Episode 948- Sensei Karen Guarino

In today's episode Jeremy sits down in person and chats with Sensei Karen Guarino after Free Training Day Midwest in Kansas.

Sensei Karen Guarino - Episode 948

SUMMARY
The conversation covers various topics including Sensei Karen Guarino's background in martial arts, her experience working at a nature center and zoo, and her return to martial arts after a 16-year hiatus. She discusses the impact of martial arts on her confidence and ability to perform on stage. She also shares her love for animals and her work as a zookeeper. The conversation highlights the importance of networking and building relationships in professional development. Karen shares her journey from being a zookeeper to becoming a martial arts instructor and opening her own school. She talks about the confidence and willingness she gained from her martial arts training, which helped her embrace intimidating experiences. Karen also discusses her love for teaching and working with children, and her dream of combining her zookeeping and teaching skills. She shares her experience of starting a toddler program and the joy she finds in teaching martial arts with her husband. Karen's ultimate goal is to have a martial arts school with a small zoo where people can learn and interact with animals.

TAKEAWAYS
* Martial arts can have a profound impact on confidence and performance in other areas of life.
* Networking and building relationships are crucial for professional development.
* Passions and interests can evolve over time, and it's never too late to pursue them.
* Working with animals can be both challenging and rewarding.
* Taking breaks and exploring different career paths can lead to new opportunities and personal growth. Martial arts training can give you the confidence to embrace intimidating experiences.
* Teaching martial arts and working with children can be incredibly fulfilling.
* Combining different passions, such as zookeeping and teaching, can lead to unique and exciting opportunities.
* Opening a martial arts school requires dedication, hard work, and a love for teaching.
* Having a supportive partner can make pursuing your dreams even more rewarding.

CHAPTERS
00:00 Introduction and Background
03:06 Return to Martial Arts
12:04 Working at a Nature Center and Zoo
20:05 The Importance of Networking
25:04 Getting Back into Martial Arts
28:45 Working with Animals
30:20 Background of Martial Arts
35:06 Getting in Shape and Leaving the Zoo
38:29 Working at a Kickboxing Gym
41:14 Starting on TikTok
44:39 Meeting Her Husband on TikTok
47:28 Visiting Each Other and Training Together
50:48 Opening a Martial Arts School
55:01 Combining Zookeeping and Teaching
57:01 Future Dreams and Goals

Show Notes

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Show Transcript

Jeremy (00:00.271)

I need to give you that. You're good. You're good to

Jeremy (00:01.568)

Yeah. You're good. We are good. You're good to go.

Jeremy (00:07.032)

We're going. Okay. Hi. Hi. It's, you know, it's always funny when I've spent a bunch of time with someone and then we start recording because usually when I start recording with someone, we've spent either zero time together, a little bit of time together. I barely know them or at the very

Jeremy (00:07.07)

We're going. Okay. Hi. Hi. Hi. It's, you know, it's always funny when I've spent a bunch of time with someone and then we start recording because usually when I start recording with someone, we've spent either zero time together, a little bit of time together, I barely know them, or at the very

Jeremy (00:26.862)

I know them and then we got together and then shortly after started recording. that's, I mean, I've hanging out with you 48 hours. It's true. Yeah. And you are a household name at our house. My kids were actually just complaining that my daughter, like I've heard the name Jeremy like so much this week. so yeah, you're.

Jeremy (00:26.892)

I know them and then shortly after started recording, but that's been hanging out you for 48 hours. It's true, yeah. And you are a household name at our house. My kids were actually just complaining that my daughter, it's like, I've heard the name Jeremy like so much this week. so yeah, you are. I don't know.

Jeremy (00:54.766)

I don't know if there's a balance in there between I'm a little offended, also she's 12. It's a 12 year old girl. So that's kind of the default response to everything. I'm also not offended. Yeah. Yeah. You shouldn't be offended. Your name never came up in a negative way. We're talking about all of our plans for this weekend. we, you know, meetings with you a lot. There are meetings. Yeah.

Jeremy (00:56.012)

There's a balance in there between I'm a little offended but also she's 12, right? It's a 12 year old girl, so that's kind of the default response to everything, so I'm also not offended. You shouldn't be offended. Your game of maverick came off in a negative way. We were talking about all of our plans for this weekend. And we had meetings with you a lot. There are meetings. Yeah.

Jeremy (01:25.697)

Of course I'm here because free training at Midwest. Free training at Midwest, the first one. The first one with the cure vectors over there. It killed it. was great. We had fun. We had fun. Has the stress faded? It will after I get a really good night's sleep. Just need some sleep. I need to finish all the cleanup and...

Jeremy (01:25.9)

course, I'm here because free training day. It's Midwest. first one. Over there. You guys killed it. It was great. We had fun. We hope. Has the stress faded? It will after I get a really good night's sleep. Just need some sleep. I need to finish all the cleanup.

Jeremy (01:54.492)

kind of threw everything in the van and yeah it's like there's a car that is right so yeah once all that's done then then the stress will be gone and I realized that now it was just barely touching the volume button

Jeremy (01:56.044)

through everything. There's a car that is in your house right now. Right. So, the rest will be done and we... I realized that Mount was just barely touching the volume button. Gotcha. rest will be gone soon.

Jeremy (02:21.983)

But yeah, so the stress will be gone soon when all that's done. And then I guess we're gonna just start planning for next year. What do do? Yeah. Making new stress. It goes so fast. It It's fascinating to me as I get older how short a year is. Right? When you're a kid, a year is forever. And now, in my 40s, a year is like a year. Yeah. It's nothing. Exactly.

Jeremy (02:27.776)

I we're gonna just start playing for the rest of That's what you do, yeah. It's me stress. It goes so hard. does. It's fascinating to me as I get older how short my ear is. Right? When you're a kid, your ears are never going to And now, in my 40s, my ear is like, it's a year. It's nothing. Exactly. And of course that's ironic because I have fewer of them left.

Jeremy (02:52.766)

And of course that's ironic because you have fewer of them left. crazy how that works. It's unfortunate. What's that quote? Youth is wasted on the young. Yeah. So unfortunate.

Jeremy (03:06.731)

Now, I know your husband so much more than I know you. We've had a few conversations, but I would say 95 % of what I know about you has come through him, but it's not like we sit around and we talk about you. We've never had a meeting that's like, all right, let's work and talk about your wife. But you and I right now are having a meeting to talk about you. I know you've got a more sports background, and I know that that was a large piece

Jeremy (03:06.732)

Now, I know your husband. We've had a few conversations, but I would say 95 % of what I know about you has come through him. And we talk about you. Never had a meeting. A meeting to talk about you. And I know that was a large

Jeremy (03:35.753)

how and why the two of you connected. Yeah. And I kind of want to know. Okay. What's going on? When did you start training? When I was 12. So I never did any other sport or activity really. I did 4 -H because I had to. I didn't want to, but my grandma was in charge of the horticulture team or whatever. Horticulture team? Yeah.

Jeremy (03:35.756)

how and why the two of you connected. And I kind of want to know what's going on. When did you start training? When I was 12. So I never did any other sport or activity related. did 4 -H because I had to. I didn't want to, but my grandma was in charge of the horticulture team or whatever. Horticulture team? Fight plants or fight with

Jeremy (04:03.444)

Fight plants, punch trees, I wish. That would been so much better. We had to be able to identify a whole bunch of different trees and bushes and fruits and vegetables and be able to judge them. I don't know. Just something I had to do when I was a kid. Because that's what my grandma did. And I always wanted to do martial

Jeremy (04:06.058)

I wish. That would have so much better. And we had to be able to identify a whole bunch of trees and bushes and fruits and vegetables and be able to judge them. don't know. It's just something I had to do when I was a Because that's what my grandma did. And I

Jeremy (04:33.223)

Like I would watch TV shows Ninja Turtles, Karate Kid, like I never wanted to fight. So I was very shy, quiet kid. And I think that's where it came from, that desire, because I was the smallest, the youngest person in my entire family. And I would see these characters in these shows and movies that were empowered

Jeremy (04:33.27)

Like, I watched TV's like, Turtle, Karate, I never went on fight. I so, I was very excited when I did it. That's where it came from, that desire because I was the smallest and youngest person in my entire family. And I would see these characters, they showed some movies that were empowered. How could you not want

Jeremy (05:01.586)

How could you not want to be that and emulate that? But my parents would not let me and my brother do martial arts because he had behavior issues and it was the 80s, early 90s, and they thought it would just make him more violent. And so it wasn't. Right, yeah. So, and I didn't.

