You Have Infinite Power

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Coach Paul shares valuable insights on overcoming fear and the crucial importance of continuous growth. He discusses the concept of "charge clearing" and how our thoughts drive our emotions and actions. Paul emphasizes that while fear is a natural part of life, understanding and harnessing it for growth is key to success.

Key Takeaways & Advice from Coach Paul:

Thoughts Lead to Results: Your thoughts trigger your feelings, which then lead to action or inaction, which determines your results.
Embrace Failure: Fear of failure is a common obstacle, especially for entrepreneurs and high performers. However, failure should be seen as a steppingstone to success and an essential part of the learning process.
The Danger of Plateauing: Coach Paul’s greatest fear is plateauing in life. He warns against complacency, comfort, and a false sense of security once a certain level of success is achieved.
Always Be a Student: Drawing from his martial arts mentor, Grandmaster Kim, Paul stresses the philosophy of "Be better every day.” This means continuously learning, growing, and improving in all areas of life.
Intentional Focus and Presence: Maximize every moment by being intentional and fully present. Whether it's with family, during meditation, or in daily activities, make the most of your time and energy.
Raise Your Standards: Challenge yourself daily to be the best version of yourself. Analyze your behavior and identify areas for improvement. Seek mentors, coaches, and study groups to support your growth.

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Welcome to an insightful episode of the Balanced Warrior Podcast! Today, Coach Paul Melella and Coach Chris Berlow sit down with their long-time friend and client, Andrew Guyton. Andrew, a top producer in his industry and a dedicated family man, shares his incredible journey of building a highly successful business while prioritizing his roles as a husband and father of three.

This episode is packed with "value bombs" on achieving "multidimensional success" a philosophy that combines professional achievement with a rich and fulfilling personal life.

Main Discussion Points & Important Advice:

Building Your Own Path: Andrew shares his unique start in the family business, where his father encouraged him to build his own practice from the ground up, fostering a competitive drive and self-reliance that proved instrumental to his success.
Scaling Smart: Focus on Existing Relationships: Andrew emphasizes the critical importance of scaling your service business before focusing solely on new clients. By prioritizing and nurturing existing client relationships, businesses can experience organic growth through referrals and genuine appreciation.
Any Business is a Relationship Business: Regardless of industry, success hinges on strong relationships. Andrew highlights the ongoing effort required to maintain client relationships, likening it to a marriage. Continuous attention and care are essential.
Mindset of Gratitude: Andrew champions the practice of gratitude, even when facing challenges. Focusing on positives and acknowledging what you're grateful for can help overcome difficulties and find solutions more quickly than dwelling on negativity.
The Power of Time Blocking: Initially skeptical, Andrew now lives by his calendar, strategically blocking out time for family, personal commitments, and then business, ensuring he prioritizes what truly matters without sacrificing productivity.

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Coach Mike and Coach Chris sit down with Eric Herrera from the Kolbe Corporation. They explore the transformative power of Kolbe assessments in understanding your natural strengths and how these insights can lead to a life of multidimensional success, both personally and professionally.

Learn how Kolbe Assessments can skyrocket your achievements, both personally and professionally.

Key Discussion Points:

Coach Chris's Kolbe Journey: Chris shares his early experience with Kolbe through Strategic Coach, highlighting a personal anecdote where the assessment accurately described his aversion to long meetings in confined spaces, leading to an immediate change in his work habits. He emphasizes the tool's accuracy and his decision to become a certified Kolbe consultant.
What is Kolbe? Eric Herrera defines Kolbe's mission: to help individuals achieve their goals by identifying their natural modes of action and problem-solving. He explains that Kolbe assesses how people "get things done" through four distinct modes:
Kolbe in Action (Personal & Professional):
Personal Application: Kolbe applies to all aspects of life, from communicating with a spouse to optimizing personal learning styles.
Team Building & Communication: Coach Chris emphasizes Kolbe's value in building effective teams by identifying complementary strengths. He shares how knowing a team member's Kolbe scores improves communication and understanding of their processing styles, reducing friction and increasing efficiency.
"Leaning into Your Gifts": Eric clarifies that Kolbe isn't about avoiding tasks you're "bad" at, but finding your unique way to accomplish them. He provides examples of "hacks" for individuals to work within their natural strengths while still fulfilling necessary responsibilities.

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This week, Coaches Mike and Chris discuss the vital aspects of multidimensional success, emphasizing the consistent nurturing of key relationships and the importance of lifelong learning. They share personal anecdotes about celebrating anniversaries and achieving significant milestones, highlighting practical strategies for maintaining balance in life.

If you consider yourself a high achiever but have challenges nurturing important relationships, spend some time with the Balanced Warriors!

Key Discussion Points:

Prioritizing Couple Time: The Balanced Warrior coaches stress the significance of dedicated one-on-one time with your spouse, beyond family activities. Chris shares insights from his 32nd-anniversary trip and their commitment to annual solo trips, as well as weekly date nights and simple shared moments like movie nights.
Consistent Relationship Deposits: Chris and Mike discuss the concept of making regular "deposits" into your relationships through quality time, compliments, acts of service, and intimacy to avoid becoming "roommates." Scheduling consistent time and turning off distractions are key examples.
Multidimensional Success Revisited: For new listeners, they reiterate the podcast's core philosophy of achieving balance across health, wealth, career, and family by consistently contributing to each area.
The Power of Lifelong Learning: Mike and Chris emphasize the importance of maintaining curiosity and avoiding stagnation at any age.
Honoring Mentors and Legacy: Both hosts reflect on the profound impact of their martial arts mentors, and the significance of honoring those who have guided them. They highlight the value of having mentors, partners, and proteges in life.
Age as Just a Number: Chris shares an inspiring encounter with an 80-year-old avid snowboarder, illustrating that a consistent and active lifestyle can defy age-related limitations.
Dynamic Balance: The hosts acknowledge that achieving perfect daily balance is unrealistic, but the goal is to maintain an overall equilibrium by consciously allocating time to different areas of life.

If you found this episode valuable, please like, share, and subscribe to the Balanced Warrior Podcast!

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Join Coaches Mike and Paul as they delve into the crucial mindset of starting from zero in any area of life…health, wealth, fitness, career, and family. They share impactful advice on setting realistic expectations, embracing the beginning, and focusing on consistent progress over perfection. Learn how to cultivate the "Balanced Warrior" mentality to be the high achiever you can be proud of!

Key Highlights & Advice:

Every Master Was Once a Disaster: Emphasizing that everyone, regardless of their current success, started at the beginning. Grandmasters were once white belts.
Progress, Not Perfection: A powerful reminder to focus on taking action and accumulating small wins rather than being paralyzed by the pursuit of flawlessness.
Stacking Small Wins: The importance of celebrating small victories to build momentum and motivation. Just like a baby's first words are celebrated, acknowledge every step forward.
Reverse Engineering Goals: Start with the long-term vision but break it down into smaller, manageable steps with clear metrics and timelines.
Attacking the Day: Shift from merely "trusting the process" to actively attacking the day with focused action steps that contribute to your goals.
Winning the Day: Focus on identifying and achieving 3 key action steps in your core areas of life (business/production, health/fitness, relationships/family) to feel a sense of accomplishment and build confidence.
Consistency Over Special Talent: Recognizing that long-term success often stems from consistent effort and habits rather than innate abilities.
Tailored Coaching: The importance of a coach that provides the right kind of motivation and accountability, whether it's a firm push or gentle encouragement.

And a ton more advice!

Join the Balanced Warriors and learn how to achieve progress in all areas of your life.

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On this Episode of the Balanced Warrior Podcast, we have J.D. Crowell, a successful real estate investor from South Carolina. J.D. shares his entrepreneurial journey and insights on high achievement while maintaining a balanced life.

J.D.'s primary business helps high performers convert hard-earned money into passive income through apartment building investments. He also has associated property management and transactional arms. Growing up in a blue-collar family and even living in the basement of a car dealership instilled a strong work ethic that fueled his entrepreneurial journey.

Over five years, J.D. scaled his real estate portfolio to over 1250 apartment units by applying his finance and business acumen.

Episode Highlights:

The Power of Continuous Learning: J.D. emphasizes the importance of constant learning and self-education, highlighting his significant annual investment in professional development.
"Dark Fuel" for Motivation: J.D. reveals that early skepticism and being underestimated served as "dark fuel" to drive his success.
Family as Priority: J.D. stresses the importance of family, sharing his long-term relationship with his high school sweetheart and their two children.
Life by Design, Not Chance: J.D. emphasizes that his lifestyle is a result of intentional planning, hard work, and navigating challenges.
Continuous Self-Improvement: With financial success, J.D. remains committed to daily self-improvement and becoming a better version of himself.
Challenging the Idea of "Balance": J.D. suggests that true "balance" might not exist in a time-for-time sense but rather focuses on the quality of time spent in different areas of life.
Non-Negotiables: J.D. highlights the importance of daily non-negotiables, such as working out twice a day, to ensure his key priorities are consistently met.

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In this episode, we delve into the art of living a multi-dimensional life with the inspiring Casey Schwartz of Schwartz Legacy Planning. Discover how this attorney, entrepreneur, wife, and mother expertly juggles a thriving career with family, self-care, and intentional living.

Learn practical strategies for prioritizing what truly matters, setting powerful boundaries, and crafting a routine that supports your well-being in all areas.

Key Pieces of Advice from Casey Schwartz:

Prioritize Routine: Establish routines that incorporate all aspects of your life, including personal well-being.
Schedule Everything Important: Treat family time and self-care with the same importance as client meetings and business obligations by scheduling them in your calendar.
Embrace the Power of "No": Learn to say no to commitments that don't align with your priorities or will lead to overwhelm.
Be Intentional: Consciously choose how you spend your time and energy in all areas of your life.
Communicate with Your Partner: Especially when working together, establish clear boundaries and communicate about when you are and aren't available to discuss work.
Self-Care is Essential, Not a Luxury: Recognize the importance of taking care of your physical and mental health to sustain your ability to manage multiple responsibilities.
Reflect on Mortality (Without Being Morbid): The experience of working in estate planning can highlight the importance of making the most of your time and being present with loved ones.

Get ready to be inspired and empowered to find your own balance!

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In this empowering episode of The Balance Warrior Podcast, Coach Chris and Coach Paul break down a simple mindset strategy that can help you stay grounded, confident, and focused….even when life throws you off course.

If you consider yourself a high achiever or someone working in a demanding career, coach Chris and Paul will help you simply shift your mindset.

Ready??

When negativity strikes, counter it with the phrase: “Yeah, but…”

This powerful reframe helps you acknowledge the challenge and immediately shift your perspective toward progress, gratitude, or growth.

Key Highlights of this Balanced Warrior Podcast episode.

“Yeah, but…” as a Reframe Tool: Use this phrase to redirect your thoughts when negativity creeps in.
Mindset Is Everything: Letting negativity seep into your subconscious can lower confidence, affect performance, and breaks your flow.
Catch It, Scratch It, Erase & Replace: Inspired by neuro-linguistic programming techniques, this approach helps you disrupt limiting thoughts and replace them with empowering language.
Real-Life Examples: From tough coaching moments to a high-stakes lacrosse game, Coach Chris and Coach Paul share how reframing helped keep perspective and protect confidence.
Language Awareness: Watch for disempowering words like “try,” “if,” and “should.” Replace them with decisive, intentional language to reinforce your mindset.

Big Takeaway!

Self-mastery starts with mastering your mindset. Use “Yeah, but…” as a quick and powerful tool to stay present, protect your energy, and lead with clarity in every part of your life.

If you enjoyed this podcast, please don’t be shy and share it with anyone who would benefit from its content. Visit empoweredmastery.com for more information, or contact us at info@empoweredmastery.com should you have any questions about Balanced Warrior and Empowered Mastery.

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If you're working in a demanding career or you associate yourself with being a high achiever, and you're also raising children, this podcast episode is for you.

In this episode of the Balanced Warrior Podcast, we dive into a raw and emotional conversation about parenting, connection, and what it means to truly show up for your kids. All while managing and growing a demanding career.

Coach Michael and Paul discuss parenting, not built on perfection, but on vulnerability. They discuss the realization that love, presence, and authenticity matter more than anything else.

Key Highlights:

Vulnerability Creates Connection: being a vulnerable parent can be hard, but it can make a big difference in your relationship with your children.
Three Mantras That Matter: “I love you. I’m proud of you. I’m grateful you’re my child.” Simple, consistent words that build unshakable emotional security.
Presence Over Perfection: Rearranging life to be at every game, and important event because showing up matters.
Meeting Them Where They Are: From sharing personal struggles to spontaneous dinners, scheduling one-on-one time, and learning new things together, it’s about building trust on their terms.
Positive Influence Through Media: Using digital platforms to subtly drip-feed uplifting, faith-based, and value-driven content as a counterbalance to mainstream noise.
Parenting as Legacy: It's not about shaping kids in your image, but supporting their identity and cheering on their path, whether it mirrors yours or not.

If you are a high achiever juggling a demanding career, this is a reminder that the most powerful thing a parent can do is be present, be real, and be consistent.

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In this inspiring episode of the Balanced Warrior Podcast, Coaches Mike and Chris discuss the importance of making your future better than your past. They explore how age should not be seen as a limitation but as an opportunity for growth, achievement, and new challenges.

The Balanced Warriors provide actionable strategies to ensure continuous personal and professional progress. Call it a road map for high achievement later in life.

Key Takeaways:

Surround Yourself with the Right People. Choose relationships that inspire growth.

Challenge Yourself at Any Age. Never stop pushing your limits.

Embrace the Wisdom That Comes with Age. Experience enhances teaching, leadership, and decision-making skills.

Prioritize Energy and Recovery. Sustainable success comes from maintaining vitality through strategic rest, exercise, and mindset practices.

Maintain a Growth-Oriented Mindset. Focus on what’s ahead in your career, relationships, and health.

Constantly reminiscing about past successes can prevent you from building a brighter future.

If something affects your quality of life, don’t procrastinate. Address challenges head-on and make positive changes now.

Action Steps:

Identify and nurture relationships that motivate and challenge you.

Set a new personal challenge, whether in fitness, business, or relationships.

Implement a structured recovery plan to sustain energy levels.

Reflect on areas where you can apply wisdom gained from experience.

Plan for your next big goal. what excites you about the future?

Your best days are still ahead. Keep growing, learning, and striving to make every chapter better than the last.

Connect with the Balanced Warriors for more insights into achieving multi-dimensional success! https://empoweredmastery.com/

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Are you a high achiever juggling a demanding career, family, health, and personal growth?

Do you ever feel like you’re forced to sacrifice one area of your life to excel in another?

If so, you're in the right place. Welcome to the Balanced Warrior Podcast, where we believe that multidimensional success is not only possible but essential.

Why Listen to the Balanced Warrior Podcast?

Success is often narrowly defined by financial wealth or career achievements. But true success is about thriving in all areas of life, including your health, wealth, relationships, career, and personal fulfillment.

We are here to challenge the idea that you must sacrifice one aspect of your life to excel in another. Instead, we will equip you with the strategies and mindset to create a robust, well-rounded, and fulfilling life, without compromise.

What You’ll Gain from This Podcast

Proven Strategies for Multidimensional Success.

Learn how to excel in your career without neglecting your family, fitness, or personal passions.

Real-World Insights from Serial Entrepreneurs & High Performers.

We’ve built businesses, trained elite athletes, and coached high-level executives. Now, we’re sharing our hard-earned lessons with you.

A Unique Blend of Eastern & Western Wisdom. We integrate martial arts philosophies like Il Il Shin (be better every day) with modern success principles.

Actionable Tips & Inspiring Interviews. Hear from top professionals who have mastered balance and success.

Who Are We?

Michael, Chris, and Paul are seasoned entrepreneurs, former national-level martial arts competitors, business coaches, real estate investors, and family men who have successfully integrated high achievement with personal fulfillment. We’ve lived through the struggles, overcome the challenges, and now we’re here to help you do the same.

Why Subscribe?

If you’ve ever felt like you had to choose between career success and personal happiness, this podcast is for you. We believe you can have it all….without burnout, without sacrifice, and without regrets.

By subscribing, you'll gain access to weekly episodes packed with transformative insights, practical strategies, and inspiring conversations to help you achieve the life you truly deserve.

Subscribe today and start your journey to multidimensional success!

Listen to the Balanced Warrior Podcast and take control of your success on your terms.

More about The Balanced Warriors can be found here: https://empoweredmastery.com/

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In this episode of the Balanced Warrior Podcast, we dive into the importance of taking consistent, intentional action and maintaining faith in the process of growth and self-improvement. We discuss how small, repeated efforts create lasting change and how shifting your mindset from “if” to “when” transforms your potential. Focusing on these key takeaways can help you, the high achiever, live a more balanced, and fulfilling life both personally and professionally.

Key Takeaways:

Shift your mindset: Remove “if” from your vocabulary and replace it with “when.” This simple change creates certainty and commitment.
Visualize your future success: Imagine looking back a year from now, seeing the results of consistent action—like going to the gym 150 times or having 52 date nights—and let that vision motivate your daily choices.
Believe in the power of compounding: Small, consistent efforts—like going to the gym 150 times a year or having weekly date nights—lead to significant long-term results.
Be ruthlessly consistent: Progress happens when you show up and take action, even when it’s inconvenient.
Maintain faith and stay the course: Just like a plant takes time to grow, your efforts will bear fruit if you stay patient and positive.

Thank you for joining us on the Balanced Warrior Podcast. We’re here to provide you with strategies, stories, and real talk to help you live a life of multidimensional success. Stay tuned for more actionable insights and inspiration!

https://empoweredmastery.com/

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Welcome to the Balanced Warrior Podcast for high achievers. In this episode, Coaches Mike, Chris, and Paul dive into the idea that sometimes the smallest adjustments lead to the biggest results. Inspired by a simple yet powerful training moment, Mike shares how a slight change in his exercise form dramatically improved his results—and how this concept applies to every area of life.

The coaches explore why we often feel stuck and the importance of self-awareness and mentorship in making meaningful improvements. Through personal stories and examples from martial arts, business, and family life, they illustrate how small tweaks, not drastic overhauls, often lead to the greatest breakthroughs. They discuss the danger of mindlessly going through the motions and the value of asking the right questions, staying consistent, and making intentional adjustments.

Key Points:

Sometimes it’s not about working harder but making a small, strategic change.

Awareness and reflection are crucial for identifying what’s not working.

Mentorship provides valuable outside perspective for necessary adjustments.

Consistency paired with mindful improvements drives long-term success.

