The Tri-Star Podcast

Everyone wants confidence—parents want it for their kids, adults want it for themselves—but most people chase it the wrong way. In Episode 16 of The Tri-Star Podcast, Professor Brumitt and Professor Beane break down the difference between real confidence and the fragile kind that’s built on hype, praise, or “just believe in yourself.” Because belief without skill doesn’t hold up under pressure. Re...

What happens when a kid starts martial arts at eight years old—then keeps going? Ten years later, she’s a 2nd degree black belt, a wrestler, and stepping onto pageant stages with the confidence to perform (and break a brick) in front of a crowd. In this episode of The Tri-Star Podcast, we sit down with Alexis McCullough and her mom, Cassandra, to talk about the long-term transformation that happen...

AI can feel intimidating—especially for parents. In Episode 14 of The Tri-Star Podcast , Professor Brumitt and Professor Beane break down a healthier, more creative way to think about AI at home. This episode isn’t about replacing thinking, replacing parenting, or letting a screen raise your kids. It’s about using AI as a tool —like a calculator, a library, or a notebook that never gets tired—to s...

What happens when one family brings nine kids through the same martial arts program—and every single child has a different journey? In this special interview, Professor Brumitt and Professor Beane sit down with Tri-Star parent Allison Chandler (homeschool mom and former teacher) to talk about parenting, partnership, and playing the long game. Allison shares how her family first found Tri-Star thro...

In Part 2 of this two-part Bible study on communication, Professor Brumitt and Professor Beane continue the conversation with The Prestigious Initiative by looking at communication through the example of the master communicator: Jesus. You’ll hear three powerful moments from Scripture and what they teach parents, leaders, and instructors about how to speak with clarity, dignity, and purpose: * Cal...

In Part 1 of this two-part conversation, Professor Brumitt and Professor Beane break down why communication is more than “what you say”—it’s how you say it, when you say it, and the leadership you model through your words. Using Scripture as the foundation, they walk through four powerful biblical principles that can transform communication at home, at work, and in every relationship: * Wisdom bef...

Is your family routine more chaos than calm? In Part 2 of our Structure = Freedom series, Professors Brumitt and Beane reveal how simple, intentional family systems can turn stress into confidence and connection for everyone in your household. This episode dives deep into: - How to identify routines that need a tune-up - The game-changing power of weekly family meetings - Why letting kids help des...

Why do most habits fail—no matter how much willpower or motivation you have? In this episode, Professors Brumitt and Beane reveal the real secret: systems. Discover how simple, repeatable routines—not just good intentions—create an environment where discipline, confidence, and growth become automatic for kids and adults alike. You’ll hear why willpower fades, how decision fatigue holds families ba...

What if the secret to raising confident, resilient kids (and becoming a stronger adult) wasn’t about motivation or hype—but about a handful of simple, proven habits practiced daily? In this episode, we break down five real-world routines that help families turn chaos into character, frustration into focus, and everyday moments into opportunities for growth. No mythical 4 AM routines or cold plunge...

What if discipline isn’t a punishment, but the secret to raising unstoppable kids—and parents? In this episode, Mr. Brumitt and Professor Beane break down why “discipline” gets a bad rap, how to flip the script, and why true self-discipline equals freedom. You’ll hear real stories from the mat and the home, learn why critical thinking and accountability matter more than blind obedience, and get pr...

Parents enroll their kids in martial arts for one reason—but they stay for something completely different. In this eye-opening episode, Professor Duane Brumitt and Professor Chris Beane explore the powerful transformation that happens between a child’s first class and their black belt journey. From addressing immediate concerns like bullying, focus issues, and confidence struggles to discovering l...

At Tri-Star Martial Arts Academy, we don’t just teach kicks and punches—we intentionally develop character that transforms kids into confident leaders. In this episode, Professor Duane Brumitt and Professor Chris Beane pull back the curtain on Tri-Star’s comprehensive Character Development Program, revealing how monthly words of the month, “I AM” affirmations with hand movements, age-specific mat...

In this episode, Professor Duane Brumitt interviews Professor Chris Beane about his 26-year journey from a bullied 11-year-old who struggled with martial arts to becoming the head instructor at Tri-Star Academy in Bradley, IL. Discover how grit, discipline, and refusing to quit transformed a student who wasn’t naturally gifted into a master instructor-and why comparing your child to others misses...

Discover the remarkable journey of Professor Duane Brumitt from pretending to be a ninja as a kid to co-founding Tri-Star Martial Arts Academy in Bradley, IL-a faith-based school that’s been transforming children into confident leaders since 1998. Learn about the three core principles (faith, humility, and grit) that guide every class, plus powerful stories of students whose lives were changed thr...

Why do SMART goals often fail families? In Episode 2, Professor Duane Brumitt and Professor Chris Beane introduce the Visionary Goal Setting Method—a revolutionary, emotion-driven approach designed specifically for parents and families in Bradley, Bourbonnais, and Kankakee. Discover the 9-step framework that creates lasting transformation, hear Professor Beane’s inspiring dance competition story,...

Discover why SMART goals are setting your family up for disappointment-and what to do instead. Professor Duane Brumitt and Professor Chris Beane break down the three fatal flaws of traditional goal setting and introduce The Gap vs. The Gain concept that changes everything. Perfect for parents who want practical tools to help their kids build confidence, focus, and leadership. Where black belts beg...

Discover the new Tri-Star martial arts podcast for Bradley families. Get parenting tools and faith-based character lessons. Subscribe now for December 31st launch! This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit tristarkarate.substack.com