Becoming Ronin

In today’s epsiode, the Ronin community is extremely fortunate to spend an hour discussing business, growth, and mindset with one of the fitness industry leaders, Luka Hocevar. Luka is the owner of Vigor Ground Fitness in Renton, WA, as well as, maintains an impressive portfolio in a diverse range of entrepreneurial ventures. In true Ronin fashion, we go well beyond fitness and discuss some of the things that has led to Luka’s success and the major lessons he’s learned from overcoming life’s biggest obstacles. *For a full list of show notes, timestamps & important links from this episode visit: Becoming Ronin Podcast TIMESTAMPS [0:00] Intro [4:49] What keeps an entrepreneur busy? [7:55] Training Professional Athletes [11:00] Getting Back to Coaching [14:38] What the next step after being a coach? [17:00] Problems with online training [22:09] How to build a gym into a community [29:00] Celebrating milestones [31:10] Providing options for all skill levels [40:00] Cheat codes for improving connections [45:00] How to stay motivated after finding success [51:00] From organized crime to expanding professionally [59:25] How divorce was an eye opener SPONSORS The Cold Plunge ($150 OFF!) RESOURCES Luka Hocevar's Instagram  

In today’s episode Smitty and OB are excited to announce their first sponsor, The Cold Plunge. They are offering listeners of Becoming Ronin $150 off their first Cold Plunge purchase. The discount link: https://plunge.pxf.io/qnXvLN Smitty then dives into a story that he’s never talked about in regard to being unhappy and the lightbulb moment that snapped him out of it. The guys talk about, 'The Life You Create,' and the importance of using gratitude every single day. Smitty talks about Ronin Challenges and using David Goggins as his inspiration - even though Goggins would NOT approve. Finally, the guys talk about one of the most important factors in growing and being inspired. *For a full list of show notes, timestamps & important links from this episode visit: Becoming Ronin Podcast TIMESTAMPS [0:00] Exclusive Discount on Plunge Tanks [5:30] How to artificially induce stress to live a better life [9:10] How Smitty harnesses David Goggins advice when training [12:00] The importance of taking small steps to improve your physical performance [15:09] How to achieve your goals easier with gratitude [22:30] What does it meant to truly be happier? [25:00] Gaining control of your life, empowers you to help others [28:00] The Life I Created for Myself [31:40] Smitty’s best piece of advice for turning it all around [37:35] What you don’t control, you endure [40:35] The biggest parenting fail [42:35] How to become a “luckier” person [45:10] Allowing yourself to be inspired kills the ego RESOURCES: The Cold Plunge ($150 OFF!)

In today’s must-listen episode Smitty and OB quickly recap the Ronin Handbook and give updates on their own journey and progression through each principle. Smitty and OB blooper their way through reading an iTunes review. (Hilarious) Finally, a listener question about material possessions sparks an amazing analysis of a profound Alan Watts teaching that is one of Smitty's favorites. *For a full list of show notes, timestamps & important links from this episode visit: Becoming Ronin Podcast TIMESTAMPS [0:00] Intro [5:30] Murph Review [7:52] OB’s Ronin Game Win [10:28] Cold Exposure Updates [14:28] Weekly Planning [15:29] Is Smitty addicted to his phone? [17:50] Pushing yourself once per week [23:19] Smitty and OB fumble their way through reading a iTunes review [26:15] Smitty’s mindset shift in regards to money [33:05] Analysis of Alan Watt's, 'Give it Away' [37:21] Complete Version, Alan Watt's, 'Give it Away.'

In today’s episode, we’re honored to be joined by the infamous NYC Trainer, Kenny Santucci. The guys start off the episode in typical Ronin fashion with some rapid fire life questions. Kenny fields questions about what it was like being a realty TV show star and how he was able to successfully transition out of that lifestyle. Smitty and OB then dive into one of Kenny’s signature events, Strong New York. Kenny talks about the mindset behind running huge fitness events and how important it is to be authentic. They then dive deep into life as an entrepreneur, some of the major obstacles of running a gym, and the best type of marketing tactics to stand out in a crowded market like NYC.  *For a full list of show notes, timestamps & important links from this episode visit: Becoming Ronin Podcast TIMESTAMPS [0:00] Intro [2:18] Rapid Fire Questions [14:38] Dealing with Chronic Back Pain [21:35] Morning Routine [24:45] Strong New York Event [33:18] Being Authentic and Avoid Showing Off’ [38:00] Ownership is the Opposite of Entitlement [39:00] How to Overcome Failure as an Entrepreneur [42:05] How to Stand Out in a Competitive Market [49:48 The Salesmen vs. The Scientist [52:58] Take Care of Your Body, and Living in the Present Moment  RESOURCES Kenny Santucci's Instagram The Strength Club NYC Strong New York

