On this episode of @champandthetramp, longtime friend of the show Jesse Holt returns and talks about the major life changes he’s made since his last appearance. From his dating mindset to his spiritual shift, nothing is off limits. He also shares a wild story that had everyone thinking the worst after a skydiving incident made headlines. The crew dives into everything from personal growth to government distrust — with plenty of laughs (and controversy) along the way.Chapters:00:00:00 Disclaimer00:00:13 Carnivor Protein Hydration00:00:41 Show Intro00:01:20 Jesse Holt Returns00:02:00 Celibacy & Spiritual Discipline00:05:00 Dating, Porn, and Modern Intimacy00:09:00 One-Night Stands & Relationship Red Flags00:12:00 Catfishing & Online Dating Disasters00:16:00 What Jesse Looks for in a Partner00:20:00 Skydiving Incident & Plane Crash Scare00:25:00 Emergency Landing Breakdown00:30:00 Simulation Theory & Reality Bending00:35:00 Epstein, Ghislaine, and Media Manipulation00:40:00 Vaccine Talk & System Distrust00:45:00 Tim Kennedy Controversy & Stolen Valor00:50:00 Judging Character vs Public Perception00:54:00 American Values, Corruption & Closing ThoughtsFollow us on social media:Instagram: https://instagram.com/champandthetrampTikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@champandthetrampFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/champandthetrampDon't forget to like, comment, and subscribe for more unfiltered conversations about combat sports, politics, and everything in between!

On this episode of @champandthetramp, two-time Super Bowl champ Jonathan Casillas shares his journey from going undrafted to becoming a key player on multiple NFL teams. He opens up about what it takes to survive in the league, the mindset that kept him going, and lessons learned from leaders like Drew Brees. The guys dive into CTE, the price of greatness, and the differences between NFL and UFC careers. Casillas also talks about his Jersey roots, wild locker room moments, and the reality of getting traded mid-season. It’s raw, real, and full of hard-earned wisdom from a true pro.

#NFL #SuperBowl #JonathanCasillas #FrankieEdgar #MMA #Podcast #ChampAndTheTramp #CTE #DrewBrees #Patriots #Saints #Giants #UFC #JerseyStrong #shorts

Chapters:

00:00:00 Disclaimer

00:00:13 MuscleMeds Sponsorship Shoutout

00:01:27 Welcoming Jonathan Casillas

00:02:11 NFL Journey: Going Undrafted to Super Bowl Champion

00:04:13 Motivation from Doubt and Early Career Grind

00:06:26 Earning Respect and Feeling Like a Vet

00:07:06 Making the Saints Roster and Facing the Grim Reaper

00:10:13 Becoming Invaluable Through Special Teams

00:13:09 Mentors: Drew Brees and Jonathan Vilma

00:15:17 The Importance of Being Coachable

00:16:51 The Odds of Making it in the NFL vs UFC

00:20:13 Aaron Hernandez Story and Personal Connection

00:22:13 Drew Brees' Leadership and Culture in New Orleans

00:24:03 Getting Traded Midseason to the Patriots

00:26:17 Trust, Family, and Agent Dynamics

00:27:47 Finding Football Through Family and Streetball Roots

00:30:54 CTE and Long-Term Health Concerns

00:33:00 Rule Changes, Fines, and Quarterback Protection

00:34:50 Eric LeGrand and Staying Positive Through Adversity

00:36:15 Signs of CTE in Fighters and Brain Health Strategies

00:38:03 Street Fights, Power Slap, and Avoiding Violence

00:39:14 Gun Violence in NJ and Changing Times

00:42:06 Growing Up Around Violence and Staying Clear

00:43:01 Halloween Story and Getting Shot At Over Pumpkins

00:44:29 How the Host Ended Up in Jersey

00:45:06 Physical Toll of Football and Sparring Stories

00:47:17 Training for Mental Health and Knowing Your Limits

Follow us on social media:Instagram: https://instagram.com/champandthetrampTikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@champandthetrampFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/champandthetrampDon't forget to like, comment, and subscribe for more unfiltered conversations about combat sports, politics, and everything in between!

On this episode of @champandthetramp, the guys riff on the Epstein case, political corruption, and the lack of justice in America. They break down the tax crisis and school funding issues in Toms River, NJ, and share their frustrations with teacher unions and local leadership. The viral story of a rabbi’s arrest in Lakewood sparks a heated debate about blind loyalty and community accountability. They also touch on the tragic Texas flood, Tucker Carlson’s interview with Iran’s president, and growing up before social media took over. From conspiracies to real talk, it’s classic Champ and the Tramp.