Jeremy (05:02.858)

be that and emulate that. But my parents would not let me and my brother do martial arts because he had behavior issues in the 80s, early 90s, and they thought it make him more violent. so... Right. Yeah. So, and I didn't fight

Jeremy (05:30.855)

fight hard for anything. I was told no and that was it. But then when I was 12, someone came in to do like a temporary martial arts program at my elementary school in the evening. I think it was just one evening a week or something. I don't even remember how long it went for, but my parents let me and my brother do it and I loved it.

Jeremy (05:32.044)

anything. I was told no one else did. But then when I was 12, someone came in to do like a temporary art and martial arts program at my elementary school in the evenings. I think it was just one evening a week or something. I don't even remember how long it went for, but my parents let me and my brother do it and I loved it.

Show and read. any memory as to what it was about that that made it different enough in their minds? I think they decided my brother was old enough because he was then at that point he was 14 and I was 12 and he was doing better in school at that time. So we both started doing it and when that program ended the

Jeremy (06:00.135)

Sure and real. Any memory as to what it was about that that made it different enough in their lives? I think they decided my brother was old enough because he was, then at that point he was 14 and I was 12 and he was doing better in school at that time. So we both started doing it and when that program ended,

the instructor recommended an instructor that had just opened a school in the same style that we'd go train with. And so we went, my parents let us sign up. So it was really the first sport or activity that I ever did that I wanted to. What do you remember about joining and how that felt? It was just exciting. a very long time ago.

Jeremy (06:29.918)

an recommended an instructor that had just opened a school, to train with. So we went, my friend let us sign up. So it was really the first sport activity that I ever did that I wanted to. Do remember about joining, how that felt? It was just exciting, like a very long time ago. Do you remember feeling like it was what

Jeremy (06:56.55)

But do you remember feeling like it was what you could hope to be? Yeah. yeah. Like as soon as I got to start throwing kicks and stuff, it was great. and my brother didn't stay with it for very long, but I, I kept going. So, so I did that for five years, like 12 to 17. they'd with the same instructor doing showroom room.

Jeremy (07:00.532)

Yeah, yeah, like as soon as I got to start throwing kicks and stuff, it was great. And my brother didn't play with it for very long, but I kept playing. So I did that for five, so like

Jeremy (07:23.528)

stayed with the same instructor doing the program.

Jeremy (07:27.376)

and

I didn't want to quit. It was a hard thing to look back on because I could never get any of my friends to join. And there was no one that I trained with that was my age. And it was a very small school. My instructor, I didn't realize at the time until I went back and looked up on his website for school now and realized that he just opened a school.

Jeremy (07:30.324)

I didn't want to quit. It was a hard thing to go with the back dog because I could never get any of my friends to join. And there was no one that I trained with that was my age. And it was very difficult. Like my instructor, I didn't realize it at the time until I went back and looked up on his website for school now and realized that he just opened his school the year before I started training with him.

Jeremy (07:57.763)

the year before I started training with him. So was a brand new school and there just weren't that many students. And there was another girl, but she was like five years younger than me. And then there was a woman who was in her 40s. I was 17. She she'd come from a Taekwondo background and wanted to do something different. So, and they were, they were great.

Jeremy (07:59.852)

So it was a brand new school and there just weren't that many students. And there was another girl, but she was like five years younger than me. there was a woman was in her 40s. I was 17 and she was, she'd come from a Taekwondo background and wanted to do something different. And so they were great. And were working and were a teenager when you're trying to figure out.

Jeremy (08:26.654)

Yeah You know know you need to find your place in the world and it makes sense that your place in the world would have people that are kind of kind of look like you right like very aged set right and and I had a lot of friends when I was going into my senior year of high school My friends and I all started getting into theater Which I don't think I would

Jeremy (08:29.802)

you you know.

Jeremy (08:34.41)

Makes sense.

Jeremy (08:38.102)

I was like, right, right, right, right. And I had a lot of friends, when I was going into my senior year of school, my friends and I all started getting into theater, which I don't think I would have been able to do without martial arts. Because when I went into martial arts, I was so shy, so incredibly shy, and the thought of getting on

Jeremy (08:56.231)

ever been able to do without martial arts because when I went into martial arts, I was so shy, so incredibly shy. And the thought of getting on stage in front of people, I would have just terrified me. But doing martial arts, being pushed out of my comfort zone, getting up in, I hated tournaments. I still don't like doing tournaments, but.

Jeremy (09:08.424)

in front of people. I would have just terrified me, but Dewey Marshall had to be pushed out of my comfort zone. I hated tournaments. I still don't like doing tournaments, but that was something I had to do. was part of it. And just being up in front of people, doing demos and things, like really helped me feel okay with being out in front of people. And

Jeremy (09:23.285)

but that was something I like, I had to do it with part of it and just being up in front of people, doing demos and things like really helped me feel okay with being out in front of people. so, so yeah, my senior year of high school, doing theater and dedicating more time to that. was kind of a perfectionist with the martial arts, even though I wasn't competitive.

Jeremy (09:38.806)

So yeah, my senior year of school, student theater, and dedicating more time to that. I'm kind of a perfectionist with the martial arts. Even though I wasn't competitive, but I was very hard on myself. And I would practice at least an hour every day. My parents made me like my own little dojo training space in our basement, kind of an unfinished basement. And they put like

Jeremy (09:52.979)

but I was very hard on myself. And I would practice at least an hour every day. My parents made me like my own little dojo training space in our basement. We had an unfinished basement and they put like the outdoor carpet on the concrete floor, which is pretty much what I was used to training on. Just that thin, thin padding on concrete. And they got like a big mirror to put on the wall. I had

Jeremy (10:08.116)

outdoor carpet on the concrete floor, is pretty much what I was used to training on. Just that thin, thin padding on concrete. And they got a big mirror on the wall, a free -standing century -power wave, and I just would down there like an hour every day. when I was wanting to do

Jeremy (10:22.751)

freestanding sentry power wave punching bag. And I just, trained down there like an hour every day or something. But when, yeah, when I was wanting to do more stuff with my friends, I realized like I couldn't dedicate that much time to it anymore. And I guess I felt like if I couldn't dedicate the time to be the very best I could be at it, then

Jeremy (10:39.436)

I realized I couldn't dedicate that much time to it anymore. And I guess I felt like I couldn't dedicate the time to be the very best that I could be at it. And I was just going to take a break. What's the smile you're giving me right now? Is that guilt? There's something coming through. Well, it's, I wish I could go back. For breath? Yeah.

Jeremy (10:51.806)

was just going to take a break. What's the smile you're giving me? Is that guilt? There's something, there's nothing coming through. Well, it's, I wish I could go back. Regret? Yeah. Okay. Yeah. Cause now I'm like, that's so silly. But I was 17. So. But what's important when you're 17 is not important when you're not 17. Right. So, and you

Jeremy (11:07.872)

I'm like, but I was so. So.

when you're not sad. Right. I was very close to getting my black belt, so it's been for five years.

Jeremy (11:21.541)

I was very close to getting my black belt. after five years, was was brown belt. And I think a lot of that time I was only training once a week. So, so that's, know I hear people talk about after a couple of years, they got their black belt and things. I was five years and didn't get my black belt. And so I always, I would have that regret that I left before that,

Jeremy (11:29.907)

And I

Jeremy (11:35.213)

So that's I know here people talk about a couple years ago things I was five years and And so I always have that regret that I left before that But I was gonna go back and I did So I had

Jeremy (11:51.741)

But I told Michael the time I was gonna go back. And I did. took 16 years. So I had a 16 year break from Mark Lerner. What were doing? You've been on the side of the magic, excuse me. Three other episodes recorded today and you've heard from at least two out of the three people how.

Jeremy (12:04.316)

And what were you doing actively in there? You mentioned, excuse me, three other episodes recorded today, and you've heard at least two episodes of people have martial arts threads through things that are physically, excuse me, about conflict, is that at all your support? So I never did any other sport,

Jeremy (12:19.277)

martial arts kind of threads through other things that are physically not about combat. Was that at all your story? So I never did any other sport, but I kind of tried getting into running and I took fitness classes. I tried taking like cardio kickboxing, fitness class too. Tell me about that. It was the one I tried to take.

Jeremy (12:34.642)

I kind of tried getting running and I took fitness classes. I tried taking cardio kickboxing and fitness classes too. did you do? Tell me about that. was the one I tried to take. First was through like a parks and rec thing. There were just too many people in the class. I don't know. It was almost like too familiar to what I'd been doing.

Jeremy (12:48.955)

hers was it was through like a parking wreck thing and it was there were just too many people in the class and it was i don't know it was it was almost like too familiar to what i'd been doing but not to the level i wanted to do it at and so i just i can't get into this but yeah for a while

Jeremy (13:05.12)

the level I wanted to do that. so I It has gotten to the edge. Yeah. And I had to get into this. But yeah, for a while I really wasn't really into much. And then I started working in jobs that were very physical. I think I've never had a job where I worked. So right out of high school, I went to college for a year.

