Shows / Life's a Fight
Life's a Fight
Life's a Fight is a metaphor for life. It's a mindset and philosophy that shapes how you approach the challenges in front of you. This is a low-key, down-to-earth podcast about the ups and downs of life. We're talking everyday challenges and the big ones, too. Using my life and experiences as the backbone—Spanish teacher turned UFC fighter, now a professional speaker with a wife and kids—you'll hear stories, lessons and strategies to help you keep going when you don't think you can. If you're…
Episodes
- Life's a Fight
Books 1414 - Final Spin 4
"Life is not fair." Johnny's words and perspective drive him to do something that could cost him his future. How far would you go to protect/provide for…
- Life's a Fight
Talks 367 - Solosode - Thankful for the Opportunities
This episode goes up on Thanksgiving 2021, and Spanny expresses gratitude against the unique backdrop of his work life. COVID continues to variously shape…
- Life's a Fight
Books 1413 - Final Spin 3
Today you'll get a glimpse of Jessica, Johnny's love interest. She's another example of how Jocko paints a very vivid picture of Johnny's inner thoughts and…
- Life's a Fight
Kids 178 - Q&A with Student Athletes
I recently presented to a group of student athletes at the EPC Student Athlete Character Council. Following the presentation, the students worked together to…
- Life's a Fight
Books 1412 - Final Spin 2
The language and dialogue, both internal and external, is one of my favorite parts of the book. Jocko does a great job at painting a picture of main character…
- Life's a Fight
Books 1411 - Final Spin 1
We're bringing in some fiction this week as we dive into Jocko Willinck's new novel about a young man who's willing to risk his own life/safety/future for his…
- Life's a Fight
Books 1410 - A Hunter-Gatherer's Guide to the 21st Century 5
I've evolved since reading this book (wink, wink) and hope you enjoy today's sendoff episode. We cap off the week with some finishing touches and takeaways…
- Life's a Fight
Books 1409 - A Hunter-Gatherer's Guide to the 21st Century 4
One of the things I took most from this book is the importance of learning how to think for yourself. It takes work, and once you vet and learn and ask…
- Life's a Fight
Talks 366 - Mardy Fish, Former World # 7 Tennis Player and "Breaking Point" Documentary Subject
Recent years have exploded awareness of the intense pressure faced by word-class athletes, and more sports stars are announcing their struggles, protecting…
- Life's a Fight
Books 1408 - A Hunter-Gatherer's Guide to the 21st Century 3
One of the coolest aspects of this book is the big picture view it presents about the history of time and evolution of species. It provides some awesome…
- Life's a Fight
Kids 177 - The Story of Fred Rogers
Another great book from the "A Biography for New Readers" series, this week's book takes a look Mister Rogers and his incredible life, career and impact on…
- Life's a Fight
Books 1407 - A Hunter-Gatherer's Guide to the 21st Century 2
Today's episode highlights a few concepts that directly relate to evolution and our species' ability to survive. ... To support The Spaniard Show: Get this…
- Life's a Fight
Books 1406 - A Hunter-Gatherer's Guide to the 21st Century 1
Our world changes at a rapid pace, and we have a hard time keeping pace with that change. This week's book takes a look at that reality through en evolutionary…
- Life's a Fight
Books 1405 - The Storyteller 5
While he's happy to be known as "that guy from Nirvana," Dave is the frontman of the Foo Fighters and has had innumerable musical experiences and ties to…
- Life's a Fight
Books 1404 - The Storyteller 4
Today's episode is all about Nirvana. ... To support The Spaniard Show: Get this book here: The Storyteller Purchase all your books here: Spaniard Show Reading…
- Life's a Fight
Talks 365 - Dima Shine, Acrobatic Sports World Champ, Founder, Shine Alternative Fitness
Spanny met Dima Shine in Cincinnati and came to learn how he made his way from Russia to his current home in Las Vegas. It began with recognition of Dima's…
- Life's a Fight
Books 1403 - The Storyteller 3
One of my favorite takeaways from this book is how Dave Grohl was always dedicating himself and practicing his music, such that when opportunities arose, he…
- Life's a Fight
Kids 176 - Creepy Pair of Underwear!
