Best NC SYSTEMA Podcasts (2024)

1
Episode 144: Ryo Onishi - the Power of Systema 56:11

1+ y ago56:11

56:11

This episode sees the return of Ryo Onishi (Systema Japan) to the podcast, with an engaging discussion of developing real power in Systema. As usual, Ryo brings practicality and a healthy perspective to a topic that can easily drift into the esoteric and impractical. Here, we get into: Common points of confusion Aspects of power development: lightn…

1
Episode 143: Edgars Cakuls 41:06

2y ago41:06

41:06

This episode, a fascinating discussion with Systema veteran and Head Instructor of Systema NYC, Edgars Cakuls. In this second appearance on the show, Edgars reflects on ideas and concepts shared during his recent 2-day, outdoor seminar in Durham, North Carolina, entitled Working From the Spine. Along the way, we cover: The critical importance of sp…

1
Episode 142: On Optimization

2y ago

—

Hullo, Friends. After an 8-week sabbatical, Systema For Life returns this month with a broad discussion on the subject of focus, attention, and the attempt to "optimize" your daily training and life routines. I'm joined once again by coach and wellness expert, Howard Jacobson. Here, we get into: Losing and reclaiming routines during the pandemic Th…

1
Episode 141: On Internal and External Work, with Jan Bloem 1:10:06

2y ago1:10:06

1:10:06

This week, another fascinating conversation with prolific movement scientist, neuroscientist, and martial artist Jan Bloem. As we learned during our first conversation last year (see episode 124), Jan has studied the art and science of movement and combat at the very highest levels – on the theoretical side as an expert in kinesiology and psychomot…

1
Episode 140: Tim Anderson 54:08

2+ y ago54:08

54:08

This week, a deep dive into the world of Original Strength - a system of natural movement and neurological "resetting" created by company founder, personal trainer, and physical educator Tim Anderson. Tim's simple (but effective) OS system is a wonderful complement to Systema practice - especially for beginning trainees - and for anyone recovering …

1
Episode 139: Gabe Stern 1:19:48

2+ y ago1:19:48

1:19:48

This week, a dive into the world of martial arts, medicine and holistic health - with impassioned Systema student and Doctor of Chinese Medicine Gabriel Stern. On the medical side, Gabe was a trained EMT and ER nurse before becoming a student and clinician versed in Chinese healing modalities. On the martial arts side, he studied Eskrima and Pekiti…

1
Episode 138: Greg McKeown 54:21

2+ y ago54:21

54:21

This week, a rare hour with bestselling author, speaker, and leadership specialist Greg McKeown. Greg is the author of the best-selling Essentialism: the Disciplined Pursuit of Less (2014), and the new New York Times bestseller, Effortless (2021). If you haven't read them, the relevance of Greg's central principles to Systema training are well wort…

1
Episode 137: Al McLuckie 59:21

2+ y ago59:21

59:21

This week, an enlightening conversation with veteran Systema, Filipino Martial Arts Instructor Al McLuckie. Al has over five decades of experience in arts ranging from Western Boxing and Kempo Karate, to Eskrima, Kali, Silat, and (of course) Systema. A former instructor for the famous Degerberg Academy of Martial Arts in Chicago, Al's unique and un…

1
Episode 136: Martin Wheeler (Special Episode) 32:32

2+ y ago32:32

32:32

This week, a brief chat with Senior Systema Instructor Martin Wheeler, following his recent Redwoods Systema Camp in California, and foreshadowing his 4-day Masterclass events in Los Angeles and Raleigh/Durham, NC. Here, we chat about: - insights from teaching and training worldwide - the benefits of multi-day immersion training - the surprising ef…

1
Episode 135: On Discerning the Truth 1:15:44

2+ y ago1:15:44

1:15:44

This week, another engaging conversation with author, podcaster, and expert health and wellness coach, Howard Jacobson. Here, we get into the tricky question of how to discern truth from falsehood, reality from creative (and compelling) stories. Using concrete examples in the fields of nutrition, exercise, and martial arts practice. Touching upon: …

