BJJ Babes Podcast

Welcome back! It is so incredibly important for me to share as many different stories as I can on the pod, so all kinds of jiu jitsu practitioners can feel seen and heard. I was so happy when Kip agreed to share their story as a grappler who identifies as non-binary. Kip shares their journey into jiu-jitsu as a non-binary person, exploring themes of inclusivity, safety, and representation in the sport. They discuss the challenges and joys of training, competing, and advocating for marginalized communities within the martial arts world. In this candid interview, Kip shares insights on inclusivity, safety, and community culture in jiu-jitsu gyms, highlighting personal experiences and advocating for respectful, supportive environments for marginalized groups.

Connect with Kip:

TikTok and Instagram: @censor_kip

In this episode of the BJJ Babes podcast, Rachel Yang shares her journey in Jiu-Jitsu and Luta Livre, discussing her motivations for starting martial arts, the importance of competition, and the challenges faced by women in the sport. She emphasizes the significance of finding the right training environment, the role of communication in training, and how Jiu-Jitsu serves as a therapeutic outlet. Rachel also reflects on her evolution from a blue to a purple belt, the integration of Jiu-Jitsu into her life as a mother and entrepreneur, and offers advice for newcomers to the sport.

Connect with Rachel via Instagram: @rachel_bjj

In this episode, Bree Marks shares her journey into Jiu-Jitsu, discussing how it has transformed her life, improved her mental health, and fostered a sense of community. She emphasizes the importance of women in martial arts, the benefits of training for healthcare professionals, and the need for self-defense skills. Bree also highlights her initiative, Fight Med Collective, which connects medical professionals with combat sports, promoting physical and mental well-being. The conversation encourages newcomers to embrace their journey in Jiu-Jitsu and to recognize their value on the mat.

Connect with Brie and Fight Med Collective on Instagram

@fightmedcollective

@briemarks_pa

Check out the East Coast Women's Grappling Camp: @eastcoastwomenscamp

Summary

In this conversation, Lauren Barone, a Jiu-Jitsu blue belt and owner of the Philly Phenoms in the Professional Grappling Federation (PGF), shares her journey in the world of Jiu-Jitsu, her experiences as a competitor, and her transition into team ownership. She discusses the challenges and rewards of competing in a male-dominated sport, the importance of stepping outside of one's comfort zone, and her aspirations for the future of women's involvement in Jiu-Jitsu. Lauren emphasizes the significance of personal growth, community, and the evolving landscape of professional grappling.

Check out the PGF: https://www.pgf.world/

Connect with Lauren and the Philly Phenoms

@thiccgirljitsu

@phillyphenoms

In this episode of the BJJ Babes podcast, I speak with Mendi and Kari, the founders of the Unbreakable Women's Jiu-Jitsu Camp. They discuss their personal journeys in jiu-jitsu, the importance of creating a supportive environment for women in the sport, and the role of competition in personal growth. The conversation highlights the significance of community, the preparations for their upcoming grappling camp, and valuable advice for beginners in jiu-jitsu.

To find out more:

https://unbreakable-bjj.com/

Instagram: @unbreakablejiujitsu

@kari_genesisbjj

@mendicarlson_bjj

Training hard shouldn’t mean wrecking your skin. In this episode, I sit down with Becky, the founder of MilUsos Skincare, a brand created specifically for grapplers who need skincare that actually works — without a 12-step routine.

Becky shares how her own experience on the mats exposed a major gap in the skincare world: a glut of products were way too harsh for daily use. MilUsos was born out of the need for powerful, effective, and simplified skincare designed for athletes who live in gyms.

We talk about common skin issues grapplers face, why “more products” isn’t better, and how to protect your skin barrier while still preventing things like breakouts, mat funk, and irritation.

Whether you’re dealing with constant sweat, friction, or post-training flare-ups, this episode will help you rethink skincare in a way that fits real life on the mats.

To learn more about MilUsos, visit:

www.milusosskincare.com

Instagram: @milusos_skincare

Blu, known online as The Neurodivergent Grappler, joins us to share her journey training BJJ as a neurodivergent athlete. From managing decision paralysis to finding the right community, Blu offers an honest, empowering look at what it means to thrive by doing Jiu Jitsu your own way.

Connect with Blu through instagram, @neurodivergent_grappler

To share your story, dm me on insta or TikTok, @bjjbabespodcast, or shoot me an email: [email protected]

In this episode, we sit down with Christina Lucidi, a 10th Planet purple belt whose jiu jitsu journey defies expectations. Christina lives and trains with Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome (EDS) — a connective tissue disorder that affects joint stability and mobility. Despite the challenges, she’s found ways to adapt her training, protect her body, and continue to thrive on the mats.

We dive into how Christina discovered jiu jitsu, what it’s been like navigating a sport that often demands intensity from a body that needs gentleness, and the creative adjustments she’s made to keep rolling safely. She also opens up about mindset, recovery, and redefining what “progress” looks like when your body has unique limits.

If you'd like to reach out to Christina, she is on instagram @secretknives and TikTok @christina10pwsd

Come listen to Erika, a BJJ purple belt, mother, and plant medicine practitioner, share her story of training BJJ, living in Scotland, and sharing her traditional plant medicine from Peru with others!

To connect with Erika and learn more about her work:

Instagram: @erikacaya1204

@nativewisdomhub

www.erikahuarcaya.com

To share your story, hit me up! @bjjbabespodcast on Instagram and TikTok

[email protected]

Hey babes! Welcome back! This week, come listen to me chat with Sarah Fanning, BJJ white belt, and Academy Relationship Manager at Tap Cancer Out!

Come listen to Sarah's journey as she went from planning rodeos in Cheyenne, Wyoming, to planning BJJ competitions and Global Grappling Day, all for a worthy cause!

Connect with Sarah on Instagram: @sarahfanningg

Learn more about Tap Cancer Out

www.tapcancerout.org

Instagram: @tapcancerout

TikTok: @tapcancerout

Connect with me

[email protected]

Instagram and TikTok: @bjjbabespodcast