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Championing the Middle-Aged Man: Billy Schwer on Identity, Resilience & Winning Mindset
The Joy of Living Podcast with Barry Shore
In this powerful and deeply human episode of The Joy of Living, Barry Shore sits down with former world champion boxer Billy Schwer to unpack what it really means to man up in the modern world. From a childhood decision made during a scuffle with his sisters to becoming a global boxing champion, Billy shares the emotional and psychological battles that defined his journey.
But the real fight began after the titles — when he lost his identity, his marriage, his money, and nearly his life. Billy gets raw about depression, reinvention, and how he used his own philosophy of mental boxing to build a new life with purpose, passion, and peace.
Whether you’re facing a career transition, a personal crisis, or just searching for meaning, Billy’s story offers the tools and mindset to help you rise from the canvas and become the champion of your own world.
Expect insights on:
- Overcoming limiting beliefs
- Finding strength in vulnerability
- The 7 winning traits of a champion
- Rebuilding identity after loss
- Mastering action and unleashing power
Listen Here (click here to watch episode)
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Show Notes:
[10.00] The Making of a Fighter: Childhood Decisions and the Birth of Billy the Boxer
- Billy traces the origin of his boxing journey back to a formative moment at age five, pinned down by his older sisters.
- In that moment of fear and helplessness, he made a powerful internal decision: he would never be dominated again.
- He realized early on that decisions shape destiny, even if they’re unconscious.
- At age eight, his father, a former boxer himself, took him to the gym and began to train him.
- Billy’s first competitive fight was at age eleven, and a controversial loss triggered a belief that he wasn’t good enough.
- That loss became fuel, propelling him to become a national champion at just thirteen.
- Billy explains how early identity was formed through struggle and how emotional experiences shape our life’s path.
- He introduces the concept of “mental boxing” – applying the discipline and structure of the ring to life.
[20.00] Sacrifice, Glory, and the High Price of Winning
- Billy shares the sacrifices that came with rising through the ranks: relentless training, missed social life, and enduring pain.
- He reveals the highs of being in the ring and the adrenaline of victory that validated years of dedication.
- Billy describes boxing as “chess that hurts” – a brutal yet beautiful science requiring sharp mental strategy.
- He underscores the paradox of boxing: preparing to hurt but never intending cruelty – the true fight is internal.
- With nearly 100 amateur fights before turning pro, he calls it his “apprenticeship” for life.
- His three Ds for success mirror the ring and life: Discipline, Dedication, Desire.
- The crowd cheers and accolades only masked deeper internal battles still waging within him.
- Despite becoming a champion, the haunting belief of not being “enough” never left.
[30.00] From Champion to Collapse: The Power and Pain of Identity Loss
- Billy recounts his four attempts at winning the world title, finally achieving victory on the fourth.
- Moments after achieving his dream, he’s in a hospital with a concussion – a metaphor for the cost of success.
- He defends his title just three months later, gets knocked out in round 11, and ends up in an ambulance.
- That brutal loss forced him into early retirement, leading to a profound identity crisis: “Who is Billy without boxing?”
- The loss of identity spiraled into self-doubt, distraction, and deep depression.
- Billy describes the pain of no longer being “Billy the Boxer” – the applause was gone, and so was his sense of self.
- He hit rock bottom emotionally, financially, and spiritually, eventually experiencing suicidal thoughts.
- The same beliefs that drove him to win also crushed him when the titles disappeared.
[40.00] Rebuilding from the Rubble: Healing and the Rise of Mental Boxing
- Billy reveals how he began his healing journey by confronting his limiting beliefs and self-loathing.
- He introduces the idea that we can all become champions of our own lives, regardless of past failures.
- Mental boxing becomes a methodology – taking the discipline of the ring into the mindset of everyday life.
- He shares his winning traits model, designed to help others fight their inner battles with resilience and focus.
- Each trait has a punchline like “KO Fear” and “Take it on the Chin” that turns pain into purpose.
- He emphasizes the importance of team and community – “Who’s in your corner?”
- Responsibility and owning one’s story become the cornerstone of reclaiming personal power.
- Billy encourages everyone to find the champion within by shifting perspectives and being fully present.
[50.00] Master Action Now: Legacy, Joy, and Living a 10/10 Life
- Billy talks about his book Man Up and how it’s not gender-specific – it’s about unleashing your inner power.
- Barry offers a playful but profound acronym: MAN = Master Action Now, UP = Unleashing Power.
- Billy shares his new mission: helping others find fulfillment, peace, and joy beyond titles and trophies.
- He declares that he is already living his most fervent desire – a life of contribution and connection.
- The seven winning traits are a guide not just for success, but for healing and wholeness.
- Billy’s message: It’s not about never falling, it’s about always rising again.
- He urges everyone to internalize one truth: “Win or lose, you choose.”
- As the bell rings, Billy leaves listeners with a hug and a challenge: be your own champion, now and always.
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About Billy Schwer
Billy Schwer is a former World Champion boxer who knows what it takes to win at the highest level, and what it feels like to lose everything. After reaching the top of his sport, he faced depression, divorce and bankruptcy. His powerful story of rebuilding and returning to form shows audiences that it’s not just about how you win, but how you come back when life knocks you down.