Jeremy (13:18.245)

really wasn't doing much. And then I started working in jobs that were very physical. I've never had a desk job. I worked right out of high school. I went to college for a year, but didn't know what I wanted to be when I grow up. I'm still figuring it out. I've got a much better idea now than I

Jeremy (13:34.764)

but didn't know what I wanted to be when I grow up. I'm just, I'm still figuring it out. I've got a much better idea now than I used to. But yeah, so I started working in retail right after I got to Target. We just talked to someone else. I also worked in electronics for a while.

Jeremy (13:48.634)

but yeah, so I started working in retail right after High School at Target. you just, we just talked to someone else with it. I also worked in electronics for a while, but, no, no, I don't think it was the same city, I ended up working at Target for 10 years. It turned into, it was my first job out of high school.

Jeremy (14:04.396)

I ended up working city for 10 years. It was my first job at high school. How many red shirts did make? I know you're from Red Rock and Steel. I worked at Staples. We had a lot of red shirts. Yeah, not that many. I mean, there's not a lot of danger.

Jeremy (14:16.665)

And many red shirt jokes did you make? Cause I know you, your nerve cred runs deep. I worked at Staples. So we had, we had a lot of red shirt jokes. Yeah, not that many. I mean, there's not a lot of danger involved in working at a target. It's the target I worked at. I worked at three different targets, but anyway, yeah, not, not, not like going off to

Jeremy (14:34.284)

involved in working at the target I worked at. I worked at three different targets. anyway, not going off to a

Jeremy (14:46.297)

plan it. but anyway, yeah, so I was doing that and realized like I could afford to live on my own. And so I ended up doing that longer than I planned. I took a break from school, I'd already taken a break from martial arts, just working full time. And then I did decide to go back to school. So I went back.

Jeremy (14:49.152)

But anyway, after I was that, I realized I could afford to do it on my own. so I ended up doing that longer than I had planned. I'm great from school. I already do every single arts. I'm just working full time. And I did decide to go back to school. I needed to work there. How long do we get?

Jeremy (15:19.025)

Three years, I think. I I took like a three year break. And then I kind of slowly got back into it. Still didn't know what I wanted to be, but you know, when I grew up. But while I was working at Target, I met someone, a good friend of mine, I'm still good friends with. She started working at a nature center there. It was in Lawrence, Kansas. And she was working at the nature center and I've always loved animals.

Jeremy (15:19.994)

I think it took like a three year break. And then I kind of slowly got back into it because I still didn't know what I wanted to be.

Jeremy (15:31.254)

But while I was working at Target, I met someone, good friend of mine, I'm still good friends with, she started working at a nature center, it was in Lawrence, Kansas, and she was working at the nature center, always loved animals and nature, and being outside, I grew up kind of on a sort of farm, not a full farm, but we had a lot of land, we had some cattle. You were on the plate? I was.

Jeremy (15:46.707)

and nature and being outside. grew up kind of on a sort of farm. Not a full farm, but we had a lot of land and we had some cattle in the pasture. were on the plank team. I was. Punching those trees. So yeah, so she was where I am at the Nature Center and I was trying to figure out what I wanted to major in still.

Jeremy (16:02.208)

punch loose trees,

So yeah, so we're at the Nature Center and I was trying to figure out what I wanted to major in still and I picked environmental science. I was going to pick biology, but I realized I would have had to take organic chemistry and I hate chemistry and it's weird that environmental science has less chemistry requirements than biology.

Jeremy (16:17.199)

And I picked environmental science. I was going to pick biology, but I realized I would have had to take organic chemistry. And I hate chemistry. And it's weird that environmental science had less chemistry requirements than biology. so that's how I picked my major, really was based on the curriculum. Because I looked at all the classes, and I'm these all look great. And I did. I loved

Jeremy (16:37.1)

So that's how I picked my major, really was based on the curriculum, because I looked at all the classes, I'm like, these all look great. And I did, I loved it. Still didn't know what I was going to be when I grew up. But I had a major. And I was able to do some of my college credit for that. an internship at the Nature Center, doing summer camps, and teaching people about nature and animals. We had a bunch

Jeremy (16:46.588)

still didn't know what I was gonna be when I grew up. But I had a major picked out and I was able to do for some of my college credit for that. did an internship at Nature Center, doing summer camp and teaching people about nature and animals. We had a bunch of animals there that we would use for programs. I loved it. It was great. Not a job that could pay the bills, but at that time I'd worked at Target long enough

Jeremy (17:05.77)

there that we used to program and I loved it. It was great. Not the job that could pay the bills, but at that time I'd worked a term at long enough that I wrapped up lot of vacation hours and then so I used my vacation hours at work at the nature center. And because I'm not as bad as I used to be, but absolutely was a workaholic. But it

Jeremy (17:15.841)

I wrapped up a lot of vacation hours and so I used my vacation hours at Target to work at the nature center. And because I'm not as bad as I used to be but absolutely was a workaholic. But I was doing something I really loved, yeah. And so that was a really physical job. Like I was

Jeremy (17:34.468)

I was doing something I really loved. And so that, and that was a really physical job. I was teaching kids to canoe and I got to be on a kayak to go rescue them. We were always out hiking around. I taught archery during that, which was super fun. had to learn archery first and teach it, but that was one of my favorite things there too.

Jeremy (17:41.445)

I was teaching kids to canoe and I got to be in a little kayak to go rescue them when their canoes got stuck places. We were always out hiking around. I taught archery. Got to teach archery during that, which was super fun. I had to learn archery first and then got to teach it, but that was one of my favorite things too. And so I worked there for three years while I was also working at Target to pay the bills.

Jeremy (18:04.778)

So I worked there for three years. I also working at Target to pay the bills. And then one of my friends got a job with a that was volunteering there at Center and got a job at the city zoo. I'm like, I didn't know you could do that because I remember I had a high school teacher. It was an animal science class I took in high

Jeremy (18:11.238)

And then one of my friends got a job, a guy that was volunteering there at the Nature Center, got a job at the Kansas City Zoo. And I was like, I didn't know you could do that because I remember I had a high school teacher. It was an animal science class that I took in high school. And I remember expressing interest in being a zookeeper at that point. And my teacher was just like, no.

Jeremy (18:32.368)

And I remember expressing interest in him as a viewer at that point. And my teacher was just like, no. Like, don't even bother. Like, don't even think about that as a question. So I'm trusting my teacher. like, okay. I know. I'm like, he wants to know. And he wasn't completely wrong. It is a hard field to get into.

Jeremy (18:41.051)

that don't even bother, it's impossible. Don't even think about that as a possible career option. I'm trusting my teacher, I'm like, okay. I know, I'm he must know. And he wasn't completely wrong. It is a hard field to get into. You have to start at the bottom, you usually have to start with internships, unpaid internships a lot of times.

Jeremy (19:02.84)

Usually you have to start in autumn, usually with internships, unpaid internships. A lot of times I was just really lucky because I knew someone and she was able to help me get an interview and so I started working at the University Zoo. had, now they don't do this anymore, but I had two different jobs there and they paid different amounts. So I had a very low paid job in the four key

Jeremy (19:09.741)

I was just really lucky because I knew someone and he was able to help me get an interview. And so I started working at Kansas City Zoo. had, now they don't do this anymore, but I had two different jobs there and they paid different amounts. So I had a very low paying job in the Lorikeet Aviary where you work with the little birds that eat the nectar out of cups

Jeremy (19:32.822)

birds that eat the nectar out of the cups and you get people. So I was in charge of babysitting these crazy birds and people that would come in there. And I did

Jeremy (19:36.965)

get people and so I was in charge of babysitting the aviary with crazy little birds and the people that would come in there and I did that three days a week for a very low amount of money. people more than birds? Yes, absolutely. And then my other two days a week there I was working part -time for slightly more pay just as an extra keeper

Jeremy (19:48.236)

So you were intersecting people more like that's pretty new. Absolutely. And we got it two days later. I was working part time for slightly more pay as an extra keeper in kids' own area. we had a bunch of different animals, including snakes. And we did the bird show. We had camels.

Jeremy (20:05.604)

the kids zone area, we a bunch of different animals, including snakes, and we did the bird show, and we had camels and goats, and there was monkeys and lemurs and meerkats, so a lot of different things. So I only had to do that for, I think six months before a full -time position opened up, and then I was just able to get on that team full -time. So it was kind of crazy.

Jeremy (20:17.878)

were some monkeys and lemurs and meerkats, lot of different things. So I only had to do that for six months before a full -time position and then I was able to get on that team full -time. So it was kind of crazy. I feel very lucky that everything's happened just because I knew someone that had relationships with people. Everything that happens professionally requires relationships.

