Best Conversations On Karate Podcasts (2025)

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Episode 94 - It’s Never a bad thing to be hugged by Superman with Randel Davis 1:31:46

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18h ago1:31:46

1:31:46

In this one we are joined once again by everyone’s favourite Kung Fu bus driver Randel Davis! This time is not about punches, kicks, kata or bunkai but capes, kryptonite, green lanterns and everything Superman as we review the latest Superman movie! Hope you enjoy 3 martial arts nerds nerd out over Superman instead! Socials and Merch https://www.in…

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Hidden Levels Ep. 4: Machinima 37:16

20m ago37:16

37:16

Machinima — a portmanteau of “machine” and “cinema” — refers to movies filmed inside video games. The art form had a renaissance in the 1990s, and many thought it had a future in Hollywood. Among the early pioneers were the New York animation collective the Ill Clan, who puppeteered characters in real-time inside the video game Quake, bypassing tra…

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WDP 162 - Toby Cowern 1:43:00

1h ago1:43:00

1:43:00

Toby Cowern has an extensive background in military intelligence, survival and preparedness. We discuss geopolitics and how global dynamics impact everyday citizens. We recorded this on October 9th of 2025. The Bonus Episode in which Toby answers questions from my Patrons is here: https://www.patreon.com/posts/141459976 The show notes are here: htt…

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Hidden Levels: Choose Your Player (Side Quest) 31:25

23m ago31:25

31:25

Today, Stef Sanjati is a creator on YouTube with over half a million subscribers. Her content mostly focuses on her two greatest loves — makeup and gaming — often combining the two with her otherworldly video game-inspired beauty tutorials. Growing up in small-town Ontario, though, Stef was a quiet, introverted kid who was bullied a lot. For one th…

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Hidden Levels Ep. 3: This Game Wants YOU 44:10

2d ago44:10

44:10

For decades, the U.S. Army has been on edge about recruitment, hitting its goals for a few years, only to miss them again. As part of their strategy to combat recruiting concerns, the Army has turned its focus online: to the world of gaming and competitive eSports. With nearly 80% of Americans between the ages of 13 and 28 playing video games weekl…

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The History of Camouflage - Who Knew it Would be So Interesting 23:04

3d ago23:04

23:04

The idea of camo came up during our WW1 research. I didn't think it was going to be as huge, weird and interesting as it became. I hope you have the same result as a listener. Please let us know. And as we say every week, slide down just a little farther and click the link to show us some financial love. Thanks! Here's the last episode we ran on WW…

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Hidden Levels Ep. 2: Stick It to 'Em 41:36

6d ago41:36

41:36

In this second episode of Hidden Levels, Amory traces the history of the humble-yet-genius joystick — from early 20th century aviation, to 1970s video game consoles like the Atari 2600, to the Nintendo 64 thumbstick in the 1990s, to what some consider the joystick's greatest implementation: the dual-thumbstick controller. This optimal interface has…

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Hidden Levels Ep. 1: Mr. Boomshakalaka 37:16

9d ago37:16

37:16

Welcome to our all-new collaborative series, "Hidden Levels," in which we team up with 99% Invisible to explore how the world of video games has impacted the world beyond. We’ll dive deep into how games are made and designed, exploring everything from the history of the joystick to the faithful recreation of nature in digital spaces. Whether you ar…

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Discussing a Meditation Mentioned in 365 Days of the Warrior 24:51

9d ago24:51

24:51

By Sensei Michelle

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Announcing 'Hidden Levels': how the videogame world has changed the world beyond videogames 5:08

10d ago5:08

5:08

Have you ever jumped on something as you're moving through the real world, and heard that Mario bouncy sound in your head? Or maybe seen someone acting like an NPC when they're a real person? Maybe you know that the first real "in-app" purchase was actually a weapons store in an arcade game version of Double Dragon 3. Wherever you go in the real wo…

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WDP161 - Dr. Lucius Pomerantz 1:00:50

