Best Kravmaga Podcasts (2025)

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The 5 Strategic Shifts That Transformed Easton - Mike Tousignant & Ian Lieberman (E49) 27:34

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6d ago27:34

27:34

In this episode of the Black Belt Business Podcast, Eliot Marshall is joined by Easton Training Center CEO Mike Tousignant and VP Ian Lieberman to unpack the five major shifts that propelled Easton from a single location to one of the most successful martial arts organizations in the country. They discuss how changes in training structure, leadersh…

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WDP 158 - Prof. Eric Parsons 1:21:43

12d ago1:21:43

1:21:43

Eric Parsons is a professor of economics. We talk about how economics works and how the average citizen can benefit from understanding it. He also shares his experience as a Goju Ryu Karate black belt teaching in Africa. The links mentioned are here at the shownotes page: http://www.wimsblog.com/158 Part 2 with Patreon members Q&A is here: https://…

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The Power of a Strong Fundamentals Program - Mike Tousignant (E48) 28:36

1M ago28:36

28:36

In this episode of the Black Belt Business Podcast, Easton Training Center CEO Mike Tousignant joins host Eliot Marshall to discuss one of the most critical (and often neglected) components of a martial arts academy: the fundamentals class. They break down why having a dedicated fundamentals program is essential for student retention, safety, and l…

1
WDP 157 - Barry Eisler 1:39:48

2M ago1:39:48

1:39:48

Barry Eisler is a bestselling author and former CIA officer. We discuss his new book, a political thriller titled "The System" and discuss the nature/inner workings of power in America, and much more. Part 2 with Patreon members Q&A is here: https://www.patreon.com/posts/130701945/ Enjoy! Support the podcast and get instant access to dozens of bonu…

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How to Close More Martial Arts Memberships - Ian Lieberman & Mike Tousignant (E47) 27:44

2M ago27:44

27:44

In this episode, Eliot Marshall, co-owner of Easton Training Center, is joined by Easton’s CEO Mike Tousignant and COO Ian Lieberman. Together, they pull back the curtain on how Easton consistently achieves a high close rate on membership sales. From the structure of their sales process to the mindset they instill in their team, this conversation i…

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WDP 156 - Gus Rogers 1:02:42

2M ago1:02:42

1:02:42

Gus Rogers is a Tang Soo Do teacher and author. We talk about forms, his book, and much more. The show notes: https://wimsblog.com/156 Part 2 with Q&A with my Patrons: https://www.patreon.com/posts/129533284/ Support the podcast and get instant access to dozens of bonus episodes and HUNDREDS of exclusive videos: https://www.patreon.com/wimdemeere N…

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WDP 155 - Toby Cowern 1:46:14

3M ago1:46:14

1:46:14

Toby Cowern and I talk geopolitics and staying sane in an increasingly chaotic and fast-changing world. The Q&A part with my Patrons is here: https://www.patreon.com/posts/127828620 The show notes are here: https://wimsblog.com/2025/05/wdp-155-toby-cowern/ Support the podcast and get instant access to dozens of bonus episodes and HUNDREDS of exclus…

1
WDP 154 - Ares - What to do when you end up in a protest? 18:23

4M ago18:23

18:23

Political and other protests are common these days. Unfortunately, they often escalate into violence. In this episode, I share some thoughts on how to avoid getting caught in a protest and what to do if you can't avoid it. The show notes are here: https://wimsblog.com/154 Support the podcast and get instant access to dozens of bonus episodes and HU…

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WDP 153: Marc MacYoung 1:50:31

5M ago1:50:31

1:50:31

Marc MacYoung returns to the podcast and we talk politics, self-defense, and a lot more. We recorded this January 23rd so current events are not included. Also, the connection failed a few times so please just wait a few seconds when things are hung up. It all resumes right after. The bonus episode with Patreon Q&A is here: https://www.patreon.com/…

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WDP 152: The optimistic episode 53:20

7M ago53:20

53:20

As promised a while ago, this is the optimistic episode to counter my enduring reputation of being Mr. Doom and Gloom. Enjoy! The show notes are here: https://wimsblog.com/152 Support the podcast and get instant access to dozens of bonus episodes and HUNDREDS of exclusive videos: https://www.patreon.com/wimdemeere New book/video email notification …

