Your Path of Mastery™

Tia Holley is an Alaskan Native (Inupiaq) from King Island.  Through deep study of her own, and other, native traditions, she brings forth and shares a profound knowledge and love of Alaskan flora for healing, food security and productivity.  She has become a leader in the Alaska Native community, and beyond.  And, her leadership and mastery goes far beyond food, as you will discover in this episode.  Her story is one of great courage, determination and healing.  Tia is a true ground-breaker who will inspire you!

Trigger Warning: This episode speaks frankly about abuse and addiction.  If that is a trigger for you, or anyone who may be listening with you, please use discretion.

After a difficult childhood, Francis Ayley had the remarkable opportunity to meet an individual who had been trained by the final master of a long lineage of masters in his discipline.  This meeting was both unusual, and life-changing for him.  His story is filled with challenges, yet it is fascinating and inspirational.  Be prepared to explore something you have probably heard of, but never in this way!

Trigger Warning!

Matt Webster began studying martial arts as a way to be a better street fighter.  His goals soon changed as he started awakening to the power that lay mostly dormant within him.  That did not mean his life became easy.  His friends turned against him and attacked him, forcing him to defend himself from those he thought "had his back".  This was only the beginning of his struggles, as his desire to live a better life increased.  But, each challenge increased his commitment to live an ethical, responsible life, and moved him closer to his Path of Mastery.  He has now reached a point where he is deeply committed to becoming a master, and clearly describes how it reflects in all areas of his life.  

There is much to be gleaned from his story, and how his life has changed through his commitment to his path.  You may find the inspiration to make a similar commitment in your life!

Matt's story is intense, and deserves a Trigger Warning!  In this interview he talks of serious life issues.  It is raw and real.  If this might be an issue for you, please consider skipping this episode, or listening at a time when you will feel strong and supported.  This is the reason for the Explicit rating.

Here are the links for today's show:

Matt provides training in Wasachi Ryu Aikido and Tamashi Jitsu both in person and online.

Contact information for Matt Webster: mdwebster13@gmail.com

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Creative Commons Music by Jason Shaw on audionautix.com

Photo by Amir Mugawish on Unsplash.com.  Licensed under Creative Commons.

This is a short episode to give you an update on what is going on behind the scenes, and to let you know that more interviews are coming soon!

If you enjoy this podcast, please subscribe and leave a positive review.  If it benefits you, then become a monthly supporter.  Any amount helps us expand our services.  We want to provide transcripts and videos of the interviews, and more.  These all take money.  Thank you for your support.

Today we take a moment to evaluate a common theme in the previous interviews.  In doing this we reiterate one of the fundamental Keys on Path of Mastery.  This is also a critical message for parents in helping their children achieve the greatness that is within them and is their birthright.

I also talk about our off-the-grid natural building project in Alaska and how it fits into Your Path of Mastery.

If you enjoy this podcast, please subscribe and leave a positive review.  If it benefits you, then become a monthly supporter.  Any amount helps us expand our services.  We want to provide transcripts and videos of the interviews, and more.  These all take money.  Thank you for your support.

Al Case began studying martial arts in the 1960's, back in a time when there were few books about it, much less videos or other modern media.  In his desire to comprehend his new passion, Al took a unique approach.  He dug in deep and began to develop a system to help him progress quickly in his studies.  This intensity eventually lead to the development of what he refers to as Matrixing.  He studied a number of martial arts and applied his system to his studies as he went.  In time he refined the system and began teaching others how to Matrix any martial art.  He is the author of numerous books and magazine articles, as well as courses teaching Matrixing.  Today, Al shares his story and his insights regarding the Path of Mastery.

Here are the links for today's show:

Today we delve again into the realm of non-physical mastery.  Our guest is Leslie Potter, an authority in the field of Parenting.

Often people on the path of mastery get there by attempting to become better at something that is important to them.  This is the case of Leslie.  In this episode she tells a fascinating story of how her own desire to meet the challenges of parenthood lead her deep into uncovering the principles and practices that define parenting based upon positivity and unconditional love.  With a foundation in psychotherapy and spirituality, Leslie has gone beyond the frequent model of teaching parents how to "control" their children.  She replaces that model with one based upon vulnerability, transparency, acceptance and joyful love.  Her life has become a quest to embody those principles and practices, and then to assist others in doing the same.