Jeremy (20:34.884)

feel very lucky that everything's happened because I knew someone and had relationships with people.

Jeremy (20:47.936)

Anything beyond an entry -level position, and unfortunately now, even the good entry -level positions, paid internships go to people who know people. And why I get on with younger folks when they don't want to network. They don't want to build relationships. They don't want to go, well, know, why would I go do that? Well, because you don't know who you're going to meet. And if anybody out there has been part of this audience for a long time, you know that who we get on the show leads to who else we get on the

Jeremy (21:04.697)

Yeah. Yeah. Right. Right. Right. Crazy. Yeah.

Jeremy (21:18.0)

Like this has been networked. I wouldn't know you if it wasn't for this show. I wouldn't know you if for this show. I wouldn't be in Kansas right now if for this show. it's crazy. Network. We're using that. Network. Talk to other humans. It's not always fun.

Jeremy (21:34.218)

talk to other humans. It's not always fun. So yeah, so I ended up working as a zookeeper for seven years. I did after I got my full -time position there, I just quit Target. So for the first time in a long time, I only had one job, but it was intense. But I loved it. Seven years.

Jeremy (21:40.972)

So yeah, I ended up working at Suzuki for seven years. I did it after I got my full time position there, I quit Target. So for the first time in a long time, one job. It was in 10. I loved it. Seven years. So yeah, I became one of main trainers in the bird show. So again,

Jeremy (22:03.544)

So yeah, and I became one of the main trainers in the Bird Show. So again, I was on stage in front of people and working with these crazy animals and something, again, I don't think I would have had the guts and courage to do without that martial arts background and then getting into theater.

Jeremy (22:11.828)

on stage in front of people and working with these crazy.

Jeremy (22:21.387)

I don't think I would have had the courage to do that. You said you said a 16 year hiatus so it sounds like right about this time is that when came back in the picture? was in the zookeeper for four years at that point four or five years and it was actually at the zoo

Jeremy (22:34.702)

Yes, it was, I think I'd been a zookeeper for four years at that point, four or five years. And it was actually at the zoo, I was on a lunch break talking to an intern. I don't remember what we were talking about, but somehow, like I got onto the topic of how I used to do karate. And I

Jeremy (22:49.26)

to an intern. I only remember what we were talking about. like I got onto the topic of how I used to do karate. I was... Was this a thing you taught everyone? No! I used to do karate.

Jeremy (23:01.247)

Is this the thing you told everyone? No. Why did you do karate? No. don't know. I don't remember how it came up because I kind of like pushed it, you know, to the back and something I didn't bring up much because it did make me sad. And so when I brought it up, I had this like wave of sadness. This was also right after I finished breastfeeding my youngest, my son.

Jeremy (23:06.472)

I I don't remember fucking up, I kind of pushed it, you know, to the back, it's something I didn't bring up much, because it made me sad. And so when I brought it up, I had this like, wave of sadness. This was also right after I finished breastfeeding my youngest, my son. So I had two kids during the time, during those five years. I actually got pregnant with my daughter.

Jeremy (23:29.355)

So I had two kids during the time, during those five years. I actually got pregnant with my daughter very soon after I started that job. And so for five years, I had either been pregnant or breastfeeding. And it kind of hit me like, I can be me again. I can have my body back.

Jeremy (23:36.14)

very soon after I started that job. And so for five years, I'd either been pregnant with breastfeeding and it kind of hit me like, I can be me? Again, I can have my body back because it felt like it was not mine. was just for my kids. So yeah, it was just like this, like

Jeremy (23:55.295)

because it very much felt like it was not mine. It was just for my kids. And so, yeah, was just like this light bulb went off and I realized how much I missed it and how much it was a part of me. So I went home and I started looking at martial arts schools near me and I found one that did.

Jeremy (24:05.82)

off and I realized how much I missed it and how much it was a part of me. So I went home and I started looking at it. Where's art school? It did karate and taekwondo and judo, kind of a mix of things. So I filled out a little

Jeremy (24:24.18)

karate and taekwondo and judo, kind of a mix of things. And so I filled out the little, you know, get more information thing and immediately got a call. I was not expecting that. I got a call from the instructor and like, okay, let's set up your free trial. Okay. So got back into martial arts and to get a black belt, started back at white belt because

Jeremy (24:34.124)

get more information thing and immediately got a call. was not expecting it. I got a call from the instructor and they said, set up your free trial. Okay. So got back into the workforce and did a black buy started. They said I could start with my brown hair as they do my old instructor. I'm like, I'm it's been 16 years. And yeah, so I just, felt.

Jeremy (24:51.913)

They said I could start with my Brown Bell if they knew my old instructor. And I'm like, no, it's been 16 years. yeah, so I felt more comfortable starting back at the beginning. So, so yeah, but it only took me three years to get my Black Bell, but I was there three to five nights a week. I don't think only. I don't think we need

Jeremy (25:04.362)

story back at the beginning. So, so yeah, but it only took me three years to get my black belt, but I was there for three to five nights a week. I don't think only, I don't think we need to say three years. Yeah, right. Yeah, so was there a lot. So talk to me

Jeremy (25:21.251)

So only three years if you think about it. Yeah, right. Yeah, so talk to me about.

the first bit, the first few days, weeks, months, you know, because that realization that your body was no longer, I guess, on loan in full to your children and this part of you that you had put on hold and missed for that long, right? We've heard this piece of this story from quite a few people who they train for a period of time, right? Five years when you're 17 is a long time. Five years when

Jeremy (25:30.636)

the first bit, few days, That realization that your body was no longer all alone, all to your children, and this part of you that you put on hold and missed for that long. We've heard this piece of this story from quite a few people. They train for a period of time. Five years when you're 17 is a long time. Five years when

Jeremy (25:59.962)

in your 30s not such a long time and the fact that you're tying away was more than three times the length excuse me that you've been training and you still never shook that

Jeremy (26:00.609)

30s, not such a long time. fact that your time away was more than, it was really even training. You still never shook that.

Longing, I guess, is the word for it. So two,

Jeremy (26:15.226)

longing I guess is the right word for it.

Jeremy (26:22.806)

get back in comes with a lot of hopes and maybe expectations. So what was that like getting back in? It just felt right. Like it wasn't scary. I was, I don't know. Not really. Like yeah, because of that, by that point, there were lots of scary things. You were hanging out with animals.

Jeremy (26:22.834)

get back in comes with a lot of hopes, maybe expectations. So what was that like getting back in? It just felt right. Like it wasn't scary. I was not at all. Like, yeah, because of that, by that point.

I've done lots of scary things. You were hanging out with animals that could eat you. was taking care of a leopard every day that if I wasn't careful about making sure the doors are locked, she would have... in a heartbeat. Sorry for those listening, she would have made me not alive anymore. She would have unaligned me. No, think that's probably lying.

Jeremy (26:52.362)

Stop it.

Jeremy (26:57.802)

doors are locked she would have been in a heartbeat. Sorry if you're listening, would have been not alive anymore. She would have unalived. Is that Cheetahs? No, think it's probably lions or tigers. No, leopards, they're scary. They're very scary.

Jeremy (27:16.999)

I think it's still lions or tigers, actually. But, no, leopards, they're just scary. They're very scary. They're very, very quiet, very quick, and I'll just, yeah, yeah. Cheetahs, fine. I tell people, I took care of the cheetahs, too. I'm pretty sure I could have taken them one at a time in a fight. So, they're only like 90 pounds at the most.

Jeremy (27:27.382)

quiet.

Jeremy (27:31.564)

Yeah, yeah, he does fine. I took care of the kids too. I'm pretty sure I could have taken them one at a time in a fight. So they're only like 90 pounds and they don't, they aren't built for fighting. They were built for running. They are not built for fighting. It takes them 20 minutes to learn how By suffocating them. what an example.

Jeremy (27:46.31)

and they don't, they aren't built for, they are built for running, they are not built for fighting. It usually takes them 20 minutes to kill their prey by suffocating them. So. When I was in, I don't really get it all. You know, you go to any kind of animal enclosure here in the States and it's double walled and they make sure there's no way you can put your arm through it. And here I am in Belize and it's basically

Jeremy (28:00.532)

unrelated to all of your thoughts, I think it's easy. You know, you go to any kind of animal enclosure here in the States and it's double walled and they make sure they're coming in here. And here I am, and it's single, rotten chicken wire. they're a lot, and it's looking at me and it's going, wow.

Jeremy (28:15.846)

single, run of chicken wire. Yeah. And there's a leopard and it's looking at me and it's going, and I'm going, wow. No, no, that was. Yeah. But no, we didn't go in.

