In the midst of an unprecedented pandemic, political unrest, & fire tornados, how are you adjusting to the new normal? Today, Sissi and Arwin share what life has been like in the wake of COVID-19 and everything beyond. Hear how the effects of the spread and the subsequent government response in California has changed their lives. They dive into how they’re prioritizing health and fitness and adjusting to working from home.  Find out what’s surprised them the most about this experience as they talk about essential supplies, being prepared and staying considerate in spite of the circumstances. They share their predictions about what lies ahead and more on this episode of the Fight 2 Finish podcast. Sign Up for NordVPN: https://go.nordvpn.net/SH2ui Sissi's Etsy Shop: https://www.etsy.com/shop/WarriorStickers Connect: Find | The Fight 2 Finish Podcast On Instagram: @f2fpodcast On Apple Podcasts On Stitcher On Spotify Find | Sissi G & Arwin On Instagram: @gisforwarrior @milsimjunkie

Fight 2 Finish Podcast

026 - Life During 2020: Mid Year Update w/ Arwin & Sissi

Glenn's upbringing was a tough one. He went to living on the streets of Chicago couch surfing at friends homes to Marine and now on the edge of that BAR exam. Listen and learn holding yourself accountable to greater standards can get you far in this great podcast episode.  Relevant Links: Website: http://www.f2fpodcast.com/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/f2fpodcast/ The Adventures of Flash and Mookie Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCKw6BCk41RK4UoAC6sQj8kQ Connect: On Instagram: @f2fpodcast  

025 - Recon Marine to Lawyer: The Art of Holding Yourself to a Great Standard w/ Glenn Flash Wells

Succeeding in anything is not an easy thing. It calls for persistence, sacrifice, and determination. Sometimes, you may lose a close friend, death of a loved one, or a spouse leading to negative energy, but you must keep moving until you realize your goal. Stephen Detoma is a good example of how you can convert a negative emotion and persist until you succeed. In this episode of Fight to Finish podcast, we host Stephen Detoma. Detoma will share his experience in the GORUCK community and how he dealt with the loss of a close friend. Also, he will be sharing the background of his Gauntlet endurance cult and lessons learned from the body modification industry. Listen to this inspiring episode and learn essential ideas on fighting to finish! Episode Timeline: [00:00] Intro [01:35] Getting to know Detoma and his involvement in the GORUCK community events. [04:35] How Detoma met with us (Sissi and Arwin) [06:29] The memories of Nord Cal event and Detoma's advice during our wedding plan. [10:21] How Detoma got to GORUCK [17:17] Dealing with a loss through channeling the negative energy into a positive way. [26:44] Why having a balance in life matters [30:11] Detoma's experience on the first GORUCK event [34:56] What motivates Detoma to attend various GORUCK events [44:46] What a dream team would be like for Detoma [46:34] Going back to the Veterans Day and the 12 miles ruck encounter [53:02] the leadership/life skills lessons from the 12-mile ruck event. [57:15] How Detoma developed the rock clubs [60:54] Detoma's experience in the body modification industry. [63:32] The origin of the name Gauntlet endurance and application of experience from the body modification industry. [69:38] How one can join Gauntlet Endurance [78:18] What advice would Detoma give to his younger self. [80:21] What Detoma would tell his future self [84:36] How COVID impacted Detoma's 2020 plans [89:32] Having a positive perspective amid the current crisis [93:18] Connect with Detoma Relevant Links: Website: http://www.f2fpodcast.com/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/f2fpodcast/ Gauntlet Endurance Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/gauntletendurance/?hl=en Website: http://www.gauntletendurance.com/about.html Connect: On Instagram: @Gauntletendurance, @f2fpodcast On Facebook: @GauntletEndurance

