Wim Demeere Podcast

Dawn Armstrong is the founder of ThinkSafe Seminars in Tucson, Arizona, where she teaches civilian situational awareness, conflict management, travel safety, workplace violence prevention, and basic physical defense. She holds a 4th degree black belt in Kenpo and is certified as a Situational Awareness Specialist, with additional training through Gavin de Becker and Associates and Vistelar. She works with corporations, organizations, and the public, and also works with 500 Rising, which is why her material sits next to what martial artists already teach on prevention and women's self-defense. The second part of our talk with Q&A from my Patrons is here The shownotes with links mentioned in this episode: https://wimsblog.com/172 Summary: Dawn describes ThinkSafe Seminars as a civilian program built so people do not have to learn situational awareness only after something goes wrong. She defines awareness as more than "pay attention": scanning during transitions, locking the car with the habit she calls close and click, and practicing those habits in daily life so they transfer to work. Wim compares that to driving and parenting. Dawn uses stories to reach people who have never experienced violence, and she separates a knee-jerk reaction from a more thoughtful response. They also cover assertive versus aggressive action, social excuses that let you leave without a scene, and students who jump into heroic action when the setting does not allow it. The second half is about why people still skip training. Dawn says the general public still treats the material as common sense, while larger organizations are building behavioral threat assessment teams that bring security, HR, and other departments into a single process. They talk about self-presentation, students who dismiss techniques after two months on the mat, the slogan "teach men not to attack women," and the victim-blaming charge aimed at instructors who teach options. Dawn's line is that an attack is never the target's fault and that people still need options. Wim adds agency, insurance-style negligence, and predator timing. They close on concealed carry treated as a complete plan, and Dawn's classroom question: what are you willing to fight for, from a wallet up to a child in a car or when taken to a second location. Key takeaways: Close and click is the model for ThinkSafe habits: get in the car, shut the door, lock it before the phone comes out. The same small transition habits apply when you leave an office or arrive home. A reaction is fast and emotional. A response is slower and aimed at ending the problem. Dawn uses a bump-and-insult drill to show how matching tone can start a fight and how a short apology can end it. Prepared social exits work when force would be the wrong tool. "I have to use the restroom" or "I need to talk to that person" gets you out of a wine tasting or a rising argument without announcing that you are de-escalating. A husband, a security desk, a nearby police station, or a gun does not replace you as the first person who has to act. People who target you wait for the gap: hallway, parking lot, or any moment you are alone. Dawn's planning question is what you will fight for before the moment arrives. Most students will not go to the hospital for a wallet or a car. A child in that car, or being moved to a second location, changes the answer. Figure that out at home, not mid-incident. Support the podcast and get instant access to dozens of bonus episodes, HUNDREDS of exclusive videos, and much more: https://www.patreon.com/wimdemeere New book/video email notification list: http://www.wimdemeere.com/notification/ Website: http://www.wimsblog.com/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/WimDemeerePage/ Twitter: https://twitter.com/wimdemeere Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/wimdemeere/ Facebook group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/YouAreNotAres Merch: https://wim-demeere-merch.creator-spring.com 

Tammy Yard-McCracken is a psychotherapist, Krav Maga instructor, and founder of 500 Rising, a nonprofit that trains instructors and runs women's and girls' self-defense programs in North America and Europe. She founded Kore Self-Defense and Krav Maga in Northern Virginia, has taught with the Violence Dynamics instructor group, and works on conflict communication, scenario training, and instructor development.  The second part of our talk with Q&A from my Patrons is here: https://www.patreon.com/wimdemeere/posts/168477520/ The shownotes with links mentioned in this episode: https://wimsblog.com/171 Summary Wim and Tammy pick up about three years after their last talk. She describes handing Kore Self-Defense and Krav Maga to her instructor team when the lease ended so she could stop splitting bandwidth between the school and 500 Rising. The nonprofit now fields training requests in the US, UK, and Europe, with early conversations about Zambia and Australia. Next steps she names are short online courses for instructors and the public, a larger US board of directors, tying that board to the European advisory council, and moving herself out of the de facto CEO role so the work is not personality-driven. They then work through the resistance 500 Rising draws: the claim that men and women have identical personal-safety needs, the claim that women cannot defend themselves so training is pointless, and the "what about men" demand that is rarely followed by anyone building a men's program. Tammy separates a few openly misogynistic comments from people picking a fight and from people whose core beliefs are being violated. Wim and Tammy argue over ego and outdated studies, the difference between jealousy and envy, accountability when an instructor is wrong on the mat, why strangulation stats look different for women than for men, and whether MeToo-era boundary management is revenge or a new workplace rule men are still learning. Key takeaways - Tammy's stated goal for 500 Rising is to make the curriculum outlast her. Training directors already deliver the courses. She wants the US board expanded and someone else in the top leadership seat so the organization does not vanish if the founder does. - Most online hostility she sees is not hard misogyny. A larger share is people looking for a rise. Another subset is reacting because women's self-defense contradicts a belief they have built identity around. New data that kills an old teaching point hits that same nerve. - Specialization is treated as exclusion. 500 Rising trains women and still lets men into the instructor courses. When critics ask where the men's self-defense class is, Tammy's reply has been: put one on. That offer has produced crickets. - Crime figures are a snapshot, not a verdict. Definitions change, reporting collapses when police do not act, and sexual-violence reporting in the US data they use is roughly 10 percent men and 90 percent women, with male cases known to be under-reported. Talking about one pattern does not make the other pattern disappear. - On the mat, unacknowledged errors break rapport and stop students from asking hard questions. Tammy uses the choke-versus-strangle example: a male instructor can be statistically right that strangulation is rare for men and still wrong for the women in the same room.   Support the podcast and get instant access to dozens of bonus episodes, HUNDREDS of exclusive videos, and much more: https://www.patreon.com/wimdemeere New book/video email notification list: http://www.wimdemeere.com/notification/ Website: http://www.wimsblog.com/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/WimDemeerePage/ Twitter: https://twitter.com/wimdemeere Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/wimdemeere/ Facebook group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/YouAreNotAres Merch: https://wim-demeere-merch.creator-spring.com 

