Episode 9: Daniele Bolelli on Philosophy, Martial Arts, and Some Big Questions

This episode features a conversation with Daniele Bolelli. Daniele is a writer, martial artist, university professor, and podcaster. He was born in Italy and currently lives in Los Angeles.

After graduating from UCLA with a B.A. in Anthropology and earning graduate degrees in American Indian Studies and History at UCLA and Cal State Long Beach, he began teaching at several colleges in Southern California. He’s lectured on a wide range of subjects including American Indian history and philosophy, history of the United States, world religions, history of ancient Rome, history and philosophy of martial arts, the ethnic experience in the United States, world history, plus several courses on the relationship between cinema and history.

He’s written several books, including On the Warrior’s Path and Not Afraid – both of which I’ve read and were outstanding. He was featured in I Am Bruce Lee which broke Spike TV’s rating record for documentaries. He’s also appeared as a guest on popular podcasts such as Duncan Trussell’s, Adam Carolla’s and Joe Rogan. He also hosts two popular podcasts, The Drunken Taoist and History on Fire.

In this podcast, Danielle and I discuss a wide range of topics including the evolution of martial arts, the idea of epistemological humility and anarchism, Eastern philosophy, the bushido spirit of the samurai – and how martial arts and philosophy has helped carry him through some of the most challenging times in his life including losing his wife and having to raise his baby daughter as a single parent. In these experiences and in the octagon and as a mixed martial artist, Danielle has exemplified the bushido spirit and way of the warrior – having faced his deepest fears with honor and courage – and coming out stronger…

So please…

Enjoy the conversation between yours truly and Daniele Bolelli…