1
Episode 134: Menamy Mitanes 1:14:04

3y ago1:14:04

1:14:04

After a short break (and an extended, three-week road trip across the USA), we return this week with Menamy Mitanes - Systema and BJJ Instructor at The Academy Beverly Hills and Systema Los Angeles. In this, Menamy's second appearance on the podcast, we delve beyond his personal story and get into the core training philosophies of the martial arts …

1
Episode 133: Taran Rosenthal 1:14:26

3y ago1:14:26

1:14:26

This week, an engaging romp into the worlds of Systema, alternative medicine, and meta-cognition, with deep thinker, podcaster, martial artist, and Chinese medical practitioner Taran Rosenthal. Taran has an incredible breadth of knowledge - which is apparent to anyone who talks with him about anything - yet his experience of Systema profoundly infl…

1
Episode 132: Systema Thinking, with Tyson Yunkaporta 1:11:22

3y ago1:11:22

1:11:22

This week, a mind-expanding walkabout through the realms of body, mind, and spirit, with Indigenous Australian author, scholar, arts critic, and martial artist Tyson Yunkaporta. Tyson is a Senior Lecturer in Indigenous Knowledge at Deakin University, and author of the extraordinary book Sand Talk: How Indigenous Knowledge Can Save the World. Origin…

1
Episode 131: On Self Talk (with Howard Jacobson) 1:02:26

3y ago1:02:26

1:02:26

This week, a conversation with health and wellness guru, Systema For Life regular, and possessor of relentlessly regular bowel movements. Here, we ponder the subject of self-talk, which one way or the other has become louder and more frequent over the last, lonely year. We're often told by therapists, leadership gurus, and cocky celebrities that se…

1
Episode 130: On Creativity, with Patrick E. McLean 1:12:02

3y ago1:12:02

1:12:02

This week, a light-hearted romp into the world of martial arts, mind, and creativity, with Systema Instructor and fiction author Patrick E. McLean. Patrick is an accomplished martial artist with a pedigree that includes Judo, Jujitsu, Eskrima, AikiJujitsu, and Systema. He is also the author of more than 10 dramatic-comedic fiction books, including …

1
Episode 129: Realities of Combat, with Martin Wheeler 1:12:02

3y ago1:12:02

1:12:02

This week, a deep-dive into the myths, half-truths, and hard truths surrounding training for defence against edged weapons, with none other than Martin Wheeler - Senior Systema Instructor and Co-Founder of The Academy Beverly Hills. Here, we seek to include a wide range of perspectives on knife defence, in order to dispel confusion, inform your pra…

1
Episode 128: Systemanomics, with Rik Chakraborti 1:08:22

3y ago1:08:22

1:08:22

This week, a ponderous diversion into the world of behavioural economics, with Economics Professor and Systema practitioner Rik Chakraborti. At first glance, you might not think that economics and martial arts have much in common. But in truth, both involve the resolution of internal conflicts, warring instincts and incentives, and a keen understan…

1
Episode 127: On Not Being An A**hole 53:44

3y ago53:44

53:44

This episode sees the return of author, health and wellness coach, and host of the Plant Yourself podcast Howard Jacobson. Prompted by nothing and nobody in particular, we tackle the tricky subject of how not to be an a**hole - especially when you are trying to coach or change somebody for the better. Along the way, we touch upon: When and why good…

1
Episode 126: Dr Casey Means 57:27

3y ago57:27

57:27

This week, an interesting departure into the field of nutrition and metabolism, with Stanford-educated physician, metabolic health expert, and Co-founder / Chief Medical Officer of Levels Health, Dr Casey Means. We know that diet, nutrition, and metabolism are critically important to overall health, regardless of other behaviours and considerations…

1
Episode 125: Gene Smithson 1:00:29

3y ago1:00:29

1:00:29

This week sees the joyous return of veteran instructor, founder of Austin Systema & Tai Chi, and thoroughly decent human being, Gene Smithson. Always an elightening guest, here Gene shares his insights on: how he has grown and developed because of the pandemic why the goal of good movement is joy the difference between training, manifesting, and be…