Tèja VanWicklen is a writer and self-defense consultant specializing in realistic violence prevention, with a focus on training for women and parents. She has over thirty years of experience studying multiple martial arts along with edged weapons, firearms, wilderness survival, biomechanics, and health-related fields, and has worked in stunt performance and choreography. She is the author of the book Reimagining Women's Self-Defense: Protective Offense, which supplies martial arts and self-defense instructors with frameworks for recognizing predatory intent and structuring effective protective responses. The second part of our talk with Q&A from my Patrons is here: https://www.patreon.com/wimdemeere/posts/163168152 Enjoy! Support the podcast and get instant access to dozens of bonus episodes, HUNDREDS of exclusive videos, and much more: https://www.patreon.com/wimdemeere New book/video email notification list: http://www.wimdemeere.com/notification/ Website: http://www.wimsblog.com/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/WimDemeerePage/ Twitter: https://twitter.com/wimdemeere Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/wimdemeere/ Facebook group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/YouAreNotAres Merch: https://wim-demeere-merch.creator-spring.com 

Randy King is a self-defense instructor, speaker, and author. We talk about his new book and lots more. The second part of our talk, in which Randy answers questions from my Patrons, is here.  Show notes: https://wimsblog.com/169 Enjoy! Support the podcast and get instant access to dozens of bonus episodes, HUNDREDS of exclusive videos, and much more: https://www.patreon.com/wimdemeere New book/video email notification list: http://www.wimdemeere.com/notification/ Website: http://www.wimsblog.com/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/WimDemeerePage/ Twitter: https://twitter.com/wimdemeere Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/wimdemeere/ Facebook group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/YouAreNotAres Merch: https://wim-demeere-merch.creator-spring.com 

Toby Cowern has an extensive background in military intelligence, survival, and preparedness. We discuss geopolitics and how the consequences of the war in Iran will impact everyday citizens.  The second part of our talk, in which Toby answers questions from my Patrons, is here: https://www.patreon.com/posts/157721898  Shownotes: https://wimsblog.com/168 Support the podcast and get instant access to dozens of bonus episodes, HUNDREDS of exclusive videos, and much more: https://www.patreon.com/wimdemeere  New book/video email notification list: http://www.wimdemeere.com/notification/  Website: http://www.wimsblog.com/  Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/WimDemeerePage/  Twitter: https://twitter.com/wimdemeere  Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/wimdemeere/  Facebook group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/YouAreNotAres  Merch: https://wim-demeere-merch.creator-spring.com 

Paul Silfverstråle is a long-time practitioner of martial arts, in particular the Tai Chi Chuan style I also teach. He also has extensive knowledge of Traditional Chinese Medicine, movement training and more. The second part of our conversation with supporter Q&A is here: https://www.patreon.com/posts/153013420  Shownotes: https://wimsblog.com/167 Support the podcast and get instant access to dozens of bonus episodes, HUNDREDS of exclusive videos, and much more: https://www.patreon.com/wimdemeere New book/video email notification list: http://www.wimdemeere.com/notification/ Website: http://www.wimsblog.com/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/WimDemeerePage/ Twitter: https://twitter.com/wimdemeere Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/wimdemeere/ Facebook group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/YouAreNotAres Merch: https://wim-demeere-merch.creator-spring.com

Jamie Clubb is a UK-based martial arts and self‑protection coach, founder of Clubb Chimera Martial Arts and has authored books, courses, and a long-running podcast. We cover all these and much more in this episode. Part two of our conversation with supporter Q&A is here: https://www.patreon.com/posts/150671030/ Support the podcast and get instant access to dozens of bonus episodes and HUNDREDS of exclusive videos: https://www.patreon.com/wimdemeere New book/video email notification list: http://www.wimdemeere.com/notification/ Website: http://www.wimsblog.com/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/WimDemeerePage/ Twitter: https://twitter.com/wimdemeere Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/wimdemeere/ Facebook group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/YouAreNotAres Merch: https://wim-demeere-merch.creator-spring.com

Mary Stevens is a Karate instructor, women's and children's self-defense instructor, and much more. We talked about her experience in India, self-defense for teenagers, and much more. Part two of our conversation is here: https://www.patreon.com/posts/147180125  The show notes and links mentioned are here: https://wimsblog.com/165 Support the podcast and get instant access to dozens of bonus episodes and HUNDREDS of exclusive videos: https://www.patreon.com/wimdemeere New book/video email notification list: http://www.wimdemeere.com/notification/ Website: http://www.wimsblog.com/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/WimDemeerePage/ Twitter: https://twitter.com/wimdemeere Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/wimdemeere/ Facebook group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/YouAreNotAres Merch: https://wim-demeere-merch.creator-spring.com

