Shows
The Jiu-Jitsu MindsetJiu Jitsu as a Framework for Life with Professor Drew VogelThe Resilient Jiu-Jitsu Journey with Professor Drew Vogel In this episode of Ju Jitsu Mindset, host Pete Deeley welcomes Professor Drew Vogel to discuss the life-changing impact of Jiu-Jitsu. Drew shares personal anecdotes about his transition from smoking and unhealthy habits to focusing on Jiu-Jitsu, and how it reshaped his life's path. They explore the significance of self-defense as the foundation of Jiu-Jitsu, the role of competition in personal development, and memorable training experiences. Drew also narrates inspiring stories, like that of Joe's resilience in the face of a severe injury, showcasing the broader, holistic b...
2025-12-2232 minThe Jiu-Jitsu MindsetThe Tortoise's Journey: Perseverance in Jiu-Jitsu and Life with Jim DieckmanIn this episode of Jiujitsu Mindsets, host Pete Deeley converses with Jim Dieckman about their shared experiences in jiujitsu, particularly focusing on how the art has influenced their lives both on and off the mats. The discussion spans various topics, including the challenges of being older practitioners, the importance of persistence, and the mental and physical benefits of jiujitsu. Jim shares anecdotes from his early years in the practice, including intense training and real-life challenge matches. Both men reflect on how jiujitsu impacts one's mindset and prepares individuals for life's pressures and difficulties. The episode also touches on the...
2025-12-2242 minThe Jiu-Jitsu MindsetTransformation and Growth through Jiu Jitsu with Chrissie VogelThe Jiujitsu Mindset: Transformation and Growth with Chrissie Vogel In this episode of The Jiuj Jitsu Mindset, host Pete Deeley shares insights into the journey and experiences of Chrissie Vogel, co-founder, and instructor at Framework BJJ. Vogel discusses her initial interest in Jiujitsu, the transformative power of the sport, her competition experiences, and how Jiujitsu has impacted her life and the lives of her students. They also delve into the importance of community, the unique nature of Jiujitsu training, and the personal growth it fosters. The conversation highlights Vogel's philosophy that Jiujitsu meets practitioners where t...
2025-11-1441 minThe Jiu-Jitsu MindsetFinding Peace Through Combat Sports: An Interview with Coach Adam DuthieThe Transformative Power of Jiu-Jitsu: A Conversation with Adam Duthie In this episode of Juujitsu Mindset, host Pete Deeley navigates the discussion solo and welcomes guest Adam, a Jiu-Jitsu practitioner and coach, to explore the transformative power of Jiu-Jitsu. Pete shares personal updates, including becoming a grandfather, while Adam dives into his journey from a troubled youth to finding fitness and Jiu-Jitsu, which significantly shaped his life. They discuss the intersection of Jiu-Jitsu with other aspects like art and creativity, the importance of competition, and the unique camaraderie within the Jiu-Jitsu community. Adam shares memorable s...
2025-11-1131 minThe Jiu-Jitsu MindsetProfessor Gustavo Dantas | Jiu-Jitsu, Personal Growth, and SuccessIn this episode of the Jiujitsu Mindset, Pete Deeley hosts a conversation with Professor Gustavo Dantas. While sharing personal milestones, Pete announces the birth of his granddaughter and promotes their signature 'Submission Coffee.' The discussion delves into Gustavo's journey from a challenging upbringing in Brazil to becoming a key figure in the Jiujitsu community in the U.S. He speaks about his early passion for sports, his transition to Jiujitsu, and his eventual move to the United States. Gustavo emphasizes the importance of clarity, accepting challenges, and the transformative power of Jiujitsu, both on and off the mat...
2025-10-3155 minThe Jiu-Jitsu MindsetStrength, Strategy and Empathy: A Conversation with Professor Mikal AbdullahIn this episode of 'The Jiu-Jitsu Mindset,' host Pete Deeley converses with guest Professor Mikal Abdullah about the profound impact Jiu Jitsu has had on his life and career. Starting from a challenge in a stranger's garage to becoming a global Jiu Jitsu instructor, Mikal shares his journey of personal growth through the martial art. The discussion covers various aspects including the personal obstacles overcome through Jiu Jitsu, strategies for continuous improvement, the importance of competition, and the unique benefits of Jiu Jitsu retreats. Mikal also recounts a surprising real-life self-defense situation that underscored the emotional depth and...
2025-09-2638 minThe Jiu-Jitsu MindsetWaves of Experience: Chris Burns on Jiu Jitsu and Personal GrowthIn this episode of The Jiu Jitsu Mindset, Pete Deeley sits down with Professor Chris Burns for an insightful conversation. While Professor Lucas Rubbo is unfortunately absent, Chris Burns steps in to share his unique journey and philosophies. Chris discusses his diverse background, from being a university professor to managing a porn store, and his eventual immersion into Jiu Jitsu and teaching. The discussion explores the essence of focusing energy, the joy and balance found in Juujitsu, and the importance of self-discipline and self-confidence. Chris also delves into his relationship with Rickson, describing the profound impact it has had...
2025-09-181h 13The Jiu-Jitsu MindsetSurfer to Sensei: The Journey of Professor Ira DaughertyIn this episode of the Juujitsu Mindset, Pete Deeley speaks with Professor Ira about his incredible journey from a young surfer in Hawaii to becoming a respected Jiu-Jitsu instructor. Professor Daugherty shares his early experiences and background, highlighting his shift from a life of surfing and street fighting to dedicating himself fully to the art of Jiu-Jitsu. He delves into how a series of impactful events, such as Hurricane Iniki and encounters with members of the Gracie family, introduced him to Jiu-Jitsu. They discuss the transformative power of competition, coping with panic, achieving balance, and the mental and physical...