024 - Persisting Until You Succeed w/ Stephen Detoma

Many people living with kidney disease are not bold enough to share their stories with the rest of the world, which is understandable. It takes a courageous man like Oliver Mondina to help us understand what it is like to live with the disease. Oliver is the perfect definition of a dream chaser. He chases his dreams no matter what. In this episode of the Fight to Finish Podcast, we have Oliver joining us. Oliver will be sharing with us about GORUCK, his experience in the nursing field, and what it is like to live with kidney disease. Are you ready for an inspiring episode? Listen in! Episode Timeline: [00:00]Intro [01:36] How did Oliver get to know us (Sissi and Arwin) [03:58] How Oliver got into GORUCK [12:42] What's an elephant walk? [19:54] Oliver's takeaways from the welcome party [25:35] Digging deeper into North Cal event [28:02] Oliver's kidney disease [35:28] Effects of Kidney disease on Oliver [46:14] Oliver's experience in the nursing school [48:58]How Oliver's kidney disease has helped him remain focused on his nursing career [52:09] How has Covid changed the environment, especially for Oliver, with his current conditioner? [56:45] What extra caution is Oliver taking with the Covid pandemic? [57:10] Having worked in different departments, which department has Oliver enjoyed most? [61:59]How can people donate kidneys? [64:32] Oliver's advice to his younger self [66:18]What would Oliver want to know from his future self? [72:38]Connect with us Relevant Links: Website: http://www.f2fpodcast.com/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/f2fpodcast/ Donate a kidney: https://ucdonor.org/#_ Connect: Follow Oliver @meatheadrunner On Instagram - @f2fpodcast

023 - Chasing your Dreams No Matter What w/ Oliver Mondina

Are you stuck in one place while sabotaging your dreams? Or maybe you’re not pushing yourself hard enough to reach them? Steve had been self-sabotaging before he took his life seriously and joined the law enforcement academy where he learned to push himself and keep the motivation. In this episode of the Fight to Finish Podcast, Steve shares how becoming a law enforcer changed his perspective in life and he became the man he is today. Listen in to hear the story of how he experienced an officer-involved shooting incident in the first few months of his career and whether it affected him. Episode Timeline: [0:44] Intro [2:00] How Arwin and Steve met. [6:58] How was it like moving from the retail side to law enforcement and what steps did he take. [12:48] Two ways you can put yourself through the academy. [14:37] The motivation he got to do well in the academy. [20:39] Learning to push yourself to achieve your goals. [22:33] Tips for anyone who wants to become a law enforcement officer. [26:33] The things that you learn in the police academy and others you have to learn by yourself. [33:56] Comparing law enforcement as portrayed on TV and how it happens in real life. [38:35] He talks about the officer-involved shooting incident he experienced at the beginning of his career. [45:30] The process that follows after weapon dispatching and how different it is from what is shown in the media. [51:38] The traumatic implications that an officer goes through during and after an officer-involved shooting incident. [56:52] He talks about the podcast he used to own before leaving for the academy. [58:01] How working in retail helped him deal with people in a much better way as a law officer. [59:51] How he separates living life and being a law enforcer. [1:05:03] What advice would he tell his younger self? Relevant Links: Website: http://www.f2fpodcast.com/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/f2fpodcast/ Connect: On Instagram - @f2fpodcast On TikTok - @f2fpodcast  

022 - From Retail to Law Enforcement: How to Go After Your Dream Job w/ Steve

In the midst of an unprecedented pandemic, how are you adjusting to the new normal? Today, Sissi and Arwin share what life has been like in the wake of COVID-19. Hear how the effects of the spread and the subsequent government response in California has changed their lives. They dive into how they’re prioritizing health and fitness and adjusting to working from home. Find out what’s surprised them the most about this experience as they talk about essential supplies, being prepared and staying considerate in spite of the circumstances. They share their predictions about what lies ahead and more on this episode of the Fight 2 Finish podcast. Episode Timeline: [00:01] Intro [01:39] The beginning and early changes [02:05] Adjusting to working from home [05:50] Surprising health benefits [08:38] Developing a new routine [11:23] What's been eye opening during the COVID pandemic [12:08] Essential items and shopping experiences [18:27] Fresh foods and maintaining a sense of health [23:02] Working out and staying fit [29:09] Gyms and local business response [37:59] Time for t.v and spring cleaning [43:52] Working from home in a shared space [45:19] Predictions about the future [48:47] Outro Resources Mentioned: MARSOC Short and Long Cards Hyland Family bicycles Standout Quotes: “The good thing about this pandemic is that it exposed our weaknesses...We didn't have any way of getting any sort of veggies or fruits. Nothing fresh...How can we change that and make food more available for us? -Sissi [18:26] “If you received a stimulus check, please be wise with it...In this scenario, honestly it's not enough for anything but be wise with it, don't just spend it on whatever. Use it on what you need. Don't go buy a Macbook.” -Arwin [22:16] “My mentality is you never know when somethings gonna happen... that's why it's important to stay fit and be prepared…” -Sissi [27:36] Connect: Find | The Fight 2 Finish Podcast On Instagram: @f2fpodcast On TikTok: @f2fpodcast On Apple Podcasts On Stitcher On Spotify Find | Sissi G & Arwin On Instagram: @gisforwarrior @mat_marauder

