<![CDATA[Today I'm Thinking]]>Today I'm Thinking with Alphonso Pettis is a solo podcast about life, discipline, responsibility, healing, and the lessons you only learn through experience.

Speaking from the perspective of a martial artist, mentor, and community leader, this podcast shares real thoughts about real solutions - manhood, relationships, growth, purpose, and staying strong when life gets hard.

No yelling. No pretending. No fake motivation. Just honest reflection, .wisdom, and truth from someone who's lived it.

If you believe in discipline, personal growth, and learning from life.... this podcast is for you

]]>https://riverside.comRiverside.fm (https://riverside.com)Thu, 27 Aug 2026 11:46:30 GMTThu, 26 Mar 2026 19:49:37 GMT60Alphonso Pettis<p><b>Today I'm Thinking with Alphonso Pettis </b>is a solo podcast about life, discipline, responsibility, healing, and the lessons you only learn through experience.</p><p>Speaking from the perspective of a martial artist, mentor, and community leader, this podcast shares real thoughts about real solutions - manhood, relationships, growth, purpose, and staying strong when life gets hard.</p><p>No yelling. No pretending. No fake motivation. Just honest reflection, .wisdom, and truth from someone who's lived it.</p><p>If you believe in discipline, personal growth, and learning from life.... this podcast is for you</p>episodicAlphonso Pettisapettis17@gmail.comno<![CDATA[The Difference Between Strength and Anger]]>Alphonso discusses the difference between strength and anger, emphasizing the importance of control and discipline in demonstrating real strength. He highlights the misconceptions of strength and the power of staying calm in challenging situations.

Takeaways

  • Strength is quiet, anger is loud.
  • Real strength means controlling oneself when it matters most.

Chapters

  • 00:00 Strength vs. Anger
  • 00:51 Misconceptions of Strength
  • 01:21 Control and Discipline
  • 01:51 The Power of Real Strength
  • 02:22 Choosing Discipline Over Drama
  • 02:51 The Essence of Strength
]]>bbd4cdc1-2175-4d94-bb62-fccb27af7d08Wed, 19 Aug 2026 17:00:29 GMT<p>Alphonso discusses the difference between strength and anger, emphasizing the importance of control and discipline in demonstrating real strength. He highlights the misconceptions of strength and the power of staying calm in challenging situations.</p><p></p><p>Takeaways</p><ul><li>Strength is quiet, anger is loud.</li><li>Real strength means controlling oneself when it matters most.</li></ul><p></p><p>Chapters</p><ul><li>00:00 Strength vs. Anger</li><li>00:51 Misconceptions of Strength</li><li>01:21 Control and Discipline</li><li>01:51 The Power of Real Strength</li><li>02:22 Choosing Discipline Over Drama</li><li>02:51 The Essence of Strength</li></ul>no00:02:4725The Difference Between Strength and Angerfull<![CDATA[Healing Is Part of Being Strong]]>Healing Is Part of Being Strong

Strength isn’t pretending that nothing hurts. Sometimes real strength means facing the pain, acknowledging what affected you, and choosing not to let it control your future.

In this episode of Today I’m Thinking, Alphonso Pettis reflects on healing, emotional strength, self-awareness, and why dealing with our wounds can take just as much courage as facing any physical challenge.

Healing doesn’t make you weak. Healing is part of becoming stronger.

Real thoughts. Real lessons. Real life.

Train. Live. Inspire.

]]>a913080c-5e19-47e7-bbd5-55b5ab359210Tue, 11 Aug 2026 00:45:07 GMT<p><b>Healing Is Part of Being Strong</b></p><p>Strength isn’t pretending that nothing hurts. Sometimes real strength means facing the pain, acknowledging what affected you, and choosing not to let it control your future.</p><p>In this episode of <i>Today I’m Thinking</i>, Alphonso Pettis reflects on healing, emotional strength, self-awareness, and why dealing with our wounds can take just as much courage as facing any physical challenge.</p><p><b>Healing doesn’t make you weak. Healing is part of becoming stronger.</b></p><p><i>Real thoughts. Real lessons. Real life.</i></p><p><b>Train. Live. Inspire.</b></p>no00:02:4124Healing Is Part of Being Strongfull<![CDATA[Why Some Men Never Grow Up]]>The conversation explores the concept of manhood, responsibility, discipline, and personal growth. It delves into the reasons why some men never grow up and the factors that contribute to personal development. The speaker emphasizes the importance of taking responsibility, embracing discipline, and being willing to improve as key elements of growth and maturity.