2025-09-1337 minThe Jiu-Jitsu MindsetThe Jiu Jitsu Journey: Resilience, Redemption, and Triumph with Stephen OwensIn this engaging episode of The Jiu Jitsu Mindset, Pete Deeley takes the helm solo as Professor Lucas is away fulfilling his various roles. Pete welcomes Coach Stephen Owens, a passionate jiu-jitsu practitioner and MMA fighter, to share his compelling life story. Stephen recounts his tumultuous childhood, from living alone at a young age to getting involved with dangerous crowds. A pivotal move to Alabama and the discovery of Jiu Jitsu became his salvation, steering him away from a path of destruction. Stephen delves into his competitive journey, from regional jiu-jitsu competitions to his ascent in mixed martial arts...
2025-08-0828 minThe Jiu-Jitsu MindsetRolling with a Purpose: Professor Scotty Hammonds on Life, Sales, and JiujitsuThe Transformative Power of Jiujitsu with Professor Scotty Hammonds In this episode of Jiujitsu Mindset, host Pete Deeley goes solo as Professor Lucas is away. Pete discusses the benefits and personal impact of Jiujitsu, highlighting the unclassified performance enhancer 'Submission Coffee' and new t-shirt designs available on their website. Pete introduces his guest, Professor Scotty Hammonds, who shares his journey into Jiujitsu, prompted by a sedentary job and a need to improve his health. They discuss the life-changing potential of Jiujitsu, its influence on mental health, and its application in professional life, particularly in sales. S...
2025-07-0731 minThe Jiu-Jitsu MindsetThe Jiujitsu Mindset: Healing and Training with Dr. Diana WangIn this episode of The Jiujitsu Mindset, Pete Deeley welcomes Dr. Diana Wang, a physical therapist with a passion for Jiujitsu. Dr. Wang shares her journey from a high school student interested in sports medicine to a physical therapist focused on the Jiujitsu community. They discuss the intersection of physical therapy and Jiu-Jitsu, including the unique mindset of Jiu-Jitsu athletes and the importance of tailored rehabilitation. Dr. Wang also reflects on her personal experiences in Juujitsu, including her thoughts on competition and the significant impact Jiujitsu has on people's lives. Throughout the conversation, the emphasis is on the community...
2025-05-1332 minThe Jiu-Jitsu MindsetFrom Rugby to Jiu Jitsu: Alfie Penney's Journey of Discipline and MasteryJujitsu with Alfie Penny: The Intersection of Sport, Discipline, and Life In this episode of the Jujitsu Mindset, host Pete Deeley interviews jujitsu practitioner and coach Alfie Penny. Alfie shares his journey through various sports, emphasizing how jujitsu and rugby shaped his character and discipline. The conversation delves into the similarities between different athletic pursuits, the significance of 'mat time' for skill acquisition, and the importance of playfulness in training. Alfie discusses the mental and spiritual benefits of jujitsu, the role of competition, and his perspective on overcoming challenges both on and off the mat. The episode...
2025-04-1730 minThe Jiu-Jitsu MindsetFighting for Change: Marcus Kowal's Mission Beyond the MatThe 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...
2024-12-2043 min
Welcome to Wellness#76 Treating Concussions, TBIs, and Improving Sleep with Red Light Therapy - Peter Adams/Vie LightVielight is a beneficial intranasal and cranial red light device company because it uses red and near-infrared light therapy to enhance brain function, improve blood flow, and support overall cognitive health.Not listening on Spotify?Show notes at: www.ashleydeeley.com/w2w/vielightNew episodes of Welcome to Wellness released every Friday! Episode brought to you by: VieLight (Code: DEELEY10) Episode brought to you by: Thyroid Fixxr (Code: WELCOMEWELLNESS) Episode brought to you by Primeadine (Code: ASHLEY15)11:09: Different brain waves14:02: Improved sleep
2024-11-2246 minThe Jiu-Jitsu MindsetUnlocking the Magic of Jiu Jitsu: An Interview with Professor Alex DarwinWhat do Jiu Jitsu and creative writing have in common? Join Pete Deeley and Professor Alex Darwin as they explore the surprising connections between discipline, creativity, and martial arts. Many practitioners of Jiu Jitsu—and those curious about the sport—seek both physical growth and a deeper sense of purpose. This episode delves into how Jiu Jitsu can inspire personal and professional transformation, especially for those discovering it later in life or balancing it with creative pursuits. Learn how the discipline of Jiu Jitsu can enhance your focus and perseverance in other areas of life, including creati...
2024-11-1730 minThe Jiu-Jitsu MindsetAlignment and Transformation with Professor Rob BiernackiHow can alignment in Jiu Jitsu transform not just your skills, but your entire approach to life? Dive into this compelling conversation as Pete Deeley and Professor Rob Biernacki unpack the philosophy behind Jiu Jitsu mastery. For many practitioners, memorizing moves can feel overwhelming, and the physical demands of Jiu Jitsu can seem daunting, especially for those without a natural athletic background. This episode offers a fresh perspective on mastering Jiu Jitsu through alignment principles and a mindset shift, paving a more accessible path to growth for all practitioners. Discover how the principles of posture, base...
2024-11-1458 minThe Jiu-Jitsu MindsetStrategies for Learning and Life: A Conversation with Steve KwanCurious how Jiu Jitsu principles can enhance your life beyond the mat? Join Pete Deeley and Professor Steve Kwan as they unpack the art of skill-building and personal growth in Jiu Jitsu. Many people seek ways to learn skills faster and improve themselves through community and feedback. This episode explores how the lessons from Jiu Jitsu, like immediate feedback and community support, can accelerate skill acquisition and lead to meaningful personal growth. Discover how instant feedback in Jiu Jitsu can sharpen your learning process and help you improve faster in all areas of life. Learn how...
2024-11-0936 minThe Jiu-Jitsu MindsetResilience and Growth with Professor Jeff ShawHow can Jiu Jitsu teach you resilience, balance, and personal growth—both on and off the mats? Join host Pete Deeley and Professor Jeff Shaw for a conversation that explores these core aspects of the Jiu Jitsu journey. In a world that demands both mental toughness and a healthy balance between work and passion, Jiu Jitsu offers valuable lessons that align with your goals of personal growth and building resilience. This episode dives into how Jiu Jitsu can shape not just skills but also mindset, benefiting all areas of life. Gain insights on developing resilience through Ji...
