Rituals of Strength
Episodes
Ep 42-Everyone Was Kung Fu Conversing Part 1
19 Apr 2026
Contributed by Lukas
In the first of 2 parts, Kevin discusses all things martial with Randel Davis, wing chun coach, adept in numerous southern styles, circular strength e...
Ep 41-The Denial of Death
12 Apr 2026
Contributed by Lukas
I often reference Ernest Becker's book "The Denial of Death", so I finally give it the attention it is due as a major influence on my th...
Ep 40-Beyond Aggression
05 Apr 2026
Contributed by Lukas
In this week's episode, we delve into the topic of Kevin's latest book, discussing misconceptions regarding the centrality of aggression in ou...
Ep 39-Micro-Dosing Mindfulness and Meditation
21 Dec 2025
Contributed by Lukas
In this week's episode, Kevin shares personal tips and practices that have simplified the integration of mindfulness and meditation into his daily...
Ep 38-Are There Really Benefits to Cold Water Dousing?
14 Dec 2025
Contributed by Lukas
In this week's episode, Kevin discusses his personal experience with cold exposure therapy in the martial arts, discussing the myths, misconceptio...
Ep 37- A Strenuous Life: Lessons From Theodore Roosevelt
07 Dec 2025
Contributed by Lukas
This week, we delve into some of the writing of former U.S. President Theodore Roosevelt as they pertain to ideas of resilience and service.
36-Touch and Talk: Secrets of Intervention and Self-Defense
30 Nov 2025
Contributed by Lukas
This week, Kevin goes deep into the topic of when, where, and how to touch in both self-defense and intervention. These are soft skills that anyone ca...
Ep 35-The Immovable Sword: Thoughts on the Path to Awakening
23 Nov 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Kevin discusses thoughts from his latest book, available worldwide on Amazon.
Ep 33-5 Keys to Self Defense
02 Nov 2025
Contributed by Lukas
I've been teaching alongside a lot of other instructors lately, and I am sharing some thoughts on elements that are interpreted differently or som...
Ep 32-Strength Is Self-Defense: Breaking Free from Fear of Injury With Jess Mather
06 Oct 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Self-defense is more than technique; it's also about how you inhabit your body. Jess Mather joins the show to explore the hidden link between fear...
31-AI in the Tactical World With Mike Malpass
14 Sep 2025
Contributed by Lukas
In this week's episode, returning guest Mike Malpass, discusses the emerging role of AI both in operational and training settings, discussing the ...
EP 30-AI and Kung Fu: A Discussion With Randel Davis
07 Sep 2025
Contributed by Lukas
In our continuing discussion of AI seen through the lens of warrior wisdom, I interview Randel Davis, the co-host of Kung Fu Conversations about how A...
AI Sensei: The Dangers of Trusting AI for Warrior Wisdom
01 Sep 2025
Contributed by Lukas
In this week's episode, we became a consideration of AI as a source of warrior wisdom. Kevin begins with his own investigation, searching the simp...
Ep 28-Conversation With White Crane Kung Fu Master Lorne Bernard
24 Aug 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Lorne Bernard is the custodian and inheritor of the Fujian Flying Crane Fist Style. A decorated kung-fu master, he is forthright, insightful, and gene...
Ep 27-A Conversation With Sifu Russ Smith and Randel Davis Part 2
17 Aug 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Do yourself a favour and learn more about Sifu Russ, at: https://www.burinkan.org/And if you're not already a subscriber you gotta follow Kung Fu ...
Ep 26-A Conversation With Sifu Russ Smith and Randel Davis
10 Aug 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Do yourself a favour and learn more about Sifu Russ, at: https://www.burinkan.org/And if you're not already a subscriber you gotta follow Kung Fu Conv...
Ep 25-Nikolai Bernstein: Constraining Freedom
03 Aug 2025
Contributed by Lukas
This week, we discuss the research of Nikolai Bernstein and the Degrees of Freedom Problem. Berstein was a fearless researcher and avant-garde expert ...
Ep24-Spinal Engine Theory
27 Jul 2025
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode, we explore a leading theory in the mobility work known as Spinal Engine theory--the belief that the spine is the source of all moveme...
Ep 23-Transforming Trauma With Ashley Hecht and Chris Oklevitch
20 Jul 2025
Contributed by Lukas
These 2 trauma-informed self-defense experts share their journey to transformation, recounting their early training, their insights into coping with t...
Ep 22-Vadim Kolganov, Master of Sport
13 Jul 2025
Contributed by Lukas
This week I interview Vadim Kolganov, Master of Sport in Sambo and Judo, 4th Dan in Jujitsu, Master Instructor in ROSS, Strength and Conditioning Coac...
Ep 21-The Diamond Focus of a Veteran Security Contractor
06 Jul 2025
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode I'm in conversation with a former colleague who rose up from the bad streets, to serve in the military, and then to provide over 3 dec...
