In this thought-provoking session, “In the Ring With Yourself,” Dr. John explores the internal battles we all face when striving to be our best selves. Drawing powerful parallels from films like Jet Li’s “The One” and Will Smith’s “Gemini Man,” he sheds light on what it means to confront—and ultimately overcome—your own negative thoughts and self-doubt.

From understanding the prevalence of destructive self-talk, to identifying the steps for replacing, rejecting, and restoring positive beliefs, Dr. John delivers actionable strategies for transforming your mindset. Get ready for practical advice, real-world examples, and timeless wisdom that will help you emerge victorious in the ring with yourself, every single day.

Welcome to the Black Belt Leadership Podcast! In this episode, host Dr. John dives into the concept of Sherpa Leadership, drawing powerful lessons from the legendaryascent of Mount Everest by Sir Edmund Hillary and his indispensable Sherpa guide, Tenzing Norgay.

While Hillary is remembered as the first person to reachEverest’s summit, Dr. John explores the untold story of teamwork, resilience, and the crucial leadership role played by Norgay that made this historic achievement possible.

You’ll discover what it really means to be a Sherpa leader—the person who goes first, clears the way, supports others, and helps the entire team reach new heights.

This episode breaks down the eight essential traits of effective Sherpa leadership, and challenges you to consider both who has helped you reach your summits, and who’s waiting for you to help them climb theirs.

Tune in to gain practical insights, real-life inspiration, and a fresh perspective on leadership as service—because, as Dr. John reminds us, no one climbs life’s mountains alone.

The legendary Tower of Babel is not just an ancient legend; it is a powerful metaphor for leadership and personal growth.Diving deep into the biblical account and Jewish traditions surrounding Nimrod and the Tower of Babel, Dr. John reveals how fear and an obsession with the past can hold us back from fulfilling our potential. Through real-world examples, neuroscience insights, and practical strategies, this episodechallenges us to break free from the shackles of yesterday, let go of past regrets, and choose whether we’ll be defined by our history or prepared for a greater future. Tune in for compelling storytelling, actionable advice, and a fresh perspective on overcoming life’s self-imposed limitations.

Are you pregnant with possibility? Drawing vivid inspiration from the animal kingdom—ranging from Australia’s tiny Dunnart, which boasts the shortest gestation period, to theAfrican elephant, whose pregnancy can last nearly two years— Dr. John explores how these natural processes mirror thebirth of new thoughts, inventions, and breakthroughs in our personal and professional lives.

You’ll hear stories from renowned inventors like Thomas Edison, alongside examples from tech giants and notable innovators. The hosts challenge us to look within: What ideas or dreams are "pregnant" inside of us right now, waiting for their moment to be nurtured and revealed? The episodeencourages patience, persistence, and the willingness to let our best ideas mature—whether they arrive quickly, like the Dunnart’s offspring, or require elephant-sized endurance.

Tune in as the Black Belt Leaders guide you to recognize andembrace the gestation period of your own possibilities, so you can deliver greatness to the world.

Welcome to the Black Belt Leadership Podcast, where martial arts wisdom meets real-world leadership. In this episode,Dr. John warns listeners to "Beware the Suds," negative self-talk, comparison, and toxic influences, that can limit our growth. Drawing from SpongeBob, Dr. John shares four practical steps for purging the "suds" from our lives and becoming the strongest version of ourselves. The world wants the best version of you to show up every day—and that starts with cleaning out what’s holding you back.

Welcome to the Black Belt Leadership Podcast, where martial arts wisdom meets real-world leadership and personal growth. In this lesson, we explore “The Buffet Paradox” and how it limits our success. The secret to success lies in focusing on one chief aim, not sampling from every option in life. Join Dr. John as he shares a simple 5-step process that has guided some of the world’s most successful people throughout history – and it can guide you, too.

In this week’s lesson, Dr. John invites us to reawaken our curiosity and push past the limits of what we think is possible and why vantage point—both literally and figuratively—limits or expands our vision of what lies ahead. Whether it’s standing on a beach at sunset, climbing a mountain, or reaching for the stars, this episode will inspire you to look beyond your current horizon, rediscover your sense of adventure, and take actionable steps toward becoming abetter version of yourself.

In this installment, Dr. John takes us on a journey through time, examining the humble origins of some of the world’s most famous, most successful people. How did they do that? Each of them, and countless others like them throughout history, engaged in four specific behaviors that set them on a course for success. Tune in to discover this simple, but powerful truth: Do not despise humble beginnings. Where you begin doesn’t have to dictate where you’ll end up.