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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/