• ASKITA E180 The JIA Blueprint Interview with Starr Penn
    Jan 9 2026
    🔥 Discover How One Mom REVERSED Her Daughter's Juvenile Arthritis Without Medication! 🔥 In this eye-opening interview, John Curren sits down with Starr Penn, founder of the JIA Blueprint, who shares the shocking truth about juvenile arthritis that doctors aren't telling you. Watch as Starr reveals:
    • ✅ The hidden gut-health connection that's causing an epidemic of autoimmune diseases in children
    • ✅ How she completely healed her daughter's juvenile arthritis using nutrition alone (no drugs needed!)
    • ✅ The "leaky gut syndrome" secret that Big Pharma doesn't want you to know about
    • ✅ Simple dietary changes that can transform your child's health in weeks
    • ✅ Why treating symptoms is keeping your family sick (and what to do instead)
    💡 This isn't just about arthritis — if your child struggles with ANY chronic illness, autoimmune condition, or mysterious health issues, this conversation could change everything. Starr breaks down the science behind environmental toxins, gut health, and inflammation in a way that finally makes sense. Plus, she shares her proven coaching program that's helping families across the country reclaim their children's health naturally. 🎯 Perfect for parents dealing with:
    • Juvenile arthritis
    • Autoimmune diseases
    • Chronic inflammation
    • Digestive issues in kids
    • Food allergies and sensitivities
    • Unexplained health problems
    ⏰ Timestamps:
    1. 00:00 - The juvenile arthritis epidemic nobody's talking about
    2. 05:30 - How Starr reversed her daughter's diagnosis naturally
    3. 12:45 - The leaky gut connection explained
    4. 18:20 - Why medications only mask the problem
    5. 25:10 - Simple detox methods you can start TODAY
    6. 32:40 - The Family Health Revolution Blueprint revealed
    7. 40:15 - Success stories that will inspire you
    💪 Take action now! Don't let another day go by watching your child suffer. Learn the root-cause approach that's transforming children's health across America. 👉 LIKE this video if you believe natural healing is possible! 👉 SUBSCRIBE for more health breakthroughs that actually work! 👉 SHARE with parents who need to see this! 💬 Drop a comment below: What health challenge is your family facing? Let's support each other! #JuvenileArthritis #AutoimmuneDisease #NaturalHealing #GutHealth #ChildrensHealth #LeakyGut #HolisticHealth #ParentingTips #ChronicIllness #HealthTransformation
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    1 hr and 24 mins
  • ASKITA E179 Interview with Aaron Gilbert on Creating Extraordinary Change in Your Life
    Dec 5 2025

    On this episode of ASKITA podcast, John and Aaron Gilbert, LICSW discuss creating a positive change in life through resilience and personal growth, with Aaron sharing insights about therapy and its benefits for healing and recovery. They explored various aspects of mental health, including the impact of negative self-talk, depression, and the importance of being present, while discussing practical tools like meditation and exercise for well-being. Aaron's website is www.bostoneveningtherapy.com Benefits and Role of Therapy Aaron discussed the benefits of therapy, emphasizing its role in providing a supportive environment where individuals can feel fully heard and understood. He highlighted how sharing one's story with a trained professional can be a significant step toward healing and recovery, offering an opportunity to make sense of experiences together. Aaron also touched on the importance of recognizing when therapy might be beneficial, suggesting that therapy can serve as a resource for expressing oneself and gaining a different perspective. Understanding Negative Self-Talk Impact John and Aaron discussed the impact of negative self-talk and depression, with John sharing his experience of feeling hyper-focused and losing perspective during a difficult time. They explored how people tend to think in extremes, whether optimistically glossing over issues or pessimistically fixated on worst-case scenarios, and Aaron noted that both extremes share a focus on the future rather than the present. Mind-Body Well-being Strategies Aaron and John discussed the importance of being present and the mind-body connection. They explored how meditation and focusing on breathing can be grounding and calming, especially when dealing with anxiety. Aaron emphasized the benefits of exercise and natural light for overall well-being, highlighting that physical activities, like walking in nature, can help improve sleep patterns and circadian rhythms. Self-Care Priorities and Daily Actions John and Aaron discussed the challenges of finding time for self-care, particularly in difficult situations. Aaron suggested that people often prioritize other activities over taking care of themselves, but emphasized that it's a matter of setting priorities. They also talked about the importance of being gentle with oneself and recognizing the value in simple, daily actions rather than focusing solely on major life events. Overcoming Self-Criticism Through Meditation Aaron and John discussed the challenges of self-criticism and the importance of maintaining personal values and virtues. They explored how meditation can help individuals recognize and let go of negative thoughts, rather than fueling them. John shared his experience of using meditation to find acceptance and manage recurring thoughts, comparing it to judo for the mind. They also touched on the role of friendship, particularly for men, in processing difficulties and the importance of self-compassion. Inner Peace and Personal Growth John and Aaron discussed the importance of resilience and personal growth, emphasizing the need to focus on inner strength and peace of mind rather than comparing oneself to others. They agreed that material success pales in comparison to inner peace and personal fulfillment, which is uniquely achievable on one's own path. Aaron suggested that self-acceptance and quieting the critical voice can lead to increased creativity, optimism, and other positive attributes that contribute to personal and professional success. Finding Positivity in Challenging Times John and Aaron discussed the importance of living in the moment and finding positivity in challenging situations, drawing from personal experiences and insights. They explored how making small, positive choices can lead to transformational growth, with Aaron emphasizing the power of recognizing and rewarding oneself for these actions. John shared his journey out of depression by choosing to change his mindset, highlighting the role of environment and support in personal growth.

