What do Krav Maga, behavior analysis, and meditation have in common? For Asher Lester, they’ve all been paths to self-discovery, resilience, and purpose. In this episode of A Wise and Happy Life, Bob Martin sits down with Asher, a martial artist, educator, and breathwork trainer, to explore what it means to live at the edge of your comfort zone.
From a surprise start working with children on the autism spectrum to completing six 26.2-mile Bataan Memorial Death Marches carrying 50 lbs on his back, Asher shares how discipline, mindfulness, and service have helped him build mental toughness and stay grounded in moments of chaos. If you’ve ever wondered how to overcome fear, build grit, or find meaning in hard things, this conversation is for you.
This is Part 1 of a two-part series. In Part 2, Asher and Bob go deeper into the science of fear, emotional regulation, and how breathing and presence can change the way you live.
Highlights:
- “Don’t leave before the miracle happens.” Asher shares how showing up, especially when it’s hard, is the secret to transformation
- The power of breath and body: how Krav Maga and mindfulness rewire the nervous system
- Life at the edge: why the most meaningful change happens just outside your comfort zone
Podcast Phrase:
“Don’t leave before the miracle happens.” – Asher Lester
Where to Go Next:
If Asher’s story inspired you to think about your own resilience, you may also enjoy Bob’s blog post How Can I Better Cope with Life’s Ups and Downs?
— a reflective look at how mindfulness helps us meet grief, stress, and uncertainty with steadiness and presence. Together, the blog and this conversation paint a fuller picture of what it means to live with courage and compassion in life’s hardest moments.
Connect with Asher Lester:
- Podmatch: https://podmatch.com/guestdetail/asherlester
- Website: https://www.nervousapes.com/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/nervousapes
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/nervousapes
- YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCJP4bANhl3wDVXA2b3rmyGw
Connect with Bob Martin
- Website: https://www.awiseandhappylife.com/
- LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/bob-martin-995b30127/
- Podbean: https://awiseandhappylife.podbean.com/
- YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@IamBobMartin
- Email: bob@awiseandhappylife.com
- Download my Free Meditation Ebook: https://www.awiseandhappylife.com/what-is-meditation-anyway/
- Join my Free Monthly Q&A Session: https://register.awiseandhappylife.com/bob-martins-mindfulness-meetup
- Explore My Published Books: https://www.awiseandhappylife.com/books/
This episode is brought to you by A Wise and Happy Life, a show where Bob Martin shares thoughtful, heartfelt conversations about what really makes life worth living.
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