Evolution, not revolution. tiny tweaks often lead to the biggest breakthroughs.

Action Steps:

Take stock of your current results in key areas: health, relationships, career, and finances.

Identify where you feel stuck and reflect on small changes you could make.

Seek guidance from a mentor or expert who can help you adjust your approach.

Stay consistent but stay mindful. Small tweaks can create a lasting impact.

If you enjoyed this podcast, please don’t be shy and share it with anyone who would benefit from its content. Visit empoweredmastery.com for more information, or contact us at info@empoweredmastery.com should you have any questions about Balanced Warrior and Empowered Mastery.

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In this inspiring episode of the Balanced Warrior Podcast, we sit down with Stephen McManus, a Marine veteran, real estate entrepreneur, and leader who embodies discipline, faith, and success. Stephen shares his journey from the military to corporate life and eventually entrepreneurship, highlighting the importance of mindset, discipline, and authenticity in achieving a well-balanced life.

Key Takeaways:

The Power of Discipline: How the Marine Corps and The Citadel shaped Stephen’s leadership and mindset.

Authenticity is the Biggest Magnet: Why being real and transparent builds trust in business and personal relationships.

Balancing Business, Family, and Faith: Stephen’s formula for multi-dimensional success.

Routines for Peak Performance: A breakdown of his daily habits, including fitness, faith, and focused work.

Overcoming the Guilt of Hustle: How Stephen ensures his daughter understands his purpose and priorities.

Building a Legacy Beyond Business: The importance of giving back, including his work with Battle on the Bricks to support veterans and local charities.

Powerful Quotes:

"As a man thinketh in his heart, so is he." – Proverbs 23:7 "Your mind is the general, your body is the soldier." – Napoleon "Success at work means nothing if you're failing at home."

Resources & Links:

Subscribe & Follow: Never miss an episode! Subscribe to Balanced Warrior Podcast on Apple Podcasts

If you found value in this episode, leave us a review and share it with a friend who needs to hear this message!

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Episode Summary: In this emotional episode of The Balanced Warrior Podcast, Coach Paul Melella and Coach Chris Berlow discuss the importance of living a life filled with purpose, gratitude, and adventure. Through personal stories—ranging from climbing volcanoes to overcoming a health scare—they remind us to prioritize what truly matters and to embrace life without hesitation.

Key Takeaways:

Multi-Dimensional Success: Balancing business, health, relationships, and personal fulfillment.
Chris’s Philosophy: "Ask my mother"—a reminder to live now because tomorrow isn’t guaranteed.
Paul’s Perspective: How a sickness or disease could shift to gratitude and outlook on life.
Practical Steps: Plan experiences, prioritize loved ones, and replace fear with faith.

Action Steps:

Schedule one meaningful experience you’ve been putting off.
Reflect daily: If today was my last day, how did I do?
Embrace gratitude and faith as you navigate life’s challenges.

Upcoming Event: Join Chris and Paul in Charleston for Surge Week, a transformative retreat featuring mindfulness practices, personal growth workshops, and goal-setting sessions for 2025. Check out the website for more info!

Stay Connected:

Website: EmpoweredMastery.com

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In this episode of Balanced Warrior, we are joined by special guest Mike Regina, a serial entrepreneur who embodies the philosophy of multidimensional success. Mike successfully manages multiple businesses, oversees a team of over 40 employees, nurtures a nearly 25-year marriage, and prioritizes time for his three children, regular exercise, meditation, prayer, and giving back to his community.

Key Takeaways:

Confidence and Enthusiasm: Approach projects and businesses with confidence and excitement.
Failure as a Stepping Stone: View failure as a temporary setback on the path to success. Embrace fearlessness in the face of defeat.
Building with the Right People: Surround yourself with the right individuals as the foundation of any successful venture. Collaboration is key; great things are seldom achieved alone.
Golden Rule: Treat others with respect and love as you would want to be treated. Maintain a culture of mutual regard.
Leading by Example: As a leader, demonstrate that no task is above or below you. Lead with humility and responsibility.
Creating a Positive Work Culture: Focus on creating a work environment where your team looks forward to Mondays.
Non-Negotiables for Team Members:
Be a proactive problem solver.
Cultivate confidence in your abilities.
Demonstrate emotional intelligence and self-control.
Take ownership and fix mistakes promptly.
Embrace failure as a learning opportunity for personal growth and improvement.

Tune in to this insightful episode of Balanced Warrior as Mike Regina shares his expertise on achieving success across various facets of life while embodying the principles of balance, leadership, and personal growth.

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In this episode of the Balanced Warrior Podcast, hosts Michael Mertens and Coach Paul Melella interview Mike Epstein, CEO of Next Gen Agency, a leading provider of VIP outsourced business solutions. Mike shares his inspiring journey from humble beginnings in Shrub Oak, NY, to building a multi-million-dollar company while pursuing his passions as a musician and Harley Davidson enthusiast. He emphasizes the importance of creating a positive workplace culture, hiring the right people, and fostering employee engagement through meaningful incentives, team-building events, and personalized appreciation.

Mike delves into his practices of visualization, meditation, and gratitude, which have been instrumental in his success. He explains how visualizing his goals and maintaining a positive mindset have helped him overcome challenges and achieve a fulfilling life. His nightly routine of affirmations keeps him focused and aligned with his vision. For entrepreneurs, Mike stresses the value of intentional culture, clear goals, and commitment to action. His message serves as a reminder that success is not just about financial achievement but also about happiness, balance, and giving back.

This episode offers actionable insights for anyone striving for multi-dimensional success. Whether you're an entrepreneur or seeking personal growth, Mike’s story highlights the transformative power of mindset and intentionality.

If you enjoyed this podcast, please don’t be shy and share it with anyone who would benefit from its content. Visit empoweredmastery.com for more information, or contact us at info@empoweredmastery.com should you have any questions about Balanced Warrior and Empowered Mastery

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In this episode, Coaches Paul, Chris, and Mike are back to dive into how to live a balanced, fulfilled life across health, wealth, and personal growth. We start off with a laugh about Halloween candy temptations and how each of us managed to (mostly) stick to our health commitments by setting some non-negotiables.

Then we get into the main focus of today’s talk: the power of introversion—and why balancing both introverted and extroverted traits can actually help you be more successful and grounded. Paul shares how he evolved from a high-energy, attention-loving kid to a coach who’s learned the value of listening and recharging. Chris talks about his need for solitude, finding his best insights when he’s off in the mountains on a hike. Mike underscores the impact of active listening and asking the right questions, explaining how it helps us connect more deeply and get to the heart of what clients really need.

We talk about the idea of "calm confidence," a mix of humility and grounded self-assurance. Building both listening and communication skills, we believe, can really level up your relationships, your leadership, and your coaching. And of course, we bring it back to martial arts: it’s a powerful way to develop confidence, discipline, and life skills—especially for kids—like eye contact, respect, and composure that carry over to everything else in life.

To wrap things up, we encourage everyone to work on both sides of the spectrum—embracing both introverted and extroverted skills to grow personally and professionally. Thanks for joining us, and tune in for more tips and strategies to find balance in all areas of your life on the next episode of The Balanced Warrior Podcast.

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In this episode, Balanced Warrior coaches Chris Berlow and Paul Melella explore the five Rules of Il Il Shin to develop personal growth, self-mastery, and mindfulness. In the discussion, they emphasize the need for continuous improvement, self-awareness, and the establishment of individual rules and highlight the importance of balanced states, mental breaks, and meditation for maintaining productivity. They also stress the importance of humility, accountability, and having accountability partners in leadership. Key takeaways from the podcast…

Practice the 10 Rules of Ill Shin: Focus on eliminating anger and adhering to principles even without external expectations.
Daily Tea Ceremonies: Maintain rituals with family for quality time and self-reflection.
Regular Meditation: Implement morning, midday, and evening practices for balance and clarity.
Mentorship: Continue guiding proteges and passing on specialized knowledge to the next generation.
Accountability Practice: Take ownership of mistakes, ask for forgiveness, and engage in service recovery when necessary.

If you enjoyed this podcast, please don’t be shy and share it with anyone who would benefit from its content. Visit empoweredmastery.com for more information, or contact us at info@empoweredmastery.com should you have any questions about Balanced Warrior and Empowered Mastery.

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In this episode of Balanced Warrior, we have the privilege of hosting Jill Russack, an empowerment coach dedicated to helping high-performing women navigate career uncertainties, conquer self-doubt, and emerge as confident leaders.

Key Takeaways:

Cultivating a clear vision for advancing in your career.
Developing the ability to spot hidden opportunities and leverage them.
Investing in yourself, with a coach as a transformative ally.
Overcoming and dispelling internal narratives that hinder personal growth.
Embracing and aligning with your core values to shape your identity.
Setting clear goals and directions for personal and professional growth.
Embracing action over regrets to propel yourself forward.

Tune in to gain valuable insights and strategies to empower yourself on the path to success and self-actualization.

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In this episode of the Balanced Warrior Podcast, hosts Michael Mertens and Paul Mellela dive into the critical concept of longevity and how to prepare for a life of multidimensional success. As they celebrate Michael's 54th birthday, they reflect on their journeys and share insights on maintaining physical, mental, and emotional health well into later life.

Key Discussion Points:

Longevity Mindset: Mike and Paul emphasize the importance of planning not just for financial security in old age but also for physical, mental, and emotional health. They challenge the notion that aging means slowing down and instead advocate for a proactive approach to staying robust and healthy well into your later years.
The Role of Ego and Emotional Connection: While initial motivations for health may stem from ego, such as wanting to look good, they emphasize that deeper, more emotional reasons should drive long-term health goals—like being there for your family and experiencing life fully.
Social Health: The episode also highlights the importance of maintaining a social network, which is crucial for longevity. Mike and Paul discuss how surrounding yourself with a community that values fitness and well-being can provide positive peer pressure and accountability.
Simple Actions, Big Impact: Mike and Paul close by emphasizing the power of making small, consistent efforts in diet and exercise that can significantly improve your health.

If you found value in this episode, share it with someone who could benefit from these insights. For more resources on achieving multidimensional success, visit empoweredmastery.com or reach out to us at info@empoweredmastery.com.

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Avoid letting summer turn into the lost quarter
High performers celebrate, recuperate, and recharge, then swiftly return to their routines
Adapt your habits to the changing seasons, but maintain consistent effort
Consistency throughout the year leads to significant rewards in health, work, and career
Take control of how you perceive and approach the summer season
Infuse excitement into your goals by gamifying them, enabling you to eagerly adapt and explore fresh concepts

If you enjoyed this podcast, please share it with anyone who might benefit from its content. For more information, visit empoweredmastery.com or contact us at info@empoweredmastery.com with any questions about Balanced Warrior and Empowered Mastery.

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This week on the Balanced Warrior podcast, coaches Chris Berlow, Michael Mertens, and Paul Melella join us to inspire and entertain. Inspired by one of Paul’s clients, who admitted struggling to stay focused amidst the current political climate, this episode is not about politics but about maintaining focus. The central question is: How do we stay productive and focused with so many distractions around us? Paul, Chris, and Mike offer powerful insights on protecting your mindset and freeing yourself from distractions so you can maximize your time and live your best life. Key takeaways include:

Clearly define your goals and the steps needed to achieve them.
Be ruthless with time management.
Schedule appointments with yourself and treat your most important tasks as if you were meeting a client or customer.
Reflect on whether your current activities are deposits or withdrawals toward your success.
If you find yourself getting distracted, spend time in nature to regain clarity.
Ask yourself, as a result of this information, what will I do differently?
Let your inner voice overpower external influences.
Most importantly, always keep the main thing the main thing.

If you enjoyed this podcast, please share it with anyone who might benefit from its content. For more information, visit empoweredmastery.com or contact us at info@empoweredmastery.com for any questions about Balanced Warrior and Empowered Mastery.

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Curt Thomas, a dynamic keynote speaker with over 23 years of leadership and management expertise, shares his inspirational journey from overcoming the challenges of failing 9th grade to becoming a successful professional.

His diverse career spans from serving as an enlisted airman in the Air Force, a dedicated state trooper in South Carolina, to a seasoned account manager in a Fortune 500 company. Currently, Curt serves as a medical officer in the Air Force Reserve, demonstrating his unwavering dedication to service. Alongside, he is a thriving entrepreneur running CURT THOMAS UNLIMITED, LLC, and DENALI CONSULTING GROUP, LLC.

With a Bachelor's degree in Sociology from Claflin University, a Master's in Leadership from The Citadel, and pursuing a doctoral degree at Trevecca Nazarene University, Curt leverages his educational background and rich experiences to guide organizations towards achieving their goals through authentic leadership.

As an accomplished author of 9 published books, Curt empowers individuals to unleash their full potential and become their best selves. His impactful message emphasizes the power of mindset and resilience in the face of challenges, inspiring lasting positive change and transformation within organizations nationwide.

Key Takeaways from the Show:

Curt's temporary failures fueled his drive to work harder and achieve success in life.
Transitioning from a life he disliked to focusing on his desired identity inspired his personal growth journey.
In the face of adversity, Curt shares the choice to either succumb like a victim or rise above challenges with resilience and a determined spirit.
Years of personal development and learning from high achievers empowered Curt to understand the importance of mindset and attitude shifts in navigating both personal and professional difficulties, leading him to rediscover the path to success.

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This week on the Balanced Warrior podcast, coaches Chris Berlow and Mike Mertens delve into profound life philosophies. With decades of experience in martial arts training, personal development, entrepreneurship, and mentoring thousands of individuals, philosophy has become increasingly significant in their lives, particularly at their current life stage. Both Mike and Chris are 54 years old, with grown children, and while still actively engaged in their businesses and coaching, they reflect on the importance of living their best life. Whether facing a midlife crisis or recognizing the necessity of prioritization, this conversation resonates with individuals at all stages of life. Whether you are just starting your career or are retired, every day should be a good day to die, symbolizing truly living your best life. Key takeaways include:

“Today is a good day to die.” - Native American saying
“Remember you must die.” - Stoic saying
“If today is to be your last day on earth, how do you choose to live?” - Grandmaster Byung Min Kim
“Always be training” - Aspires you to strive for something and provides grace if you fall short
Driven by Habits: Strive to be driven by habits and maintain consistency in your training
Comprehensive Training: Training encompasses both physical and mental aspects, practiced consistently
Reflect Daily: Ask yourself, “Am I leaving anything undone, unsaid, or unappreciated?”
Focus on Calming Down: We cannot slow down, but we can focus on calming ourselves

If you enjoyed this podcast, please share it with anyone who might benefit from its content. For more information, visit empoweredmastery.com or contact us at info@empoweredmastery.com with any questions about Balanced Warrior and Empowered Mastery.

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In this week's episode of the Balanced Warrior podcast, coaches Chris Berlow and Mike Mertens delve into effective strategies for organizing overwhelming information. We also extend our congratulations to Mike for successfully hosting a National Convention with over 180 professional Taekwondo practitioners. The event featured an impressive lineup of speakers with decades of experience, offering attendees a wealth of knowledge.

Post-convention, the challenge lies in digesting and implementing the extensive information shared. In this podcast, Chris and Mike discuss actionable strategies for effectively managing and utilizing the insights gained. Here are some key points and takeaways:

Work on Your Business and Life: Conventions provide an opportunity to step back and focus on overarching goals rather than day-to-day tasks.
Differentiate Between Notes and Actions: Understand the distinction between notes, lists, actions, and action plans.
Evaluate Opportunities: When deciding on tasks, determine if they represent opportunities or distractions.
Value-Driven Decisions: Run your business based on core values, avoiding the allure of the next "shiny object."
Task Focus Within Projects: Concentrate on the specific tasks within projects rather than the projects as a whole.
Strategic Project List: Create a strategic project list and consistently make progress on each item.

If you enjoyed this podcast, please share it with anyone who might benefit from its content. For more information, visit empoweredmastery.com or contact us at info@empoweredmastery.com with any questions about Balanced Warrior and Empowered Mastery.

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This week on the Balanced Warrior Podcast, we have all three coaches sharing their ideas on the best and most useful ways to whisk away the clutter with good Spring Cleaning. Paul starts by discussing various strategies to rid toxins and purify his body for optimal performance. Chris shares his approach to Spring Cleaning by tapping into the growth season with the abundant energy in nature and setting up for an adventure to get excited and inspired about the future. Mike wraps up the conversation with strategies to clean out the clutter in business and assess what he and his team could do better. All in all, listeners will surely benefit from three different approaches to Spring Cleaning. Tune in and prepare for a fun conversation with all three Balanced Warriors and kickstart the Spring Season of growth to make an even more enjoyable summer. Some key takeaways…

Spring season is all about growth, so tap into the energy cycle of life.
Spring is a time for new opportunities.
Take the time to assess how to improve your health
Spend more time in nature to align with growth energy.
Spring is a great time to review what is working in business.
Identify new KPIs and see how to maximize the team’s efforts
Do a budgeting purge with zero-based budgeting

This podcast has a ton of valuable wisdom, and it is right here for you all to benefit from decades among decades of experience. If you enjoyed this podcast, please don’t be shy and share it with anyone who would benefit from its content. Visit empoweredmastery.com for more information, or contact us at info@empoweredmastery.com should you have any questions about Balanced Warrior and Empowered Mastery.

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In this episode, Paul shares his experiencing with showing up to a speaking engagement that turned out to be far different than what he expected. Paul discusses how he overcame his initial feelings of embarrassment and disappointment using the "catch it, scratch it, erase and replace" method that allowed him to deliver a great presentation and enjoy the process as well.

Together Paul and Mike use this experience as jumping off point to discuss:

Why high performers in every field must have a strategy to obtain results, even when things don't go according to plan.
How to reconnect to your vision and keep the "main thing the main thing" when you find yourself humbled by a surprise or a setback.
The importance of communicating from a sense of gratitude rather than ego.
How to frame all experiences as opportunities to learn.

This podcast has practical lessons to share for workouts. Learn how to get the most out of every scenario so that you are always learning and growing.

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This week on the Balanced Warrior Podcast, we have a special guest, Dylan Finn, a young man with unparalleled determination. After fourteen days, Dylan awoke from a coma. Two weeks earlier, he was a typical college kid having fun, enjoying school, and hanging out with friends. But, on this particular day, Dylan had suffered a traumatic brain injury from a fall. With only a ten percent survival rate, Dylan found the strength and courage to flip the perspective of what happened to him and to use what he had learned to help others. His book titled Growth is the real story of what happened and Dylan's journey of learning, lessons, and light found at the end of the tunnel.

