Podcasts about Taekwondo

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Episode #97: From White Belt to 4th-Degree Black Belt (Part 1)In this special four-part series, John Hallett shares his personal journey from white belt to 4th-degree black belt, opening up about the struggles, growth, setbacks, and unexpected moments that shaped his path as a martial artist, instructor, and gym owner.This first installment dives deep into the early years: from John's first martial arts class in a rented aerobics room on Nantucket Island, to dealing with the self-doubt, ridicule, and excitement of starting something new. You'll hear about the transition from Taekwondo to Krav Maga, how the physical and mental challenges evolved, and the mentors who helped along the way.John and Coach Josh explore how time requirements, sparring intensity, and mindset development all played a role in building a self-defense system that goes beyond just techniques.Key Takeaways:Why John Hallett started martial arts at 19 and how football prepared him mentally for the challengeThe impact of Taekwondo etiquette, discipline, and patterns on mindsetWhat it was like switching to Krav Maga and going through the intense early instructor certificationsThe role of mentors, sparring, and early teaching experiencesLessons in humility, repetition, and learning to "suck less"Who This Episode Is For:Martial artists beginning their training journeyInstructors looking to reflect on their own growth pathStudents stuck in a plateau or thinking about quittingEntrepreneurs curious about building something from scratchLinks & Resources:https://rmsdf.com/episode-97-from-white-belt-to-4th-degree-black-belt-part-1/shop.rmsdf.com — Grab new gear and support the podcastClearSky Training Membership — Get full access to the entire curriculum and podcast extras

Sharyl Attkisson is a nonpartisan investigative journalist, five-time Emmy Award winner, and recipient of the Edward R. Murrow award for investigative reporting. She is the NYT bestselling author of Slanted: How the news media taught us to love censorship and hate journalism; The Smear: How Shady Political Operatives and Fake News Control What You See, What You Think and How You Vote, and Stonewalled. She is host, investigative reporter, and managing editor of the Sunday morning national TV news program, Sinclair's “Full Measure with Sharyl Attkisson,” which feeds to 43+ million US households each week and focuses on investigative and accountability reporting.For thirty years, Attkisson was a correspondent and anchor at CBS News, PBS, CNN and in local news.In 2024, she received five Telly Awards for “Covid Clots: A Full Measure Town Hall,” and other reporting on prescription drugs, crime in America, and other topics. In  2013, Attkisson received an Emmy Award for Outstanding Investigative Journalism for her reporting on: The Business of Congress,” which included an undercover investigation into fundraising by Republican freshmen. She received two other Emmy nominations in 2013 for “Benghazi: Dying for Security” and “Green Energy Going Red.” Additionally, Attkisson received a 2013 Daytime Emmy Award as part of the CBS Sunday Morning team's entry for Outstanding Morning Program for her report: “Washington Lobbying: K-Street Behind Closed Doors.”In September 2012, Attkisson received the Emmy for Outstanding Investigative Journalism and the RTNDA Edward R. Murrow Award for Excellence in Investigative Reporting for the “Gunwalker: Fast and Furious” story.Attkisson received an Investigative Emmy Award in 2009 for her exclusive investigations into TARP and the bank bailout. She received an Investigative Emmy Award in 2002 for her series of exclusive reports about mismanagement at the Red Cross.Attkisson also received Emmy nominations for her investigations into Firestone tires (2001), prescription drug and vaccine dangers (2003), investigating aid to Haiti earthquake victims (2011) and Follow the Money (2011).Attkisson is one of the few journalists to have flown in a B-52 on a combat mission (over Kosovo) and in an F-15 fighter jet Combat Air Patrol flight. She is a fifth degree black belt Master in TaeKwonDo.Previously, Attkisson hosted a medical news magazine on PBS called “HealthWeek,” anchored and reported for CNN, and reported at several local news stations. She is a graduate of the University of Florida School of Journalism and Communications.Attkisson is a Fifth Degree Blackbelt Master in TaeKwonDo.

At 8 years old, one punch changed my life forever…When I was 8 years old, I punched my Taekwondo instructor in the stomach… and it was like hitting Superman.That moment changed my life forever. I became obsessed with human strength, discipline, and the pursuit of becoming a real-life superhero.Years later, I graduated with a mechanical engineering degree, worked for the Department of Defense, and lived deep inside “the Matrix.”But something was missing...I opened a gym, worked in the fitness industry, and eventually found plant medicine. That discovery became the missing piece — the doorway to my true path.Over the last 8 years, through ceremony, death, and rebirth… my old life ended. And a new life began: the life of the Ayahumero.⚔️ This is my origin story.Website: The Unplugged HumanWatch this episode on YoutubeGet a copy of The Unplugged JournalGet Pine Pollen, Tallow and a NEW HAT - Online StoreSignup for newsletter: Send email to: ayahumero@deeperyougo.com with subject line "I Want In"Podcast gear available at: https://deeper-you-go-the-weirder-it.myspreadshop.com/Feel free to reach out with questions: ayahumero@deeperyougo.comField Guide 9 (a group I conduct ceremonies for) - WebsiteDeeper you go Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/unpluggedhuman.life/Book: The Self-Sabotage Guide: 9 Behaviors Preventing You from Becoming Stronger, Faster, And SexierThank you all for supporting the show!

Truth-telling takes center stage in this candid episode as we pull back the curtain on recent controversies and performances in USA Taekwondo. After connecting with key insiders about the much-discussed Poomsae competition incident, we share a more nuanced perspective on what actually happened while condemning the unacceptable targeting of child athletes with negative behavior.Our conversation shifts to a brutally honest analysis of Team USA's ninth-place finish at the Junior Pan American Games—a result that should raise serious alarms for anyone invested in American Taekwondo's future. We dissect the disconnect between organizational messaging about "understanding the mission" and the reality of underperformance in a region where USA historically dominates. This leads us to deeper questions about resource allocation, coaching selections, and the accountability gap that persists despite repeated disappointing outcomes.Looking ahead to the Grand Prix Challenge in Muju, we weigh the value of participation against strategic considerations, questioning whether some developing athletes might benefit more from targeting competitions where they can build confidence and success. Throughout our discussion runs a powerful thread about accountability—the willingness to own both triumphs and failures rather than selectively celebrating successes while orphaning disappointing results.Whether you're an athlete, coach, parent, or Taekwondo enthusiast, this episode's unflinching examination of the sport's current challenges will leave you with much to consider about what true excellence requires. Join us for this thought-provoking conversation that asks the tough questions others avoid.

Ratusan atlet taekwondo dari Bali, NTB, NTT, Aceh, dan Maluku mengikuti Kejuaraan Taekwondo Piala Panglima TNI yang berlangsung di GOR Yudomo, Kesatrian Prajaraksaka, Denpasar, Bali.

(Recorded 8/22/2025)Ryan and I are joined by Joaquin Quispe, an international student at Santa Rosa Junior College from Peru. We talk to him about and what moving to a new country was like, what he's studying at SRJC, superheroes, and his Taekwondo training.

Different Ways to Judge Patterns - Pros and ConsJoin our Tul World+ program where you get exclusive videos on patterns, techniques as well as special discounts on upcoming seminars!https://tulworld.com/info-tulworldplusSchedule a free in-person Taekwon-Do trial class at https://www.juestkd.com/more-infoAdd us on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/juestaekwondo/

Η κοινότητα των πολεμικών τεχνών της Νότιας Αυστραλίας γιορτάζει μια ξεχωριστή στιγμή για έναν από τους πιο αφοσιωμένους δασκάλους της. Ο επικεφαλής εκπαιδευτής του Taekwon-Do, Ηλίας Δήμου, συνεχίζει να αποσπά διεθνείς διακρίσεις για την πολυετή προσφορά του στις πολεμικές τέχνες, αποτελώντας πηγή υπερηφάνειας και για την ομογένεια.

Gary Engels teaches business owners and entrepreneurs the disciplined sequence of steps that lead to lasting success. His wisdom isn't drawn from an MBA program or corporate leadership seminars — it's forged from decades on the mats. “Sensei Gary” is a serial entrepreneur, app creator, and a 4th-degree black belt in Taekwondo.  Gary's list of ventures and partnerships is long. Among them, he is the founder of Leadership Academy, a martial arts school dedicated to developing leadership skills in students of all ages, and the creator of the Legacy Missions app, which helps users build positive daily habits.  He also serves as CEO of MyGig, which connects businesses with essential services in accounting, marketing, HR, IT, and financial optimization.  Unlike many entrepreneurs who obsess over selling, Gary has built his career on service. His approach begins with a simple question: “How can I help?” Service builds trust, trust builds relationships, and relationships drive revenue. It's a principle that has kept his martial arts school thriving for 20 years — a milestone that very few such schools attain. So, join us this week in the “Monday Morning Radio Dojo.” Remove your shoes, step onto the mat, and begin mastering the “business katas” that will make you a fierce marketplace competitor. Monday Morning Radio is hosted by the father-son duo of Dean and Maxwell Rotbart. Photo: Gary EngelsPosted: August 18, 2025 Monday Morning Run Time: 50:12 Episode: 14.11 POPULAR EPISODES: Rob Kessler, a Second-Generation Entrepreneur, Marks a Dozen Years of Innovation, Success, and Struggle Butch Meily on Life with Billionaire Reginald Lewis — and the Personal Price of Ambition Veteran Journalist Al Lewis's Substack Lets Readers Learn From the Blunders of Others

What is the Ideal Body Size for Taekwon-DoJoin our Tul World+ program where you get exclusive videos on patterns, techniques as well as special discounts on upcoming seminars!https://tulworld.com/info-tulworldplusSchedule a free in-person Taekwon-Do trial class at https://www.juestkd.com/more-infoAdd us on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/juestaekwondo/

Yesterday, 1.3 million fans tuned in to the Kelce Brothers podcast, "New Heights", LIVE, to watch Taylor Swift. AND IT BROKE THE INTERNET. The first trailer for a two-part Charlie Sheen documentary is out. Here's part of it. Did you know Willie Nelson is a 5th-degree black belt in a Korean martial art called GongKwon Yusul? He is also a 2nd-degree black belt in Taekwondo. Luke Combs has a hilarious story about how he found that out a few years ago. – HERE HE ISKevin Hart is teaming up with Netflix for a new competition series to find the next big stand-up comedian. He'll be joined by a group of comics, who will be announced at a later date. Academy Award–winner Denzel Washington, now 70, is back in theaters with Highest 2 Lowest. During a recent Extra interview, he was asked what advice he'd give to his younger self—and without skipping a beat, he said: “Pray more. That's it. Pray more. Get on your knees more.” people.com+13people.com+13movieguide.org+13Highest 2 Lowest opens in theaters August 15, followed by a premiere on Apple TV+ September 5.People joke about men dating women HALF their age, but with Leonardo DiCaprio you could say that almost-literally. He's 50 now . . . and his current girlfriend Vittoria Ceretti is 27. Dancing With The Stars judge Derek Hough has been named the new host of the long-running entertainment news program Extra. He will replace Billy Bush, who announced his departure from the show earlier this year after a five-year run. Hough will join Extra for its 32nd season, which premieres on September 8th.Kevin Cronin Makes 'Heartbreaking' Decision on Touring FutureFormer REO Speedwagon vocalist Kevin Cronin has decided that his solo band will no longer tour after their scheduled 2025 dates.Cronin decided to tour as The Kevin Cronin Band after falling out with REO bassist Bruce Hall, a decision that seems to have hurt him business-wise.Cronin explained, "This [current] tour has been a delight, but not without its challenges. It's not easy going out as the Kevin Cronin Band, I will tell you. You can't overestimate the power of the name REO Speedwagon and that ubiquitous, winged logo. They mean a lot to people. I can sit here and say that the Kevin Cronin band is doing the same thing until I'm blue in the face, but when people see the Kevin Cronin Band, there's a question -- 'I wonder what this is gonna be?' -- whereas if you see REO Speedwagon and the winged logo on the bill, it's 'I know what that is.'"Even though he's called his decision to no longer tour "heartbreaking", Cronin will appear at select shows, like the Rock Legends Cruise in 2026. If you were rich and famous, what would you collect? Maybe you'd track down a series of dream cars, maybe you'd go for unique artwork, or maybe you'd just totally pimp out your existing keychain collection. Here's a list of celebrities with strange, wildly expensive collections: See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

In this episode, host Adam joins Axel Meierhoefer on The Ideal Investor Show to share his journey from aspiring trauma surgeon to founding Libertas Wealth Management Group. Adam opens up about the life-changing injury that redirected his career path, how his father inspired his love for business, and the unique approach he takes to help clients - both business owners and individuals - build and protect wealth across generations. From the critical differences between a ‘practice' and a ‘business,' to why most Americans start planning far too late, this conversation dives deep into the strategies, mindsets, and planning essentials that create lasting financial security. Episode Timestamps: 01:00 – Adam's origin story - from Cleveland roots to business inspiration 03:00 – Early career dreams in trauma surgery and competitive TaeKwonDo 05:00 – A career-ending injury changes everything 06:00 – The surprising conversation with his father that led to financial advising 07:00 – Launching Libertas Wealth Management Group and building a client family 10:00 – Generational wealth and the difference between practices and scalable businesses 12:00 – Why starting retirement planning at 52 is too late 14:00 – Business exit planning and the power of intangibles 16:00 – Using commercial real estate as a pseudo-pension 20:00 – Social Security realities and the income test 24:00 – Bridging the retirement income gap with multiple income streams 27:00 – Why many business owners never fully retire 31:00 – The compounding effect of starting early 36:00 – Combining time and leverage to build wealth 39:00 – Overcoming fear of failure with trusted guidance Key Takeaways:

From the beautiful shores of Maui, this candid conversation dives deep into the current state of Taekwondo with the raw honesty that listeners have come to expect from these Olympic veterans.The hosts dissect a controversial Poomsae scoring incident that rocked the National Championships, questioning why an unprecedented formal report was issued when a competitor was added to finals after initially placing 12th. What makes this situation particularly noteworthy is how tournament officials removed video evidence and implemented a response dramatically different from how fighting controversies are typically handled. This raises profound questions about transparency and organizational priorities that affect competitors at all levels.As conversation shifts to the upcoming Under-21 Pan Am Games, the hosts provide expert analysis on each weight division and the qualification pathways to the Olympics. Their disappointment that the United States only qualified competitors in four divisions reveals a concerning trend about development priorities in American Taekwondo. The qualification structure potentially allows young winners direct entry to the Olympic Games - creating an alternative pathway that could reshape competitive careers.Perhaps most fascinating is the hosts' exploration of when fighters reach their physical prime in modern Taekwondo. Their surprising consensus that today's athletes peak between 18-23 years old - much earlier than previous generations - reflects how dramatically the sport has evolved. This shift raises important questions about athlete development, career longevity, and the changing technical demands of competitive Taekwondo.Throughout the discussion runs a thread of wisdom about humility in martial arts. As one host eloquently states, success is "rented, not owned" - a powerful reminder about perspective that transcends sport. Whether you're a competitor, coach, or passionate fan, this episode offers invaluable insights from those who've experienced Taekwondo at its highest levels.Join us next Friday when we'll analyze the Pan Am Games results with special guest Dr. Capner. Your perspective matters - what changes have you observed in competitive martial arts development?

Corky Sikes shares his inspiring journey from backyard training in Jesup, Georgia, to becoming a global martial arts champion and respected school owner. Mentored by the legendary Don Carter, Corky's path took him from Shotokan karate to the dynamic world of Taekwondo, guided by influences like Cliff Yon and Ernie Reyes Sr. He recounts the thrill of competition, his first trophy win, and his relentless pursuit of excellence. More than titles, Corky's story is about passion, creativity, and building a legacy—both on the mat and in his community—through discipline, innovation, and lifelong service to martial arts.

La Audiencia Nacional ratifica la inhabilitación de la cúpula, que espera fecha para el juicio en el que les piden 40 años de cárcel en la causa llamada 'Operación Manopla'

Continuous Sparring - Pros and ConsJoin our Tul World+ program where you get exclusive videos on patterns, techniques as well as special discounts on upcoming seminars!https://tulworld.com/info-tulworldplusSchedule a free in-person Taekwon-Do trial class at https://www.juestkd.com/more-infoAdd us on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/juestaekwondo/

What if the key to closing more sales isn't being slick, but being curious? Today's guest, Stela Roznovan, breaks down why most people suck at sales and how to fix it through curiosity. Stela went from being an immigrant with zero English knowledge to leading a multi-million-dollar insurance agency in the U.S., and she did it by mastering the mindset most entrepreneurs ignore. A former concert pianist and Taekwondo black belt, she reveals how discipline, curiosity, and obsession with practice shaped her into a high-performing business leader. We dig into the psychology of money, the immigrant hustle, why most sales conversations fall flat, and how sales isn't about pitching, but about listening, storytelling, and crafting connection. Plus, Stela shares her 3-part framework for sales success and the exact mindset shift that helped her close deals with confidence. If you're tired of pushing harder and still not seeing results, this episode will show you what most are missing. Tune in! P.S. Want to get access to Stela's secret sales vault? Just DM her “BAM” on Instagram

Reggie Darden began his martial arts journey in the 1990s and has since explored a wide range of disciplines, including Chinese Kenpo, American Kenpo, Capoeira, Boxing, Hapkido, Tae Kwon Do, Muay Thai, and Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu. A proud U.S. Army veteran, Reggie originally hails from San Diego but now calls the Dallas–Fort Worth area home. When ... Reggie Darden – My Empty Hands – Ep231

This week on Drive-In Double Feature, Nathan and Ryan shred their way through the cult insanity of Miami Connection (1987), the ultimate martial arts rock band ninja movie you never knew you needed. With friendship, loyalty, and dragon sound at its core, this Florida-set fever dream pits synth-powered good guys against biker ninjas in a tale of betrayal, roundhouse kicks, and brotherhood. The hosts dive into the movie's bizarre production history, its earnest charm, and why Miami Connection deserves every bit of its cult status. Tae Kwon-Do has never looked this radical.

Three Taekwondo veterans unpack controversial developments in the martial art with raw honesty and deep expertise, promising "Sorry, not sorry" to anyone who might be offended by their candid perspectives.• The new 3-2-1 scoring system being tested at the German Open eliminates spinning technique bonus points• Video reviews for head kicks being removed, raising concerns about fairness and referee influence• USAT's talent identification camp selection process lacks transparency and seemingly overlooks accomplished athletes• Questions about whether performance truly matters in elite Taekwondo or if politics take precedence• The evolution from "old school" power-based scoring to electronic-based systems has fundamentally changed the sport• Elite athletes from any era would likely adapt and excel in different systems• Today's Taekwondo might not attract the same talent as other martial arts due to its evolutionFor new Peak Taekwondo apparel including leggings and tights, check our website to order your pair and support the podcast.

In this episode, Joe De Sena sits down with Jessica Cox, a woman born without arms, yet a licensed pilot, black belt in Taekwondo, and living proof that limits are self-imposed. Together, they explore how hardship builds mental toughness, why fear is a choice, and how you can turn obstacles into fuel. Jessica's story will shatter your excuses and shift your mindset. If you're ready to stop playing it safe and start living without limits—this episode is your wake-up call.   Timestamps: 00:00 Meet Jessica Cox 00:19 Born Without Arms 01:02 Gratitude and First-World Comforts 02:30 Childhood Struggles and Resilience 05:22 Her Parents' Role in Building Confidence 06:17 Dealing with Bullying and Finding Self-Worth 08:39 Became the first armless pilot 10:33 Obstacles Build Discipline 11:18 Inventing the Dressing Tool 12:21 What Holds Most People Back 13:59 The Power of Facing Fear 14:57 The Impossible Airplane Project 17:36 Jessica's 30-Year Journey in Taekwondo 19:36 Final Words & Future Collaboration     Connect to Jessica: Website: https://www.jessicacox.com  Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/rightfooted  Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/jessicacox  LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/rightfooted  YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@jessicacox

Kainalu Moya is an Asian American actor hailing from Kaneohe, Oahu. Kainalu, also known as “Kai”, is best known for his roles on Power Rangers Dino/Cosmic Fury and the Villains of Valley View. He is a competitive Taekwondo fighter and frequently competes at Taekwondo tournaments across the nation.  Kainalu just won gold at the 2025 USA Taekwondo National Championships in the red belt division, 68kg. He aims to pursue more acting roles in the action realm, showcasing his real-life Taekwondo experience. 

Good Vibe Tribe: A Taekwondo Celebration! full 331 Fri, 01 Aug 2025 12:27:38 +0000 OmF5FLct7MWOfEQLolJBsVeF3wEtYYUv society & culture Karson & Kennedy society & culture Good Vibe Tribe: A Taekwondo Celebration! Karson & Kennedy are honest and open about the most intimate details of their personal lives. The show is fast paced and will have you laughing until it hurts one minute and then wiping tears away from your eyes the next. Some of K&K’s most popular features are Can’t Beat Kennedy, What Did Barrett Say, and The Dirty on the 30! 2024 © 2021 Audacy, Inc. Society & Culture False https://player.amperwavepodcasting.com?feed-link=ht

Model Sparring - Fast then Slow or Slow then Fast?Join our Tul World+ program where you get exclusive videos on patterns, techniques as well as special discounts on upcoming seminars!https://tulworld.com/info-tulworldplusSchedule a free in-person Taekwon-Do trial class at https://www.juestkd.com/more-infoAdd us on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/juestaekwondo/

The Warehouse 15 crew breaks down major issues in American taekwondo competition structures after back-to-back USAT and AAU tournaments, examining why development has become watered down and what's needed for the sport to thrive again.• Critical analysis of running Under-21 Team Trials and Senior Nationals back-to-back, forcing athletes to make difficult competition choices• Discussion on what true development means beyond simply attending tournaments• Concern over American athletes lacking international exposure needed to believe they can defeat opponents from powerhouse nations• Examination of the diminished value of making national teams when some weight categories require minimal competition• Candid talk about political realities in USA Taekwondo organizations that discourage speaking out about problems• Criticism of inconsistent refereeing decisions and electronic scoring system issues at recent tournaments• Positive news about AAU national team budget reportedly doubling, potentially providing more international competitive opportunities• Call for more random weigh-ins to ensure athletes can consistently make competition weight• Reflections on the courage needed to vote for organizational changes even when it means voting yourself out of powerWe're always keeping it real here at Warehouse 15 - sorry not sorry!

SUMMARY In this episode of Whistlekick Martial Arts Radio, host Andrew Adams speaks with Viet Le, a martial artist and neurologist, about his journey through various martial arts styles, including Taekwondo and Northern Shaolin. Viet shares insights on the cultural and philosophical aspects of martial arts, his experiences training in China and Taiwan, and how his medical background informs his martial arts practice. The conversation also touches on the importance of competition, the future of martial arts training, and the intersection of martial arts and medicine. TAKEAWAYS Viet Le started training in martial arts at a young age due to his father's influence. He achieved a black belt in Taekwondo at just 11 years old. Viet transitioned back to Northern Shaolin after a break from martial arts. Cultural and philosophical aspects of martial arts are now more important to Viet than competition. Training in China and Taiwan provided Viet with new perspectives on martial arts. Viet emphasizes the importance of transparency in martial arts teaching. He believes that martial arts should bring joy and happiness to practitioners. Viet has trained in various martial arts styles beyond just kung fu. He advocates for basic first aid skills for martial artists. Viet aims to pass down the art he has learned to future students.

Taekwondo students from Utah recently won 12 medals at the World Taekwondo Hanmadang. These students came from World Martial Arts in Holladay. It was their first international tournament. Maria Shilaos sat down with Grandmaster Jinyong Kwon and Master Susan Kwon to find out more about this competition and the Utahns involved.

SPORTS: Smart/MVPSF PH taekwondo jins vie in Asian Junior, Cadet Championships | July 22, 2025Subscribe to The Manila Times Channel - https://tmt.ph/YTSubscribe Visit our website at https://www.manilatimes.net Follow us: Facebook - https://tmt.ph/facebook Instagram - https://tmt.ph/instagram Twitter - https://tmt.ph/twitter DailyMotion - https://tmt.ph/dailymotion Subscribe to our Digital Edition - https://tmt.ph/digital Check out our Podcasts: Spotify - https://tmt.ph/spotify Apple Podcasts - https://tmt.ph/applepodcasts Amazon Music - https://tmt.ph/amazonmusic Deezer: https://tmt.ph/deezer Stitcher: https://tmt.ph/stitcherTune In: https://tmt.ph/tunein #TheManilaTimes#KeepUpWithTheTimes Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

What is an Acceptable Standard for BLACK BELTSJoin our Tul World+ program where you get exclusive videos on patterns, techniques as well as special discounts on upcoming seminars!https://tulworld.com/info-tulworldplusSchedule a free in-person Taekwon-Do trial class at https://www.juestkd.com/more-infoAdd us on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/juestaekwondo/

In this raw and unfiltered episode, we dive headfirst into the transformation of competitive taekwondo from a power-based combat sport to today's point-focused tactical game. The conversation kicks off with analysis of the recent Korean Open, where Christina Teachout claimed silver for the USA in what appeared to be a more reliable implementation of the Gen 3 Hokus scoring system.What follows is a candid exploration of how modern taekwondo athletes have physically evolved - from the powerful, conditioned fighters of previous generations to today's taller, leaner competitors who focus on light touches rather than devastating blows. "We practiced getting hit," one host reflects, highlighting the stark contrast to today's training approaches. The episode pulls no punches when analyzing this evolution, with colorful descriptions of modern competitors as "K-pop dancers" who lack the fighting spirit of previous eras.The heart of the discussion examines the fundamental failures in American taekwondo's development pipeline. While other nations implement centralized training programs that bring their best talents together, the United States suffers from fragmentation, politics, and a lack of vision. The hosts introduce the concept of "sustained competitive excellence" as the true measure of program success - not just occasional medals, but consistently fielding dangerous competitors across weight categories.Perhaps most compelling is the passionate breakdown of what effective leadership in national programs should look like: inclusive rather than exclusive, respected by the community, and accountable for results. The conversation doesn't shy away from calling out systemic problems, yet offers constructive solutions derived from decades of combined experience at the highest levels of the sport.Whether you're a competitive athlete, coach, administrator, or simply a taekwondo enthusiast, this episode delivers invaluable insights into the crossroads where taekwondo currently stands - caught between tradition and evolution, fighting spirit and point scoring, fragmentation and unity.

