In this episode, we explore capoeira as a philosophy for life through a simple but powerful metaphor: apples and potatoes.
Potatoes give quick results. Apples take years to grow, but last a lifetime. Jobs often look like potatoes. A calling, a craft, or a way of life looks more like an apple tree.
I share a personal story from my years teaching capoeira in China — from balancing a corporate job and evening classes, to trying to make capoeira a full-time profession, and eventually burning out. Through a lesson passed down by my teacher, Mestre Cueca, this episode reflects on the tension between survival and meaning, short-term effort and long-term vision.
This is a story about work, purpose, burnout, and why many teachers and practitioners lose sight of their “apples” while digging endlessly for potatoes.
Eat your potatoes — but don’t forget to keep planting apples.
The book: 50 Lessons on Capoeira, Teaching, and Life by Alex Maltsev
Contact: mail-podcast@alexmaltsev.me