2024-11-0240 minThe Jiu-Jitsu MindsetFrom Capoeira to Jiu Jitsu: A Journey of MovementThe Transformative Power and Interplay of Capoeira and Jiu Jitsu Have you ever wondered how blending two martial arts like Capoeira and Jiu Jitsu can unlock a new level of athleticism and personal growth? In this episode of the Jiu Jitsu Mindset, host Pete Deeley speaks with Tum Energia, a martial arts instructor from the Netherlands, about his journey from being an elementary teacher to a dedicated practitioner of Capoeira and Jiu Jitsu. They explore the physical and mental benefits of both martial arts, delving into their commonalities and distinctions and how they contribute to...
2024-10-2533 minThe Jiu-Jitsu MindsetBeyond the Fight:Todd Fox on Fights that Shaped a LifeHave you ever wondered how real-life altercations and unpredictable confrontations can completely shift your mindset and approach to life? In today's world, understanding how to manage aggression, make quick decisions under pressure, and adapt as you age can be the difference between staying safe or being caught off guard. This episode explores how these critical lessons apply to both everyday life and high-stress situations. Gain insights from experts in street altercations and security confrontations that you won't hear anywhere else. Learn how combat sports and survival instincts can sharpen your awareness and decision-making. Discover the profound...
2024-10-1558 minThe Jiu-Jitsu MindsetA Life Shaped by Jiu Jitsu| Professor Jeff SerafinHave you ever wondered how Jiu Jitsu can transform not just your physical abilities but your entire life path? In this episode, Professor Jeff Serafin shares how Jiu Jitsu took him from feeling lost as a teenager to building a thriving career and a community. If you're looking to find purpose, overcome obstacles, or deepen your connection to Jiu Jitsu, this conversation has something valuable for you. Learn how to leverage Jiu Jitsu as a tool for personal growth and mental resilience. Discover the power of community in Jiu Jitsu and how it can push you...
2024-10-1141 minThe Jiu-Jitsu MindsetMy Most Memorable Fight: Professor Lucas RubboIn this episode of Jiu Jitsu Mindset, Peter welcomes back Professor Lucas. They discuss the launch of their first online academy course for kids aged 7 to 14, available at jujitsumindsetacademy.com. Professor Lucas shares his most memorable fights, recounting his very first competition at 12 years old in Sao Paulo and an intense match as a black belt. The episode highlights the growth and learning experiences from losses in competitions, and ends with a promotion for their new online course designed to keep kids engaged in Jiu Jitsu. 00:00 Introduction and Warm Welcome 00:18 Exciting Announcements: Online A...
2024-09-0713 minThe Jiu-Jitsu MindsetLight on the Gentle Art: Force and Technique in Jiu Jitsu| Professor Jason HawkinsHow can mastering the balance between force and skill in Jiu Jitsu transform not only your training but your life? In today's fast-paced world, achieving alignment and mental clarity can seem elusive—this episode can help you find balance, consistency, and efficiency both on and off the mat. Understand how organized spaces and mindful practices enhance your focus and improve your Jiu Jitsu technique. Discover the secret to maximizing efficiency by applying minimal force, saving energy while mastering the art. Learn how ancient sutras offer profound life lessons that can boost your mental clarity and resilience. ...
2024-08-2649 minThe Jiu-Jitsu MindsetTransformations Through Jiu Jitsu: Insights from Professor John Connors Have you ever wondered how Jiu Jitsu can transform not just your body, but your mindset? In today's world, everyone is looking for ways to grow mentally and physically. This episode dives into how practicing Jiu Jitsu can be the key to unlocking personal growth, helping you become more assertive, resilient, and balanced in all areas of life. Discover how Jiu Jitsu builds both mental and physical strength, leading to lasting personal change. Learn why competition is crucial for developing skills and achieving personal transformation. Hear inspiring stories from Professor John Connors about using Jiu Jitsu as a...
2024-08-1043 minThe Jiu-Jitsu MindsetEmpowerment and Growth Through Jiu Jitsu: A Talk with Professor Kenny KimHow can one martial art transform your mindset, strengthen your body, and build an unbreakable sense of community? If you're looking to enhance your mental toughness, build resilience, or find a supportive community, this episode explores how Jiu Jitsu offers all of these life-changing benefits, whether you're a beginner or an experienced practitioner. - Learn how Jiu Jitsu fosters personal transformation, both mentally and physically. - Hear stories of how this martial art empowers individuals, from veterans to people with disabilities. - Discover the global perspective on Jiu Jitsu's culture from Ken...
2024-07-1945 minThe Jiu-Jitsu MindsetSurvival, Discipline, and Dedication: Insights from Professor Daniel "Coyote" SouzaHave you ever wondered how martial arts could transform your life from the ground up? In a world where personal safety and self-improvement are paramount, this episode explores how jiu-jitsu and other martial arts can provide practical solutions to real-life challenges, from building confidence to escaping violent situations. - Gain insights on how martial arts can instill discipline and confidence - Learn about the transformative power of jiu-jitsu for survivors of violence - Understand the differences between sport and self-defense jiu-jitsu, and why learning various martial arts is beneficial ...
2024-07-1254 minThe Jiu-Jitsu MindsetResilience and Mastery: A Conversation with Jiu Jitsu World Champion Otavio SouzaWhat does it take to become a six-time Jiu Jitsu world champion—and how can those lessons apply to your own life? Whether you're striving for personal growth, overcoming setbacks, or pushing toward excellence in any area of life, this episode reveals how mental toughness, discipline, and perseverance can help you achieve your goals, just as they did for a world champion. Learn how to build mental resilience and stay disciplined through life's toughest challenges. Gain insights into the training and mindset of a world champion from Otavio Souza's personal experiences. Discover how the core principles of...