023 - Life Mid-Pandemic w/ Arwin & Sissi

Listen in as former Army Paratrooper Greg Wong relates how he combined his passion for video games and airsoft into a thriving personal brand. Arwin and Greg have been friends for a number of years. Both got into YouTube during the “golden age” of airsoft content creators on the video-sharing platform. The two swap stories and hard-hitting experiences that helped them to mature as social media influencers. Known as spartan117gw on Instagram and YouTube, Greg shares his best practices for navigating the world of social media through the lens of an airsoft enthusiast, hardcore gamer, “carsplayer”, and occasional Hollywood actor. Episode Timeline: [00:00] Intro [01:20] Meet Greg Wong [03:59] A brief history of airsoft YouTubers [11:17] How Greg contributes to various Hollywood productions with his airsoft expertise [14:00] Juggling multiple passions [21:40] Greg’s foray into the acting world [24:11] The importance of expanding—and keeping in touch with—your network [28:55] Your responsibility as an influencer [30:41] Dealing with haters [34:02] Greg’s advice for aspiring social media influencers [38:02] Keep YouTube burnout at bay by diversifying your revenue streams [42:48] How to stay motivated as a content creator [45:01] Arwin and Greg’s early years together as airsoft YouTubers [53:01] What advice would Greg give to his past self? [56:39] What would Greg like his future self to tell him? [59:46] Greg’s closing remarks [1:03:16] Outro Standout Quotes “Don’t get into [YouTube] looking to get sponsorships. Do it because you love it. Build a brand and create content that people like, and all that stuff will naturally fall into place. So many people like to jump the gun, like, ‘I have a 100 followers. Sponsor me.’ That’s not how it works. The key for everybody is return on investment.” ~Greg Wong [43:00] “Look to add value to someone’s life. Don’t [become an influencer] because you want to add value to your own life.” ~Arwin [43:48] “We live in an interesting time. While we’re really lucky to be living in this day and age, we still shouldn’t take what’s available to us for granted because things can go south overnight. The COVID-19 pandemic is demonstrating this. Gun rights and basic necessities? It’s only now that people really appreciate their necessity. Don’t prepare for when the birds are singing and the sun’s out; prepare for when shit hits the fan.” ~Greg Wong [59:46] 