1
Episode 124: Jan Bloem 1:38:58

3y ago1:38:58

1:38:58

This week, a fascinating conversation with neuroscientist, self defense expert, and prolific martial artist Jan Bloem. Jan has studied the art and science of movement and combat at the highest levels, in the fields of kinesiology and psychomotor therapy, as a world champion karateka, and as a teacher and student of Systema. Here, we discuss: his pa…

1
Episode 123: Matt Hill 1:08:20

3+ y ago1:08:20

1:08:20

This week, an uplifting and inspiring chat with UK-based Systema Instructor Matt Hill. Matt is a former British Army Paratrooper Captain, and founder of the Matt Hill Systema Academy, based in Wiltshire (western England). An accomplished leader, teacher, and crisis management expert, Matt has a calming demeanour, an adventurous spirit, and a tirele…

1
Episode 122: Best of the Podcast 2020-2021 1:20:08

3+ y ago1:20:08

1:20:08

Well here we are - we made it to the end of 2020 - some of us limping to the finish, but across the line, nonetheless. Among all the challenges and problems we faced this year, I was grateful for the enjoyable and thought-provoking conversations that the Systema For Life podcast provided, and grateful for the opportunity to slow down, think more de…

1
Episode 121: Rafe Kelley 1:33:31

3+ y ago1:33:31

1:33:31

Merry Christmas, to all who celebrate it! This week, an energetic conversation with Rafe Kelley - martial artist, movement expert, natural parkour pioneer, and founder of Evolve.Move.Play. Rafe is legendary in natural movement circles, and seemed a great person to banter with about aspects of movement development, exercise, and play. Here, we touch…

1
Episode 120: Ben Ford 1:23:25

3+ y ago1:23:25

1:23:25

This week, a profound exploration of abstract strategy - and specfically Colonel John Boyd's OODA loop concept - with former Commando and professional technology strategist Ben Ford. If you are interested in any aspect of good decision-making under pressure, this is one you won't want to miss. Boyd's OODA (Observe, Orient, Decide, Act) loop, is a p…

1
Episode 119: Terry Vaughn 45:38

3+ y ago45:38

45:38

This week, an enlightening chinwag with author, coach, body language expert, and former Royal Marines Commando Terry Vaughn. Terry has a wealth of experience in personal protection, and is passionate about of the value of situational awareness for all. His D.I.R.T. (Dangerous Individual Recognition Training) program puts a laser focus on how to dev…

1
Episode 118: Tyson Yunkaporta 1:32:52

3+ y ago1:32:52

1:32:52

This week, we embark on a wild, meandering convergence of modern and ancient thought, with author, academic, and custodian of indigenous wisdom Tyson Yunkaporta. A member of the Apalech Clan and a senior lecturer in Indigenous Knowledge at Deakin University, Melbourne, Tyson bridges the modern and ancient worlds in his work, and brings a radical pe…

1
SFL Episode 117: On Coping (with Howard Jacobson) 56:30

3+ y ago56:30

56:30

This week, an engaging and enjoyable chat with Systema practitioner, wellness coach, and podcaster Howard Jacobson. Here, we get into a range of topics relating to coping with the ongoing constraints of the Covid-19 pandemic, as we face the sixth month of life in its shadow. Themes include: The dangers of avoiding discomfort Mitgating stress and an…

1
Episode 116: James Sommerville 1:02:38

3+ y ago1:02:38

1:02:38

This week we talk with James Somerville - Toronto-based Systema student, academic, and author of Meditations on a Russian Martial Art. James has a PhD in History from Queens University, and wrote his thesis on the dictum Know Thyself, as popularized during the Italian Renaissance era. As such, the book presents an interesting - if somehwat critical…

1
Episode 115: Jeff Shearer 1:02:40

3+ y ago1:02:40

1:02:40

This week, a light-hearted conversation with Arizona-based Systema Instructor and world-class cybersecurity expert Jeff Shearer. A warm, generous, and fiercely intellgent guy, Jeff trained with us for many years at NC SYSTEMA, before moving out west and starting his own Systema group near Phoenix, AZ. Here, we discuss: What drew him to Systema prac…