Tracy is getting her yellow belt today! Will she show her friends her new moves?

SUMMARY In this episode, Sensei Karen Chandler shares her inspiring journey in martial arts, discussing her transition from Tae Kwon Do to various other disciplines, including jiu-jitsu. She emphasizes the importance of community, personal growth, and the empowerment that comes from training. Sensei Chandler also reflects on her experiences testing under Bill ”Superfoot” Wallace, her competition history, and her aspirations for the future, including teaching and continuing to learn. Throughout the conversation, she encourages listeners to embrace challenges and step out of their comfort zones in their martial arts journeys.     TAKEAWAYS It's important to have fun and enjoy the process of training. Transitioning between martial arts styles can be a smooth experience. Exploring different schools and instructors can enhance your understanding of martial arts. Training in jiu-jitsu can be empowering and improve fitness. The camaraderie in martial arts is a significant motivator to keep training. Teaching martial arts can be rewarding and fulfilling. Never underestimate your ability to learn and grow in martial arts. Martial arts can provide valuable self-defense skills for everyone. Maintaining a balance between hobbies and martial arts is essential. Setting future goals in martial arts can keep you motivated.

- Bleacher Report shares top 100 all time NBA players - Is Steph Curry top 10 all time ? - Aaron Rodgers getting into it with a fan for not sighing an autograph - Travis Kelce transforming himself being with Taylor Swift - Young girls with old lady names - How well Angel Reese is playing and her getting drafted in WNBA all star draft - Sophie Cunningham, a black belt at 6 years old?!  - Klay Thompson and Megan the Stallion are together!

Roman Abasy was a national Taekwondo champion and human rights advocate in Afghanistan, until the Taliban made him a target. Forced to flee, he rebuilt his life in Australia, turning exile into purpose. We explore Romans powerful journey from athlete to refugee to community leader, using sport, discipline, mental health and advocacy to uplift others, fight for justice and the right to belong. Timestamps added below if you want to skip to your juice.Want to become a Keep Rolling Patron and help further support the channel, hit the Patreon link below and Roll with the Squad!https://www.patreon.com/street_rolling_cheetahAdd, Follow or Contact Roman:LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/roman-abasy-702ab2227/Add, Follow or Contact me: Email: streetrollingcheetah@gmail.com Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/street_rolling_cheetah/?hl=enTwitter: https://twitter.com/st_rollcheetahFace book: https://www.facebook.com/StreetRollingCheetah/LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jake-briggs-77b867100/Timestamps(00:00:00)  Welcome (00:03:23)  Introducing Roman Abasy(00:05:25)  Growing up in Kabul during a civil war(00:07:44)  School under the Taliban regime(00:12:27)  Starting into Taekwondo(00:14:40)  Continuing on education(00:16:20)  Regime change in 2001 - freedom (00:18:35)  Life inside and outside of Kabul (00:23:30)  Living with threats(00:25:10)  The normalisation of war(00:27:00)  Disabilities in a war torn country(00:32:45)  Hope Wheels program(00:34:01)  Access to tech vs values(00:37:45)  Leaving Afghanistan - a chaotic time(00:42:15)  Getting help from the Olympic committee(00:45:00)  Making it to Pakistan(00:46:03)  Australia was not by choice(00:48:16)  Learning languages (00:49:18)  Arriving in Sydney & getting support(00:56:10)  Living under different politics(00:58:05)  First job in Australia as a sports coordinator(01:03:42)  The different communities and integration(01:05:26)  Working in the public service(01:07:30)  Addressing local needs (01:10:35)  Youth settlement worker's role - helping with adaptation(01:16:15)  Housing crisis issues(01:18:40)  Comms with people in Afghanistan is controlled(01:22:15)  You can't forget where you came from(01:24:10)  Hope for change in a war torn country(01:31:02)  Local Islamic community - the difference(01:35:00)  Thoughts on Palestine, Israel and Iran(01:36:55)  Thoughts on local support for refugees(01:38:25)  Little Kabul and food talk

WOOO 300 CELEBRATION! - What Have We LearnedJoin our Tul World+ program where you get exclusive videos on patterns, techniques as well as special discounts on upcoming seminars!https://tulworld.com/info-tulworldplusSchedule a free in-person Taekwon-Do trial class at https://www.juestkd.com/more-infoAdd us on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/juestaekwondo/

Have you ever asked yourself? Am I helping my kids find meaningful ways to spend their time beyond their screens? When was the last time I encouraged or joined my child in an offline activity? Do I ever ask my children to share what they experience online? Today's fathers are raising kids in a world vastly different from their own upbringing. In this episode of The Dad Edge Podcast, Larry Hagner sits down with son Ethan to hash out the stark contrasts between “growing up with TV” and “growing up with a smartphone.”   Larry and Ethan dive deep into how social media impacts motivation, mental health, and connection within families, exploring why “doom scrolling” can leave kids feeling depressed and stuck. They discuss generational changes, the pressure to always be connected, the fleeting nature of “streaks” on Snapchat, and—importantly—how open, non-judgmental conversation can bridge the gap between parents and children. With practical insights, plenty of laughs, and a heartfelt wrap-up, this is a must-hear for any dad (or mom) looking for more connection with their kids. So whether you're struggling with technology at home, wondering how to talk to your kids about the pressures they face, or just looking for real-world dad wisdom and relatability, you're in the right place. Become the best husband you can: https://bit.ly/deamarriageyoutube In this vital conversation, we dig into: Understanding the Lure: Social reels are engineered for those instant dopamine hits, but they also make it harder for our kids to generate their own ideas for what to do with their downtime. Pressure Is Real: Not just on girls, but on young men too — from gym culture to physique expectations, today's teens feel the spotlight to “measure up” in ways we never had to. Screen Time Isn't Innocent: Endless scrolling can leave kids (and adults!) feeling drained and blue. Sometimes, all it takes is a thoughtful check-in (with options!) to break the cycle. Modeling Matters: Whether it's respect, discipline, or health, what we do still means more than what we say. Connection Beats Correction: When we bark “put the phone down!” we might be missing the calls for actual connection. Ethan shares, sometimes our kids just want us to start a real conversation, not hand them a to-do list or a lecture. This episode is a must-listen for any parent struggling to bridge the growing digital divide at home. So grab your headphones, and get ready to rethink how you connect with your own kids—one legendary day at a time. Here's what research and observation highlight about psychological and social impacts of smartphone and technology use on teenager and parents Studies show that 78% of teens feel anxious when they're separated from their phones. Studies show that roughly 84% of Parents Say Technology Makes Parenting More Challenging than When They Were Kids. About 52% of Adolescents Report Feeling ‘Left Out' if They Don't Have a Smartphone or Social Media. www.thedadedge.com/mastermind www.1stphorm.com/products/1st-phorm-energy  

In today's episode, host Pete Moore sits down with Marco Benitez—a guest who brings together the worlds of Taekwondo and biomedical engineering! Marco is the founder of Rook, a "middleman" company specializing in connecting data from hundreds of wearables and medical devices. Drawing on his extensive background in sports and years in big pharma, Benitez discusses the challenges and opportunities in bridging data silos in the fitness, health, and insurance spaces. He also dives into the origins of Rook, the significance of B2B SaaS (Software as a Service) models, and the importance of building predictable, scalable solutions that empower organizations to actually use their data—not just collect it. Whether you're a fitness pro, entrepreneur, or just interested in the quickly evolving landscape of fit tech, this episode is packed with insights into how smart data integration is reshaping the way we approach the HALO space. (Health, Active Lifestyle, Outdoors)  On working in the enterprise space Marco mentions, "Working with enterprise clients . . . takes a lot of time to close deals but once they are closed, you will receive a lot of feedback, and you will be in the heart of their company. Because we are an API solution, we live 'inside' the platform . . . inside the app." Key themes discussed Importance and value of data integration. Rook's middleware solution for wearables. Challenges of connecting multiple wearable devices' data. Building and scaling a B2B SaaS company. Lessons from sports and long-term business growth. The evolving role of data in healthcare and insurance. Differentiating real, actionable intelligence from the AI hype. A few key takeaways:  1. Rook Connects Wearable Data Seamlessly: Rook acts as a middleware platform that allows companies to easily integrate and extract data from over 300 different wearables and medical devices. This solves a huge pain point for fitness apps, gyms, digital health, and insurance companies that need unified, standardized, and actionable user health data without having to build separate integrations for each device. 2. B2B SaaS with Active User Pricing: Rook is a B2B SaaS company, charging clients (gyms, fitness apps, insurers, etc) based on the number of active users accessing data through the platform. This recurring revenue model is 'sticky' and predictable, making it attractive for both business growth and investors, since switching out such a middleware solution tends to be costly and pretty disruptive for clients. 3. Wearables Becoming Medical Devices: The wearables ecosystem is quickly evolving, with many devices attaining FDA clearance. This means the data they provide is now medically credible and increasingly important for areas like digital health, fitness, and prevention-oriented insurance models—creating new demand for integration platforms. 4. Long-Term Perspective: Building to Become a Data Science Company: Benitez emphasizes the value of the long game—he compares entrepreneurship to earning a taekwondo black belt. Rook's long-term vision is to move beyond just delivering clean, structured data to offering actionable intelligence, insights, and predictive analytics to their clients. 5. Flexibility Driven by Customer Need: A key lesson? Rook's roadmap for integrating new wearables is customer-focused. Rather than chasing each new device that comes out, the team prioritizes devices with the most client demand and market share. This way, they deliver real value where it matters most, instead of losing focus. Resources:  Marco Benitez: https://www.linkedin.com/in/marcobzg   Rook: https://www.tryrook.io  HALO Talks 2 Minute Financial Drills (Videos): https://bit.ly/2minutedrills  Prospect Wizard: https://www.theprospectwizard.com  Promotion Vault: http://www.promotionvault.com HigherDose: http://www.higherdose.com

When leadership changes at a major competition like the AAU National Championships, what happens to the quality of the event? Olympic medalists and veteran coaches Juan "The Mayor of Taekwondo" Moreno and TJ "Bronze" Grimes take us behind the scenes of the recent tournament in Salt Lake City, providing a raw, unfiltered look at what worked and what critically failed.The 3,400+ competitor event showed promising participation numbers, especially in youth divisions where color belts had multiple matches. But beneath this success lurked serious problems: inexperienced referees making critical errors, procedural inconsistencies that changed match outcomes, and most troublingly, young children competing without coaches present. The hosts don't just criticize—they offer concrete solutions while acknowledging the challenges of rebuilding after a leadership exodus.The conversation shifts to broader themes in combat sports, including a takedown of Joe Rogan's claims about his Taekwondo background (did he really have "Olympic aspirations"?), and a fascinating parallel with USA Soccer's systemic development problems following their disappointing loss to Mexico. Both discussions highlight how organizational structures and leadership directly impact athletic performance and development.This episode delivers more than just tournament talk—it's a masterclass in sports organization from two coaches who've experienced everything from local competitions to Olympic gold medal matches. Whether you're a coach, competitor, or martial arts enthusiast, you'll gain valuable insights into what makes competitions succeed or fail at the most fundamental levels.Have you experienced poor officiating at a tournament? Share your stories and join the conversation about how we can collectively improve competition experiences for athletes at all levels.