Chapters:

00:00:00 Podcast Disclaimer

00:00:13 Carnivor RTD Sponsor Read

00:01:23 Hypothetical Dating & Getting Back Out There

00:02:13 Epstein Files & Government Corruption

00:07:11 Toms River School Budget Crisis

00:11:27 NJ School Funding & Charter School Debate

00:13:26 Teacher Unions, Tenure, & Education Accountability

00:18:45 Inappropriate Teacher-Student Relationships

00:23:06 Tucker Carlson Interviews Controversial Leaders

00:25:08 Texas Flood Tragedy & Local Heroism

00:27:53 Social Media’s Impact on Kids & Society

00:30:24 Finding Porn as a Kid & Generational Changes

00:32:00 Rabbi Arrest in Lakewood & Community Reaction

00:34:18 Justice System Cynicism & High-Profile Cases

00:37:15 Collapse of Empires & U.S. Parallels

00:40:18 9/11 Conspiracies & Building 7

00:43:21 Mass Surveillance & End of Privacy

00:45:26 Government Control, Bread Crumbs & Boiling the Frog

00:48:07 Free Speech & Second Amendment Concerns

00:49:04 Gun Violence & Constitutional Carry States

00:50:29 Back to Dating Talk & Clubbing Banter

00:52:00 Modern Dating vs Old-School Approach

00:52:55 Breaking Down Wild Hip Hop Lyrics

00:53:07 Outro & Follow Us Reminder

Follow us on social media:Instagram: https://instagram.com/champandthetrampTikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@champandthetrampFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/champandthetrampDon't forget to like, comment, and subscribe for more unfiltered conversations about combat sports, politics, and everything in between!

On this episode of @ChampAndTheTramp, the guys welcome former Strikeforce champ and Bellator commentator Josh Thomson for a no-holds-barred convo on MMA past, present, and future.Josh shares stories from his legendary fight career, including behind-the-scenes moments from Strikeforce, his thoughts on the current UFC landscape, and what it takes to succeed on both sides of the mic. From fighter pay and training culture to politics in the sport and the challenges of evolving media, nothing is off the table. Frankie and Roger bring the Jersey heat — Josh brings the West Coast fire.

Chapters:

00:00:00 Disclaimer

00:00:13 MuscleMeds Carnivor Sponsor Read

00:00:34 Podcast Kicks Off – Welcoming Josh Thomson 00:09:11 Josh Talks Weight Cuts & Fight Matchups

00:19:04 Grappling Dominance in Modern MMA

00:28:22 Women’s Divisions, Kayla Harrison, and Weight Class Issues

00:37:30 Bare-Knuckle Talk, Promoters, and Nate Diaz Drama 00:46:55 UFC Style Focus – Ground Game vs. Stand Up 00:57:11 Horror Travel Stories from Wrestling Days

01:07:07 Antibiotics, Cutting Weight & Energy Levels

01:16:50 Post-Fight Blues & Life After Fight Night

01:26:27 Drug Testing, USADA, and Frankie’s Quota Story 01:36:24 Suspensions, Contaminated Supplements, & Drug Testing

01:46:00 Slap Fights & Talent Debates in Combat Sports 01:55:32 Final Reflections & Wrap-Up

#ChampAndTheTramp #JoshThomson #MMA #UFC #Bellator #Strikeforce #FrankieEdgar #Podcast

Follow us on social media:Instagram: https://instagram.com/champandthetrampTikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@champandthetrampFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/champandthetrampDon't forget to like, comment, and subscribe for more unfiltered conversations about combat sports, politics, and everything in between!

On this episode of @ChampAndTheTramp, longtime MMA media veteran Mike Straka joins the guys to talk shop—covering everything from his early interviews with fighters to wild moments on camera, working with networks like FOX and HDNet, and how the sport and media have evolved. They swap stories from the old days of UFC coverage, discuss fighter personas, and share laughs about behind-the-scenes chaos in early MMA broadcasting.Chapters:00:00:00 Disclaimer00:00:13 MuscleMeds Carnivor 00:00:49 Intro Music00:01:33 Podcast Begins – Mike Straka Joins the Show00:09:01 Early UFC Media Days00:13:33 Celebrity & Sports Interviews00:18:25 Greatest Fighters of All Time00:22:52 Media Behind the Scenes00:27:57 MMA Journalism Then vs. Now00:34:17 The Real Fighter Personality00:41:43 Awkward Encounters00:46:40 Mental Toughness in Fighters00:53:01 Fame, Pressure & Identity01:00:09 Would Mike Go Back to TV?01:06:21 Staying Authentic in the Media01:12:53 Legacy & Respect for MMA Culture01:18:30 Mike’s Life Outside MMA01:22:49 Final Thoughts & Outro#ChampAndTheTramp #MikeStraka #MMAmedia #UFChistoryFollow us on social media:Instagram: https://instagram.com/champandthetrampTikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@champandthetrampFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/champandthetrampDon't forget to like, comment, and subscribe for more unfiltered conversations about combat sports, politics, and everything in between!