In today’s episode, Smitty and OB kick off the podcast by chatting about this past weekend's CPPS certification and the life lessons that can be learned by committing to real world education. The next topic is how social media can affect, not only your physical and mental health, but also the quality and effectiveness of your training programs. Keeping with the theme of the Ronin Book Club, Smitty and OB then toss around some thoughts on the latest readings of “New Man Emerging.” Specifically - living a life that “Sets Your Soul on Fire.” Finally, in a continuing effort to stay committed to self-mastery, Smitty and OB read each others results from the personality trait test known as the “Rheti Test” (Learning your Enneagram type). *For a full list of show notes, timestamps & important links from this episode visit: Becoming Ronin Podcast TIMESTAMPS [0:00] Back from the CPPS  [3:28] OB’s targeting hiring process [6:20] Text Books vs Real World Application [7:18 The Why Vs What [9:30] Is social media hurting your programming? [10:38] Should Everyone Squat Deep? [17:30] Are Influencers Responsible for Warning Followers [20:53] Be an Educated Consumer [23:34] New Man Emerging [30:10] Unearned Leisure Time [34:58] Enneagram Personality Test RESOURCES: New Man Emerging - Mike DeSanti Enneagram Institute

In today’s episode, we are truly honored to be joined by Strength and Conditioning Legend and the ORIGINAL biohacker, Steve Maxwell. Steve Maxwell is the first American to receive a Jiu Jitsu Black Belt from the world-renowned Gracie Family. Beyond having over 50 years of “in the trenches” experience, Steve has traveled the world and trained in all corners of the globe. With the unique experiences he brings to the S&C community, Steve truly is a pioneer in the area of training longevity. In this episode we discuss training, cold exposure, blue zones, the best travel bag, dry brushing, mindset, breathing, and much much more. *For a full list of show notes, timestamps & important links from this episode visit: Becoming Ronin Podcast TIMESTAMPS [0:00] INTRO [3:58] Living a Minimalist Lifestyle [7:20] The mindset behind Brazilian Jiu Jitsu [12:00] Best Place to Travel [14:30] The Biggest Issue with The American Standard [18:53] The Anything But Typical Morning Routine of Steve Maxwell [21:54] Incorporating Longevity Practices into your Life [25:30] You Are Not Your Body Or Mind [28:06] Neti Pot for Removing Environmental Pollutants [30:19] Importance of Cold Water Therapies [33:30] Dry Brushing and Near Infrared for Your Skin [38:45] Why Steve Maxwell no longer like Kettlebell Training [42:57] The Difference Between Specific Strength vs General Strength [47:30] The Underlying Cause of Non-Contact Injuries [52:30] Does Strength Training Make You Stiff? [55:30] Breathing Techniques for Time Under Tension Training [1:05:00] Having Too Many Things is Like Obesity RESOURCES Steve Maxwell's Website Steve Maxwell's Instagram

In today’s episode, we are honored and excited to be joined by Director of Strength and Conditioning at Fordham University, Joe Gilfedder.  Joe Gilfedder is one of the most well read S&C coaches in the industry and has an amazing depth of knowledge on every facet of human performance. Today, be sure to grab a notepad and pen, because Coach Gilfedder lays down some serious knowledge with programming considerations, as well as, how to be a life long learner. *For a full list of show notes, timestamps & important links from this episode visit: Becoming Ronin Podcast TIMESTAMPS [0:00] Intro [3:23] Rapid Fire Questions [9:14] Biggest Training Influence [14:15] Sticking to Continuing Education [19:10] Getting the Most Out of Your Reading Practice [21:20] A Day in the Life of A D1 Strength Coach [26:30] Create Buy In With Your Programming [30:30] Creating the Right Culture in Your Weightroom [35:05] The Foundation of All Good Group Programming [38:00] The Key to Healthy Athletes  [42:00] Why Being Coached Makes You A Better Coach [44:10] Do Olympic Lifts Have a Place in the Weightroom [48:07] Not Copying Your Mentors [53:45] Commit to Being a Life Long Learner RESOURCES Joe Gilfedder's Instagram Joe Gilfedder's Email