Jeremy (28:29.524)

No, we didn't go in with our cheetahs. There are places that have hand -raised cheetahs that the keepers go in with. We weren't allowed to do that. were not hand -raised. They were still raised by

Jeremy (28:44.805)

And then they came to us after they were 16, 18 months old. But they were there as soon as I had arrested them from a big snapping turtle one time. There was a big snapping turtle in their exhibit and there were three of them, but the snapping turtle would have won. So I had to lure them all in. So I could go out and put the snapping turtle in a crate and take it back down

Jeremy (28:44.812)

And then they came to us after they were weaned, like 18 months old. But still, they were whips. I had to rescue them from a big snapping turtle one time. There was a big snapping turtle in their exhibit. then there were three of them, but the snapping turtle would have won. So I had to lure them all in so I could go out and get the snapping turtle and create and take it back down.

Jeremy (29:15.68)

anyway, my husband is over there dying of laughter because he's heard many random animal stories. So, yeah. I was more afraid of the snappy turtle than I was of the cheetahs, but yes, they are. They are, but it's fine. It was one of those things where, you know how

Jeremy (29:16.702)

Anyway, my husband is over there dying.

He's heard many random animal stories. Snapping turtles? Yeah. I'm more afraid of the snapping turtle than I was of the geocache. But yes, they are. They are. But that's fine. It was one of those things where, you know, I'm

Like you're about to do something that you know could be very dangerous. I don't know if that would happen. And like you're present in the moment and then suddenly you're just on the other side of it. So I don't really remember how I got the snapdash that went into the crate. I just know something went into the crate. I was by myself. didn't have anyone else help me.

Jeremy (29:46.784)

Like you're about to do something that you know could be very dangerous. I don't know if you've had this happen. And like you're present in the moment and then suddenly you're just on the other side of it. So I don't really remember how I got the snappy turtle into the crate. just know suddenly it was just in the crate. I was by myself. didn't have anyone else help to be so. That was funny. Yeah.

Jeremy (30:16.544)

on what I did, but I did

Jeremy (30:16.545)

don't know what I did, but I did.

Jeremy (30:20.514)

So we've got this background of martial arts that gives you...

Jeremy (30:20.514)

So we've got this background of martial arts that gives you...

Jeremy (30:28.884)

The willingness, I'm going call it the confidence, for you to say, but the willingness to embrace something or intimidating experiences. imagine they happen constantly. If you're dealing with animals that can kill you and people, that's an intense company because most of us are terrified of people in general in some way.

Jeremy (30:28.895)

The willingness, and I'm certainly gonna call it the confidence, that's for you to say, but the willingness to embrace someone's more intimidating experiences. I imagine they happen constantly at the zoo. If you're dealing with animals that can kill you and people, that's an intense combination because most of us are terrified of people in general in some way. And so the zoo, so there's a lot of them.

Things with big teeth. Yeah.

Jeremy (30:58.39)

things with big teeth. Yeah.

Jeremy (31:04.394)

It went fine. Yeah. That's kind of what I'm hearing. Yeah. The only injuries I ever got at the zoo were like pinching my hand at a gate or I had a big drain that I picked up from the floor so I could close everything down into it. I leaned it against the wall and nudged it with my whole head. matter no I had a scar on my hand somewhere. Where it fell and hit me I had to go get stitches. And of course when you go and get stitches you're wearing a

Jeremy (31:04.415)

It went fine. Kind of what I'm hearing. Yeah, the only injuries I ever had were like pinching my hand in a gate or had a big metal drain that I picked up from the floor so I could hold everything down into it. I leaned it against a wall and nudged it with my hose and it hit, I don't know, I have a scar on my hand somewhere where it fell and hit me. had to go get

And of course, when you go and get stitches and you're wearing a zookeeper outfit, the people at the urgent care are like, what happened? I'm like, well, it was crazy. The floor drain fell on my hand and they're so disappointed because they were expecting to hear Yeah. don't want to have to do rumors like that. so, so yeah, no, my injuries were all from very silly, silly things that were not exciting at all.

Jeremy (31:35.278)

the people and the urgent care. Like what happened? I'm like, it was crazy, this floor drink fell out of my

They were expecting to hear a talk. Yeah, I don't want to start rumors. So yeah, the injuries were all very silly things that were not exciting at all. The animals were fine. The zoo training. Black belt.

Jeremy (32:00.639)

No, the animals were fine. So the zoo training black belt.

Jeremy (32:10.174)

And then what? Yeah, so we did leave the zoo after seven years. I was actually because I was teaching martial arts at that point, on the side, obviously, and working full time at the zoo, trying to be at the dojo when I could. Being a zookeeper pays very little money. Teaching martial arts pays very little money.

Jeremy (32:10.185)

And then what? Yeah, so, so I did leave the zoo after seven years. I was actually teaching martial arts at that point, like on the side, obviously, and working full time at the zoo, trying to be at the dojo when I could. Being a zookeeper pays very little money. Teaching martial arts pays very little money. So.

I actually was looking into becoming a teacher because even school teachers, like a middle school teacher, yeah, wanted to be a middle school science teacher and I would have made at least $10 ,000 a year more than what I was making at the zoo, at least starting out. And that's after seven years at the zoo. So I was looking into that.

Jeremy (32:39.85)

I actually was looking into becoming a teacher. in school, teachers like middle school. Yeah, like I to be a middle science teacher and I would have been at least a year more than what I was making in business school. At least like starting out. And that's after seven years. So I was looking into that. There are. No, you.

Jeremy (33:08.426)

with children. But I like children. And that's one of my favorite things when I worked at the Nature Center and when I was at zoo was teaching kids about nature and animals and engaging and like sparking that curiosity and excitement and making those connections. So I was like, I like teaching. And so I was looking into that and I

Jeremy (33:08.748)

But I like children. one of my favorite things when I was at Nature Center and when I was at zoo was teaching kids about nature and animals and engaging.

sparking that curiosity and excitement and making those connections. I was like, I like teaching, and I was looking into that, and I got substitute teaching. I left the zoo, got substitute teaching, and was working as much as I could at the virtual arts school. And then COVID happened. So COVID.

Jeremy (33:36.819)

got into substitute teaching. I left the zoo, got into substitute teaching and was working as much as I could at the martial arts school. And then COVID happened. So COVID threw my plans off a little, schools all closed. And then even as I started to reopen, my friends that were teachers were not happy.

Jeremy (33:52.458)

when my plans off a little, the schools all closed and then even as I started to reopen, my friends and teachers were not happy. I just decided, maybe I still don't know what I want to be when I grow up.

Jeremy (34:06.482)

I just decided, okay, maybe I still don't know what I want to be when I grow up. So I was working out at a kickboxing gym at the time. I started doing that before I got my black belt as just another way to get in shape. It's been talked about a lot that as you get good at doing your martial arts and your body does things the

Jeremy (34:14.89)

I was working out at a kickboxing gym at the time. started doing that before I got my black belt. That is just another way to get in shape because it's been talked about a lot that as you get good at doing your martial arts, your body does things the most efficient way. so I want to be in the best shape ever just practicing my martial arts.

Jeremy (34:36.273)

fishing up way and so I want to be in like the best shape ever and just practicing my martial arts I was you know kind of plateauing and so there was a kickboxing fitness gym close to me. I was like that looks fun like and it challenged me it was different all like the workouts were always different and so I got in the best shape of my life.

Jeremy (34:44.736)

I was, you know, kind of plateauing. And so there was a kickboxing fitness gym, it to me. I was like, that looks fun. And it did, it challenged me, was different, the workouts were always different. And so I got into the best shape of my life.

Jeremy (35:06.14)

working out there. I think I lost 30 pounds in six months. Yeah, I gave up soda and junk food and stuff that helped too. But that was another thing working at the zoo. It was not the healthiest because I was I was working again, your body does things so not only animals, but

Jeremy (35:07.756)

I I lost 30 pounds in six months. Yeah. I gave up soda and stuff that helped too, but that was another thing working in the zoo. Not the healthiest. I was working again. body dealt with the most. So not only animals, but I thought about

Jeremy (35:35.426)

I thought about it. Sometimes, like, the quality of food that they get is so good. Like, I be feeding the gorillas and, the produce that they would get. Just so good. I did not steal it, There were times, I like, that broccoli looked really good. But I did not steal their food. But what I did take was donated food at a local grocery store.