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WDP 151: Mary Stevens 1:09:53

7M ago1:09:53

1:09:53

Mary Stevens is a Karate instructor, women's and children's self-defense instructor, and much more. We talked about her work, her writing, how to teach self-defense, and much more. Part two of our conversation is here: https://www.patreon.com/posts/118367964/ The show notes are here: https://wimsblog.com/151 Support the podcast and get instant acce…

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WDP 150: Torbjørn Nymark 1:58:09

8M ago1:58:09

1:58:09

Torbjørn Nymark is a martial artist, but also a Compositor and 3D/VFX-Generalist. He works at Storm Studios where they work on many high-profile movies and TV shows: Wakanda Forever, The Old Man, The Last Of Us, several Star Trek series, and much more. We talk about his passion for martial arts and the many projects he worked on professionally Part…

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Martial Arts Is a People Business - Ian Lieberman & Mike Tousignant (E46) 51:24

8M ago51:24

51:24

Whether it’s dealing with members or managing staff, we as martial arts academy owners and operators are in the people business. Your ability to skillfully manage relationships, offer constructive feedback, and direct people’s progress will dictate the success, culture, and health of your martial arts academy. Easton Training Center's CEO, Mike Tou…

1
WDP 149: Toby Cowern 1:03:36

9M ago1:03:36

1:03:36

Toby Cowern has an extensive background in military intelligence, survival and preparedness. We discuss geopolitics and how global dynamics impact everyday citizens. The bonus episode with Toby is here: https://www.patreon.com/posts/114869786 The show notes are here: https://wimsblog.com/149 Listen to our previous conversations here: https://wimsbl…

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Pillars of Successful Martial Arts Academies - Derek Alumbaugh & Kyle Wright (E45) 45:53

9M ago45:53

45:53

Matrix Martial Arts General Manager and Owner, Derek Alumbaugh, and BJJ Department head at Easton Denver, Kyle Wright, join Eliot to introduce themselves and discuss their roles at Easton Online, as well as explain the pillars of successful martial arts academies and how to establish them in your school. Watch or listen to the full podcast on our b…

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WDP 148: Iain Abernethy 1:23:44

10M ago1:23:44

1:23:44

Iain Abernethy is a karate expert who focuses on applying techniques and principles from kata. We talked about our training, how it changed as we got older, and much more. The Bonus Episode in which Iain answers questions from my Patrons is here: https://www.patreon.com/posts/113858813/ The show notes mentioned are here: https://wimsblog.com/148 Su…

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WDP 147: Brian Frias 1:03:54

10M ago1:03:54

1:03:54

Brian Frias is a retired Marine with deployments to Iraq and Afghanistan, a former LEO, BJJ black belt under Andre Galvao, and a full-time instructor at ShivWorks. We talk about self-defense, training, instructing, and much more. The Bonus Episode in which Brian answers questions from my Patrons is here: https://www.patreon.com/posts/112599434 The …

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Implementing Systems in Your Martial Arts School - Michael Phipps & Jordan Shipman (E44) 57:35

10M ago57:35

57:35

Easton Training Center's Director of Kids Martial Arts, Jordan Shipman, and Director of Marketing, Michael Phipps, join Eliot to discuss the challenges of implementing systems in martial arts academies and how to make sure everyone on your team is on the same page. Watch or listen to the full podcast on our blog: https://www.easton.online/blog/ Int…

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WDP 146: From Polarization to Deradicalization - Pathways Out of Extremism for a Fractured Society 1:04:52

11M ago1:04:52

1:04:52

We live in extremely polarized times and it can be difficult to avoid being radicalized. In this episode I go over common factors involved in (de)radicalization and how you can avoid it. The show notes mentioned are here: https://wimsblog.com/146 Support the podcast and get instant access to dozens of bonus episodes and HUNDREDS of exclusive videos…

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WDP 145: Dan Anderson 1:23:25

