Results

Eric Rossi | Preschool Parkour →

Published May 9, 2023  ·  All posts on May 9

On Castbox.fm — Eric Rossi | Preschool Parkour

What is the significance of integrating child development principles into Parkour coaching for preschool-aged children?

Parents and preschoolers alike discover the deeper benefits of Parkour beyond physical activity.

From birth to five years old, we are growing the fastest that we will ever grow in our lives, we have the most malleability in our minds and our bodies in that time.

~ Eric Rossi (2:39)

This conversation highlights the intersection of Parkour coaching and early childhood development, focusing on preschool-aged children. The discussion explores the physical and cognitive growth that occurs from birth to five years, emphasizing the unique opportunity for Parkour to provide children with movement role models. Eric describes how Parkour gyms can incorporate specialized sessions for young children, such as open play times, which offer developmental benefits through exploratory movement.

The conversation also addresses the importance of engaging parents in the learning process. Parents who observe and interact with these sessions gain insight into their children’s development and become advocates for their growth. Additionally, Eric shares his own journey and challenges as a movement educator, underscoring the need for coaches to grow their confidence and understanding of child development principles.

Takeaways

Movement role models — Coaches provide crucial examples for young children during developmental years.

Role of parents — Parents can become active participants and advocates in their children’s growth.

Value of early years — Birth to five years is the most critical period for cognitive and physical growth.

Recess programs — Structured free-play sessions offer significant developmental opportunities.

Coaching skills — Coaches must build confidence and expand their understanding of child development.

Resources

@coach.eric.ok — Eric Rossi on Instagram.

(Written with help from Chat-GPT.)

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Not forever →

Published May 8, 2023  ·  All posts on May 8  ·  , ,

At some point in our lives we realize that we aren’t spring chickens anymore and we become a bit less interested in looking good naked and more interested in feeling better and making the most of the rest of our lives. It’s a hard thing to slowly realize you aren’t going to live forever.

But once you accept it, you can start to address it.

~ Jarlo Ilano from, How to Live Forever (or at least stay healthy for a really long time)

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I talk a lot about movement, and the people over at GMB are top-notch. If you’re looking for something (to inspire you, get you moving, solve a specific issue, etc.) then go there.

I also talk a lot about sleep. In recent months I’ve decided my mattress is done. I’ve been refusing to spend the insane amount to replace it (and yes, I’ve heard of that brand you’re considering telling me about.) Instead I chose to lean into sleeping on really hard surfaces.

I’ve been sleeping on a 2-inch-thick air mattress, on the floor, for a week. Thoracic extension— delightful. Hip extension as an antidote to desk-sitting— delightful. Even lying on my side requires new adaptations— delightful. As it happens, I already have a platform bed with Tatami mats. Based on my week’s experiment (and countless nights sleeping on my air mattress on host’s floors) I’ve shoved the western-style mattress off the platform and ordered a traditional “floor mattress” which goes atop tatami mats. We shall see.

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Jimmy Davidson | Inescapable Fundamentals of Business →

Published April 18, 2023  ·  All posts on Apr 18

On Castbox.fm — Jimmy Davidson | Inescapable Fundamentals of Business

What are the challenges and strategies involved in building a successful Parkour-based business?

Identifying a niche and understanding your audience transforms Parkour teaching into a viable business.

If you are trying to sell to everybody, you end up selling to nobody. So you really need to understand what a niche is like, what is the very hyper specific area and group of people and specific avatar that you’re trying to sell to?

~ Jimmy Davidson (3:31)

The conversation explores the challenges of running a Parkour-based business, emphasizing the critical nature of understanding fundamental business principles. Jimmy shares insights about how entrepreneurs often lean on their Parkour experience but struggle to apply it to business challenges. Key topics include the importance of defining a niche, understanding the target audience, and recognizing one’s knowledge gaps.

The discussion also touches on the larger mission of spreading Parkour and the joy of movement to a million people. There is a clear focus on maintaining alignment with this goal while scaling the business and supporting the broader Parkour community. Jimmy acknowledges the tension between pursuing mentorship and staying dedicated to their existing business endeavors.

Takeaways

Understanding fundamental principles — Running a business requires mastering basic skills like sales and identifying a target audience.

Acknowledging unknowns — Entrepreneurs often face challenges because they don’t know what they don’t know.

Defining a niche — Trying to appeal to everyone can dilute the effectiveness of a business.

The role of mentorship — Supporting other entrepreneurs can extend a shared mission without diverging from core goals.

Mission-driven business — A clear purpose, like teaching a million people Parkour, can guide decision-making and strategy.

Resources

Fix This Next — by Mike Michalowicz, on identifying and solving business needs in order of priority.