Jeremy (35:37.212)

Like the quality of food that they get is so good. Like I would be eating the gorillas and like the produce that they would get. Just so good. I did not steal it though. There were times I was like, that broccoli was really good. But I did not steal their food. But what I did take was donated food. A local grocery store would donate all

Jeremy (36:04.687)

would donate all their bakery stuff that didn't sell that day. that was like, we'd get cakes sometimes that had like weird mistakes or were just oddly racist for some reason. I'll tell you that story later. But yeah, so we would get. We would get. We'd be like, be patient. I don't think I have a picture of it anymore.

Jeremy (36:06.7)

bakery stuff, and I didn't sell that dig. that we'd get cakes sometimes that had weird mistakes or were just oddly racist or something. I will tell you that story later. But... so we would get... Maybe that'll be Patreon. I'll tease that. I don't know. We'll find out. I don't think I have a picture of it anymore. But...

Jeremy (36:34.318)

But we get all of these donated baked goods. And I don't know if the grocery store thought they were going to animals or if we'd never feed this garbage to our animals. But I'm poor and I'm hungry. So I'm going to eat this. Let them eat Yeah. So I was eating garbage all day. the Yes. And watching the animals I'm taking care of eating like really good quality, like healthy food. And I'm

Jeremy (36:36.266)

But we get all these donated baked goods. And I don't know if the grocery store, they were going to animals or they would never feed us garbage to our animals. I'm poor and I'm hungry. I was eating garbage all day. The old garbage. Yeah, watching the animals I'm taking care of. Eating like really good quality, like healthy food. I'm just shoving doughnuts. You're aware of the contrast.

Jeremy (37:03.684)

Shove and doughnut. You're a little bit on past and it's more than I imagined. Absolutely. after leaving that job where, I mean, I was burning tons of calories every day, but I wasn't giving my body the fuel that it needed. So I was able to get in a lot better shape after that and continuing martial arts and working out at the gym. And at the gym, was also, there were weights and things.

Jeremy (37:07.112)

Yeah, absolutely, So after leaving the job, I mean, was burning calories, was giving my body the fuel that it needed. So I able to get in lot better shape, continuing commercial arts and working out at the gym. And at the gym, was also working out, there were weights and things, so wasn't just body weight stuff or bad work.

Jeremy (37:33.431)

just body weight stuff or bag work. There was, we did stuff with dumbbells and kettlebells. So I had more muscle than I'd ever had before and really liked that. And so, so after the schools closed with COVID, the gym closed for a few months like everything else. But they were offering Zoom classes and like had online stuff.

Jeremy (37:36.784)

There was we did stuff with dumbbells and dumbbells and so more muscle than Or really like that so so after the schools closed closed for a few months like everything else But they were offering zoom classes and like online stuff, but it was still doing it

Jeremy (38:00.403)

not the same, but I was still doing it. I needed to something. I need to do something. And when it reopened, I was kind of hesitant to go back because my son had a heart condition and I was very nervous about COVID and I didn't want to, I was very healthy. My family was very healthy, but like I didn't want to introduce anything. So it took me a little while to get back

Jeremy (38:06.054)

and reopen.

hesitant to go back because my son is nutritionist and I was very nervous about COVID and I was very healthy and my family was very healthy but I didn't want to introduce anything. So it took me a little while to get back to the gym and I was wearing a mask. It's not fun doing that intense workout with a mask but I went back and I was glad I did and I'm working that.

Jeremy (38:29.237)

gym and I'd be like wearing a mask and it's not fun doing that intensive workout with a mask but I went back and I was glad I did and then they talked me into working there. So I ended up doing that for a couple of years and started still during the time where the trainers had to wear masks so it super fun, good times but

Jeremy (38:43.532)

I ended up doing that for a couple of years. started still during the time where the trainers had to wear masks. So was super fun, good times. But it was good for me. got to, I was not at commercial art school anymore. My instructor taught me the gene and I was in the process of going through divorce. So all sorts of life changes during the fun year of 2020.

Jeremy (38:56.246)

It was good for me. got to, I was not at the martial arts school anymore. My instructor stopped teaching and I was then in the process of going through divorce. So all sorts of life changes during the fun year of 2020. But yeah, I was at this gym and so I was still getting to teach people. Now I was teaching adults, not children, which I had mainly taught children.

Jeremy (39:13.866)

But yeah, I was at this gym and so I was still getting to teach but now I was teaching adults, not children, which I had mainly taught children. It's different. I enjoy working with

Jeremy (39:26.206)

It's different.

It's, I enjoy working with kids more. Why? Just more fun. And you don't have to break as many bad habits because they haven't formed them yet. So, but it was good. I was still helping people and teaching people stuff and, and I was improving my own health. So that was good. But I did

Jeremy (39:35.242)

just more fun and you don't have to break as many bad habits because they haven't formed them yet. So, but it was good. I was still helping people and teaching people stuff and I was improving my own health. So that was good. But I did miss, I did miss training, traditional.

Jeremy (40:00.481)

I miss training in traditional martial arts. I started taking lightsaber classes around that time too. Randomly, my friend who was also trainer at the gym, she was like, I found this lightsaber class. You want to come try it with me? I'm like, yes.

Jeremy (40:04.128)

martial arts, I started taking lightsaber classes around that time too. My friend who was also a trainer at the gym, I found this lightsaber class. Try it with me. Like, doesn't? Who doesn't? Yeah. Who wants to swing a lightsaber? Exactly. So we started taking stage on that lightsaber classes for fun.

Jeremy (40:28.208)

Exactly, so we started to give you stage combat lightsaber classes for fun. We have to perform in Comic Con and like at a royal baseball game. We have to dress up in cosplay and it was just super fun and You're not at all No, no I don't have a Lord of the Rings map of Middle -earth on my arm Yeah

Jeremy (40:34.849)

at a Royals baseball game. We got to dress up and cosplay. It was just super fun.

Jeremy (40:45.374)

no. What? I get everyone to stand. I have a little bit a... ...nail alert on my

Jeremy (40:55.848)

It's a great tattoo. It's pretty great. So yeah, we're doing my favorite things and...

Jeremy (40:58.091)

It's pretty great, So yeah, we were doing these lightsaber things and for whatever reason, I started posting videos on TikTok. Well, I hope for not, not for whatever reason. I started posting videos on, it was, it really, so it started though, because my boss at the gym was harassing all of us to post more on social media, to

Jeremy (41:08.552)

reason I started posting videos on TikTok.

It was the pandemic and that's what we all did. So it started though, because my boss at the gym was all of us to post more on social media. Like, to get, you know, the gym, like more attention. Post stuff. And so it started, I'm not a big social media person. It started with like push -up counts.

Jeremy (41:28.936)

to get the gym more attention and post up. so I started, because I'm not a big social media person, I started with push -up challenges and I found these. I was like, that's fun. Okay, because I had no idea for content and I'm like, I want to get my boss off my back. So I'll just do these silly little videos and I use TikTok for their sound clips and editing.

Jeremy (41:43.35)

Okay, because I had no idea what to do my head and I want to get my ass off my back. So I'll just do these silly little videos and I use TikTok for their down clips and editing. I never thought anyone would follow me on TikTok. So I wasn't even thinking about being on TikTok. was like, I'm just going use this. How long were you? You know what?

Jeremy (41:56.113)

I never thought anyone would follow me on TikTok. So I wasn't even thinking about being on TikTok. was like, I'm just going to use this and then post it on my... was wrong. I was wrong. I'm not going to... I'm not about a little bit. You couldn't have been more wrong. I know. Yeah, it was funny. So yeah, it

Jeremy (42:13.721)

We'll brush out a little bit. You couldn't have been more. I know.

Jeremy (42:22.476)

So yeah, started, I got people's attention, I guess, on TikTok. I also, I think the first video I

Jeremy (42:25.861)

then I got people's attention I guess on TikTok by playing with my lightsaber and I also actually I think the first first video I did that got the most attention was a Boastaf thing. I did it too there was this little sound clip that was like dun dun dun like it it was kind of fast and I was like I bet I could do like a Boastaf combo and match the beat

Jeremy (42:36.758)

the most attention was a Staff thing. I did it too. There was this little sound clip that was like, dun, dun, dun. was kind of fast and I was like, I thought I could do like a Bo Staff combo and match the beats. It was pretty fast. And so I just did that for fun. And so that, I got a lot of followers from that. Just like, okay, that's people on TikTok have found me.

Jeremy (42:52.56)

Cause was pretty fast. And so I just did that for fun. And, and so that, I got a lot of followers from that. she's like, okay, I guess people on TikTok have found me. And, and I ended up making like a whole bunch of friends. And again, it was the pandemic. So wasn't really seeing people in real life so much. Like I was at the gym, but again, see the same 10 people every day.

Jeremy (43:09.672)

like a whole bunch of friends. So really seeing people in real life.