Sometime ago I had the pleasure to have as a guest a gentleman named Rob Wentz. Rob appeared in episode 212 on March 8, 2024. Recently Rob introduced me to a man he described as amazing and definitely unstoppable. That introduction led to me having the opportunity to have today, Ken Kunken, the man Rob introduced me to. Ken's story is atypical to most. He had a pretty normal childhood until he went to Cornell. Rob was pretty short, but he loved all things sports and active. In his junior year he participated in a lightweight football game against Columbia University. On a kickoff he tackled an opponent but broke his neck in the process. Immediately he became a quadriplegic from the shoulders down. As he tells us, his days of physical activity and sports came to an abrupt end.   I asked Ken how he dealt with his injury. As he tells me, his family rallied around him and told him they were all there to help with whatever he needed to continue in school and to move on with his life. They were true to their word and Ken did continue to attend school after nine months of hospitalization. He secured a bachelor's degree in industrial engineering. He went on to get a Master's degree from Cornell in Industrial Engineering and then a second Master's degree this time from Columbia University in Psychology as he decided he really wanted to “help people especially those with serious disabilities” rather than continuing in the Civil Engineering arena. Ken then secured a job that led to him becoming a successful rehabilitation counselor in New York.   Ken wasn't done growing nor exploring. After two years working in the rehabilitation field through circumstances and advice from others, he went to Hofstra school of law where he obtained a Juris Doctor degree in 1982. He then went to work in the office of a district attorney where, over 40 years he progressed and grew in stature and rank.   Ken tells us how his life changed over time and through the many jobs and opportunities he decided to take. Twenty-two years ago, he married Anna. They ended up having triplet boys who now all are in school at the age of Twenty.   Ken is as unstoppable as it gets. He refused to back down from challenges. He is now retired and loving the opportunity to be with his family and help others by telling his story.     About the Guest:   In 1970, while a junior in Cornell University's College of Engineering, Ken Kunken broke his neck making a tackle on a kick-off in a lightweight football game against Columbia University. Ken sustained a spinal cord injury at the C 4-5 level, rendering him a quadriplegic, almost totally paralyzed from the shoulders down. Ken spent more than 9 months in various hospitals and rehabilitation facilities. While still a patient, Ken testified before a United States Senate Sub-Committee on Health Care, chaired by Senator Edward Kennedy. In 1971, almost 20 years before the Americans with Disabilities Act, Ken returned to the Cornell campus, where he completed his undergraduate degree in Industrial Engineering. Ken estimates that he had to be pulled up or bounced down close to 100 steps just to attend his first day of classes.   Ken is the first quadriplegic to graduate from Cornell University. Upon graduation, Ken decided to change his career goal. He wanted to work with and help people, particularly those with disabilities. Ken went on to earn a Master of Arts degree at Cornell in education and a Master of Education degree at Columbia University in psychology. Ken is the first quadriplegic to earn a graduate degree from Cornell University. In 1977, Ken was hired by Abilities Inc. in Albertson, NY to be its College Work Orientation Program Coordinator. Ken coordinated a program which provided educationally related work experiences for severely disabled college students. He also maintained a vocational counseling caseload of more than 20 severely disabled individuals.   While working at the Center, Ken became a nationally certified rehabilitation counselor and made numerous public presentations on non-discrimination, affirmative action and employment of the disabled. In 1977, Ken was named the Long Island Rehabilitation Associations “Rehabilitant of the Year” and in 1979 Ken was the subject of one of the Reverend Norman Vincent Peale's nationally syndicated radio broadcasts “The American Character”. Wanting to accomplish still more, Ken enrolled in Hofstra University's School of Law, where he earned a Juris Doctor degree in 1982. Ken then went to work as an assistant district attorney in Nassau County, Long Island.   Ken was promoted a number of times during his more than 40 years with the District Attorney's Office, eventually becoming one of the Deputy Bureau Chiefs of the County Court Trial Bureau, where he helped supervise more than 20 other assistant district attorneys. In addition, over his years working in the Office, Ken supervised more than 50 student interns.   In 1996 Ken received the Honorable Thomas E. Ryan, Jr. Award presented by the Court Officers Benevolent Association of Nassau County for outstanding and dedicated service as an Assistant District Attorney. In 1999, Ken was awarded the George M. Estabrook Distinguished Service Award presented by the Hofstra Alumni Association, Inc. Beginning in 2005, for nine consecutive years, “The Ken Kunken Most Valuable Player Award” was presented annually by The Adirondack Trust Allegiance Bowl in Saratoga Springs, NY, in recognition of Ken's personal accomplishments, contributions to society and extraordinary courage.   In 2009, Ken became a member of the Board of Directors of Abilities Inc., and in 2017 he became a member of the Board of Directors for the parent company of Abilities Inc., the Viscardi Center.   In 2020, Ken was inducted into “The Susan M. Daniels Disability Mentoring Hall of Fame,” as a member of the class of 2019.   In December 2023, “The Kenneth J. Kunken Award” was presented by the Nassau County District Attorney's Office, for the first time, to an outstanding Nassau County Assistant District Attorney who personifies Ken's unique spirit and love of trial work, as well as his commitment and dedication, loyalty to his colleagues and his devotion to doing justice. The Award will be presented annually.   In March 2024, Ken was named one of the Long Island Business News Influencers in Law. Ken retired from full-time employment in 2016, but continued to work with the District Attorney's Office for the next eight years in a part time capacity, providing continuing legal education lectures and litigation guidance.   For years, Ken has tried to inspire people to do more with their lives. In October 2023, Ken's memoir “I Dream of Things That Never Were: The Ken Kunken Story” was published. In 2003 Ken married Anna and in 2005 they became the proud parents of triplet boys: Joey, Jimmy and Timmy. On June 23, 2023 the triplets graduated from Oceanside High School, fifty-five years after Ken had graduated from the same school. Ways to connect with Ken:   https://www.facebook.com/ken.kunken https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61566473121422 https://www.instagram.com/ken.kunken/ https://www.linkedin.com/in/kenneth-j-kunken-b4b0a9a8/ https://www.youtube.com/@Ken.Kunken https://bsky.app/profile/kenkunken.bsky.social   About the Host:   Michael Hingson is a New York Times best-selling author, international lecturer, and Chief Vision Officer for accessiBe. Michael, blind since birth, survived the 9/11 attacks with the help of his guide dog Roselle. This story is the subject of his best-selling book, Thunder Dog.   Michael gives over 100 presentations around the world each year speaking to influential groups such as Exxon Mobile, AT&T, Federal Express, Scripps College, Rutgers University, Children's Hospital, and the American Red Cross just to name a few. He is Ambassador for the National Braille Literacy Campaign for the National Federation of the Blind and also serves as Ambassador for the American Humane Association's 2012 Hero Dog Awards.   https://michaelhingson.com https://www.facebook.com/michael.hingson.author.speaker/ https://twitter.com/mhingson https://www.youtube.com/user/mhingson https://www.linkedin.com/in/michaelhingson/   accessiBe Links https://accessibe.com/ https://www.youtube.com/c/accessiBe https://www.linkedin.com/company/accessibe/mycompany/ https://www.facebook.com/accessibe/       Thanks for listening!   Thanks so much for listening to our podcast! If you enjoyed this episode and think that others could benefit from listening, please share it using the social media buttons on this page. Do you have some feedback or questions about this episode? Leave a comment in the section below!   Subscribe to the podcast   If you would like to get automatic updates of new podcast episodes, you can subscribe to the podcast on Apple Podcasts or Stitcher. You can subscribe in your favorite podcast app. You can also support our podcast through our tip jar https://tips.pinecast.com/jar/unstoppable-mindset .   Leave us an Apple Podcasts review   Ratings and reviews from our listeners are extremely valuable to us and greatly appreciated. They help our podcast rank higher on Apple Podcasts, which exposes our show to more awesome listeners like you. If you have a minute, please leave an honest review on Apple Podcasts.       Transcription Notes:   Michael Hingson ** 00:00 Access Cast and accessiBe Initiative presents Unstoppable Mindset. The podcast where inclusion, diversity and the unexpected meet. Hi, I'm Michael Hingson, Chief Vision Officer for accessiBe and the author of the number one New York Times bestselling book, Thunder dog, the story of a blind man, his guide dog and the triumph of trust. Thanks for joining me on my podcast as we explore our own blinding fears of inclusion unacceptance and our resistance to change. We will discover the idea that no matter the situation, or the people we encounter, our own fears, and prejudices often are our strongest barriers to moving forward. The unstoppable mindset podcast is sponsored by accessiBe, that's a c c e s s i capital B e. Visit www.accessibe.com to learn how you can make your website accessible for persons with disabilities. And to help make the internet fully inclusive by the year 2025. Glad you dropped by we're happy to meet you and to have you here with us.   Michael Hingson ** 01:20 Well, hello once again, and welcome to another episode of unstoppable mindset. I am your host, Michael hingson, and today we have a fascinating guest, I believe. Anyway, his name is Ken. Kuan, kunken. Am I pronouncing that right? Yes, you are. Oh, good. And Ken, in 1970 underwent a problem when he was playing football and doing a tackle on a kickoff. Namely, he broke his neck and became a quadriplegic, basically from the shoulders down. I'm sort of familiar with the concept, because my wife, from birth was in a wheelchair. She was a paraplegic, paralyzed from the t3 vertebrae down, which was like right below the breast, so she was able to transfer and so on. So not quite the same, but a lot of the same issues, of course, and we're going to talk about that basically, because when you're in a wheelchair, like a lot of other kinds of disabilities, society doesn't tend to do all they should to accommodate. And I can, can make that case very well. Most people are light dependent, and we have provided reasonable accommodations for them by providing light bulbs and light on demand wherever they go, wherever they are, whatever they do, while at the same time for people who are blind, we don't get the same degree of access without pushing a lot harder. And people in wheelchairs, of course, have all sorts of physical issues as well, such as stairs and no ramps and other things like that. And I know that Ken's going to talk some about that from university days and my wife Karen face some of the same things. But anyway, we'll get to it all. Ken, I want to welcome you to unstoppable mindset. And I think your wife, Anna is visiting with us also, right, right? Thank you. Michael, so Anna, welcome as well. Thank you so Ken. Why don't we start if we could by you telling us sort of about the early Ken, growing up and all that from being a child, and tell us a little bit about you.   Ken Kunken ** 03:40 Okay, well, if you're going back to my childhood area, Yeah, it sure is. It's quite a while ago, but I was born in 1950 and that happened to be in the midst of the polio epidemic, and unfortunately, my mother contracted polio and died when I was less than one month old. So I have an older brother, Steve, who's two years older than me, and my father brother and I ended up moving in with my grandparents for a few years before my father remarried when I was four years old. A long shot. But what's your birth date? Right? My birth date is July 15, 1950 on   Michael Hingson ** 04:23 February 24 1950 So, okay, was was just kind of hoping there was the possibility, right? Anyway, go ahead.   Ken Kunken ** 04:30 So, um, during my father's second marriage, that's when my sister Merrill was born. She's 10 years younger than I am, but unfortunately, that was not a happy marriage, and it ended in a divorce. And when I was 18, my father married for the third time. So you know, growing up in a household with a number of individuals seemingly coming and going was a little different than most people's   Michael Hingson ** 04:57 households when they were growing up. How. Was that for you?   Ken Kunken ** 05:01 Well, you know, it was nice in the sense that I got involved with a lot of different family members in my extended family. I'm very close, growing up with my grandparents, with aunts, uncles, cousins, as well as my sister and brother. And you know, I had the opportunity to interact with a lot of different people. It was difficult during my father's second marriage, because it was not a happy marriage, and, you know, it worked out in everybody's best interest when that ended in divorce. But I look back at my childhood, and I just basically call it as a very happy childhood?   Michael Hingson ** 05:42 Oh, good. Well, so no real major traumas, certainly differences, but no real harrowing kinds of things that just threw you into a complete topsy turvy at least as far as you're concerned, right? Yeah. Well, then you decided to go to Cornell, as I recall, and I know Cornell has a, I think it's a master's program, but an advanced program in hospitality. So did they feed you well at Cornell?   Ken Kunken ** 06:13 Yes, they had a very good system and fed us very well. And they have a program in hotel management, right, which I was not involved in, but there was a lot of good food at Cornell when we were there.   Michael Hingson ** 06:28 Well, that's that's always important, you know, you got to have good food at UC Irvine. We were okay. Food wise. I was on the food committee for the dorms, actually, and the food was all right, but when they had steak night that they always made a big deal about the steak was usually pretty tough, and so we we had sometimes that the food wasn't great, but they had a great soft serve ice cream machine, so lot of people took advantage of that. But anyway, so when you were at Cornell, you played football,   Ken Kunken ** 07:01 right? I was on their lightweight football team. It's for people that were smaller than the heavyweight team. When I was playing, you had to weigh 154 pounds or less two days before the game. So most of the people had played on their high school teams was too small to play on the varsity college team, but it was a varsity sport. Most of the people were very good athletes and very fast, and it was very competitive sport.   Michael Hingson ** 07:35 So tell us about that and what happened.   Ken Kunken ** 07:38 Well, during my junior year, I was injured making a tackle on a kickoff in a game against Columbia University, and when I tackled the ball carrier, I broke my neck and damaged my spinal cord, and as a result, I'm a quadriplegic. I'm almost totally paralyzed from the shoulders down,   Michael Hingson ** 08:01 and so, what kind of effect? Well, that clearly that that was pretty bad news and so on. So what kind of effect did that have on you, and how did that shape what you did going forward?   Ken Kunken ** 08:15 Oh, it totally changed my perspective on everything about myself. I mean, growing up, my life seemed to center around sports. In high school, I played on the varsity football team. I wrestled on the varsity wrestling team. I played on four different intramural softball teams. I worked on the summer as a lifeguard. Everything in my life revolved around athletics and being physically active. Now, suddenly, I couldn't be physically active at all. In fact, I am totally sedentary, sitting in a wheelchair, and I need assistance with all my activities of daily living now.   Michael Hingson ** 08:54 So what did you do when the injury happened and so on? So how did you deal with all of that?   Ken Kunken ** 09:01 Well, it was a really difficult adjustment to make. I mean, suddenly I became dependent on everybody around me, because there was not one thing I could do for myself. So it was very difficult knowing that now not only was I dependent on others, but I had to be more outgoing to be able to have asked for help when I needed it, which was difficult for me, because I had always considered myself a bit of shy person, a bit of an introvert, and now I needed to be more vocal with respect to all of my needs. So I swear, go ahead. Well, I spent the next nine months and 20 days in various hospitals and rehabilitation centers, and it was really, really difficult getting used to my new physical condition.   Michael Hingson ** 09:52 But at the same time, you could have taken the position that you just hated yourself and you just wanted to I. Make life end and so on. And it doesn't sound like that was the approach that you took.   Ken Kunken ** 10:04 Mike, I was so fortunate that I had a very supportive family who were with me and helped me every step of the way. In fact, they basically assured me that they would act as my arms and legs to make sure I could still do everything I wanted to do in my life   Michael Hingson ** 10:22 doesn't get much better than that, having a real supportive village, if you will.   Ken Kunken ** 10:27 Right? I was so fortunate, and you know, I think that helped me be able to do many things in my life that most people thought would not be possible for someone in my condition, and I was able to do it because of the help I received from my family.   Michael Hingson ** 10:44 So what did you major in at Cornell? Let's say, before the injury.   Ken Kunken ** 10:50 I before my injury, I was majoring in industrial engineering, okay? And you know, after my injury, I went back to school and continued my studies in industrial engineering and actually obtained my degree, a Bachelor of Science in industrial engineering.   Michael Hingson ** 11:08 Now, what primarily is industrial engineering?   Ken Kunken ** 11:12 Well, you know, it's kind of a technical aspect of dealing with men, material, machines, and, you know, most likely working at a business where there are a lot of different people working there, where you would try and find out what the best way of people to operate, whether it be in a factory or just in a large business setting, when you're dealing with technical aspects of the job. But I never actually worked as an engineer, because, following my degree, based on the recommendation of one of my psychology professors, I stayed at Cornell and pursued a career in counseling. And I find that a lot more suitable to not only my physical condition, but what I really wanted to do. Because, following my injury, I knew that what I really wanted to do was to devote my life and career to helping others.   Michael Hingson ** 12:08 So you very well could have made the same switch and made the same choices, even if you hadn't undergone the accident,   Ken Kunken ** 12:17 absolutely and hopefully, I would have, because I found it a lot more enjoyable, and I believe it taught me a lot about dealing with people, and it made me feel very good about myself to know that I was still in a position, despite my disability, where I could help others.   Michael Hingson ** 12:40 So you stayed at Cornell and got that master's degree in counseling, which, which really gave you that opportunity. What did you do after that?   Ken Kunken ** 12:50 Well, to increase my counseling credentials, I then went to Columbia University, where I obtained my second degree. This one was also in counseling. That degree was in psychological counseling and rehabilitation, and I decided to look for a job in the rehabilitation counseling field. And now that I had two degrees from Cornell and one from Columbia, three prestigious Ivy League degrees, two master's degrees, I didn't think I'd have much difficulty securing employment, but to my dismay, no one would hire me. This was in the mid 70s, and everyone seemed to feel I was just too disabled to work.   Michael Hingson ** 13:32 Now, why did you go to Columbia to get your second degree, your masters in rehabilitation,   Ken Kunken ** 13:39 you know? And incidentally, it that was the school I actually was injured against during the football   Michael Hingson ** 13:44 I know that's why I asked the enemy, right?   