From Pro Boxer to Wheelchair Bound - ‘How Yoga Saved My Life’ | Eric Esch Butterbean

In today's interview, Jordan sits down with the legendary heavy-hitter Eric "Butterbean" Esch to discuss a life story that spans from the height of global fame to the brink of physical collapse. Known for his "King of the Four-Rounders" status and his iconic appearance in Jackass, Butterbean candidly reveals the grit developed during his early years in rural Alabama, where he transitioned from a 100-degree factory floor to the world of professional fighting to provide for his family. The conversation takes a somber turn as Eric reflects on the "dark years"—a seven-year spiral into severe disability following a hip injury. He describes the crushing depression of being confined to a mobility scooter and the moment he began giving away his possessions, believing he had less than a year to live. This episode highlights his improbable redemption through DDP Yoga, a journey that saw him lose over 200 lbs and reclaim his life when doctors said it was impossible. Now 58 and feeling more capable than ever, Butterbean discusses his desire for one final fight against names like Jake Paul or Mike Tyson to prove that self-belief can overcome any obstacle. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Tu Lam recounts a visceral moment as a young Green Beret standing in the blistering Okinawa heat just waiting for his team to acknowledge him. He breaks down the grueling double life of a Special Forces operator who balanced high stakes missions with late night study sessions to outrun a past defined by fire and oppression. This is a raw journey through twenty seven countries and the heavy emotional toll of global combat that eventually led a man born into war to finally seek the meaning of peace. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Claim your 30-day free trial with Waking Up: https://wakingup.go2cloud.org/aff_c?offer_id=3&aff_id=78 In today’s episode, Jordan sits down with Nirmal 'Nimsdai' Purja for a powerful and deeply honest conversation about discipline, sacrifice, and redefining what is possible. From growing up in a humble family in Nepal to becoming a Gurkha and serving in UK Special Forces, Nims shares the mindset forged long before the mountains. The conversation explores Project Possible and the unseen realities behind climbing all fourteen 8000 metre peaks, including the fine line between bravery and recklessness when lives are on the line. Nims opens up about performing under pressure, leading when no one is watching, and the discipline required to survive extreme environments. Beyond mountaineering, this episode dives into leadership, fairness, entrepreneurship, and the personal cost of success. Nims reflects on purpose, integrity, and why true belief matters more than background, talent, or recognition in the pursuit of something greater than yourself. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

- Claim your 30-day free trial with Waking Up: https://www.wakingup.com/mulliganbrothers Places to find Dom: https://www.instagram.com/domraso/ https://www.facebook.com/DomRasoJr/ https://crusheverything.com/ In today’s episode, Jordan sits down with Navy SEAL Dom Raso. Dom shares the details of his transition from a civilian to an elite operator, and ultimately, to a man of profound faith. The discussion centers on the life-altering lessons learned from the Extortion 17 tragedy and how those moments of immense grief led Dom to redefine his identity not by his tactical prowess, but by his service to a higher power. The dialogue shifts into the practicalities of protection and the reduced signature lifestyle that Dom has pioneered for modern citizens. He explains why understanding the spectrum of combat, from environmental awareness to the utility of a blade, is a duty for any man who claims to be a protector. This is a masterclass in situational awareness that goes beyond simply scanning a room, as Dom teaches how to own your environment and prepare for the inevitable conflict that life throws your way. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

In this powerful moment, DJ Shipley shares his timeless perspective on the importance of building a sustainable morning routine, the benefits of simple, consistent exercise, and how these small efforts can have a profound impact on mental health and overall well-being. He opens up about his personal routine, which has been unchanged since 2004, waking up at the same time, hitting the gym, walking three miles a day, and sticking to a disciplined lifestyle. DJ emphasizes that the key to self-improvement isn’t about drastic, overnight changes but about small, manageable steps that anyone can take. He argues that creating a routine isn’t just about physical fitness, it’s about mental structure, discipline, and building confidence. DJ’s message isn’t about reaching perfection, it’s about finding what works for you and sticking to it. He challenges listeners to stop searching for quick fixes or magic solutions and instead build a routine that fits into their life and fosters long-term success. Whether it's waking up at the same time every day or making time for a short walk, DJ's practical advice speaks to anyone looking to improve their mental health and create a routine that builds a stronger, more resilient self. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