Freedom in Motion Gyms — Parkour gym business with locations in Southern California.

@jimmydavidsonpk on Instagram, and Jimmy@freedominmotiongym.com

(Written with help from Chat-GPT.)

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Jesse Danger | Embrace Challenge →

Published April 11, 2023  ·  All posts on Apr 11

On Castbox.fm — Jesse Danger | Embrace Challenge

What insights can be gained from using diverse learning models to create thriving environments in physical and social practices?

The conversation explores the transformation of complex teaching philosophies into accessible frameworks.

The mental model is a framework to say that we’re diverse learners, and we want to create spaces where people of all different learning abilities can thrive.

~ Jesse Danger (3:45)

The conversation emphasizes the importance of creating learning environments that accommodate a range of mental, physical, and social dynamics. It explores frameworks that simplify complex teaching philosophies into practical approaches, making concepts more accessible. One key topic is the shift from long, unresolved discussions to concise, impactful interactions, demonstrating how frameworks can bridge gaps in understanding.

Another focus is on how specific mental models allow educators to engage diverse learners effectively. These models divide learning into quadrants based on complexity and directionality, supporting both structured drills and open-ended exploration. Participants reflect on how these strategies foster personal and group growth, ensuring inclusivity and clarity in coaching practices.

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Elizabeth Cunningham | Self-Advocacy →

Published April 6, 2023  ·  All posts on Apr 6

On Castbox.fm — Elizabeth Cunningham | Self-Advocacy

What role does self-advocacy play in creating authentic and fulfilling relationships?

Self-advocacy is redefined as a cornerstone for personal and relational growth.

In advocating for your needs, you’re actually leading the way for the people that you serve to advocate for their needs.

~ Elizabeth Cunningham (4:15)

The conversation explores the concept of self-advocacy as a foundation for personal development and authentic relationships. It begins with reflections on the openness of participants at the Art of Retreat and transitions into how self-advocacy is an overlooked cornerstone in personal and professional life. Elizabeth emphasizes that advocating for one’s own needs fosters not only personal growth but also serves as an example for others, countering the misconception that self-advocacy is selfish.

Another focal point is the journey toward self-awareness and identifying areas where needs are unmet. This includes helping individuals recognize patterns of self-sacrifice and enabling them to understand the importance of prioritizing their own well-being. Elizabeth highlights the challenge of meeting people where they are without pushing solutions onto them, stressing the importance of cultivating genuine curiosity and allowing others to arrive at their realizations.

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There is purpose to existence →

Published March 22, 2023  ·  All posts on Mar 22  ·  

People should not look at their approaching golden years with dread or apprehension but as perhaps one of the most significant stages in their development as a human being, even during these turbulent times. For me, old age has been a renaissance despite the tragedies of losing my beloved wife and son. It’s why the greatest error anyone can make is to assume that, because an elderly person is in a wheelchair or speaks with quiet deliberation, they have nothing important to contribute to society. It is equally important to not say to yourself if you are in the bloom of youth: “I’d rather be dead than live like that.” As long as there is sentience and an ability to be loved and show love, there is purpose to existence.

~ Harry Leslie Smith, from Don’t dread old age…

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“Quiet deliberation,” indeed. I find myself increasingly in that state, (although I am still too–often found in the state of denial.) During interpersonal situations, I find myself thinking: “What could I say here that would actually be useful?” and coming up with “nothing” as my answer I’m left to choose between contributing silence, or contributing social lubrication. That’s a shift of intention which comes from decades of glacial movement towards true self-awareness. I believe it’s time yet again to reschedule my mid-life crisis; it seems I have some more thinking to do.

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Choice with Joe Pellerito →

Published March 2, 2023  ·  All posts on Mar 2

What are the personal and professional impacts of podcasting on hosts, and how do they navigate feedback and balance with other life commitments?

Joe Pellerito reflects on the balance between passion projects and family life, sharing insights from his podcasting journey.

I’m going into topics I’m personally passionate about and I also see it as almost a gift for the guest. So whatever that guest is passionate about, what I’ve noticed is they say, “Joe thank you so much. That’s always going to be out there on the internet. My grandkids can hear it someday.”

~ Joe Pellerito (5:38)

Craig and Joe discuss the challenges and rewards of podcasting, focusing on the feedback they receive from listeners and guests. Joe shares his initial fixation on numbers and how he has since shifted his mindset to focus more on the value of each conversation. He emphasizes that even polarizing topics, like atheism, can spark meaningful discussions, and some episodes resonate with people in unexpected ways. Joe values the personal feedback he receives, especially when listeners share how his episodes helped them feel less alone in their experiences.

