We are all struggling during this pandemic, and Tom and Hardee are again finding that hobbies (both old and new) are crucial to keeping the mind and body occupied. But what is a hobby exactly? Does one need to immerse themselves fully in order

Episode 012 - Like A Hair In A Biscuit

Jun 10th, 2020 26m 38s

It's been almost 6 months since there's been an episode of Tools For Tools with Ninja & The Birdman. In this catch-up episode, Tom and Hardee talk about what they've been doing during the pandemic to keep their businesses (and minds) afloat and

Episode 011 - The Pied Piper

Jan 20th, 2020 22m 50s

Tom has been super busy with his D-Town Bird Club, spreading the awareness of the therapeutic value of birding, and getting Your Birding Story off the ground. It's taking a toll on him, as you can hear in this episode, but in typical Birdman fa

Episode 010 - Tenth Episode Retrospective

Jan 5th, 2020 25m 56s

What started as an outdoors-themed podcast with an emphasis on mindfulness has become more of a story about the life journeys of hosts Tom Ferguson and Hardee Merrit. For this look back on the podcast's growth, the fellas are joined by the thir

Episode 009 - New Blood

Dec 10th, 2019 21m 12s

When you start a new hobby or business or job there can be a transition period where you feel like a bit of a poser. There are also those who don't have the credentials yet feel like they have truly become the thing they emulate. Tom talks abou

Episode 008 - Mind Over Matter?

Nov 12th, 2019 20m 24s

Tom finally did it. After 35 years, he quit smoking. But when a friend implies that his methods were too drastic, Tom decides he has a thing or two to say about "mind over matter". Today's episode delves into why we need tools to assist our min

Episode 007 - Fanny Packs Are Optional

Oct 13th, 2019 19m 19s

In a return to form, Ninja & The Birdman discuss recent retreats they've been on, Tom having just returned from a managerial team build in the woods and Hardee fresh from a scouting mission in Hawaii. Tom shares details about leading his first

Episode 006 - Integrity

Sep 11th, 2019 21m 4s

In this episode, a noticeably pensive Tom is hung up on the notion of integrity. How do we lose it? And how can we get it back? A discussion of selling out in the food industry is followed by a tale of tobacco farming, a hammock review, and an

Episode 005 - Discipline/Motivation

Aug 4th, 2019 21m 58s

With "discipline" and "motivation" being the buzz words for this episode, Ninja & The Birdman's conversation centers around Hardee's recent trip to Japan. Topics include classical cooking educations, seeking modern culinary innovations, a compa

Episode 004 - Find Time For Your Family

Jul 9th, 2019 16m 21s

Even though Ninja & The Birdman are constantly pushing for their listeners to immerse themselves in their hobbies and interests, it's also important to remember the other people in your life who may or may not share your same passions. Your fam

Episode 003 - A Little Help From Your Friends

Jun 24th, 2019 21m 51s

Whether it's a hobby or a path to recovery or something entirely different, what keeps us coming back? What helps us persevere as we make progress toward learning a new skill or even just making discoveries about ourselves? Hardee and Tom would

Episode 002 - Enjoy Your Exercise

May 25th, 2019 19m 46s

Even though Hardee and Tom are as active as you might think, it's not necessarily about the exercise for them. Or is it? Getting down and dirty with something that you might enjoy but also keeps you fit is an important tool in being healthy and

Episode 001 - Shoot Your Shot

May 10th, 2019 23m 39s

This episode's theme is "mindful marksmanship". Hardee and Tom reflect on their passions for shooting and photography, discuss the meditative aspects of both, and break down their favorite gear. Also: birds. Lots of birds.Learn more about Tom's

Episode 000 - Intro

Apr 30th, 2019 20m 28s

Welcome to Tools For Tools, a podcast where a couple of self-proclaimed "tools" share the tips and tricks they've learned to lead a more mindful and meditative lifestyle. Focusing predominantly on the themes of birding, martial arts, nature, an

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