Ken Kunken ** 13:47 Yeah, but I actually applied there for my doctorate, doctorate in counseling psychology. And initially I didn't get into that program, but they invited me to participate in their master's program, and said that they would reconsider my application when I finished that degree. Now, I thought that was a special letter that I got from them because of my injury, and I thought they just wanted to see me that I could do graduate work. As it turned out, virtually everybody that applied for that program got a similar letter, and when I first met with my advisor there at Columbia, he said, you know, if you didn't get in the first time, you're probably not going to get in even when you graduate. So since I had nothing else to do at that point, I enrolled in the master's program, and I completed my second master's degree. And you know, at the time, even my advisor was pessimistic about my work prospects, wow, just because of my ability, because of my disability, and despite. Fact that here they were training people to be rehabilitation counselors and encouraging people to go into that field, they felt that due to my disability, I would still have a very difficult time gaining employment,   Michael Hingson ** 15:14 which is as ironic as it gets,   Ken Kunken ** 15:17 absolutely, absolutely and I was just very fortunate that there was a facility on Long Island called abilities Incorporated, which was part of what was then called the Human Resources Center. Is now called the Viscardi Center, after its founder, Dr Henry Viscardi, Jr, and they hired me to work as a vocational rehabilitation counselor for other individuals who had severe disabilities.   Michael Hingson ** 15:46 I'm a little bit familiar with the buscardi Center, and have found them to be very open minded in the way they operate.   Ken Kunken ** 15:54 They were terrific, absolutely terrific. And I was so fortunate to get involved with them, to be hired, to work for them, and, you know, to be associated with all the fine work they were doing it on behalf of helping other individuals with disabilities.   Michael Hingson ** 16:13 So was it primarily paraplegics and quadriplegics and so on, or did they do blind people and other disabilities as well.   Ken Kunken ** 16:21 They did a lot of different disabilities, but they did not work with people that were visually impaired. For that in New York state, there was a special agency called the commission for the visually handicapped that helped people with visual impairments, but we dealt with all different types of disabilities, whether people were hearing impaired or had not just spinal cord injuries, but other disabilities, either from birth or disabilities that they developed through diseases. And as it turned out, I was probably one of the most severely disabled of the people that I dealt with.   Michael Hingson ** 17:02 Well, but you were also, by any definition, a good role model.   Ken Kunken ** 17:06 Well, I was fortunate that I was able to help a lot of different people, and I felt that when they looked at me and saw that I was able to work despite my disability, I know it encouraged them to do their best to go out and get a job themselves.   Michael Hingson ** 17:24 And of course, it really ultimately comes down to attitude. And for you, having a positive attitude had to really help a great deal.   Ken Kunken ** 17:34 I think it made all the difference in the world. And I was very fortunate that it was my family that instilled that positive attitude in me, and they gave me so much help that after a while, I thought I'd be letting them down if I didn't do everything I could do to make something out of my life.   Michael Hingson ** 17:53 So what did you do? Well, not only   Ken Kunken ** 17:57 did I go back to school and complete my education, but I went to work and, you know, got up early every day, and with the aid of a personal care attendant, I was able to go to work and function as a vocational counselor and help others in trying to achieve their goals.   Michael Hingson ** 18:17 Now, were you going to school while you were doing some of this?   Ken Kunken ** 18:20 No, I finished my second okay, and now was able to work full time.   Michael Hingson ** 18:27 Okay, so you did that, and how long did you work there?   Ken Kunken ** 18:32 Well, I worked there for a little over two years, and you know, my duties and responsibilities kept expanding while I was there, and one of my duties was to speak at conferences before groups and organizations concerning affirmative action and non discrimination for people with disabilities. And often after my talks, I would be asked questions, and while I would do my best to respond appropriately, I was always careful to caution the question is that they should really consult with a lawyer about their concerns. And I guess it didn't take long before I started to think, you know, there's no reason why I couldn't become that lawyer. So after a little over two years, I decided to leave the job, and I went to Hofstra University School of Law.   Michael Hingson ** 19:20 So now what? What year was this?   Ken Kunken ** 19:24 I left the job. I started the job in 77 I left in 79 when I started law school.   Michael Hingson ** 19:32 Okay, so you went to Hofstra,   Ken Kunken ** 19:35 right? And while I was at Hofstra through my brother's suggestion. My brother was working as a public defender at the time, he suggested I do an internship at the district attorney's office. So after my second year of law school, I did an internship there during the summer, and I found a new way. I could help people and serve the community as a whole, and I really enjoyed that work. So when I was in my third year of law school, I applied for a full time position with the district attorney's office, and I was very fortunate that the district attorney was a very progressive, self confident individual who based his hiring decision on my abilities rather than my disability.   Michael Hingson ** 20:27 Wow, that had to be, especially back then, a fairly, as you said, progressive, but an amazing thing to do, because even today, there are so many times that we get challenges and too many things thrown in our way, but you had someone who really thought enough of you and obviously decided that your abilities were such on the job that you could do   Ken Kunken ** 20:51 it. I was very fortunate to have come in contact with the district attorney at the time. His name was Dennis Dillon, and he seemed to know that when I'd go to court, a jury was not going to base its verdict on my inability to walk, but rather on my skill and competence as an attorney. And thanks to the training and guidance I received in the office, I became a very confident and competent, skilled trial attorney   Michael Hingson ** 21:22 well, and it had to be the way you projected yourself that would convince a jury to decide cases in the right way. So again, kudos to you.   Ken Kunken ** 21:33 Thank you. Well, I certainly did my best to do that, and at the time that I applied for this job, I didn't know of any quadriplegics that were trial attorneys. May have been some, but I didn't know of any. Certainly there were none on Long Island, and certainly no assistant district attorneys at the time that I knew of who were quadriplegics.   Michael Hingson ** 21:59 Now, of course, the question that comes to mind is, so was the office accessible?   Ken Kunken ** 22:05 No question. And you know, let me just go further by telling you that my first day in court, I couldn't even fit through the swinging doorways in the courtroom. They were too narrow to let me get through to get to the prosecutor's table, because my electric wheelchair was too wide.   Michael Hingson ** 22:24 What did you do? Or what happened?   Ken Kunken ** 22:27 Well, eventually they had to take off the swinging doorways and the screws and bolts that kept them in place, but usually I had to go very roundabout on a long way to get to the back of each courtroom and go through the back, which was really difficult. And one of my assignments happened to be to our traffic court Bureau, which was in a neighboring building on the second floor, and unfortunately, there the elevator was broken. So after three days, I was actually received my first promotion, because they didn't know when it would be fixed. But eventually I was able to get into court, and I did a lot of litigation while I was   Michael Hingson ** 23:10 there. How did judges react to all of this?   Ken Kunken ** 23:15 You know, it was very new to them as well. And you know, there are times when you needed to approach the bench and talk very quietly, you know, to so the jury wouldn't hear you, and it was very difficult, because benches are elevated, yeah. And I had difficulty approaching the bench or even turning my head side enough to look up at the judges and then for them to hear me. And sometimes they would have to get off the bench, and, you know, meet me on the side of the courtroom to have conferences and but for the most part, I thought they were very supportive. I thought they appreciated the hard work that I was doing, and I think they tried to be accommodating when they could.   Michael Hingson ** 23:58 Did you ever encounter any that just were totally intolerant of all of it,   Ken Kunken ** 24:02 sure, you know, many of them were very impatient. Some of them had difficulty hearing and when I was trying to look up and talk to them without the jury hearing, some of them had trouble hearing me because, you know, they were much higher up than I was in my wheelchair. So it was very challenging.   Michael Hingson ** 24:23 I was involved in a lawsuit against an airline because they wouldn't allow me and my guide dog to sit where we wanted to sit on the airplane, which was in direct violation of even the rules of the airline. And when it went to court, the judge who was assigned it was a federal judge, and he was like 80, and he just couldn't hear anything at all. It was, it was really too bad. And of course, my and my wife was was with me, and of course, in her chair, so she wasn't sitting in a regular row. And he even grilled her, what are you doing? Why aren't you sitting in a row? And she said, I'm in a wheelchair. Oh, yeah, it's amazing that hopefully we are we have progressed a little bit from a lot of that the last thing. So, yeah, the lawsuit was 1985 so it was a long time ago, and hopefully we have progressed some. But still, there are way too many people who don't get it, and who don't understand nearly as much as they should, and don't internalize that maybe we're not all the same, and we can't necessarily do everything exactly the same every single time,   Ken Kunken ** 25:35 right? And you know, I had the added misfortune of having my injury 20 years before the Americans with Disabilities Act was passed, and that made an enormous difference for not just people in wheelchairs, but people with all different types of disabilities.   Michael Hingson ** 25:53 So how did you, in general, learn to deal with people's perceptions of you, rather than the reality? Well, that is a lot. Yeah, there are lots of perceptions, right?   Ken Kunken ** 26:07 You know, many people think that because you have a physical disability, that you must also have an intellectual disability. And people would often come into my room and wherever I was, whether it was when I was first in the hospital or later at the office and speak to the person next to me and ask them questions about me, as if I couldn't speak for myself, yeah, even as if I wasn't even there. And it took a while for me to be more outgoing and convince people that, yes, they can deal with me. You know, I can still talk and think. And I think whenever a jury came into the courtroom for the first time, I think they were very surprised to see the prosecutor as somebody with a disability who was sitting in an electric wheelchair.   Michael Hingson ** 26:56 I know once we went to a restaurant, and of course, having a family with two people in two different disabilities, went to this restaurant, and we were waiting to be seated, and finally, Karen said the hostess is just staring at us. She doesn't know who to talk to, because I'm not making eye contact, necessarily. And Karen, sitting in her chair is way lower. And so Karen just said to me, Well, this lady doesn't know who to talk to. So I said, Well, maybe we can get her to just ask us what what we want and what help we need. Are carrying on the conversation. Got this, this nice lady to recognize. Oh, you know, I can talk with them. And so she said, Well, how can I help you? And we both kind of said we'd like to sit and have breakfast. Oh, okay, and it went well from there. But it is, it is a challenge, and people have crazy perceptions, I know, going down the stairs at the World Trade Center on September 11, when I encountered the firefighters coming up for a while, they blocked me from going because they decided that I needed help, and they would, they would ask me questions, like, we're going to help you. Is that okay? And I said, No, it's not. But they always talked loud, because if you're blind, you obviously can't hear either, right? And it was difficult to get them to deal with all of that. And finally, I had to just say, Look, I got my friend David over here, who can see we're working together. We're fine, and they let us go because I had a sighted person with me, not that I had the ability to go downstairs, even though I had to help keep David focused sometimes, and also, there's no magic for a blind person to go downstairs. You know, you go down the stairs, you hold the rail, you turn left there, in this case, and you go down the next batch of stairs. But people don't recognize that. Maybe there are techniques that we use to deal with the same things that they deal with, only in a different way.   Ken Kunken ** 29:03 Absolutely, and that applies to work as well. I mean, people assume that if you can't do a job the way most people seem to do it, who don't have a disability, they automatically assume you're not going to be able to function at all at the job. Yeah, and a lot of times, it takes a lot of convincing to show people that there are other ways of approaching a problem and handling a work situation.   Michael Hingson ** 29:27 One of the common things that we as blind people face, and it happens in schools and so on, is, Oh, you don't need to learn braille that's outmoded. You can listen to books that are computer generated or recorded and so on. And the reality is, no we need to learn braille for the same reason the sighted people learn to read print, and that is, it's all about learning to spell. It's learning about sentence structure and so on, and it's learning about having better ways to be able to truly enter. Interact with the text as I tell people, I don't care what anyone says, you will not learn physics as well from recordings as you can by truly having access to everything in a braille book, because you can refer back easier, and they've done some improvements in recording, but it's still not the same as what you get when you do Braille, which is the same thing for you reading print, or any other sighted person reading print. You read that print because there are various reasons why you need to do that, as opposed to learning how to just listen to books recorded anyway,   Ken Kunken ** 30:36 right? Well, I had the added misfortune of being injured well before they had laptop   Michael Hingson ** 30:41 computers. Yeah, me too. Well, I yeah, not. I wasn't injured, but yeah,   Ken Kunken ** 30:46 right. So trying to do my schoolwork or later work at a job, you know, it posed even more challenges. Now, of course, having ebooks and being able to use a computer, it's made a big difference, not just for me, but for many individuals.   Michael Hingson ** 31:04 Sure, do you use like programs like Dragon Naturally Speaking to interact with the computer?   Ken Kunken ** 31:10 You know, I tried that, and I had a lot of difficulty with it. I know you need to train it. And when I first tried it, which was in its infancy, it just wasn't responding well to my voice, so I don't use that. I've been fortunate with that with advancements in wheelchairs, my wheelchair now has a Bluetooth device connected to my joystick, and I could actually move my left arm a little bit where I could work the joystick and move the mouse on my computer, moving my joystick. You   Michael Hingson ** 31:45 really might want to look into dragon again. It is just so incredibly different than it was years ago. I remember when Dragon Dictate first came out, and all of the challenges of it, but they have done so much work in developing the language models that it's it's a whole lot better than it used to be, and, yeah, you have to train it. But training isn't all that hard nowadays, even by comparison to what it was, and it gives you a lot of flexibility. And I am absolutely certain it would recognize your voice without any difficulty?   Ken Kunken ** 32:22 Well, it's good to hear that they've made those advancements,   Michael Hingson ** 32:26 and it's not nearly as expensive as it used to be, either. Well, that's good   Ken Kunken ** 32:30 to hear. I know when I first tried it, it was incredibly frustrating, yeah, because it wasn't responding well to my voice, and   Michael Hingson ** 32:38 it was like $1,500 as I recall, it was pretty expensive right now, it's maybe two or $300 and there's also a legal version of it and other things like that. Yeah, you really ought to try it. You might find it makes a big difference. It's worth exploring Anyway, okay, but be that as it may, so you you dealt with people's perceptions, and how did you, as you continue to encounter how people behave towards you, how did you keep from allowing that to embitter you or driving you crazy?   Ken Kunken ** 33:15 Well, you know, certainly at work, I needed to go in a jacket and tie, and I found that when you're wearing a jacket and tie, many people treated you differently than when you're just wearing street clothes. So I think that certainly helped that work. But I later became a supervisor in the district attorney's office, and people saw that, you know, not only could they talk with me on an intellectual level, but they saw I was supervising other assistant district attorneys, and I think that convinced a lot of people pretty quickly that I knew what I was doing and that they should treat me no different than they would any other lawyer, Assistant District Attorney.   Michael Hingson ** 33:59 Yeah, well, and it is projecting that confidence in a in a positive way that does make such a big difference,   Ken Kunken ** 34:08 absolutely. And I think when people saw me at work, one of the things that I appreciated was I never even needed to mention again that somebody with a disability could work, and not just at an entry level position, that a very responsible position. I was convinced them, just by showing them, without ever having to mention that somebody with a disability could do this kind of work.   Michael Hingson ** 34:35 I never bring it up unless it comes up, and a lot of times, especially when talking on the phone and so on, it never comes up. I've had times when people eventually met me, and of course, were themselves, somewhat amazed. I'm a blind person and all that I said, nothing's changed here, folks. The reality is that the same guy I was when you were just talking to me on the phone. So let's move forward. Word. And mostly people got it and and dealt with it very well.   Ken Kunken ** 35:08 Well, I used to have a lot of people, when they meet me for the first time, were very surprised to see that I was in a wheelchair. I never would say, Boy, you didn't sound like you were disabled. Yeah, right. And I think they were very surprised when they met me.   Michael Hingson ** 35:23 I've had some people who've said that to me, Well, you didn't sound blind on the telephone. And so depending on how snarky I feel or not, I might say, Well, what does a blind person sound like? And that generally tends to stop them, because the reality is, what does a blind person sound like? It doesn't mean anything at all, and it's really their attitudes that need to change. And I know as a keynote speaker for the last 23 years, just by doing the things that I do, and talking and communicating with people, it is also all about helping to change attitudes, which is a lot of fun.   Ken Kunken ** 36:03 You know, Michael, when I first went back to college, I was approached by a student on campus, and when he asked if I was Ken kunken, and I responded that I was, he asked, aren't you supposed to be in the hospital? Now, you know, I was very tempted to say yes, but I escaped. Please don't tell anyone. But you know, it even took a while to just show people, somebody with a disability does not need to be permanently in a rehab facility or a hospital or staying at home with their families, that there's an awful lot somebody could do and to be seen out in public and show people that you can work, you can go to school, you can do basically what everybody else does once you're given the opportunity.   Michael Hingson ** 36:55 Of course, being spiteful, my response would have been, well, yeah, I should still be in the hospital doing brain surgery, but I decided that I didn't want to be a doctor because I didn't have any patients, so I decided to take a different career, right? Oh, people, yeah, what do you do? And we all face it, but the reality is, and I believe very firmly and have have thought this way for a long time, that like it or not, we're teachers, and we do need to teach people, and we need to take that role on, and it can be difficult sometimes, because you can lose patience, depending on what kind of questions people ask and so on. But the reality is, we are teachers, and our job is to teach, and we can make that a very fun thing to do as we move forward, too.   