The Andy Pho Podcast

The Four Virtues of Stoicism with Ky Hollenbeck | The Andy Pho Podcast 013

During his third day of five consecutive back to back tattoo sessions, I decided to record a bit of our day talking about the concepts and meaning of his new leg sleeve based on the Four Virtues of Stoicism, and how it's evolved and practiced throughout our lives.Ky Hollenbeck is a 5 time world champion Muy Thai fighter, a fire fighter in San Fransisco, and a great human being. I realized we've known each other since about 2017 when I did his first tattoo on his chest, and over the years has expanded to covering the entire left side of his body.Thank you Ky for your trust, friendship and for sharing a bit of your wisdom with us in this episode.

012 - Traveling, Tattooing & Addiction with Thyris Rodney

Taking my own advice from the podcast’s first episode: Just Start! It’s been 6 months since the last episode (011) and after a long hiatus, we setup two cameras at Upside Tattoo and hit record. I wanted to do an episode with Thyris Rodney eventually since he started working together with us this year. After talking to my client about wanting to do another podcast, Thyris asks when we’re going to do ours and I said “now”. If it wasn’t now, I don’t know when I would have started. Thank you Thyris for asking, and you’re welcome listeners for listening. Here we go! 00:00 Widening Perspectives Through Traveling 15:37 The Marks & Meaning in Tattooing 20:34 Anesthesia Tattoos 25:04 Being Sober: On Quitting Drinking, Smoking Weed, and Mushrooms 31:52 The Big Takeaway 41:07 Substances (With and Without) As a Tool for Introspection 51:48 Extreme Personalities and Addiction 59:49 Gamer Identity & Gaming Addiction 01:05:47 Being Enough Versus Self Improvement 01:15:20 Why Do You Feel You Did Ink Master? Recorded on Wednesday, October 8, 2025 4:45PM CST

011 - Everyone is a Mirror for You

This video took me a few tries to record, but that’s part of the process—just like life. I wanted to share my thoughts on patience, frustration, and how every interaction and challenge is a mirror for our own growth. Spending time with my 21-month-old son over spring break made me reflect on how my expectations shape my emotions. Whether it's parenting, work, relationships, or personal goals, I've realized that frustration isn’t about others—it’s about me. We set expectations for how things should go, but life doesn’t always follow our plans. Through experiences in business, managing people, and personal relationships, I’ve learned that setting boundaries and clear expectations is key. Whether it’s helping someone break out of self-sabotage, managing a team, or even just navigating daily frustrations, the focus should be on what we can control—our reactions, our patience, and our willingness to grow. If you’ve ever felt stuck in cycles of frustration, this video might give you a new perspective. Let’s talk about it in the comments—how do you manage expectations and set boundaries in your own life? 00:00 People & Situations are Mirrors for Us 02:27 Patience: Cultivated When it's Beyond our Expectations 07:59 Self-Sabotage: When What Needs to Be Done is Known, but Doesn't Happen 14:09 Setting Boundaries: Knowing What You Want & Clear Communication 20:54 Post Letting Go: How to Set Better Boundaries & Expectations 26:19 "Bad People": That's the Best of Someone at a Particular Time & Place 👉 Like, comment, and subscribe if this resonated with you. More thoughts and reflections coming soon. Recorded on Monday, March 17, 2025 1:45PM #SelfGrowth #Frustration #Boundaries #Mindset #PersonalDevelopment

010 - Stillness in Motion: Finding Clarity Through Movement and Mindfulness

Stillness isn’t just found in silence—it can exist even in motion. In this episode, I reflect on how running becomes a form of moving meditation, a way to break free from repetitive thoughts and reconnect with the present moment. I explore the connection between movement and mindfulness, how we can quiet the mind while staying in motion, and why some of our best ideas emerge when we stop forcing them. Through breath, awareness, and intentional pauses, we can create space for clarity and creativity to flow. Whether you're running, walking, or simply navigating the chaos of daily life, learning to embrace "stillness in motion" might just change the way you approach your thoughts, challenges, and personal growth. Recorded Monday, March 3, 2025 5:02AM

009 - Breathwork & Gratitude

A Short & Powerful Practice in Mindfulness 00:00 Guided Breathwork & Gratitude Prompt 07:33 Your Gratitude Reflection 08:03 The Power of Mindful Breathing and Gratitude 11:52 A Quick Way to Recenter and Reset I hope you've enjoyed this episode. I know your time is valuable and there are so many podcasts, videos, and books that you could be reading, watching, and listening to. Thank you for sharing your time and energy with me. 🙏❤️ Recorded Monday, February 24, 2025 7:00 AM