13d ago1:00:50

1:00:50

Lucius Pomerantz, MD is a board-certified orthopedic surgeon, former MMA fighter and BJJ black belt. We talk about being a ringside physician at the UFC BJJ event, combat sports injuries, how to treat them and much more. The second part of the episode is here on Patreon. Enjoy. Support the podcast and get instant access to dozens of bonus episodes …

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A fork (still) in the road: Three members of r/fednews share their stories 30:42

13d ago30:42

30:42

You've heard of the "Freshman 15"... how about the "DOGE 15"? This is how some federal employees have referred to the stress associated with the establishment of the Department of Government Efficiency back in January and the "restructurings, realignments, and reductions in force" that came with it, as announced in an email sent to nearly all feder…

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BONUS #3 - Catching up with Gus Rogers at the Southwest Martial Arts & Wellbeing Show 10:00

14d ago10:00

10:00

In this brief bonus episode we catch up with Gus Rogers. Greg and Gus both attended each others sessions at the Southwest Martial Arts & Wellbeing Show, and in this review Sue, Greg and Gus talk about the show, favourite sessions and more. Socials and Merch https://www.instagram.com/glynham1990 https://www.instagram.com/ conversations_on_karate htt…

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Sifu Rob Jones Tells us About his WW2 Katana 21:58

17d ago21:58

21:58

For this episode, you really need to check us out on Twitter or Insta. We've posted a few pictures of this one of a kind weapon. Couple that with how much fun it is to talk with Sifu and we consider ourselves lucky to share today. If you're a fan of weapons and / or a fan of Sifu Jones you'll enjoy this episode from last year: https://www.buzzsprou…

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Bridezillas and quiz traps: Petty stories from Reddit 27:49

20d ago27:49

27:49

Ben and Amory share stories about potential pettiness from Reddit. Ben shares a post from r/weddinshaming post about a bride who changed her wedding to a weekday in another state. Amory counters with a teacher who used AI to foil his student's cheating. Petty or just? You be the judge. Credits: This episode was produced by Frannie Monahan. It was c…

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An Interview with an Old Friend - Sensei Eddie Kiesel 23:37

24d ago23:37

23:37

What fun it is to run into someone you haven't seen in decades. That serendipity led us to this interview where we catch up on old times, look forward, and talk about Martial Arts. It turned out that a kobudo weapon was one of his favorite weapons. We did 3 episodes on Kobudo weapons. Here's the episode where we introduce them: https://www.buzzspro…

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Episode 93 - Ryuho Ryu with Sensei Scot Mertz 1:21:58

27d ago1:21:58

1:21:58

In this episode we are joined by Sensei Scot Mertz, practitioner of Goju Ryu, Kojo Ryu, Karate researcher and historian, and the founder of Ryuho Ryu. We dive deep into some Karate myths, styles, kata, curriculum and so much more. Hope you enjoy this one! Socials and Merch https://www.instagram.com/glynham1990 https://www.instagram.com/ conversatio…

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What happened to Jenna Marbles? 37:00

27d ago37:00

37:00

In 2020, Jenna Marbles — one of the most popular YouTube creators of all time —posted her last video. Five years later, her devoted fanbase still wonders: where is she, and is she okay? We investigate the mystery behind one of YouTube's biggest disappearances, and why people still care so much. Show notes: r/JennaMarbles (Reddit) The Best, Fakest, …

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Overcome Unkindness with Compassion - Lao Tzu 24:22

1M ago24:22

24:22

Another page from the 365 Days of the Warrior book by Master Kelljchian and Sensei Tracey. (Buy it on Amazon!). This week they reference Lao Tzu. As usual, the conversation goes everywhere. One idea we visit is balance. Here is the episode we did on Master Brown's saying "A karateman's pride is his balance." https://www.buzzsprout.com/477379/episod…

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WDP 160 - Iryna Zarutska and Charlie Kirk 51:38

