Cleared Hot: Andy Vs. Michael 2025 Kick Off Host: Andy Stumpf Release Date: January 17, 2025

In the flagship episode of Cleared Hot, host Andy Stumpf engages in a dynamic and candid conversation with his co-host Michael, exploring a range of topics from martial arts to geopolitical antics. This detailed summary captures the essence of their discussions, featuring notable insights and memorable quotes to provide a comprehensive overview for both regular listeners and newcomers.

1. Teaching Jiu Jitsu Foundations

[05:17] Michael: "It was really great."

Andy and Michael delve into Michael's recent experience teaching Jiu Jitsu Foundations. Michael expresses genuine enthusiasm for sharing his passion, highlighting how teaching not only benefits his students but also sharpens his own skills.

• Passion for Teaching: Michael emphasizes the joy of introducing others to Jiu Jitsu, stating, "I like sharing something that I'm really passionate about." This sentiment underscores the mutual benefits of mentorship in martial arts.

• Enhancing Personal Skills: Andy probes whether teaching improves Michael's own techniques. Michael responds, "When I did have a dedicated class, I felt that my Jiu Jitsu improved quicker," indicating that instructing others deepens one's understanding and proficiency.

2. Pacifism vs. Violence

The conversation takes a philosophical turn as Andy and Michael discuss the concept of pacifism in the context of societal evolution and personal defense.

• Understanding Pacifism: Michael references an interview between a UFC fighter and a die-hard pacifist, contemplating the clash between advocating for non-violence and engaging in combat sports. He wonders, "Do true devout pacifists let harm come to them, even if it involves protecting their children?"

• Balancing Non-Violence and Self-Defense: Andy shares his perspective on avoiding violence unless absolutely necessary, stating, "Don't be violent. But then you have to be as capable as possible." This highlights the tension between striving for a peaceful existence and being prepared to defend oneself when required.

• Primal Instincts and Modern Society: They discuss how venues like the UFC tap into primal instincts, creating a controlled environment for violence that remains a popular spectator sport. Andy remarks, "The draw of the UFC is it kind of draws you back into that more primal baseline instinct."

3. Military Training and BUD/S Challenges

Andy and Michael shift focus to the rigorous training involved in becoming a Navy SEAL, specifically the Basic Underwater Demolition/SEAL (BUD/S) program.

• Overview of BUD/S: Andy provides an in-depth look at the three phases of BUD/S training, highlighting the physical and mental challenges candidates face. He mentions, "The average attrition rate in the summer months is 70th percentile, in the winter months, 80th percentile, sometimes 90th."

• Mental Toughness vs. Physical Prowess: Michael shares his concerns about the water component of BUD/S, expressing, "Being comfortable in the water. And fully." Andy counters by emphasizing the mental resilience required, stating, "It's more mental than anything. They make that choice to quit now."

• Accessibility and Preparation: They discuss how extensive preparation and understanding the demands of BUD/S can influence success rates. Andy notes, "The knowledge is out there to prepare yourself. So you'd have... research everything that I need to do and then practice doing it."

4. UFC and Celebrity Fights

The hosts entertain a lighter segment discussing viral moments in the UFC, particularly a showdown between Conor McGregor and The Mountain from Game of Thrones.

• Analyzing Combat Videos: Andy and Michael watch and critique a video where McGregor faces off against The Mountain, debating its implications on physicality and technique. Andy states, "Jiu Jitsu is not magic, and leave it at that." Michael agrees, emphasizing the reality of physical advantages, "Gravity is real, weight is real, leverage is real."

• Leverage and Physicality: They discuss how size and strength play crucial roles in fighting, regardless of martial arts expertise. Andy comments, "You can level the playing field by knowing more, but gravity... is real."

5. Police Misconduct and the Petraeus Scandal

Delving into more serious territory, Andy and Michael examine instances of misconduct within law enforcement and the military, using General David Petraeus's personal scandal as a case study.

• Petraeus Scandal Breakdown: Andy recounts the events leading to Petraeus's resignation, highlighting the consequences of personal misconduct. He explains, "She guided him through the literary journey and process. It was discovered by the FBI."

• Impact on Reputation and Career: The discussion underscores how individual actions can tarnish illustrious careers, questioning, "How much would it fucking suck if you made a mistake?" Michael adds, reflecting on societal views, "They all just decided to go for it anyways."

• Broader Implications: They consider how such scandals erode public trust in institutions, with Andy asserting, "Men and women do men and women things. That's what it comes down to."

6. Geopolitical Antics: Trump’s Remarks on Canada and Greenland

Towards the episode's conclusion, Andy and Michael tackle recent controversial statements made by President Trump regarding the potential annexation of Canada and Greenland.

• Assessing Intentions: They debate whether Trump's comments are genuine policy proposals or strategic trolling. Andy muses, "Is he the world's greatest troll or he has like whatever filter there is that keeps people from saying stuff."

• Potential Consequences: The hosts explore the geopolitical ramifications of such actions, with Michael acknowledging the complexity, "There's so much geopolitics that goes into it."

• Audience Engagement: Andy invites listeners to ponder the seriousness of Trump's remarks, posing the question, "Once you leave in the old comments, which side of that do you fall?"

Conclusion

The episode of Cleared Hot delivers a balanced mix of technical expertise, personal anecdotes, and critical analysis. Andy and Michael's interplay offers listeners valuable insights into martial arts, military training, ethical debates, and current geopolitical issues. Notable quotes and thoughtful discussions make this episode a compelling listen, embodying Andy Stumpf's mission to explore discomforting and challenging topics.

Notable Quotes:

• Michael on Teaching: "I like sharing something that I'm really passionate about." [05:38]

• Andy on Avoiding Violence: "Don't be violent. But then you have to be as capable as possible." [12:16]

• Andy on BUD/S Attrition: "Average attrition rate in the summer months is 70th percentile, in the winter months, 80th percentile, sometimes 90th." [27:01]

• Andy on UFC and Physicality: "Jiu Jitsu is not magic, and leave it at that." [34:08]

• Andy on Mental Toughness: "It's more mental than anything. They make that choice to quit now." [32:24]

This comprehensive summary highlights the depth and breadth of discussions in the "Andy Vs. Michael 2025 Kick Off" episode, ensuring listeners remain informed and engaged without needing to reference the original transcript.