Jeremy (43:20.684)

people every day. My lightsaber class was also five people a week. I met all these other martial artists and other people playing with lightsabers and

Jeremy (43:22.168)

And my lightsaber class was also same five people once a week. So I met all these other martial artists and other people playing with lightsabers and things. And there was a good mix actually. found this group of people that did martial arts of some sort or had an interest in it.

Jeremy (43:41.778)

this group of people that did martial arts of some sort, were interested in it. And also really, know, the nerds, had all these Star Wars friends, you know. I'm not the most knowledgeable Star Wars person, like I've always enjoyed it, I've always liked it, and I don't consider myself like a super fan or

Jeremy (43:49.689)

But then also really, you know, like the nerd side of things. I've had all these Star Wars friends, you know. I'm not the most knowledgeable Star Wars person. Like, I've always enjoyed it. I've always liked it. And I don't consider myself like a super fan or anything like that, like my husband. But he knows all the stuff. So I ask him. But I've read a few of the books, but I don't know all the lore. But it's just something fun. I enjoy

Jeremy (44:09.344)

But he knows all the stuff. I've read a few of the books, but I don't know all of them. But it's just something that's fun. I enjoy it. And I enjoy playing lightsabers. So I had all these friends and how I met my husband. He was one of my friends on TikTok. we bonded over martial arts. No one's going to watch these videos. Yeah.

Jeremy (44:19.726)

and I enjoy playing with light sabers. So I had all these friends and that's how I met my husband. He was one of my friends on TikTok and we bonded over our love of martial arts. Yeah, he was one of the first people that started interacting with me on TikTok. he was, he was.

Jeremy (44:38.674)

He was one of the first people that started interacting with me on TikTok. Well, he was. I heard twice. Yeah, he thought I was two different people. Because sometimes I would post lightsaber things and then I would post other things. One of my things was I was talking about who I am.

Jeremy (44:49.006)

Yeah, he thought I was two different people so because sometimes I would post like super things and then I post other other things one of my things I was talking about my zoo animals I had I had a bunch of paintings on the wall behind me that were animal prints like paw prints and snout prints So I had these things on the wall and somebody asked me in a video like what what is with the artwork back there?

Jeremy (45:01.832)

bunch of paintings on the wall that were animal prints, like op -prints, and stout prints. So I had things on the wall and somebody asked me in a video, like, what is with the artwork back there?

was it was. Zoo Karen and two different people tried to me twice.

Jeremy (45:19.714)

He thought Zoo Karen and Lightsaber Karen were two different people. And he tried to follow me twice to be very confused that he was already following me. But yeah, and then he used martial arts to lure me to visit him in New Jersey.

Jeremy (45:29.9)

But yeah, and then he used martial arts to lure me to visit him in New Jersey.

Jeremy (45:45.705)

It does. Yeah. only thing that ain't actually not really the case is that it was not what had happened. You were not coming off well. It could have gone bad. But it didn't. All of our first jokes were about the real -life hero. Yeah. Which one of us was the serial killer? was the joke. So yeah, he invited me. As he knew I was, didn't

Jeremy (45:46.794)

The only thing that makes the story not horrendously creepy is the fact that you two were married. If that was not what had happened, you were not going off well in the video. could have been a fun thing, but it didn't. I was very careful.

Jeremy (46:04.712)

Yeah, which one of us was the serial killer? That was the joke. So yeah, he invited me.

Jeremy (46:15.084)

place to train. I didn't have dojo at the time and he's like, my home dojo in New Jersey is having a 35 year anniversary thing and and it was you know they're gonna have like a day of seminars and whatnot and he said you should come. I'm like okay sure. Why not? We've been talking for a long time and we knew

Jeremy (46:15.304)

place drink and I didn't have a dojo at the time. So I buy home dojo nutrition and coffee. I'm years and I'm first drink.

Jeremy (46:28.332)

You're gonna have like a day of seminars and whatnot. You should come. Okay, sure. We've been talking for a long time. We've seen a lot of the same people on TikTok. And then I made sure that all my friends here in Kansas knew where we were gonna be. One of my friends said, we need to have a secret code. can text me.

Jeremy (46:41.716)

We knew a lot of the same people on TikTok. And then I made sure that like all of my friends here in Kansas knew where I was going to be. One of my friends was like, we need to have a secret code. You need to text me like one smiley face on the first day and let me know you're okay. And then the next day, two smiley faces. And so we had this, we had a thing. I totally forgot when I was

Jeremy (46:58.272)

I totally forgot when I was there. She was like, are you okay? I I don't we're just having a really great time. But yeah. I didn't get murdered. No one got murdered. So yeah.

Jeremy (47:07.378)

And she had text me like, are you okay? I was yeah, we're having a really great time. And I sort of forgot, but yeah. So yeah, no, but I was fine. I didn't get murdered. No one got murdered. So, yeah. So, but it was great. I, every time I went to visit Victor in New Jersey, there was always two days at least at the dojo.

Jeremy (47:27.276)

Every time went to visit Victor in New Jersey, there was always two days at the dojo. At least two days at the dojo. So, you know, we did that for a year. It a long time. It's been a year. What was it like?

Jeremy (47:36.689)

at least two days at the dojo. yeah, we did that for a year. We did the long distancing for a year. What was it like?

Jeremy (47:48.263)

meeting someone.

Jeremy (47:48.297)

meeting someone where a large portion of that initial connection was martial arts. That was a thing that you had in common. You know, we're in your school, right? obviously, this is a big part of your life.

Jeremy (47:51.838)

a large portion of that initial connection was large parts. That was the same thing you had in common. You know, we're in your school, right? Like obviously, this is a big part of your life.

Jeremy (48:06.003)

What did that feel like? Great. Well, because we spoke the same language and I think it's something that took him longer to adjust to. Because suddenly, like, I understood what he was talking about or I understood, like, why he needed to be at dojo or... And you weren't used to that. Yeah, so...

Jeremy (48:06.028)

What did that feel like? Great. Well, because we spoke the same language. I think it took him longer to adjust to suddenly, like, I understood what he was talking about, or I understood, like, why he wanted to be at the dojo, or... You weren't used to that. Yeah, so...

Jeremy (48:33.705)

So for me, it was great. With someone who gets it, and we just clicked in so many ways, and even though very different backgrounds, he and I, the only thing we had was karate. We both started karate at age 12. Mine was five years earlier, because I'm five years older, but, yep.

Jeremy (48:33.708)

So for me, was just, it was great.

Jeremy (48:38.57)

gets it and we just clicked in so many ways and you know very different backgrounds like he and I.

only thing we had was karate. started karate at

earlier, because I'm five years older. yeah. So yeah, was just, it was fun. It was exciting to start getting back into it. would do challenges. started doing the fun for the people that you know. We started doing a 100 day forms.

Jeremy (49:03.815)

So, yeah, was just, it was fun. It was exciting to start getting back into it. We would do challenges. We started doing the bunch of other people that you know, we started doing a 100 day forms challenge that Andrew started it. And we've done it like three times, I think, since then,

Jeremy (49:25.068)

challenge. Andrew started it and done it like three times, think, since then. it was cool that we were still in Kansas, he was in New Jersey, but we're interacting in these groups and working with martial arts together.

Jeremy (49:32.728)

It was cool that we were still, you know, I was in Kansas, he was in New Jersey, but we're interacting in these groups and still doing martial arts together, far apart together.

Jeremy (49:50.673)

And so what's kind of what's coming? do have a because I have a plane.

Jeremy (49:50.938)

And so it's kind of, we're coming, do have a lot of planes, we have a little bit of a time constraint here, but I want to talk about this. Right? Because when we look back over everything you've talked about, you know, we see a thread of martial arts, even when you weren't training, regret or missing it, you know, I'm going put words in your mouth, that part of you was gone. Right?

Jeremy (49:59.446)

talk about the school, right? Because we look back over everything that you've talked about, you know, we see a thread of martial arts, certainly even work training, a regret or missing it. I'm gonna put words in your mouth, know, that part of you was gone. And also this component of teaching and children and sharing things that you loved with others.

Jeremy (50:19.134)

but then also this other component of teaching and children and sharing the things that you loved with others, right? That's kind of the common theme and everything you've talked about that you've done was something that you enjoyed became a job and then you're sharing that information with others. I that's every single thing you've, maybe not tried, but I bet it was in there. Okay, right, so.

Jeremy (50:28.204)

kind of the common theme. Everything you've talked about that you've done is something that you enjoyed, and then you're sharing that information. Every single thing you've created. I bet it was in there.

Jeremy (50:48.1)

It doesn't surprise me that the two of you opening a martial arts school happens. And so what's it been like? You it's been just over a year for you. Yeah, it's exciting. It's crazy. Again, not not a plan for when I grow up. But now it is currently. That's what I want to be when I grow up. I want to be a martial arts instructor, run a school with my husband.

