Wrestling With Tomorrow: The Podcast: Recent Episodes
Mike Kinney
Join Mike Kinney (TED Talk Sensation & Former Pro Wrestler) as he explores self-confidence and personal identity as his guests talk about their dreams and how they had to make adjustments in their lives to continue to live their dream, or to pivot when it didn't work out. All of this and much more!
Mike and Randy record Episode 34 live from North Star Pro Wrestling in Albert Lea, Minnesota, where their friend Gus is running the show.
The boys talk about what it means to truly support your friends, why local wrestling still matters, and the people behind the scenes who rarely get enough credit. They also get honest about knowing when to keep fighting, when it may be time to walk away, and what it means to teach your kids to show up for the people they care about.
Recorded live in the middle of a wrestling show, so expect noise, interruptions, and Randy getting distracted.
Mike and Randy sit down for an honest recap of the final Lucha Union show.
The show itself delivered. The wrestlers showed up, the crew worked hard, and the fans who came out gave the room life. But behind the curtain, the financial reality was hard to ignore.
In this episode, Mike talks openly about losing money on the show, the pride and disappointment that came with it, and what it feels like when something you love starts costing more than you can afford.
This is not a pity party. It is a real conversation about risk, failure, identity, fatherhood, and figuring out what comes next after the bell rings.
Sometimes you can be proud of something and disappointed by it at the same time.
Episode 32 of Wrestling With Tomorrow was recorded live from the preshow of Lucha Union.
Mike and Randy talk in great detail about the pressure of running live events, the chaos that happens behind the scenes, and what it takes to stay calm when everything is moving fast.
This episode is about more than wrestling. It is about leadership, stress, responsibility, and how the pressure of show day connects to everyday life.
As parents, we spend years teaching our kids how to become independent. Then one day, it starts happening.
In Episode 31 of Wrestling With Tomorrow, Mike Kinney and Randy Harig discuss the complicated mix of pride, gratitude, and sadness that comes with watching your children need you less. From college preparations to changing family dynamics, the conversation explores what happens when the role you've built so much of your life around begins to evolve.
Also in this episode, Randy debuts his new Hot Tag segment, the Magic 8 Ball makes an appearance, and the guys put a spotlight on the final Lucha Union event coming June 27 in Austin, Minnesota.
Because sometimes the toughest thing we'll ever wrestle with is learning how to let go while still showing up.
Episode 30 is different.
Mike opens up about an emotional breakdown that happened the night before recording. For the first time since his father passed away 25 years ago, he cried harder than he has in decades.
What triggered it was simple: preparing for his daughter’s graduation party.
But underneath that moment was years of pressure, stress, grief, identity struggles, and the emotional weight many men quietly carry every day.
In the middle of it all came one powerful realization:
Walking away from pro wrestling years ago to be present for his family was the right decision.
This is an honest conversation about fatherhood, growing older, emotional pressure, wrestling, mental health, and what actually matters when life moves fast.
No gimmicks. Just truth.
Minnesota independent pro wrestler Icarus Alexander joins Mike Kinney and Randy Harig on Wrestling With Tomorrow.
Icarus, known on Instagram as @xgod_of_firex, is still early in his wrestling career, but he is already making his name in the Minnesota independent wrestling scene. In this episode, we talk about what it feels like to break into pro wrestling, how confidence is built before you feel ready, and what happens when setbacks, mistakes, nerves, and self doubt show up before the spotlight does.
This episode is about the climb.
The early years.
The learning curve.
The pressure to prove you belong.
The difference between acting confident and becoming confident.
We also talk about the creation of Icarus Alexander, tag team wrestling, Exodus, championship pressure, the Minnesota wrestling scene, and what fans do not always see behind the curtain.
And of course, Randy brings back the Magic 8 Ball.
Support Wrestling With Tomorrow:
patreon.com/wrestlingwithtomorrow
Follow the show on Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, YouTube, and wherever you listen to podcasts.
For booking and speaking inquiries with Mike Kinney:
kinneyconfidence.com
We all have a little more fight left in us!
What happens when the thing that defined you… disappears?
No more crowd.
No more reaction.
No more identity tied to what you used to be.
In this episode, Mike and Randy get real about what it’s like when the noise stops. From walking away from wrestling to navigating real life, this is a conversation about identity, loss, and figuring out who you are when everything changes.
