In this powerful and personal episode, Mariel is joined by longtime friend and 5th-degree black belt Mike Blom, a dedicated martial artist and national-level competitor, who’s getting ready to represent Canada at the ITF World Championships in Croatia.
From ninja turtles and Power Rangers to the intense, disciplined world of Taekwondo, Mike shares the deeply human side of martial arts. He opens up about what it really means to step into the ring, not just to fight, but to face yourself. Together, Mike and Mariel explore the mental fortitude required to keep showing up when you’re bruised, doubted, or afraid.
🔍 In this episode, we dive into:
- 🥋 Mike’s origin story in martial arts, and how he went from an uncoordinated kid to a 4-time Team Canada athlete
- 🤯 What martial arts teaches about mental strength, humility, and getting back up after a loss
- 💬 His go-to fight mantra: “No one can beat me”—and what that really means (hint: it’s not about winning)
- đź‘Š How he handles pressure, chaotic opponents, and the unknown
- 🧠Why routines, self-talk, and learning to lose well are essential to success—not just in sport, but in life
- đź’ˇ Advice for young athletes and parents navigating fear, overwhelm, and competition burnout
You’ll laugh, you’ll learn, and you’ll leave this episode with a deeper appreciation for the mindset behind mastery.
🎯 Whether you're a coach, a parent, a competitor, or someone fighting battles of your own, this conversation is packed with perspective-shifting insights on resilience, emotional regulation, and the kind of quiet confidence that can only be forged through adversity.
📣 Mike is funding his own trip to Worlds!!! (Which is something many people don’t realize about amateur elite athletes. If you’re moved by this episode and want to support a true warrior on his journey, click HERE to go to the GoFundMe and help get him to Croatia.
This is about more than medals. It’s about heart, legacy, and the courage to keep coming back, no matter the outcome.
Popular Podcasts
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!
Stuff You Should Know
If you've ever wanted to know about champagne, satanism, the Stonewall Uprising, chaos theory, LSD, El Nino, true crime and Rosa Parks, then look no further. Josh and Chuck have you covered.
The Joe Rogan Experience
The official podcast of comedian Joe Rogan.