Ken Kunken ** 37:44 You know, Michael, I found most people really want to be helpful. Yeah, a lot of times they don't know how to be helpful or how to go about it, or what to say or what to do, but most people are really good people that want to help. And you know, the more they come in contact with somebody with a disability, the more comfortable they will feel   Michael Hingson ** 38:04 right, and they'll learn to ask if you want help, and they won't make the assumption, which is, of course, the whole point.   Ken Kunken ** 38:14 You know, Michael, when you leave the job the district attorney's office, you would go through what they call an exit interview, where they would ask you what you thought was the best part of the job, what you thought could be improved. And I'm so happy and proud to say that I was told that a number of assistant district attorneys said that one of the best parts of their job was meeting and getting to know and working with me. And the reason why I wanted to highlight that was I know they weren't talking about me being Ken kunken, but me being somebody with a disability. Because unless they had a close relative with a disability, people rarely came in daily contact with somebody with a disability, and for them, it was often a revelation that they found helped motivate and inspire them to work harder in their job, and they were very appreciative of that,   Michael Hingson ** 39:12 but they also learned that the disability wasn't what defined you. What defined you was you and your personality and what you did not necessarily exactly how you   Ken Kunken ** 39:24 did it, absolutely. And I think it was also a revelation that working with me did not involve additional work for them, right? I was able to carry my own weight, and often was more productive than many of the people I was working with. Right?   Michael Hingson ** 39:42 Well, and I think that's a very crucial point about the whole thing. When you became a lawyer, did that change your view of yourself? I mean, I know it was a kind of an evolution that got you to being a lawyer. But how did becoming a lawyer and when go. Answer, and getting the law degree and then working in a law office. How did that change your perceptions and your attitudes and outlook?   Ken Kunken ** 40:06 You know, it really changed it a great deal, because I had people look at me with a very different eye when they were looking at me. You know, I enjoyed my work as a vocational rehabilitation counselor very much. And I encourage people to do that work. But I felt that there were people that looked at me and thought, you know, he has a disability. Maybe he could only work with other people had disabilities. And I was very proud of the fact that when I became a lawyer, I was working with very few people that had disabilities. Most of them were able bodied. And I wanted to show people that you're not limited in any way with who you're going to work with and what you could do. And I think it's so important for people to keep their perceptions high, their expectations high when they're dealing with individuals, because just because somebody has a disability does not mean they cannot perform and do as much as virtually anybody else on the job   Michael Hingson ** 41:14 well, and you clearly continue to have high expectations of and for you, but also I would suspect that the result was you had high expectations for those around you as well. You helped them shape what they did, and by virtue of the way you functioned, you helped them become better people as well.   Ken Kunken ** 41:38 Well, I certainly tried to and from the feedback that I've gotten from many of the people I worked with, that seemed to be the case, and I'm very proud of that. In fact, I might add Michael that two years ago, the district attorney, now her name is Ann Donnelly, actually started an award in the district attorney's office that's given out annually that they named the Kenneth J kunken award. They named it for me because they wanted to recognize and honor the outstanding Assistant District Attorney each year who displayed the work ethic and the loyalty and devotion to the office as well the person in the wheelchair, right? And I'm very proud of that,   Michael Hingson ** 42:25 but I will bet, and I'm not trying to mitigate it, but I will bet that mostly that award came about because of the things that you did and your work ethic, and that the wheelchair aspect of it was really somewhat second nature. And far down the list,   Ken Kunken ** 42:41 I'm very proud of the fact that that seems to be the case and and one of the aspects of that award was they talked about the effect that I had on my colleagues, and the beneficial effect that that was Yeah,   Michael Hingson ** 42:56 because the reality is, it ultimately comes down to who you are and what you do and and I'm not, and again, I'm not mitigating being in a wheelchair or having any kind of disability, but I really, truly believe ultimately the disability isn't what is not what defines us, it's how we are and what we do and how we behave in society that really will be what helps us make a mark on whatever we're involved with,   Ken Kunken ** 43:28 right? And I think for some, as I say, it was a revelation to see that somebody with a disability had the same needs, wants and desires as everybody else. We were certainly no different with respect to that right.   Michael Hingson ** 43:43 So how long did you work as a lawyer and in the district attorney's office?   Ken Kunken ** 43:49 Well, I worked there full time for more than 33 years, and then I worked there in a part time capacity for an additional eight years. So all told, more than 40 years I worked there, and in fact, I'm one of the longest serving Nassau County assistant district attorneys that they've ever had.   Michael Hingson ** 44:09 Now, why did you go back to part time after 33 years?   Ken Kunken ** 44:15 Well, there are a number of reasons. You know, I I thought that due to some health issues, I wanted to play it safe and make sure that I locked in my pension, because I thought there would be a bigger payout if I retired while I was still working than if I died while I was working on the job. As it turned out, my health issue seemed to resolve itself, but I decided that, you know, retiring, when I did, gave me some more time to spend at home with my family, and I really appreciated being able to do that.   Michael Hingson ** 44:53 That's a very admirable thing. Can't complain about that. So what keeps you going?   Ken Kunken ** 45:00 What keeps me going now is my family. Just so your listeners know, I'm married to the wonderful woman that's actually sitting to my right right now. My name is Anna, and we're actually the parents of triplet sons. We have three incredible boys, Joseph, James and Timothy. They're now 20 years old, and they're currently sophomores at three separate colleges in upstate New York, and they're the light of my life. I couldn't be more proud. And they're what keeps me going these days.   Michael Hingson ** 45:33 What colleges?   Ken Kunken ** 45:36 Well, James is going to the State University of New York at Morrisville, where he's studying renewable energy. Timothy is pursuing a dual major at the SI Newhouse School of Communications in the Maxwell School of Public Policy at Syracuse University. And my son Joseph is actually attending my alma mater, Cornell University, where he's majoring in mechanical engineering.   Michael Hingson ** 46:06 And do they all go watch football games on the weekend? I mean, given the fact that least a couple of those are at schools with good football   Ken Kunken ** 46:13 teams, right? But you know what? They never wanted anything to do with football. But they are all physically active, in great shape, and in fact, all of them have pursued the martial arts, and all three of them are second degree black belts in Taekwondo. And they've all even worked as instructors in the Taekwondo studio here in Long Island.   Michael Hingson ** 46:35 So dad has to be careful, though they'll take you out, huh?   Ken Kunken ** 46:39 You bet. In fact, I've got my own three personal bodyguards when   Michael Hingson ** 46:43 I got right, you can't do better than that. And and Anna, which I'll bet is more formidable than all of them   Ken Kunken ** 46:53 on, is incredible. I mean, she is just a force that is unstoppable. She's incredible.   Michael Hingson ** 47:01 Well, that's cool all the way around, and it's, it's great that you, you have a good neighborhood around you to support you, and I think we all need that. That's that's pretty important to to deal with. So with your job and all that, now that you are retired, I don't know whether you have much stress in your life, but how do you deal with stress? And how does stress affect you and or does it make any difference with a disability?   Ken Kunken ** 47:30 It sure does. It's an interesting question, because before my injury, one of the ways I would deal with stress would be out of the football field, yeah, you know, being physically active, running into an individual, you know, to tackle or block, that was a great way to relieve some of my stress. Once I had my injury, I no longer had that outlet, so I had to find different ways of dealing with it. One of my ways was, you know, trying to sit outside and sit in the garden or by water and, you know, just enjoy nature and try and relax and clear my mind. But now my best stress relievers are my three children. I'm spending time with them, watching all that they're doing. I find that the best way of me to be able to relax and relieve any anxieties that I have?   Michael Hingson ** 48:23 Well, I think there's a lot of value in doing things that keep you calm and focused. I think that is the best way to deal with stress. All too often, we don't think or be introspective about ourselves and our lives, and we don't really step back and get rid of that stress mentally, and that's where it really all comes from. I mean, I know people have physical manifestations of stress and so on, but I would submit that typically, stress is so much more an emotional thing because we haven't learned how to deal with it, and you clearly have   Ken Kunken ** 49:02 it took a while, but yeah, now I have my family to help every step of the way, and that includes relieving the stress that I've under.   Michael Hingson ** 49:10 Yeah, and stress is important to get rid of and not have around. It will help you live a whole lot longer not to have stress I just went through a week ago and op was, you know, an operation to change a heart valve. And people keep asking me, well, Weren't you worried? Weren't you stressed over that? And my answer was, No, I had no control over it really happening to my knowledge, I don't think that I've been a very poor eater, and all of my arteries and everything were good. And so no, I wasn't stressed, even when I first learned that there was an issue and wasn't an emergency room for over 24 hours, mostly sitting around, I chose not to be stressed, and it was a choice. And so I just listened to things around me and became quite entertained at some of the people. People who were in the emergency room with me, but being stressed wasn't going to do anything to help the process at all. So I refuse to get stressed.   Ken Kunken ** 50:09 That's great. And you know, I think this finally retiring has helped me deal with stress as well, because working as an assistant district attorney, there can be a lot of stressful situations in the office, and it's, it's nice to finally be retired and be able to enjoy all of my activities outside of the office.   Michael Hingson ** 50:33 What would you say is probably the most stressful thing that you had to endure as an attorney? You were, I mean, you did this for 40 years, or almost 40 years? So what? Well, actually, yeah, for 40 years. So what would you say is the most stressful thing that you ever had to deal with?   Ken Kunken ** 50:50 Well, I had to rely on, you know, my memory, because it was difficult for me even turning pages of a book or pulling, you know, pieces of paper out of a file, and there was a lot of paperwork that you get to be familiar with, whether they be grand jury testimony or prior witness statements. And I had to rely a lot of my memory and through the help of student interns or paralegals or secretaries, and it was very difficult. And I might add, you know, just to give you one anecdote, one day after I had convicted a defendant of, you know, felony, you know, he was a person with a lot of prior involvement with the criminal justice system, and I was about to go down for his sentencing, he jumped in the elevator with me, and now we're alone in the elevator riding down, and here I am with this person that I convicted of a serious case, and I'm about to recommend that he go to an upstate prison. And he approaches me and says, I have a proposition for you. If you don't send me to jail, I'll agree to work as your personal care attendant for a year, which really struck me as odd. I mean, he must have thought that working for me for a year would be the equivalent of going to prison for a few years. But fortunately, the elevator door opened and I politely turned down his request and went to court, and he was sentenced to two to four years in an upstate prison.   Michael Hingson ** 52:28 Still was creative,   52:30 right?   Michael Hingson ** 52:33 So in all of your life and all the things you've done, what are you most proud   Ken Kunken ** 52:36 of, well, but definitely most proud of my family life? I mean, as I indicated, I'm married now, married for more than 21 years now, my three boys are sophomores in college and doing absolutely great, and make me proud every single day. But I'm proud of the fact that I was able to go back to school, complete my education and work at a job and earn a living where I was able to support myself and able to purchase a house and live now with my wife and children and lead as just about as normal a life as any other family would lead.   Michael Hingson ** 53:18 Now being married to Ana is that your first marriage? It sure is. So there we go. Well, I hear you and but you guys met late, and I'm going to step out on a limb and say it proves something that I've always felt, which is, you'll get married when the right person comes along, especially if you're mature enough to recognize it,   Ken Kunken ** 53:41 you're right. And I was very fortunate that the right person came along in my life, and we have a very happy marriage that I cannot picture life without him right now,   Michael Hingson ** 53:56 my wife and I got married when I was 32 she was 33 but we knew what we wanted in a partner, and when we first met each other, it just sort of clicked right from the beginning. We met in January of 1982 and in July, I asked her to marry me, and we got married in November of 1982 and so we were married for 40 years before she passed. And you know, there are always challenges, but, but you deal with it. So it must have been really an interesting time and an interesting life, suddenly discovering you have three boy triplets.   Ken Kunken ** 54:31 You know, it really was well, you know, when I decided to get married, she told me that she wanted to have my baby, and not just any baby my baby, she said she wanted to see a little pumpkin running around our home. And this really seemed impossible at the time. I had been paralyzed for more than 30 years, and I was already in my 50s, but we looked into various options, including in vitro fertilization and. And we're very excited, excited to learn we could still, I could still father a child. So we pursued it. And you know, through good fortune, good luck, and I guess somebody smiling on us from above, Anna became pregnant with triplets, and I couldn't be happier to have these three wonderful boys in my life.   Michael Hingson ** 55:21 So did becoming a father change you? Or how did you evolve? When that all happened,   Ken Kunken ** 55:26 it sure did. I mean, you know, it went from me being number one in honors life to suddenly being number four after all, three boys got the attention they needed, but it was wonderful for me to be able to help shape their lives and guide them so that they would develop the right character and values and learn the importance of helping others throughout their lives, which they do, and It's I think it's made me a better person, being able to help and guide them. That's cool.   Michael Hingson ** 56:07 Well, the the other thing I would ask is, if you had a chance to go back and talk to a younger Ken, what would you say? What would you teach them so that they would maybe make mistakes that you made?   Ken Kunken ** 56:18 Well, I'd say there's an awful lot you could still do in life, even without your physical movement, and sometimes it takes a lot of patience and a lot of self reflection, but to realize there's an awful lot you can do and that they need to keep their expectations high for themselves as well as for others, and to realize that just because something has not been done before doesn't mean they cannot do it now. They've got to find different ways of approaching problems and handling it and developing some self confidence in themselves and their ability to deal with difficult situations.   Michael Hingson ** 57:03 How did the Americans with Disabilities Act improve all that you did and make your life, especially on the job, better?   Ken Kunken ** 57:12 Well, it, you know, made facilities so much more accessible. When I first went back to college, there was not one ramp or curb cut on the entire campus. On my first day back in school, I had to be either pulled up or bounced down close to 100 steps just to attend my classes, and as I indicated, in the DAs office, I couldn't even fit through the swinging doorways to get in the courtroom. So it made it tremendously easier to not have to deal with all the physical challenges, but it also made it better for dealing with other people and their attitudes about dealing with people with disabilities, because thanks to the Americans with Disabilities Act, you see more people with disabilities out in public. So people are more used to seeing, dealing, interacting with people, and seeing what they can do and that they're just like everybody else. And as a result, people's attitudes have been changing, and I think that's helped me as well, in many different ways.   Michael Hingson ** 58:20 Cool, well, you have written a book about all of this. Tell me about the book.   Ken Kunken ** 58:27 Okay, I actually started writing a book when I was still in the rehab facility. Not long after I was hurt, a friend of my aunt Lorraine's by the name of Albert meglan visited me in the hospital and thought that one it may help me deal with my depression by talking about what I was going through, but also inform other individuals what a spinal cord injury was like and what's involved with rehabilitation. So he used to visit me in the rehab facility one day a week for a number of weeks for me to start writing a book about my experiences. And then when I went back to school, I started working on it on my own, but I would pick it up and stop and start and stop again over the course of 50 years. And then once I retired, I had more time to sit down with my wife, and I would dictate to her, and she would type it on her laptop computer until we finally finished my memoir, which is called I dream of things that never were, the Ken kunken story, and it's published by a company called 12 tables Press, and they could learn more about my book by going on my website, which is kenkunkin.com and I might add that where I got the title of my book was six months after my injury. I was asked to testify before a United States Health subcommittee chaired by Senate. Senator Edward Kennedy. And eight days after my testimony, Senator Kennedy sent me a glass paperweight in the mail that had an inscription on it that the senator said his late brother Robert Kennedy liked very much. And the inscription read, some men see things as they are and say, Why I dream of things that never were. And say, why not? And that's where I got the title of my book. I dream of things that never were.   Michael Hingson ** 1:00:28 Yeah, that's cool. And where can people get the book?   Ken Kunken ** 1:00:35 Well, it's available on Amazon. It's also available at the Cornell bookstore, and if they go on my website, Ken kunken.com spellkin For me, please. It's K U N, as in Nancy. K e n that tells of a number of ways that they could purchase the book, both the hardcover book, it's also available as a Kindle version as an e book, and just recently, we put it out as an audio book as well. And they could learn all about it by going to the website, but certainly it's available on Amazon. If they wanted to order in bulk, they could contact my publisher directly, and he could help them fulfill that type of order. Cool.   Michael Hingson ** 1:01:22 That is great. So now the real question is, are there any more books in Ken to come out?   Ken Kunken ** 1:01:28 Well, this book took me 50 years to I know you got to go a little bit faster. So no, I think I wrote down everything that I wanted to convey to people in that book, and now I'm actively just promoting the book like you. I've spoken at a number of different events as a motivational speaker, and you know, the book has given me a way to get m