No gym? No problem. In this episode, I cover how to build serious strength with bodyweight exercises, cheap and DIY equipment, and more, in the most affordable way.  The show notes and links mentioned are here: https://wimsblog.com/164 Support the podcast and get instant access to dozens of bonus episodes and HUNDREDS of exclusive videos: https://www.patreon.com/wimdemeere New book/video email notification list: http://www.wimdemeere.com/notification/ Website: http://www.wimsblog.com/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/WimDemeerePage/ Twitter: https://twitter.com/wimdemeere Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/wimdemeere/ Facebook group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/YouAreNotAres Merch: https://wim-demeere-merch.creator-spring.com

Andy Benfield is an adventurer, author, and more, but today he speaks about how he teaches "Meditation For the Rest of Us" and "Change Your Mind" sessions. In the second part, Andy answers questions from my Patrons: https://www.patreon.com/posts/142415212 The show notes are here: https://wimsblog.com/163 Also listen to our previous conversations here: https://wimsblog.com/tag/andy-benfield/ Support the podcast and get instant access to dozens of bonus episodes and HUNDREDS of exclusive videos: https://www.patreon.com/wimdemeere New book/video email notification list: http://www.wimdemeere.com/notification/ Website: http://www.wimsblog.com/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/WimDemeerePage/ Twitter: https://twitter.com/wimdemeere Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/wimdemeere/ Facebook group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/YouAreNotAres Merch: https://wim-demeere-merch.creator-spring.com

Toby Cowern has an extensive background in military intelligence, survival and preparedness. We discuss geopolitics and how global dynamics impact everyday citizens. We recorded this on October 9th of 2025. The Bonus Episode in which Toby answers questions from my Patrons is here: https://www.patreon.com/posts/141459976 The show notes are here: https://wimsblog.com/162 Due to technical issues, the sound doesn't sync perfectly, my apologies.  Support the podcast and get instant access to dozens of bonus episodes and HUNDREDS of exclusive videos: https://www.patreon.com/wimdemeere New book/video email notification list: http://www.wimdemeere.com/notification/ Website: http://www.wimsblog.com/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/WimDemeerePage/ Twitter: https://twitter.com/wimdemeere Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/wimdemeere/ Facebook group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/YouAreNotAres

Lucius Pomerantz, MD is a board-certified orthopedic surgeon, former MMA fighter and BJJ black belt. We talk about being a ringside physician at the UFC BJJ event, combat sports injuries, how to treat them and much more. The second part of the episode is here on Patreon. Enjoy. Support the podcast and get instant access to dozens of bonus episodes and HUNDREDS of exclusive videos: https://www.patreon.com/wimdemeere New book/video email notification list: http://www.wimdemeere.com/notification/ Website: http://www.wimsblog.com/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/WimDemeerePage/ Twitter: https://twitter.com/wimdemeere Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/wimdemeere/ Facebook group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/YouAreNotAres Merch: https://wim-demeere-merch.creator-spring.com

I didn't feel like doing this episode, but several of my Patrons contacted me privately and asked me to release it. So here goes. The links I mentioned are at http://www.wimsblog.com/160 Support the podcast and get instant access to dozens of bonus episodes and HUNDREDS of exclusive videos: https://www.patreon.com/wimdemeere New book/video email notification list: http://www.wimdemeere.com/notification/ Website: http://www.wimsblog.com/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/WimDemeerePage/ Twitter: https://twitter.com/wimdemeere Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/wimdemeere/ Facebook group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/YouAreNotAres Merch: https://wim-demeere-merch.creator-spring.com

Maija Soderholm is the lineage holder of the Visayan Style of Maestro Sonny Umpad, a Bagua Zhang teacher and author of multiple books. We first talk about how to get along in these polarized times but also cover the books she wrote since last we spoke.  Part 2 with Patreon members Q&A is here: https://www.patreon.com/posts/136043693  Enjoy! Support the podcast and get instant access to dozens of bonus episodes and HUNDREDS of exclusive videos: https://www.patreon.com/wimdemeere New book/video email notification list: http://www.wimdemeere.com/notification/ Website: http://www.wimsblog.com/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/WimDemeerePage/ Twitter: https://twitter.com/wimdemeere Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/wimdemeere/ Facebook group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/YouAreNotAres Merch: https://wim-demeere-merch.creator-spring.com

Eric Parsons is a professor of economics. We talk about how economics works and how the average citizen can benefit from understanding it. He also shares his experience as a Goju Ryu Karate black belt teaching in Africa.  The links mentioned are here at the shownotes page: http://www.wimsblog.com/158 Part 2 with Patreon members Q&A is here: https://www.patreon.com/posts/133976371  Enjoy! Support the podcast and get instant access to dozens of bonus episodes and HUNDREDS of exclusive videos: https://www.patreon.com/wimdemeere New book/video email notification list: http://www.wimdemeere.com/notification/ Website: http://www.wimsblog.com/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/WimDemeerePage/ Twitter: https://twitter.com/wimdemeere Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/wimdemeere/ Facebook group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/YouAreNotAres Merch: https://wim-demeere-merch.creator-spring.com

