What happens when a legendary fighter realizes that fighting was never who he really was? UFC legend Mark Kerr, “The Smashing Machine,” joins retired Air Force Lieutenant Colonel Josh 'Atlas' Aultman on Targeted Podcast for a powerful conversation about MMA, Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson, the psychology of fighting, addiction, mental health, and finding purpose after fame. Mark Kerr reveals a side of professional fighting that few athletes openly discuss: the addictive feeling of breaking an opponent's will. He explains the intense psychological transformation that occurred when he entered the ring and why it took him more than a decade to separate his identity from his fighting career. But this interview goes far beyond the UFC. Mark shares personal stories about his experiences with Dwayne Johnson, Emily Blunt, and director Benny Safdie during the making and promotion of The Smashing Machine. He explains what makes The Rock different behind the scenes, including the extraordinary ability to give someone his complete attention, even when surrounded by hundreds of people. In this episode: - Mark Kerr's untold perspective on the dark psychology of MMA - Why winning and breaking an opponent's will can become addictive - What Dwayne Johnson is really like away from the cameras - The unique superpowers of Emily Blunt, Benny Safdie, and The Rock - The emotional challenges of retiring from professional fighting - Why money, fame, championships, and material success didn't bring fulfillment - Mental health, emotional vulnerability, and personal transformation - Mark Kerr's wellness mission through Live Absolute Wellness - His upcoming book, The Healing Machine - Why human connection matters more than recognition or wealth - Finding your identity after leaving the military, professional sports, or a high-pressure career - “Fighting is what I did. It's not who I am.” — Mark Kerr Atlas and Mark also explore the Rule of 3: people, time, and money, and why the most valuable resource in life isn't a championship belt or a paycheck. It's the time we spend with the people who matter. Whether you're a UFC fan, an athlete moving out of competition, a military veteran, an entrepreneur, or a man searching for greater purpose, this conversation offers lessons about resilience, identity, and what it really means to be strong. CONNECT WITH MARK KERR Instagram: @MarkKerrTSM Absoulute Wellness: https://absoulute-wellness.com/ Learn more about Mark's wellness work through his official social channels. Watch for announcements about his upcoming book, The Healing Machine. ABOUT TARGETED PODCAST Hosted by Atlas Aultman, retired U.S. Air Force Lieutenant Colonel, 2X Bronze Star recipient, TEDx speaker, and bestselling author of Rule of 3 – How Elite Leaders Win. Targeted Podcast features conversations with elite performers, fighters, military leaders, entrepreneurs, and people who have overcome extraordinary adversity. Our mission: Help men become stronger mentally, physically, and personally. Subscribe to Targeted Podcast for real conversations about leadership, resilience, masculinity, mental toughness, and personal growth. QUESTION FOR YOU: If you lost your career, your money, and your titles tomorrow, who would you be? Tell us in the comments. #MarkKerr #TheSmashingMachine #DwayneJohnson #UFC #TargetedPodcast Chapters: 1 Mark Kerr: Life After The Smashing Machine 2 Live Absolute Wellness and the Future of Health 3 Why Reputation Matters More Than Money 4 Mark Kerr on Fame, Millions, and Feeling Empty 5 Why Human Connection Changed His Life 6 Mark Kerr's Personal Stories About Dwayne Johnson 7 Emily Blunt, Benny Safdie, and Their Superpowers 8 Dwayne Johnson's Real Superpower Revealed 9 The Dark Psychology of MMA Fighting 10 Mark Kerr: I Was Addicted to Breaking Their Will 11 The Healing Machine — Mark Kerr's New Book 12 Finding Identity After Leaving the UFC 13 Why Fighting Was Never Who Mark Kerr Really Was 14 Final Lessons on Resilience and Purpose DISCOUNTS FOR OUR COMMUNITY: https://gravity-force.com - best electrolytes, discount code: ATLAS15 https://www.buckedup.com - creatine+ 20% discount: ATLAS25 https://leaders-kit.com - leadership, management, media consultations https://blackeaglecustoms.us/collections/targeted-podcast - Merch https://www.getfightscrub.com - all natural disinfectant, code: FIGHTSCRUBATLAS ****INNER CIRCLE**** Message us at win@leaders-kit.com to join our smaller community, it's FREE and you'll get exclusive access to interviews we don't publish. Share this with someone who would love it. Aim for excellence AND stay on target, thank-you for tuning into TARGETED Podcast.