Takeaways

  • Responsibility and discipline are essential for personal growth
  • Real strength lies in being willing to improve

Chapters

  • 00:00 Why Some Men Never Grow Up
  • 01:30 The Requirement of Responsibility
  • 02:01 The Role of Discipline in Personal Growth
  • 03:02 The Choice to Grow
]]>16d42a67-9c8e-48b9-b87c-76ebb9a2c31cMon, 27 Jul 2026 13:00:00 GMT<p>The conversation explores the concept of manhood, responsibility, discipline, and personal growth. It delves into the reasons why some men never grow up and the factors that contribute to personal development. The speaker emphasizes the importance of taking responsibility, embracing discipline, and being willing to improve as key elements of growth and maturity.</p><p></p><p>Takeaways</p><ul><li>Responsibility and discipline are essential for personal growth</li><li>Real strength lies in being willing to improve</li></ul><p></p><p>Chapters</p><ul><li>00:00 Why Some Men Never Grow Up</li><li>01:30 The Requirement of Responsibility</li><li>02:01 The Role of Discipline in Personal Growth</li><li>03:02 The Choice to Grow</li></ul>no00:02:5224Why Some Men Never Grow Upfull<![CDATA[Responsibility Changes Everything]]>Responsibility changes everything. Sensei Alfonso Pettis shares insights on the transformative power of responsibility, discipline, and the lessons of life. He emphasizes the impact of responsibility on one's mindset, behavior, and character, highlighting its role in building strength and trust.

Takeaways

  • Responsibility builds strength and character
  • Accepting responsibility leads to living with purpose

Chapters

  • 00:00 The Transformative Power of Responsibility
  • 01:20 The Impact on Mindset and Behavior
  • 02:28 Building Strength and Trust
]]>1cb381d9-e127-4e93-b7fa-819bd49c64e9Thu, 23 Jul 2026 20:45:03 GMT<p>Responsibility changes everything. Sensei Alfonso Pettis shares insights on the transformative power of responsibility, discipline, and the lessons of life. He emphasizes the impact of responsibility on one's mindset, behavior, and character, highlighting its role in building strength and trust.</p><p></p><p>Takeaways</p><ul><li>Responsibility builds strength and character</li><li>Accepting responsibility leads to living with purpose</li></ul><p></p><p>Chapters</p><ul><li>00:00 The Transformative Power of Responsibility</li><li>01:20 The Impact on Mindset and Behavior</li><li>02:28 Building Strength and Trust</li></ul>no00:02:4323Responsibility Changes Everythingfull<![CDATA[Sun Tzu: Win Without Fighting - The Art of War]]>The art of war is about winning without fighting, by resolving conflict before it becomes a fight. It's about positioning, timing, and aligning to dissolve conflict and make the outcome inevitable. True victory lies in stability and strategy, not just winning in the moment.

Takeaways

  • Winning without fighting
  • Positioning, timing, and aligning
  • True victory lies in stability and strategy

Chapters

  • 00:00 The Supreme Art of War
]]>da0977f6-2adb-4d90-8f08-45c227a72b74Tue, 30 Jun 2026 01:55:43 GMT<p>The art of war is about winning without fighting, by resolving conflict before it becomes a fight. It's about positioning, timing, and aligning to dissolve conflict and make the outcome inevitable. True victory lies in stability and strategy, not just winning in the moment.</p><p></p><p>Takeaways</p><ul><li>Winning without fighting</li><li>Positioning, timing, and aligning</li><li>True victory lies in stability and strategy</li></ul><p></p><p>Chapters</p><ul><li>00:00 The Supreme Art of War</li></ul>no00:03:4823Sun Tzu: Win Without Fighting - The Art of Warfull<![CDATA[Books, Culture, and Purpose]]>In this episode of Today I'm Thinking. I reflect on the importance of reading, especially when it comes to history, culture, identity, and purpose. Children need to see parents, grandparents, and mentors modeling the habit of reading, while also being taught early who they are, where they come from, and how they can contribute to society.