Barry Eisler is a bestselling author and former CIA officer. We discuss his new book, a political thriller titled "The System" and discuss the nature/inner workings of power in America, and much more.  Part 2 with Patreon members Q&A is here: https://www.patreon.com/posts/130701945/  Enjoy! Support the podcast and get instant access to dozens of bonus episodes and HUNDREDS of exclusive videos: https://www.patreon.com/wimdemeere New book/video email notification list: http://www.wimdemeere.com/notification/ Website: http://www.wimsblog.com/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/WimDemeerePage/ Twitter: https://twitter.com/wimdemeere Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/wimdemeere/ Facebook group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/YouAreNotAres Merch: https://wim-demeere-merch.creator-spring.com

Gus Rogers is a Tang Soo Do teacher and author. We talk about forms, his book, and much more. The show notes:  https://wimsblog.com/156  Part 2 with Q&A with my Patrons: https://www.patreon.com/posts/129533284/   Support the podcast and get instant access to dozens of bonus episodes and HUNDREDS of exclusive videos: https://www.patreon.com/wimdemeere New book/video email notification list: http://www.wimdemeere.com/notification/ Website: http://www.wimsblog.com/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/WimDemeerePage/ Twitter: https://twitter.com/wimdemeere Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/wimdemeere/ Facebook group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/YouAreNotAres Merch: https://wim-demeere-merch.creator-spring.com

Toby Cowern and I talk geopolitics and staying sane in an increasingly chaotic and fast-changing world.  The Q&A part with my Patrons is here: https://www.patreon.com/posts/127828620 The show notes are here: https://wimsblog.com/2025/05/wdp-155-toby-cowern/ Support the podcast and get instant access to dozens of bonus episodes and HUNDREDS of exclusive videos: https://www.patreon.com/wimdemeere New book/video email notification list: http://www.wimdemeere.com/notification/ Website: http://www.wimsblog.com/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/WimDemeerePage/ Twitter: https://twitter.com/wimdemeere Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/wimdemeere/ Facebook group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/YouAreNotAres Merch: https://wim-demeere-merch.creator-spring.com

Political and other protests are common these days. Unfortunately, they often escalate into violence. In this episode, I share some thoughts on how to avoid getting caught in a protest and what to do if you can't avoid it.  The show notes are here: https://wimsblog.com/154 Support the podcast and get instant access to dozens of bonus episodes and HUNDREDS of exclusive videos: https://www.patreon.com/wimdemeere New book/video email notification list: http://www.wimdemeere.com/notification/ Website: http://www.wimsblog.com/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/WimDemeerePage/ Twitter: https://twitter.com/wimdemeere Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/wimdemeere/ Facebook group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/YouAreNotAres Merch: https://wim-demeere-merch.creator-spring.com

Marc MacYoung returns to the podcast and we talk politics, self-defense, and a lot more. We recorded this January 23rd so current events are not included. Also, the connection failed a few times so please just wait a few seconds when things are hung up. It all resumes right after.  The bonus episode with Patreon Q&A is here: https://www.patreon.com/posts/123860983  The show notes are here: https://wimsblog.com/153 Support the podcast and get instant access to dozens of bonus episodes and HUNDREDS of exclusive videos: https://www.patreon.com/wimdemeere New book/video email notification list: http://www.wimdemeere.com/notification/ Website: http://www.wimsblog.com/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/WimDemeerePage/ Twitter: https://twitter.com/wimdemeere Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/wimdemeere/ Facebook group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/YouAreNotAres Merch: https://wim-demeere-merch.creator-spring.com

As promised a while ago, this is the optimistic episode to counter my enduring reputation of being Mr. Doom and Gloom. Enjoy! The show notes are here: https://wimsblog.com/152 Support the podcast and get instant access to dozens of bonus episodes and HUNDREDS of exclusive videos: https://www.patreon.com/wimdemeere New book/video email notification list: http://www.wimdemeere.com/notification/ Website: http://www.wimsblog.com/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/WimDemeerePage/ Twitter: https://twitter.com/wimdemeere Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/wimdemeere/ Facebook group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/YouAreNotAres Merch: https://wim-demeere-merch.creator-spring.com

Mary Stevens is a Karate instructor, women's and children's self-defense instructor, and much more. We talked about her work, her writing, how to teach self-defense, and much more.  Part two of our conversation is here: https://www.patreon.com/posts/118367964/ The show notes are here: https://wimsblog.com/151 Support the podcast and get instant access to dozens of bonus episodes and HUNDREDS of exclusive videos: https://www.patreon.com/wimdemeere New book/video email notification list: http://www.wimdemeere.com/notification/ Website: http://www.wimsblog.com/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/WimDemeerePage/ Twitter: https://twitter.com/wimdemeere Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/wimdemeere/ Facebook group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/YouAreNotAres Merch: https://wim-demeere-merch.creator-spring.com