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    1 hr and 5 mins
  • ASKITA E178 Hit Start & Play! Interview with Jon D. Harrison
    Oct 3 2025
    In this episode of A Swift Kick In The Ass podcast (now in video format on YouTube), John introduces you to Jon D. Harrison, who is an author, TedX speaker, Organizational Development proeffeional and a lieftime gamer. Jonathan and John discussed how gaming skills and interests can be leveraged for professional development while maintaining a healthy work-life balance, exploring how game mechanics can be applied to real-life productivity and personal growth. They emphasized the importance of self-directed career development through pursuing personal passions and interests, with Jonathan sharing insights from his upcoming book about life lessons learned from video games. The conversation also covered John's personal dream of purchasing and restoring an abandoned island property, which he plans to document as content while using it as a way to connect with his son and rediscover forgotten skills. Sounds asinine doesn't it? Take a listen and find out. Please like and subcribe.
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    1 hr and 17 mins
  • ASKITA E177 Interview with Carmen "The Momba" Gulliksen: More Than A Pro Boxer
    Aug 14 2025

    In this episode of "A Swift Kick in the Ass" Podcast, John interviews Carmen "The Momba" Gulliksen, a former collegiate athlete and professional boxer who has transitioned into advocating for self-defense and mental health through her leadership role at the Martial Arts Marshall Leaders Institute. They discuss Carmen's diverse background, her experiences in professional boxing, and her efforts to create resources and communities for self-defense training, particularly for women and minorities. The conversation covers the psychological and physical aspects of martial arts training, the importance of self-defense and personal growth, and Carmen's upcoming fight and organizational initiatives focused on empowering women through fitness and resilience programs.

    Get her book: Author - https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0DQ1WS4S9?ref=cm_sw_r_ffobk_cp_ud_dp_WGBX3NEH2MWRCHAWS0FD&ref_=cm_sw_r_ffobk_cp_ud_dp_WGBX3NEH2MWRCHAWS0FD&social_share=cm_sw_r_ffobk_cp_ud_dp_WGBX3NEH2MWRCHAWS0FD&skipTwisterOG=1&bestFormat=true

    Web: https://www.carmenthemomba.com/

    Momba Merch: https://www.carmenthemomba.com/category/all-products

    Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/carmen.the.mom.ba/

    In each episode, we bring you:

    Engaging Interviews: Hear from industry experts, thought leaders, and everyday heroes who have overcome challenges and achieved greatness and get your ass moving.

    Practical Tips: Get actionable advice and strategies that you can implement right away to make positive changes in your life.

    Real Talk: No sugar-coating here! We are asinine about our bold desire to live on our terms and challenge conventional belief. Each episode tackles the hard truths and provides the motivation you need to push through obstacles and reach your goals.

    Be Bold. Be Strong. Be Asinine! Our mascot, Assimus Maximus, symbolizes resilience and personal growth. Embrace your inner strength and join us on this journey.

    Don't forget to subscribe, hit the notification bell, and leave a comment to let us know what you think. A Life on Your Terms Starts Now.

    ---------------------

    Find out more on www.aswiftkickintheass.com

    https://www.facebook.com/Askita Podcast

    https://twitter.com/AKickintheass

    https://www.pinterest.com/akickintheass/

    ----Listen to the podcast on iTunes---

    https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/a-swift-kick-in-the-ass/id928326346

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    1 hr and 8 mins
  • ASKITA E176 Navigating Grief With Dr. Jennifer R. Levin: Finding Meaning in Loss
    Aug 7 2025

    PLEASE LIKE AND SUBSCRIBE TO ENCOURAGE MORE EPISODES!

    In this episode of ASKITA, John brings Jennifer R. Levin, PhD, LMFT, FT, to the studio to discuss tragic and sudden loss.

    Jennifer R. Levin, PhD, LMFT, FT, is a nationally respected grief expert and therapist specializing in sudden or unexpected loss. A licensed therapist, she is one fewer than 300 mental health professionals worldwide credentialed as a Fellow in Thanatology, the top distinction in the field of death, dying, and bereavement. For more than three decades, Dr. Levin has guided individuals and communities through the disorienting pain of traumatic grief — especially after suicide, overdose, accidents, or unexpected illness.

    Her book is "The Traumatic Loss Workbook: Powerful Skills for Navigating the Grief Caused by a Sudden or Unexpected Death" (New Harbinger Publications, July 1, 2025). Designed to be both gentle and practical, the workbook offers readers clinically grounded tools based in cognitive behavioral therapy, mindfulness, and narrative therapy to stabilize and begin healing. It's a lifeline for anyone experiencing overwhelming grief and for professionals supporting them.