My son came home from school one day talking about how great this "creepy underpants" book was. I immediately looked it up and found what he was talking about…
- Life's a Fight
Books 1402 - The Storyteller 2
Early in his life, Dave hit a crossroads. Fueled by his passion and love for music and the support of his mom, he was able to make the decision to pursue…
- Life's a Fight
Books 1401 - The Storyteller 1
This is one of those books. If you were coming of age in the early 90's, you're going to enjoy this look back at some of the most impactful music of our…
- Life's a Fight
Books 1400 - The Practice of Groundedness 5
Combining your actions with your values helps to create alignment within yourself. I hope this week has helped you start that process and that this book will…
- Life's a Fight
Books 1399 - The Practice of Groundedness 4
Relationships and movement are vital parts of healthy living, and they're also two of the principles discussed in this week's book. Sooo let's get moving with…
- Life's a Fight
Talks 364 - Christine French Cully, Editor in Chief, Highlights Magazine
There once was a boy named Charlie who read Highlights magazine. At the time, he did not take note of the name of the publication's editor, Christine French…
- Life's a Fight
Books 1398 - The Practice of Groundedness 3
Good things take time. Be honest with yourself and others. These two ideas illustrate today's grounded topics. Let's dive in! ... To support The Spaniard Show…
- Life's a Fight
Kids 175 - The Good, the Bad, and the Spooky
Our good friend The Bad Seed returns for this Halloween-themed picture book that teaches us to focus more on the important things in life, and less on the non…
- Life's a Fight
Books 1397 - The Practice of Groundedness 2
Today we talk about the first two principles involved in being grounded: acceptance and presence. ... To support The Spaniard Show: Get this book here: The…
- Life's a Fight
Books 1396 - The Practice of Groundedness 1
My book selections always speak a bit to the times, as well as my personal state. Sometimes, I'm looking for deep history, difficult topics to discuss. Other…
- Life's a Fight
Books 1395 - The Monk Who Sold His Ferrari 5
Today's sendoff episode includes some powerful reminders re simplicity, investing in yourself and success on the outside and in. We also give a quick review of…
- Life's a Fight
Books 1394 - The Monk Who Sold His Ferrari 4
Today we discuss the virtues of selflessly serving others and embracing the present. ... To support The Spaniard Show: Get this book here: The Monk Who Sold…
- Life's a Fight
Talks 363 - Mike Kiel, Gunshot Survivor & "Challenge the Moment" Author
You are 19 years old with a loving family and loads of friends, with college rapidly expanding your world. Then your world shrinks to your head. This happened…
- Life's a Fight
Books 1393 - The Monk Who Sold His Ferrari 3
Today we discuss the virtues of living with discipline and respecting your time. ... To support The Spaniard Show: Get this book here: The Monk Who Sold His…
- Life's a Fight
Kids 174 - What if You Had Animal Hair?
So, what if you had animal hair? What would it (you) look like? What would it feel like? How long would it be? Color? Tune in and learn more about animal hair…
- Life's a Fight
Books 1392 - The Monk Who Sold His Ferrari 2
Today we discuss the virtues of mastering your mind, following your purpose and constant improvement. ... To support The Spaniard Show: Get this book here: The…
- Life's a Fight
Books 1391 - The Monk Who Sold His Ferrari 1
This week's book is a fable about "fulfilling your dreams and reaching your destiny." It's a feel-good book with lessons about living a meaningful and…
- Life's a Fight
Books 1390 - Dear Highlights 5
We finish off an incredible week of learning with Dear Highlights by touching on the last three categories in the book, as well as a super important message to…
- Life's a Fight
Books 1389 - Dear Highlights 4
Today we discuss the topics of Self-Improvement, Hopes & Dreams and Societal Concerns & Events. Another great look inside the worlds of Highlights and the…
- Life's a Fight
Talks 362 - Scott Lindgren, "The River Runner" Documentary Subject
This talk is about change, people. Scott Lindgren, a legend of expedition kayaking, talks to Spanny about stages of his life, each contrasting with the one…
- Life's a Fight
Books 1388 - Dear Highlights 3
Friendship and Feelings & Confidence are the two topics of the day, and boy, do they evoke emotions of the past. Think back to figuring out what true…
- Life's a Fight
Kids 173 - Elementary Assembly - Books and Lessons
Most of my presentations are to middle and high school students, but I've been getting more and more interest in k-5 programs as well. So I wanted to provide…
- Life's a Fight
Books 1387 - Dear Highlights 2
Today we talk about two of the most popular categories written about to Highlights: family and school. ... To support The Spaniard Show: Get this book here…
- Life's a Fight
Books 1386 - Dear Highlights 1
This is one of the most impactful books I've ever read, as it relates to, and teaches about, my path in life - helping young people work through their…
- Life's a Fight
Books 1385 - Praying for Emily 5
Our sendoff episode features three quotes, each from a different person within this story: Tom (Emily's dad), one of Emily's doctors and Emily herself…
- Life's a Fight
Books 1384 - Praying for Emily 4
A lot of tears have been shed this week. This is such a powerful story of faith and science coming together. The purpose of today's show is to bring you inside…
- Life's a Fight
Talks 361 - Tom Whitehead, Co-Author of "Praying for Emily," Groundbreaking Pediatric Cancer Memoir
This episode shares the story of 7-year-old Emily, who escaped a monster: Cancer too strong for chemotherapy but defeated by Emily's own immune cells…
- Life's a Fight
Books 1383 - Praying for Emily 3
Tom and Kari's life wasn't paused when Emily was diagnosed with leukemia. The world continued moving along, and they felt out of place in their new reality…
- Life's a Fight
Kids 172 - What if You Had Animal Feet?