1M ago51:38

51:38

I didn't feel like doing this episode, but several of my Patrons contacted me privately and asked me to release it. So here goes. The links I mentioned are at http://www.wimsblog.com/160 Support the podcast and get instant access to dozens of bonus episodes and HUNDREDS of exclusive videos: https://www.patreon.com/wimdemeere New book/video email no…

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Message in a laptop 24:24

1M ago24:24

24:24

What is your relationship with the trash heap of digital history? Can you still connect your old hard drives? Still sifting through your old photos in the cloud? Do you ever low key snoop in the old electronics of other people, searching for treasure? That's what Noah Simmons was doing a while back when he discovered something compelling in its sim…

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How Katana are Made 22:39

1M ago22:39

22:39

We hope you enjoy listening to this as much as we enjoyed earning about it and sharing it with you. With Sensei Derek's help, we cover the making of katana - everything from history to parts to quotes. Of course we mention our episode on the katana. Here it is in case you missed it: https://www.buzzsprout.com/477379/episodes/4878146 And, like every…

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Encore: The truth about seagulls, the internet's most hated bird 39:47

1M ago39:47

39:47

As summer fades away, we bring you an encore episode about you shoreline companions and occasional bullies — gulls. Gulls are not beloved creatures. Consult social media, where they are deemed relentless, dirty pests who steal our food and crowd our beaches. As one TikTok user puts it, "Seagulls are the worst animals to ever exist." Such hatred ove…

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From the Code of the Samurai to Modern Warrior Philosophy - An Archived Episode 22:23

2M ago22:23

22:23

In this episode from 2020 we laugh more than we should as we tackle the idea that the code of behavior for ancient warriors still applies to karateka today. It turned out to be so much information than we expected. So we had to add a part 2. Click here to hear part 2: https://www.buzzsprout.com/477379/episodes/3753623 And we refer to the very first…

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Episode 92 - Evolution 50:46

2M ago50:46

50:46

In this episode it’s a throw back to the early days as Greg and Sue chit chat about anything and everything, including how Greg has evolved as a martial artist over the years since the podcast started. Socials and Merch https://www.instagram.com/glynham1990 https://www.instagram.com/ conversations_on_karate https://twitter.com/convokarate?s=21 http…

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Introducing 'Jaws Island': 50 years of loving, fearing, and revering "Jaws" 31:46

2M ago31:46

31:46

Dun dun... This week, on Endless Thread... dun dun... something new is here... dun dun dun dun... a podcast mini-series about the 50th anniversary of the cinematic classic... DUN dun dun dun DUN dun dun dun..."Jaws!" Part 1 of this mini-series, Jaws Island, is right here, right now, and it's all about the "finatics" (yes, that's what they call them…

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A Fun Interview with Elba "Cookie" Melendez 23:33

2M ago23:33

23:33

One of the great parts of recording this podcast is the amazing people we meet. Hanshi Melendez is a perfect example. She was So much fun to talk with. We met her through Hanshi Seymour. Jic you missed Hanshi Seymour's interview back in January, here it is: https://www.buzzsprout.com/477379/episodes/16424997 In the beginning of the show, we say tha…

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From bedtime stories to couples therapy: How AI is changing relationships 30:12

2M ago30:12

30:12

What happens when we outsource aspects of our most personal moments to machines? In the second installment of our two-part series on AI and relationships, we hear from Rhiannon Williams, a reporter for MIT Technology Review who spoke to people all over the world about how they're using AI to relate to their loved ones, including a man who turns to …

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Kids Taught Us More Than We Taught them; A Master Kelljchian Adage 22:27

2M ago22:27

22:27

This adage from Master Kelljchian himself, and written in his book 365 Days of the Warrior, spoke to me, Sensei Jackie and Sensei Lydia - so we had to visit it in a little detail. It's jam packed with stories and what each one of us think he meant when he shared it with us. After you listen, share your thoughts with us. (And your stories from teach…

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Robot hosts, real relationships: How AI is changing human connection 28:12

2M ago28:12

28:12

Amir Mizroch spent years deconstructing fairy tales for his children — and thinking that maybe, he could create something out of his analysis and storytelling for a wider audience. In the first episode of our two-part series on AI and relationships, we hear what Amir finally created, and explore the questions it raises about connection in the digit…

