Kazu Haga Interview

Introduction

Dr. Allen Lycka welcomes Kazu Haga, a trainer and practitioner of non-violence and restorative justice. Kazu shares insights from his books, Healing Resistance and Fierce Vulnerability, and his journey from a troubled youth to a leader in social change.

The Start of Kazu's Journey

Kazu describes his early life filled with trauma and violence, and how meeting Japanese Buddhist monastics inspired him to commit to non-violence and healing. His transformative journey included walking pilgrimages, monastery life in Nepal, and study of Buddhist Dharma.

Philosophy of Non-Violence

Kazu explains that non-violence is not just the absence of violence, but an active commitment to intervene and stand up against harm and injustice. He emphasizes understanding opposing perspectives and engaging with compassion.

Healing from Trauma

Kazu shares how trauma and collective injustice are intertwined. Through his book Fierce Vulnerability, he advocates for movements that create safe spaces for opening wounds and facilitating healing, rather than shutting down opposition.

Vulnerability as a Path to Change

Kazu illustrates how modeling vulnerability within groups, including incarcerated communities, can unlock transformation and deeper connections. Leading with vulnerability creates openness and collective healing.

Shared Humanity

Working with diverse communities, Kazu notes the universal experience of trauma and the need to recognize our shared humanity. He urges compassion and action, highlighting how anyone’s life path could lead to harm or privilege.

Practical Tools for Change

Kazu highlights the importance of grounding practices such as meditation, breathing, and song to counteract panic and fear in times of crisis. Leading with heart and vulnerability in social movements can create more lasting change.

Books and Contact Information

Kazu’s books, Healing Resistance and Fierce Vulnerability, are available from Parallax Press and major booksellers. Learn more at kazuhaga.com.

Final Thoughts

Kazu reflects on the importance of embracing grief to experience joy, and the universality of belonging. His work shows that vulnerability and compassion can lead to profound healing and transformation.

BIO:

Kazu Haga is a trainer and practitioner of nonviolence and restorative justice and author of Healing Resistance as well as his new book, Fierce Vulnerability: Healing from Trauma, Emerging through Collapse. He works with incarcerated people, youth, and activists from around the country.

Social Media:

Facebook @kazuhaga, IG @kazu_haga

Scott Stirrett

Dr. Allen Lycka welcomes Scott Stirrett, Founder and CEO of Venture for Canada (VFC), a national charity dedicated to fostering entrepreneurial skills in young Canadians. Over the past decade, VFC has supported over 10,000 individuals in launching their careers. Scott is also the author of The Uncertainty Advantage.

The Power of Entrepreneurial Skills

Scott discusses how witnessing the impact of Venture for America while studying in the U.S. inspired the creation of VFC. He defines entrepreneurial skills as the ability to identify and act on opportunities that create value—skills essential in today’s volatile, uncertain, complex, and ambiguous world.

Adapting in an Age of Disruption

Scott and Dr. Lycka explore the rapid changes driven by AI, climate change, and global instability. Scott emphasizes that AI will reshape, but not necessarily replace, professions. Instead, humans who know how to work with AI will outpace those who don’t.

Personal Resilience Through Self-Compassion

Scott opens up about his OCD diagnosis during the pandemic and how embracing self-compassion became a transformative practice in managing uncertainty. He encourages others to treat themselves with kindness during challenging times.

Leadership, Risk, and Growth

Reflecting on a high-stakes pitch at the Rideau Club at age 26, Scott shares how self-awareness and inner pep talks helped him overcome nerves. That moment contributed to VFC’s funding success and was pivotal in Scott’s leadership journey.

Generalists vs. Specialists

In a world that often rewards specialization, Scott argues for the value of generalists who combine human and technical skills. He calls these 21st-century innovators “cyborgs” who adapt and stay relevant amid evolving technology.

Keys to a Fantastic Life

Scott’s formula for a fulfilling life includes strong relationships, physical fitness, intellectual curiosity, and meaningful work. He shares how these elements create balance and resilience.

Advice to Aspiring Entrepreneurs

His advice: Be curious, connect the dots others miss, and most importantly—take action. The world is full of untapped opportunities for those willing to build on their ideas.

Looking Ahead

Scott teases new ventures and book projects on the horizon, along with his popular Substack newsletter, “Scott’s Monthly Musings.”

Final Wisdom

When asked what he’d tell his younger self, Scott’s answer is simple yet profound: “Don’t be so hard on yourself. Embrace uncertainty—it’s where all potential begins.” For more insights from Scott Stirrett, visit www.scottster.com or explore his book The Uncertainty Advantage available on Amazon, Indigo, and other major retailers. You can also subscribe to 'Scott’s Monthly Musings' on Substack for curated wisdom on navigating uncertainty.

BIO:

Scott Stirrett is the founder and CEO of Venture for Canada (VFC), a national charity that fosters the entrepreneurial skills and mindsets of young Canadians. Over its first decade, VFC helped over 10,000 Canadians launch their careers. He is the author of The Uncertainty Advantage.

Social Media:

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Introduction

In this episode of How to Live a Fantastic Life, Dr. Allen Lycka welcomes Mike Cobb — a former scientist turned accomplished author. A native of Atlanta and student of Southern history, Mike writes historical fiction and crime novels rooted in deeply immersive research and character-driven narratives.

From Science to Storytelling

Mike shares his unconventional journey from quantum chemistry to creative writing. His scientific career, defined by analytical thinking and curiosity, laid the groundwork for his meticulous approach to historical fiction. Though his novels don't focus on science, Mike uses his research skills to enrich his stories with authentic period details.

Writing with Immersion and Purpose

Mike describes his intensive research process—once dependent on microfilm and now powered by online archives and site visits. His goal is to craft page-turning fiction woven through real historical events, balancing gripping narrative with factual accuracy. Themes of heroism, redemption, and racial tolerance are at the heart of his stories, which often explore the complex legacies of the American South.

Influences and Inspiration

Southern heritage, including Gullah Geechee culture and historical intricacies, profoundly shapes Mike’s characters and settings. He draws inspiration from authors like Flannery O’Connor and Patrick Modiano, and cites Eric Larson’s Devil in the White City as pivotal to his debut novel, Dead Beckoning.

Living a Fantastic Life

Mike reflects on leading a life driven by curiosity, integrity, and growth. For him, living fantastically means embracing self-discovery, facing adversity with courage, and seeking redemption through doing what's right.

Books and Contact

Mike’s books include Dead Beckoning, The Devil You Knew, You Will Know Me by My Deeds, and Muzzle the Black Dog. Learn more at mikecobbwriter.com, or find his works on Amazon, Barnes & Noble, and independent bookstores nationwide.

Final Thoughts

To explore more about living a fantastic life, visit Dr. Lycka’s website at drallenlycka.com and subscribe to his weekly Golden Pearls of wisdom.

BIO:

MIKE COBB is a writer, a native Atlantan, and a student of history. Much of his focus as a writer is on historical fiction, Southern literary fiction, crime fiction, and true crime. Rigorous research is foundational to his writing, a carry over from having spent much of his professional career as a scientist.

Social Media:

links https://www.facebook.com/MGCobbWriter#

https://www.youtube.com/@mikecobbwriter

https://www.linkedin.com/company/mgcobb-writer/ https://x.com/i/flow/login?redirect_after_login=%2Fmgcobb

https://www.instagram.com/cobbmg/ https://www.pinterest.com/mikecobbauthor/ https://www.tumblr.com/mgcobbwriter