In today’s episode, we’re honored to interview Physical Therapist and Author, Tim Reynolds. Tim is an Anatomy and Physiology Professor at Ithaca College, Co-Author of “Movers and Mentors,” an inventor/entrepreneur, and a practicing physical therapist. In this episode, we dig into Tim’s guidelines for recognizing when you need to seek out physical therapy, how to choose a good PT, and some amazing takeaways from his practice. We also interview him about his experience interviewing the world's top physical therapists and fitness professionals to compile his insightful book. Lastly, Tim gives some helpful recommendations on how to view pain, as well as how to fix/prevent it. *For a full list of show notes, timestamps & important links from this episode visit: Becoming Ronin Podcast TIMESTAMPS [0:00] Intro [8:45] Tim’s Unique Childhood  [14:00] Morning Routine [19:20] How Being a Physical Therapist has changed your training? [20:55] Common Issues with Physical Therapy [26:11] Allowing Clients to Tell Their Story [32:15] How to tell if your Physical Therapist is good [38:50] Movers and Mentors [40:45] How to Use Mentors to Boost Your Career [46:19] The Surprising thing About PT Pros [52:09] Biggest Takeaways from Writing The Book [55:47] Changing Your Perception of Pain [1:00:08] Tips for Avoiding Injury RESOURCES Movers and Mentors Tim Reynolds | Instagram Tim Reynolds | Tik Tok

BECOMING RONIN GIVEAWAY - To enter, share this episode on social media and tag @oberther, @smittydiesel, and @becomingronin to be entered to win one of many Becoming Ronin Swag Boxes. Today’s episode is split into two parts. Part 1 is all about knee pain. OB covers his approach with a client who presents with Patella Femoral Syndrome and some very simple at home correctives to fix it. Smitty and OB then discuss training considerations that may help you bulletproof your knees. In Part 2, Smitty and OB put a spin on a Q&A by answering them Newlywed style (answering each question for the other person) and hilarity ensues. *For a full list of show notes, timestamps & important links from this episode visit: Becoming Ronin Podcast TIMESTAMPS [0:00] Intro [3:44] Smitty’s new program and his issue with it [7:30] OB’s simple assessment with knee pain [17:20] Frontal Plane vs Sagital Plane Exercises for Knee Health  [20:30] Doing exercises you hate [23:00] Testing Rectus Femoris before doing Split Squats [25:10] How to assess your feet if you have knee pain [29:01] The Quickest Way to Overuse Injuries [32:45] Integrated vs Static Mobility Drills [35:25] Smitty and OB play the Newlywed Game [36:18] What is the other’s Worst Pet Peeves [37:51] Worst Habit [39:00] What is the other’s worst fear? [40:51] Favorite Ice Cream Flavor [41:36] What would you buy with lottery winnings? [43:08] Big spoon or little spoon? [44:10] Who is more honest? [47:40] What is each other’s best quality [52:00] Who would the other person play in a movie? RESOURCES Becoming Ronin Book Club Recommendation: New Man Emerging - Mike Desanti

In today’s episode, Smitty and OB start with a couple exciting announcements. The first of which is a new Ronin Giveaway with some amazing merchandise on the line including Ronin Swag as well as Diesel Straps. Secondly, OB and Smitty gauge the interest in a Ronin Retreat led by last week’s guest, Mike DeSanti. The next topic they dive into is overcoming laziness by identifying the critical three things that are guaranteed to flatten obstacles in order to achieve more. Next OB discusses a collection of ways to deal with “difficult people” in your life. Lastly, Smitty rolls out his newest update to the Becoming Ronin handbook. *For a full list of show notes, timestamps & important links from this episode visit: Becoming Ronin Podcast TIMESTAMPS [0:00] Ronin Giveaway [1:54] Ronin Retreat [4:44] Intro [14:54] Overcoming Laziness [17:20] Preparation and Getting Ahead of Obstacles [20:50] Recognizing Patterns to Avoid Friction [26:44] Make a Snowball [33:35] How to Deal With Difficult People [35:00] Are they the difficult one, or am I? [41:44] Asking questions to reveal base concerns [52:14] The Ronin Journey [52:44] Update to the Ronin Handbook