They also explore the impact podcasting has on their personal lives, particularly the balance between creative work and family time. Joe reflects on how his podcasting schedule has changed over time, reducing the number of episodes to prioritize his family, especially as his son approaches the end of high school. He talks about the support he receives from his family, like his wife helping to host guests when they come to their home, and the importance of making time for both podcasting and family moments.

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Affordances →

Published February 19, 2023  ·  All posts on Feb 19  ·  

The issue with play structures is that they train you to play only within affordances. When the space that you play in is designed by someone else, you are pushed towards playing only in the ways that they envisioned. A play structure affords a small set of actions, and as a player, you only get to pick which one you prefer. There’s no invention in that, no spontaneity, no creativity.

Let’s think about how this applies to adults. If you show an adult a library of video games, they can pick one and click the “play” button. But show an adult a meadow with trees to climb and grass to roll around in, and they will write it off as unplayable (unless they are with friends, and typically playing a standard game with standard rules).

~ Alex Hollow from, Playing Without Affordances

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Understanding this (if you don’t already) will bend your mind, in a good way. People who understand what Art du Déplacement is, talk about developing a new kind of “vision”. It’s hard to describe what this new vision is—perhaps I can say, it’s like seeing motion… or, where normal vision can induce a mood, this new kind of vision can suggest a movement. I went to a show recently, and sitting in the balcony before the house lights went down, my wife and I had a completely serious discussion of “how do you get down from here [without using the obvious stairs]?” At other times we stop to play on things. I regularly walk along curbs and swing from things I find overhead.

It’s not that things lack affordances. No, there are affordances everywhere… in, on, around, under, throughout every object natural and man-made. If you lose—as it seems everyone does as they‘re forced grow into adulthood—your vision for playing, only then does it appear that affordances are missing.

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Pointless →

Published February 17, 2023  ·  All posts on Feb 17  ·  

At first, the inherent unimportance of these pursuits coupled with the grueling commitment required to attain them seem at odds: Why set a target and spend so much effort on something that doesn’t matter? But a good meaningless goal is an act of protest against the self-optimization hamster wheel. It subverts the cult of productivity by sneakily leveraging the tools of productivity.

~ Gloria Liu from, In Praise of Pointless Goals

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Someone recently used the phrase “QM’ing to Valhalla” in a conversation I was having. (I’m pretty sure it’s in a Movers Mindset podcast, but I fear it may have been part of a conversation before we were recording.) Everyone who does the movement thing I love, chuckles at this phrase. There’s a lesson buried deep inside of the culture of effort which you only learn when you really try to QM to Valhalla.

To unpack the joke a bit. First, “QM” is short for quadrupedal movement; Movements where your hands and feet are supporting you (and sometimes, but usually not, your knees.) All QM is hard work, and excellent exercise. QM is great for a workout or a warmup. Second, of course, Valhalla is the hall of Norse mythology where one might end if one died in battle. So to some degree “QM’ing to Valhalla” is also about imagining oneself in some battle with… I dunno. It all seems quite wrong-headed when I try to actually explain it.

So why then, Craig, are you on your hands and feet crawling across the Williamsburg bridge?! Answer: I’m, apparently, trying to QM to Valhalla. When I heard the phrase, it was immediately clear that it doesn’t have to be literally QM. The phrase also applies to other pointless goals of mine. For example, I once tried to do 10,000 repetitions of 5 “simple” activities within one calendar year, and once tried to do something active for 100 straight days.

I can’t say I’ve given up pointless goals, but it feels like I have. Maybe I’ve learned the lesson? Although, if I did learn the lesson, then I should be able to explain it. I’m not sure if the lesson is that Valhalla doesn’t exist, or that you can’t get there solely by hard work.

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Still-mind with Martin Svenselius →

Published February 15, 2023  ·  All posts on Feb 15  ·  

Still-mind with Martin Svenselius

How can one balance the physical, mental, and social aspects of movement practices while teaching and maintaining personal growth?

The conversation explores how movement practice evolves from playful beginnings to structured teaching.

I prefer the term still mind… because I want the— however exerted my body is, I wanted my mind to stay as calm as possible.

~ Martin Svenselius (21:51)

The conversation examines the challenges of balancing the physical joy of movement practice with the structured demands of teaching it. Martin reflects on the evolution from playful group activities to professional instruction, noting the difficulties of maintaining personal practice while managing classes. He discusses the need to balance work and play, particularly when movement becomes a career, and the psychological strain of sustaining this balance.

Another focus is on teaching methods that encourage self-leadership. Martin emphasizes the importance of understanding body mechanics, offering scalable challenges, and fostering creativity. He stresses how personal training values, such as calmness and consistency, shape their approach to coaching, while also exploring the need to challenge traditional views on physical training.

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