Ep 20-20 Tips and Exercises For Improving Decision-Making Under Stress
29 Jun 2025
Contributed by Lukas
To celebrate episode 20, this installment will outline 20 ideas for improving your ability to make decisions under stress.
Ep 19-Kung Fu Conversations Rebroadcast with Sifu Russ Smith and Kevin Secours
22 Jun 2025
Contributed by Lukas
With the gracious permission of my brothers Owen Schilling and Randel Davis over at The Kung Fu Conversations Podcast, here is a rebroadcast of a conv...
Ep 18: Alex Jansen: Martial Arts, Military, and MMA
15 Jun 2025
Contributed by Lukas
In this week's episode, I have the great fortune to interview martial arts and defensive tactics instructor Alex Jansen, about his journey through the...
Ep 17-The Effects on Anger and Fear on Performance
08 Jun 2025
Contributed by Lukas
In this week's episode we discuss the effect that anxiety, fear, and specifically anger can have on your performance, even in combative situations. Th...
Ep 16-Prepare, Practice, Perform: The Wisdom of a Stand-Up Comedian
01 Jun 2025
Contributed by Lukas
In this week's episode, actor, writer and comedian Dan Bingham, discusses his journey to success, the process of creation, dealing with performance an...
Ep 15-From Trauma to Thriving With Lindsey Falcon and Lauren Bailey
25 May 2025
Contributed by Lukas
In this week's episode we delve deep into the field of trauma-informed care and training with the co-founders of Thrive Self Defense, Lauren Bailey an...
Ep 14-Max White: Life Lessons of a Master Stuntman
18 May 2025
Contributed by Lukas
In this week's episode, we speak with Max White. This veteran stunt performer and coordinator has appeared in some of the biggest films of the past 2 ...
Ep 13-The Dirty Dozen: 12 Tactical Misconceptions With Mike Malpass (Part 2)
11 May 2025
Contributed by Lukas
You don't need to be a tactical operative to benefit from a clear understanding of tactical principles. These concepts permeate public consciousness i...
Ep 12-The Dirty Dozen: 12 Tactical Misconceptions With Mike Malpass (Part 1)
04 May 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Tactical concepts permeating our consciousness, from self-help books, to TED talks, to the martial arts. In part 1 of this conversation with master ta...
Ep 11-Trauma Informed Training
27 Apr 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Trauma creates measurable physical changes in our brain structure, body chemistry, and nervous system. In this episode, we will explore the modern mov...
Ep 10-My Mushroom Teacher: Psilocybin Therapy with Trip Maxwell
20 Apr 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Studies continue to emerge, substantiating the use of "Magic Mushrooms" as a powerful and rapid treatment for conditions ranging from medication-resis...
Ep 9--The Russian Martial Arts: Cutting Through the Myths, Misconceptions and Copious Amounts of Bunk
13 Apr 2025
Contributed by Lukas
The martial arts of Russia are among the most maligned and misunderstood in the world today. Clouded by misinformation, a fragmented historical record...
Ep 8: Stewart Breeding: Building a 21st Century Samurai-Part 2
06 Apr 2025
Contributed by Lukas
In the second portion of this interview, we learn how consolidate Stewart's martial, military and fitness mastery to forge a "Tactical Athlete". You w...
Ep 7: Stewart Breeding: Building a 21st Century Samurai-Part 1
30 Mar 2025
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode, we explore the first half of an interview with Stewart Breeding. He is a master-level fitness instructor, martial arts expert, and co...
Ep 6: From Cossack Warriors to Buddhist Monks: A Conversation With a Warrior Monk
23 Mar 2025
Contributed by Lukas
In this week's show, I interview Dr. John Giduck. John was a pioneer in the establishment of the Slavic martial arts in the West. He is a retired ...
Ep 5: How Ferocious Should You Train To Become?
16 Mar 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Within the self-defense world, a constant debate rages on regarding how ferocious you should train yourself to be. Should we train ourselves to be res...
Ep 4: The Ecological Approach to Learning: An Honest Discussion About the Misconceptions and Limitations With Mike Malpass
09 Mar 2025
Contributed by Lukas
The Ecological Approach to learning as well as the Constraints Led Approach are enjoying growing popularity. This discussion with tactical expert and ...
Ep 3-Building the Fire: How to Grow Your Confidence, Assertiveness, and Aggression--Part 2
02 Mar 2025
Contributed by Lukas
One of the questions I’ve been asked the most in my decades of training and teaching, is how do I train myself to be more confident when everything ...
Ep 2- Building the Fire: How to Grow Your Confidence, Assertiveness, and Aggression--Part 1
23 Feb 2025
Contributed by Lukas
One of the questions I’ve been asked the most in my decades of training and teaching, is how do I train myself to be more confident when everything ...
Ep 1-Rituals of Strength-Episode 1-Is Breath Training A Placebo?
16 Feb 2025
Contributed by Lukas
With so much conflicting and competing information on the market about breath training, we start by looking at research that suggests breath retrainin...