A few takeaways from his inspiring story

A positive attitude is everything when facing an obstacle, no matter how big.
Focus on “I get to” instead of “I have to.”
Always fail forward.
Always strive for personal growth.
Find a coach and mentor
Embrace every moment like it’s your last because it may be.

This podcast has a ton of valuable wisdom, and it is right here for you all to benefit from. If you want to learn more about Dylan and his journey and purchase his book, please visit his website at https://www.dylan-finn.com/. If you enjoyed this podcast, please don’t be shy and share it with anyone who would benefit from its content. Visit empoweredmastery.com for more information, or contact us at info@empoweredmastery.com should you have any questions about Balanced Warrior and Empowered Mastery.

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This week on the Balanced Podcast, we have coaches Chris Berlow and Paul Melella sharing their wisdom and experiences on maintaining their personal energy. As discussed numerous times, restoring mental energy is vital to performing at a high level. If you are tuning into this podcast, you are likely a high performer. And with all high-performance machines, you need to fuel it correctly, and rejuvenation time is our high-octane fuel. Paul’s scheduled March trip could not happen, and he is currently feeling the effects of not taking the time to rejuvenate. He referred to the term professional bonking, and it is real, so we all have to pre-plan trips to ensure we are constantly restoring our mental energy to keep the momentum strong. Some key takeaways are…

Pre-plan respite time daily, weekly, monthly, and quarterly to ensure you can sustain a high level of performance
Don’t take respite for granted
Embrace change
Being present and mindful in whatever season of life you are in
Nothing last forever, so absorb the moments fully now

This podcast has a ton of valuable wisdom, and it is right here for you all to benefit from decades among decades of experience and wisdom. If you enjoyed this podcast, please don’t be shy and share it with anyone who would benefit from its content. Visit empoweredmastery.com for more information, or contact us at info@empoweredmastery.com should you have any questions about Balanced Warrior and Empowered Mastery.

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This week on the Balanced Warrior Podcast, all three Balanced Warrior Coaches discuss how to build the ultimate team. Whether you are a small or large business owner, a manager, a supervisor, or even someone looking for an intimate relationship, there are tips and strategies to help you find the right fit. Think about it…how much lost money and opportunity came from not hiring the right person? It could be tens of thousands of dollars and countless hours before you figure out a relationship will not work. Listen to this podcast and find out how to find the right fit for your company and even your life. There are a lot of golden nuggets for you to take in, so be on the lookout for the following…

Five Steps for onboarding
Share your Worthy Ideal, Worthy Ideal story. (Your Why)
Articulate your CORE values as an organization.
Share the rules, responsibilities, and expectations of the role.
Outline the goals of the position.
Ask: How do you see yourself fit in with our organization?
Utilize the Kolbe System to find the M/O of the position and see if the candidate fits.
Never discredit the importance of fitting in with the culture of the business.
Employees are most important because they run the company/face the clients.

This podcast has a ton of valuable wisdom, and it is right here for you all to benefit from decades among decades of experience and wisdom. If you enjoyed this podcast, please don’t be shy and share it with anyone who would benefit from its content. Visit empoweredmastery.com for more information, or contact us at info@empoweredmastery.com should you have any questions about Balanced Warrior and Empowered Mastery.

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This week on the Balanced Warrior Podcast, we have coaches Chris and Paul, who recently met with their Grandmaster, Grandmaster Byung Min Kim. If you have been tuning in, you’ll notice that Chris and Paul reference Grandmaster Kim’s training often, and a lot of the lifestyle they both live is from Grandmaster Kim’s teaching. Of course, the meeting was profound and powerful, as with all of them, and had the two of them thinking and reflecting at a deeper level. Tune in to learn a bit more about how to adopt the Il Il Shin (Be Better Everyday) lifestyle and listen to the takeaways that both Chris and Paul received. Here are some key points to look out for…

Sometimes, words have the same meaning but different interpretations.
Stay out of the gap.
Focus on progress, not perfection, and always be happy where you are.
When feeling down, use three different stacks.
Victory Stack: Focus on your victories in life.
Gratitude Stack: Focus on what you’re grateful for.
Ego Stack: Focus on the great things about you, the individual. Ensuring that you are worthy of success.
Take time for self-reflection: How could I do better? Who am I? Evaluation of your personal behaviors.
What is your personal definition of success?

This podcast has a ton of valuable wisdom, and it is right here for you all to benefit from decades among decades of experience and wisdom. If you enjoyed this podcast, please don’t be shy and share it with anyone who would benefit from its content. Visit empoweredmastery.com for more information, or contact us at info@empoweredmastery.com should you have any questions about Balanced Warrior and Empowered Mastery.

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This week on the Balanced Warrior Podcast, we have a special guest, Master Antony Graf. Master Graf has numerous accomplishments and accolades. He was a nine-time US National Taekwondo Champion, a US Team Member winning 13 International medals, and more. He turned his energy from competition to business and now owns and operates Believe Martial Arts, a highly successful martial arts school in Miami, Florida. Even more significant, he has a fantastic marriage and two very inspiring and wonderful children. He captured his stories and anecdotes on leadership and parenting in his new book, “Whispers of Wisdom.” Master Graf profoundly impacts children, his own, and his students and many refer to him as the “kid whisperer.” He is an empath who truly cares; he feels what others feel, and he has taken his unique abilities and is now sharing them with all of you. There are numerous value bombs and golden nuggets you do not want to miss. Whether you are a parent or a leader of a large organization, this podcast is for you. Grab a pen and paper, be ready to take notes, and listen to all Master Graf has to share. Some key points to look out for are…

“To teach is to learn.”
When you speak to children, adults relate their own lives to the children’s experiences.
Most challenges adults face come from what happened when they were children.
Feed the behavior you want, and starve the behavior you don’t want.
To help children or adults, you need to share their load and see things from their perspective.
Up close, life is a tragedy; from afar, it is a comedy.
Necessity is the mother of invention.
Consistently challenging children allows them to overcome failure.
Hard work doesn’t guarantee success, but it greatly increases the odds.
Conscious parenting: Be mindful of your words, eliminate “can’t” and replace it with “I haven’t done it yet.”

This podcast has a ton of valuable wisdom, and it is right here for you all to benefit from. If you would like to, and you should purchase Whispers of Wisdom, click this link: https://a.co/d/gAIZhNn. If you enjoyed this podcast, please don’t be shy and share it with anyone who would benefit from its content. Visit empoweredmastery.com for more information, or contact us at info@empoweredmastery.com should you have any questions about Balanced Warrior and Empowered Mastery.

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No matter what your external accomplishments are, your self worth tends to be dominated by your self perception.

Mastering the "inner game" of a healthy self image is crucial for long term success. In this transparent and thought provoking discussion Paul and Mike discuss how to:

Challenge negative self-talk: Be mindful of your internal dialogue and challenge any self-deprecating or critical thoughts. Replace them with positive and empowering affirmations
Reframe failure and mistakes: View failure and mistakes as opportunities for growth and learning, rather than proof of your inadequacy. Recognize that everyone makes mistakes and that it does not diminish your worth or competence
Take care of your physical well-being: Engage in regular exercise, eat a balanced diet, and get enough sleep. Taking care of your physical health can have a positive impact on your self-esteem.
Practice self-care: Prioritize activities that bring you joy and relaxation. Engaging in self-care regularly helps reinforce the belief that you are worthy of love and attention.
Embrace failure as a learning opportunity: Instead of being discouraged by failures, see them as opportunities for growth. Learn from your mistakes, persevere, and celebrate your resilience.

These strategies are proven to boost your self esteem and energize you to pursue your goals with a renewed sense of passion and confidence!

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For those who do not know, BHAG stands for “Big Hairy Audacious Goals.” And we always encourage our clients to set the BHAG at the beginning of the year. However, doubt and fear set in as the year progressed, and things didn’t go as planned. This is normal, especially when someone creates goals that excite them and scare them simultaneously. BHAGs are risky and require you to leave your comfort zone to accomplish your vision and worthy ideal. In this podcast, Coaches Chris and Paul outline strategies to stay above the obstacles and keep the BHAG front and center, allowing you to stay away from the sharks and see yourself on the other side. If you’re not sure what that means, tune in to find out, as well as these other value bombs.

Your goals should excite and scare you at the same time.
You have to be above the obstacles.
Be consistent in the day-to-day, and have to work to win the day.
Set the 12-month goal and reverse engineer it to make manageable benchmarks.
What is your definition of “winning the day.”
Work to eliminate distractions, ease your mind, and when things get tough, do the next right action.

If you enjoyed this podcast, please don’t be shy and share it with anyone who would benefit from its content. Visit empoweredmastery.com for more information, or contact us at info@empoweredmastery.com should you have any questions about Balanced Warrior and Empowered Mastery.

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On the Balanced Warrior Podcast this week, coaches Chris Berlow and Paul Melella discuss several ways to maintain a happy and loving relationship. All three Balanced Warrior coaches pride themselves on having flourishing marriages with their wives, but of course, as with anything, there were challenges. But always, the strength in the marriage is what allows them to overcome any obstacle that comes their way. Coaches Chris and Paul share the seven strategies to build, maintain, and foster a deep relationship with the one you love the most. And keep the spirit of Valentine’s Day alive all the time in your marriage. Because when things are good at home, you can successfully fulfill all the other obligations you have in life to the best of your ability.

Always work on effective communication with your spouse.
Pre-set quality time with and be present when you’re together.
Show appreciation…It’s the little things that matter.
Foster a relationship of trust and honesty.
When facing adversity, work together as a team to resolve conflict constructively.
Support each other’s goals and ambitions.
Maintain intimacy and work to keep the spark alive.

If you enjoyed this podcast, please don’t be shy and share it with anyone who would benefit from its content. Visit empoweredmastery.com for more information, or contact us at info@empoweredmastery.com should you have any questions about Balanced Warrior and Empowered Mastery.

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This week on the Balanced Warrior Podcast, we have coaches Chris Berlow and Mike Mertens talking about the empty-nesting season of life. Many couples fall in love, get married, have children, raise their children, and when the children move out, they forget why they were together. They focused solely on being great parents and providing for their children, which is very worthy and admirable, but they didn’t take time for themselves. Thankfully, that is not the case with Chris or Mike; in fact, it is quite the opposite. Now that they have adult children, they have more time to pursue other hobbies and interests. Both Mike’s wife, Alisa, and Chris’s wife, Kathy, completed a full Ironman and have taken their hobbies to an extremely high level. Alisa rides her bicycle all over the world, and Kathy is always out for the next challenge. The key to having a solid relationship is understanding and appreciating others’ interests and passions, or as Mike put it, having an “Open ‘Hobby’ relationship.” Meaning they support each other in their endeavors but always find time for each other. Some key takeaways to look our for are…

Always invest in your relationships.
Children should enhance a relationship and not change it.
It is important to support your spouse’s endeavors, no matter how bizarre and extreme.
Be sure to come back to a “Common Ground” in between adventures.
Ask your spouse, when proposing an idea, “Are you sure you are ok with it?”
Communication is key.
Earn your “Spousal approval credits.”

If you enjoyed this podcast, please don’t be shy and share it with anyone who would benefit from its content. Visit empoweredmastery.com for more information, or contact us at info@empoweredmastery.com should you have any questions about Balanced Warrior and Empowered Mastery.

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2023 was an interesting year for Balanced Warrior coaches Paul and Chris. While Paul was growing his coaching business, Chris traveled the world and had a major knee replacement surgery. Paul was highly focused, and Chris was, as Paul likes to joke, on the “Berlow world tour.” There was a disconnect between them, and on this podcast, Chris and Paul put themselves through the powerful Rules and Values exercise to understand each of their perspectives. On a very positive note, the two met at Paul’s house in South Carolina, and both became reinvigorated. In this very personal podcast, Paul and Chris drop many powerful lessons you could apply to keep your personal and professional relationships positive and meaningful.

In a partnership, never go too long without connecting and aligning your goals.
Be proactive with collaborative and creative meetings.
Understand each other’s motivation to appreciate their perspective.
Keep the main thing the main thing.
Paul values growth, and Chris values fun, which wasn’t in alignment.
Understanding each other’s driving values allows for better communication.

If you enjoyed this podcast, please don’t be shy and share it with anyone who would benefit from its content. Visit empoweredmastery.com for more information, or contact us at info@empoweredmastery.com should you have any questions about Balanced Warrior and Empowered Mastery.

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While most people set New Year’s Resolutions that most likely fall by the waste side after a few weeks, Balanced Warriors Chris, Paul, and Mike share an alternative approach to New Year’s Goals. Why? Because the fact is…New Year’s Resolutions don’t work! They say the first action people take after New Year’s is to join a gym, and the second one is to cancel the membership. Paul shares his strategy on how he utilizes New Year’s to make adjustments to the related areas of life, but because he is constant in his lifestyle, there is no need for dramatic change. Please listen to what he says because he is masterful at maximizing his time and squeezing every ounce of juice out of his life. He leaves no stone unturned and accomplishes more weekly than most people do monthly. Now, Chris and Mike aren’t slackers either; they also have some useful tips to add to the perfect formula for making 2024 the most productive and best year ever! Here are some valuable tips to look out for…

Identify the Core Four areas of life that are important to you when evaluating your New Year’s Goals.
Where are you going to invest more time and spend less time?
Create three specific clarity goals for each area of life.
Identify what you could do daily, weekly, monthly, and quarterly to move the needle forward.
Most importantly, time-block the action items in your calendar and protect it at all costs.
Pre-plan rejuvenation time to make sure your batteries stay charged
Commit to be consistent.

And as always, If you enjoyed this podcast, please don’t be shy and share it with anyone who would benefit from its content. Visit empoweredmastery.com for more information, or contact us at info@empoweredmastery.com should you have any questions about Balanced Warrior and Empowered Mastery.

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Many people are working tirelessly to finish the year strong at this time of the year. So much so that they work so hard that they become exhausted; while this is admirable, it does find reasons to reevaluate the end-of-year approach. Chris and Paul have a powerful conversation that could help all aspiring Balanced Warriors approach 2024 consistently so they could have a strong and productive year while also enjoying the process. This takes prior planning and a proactive approach to the year rather than being reactive. If you haven’t heard of the “Five P’s”, you will in this podcast. “Prior Planning Prevents Poor Performance,” especially for all high performers tuning in to the podcast. Here is a list of highlights to look out for.

It’s ok to hit the turbo buttons when needed
Analyze the year to see how you could have done better
Reflect on how you performed, what you could have done better, and when you excelled
Learn to celebrate your victories and from your mistakes
Rejuvenate and recover systematically so you can always have the energy to perform
Plan for the next quarter and year with new strategic projects and goals
Always work to level up! (ABG..Always Be Growing)

And most important, happy holiday season to all who take the time to listen to our podcast. As always, If you enjoyed this podcast, please don’t be shy and share it with anyone who would benefit from its content. Visit empoweredmastery.com for more information, or contact us at info@empoweredmastery.com should you have any questions about Balanced Warrior and Empowered Mastery.

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This week on the Balanced Warrior Podcast, we have coaches Chris and Mike chatting about the holidays and how, for many, it is a very stressful time of year. How do you get the perfect gift for your loved ones? How much debt am I going to go into buying gifts for everyone? Will our gathering be enjoyable or filled with stress? Chris and Mike discuss all these points and how to keep the holiday spirit alive in your circles. Listen and take notes on how to make your holiday season more memorable than ever before, and it very well could start with you. As Balanced Warriors, we always strive to be better for ourselves and those around us, so embrace the holiday spirit, no matter what you celebrate, and make memorable moments that will last forever. Here is a list for you all to ponder…

Give the gift of experiences
There is no greater gift than shared quality time
When you give and do good deeds, it is good for your mental health
Play “Dysfunctional Bingo” at your family gathering…a fun game to keep sensitive topics light-hearted
And a very powerful quote from coach Mike, “I’m going to work with the state of the world that I create.”

And most important, happy holiday season to all who take the time to listen to our podcast. As always, If you enjoyed this podcast, please don’t be shy and share it with anyone who would benefit from its content. Visit empoweredmastery.com for more information, or contact us at info@empoweredmastery.com should you have any questions about Balanced Warrior and Empowered Mastery.

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This week on the Balanced Warrior Podcast, we have coaches Chris and Mike discussing the importance of treating people how you would want to be treated. Chris just came off a European Cruise and was blown away by unparalleled customer service. He was so inspired that he shared it with Mike, and they decided it would be a powerful podcast topic. The two of them dive into stories of excellent and negative customer experiences to demonstrate the extremes of the customer service spectrum. Being in business for almost three decades, they have much to say about this topic. Here are some of the highlights to look out for…

We should never be too busy to be personable.
It’s all about relationship builders.
Quote to live by, “Customers are not always right, but they are customers.”
You tell a lot about a person and how they treat servers in a restaurant.
Sincerity + Trust = Credibility
Treat your clients like your family and your family like your clients.

If you enjoyed this podcast, please don’t be shy and share it with anyone who would benefit from its content. Visit empoweredmastery.com for more information, or contact us at info@empoweredmastery.com should you have any questions about Balanced Warrior and Empowered Mastery.

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Being thankful and expressing gratitude is top of mind as we gather around the table for Thanksgiving. But how much more rewarding would you life and your relationships be if you centered them around gratitude every single day? In this episode, Paul and Mike discuss how you can cultivate a gratitude mindset, and take consistent action to demonstrate your appreciation to others.

Paul's recommendation for music that creates the right state for starting each day
The most powerful question you can ask yourself each morning
Real world examples of how your day succeeds or fails based on the "frequency" you are tuned in to
The relationship between appreciation and abundance
How getting emotionally connected to your goals creates momentum and follow through
Why successful people expect to achieve what they envision
How Paul used the "gratitude theater" to reset his mind after a traumatic financial downturn

This is a powerful episode that has application to your health, home life and career. Listen in and learn how you can tap into the power of gratitude.

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This week on the Balanced Warrior Podcast, all three coaches, Chris, Mike, and Paul, dig into the importance of responding to a situation instead of reacting. Have you ever had a situation where you reacted a certain way and regretted it and wished you could have taken it back? Or have you reacted in a way where all parties involved were better because of it? Well. Chris, Mike, and Paul all experienced both and are sharing with all of the listeners the tips, tricks, and strategies to help you respond appropriately and not react in haste. Because the latter will help you and those around you grow from the experience, whereas the former brings regret and could set you back in many ways. So tune in, get a pen and paper ready, and take notes to learn how to respond and not react. Some key takeaways to look for are…

When confronted with a situation, write it out and schedule time to address it.
Run through a value checklist.
Responding and not reacting takes conscious effort.
If people bring toxicity to your world, disconnect with them.
Understand the other person’s rules, and you could respond more appropriately
Make your rules easy to meet and hard to break
Communicate your standards so they understand the rules of your game.