2024-05-1754 minThe Jiu-Jitsu MindsetA Deep Dive into Jiu Jitsu and Healing with Richard BreslerA Deep Dive into Jiu Jitsu and Holistic Healing with Richard Bresler In this episode of The Jujitsu Mindset, host Pete Deeley is solo as his regular guest Lucas Rubbo is unavailable. Instead, Pete introduces Professor Richard Bresler, the first US student of Horian Gracie, and author of Worth Defending. Richard shares his extensive experience of Jiu Jitsu, his transition from a fast-food business, and how Jiu Jitsu transformed his life. They discuss the importance of private lessons, the evolving nature of Jiu Jitsu as a self-defense art versus sport. Richard also elaborates on his h...
2024-02-2458 minThe Jiu-Jitsu MindsetTransformative Teachings: Matt Arroyo on Mastery and MentorshipWhat if mastering a martial art could also transform your mindset, boost your confidence, and lead to personal growth both on and off the mat? In today's fast-paced world, finding a way to build mental resilience and achieve self-improvement can feel daunting. This episode uncovers how Jiu Jitsu, combined with a growth mindset, can offer a practical path to personal development, no matter your age or experience. Learn how mindset shifts through Jiu Jitsu can lead to overall life improvements. Discover the secrets of balancing personal development with martial arts training from a seasoned professional. Explore how social m...
2024-02-1647 minThe Jiu-Jitsu MindsetMartial Arts and Life: Professor Dan McCarthy on Growth and CommunityThe Jiu Jitsu Mindset: Evolving Perspectives and Philosophies with Professor Dan McCarthy In this episode of The Jiu Jitsu Mindset, host Pete Deeley talks to Professor Dan McCarthy about the evolution of an individual's relationship with Jiu Jitsu over time. With Professor Lucas rubbo absent, Deeley delves into McCarthy's 27-year journey in Jiu Jitsu, from being a competitive kickboxer to becoming a long-time teacher. The discussion covers various themes, including the impact of personal changes on one's Jiu Jitsu practice, the balance between personal goals and teaching responsibilities, and the unique community dynamics on the m...
2023-12-3150 minThe Jiu-Jitsu MindsetHonesty, Integrity, and Enthusiasm in Jiu-Jitsu with Tim StinsonEmbracing the Journey: Coach Tim Stinson on Jiu Jitsu and Life Lessons In this episode of The Jiu Jitsu Mindset, Pete Deeley sits down with guest coach Tim Stinson to discuss the journey of growth both on and off the mat. Tim shares his experiences from transitioning from a college baseball player to a jiu jitsu athlete, his love for jiu jitsu, and his hiatus due to his role as a firefighter. They delve into the importance of setting both short-term and long-term goals, the impact of having a supportive jiu jitsu community, and key values like loyalty, honesty...
2023-12-2942 minThe Jiu-Jitsu MindsetUnlocking Jiu Jitsu: Insights from Professor Malachi FriedmanThe Jiu Jitsu Mindset: In-Depth Conversation with Professor Malachi Friedman In this episode of The Jiu Jitsu Mindset, hosts Pete Deeley and Professor Lucas Rubbo welcome guest Professor Malachi Friedman. Friedman shares his extensive experience in Jiu Jitsu, detailing his journey from starting at 18, his competitive history, and the unique teaching methodologies he employs. The conversation covers topics including the importance of understanding student needs, his philosophy on teaching techniques, and the impacts of Jiu Jitsu on students' lives. Friedman also discusses the challenges and rewards of being a Jiu Jitsu instructor and balancing personal training with c...
2023-12-151h 03The Jiu-Jitsu MindsetEmpowering Women Through Jiu Jitsu: A Conversation with Professor Vivi AlmeidaHow does Jiu Jitsu transform confidence and inclusivity, especially for women? Join Pete Deeley, Professor Lucas Rubbo, and Professor Vivi Almeida as they explore this powerful journey! Many women face barriers to entering male-dominated sports like Jiu Jitsu, but the desire for confidence, self-defense, and a supportive community remains strong. This episode dives into building inclusivity and fostering empowerment through martial arts, aligning with your goals for personal growth and a sense of belonging. Discover the steps to creating a more welcoming, empowering environment for women in Jiu Jitsu, promoting inclusivity and support. Learn how Jiu...
2023-10-1351 min
The Successful Diligence™ PodcastThe Successful Diligence™ Podcast Episode 293: Success Through Building a Life of Wellness with Peter M. Deeley, Jr.In today's episode I had the pleasure of interviewing Peter M. Deeley Jr. who is the founder of A Well Run Life and creator of The 3 Minute Uplift which he created to give people a tool to save a little time everyday to turn their focus inward. The persistent return to the breath is central to his notion of living a calmer and more focused life.
Peter has multiple projects such as A Well Run Life's handmade charms which are tools to help people stay lovingly connected to their loved ones. Gr...
2020-09-1547 min
A Well Run LifeDon't WorryDon't worry The song Don't Worry, Be Happy was written expressly for me. Because if there is nothing to worry about - than I worry about the absence of something to worry about. I am concerned I may not be getting my point across.... (see what I mean.) Over the years, I have tried to focus on what gifts I have as an antidote to paralysis. They say comparison is the thief of joy, and they may be right. However, I am keenly aware tha...
2019-08-1402 minA Well Run LifeAm I Vain?I don't think of myself as a violent man, but when I hear: "You look great..... for 48." I get a little nutty. That qualifier sort of negates the compliment, no? Am I vain? Ok, so I am vain. I agree, it is not an attractive quality. And, I am sure that I have some measure of all the 7 deadly sins in my character. My oldest daughter is 23 and launching the next phase of her life. I sat with her this wee...
2019-08-0902 minA Well Run LifeIce Cream in the MorningI have been traveling to big cities these past three weeks. Austin, Chicago and San Diego. I have walked to nearly all my meetings on these trips. The number of homeless people seems overwhelmingly high in these places. Is the number higher than usual? I can't say. How to give someone their dignity while keeping a reasonable expectation that I deserve personal space- is a question that nags at me during these encounters. Walking about 6:3 0 AM in San Diego a woma...