1y ago1:23:25

1:23:25

“Super Dan” Anderson is the founder of American Freestyle Karate, multiple times World Champion, prolific author, and much more. We had an excellent conversation and also recorded a bonus part available on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/posts/108197249/ The links mentioned are here: https://wimsblog.com/145 Enjoy. Support the podcast and get inst…

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Managing the Summer Slump - Michael Phipps & Jordan Shipman (E43) 46:28

1y ago46:28

46:28

Easton Training Center's Director of Kids Martial Arts, Jordan Shipman, and Director of Marketing, Michael Phipps, join Eliot to discuss how to manage dwindling sign ups, increased membership suspensions, and atypical cancellations in your Martial Arts academy during the summer months. Watch or listen to the full podcast on our blog: https://www.ea…

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Mastering Your Martial Arts Academy’s Marketing - Michael Phipps & Jordan Shipman (E42) 53:23

1y ago53:23

53:23

Easton Training Center's Director of Kids Martial Arts, Jordan Shipman, and Director of Marketing, Michael Phipps, join Eliot to discuss strategies for reinforcing your martial arts academy’s brand and how to understand and master your marketing channels. Watch or listen to the full podcast on our blog: https://www.easton.online/blog/ Visit https:/…

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WDP144: Toby Cowern 1:20:19

1y ago1:20:19

1:20:19

Toby Cowern has an extensive career in the military, including in intelligence, and also teaches survival and preparedness courses. We talked geopolitics and I added most of my preparation on the show notes page mentioned below. In the second part of the episode, Toby answers questions from my Patrons, including how to get started with OSINT. The s…

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How We Open New Martial Arts Schools - Mike Tousignant & Ian Lieberman (E41) 1:00:59

1+ y ago1:00:59

1:00:59

Easton Training Center's CEO, Mike Tousignant, and Vice President, Ian Lieberman, join the Black Belt Business Podcast to discuss how we open new Easton Training Center schools and get into the black within 3 months of opening. Opening a new academy? Check out our 100 member bootcamp to open your doors with 100 paying members: https://www.easton.on…

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WDP143 – Ares: How to not go too far? 15:27

1+ y ago15:27

15:27

Brian asked if I could talk about how to avoid going too far in a self-defense situation. How to stop yourself from throwing that one punch too many that makes you go from self-defense to becoming the aggressor? The links mentioned are here: https://wimsblog.com/143 Support the podcast and get instant access to dozens of bonus episodes and HUNDREDS…

1
WDP142: Lucius Pomerantz, MD 1:19:59

1+ y ago1:19:59

1:19:59

Lucius Pomerantz, MD is a board-certified orthopedic surgeon, former MMA fighter and BJJ black belt. We talk about combat sports injuries, how to treat them and much more. The second part of the episode is here on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/posts/101357817/ The links mentioned are here: https://wimsblog.com/142 Support the podcast and get ins…

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A to Z on How to Run a Kids BJJ Program - Michael Phipps & Jordan Shipman (E40) 54:03

1+ y ago54:03

54:03

Easton Training Center's Director of Kids Martial Arts, Jordan Shipman, and Director of Marketing, Michael Phipps, join Eliot to discuss how Easton run's our Kids Martial Arts programs and give some tips on what you could do to improve your kids Jiu Jitsu program.

1
WDP141: Xavier Knox 1:20:13

1+ y ago1:20:13

1:20:13

Xavier Knox is a South African knife maker, self-defense practitioner, and much more. We talk about the craft of knife making for self-defense, his work with Kelly McCann, and much more. The second part of the episode is on Patreon here: https://www.patreon.com/posts/99925565 The links mentioned are here: https://wimsblog.com/141 Support the podcas…

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Developing Skillful Martial Artists from the Ground + Up - Michael Phipps & Jordan Shipman (E39) 1:06:10

1+ y ago1:06:10

1:06:10

Easton Training Center's Director of Kids Martial Arts, Jordan Shipman, and Director of Marketing, Michael Phipps, join Eliot to discuss how to build skillful students from day 1. As a martial arts academy owner or operator, the lifeblood of your academy will most likely be new students with little to no previous experience. If you want to keep the…

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WDP 140: Self-defense misconceptions 1:00:32

