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.

• "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

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.

Developed by TMX Creative – making podcasting easy and professional. Learn more about our video editing services and how we can help you grow!

#AWiseAndHappyLife #BobMartin #Happiness #Meditation #AnxietyRelieve #StressManagement #TMXCreative #AsherLester #KravMaga #MentalToughness #MindfulnessInAction #BehaviorAnalysis #AutismSupport #BataanDeathMarch #FearAndCourage #SelfDiscipline #Breathwork #LiveWithPurpose #GritAndGrace #PodcastForGrowth #TitanMediaWorx

In Part 2 of her conversation with host Bob Martin, Cathy Perez opens up about what it means to channel fear and frustration into meaningful action. After years of volunteering, learning, and speaking up for reproductive justice and equity, Cathy shares why she believes “sitting on the couch won’t help you heal.”

This episode explores how activism can be a spiritual practice, how courage is built one small step at a time, and why speaking up matters now more than ever. Whether you’re feeling overwhelmed, angry, or stuck, Cathy’s story reminds us that purpose is found not just in what we believe, but in what we do.

• "Sitting on the couch is not going to help you get rid of that rage." Cathy explains how turning fear into action leads to healing
• Activism doesn’t have to be big. Even sending an email to a senator counts.
• Being around people who “light you up” builds courage, confidence, and spiritual resilience.

Podcast Phrase:

"Sitting on the couch is not going to help you get rid of that rage." – Cathy Perez

Connect with Cathy Perez:

• Podmatch: https://podmatch.com/guestdetail/cathyhannahperez
• YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@cathyhannahperez
• Email: cathyhannahperez@gmail.com
• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/cathyhannahperez

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.

Developed by TMX Creative – making podcasting easy and professional. Learn more about our video editing services and how we can help you grow!

#AWiseAndHappyLife #BobMartin #Happiness #Meditation #AnxietyRelieve #JoyCheck #StressManagement #TMXCreative #Podcast #Interview #CathyPerez #MaryKondo #GratitudePractice #MindfulLiving #SpiritualOrganizing #DeclutterYourLife #IntentionalLiving #MentalClarity #HomeOrganization #EnergyFlow #MinimalismWithMeaning

Can cleaning out your closet actually help clear your mind? In this episode of A Wise and Happy Life, Bob Martin sits down with certified KonMari consultant Cathy Perez to explore the spiritual side of organizing.

Cathy shares how the KonMari method goes beyond tidying, it's a gratitude practice, a mindfulness tool, and a path to reconnecting with joy. You'll hear how “joy checking” isn't just about your stuff, it's about your energy, your clarity, and your soul. If you’ve ever felt overwhelmed by clutter or unsure where to begin, this conversation brings both peace and practical guidance.

This is Part 1 of a two-part series. In the next episode, Cathy and Bob dive into activism, volunteerism, and how serving others leads to lasting happiness.

• "The joy check is just a gratitude practice." Cathy explains how organizing isn’t about control, it’s about connection, presence, and self-respect.
• Mindful homes create mindful lives. Learn how clutter-free spaces support mental clarity, reduce stress, and help you live more intentionally.
• Your energy shapes the flow. Discover why you’re not just aligning with your environment, you’re co-creating it, moment by moment.

"The joy check is just a gratitude practice." – Cathy Perez

Connect with Cathy Perez:

• Podmatch: https://podmatch.com/guestdetail/cathyhannahperez
• YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@cathyhannahperez
• Email: cathyhannahperez@gmail.com
• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/cathyhannahperez

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.

Developed by TMX Creative – making podcasting easy and professional. Learn more about our video editing services and how we can help you grow!

#AWiseAndHappyLife #BobMartin #Happiness #Meditation #AnxietyRelieve #JoyCheck #StressManagement #TMXCreative #Podcast #Interview #CathyPerez #MaryKondo #GratitudePractice #MindfulLiving #SpiritualOrganizing #DeclutterYourLife #IntentionalLiving #MentalClarity #HomeOrganization #EnergyFlow #MinimalismWithMeaning