Torbjørn Nymark is a martial artist, but also a Compositor and 3D/VFX-Generalist. He works at Storm Studios where they work on many high-profile movies and TV shows: Wakanda Forever, The Old Man, The Last Of Us, several Star Trek series, and much more. We talk about his passion for martial arts and the many projects he worked on professionally Part two of our conversation is here on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/posts/116824683 The show notes are here: https://wimsblog.com/150 Support the podcast and get instant access to dozens of bonus episodes and HUNDREDS of exclusive videos: https://www.patreon.com/wimdemeere New book/video email notification list: http://www.wimdemeere.com/notification/ My blog: http://www.wimsblog.com/ Facebook:https://www.facebook.com/WimDemeerePage/ Twitter: https://twitter.com/wimdemeere Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/wimdemeere/ Facebook group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/YouAreNotAres Merch: https://wim-demeere-merch.creator-spring.com

Toby Cowern has an extensive background in military intelligence, survival and preparedness. We discuss geopolitics and how global dynamics impact everyday citizens. The bonus episode with Toby is here: https://www.patreon.com/posts/114869786 The show notes are here: https://wimsblog.com/149 Listen to our previous conversations here: https://wimsblog.com/tag/toby-cowern Support the podcast and get instant access to dozens of bonus episodes and HUNDREDS of exclusive videos: https://www.patreon.com/wimdemeere New book/video email notification list: http://www.wimdemeere.com/notification/ My blog: http://www.wimsblog.com/ Facebook:https://www.facebook.com/WimDemeerePage/ Twitter: https://twitter.com/wimdemeere Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/wimdemeere/ Facebook group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/YouAreNotAres Merch: https://wim-demeere-merch.creator-spring.com

Iain Abernethy is a karate expert who focuses on applying techniques and principles from kata. We talked about our training, how it changed as we got older, and much more.  The Bonus Episode in which Iain answers questions from my Patrons is here: https://www.patreon.com/posts/113858813/ The show notes mentioned are here: https://wimsblog.com/148 Support the podcast and get instant access to dozens of bonus episodes and HUNDREDS of exclusive videos: https://www.patreon.com/wimdemeere New book/video email notification list: http://www.wimdemeere.com/notification/ My blog: http://www.wimsblog.com/ Facebook:https://www.facebook.com/WimDemeerePage/ Twitter: https://twitter.com/wimdemeere Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/wimdemeere/ Facebook group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/YouAreNotAres Merch: https://wim-demeere-merch.creator-spring.com

Brian Frias is a retired Marine with deployments to Iraq and Afghanistan, a former LEO, BJJ black belt under Andre Galvao, and a full-time instructor at ShivWorks. We talk about self-defense, training, instructing, and much more.  The Bonus Episode in which Brian answers questions from my Patrons is here: https://www.patreon.com/posts/112599434 The show notes mentioned are here: https://wimsblog.com/147   Support the podcast and get instant access to dozens of bonus episodes and HUNDREDS of exclusive videos: https://www.patreon.com/wimdemeere New book/video email notification list: http://www.wimdemeere.com/notification/ My blog: http://www.wimsblog.com/ Facebook:https://www.facebook.com/WimDemeerePage/ Twitter: https://twitter.com/wimdemeere Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/wimdemeere/ Facebook group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/YouAreNotAres Merch: https://wim-demeere-merch.creator-spring.com

We live in extremely polarized times and it can be difficult to avoid being radicalized. In this episode I go over common factors involved in (de)radicalization and how you can avoid it.  The show notes mentioned are here: https://wimsblog.com/146 Support the podcast and get instant access to dozens of bonus episodes and HUNDREDS of exclusive videos: https://www.patreon.com/wimdemeere New book/video email notification list: http://www.wimdemeere.com/notification/ My blog: http://www.wimsblog.com/ Facebook:https://www.facebook.com/WimDemeerePage/ Twitter: https://twitter.com/wimdemeere Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/wimdemeere/ Facebook group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/YouAreNotAres Merch: https://wim-demeere-merch.creator-spring.com

“Super Dan” Anderson is the founder of American Freestyle Karate, multiple times World Champion, prolific author, and much more. We had an excellent conversation and also recorded a bonus part available on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/posts/108197249/ The links mentioned are here: https://wimsblog.com/145 Enjoy. Support the podcast and get instant access to dozens of bonus episodes and HUNDREDS of exclusive videos: https://www.patreon.com/wimdemeere New book/video email notification list: http://www.wimdemeere.com/notification/ My blog: http://www.wimsblog.com/ Facebook:https://www.facebook.com/WimDemeerePage/ Twitter: https://twitter.com/wimdemeere Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/wimdemeere/ Facebook group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/YouAreNotAres Merch: https://wim-demeere-merch.creator-spring.com/

Toby Cowern has an extensive career in the military, including in intelligence, and also teaches survival and preparedness courses. We talked geopolitics and I added most of my preparation on the show notes page mentioned below. In the second part of the episode, Toby answers questions from my Patrons, including how to get started with OSINT.  The second part of the episode is here on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/posts/104308791/ The show notes mentioned are here: https://wimsblog.com/144 Support the podcast and get instant access to dozens of bonus episodes and HUNDREDS of exclusive videos: https://www.patreon.com/wimdemeere New book/video email notification list: http://www.wimdemeere.com/notification/ My blog: http://www.wimsblog.com/ Facebook:https://www.facebook.com/WimDemeerePage/ Twitter: https://twitter.com/wimdemeere Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/wimdemeere/ Facebook group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/YouAreNotAres Merch: https://wim-demeere-merch.creator-spring.com/