1+ y ago1:00:32

1:00:32

There are many misconceptions about self-defense. In this episode, I discuss the most common ones and add some nuance. Enjoy. The links mentioned are here: https://wimsblog.com/140 Support the podcast and get instant access to dozens of bonus episodes and HUNDREDS of exclusive videos: https://www.patreon.com/wimdemeere New book/video email notifica…

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The Basics of Creating a Successful Martial Arts School - Michael Phipps & Jordan Shipman (E38) 58:36

1+ y ago58:36

58:36

Easton Training Center's Director of Kids Martial Arts, Jordan Shipman, and Director of Marketing, Michael Phipps, join Eliot to discuss the basic necessities of building a successful martial arts school. From marketing, to running classes and crafting a systematic sales process. Watch or listen to the full podcast on our blog: https://www.easton.o…

1
WDP139 - Jan Quaeyhaegens 1:02:01

1+ y ago1:02:01

1:02:01

Jan Quaeyhaegens is a Belgian MMA fighter in Cage Warriors. We talk about his career and what it is like to be a professional fighter. The bonus episode with Q&A from my Patrons is here: https://www.patreon.com/posts/96490581 The links mentioned are here: https://wimsblog.com/139 Support the podcast and get instant access to dozens of bonus episode…

1
WDP138: 2024 Bingo 49:29

1+ y ago49:29

49:29

We kick off the new year by adding entries to our Bingo card for the year: what do you expect will happen? The goal is to be serious and silly at the same time because if you can't laugh at reality, what can you laugh at? The links mentioned are here: https://wimsblog.com/138 Support the podcast and get instant access to dozens of bonus episodes an…

1
WDP137 - Ares - Training in multiple systems 32:13

1+ y ago32:13

32:13

In the group, we discussed training in multiple martial arts styles or self-defense systems, why doing so, and what you can learn from that. Some thoughts on the discussion. The links mentioned are here: https://wimsblog.com/137 Support the podcast and get instant access to dozens of bonus episodes and HUNDREDS of exclusive videos: https://www.patr…

1
WDP136: René Dreifuss 2:37:09

1+ y ago2:37:09

2:37:09

René Dreifuss is a former MMA competitor, and coach, but also studied Political Science & East Asian /Japanese studies. Our conversation went far and wide and I enjoyed it tremendously. I hope you do too. The bonus episode is available here: https://www.patreon.com/posts/94209886/ The links mentioned are here: https://wimsblog.com/136 Support the p…

1
WDP135 - Toby Cowern 1:18:30

1+ y ago1:18:30

1:18:30

Toby Cowern is a survival expert, among many things, but in this episode, he mainly speaks from his background in military intelligence. We discuss the current conflicts in Ukraine and Israel, and look to the future to see what else is coming at us. The bonus episode is here: https://www.patreon.com/posts/92655113/ The links mentioned are here: htt…

1
WDP134 - The fracturing of Western societies 40:17

1+ y ago40:17

40:17

Self-defense is not only about social or criminal violence. At times, ideological and political violence can be just as dangerous to you. In this episode, I talk about the polarized times we live in, why they are this way, what some of the contradictory positions are, and in the end: how to avoid ideological capture. The links mentioned are here: h…

1
WDP133: Doug Patteson 55:27

1+ y ago55:27

55:27

Doug Patteson is a former CIA spy, technical advisor to movie and TV projects, firearms instructor and a lot more. We talked about his life, what it's like to be a spy and covered much ground. Enjoy! The bonus episode on Patreon where Doug answers questions is here. The links mentioned are here: https://wimsblog.com/133 Support the podcast and get …

1
WDP132: Single variable thinking 52:28

2y ago52:28

52:28

Mike Tyson losing to James Buster Douglas was a surprise to many people. The way they expected the fight to go was caused by the same thinking we see nowadays in society: war in Ukraine or Israel, politics, history, etc. Single-variable thinking is omnipresent. In this episode, I explain why it doesn't work and what to do about it. Enjoy! The links…

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WDP 131 - Ares - Don't believe the hype 18:01

2y ago18:01

18:01

Social media videos are reshaping the public perception of what violence and martial arts look like. Through clever editing tricks, they make things seem much more impressive than they are. In this episode, I talk about how they trick you into believing them. The links mentioned are here: https://wimsblog.com/131 Support the podcast and get instant…