Mike opens up about his forced exit from wrestling, the depression that followed, and the moment he realized he had to rebuild from the ground up. Randy brings his perspective from inside and around the business, and together they break down something every high performer eventually faces.
This isn’t just about wrestling.
It’s about careers ending.
Roles changing.
And the uncomfortable space in between.
If you’ve ever asked yourself “What now?”… this one’s for you.
🎧 Available everywhere you listen to podcasts
📺 Watch on YouTube
🔥 Support the show: patreon.com/wrestlingwithtomorrow
What does confidence actually look like in real life?
In this episode of Wrestling With Tomorrow, we sit down with Michael Pam, a lifelong wrestling fan who embodies what it means to keep showing up no matter what.
This conversation goes deeper than wrestling. It’s about belonging, resilience, and finding strength on the days when it would be easier to stay home.
Michael shares what wrestling means to him on his hardest days, the moments that made him feel seen, and why he continues to show up again and again.
If you have ever felt counted out, overlooked, or like you did not belong, this episode is for you.
We all have a little more fight left in us.
🎯 Follow Michael: @michaelpam03
🎧 Subscribe and follow Wrestling With Tomorrow
💥 Get early access and bonus content: patreon.com/wrestlingwithtomorrow
Not every opportunity is earned.
And not every person who gets the shot is ready for it.
In this episode, we break down the reality of what happens when positions, promotions, and opportunities are handed out based on proximity instead of performance.
Mike shares a firsthand experience from his corporate career where the game didn’t work the way it was “supposed to”… and how that moment forced a shift in how he viewed confidence, leadership, and ownership.
Randy brings the wrestling side of it. Politics. Locker room dynamics. Who gets pushed… and why.
This is not a rant.
This is a real conversation about:
- what it does to a team
- how it affects confidence
- and why waiting for fairness is a losing strategy
If you’ve ever felt overlooked, passed up, or questioned whether you truly earned your spot… this one’s for you.
Because at some point, you stop waiting to be chosen…
…and you start building something nobody can take from you.
🎧 Subscribe, follow, and share with someone who needs this conversation.
Support the show and get early access + bonus content:
patreon.com/wrestlingwithtomorrow
For speaking and booking:
kinneyconfidence.com
Episode 25 of Wrestling With Tomorrow is all about turning points.
The moments that shift everything… whether you realize it at the time or not.
Mike and Randy dive into real stories from wrestling, life, and relationships, including:
• The announcement of one final Lucha Union show in Austin, MN before the historic ballroom is torn down
• The moments that changed their careers forever
• Lessons from toxic relationships and the importance of trust
• Parenting moments you instantly regret… and what they teach you
• The question everyone asks themselves when chasing something bigger
Plus, the Magic 8 Ball makes an appearance to answer a question that hits close to home.
If you are in a season where you are trying to grow, rebuild, or take the next step… this episode is for you.
🎟️ Lucha Union Final Show Tickets:
luchaunion.com
🔥 Support the show and get bonus content + early access:
patreon.com/wrestlingwithtomorrow
🎤 Book Mike Kinney for speaking:
kinneyconfidence.com
This week on Wrestling With Tomorrow, Mike Kinney and Randy Harig welcome longtime friend and fellow wrestler Shane Shimon (Shimdog) to the show.
The three of them broke into the wrestling business together, which makes this episode a deep dive into the early days of independent wrestling, the lessons learned along the way, and the realities of chasing the dream.
Shane opens up about his career in the ring and the mindset tools he developed to handle setbacks and make comebacks both inside and outside the wrestling world.
It is a conversation about wrestling, resilience, and the confidence it takes to keep moving forward when things get tough.
New episodes every other Thursday!
Support the show and get bonus episodes on Patreon:
patreon.com/wrestlingwithtomorrow
Every turning point starts as a setback.
In Episode 23 of Wrestling With Tomorrow, Mike and Randy each share the moment that changed everything for them. The loss. The disappointment. The hit to the ego. The season where nothing felt certain.
Not the highlight reel.
The setback.
Mike talks about the personal and professional moments that forced him to rebuild his identity from the ground up. Randy shares the story that reshaped how he saw the business, himself, and what really matters.
Here is the truth: the setback that feels like it is breaking you is often the one building you.
This is not a motivational fluff episode. It is a real conversation about what happens when plans fall apart and you have to decide who you are going to be next.
If you are walking through a hard season right now, this one is for you.
There is always a little more fight left in you.