022 - Serving the things you enjoy w/ Greg Wong Spartan117gw

When it comes to cyber and physical security, there's no such thing as being too prepared. Today’s guests, Logan and Ally know that better than anyone.  Both specialists in their own right, Ally has a diverse background in cyber defense and security and Logan, over 24-years of military and combat intelligence.  Listen in as they share insights on boosting awareness and staying safe while you navigate the world and the web. Ally highlights the digital concerns we should be weary of as we increase our time spent on devices. She shares digital tips on VPNs, social media and more. Also, Logan shares a lesson in personal safety. Breaking down the importance of being intentional about what we broadcast and share, find out what you can do to make sure you aren't putting yourself at risk in-person or online.  Episode Timeline: [00:01] Episode overview [01:46] Meet Logan and Ally [06:04] Logan's work on GORUCK and Trek [09:28] Opportunities to become more prepared [10:57] Zero-day and digital concerns during COVID-19 [15:30] Junk email  [17:19] Ecommerce and behavior tracking [20:26] Having no digital footprint [21:52] How not to look like a spy and what's so terrible about Facebook [24:39] DevCon hacking  [27:36] Giving up information and conversation tactics [33:49] Protecting your information: Digital tips for the average person [38:55] Autocross and sim racing [46:05] Becoming a psychohobbyist in any field  [47:55] Why we're always broadcasting: Physical safety tips [51:21] Tattoos and choosing your indicators [59:21] Staying safe when broadcasting digitally [1:02:07] Suggestions for VPN services [1:07:01] Finding Logan [1:11:48] Finding Ally [1:15:16] Outro Resources Mentioned: Haveibeenpwned.com Rogue Dynamics: Tear Lines Allymarie.net Roguedynamics.com Standout Quotes: “The beaten path is for beaten people. So, if you just continue to do the same things over and over again that path is really well worn... people try to be what they think they should be instead of just being who they are. It shouldn't be well worn. Go do something new. [1:10:12]  “You either be the one that no one would ever want to go after or you be the one that no one would even think about going after. If I'm going to target someone to rob, which most violent criminals have a predator pattern that they follow, they're going to watch you. They're going to decide do I really want to do that?” [55:07]  “The average person can do things that they couldn't do before which may be marketing, may be malicious. But, if you take a lot of time curating your personal safety, why not work on your digital awareness and safety as well.” [20:10] Connect: Find | The Fight 2 Finish Podcast On Instagram: @f2fpodcast On TikTok: @f2fpodcast On Apple Podcasts On Stitcher On Spotify Find | Sissi G & Arwin  On Instagram: @gisforwarrior @mat_marauder Find | Logan & Ally On Instagram: @a11ymariee On Rogue Dynamics: Tear Lines Podcast At Roguedynamics.com At Allymarie.net

021 - Cyber and Physical Security w/ Logan & Ally

Sean Fender grew up testing the limits in Southern California. At the time, he didn't realize he was developing a foundation of athleticism that he would call on later in his career as a CrossFit coach and volunteer firefighter.  Today, Coach Sean sits down to talk CrossFit, Olympic lifting and more with Arwin and Sissi (who he still coaches!). Find out what got him started in the sport that would turn into his career and learn about his plans for a future as a first responder. As both a professional CrossFit coach and volunteer firefighter, Sean also offers valuable insights into maximizing safety and fitness during the current COVID-19 pandemic. Episode Timeline: [00:01] Intro [00:48] Meet Coach Sean Fender [01:33] Growing up in California and getting into competitive fitness  [03:27] What led him to become a CrossFit coach [04:59] His first client experiences [06:22] Sissi's growth as a coach  [08:32] Olympic lifting and technique [12:00] Pet peeves and bad habits in clients [14:36] Sissi and Arwin’s wedding [16:46] How much athletics in his youth influenced his career today [20:11] Advice for people who want to try CrossFit [22:45] What standards he strives for as a coach [26:09] The difference between those who quit and those who persevere [29:36] Volunteer firefighting and other emergency responder professions [33:59] Pursuing firefighting [36:05] The most challenging part of the journey [38:11] What surprised him about becoming a volunteer firefighter [42:35] Advice for staying safe during the COVID-19 pandemic [47:01] His first CrossFit open workout [48:57] Shrooms and the Jaws of life [51:47] What it takes to become a top athlete [55:10] Mat Fraser and thoughts on the CrossFit Games [58:11] Adjusting to life during the Coronavirus pandemic [1:00:18] Fight 2 Finish Youtube & Candy bars [1:03:17] What advice Sean Fender would give his past self [1:04:27] What he'd want to know from his future self [1:05:41] Where to find Sean Fender [1:08:41] Outro Resources Mentioned: Team Exos Crossfit West Santa Cruz Standout Quotes: “For me, CrossFit and training, there was a time when it was a lot about trying to be competitive and go in that direction but now for me, it's more just about being ready for whatever comes my way.” -Sean Fender [35:42] “The biggest thing is it takes time. It takes a level of commitment and discipline and being okay with skipping some other things... You just gotta know what you're getting yourself into and realize that's what it takes.” -Sean Fender [52:36] Connect: Find | The Fight 2 Finish Podcast On Instagram: @f2fpodcast On TikTok: @f2fpodcast On Apple Podcasts On Stitcher On Spotify Find | Sean Fender On Instagram: @fenderlebender Find | Sissi G & Arwin  On Instagram: @gisforwarrior @mat_marauder