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Aircraft of WW1 22:02

2M ago22:02

22:02

How lucky to have both Sensei Jay (the voice of the opening and closing) and Sensei Landyn join myself and Sensei Jackie today. I learned so much. We refer to our episode on Pappy Boyington (from WW 2). In case you missed it, here's a link: https://www.buzzsprout.com/477379/episodes/16773944 And at the very start of the show, we mention an episode …

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WDP 159 - Maija Soderholm 1:29:26

2M ago1:29:26

1:29:26

Maija Soderholm is the lineage holder of the Visayan Style of Maestro Sonny Umpad, a Bagua Zhang teacher and author of multiple books. We first talk about how to get along in these polarized times but also cover the books she wrote since last we spoke. Part 2 with Patreon members Q&A is here: https://www.patreon.com/posts/136043693 Enjoy! Support t…

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Bootcamp for Men: from betas to alphas 27:28

2M ago27:28

27:28

In the past few years, videos from a new kind of camp have begun circulating the internet. They feature men participating in a variety of bizarre activities: from aggressively digging holes under floodlights, to collectively wailing in a pool of water. These are man camps, where men can pay up to $18,000 to undergo extreme boot-camp-like conditioni…

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Episode 91 - Legends of Karate Roundtable with Hanshi Patrick McCarthy & Sensei Joe Swift 3:29:39

2M ago3:29:39

3:29:39

We are honoured to be joined in this episode by not one but two legends of Karate in this special roundtable discussion! Hanshi Patrick McCarthy and Sensei Joe Swift join us to chat about Karate history, rare kata, martial arts research and much much more. We hope you enjoy this one as much as we did! Socials and Merch https://www.instagram.com/gly…

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Interview with Ellen Kanner - Author of Miami Vegan 23:54

2M ago23:54

23:54

Last year we aired a couple of episodes on nutrition. Since then, we've been hoping to get a vegan point of view. Boy did we get lucky to be introduced to Ellen Kanner. (Thanks Sensei Tracey) She's funny, knowledgeable and full of great ideas. If you love cooking - you'll be surprised at all the options. Even if you have no interest in becoming a p…

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Kisscams, ratcams, Barbra Streisand 24:45

3M ago24:45

24:45

On this week's Endless Thread, host Ben Brock Johnson and producer Grace Tatter bring us two stories about the power of livestreams – one from the Coldplay concert box seats, and another from a notorious rat corridor in Brooklyn, NYC. Show notes: What's the deal with "Astronomer" CEO and CPO affair? (Reddit) A Crown Heights Building's Rat Infestati…

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Patience as a Super Power 24:29

3M ago24:29

24:29

Anytime we get to spend a few minutes with our friend Hanshi TD McKinnon, life is special. In this episode, his words on patience are truly inspiring. If you don’t know Hanshi McKinnon, check out these links. The first one is our introduction to him back in 2021: https://www.buzzsprout.com/477379/episodes/8625686 And this episode features Hanshi di…

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Nick's Back! 1:37:42

3M ago1:37:42

1:37:42

After our little (!) hiatus, Nick Regnier (Aikidoka and returning Karateka) and Craig catch up on all the things that have happened with Nick since the initial Nick/Craig Budo Etc. Podcast three part series a few years ago. Check out Nick @aspireaikidolondon on Instagram, https://www.aspireaikidolondon.co.uk/ and, of course, his YouTube channel htt…

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Thinking Outside the Dox: What 'consensual doxing' can teach us about internet privacy 29:34

3M ago29:34

29:34

Kristen Sotakoun (@notkahnjunior on TikTok) says she has always been 'the FBI of the friend group' – that person you can count on to dig up the juicy details on anyone's social media. It's a skillset that has earned her millions upon millions of views on TikTok in a series she has dubbed 'consensual doxing.' In her videos, Kristen completes challen…

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Rumble in the Bronx - Movie Review 22:07

