Talking Tough Podcast

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Talking Tough Podcast The most outrageous new podcast of 2020. Equal parts entertainment and inspiration!
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https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dKafNiK7fTI
27/06/2024

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dKafNiK7fTI

Former WWE Star Shock: Gabbi Tuft Makes History with Ring ComebackFormer WWE Superstar Tyler Rex has transitioned into Gabbi Tuft! She will explain the come...

27/06/2024
Team training time!Yogi & Wilson & Eos & Snoopy & Moose.They are SUCH good babies. ❤️🐶🐶🐶🐶🐶😊❤️
13/02/2024

Team training time!
Yogi & Wilson & Eos & Snoopy & Moose.
They are SUCH good babies.
❤️🐶🐶🐶🐶🐶😊❤️

BUTTERBEAN – ONE MORE FIGHT! WHO should BUTTERBEAN fight?...  thorbjornsson Brock Lesnar Mike Tyson JakePaul Vote here!x...
12/02/2024

BUTTERBEAN – ONE MORE FIGHT!

WHO should BUTTERBEAN fight?...
thorbjornsson Brock Lesnar Mike Tyson JakePaul

Vote here!
x.com/realddp/status…
In 2022, Butterbean was over 500 lbs. and near-death. In early 2023, the “King of the 4-rounders” moved to Atlanta to work with Diamond Dallas Page and his team. Dallas performed yet another of his miracle transformations and today, Bean is under 300 lbs., and in the best shape of his life.

And now,and as a living, breathing example that everything is possible—Butterbean will return to the world stage for ONE MORE FIGHT.

Watch the incredible Diamond Dallas Page / Butterbean transformation story here!

youtu.be/gCpzp-j58dY?feature=shared

All dressed up for my oncologist!Which truths do we tell ourselves?  What do we choose to believe?  A I’m so nauseous an...
08/02/2024

All dressed up for my oncologist!

Which truths do we tell ourselves? What do we choose to believe?

A I’m so nauseous and dizzy and in so much pain, I can barely stand up

Or

B It’s really nice to be out and about, and I’m happy I get to do cool things

I COULD choose A., but… I’m going with B! And that choice… 100%... will make the rest of my day that much better.

(I AM seeing my oncologist today, but got to go to a really cool business thing first)

Wishing you all a great day! 💪😊👍

With my forever friends and then clients Mark Coleman and Mark Kerr , when they were the top two MMA heavyweight fighter...
06/02/2024

With my forever friends and then clients Mark Coleman and Mark Kerr , when they were the top two MMA heavyweight fighters in the world, and were dominating UFC and PRIDE.

I feel really good about the recent episode of Talking Tough that MK, aka The Smashing Machine, and I did together It was great to reconnect with my old friend, exchange war stories and have a meaningful conversation about the important things in life. Like many of us, Mark has faced some extraordinary challenges in his life, and when others would have given up, Mark weathered the storm with his trademark wit and perseverance. Recently, Dwayne The Rock Johnsonannounced that he would be taking the lead role in The Smashing Machine, the story of Mark’s life. Now that’s a great comeback! And Mark, you deserve it my friend.

For equal parts entertainment and inspiration, please watch and listen to my conversation with Mark, on what has become one of my very favorite editions of Talking Tough.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TSF_VZhKBeU

(Photo:  Eos, me, Snoopy, Moose, Wilson & Yogi, at home in our beautiful backyard, January 23, 2024)                    ...
27/01/2024

(Photo: Eos, me, Snoopy, Moose, Wilson & Yogi, at home in our beautiful backyard, January 23, 2024)

I HAVE BRAIN CANCER.

And it’s okay.

I was diagnosed in October with stage 1 brain cancer. Two weeks ago, I completed my first (and hopefully, my last!) six-week course of radiation, five days a week.

In the process of receiving the diagnosis, and amid much symptomology and LOTS of tests, there was concern it had spread to my stomach and prostrate. One of many indicators was my PSA reading of 6.7, which is well into “cancer danger!” territory. Ultimately, it was determined that the brain cancer had NOT spread.

And that is just…

THE FIRST PIECE OF GOOD NEWS, AMONGST MANY.

More on this “good news” reference in a moment. …

So, prostate and stomach aside, then there’s still this little brain cancer thing.

Having lived through two, three-year-long battles with “terminal” illnesses (1977-1980 and 2013-2016), I do my best to avoid anything related to medical “care” these days. I just choose not to deal with the frustration, stress and negativity that often comes with it. This is my excuse for ignoring a year’s worth of escalating headaches and bouts of dizziness; until one bout literally knocked me on my ass this past summer.

