When I first started my podcast, it was a small endeavor — a personal project to share my journey, struggles, and breakthroughs. At that time, my audience was limited, but I was determined to use the platform to connect with others who could relate to the challenges of managing health and wellness, especially for men in mid-life. Little did I know that just 90 days later, my podcast would reach listeners across the globe, from Indonesia to the United States, and that I'd have the opportunity to speak alongside some of the most renowned hosts from mainstream US TV.
Here's how my journey unfolded and how it has allowed me to share not just my story but also my Integrated Martial Arts method that’s helped many men rejuvenate their lives.
The Local Start: My First Steps in Podcasting
When I first hit "record" on my podcast, I had no idea what I was doing. I had a few ideas about what I wanted to share — mostly around health, fitness, and how men in their 40s, 50s, and 60s, facing the realities of declining health and energy, could start their own transformation. At the time, my primary audience was local. I started small, recording episodes on topics like managing stress, fighting off the effects of diabetes, and integrating martial arts for both physical and mental well-being.
My first episodes were far from perfect. I didn’t have the best microphone, and the editing wasn’t polished. But I had a message I felt needed to be heard, especially by men like me who were stuck in the grind of work and life and could see their health declining but didn’t know where to start. The early feedback from my listeners was motivating — though small in number, these were the men who resonated with my message. They shared their own struggles, and I realized I was on the right track.
But just sharing the podcast locally wasn’t enough. I needed to reach more people. I wanted to bring this conversation to a larger audience, so I started looking for ways to grow.
Expanding Reach: How I Went from Local to International
As any podcaster will tell you, the early days of growing an audience can feel like a slow climb. However, by remaining consistent, I began to see growth. I focused on creating valuable, actionable content for my target audience — men dealing with declining health, mental fatigue, and the stresses of daily life. I knew these were issues that were affecting men everywhere, not just in my local area.
One of the key strategies I used to expand my reach was promoting the podcast through social media. I started sharing clips and key takeaways on Instagram, LinkedIn, and Facebook. This allowed me to tap into a global audience, connecting with men from around the world who were struggling with the same health and wellness challenges.
I also reached out to other podcasters and influencers in the wellness and health space, offering to collaborate and share my expertise. By featuring on other shows, I was able to introduce my podcast to new listeners. Additionally, I made sure to submit my podcast to various platforms, including those popular internationally, to ensure a global reach.
Within just a few weeks, I noticed something amazing — listeners from places like Indonesia, Australia, and the United States were tuning in. The conversations I started were resonating not just with a small group but with a global community of men looking for practical advice on overcoming health challenges and building resilience.
Facing Health Challenges: My Journey and Purpose
But what really made this journey meaningful was the way my own struggles connected with the struggles of my audience. As someone who has dealt with his own health issues — ranging from diabetes to arthritis to heart risks — I knew firsthand the difficulties of managing these conditions while also trying to maintain a fulfilling life.
There was a time in my life when I didn’t know if I would be able to turn my health around. Like many men, I found myself caught in the cycle of work stress, poor eating habits, lack of exercise, and deteriorating mental well-being. But I didn’t give up. Instead, I took control of my health and started experimenting with various forms of exercise, diet, and mindfulness practices. It was through this process that I created my Integrated Martial Arts method — a combination of physical fitness and mental strength practices that helped me reclaim my health.
The success of this method wasn’t just about physical fitness — it was about breaking free from the mental constraints that come with chronic health issues. I wanted to share this journey, my own personal reinvention, with others. It wasn’t about being perfect; it was about progress. And I realized that podcasting was the perfect platform to do just that.
The Integrated Martial Arts Method: Rejuvenating Health and Confidence
The Integrated Martial Arts method became the heart of my podcast. This method isn’t just about learning to defend yourself or getting stronger in the gym; it’s a holistic approach to health that combines physical exercise, mental resilience, and mindful living.
The method integrates martial arts principles such as focus, discipline, and balance with practical tools that men can use to improve their health. I’ve seen how this method has helped many men — just like me — rejuvenate their lives. They’ve experienced a boost in confidence, better physical health, reduced stress, and improved mental clarity.
One success story that stands out is that of a listener from the USA who had been struggling with high blood pressure and a lack of energy. After applying the principles from the Integrated Martial Arts method, he not only lost weight but also found his energy levels increased significantly. He was able to walk with his kids without getting winded and even started participating in martial arts classes, something he had never considered before. The power of combining mental and physical health was transformative for him, and I know it can be for others too.
Reaching New Heights: From Local Shows to International Hosts
As my podcast grew in popularity, I had the incredible opportunity to appear on some major podcasts, including shows hosted by renowned figures from mainstream US TV. These appearances allowed me to share my story with an even larger audience and brought greater credibility to my message.
Being featured on these platforms was both humbling and exciting. It felt surreal to be speaking alongside experts and celebrities, but it also reminded me of why I started this journey in the first place: to help men just like me regain control over their health and their lives.
These appearances have been a game-changer. Not only have they helped expand my audience internationally, but they’ve also opened doors for new collaborations and projects. The conversations I’ve had with fellow podcasters and listeners from all over the world have deepened my understanding of the challenges men face when it comes to health, and it’s inspired me to continue spreading my message.
Conclusion
Looking back at my podcast journey, I’m amazed at how far it has come in just 90 days. From a local venture to an international platform, my podcast has allowed me to connect with men across the world who are struggling with their health. Through sharing my story and my Integrated Martial Arts method, I’ve been able to help men regain confidence, improve their well-being, and embrace a healthier, more vibrant life.
But this is only the beginning. My goal is to continue growing my podcast and reach even more listeners worldwide. I want to create a global community of men who support each other, share their experiences, and hold each other accountable as they work to reclaim their health.
If you’re ready to begin your own journey of transformation, I invite you to connect with me and start applying the principles that have helped so many others. Together, we can rejuvenate our health, our confidence, and our lives.
FAQs
1. How can I start my own podcast without professional equipment?
Begin with what you have. Use your smartphone or a basic USB microphone to record. Free editing tools like Audacity or GarageBand can help polish your episodes. Focus on delivering authentic and valuable content—your message matters more than perfect production.
2. What are simple strategies to stay consistent with podcasting?
Set a realistic schedule and batch-record episodes to stay ahead. Create an editorial calendar with planned topics, and prioritize shorter episodes if time is limited. Always remind yourself of your "why" to stay motivated.
3. How can I attract my first international listeners?
Leverage social media hashtags and keywords relevant to your audience. Join global podcast communities or forums to share your work. Consider translating episode titles or descriptions into other languages to make your content more accessible.
