Who Thought We'd Be Here?
Both seeking answers from the Universe as they turned 30, co-hosts and longtime pals Steven Aigner and John Pugh found themselves improving in ways their younger and much more wild selves could have never seen coming. They began conquering and healing their past selves with unfamiliar mindfulness tools like meditation, yoga, breath-work, journaling, reading transformative books, and experimenting with mind expanding remedies.
Ignited by a passion to help others struggling with complex problems of their own and a desire to create a new narrative surrounding men's mental health in today's modern society, they created their first collaborative podcast "Who Thought We'd Be Here?" This podcast is all about exploring the boundless potential within ourselves, and to inspire each and every one of us to be fearless in our own unique human experience.
Their goal is to make mindfulness more accessible for folks all around the world, and express the genuine benefits of redesigning your life in a more thoughtful way.
We'd love for you to join us on this spiritual journey, as we try to shine a little light into what it really and truly means to be a good human in this Universe.
NEW EPISODES WEEKLY!!!
A mental health podcast with two guys who never would have thought they'd be here podcasting. Hosted by Steven Aigner (@_itssteve__) & John Pugh (@jay_pugh).
Find all of our full length episodes and content here:
https://linktr.ee/whothoughtwedbeherepod
Who Thought We'd Be Here?
Nick Spencer - How Jui-Jitsu Saved My Life and Plant Medicine Killed my Ego
In Episode 064, we sit down with Nick Spencer, martial artist, business owner, and founder of Snake Hill Jiu-Jitsu, for an honest, wide-ranging conversation about healing, identity, and building something real. From military police service to managing PTSD, Nick shares how Jiu-Jitsu became not just a discipline, but a path to personal evolution.
We explore how plant medicine and psychedelics, like ayahuasca, reshaped his understanding of ego and trauma, and how community, communication, and showing up authentically have become the backbone of his business and relationships. This episode dives into the realities of co-owning a studio with his brother, confronting trauma from working in a morgue during the height of COVID, and finding strength through vulnerability.
Whether you're into martial arts, mental health, or just trying to live more intentionally, this episode will leave you reflecting on what it means to be truly yourself.
Check out Nick and Snake Hill Jiu-jitsu here -
https://snakehilljiujitsu.com/
https://www.instagram.com/snakehill_jiujitsu/
0:30 our guest this week, Nick Spencer, Martial Arts Instructor & Founder of Snake Hill Jiu-Jitsu
4:00 Building a safe community and culture within a Jiu-Jitsu Studio
8:30 finding your mental edge in a healthy physical outlet
12:00 Biggest lessons from teaching Jiu-Jitsu and owning your own business
18:00 Co-owning a studio and business with your older brother
20:00 Nick’s military police officer experience with PTSD and neck injuries
23:00 confronting trauma from the covid summer working for the morgue in NYC
27:00 plant medicine, ayahuasca and PTSD
32:00 the effects of powerful psychedelics on your ego
40:00 how friendships and we view our friends evolve over time
46:45 developing your own identity through yourself instead of perception
49:00 just be who you are and being yourself in your relationship via communication
54:00 books that have helped us on our journey
1:02:00 Nick’s favorite podcasts
1:06:00 the importance of community and family when building a business
1:11:00 finding religion and attending Catholic/Christian school
1:25:00 showing up authentically in your relationships and your business
1:30:00 Nick asks us what our next big move is
1:38:00 Nick’s council of decision makers
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NEW EPISODES WEEKLY!
"Who Thought We'd Be Here?" is hosted by Steven Aigner and John Pugh.
https://linktr.ee/whothoughtwedbeherepod
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