#1417 - Kevin Ross
NaN minutesEpisode #1417
Kevin “The Soul Assassin” Ross is an artist, writer, and American Muay Thai kickboxer fighting with Bellator Kickboxing.
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Episode Timestamps
Kevin Ross, Bringer of Sandbags
- Kevin Ross gifted a heavy sandbag for shin conditioning
- Shin conditioning with sandbags is superior to bottle smashing
- Microfractures for shin conditioning instead of deadening nerves
Shin Conditioning & Thai Fighting Mentalities
- Discussion on preventing shin injuries in kickboxing
- Thailand's cultural upbringing in Muay Thai
- Comparing American sparring practices with Thai training approaches
Training Philosophy and Struggle with Intensity
- Importance of trial and error in training
- Balancing hard training sessions to avoid unnecessary damage
- Discussion on unfamiliar sparring partners for realistic fight scenarios
Transition to San Diego and Muay Thai Training Centers
- Move to San Diego and training at boxing club owned by Artem Shoroshkin
- Comparison of Muay Thai gyms named Boxing Works in San Diego and Torrance
- Reflection on the attractions of San Diego and reasons for relocation
Reevaluating Life's Priorities
- Reflecting on the contrast between different perspectives on life in third world countries and developed nations
- Discussing the tendency to focus on insignificant issues and complaints despite having abundance
- Drawing parallels between societal reactions to major events like 9/11 and the transient nature of unity
Journey of Personal Growth and Martial Arts Passion
- Exploring the transformative impact of martial arts on humility and self-awareness
- Detailing the emotional and therapeutic process of writing an autobiography
- Narrating the challenging childhood experiences and the attraction towards combat sports
Motivated by Friend Mo and Tragic Loss
- Deciding to pursue fighting after a heart-to-heart conversation with Mo, a friend born with a heart defect.
- Mo's tragic passing while waiting for a heart transplant served as a catalyst for the speaker to confront his fears and commit to his dream.
- Realization that fear and excuses were holding him back from pursuing his goal.
Overcoming Fear and Self-Doubt for Redemption
- Father's challenge to confront undisclosed desires leads to a pact to support the speaker financially in exchange for quitting drinking and dedicating to fighting.
- Speaker's determination to overcome alcohol dependency and other obstacles to pursue his dream.
- Adopting a mindset of relentless focus and determination to succeed in the face of various challenges.
Introduction to Shadowboxing and Facing Challenges
- First day of training with other pro fighters in the ring
- Struggling with being shy and inexperienced in fighting
- Forced into a steep learning curve with little guidance
First Fight Experience and Overcoming Adversity
- Excitement and disappointment of first fight in Muay Thai
- Combatting a more experienced opponent with determination
- Realization of facing challenges regardless of winning or losing
The Metaphor of Fighting: Overcoming Adversity
- Confronting significant moments in the career
- Embracing the deeper reasons for pursuing goals
- The importance of trusting the process and appreciating the journey
Embracing the Journey of Transformation
- Discussing the process of rebuilding after setbacks
- Understanding the value of adversity in personal growth
- Reflecting on the impact of challenges in building resilience and self-sufficiency
Reflections and Inner Struggles
- The speaker shares personal struggles within their family and friend circle.
- Discusses hesitation in seeking professional help due to perceived ulterior motives.
- Reflects on the weight of keeping personal experiences hidden and the internal conflict.
Adolescent Trauma and Emotional Impact
- Recounts an early sexual encounter with an older woman and the impact on perceptions.
- Compares contrasting experiences and acknowledges psychological repercussions.
- Shares the complexity of discussing and confronting traumatic experiences, highlighting manipulative behavior.
Motivational Speech by Kickboxer
- Kickboxer emphasizes the importance of overcoming obstacles and using adversity as a tool for personal growth.
- Discussing the impact of sharing personal struggles and doubts to inspire others.
- Emphasizing the human aspect of facing fears and doubts, even for those in the spotlight.