Today, Leslie reveals both her insights into mastery and the hard-earned wisdom of effective parenting.  She is effervescent and delightful, yet intensely pragmatic.  Her practice is called "Pure Joy Parenting", and she lives and exudes it.  She guides people into  transforming "their darkest moments into guiding lights" filled with joy.

Here are the links for today's show:

Most of my training, in martial arts and other disciplines, has been under the tutelage of true masters.  I have been very fortunate in that regard.  But, I have also been fortunate to walk alongside a few peers of various disciplines as they have taken the journey toward mastery.  Today, I am thrilled and honored to interview one of those individuals.

Jack Livingston is a Tai Chi master.  Not the Tai Chi that most people think of -- people moving in slow motion in a park.  And, not the competitive game of push hands that some will recognize as part of Tai Chi.  Jack is among the few practitioners who would be considered a living master of the martial art of Tai Chi.  And, Tai Chi is a formidable martial art, as well as a system of movement that can bring health and mental benefits (if practiced correctly -- as he discusses in this episode).

I first met Jack in 1977, when he was fairly new in his study of martial arts.  Even then, his understanding and passion ran deep.  We soon developed a life-long friendship, as we frequently challenged each other to progress, and tested each others Ki (Chi).  It has been a joy to watch him grow to the master he is today.  In that journey, he not only mastered Tai Chi, but became proficient in Aikido and other arts, finally founded his own art of AikiJutsu.

Jack has a beautiful frankness, openness and simplicity about him that can hide the depth of his knowledge.  But, his stories today reveal a portion of the wisdom he carries and shares as he talks about his arts, life, and the path of mastery.

Here are the links for today's show:

Today you get to meet a Wisdom Keeper who is also a multi-disciplinary Master.  Eliza Eller was key in forming and sustaining a highly-focused intentional community (Ionia) several decades ago.  She has helped guide Ionia into becoming a major force for positive mental health causes and positive community involvement in the state of Alaska.  Ionia has developed a international reputation as a hub for the healing benefits of a natural, healthy diet and lifestyle.  People come from around the world to learn the wisdom of Ionia and her community.  Through all this, Eliza has developed a down-to-earth wisdom coupled with intense compassion.  You will hear this wisdom in her stories today.

Here are the links for today's show:

In this episode we dive into the realm of non-physical mastery, or mastery of a non-physical discipline.  It's a fascinating discussion, which helps solidify the idea that you can be a master of any discipline.  So, grab a notebook and your favorite tea.  You will want both for this interview.

Here are the links for today's show:

Craigger Brown is a master sculptor of large marble statues.  He is the perfect example of a master hidden in plain sight!  Craigger trained with masters in Europe, including in Italy, working with the masters of marble sculpting there.  His sculptures are located on five continents.

One of his amazing life-size sculptures is of Helen Keller at the well, experiencing water and receiving the inspiring breakthrough that allowed her to communicate for the first time.  He describes in detail what he sought to capture in that sculpture, and the struggle he went through to succeed.  He reveals one of the principles of mastery when he tells of discarding 6 months of hard work because the marble was defective.  This is just one of many stories Craigger tells that are filled with gems of wisdom about the Path of Mastery.

You will find much to inspire and motivate you in this episode.

You can see the Helen Keller sculpture, and more, on his FaceBook page.  When you see his work take note of how well he captures details, like the delicate drape of the fabric, and the expressions of the people.

In today's episode you meet a man who is a multi-disciplinary master.  He gives deep insights on the real value of "mistakes" or "failures", as well as what it takes to master two disciplines.  At 86 he still practices the basics every day -- a great lesson on the path of mastery.  He also the importance of professionalism, as well as quantity.  He weaves great wisdom into his stories.

This episode has a 60-year history for me, and longer for Mr. Appel.  It was a great honor to be able to interview him, and bring his down-to-earth wisdom to you.

Art Mason talks about his journey mastering at least 2 martial arts.  His passion for his arts is clear and strong.  He shares details that will help anyone of any discipline on their path of mastery.  If you are a martial artist, you will learn where the Okuden, the "Master's Secrets" are hidden.  If you are not a martial artist, you will discover how to find the hidden gems in your discipline.  This is an exciting episode, by one of the individuals who has broken the wall that stops so many on their path.