    Dr. Levin is the founder of Traumatic Grief Solutions, a consultancy supporting companies, nonprofits and schools through proactive grief planning and crisis response; and Therapy Heals, Inc., a private therapy practice supporting individuals living with sudden or unexpected loss.. She hosts the podcast "Untethered: Healing the Pain From a Sudden Death." Learn more at TraumaticGriefSolutions.com.

    PLEASE LIKE AND SUBSCRIBE TO ENCOURAGE MORE EPISODES!

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    51 mins
  • ASKITA E175 Interview with Josh Wilk, Founder of Renew Democracy 250.
    Jun 16 2025

    In this episode of ASKITA, John gets asinine about our personal growth as it relates to American Democracy. This is a non-partisan episode that will get you thinking about how you engage in our political system. If you are stressed, anxious and looking for like minded poeple who care about community, you especially don't want to miss it.

    John introduces his long-time friend Josh Wilk, the founder of Renew Democracy 250, and shares Josh's personal story, including his father's experiences as a Holocaust survivor and Nazi hunter. Josh explains that his organization aims to honor his father's legacy by promoting democracy and fighting against tyranny, drawing parallels between his father's experiences in Nazi Germany and current political trends in the United States.

    How do you think you are you going to celebrate our country's 250th anniversary? Listen to this episode and you may be kicked into action

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    1 hr and 5 mins
  • ASKITA E174 Intervew with the Jewish Stripper
    Jun 12 2025

    In this episode of ASKITA, John interviews Alla Kaplan, a former stripper and current business woman, about her life experiences and podcast "The Jewish Stripper." They discuss Alla's journey from immigrating to the United States as a child to her experiences in the adult entertainment industry, her struggles with mental health and substance abuse, and her path to recovery and personal growth. The conversation touches on various topics including cultural attitudes towards stripping, misconceptions about the industry, and Alla's efforts to help others through her podcast and writing

    "Be Stubborn. Be Strong. Be Asinine." perfectly encapsulates the no-excuses resilience A Swift Kick In The Ass stands for.

    The phrase "Be Bold. Be Stubborn. Be Asinine." encapsulates a unique approach to life and decision-making that challenges conventional wisdom. Being bold involves taking risks and stepping out of one's comfort zone to achieve greatness. It's about having the courage to pursue dreams and the audacity to break barriers. Being stubborn, on the other hand, speaks to perseverance and unwavering determination. It's about holding onto your goals despite obstacles and naysayers. However, being asinine — typically viewed as foolish or silly — might seem counterintuitive. Yet, embracing a touch of asininity can encourage creativity and innovation, enabling one to think outside the box and approach problems from unconventional angles. While balance is key, this mantra serves as a reminder that success often requires a blend of courage, persistence, and a willingness to embrace the unexpected.

    Please Like and Subscribe. It means so much. Check us out on You Tube, and all the other major social media platforms.

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    1 hr and 49 mins
  • ASKITA E173 "From Trauma to Triumph: Scott Kesson's Story of Loss and Growth" (audio only)
    Apr 28 2025

    In this episode of ASKITA, John interviews Scott Kesson, LPC, a licensed professional counselor from Colorado, exploring Scott's background, including his experiences as a gay man, foster parent, and mental health professional spanning 35 years in various roles. The conversation highlighted Scott's resilience, growth mindset, and commitment to living life on his own terms, emphasizing the importance of pushing through difficult situations and prioritizing personal satisfaction over financial gain.

    Scott is one of John's oldest friends, whom he met in college at the University of Florida in January 1985. Scott has been talked about before on this as an example of true friendship by calling out John's potentially negative path and encouraging him to act more appropriately. He gets his chance to do it again!

    Scott shares his experience of losing both parents at a young age. His mother died of cancer when he was 12, and his father remarried within a year. A year after that, his father passed away from a heart attack when Scott was 14, leaving him to make funeral arrangements. Scott uses this traumatic experience as a baseline to overcome future challenges. He also describes how his family situation changed drastically within two years, going from a wealthy lifestyle to one of significant debt after his father's death. His new mother had to care for four children, including Scott and his brother, while dealing with financial difficulties.

    Behind the Name

    "A Swift Kick in the Ass" conveys the idea of a sudden, forceful action or reprimand intended to motivate or correct someone. This action is intended to help not hurt, in an entertaining way that aims to help people intentionally craft a way of life (or style of living) that aligns with the very essence of their mind, body and spirit by growing though your life experience.

    The first A Swift Kick in The Ass podcast episode was released October 8th 2014 by two lifelong friends, John Curren and Tom Stewart, who set out to disrupt conventional belief and get people thinking about not just how to live, but rather, thrive on their terms.

    In this partnership, the two lifetime friends produced over 100 episodes that have been heard in over 140 countries throughout this world.

    Sadly, on August 16th, 2020, Tom (Tommy) Stewart passed away from brain cancer with his wife by his side.

    Though Tom can no longer be at the microphone, it was his wish that the show go on. He felt the message was too important to be silenced.

    John Curren continues to share his journey and works to motivate others to live more fully on their terms.

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    59 mins