1
Episode 114: Barbara Tversky 1:19:20

3+ y ago1:19:20

1:19:20

This week, a deep dive into human psychology and cognition, with author and esteemed psychologist Barbara Tversky. Professor Tversky an Emirita Professor of Psychology at Stanford and Columbia Univeristies, and is one of the world's foremost authorities on memory, spatial thinking, creativity, and embodied cognition - all highly relevant themes in …

1
Epsiode 113: Kenny Gonzalez 43:58

3+ y ago43:58

43:58

This week, a frank and friendly chat with verteran martial artist and founder of Tampa Systema, Kenny Gonzalez. Before finding Systema, Kenny was a former military police officer, Army Tae Kwon Do champion, and expert instructor in both American Kenpo and Filipino Kali. He now lives, teaches, and hosts seminars in coastal, Florida. Here, he we talk…

1
Episode 112: John Vervaeke 1:14:52

3+ y ago1:14:52

1:14:52

This week, an intense, mind-expanding discussion with renowned author and scientist John Vervaeke. John is the Director of Cognitive Science at the University of Toronto, and an enthusiastic student and teacher of movement, meditation and T'ai Chi. Bridging the gap between cognitive science, cognitive psychology, and ancient philosophy, his academi…

1
Episode 111: On Yoga, Systema, and Ancient Wisdom 1:16:21

3+ y ago1:16:21

1:16:21

This week, an unusual and enligthening diversion into ancient philosophies of life, health, and mind - comparing and constrasting the approaches of Systema and traditional yoga. Our guide, Systema Instructor, Yoga Instructor, and founder of Jiyu Movement Pasquale Antonio. Pas joined the ranks of NC SYSTEMA Instructors at the beginning of 2020, and …

1
Episode 110: On Shame, Duty, and Responsibility 1:05:52

4y ago1:05:52

1:05:52

This week, a challenging conversation with wellness coach and podcast regular Howard Jacobson, host of the Plant Yourself podcast and co-founder of WellStartHealth.com. Here, we address the relative roles of guilt, shame, resposibility, and inner strength in navigating the complexities of current wordl events. Along the way, we wade into: What COVI…

1
Episode 109: Jamie Lippiatt 57:29

4y ago57:29

57:29

This week, a deep dive into aspects of internal training, with Toronto-based Systema Instructor and founder of Gaian Heart, Jamie Lippiatt. Jamie is a personal student of Vladimir Vasiliev and Emmanuel Manolakaki, and teaches regularly at Systema HQ in Toronto. He has also made several extended trips to Moscow to train with the inimitable Mikhail R…

1
Episode 108: On Preparation and Risk, with Joe Gehr 1:03:18

4y ago1:03:18

1:03:18

This week, a insightful and practical dicsussion with Systema Instructor, IDF Officer, and Personal Security Professional Joe Gehr. His second time on the podcast, Joe returns here to talk about maintaining health, personal safety, and a sense of calmness during in light of current world events. A mulitfaceted chat, ranging through: Filtering noise…

1
Episode 107: Rafael Mattei 1:03:33

4y ago1:03:33

1:03:33

This week - a frank, hard-hitting, helpful discussion with Rafael Mattei - co-founding Instructor at Systema Puerto Rico, and a Federal Law Enforcement Agent with some serious experience facing bad guys in the field. Rafi is a prolific martial artist and a good friend to NC SYSTEMA, having taught workshops on groundfighting, weapons tactics and mor…

1
Episode 106: On Starts and Restarts

4y ago

—

This week, we're once again joined by health and wellness expert Howard Jacbson, host of the profilic Plant Yourself podcast and co-founder of WellStartHealth.com. Here, against the uncertain backdrop of COVID-19 and the slow shift back toward to everyday life, we chat about: the emotional drivers of binging, slobbing, and giving up the psychology …