020 - Don't Touch Your Face w/ Sean Fender

 Chase Knight does it all. He’s a CrossFit coach, firefighter, husband, and father based in Kansas City. His most recent adventure, as a coach to visually impaired athlete ​Brooke Pernice​, has left lasting impressions on his approach to training and life. Sitting down with Sissi and Arwin today, Chase talks about his CrossFit journey, how he balanced coaching and pursuing a fulfilling career in service all while managing family life. He shares his experiences working for certification in CrossFit levels 1, 2 and 3 and his biggest takeaways from them all. Also, find out what he says are the foundational differences between coaching someone who is visually impaired and why he says athletes like Brooke give the rest of us little room to complain. Episode Timeline: [00:01]​ Intro [00:27]​ Meet Chase Knight [02:14]​ His fitness journey and becoming a high-level fitness trainer [04:10]​ Getting into CrossFit [07:54]​ Sissi's CrossFit development [09:00]​ ​Balancing all his roles and family life [15:31]​ Firefighting education and having to shift priorities [17:48]​ Meeting Brooke and learning about visually impaired [21:43]​ Apraching CrossFit coaching with for the visually impaired [35:12]​ Developing a translatable foundation [42:27]​ Lessons learned from Brooke [49:27]​ How CFL1 compares to CFL2 [58:47]​ Moving into level 3 [1:02:31]​ The importance of failure [1:04:42]​ Responding to coronavirus [1:12:53]​ What advice Chase Knight would give his past self [1:18:57]​ Where to find Coach Chase [1:21:01]​ Outro Resources Mentioned: Brave Enough Crossfit Standout Quotes: “I believe that people are intelligent enough to learn. Maybe they might struggle a little bit but I think the beauty of teaching is in the details.” -Chase Knight[25:04] “The value doesn't come from the certification, the value comes from the knowledge and experience you gain from studying for it.” -Chase Knight [1:02:16] “The thing to keep in mind is, the whole idea of CrossFit is to prevent chronic disease... prevent obesity and chronic disease and it's like, who do you think this Coronavirus affects the most?” -Chase Knight [1:08:00] Connect: Find​ |​ ​The Fight 2 Finish Podcast On Instagram: ​@f2fpodcast On TikTok: @f2fpodcast On ​Apple Podcasts On ​Stitcher On ​Spotify Find​ | Chase Knight On Instagram: ​@coach_chase_cfl2 On Youtube: ​@Chase Knight Facebook: Find​| S​issiG&Arwin On ​Instagram: ​@gisforwarrior @mat_marauder 

019 - CrossFit & Coaching the Visually Impaired w/ Coach Chase Knight

When Cody Nault decided to pack up and move from Portland, Oregon to Silicon Valley in pursuit of his dreams with nothing to his name but his coding expertise, a car and a few essentials— he never anticipated the thousands of social media followers he’d inspire along the way. Today, Cody sits down for a conversation with Arwin and Sissi. He shares his past experiences with homelessness and the story of how he used his talents in tech to build his first company and escape poverty by the age of 20. His choice to live minimalistically out of his car is something he says, that has pushed him to grow in ways that will surprise you.  Listen in to hear the motivations behind his jump into the unknown and how he’s navigating startup life on the streets of Silicon Valley. Find out how he’s meeting friends and potential business partners, staying safe. He shares why most of us are looking at homelessness all wrong and the key to consistent progress. The secret? Never getting too comfortable. Episode Timeline: [00:00] Intro [00:42] Meet Coder Cody Nolte [01:34] Why moved to Silicon Valley with no job or place to live [05:52] Sharing the journey on video and gaining a following [08:02] Being confident enough to take a leap of faith [10:00] Experiencing homelessness as a teen and needing challenges to grow [14:37] Using meetup.com, networking and making friends for survival [21:29] Meeting interesting people and potential partners [23:07] Embracing the Silicon Valley garage dream [25:46] The experience of living out of his car and his take on homeless stereotypes  [36:51] Discipline and setting yourself up to be accountable [41:08] Creating a lifestyle of progress [44:37] What advice Cody would give his past self [47:12] What he wants to know from his future self [48:42] Contacting & working with Cody  [51:50] Outro Resources Mentioned: Udemy.com Meetup.com Standout Quotes: “We're taught growing up that stability is key. If you can work a job long term, that's like the most important thing but with people working in technology, a lot of times we kind of see this situation where if somebody sits in the same job for more than five or six years, they start getting stale. They stop learning. Yeah. They get really narrow minded and, and I really didn't want to become that person.” - Cody Nault [02:35] “I've done this before, I've moved to an area and I did it from absolute poverty. But there was no proof, all you have is my story. And so, I'm like, you know what, I'm gonna do this again. But I am going to do it from middle class going up instead of poverty going up. You know, I want to do this again. But this time, I'm going to document it.” -Cody Nault [11:22] “So I realized that even when things were really bad, and like, I had less money than I had now. And I was living in my car, not by choice, like, I could still build a life for myself.” -Cody Nault [12:16] “It's like the more stuff and the more comfort we create, yeah, the less we want to push ourselves. Because there's always that safety, there's that spot where we can just chill and turn off.” -Cody Nault [40:04] Connect: Find | The Fight 2 Finish Podcast On Instagram: @f2fpodcast On Apple Podcasts On Stitcher On Spotify Find | Cody Nault On Tik Tok: @codythecoder On Instagram: @cody.the.coder Find | Arwin & Sissi G On Instagram: @mat_marauder @gisforwarrior

