Episodes

Tuesday Apr 08, 2025
Tuesday Apr 08, 2025
How do you respond when life gets tough? Clifford Edwards chose Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu. In this episode, Clifford shares powerful stories from his own journey, revealing how martial arts can teach confidence, humility, and focus. Discover how Jiu-Jitsu prepares you for challenges on and off the mats, and why it’s never too late to start.
Thank you for listening.
CONTACT LINKS:
Click here to come on the podcast, share feedback, ask a question, or reach out for any other reason.
EPISODE LINKS:
The ABC's of Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu (Online Course)
OUTLINE:
02:20 Growing Up in Aruba & Early Chess Experiences
07:52 Family Situation
10:58 Discovering Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu
16:46 Mindfulness & Mental Clarity Through Jiu-Jitsu
21:21 Safety & Focus of Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu
26:21 Definition: Structures & Frames
28:55 Advice For People Interested In Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu
37:42 Training Intensity
47:01 Progression & Skill Building
55:17 The Blue Belt Clichés
01:00:37 The Importance of Structured Learning
01:06:39 Definition: Specific Sparring
01:13:08 Injuries
01:21:43 Belt Progression & Experiences at Each Level
01:28:16 Benefits Beyond Jiu-Jitsu
01:35:23 Distance Management
01:37:21 Clifford’s Future Plans
01:38:44 Final Thoughts & Outro
PODCAST LINKS:
Listen to the Podcast on Apple Podcast
Listen to the Podcast on Spotify
Listen to the Podcast on Youtube
SOCIAL LINKS:
Jeffrey van Leeuwen on Instagram

Tuesday Apr 01, 2025
#26 - Your Choices Define Who You Truly Are | Joseph B. Barbosa
Tuesday Apr 01, 2025
Tuesday Apr 01, 2025
In this episode, we dive into the fundamentals of ethics and morality, exploring how ancient philosophies like Aristotle’s virtue ethics, Kant’s deontology, and utilitarianism shape our modern decisions.
We talk about ethical dilemmas, confront tough questions about intentions and consequences, and offer practical insights on developing personal ethics.
Thank you for listening.
CONTACT LINKS:
Click here to come on the podcast, share feedback, ask a question, or reach out for any other reason.
EPISODE LINKS:
PODCAST LINKS:
Listen to the Podcast on Apple Podcast
Listen to the Podcast on Spotify
Listen to the Podcast on Youtube
SOCIAL LINKS:
Jeffrey van Leeuwen on Instagram

Tuesday Mar 25, 2025
#25 - Introducing Our Original Podcast Music by Sofia Lasa
Tuesday Mar 25, 2025
Tuesday Mar 25, 2025
In this very special episode, I’m excited to introduce something brand new and deeply personal to the podcast—our very own original music! Composed by the incredibly talented Sofia Lasa, this beautifully crafted sound marks a significant milestone for the show.
Throughout the conversation, you’ll hear the music as we dive into Sofia’s creative process, the inspiration behind the composition, and what this music means for the podcast moving forward.
Please enjoy the music, and join me in discovering the story behind the sound that will become synonymous with the podcast.
Thank you for listening.
CONTACT LINKS:
Click here to come on the podcast, share feedback, ask a question, or reach out for any other reason.
EPISODE LINKS:
Sofia Lasa's Music on Apple Music
PODCAST LINKS:
Listen to the Podcast on Apple Podcast
Listen to the Podcast on Spotify
Listen to the Podcast on Youtube
SOCIAL LINKS:
Jeffrey van Leeuwen on Instagram
Jeffrey van Leeuwen on LinkedIn
Support the Podcast on Patreon

Tuesday Mar 11, 2025
Reflections: Podcast Status Update (March 2025)
Tuesday Mar 11, 2025
Tuesday Mar 11, 2025
In this episode, we’ll discuss the upcoming changes to the podcast and what you can expect in the near future. I’m excited to share plans to get new interesting guest on, along with updates to our production process and overall quality.
Thank you for listening.
CONTACT LINKS:
To come on the podcast, share feedback, ask a question, or reach out for any reason, visit: https://podcast.jeffreyvanleeuwen.com/p/contact/
PODCAST LINKS:
Podcast Website: https://podcast.jeffreyvanleeuwen.com/
Apple Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/jeffrey-van-leeuwen-podcast/id1766251267
Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/1QGPWXhoMwDgL35HFaTCAw
YouTube Playlist: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLOv56NTjNAeK7cUVamIPioSCsr06-vSGG
RSS: https://podcast.jeffreyvanleeuwen.com/feed.xml
SOCIAL LINKS:

Tuesday Feb 25, 2025
Reflections: How Video Games Both Enriched & Derailed My Life
Tuesday Feb 25, 2025
Tuesday Feb 25, 2025
In this episode of Reflections, Jeffrey van Leeuwen takes you on a personal journey through 30 years of video gaming. He shares nostalgic memories—from tinkering with early Windows 3.1 computers and playing games off floppy disks, to the more sophisticated adventures of MS-DOS classics, console classics, and finally the immersive and thought-provoking world of Silent Hill.
Rather than making a case for or against video games, Jeffrey offers an honest look at how gaming has shaped his life, and opened doors to unexpected opportunities (and pitfalls).
Thank you for listening.
CONTACT LINKS:
To come on the podcast, share feedback, ask a question, or reach out for any reason, visit: https://podcast.jeffreyvanleeuwen.com/p/contact/
PODCAST LINKS:
Podcast Website: https://podcast.jeffreyvanleeuwen.com/
Apple Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/jeffrey-van-leeuwen-podcast/id1766251267
Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/1QGPWXhoMwDgL35HFaTCAw
YouTube Playlist: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLOv56NTjNAeK7cUVamIPioSCsr06-vSGG
RSS: https://podcast.jeffreyvanleeuwen.com/feed.xml
SOCIAL LINKS:

Tuesday Feb 18, 2025
#24 - Emotional Presence: Empathy’s Promise & Peril | Adam Ayala
Tuesday Feb 18, 2025
Tuesday Feb 18, 2025
In this episode, Jeffrey and psychoanalyst Adam Ayala delve into the intricate dynamics of empathy and emotional presence, drawing insights from John Madonna’s work and tactical empathy techniques. They explore the fine lines between sympathy, empathy, and pity, while unpacking complex concepts like transference and soul murder.
The conversation offers practical and thought-provoking guidance on navigating the promise and peril of empathy in both personal and professional contexts.
Thank you for listening.
CONTACT LINKS:
To come on the podcast, share feedback, ask a question, or reach out for any reason, visit: https://podcast.jeffreyvanleeuwen.com/p/contact/
EPISODE LINKS:
Never Split The Difference: https://amzn.to/4hFEgom
Emotional Presence in Psychoanalysis: https://amzn.to/3EBE5we
PODCAST LINKS:
Podcast Website: https://podcast.jeffreyvanleeuwen.com/
Apple Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/jeffrey-van-leeuwen-podcast/id1766251267
Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/1QGPWXhoMwDgL35HFaTCAw
YouTube Playlist: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLOv56NTjNAeK7cUVamIPioSCsr06-vSGG
RSS: https://podcast.jeffreyvanleeuwen.com/feed.xml
SOCIAL LINKS:
Jeffrey van Leeuwen's X Account
Support the Podcast on Patreon
This episode has been co-produced by Kate van Leeuwen.

Tuesday Feb 11, 2025
#23 - Individuation & Alchemical Transformation of Personality | Wyatt Chabeniuk
Tuesday Feb 11, 2025
Tuesday Feb 11, 2025
In this episode, Wyatt Chabeniuk and I explore the profound connections between alchemy, Jungian psychology, and personal transformation, discussing how the process of individuation mirrors the alchemical journey from base metals to gold. We dive into themes of sin, virtue, transmutation, and balancing the masculine and feminine within ourselves to achieve wholeness and purpose. Through rich metaphors, ancient wisdom, and modern insights, we uncover how understanding the unconscious can guide us toward becoming the highest versions of ourselves.
Thank you for listening.
CONTACT LINKS:
To come on the podcast, share feedback, ask a question, or reach out for any reason, visit: https://podcast.jeffreyvanleeuwen.com/p/contact/
PODCAST LINKS:
Podcast Website: https://podcast.jeffreyvanleeuwen.com/
Apple Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/jeffrey-van-leeuwen-podcast/id1766251267
Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/1QGPWXhoMwDgL35HFaTCAw
YouTube Playlist: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLOv56NTjNAeK7cUVamIPioSCsr06-vSGG
RSS: https://podcast.jeffreyvanleeuwen.com/feed.xml
SOCIAL LINKS:
X: https://x.com/RealJvanLeeuwen
Patreon: https://patreon.com/JeffreyvanLeeuwen
This episode has been co-produced by Kate van Leeuwen.

Tuesday Feb 04, 2025
Reflections: How Empathy Transforms Our Communication
Tuesday Feb 04, 2025
Tuesday Feb 04, 2025
In this episode of Reflections, we delve into the skill of empathy, the ability to share and understand the feelings of another person. Jeffrey breaks down powerful communication techniques to help you connect more deeply and communicate more effectively.
Thank you for listening.
CONTACT LINKS:
To come on the podcast, share feedback, ask a question, or reach out for any reason, visit: https://podcast.jeffreyvanleeuwen.com/p/contact/
EPISODE LINKS:
Never Split The Difference: https://amzn.to/4hFEgom
PODCAST LINKS:
Podcast Website: https://podcast.jeffreyvanleeuwen.com/
Apple Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/jeffrey-van-leeuwen-podcast/id1766251267
Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/1QGPWXhoMwDgL35HFaTCAw
YouTube Playlist: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLOv56NTjNAeK7cUVamIPioSCsr06-vSGG
RSS: https://podcast.jeffreyvanleeuwen.com/feed.xml
SOCIAL LINKS:

Tuesday Jan 28, 2025
#22 - Finding the Story: Ambition in Film and Storytelling | Nic Munoz
Tuesday Jan 28, 2025
Tuesday Jan 28, 2025
Nic is a young and ambitious entrepreneur who shares his plans to break into the movie industry and build a top-tier team. In our conversation, he discusses his journey from marketing to filmmaking.
Thank you for listening.
CONTACT LINKS:
To come on the podcast, share feedback, ask a question, or reach out for any reason, visit: https://podcast.jeffreyvanleeuwen.com/p/contact/
PODCAST LINKS:
Podcast Website: https://podcast.jeffreyvanleeuwen.com/
Apple Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/jeffrey-van-leeuwen-podcast/id1766251267
Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/1QGPWXhoMwDgL35HFaTCAw
YouTube Playlist: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLOv56NTjNAeK7cUVamIPioSCsr06-vSGG
RSS: https://podcast.jeffreyvanleeuwen.com/feed.xml
SOCIAL LINKS:
X: https://x.com/RealJvanLeeuwen
Patreon: https://patreon.com/JeffreyvanLeeuwen
This episode has been co-produced by Kate van Leeuwen.

Tuesday Jan 21, 2025
#21 - Jordan Peterson’s Academy Expelled Students for Asking Questions
Tuesday Jan 21, 2025
Tuesday Jan 21, 2025
In this episode, we delve into the recent bans at Peterson Academy from the perspective of expelled students Frankie and Dusty.
The Peterson Academy is an online academic platform co-founded by Canadian psychologist and author Dr. Jordan B. Peterson and his daughter, Mikhaila Fuller (previously Peterson), who has the role of CEO of Peterson Academy. In our conversation, we discuss what led Frankie and Dusty to Peterson Academy, what their early impressions were, how tensions started to rise, and how that eventually led to the expulsion of many students, and the growing fear of speaking out for some who stayed behind.
Join us for an open, honest conversation about the Peterson Academy, the decisions its leadership made, and what the impact on the community was.
Thank you for listening.
CONTACT LINKS:
To come on the podcast, share feedback, ask a question, or reach out for any reason, visit: https://podcast.jeffreyvanleeuwen.com/p/contact/
EPISODE LINKS:
Dusty’s X: https://x.com/DustyMayT
Dusty’s Testimony: https://dustymaytaylor.com/2025/01/19/i-was-expelled-from-peterson-academy/
PODCAST LINKS:
Podcast Website: https://podcast.jeffreyvanleeuwen.com/
Apple Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/jeffrey-van-leeuwen-podcast/id1766251267
Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/1QGPWXhoMwDgL35HFaTCAw
YouTube Playlist: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLOv56NTjNAeK7cUVamIPioSCsr06-vSGG
RSS: https://podcast.jeffreyvanleeuwen.com/feed.xml
SOCIAL LINKS:
X: https://x.com/RealJvanLeeuwen
Patreon: https://patreon.com/JeffreyvanLeeuwen
This episode has been co-produced by Kate van Leeuwen.