Listen. Share it. And support the show at patreon.com/wrestlingwithtomorrow for bonus episodes every month.
Episode 22 – Life After Wrestling and Rebuilding Confidence
Mike Kinney & Randy Harig with Jay Behrends (formerly Big Daddy Dolan)
What happens when the ring goes quiet??
In this episode of Wrestling With Tomorrow, Mike and Randy are joined by former professional wrestler Jay Behrends, once known to fans as Big Daddy Dolan, for an honest conversation about identity, commitment, and rebuilding confidence after wrestling.
This is not a nostalgia episode. It is a real look at what comes after the gear comes off and the spotlight fades.
Jay talks about how he got into wrestling, why the gimmick only works when it is real, and the infamous cake match that fans still remember today. More importantly, he opens up about the emotional reality of life after wrestling and why confidence does not automatically transfer to the next chapter.
This episode explores:
• Identity loss after wrestling
• Commitment and credibility in performance
• Rebuilding confidence after a major setback
• Life after the ring
• Who you are when the match is over
This conversation goes beyond wrestling. It is for anyone who has had to redefine themselves after a defining chapter ended.
New episodes of Wrestling With Tomorrow drop regularly. Follow the show so you never miss an episode!
Most people want results before they decide who they are.
That order creates confusion, inconsistency, and fragile confidence.
In this episode of Wrestling With Tomorrow, Mike Kinney & Randy Harig break down why identity must come before outcomes and what professional wrestling teaches us about the difference between playing a role and owning who you are.
You will hear why people copy instead of commit, why leaders hide behind titles, and why the most impactful performers were never pretending. They were themselves, turned up.
When identity is clear, decisions get easier.
When identity is owned, confidence compounds.
This episode is for leaders, creators, and anyone rebuilding confidence after a setback.
Bonus conversations are available on Patreon at patreon.com/wrestlingwithtomorrow
Learn more about Mike’s speaking and leadership work at kinneyconfidence.com
Most people believe confidence is something you wait for.
In this episode, Mike and Randy break down why that belief keeps people stuck.
Drawing from job interviews, wrestling, and speaking experiences that did not go as planned, they unpack how preparation directly fuels confidence and why relying on past success or personality eventually fails in new environments.
This conversation explores the difference between ego and earned confidence, why reps matter more than hype, and how showing up prepared changes how you perform under pressure.
If you are stepping into a new role, a new year, or a new challenge, this episode sets the tone for how confidence is actually built.
In Episode 19 of Wrestling With Tomorrow, Randy Harig and Mike Kinney sit down for a wide ranging and emotional conversation that reflects both loss and forward momentum.
The episode opens with a heartfelt discussion honoring the life and impact of Travis Sharpe, processing grief inside the wrestling community, and acknowledging how loss affects people differently. From there, the conversation shifts into the evolving world of Lucha Union, including what was learned behind the scenes and what it takes to build something sustainable.
Randy and Mike then look back on 2025 with honesty. The wins, the setbacks, the lessons that mattered, and the moments that forced growth. The episode closes with a clear eyed outlook for 2026, focused on intention, accountability, and doing things the right way.
This is not a highlight reel. It is a real conversation about wrestling, mental health, leadership, and what comes next.
Subscribe to Wrestling With Tomorrow and follow along as the story continues.
Episode 18 was recorded inside the El Parral Ballroom while the crew was setting up for the next Lucha Union show. Randy and I wanted you to feel the energy of a room coming together in real time and to understand how much work and belief goes into building something from the ground up. We talk about the aftermath of Grand Slam and how that match reshaped the year, what it really takes to launch a wrestling promotion, and why Austin MN continues to be the heartbeat of this entire universe. You’ll hear honest conversations about pressure, identity, confidence, long nights, and the grind behind the scenes as the ring goes up around us. We walk through the card, share what the documentary team is capturing tonight, break down the business moves happening behind the curtain, and look ahead to where all of this is heading in 2026. If you want a raw look at the chaos, the passion, and the mission of Wrestling With Tomorrow, this is the episode. Let’s get to work!