That finally led to a head x-ray and the discovery of a “spot.” Seemingly endless calls later with medical providers and insurance, followed by unending hours in waiting rooms, all exacerbated by the time, energy, and frustration that comes with that. Next came a Cat Scan and ultimately an MRI, confirming of a five-centimeter tumor in my left front lobe. As I’ve learned, that is kinda big.

I’m a stage 4 lung cancer survivor. , I was previously given a terminal prognosis of “six months to live,” and decades later has gone on to have a pretty cool life. I even host a weekly podcast called The Cancer Warriors. (Subscribe if you haven’t! 😄) I believe I’m uniquely positioned to convey experience, strength and hope to those who are in the midst of their own battle; or who have survived it, but feel like their lives are basically “over.”

A recurrent theme on these podcasts... I represent myself as a shining example of what NOT to do, think, believe, behave, etc… while in the battle because I was a terrible cancer patient during 1977-1980.

TERRIBLE.

Angry. Negative. Agonizingly desperate. Reactive. And I had HORRIBLE habits connected to nutrition, fitness, peace of mind, or the lack thereof, of all these essential things.

In my 2013-2016 non-cancer-related ordeal, during which I was given a two-month survival prognosis, I was just a different kind of bad. Disengaged, fatalistic, just… checked out.

And due to my own chosen behaviors during this second period, I ended up homeless, drug-addicted, often barely able to stand or walk, severely depressed, and save for my pups Ramone & Gogo, and later Eos, totally isolated and alone.

I often wonder why and how I survived these two, three-year ordeals. (As best as I can guess, I attribute my survival in the first go-round to my step-mom and my dad being there and MAKING me go through the paces; the second time around, plain and simple, I stayed alive for my dogs).

Over the past few years, as my life has really come together, I’d look back and see so clearly where I had gone wrong and how, if armed with the tools I have in my arsenal today, I’d do things differently if ever –God forbid—I were to face another big diagnosis.

I would explore these ideas with my co-hosts and guests on The Cancer Warriors, most of whom have been inspiring examples of what and how to DO IT RIGHT. And I take this same self-examination –where I went wrong and how I’d do it now-- into the conversations with the people I counsel one-on-one.

Easier said than done?

As I wrote in my book Little Big Man, for many years my days were characterized by three-steps-forward-and-eleven-steps-back. Or four forward, nineteen back, and so on (and on the days I felt really sorry for myself, NO steps forward). As Ramone, GoGo, Eos, Dennis, and I settled into our first stable home in years on Maui, I caught my breath and FORCED myself to take stock. I made a conscious decision to do better in EVERY respect. Nothing seismic or major happened that first day, or any day after. Just baby steps… such as… write down ten things I’m grateful for; be genuinely nice to every stranger I encounter that day; spend quality time with each of the pups every day and be extra loving with them; promptly return phone calls; get a job; take deep breaths; exercise; find a project I’m excited about and chip away at it a bit each day; etc., etc.

I’ll never forget the day in 2020, in our home in the forest on Maui, amid the pandemic, when I realized I’d had my first day in which I calculated a net positive on steps forward versus steps back.

I’d share on my podcasts, conversations, and counseling sessions how I’ve come to believe, fervently, that things happen for a reason (I love a good cliché!)… In 2009, an animal control officer pulled my beloved pit bull Marley’s crushed body out of a trash bag for me to identify. If you had told me then that this was happening for a reason, I would’ve kicked you in the head. I absolutely FREAKED OUT. Today, I live with my five beautiful pit bull babies, Eos & Wilson & Snoopy & Moose & Yogi. Five! I am a partner or /advisor in land-based pit bull sanctuaries throughout the U.S., and I’ve had my hand in rescuing thousands of pit bull-type dogs. In the process, I’ve met many like-minded people who have become friends and supported me in discovering my true passion in life. I recognize I let Marley down badly. I miss him like hell and always will (until we’re reunited on doggie beach in heaven!). But, for now, I can safely say that none of these great things would have happened had I not lost my boy Marley.

Which leads me back to the notion of how I would react, and IF I’d “do things differently, if ever –God forbid—I were to face another big diagnosis.”

Less than four months ago, my new oncologist spoke the words… “YOU HAVE BRAIN CANCER.”

DO I NOW HAVE BRAIN CANCER FOR A REASON?

After receiving my diagnosis, I freaked out for exactly zero-point-zero seconds. “Hmm, okay,” I thought, “what good can come out of this? What’s the ‘opportunity’, or ‘reason’ here?”