Challenges of Success and Maintaining Diligence
- Exploring the notion that the challenges and doubts one faces do not disappear with success.
- Importance of constantly pushing oneself and having external sources that challenge and push an individual.
- The need for diligence and awareness to avoid complacency and to continue improving.
Reflection on the Illusion of Success and Realization
- Growing up in broken home, motivated by despair
- Realization that 'making it' is an illusion
- Embrace imperfection, continual self-improvement
Materialism, Success, and True Happiness
- Material possessions as false markers of success
- Comparison and desire lead to never-ending pursuit
- True contentment lies in meaningful relationships and experiences
Human Nature and Puzzle-Solving Inclination
- Humans are naturally inclined to solve puzzles and mysteries, like with Bigfoot and UFOs.
- The attraction towards difficult tasks comes from our ancestors' survival instincts.
- Finding satisfaction in solving challenges, whether in video games or real-life problems.
Defining Meaningful Pursuits and Basic Needs
- Differentiating between meaningful challenges and trivial pursuits is crucial.
- Evaluating the importance of wealth beyond basic human needs.
- Learning to prioritize personal growth over materialistic pursuits for long-term fulfillment.
Importance of Genuine Relationships and Peer Influence
- Shed light on relationships with people who are only there for their own interests, describing them as parasites and yes-men.
- Emphasizes the significance of having peers who can challenge and question one's actions, rather than surrounding oneself with individuals who solely praise and agree.
- Highlights the danger successful people face when surrounded by 'employees' and 'yes-men' who don't offer genuine peer respect or friendship.
Impact of Pressure and Personal Background on Fighters
- Discusses the immense pressure and emotional roller coaster ride experienced by fighters, including the impact of their childhood backgrounds on their careers.
- Raises awareness about the need for compassion and forgiveness towards fighters and individuals who face challenges due to their upbringing or career.
- Addresses the issue of 'cancel culture' and society's tendency to judge and condemn individuals based on isolated incidents, underlining the importance of understanding human complexity.
Challenges of Cancel Culture and Team Culture
- Cancel culture born out of social media leads to one-way communication and disingenuous interactions.
- Division into 'our side' vs. 'their side' promotes damaging team culture.
- Lack of middle ground conversations fuels the problem of polarization and limits understanding.
Importance of Effective Communication and Open-mindedness
- Value in engaging with differing opinions rather than siloed thinking.
- Enhancing communication skills leads to better understanding and conflict resolution.
- Emphasizes the need to engage in genuine conversations, learn from others, and avoid dominating or derogatory behavior.
Life's Constant Balancing Act - Relationships, Parenting, and Pursuits
- Maintaining balance in relationships, parenting, and personal pursuits leads to improvement with focus.
- Embracing the journey of continuous development and self-questioning.
- Understanding the necessity of constant growth and adaptation for personal enhancement.
Perception and Reality - Seeking Different Perspectives
- Exploring the concept of reality and seeking different perspectives.
- Questioning conventional beliefs and seeking to understand diverse viewpoints.
- Contemplating the nature of reality, perception, and individual experiences.
Genetic Behavior and Traits: Inheritance of Characteristics
- Discussion on passing down genetic traits from parent to child.
- Observations on daughter displaying obsessive behavior but with a positive twist.
- Anecdote about a genetically predisposed friendly dog exhibiting retriever instincts.
Unraveling DNA Mysteries: Fear, Phobias, and Human Behavior
- Exploration of DNA and its impact on human behavior and phobias.
- Insights on ancestral fears and their modern-day manifestations.
- Reflections on the unpredictability of life and the importance of following inner instincts.
Kevin Ross - Artistic Pursuits and Career Balancing
- Kevin Ross discusses his passion for art and various artistic activities.
- Expresses the importance of not turning art into a job to maintain the joy of creation.
- Mentions his diverse interests and the constant balance between different aspects of his life.