The dust has settled after MAW Grand Slam VII — and Cowboy Gator Magraw’s long-awaited return is finally in the books. In this episode, Mike and Randy break down everything that happened at the show: the emotion, the chaos, and the moments the cameras didn’t capture. From the roar of the crowd to the reality of what comes next, this is the unfiltered story behind one of the biggest independent wrestling moments of the year. They’ll share honest reflections on the night, reactions from fans, and what this means for Wrestling With Tomorrow moving forward. In this episode: Behind the curtain of Grand Slam VII The emotional impact of Mike’s comeback match Favorite matches and standout moments from the show Lessons learned for wrestlers, promoters, and fans alike What’s next for Gator, Lucha Union, and the WWT universe Follow & Support: Cowboy Gator Magraw Micro Brawlers: strictlygator.com Patreon exclusives: patreon.com/wrestlingwithtomorrow YouTube: @kinneyconfidence Instagram: @wwt.pod TikTok: @wrestlingwithtomorrow
In this episode of Wrestling With Tomorrow, Mike Kinney and Randy Harig sit down just days before MAW Grand Slam VII — where Mike steps back into the ring for the first time in nearly 20 years. It’s not about hype. It’s about the stillness before everything changes. They dive into what it means to prepare mentally and physically when the stakes are personal, not just professional. You’ll hear about: The grind no one sees when the cameras aren’t rolling How self-doubt and discipline battle for control before a big moment Why calm doesn’t mean weak — it means ready What legacy really looks like when you stop chasing approval and start owning your story This is The Calm Before the Bell — a conversation about pressure, purpose, and the peace that comes when you’ve done the work. 🎧 Listen now, share with a friend who’s chasing their own comeback, and be ready when the bell rings. #WrestlingWithTomorrow #CowboyGatorMagraw #GrandSlamVII #Motivation #MensMentalHealth
This week on Wrestling With Tomorrow, Randy takes the reins as host for a special Max Kellerman–style interview between Aaron Corbin and Cowboy Gator Magraw. The face-off format pulls no punches—Corbin and Gator go head-to-head, exchanging sharp words and raw emotion. Tensions rise, the heat builds, and fans get a rare look at the personal and professional friction driving this rivalry. Don’t miss this exclusive episode that sets the stage for what’s coming next. 👉 Join the conversation and unlock bonus content at: patreon.com/wrestlingwithtomorrow
This week, the gloves are off. The Kickstarter failed. The documentary’s off. The BBQ rub deal fell through. Mike’s walking into his final match with busted ribs and a full plate of everyday life hitting at once. In Episode 15 of Wrestling With Tomorrow, Mike and Randy strip away the highlight reel and talk about what happens when the dream you’ve been chasing starts to crumble. It’s raw, messy, and painfully real — but also funny, honest, and full of that stubborn “get-back-up” spirit the show’s built on.
Inside this episode:
- The reality of watching big plans collapse — and why it’s okay to admit it hurts
- Performing hurt: lessons from the ring that apply to real life
- How to rebuild when everything feels like it’s slipping away
A few laughs, a few F-bombs, and a reminder that the show always goes on!
In Episode 14 of Wrestling With Tomorrow, Mike and Randy dive into the growing conversation around mental health in the mainstream. Highlights from this episode include: Anne Hathaway’s reflections on sobriety, stress, and self-care AJ Lee’s journey with anxiety, Bipolar II, and therapy in and out of the wrestling spotlight A bigger look at how celebrities opening up helps reshape the way we all talk about mental health Lessons anyone can apply: boundaries, self-awareness, and seeking support Mental health isn’t just a headline—it’s something we all face every day. This episode brings together Hollywood, wrestling, and real life in an honest conversation about resilience and strength. 👉 Support the show on Patreon: patreon.com/wrestlingwithtomorrow
In Episode 13 of Wrestling With Tomorrow, Mike Kinney opens up about being passed over for promotions time and time again—and the wake-up call that changed everything. What started as anger and frustration turned into a hard lesson about entitlement, value, and growth. Joined by co-host Randy Harig, the two dig into how entitlement shows up in work, relationships, and even wrestling. Mike shares the turning point where he realized hard work alone wasn’t enough if it wasn’t visible or impactful, while Randy adds his own perspective on moments when entitlement backfired. Listeners will learn: How entitlement blinds us to how others perceive our contributions The key questions that flip entitlement into growth Why creating undeniable value is the only way forward A challenge to put into action this week “Entitlement says: I should have it. Growth says: I’ll make it undeniable.” The episode closes with updates on Lucha Union’s return to Austin, MN on November 22 and how fans can support the show through Patreon.
