From Coach to Novelist: Martin Rooney on Reinvention, Risk & Red Pens | Ep. 431 with Martin Rooney
Release Date: 06/16/2025
Todd Durkin IMPACT Show
I just got back from prison. Yep—you read that right. Melanie and I, alongside legendary author & philanthropist Bob Goff and the Love Does team, spent a full day inside San Quentin State Prison in northern CA. And let me tell you, it was one of the most powerful, life-changing experiences you could only imagine. Today’s episode is raw, real, and fresh—we recorded it just days after getting back. You’ll hear from both me and Melanie as we share what we saw, what we felt, and the incredible lessons we learned from the men inside those walls, many of...
info_outlineTodd Durkin IMPACT Show
You’re in for a very special conversation today. I’ve got my man Brett Klika back in the IMPACT house. You may remember him from Episode 327 where he shared his raw, heart-wrenching story of love, loss, and life after the sudden passing of his wife, Lisa. That was nearly three years ago. And today, Brett’s back—and this time, he’s bringing some incredible news, wisdom, and HOPE. Brett has just released his brand-new book Energy 100, and let me tell you—it is powerful. It’s already a bestseller and it’s changing lives left and right. This isn’t just a book;...
info_outlineTodd Durkin IMPACT Show
If you’ve ever wondered how to fully step into the best version of yourself — before the world even sees it — this episode is for you. One of my mentees, Brady Hutchins flips the script and interviews me on everything from overcoming limiting beliefs, to staying present in every interaction, to finding your God-given purpose. You’ll hear raw, behind- the-scenes, never before told stories from my experiences coaching elite athletes like Drew Brees, LaDainian Tomlinson, and Jordan Love, as well as lessons that apply to anyone — from pro athletes to...
info_outlineTodd Durkin IMPACT Show
What happens when life takes a surprise hard left turn and suddenly you’re staring at a brand-new chapter? Do you crumble… or do you rise up and write the next page with faith, grit, and purpose? This week, I sit down with my great friend, powerhouse coach, and brother-in-iron, Bennie Wiley. Bennie and I worked together on NBC STRONG several years ago and I recently conducted this podcast interview just weeks after Bennie’s tenure as the Head Football Strength & Conditioning Coach at USC (U. of Southern California) ended. Bennie’s story is one of perseverance, transition,...
info_outlineTodd Durkin IMPACT Show
Ding-ding. Let’s get ready to rumble. We are in the octagon today and in the fight of your life. Sometimes life will punch you in the gut. You’ll take hits financially, relationally, in business, or in your health. You might even sometimes feel like you’re getting knocked out. But here’s my question… Who’s in your corner? The people you surround yourself with in both the good times and the bad times will make or break you. And today, I’m sharing a message that recently hit me at 1:30 in the morning, and forced me to pop-up, write down my thoughts, and...
info_outlineTodd Durkin IMPACT Show
Do you often feel called to share your story, inspire others and make a greater impact in the world? If so, you are what we call a "Mission-Driven Messenger." The challenge however is that we live in a world that's saturated with information and chock-full of "influencers" making it nearly impossible to stand out from the crowd. Everyone from students to CEOs are scrambling for likes, views, followers, and the ever-elusive "viral breakthrough." Well, If you’ve ever wondered how to grow your influence, multiply your time, and expand your impact without burning out — you’re going...
info_outlineTodd Durkin IMPACT Show
I’m coming at you mid-flight after one of the wildest weeks of my speaking career — and today, I’m giving you a look behind the curtain of what the keynote life really looks like. From missed flights and sleeping on airport benches… to one of the greatest honors of my speaking career: speaking to the United States Marine Corps. This episode is raw. Real. And straight from 35,000 feet. It’s a story of extreme lows and unbelievable highs. It’s a reminder that leadership, energy, and purpose aren’t just for the stage — they’re for the trenches. And...
info_outlineTodd Durkin IMPACT Show
We are flipping the script today. We have my great friend, fellow mindset coach & high performance leader Andrew Simpson back on the podcast. In this conversation, we actually go back and forth on faith, burnout, leadership, mindset, spiritual alignment, and how to build systems that support not just your success… but your soul. If you’re tired of running on fumes, if you’re craving clarity, and if you want to serve your people from a place of overflow — this one is for YOU. Here’s what we’re unpacking in today’s episode: Why ‘peace’ is the real...
info_outlineTodd Durkin IMPACT Show
Buckle-up boys & girls. Today we are talking about building massive success and significance in your life. This is Part 3 of our series on the 4 S’s (Survival → Stability → Success → Significance). And today we’re diving all the way in on that 4th and final stage — the one we’re all ultimately striving for: Significance. So let me ask you a question: Have you ever tasted success but still felt something was missing? Maybe you were a bit empty or you knew you were made for even more. Like you were doing “the thing,” but your soul was craving...
info_outlineTodd Durkin IMPACT Show
Welcome back to the IMPACT SHOW, and you better believe we’ve got a BARN BURNER of an episode today. This is Part 2 of our powerful 3-part series: Survival → Stability → Success → Significance… and today, we’re going deep into what it really takes to move from stability into SUCCESS — in your business, your mindset, and your LIFE. Let me be real with you — success isn’t just about more hustle. It’s about systems. It’s about structure. It’s about scaling your impact. And most importantly, it’s about living in alignment with your purpose. And...
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.
You can tag us on IG at:
@ToddDurkin
@theMartinRooney
#ToddDurkin #MartinRooney #IMPACTShow #Podcast #BloodFeud
#Reacher #PerformBetter
Grab Martin’s book: Blood Feud: Raising Cain → [Get Yours Here]
Want to write your own book?
Reach out to Scriptor Publishing Group as they can help you go from
dream to self-published to #1 Best-Selling Author. Check them out and set
up a discovery call today at www.scriptorpublushinggroup.com
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.