2019-08-0303 minA Well Run LifeKissing BabiesMy Mom is Italian and my Dad is Irish. I am in the immigrant cycle of Americans where the immigrants were passing in the first 10 years of my life. Those born in this country primarily identified with their country origin. As a kid - When I was with my Dad's side - I was Irish. When I was with my Mom's side - I was Italian. A cultural schizophrenic you might say.
Each side of the fami...
2019-07-2502 minA Well Run LifeOur New One It was a big week in our family. I have a new niece as of last week. My brother-in-law and his wife added a perfect little cutie-pie to the family. Mother and baby are happy and healthy. And we are so happy to have the new one. I am rarely accused of being relaxed or calm. Even in repose, I am thinking of what to do next. One antidote to my monkey-mind has always been taking a nap with a baby on my ch...
2019-07-2003 minA Well Run LifeHere's Looking At YouI am not saying I am competitive, but I was 48 when it happened. He was 50. By "it" – I mean having to buy reading glasses. By "him" – I mean my Dad. The optometrist handled me well. I told him that I was there to confirm I did not need glasses. He appropriately and politely ignored me while conducting the exam. The journey from non-spectacled to bespectacled took less than 30 minutes and did not in fact kill me. ...
2019-07-1202 minA Well Run LifeFlowThe ocean brings me peace in a way no other place can – In the waves of the Southern California Pacific Ocean I feel divine generosity and a safe smallness. Salt water and the oxygenated white foam always wash away fatigue and move me towards an awareness of my body that I can't get on land. I am suspended. I am unequal to the power of the sea. And somehow, I am safe. Body surfing and diving under the wav...
2019-07-0802 minA Well Run LifeRenewI am in a season of change. Although, it's occurred to me that perhaps we are always in a season of change and we just come in and out of realizing it. Whichever is the case, I sense newness emerging in my life and myself. I can't report precisely how I feel about it – Right now It's just a fact to me. I remember listening to a wise spi...
2019-06-2002 minA Well Run LifeGrace in the Morning RainThe word Grace can mean so many things but idea of un-merited favor is my favorite. I live a life absent so many problems and full of so many blessings. My strengths and weaknesses are so closely bound to each other, that they often work simultaneously for me and against me. The divine is gentle with me. And I find enormous Grace in my everyday existence when I simply stop to notice.
2019-03-1203 minA Well Run Life47, 48For years, it's been my habit to do a podcast near my birthday to mark the moment. Well, it's been 6 months since my last birthday and so I realize I will soon be staring another one in the face soon. It is certainly a feature of aging that time is measured in different increments as we get older. 5 minutes seemed a reasonable length of time when I was 4, and now I measure time in decades. There will come a time when this annual podcast is full of wisdom, great instruction on living a...
2019-03-1203 minA Well Run LifeMonsoon SeasonSome dirty rotten scoundrel stole my Trailer at Grace Farms. I doubt the thief realized that it was my trailer. To the thief, it was "A" Trailer or "The Trailer." Be that as it may I am taking it personally.
2018-07-3103 minA Well Run LifeNot SmallEvery wave seems to make it a point to let me know how powerless I am to stop it. But this doesn't bother me. I go over or under their power without any fear. I don't sit still easily. I prefer motion to rest. And I must like to worry – Because I do it all the time. I have a relentlessness to me that is endearing if I am solving your problem ...
2018-06-1702 minA Well Run LifeOn Kale and DaughtersI am staring at the Kale. And the Kale is staring back. When it was a seed – small and full of potential – it needed me to coax it from it's confining shell out to a wide-open world of possibility. Now, it's life is largely its own. Sun and water feed it and it grows nearly perceptibly in front of my eyes. Always reaching towards the sun I assist nowadays, but mostly does the work without me.
2018-05-3003 minA Well Run LifeFor ExampleIf you are wondering if you are ready for the big adventure ahead. Let me report form the edges of competence It's a dangerous ledge with risks of may even be fatal. But, let me be an example I have survived all the consequences of my mistakes – serious as some have been. Let the voice in your head keep you humbly honest And believe me when I tell you: None...
2018-05-1802 minA Well Run LifeMy Last CardI am crying. Two seconds ago, I was a middle-aged man planning his day over an Americano. Then, I get a text from my cousin. I am not crying quiet – dignified-like. My nose is running and I am thanking god the bill is already paid. On the way to the car, I compose myself. The week is chock-full of the type of news you carry in your belly. In what appears to be a moment of calm, I call my boss. I report to...
2018-04-0903 minA Well Run LifeChicken EggsI am standing in front of a steaming pile. It's taller than I am, and so I get to work. I am raking and shoveling the mulch delivered to Grace Farms with the discipline of an army ant. It's about 6:30 AM – my morning farm shift – As I shovel deeper into the pile of chipped trees, the heat is obvious. The tree was upright, then it wasn't. The tree was alive, then it wasn't. And again – it is one thing becoming another. The morning shifts are short...
2018-03-2203 minA Well Run LifeHouse MarksThe desert winter can be harsh. There are times when it I so wicked one is compelled to put their socks on. Since I am a tough guy, I am going without socks this morning. Out into the garage I step to retrieve the almond milk for this morning's Americano, and I am stabbed with a razor sharp ice pick straight to my bone. Ok – perhaps that over states the moment I stepped on a scorpion who met the assault with a sting on the bottom of my middle toe. A...
2018-02-2104 minA Well Run LifeDM's TriumphIt is an hour after Thanksgiving dinner. Family traditions throttle the pace of any high holiday – national or religious. I am currently throttling my 13 year-old nephew on the nearest basketball court in a post-turkey dinner game of HORSE. In my family, you won every contest against an adult until you were a certain age. The victories may have been assured, but every adult made in feel authentic. They would wince under the weight of the child's crushing strategic genius on a game board, cry tears of frustration as the little one dribbles a soc...