Mike and Randy sit down for a wide-open conversation about where Wrestling With Tomorrow is headed, why Lucha Union is more than just another indie show, and how creating something different means giving ourselves the flexibility to be who we really are. From the ballroom in Austin to the bigger picture of wrestling as a community, this episode pulls back the curtain on what it takes to build a promotion and a podcast at the same time.
Mike and Randy are back in the studio breaking down the next big step in this comeback journey: the official launch of Lucha Union. From why it’s happening now, to what makes it different, and how fans can get involved, this episode gives you an inside look at the vision behind the new promotion. Mike also shares updates on his road to the November 1st return match, training progress, and what fans can expect as the countdown continues. Along the way, the guys trade stories, crack jokes, and remind everyone why this podcast is all about confidence, redemption, and wrestling with tomorrow. 📌 Topics in this episode: The story behind Lucha Union and its homecoming roots How the first show will set the tone for the entire promotion Mike’s training updates and road to November 1st Wrestling banter + confidence tips along the way 🎧 Listen & Subscribe: Wrestling With Tomorrow is available wherever you get your podcasts.
What separates the people who stay down… from the ones who rise again? In this episode, Mike and Randy unpack the mindset behind comebacks—whether it’s in the ring, in life, or in your own head. From personal battles with identity and addiction to legendary pro wrestling redemption arcs, this one goes deep. Mike opens up about why his November 1st return match isn’t just a gimmick—it’s closure, accountability, and unfinished business. They also reveal the four traits every true comeback story shares—and how to tell if yours is still being written.
In this special episode of Wrestling With Tomorrow, Mike Kinney and Randy Harig honor the life and legacy of the most iconic figure in professional wrestling—Hulk Hogan. Mike reflects on how the Hulkster shaped his childhood, his confidence, and his identity—both in and out of the ring. Together, Mike and Randy explore the grief of losing a hero, the mental toll of staying “larger than life,” and the complicated legacy of a man who became more than human to so many. Whether you grew up tearing your shirt off and flexing in the mirror or just admired the spirit of Hulkamania, this episode is for you. 🟡 Rest in power, Hulk. You made us believe in something bigger. Topics Covered: Hulk Hogan’s cultural impact Personal grief and childhood heroes Mental health behind the gimmick The cost of being “the icon” A final thank-you to the Hulkster 🎧 Subscribe wherever you get your podcasts 📺 Full video episode also available on YouTube 💥 Follow us on social @wrestlingwithtomorrow #HulkHogan #WWTPodcast #WrestlingWithTomorrow #Grief #MentalHealth #Hulkamania #ThankYouHulk
Mike & Randy attended a deathmatch show—barbed wire, broken glass, chaos everywhere. But what hit them the hardest wasn’t the violence in the ring…it was the silence outside of it. This episode is about the battles no one sees. The ones we carry in our minds. The ones we fight alone. Randy and Mike open up about mental health, grief, identity, and why the return to the ring—even Mike as a guest referee in a Texas Bullrope match this October—means more than just nostalgia. 🗓️ Mike's official return match is November 1 at Grand Slam VII in St. Paul, MN. 🌶️ Facepunch Foods is back in our corner, bringing the heat to your table with real flavor and real grit. 👉 Hit play. Leave a comment. Share with someone who might need it. And remember: the comeback always starts in the quiet.
After two and a half years, Wrestling With Tomorrow is back. In this special relaunch episode, Mike Kinney is joined by his new co-host, longtime friend and wrestling veteran Randy Harig. They dive into why the podcast went quiet, what’s changed since, and what’s coming next. From mental health to locker room stories, Episode 7 sets the tone for a whole new chapter of WWT.
Host Mike Kinney sits with his friend, Hans Anderson, whom Mike believes truly exemplifies "The American Dream." Hans tell us about his life from an immigrant's perspective, and how he navigated change throughout...all this and much more!
Host Mike Kinney reviews the career of a man of many talents: Air Force veteran, retired pro bull rider, and currently working as a traveling singer, Kenny Wade, to understand how he navigates change through rough times...all this and much more!
Host Mike Kinney reviews the career of a former traveling actor, Matt Centner, to understand how he pivoted his life after leaving the stage...all this and much more!
Host Mike Kinney takes a deep dive into the career of former UFC star Charlie Brenneman to determine how Charlie shifted gears after his career ended in the octagon. ...all this and much more!
Host Mike Kinney takes a deep dive into the career of independent professional wrestler to determine how Aaron shifted gears after reaching the pinnacle of his career. ...all this and much more!