From Coach to Novelist: Martin Rooney on Reinvention, Risk & Red Pens | Ep. 431 with Martin Rooney
Release Date: 06/16/2025
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info_outlineStrap in—because this episode is an absolute ENERGY EXPLOSION. In this week’s episode, I sit down with one of my closest friends and legendary coach and speaker, and now fiction author Martin Rooney, as we talk about personal reinvention, mindset, creativity, and his newest bold adventure: writing a thriller novel. Yep—you read that right. Martin’s latest project, Blood Feud: Raising Cain, is his first-ever fiction thriller—and it’s already making waves. Think Reacher… but better. (My family binge-watched the series AND read Martin’s book. The verdict? The book wins!
But this episode is about more than a book. It’s about:
- What it means to REINVENT yourself at any age
- Why you must keep saying “yes” to new challenges
- How to take bold creative risks—even if you fail
- The power of persistence, red pens, and the ONE connection that changes everything
- How to discover the “one-person” who could potentially open up doors to you fulfilling your dreams
- Lessons in leadership, family, and living a life of constant evolution
- Martin and I go back over 30 years, and in this conversation, we bring the fire, the stories, and the wisdom. Whether you’re in fitness, business, writing—or just feeling the nudge to pivot—this episode is for YOU.
If this episode fired you up please be sure to share it with your friends and family.
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Grab Martin’s book: Blood Feud: Raising Cain → [Get Yours Here]
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Martin Rooney is no stranger to the fight. An internationally renowned fitness expert and combat sports specialist, Martin has spent over three decades in the trenches of physical and mental warfare. With a Master of Health Science and a Bachelor of Physical Therapy from the
Medical University of South Carolina, alongside a BA in Exercise Science from Furman University, Martin’s journey has been anything but ordinary. A former D-1 javelin thrower, U.S. bobsledder and two-time Guinness World Record holder, Martin is also the creator of the Training for Warriors system, which has transformed lives around the globe. His
expertise doesn’t stop there—he’s a Kodokan judo black belt and a Brazilian Jiu Jitsu brown belt who has trained UFC champions, Olympic medalists, and world champions in a number of different disciplines. He has also shared his hand fighting programming with the NY Giants, NY Jets and the University of Notre Dame football. As a professional speaker, Martin has presented for Fortune 500 giants like Nike and Prudential and visited with elite military organizations like the Navy SEALs and Army Rangers.
Now serving as Chancellor of Lionel University, Martin has penned 12 previous books, but BloodFeud: Raising Cain is his first foray into thriller fiction. He lives in North Carolina with his wife and four daughters. And as you might imagine, they put him through his paces every day.