Brian asked if I could talk about how to avoid going too far in a self-defense situation. How to stop yourself from throwing that one punch too many that makes you go from self-defense to becoming the aggressor?  The links mentioned are here: https://wimsblog.com/143 Support the podcast and get instant access to dozens of bonus episodes and HUNDREDS of exclusive videos: https://www.patreon.com/wimdemeere New book/video email notification list: http://www.wimdemeere.com/notification/ My blog: http://www.wimsblog.com/ Facebook:https://www.facebook.com/WimDemeerePage/ Twitter: https://twitter.com/wimdemeere Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/wimdemeere/ Facebook group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/YouAreNotAres Merch: https://wim-demeere-merch.creator-spring.com/

Lucius Pomerantz, MD is a board-certified orthopedic surgeon, former MMA fighter and BJJ black belt. We talk about combat sports injuries, how to treat them and much more. The second part of the episode is here on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/posts/101357817/ The links mentioned are here: https://wimsblog.com/142 Support the podcast and get instant access to dozens of bonus episodes and HUNDREDS of exclusive videos: https://www.patreon.com/wimdemeere New book/video email notification list: http://www.wimdemeere.com/notification/ My blog: http://www.wimsblog.com/ Facebook:https://www.facebook.com/WimDemeerePage/ Twitter: https://twitter.com/wimdemeere Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/wimdemeere/ Facebook group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/YouAreNotAres Merch: https://wim-demeere-merch.creator-spring.com/

Xavier Knox is a South African knife maker, self-defense practitioner, and much more. We talk about the craft of knife making for self-defense, his work with Kelly McCann, and much more. The second part of the episode is on Patreon here: https://www.patreon.com/posts/99925565 The links mentioned are here: https://wimsblog.com/141 Support the podcast and get instant access to dozens of bonus episodes and HUNDREDS of exclusive videos: https://www.patreon.com/wimdemeere New book/video email notification list: http://www.wimdemeere.com/notification/ My blog: http://www.wimsblog.com/ Facebook:https://www.facebook.com/WimDemeerePage/ Twitter: https://twitter.com/wimdemeere Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/wimdemeere/ Facebook group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/YouAreNotAres Merch: https://wim-demeere-merch.creator-spring.com/

There are many misconceptions about self-defense. In this episode, I discuss the most common ones and add some nuance. Enjoy.  The links mentioned are here: https://wimsblog.com/140 Support the podcast and get instant access to dozens of bonus episodes and HUNDREDS of exclusive videos: https://www.patreon.com/wimdemeere New book/video email notification list: http://www.wimdemeere.com/notification/ My blog: http://www.wimsblog.com/ Facebook:https://www.facebook.com/WimDemeerePage/ Twitter: https://twitter.com/wimdemeere Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/wimdemeere/ Facebook group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/YouAreNotAres Merch: https://wim-demeere-merch.creator-spring.com/

Jan Quaeyhaegens is a Belgian MMA fighter in Cage Warriors. We talk about his career and what it is like to be a professional fighter.  The bonus episode with Q&A from my Patrons is here: https://www.patreon.com/posts/96490581  The links mentioned are here: https://wimsblog.com/139 Support the podcast and get instant access to dozens of bonus episodes and HUNDREDS of exclusive videos: https://www.patreon.com/wimdemeere New book/video email notification list: http://www.wimdemeere.com/notification/ My blog: http://www.wimsblog.com/ Facebook:https://www.facebook.com/WimDemeerePage/ Twitter: https://twitter.com/wimdemeere Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/wimdemeere/ Facebook group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/YouAreNotAres Merch: https://wim-demeere-merch.creator-spring.com/  

We kick off the new year by adding entries to our Bingo card for the year: what do you expect will happen? The goal is to be serious and silly at the same time because if you can't laugh at reality, what can you laugh at? The links mentioned are here: https://wimsblog.com/138 Support the podcast and get instant access to dozens of bonus episodes and HUNDREDS of exclusive videos: https://www.patreon.com/wimdemeere New book/video email notification list: http://www.wimdemeere.com/notification/ My blog: http://www.wimsblog.com/ Facebook:https://www.facebook.com/WimDemeerePage/ Twitter: https://twitter.com/wimdemeere Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/wimdemeere/ Facebook group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/YouAreNotAres Merch: https://wim-demeere-merch.creator-spring.com/  

In the group, we discussed training in multiple martial arts styles or self-defense systems, why doing so, and what you can learn from that. Some thoughts on the discussion.  The links mentioned are here: https://wimsblog.com/137   Support the podcast and get instant access to dozens of bonus episodes and HUNDREDS of exclusive videos: https://www.patreon.com/wimdemeere New book/video email notification list: http://www.wimdemeere.com/notification/ My blog: http://www.wimsblog.com/ Facebook:https://www.facebook.com/WimDemeerePage/ Twitter: https://twitter.com/wimdemeere Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/wimdemeere/ Facebook group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/YouAreNotAres Merch: https://wim-demeere-merch.creator-spring.com/  