1
Episode 105: Alberto Nacif

4y ago

—

This week, we catch up with Systema Instructor, Medical Director, and Lifestyle Medicine specicalist Alberto Nacif, with thoughts on staying happy, healthy and sane during the COVID-19 lockdown. A relentlessly uplifting guy, Alberto offers his views and advice on: making sense of the current situation opportunities to recalibrate amidst the crisis …

1
Episode 104: Creative Training During COVID, with Emmanuel Manolakakis

4y ago

—

This week, in the midst of the global COVID-19 shutdown, we talk with Senior Systema Instructor, Founder of FightClub Toronto, and all-round great bloke Emmanuel Manolakakis. An uplifting conversation that vacillates between honest, tough-love advice and finding diamonds of positivity in the undeniable rough. Along the way, we discuss: differing em…

1
Episode 103: On Stress, Grief & COVID-19

4y ago

—

This week, a deep and heartfelt discussion with healthy lifestyle guru Howard Jacobson (of WellStartHealth and Plantyourself.com), who finds himself on lockdown in South Africa during the COVID-19 crisis. Having traveled there with his family before the crisis started, he is currently unable to return home, and continues to help people online from …

1
SFL Episode 102: Vladimir Vasiliev - Black Belt Interview (unabridged)

4y ago

—

This week, a very special episode of Systema For Life, in which we talk to renowed Systema Master and Founder of Systema HQ , Toronto, Vladimir Vasiliev. This interview was conducted on behalf of the leading international martial arts magazine, Black Belt. An edited version appears in print, in the April/May edition of the magazine (get yours now!)…

1
Episode 101: Michael Chin

4y ago

—

This week, a deep discussion with Systema Instructor and Harvard-educated physician Michael Chin. Raised by Zen-trained parents and trained from a young age in mindfulness meditation, Michael later turned to Chinese martial arts to expand his awareness of breathing and movement. In the high-stress environment at Harvard Medical School, he began loo…

1
Episode 100: Best of the Podcast, 2019-2020

4y ago

—

100 Episodes! We made it! For this special, celebratory episode, we’ve assembled a selection of favorite questions and moments from the last year. Inclding: Vladimir & Valerie Vasiliev, talking about the changing face of Systema and the necessity of giving people what they need, even when it’s not what they want. Then there’s DC Systema’s Jonathan …

1
Episode 99: Mark Fan

4y ago

—

This week, a fascinating dive into training, self-discovery, and the somatic psychology of movement with Toronto-based Systema instructor, Clinical Engineer, and Human Factors Specialist, Mark Fan. A deep and wide-reaching discussion, touching upon: exploratory vs structured training the trainable superpower of noticing yourself the effects of co-r…

1
Announcement / Eulogy for Kenneth Stevens

4y ago

—

Special announcements relating to the podcast in 2020, and a brief euology for Systema Instructor Kenneth Stevens, who passed away on Decemebr 6th, 2019.By Glenn Murphy, NC SYSTEMA

1
Episode 98: Dan Sykes

4y ago

—

This week, an exciting and wide-ranging conversation with Dan Sykes - musician, film-maker, Systema Instructor, founder of the Somatic Training Network, and host of the Systema-based YouTube series Emergency Fish Party! Dan's journey to Systema was unusual to say the least, and his boundless enthusaism for its possibilities is evident to anyone who…

1
Episode 97: On Time

4+ y ago

—

This episode, we welcome health & wellness guru Howard Jacobson - co-author of Whole, host of the Plant Yourself Podcast, and ongoing Systema aficionado. In a timely fashion, we enter the new year by reflecting on the concept of Time, and how it influences our life, health, and happiness. perspectives on time thorughout history the shift from natur…

1
Episode 96: Emmanuel Manolakakis on Teaching & Leadership

4+ y ago

—

This week, another in-depth discussion with Senior Systema Instructor, founder of Fight Club Toronto, and SFL podcast regular Emmanuel Manolakakis. For those who haven't yet had the pleasure of his company, Manny is superb instructor and coach. He always has deep insights on hand, and expresses them with a fine sense of clarity and humour. Here, we…

Podcasts Worth a Listen

NC SYSTEMA Podcasts

Podcasts Worth a Listen

Quick Reference Guide