If you enjoyed this podcast, please don’t be shy and share it with anyone who would benefit from its content. Visit empoweredmastery.com for more information, or contact us at info@empoweredmastery.com should you have any questions about Balanced Warrior and Empowered Mastery.

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This week on the Balanced Warrior Podcast, we have coaches Chris and Mike reflecting on what they would tell their younger selves if they could do it again. Both Balanced Warrior coaches discuss the mistakes they made in the past and what they would do differently if they turned back time. Now that Chris is a new grandfather and Mike’s children are adults, they took this opportunity to share their wisdom through the mistakes and successes of their past. Hopefully, their children will listen, but if not, we know you will get great advice from this one. So, Tune in, grab something to take notes, put these tips into action, and use the hard-earned wisdom Mike and Chris share. Here are some highlights to listen for…

Don’t wish for the future because it comes to you very fast.
Show appreciation for people who help you, and do it at the moment.
Keep the personal element in front of every communication because it is personal.
Prioritize your priorities.
Training for sport is excellent, but it’s more important to train for life.
YOUTH IS WASTED ON THE YOUNG!…and don’t let that be you!

If you enjoyed this podcast, please don’t be shy and share it with anyone who would benefit from its content. Visit empoweredmastery.com for more information, or contact us at info@empoweredmastery.com should you have any questions about Balanced Warrior and Empowered Mastery.

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This week on the Balanced Warrior Podcast, Coaches Chris, Paul, and Mike discuss materialism vs. simplicity. How it is possible to strive for growth and material things while maintaining a balanced state of existence. And if it is possible, how do you do it? This is a question that many people who experience some level of success often ask themselves. Well, the three Balanced Warrior coaches have some sound advice to ensure we all stay centered as we grow. Some key takeaways are…

Value experiences over things
A sense of gratitude comes with a sense of abundance
We are compensated in direct proportion to the impact that we make; want more? Make a more significant impact.
Manifestation of money
Create and deliver massive value
The intention is to serve other people
Have the right to earn money
Residulalize the money
Remember…success is good, but it must be earned!

If you enjoyed this podcast, please don’t be shy and share it with anyone who would benefit from its content. Visit empoweredmastery.com for more information, or contact us at info@empoweredmastery.com should you have any questions about Balanced Warrior and Empowered Mastery.

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This week on the Balanced Warrior Podcast, we again have all three coaches, Chris, Paul, and Mike, as they discuss the book, “Think Like a Monk” by Jay Shetty. Mike had read the book and, because of what Balanced Warrior stands for, felt it was perfectly aligned with the Balanced Warrior philosophy. While the book touches on many topics that have been discussed before, today’s topic was how to stay positive when things aren’t going the way you wish. How do you stay positive in the face of adversity? All three coaches share their personal stories, experiences, and anecdotes, making this episode one to tune into. So grab your pen and paper, and get ready to jot down some value bombs that will surely keep you positive when things are not going your way. Some key takeaways are…

Have a set morning routine and get your mind in a positive state
Put things into perspective when things are difficult
Care less about the things you can’t control and more about the things you can
Use the statement, “Not Today!” when dark thoughts occupy your mind
Spot, Stop, and Swap negativity
Ask yourself, “What’s the positive
Focus on Progress, not perfection
Time heals all wounds, and the pain you experience is only temporary

If you enjoyed this podcast, please don’t be shy and share it with anyone who would benefit from its content. Here is a link to “Think Like a Monk,” should you want to read it. https://thinklikeamonkbook.com/

Visit empoweredmastery.com for more information, or contact us at info@empoweredmastery.com should you have any questions about Balanced Warrior and Empowered Mastery.

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This week on the Balanced Warrior Podcast, we are joined by all three coaches, Mike, Chris, and Paul. The three of them dive deep into their extensive parenting experiences, through their own children, and from teaching thousands of kids, they share their most effective parenting tips to help children go back to school with a winning mindset. There is no more meaningful work than parenting, and with Paul’s children attending high school, Mike has one in college and is now into a career, and Chris has legitimate adults and is expecting to be a Grandfather this month, there is a wealth of knowledge to be shared, so tune in and get ready to send your kids back to school as Balanced Warriors. Some key takeaways are.

Let your kids fail forward
Tell them you love them, respect them, and are grateful they are your children
Focus on character traits more than academics
Be honest about their strengths, not just their weaknesses
Encourage them to fulfill their passion
Make their future bigger & and better than their past
Be aware of the ramifications of the pandemic, and help them leave it in the past

If you enjoyed this podcast, please don’t be shy and share it with anyone who would benefit from its content. Visit empoweredmastery.com for more information, or contact us at info@empoweredmastery.com should you have any questions about Balanced Warrior and Empowered Mastery.

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This week on the Balanced Warrior Podcast, we have an exceptional guest, Jerry Tavella, discussing the importance of replicable systems. Jerry is a managing partner in Prosperian Wealth and a partner in Strategies for Wealth, the largest agency in the Guardian Life Insurance network located in Westchester, NY, and New York City. First as an advisor and now as a general agent, Jerry has cultivated a tremendous team, and continues to roll out top leaders in the industry. He is a dedicated father, loving husband, and committed leader who has truly experienced multi-dimensional success and is now sharing his success strategies with all of you. So get your pen and paper ready, and get ready to listen and write how to build a successful duplicatable and replicable business so you, too, can experience multi-dimensional success.

Success is built on a duplicatable process, including a protege and a mentor.
The protege must have a clear and concise growth plan and a clear progression from entry-level to partner.
A protege model is a mutual relationship between the protege and the mentor.
The protege model should be highly regarded as a paid graduate program.
The protege model allows time expanse to free the junior and senior advisors to delegate and focus on higher-level tasks and projects.
Be patient and don’t rush the process, and allow the process to do its job so the quality of the team remains high.
Create compensation based on the mentor’s successes, so they can experience and see their potential.
No better investment than an investment in good people.
“When you invest in people, success is exponential.”
Keep a steady proactive training program for the proteges.

If you want to learn about what Jerry does, a possible career opportunity, and the ability to impact countless lives, you could contact Jerry at jtavella@prosperianwealth.com.

If you enjoyed this podcast, please don’t be shy and share it with anyone who would benefit from its content. Visit empoweredmastery.com for more information, or contact us at info@empoweredmastery.com should you have any questions about Balanced Warrior and Empowered Mastery.

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This week on the Balanced Warrior Podcast, Coaches Chris and Mike are back to discuss the importance of properly preserving one’s legacy. Mike had the fortunate opportunity to purchase five martial arts businesses from his long-time Taekwondo Master, mentor, and business partner Grandmaster Chong. The question was how to continue Grandmaster Chong’s legacy while the businesses transitioned to new ownership. There were many steps along the way, but most notable, were the two large retirement parties to celebrate Grandmaster Chong’s legacy, which also acted as a celebration for the continuation of the organization under new leadership. Mike and the team did it right! They honored the man who started the business and showed all of the clients that they were in good hands. Some notable takeaways to look for are…

Small businesses should always properly plan for succession
Respect and appreciation are key to passing on one’s legacy
It is important to pay it forward
Position a business transition as a celebration
Always remember where you came from and who helped you get where you are

If you enjoyed this podcast, please don’t be shy and share it with anyone who would benefit from its content. Visit empoweredmastery.com for more information, or contact us at info@empoweredmastery.com should you have any questions about Balanced Warrior and Empowered Mastery.

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What do you do AFTER you accomplish a significant goal that took you six months of daily effort to achieve? That’s the topic that Balanced Warrior coaches Paul Melella and Mike Mertens discuss on this episode. Having recently competed, and successfully won, his men’s bodybuilding physique competition, Paul answers questions about how he felt in the moment and how he transitions on to his next higher set of goals. During this thought provoking conversation you will hear:

The moment of clarity that struck Paul as he took to the stage regarding why he is driven to excel
The degree of celebration that he allowed himself to enjoy after a victory
The difference between a diet and a lifestyle
The power of a vision board and keeping your most important goals in front of you

Mike also shares his own goals setting tips, including the link between physical goals and how to they impact your work and career goals as well.

As always, you can count on the Balanced Warrior podcast to provide you with interesting stories, real world examples, and strategies to help you aspire to and achieve more out of life. Enjoy listening and let us know what you think by providing us with a review.

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This week on the Balanced Warrior Podcast, Chris shares with Coach Mike his path to recovery after double knee replacement surgery. Just three weeks prior to his surgery, he was standing on to of the highest mountain in Africa, Mt. Kilimanjaro, and then he was relearning how to walk. Where most people in need of knee replacement do one at a time, Chris opted to get them both done at the same time so he would only have one surgery, one recovery, and one rehab. Also, if it was a difficult recovery on one leg, he couldn’t chicken out on the second one. He knew it was going to be difficult, but he also knew the pain was going to be temporary and day by day he was going to improve. For anyone who is hell-bent on keeping their passions alive as their body ages, or facing a hardship that needs to be overcome, this is the podcast for you. Why, because no matter what obstacle is in front of you, it is having the right mindset that gets you through. Some key takeaways are…

It was necessary to mentally prepare prior to surgery
Put a positive spin on whatever challenge you face
It’s all training
Time is the greatest healer
If something compromises your quality of life, just get it done
We all should train for longevity
Strength and flexibility training becomes more important as we age

If you enjoyed this podcast, please don’t be shy and share it with anyone who would benefit from its content. Visit empoweredmastery.com for more information, or contact us at info@empoweredmastery.com should you have any questions about Balanced Warrior and Empowered Mastery.

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This week on the Balanced Warrior Podcast, Chris and Paul share some valuable tips on how to stay strong during the summer. A lot of professionals believe that summer is inevitably going to be slow and in turn, business is going to be slow. While it is true that people do take more time off in the summer, successful people will come up with innovative ways to make the most out of their time; not just in business, but all areas of life. Paul and Chris give some solid strategies to take advantage of the summer and come out ahead, where most struggle to get through. Some key takeaways are…

It’s ok to downshift during the summer but must continue growing
If business is slow, put the energy towards other areas of life
Use the summer to nurture key relationships
Consistency is key
Rejuvenate your mental energy daily, weekly, monthly, and quarterly
Pre-plan rejuvenation activities
Eliminate distractions to be more production

If you enjoyed this podcast, please don’t be shy and share it with anyone who would benefit from its content. Visit empoweredmastery.com for more information, or contact us at info@empoweredmastery.com should you have any questions about Balanced Warrior and Empowered Mastery.

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This week Mike and Paul discuss Paul's upcoming physique competition. The Balanced Warriors are all about taking on new fitness challenges, and pushing themselves to grow! As Paul explains, the benefits of taking on this unique challenge have extended to more than just the shape of his body. The discipline, habits, and sense of purpose required carry over into his relationships, work, and even faith.

Listen in as Paul shares:

A day in the life during the final phase of competition training
How to overcome temptation and peer pressure and stay on track
The 4 D's that make goal setting more effective
Why prioritizing your fitness is compatible with prioritizing your family

Even if you never intend to lift a weight or to pose on a stage, Paul's experience will give you inspiration to take on your own unique fitness goals

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This week on the Balanced Warrior Podcast we have another very special guest, David Greenwood. David is an accomplished author and podcaster, coach, and all-around great guy. His two books, Overcoming Distractions and Overcoming Burnout are both timely and prescriptive given today’s information overload that everyone is experiencing. Dave’s podcast provides tremendous value with insightful conversations on how to overcome the many distractions we face in our lives. So whether you are a business owner, entrepreneur, manager, employee, parent, or student, this conversation will surely keep you focused, and provide proven strategies to help you accomplish all you set out to do.

Some key takeaways are…

Self-awareness is key to overcoming distractions
Clear your mind with a brain dump, then organize from there
Don’t just create a to-do list, schedule the actions in your calendar
Keep tasks right in your face and make them easy to see
You must own your ADHD and/or distractibility challenges
Work to stay in control of your world instead of your world controlling you
Always seek clarity

If you want to learn about David and all he has going on, go to overcomingdistractions.com, and we strongly recommend you listen to his podcast, Overcoming Distractions, and order either or both of his books.

If you enjoyed this podcast, please don’t be shy and share it with anyone who would benefit from its content. Visit empoweredmastery.com for more information, or contact us at info@empoweredmastery.com should you have any questions about Balanced Warrior and Empowered Mastery.

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In part 2 of this presentation, Mike Mertens reveals more of the principals that allowed his businesses to thrive for several decades, and to serve as a standard for his industry. These concepts are applicable to virtually any field, and can be used as a checklist to determine where you need to put more effort into your career or business. Mike discusses 5 elements including:

Your People: Have you built a roster of team members that have complimentary skills?

Your Process: Create a love affair with the methods you use and strive to be remarkable.

Your Innovation: Regular adjustments, improvements and upgrades are vital to business health

Your Language: The importance of upgrading how you communicate what you do, how you do it, and why it matters

Your Goals: There is no limit to what you can achieve if you commit to constant growth and learning

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What does it take to build a business that succeeds at the highest level decade after decade? Mike Mertens is a serial entrepreneur, with ownership in martial arts schools, consulting, and software. In this episode, Mike explains the importance of building your business on a solid foundation, and that foundation is you! Listen in and learn as Mike discusses:

Clarity of Vision: The key to decision making

Time management: How to avoid majoring in minor things

Emotional Management: Learning to become self aware of your emotional states and triggers

The Warrior Spirit: Business ups and downs are inevitable but entrepreneurs embrace the challenge

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This week on the Balanced Warrior Podcast you have all three Balanced Warrior’s on-air discussing mentorship. Not of their parents or Taekwondo mentors, but from other influences who have inspired the three of them. Chris, Mike, and Paul each chose two historical figures whom they respect, admire, and who have influenced them in one way or another. Chris chose U.S. Grant and Rosa Parks, Mike acknowledged Walt Disney and Ray Kroc, and Paul talked about Napoleon Hill and Bruce Lee. All the historical figures were innovators, passionate, and overcame tremendous adversity to achieve the impact and success they desired. Tune in and travel through time as the Balanced Warriors take you through a historical journey of some of the most influential people in history.

U. S. Grant because of his rise from poverty to the greatest military commander in U. S. history, held steadfast in his values and was able to always see the forest through the trees.
Walt Disney was relentless to see his vision come to life and was able to create and inspire a dedicated team, which was undeterred by critics, and financial challenges.
Ray Kroc was the architect behind McDonald’s and used training, standards, and systems to produce a consistent experience and result for customers anywhere in the world.
Bruce Lee was the master of discipline who went against the norm and challenged common thinking. H was an innovator who lived outside the box and a true pioneer that inspired martial arts in Western culture.
Rosa Parks was a black woman who refused to give up her seat to a white man on a bus in 1955. Her bold statement instigated the Civil Rights Movement who despite her adversity, always stayed true to the mission.
Napoleon Hill was the famous author of Think and Grow Rich and could be considered the father of personal development. his commitment, dedication, and patience in spreading secrets of success were unparalleled.

If you enjoyed this podcast, please don’t be shy and share it with anyone who would benefit from its content. Visit empoweredmastery.com for more information, or contact us at info@empoweredmastery.com should you have any questions about Balanced Warrior and Empowered Mastery.

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This week on the Balanced Warrior Podcast, we have an exceptional guest, Jerry Tavella, discussing the importance of replicable systems. Jerry is a managing partner in Prosperian Wealth and a partner in Strategies for Wealth, the largest agency in the Guardian Life Insurance network located in Westchester, NY, and New York City. First as an advisor and now as a general agent, Jerry has cultivated a tremendous team and continues to roll out top leaders in the industry. He is a dedicated father, loving husband, and committed leader who has truly experienced multi-dimensional success and is now sharing his success strategies with all of you. So get your pen and paper ready, and get ready to listen and write how to build a successful duplicatable and replicable business so you, too, can experience multi-dimensional success.

Success is built on a duplicatable process, including a protege and a mentor.
The protege must have a clear and concise growth plan and a clear progression from entry-level to partner.
A protege model is a mutual relationship between the protege and the mentor.
The protege model should be highly regarded as a paid graduate program.
The protege model allows time expanse to free the junior and senior advisors to delegate and focus on higher-level tasks and projects.
Be patient and don’t rush the process, and allow the process to do its job so the quality of the team remains high.
Create compensation based on the mentor’s successes, so they can experience and see their potential.
No better investment than an investment in good people.
“When you invest in people, success is exponential.”
Keep a steady proactive training program for the proteges.

If you want to learn about what Jerry does, a possible career opportunity, and the ability to impact countless lives, you could contact Jerry at jtavella@prosperianwealth.com.

If you enjoyed this podcast, please don’t be shy and share it with anyone who would benefit from its content. Visit empoweredmastery.com for more information, or contact us at info@empoweredmastery.com should you have any questions about Balanced Warrior and Empowered Mastery.

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Do you have a mentor or mentors in your life? What about a peer group that challenges and inspires you? How much of your time each week is spent developing yourself by learning new concepts and acquiring new skills that will help you to achieve your goals? And equally important, are you passing on the knowledge that you have to others who are at an earlier stage in their journey than you?

In this episode Paul and Mike address these questions, and how significant mentoring has been to their success. This discussion includes:

A mentor isn’t someone who isn’t all knowing and all powerful
Even the coaches have coaches
Pursuing knowledge with price tags ranging from $20 to $20,000Creating a checklist for success that examines what you are spending your time on and with who you are spending it with.

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This week on the Balanced Warrior Podcast, we have Erin Hartnett, the Director of Development for the Children’s Hospital of Buffalo Foundation. Balanced Warrior Mike Mertens and his martial arts organization, World Class Tae Kwon Do, have supported the Children’s Hospital for many years and raised a whopping 1.3 Million Dollars to help children in the Greater Buffalo area. Balanced Warriors believe that we are measured by what we give, not by what we have in life, and Erin is built from the same mold. She left a career in academia and politics after she asked herself, “What could I do to make a greater impact in the Buffalo community?” She works tirelessly to raise funds by inspiring people to donate so that the hospital can meet the medical needs of children and mothers throughout New York State. She shares her personal story and how when Covid happened, she decided she needed to do something in life with more meaning. This turning point caused her to pivot and seek out a position at a non-profit. This is a great listen to learn about the behind-the-scenes aspects of charity work and how there is no greater gift than the gift of giving. Some key takeaways to look for are…

In life, we are measured by what we give, not by what we have.
Charity is the greatest gift and should be educated by teachers and parents.
A career that can impact those in need is worth its weight in gold.
When you question what you do, take the time to look at the impact that you are making, and that will keep you inspired.
Give without memory, and receive without forgetting.

