Second Plan A

Amber and Ryan Hoover explore the popular Jiu-Jitsu cliché that 'the hardest belt to earn is the white belt.' They discuss the emotional and mental challenges of starting martial arts, the importance of consistency and commitment, and how various quotients like emotional, social, and adversity play a role in personal growth. The conversation also touches on the nature versus nurture debate...

This one word is failing the self defense world. In this episode, Amber and Ryan Hoover delve into the concept of empowerment, particularly its misuse in various industries, especially self-defense. They discuss the true meaning of empowerment, the dangers of relying on others for it, and the importance of developing real skills and emotional regulation. Stop gifting and start grinding. -- Keep up...

When a waiter drops a tray of glasses. When a student gets injured. When a new person walks into a gym. All of these situations are important opportunities for you as a leader or a participant in the action. In the episode, Ryan and Amber talk about the key factors in active listening, the 4 listening styles, how to improve your active listening skills, and put to rest some fight myths. Let's list...

What if the most important thing said in class… wasn’t something  said  at all? In this episode, Amber and Ryan Hoover dive into the silent signals and subtle cues that make or break communication — especially in coaching and teaching. From a moment on the mats that said everything without a word, to a firearms coach questioning her readiness to lead, they unpack how body language, confidence (rea...

Who would win in a fight between 100 men vs 1 gorilla? In this episode of the Second Plan A podcast, Amber and Ryan Hoover explore the pitfalls overestimating one's mental and physical abilities. They dive into the concept of self-efficacy and the importance of mastery experiences, vicarious learning through role models, and the impact of verbal persuasion on personal growth. They challenge th...

In this episode, Amber and Ryan delve into the psychology behind why individuals cling to beliefs that no longer serve them, exploring themes of commitment, cognitive dissonance, and the sacrifices made in the name of identity. They discuss the importance of adaptability in the face of challenges, drawing parallels from historical examples and personal experiences. The conversation emphasizes the...

Curious about what you’re truly capable of? It might come from *unlearning* what you know. In this episode, we explore the complexities of habits, unlearning, and cognitive dissonance. We discuss the concept of the backwards bicycle as a metaphor for how difficult it can be to change ingrained behaviors and the challenges faced by experts when learning new skills. The conversation delves into the...

Join us as we explore the intricate relationship between plans, habits, and the small details that can lead to significant changes in life. We discuss the importance of being flexible with habits, the impact of micro adjustments, and how experiences shape our perspectives. --- Be the first to get updates and news: ⁠secondplana.com⁠YouTube: ⁠https://www.youtube.com/@SecondPlanAInstagram: ⁠https://w...

Amber and Ryan Hoover explore the concept of expectations, drawing parallels between literary themes in 'Great Expectations' and real-life ambitions. They discuss the importance of balancing ambition with practicality, using the 1984 Olympic Games as a case study. The conversation emphasizes the need for self-awareness, the impact of societal pressures, and the journey towards finding one&...

Summary Amber and Ryan explore the concept of duality and the necessity of opposites in our lives. Through various examples, they discuss the dynamics of push and pull in energy, fighting, and personal experiences. The conversation delves into the balance of forces in movement, the significance of color theory, and the structure of society. Additionally, the episode touches on personality dynamics...

Amber and Ryan explore the concept of chaos and leadership, discussing how to thrive in uncertain environments. They differentiate between chaos agents and agents of chaos, emphasizing the importance of mindset, team dynamics, and effective leadership in navigating challenges. The conversation also touches on the five dysfunctions of a team, the significance of trust and vulnerability, and the rol...

What do the Chief's Coaching Staff, your neighbor, and adults who brag about their TKD training have in common? In this episode of the Second Plan A podcast, Amber and Ryan discuss the critical role of self-awareness in personal growth and navigating life's challenges. They explore the importance of understanding one's thoughts and emotions, the dangers of overestimating abilities, and...