]]>00c7f873-98cd-47e1-91e8-17e2a3b1b350Tue, 23 Jun 2026 00:30:57 GMT<p>In this episode of <i>Today I'm Thinking. </i>I reflect on the importance of reading, especially when it comes to history, culture, identity, and purpose. Children need to see parents, grandparents, and mentors modeling the habit of reading, while also being taught early who they are, where they come from, and how they can contribute to society.</p>no00:03:0423Books, Culture, and Purposefull<![CDATA[My Martial Arts Journey]]>Today I'm sharing the story of my 50+ year martial arts journey and the lessons it taught me about discipline, perseverance, leadership, and personal growth. Martial arts changed my life, and the principles I learned on the training floor continue to guide me today.

]]>09f916a0-3702-4e56-9742-e1383411b6dcSat, 13 Jun 2026 22:17:38 GMT<p>Today I'm sharing the story of my 50+ year martial arts journey and the lessons it taught me about discipline, perseverance, leadership, and personal growth. Martial arts changed my life, and the principles I learned on the training floor continue to guide me today.</p>no00:02:2822My Martial Arts Journeyfull<![CDATA[Manhood Is More Than Age]]>Alfonso Pettis discusses the true meaning of manhood and the importance of discipline, responsibility, and self-control. He emphasizes that manhood is not defined by age, but by how one lives and grows. The journey to manhood requires purposeful growth and continuous self-improvement.

Takeaways

  • Manhood is not about age, but about character and discipline
  • Purposeful growth and continuous self-improvement are essential for manhood

Chapters

  • 00:00 The Meaning of Manhood
]]>9259788f-8710-40bd-b1ec-970701e4e7f5Thu, 11 Jun 2026 19:18:30 GMT<p>Alfonso Pettis discusses the true meaning of manhood and the importance of discipline, responsibility, and self-control. He emphasizes that manhood is not defined by age, but by how one lives and grows. The journey to manhood requires purposeful growth and continuous self-improvement.</p><p></p><p>Takeaways</p><ul><li>Manhood is not about age, but about character and discipline</li><li>Purposeful growth and continuous self-improvement are essential for manhood</li></ul><p></p><p>Chapters</p><ul><li>00:00 The Meaning of Manhood</li></ul>no00:02:3021Manhood Is More Than Agefull<![CDATA[Purpose Gets Clear With Age]]>The conversation explores the evolution of purpose with age and experience, emphasizing the clarity that comes with time and growth. It delves into the understanding of oneself and the journey of personal growth, highlighting the importance of discipline and experience in shaping one's purpose.

Takeaways

  • Purpose becomes clear with age
  • Life's purpose evolves with experience

Chapters

  • 00:00 The Clarity of Purpose
]]>0cb81c09-02ad-42f2-b4ba-515b033a6df1Mon, 01 Jun 2026 20:44:41 GMT<p>The conversation explores the evolution of purpose with age and experience, emphasizing the clarity that comes with time and growth. It delves into the understanding of oneself and the journey of personal growth, highlighting the importance of discipline and experience in shaping one's purpose.</p><p></p><p>Takeaways</p><ul><li>Purpose becomes clear with age</li><li>Life's purpose evolves with experience</li></ul><p></p><p>Chapters</p><ul><li>00:00 The Clarity of Purpose</li></ul>no00:02:25110Purpose Gets Clear With Agefull<![CDATA[What Martial Arts Really Teaches]]>The conversation explores the essence of martial arts, highlighting life lessons and discipline as key takeaways. It delves into the deeper meaning of martial arts beyond fighting, emphasizing the transformative impact on character and personal growth.