For more information about The Children’s Hospital of Buffalo Foundation, or if you would like to donate, please visit FOROCH.ORG, and know that any contribution you make will enrich the lives of children and mothers in need.

If you enjoyed this podcast, please don’t be shy and share it with anyone who would benefit from its content. Visit empoweredmastery.com for more information, or contact us at info@empoweredmastery.com should you have any questions about Balanced Warrior and Empowered Mastery.

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This week’s podcast is one not to miss, although we say that to all of them; however, the conversation between Mike, Paul, and Chris will surely get you reflecting on how you are living your life and planning to live in the future. We cover a topic that people don’t want to discuss, yet, what we all spend a great deal of time training for. What are we training for? longevity. In this episode, Mike leads off with the insights and actionable strategies found in his newest favorite book, “Outlive,” written by a medical doctor and popular podcaster, Peter Attia. Together, the Balanced Warrior team discusses their daily habits to increase both life span AND health span. While none of the three do it the same way, all of them are committed to investing now in their physical, mental, and emotional health so that they may reap the benefits of a more vibrant and independent lifestyle as they age. And let’s face it, they are getting older but could continue to feel young. Listen in and gain great ideas on how to age gracefully and continue to do what you love for all your days!

In this episode:

The sobering tale of two 73-year-olds and how different their daily lives are today
Three different “flavors” of daily activity and a mix of physical training
Where each Balanced Warrior finds emotional support and inspiration
The area that each Balanced Warrior recognized that they needed to improve
The importance of finding a coach and how they contribute to your progress and motivation
What are some of the items that the Balanced Warriors include in their Centenarian Decathlon

Dr. Peter Attia’s book “Outlive,” his podcast, and information on his great work can be found at www.peterattiamd.com. And if you know anyone who would benefit from this podcast or an of our conversations, be sure to share with your family and friends. Visit empoweredmastery.com for more information, or contact us at info@empoweredmastery.com should you have any questions about Balanced Warrior and Empowered Mastery.

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In this episode on the Balanced Warrior Podcast, we are wrapping up the April 2023 theme of Happiness and fun with the owner of Embark Exploration Co., Donovan Pacholl. Donovan started Embark Exploration because he loved adventure and travel, and he combined the two to form his very successful adventure travel company. They have facilitated countless trips worldwide and brought people to accomplish mountains and treks they never believed they could. He has helped charitable organizations such as Leukemia & Lymphoma Society and countless others raise money and climb Kilimanjaro in Africa, Everest Base Camp in Nepal, Cotopaxi in Ecuador, and more. Balanced Warrior Coach Chris had the opportunity to spend three weeks with Donovan climbing Aconcagua earlier this year. Donovan drops numerous value bombs in this episode and refers to various sources; one is the book MicroAdventures by Alastair Humphries, which allows people to get a sense of adventure without traveling the world. Donovan shares his fantastic adventure stories, how he started and conceptualized Embark Exploration, and what inspires him to grow and take more people out of their comfort zone and climb the world’s highest peaks and remote places.

Some notable takeaways…

Adventure Travel allows you to get comfortable with being uncomfortable.
There is beauty all over the world waiting to be explored.
It is possible to do what you love as a business.
What Type 2 Fun is and how it helps you grow.
Suffering is a good thing and part of any adventure.
You don’t need to travel the world to experience adventure.
You, too, can climb Africa’s highest peak, Kilimanjaro.

You can learn more about Embark Exploration at https://embarkexplorationco.com, where you can all choose from an array of adventures. Embark hosts a podcast called, Type2Fun, https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/type2fun/id1539555571, which is highly recommended. And you can find Donovan Pacholl and Embark Exploration on all social media channels. Of course, this is the place to go if you are looking for adventure travel!

And don’t be shy and share it with anyone who would benefit from its content. Visit empoweredmastery.com for more information, or contact us at info@empoweredmastery.com should you have any questions about Balanced Warrior and Empowered Mastery.

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This week, we have a most memorable episode of the Balanced Warrior Podcast as Paul and Chris had the distinct honor and opportunity to interview their Taekwondo and spiritual Grandmaster, Grandmaster Byung Min Kim. Grandmaster Kim is one of the most influential Taekwondo Grandmasters in the world, from being a Middle and Heavy Weight Korean National Champion in his youth to owning and operating multiple successful Taekwondo Schools in New York and New Jersey. He has performed on National television in ABC’s Wide World of Sports and has impacted thousands of lives. Even more impressive is his unrelenting commitment to his personal training and spiritual journey to reach enlightenment. His discipline is second to none, and he retired from Taekwondo to advance his training. Grandmaster Kim possesses a great deal of wisdom and knowledge that only one who has spent thousands of hours in meditation could have. We are excited to share a piece of that wisdom with all of you! Paul and I sat with Grandmaster Kim in his backyard, having tea in a beautiful setting on a warm day in Loma Linda, California, where he shared how we could all live happier lives. Please grab a pen and paper, or use your phone for notes and capture the wisdom of a Great Grandmaster with years of experience and training.

If you enjoyed this podcast, please be sure to subscribe to the podcast and allow us to help you live a balanced life while maintaining a warrior spirit.

And don’t be shy and share it with anyone who would benefit from its content. Visit empoweredmastery.com for more information, or contact us at info@empoweredmastery.com should you have any questions about Balanced Warrior and Empowered Mastery.

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This episode on the Balanced Warrior Podcast is all about fun and happiness. Coaches Chris Berlow and Paul Melella have a “fun” conversation on “Happiness.” What is your definition of happiness? Is it dependent on the success of your business? Is it the quality of your relationships? Is it the achievement of material things? Or is it the freedom to do the things you love? There is no right or wrong answer because it is individualized to you. This episode will get you laughing and thinking about what brings you joy. Because in the end, if we are not happy in our lives, we are not living our best life.

Here are some notable takeaways to living a happy life.

Everyone has a different definition of "Happiness.”
Happiness is not a destination.
How do you measure Happiness?
Your definition of happiness constantly evolves depending on the season of life you are in.
Top tips for creating a happy life:
Golden relationships play an essential role in the happiest humans.
Intimacy with partners and spouses
Simplifying life
meaningful work
Being mindful and grateful for the little things in life
Learn to become aware of your top values and simplify any rules you attach to them.
Have fun!

If you enjoyed this podcast, please be sure to subscribe to the podcast and allow us to help you live a balanced life while maintaining a warrior spirit.

https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-balanced-warrior-podcast/id1456043540

And don’t be shy and share it with anyone who would benefit from its content. Visit empoweredmastery.com for more information, or contact us at info@empoweredmastery.com should you have any questions about Balanced Warrior and Empowered Mastery.

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This week on the Balanced Warrior Podcast, coaches Mike Mertens and Chris Berlow share tips and strategies to achieve your goals regardless of the obstacles. In the spirit of the spring season, we know this is a great time to initiate growth in our personal and professional lives. There is a vibrant energy that inspires us to do and be more. However, what happens when there is an obstacle? In the world of immediate gratification and expecting progress right away, these obstacles become more daunting because we, as a society, need to be more patient. It’s like someone is standing right in front of a tree, and the tree is blocking the view of the forest, so you don’t even see there is a forest. This is why we owe it to ourselves to keep the vision and goal that inspires us at the forefront of our minds, allowing us to overcome obstacles.

Here are notable takeaways to overcome any obstacle that comes your way:

Motivation is temporary, and Inspiration is long term
We must motivate ourselves daily to stay in touch with what inspires us
We should have clarity in our goals every day
Create a vision board to stay inspired, and do it with your family
Develop a team to support you
Find a mentor or coach to help you overcome your obstacles
Always, always, always focus on the positive

If you enjoyed this podcast, please don’t be shy and share it with anyone who would benefit from its content. Visit empoweredmastery.com for more information, or contact us at info@empoweredmastery.com should you have any questions about Balanced Warrior and Empowered Mastery.

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Donovan Rider was a national level Taekwondo competitor who made an ambitious decision at age 17. After earning the credit he needed to graduate, he left high school to join the U.S. Army. There he was a member of the prestigious World Class Athlete Program. His military duty was to train and compete at the highest level, with the goal of representing the Army at the Olympics. After a great deal of success both nationally and internationally,

Donovan saw his hopes dashed by a career ending injury in the ring at the 2012 Olympic team trials. And yet… that is where his story BEGINS. Donovan applied the focus, intensity and resilience he had gained from being a top fighter into fighting his way up the business ladder. He currently operates six martial arts school/ after school programs, and is poised to open dozens more. In this inspiring interview Donovan shares:

The power of reflection and the moment that everything changes when you realize you are living a life incongruent with your vision of yourself
What it was like to start up a new business with only 10k in a brand new city with no business contacts
The biggest mistakes elite performers make when identifying and training staff
How personal development leads to business development, and why Donovan continues to invest 100K annually on a business coach
The “time blocks” that this ambitious entrepreneur, devoted husband and loving father uses to see continued growth in all areas of his life

If you enjoyed this podcast, please don’t be shy and share it with anyone who would benefit from its content. Visit empoweredmastery.com for more information, or contact us at info@empoweredmastery.com should you have any questions about Balanced Warrior and Empowered Mastery.

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This week’s podcast is enjoyable and will get you laughing as Coach Paul Melella interviews Chris about his latest adventure in Argentina. Chris has been touring the world, climbing high-altitude mountains for six years and countless peaks across the country for the past ten years. He is always looking for his next adventure, and in the spirit of growth, his altitude and challenges grow as time goes on. He has climbed notable peaks such as Kilimanjaro, Cotopaxi, Everest Base Camp, and volcanoes in Guatemala; his latest challenge was to climb the highest mountain in the Americas, Aconcagua, at 22830’. In this podcast, Chris shares with Paul why adventure is such an essential part of his life, why he spends so much time in nature, and is always looking for a taller, more prominent, or farther expedition. Get ready for an adventurous podcast as Chris and Paul heckle their way through the conversation. Here are some notable takeaways:* Keeps me humble - it doesn't matter how big or successful we get... we are small compared to the power of nature * You never genuinely know about life until you experience time in the mountains * Put yourself in situations to challenge yourself and then see your full potential * Getting outside your comfort zone and not be confined to limits * It allows your mind, body, and spirit to be without limits or ceilings

If you are interested in an adventure like Chris has experienced, contact Embark Exploration at https://embarkexplorationco.com . If you are interested in raising money for Leukemia & Lymphoma Society and experiencing an epic adventure, go to https://cure.lls.org/campaign/climb2cure-landing/c423188. Whatever you do, be sure to go outside and enjoy nature.

If you enjoyed this podcast, please don’t be shy and share it with anyone who would benefit from its content. Visit empoweredmastery.com for more information, or contact us at info@empoweredmastery.com should you have any questions about Balanced Warrior and Empowered Mastery.

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March is the beginning of Spring, bringing abundant growth in our worlds. The dormant seeds of winter blossom and energy flow all around us. This is the perfect time to tap into the well-known concept of “Spring Cleaning” and give your mind, body, spirit, home, and office the spring cleaning it deserves. As Balanced Warriors, we believe what gets measured gets managed, and this is the perfect time to measure what is cluttering your world. Balanced Warrior’s Chris and Paul share some Spring Cleaning methods to declutter your mind, calendar, and even home. We hope that after listening to this podcast, you will allow the decluttering process to begin.

Work on decluttering your mind daily to give yourself a fresh start to the day.
Take an assessment of your thoughts to see if they are serving you or not.
Neutralize negative thoughts and gain clarity on your desired outcome.
Take ownership to the improvements you want to make
Be grateful for all experiences, both good and bad, because they led you to where you are.
Control your calendar, and you can control your life…lose the clutter.
See how you could eliminate clutter in your home; an organized home is a happy home.

If you enjoyed this podcast, please don’t be shy and share it with anyone who would benefit from its content. Visit empoweredmastery.com for more information, or contact us at info@empoweredmastery.com should you have any questions about Balanced Warrior and Empowered Mastery.

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As Balanced Warriors, we always talk about multi-dimensional success: success in the areas most important to you. And the relationship with your significant other is paramount to achieving this level of success. Why? Because to be a high performer, your home life has to be rock solid; otherwise, there is no foundation for your success. We are incredibly excited to share this interview with a genuine power couple, Mike and Glori Storms. The two of them are the epitome of multi-dimensional success with a highly successful health coaching business, they are in excellent physical condition, have beautiful relationships with their family, have strong faith, and, most importantly, have a loving and reciprocal relationship that grows stronger every day. The two share what it takes to have a happy marriage and how it is a lot of work. Mike and Gloria opened their hearts and shared personal challenges and obstacles they experienced and practical strategies that helped them overcome the struggles. Now they get to live a life most people could only dream of. And it all comes back to their commitment to having a happy and healthy marriage. There are a lot of takeaways, so tune in on how to always keep your marriage first and continue to be married to your best friend!

Focus on becoming the person you want to find.
Heal yourself first; otherwise, you bring your personal bruises into the relationship.
Identify your marriage expectations and align your financial goals.
Become aware of what season you and your spouse are in.
Faith is the glue to keep the relationship strong and provide structure for your family.
"Celebrate your marriage every day” - Glori Storms

To learn more about Mike and Gloria’s health coaching or this podcast, please email Glori at gloristorms@gmail.com and Mike at sensei.storms@gmail.com. You could follow them on Facebook at facebook.com/mike.storms.754 and Instagram at instagram.com/coachmikestorms/

If you enjoyed this podcast, please don’t be shy and share it with anyone who would benefit from its content. Visit empoweredmastery.com for more information, or contact us at info@empoweredmastery.com should you have any questions about Balanced Warrior and Empowered Mastery.

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All three Balanced Warrior coaches enjoy marriages that have lasted over 20 years. In this episode, Mike interviews Paul and Gina Melella. The Melellas explain how they met and fell in love after ten years of knowing one another. They also share their secrets for growing even closer together while dealing with the daily challenges of running multiple businesses and parenting their two teenage children. As this discussion unfolds, you will see for yourself how the Balanced Warrior concepts of seasons of life, core values, and time blocking all contribute to the health, happiness, and sense of connection that Gina and Paul are sharing. They are a true power couple, and what they do most powerfully is love their family and one another!

Listen in and learn:

• A phenomenal "time to prime" morning routine

• How to establish helpful boundaries that make working from home possible and productive

• The value of a scheduled "family business meeting"

• How you and your partner can learn to speak each other's love languages

• The incredible impact of attention, affection, and spontaneity

• A well-worn book that has added "spice" to Gina and Paul's private time and the surprising person who gave it to them!

• Paul and Gina's advice to new couples who want to enjoy a lifelong "love affair" with one another

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Our first-ever Balanced Warrior interview was with the inspiring and genuine

Marco Barbaro. He is a multi-family real estate investor and coach to individuals looking to grow their wealth. Marco owns an incredible 3,500 rental units and has achieved financial freedom at age 48 with a passive income that will support him for the rest of his life. However, his passion is for more than just sharing tips on cash flow and market trends. Marco preaches and lives a life balanced around health, family, and contribution. In his own words, he is a “go-giver” who thinks beyond his own needs and envisions providing a better future for his children, grandchildren, and clients. Listen in and learn from a true master of multi-dimensional success! Included in this episode:

Marco’s strategies for using a vision board
The value and benefit of setting “layup goals”
The importance of being a student for life
The most valuable “asset” that you can pass on to your children
The connection between daily fitness routines and maintaining a positive mindset
How to reframe and obtain lessons from failure
The multiplier effect of surrounding yourself with the right people

For more information on the content of this podcast, and any other Empowered Mastery programs, be sure to visit www.empoweredmastery.com or email us at info@empoweredmastery.com. For more information about Marco and his multi-family mastermind group, visit marcobarbaro.com for more information.

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Habit Tracking will help you achieve more of your goals this year!

It has been said that your life is made up of your habits. Virtually all of us fall into routines regarding what we eat, when we sleep, how active we are throughout the day, and even the time that we spend with our loved ones. The question is, how many of these habits have you consciously chosen, and how well do the choices support the goals and the lifestyle that you desire? In this episode, Mike goes over the benefits of habit tracking, and how this simple but powerful tool provides both motivation and accountability to readjust your daily routine.

Topics covered include:

What most people get wrong about goal setting
Understanding the difference between outcome goals and process goals
How to establish action items for any goal or area of life
How to decide how high to set your goals
Keeping motivated when you falter along the way

For more information on the content of this podcast, and any other Empowered Mastery programs, be sure to visit www.empoweredmastery.com or email us at info@empoweredmastery.com.

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Podcast 24 will turn the wheels in your mind as we all jump into 2023 to make this year better than the last. If you are listening to this podcast, there’s a good chance you are already working on the goals you set; why? Because that is what high achievers do. Balanced Warrior’s Chris, Paul, and Mike share what’s on their calendar and how they will accomplish their goals. What makes this conversation interesting is the differing approach due to the different seasons of life. Besides being serial entrepreneurs, Paul has two children who still live at home, Mike has one out of the house and one getting ready to graduate, and Chris’s children are all grown up. Enjoy the podcast, and may 2023 be your best year ever!

There is excitement about filling in your calendar with things you want to accomplish
Micro-habits will help you achieve the bigger goal
Set the year goals and reverse engineer them down to the week/months
Allocate time for mental energy rejuvenation
Be specific with the goals you set, clarity makes it a reality
Ask yourself, How will I know when my goal is achieved”
Know the difference between “Outcome“ goals and “Process” goals

For more information on the content of this podcast, and any other Empowered Mastery programs, be sure to visit www.empoweredmastery.com or email us at info@empoweredmastery.com.

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This episode is sure to get the wheels turning in your mind as Mike, Chris, and Paul share their most valuable lessons of 2022. December is an excellent time for reflection, or an evaluation, of how you performed this year. How did you do as a leader, a spouse, a parent, a child, or whatever role you have? How did you do with accomplishing your goals for the year? Most importantly, what did you learn, good or bad, that will help you in 2023? That is what this podcast is all about. The three Balanced Warriors share their greatest takeaways of 2022 with the hope that you, the listeners, will also reflect on how your year went. We all know life has ups and downs, trials and tribulations, but it is the wise leader that has the ability to learn from their experiences and adapt for the future. That is the Balanced Warrior way. Here are some of the lessons learned in 2022 and what to listen for in this podcast…

Experience does not equal wisdom. Experience plus reflection equals wisdom.
If you don’t want the answer, don’t ask the question. (learn to let the question to)
Embrace the power of rituals. Know how to prepare for the day and wind down to close the day.
What gets measured gets married, not just with money, but everything.
Hit the Core Four before you enter the door.
Everything is minus one, you never know what the future holds.

