The Jiu Jitsu Mindset: Resilience, Loss, and Advocacy with Marcus Kowal
In this episode of The Jiu Jitsu Mindset hosted by Pete Deeley, Marcus Kowal shares his extraordinary journey from martial arts to becoming an advocate against drunk driving following the tragic loss of his son, Liam. Kowal discusses his life from growing up in Sweden, his passion for fighting, his move to Mexico to hone his skills, and his transition to mixed martial arts (MMA). Kowal also touches on his time in the military and his foray into entrepreneurship while emphasizing the importance of martial arts in shaping resilience and mental toughness. He reveals how the loss of his son motivated him to start the Liam's Life Foundation, focusing on changing drunk driving laws in the United States. Kowal also provides details about an upcoming jiu-jitsu tournament aimed at raising awareness and funds for this cause.
00:00 Introduction and Missing Co-Host
01:01 Introducing Professor Marcus Call
01:24 Marcus's Martial Arts Journey
04:21 The Influence of Family and Education
04:58 Military Experience and Injury
09:40 Transition to Professional Fighting
12:43 Discovering Jiu Jitsu
17:51 MMA Career and Reflections
21:19 Golden Globe Boxer and Kickboxing Journey
22:48 Starting the First Kickboxing Club
25:30 Tragic Loss and Mental Health
28:57 Fighting Drunk Driving and Activism
34:53 Organ Donation and Legislative Challenges
37:10 Upcoming Jiu-Jitsu Tournament and Call to Action
Popular Podcasts
New Heights with Jason & Travis Kelce
Football’s funniest family duo — Jason Kelce of the Philadelphia Eagles and Travis Kelce of the Kansas City Chiefs — team up to provide next-level access to life in the league as it unfolds. The two brothers and Super Bowl champions drop weekly insights about the weekly slate of games and share their INSIDE perspectives on trending NFL news and sports headlines. They also endlessly rag on each other as brothers do, chat the latest in pop culture and welcome some very popular and well-known friends to chat with them. Check out new episodes every Wednesday. Follow New Heights on the Wondery App, YouTube or wherever you get your podcasts. You can listen to new episodes early and ad-free, and get exclusive content on Wondery+. Join Wondery+ in the Wondery App, Apple Podcasts or Spotify. And join our new membership for a unique fan experience by going to the New Heights YouTube channel now!
Dateline NBC
Current and classic episodes, featuring compelling true-crime mysteries, powerful documentaries and in-depth investigations. Follow now to get the latest episodes of Dateline NBC completely free, or subscribe to Dateline Premium for ad-free listening and exclusive bonus content: DatelinePremium.com
On Purpose with Jay Shetty
I’m Jay Shetty host of On Purpose the worlds #1 Mental Health podcast and I’m so grateful you found us. I started this podcast 5 years ago to invite you into conversations and workshops that are designed to help make you happier, healthier and more healed. I believe that when you (yes you) feel seen, heard and understood you’re able to deal with relationship struggles, work challenges and life’s ups and downs with more ease and grace. I interview experts, celebrities, thought leaders and athletes so that we can grow our mindset, build better habits and uncover a side of them we’ve never seen before. New episodes every Monday and Friday. Your support means the world to me and I don’t take it for granted — click the follow button and leave a review to help us spread the love with On Purpose. I can’t wait for you to listen to your first or 500th episode!