Then, I immediately noticed that I had THAT reaction. And, at the risk of sounding too self-congratulatory, my next thought was that I was proud of myself.

Every day since has been two steps forward and one step back. Or three forwards and one back, and so on. Don’t get me wrong; THERE ARE STEPS BACK.

Such as a seemingly endless holds with “healthcare” providers who disconnect you after 50 minutes of zero progress. The positive: BUT HEY, I HAVE A NICE MOBILE PHONE AND NO PROBLEM PAYING MY BILL! Searing pain in my head while I’m (literally) bolted to the table while receiving radiation. BUT MY RADIATION TECHS ARE SUPER COOL, AND THE CLINIC IS ONLY FOUR MINUTES FROM HOME! The guilt I allow myself to feel when I feed my dogs two hours later than usual because I just don’t have the energy to get up. BUT OH YOUGOTTA SEE THE BEAUTIFULLY STOCKED DOGGIE FOOD CUPBOARDS I HAVE FOR THEM! AND THE KISSES AND HUGS I GET ONCE I DO FEED THEM!

One thing I’ve learned, is that I have a lot to learn. As often as I congratulate myself these days, I also have to check myself. When my thoughts go to the negative, I have a near-immediate tool in my arsenal that I continue to develop…. I say to myself, or out loud, “STOP!” Turn it!”

And then I just as quickly replace the negative thought with a positive thought AND a positive action. THOUGHTS… “I am here with my beautiful pups.” “I am strong. This (challenge) can and WILL make me stronger. We have a beautiful home with a really big, comfortable bed to sleep in. I have a great job. ACTIONS… drop and give me five (pushups). Drink a large glass of filtered water. Tell Moose that he’s a good boy. Think of a friend you believe is going through a tough time, and text them a short message of heartfelt support.

Brain cancer = my opportunity to keep learning and to become better than ever. In EVERY aspect of my life.

I recently published an article called “The Seven Top Components for Surviving Cancer and Thriving.”

These “components” are always on my mind… when doing The Cancer Warriors podcast, when providing counseling, and in everyday life. And shortly after I received my diagnosis, a very clear thought surrounding these components –and all that goes with it, occurred…. “Rick, you damned well better fu***ng practice what you’ve been preaching.”

And I really believe that I have.

The entire “seven components” article is here if you're interested. Apart from that, for the sake of my own accountability, and more so in conveying to anyone facing a challenge that - YOU TOO CAN DO THIS!, I’ve decided to grade myself on a report card, as connected to these seven components.

Here goes:

Six-way tie for second place (in no particular order):\

2nd. Nutrition. (six-way tie for second place)
My “diet” was okay but far from great. I am now vegan/plant-based, organic, gluten-free, dairy-free, and (nearly) sugar-free. And… I can feel the difference.
My grade = A

2nd.Move! (six-way tie for second place)
(work, play, exercise… whatever moves YOU)
Up until three weeks ago –when I was three weeks deep into radiation—I was killing it; doing five or six short “workouts” every day… calisthenics, stretching, breathing, 100 dumbbell reps, 50 pushups, a short DDPY workout, ten minutes on the rowing machine or elliptical… whatever. I was “killing it” until I got “so sick” (MY words) that I told myself, “I CAN’T do this anymore.” MY BAD. Earlier this week, that shifted. There ARE SOME things that I CAN do. No matter HOW MINIMAL (15 pushups!), I do it and give myself credit for it.

The company I work for has not put ANY pressure on me. That said, I’ve FORCED myself to do some work, and in picking my spots, have markedly advanced several initiatives which will yield significant results for us. Great net-forward steps.

I can feel like I’m on the verge of dying, and at least twice a day, I can also still engage my beautiful pups in play and short training sessions.
My grade = B- (‘cause I gotta get my workouts back to where they were, and gotta get Moose to stop biting my ankles)

2nd. Get –and work with-- an Advocate. (six-way tie for second place)
This is a tough one for me and one from which I’ve learned –and am still learning—some of my greatest lessons. Facing significant medical challenges is not a super-easy thing. There is a TON of time and energy to be expended on research, consultation, phone calls, office visits, and, at the end of the day, making the right decisions. Being sick and experiencing the symptoms that come with that sickness can make good decision-making that much more difficult.

“STOP. AND TURN IT!...
Instead, I think, or say out loud… “This is the opposite of exhausting and frustrating. This is educational. An opportunity for me to recognize even greater strength in myself.

That said, that’s all I’ll say about this component for now. Grade forthcoming!

2nd. Support System. (six-way tie for second place)
In some ways, related to “Get an Advocate,”
Also, a subject for another day, so again, no grade at this time.