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Creating Alignment on a Growing Coaching Staff - Michael Phipps & Jordan Shipman (E37) 52:01

2y ago52:01

52:01

Easton Training Center's Director of Kids Martial Arts, Jordan Shipman, and Director of Marketing, Michael Phipps, join Eliot to discuss creating alignment in Martial Arts Academies with growing coaching staffs and how to make sure everyone is delivering a great product every time. Watch or listen to the full podcast on our blog: https://www.easton…

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WDP130: Schalk Holloway 1:54:05

2y ago1:54:05

1:54:05

Schalk Holloway is a former self-defense instructor, and author, but is also involved in ministry and writes novels. In this episode, we talk about all these things and so much more. The bonus episode is here: https://www.patreon.com/posts/89373986 The links mentioned are here: https://wimsblog.com/130 Please like, share, and subscribe to help the …

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WDP 129: Ares - Self-Defense Law Mistakes 14:16

2y ago14:16

14:16

Many practitioners of martial arts and self-defense systems have opinions on the self-defense laws of their area. But all too often, they are mistaken or ignore the reality of the law. In this episode, I give some examples from all over the world on how not understanding the legal aspects of self-defense can get you in trouble. Enjoy! The links men…

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Growing with the times in Martial Arts and Business - Amal Easton, Mike Tousignant & Ian Lieberman (E36) 45:29

2y ago45:29

45:29

Amal Easton joins the podcast with Ian and Mike to discuss how academies, business owners, and martial artists must adapt and grow with the times or see themselves becoming irrelevant. Amal adds details about the way things used to be done and how Easton has changed and adapted over time, while Mike and Ian discuss the process of implementing and m…

1
WDP128: Wayne Black 38:13

2y ago38:13

38:13

Wayne Black has more than forty-five years of professional security experience in both the public and private sectors. He has personally supervised protection details and special threat assignments all over the world. Wayne is a qualified expert witness regarding security in US Federal and State courts, a nationally certified firearms instructor, a…

1
WDP127: Andy Benfield 59:49

2y ago59:49

59:49

Andy Benfield is an adventurer, author, martial artist, and more. His adventures in the Himalayas, searching for proof of the existence of the Yeti were recently released on BBC Radio 4 and as a podcast. The bonus episode with Andy on Patreon is here. Please like, share, and subscribe to help the podcast grow. Support the podcast and get instant ac…

1
WDP126: Liam Jackson 2:08:18

2y ago2:08:18

2:08:18

Liam Jackson is a martial artist and had a full career in law enforcement: Deputy Sheriff and Training Officer, U/C narcotics officer, Chief of Police, Counter-terrorism trainer and Subject Matter Expert for the Department of Defense and U.S. Department of Justice, and more. We talk about his career, being in a horrendous gunfight and actually plac…

1
WDP125: Dr. Michael Piekarski 1:00:52

2y ago1:00:52

1:00:52

Dr. Mike Piekarski is a Doctor of physical therapy, MMA, and BJJ competitor. He specializes in helping combat sports athletes recover from injuries and get back into training and competing. The bonus episode in which Mike answers my Patron's questions is here: https://www.patreon.com/posts/84611268/ All the links mentioned are here in the show note…

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WDP124: Gavin Coleman 1:09:07

2y ago1:09:07

1:09:07

Gavin Coleman is the founder and lead knife maker and designer at Ironside Edge Works. He lives in South Africa and makes practical, self-defense knives for daily carry and use. We talk about knives obviously, but also violence in South-African society, co-authoring the book "The Maul" and much more. The bonus episode in which Gavin answers my Patr…

1
WDP123 - Ares - Teaching children to handle conflict 16:13

2y ago16:13

16:13

After seeing a video of one kid bullying another, we discussed how to teach your children to handle conflict. Some thoughts about that in this episode. Enjoy! The links mentioned in this episode: http://www.wimsblog.com/123 Support the podcast and get instant access to dozens of bonus episodes and HUNDREDS of exclusive videos: https://www.patreon.c…