018 - Homeless and Coding w/ Cody Nault

If you took a look into engineer Zach Perayo’s Silicon Valley garage on any given week, you won't find him hunched over behind a screen. Instead, you’d find him pulling loaves of natural bread out of ovens for his passion startup, Briarwood Bakery. As a Google engineer, a 17-time endurance event participant, father, and partner— Zach has seemingly always been good at multitasking. Now, with orders lining up, he can officially add the title of bread master to his resume.  In today’s episode, Arwin and Sissi join Zach and his partner Amanda in their home, to hear the story behind Briarwood Bakery. Listen in to find out how discovering a passion for baking helped him to work through major loss while injecting more meaning into his life.  Episode Timeline: [00:00] Intro [01:21] The story behind Fight 2 Finish [04:15] Meet Zach and his passion for bread [09:27] Briarwood Bakery and a lesson in bread history  [18:20] Health benefits of eating real bread [19:31] How important is it to feed your soul? [29:40] GORUCK events and meeting his partner Amanda  [25:22] A challenging backpack event pre 1000 [37:44] Deciding to retire from endurance events [41:08] Being your own worst critic [49:10] How Bread making parallels life  [52:21] Knowing how to tell real bread from fake [59:38] Building the business and looking to the future [01:06:00] Where to find Briarwood Bakery [68:56] Outro Resources Mentioned: GORUCK Events Standout Quotes: “It does not pay the bills as well as being an engineer but sure, it gives my life a lot more meaning and a lot more passion” -Zach [7:04] “I think that really is important to kind of just feed the beast and feed your own curiosity because you never know what you're gonna unlock.” -Arwin [23:03] “there's a point at which you feel like you're gonna die and the demons are telling you to quit and then you get the light you know, the morning light comes and you just feel new again.” -Zach [36:25] “Sometimes the failures are just as important as successes, right? To help guide you to where you need to go, right? It's a path that you don't need to take anymore. Because you went down that already. But now you know.” -Zach [48:59] Connect: Find | The Fight 2 Finish Podcast On Instagram: @f2fpodcast On Apple Podcasts On Stitcher On Spotify Find | Briarwood Bakery On Instagram: @briarwood_bakery Find | Arwin & Sissi G On Instagram: @mat_marauder @gisforwarrior

017 - The Real Bread Engineer | Briarwood Bakery w/ Zach Pereyo

Arwin and Sissi sit down and talk with Craig Robinson. He and a group of 7 people swam over 500miles continuously for 10 days in a relay to break a 40 years old Guinness record. Craig talks about what led up to attempting the record and some of the logistics that are involved in organizing such a feet. Listen in as we take a deep dive into world records. Useful Links: https://googleswimrecord.com/ https://www.usms.org/ https://www.challengedathletes.org/   Instagram - @f2fpodcastWebsite - http://f2fpodcast.com

016 - Breaking a Guinness World Record w/ Craig Robinson

Hosts Arwin and Sissi share their experiences around their lives ranging from fitness to life experiences.