In today’s episode, Jordan sits down with Diamond Dallas Page to explore the mindset, discipline, and resilience that shaped one of the most unlikely careers in professional wrestling. DDP shares raw stories from his childhood, the years he bounced between homes, the work ethic he built through sport, and the twists that led him into wrestling at 35. He reflects on how longevity, discipline, and investing in your body and mind have allowed him to stay strong at nearly 70, and why he believes anyone can reclaim their health with the right habits. Jordan and DDP dive deep into the origins of DDP Yoga, the power of breathwork, overcoming emotional gravity, transforming self-talk, and the viral stories of people who rebuilt their lives through his program. This conversation highlights hope, personal accountability, and the belief that you can change your future at any age. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

In today's episode, Jordan sits down with Doctor Joseph Dituri, a deep sea specialist whose career spans Navy diving, submarine rescue and groundbreaking work in hyperbaric medicine. Dituri traces his path from an unconventional start in New York to becoming a one atmosphere suit pilot and commander trusted with some of the most demanding operations underwater. He explains what it takes to stay calm under extreme pressure, how military divers are trained to function in chaos and why leadership becomes a life or death responsibility in the deep. The conversation covers his traumatic brain injury recovery, the realities behind clandestine underwater missions, the Titan submersible tragedy, James Cameron’s descent into the Mariana Trench and the engineering challenges of pushing human limits beneath the ocean. Dituri also discusses his one hundred day underwater research mission and how the findings may shape the future of space travel. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

In this profound episode, Jordan sits down with Tulku Lobsang Rinpoche, a revered Buddhist master, doctor of Tibetan medicine, and global teacher of the Tummo (Inner Fire) practice. From his early life in Eastern Tibet to his mission of spreading ancient wisdom throughout the world, Tulku Lobsang shares insights into how the harmony between body, mind, and energy creates true happiness and health. He explains the meaning behind Tummo, the ancient practice of awakening inner heat through breath, movement, and awareness, and how it unites body and mind in the present moment. Tulku Lobsang reveals his own daily routine, the value of sleep and reading, and how understanding balance in food and behaviour leads to lasting wellbeing. As the conversation deepens, Tulku Lobsang offers an extraordinary perspective on meditation, describing its stages from waterfall-like chaos to the stillness of a calm ocean. He and Jordan explore AI and consciousness, and sharing a rare Buddhist view on whether artificial intelligence could one day possess awareness—and what lessons it would need to learn to truly be sentient. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

In this powerful interview, The Mulligan Brothers sit down with John “Shrek” McPhee, a former Delta Force Operator and the Sheriff of Baghdad, to talk about life in Special Operations, leadership, and the lessons learned from decades of combat experience. Shrek shares unfiltered truths about military life, personal discipline, mental resilience, and how he found purpose beyond the battlefield. This is a raw, honest, and inspiring conversation with one of the most respected figures in the tactical and veteran community. 🎧 Follow The Mulligan Brothers for more inspiring interviews with world-class warriors, thinkers, and leaders. 👉 John “Shrek” McPhee Links: Website: https://sheriffofbaghdad.com Instagram: @johnshrekmcphee 👉 Follow The Mulligan Brothers: YouTube: @MulliganBrothers Instagram: @mulliganbrothers #MulliganBrothers #JohnShrekMcPhee #SheriffOfBaghdad #MilitaryMotivation #SpecialForces #DeltaForce #Leadership #Discipline #VeteranStories #MentalResilience Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

What would you do if you were told you had just five years to live?For Iain Ward, better known online as The King of Chemo, the answer was simple: change the world. Diagnosed with stage 3 brain cancer, Iain decided to transform his diagnosis into a mission to raise millions for cancer research without ever asking for a donation. Through creative endurance challenges, gaming fundraisers, and an unrelenting sense of humour, he has turned social media into a weapon against cancer itself. In this conversation, Iain shares how he turned his terminal diagnosis into purpose, why he believes all the bad things in life can become good things, and how he uses physical challenge to stay mentally strong. He also opens up about his philosophy on balance, living without extremes, and the importance of taking imperfect action rather than waiting for the perfect plan. This is an honest and deeply human discussion about facing death, embracing life, and redefining what it means to make an impact. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices