{"version":1,"type":"rich","provider_name":"Libsyn","provider_url":"https:\/\/www.libsyn.com","height":90,"width":600,"title":"Ep. 97: Martial Arts Saved His Life \u2014 Tommy on Fear, Diabetes & Resilience","description":"Title Martial Arts Saved His Life \u2014 Tommy on Fear, Diabetes & Resilience Description In this episode of Resilience Radio, Irvin Eisenberg sits down with Tommy \u2014 a lifelong martial artist who was diagnosed with juvenile Type 1 diabetes in the 1970s and told he wouldn\u2019t live to age 30. Nearly 50 years later, Tommy credits martial arts, qigong, tai chi, curiosity, cultural roots, and service to others as the foundation of his survival. Tommy shares how movement, mindset, and practical health decisions helped him live far beyond the expectations placed on him as a teenager \u2014 and how he now teaches others through the philosophy of turning fear into curiosity. Key topics include: \u2705 How martial arts shaped his discipline, identity, and resilience \u2705 Transforming fear into curiosity using real-world examples (skunks, bears, and real danger) \u2705 The role of Native American cultural roots and traditional medicine \u2705 Food choices, herbs, and inflammation management from a Type 1 diabetic\u2019s lived experience \u2705 Tai Chi, Qigong, and cultivating harmonious movement \u2705 Why he prefers the title \u201cUncle\u201d and what that means in martial arts culture \u2705 Service, giving back, and building a healthier community \u2705 What balance really means \u2014 physically, emotionally, and spiritually Chapters (25:28 runtime) 00:00 \u2014 Intro: Why health matters to Tommy 01:05 \u2014 Diagnosed in 1976: \u201cYou won\u2019t live past 30\u201d 02:05 \u2014 Martial arts as survival & daily discipline 03:20 \u2014 Food, inflammation, and choosing what helps your body 04:55 \u2014 Native American roots & knowing what grows around you 06:20 \u2014 Traditions, stories, and what Thanksgiving means to him 08:00 \u2014 Fear \u2192 Curiosity: The skunk\/bear analogy 09:20 \u2014 Understanding emotion without being controlled by it 10:40 \u2014 \u201cChoose joy\u201d\u2014and what that actually means (not toxic positivity) 12:05 \u2014 Kung Fu, good hard work, and learning outside the dojo 13:30 \u2014 Advice to younger self: \u201cDon\u2019t give up\u201d 14:40 \u2014 Titles & identity: Why people call him \u201cUncle\u201d 16:25 \u2014 Teaching for free, community work, and helping families 18:05 \u2014 Real-world healing moments: Massage, movement, listening with your hands 19:40 \u2014 Aikido & harmonious self-defense 21:05 \u2014 What he continues to learn & how he keeps growing 22:40 \u2014 Service, compassion, and making the world better 24:10 \u2014 Closing thoughts: \u201cKung Fu made me a better me\u201d 24:55 \u2014 Outro & credits Guest Tommy A martial artist with decades of experience in Kempo, Qigong, Tai Chi, Aikido, tournament fighting, and real-world security work. Known for his philosophy of turning fear into curiosity, compassionate teaching, and service to Vermont families, diabetics, and martial arts communities. Music Credit Aaron Marcus \u2014 Some Biological Process https:\/\/aaronmarcus.bandcamp.com\/track\/finlays-menopausal-fridge-some-biological-process Links Book an Appointment with Irvin: https:\/\/www.resiliencevermont.com\/book-online Resilience Radio YouTube Channel: https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/@ResilienceOTRadio Main Website: https:\/\/www.resiliencevermont.com Watch on YouTube: https:\/\/youtu.be\/MBOXNgXcD2A ","author_name":"Resilience Radio","author_url":"https:\/\/resiliencevermont.com\/podcast\/","html":"