For more information on the content of this podcast, and any other Empowered Mastery programs, be sure to visit www.empoweredmastery.com or email us at info@empoweredmastery.com.

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In this short power podcast, Coach Paul Melella shares how to use some of our Darkside to serve in accomplishing goals. Most of us have at least two different voices in our heads. If you are like most…you have more than just two voices, right? Most have or can experience what I call a "Dark side." It’s the little voice (or maybe it’s a big voice) inside of us that thrives on anger, and frustration, or can get really pissed off at times. Can you learn how to control that voice? Why would you? Because most of those voices could be extremely strong, confident, and dominant… but the anger is used to push most people past their limits or maybe prove to themselves, or at times others, that you can do things.

Key Takeaways:

Learn to use fear, anger, or frustration to serve you.
At times we all have a dark side or experience negative emotions that could potentially hurt us, others, or our outcome. However, when we are aware, awakened, and in control… we can use that dark side to accomplish great things or show others that we can do whatever it is our heart desires.
So, learn to control your Darth Vader voice or tame your inner Hulk, and crush your goals!

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In this episode of the Balanced Warrior Podcast, Balanced Warrior Chris Berlow discusses the difference between Motivation and Inspiration and how motivation is temporary, and inspiration is permanent. In life, we need both to achieve any level of success. Inspiration is the audacious goal that excites and scares you simultaneously. It is a mission or purpose that keeps you going and is typically a long-term goal or mission-oriented result, such as my wife just completing her first Ironman. Many of our clients find their inspiration through their Worthy Ideal, the legacy they want to leave, and the impact they want to make on others. Motivation is what you do day to day to fulfill your inspiration. Motivation could be small daily bursts of excitement to trigger action and overcome laziness. It could be a reflection of your inspiration; it could be a daily routine to prime your mind so you could crush your day; it could be physical exercise; it doesn’t matter as long as you do something to stay motivated every day. Listen to how Chris shares stories and anecdotes for you to get motivated every day and stay inspired so you can live your best life.

Key points…

Inspiration is permanent; motivation is temporary
Motivation must occur every day
Find what inspires you to duel the motivation
motivation comes from priming your mind to win your day

For more information on the content of this podcast, and any other Empowered Mastery programs, be sure to visit www.empoweredmastery.com or email us at info@empoweredmastery.com

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This episode is sure to get the wheels turning in your mind as the duo of Mike Mertens and Chris Berlow joins forces to discuss the idea of a “Self made man”; and how much Mike and Chris DISAGREE with the term. You never know where inspiration comes from, and in this case, Mike was looking for new shirts and came across one that said, “Self-made man” in big letters across the front. Mike saw it and realized how untrue that statement was. And, of course, he didn’t buy the shirt. Chris and Mike discuss the principles of a “Village made man,” tapping into the idea that it takes a village to succeed. Grandmaster Kim once explained how everyone needs three people in their lives. They need a protege or apprentice, a partner, and a mentor. Mike and Chris discuss how all three levels of influence pool together to define the individual. And to be blunt, anyone who claims to be a self-made person is nothing less than a narcissist. For every successful person, there is a village behind them that supports them to do so, which is why the shirt should be “Village-made man.” And it is essential, as Balanced Warriors, to appreciate and recognize those who helped along the way.

The first and most influential mentor is your parents. (Couldn’t have been self-made if you weren’t conceived)
We could learn from positive or negative influences…follow what you like and leave what you don’t.
A good partnership is being responsible for one part of business/life so the other could be free to do what they do.
Balanced Warriors should give recognition, show appreciation, and always pay it forward.

For more information on the content of this podcast, and any other Empowered Mastery programs, be sure to visit www.empoweredmastery.com or email us at info@empoweredmastery.com.

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This episode features a solo presentation by Balanced Warrior Coach Michael Mertens. Michael discusses his opinion towards positive self-talk, and facing up to the reality that it’s not crazy to talk to yourself. In fact it’s insane not to! Everyone listens to and battles with various voices in their head every day. And whether you are parenting or performing, an athlete or an accountant, your daily thoughts are sure to range from positive to negative and empowering or disempowering. So how can you take control of which voice comes through the loudest and most clear? Michael shares his five steps for getting your inner voice focused in a productive way that maximizes your talent and creativity. Listen in an learn…

What positive self-talk can’t do and, more importantly, what it can
The difference between self-honesty and negativity
The parenting rule that is a great reminder for how you should treat your own self talk
The power of the word NEXT!
Why positive self talk takes practice and how to get better at it consistently

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Did you know, the ones who truly learn to get uncomfortable and learn to stretch themselves don’t hit their goals at first …that’s how we know they are lofty goals. When you learn to stick to your basic standards and set non-negotiable levels in your business, fitness, or even how you show up as a spouse or parent. When we set standards around these areas of life, we maintain a strong foundation within ourselves. It’s all about being intentional about your day. Making a conscious choice to be focused on those specific areas of life. This doesn’t mean you have to be or do the best of all time; it means the best you can do today.

In this episode, the Balanced Warriors discuss strategies to set goals that are aligned with your areas of life and share how to get emotionally attached to make it bigger than yourself. They each give real-world examples related to common challenges, including staying committed to learning, investing in yourself, and continuously providing value in the marketplace regardless of the current outcome. Listen in and learn...

Learn to "Win the Day" by having intentional conversations, intentional workouts, have intentional prospect and client meetings, and most importantly, intentional time with your family that will put you on the path to hit your top goals.
Goals should scare and excite you at the same time.
Challenge yourself with the 7 X WHY exercise to become emotionally connected to your lofty and scary goals.

Please be sure to share this podcast with any business owners you believe would benefit from this conversation. For further information or questions about any Empowered Mastery programs, be sure to visit www.empoweredmastery.com or email us at info@empoweredmastery.com

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Have you ever felt overwhelmed? Or feel like you have too much to do and too little time to do it? And worst of all, do you feel like with each passing day you aren’t making progress with the areas of life that you truly care about? The “too much on your plate” scenario plagues many people and is especially common for entrepreneurs. Laboring under the misconception that they need to do everything, they get trapped working in their business when they should be working on it. So, what’s the way out? The answer is the strategy known as “who, Not how”.

I’m this episode, the Balanced Warrior coaches share:

Understanding how the tasks you take on affect your motivation and productivity
Finding and growing team members who actually enjoy and take pride in the tasks you hate.
Why even coaches hire coaches
What it feels like to reach a point when your team is managing ALL of the core aspects of your business

For more information on the content of this podcast, and any other Empowered Mastery programs, be sure to visit http://www.empoweredmastery.com or email us at info@empoweredmastery.com

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In this podcast, learn how to be the person who gets courageous and learns the skills to thrive instead of worrying about surviving? Most people right now are consumed with fear and worry while others are learning to or have already learned how to thrive during this season. In this episode, the Balanced Warriors discuss strategies to increase confidence and become proactive during uncertain economic times. They each give real-world examples related to common challenges including staying committed to learning, investing in yourself, and continuously providing value in the marketplace regardless of the current outcome. Listen in and learn...

For more information on the content of this podcast, and any other Empowered Mastery programs, be sure to visit www.empoweredmastery.com or email us at info@empoweredmastery.com

Key takeaways:

Create clarity about your outcome and continuously focus on what you want to see happen.
Continue to be a student. Whatever industry or market you are in, continue to be a student and master your craft.
Continue to give value. Even if business is slower or potential prospects are hesitant due to uncertainty or fear, continue to provide value, advise, and/or become a resource in the eyes of the consumer.

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Feelings change by the day, oftentimes by the hour. So how can we overcome mood swings and how do our emotions pull us away from the mindset and actions that lead to success? In this episode, the Balanced Warriors discuss strategies to increase the time you spend acting on principles rather than feelings. They each give real-world examples related to common challenges, including staying committed to a fitness routine, dealing with workplace conflict, and maintaining a connection with your spouse. Listen in and learn...

For more information on the content of this podcast, and any other Empowered Mastery programs, be sure to visit www.empoweredmastery.com or email us at info@empoweredmastery.com

How your identity is the biggest driver of your actions and keeps you congruent.
The daily habits Chris has that some people mistake as selfish that is actually selfless.
The importance of pause and reflection between stimulus and response.
Don't let your goals, plans and intentions get off track-take control of your schedule, habits, and principles.

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In this episode of the Balanced Warrior Podcast, Chris and Mike team up (Coach Paul is at a wedding) to discuss the importance of business owners investing in their team. The truth is, many companies value the customer over the staff. Chris and Mike challenge the majority and explain how the staff is much more important than any amount of customers. Why, because who will take care of the customers if you don’t have a team? As Mike says, we need to “Take care of the people who takes care of the people.”

Chris shares how he took his staff of ten on an all-expense paid trip to Mexico at a luxury resort and did so to show appreciation for all their hard work. Especially coming off the crazy two-plus years of the Covid Pandemic. While Mike had not taken his team on such a trip, he does explain how he goes above and beyond for his team to make sure they are feeling appreciated and fulfilled. While we all need to earn money to make a living, most people will work for fulfillment and recognition. So it is important for all business owners to take care of the team, so the team can take care of your business. No matter how big your business is.

Please be sure to share this podcast with any business owners who you believe would receive benefit from this conversation. For further information or questions about any Empowered Mastery programs, be sure to visit www.empoweredmastery.com or email us at info@empoweredmastery.com

Key takeaways:

Your team is more important than your customers.
As Mike said, “Take care of the people who take care of the people.”
Time equals Love: Give your team time, and they will always deliver
Staff members don’t need to be best friends, but they need to work together, which is developed from culture.
The business owner should nurture and take care of the team, so they can take care of the customers.
Always show your team you care and appreciate them.
When your team feels appreciated, they will take ownership in the business.
The role of a leader is to edify our team, uplift our team, and let them grow.
Treat your staff like your family because they are!

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In this powerful podcast, Chris, Mike, and Paul discuss how the United States is experiencing a mental health crisis like never before. Children and adults alike have had their worlds turned upside down and inside out and are struggling to get back to normality. The recent Covid pandemic left an array of mental health issues which Chris, Paul and Mike give practical solutions to help with the crisis.

All three balanced warriors agreed that the key to handling any crisis is mindset. That is, to approach the issue proactively and take the time to prime your mind for success so you could handle anything that comes your way. Most people live reactively and allow outside influences to affect them and ultimately how they run their day. For example, the average person will watch the news while preparing for the day. Well, the news is injecting negativity in your mind before you had a chance to put your guard up. This podcast helps you develop the skills to keep your guard up and protect your mindset from the outside negativity so you will win your day.

Key takeaways include:

Protecting your morning ritual at all costs
Take a daily respite from reality to reset your mind
Be the protector of your mindset from negativity
Win the morning…and take care of yourself first
Surround yourself with the right people that will build you up
Be aware of your thoughts because that leads to your feelings and ultimately your actions
Most important, put more love, happiness, and kindness to those around us.

We do have the power to beat this crisis, but we all must do our part. We need to be the light for others when they can’t see it. We must be our best selves, take care of our mindset so we can lead, teach, and inspire those around us. Don’t underestimate the power of positivity and kindness because one small act could make a world of difference to others. This is the way of a Balanced Warrior!

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Chris, Paul and Mike are all parents and who have seen it all.

Chris is now an empty nester, having raised five children, including two adoptees...

Mike has one recent college graduate son who has just started a full-time job in another city, as well as another son who is a high school senior, and the two boys couldn’t be any more different...

And Paul has a teenage daughter and son, both attending high school, and whose interests and activities keep his schedule packed.

All three Balanced Warriors have also helped to “raise” tens of thousands of kids that attended their Taekwondo schools.

In this episode, they discuss what is takes to balance family life with being an entrepreneur and how to grow your business and your children at the same time.

They also discuss the challenges that every parent faces when debating how much freedom and how much structure they should give to their child as they mature.

And remember, just because they are martial arts masters, it doesn’t mean that their kids were always disciplined and focused!

Key takeaways include:

How to find uninterrupted family time even in the busiest of schedules
The importance of giving your children permission to fail
Should you feel guilty for your children’s mistakes?
Using quantity time as a way to access quality time
Three things that every child should hear every day

Being a parent is the hardest work that you will ever do and the most rewarding! Listen in and add some more tools to your parenting toolbox!

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This episode truly gets to the heart of being a Balanced Warrior, as Chris, Paul and Mike discuss how to “battle back” when things aren’t going according to plan. Whether it be an a frustration with your colleagues at work, your children at home, or just finding yourself in a negative mindset, this podcasts will give you the tools to calm yourself down, adjust your perspective, and start taking positive action. Listen and learn as the Balanced warrior coaches share stories and strategies including:

The powerful difference between the decision to "care less” vs being careless
Clarifying questions you can ask yourself throughout the day to do a self check-in in and make adjustments to your mental state
Why Balanced Warriors don’t try to completely eliminate their” dark side”, but rather learn to harness the energy it possesses.
Empowering daily routines that help to keep you centered.
How to get your energy flowing in the right direction and focus on solutions rather than problems.

At Balanced Warrior, we know it’s impossible to experience a life without challenges. Conflict and difficulties will inevitably occur with your health, money, and relationships. However, it’s how you react to these scenarios that determine how quickly and successfully you resolve them. We know that this episode will provide you with practical ideas to face better whatever life throws at you.

For questions or comments on this podcast, please visit any of the Empowered Mastery social media platforms or email us at info@empoweredmastery.com.

And, if you are finding the strategies that we share valuable, please encourage a friend or a colleague to check us out. We all benefit when there are more Balanced Warriors in the world!

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Balanced Warrior Episode Nine: Living in the Creative/Collaborative Plane vs. the Competitive Plane

In this powerful episode, the three Balanced Warriors Mike Mertens, Chris Berlow, and Paul Melella share how they choose to live in the creative plane when it comes to business, and any area they are looking for growth. Creativity will lead to collaborative relationships, which leads to innovative ideas to uplift whole industries and everyone in it. As opposed to only focusing on the competition where the attention is diverted sideways instead of where you want to go. As always, Paul, Chris, and Mike share unique perspectives, some similar and some different on this topic.

A few takeaways to watch out for…

1.We only have a limited of mental energy, be sure to put it towards growth and not only what the competition is doing.

Competition is healthy when it is within yourself.
Nothing is more powerful than Collaboration with other like-minded industry leaders.
A creative and Collaborative mindset is an abundance mindset.

We hope this episode will inspire you to reach out to like-minded individuals and create a study group where you could share ideas and help each other grow. The world is abundant, you just have to believe so. For questions or comments on this podcast, please visit any of the Empowered Mastery social media platforms or email us at info@empoweredmastery.com. If anything resonated with you in this episode, the greatest compliment you could give us is to share with those you feel would benefit from what we have to say.

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In this powerful episode, we share how each year we complete a life assessment audit on the Core Four Areas of our lives. I am sure most high-level achievers or business professionals check monthly reports within their companies, have personal trainers or coaches that check your weight, and doctors that complete yearly health assessments.

However, how many times have you ever completed a total life audit? This is crucial for us to see where we are in the areas of life that are most important to us and pinpoint where we can adjust or improve. To know where we want to go in life, we first must recognize where we currently are!

A few takeaways in this episode are:

Identify your Core Four Areas of Life and what are the most important tires on your vehicle of life.
Think of your life like a high-performance race car and be proactive with making “pit stops” to fill air in the tires before you have a blowout.
Practice and discipline to check “your score” at the end of each quarter or at half time to finish the race strong.
Have measurable goals for each area of life and specific scheduled action steps that support those goals.

Enjoy this episode and we hope that it inspires you to check to see what is most important to you, where you have been putting focus towards and what you could do to increase your results to create multidimensional success. For questions or comments on this podcast, please visit any of the Empowered Mastery social media platforms or email us at info@empoweredmastery.com. If anything resonated with you in this episode, and you feel like you received a value bomb… the biggest compliment we can ever receive is an introduction to this podcast and share our show with someone that is on your heart.

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At Balanced Warrior we are HUGE fans of the restorative value of spending time outdoors. In this episode, “mountain hiker Chris” and “suburban dweller Mike” discuss how valuable getting in more outside time has been to their physical and emotional health. Included in this episode is:

-How most stressors start within 4 walls

-Mike’s experience training for a triathlon in three feet of space

-Lessons learned from a salamander

-How many miles the average American walks in a week - shocking!

-Why life is simpler on the trail

We hope this episode will inspire you to get up and get out. Grab a friend and share the incredible benefits of sunshine, fresh air, and no boundaries.

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Our resident master of mediation, Chris is known for how he manages to stay calm and positive in the face of adversity. So we get him in the hot seat so we can learn what can truly knock him off his center.

This is the episode where Chris shares:

The importance of having each other’s back as a parent.
The Mother’s Day dinner where he couldn’t control his temper
How he supported his children to pursue their passions as a career
Admits that he’s not a hugger
The book that only made sense to him ten years later
How he started his first business with a 10,000 loan at 25% interest!
His Disney Princess obsession?!?
What it’s like to climb to the “roof of Africa”, Mt. Kilimanjaro

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We get Paul in the hot seat and have him sign a contractual agreement that the will

not provide any inappropriate answers. And he succeeds…Mostly! With his own dynamic personality and signature humor Paul explains…

Why he believes everyone is disciplined
How he often struggles with his Darth Vader side
The secret to his 20 yr+ marriage and how to speak your partners love language
His end of the night messages to his children
Positive anchors and the parenting mistakes that he makes
The one book that he reads every single day
How he went from knee surgery to a sub 2 hr half marathon in less than 6 months
The power of knowing your outcome

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Mike takes a turn in the hot seat and answers questions honestly including:

What’s his superpower and when it manifested.
What’s his “kryptonite” that can get him off track with his goals.
His biggest parenting mistakes (you’ve likely done this too!)
What’s “quirky” about him (and that his wife can’t stand)
His number one message to all listeners

Our hot seat episodes are designed to not only introduce you to each of our speakers but also demonstrate that achieving multi-dimensional success is a never-ending challenge with plenty of mistakes along the way. We fail often too, BUT we fail forward!

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The balanced warrior coaches have more than 100 years of combined martial arts experience. In this episode they each explain the life lessons they learned from their martial arts masters. This includes perhaps the most powerful lesson, the Korean phrase “il il shin” which translates to “be better everyday”. Chris, Paul and Mike talk about how they apply this philosophy to business, relationships, and health.