Can I Train a World Champion If I've Never Won MyselfJoin our Tul World+ program where you get exclusive videos on patterns, techniques as well as special discounts on upcoming seminars!https://tulworld.com/info-tulworldplusSchedule a free in-person Taekwon-Do trial class at https://www.juestkd.com/more-infoAdd us on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/juestaekwondo/

North Korea finally opened the long-delayed Wonsan Kalma mega resort on the east coast last week, with leader Kim Jong Un calling for a “new era” of tourism. But with the tourism zone boasting over 50 hotels and capacity for 20,000 tourists, questions remain about who will actually visit the resort as the country keeps its doors closed to most foreigners. This week, NK News Correspondent Jooheon Kim joins the podcast to discuss the resort amenities that the DPRK showed off and who was on hand for the grand opening. He also dives into a recent event spotlighting defector testimony about executions in North Korea, an inter-Korean rivalry over claims to the martial art of taekwondo and the story of one defector's quest to make his name as a mixed martial arts fighter. About the podcast: The North Korea News Podcast is a weekly podcast hosted by Jacco Zwetsloot exclusively for NK News, covering all things DPRK — from news to extended interviews with leading experts and analysts in the field, along with insight from our very own journalists.

Meet Shane Seo, arguably Atlanta's most quietly successful real estate investor, who transformed from a self-described "nerdy" introvert into a multimillion-dollar property mogul—all while maintaining his humble demeanor and servant's heart.This captivating conversation reveals how Shane's background in Taekwondo (his father was one of the first Koreans to bring the martial art to America) instilled the discipline and "blind confidence" that eventually fueled his real estate success. Despite taking five frustrating years to close his first property deal, Shane persevered through rejection and uncertainty, eventually discovering creative financing strategies that changed everything. Today, his portfolio spans single-family homes, multifamily properties, commercial buildings, car washes, and laundromats—all acquired with minimal or no money down through innovative win-win-win approaches.Perhaps most fascinating is Shane's perspective on mentorship and relationships. He shares the remarkable story of investing $100,000 for just four hours with Grant Cardone, which yielded an $888,000 return within three months. "The size of your dreams will always be equal to the size of the rooms that you're in," Ken notes, a philosophy Shane has embraced by strategically positioning himself among successful entrepreneurs despite his natural introversion.For aspiring investors, Shane offers accessible entry points through his educational platforms, while candidly discussing the challenges that come with success—from managing time demands to maintaining authentic relationships. Throughout the episode, his genuine desire to serve others shines through, exemplifying his belief that true success comes from creating value for everyone involved.Want to transform your investment approach while staying true to your values? Connect with Shane @ShaneSEO on social platforms or DM him "academy" for access to his free real estate community and resources.Welcome to the ATLG podcast I am your host Ken Joslin, former pastor turned coach & host of CREATE, the #1 Faith-based Entrepreneur conference in America. My mission is to help faith-based entrepreneurs become the best version of themselves by growing in our Core 5: Faith, Health, Relationships, Business & Finances. You can get more information as well as join our FREE Facebook group at https://www.facebook.com/groups/676347099851525

