Wildcatdojo Conversations

Sensei Michelle
  • 5.0 (16)
  • MENTAL HEALTH
  • UPDATED BIWEEKLY

Karate is for everyone. So, join us each week for a 20 to 25 minute conversation on all types of subjects. We go from managing the distractions of daily life, through martial arts history and people, and common sense concepts to add to your self defense armor. Plus we have interviews and so much more. After spending over 40 years discussing life's challenges in a dojo, (both as a student and as a teacher) I decided it would be fun to share the conversations with everyone. And it is! We're having a great time with our guests each week thinking, talking and very importantly sharing a laugh or two along the way.

  1. 3D AGO

    Sister Linda Sim

    So much going on in today's episode. Let's start with the fact that I'm using opening drumming furnished by the Fushi Daiko Drummers of South Florida. We interviewed the founder, Ben, and here's a link: https://www.buzzsprout.com/477379/episodes/15446850 We touched on alot of old episodes discussing the amazing Sister Linda Sim. One of them, an odd connection, was our show on Audie Murphy. Here's that link: https://www.buzzsprout.com/477379/episodes/14969721 We also touched on aging. Here's one of the episodes we did on that subject: https://www.buzzsprout.com/477379/episodes/11594095 Somehow, I managed to bring up my presence on Amazon. You can search for my books by typing "Books by Michelle Darbro". Or, here's the link to the book we mention: https://www.amazon.com/Teaching-Children-Karate-Michelle-Darbro/dp/0979273609/ref=sr_1_2?crid=3ASWGIY6QYOFM&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.Ru-1vaJ2D7bA-r8q82xTaIjdpSqzjXubxTG_CHZ3bJj0I3kBQDhTPo7UgKzv-wZW.x5tlexZb3AaR0DbWW6VPjMpoNHkqZRc2hCoUI-syJKI&dib_tag=se&keywords=Books+by+Michelle+Darbro&qid=1770227129&sprefix=books+by+michelle+darbro%2Caps%2C211&sr=8-2 Boy, that's a long one. Let's close with the episode we did on Sun Tzu's The Art of War. Yes, we mention him also - how?  https://www.buzzsprout.com/477379/episodes/12656331 As I always do, I'll thank you for being a part of this great adventure and encourage you to click the link below to support the work. Thank you: Support the show Thanks so much for listening and sharing the podcast with friends. Reach us all over the web. Facebook and twitter are simply wildcatdojo. However, insta is wildcatdojo conversations. (There's a story there.) On YouTube (where we are now airing some of our older episodes - complete with a slideshow that I tweak constantly) https://www.youtube.com/@wildcatdojo9869/podcasts And for our webpage, where you can also find all the episodes and see some info about the dojo: http://wildcatdojo.com/025-6/podcast.html . And of course, we love it when you support our sponsor Honor Athletics. Here is their link: https://honor-athletics.com/ Thank you for listening.

    20 min

  2. FEB 2

    Fear is a Backstabber

    So much to say here....Let's start with the fact that I'm quoting our guest Hanshi TD McKinnon in the title. Thank you Hanshi.  Now I'll include a caveat. When we do episodes like this, we're not claiming to have 'the answer' for anyone. We're just old-timers talking about karate concepts. Therefore, if you have great ideas on how you deal with anything we talk about - Please Share with us!! Hanshi McKinnon has been on the show many times. Here are a few: We met Hanshi back in 2021. Here is his first interview: https://www.buzzsprout.com/477379/episodes/8625686 If you're interested in more information about his study of mushin, fudoshin and more. Listen here: https://www.buzzsprout.com/477379/episodes/13647079 If you'd like to read Hanshi's blog on sen. Here's a link: https://www.torakankarate.com.au/post/karate-essence-ethical-philosophy-%E5%85%88%E6%89%8B-sen-initiat?fbclid=IwY2xjawPnLr9leHRuA2FlbQIxMQBzcnRjBmFwcF9pZBAyMjIwMzkxNzg4MjAwODkyAAEe4zBU346slGpb06_B9ebHxjWGS-ZAhe7uyc-OBgsrW3M4UmEzetTG0D43cgo_aem_MQYho66UN3haeWxVaUvEQw I can't finish without saying that we mention common sense safety. We've done a number of episodes on this subject. Here's one: https://www.buzzsprout.com/477379/episodes/11142251 And finally, we mention a saying we learned from Master Kelljchian "Expect the Unexpected" and here's the episode we did on that: https://www.buzzsprout.com/477379/episodes/15762186 Thanks for being part of the show. Get in touch to join us as a guest, or support us below. We appreciate you. Support the show Thanks so much for listening and sharing the podcast with friends. Reach us all over the web. Facebook and twitter are simply wildcatdojo. However, insta is wildcatdojo conversations. (There's a story there.) On YouTube (where we are now airing some of our older episodes - complete with a slideshow that I tweak constantly) https://www.youtube.com/@wildcatdojo9869/podcasts And for our webpage, where you can also find all the episodes and see some info about the dojo: http://wildcatdojo.com/025-6/podcast.html . And of course, we love it when you support our sponsor Honor Athletics. Here is their link: https://honor-athletics.com/ Thank you for listening.