Chris and Paul’s original Cobra Kai dojo experience
Chris shares the importance of “Give without memory, and receive without forget.”
Paul describes the five commonalities that all successful people have in common, and Mike explains why learning isn’t enough.

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Listen in as Paul, Chris, and Mike share their own morning routines and learn three different “flavors” of ways to greet the day. Including:

Paul’s membership in the 5am uncommon club. Mike is NOT a member!
Chris’ commitment to a morning hot tub and hiking routine
Suggestions for simple wins to start the day right

Plus…

What martial arts taught us all about setting the tone before taking action
The sobering question that Chris asks at the beginning and end of every single day
Paul’s strategy for family “appointments”
Mike’s explanation of quality time vs quantity time and which one really matters
The importance of saying NO
Treating self-care as part of your responsibility to be the best for others

This episode will help you to appreciate the power of your morning routine and give you a variety of options to make it more meaningful and effective for you.

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The kickoff episode of our Balanced Warrior Podcast. A very rocky start but it ends up great! You’ll get to learn a bit about Chris, Paul, and Mike including their struggles on the way to achieving multi-dimensional success in their own lives. We are excited to be on this adventure with you. Make the decision to define success on your terms and to become a Balanced Warrior.

Listen in and learn about:

Mike’s unusual definition of what it means to be “greedy”
What Paul learned from his parents that he chose NOT to follow
The question that Chris’s wife asked him that changed his focus and his schedule
Paul’s “showdown” with a 2 million dollar earner
The Ferrari with 3 flat tires
Chris formula for living mindfully
The source of guilt in relationships and how to avoid it

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Paul and Chris, the hosts of YOU Have Infinite Power Podcast and co-founders of Empowered Mastery are beyond excited to share great news with all of you. We would like to introduce and welcome Master Mike Mertens, a successful entrepreneur and fellow martial artist to our podcast show. We are saying goodbye to the YHIP Podcast and saying hello to the Balanced Warrior Podcast, a name that has special meaning with the three of us and believe it will resonate with all of you. Why, because we all want to have the spirit of a warrior within us to accomplish our dreams and goals, but also desire to maintain a calm and peaceful mind so we could stay centered and balanced not matter what obstacle lies in front of us. This episode introduces the Balanced Warrior concept and what it means for the future of our show.

Get ready for some exciting interviews, thought provoking conversations, and most importantly, a whole lot of fun and laughter.

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This week on the YOU Have Infinite Power Podcast we have a very special guest, Ivan Watanabe. Ivan is a great Empowered Mastery friend and client and we are excited to feature him on our podcast, He is a partner of a very successful financial firm, Opus Private Client LLC, located in Westchester County, NY, and produces in the top 1% of his industry. His success is due to his commitment to his firm, team, and clients. Ivan has a flourishing financial practice that continues to thrive, even during the pandemic, because of his genuine caring for the success of others. How did he do it? Listen to the podcast and find out…

Here are just a few value bombs that Ivan shares…

Take time every day to get in the right mindset to start the day
Surround yourself with people who are more successful than you
Keep the focus on impacting your clients and success will follow
Surround yourself with positivity to keep your mind right throughout the day
Successful people are the ones who get back on track quickly

If there is something that Ivan said that inspired you, he is happy to be a resource and answer any questions you may have. You could connect with Ivan on Linkedin, www.linkedin.com/in/ivánwatanabe/ and be sure to check out his firm's website at www.Opus-PC.com.

We strongly recommend you listen to the Opus PC podcast called Wealthstyle Podcast at https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/wealthstyle-podcast/id1517103658.

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This week we have a very special guest on the YOU Have Infinite Power Podcast; Master Amitis Pourian aka Master “P”. Master P is a rockstar! Everything she does, she does it at the highest level possible. Her family Immigrated from Iran when she was a young child and came to this country with very little. Her parents worked tirelessly and built a very successful real estate construction company in California. The strong work ethic passed on to Master P and she found a passion in Taekwondo. Through hard work she became a US National Champion and Team member while being a full-time student and working full time. Any one of these paths would take a full-time schedule and she did all three at the same time! After her Taekwondo competitive career, she redirected her energy to business and is now the CEO of a TRISIS Real Estate a commercial and residential brokerage firm, general contractor of Amitis Development, owner of a “Mega” martial arts/fitness school with over 900 active members and the managing partner of Donna's Delights (gluten-free and protein baked goods). She is the co-founder of a very successful nonprofit organization called the Power of Women. She has is also involved in numerous charitable initiatives constantly looking to impact the community she serves.

Master P is a sought-after speaker, a regular face on the local news, philanthropist, and powerful influencer. In this podcast, she shares valuable lessons she learned on her journey to success and how you, the listeners, could do the same. One of her favorite quotes, “If it can be done, why not by you”. She shares how it CAN be you, if you want it bad enough. For anyone who wants to achieve greatness in life, this is a podcast for you!

You could find Master P teaching Taekwondo and fitness at “The Studio” or working hard enriching the lives of others in one of her other businesses. You could find her on Facebook at ,https://www.facebook.com/MasterPourarian/ email her at amitis@trainatthestudio.com. You could check out The Studio at www.trainatthestudio.com. and see all of the amazing programs running there.

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This week on the YOU Have Infinite Power Podcast we have a very special guest, maybe one of the most special guests we have ever had…..Grandmaster Paul Melella’s daughter Ms. Kiahna Melella. Kiahna is a firecracker of positivity and energy just like her dad. In the podcast, she shares her inspiring story of overcoming “Mean Girl” bullying and rising above it to land a lead role in a school play. She is a talented actress and singer with an incredibly bright future….(Which you will hear in the podcast). Recently, Kiahna was recommended to start her own podcast on Astronomy by her teacher because she spoke so eloquently and passionately during a school exercise.

At the young age of 14 years old, Kiahna has mastered the art of visualization and positive self-talk to get the outcome you want. Whether you are a corporate executive, successful entrepreneur, a parent with teenage children or a child dealing with bullying, this podcast is for you.

Watch out world because Kiahna Melella is just catching her stride and she will be a force to reckon with. To reach Kiahna, contact Paul at pmelella@empoweredmastery.com and he will get your message to her.

Don’t forget to check out Supercharge 21…a Virtual Summit to help everyone crush their 2021 goals…..To be hosted January 22 (5:30-10:00) and January 23 (7:30-2:00) https://empoweredmastery.com/supercharge-21-virtual-summit/

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This week we have a very powerful and candid conversation with the hosts, Chris and Paul. We are in the tenth month of the Corona Pandemic and it has not been easy by any means. To name a few realities….People are sick, people are dying, businesses are closing, businesses are experiencing huge losses, and a lot of people very angry. I believe the challenge we all face is the inability to look at things from someone else’s perspective.

In this conversation, Chris and Paul articulate the struggles small business owners are experiencing during the pandemic. Now, both of them have heard from others that a struggling business is nothing compared to a person struggling with the virus. Now this is true, however the pain business owners are experiencing is very real, and it hurts on many levels. When someone’s life work is being ripped out from under them, it could take its toll mentally and spiritually.

Paul goes in depth what he did to change his mindset, break free from negativity and look towards a brighter future for himself and his family. Basically, he put himself through the same process he does with his clients to change their mindset.

First step is to be aware of your thoughts and identify the negative thought patterns.
Second step is to create an empowering vision on what you want to see happen.
Third step is to control your thoughts and envision your desired outcome.

This is a podcast you do not want to miss! If you would like to reach out to either Paul or Chris, feel free to email at info@empoweredmastery.com or visit the website at www.empoweredmastery.com.

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This week on the YOU Have Infinite Power Podcast we have a great client and close friend of Empowered Mastery, Todd Levine. Todd is the founder of Levine Financial Group, a well known sought after financial firm located in Colts Neck, NJ. Todd is one of the most driven individuals you will ever meet and has experienced great success personally and professionally. He is a loving father, engaged husband, in the top 1% of the financial services industry, and in great health. He is the perfect example of multi-dimensional success. In this episode, Todd shares what he believes is the most important contributor to success, mindset. Todd explains in depth what he does to create, maintain and protect his mindset so he could perform at an optimal level and experience success in whatever he sets his mind to.

A few value bombs are:

Bet on yourself because nobody else will bet on you as much as you will
Get a coach because accountability is a key to success
Protecting your mindset from distraction is the key to productivity

If you are interested in learning more about Todd Levine and his practice, please visit his website at: https://ownyourpe.com/. He also has a very informative podcast called the utilization of money. https://utilizationofmoney.blubrry.net/ and you could find him on Linkedin at: https://www.linkedin.com/in/toddslevine/ or Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/tlevine1

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This week on the YOU Have Infinite Power we have a very special guest; Caitlin Medalie. Caitlin is an Empowered Mastery client and such a whirlwind of positive energy; we had to have her on our show. She is the Talent Acquisition Specialist at The Bulfinch Group, a very successful financial firm located in Needham, Massachusetts. Caitlin started her career in NY City working in the fashion industry and wasn’t fulfilled with what she was doing. With encouragement from her parents, she took a leap of faith and went into the family business that her father started the year she was born. It is safe to say that Caitlin found her calling. She has become a “Lady-boss” and an inspiration to young business owners and entrepreneurs alike. Caitlin has a magnetic personality and believes being a “Good finder” is her superpower. Her Worthy Ideal is, “To lead and inspire young women, future influencers, and entrepreneurial professionals to motivate them to help others get financially organized so that they can leave a tangible and lasting positive impact on the people that they encounter as well as the communities in which they serve.”

On top of all the great stuff Caitlin is doing at the Bulfinch Group, she is also very passionate about “Pickles”, Yes, pickles! She has created an online video series called, “Pickleodeon’s Brine Time Live” where she tastes and reviews pickles from all over the world. As a result of something fun, she has companies sending her their pickles to review them and is on her way to becoming the authority in pickle knowledge.

Some of the Value Bomb’s from Caitlin’s interview:

Say “I am” statements to direct my mind to serve me and quiet the negative voice.
YOU have the power to control your own thoughts.
Write a gratitude journal every day.
Take the word “Problem” out of your vocabulary and replace it with the word “Challenge”

If anyone is interested in a career in financial services in the Greater Boston area, feel free to reach out to Caitlin and she will steer you in the right direction. You could email her at: caitlinmedalie@bulfinchgroup.com or reach her on LinkedIn at: https://www.linkedin.com/in/caitlin-medalie-381b29105/. Her “Pickleodeon’s Brine Time Live” sites are: https://instagram.com/eatingismydayjob?igshid=cnet2r0a34x0 and https://vm.tiktok.com/ZMJuEBfaM/

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In this powerful episode of the YOU Have Infinite Power Podcast, Paul and Chris share their experiences on how the statement, “Your mind cannot process a negative”, can change your life.

When you understand and apply this concept, it gives you control of what happens to you. Chris shares the story of when he learned this lesson the hard way. He was in Vermont snowboarding the backcountry and found himself bumping into every tree he saw. He recalls saying to himself, “Wow, whatever happens, I don’t want to hit the trees”, and he kept hitting the trees. He then switched the thought process and restated in his head, “I want to find the perfect line”, and miraculously, the trees became non-existent and all he saw was the open line.

This applies to anyone with anything, whether it be in your personal life or professional life. The fact is, what you look at will bring upon more of the same. If you want something to happen one way, don’t look at what you don’t want, focus on what you do want. Take the time now, listen to their mistakes, so you don’t make same one’s they did.

It all comes to you answering a few questions:

How are you seeing things in your life?
Are you focusing on what you don’t want?
Are you focusing on what you do want?
How is that working for you?

Your mind cannot process a negative means you will bring upon you what you are thinking. Make sure you think wisely and keep focusing on what you want, not what you don’t want. A valuable lesson to learn and apply right now in a very uncertain time.

Chris & Paul could be reached at info@empoweredmastery.com and they would love to have a conversation about this topic or any of the content they release. You could also check out their website at www.Empoweredmastery.com

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Our guest this week on the YOU Have Infinite Power Podcast is a close friend and martial arts colleague, Master Jim Nam. Master Nam is an owner of a multi-school martial arts organization, a successful health coach, a great father and a loving husband. In this interview we celebrate his ability to achieve multi-dimensional success and what he did to get there. As with most of our guests, success didn’t come easy. His family immigrated to the US when he was 8 years old, he worked three jobs to get himself through college and at the age of 22 bought his first Taekwondo School. Master Nam knew he wanted to expand to impact more people and did just that with four schools in Southern California. He is a student of personal development and continues to grow, learn and be better every day.

In this podcast, Master Nam shares his daily routines, personal life philosophy, leadership traits and much more. It is a very fun, light-hearted interview with a wealth of information that will inspire you to develop a personal system for success.

A few value bombs from Master Nam!

Value bomb one: Success is having the freedom to live life to the fullest now, and not wait until we are 65.

Value Bomb two: When having a challenge; sit back, close your eyes and envision a beautiful time in my life.

Value Bomb three: First 17 seconds of what you put into your head is most important. Start morning with prayer and gratitude.

Value Bomb: Quote for business, “Marry the process, divorce the result”.

You could find Master Nam on Facebook where he is very active doing his best to inspire and impact the martial arts community.

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This week on the YOU Have Infinite Power podcast we have special guests; Matt and Angela Vahue of Alliance Advisor Group. Matt who is the regional director of a thriving financial services firm, Alliance Advisory Group in Rochester, NY and Angela who is a sought after adviser in the same firm. The two of them have cracked the code on how to achieve multi-dimensional success. In the podcast they share their stories powerful stories on why they are in the financial services and how they are able to balance the hectic life of their demanding careers, sustain a strong relationship with each other and raising their beautiful baby girl. They are a true testament to the statement, “You can have it all”. Listen to their tips on mastering the game of life and leaving no stone unturned.

A few value bombs are…

It is essential to communicate regularly what each partner is doing
Appreciate each others unique abilities and play to each others strengths
Be honest with your partner and feel comfortable to ask for help when needed
Make sure to spend time with each other
Work on the relationship and not just in it through effective communication

When you are able to apply the principals and concepts in this podcast, you will be able to create multi-dimensional success and yes, you too could have it all and the Vahue’s will show you how.

You could reach both Matt and Angela by visiting Alliance Advisory Group’s website at www.allianceadvisorygroup.com, email them at matthew.vahue@allianceadvisorygroup.com, angela.vahue@allianceadvisorygroup.com and you could find them on LinkedIn as well. Feel free to reach out to them if you have any questions regarding this podcast or are interested in a career in the financial services with a very reputable firm.

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This week we have very happy to introduce a very impressive individual; Anthony Esposito aka Espo. He is author of the book WAHOOS in Life which stands for “We all have our own shit in life”, an entrepreneur and co-owner of Bad Ass Academy; Brooklyn’s Premier functional training facility. Anthony Espo shares his story of very humble beginnings being raised by a single mom to a successful entrepreneur and business owner. He openly shares his struggles and successes that brought him to where he is today. He is incredibly passionate about being the best father and husband he could be, running a successful gym, and changing lives. He used the phrase, “Each one, teach one” referring to his desire to make an impact on anyone he meets. This is an interview not to miss as he dropped multiple value bombs throughout the conversation.

Discipline and consistency is the key to success
Approach everything you do with passion; be all in
Fight until the end…referring to fighting for what you believe in and don’t settle’

For those who would like to purchase his book, “WAHOOS in life”, please click the Amazon link here. https://www.amazon.com/dp/1796057355/ref=cm_sw_em_r_mt_dp_U_EOGSEbYC5J8JX. You could reach him at @iamanthonyespo on facebook and instagram, and visit his website at badassacademy.com.

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This week we have a very special guest on our show; Grandmaster Keith Winkle. Grandmaster Winkle has ben a mentor, friend and inspiration to both Chris and Paul for over twenty years. He is currently owner and operator of Inspire Martial Arts in Burbank, California. Grandmaster Winkle at one time had build up a multi-million dollar organization with multiple successful schools in the Richmond, Virginia area. In 2008, he sold everything and moved out to Burbank California and started all over again. Of course, this was amongst the greatest economic crisis of our generation. His made the move to work with more influential people in California so he could in turn have a greater impact through martial arts. After incredible sacrifices, he spent the last ten plus years working effortlessly to “Inspire the inspirers” and leave a strong mark in the southern California area. He has a powerful story of perseverance, overcoming adversity and purpose as he shares the hardships and successes of the most challenging time in his life. What is amazing is that he is grateful for every challenge he has because it brought him to where he is today.

Some value bombs that will definitely INSPIRE you are…

Most people never outgrow their habits
Make a decision to consistently work on yourself and have rituals that you follow
Every day is training an practice and we have to strive to be better than the day before
Forgive yourself of your m mistakes so you could clear your mind for a better future
Make the necessary improvements and move on

If you are interested in reach out out to Grandmaster Winkle, contact him at mastererwinkle@gmail.com, or you could find him on facebook at: https://www.facebook.com/masterwinkle

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This week on the YOU Have Infinite Power Podcast Grandmaster’s Paul Melella and Chris Berlow talk about gratitude and appreciation. A lot of times we end up focusing on what we have to do to finish the year strong (especially if you’re in business) or we are crazy running around before the holidays and we often forget about what we have accomplished. Fact is, life is short and as we get older it is getting shorter. No, we are not in mid-life crisis mode, we are just starting to see that there are more people younger than us than older.

Last month, Chris lost his father and it made both Chris and Paul realize just how short and fragile life is. So, as you reflect on what you accomplished in the year, be sure to set things up in 2020 so you could spend as much quality time with the people you care about and create memorable moments that count!

Here is an exercise we strongly encourage our listeners to do…

Take a moment and write down all of you most memorable moments and accomplishments of 2020. Don’t just think about the big things, include the moments you created with your loved ones that you will be able to carry with you till the end of your days.
Set up your 2020 experience list now and put the experiences you would like to do in the calendar, who you will be with and why you want to do it.

There you go…finish 2019 with a reflection of gratitude to empower your 2020 and start the new year with a bang!

If you should have any questions or comments on the podcast, please reach out to either Paul or Chris at info@empoweredmastery.com or visit our website at www.empoweredmastery.com for more information on personal coaching, group coaching, speaking engagements, or the very popular Life Alignment Bootcamp!

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This week on the YOU Have Infinite Power Podcast we have special guest Master Micheal Mertens of World Class Taekwondo Centers in the greater Buffalo area. Master Mertens is a Cornell Graduate, University of Buffalo Entrepreneurship Program graduate and part owner of an organization of five highly successful martial arts schools with a staff of 65 Black Belts. He and his partner/mentor Grandmaster Sun Chong have 40 affiliate World Class schools across the country and is the founder of a coaching organization called Taekwondo Professionals with 150 schools under his mentorship. He has a wealth of knowledge and the experience to back it.

In today's podcast, Master Mertens shares how he and his team created an amazing culture in the World Class Taekwondo organization through highly trained staff that share his vision. If you are a business owner with employees, a manager managing people or are interested in expanding your business, this is a podcast to listen to. This podcast is about business no matter what industry you are in. Here are some of the key takeaways for you to look for…

Change the title from staff members from “employee” to “Promise Keepers”
A team is only a team when they have shared goals, shared vision, shared time, shared culture. Just because people work together at the same time and place does not make them a team
Take the time to invest in your team so you could get the time back because they will be so well trained, you won’t need to be there
“Teamwork” is the most important “work” you will ever do.

If you should have any questions or comments on the podcast, please reach out to Master Mertens at director@buffalotkd.com. He is more than willing to give advice and help your business anyway he can.

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This week on the YOU Have Infinite Power Podcast Grandmaster’s Chris Berlow and Paul Melella discuss the difference between a “Contender” and a “Champion”. The two of them share their experiences and stories from their past that helped them shift and develop the “Championship” mindset that they hold today.

It is this mindset that allowed Chris and his team to Champions 4 Cures team to raise over $109,000 for Leukemia & Lymphoma Society in his Man of the Year Campaign. It is this mindset that allowed Paul to train his brother to be the adult National Taekwondo Champion at the age of 16 who is now his business partner with four locations and commercial properties under their belts.

It is the championship mindset that has Chris climbing enormously tall mountains and Paul to train his body to compete in physique competitions and beating out individual’s decades younger than him. It drives the two of them every single day to strive for constant growth in their health, relationships, career and family working towards multi-dimensional success.

Here is the difference between a “Contender” and a “Champion”

A contender….

•Has Potential

•Happy with placing

•Focuses what others are doing

•Lives in the competitive plain

•Follows others

• Motivated

•Looks at the obstacles

•Practices consistently

•Thinks about winning

A Champion…

•Maximizes Potential

•Strives for First

•Focus on winning

•Lives in the creative plain

•Blazes the path

• Inspired

•Sees themselves at the finish line

•Trains as if it’s the event

•Feels the victory

Choose to be a Champion and live life to the fullest!

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This week on the YOU Have Infinite Power Podcast we have the most important guests to date so far, our wives Kathy Berlow and Gina Melella. The two of them run the household, care for children, cook, clean, exercise, work in the businesses and pretty much do it all. Yes, they are part of the Wonder Women generation and we are lucky to have them here with us as we talk about relationships and family.

In the YHIP Podcast, a lot of our conversations are designed to improve your business, get in better shape, improve your health and improve your mindset. None of this would be possible if things were not rock solid at home. It is the stability of your family life that will give you the ability to produce high level results in other areas. That is why we brought the two people who literally keep the household running so Grandmaster Melella and Grandmaster Berlow could do what they need to do. It is 100% without a doubt a team effort.

We dive deep into how creating memorable moments and developing small routines to keep the family working together nicely. And no, it’s not always rainbows and butterflies in either of the households, however, we are always striving to be the best parents possible.

Here are some fo the powerful value bombs that every parent could take home with today…

Hold a weekly family meeting especially with multiple children
Make the weekends fun so kids remember the good times
Always strive to make one on one time with the kids and spouse to create memorable moments
Let them do things on their own so they can prepare for the future

Do not forget to register for the Life Alignment Bootcamp to be held on Oct 3rd-5th at the beautiful Edith Macy Conference Center in Briarcliff Manor, NY. Family and relationships are so important that we hold a whole segment on the topic. Go to www.lifealingmentbootcamp and use code “inspire” to attend for only $599.

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This week’s podcast is with our co-hosts, Grandmaster Chris Berlow and Grandmaster Paul Melella. Both Chris and Paul have endured challenges and obstacles in their personal and professional lives. Then again, who hasn’t? Even though there were tough times, they have managed to not let the circumstance effect how they feel and act. They have achieved self-mastery by being able to stay positive even when things were hard. To do so, it takes a lot of mental strength and introspective thinking to keep your mind from going dark and keeping things in positive perspective. This is exactly what is discussed in this powerful podcast.

Chris and Paul both share tools and strategies that you could apply today that will keep your mindset right, help you stay positive and overcome whatever obstacle you face.

A few of the value bomb’s are…

Remove yourself from the situation, get in nature and analyze from afar.
Refer to past successes to give the confidence to power through.
Reflect what you are grateful for on a consistent and daily basis.
Ask yourself “How” to overcome the obstacle, not “If” you will overcome.
Refer to past successes to give the confidence to power through whatever is front of you.

Our mindset is the most valuable asset we have whether related to business, your personal life or any kind of achievement. It must be protected at all costs and this podcast shows you how to keep things right. Enjoy and be sure to stay positive!

If you have any questions for Chris or Paul related to this topic or any Empowered Mastery Programs; Personal Coaching, Life Alignment Bootcamp or Group Coaching, feel free to contact them at info@empoweredmastery.com or visit the website at www.empoweredmastery.com.

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This week’s special guest is World Class Powerlifter, Brad Ettinger. Brad went from being a very tiny kid growing up to one of the all time top ten Power Lifters in the world. In 2017 he was top five in his weight class of 181 pounds with a combined lifting total of 1755 pounds. He Bench Pressed 451 pounds, Dead lifted 678 pounds and squatted 626 pounds. For those listeners out there who train in weight lifting, you know how impressive those numbers are. What is more impressive is Brad’s story on how he want from a 90 pound freshmen in high school to a world class power lifter.

Brad shares what he did to protect and shift his mindset from a very nice guy, to an extremely focused beast at power lifting competitions, then back to the nice guy. He shares why rejuvenation and recovery is of the utmost importance to be able to perform at the highest level just as we tell our clients in business. It all comes down to having the mindset of a winner and Brad did exactly that!

Brad left us three value bombs to take away….

Have a personal incantation to get in the zone, Brad’s is, “It won’t beat me, I own this, I WON”T STOP!”
Set yourself up with a routine/ritual to get yourself into the zone
Be sure to deliver; actions speak much louder than words

Spoke from a true winner of life! To learn about Brad’s journey you could like is instagram page @teambkepower and you will get the latest training tips, updates on his competitions and all the great stuff that Brad is up to.

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This week we have a special guest, Kijafa Crumble joining us all the way from Sweden. Kijafa has a roller coaster of a story with many ups and downs with great successes and horrible struggles. Through it all, he was able to innovate a new business and app called, Fitness Pro Live. He has an extremely powerful story as you will hear.

Kijafa’s story as told on the Fitness Pro Live App:

As a cancer survivor, one thing that was very important to me was to receive genuine care from the medical staff. They gave me hope, confidence and motivation. Sometimes it felt like my recovery was more important to them than it was to me. As a fitness professional it is important to me to show that same genuine care to my clients when they come to me with their goals.

For most of my life I have been an athlete, playing American football on all levels from high school to professional in Europe. I have trained at the best facilities, and with some of the best fitness professionals in the industry, putting me in the greatest shape of my life. Then one day out of the blue my body started to break down, and my health began to deteriorate. For the first time in my life I nearly felt helpless. I was losing weight at a rapid pace, I went from doing one hundred perfect push-ups to not even being able to do one. My legs had gotten so weak that I could barely do a lunge on one leg. At the end of everyday my feet hurt so bad I could not walk on them. My body was in so much pain I could barely pick up my babies and hold them, nor play with them. I wasn’t physically active, therefore I could not work and make money.

For a moment, I was put in the same predicament as you, the client, the fitness professional who is struggling in some way. The procrastination, excuses, doubt, lack of confidence, discouragement and low self esteem are feelings the we have all shared, or will share at some point in our lives when things seem unattainable. Fitness Pro Live provides opportunity for everyone, no matter the situation.

Visit Kijafa at www.fitnessprolive.com and see what the app is all about.

You could also download the app on Apple devices: https://apps.apple.com/us/app/fitness-pro-live/id1444306805

and Android Devices: https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.fitnessprolive.android.

Enjoy this powerful podcast with a man who has been through it all!

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Today’s guest is long time Empowered Mastery friend Mark Cuatt. Mark is one of the most passionate and mission driven individuals you will ever meet. Through his powerful personal story, Mark has been on a life long quest to learn how to optimize the body and mind so you could live your best life possible.

Mark thrived as Executive General Manager of Club Fit, a health club organization with two 100,000 sqft. locations in Westchester County, N.Y. from Dec 2001 - Aug 2018. He obtained that position after working eight years in clinical nutrition and fitness at The Burke Rehabilitation Hospital, in White Plains, N.Y.

In 1998, After five years of clinical work educating and counseling patients with cardiac conditions, Diabetes, COPD, weight loss and many other prevalent health issues, Mark was instrumental in establishing Burke's new fitness center and several nutrition programs designed for adults above the age fifty five that bridged the gap with the medical community and the health and fitness continuum.

Transitioning from clinical to top level executive positions has enabled Mark to become a recognized force in the health and fitness industry. His leadership style resonates from his own core purpose of "truly wanting to have a positive impact in helping people succeed and to bring out the very best in everyone he works with!

Mark has his degrees in Nutrition & Food Science and Dietetic Technology/Nutrition Care. He is a registered and active member with The American Dietetic Association (ADA), now known as the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics, and Sports Cardiovascular and Wellness Nutritionists (SCAN). Mark is also certified with The American College of Sports Medicine as an exercise physiologist and holds many certificates of enhanced qualifications.

Mark shares his extensive knowledge with an in-depth discussion on the brain chemistries and how it effects your health. This is not a podcast to miss!

A few notable take-aways…

Be all in….Do your research on a diet that works for you. What is your total calories you need to perform at an optimal level
Make sure you balance your energy between Carbs, Protein and Fat’s. Go with the 40/40/20 Rule. 40 % Carbs, 40% Proteins and 20% Fats.
Be sure to eat consistently to fuel your body

You could email Mark at Mark@allsporthealthandfitness.com, Instagram @markcuatt and be sure to check out Allsport Health and fitness at www.allsporthealthandfitness.com. You could also follow Mark on LinkedIn.

If you are interested in living a healthy and vital life, this is not a podcast to miss!

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A very exciting treat for everyone this week with two special guests, Master’s Antony Graf and Tim Thackery. Both Antony and Tim were perennial US National Team Members in Taekwondo and were resident competitors at the US Olympic Training Center. There were the best of the best in Taekwondo and continue their competitive passion towards their new business, The Juice Compound. Antony and his wife Darcy own and operates a Taekwondo School and opened the first Crossfit gym in Miami, Fa. Tim and his wife Carly opened a Crossfit Gym in Burbank, California, sold it and now operates a successful remote coaching program through the Juice Compound where he coaches elite competitors and Olympic athletes.

The two of them innovated a children’s called, “Y.E.S.” which stands for Youth Empowerment Systems. This program enables children to progressively improve their fitness in an extremely inspiring way. They combined their passion for fitness and helping children so they could leave their mark on creating a strong and healthy America.

A few notable take-aways…

There is always something to learn from wherever you go
Follow your passion, regardless of circumstances
Surround yourself with people who inspire you
Celebrate your successes and they will build upon each other
Always be coachable
You could have your cake and eat it to, work hard and reap the benefits

You could find Antony and Tim at www.juicecompound.com. Look them up on Instagram and Facebook and they will be happy to share with you what they’re up to.

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In this podcast, we talk with David Greenwood, author of the book, Overcoming Distractions-Thriving with Adult ADHD. David interviewed many successful entrepreneurs with ADHD around the country and shared their stories. From growing up with ADHD, how they built their companies to the strategies they use to stay focused and productive.

David talks about why he wrote the book and why it needed to be written. Chris Paul and David discuss what some of the major takeaways from the interviews were including the myth that having ADHD is all negative.

Chris, Paul and David also discuss how those who are prone to distractions can maximize the time that they have, use focus time and even hyperfocus to get large projects completed and techniques to keep the distractions to a minimum.

They also discuss David’s latest project of disability etiquette training for companies.

Learn more about David and the book at: www.OvercomingDistractions.com

Learn about his disability etiquette trainings at: www.DavidAGreenwood.com

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This week we spent some time with an incredible individual, Dr. Tony Tanzi. Dr. Tanzi does not only own a successful Physical Therapy practice but is also an ultra endurance athlete with six ironman, two marathons, nine half ironman’s and more half marathons than we could count. Not only does he complete in these events, he holds very competitive times and is often in the top of his category. He has a personal record for a half marathon of 1 hr 12 min. That’s a 5 min and 33 second pace per mile! Dr. Tanzi has an incredible resume and he is still going strong.

In this very informative and always entertaining podcast, we learn how Dr. Tanzi is able to compete as an elite endurance athlete, run a successful business, have a wonderful relationship with his wife and still be there for his three year old daughter. Another high performer achieving multi-dimensional success!

Dr. Tanzi left us some great takeaways that you could run with and apply…Here are some of the highlights

Find an activity that captivates you as a form of meditation
Time-block activities with purpose and a strong “Why”
Never let fear of failure hold you back….take calculated risks and bet on yourself
Apply the “ABL” principal……”Always be Learning” and then you will never fail Dr. Tanzi owns and operates Empire Performance PT located at 1611 Route 6, Carmel, NY 10512. Any questions you could reach him at 845-225-2000. You could follow Dr. Tony Tanzi on facebook and instagram. For the aspiring endurance athlete, look him up on Strava and check out his training regime. Quite impressive!

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In this podcast we host the very inspiring Joe Parrello aka Joe Nyce. Joe is a police officer, business owner/entrepreneur, sought after motivational speaker, fitness leader, philanthropist and an incredible human being. He has achieved multi-dimensional success by excelling in all aspects of his life. This particular podcast should be called “The Nyce Show” because Joe was on fire and shares a wealth of information to our listeners! Both Paul and Chris were speechless due to Joe’s compelling stories and passion during the interview. Listen for the central theme that drives Joe everyday to do be a high performer and does what he does. It’s amazing!

In the podcast, Joe shares his powerful story, what drives him everyday and the impressive, “Ten Principles of Living a Nyce Life”.

Family First
Be Grateful
Dream Big

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On April 18th, 2019, Chris Berlow and Paul Melella achieved the rank of 7th Degree Black belt in Taekwondo and earned the title of Grandmaster after 37 years of Taekwondo training. Both Paul and Chris were hesitant in accepting the title of Grandmaster until their good friend Master Paul Edwards shared his powerful insights where the two of them accepted the honor. In this powerful yet entertaining podcast, Chris and Paul discuss and share the journey to become Grandmaster, what it means to them, the challenges they needed to overcome and the lessons they learned along the way. This is a podcast not to miss so grab yourself a pen and paper because you’re gonna want to take some notes

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This week we interview John Moljo, a high performer who owns Team Moljo Strength and Conditioning in Shrub Oak, NY, and co-founder of LAB Fitness Consultants; a personal training coaching business. He has a true cinderella story where he started from an overweight teenager to a successful entrepreneur in the highly competitive health and fitness industry. His story is all about drive, dedication, perseverance and a commitment to making a difference. In this interview, John shares how he created an incredible community and culture, explains how duplicatable systems are the backbone of operating any business, and how he attracted an incredible team that shares his vision. Everyone who enters his center has an experience that keeps them motivated to train daily and inspired to live a healthy lifestyle.

John shares his values that drives himself and his team to be high performers.

S.T.R.O.N.G.

S…..Self-Discipline

T…..Teachable

R…..Relentless

O…..Optimistic

N…..Nobel

G…..Grateful

John could be reached at jmoljo@teammoljo.com and or visit his website at www.teammoljo.com and welcomes anyone to reach him to learn more Team Moljo and LAB Fitness Consultants.

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This week we are talking to Luis Corrales. Luis is a Financial Services Professional and partners in the firm, Copecorrales Financial Group. Luis is an elite level producer in the financial services and achieved success at a very young age. For those who are in the financial services industry, Luis has reached the prestigious Presidents Council Award which puts him in the top 1% of his industry. For everyone else, Luis has changed countless lives and was compensated very nicely due to the impact he has made. No, it didn’t happen over night and it didn’t come easy. He worked extremely hard to get to the level he is at and he shares his story on how he got to where he is. Luis attributes his success to having a coach despite being a high performer and on top of his game. Here are eight tips that Luis discusses in the podcast.

Tip # 1: When planning the day, keep to the basics and stick with what works

Tip # 2: Time blocking is essential to get the most out of your day

Tip # 3: Identify the areas of life important, time block time the areas other than business

Tip # 4: To stay positive in adversity to surround self with people that care and want to succeed. encourage to keep moving forward

Tip # 5: When you are scared, it means you are stretching; the only way to grow

Tip: #6: Do not afraid to fail, it is a part of the growing process

Tip # 7: In adversity, always think abundance. The more you have, the more you have to share

Tip # 8: Surround yourself with like minded individuals to challenge and support you. Learn to delegate and be find a team that aligns with your vision

For those interested in contacting Luis for financial advice or professional advice, please go to his website at www.copecorrales.com. You could reach him at 202-580-2068 and email at lcorrales@copecorrales.com. CopeCorrales Group offers comprehensive financial planning through a science and results based methodology providing their clients with a clear and concise road map to achieve substantial success.

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Welcome to the first ever YOU Have Infinite Power Podcast. In this inaugural episode, co-authors of the best selling book, YOU Have Infinite Power; Master Chris Berlow and Master Paul Melella Jr. talk about what to expect in the upcoming episodes. They dig deep into the concept of multi-dimensional success; which translates to success in multiple areas of life, not just work, not just health, not just relationships.

If you are driving a car, what would happen if you have three flat tires and one filled with air. You would be stuck, right? Wouldn’t be efficient, right? Well, that is exactly what multi-dimensional success is. All your tires are filled with air in your vehicle of life! This is the essence of this podcast and we will rotate from different areas by interviewing people who are doing it better, doing it right and living a well balanced and fulfilling life!

In this very first episode, you will learn…

Who is this podcast for?
Why are we doing the podcast?
What do we want the listeners to get out of the podcast?
Our promises to you, the listeners.
Why you should stay tuned and listen to the episodes
It will be fun, entertaining and educational!

Stay tuned for more exciting episodes on Empowered Mastery’s “YOU Have Infinite Power Podcast”

You Have Infinite Power: Recent Episodes

Chris Berlow