Takeaways

  • Life lessons
  • Discipline

Chapters

  • 00:00 The Essence of Martial Arts
]]>b876867d-607d-4647-a8b5-4ce26b742250Wed, 27 May 2026 17:09:02 GMT<p>The conversation explores the essence of martial arts, highlighting life lessons and discipline as key takeaways. It delves into the deeper meaning of martial arts beyond fighting, emphasizing the transformative impact on character and personal growth.</p><p></p><p>Takeaways</p><ul><li>Life lessons</li><li>Discipline</li></ul><p></p><p>Chapters</p><ul><li>00:00 The Essence of Martial Arts</li></ul>no00:02:3219What Martial Arts Really Teachesfull<![CDATA[Lessons Life Taught Me The Hard Way]]>Alphonso shares insights on the hard lessons life teaches and the growth that comes from resistance and discipline.

Takeaways

  • Life's hard lessons
  • Growth through resistance

Chapters

  • 00:00 Growth Through Hard Lessons
]]>fc1b3d21-8adf-47d7-a4a2-6d3a897c44f6Fri, 22 May 2026 02:15:16 GMT<p>Alphonso shares insights on the hard lessons life teaches and the growth that comes from resistance and discipline.</p><p></p><p>Takeaways</p><ul><li>Life's hard lessons</li><li>Growth through resistance</li></ul><p></p><p>Chapters</p><ul><li>00:00 Growth Through Hard Lessons</li></ul>no00:02:2819Lessons Life Taught Me The Hard Wayfull<![CDATA[Today I'm Thinking: How Music, Social Media & Technology Shape Our Relationships ]]>The conversation explores the influence of music, social media, and technology on our thoughts, feelings, and behaviors. It delves into the positive impact on mental health and relationships, as well as the unhealthy messages and behaviors perpetuated by these influences. Additionally, it addresses violence prevention and the normalization of unhealthy beliefs, and emphasizes the importance of creating space for honest conversations about healthy relationships and emotional awareness.

Takeaways

  • Influence of music, social media, and technology
  • Impact on relationships and behaviors

Chapters

  • 00:00 Influence of Music, Social Media, and Technology
]]>119742a8-c36f-4ccd-9381-a3110c6f84daSun, 17 May 2026 22:46:34 GMT<p>The conversation explores the influence of music, social media, and technology on our thoughts, feelings, and behaviors. It delves into the positive impact on mental health and relationships, as well as the unhealthy messages and behaviors perpetuated by these influences. Additionally, it addresses violence prevention and the normalization of unhealthy beliefs, and emphasizes the importance of creating space for honest conversations about healthy relationships and emotional awareness.</p><p></p><p>Takeaways</p><ul><li>Influence of music, social media, and technology</li><li>Impact on relationships and behaviors</li></ul><p></p><p>Chapters</p><ul><li>00:00 Influence of Music, Social Media, and Technology</li></ul>no00:04:11Today I'm Thinking: How Music, Social Media & Technology Shape Our Relationships full<![CDATA[Respect Is Not Automatic]]>Alphonso shares insights on the importance of respect and living with integrity. He emphasizes the role of character and discipline in earning respect and encourages living in a way that earns respect.

Takeaways

  • Respect is earned through character and discipline.
  • Living with integrity is essential for earning respect.

Chapters

  • 00:00 The Importance of Respect
]]>a867158f-4684-4c23-bf12-9d3b84801cceThu, 07 May 2026 20:13:24 GMT<p>Alphonso shares insights on the importance of respect and living with integrity. He emphasizes the role of character and discipline in earning respect and encourages living in a way that earns respect.</p><p></p><p>Takeaways</p><ul><li>Respect is earned through character and discipline.</li><li>Living with integrity is essential for earning respect.</li></ul><p></p><p>Chapters</p><ul><li>00:00 The Importance of Respect</li></ul>no00:01:5815Respect Is Not Automaticfull<![CDATA[When You Feel Like Quitting]]>Feel like quitting doesn't mean you're weak - it means you're human.

In this episode, Alphonso Pettis shares real thoughts on pushing through tough moments, staying disciplined, and not giving up when life gets hard.

