Kickboxer’s Lessons from the Ring to Empowering Women: Lisa Van Ahn’s I AM Initiative Story EP57

Get ready for an electrifying episode of the Rumbling Facts Podcast! Sam sits down with the incredible Lisa Van Ahn—retired boxer, author, speaker, and creator of the transformative I AM Initiative. Lisa’s story is nothing short of inspiring. After being kicked out of a vehicle by an abusive boyfriend, she found herself sitting on a curb, broken and searching for hope. Behind her? A kickboxing studio. That moment changed her life forever, sparking a journey from victim to champion.
She went on to represent the US kickboxing team and fight professionally in Las Vegas, using the lessons she learned in the ring to empower women worldwide. This episode is packed with energy, humor, and deep, thought-provoking moments. Lisa shares hilarious and relatable stories, like using her martial arts after a bar incident to protect her friends from harassment. She also dives into the controversial 2024 Olympics decision to allow a man to compete against women in combat sports and shares her unfiltered thoughts on fairness in life—it’s raw, real, and downright hilarious.
In our conversation, Lisa and I delve into the powerful idea that sometimes we can’t immediately fix the trauma we’re living through, but focusing on something that advances us—like physical growth or a passion—can create a ripple effect of change. Lisa shares how kickboxing became her outlet during an abusive relationship, not because it resolved her trauma instantly, but because it built her self-confidence, self-love, and resilience over time. Even though she remained in that relationship for another three and a half years, the discipline and empowerment from kickboxing slowly transformed her from the inside out. We explore how concentrating on something that lights us up, rather than the pain we’re stuck in, can eventually lead to healing and incredible personal growth.
But it’s not all laughs. Lisa opens up about the mental and emotional transformation she underwent through kickboxing and how it helped her heal years of unworthiness. She shares how that experience inspired her to create the I AM Initiative, a program teaching women self-protection and confidence. You’ll also hear how Lisa pivoted during the pandemic, turning her home into a successful Airbnb venture and creating the Short-Term Steward program to help others generate passive income. Sam and Lisa go deep into mindset, growth, and discipline, exploring how trauma shapes us and how to rise above life’s challenges.
Whether you’re interested in personal transformation, self-defense, or the power of resilience, this episode is packed with insights, laughter, and high-energy positivity. Lisa’s incredible journey and her no-nonsense wisdom will leave you inspired and ready to tackle whatever life throws at you. Don’t miss this unforgettable conversation—it’s one for the books!”

Lisa Van Ahn Socials
Website
www.lisavanahn.com
www.iaminitiative.com
www.shorttermsteward.com
LinkedIn URL
https://www.linkedin.com/in/lisavanahn
Twitter URL
https://twitter.com/lisavanahn
YouTube URL
https://www.youtube.com/@LisaVanAhn
Instagram
https://www.instagram.com/lisavanahn
Kickstarter
https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/lisavanahn/infinite-super-power-potential-card-decks

Your Host = Sam Gladu @DjRetsam @Retsam64
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