    24 min

  3. JAN 26

    Ever Heard Anyone Say: "Never say Can't"?

    Is it possible to spend 20 minutes talking about a 4 letter word and have fun? It is if you're as crazy as we are and the word is Can't. Listen and tell us your stories. Sensei Jay joined us today. At one point, the conversation turned to his dad. Back in 2021, Sensei Jay told us a lot about his dad's military experience. Here's the link: https://www.buzzsprout.com/477379/episodes/8329162  As always we thank you for your support and urge you to go one step surther and click the link with a small donation. Support the show Thanks so much for listening and sharing the podcast with friends. Reach us all over the web. Facebook and twitter are simply wildcatdojo. However, insta is wildcatdojo conversations. (There's a story there.) On YouTube (where we are now airing some of our older episodes - complete with a slideshow that I tweak constantly) https://www.youtube.com/@wildcatdojo9869/podcasts And for our webpage, where you can also find all the episodes and see some info about the dojo: http://wildcatdojo.com/025-6/podcast.html . And of course, we love it when you support our sponsor Honor Athletics. Here is their link: https://honor-athletics.com/ Thank you for listening.

    25 min

  4. JAN 19

    The Poison Garden at Alnwick Castle

    Yes, talking about a unique and poisonous garden in the UK. Did you all hear our episodes on poisons from 2022? Here's a link: https://www.buzzsprout.com/477379/episodes/10340583 That link does double duty. Yes, it's about poisons, but it is also one of the other times Sensei Lydia joined in the conversation! Enjoy. We also mention the Yew tree. Both Sensei Jackie and I think it came up in one of our Archery episodes. (We did 3). Here they are. Let us know if we're right and the Yew bark is used in the making of certain bows. https://www.buzzsprout.com/477379/episodes/6125029 And these two are specific to Kyundo: https://www.buzzsprout.com/477379/episodes/6327931 and: https://www.buzzsprout.com/477379/episodes/6422461 This episode is also special because I reached out to a friend and fellow black belt, Sensei Haya, and she wrote us a poem to end the show. I love it so much, I'm copying it here:  Pick Your Poison The sign says, No touching, smelling, or tasting.  It’s human nature to pick one.  Touch: you’ll get a nasty rash.  Didn’t you learn from when you used Ivy leaves  for toilet paper while camping?  Smell: it will look like botched Botox. And taste: your tongue is now the size of an eggplant.  Breathing might stop altogether. I know the plant names are enticing— Oleander, Donkey tail, Nightshade, Thorn apple. The intoxicating is often toxic. Pick your poison. Thanks to everyone. If you have a moment and a few extra dollars - click our "support the show" link here:  Support the show Thanks so much for listening and sharing the podcast with friends. Reach us all over the web. Facebook and twitter are simply wildcatdojo. However, insta is wildcatdojo conversations. (There's a story there.) On YouTube (where we are now airing some of our older episodes - complete with a slideshow that I tweak constantly) https://www.youtube.com/@wildcatdojo9869/podcasts And for our webpage, where you can also find all the episodes and see some info about the dojo: http://wildcatdojo.com/025-6/podcast.html . And of course, we love it when you support our sponsor Honor Athletics. Here is their link: https://honor-athletics.com/ Thank you for listening.

    23 min

  5. JAN 12

    Deadly and Non-Deadly Force; A Quote From Master Hess

    I want to start by mentioning that Master Hess has books for you to buy. An easy search brought them up in both Amazon and Thriftbooks under Joseph C. Hess. In Master Kelljchian's 365 Days of the Warrior book, he has a quote from Master Hess and today we discuss it.  Speaking of Master Hess, we did an entire episode on Master Hess. Here's the link: https://www.buzzsprout.com/477379/episodes/12516431 Another thought that comes up in this episode and in both fights and arguments  is Ego. Here's the first episode we did on ego, from 2020: https://www.buzzsprout.com/477379/episodes/2985007 Hope you enjoy the episode. Want to start 2026 by supporting us? Here's the link - thanks in advance: Support the show Thanks so much for listening and sharing the podcast with friends. Reach us all over the web. Facebook and twitter are simply wildcatdojo. However, insta is wildcatdojo conversations. (There's a story there.) On YouTube (where we are now airing some of our older episodes - complete with a slideshow that I tweak constantly) https://www.youtube.com/@wildcatdojo9869/podcasts And for our webpage, where you can also find all the episodes and see some info about the dojo: http://wildcatdojo.com/025-6/podcast.html . And of course, we love it when you support our sponsor Honor Athletics. Here is their link: https://honor-athletics.com/ Thank you for listening.