2017-11-2604 minA Well Run LifeRockin' The HouseI am 20 and playing lead guitar. I am by far the worst musician in the band. They likely would have been a house-hold name if they had not been saddled with me. We played together for a year, and thank god You Tube had not been invented - my children would not survive the embarrassment. BUT There was this one gig. We were wedged between two head banging acts - but the crowd had a few friendly faces ...
2017-11-1803 minA Well Run LifeRefocusThe Road Runner at Grace Farms is eye-balling me. He was there before me, and he is intent on not letting me forget it. The bird presents himself to me every time I arrive. The colors of his plumage are much more subtle than I realized. I know Road Runners differently because I focused on this Road Runner.
2017-10-2303 minA Well Run LifeHeroic Dips***"Don't talk to Pete. He is a dipshit." In another era of my professional life, I read this love-note on an e-mail from a disgruntled client to her boss. I am unsure whether I was copied intentionally – but I am sure it gave her a certain amount of pleasure that I got to read what she thought of me. At that time of my life, I was part of an international sales-force of a company that did business on 5 continents. And a month before I am called a dipshit – I was cele...
2017-10-2202 minA Well Run LifeThe Unlikely Is Not The ImposibleSomewhere in the mid- 1960's he is in the 10th grade and doing a handstand on the top rails of the Empire State Buildings observation deck. Some volunteer parent looking after the high school kids take one look and faint dead-away. An unfortunate gust of wind sends him tumbling like a fall leaf. But it didn't and the story lives on in family infamy.
2017-10-1703 minA Well Run LifeLeave A Message"Ya ought to be ashamed of yourself!" This is my first voicemail of the day. When I worked for a giant company and held a position of authority and influence I liked the money - Everyone likes the money. But next on the list was this: Everyone returned my calls.
2017-10-0703 minA Well Run LifeThe Gospel of DoubtIt goes without saying: I do not know what I am doing. I killed all the tilapia in my aquaponics farm because I misunderstood how to keep them healthy. 30 chickens on the farm died because I built a substandard chicken coop that some average coyote easily penetrated. I am not a famer Yet I farm. There are people in my life that want me to focus. To do one thing and do that thing with excellence. But I have lived with the keen awareness of m...
2017-09-2604 minA Well Run LifeBee CarefulI am in no danger of becoming an expert. In Anything. She is calling me because she wants me to be safe. I want to pick-up to tell her I am safe. However, I am standing on a ladder In a bee suit – which If I knocked on your door wearing this bee suit You would think I was there to clean the Ebola virus out of your carpets. I am wearing leather gloves – giant ones. They look like I sh...
2017-09-2204 minA Well Run Life46, 47Somewhere in the development of the human species we learned to use tools. There is a great scene in the move 2001: A Space Odyssey that imagines the moment when our primordial ancestors learned to use a hammer. In my development as a farmer on Grace Farms, I have somehow regressed to just before the point in time when human beings learned to use tools. In trying to authentically develop a place where food can be grown, my enthusiasm for avoiding contamination of any kind created a sort of blindness to my o...
2017-09-1705 minA Well Run LifeIn The WeedsIn our desert, water occasionally falls from the sky sufficiently to create Flash Floods and awaken the seeds of future tumbleweeds and voracious milk weeds. Let me do my best to avoid the farming – garden cliché of discussing the spiritual virtues acquired by weeding their growing soil. Don't trust anyone who writes about how pulling weeds freed their minds. I am walking along the fence line of my tiny farm looking like the world's ugliest cheerleader holding two massive pom-poms of freshly pulled weeds
2017-09-0203 minA Well Run LifeClever or Not You're ReadyMy mom says I am smart, but that I am not clever. I am sure I am not smart enough to know what she means – but I have thought about her description often over the years. My thinking is not elegant. I don't come to conclusions with deft – deductive – Sherlock Holms-ian clarity. I have go over and under and around and through ideas And then I need to feel the idea in practice. I am a reader – I enjoy learning – but I only learn lessons after feeli...
2017-08-2703 minA Well Run LifeNeedful ThingsI have a very particular style of home improvement. My instincts attune to the whatever is the easiest, most efficient route And I travel that path only after exhausting every single difficult road first. I come from a family who deeply values language and we look for metaphors everywhere But we'll save the obvious corollaries to my life for another, longer podcast.
2017-08-1403 min
A Well Run LifeSalad DaysAs I type this the tender heads of my babies are passing through the digestive tracks of my enemies. I don't know about you, but when I see a baby – eating it's head off is not the first thing that comes to mind. That is not the case for the birds near my farm. I grow – with care and tenderness – little sunflower shoots from the seed. I do this in the house. Where it is safe.
2017-08-0903 min
A Well Run LifeChicken HitIf the Chickens had a Mafia, this is how I imagined they would settle old scores. Upon returning from a trip out of town, I walked on to Grace Farms. There, I found all my girls- who I raised from baby Chicks - scattered in various poses of death and dismemberment. I am vexed. I built a Chicken Cathedral. A good home, safe from any reasonable predator. But, clearly the neighbor houses an animal member of ISIS who hunts young chicks on my farm. I have been...
2017-07-2903 min
A Well Run LifeSnow StormThe movie in my imagination shows a mid-sized dog launching from an easy boy and chewing the nose off my face. To make matters worse, Jon Snow is back in town tonight. Right along side my wife, I have been pining for him for months. Jon Snow will soon face the White Walkers while I am faking bravery in front of a family pet. I would like to report I did not soil myself. Having survived the encounter, my wife and I looked great at a very...
2017-07-1702 min
A Well Run LifePale CucumbersPlacing the cucumbers in the harsh desert light seems a harsh. Under the pressure of the summer heat they will either shrivel and die, or come into the fullness of their flavor. I trust their grit and I am anticipating a great harvest.
2017-07-1702 min
A Well Run LifeStingsWe are obsessively watching The Americans on Amazon Prime. If you tasted this bit of Telivision Crack, chances are you'e done the same. The show is overtly political but it's engine is the relationship between husband and wife: Phillip and Elizabeth. Elizabeth is this teeny tiny woman. Now, my wife and I see the world vastly differently. There must be days when she cannot believe she married someone with my political views. But we both agree...