Jeremy (50:48.497)

It doesn't surprise me that the of the worship art school

And so what's it been like, you it's been just over a year for you. Yeah. How does that feel? It's exciting. It's crazy. It's something that again, not a plan for when I grow up. But now it is. Currently, that's what I do when I grow up. I want to be a martial arts instructor and run a school with my husband. So doing that, I still have a full time job. I'm working at retail at a pet store.

Jeremy (51:18.175)

So doing that, I still have a full -time job. I'm working in retail at a pet store. So I get my animal fixed. Yeah. And I'm making enough money to pay the bills and he's growing this. Yep. So he's, he's doing this more of his full -time thing and do his side thing. I'm doing this with my side thing.

Jeremy (51:24.908)

So I my animal fix and make enough money to pay the bills. he's doing this more of his full -time thing and doing side things. I'm doing this as my side thing. But the hope is that this can be both of our main thing.

Jeremy (51:45.207)

But the hope is that this can be both of our main things. But yes, so I guess we're even I started a toddler program that I got inspired to do that from someone I met in Marshall Summit last year. And I can do that. So started a toddler and me program. that's been really great. I love that. I do that twice a week.

Jeremy (51:52.48)

Yes, so I started a toddler program. I got inspired to do that from someone I met at my summit last year. And I like, I can do that. So we started the Toddler Me program. that's been really great. I love that. do that twice a week. We've a little kids program called Wolf Cult program for five to seven year olds. Our youth program.

Jeremy (52:15.439)

got a little kids program called the Wolf Cub program for five to seven year olds, our youth program. So, I love it. I love getting to teach with my husband and we kind of share the responsibilities. There's some classes that I lead and he's there to assist and then some that he leads and I'm there to assist. So, a good balance. Awesome. And you probably heard me.

Jeremy (52:22.433)

So I love it. I love getting to teach with my husband and we kind of share the responsibility. There's some tasks that I lead and he's there to assist and some that he leads and I'm there to assist. So it's a good

Jeremy (52:41.36)

And you've probably heard asked this question a bunch of times. So what's next? You know, we sit down five years from now. Are you hoping that you're telling me that's changed? Updated? Okay, so my dream. Yeah, dream. Go big. I want to combine my zoo keeping with my teaching. So the dream is to

Jeremy (52:43.808)

asked this question a bunch of times. So what's next? You we sit down five years from now. What are you hoping that your telemedia has changed and updated? Okay, so my dream. Yeah, dream. Go big. Put it out there. I want to combine my zookeeping with my teaching. So the dream is to have people. No. No.

Jeremy (53:10.262)

People fight cheetahs. No. How many cheetahs could you fight? Of course cheetahs are a bit... Anyway. More than one cheetah! And you can't really fight like that though. Sometimes brothers will hunt together, but... Not fighting cheetahs. No. But I want to have a...

Jeremy (53:13.442)

That wouldn't be nice to the cheetahs. Who for cheetahs? They're wimps. What if it's more than one cheetah? They don't really fight like that though. Sometimes brothers will hunt together but they're still... Eh. Which is not a hidden cheetah. No. But I want to have if we are able

Jeremy (53:39.708)

able to expand our school. This is probably more than five years out, but if we ever have big enough space, I would love to have like a little lobby area with some animals that I could do programs with. So imagine like a little flexible like fairy workshop. Okay? My husband doesn't even know.

Jeremy (53:40.566)

banned our school, so this probably more than five years out. But if we ever have a big enough space, I would love to have like a little lobby area with some animals that I could do programs with. So imagine like a little flexible like a ferret workshop.

Okay,

Jeremy (54:07.468)

I could tell simply from that noise. That was the noise of, what? This is news to me. Are we gonna stay with the Illiteration? Because I like that one. I don't have that many. I'll have to... Strong like,

Jeremy (54:31.254)

something. Yeah, I'll work on it. I'll work on it. Okay, I have a panther in my dojo. It's not happening. I could have a house cat. This isn't my dream. But you know, frogs, can do a little work jumping and things. So I'm pretty good at anything to do with the kittens. I can

Jeremy (54:33.666)

Yeah, I'll work on it. I'll work on it. But okay, but I'm not gonna have a panther in my dojo. It's not happening. I could have a house cat. We could pretend. But you know, could have frog. We could do a little workshop on jumping and that. So as I'm pretty good at anything I do with the kids, I can...

Jeremy (55:00.766)

really animal acts into. We do a lot of animal movements in my little kids classes, but it all relates to when I'm breakfalls. Your turtle, go into your turtle shell, roll back on your turtle shell, and flap your penguins, because your turtle has penguins for whatever reason. Because they don't know. And it's the only thing I can make that made sense. But anyway.

Jeremy (55:00.819)

relate animal facts into. And we do a lot of animal movement in my little kids classes, but it all relates. Like when I'm teaching break falls, your turtle, go into your turtle shell, roll back on your turtle shell and slap your penguin wings, because your turtle is penguin wings for whatever reason, because they don't know. And it is the only thing I think that made sense. But anyway.

So, so my dream would be to have, have my little dojo zoo that people could come and look at for free. it's a pet store I work at. That is what a lot of parents do around here. When, especially when the weather is bad and there's no school, we get so many people that come in with little kids to the pet store. They are not there to buy anything. They're just there to look at the animals and give their kids something to do to entertain them for 15, 20 minutes.

Jeremy (55:31.052)

So, so my dream to have, have my little dojo zoo that people could come and look at for free because it's a pet store I work at. That is what a lot of parents do around here when the weather is bad and there's no school. You get so many people that come in with little kids to the pet store. They are not there to buy anything. just there to look at animals and give their kids something to do to entertain them for 15, 20 minutes.

in air -conditioned space. that's something I would... The marketer in me doesn't have an issue. I didn't think he would. Yeah. Bringing kids to Florida. right. Come in, see the dojos do, and then people can book parties and things. can give animal talks, and we can do movements based on those animals. And you can do karate and do it or not. I'm big, really big on...

Jeremy (56:01.554)

in the air conditioned space. So that's something I would love. I didn't think you would. Yeah. Right. Right. Come in, see the dojo zoo and then people can book birthday parties and things and I could give animal talks and we could do movement based on those animals and you can work karate into it or not. I'm big. I'm really big on movement

Jeremy (56:31.02)

helping kids work on things like balance and things that could help them with martial arts, but could just help them in

Jeremy (56:31.05)

helping kids work on things like balance and things that could help them with martial arts, but could just help them in life. That's great. We'll see if that happens. I hope so.

Jeremy (56:42.726)

That's great. We'll see if that happens. look forward to recording future episodes with you. That involves... I'm gonna hold out hope for a cheetah. I don't know in what way. I don't want to fight the cheetah. Tell me it wouldn't be the best episode ever. We're sitting there and a big cat comes up and is like, right here. That be the best!

Jeremy (57:01.648)

Yeah. Right, like, tell me when would be the best episode ever for sitting there and just, you know, a big cat just kind of comes up and it's like, here, like, that would be the best. So that's my five year dream for you. Okay. I don't think it's going to happen. Not with me, but. Well, then maybe it'll just be a ferret. I could get a really big ferret. If people want to find you.

Jeremy (57:12.199)

That's my dream. That's my five

Don't think it's gonna happen. with me. But... Well, you can just be a ferret. I can get a really big ferret.

If people want to find you, your school, etc. online, find your TikTok videos. don't post anything anymore. I'm not inactive on social media. You're still there. I'm still there. yesterday. don't know what my name is right now. Karen Ninja? I don't know. don't know. But you can contact Victor at whistlekick

Jeremy (57:31.144)

your school, etc. online, maybe find your TikTok videos. I don't post anything anymore. I have not been active on social media. You're still there. I am still there. I don't remember what my name is right now. Karen Ninja. I don't know. I don't know. But you can contact Victor at whistlekick .com. I don't know.

Jeremy (57:59.257)

I don't I don't I about the school name So we'll for sure it's KC karate jujitsu Yeah, well if anyone tries to contact

Jeremy (58:00.995)

So Wolf Martial Arts is KC Karate Jiu Jitsu dot com. If anyone tries to contact me, I'm probably not going to get back to you in a month. I'm busy. My husband takes care of all that. Well, thank you.

Jeremy (58:19.436)

So, I'm busy. no, it's my husband. He takes care of all that. Thank you. Free Training Day Midwest. Awesome. There's a list for that if you're in, well, quite a few of us came in from away. So I won't even say if you're from the local area, because you could just come here. So we'll get that linked up in the show notes as well. So you can get informed if you want to join for Free Training Day Midwest in the future.

Jeremy (58:46.919)

in the request future.