    25 min

  6. JAN 5

    Noticing the Extraordinary in the Ordinary

    We' were so lucky to be joined by Shelby today to discuss this great Zen concept. We had a blast and hopefully you will too. Shelby has been on a few times. I think her first appearance may have been when we were celebrating our 25th episode! Here's the link: https://www.buzzsprout.com/477379/episodes/3383908 Thanks Shelby. Zen philosophy is behind the viewpoint we're tackling today. We've talked about it many times on the podcast. Here's one episode, from a couple of years ago:  https://www.buzzsprout.com/477379/episodes/13187810  Thanks for tuning in. We appreciate your support - from listening, to following us to clicking the link below and supporting us. You're amazing1  Support the show Thanks so much for listening and sharing the podcast with friends. Reach us all over the web. Facebook and twitter are simply wildcatdojo. However, insta is wildcatdojo conversations. (There's a story there.) On YouTube (where we are now airing some of our older episodes - complete with a slideshow that I tweak constantly) https://www.youtube.com/@wildcatdojo9869/podcasts And for our webpage, where you can also find all the episodes and see some info about the dojo: http://wildcatdojo.com/025-6/podcast.html . And of course, we love it when you support our sponsor Honor Athletics. Here is their link: https://honor-athletics.com/ Thank you for listening.

    24 min

  7. 12/29/2025

    Part 2 - Comparing 3 Self-Defense Books

    Last week we started this discussion on Self-Defense books. This week we add a third book to the mix. It's called The Gift of Fear. Sensei Tracey joins us again as we get deeper into the subject.  We have discussed self-defense before on the program. Check out last weeks episode notes for more. This week I decided to tag an episode on Female warriors. Sensei Tracey was in that one also, and Sensei Sherry was there too! Here it is: https://www.buzzsprout.com/477379/episodes/8153789  And from a more modern perspective, Sensei Liam joined us to discuss cyber-security. He encourages us to treat it like self-defense. And he's right! Listen here: https://www.buzzsprout.com/477379/episodes/15836335 With that, I'll thank you for listening and encourage you to support the show. Here's the link: Support the show Thanks so much for listening and sharing the podcast with friends. Reach us all over the web. Facebook and twitter are simply wildcatdojo. However, insta is wildcatdojo conversations. (There's a story there.) On YouTube (where we are now airing some of our older episodes - complete with a slideshow that I tweak constantly) https://www.youtube.com/@wildcatdojo9869/podcasts And for our webpage, where you can also find all the episodes and see some info about the dojo: http://wildcatdojo.com/025-6/podcast.html . And of course, we love it when you support our sponsor Honor Athletics. Here is their link: https://honor-athletics.com/ Thank you for listening.

    25 min

  8. 12/22/2025

    Comparing Three Self-Defense Books - A Self-Defense Palooza!

    Sensei Tracey joins us today to discuss 3 different Self-defense books. Mine, Master Kelljchian's and a man named Gavin de Becker who wrote a book called The Gift of Fear. Sensei Tracey has been on so many times. One that I love was back in 2021 when we talked about the Tanto (the knife).  https://www.buzzsprout.com/477379/episodes/8061673 Also, we have done so many episodes on reality defense. I chose this one to tag in. It is from 2019. Glenda joined us and we had fun. Here's the link: https://www.buzzsprout.com/477379/episodes/2089278 And we met a new friend in 2020 who shared a history lesson of women and defense in the early 20th century! Check it out: https://www.buzzsprout.com/477379/episodes/5247724 As always happens in this part of the notes, I'm thinking of you and thanking you for listening. Want to support us? It's easy to do by clicking the link below. Support the show Thanks so much for listening and sharing the podcast with friends. Reach us all over the web. Facebook and twitter are simply wildcatdojo. However, insta is wildcatdojo conversations. (There's a story there.) On YouTube (where we are now airing some of our older episodes - complete with a slideshow that I tweak constantly) https://www.youtube.com/@wildcatdojo9869/podcasts And for our webpage, where you can also find all the episodes and see some info about the dojo: http://wildcatdojo.com/025-6/podcast.html . And of course, we love it when you support our sponsor Honor Athletics. Here is their link: https://honor-athletics.com/ Thank you for listening.

    21 min
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Ratings & Reviews

5
out of 5
16 Ratings

About

Karate is for everyone. So, join us each week for a 20 to 25 minute conversation on all types of subjects. We go from managing the distractions of daily life, through martial arts history and people, and common sense concepts to add to your self defense armor. Plus we have interviews and so much more. After spending over 40 years discussing life's challenges in a dojo, (both as a student and as a teacher) I decided it would be fun to share the conversations with everyone. And it is! We're having a great time with our guests each week thinking, talking and very importantly sharing a laugh or two along the way.

Information

  • Creator
    Sensei Michelle
  • Years Active
    2019 - 2026
  • Episodes
    335
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © 2026 Wildcatdojo Conversations
  • Show Website
    Wildcatdojo Conversations

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