3M ago22:07

22:07

Summer fun is here and we're going to the (home) movies. Spoiler Alert - we recommend this movie even though it is 30 years old. First, I want to give credit to the Fushu Daiko Drummers for the change in the opening sounds. We recommend you follow them on Facebook and experience them live. They're amazing. Listen to our Fushu Daiko interview here: …

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There's a new emoji for sadness :( 24:11

3M ago24:11

24:11

What does the thumbs-up emoji mean to you? Or the wilted rose? The meanings of emojis are limitless and can differ across social groups or generations. On this episode of Endless Thread, Ben and Amory discuss two stories about how certain emojis have taken on surprising meanings. Show notes:* Here’s why the Aerial Tramway Emoji is suddenly in every…

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Episode 90 - The return of KEN FU 2:09:41

3M ago2:09:41

2:09:41

There have been many returns in pop culture over the years, the Jedi, the King, the living dead….but none of them compare to the return of our dear friend Ken of Kenfu TV! Not only is Ken back on the podcast but he’s back on YouTube as well. In this one we chat about everything Ken’s transformative year dealing with dojo changes, training adjustmen…

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Unheard Till Now - Mistakes, Stories and Surprises 21:44

3M ago21:44

21:44

In earlier episodes we called these our blooper reels. They have grown into a place where we revisit friends and subjects we covered in the last 6 months. This summer is a blockbuster, as they say. So many excuses to look at episodes you might have missed. For example we talk about our episode on Wabi Sabi. We did 2 episodes on it. Here's the lates…

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

3M ago1:21:43

1:21:43

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

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Why it feels like it rains every weekend 21:37

3M ago21:37

21:37

If you feel like it's been raining a lot on the weekends this summer, you're not alone. A couple months ago, we noticed a thread on r/boston asking why? So, we enlisted the help of one of our WBUR colleagues, Climate and Environment Corespondent Barbara Moran to clear things up once and for all. Show notes: Rain Every Weekend??? (Reddit) OMG, why i…

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Samurai Armor 22:31

3M ago22:31

22:31

Welcome to the second episode on Armor. Today it is Samurai Armor. Of course Sensei Jackie, Sensei Landyn and I had so many tangents while discussing this subject. Mostly about weapons through the centuries. And of course we've done episodes on so many of the weapons. Let's start with the swords. Here's a link to our first episode on swords. (There…

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Episodes We Love: How to Fight a Shark 37:08

3M ago37:08

37:08

This episode originally aired on July 12, 2024. It has been updated to more clearly represent communication with Kayleigh Grant about a conversation with Kristian Parton. When Endless Thread producer Grace Tatter heard a friend assert that she could ward off a shark because of TikTok, Grace was both concerned for her friend's safety, and curious. W…

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Episode 89.5 - All star conversations (Part 1) with Randel Davis 1:58:08

4M ago1:58:08

1:58:08

Today we're joined once again by one host of the Kung Fu Conversations podcast, Randel Davis. We talk curriculum, training, teaching and Superman! Keep an eye out for part 2 coming soon when we have Randel again to review the upcoming Superman movie. Hope you enjoy this one! Check out Randel on his Instagram and his podcast! https://open.spotify.co…

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Armor Through the Ages 23:45

4M ago23:45

23:45

We have fun discussing Armor, armor and more armor with Sensei Landyn. It was so much busier than I expected. How can you talk about armor, without mentioning the Gladiators. Here's the episode we did on Gladiators back in 2022: https://www.buzzsprout.com/477379/episodes/10465420 We also mention swords. We did a few episodes on swords. One of my fa…

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"Condiment Claire" wants you to get creative with what's in your fridge 28:02

4M ago28:02

28:02

This week on Endless Thread, we're raiding our refrigerators and rating our favorite condiments with TikTok creator and author "Condiment Claire" Dinhut. We learn about the surprising history of some of our favorite flavor-enhancers, and Claire shares her secrets for using up the last bits of sauce in a jar and how she keeps her online presence app…