]]>3e63ec3d-f32a-497c-a542-2d081ed40f9eSun, 26 Apr 2026 23:39:57 GMT<p>Feel like quitting doesn't mean you're weak - it means you're human.</p><p>In this episode, Alphonso Pettis shares real thoughts on pushing through tough moments, staying disciplined, and not giving up when life gets hard.</p>no00:02:59When You Feel Like Quittingfull<![CDATA[Why Young Men Need Direction]]>In this episode of Today I'm Thinking, we take an honest look at why so many young men feel lost - and what's really missing. This conversation breaks down the importance of guidance, structure, and purpose in shaping a man's life. From the absence of strong role models to the impact of discipline and accountability, we explore what direction truly means and why it matters now more .than ever

If you've ever questioned where young men are headed - or how to help guide them - this episode speaks directly to you.

]]>337749dd-d1aa-470d-b149-03dad8ce6fa8Fri, 17 Apr 2026 19:42:11 GMT<p>In this episode of <i>Today I'm Thinking</i>, we take an honest look at why so many young men feel lost - and what's really missing. This conversation breaks down the importance of guidance, structure, and purpose in shaping a man's life. From the absence of strong role models to the impact of discipline and accountability, we explore what direction truly means and why it matters now more .than ever</p><p></p><p>If you've ever questioned where young men are headed - or how to help guide them - this episode speaks directly to you.</p>no00:02:3314Why Young Men Need Directionfull<![CDATA[Getting Older But Still Growing]]>Getting older doesn't mean you stop growing.

In this episode, Alphonso Pettis reflects on how age brings wisdom, patience, and a deeper understanding of life.

Growth doesn't end - it just changes.

]]>fe54c194-c667-4cfd-bf34-b80f0b745f6aThu, 09 Apr 2026 17:27:53 GMT<p>Getting older doesn't mean you stop growing.</p><p></p><p>In this episode, Alphonso Pettis reflects on how age brings wisdom, patience, and a deeper understanding of life.</p><p>Growth doesn't end - it just changes.</p>no00:02:4113Getting Older But Still Growingfull<![CDATA[Why Discipline Saved My Life]]>When motivation fades, discipline steps in. Today I'm thinking about how discipline became the turning point in my life-and how it can do the same for you. This isn't perfection.... it's about showing up, even when it's hard. #TodayImThinking #Discipline #PesonalGrowth

]]>75785a85-f37d-402c-870d-4ed82625a40eWed, 01 Apr 2026 20:37:43 GMT<p>When motivation fades, discipline steps in. Today I'm thinking about how discipline became the turning point in my life-and how it can do the same for you. This isn't perfection.... it's about showing up, even when it's hard. #TodayImThinking #Discipline #PesonalGrowth</p>no00:02:01Why Discipline Saved My Lifefull<![CDATA["Stay Focused, Keep Moving"]]>On this episode of Today I'm Thinking, I'm talking about discipline, direction, and the mindset it takes to keep going-especially when things get tough. Staying focused isn't easy, but it's necessary. Keep moving. Your growth depends on it.

]]>6ba78835-bbe8-4f15-bdf9-b9aaf6f46501Mon, 30 Mar 2026 19:40:18 GMT<p>On this episode of <i>Today I'm Thinking, </i>I'm talking about discipline, direction, and the mindset it takes to keep going-especially when things get tough. Staying focused isn't easy, but it's necessary. Keep moving. Your growth depends on it.</p>no00:07:15"Stay Focused, Keep Moving"full<![CDATA["Being an Only Child. A blessing or curse?"]]>No siblings. No backup. No one to share the weight with.

Is being an only child a hidden advantage...or an emotional challenge people don't talk about?

In this episode of Today I'm Thinking, we break down the truth behind growing up as an only child ---the strength it builds, the struggles it hides, and how it shapes the person you become.

]]>d3bdd692-0f4d-4168-bb7c-e8ac6458a02cThu, 26 Mar 2026 20:36:48 GMT<p>No siblings. No backup. No one to share the weight with.</p><p>Is being an only child a hidden advantage...or an emotional challenge people don't talk about?</p><p>In this episode of <i>Today I'm Thinking, we break down the truth behind growing up as an only child ---the strength it builds, the struggles it hides, and how it shapes the person you become.</i></p>no00:04:14"Being an Only Child. A blessing or curse?"full