3, 2022 77:06


    Master Olds and Jesse talk with Master Ben West and Mrs. West about development of character within the martial arts. Learn more about Master West, Mrs. West, and Decatur Martial Arts at https://www.facebook.com/Decatur-Martial-Arts-103556611574667 Learn more about Rising Phoenix Martial Arts at https://risingphoenixtkd.com Music courtesy of https://podcastthemes.com

    master west ben west developing character
    Episode 35 - 2021 Year in Review w/ The RPMA Staff

    Play Episode Listen Later Dec 20, 2021 35:05


    Master Olds is joined by the Rising Phoenix Staff to reflect on the past and look toward the future. Learn more about Rising Phoenix Martial Arts at https://risingphoenixtkd.com Music courtesy of https://podcastthemes.com

    Episode 34 - The Need for Focus in the Modern World w/ Master Joshua Hong

    Play Episode Listen Later Nov 29, 2021 50:34


    Master Olds and Jesse sit down with Master Joshua Hong to talk about cultivating focus. Learn more about Master Joshua Hong and Eternal Martial Arts by visiting https://eternalmartialartshouston.com Learn more about Rising Phoenix Martial Arts by visiting https://risingphoenixtkd.com Music courtesy of https://podcastthemes.com

    modern world hong master joshua
    Episode 33 - The Benefits of Competition w/ Master Wesley Lee

    Play Episode Listen Later Nov 15, 2021 36:17


    Master Olds and Jesse talk with Master Lee of Vail Taekwondo about the importance of competition for the aspiring martial artist. Learn more about Master Wesley Lee and Vail taekwondo by visiting https://vailtkd.com Learn more about Rising Phoenix Martial Arts by visiting https://risingphoenixtkd.com Music courtesy of https://podcastthemes.com

    Episode 32 - What it Means to be a Competitor

    Play Episode Listen Later Nov 11, 2021 28:05


    Master Olds and Jesse talk about what it means to be a competitor and why competition is so important. Music courtesy of https://podcastthemes.com

    Episode 31 - Teaching Children with Disabilities, a Tournament for Breakers, and Working with Family w/ Junior Bashta

    Play Episode Listen Later Oct 11, 2021 43:22


    Master Olds and Jesse sit down with Junior Bashta of Bashta's Martial Arts to discuss working with children with disabilities, his breaking tournament, and more. Learn more about Bashta's Martial Arts at https://bashtasmartialarts.com Music courtesy of https://podcastthemes.com

    Episode 30 - Martial Arts & Fighting for a Happy Life w/ Sensei Ando Mierzwa

    Play Episode Listen Later Oct 4, 2021 61:01


    Master Olds and Jesse sit down with Sensei Ando Mierzwa from Happy Life Martial Arts to discuss self-acceptance, the importance of finding your own path, and more. Find Sensei Ando at https://www.youtube.com/c/AndoMierzwaAKASenseiAndo Music courtesy of https://podcastthemes.com

    Episode 29 - African Martial Arts w/ Da'Mon Stith

    Play Episode Listen Later Sep 20, 2021 78:23


    Master Olds and Jesse talk African Martial Arts with Da'Mon Stith, Chief Instructor of Guild of the Silent Sword. Music courtesy of https://podcastthemes.com

    Episode 28 - Art, Craft, and Creativity

    Play Episode Listen Later Sep 13, 2021 24:45


    Master Olds and Jesse discuss art, craft, and creativity in the marital arts, and some differences between eastern and western culture. Music courtesy of https://podcastthemes.com

    Episode 27 - Clearing the Air about COVID-19 w/ Dr. G. Richard Olds

    Play Episode Listen Later Aug 5, 2021 59:21


    Master Olds sits down with his father, Dr. G. Richard Olds, the President of St. George's University and a specialist on COVID-19, to discuss the virus. Check out Rising Phoenix Martial Arts at https://risingphoenixtkd.com Learn more about Dr. G. Richard Olds at https://www.sgu.edu/biography/g-richard-olds/ Music courtesy of https://podcastthemes.com

    Episode 26 - How to be Successful Without Marketing the Belt w/ Master Peter Sorce

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 6, 2021 25:39


    Master Olds chats with Peter Sorce of Sorce Martial Arts about improving standards how one can run a successful martial arts business without sacrificing belt integrity. Check out Rising Phoenix Martial Arts at https://risingphoenixtkd.com Learn more about Master Peter Sorce at https://sorcemartialarts.com Music courtesy of https://podcastthemes.com

    music marketing belt sorce master peter
    Episode 25 - Taekwondo Then & Now w/ Grandmaster Jin Sup Hong

    Play Episode Listen Later Feb 12, 2021 36:29


    Master Olds speaks with Grandmaster Jin Sup Hong, a 9th degree black belt in taekwondo, about the history of taekwondo and how the art has changed over the years. Check out Rising Phoenix Martial Arts at https://risingphoenixtkd.com Learn more about Grandmaster Jin Sup Hong at https://ritkd.com Music courtesy of https://podcastthemes.com

    Episode 24 - Traditional vs. Modern Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu w/ Professor Jason Zakrajsek

    Play Episode Listen Later Feb 5, 2021 38:13


    Master Olds sits down with Master Jason Zakrajsek from Chagrin Fall Kuk Sul Do Academy to discuss the direction of BJJ over the last decade and what he hopes to achieve with his new program. Check out Rising Phoenix Martial Arts at https://risingphoenixtkd.com Learn more about Master Jason Zakrajsek at https://kuksuldoacademy.com Music courtesy of podcastthemes.com

    Episode 23 - Sensei Emmett

    Play Episode Listen Later Jan 12, 2021 35:13


    Master Olds talks with an instructor from Ireland, Sensei Emmett, to learn about his background and the style in which he trains.

    Episode 22 - Master Greg Koval

    Play Episode Listen Later Dec 23, 2020 9:28


    Master Olds chats with Master Greg Koval about a surprising coincidence.

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