Art, Heart, and Iron Episode 1: New Year Round Table (1.5.23

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Introducing a new podcast focused on three phases of well-being: Creativity, Mental Health, and Physical Health. 

I’m a lucky man. Every day, I wake up and do what I love. I’m a father first. Then, I’m a teacher and a coach. I work in a small school district. Most of my students walk into my room for the first time in sixth grade. I work with most of them in some capacity until they graduate. We talk about a lot of things in our classroom. As the seniors prepare to turn the page on this chapter of life, I want to take the opportunity to offer up one more lesson.

Happy Mother's Day 

Good News: 

We're highlighting Guardian Gym, and their work to build self-confidence and provide positive peer groups to young people through jiu jitsu.   

Family Time 107: The Greater Good 

We're talking about "The Greater Good" and the connection between sacrifice and success.   

"The Process" 

It's easy to get caught up in outcomes, but we don't have total control over how things wind up. All we can do is focus on the process. 

Good News:  

We're highlighting # Submit The Stigma, an organization that uses jiu jitsu to combat the stigma around mental health.    

Family Time 106: Appreciation  

It's good to share our appreciation for others, and it's powerful when we can learn to appreciate the lessons learned in difficult times.   

 "Dots"  

Pointilism is a method of painting that creates and image through a series of dots. Life works pretty much the same way.   

Good News: 

We're highlighting Gis for GIs, an organization that sends martial arts uniforms to veterans, active duty military, and first responders.   

Family Time 105: Goal Reflection 

Reflection is important. It allows to us adjust and move forward.   

"Why Worry?" 

In the end, there's nothing to worry about. 

Good News: 

We're highlighting Black Belts for Butterflies.

 Family Time 104: Communication & Setting 

We often adjust our communication to our settings. That's OK. We just don't want to lose our authentic selves in the process.   

"75-Year Dream" 

If we could dream our entire lives over and over again, we'd probably start with some idyllic version; but we eventually add conflict and struggle. That's what allows to us grow, and we all need growth. 

Good News: 

We're highlighting Tap Cancer Out, a Brazilian Jiu Jitsu-based non-profit combatting cancer.   

Family Time 103: Intrinsic Motivation 

The desire to learn and grow and succeed is in all of us. We just have to bring it out.   

"Watts & Lasso" 

I've been listening to a lot of Alan Watts lectures, recently. My kids and I also hammered through both seasons of Ted Lasso. I want a little more Watts and Lasso in my life. 

I'm back with my favorite co-host, my daughter Claire.   

Good News: 

We're highlighting Doc Hendley and his non-profit, Wine To Water.   

Family Time 102: Ethical Constructs 

This week, we're discussing equity, fairness, justice, and respect.   

"That Chip" 

My daughter has a little bit of a chip on her shoulder. I do, too. I want her to use that chip and not be weighed down by it. 

Good News: 

We're highlighting professional mixed martial artist Khalil Rountree and his inspiring message.   

Family Time 101: Social Situations 

Social situations can be challenging. Our social landscape has changed a lot in recent years. It continues to change. We're going to talk about it.   

"Too Many Flaws to Need Any Vices" 

I have vices, but I try to limit them. I have enough flaws, and they don't need any help. 

I'm joined by a very special guest this week, my 10-year-old daughter Claire.   

Good News: 

We're highlighting Ronald McDonald House Charities and their work supporting families through meals, housing, and mobile programs.   

Family Time 100: Civic Engagement 

We hit triple digits with our Family Time curriculum, and we're talking about ways to give back.   

"Love & Wonder" 

When we start out, we're all love and wonder. We bury it over time, but it's still there. 

Good News: 

We're highlighting Wrestling with Character, an organization based in Omaha, Nebraska that promotes physical health and citizenship through wrestling.   

Family Time 99: Organization 

Schedules and processes don't need to be restrictive. They can be freeing. When we have a strong foundation, we can be more adaptable.   

"Go Play" 

When we're children, we remember to play. We forget when we're older. We must remember to play. 

Good News: 

We're highlighting Imperfect foods and their fight against food waste.  

Family Time 98: Reflection 

Reflection is important for responsible decision-making. Reflection can be difficult, but it helps us course correct. 

"Protective, Not Precious" 

Life is short. It's good to be protective of the things we have, but they don't last forever. We have to live our lives, make mistakes, and get hurt. We have to be protective without being precious. 

I'm back with your friend and mine, Mr. Jason Squier.   

Good News: 

We're highlighting Food Recovery Network, the student-led movement fighting against food waste.  

Family Time 97: Teamwork 

A team is something more than a group. A team has purpose. A team can be a beautiful thing. We want to work on being good teammates.   

"Drop In" 

Sometimes, it's hard to fall asleep. It's often hard when we really try to sleep. A lot of life is like that. We have to drop in, trust the process, and let go.