On this episode of @ChampandtheTramp, MMA vet Chris Liguori joins the guys for a no-filter conversation about how the fight game—and the world—has changed. Chris looks back on the early days of MMA, the evolution of gym culture, and what separates real fighters from the social media crowd. The guys dive into loyalty, toughness, and why the old-school grind still matters. Later, Producer Andrew jumps in with sharp takes on Trump, Israel, boomers, and why younger generations feel like they’re getting left behind.

Chapters:

00:00:00 Disclaimer

00:00:13 Intro

00:00:13 MuscleMeds Carnivor

00:01:32 Union Life & Shop Steward Stories

00:03:07 Pride Month, Mental Health & Fake Holidays

00:05:45 Chris Liguori on the Old School MMA Days

00:08:15 Gym Wars & Earning Respect the Hard Way

00:12:48 Fighting Before the Sport Took Off

00:16:26 Getting Paid & the Promoter Hustle

00:18:57 Are Today’s Fighters Too Soft?

00:22:15 Loyalty in the Gym & the Coaching Shift

00:26:03 Social Media Fighters vs. Real Ones

00:29:18 Andrew Jumps In – Politics Get Heated

00:32:14 Trump, Israel & the Boomer Divide

00:35:24 Skydivers, Flags & Performative Patriotism

00:38:42 Politicians & the Cost of War

00:41:18 False Flags, Vietnam & Government Lies

00:44:02 Are We Policing the World or Helping It?

00:48:10 Defense Contracts & Human Life as Currency

00:51:45 The Generational Draft Fear Returns

00:54:28 Politicians and the Weight of Their Decisions

00:57:42 Kathy Hochul & New York’s Downfall

01:00:33 NY Subways, Fires & False Solutions

01:03:12 Closing Thoughts – Broken Systems & Broken Trust

01:07:44 Final Wrap-Up and Farewell

#ChampAndTheTramp #ChrisLiguori #MMA #RealTalk #Politics #FightCulture

Follow us on social media:

Instagram: https://instagram.com/champandthetramp

TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@champandthetramp

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/champandthetramp

Don't forget to like, comment, and subscribe for more unfiltered conversations about combat sports, politics, and everything in between!

On this episode of @ChampAndTheTramp, the guys sit down with Dylan Wanagiel — VP of Sports Properties at Harris Blitzer Sports & Entertainment (HBSE) — to promote Final X on Saturday, June 14 at the Prudential Center in Newark NJ. Dylan talks about his journey from Madison Square Garden to the Prudential Center. He shares how he helped bring the UFC to MSG when MMA was first legalized in New York, and how that experience shaped his mission to make New Jersey a premier destination for combat sports. Now leading major event strategy at Prudential Center, he’s a driving force behind big shows, local talent, and putting Jersey on the map.#ChampAndTheTramp #UFC #MMA #MSG #PrudentialCenter #DylanWanagiel #HBSE #NewJerseyChapters:00:00:00 Disclaimer 00:00:13 MuscleMeds Sponsor Shoutout 00:00:33 Nitro Live Testimonial 00:00:49 Final Sponsor Plug 00:00:52 Podcast Intro Begins 00:01:20 Guest Introduction – Dylan Wanagiel 00:01:45 How Dylan and Frankie First Met 00:02:15 From MSG to UFC – McGregor Era 00:03:10 What is HBSE and Who They Work With 00:04:02 Building Garden State Grapple 00:05:05 Why New Jersey Wrestling is Underrated 00:06:15 Getting UFC Events to Prudential Center 00:08:10 East Coast Fight Fans vs West Coast 00:10:05 Running Events Behind the Scenes 00:11:40 Creating Big Moments in Jersey 00:13:20 The Business Side of Combat Sports 00:14:55 On Influencers, Authenticity & Gym Clowns 00:16:35 Partnerships That Actually Work 00:18:05 Local Fighters & Building Community 00:19:40 Fan Experience & Security at Arenas 00:21:00 Brand Loyalty & Audience Growth 00:23:10 Fighters Doing Too Much for the Algorithm 00:24:50 Advice for Young Professionals in the Space 00:26:35 Future of UFC in New Jersey 00:28:05 GSP Memories & New Cards Coming 00:29:55 Final Thoughts on Career & Jersey Legacy 00:31:10 Wrap-Up, Gratitude & Outro 00:36:12 Final CommentsFollow us on social media:Instagram: https://instagram.com/champandthetrampTikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@champandthetrampFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/champandthetrampDon't forget to like, comment, and subscribe for more unfiltered conversations about combat sports, politics, and everything in between!