2nd. Medical Care. (six-way tie for second place)
At first, it seemed damned near impossible. I didn’t know where to start or who to start with. Today, I am extremely happy with my oncologist, my urologist (although I really don’t need that anymore!), and radiologists. I’ve made “friends” in each office who have stepped up to provide outstanding care and help me schedule appointments (which is a LOT harder than it may sound!). If I say so myself, I’ve put a hell of a team together.
My grade: A

2nd. Be of Service. (six-way tie for second place)
They say that when you do for another, you do for yourself. Is that selfish? I don’t think so. Everyone should benefit from good deeds. I’ve continued to do The Cancer Warriors podcast. I’ve redoubled my counseling outreach and efforts. I’ve found myself going out of my way to be helpful to others. Yeah, I’m patting myself on the back again here.
My grade: A

And after the six-way tie for second place, FAR AND WAY the most critical “component” is... drumroll please...

1st. .Self/Attitude. (FIRST place)
The older and wiser I get, the more and more I become convinced that our minds and thoughts create our experience here on earth. We have a CHOICE in how we experience our lives. Once you make up your mind, it’s easy to choose what NOT to do… watch or read the news, watch violent movies, listen to violent music, drink Red Bull (still haven’t killed off the daily sake or glass of wine!), stay on negative thoughts for longer than a second or two. And then, it becomes just as easy to think and do positive things in place of the “negative,” and live a largely positive life. There are libraries of books on this subject, and I’ve already written about much of that here. I’m going to stop here and award myself…
My grade: B- (and only because I recognize I still have MUCH to learn and improve on. But… I’m thrilled and appreciative of how I’ve handled this brain cancer thing so far, of where I am tonight, and where I think I’m going.)

Tonight, the effects of radiation are hitting. HARD.

But that’s okay. I could have easily “taken the night off” and crashed watching a movie on the couch with my pups. But instead, I’m writing. So, really, how “sick” am I? How much of a state of mind is this?

I don’t know.

Some things I do know, though…

Status update.
The “big” tumor I have (had?) in my brain is/was in a spot that makes it very risky to operate.
I’m told that a surgery gone wrong could result in severe lifelong damage. So, the goal of this first six-week course of radiation is to shrink the tumor to where it’s operable or to render it harmless altogether. My follow-up MRI is scheduled for February 9. The MRI results will inform my decision as to what’s next. I don’t know what’s coming, but here’s one thing I DO know… on a scale of 1-10, concerning sweating what the MRI will show, I’m at a 0.

I also know that I’d be lying if I said I’m vegan for life because I’m visualizing an “all clear” dinner celebration at Korean BBQ. Good to have things to look forward to!

If you’re so inclined, check out my podcast, The Cancer Warriors, for updates on my cancer journey.
www.youtube.com/rickbassman

So, as for what comes next, we shall see but I do know… I’VE GOT THIS.

As we enter a new year, and focus on appreciating and living in the present moment, it’s fun also to remember the past. ...
01/01/2024

As we enter a new year, and focus on appreciating and living in the present moment, it’s fun also to remember the past. Like that time I got beaten up by a midget in a packed nightclub. By and large, it’s been a good life.

(As a fellow little person, I can say “midget” if I want to! So don’t getting all PC on me) (and besides, this guy’s a legend)

https://youtu.be/KsQnoV1-Bdo?feature=shared

Luigi Francis Shorty Rossi

PLEASE PLEDGE TO MY KICKSTARTER: http://www.kickstarter.com/projects/23420271/been-there-done-that-the-book-the-life This was taken at a UPW show in the ear...

Two new podcasts up this week! An incredibly uplifting and inspirational conversation with Erica D Porter on The  Cancer...
23/12/2023

Two new podcasts up this week! An incredibly uplifting and inspirational conversation with Erica D Porter on The Cancer Warriors, and an entertaining Hergott-heart with none other than The Natural Randy Couture on Talking Tough.

Watch and listen at www.YouTube.com/RickBassman and… please subscribe!

07/12/2023

At Slaton Veterinary Hospital today with my beautiful pups to update their vaccinations. (Great place, Slaton… we give it multiple paws up!) Eos & Wilson & Snoopy & Moose are SUCH good babies!
❤️🐶🐶🐶🐶😊❤️

Great dinner at DDP’s home in Atlanta, with even greater people! Joshua NairDiamond Dallas PageButterbean Eric EschMark ...
19/11/2023

Great dinner at DDP’s home in Atlanta, with even greater people! Joshua NairDiamond Dallas PageButterbean Eric EschMark Carter

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