René Dreifuss is a former MMA competitor, and coach, but also studied Political Science & East Asian /Japanese studies. Our conversation went far and wide and I enjoyed it tremendously. I hope you do too.  The bonus episode is available here: https://www.patreon.com/posts/94209886/ The links mentioned are here: https://wimsblog.com/136 Support the podcast and get instant access to dozens of bonus episodes and HUNDREDS of exclusive videos: https://www.patreon.com/wimdemeere New book/video email notification list: http://www.wimdemeere.com/notification/ My blog: http://www.wimsblog.com/ Facebook:https://www.facebook.com/WimDemeerePage/ Twitter: https://twitter.com/wimdemeere Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/wimdemeere/ Facebook group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/YouAreNotAres Merch: https://wim-demeere-merch.creator-spring.com/  

Toby Cowern is a survival expert, among many things, but in this episode, he mainly speaks from his background in military intelligence. We discuss the current conflicts in Ukraine and Israel, and look to the future to see what else is coming at us.  The bonus episode is here: https://www.patreon.com/posts/92655113/  The links mentioned are here: https://wimsblog.com/135 Support the podcast and get instant access to dozens of bonus episodes and HUNDREDS of exclusive videos: https://www.patreon.com/wimdemeere New book/video email notification list: http://www.wimdemeere.com/notification/ My blog: http://www.wimsblog.com/ Facebook:https://www.facebook.com/WimDemeerePage/ Twitter: https://twitter.com/wimdemeere Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/wimdemeere/ Facebook group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/YouAreNotAres Merch: https://wim-demeere-merch.creator-spring.com/  

Self-defense is not only about social or criminal violence. At times, ideological and political violence can be just as dangerous to you. In this episode, I talk about the polarized times we live in, why they are this way, what some of the contradictory positions are, and in the end: how to avoid ideological capture.  The links mentioned are here: https://wimsblog.com/134 Support the podcast and get instant access to dozens of bonus episodes and HUNDREDS of exclusive videos: https://www.patreon.com/wimdemeere New book/video email notification list: http://www.wimdemeere.com/notification/ My blog: http://www.wimsblog.com/ Facebook:https://www.facebook.com/WimDemeerePage/ Twitter: https://twitter.com/wimdemeere Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/wimdemeere/ Facebook group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/YouAreNotAres Merch: https://wim-demeere-merch.creator-spring.com/  

Doug Patteson is a former CIA spy, technical advisor to movie and TV projects, firearms instructor and a lot more. We talked about his life, what it's like to be a spy and covered much ground. Enjoy! The bonus episode on Patreon where Doug answers questions is here. The links mentioned are here: https://wimsblog.com/133 Support the podcast and get instant access to dozens of bonus episodes and HUNDREDS of exclusive videos: https://www.patreon.com/wimdemeere New book/video email notification list: http://www.wimdemeere.com/notification/ My blog: http://www.wimsblog.com/ Facebook:https://www.facebook.com/WimDemeerePage/ Twitter: https://twitter.com/wimdemeere Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/wimdemeere/ Facebook group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/YouAreNotAres Merch: https://wim-demeere-merch.creator-spring.com/  

Mike Tyson losing to James Buster Douglas was a surprise to many people. The way they expected the fight to go was caused by the same thinking we see nowadays in society: war in Ukraine or Israel, politics, history, etc. Single-variable thinking is omnipresent. In this episode, I explain why it doesn't work and what to do about it.  Enjoy! The links mentioned are here: https://wimsblog.com/132 Support the podcast and get instant access to dozens of bonus episodes and HUNDREDS of exclusive videos: https://www.patreon.com/wimdemeere New book/video email notification list: http://www.wimdemeere.com/notification/ My blog: http://www.wimsblog.com/ Facebook:https://www.facebook.com/WimDemeerePage/ Twitter: https://twitter.com/wimdemeere Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/wimdemeere/ Facebook group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/YouAreNotAres Merch: https://wim-demeere-merch.creator-spring.com/  

Social media videos are reshaping the public perception of what violence and martial arts look like. Through clever editing tricks, they make things seem much more impressive than they are.  In this episode, I talk about how they trick you into believing them. The links mentioned are here: https://wimsblog.com/131 Support the podcast and get instant access to dozens of bonus episodes and HUNDREDS of exclusive videos: https://www.patreon.com/wimdemeere New book/video email notification list: http://www.wimdemeere.com/notification/ My blog: http://www.wimsblog.com/ Facebook:https://www.facebook.com/WimDemeerePage/ Twitter: https://twitter.com/wimdemeere Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/wimdemeere/ Facebook group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/YouAreNotAres Merch: https://wim-demeere-merch.creator-spring.com/  

Schalk Holloway is a former self-defense instructor, and author, but is also involved in ministry and writes novels.  In this episode, we talk about all these things and so much more. The bonus episode is here: https://www.patreon.com/posts/89373986 The links mentioned are here: https://wimsblog.com/130 Please like, share, and subscribe to help the podcast grow. Support the podcast and get instant access to dozens of bonus episodes and HUNDREDS of exclusive videos: https://www.patreon.com/wimdemeere New book/video email notification list: http://www.wimdemeere.com/notification/ My blog: http://www.wimsblog.com/ Facebook:https://www.facebook.com/WimDemeerePage/ Twitter: https://twitter.com/wimdemeere Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/wimdemeere/ Facebook group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/YouAreNotAres/