“Don't take the fight where you're best. Take it where the gap in skill is the greatest.”“There are laws of physics even BJJ cannot overcome.”“Fluid BJJ is a play on words. It's about movement, adaptability, and training every day—especially in the water.”“Before you can be a good teacher or businessman, you must be a good student of martial arts.”Karel “Silver Fox” PravecWelcome to the Black Belt Podcast, I am your host Harinder Singh.  In this powerful episode of the Black Belt Podcast, I sit down with a living legend of Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, Karel "Silver Fox" Pravec. He is one of the most respected figures in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu—A pioneer of BJJ in the United States, Silver Fox has been training with Renzo Gracie since the early 1990s and has spent decades refining a unique and deeply insightful approach to martial arts, training, and life.From his foundational Taekwondo beginnings to his immersive time training in the famed “Blue Basement,” Silver Fox brings unmatched experience and clarity on what it means to be a lifelong martial artist. Known for his calm demeanor, razor-sharp technical insights, and a fluid, pressure-responsive style, Silver Fox is the embodiment of efficiency over force. He is the founder of Silver Fox BJJ Academy in New Jersey, author of the book Fluid BJJ: Scrawny “Middle Aged” Guy's Guide to Getting Submissions, and the creator of a global online presence that includes his Silver Fox BJJ YouTube channel and app.What sets him apart is not just his technical ability, but his deep understanding of how people learn, how the body and mind integrate under pressure, and how to evolve your game without destroying your body. In this conversation, we go beyond technique—we enter the realm of mindset, mastery, energy efficiency, longevity, mentorship, and lifestyle.If you're a martial artist of any kind—whether you train BJJ or not—this episode is a masterclass in learning how to train smart, think clearly, and lead with wisdom.You'll hear battle-tested wisdom, practical advice, and timeless perspective on how to train smart, evolve continuously, and uplift others along the way.

Megan and Lia make the case for Let Free the Curse of Taekwondo, a Korean BL drama that launched its way to the top of our favorites lists with its earnest storytelling, heartfelt acting, and incredibly satisfying ending. Ready to download your first audiobook? Don't forget to click HERE for your free Audible trial.*Audible is a sponsor of Afternoona Delight Podcast*Are your family and friends sick of you talking about K-drama? We get it...and have an answer. Join our AfterNoona Delight Patreon and find community among folks who get your obsession. And check out www.afternoonadelight.com for more episodes, book recs and social media goodness. And don't forget about the newest member of our network: Afternoona Asks where diaspora Asians living in the West find ways to reconnect to Asian culture via Asian/KDramas.Last but CERTAINLY not least....love BTS? Or curious what all the fuss is about? Check out our sister pod Afternoona Army for "thinky, thirsty and over thirty" takes on Bangtan life. ★ Support this podcast on Patreon ★

Kent Bressler welcomes Glenna Frey, MSN, APRN-CNS. She has dedicated over 40 years to nephrology nursing, specializing in hemodialysis, peritoneal dialysis, and kidney transplantation. In 2017, she donated a kidney to a stranger at the Cleveland Clinic. The following year, she co-founded Kidney Donor Conversations (KDC), a nonprofit providing education and support for living kidney donation with her daughter, Amanda. Glenna serves as executive director of KDC and frequently presents programs on living kidney donation. She is a member of the American Nephrology Nurses Association and the National Kidney Donation Organization. She volunteers with the National Kidney Foundation and other kidney-focused groups. Her connection to kidney disease and transplantation is deeply personal. Many of her relatives, including her husband Bob, have Polycystic Kidney Disease (PKD). Bob has undergone dialysis and is now living with his second kidney transplant from a living donor. Her children, Amanda and Sawyer, also have PKD but currently maintain normal kidney function. Glenna is a published author and contributor to several works on kidney donation and nephrology nursing, including In Pursuit of a Better Life: The Ultimate Guide for Finding Living Kidney Donors, Thriving Post Kidney Transplant, and the Nephrology Nursing Journal. Additionally, she served as a reviewer for the 4th edition of Contemporary Nephrology Nursing. She is the author of the book Understanding Living Kidney Donation: The Best Treatment for Kidney Disease, now available on Amazon. Glenna also specializes in holistic therapies, holds a Black Belt in Tae Kwon Do, and is a Hula Hoop instructor. She resides in Northwest Ohio with her husband and enjoys time with her cat, chocolate lab, as well as crocheting, and native plant gardening. Glenna's pride and joy are her children, Amanda and Sawyer, and her granddaughter, Zora. For inquiries, contact: https://www.linkedin.com/in/glennafreyrnkidneydonor/ or visit https://www.facebook.com/LivingKidneyDonationBook For more information on Kidney Solutions and to join our supportive community, visit kidneysolutions.org Host: Kent Bressler Producer: Jason Nunez Remember to keep breathing, and don't miss the next amazing episodes of Kent's Kidney Stories!  

Check out the article in the latest issue of JDT about Barb and Elvis' visit to IDS: https://nam02.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fnadl.memberclicks.net%2Fassets%2Fjdt%2FJDTJJ25%2FFeature%2520JDT725.pdf&data=05%7C02%7CElvis%40derbydental.com%7Cc33fea7508384105f07a08ddad0e04e9%7C6fa28314e906466889bfaddab1c310c2%7C0%7C0%7C638856998445771892%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJFbXB0eU1hcGkiOnRydWUsIlYiOiIwLjAuMDAwMCIsIlAiOiJXaW4zMiIsIkFOIjoiTWFpbCIsIldUIjoyfQ%3D%3D%7C0%7C%7C%7C&sdata=a64QAz1D6fk6BQEJASihLI%2FzjALozgRhkauA4gpLzpE%3D&reserved=0 We all know and love Nowak Dental Supplies (https://www.nowakdental.com/) for not only their products and services, but for everything they do for our industry. This week we talk to two people from Nowak Dental Supplies (https://www.nowakdental.com/) that are bringing the conference/party of the year to New Orleans in November. Brandi Nowak is one half of the owners and she tells the story of starting in 2000. Taking over her grandfather's legacy that started in the 40s, she has helped the company become what it is today. At the beginning of 2025, they brought on Marybeth Starr to help them grow even more. Marybeth is a veteran of the vendor side of dental laboratories and brings experience to get the job done. Together they have put together NOLA Lab Fest (https://www.nolalabfest.com/) that is happening in New Orleans on November 7 & 8. This is a must attend event because it is going to be what these two are, fun. Register today at: https://www.nolalabfest.com/ THANK YOU to Aidite (https://www.aidite.com/) for sponsoring us! Go buy their stuff from Nowak... win/win for everyone! Take it from Jennifer Ferguson from Ivoclar. If you have a PM7 (https://www.ivoclar.com/en_us/products/digital-equipment/programill-pm7) or are thinking about getting a PM7 (Take it from Barb, you should), on July 1st Ivoclar is launching the "Ivoclar Block Module" that can speed up milling emax (https://www.ivoclar.com/en_us/products/digital-processes/ips-e.max-cad) by 45%!! The best part is that you can try it for FREE for 90 days. All you have to do is send them a message on Instagram at Ivoclar.na (https://www.instagram.com/ivoclar.na/) or send a email to jennifer.ferguson@ivoclar.com. Now go mill emax faster! Special Guests: Brandi Nowak and Marybeth Starr.

In this episode I am joined by Johan Hausen, Taoist teacher, translator, Chinese medicine practitioner, and founder of Purple Cloud Press. Johan shares his life story from years of competitive Tae Kwon Do, through his travels and travails in China in search of a master, and to his eventual training and discipleship in the Wu Dang mountains. Johan reflects on his years learning Classical and spoken Chinese, considers the challenges of translating ancient literature for modern readers, and reveals the unique metaphors and analogies used in textual descriptions of Internal Alchemy. Johan also describes the Taoist quest for immortality, explains his research into the dantien and the mineralogy of cinnabar, and recounts stories of his own encounters with spiritually advanced beings. … Also available on Youtube, iTunes, & Spotify – search ‘Guru Viking Podcast'. ... Topics Include: 00:00 - Intro 00:57 - Admiration for Mattias Daly 02:56 - Learning Chinese to better learn Taoism 04:53 - How Johan learned Classical vs Spoken Chinese 08:11 - Language is about communication 08:47 - Should we consult living masters about textual translation problems? 10:24 - Metaphors and analogies used in Internal Alchemy 12:53 - Why are there different ideas about the dantian? 14:12 - Is the dantian constructed or inherent? 16:12 - Elixir fields? 17:37 - Johan's research on the mineralogy of cinnabar using Chinese texts 18:04 - The old alchemists' surprisingly good understanding of organic chemistry 20:56 - Johan's childhood and training in Tae Kwon Do 22:47 - Johan's competitive Tae Kwon Do career of over 100 fights 25:18 - Injury and travel to China for healing 26:24 - Travelling to China at 20 years old to train Shaolin kung fu 28:48 0 Training methods of Shaolin kung fu 30:35 - Demystifying the myths of Shaolin training 33:08 - Recovery routine 34:26 - Illness and leaving China 36:15 - Returning to Germany and feelings of failure 37:47 - Leaving a film course in London to train in the Wu Dang mountains 40:32 - Meeting Li Shifu at the Five Immortals Temple 41:54 - Curriculum at the Five Immortals Temple 43:08 - Studying acupuncture and dedication to learning 44:19 - Years of study under Li Shifu and joining the lineage 47:26 - Struggles with being treated as a foreigner in China 50:50 - Growing resentment and leaving China 55:26 - Johan's Dragon Gate Lineage 56:28 - The quest for immortality 58:53 - Details about Taoist Immortals 01:00:34 - Difficulty of becoming an Immortal 01:02:10 - Consolation prize if you fail to achieve immortality 01:03:38 - Ethical rules of the Dragon Gate Lineage 01:04:59 - A typical daily practice routine 01:06:47 - Singing the scriptures to communicate to spirits 01:09:26 - Taoist patron spirit of Wudang 01:14:45 - The remarkable qualities of Li Shifu 01:15:52 - Praise is bad in traditional Chinese teaching 01:17:05 - Is Li Shifu an Immortal? 01:18:02 - Johan's reverence for his teacher 01:19:29 - Explaining culture clashes to Lif Shifu 01:20:33 - Is charisma and spiritual power inherent or cultivated? 01:24:45 - Li Shifu does not have attained disciples 01:26:05 - Is it really possible to achieve success in Taoism, or is it mostly just natural talent? 01:33:11 - Using gifted practitioners as inspiration 01:34:18 - Purple Cloud Press 01:35:56 - Johan's goal to create community and preserve texts 01:37:09 - Search for location and funds
 To find out more about Johan Hausen, visit: - https://purplecloudinstitute.com/about-us/who-we-are-2/ … For more interviews, videos, and more visit. - www.guruviking.com … Music ‘Deva Dasi' by Steve James

SUMMARY In this episode, Jeremy Lesniak engages in a captivating conversation with actor and martial artist Jeffrey Meek. They explore the evolution of martial arts media, the journey of Jeff from a young martial arts enthusiast to a seasoned actor, and the intricate relationship between acting and martial arts. Jeff shares his experiences on various action shows, the challenges of performing stunts, and the importance of character immersion in acting.   The discussion also highlights the synergy between martial arts and acting, emphasizing how both disciplines require performance and audience engagement. In this engaging conversation, he shares his experiences in the action film industry, discussing the inherent dangers of stunt work, the transition from athlete to actor, and the importance of resilience and grit in both life and career. He reflects on memorable auditions, the evolution of filmmaking, and the significance of living artfully, emphasizing the value of hard work and the willingness to fail in order to succeed. TAKEAWAYS Jeffrey Meek's martial arts journey began with boxing and wrestling in school. He was inspired by martial arts legends like Bruce Lee and Chuck Norris. Jeffrey's acting career started in theater before moving to television. He trained in Aikido and Taekwondo to stay fit for acting roles. Jeffrey's role in 'Remo Williams' introduced him to action in television. He had to prove his physical fitness for action roles. Jeffrey played both Raiden and Shao Kahn in 'Mortal Kombat: Conquest'. He emphasizes the importance of character immersion in acting. I've been hurt more as an actor than ever as an athlete. You have to be okay with not being okay.   Connect with Jeffrey Meek: www.jeffreymeek.net