Amber and Ryan Hoover emphasize the importance of cognitive flexibility in problem-solving. They discuss the myth of multitasking, share tales from their experiences at Shot Show, and highlight the significance of planning for unexpected challenges. The conversation delves into the concept of incidental defense in fighting, the impact of acquired inattention in modern society, and the costs associ...

In this episode, Ryan and Amber explore the various ways individuals adapt to stress across different life scenarios, from combat training to parenting and workplace challenges. They discuss their experience with heart rate monitoring during combat training, the psychological aspects of working under pressure, and the importance of understanding the difference between viewing situations as challen...

Get ready to take jiu-jitsu lessons in stress and problem solving and apply them to work, parenting, education, and more. We explore the intricacies of problem solving under pressure, the importance of mindset, embracing failure, and the necessity of persistence and patience in overcoming challenges. --- Check out the full show notes for a link to the puzzles and Friends episode. Join the conversa...

Amber and Ryan discuss the complexities of New Year resolutions, exploring why many people struggle to stick to their goals. They emphasize the importance of understanding one's motivations, setting realistic expectations, and building supportive environments. The conversation also touches on the significance of mindset, the impact of comparison, and the necessity of regular evaluations of goals....

Amber and Ryan explore the complexities of worry, its impact on mental health, and the importance of taking actionable steps to manage anxiety. They discuss how worry can often distract from what truly matters, and share strategies for reducing worry through mindfulness and intentionality. The conversation emphasizes the need for a balanced approach to worry, recognizing its role as a tool for pro...

Amber and Ryan explore the concept of emotional intelligence, discussing its significance in navigating life's challenges and conflicts.  They delve into the four branches of emotional intelligence, the differences in emotional intelligence between genders, and the importance of cultural context. The conversation also touches on the relationship between emotional intelligence and performance, ment...

Amber and Ryan Hoover explore the concept of overreaction, discussing its roots in trauma and emotional responses. They delve into how individuals and society tend to swing to extremes, often as a defense mechanism, and the importance of maintaining structure and critical thinking in navigating life's challenges. The conversation highlights the significance of intentional training, understanding e...

Amber and Ryan delve into the concepts of learned helplessness and learned optimism. They explore the origins of learned helplessness, its implications in personal and professional settings, and the importance of fostering a mindset of optimism. The conversation emphasizes the role of community support, adaptability, and mindfulness in overcoming challenges and achieving personal growth. ----- Kee...

In the first part of this 2 part topic, Amber and Ryan explore the themes of learned helplessness, the impact of social media on mental health, and the importance of community and communication. They discuss how societal and political factors contribute to feelings of powerlessness and examine the cognitive distortions that can perpetuate these feelings. The conversation also touches on the Menend...

Join us as we discuss navigating life's challenges through mindful consumption of both food and media. We'll introduce you to the Hard Ready® Nutrition Program, which emphasizes building sustainable habits through addition rather than subtraction. We then look at the concept of an 'Attention Diet,' where we explore how to consume media more mindfully, paralleling the principles of healthy eating....

Amber and Ryan delve into the complexities of logical fallacies, exploring how they manifest in everyday arguments, particularly on social media. They discuss various types including false dichotomies, conjunction fallacies, and straw man arguments, emphasizing the emotional attachments that often accompany these reasoning errors. The conversation highlights the importance of critical thinking and...

In this inaugural episode of the Second Plan A Podcast, Amber and Ryan Hoover discuss the transition from their previous podcast, Wife of Violence, to their new brand. The conversation delves into cognitive distortions, particularly the control fallacy, and how social media influences perceptions of self-worth. They emphasize the significance of problem-solving and the role of experience in person...

Amber and Ryan explore the concept of duality, emphasizing the necessity of opposites in life and fighting. They discuss the push-pull dynamics in various contexts, from physical training to personal growth, and how opposites manifest in relationships, nutrition, and personality types. The conversation highlights the importance of balance, flexibility, and the inevitability of change, encouraging...