2017-07-1403 min
A Well Run LifeAntsyIf you knew how much I hate the ants in my garden, you would be creating a Kickstarter campaign to cover the bills associated with my much-needed therapy. The little demons aside, I am under the spell of growing food. It's cucumbers, melons and sunflowers that generously fill my garden under my unforgiving Arizona summer sky. I am barely surviving the blistering heat. And so, when I see a watermelon or cantaloupe resting on the ground Vibrantly soaking in the over-available sunshine
2017-07-0402 min
A Well Run LifeStinky HoneyMy wife's palate is very sharp. She can parse flavors in dishes down to the spices and the addresses of the pigs who gave their lives for the pork in our stew. With great tasting powers come great smelling powers. Which can be a blessing and a curse. "Honey," she says while I have come in from working on a small farm we are shaping to lay next her for a brief moment, "you need a shower."
2017-06-2503 min
A Well Run LifeUnambiguous WorkMy record as an entrepreneur is unambiguous. I am an awful entrepreneur. I have been pretty-good at making large sums of money for other people, but I have recycled my earnings through a series of business train wrecks that will make most every business person in the world feel better about their own skills.
2017-06-0502 min
A Well Run LifeStraighten OutThe bones of the spine want to sit directly on top of each other. The shoulders want to be down and back. Pull yourself out of alignment and tell me you like it. Slouch and crumple yourself and say it feels good. But, when you see a dancer move, an athlete run, you know better. The premium placed on sarcasm still surprises me. I may be getting soft, but crassness seems to have become the surrogate for wit. Harmony looks easy, but it requires holding...
2017-04-2701 min
A Well Run LifeThe Promise Of A Blue SkyI hear the engine of a small airplane and the sky is very blue. Who knows how memory works. This is among my earliest recollections. Somehow, I remember it outside my body – looking at my 4 year old self in the front yard of the first house I ever lived in. From that moment until today, I associate the sound of a small aircraft with beautiful days.
2017-02-0303 min
A Well Run LifeParking Lot PrayersYou never want to call someone crazy, but he was dressed in the blues of the local mental hospital. We were standing in front of a local grocery store. I truly enjoyed this neighborhood. But, family and friends found this an unusual predilection of mine. A cross dresser in his early 70's fed stray cats outside the Starbucks from an open tuna can every morning. My porch somehow became a garage-sale wherever thing was free. The theft was so common I put out everything I would otherwise donate for th...
2016-11-3002 min
A Well Run LifeTwo DogsIn cultural wisdom that I have incorporated into my world view, I learned that there are two dogs inside all of us. The good dog. And the bad dog. And they fight with each other. Which dog wins? The one we feed the most.
2016-11-1302 min
A Well Run LifeDog's LifeI am making my dogs omelettes in the morning. They love it. It's true, my family and I are all a bit snobby about food. In an over-quick yes, my fiancé mistaken said yes to a quartet of baby chicks. "Yes" to her meant that we would talk later. "Yes" to me meant she found them in boxes on the kitchen counter by lunch. In a previous life, she an I lived in the time of great famine. There is no other explanation for the quantity of food that we purchase. We...
2016-10-2503 min
A Well Run LifeShofar, So GoodNot to be indelicate, but it is a menstruation. And I walked right in on her. I am pretty sure she was thinking: I need to get a bell around that guy's neck. Clearly he was not raised right. The four chickens in the backyard are laying eggs now. And I am eye-balling them every few hours waiting for the next one to drop. My $6.78 tomato plant went in about 4 PM. By 6:30 PM half my investment was in the belly of some neighborhood terrorist. By the next mor...
2016-10-0202 min
A Well Run LifeChicken PatzerMy organic chicken is in a giant Tampax Tampon carton. This vexes me. However, Costco is unmoved by my consternation. It is possible they did not even notice.
2016-09-2603 min
A Well Run LifeUse Your Words"TV rots your brain." My parents tell me this early in life. Being stout, I braved it nonetheless. At age 8, watching Batman, I calculated: I am doing OK in school and I still have good motor skills. It must affect the organ slowly. At 16, I realized my parents had offered the gem as a metaphor. I have mentioned that I am slow? Metaphors amplify the truth. Lies hide it.
2016-09-2202 min
A Well Run LifeThe House SmellsOnce, when the family was broke – we bought that muffin dough that comes in an exploding can was on sale: 1 can for a dime. We bought some sort of pig rind that the butcher essentially gave to us. We rendered the fat – fried that cheap dough into doughnuts. It was a triumph.
2016-09-2202 min
A Well Run LifeTurner for the WorstI left the church because I would not be – what we called at the time – a "cafeteria" Catholic. This is somebody who picks and chooses what they believe, rather than believe the entire fabric required by the faith. I once made my - now 16 year-old - cry because I sternly corrected what I believed to be selfish behavior on a Christmas morning when she was about 4. Not my strongest moment as a parent, which she reminds me of from time to time. She and her 20 year-old sister would say that I overly emphasized the notion that c...
2016-09-0703 min
A Well Run LifeWilder, DNAI skip many comedies because they seem to be striving for the "most shocking" of crassness and volume. Too little use of language and subtlety for me. Maybe if more comedians had giant eyes like Mr. Wilder, they'd rely less on their volume. Years from now, when asked about the memories of the first movies that made me laugh in a way that made me feel smart, I will surely the report that memory has not died. "It's Alive! It's Alive" I can safely say will be my response.
2016-08-3002 min
A Well Run LifeGrapefruitI am pretty sure the grapefruit crime was victimless. It is impossible for me to know if my Nana was just making a mundane task more interesting by placing me in the role of Law-Breaker or whether she really was grooming me as an earner in her own Cosa Nostra.
2016-08-0203 min
A Well Run LifeTurnsI just returned from an island. One side was calm and the sea placid. Almost too calm – as if the Pacific was just some big lake. The other side churned. The wind, relentless, pushed the sea around in dramatic fashion. It was beautiful, exciting and dangerous. The water smashed against rocks – not so unbreakable – performing gymnastically, acrobatically, ephemerally.
2016-08-0202 min
A Well Run LifeJudgmentIf you can name it, you change your relationship to it. That is my father in a mask. That's a ledge – not a plank I will be forced to walk. A dog bit me, but all dogs won't bite me – I am just afraid from that old injury – not the cuddle bug at my feet. When you can name the truth of the situation, you can experience it more fully. Name what scares you – it scares you less. This is also true:
2016-08-0202 min
A Well Run LifeSpring BreakDespite the evidence, I know I am not stupid. My daughters accepted our vacation with perfect, un-solicited gratitude. They enjoyed the trip un-self consciously. Is this not what we all hope for as parents? I have a simple heart. It's an uncomplicated question to answer: What do you want? Decide what it is and then act accordingly. It doesn't require any special genius.
2016-07-2802 min
A Well Run LifeNot Russian ItIt takes 6 and a half minutes of vapid attention to scrape my big melon clean. This hair-cut takes 45. And I am told: what's what what should be what is lamentably not so. He is fearless. No doubt, no hint of uncertainty surfaces in this time. At points I wonder: I am leaving this chair with my ears attached? How close is that blade to my throat? It's Valentine's Day. What's it mean? You decide.
2016-07-2802 min
A Well Run LifeDraw CarefullyWhen you only have a hammer, everything looks like a nail. We all need the whole toolbox. Not full of one thing, but with many rulers, saws, pliers, plumb lines. Where you aim at is where you land. Even when it takes more time then you expect, the trajectory you pick will carry you forward unless you really bend yourself towards a new path – and this is hard. Best to draw the bow carefully. Want what you want. Aim at a life you will love.
2016-07-2704 min
A Well Run LifePassion FruitI am insecure about a great many things, but my work ethic isn't one of them. I can worry a problem into submission. Of this I am supremely confident. But, I must report, my yard is full of weeds. Laziness? I am growing food to eat. I am experimenting with eating things untouched by chemicals. These plants grow in boxes – large and small - throughout my yard. They are modestly prospering. If I could figure out how I cultivated such...
2016-07-2702 min
A Well Run LifeHonest WagesI am a not a good cheater. I always pay a deeper price than the bargain I ask for. If I want something that is to be earned, I always have to travel the full nine yards.
2016-07-2703 min
A Well Run LifeMan Up"I would flex, but I like this shirt" This is written across a tee shirt my children bought me for Christmas. They have an ironic sense of humor. My many tee shirts neatly folded in front of me, I am trying to rationalize the quantity. How many tee shirts does one man need? Like everyone, I have my insecurities. There are many. However, for many years, I have felt entirely comfortable in describing myself as a man. I am not a boy.
2016-07-2603 min
A Well Run LifeThe Lion and His LionessMost things should be shared. But not everything. My parents celebrated 44 years of marriage on Friday with a bouquet of flowers and a hotel room in Seattle. On Facebook they allowed us a photo of the small garden and a note to us that they were happy. 44 years. On one level I feel like I had a front row seat to their romance. But, I also know, what goes on between a man and a woman in love is private. It i...
2016-07-1902 min
A Well Run LifeGrow!We should make all spiritual talk Simple today: God is trying to sell you something, But you don't want to buy. That is what your suffering is: Your fantastic haggling, Your manic screaming over the price! (Hafiz) "Grow!" My 4 year-old baby sister screams at an intractable seed she planted the day before. Her ferocious spirit commanding the plant to sprout. The seed remained unmoved that morning. I water the dirt in my garden. I bought a bunch of worms. They...
2016-07-1902 min
A Well Run LifeThe Last OneI like athletes. But not all athletes. "Souls are like athletes, that need opponents worthy of them, if they are to be tried and extended and pushed to the full use of their powers, and rewarded according to their capacity." ― Thomas Merton, The Seven Storey Mountain Does that make sense to you? Or not?
2016-07-1902 min
A Well Run LifeIn The SackI bought a sack of Red Wrigglers and they arrived on my porch yesterday. Here's how it's supposed to work: I give them my vegetal table scraps, they eat them and shit agricultural gold. I'll let you know how it goes. November 2013 I became a gardener. By January 2014 I will be a goddamn farmer.
2016-07-1902 min
A Well Run LifeMorning PresenceIn 1978 our Christmas tree made the Charlie Brown Christmas tree look like the one in Rockefeller Center. I'm not sure it wasn't actually a branch. It is the only tree we ever talk about. It always delivers – we laugh and joke each time about how we kept spinning it looking for its "good side." Good side? It was barely three-dimensional. What a gift that scrawny little guy gave us.
2016-07-1902 min
A Well Run LifeBeing KnottyI am composing this missive in my head while at the Scottsdale Fashion Square Mall. An elderly Chinese man has his elbow buried in between my spine and scapula. He is using a level of force usually reserved for extracting information.
2016-07-1903 min
A Well Run LifeAbove the Tree Line There is a picture when I am 16 of my father and I in the identical position while playing basketball in our driveway. I am playing defense against him but somehow are bodies are mirror images for the moment. He and I were away this week. In the jungle, while being fitted for helmets in order to zip-line, I am asked my name. "Peter."
2016-06-2102 min
A Well Run LifeAbove the Tree Line There is a picture when I am 16 of my father and I in the identical position while playing basketball in our driveway. I am playing defense against him but somehow are bodies are mirror images for the moment. He and I were away this week. In the jungle, while being fitted for helmets in order to zip-line, I am asked my name. “Peter.”
2016-06-2102 minA Well Run LifeAbove the Tree Line There is a picture when I am 16 of my father and I in the identical position while playing basketball in our driveway. I am playing defense against him but somehow are bodies are mirror images for the moment. He and I were away this week. In the jungle, while being fitted for helmets in order to zip-line, I am asked my name. "Peter."
2016-06-2102 min