The second book in this series I've covered on Kids, "What if You Had Animal Feet?" is a fun and informative read that teaches all about different animals'…
- Life's a Fight
Books 1382 - Praying for Emily 2
After an interaction with a young dying boy, Emily's father, Tom, reminds us of the strength that children possess. ... To support The Spaniard Show: Get this…
- Life's a Fight
Books 1381 - Praying for Emily 1
Heartbreaking and heartwarming at once, Praying for Emily takes on a family's journey through pediatric cancer. Emily Whitehead became the first child whose…
- Life's a Fight
Books 1380 - The Antisocial Network 5
We wrap up this financially phenomenal week by describing a few additional players involved, and we also take a look at some of the details that further fueled…
- Life's a Fight
Books 1379 - The Antisocial Network 4
Today you'll glean some insight as to how and why there was so much force behind "the fools and gamblers" and their desire to bring Wall Street down. ... To…
- Life's a Fight
Talks 360 - Ben Mezrich, Author, "The Anti-Social Network"
If Ben Mezrich's title "The Anti-Social Network" sounds familiar, there's a reason. He wrote the book that led to the standout film "The Social Network." He…
- Life's a Fight
Books 1378 - The Antisocial Network 3
The psychology of the "ragtag group of amateur traders" is so interesting and speaks to something primal in all of us. Tune in to hear what it was all about…
- Life's a Fight
Kids 171 - Grumpy Monkey Party Time!
"Have you ever been a little anxious about going to a party?" Well, our friend Jim Panzee has...Jim and his friends are invited to a party, but this one has…
- Life's a Fight
Books 1377 - The Antisocial Network 2
What started this phenomenon, and what were the financial mechanics that made it happen? Tune in for a 101-type lesson on "short selling" and "short squeezes."…
- Life's a Fight
Books 1376 - The Antisocial Network 1
This is the seventh of Ben Mezrich's books that I've read, and it reads like the rest...awesomely. This is the real-life account of the Gamestop financial…
- Life's a Fight
Books 1375 - The Moth in the Iron Lung 5
Some more historical similarities and a thought exploration that, agree or disagree, will make you think (It includes the Zika virus). I hope you've enjoyed…
- Life's a Fight
Books 1374 - The Moth in the Iron Lung 4
Only one word for today's episode...fascinating. It's one of the reasons I love learning about history, to see how we repeat ourselves as humans. How does the…
- Life's a Fight
Talks 359 - James McGee, Former Pro Tennis Player, Staff Member, Inspiring Children Foundation
Here's a talk between two guys who know the lows and highs of competing as world-class athletes, as well as the glow of youth development. Spanny connected…
- Life's a Fight
Books 1373 - The Moth in the Iron Lung 3
Today you'll learn how gypsy moths and potato beetles play a vital role in this story, as well as a combination of factors that can lead to poliomyelitis…
- Life's a Fight
Kids 170 - What if You Had Animal Teeth?
Another awesome series I recently stumbled across (see last week's The Good Guys episode for the other) that makes learning fun. This book is full of facts…