In this episode, we dive deep into the art of transforming adversity into opportunity. Join us as we follow a journey from the mats of Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu in Rio, through nonprofit challenges, to the heart of animal rescue during Hurricane Katrina. Discover how setbacks, injuries, and unexpected obstacles can become the very fuel for growth, resilience, and success.
You’ll hear personal stories of overcoming physical injury, navigating high-stakes nonprofit negotiations, and finding gratitude even in the toughest times. Whether you’re an athlete, entrepreneur, or anyone facing life’s curveballs, this episode is packed with wisdom, practical philosophy, and inspiration to help you write your own next chapter.
This episode was directed and presented by David Meyer, produced by Robbie Lockie, with music from Robel Borja
Timestamps / Chapters
00:00 – Introduction & Setting the Stage
00:23 – Training in Brazil: The Blue Belt Challenge
01:09 – Injury on the Mat: A Setback in Rio
02:23 – The Alchemy of Outcomes: Turning Bad into Good
03:26 – Inspiration from Jean Jacques Machado
05:08 – Training with One Arm: Lessons in Adaptation
06:48 – The Power of Resilience: From Loss to Growth
11:21 – Business Alchemy: Nonprofit Negotiations & Sponsorships
19:21 – Stoic Wisdom: Obstacles as Opportunities
24:01 – Martial Arts Mantras & Mental Toughness
29:30 – Owning Your Attitude: Pain vs. Suffering
34:55 – Raising Your Baseline: Practicing Gratitude
39:15 – Hurricane Katrina: Animal Rescue & New Beginnings
46:51 – Full Circle: Growth, Success, and Podcasting
47:10 – Final Thoughts: Write Your Next Chapter
If you enjoyed this episode, please like, comment, and subscribe! Share your thoughts below—what’s an obstacle you’ve turned into an opportunity?
Links from the show
Music “Disambiguation” by Robel Borja https://open.spotify.com/artist/7j0DUZ79z4edeLkU2H1UoJ?si=eISl0YfaQ-yLThljs48j5A
Rigan Machado https://www.theacademybeverlyhills.com/instructors/rigan-machado/
Renzo Gracie https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Renzo_Gracie
Jean Jaques Machado https://jjmachadoassociation.com/about-us/jean-jacques-machado/
Adopt-a-Pet.com https://www.adoptapet.com/
Petfinder.com https://www.petfinder.com/
Marcus Aurelius, Meditations https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Meditations
The Daily Stoic https://dailystoic.com/podcast/
“The Obstacle is the Way” book https://a.co/d/7NXXkGr
Sensei Stephen Copping https://youtu.be/Gbq6Wpb1DVk?si=tO5DBLkHU7PEJXCX
Epictetus https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Epictetus
Best Friends Animal Society https://bestfriends.org/
North Shore Animal League https://www.animalleague.org/
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