Many practitioners of martial arts and self-defense systems have opinions on the self-defense laws of their area. But all too often, they are mistaken or ignore the reality of the law. In this episode, I give some examples from all over the world on how not understanding the legal aspects of self-defense can get you in trouble. Enjoy! The links mentioned in this episode: http://www.wimsblog.com/129 Support the podcast and get instant access to dozens of bonus episodes and HUNDREDS of exclusive videos: https://www.patreon.com/wimdemeere New book/video email notification list: http://www.wimdemeere.com/notification/ My blog: http://www.wimsblog.com/ Facebook:https://www.facebook.com/WimDemeerePage/ Twitter: https://twitter.com/wimdemeere Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/wimdemeere/ Facebook group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/YouAreNotAres/

Wayne Black has more than forty-five years of professional security experience in both the public and private sectors. He has personally supervised protection details and special threat assignments all over the world. Wayne is a qualified expert witness regarding security in US Federal and State courts, a nationally certified firearms instructor, and much more. Wayne's book: https://amzn.to/3OjQfMl "School Insecurity: A Comprehensive Guide for Parents and Educators on School Security, Protecting Your Children, and Fostering a Safe Learning Environment" The links mentioned are here: https://wimsblog.com/128  Please like, share, and subscribe to help the podcast grow. Support the podcast and get instant access to dozens of bonus episodes and HUNDREDS of exclusive videos: https://www.patreon.com/wimdemeere Merch: https://wim-demeere-merch.creator-spring.com/? New book/video email notification list: http://www.wimdemeere.com/notification/  My blog: http://www.wimsblog.com/  Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/WimDemeerePage/   Twitter: https://twitter.com/wimdemeere Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/wimdemeere/  Facebook group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/YouAreNotAres/ 

Andy Benfield is an adventurer, author, martial artist, and more. His adventures in the Himalayas, searching for proof of the existence of the Yeti were recently released on BBC Radio 4 and as a podcast. The bonus episode with Andy on Patreon is here. Please like, share, and subscribe to help the podcast grow. Support the podcast and get instant access to dozens of bonus episodes and HUNDREDS of exclusive videos: https://www.patreon.com/wimdemeere New book/video email notification list: http://www.wimdemeere.com/notification/ My blog: http://www.wimsblog.com/ Facebook:https://www.facebook.com/WimDemeerePage/ Twitter: https://twitter.com/wimdemeere Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/wimdemeere/ Facebook group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/YouAreNotAres/

Liam Jackson is a martial artist and had a full career in law enforcement: Deputy Sheriff and Training Officer, U/C narcotics officer, Chief of Police, Counter-terrorism trainer and Subject Matter Expert for the Department of Defense and U.S. Department of Justice, and more. We talk about his career, being in a horrendous gunfight and actually placing himself under arrest...  The links mentioned are here: https://wimsblog.com/126  The bonus episode with Liam on Patreon is here: https://www.patreon.com/posts/85860189/  Please like, share, and subscribe to help the podcast grow. Support the podcast and get instant access to dozens of bonus episodes and HUNDREDS of exclusive videos: https://www.patreon.com/wimdemeere New book/video email notification list: http://www.wimdemeere.com/notification/ My blog: http://www.wimsblog.com/ Facebook:https://www.facebook.com/WimDemeerePage/ Twitter: https://twitter.com/wimdemeere Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/wimdemeere/ Facebook group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/YouAreNotAres/

Dr. Mike Piekarski is a Doctor of physical therapy, MMA, and BJJ competitor. He specializes in helping combat sports athletes recover from injuries and get back into training and competing.  The bonus episode in which Mike answers my Patron's questions is here: https://www.patreon.com/posts/84611268/ All the links mentioned are here in the show notes: https://wimsblog.com/125 Please like, share, and subscribe to help the podcast grow Support the podcast and get instant access to dozens of bonus episodes and HUNDREDS of exclusive videos: https://www.patreon.com/wimdemeere New book/video email notification list: http://www.wimdemeere.com/notification/ My blog: http://www.wimsblog.com/ Facebook:https://www.facebook.com/WimDemeerePage/ Twitter: https://twitter.com/wimdemeere Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/wimdemeere/ Facebook group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/YouAreNotAres/

Gavin Coleman is the founder and lead knife maker and designer at Ironside Edge Works. He lives in South Africa and makes practical, self-defense knives for daily carry and use. We talk about knives obviously, but also violence in South-African society, co-authoring the book "The Maul" and much more. The bonus episode in which Gavin answers my Patron's questions is here: https://www.patreon.com/posts/83532702/ All the links mentioned are here in the show notes: https://wimsblog.com/124 Please like, share, and subscribe to help the podcast grow.

After seeing a video of one kid bullying another, we discussed how to teach your children to handle conflict. Some thoughts about that in this episode. Enjoy! The links mentioned in this episode: http://www.wimsblog.com/123 Support the podcast and get instant access to dozens of bonus episodes and HUNDREDS of exclusive videos: https://www.patreon.com/wimdemeere New book/video email notification list: http://www.wimdemeere.com/notification/ My blog: http://www.wimsblog.com/ Facebook:https://www.facebook.com/WimDemeerePage/ Twitter: https://twitter.com/wimdemeere Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/wimdemeere/ Facebook group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/YouAreNotAres/

Meron Langsner is a fight director, movement specialist, playwright, writer, and more. We talk about creating fight scenes, how they relate to stage and screen, how they differ from real life, and much more.  The bonus episode with Meron is here. For the show notes with all the links: https://wimsblog.com/122