On this episode of @champandthetramp, the guys are joined by longtime friend Dan Sachkowsky—host of The Big D Podcast and The Intrepidus Podcast. Roger looks back on how they met during their motorcycle stunt days, including the time Dan crashed on his very first ride with the crew. From there, the conversation dives into fatherhood, aging, and Dan’s work in business and personal development. He shares how he helps people get unstuck, build systems, and move forward—with no fluff and plenty of laughs. It’s a real conversation about growth, accountability, and showing up better for yourself and the people around you.

Chapters:00:00:00 Disclaimer

00:00:13 MuscleMeds Carnivor

00:00:52 Podcast Begins – Theme Song and Intro

00:01:30 Roger Recalls Meeting Dan Through Motorcycle Crew

00:04:36 Dan Crashes During First Ride

00:07:58 Laughs About First Impressions and Calling Each Other Out

00:10:42 The Value of Honest Friendships

00:13:50 Dan Reflects on His Personal Growth Journey

00:18:27 Coaching and Helping People Get Unstuck

00:23:04 The Role of Systems Over Motivation

00:27:41 Navigating Ego and Pressure in a Social Media World

00:32:18 Staying Disciplined While Getting Older

00:36:55 Fatherhood, Values, and Leadership

00:41:32 How to Stay Consistent Through Life’s Messy Seasons

00:46:09 Final Reflections on Growth and Real Accountability

00:55:23 Wrap-Up and Closing Thoughts

Follow us on social media:Instagram: https://instagram.com/champandthetrampTikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@champandthetrampFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/champandthetrampDon't forget to like, comment, and subscribe for more unfiltered conversations about combat sports, politics, and everything in between!

On this episode of @champandthetramp, the guys welcome Martin Rooney—performance coach, author, and founder of Training for Warriors. He shares his journey from coaching MMA legends to training NFL athletes, Olympians, and everyday individuals striving for excellence. The conversation delves into the habits that build true discipline, leading with energy and purpose, and why Martin believes your attitude determines your altitude. He opens up about raising daughters, recounts stories from the early UFC days, and discusses why he still trains like he’s preparing for battle. Martin also introduces his debut fiction novel, Blood Feud: Raising Cain, set to release on June 3, 2025—a gripping thriller featuring Lee Cain, a terminally ill antihero who uncovers a deadly conspiracy and must fight to survive. This high-energy episode is packed with mindset, motivation, and real-life lessons.Chapters:00:00:00 Intro Disclaimer 00:00:13 MuscleMeds 00:00:33 Rooney Feels Like His Best Again 00:00:52 Episode Begins – Martin Rooney Joins 00:02:15 Early MMA Coaching Stories 00:05:28 What It Takes to Be a Great Coach 00:07:44 Motivation vs. Discipline – The Real Key 00:11:03 Training Pro Athletes & Regular Clients 00:13:29 Raising Daughters and Building Confidence 00:16:02 Energy, Leadership, and Presence 00:18:45 Building Training for Warriors Around the World 00:21:58 Why Daily Routines Create Freedom 00:25:14 Writing Books and Staying Creative 00:27:40 Blood Feud: Raising Cain – New Fiction Novel 00:31:00 Life Lessons from Coaching Legends 00:33:12 Mindset Tips – Attitude Determines Altitude 00:35:27 Staying Fit in Your 50s – Rooney’s Routine 00:38:45 Frankie and Martin Trade Gym Stories 00:42:10 Getting Comfortable Being Uncomfortable 00:45:30 How to Build Discipline in Kids and Adults 00:49:18 Roger on Martial Arts & Life Direction 00:53:42 The Culture Around Toughness 00:58:10 Coaching Styles: Old School vs. Modern 01:03:05 What Makes Someone Coachable? 01:07:25 Becoming a Better Leader in Your Own Life 01:11:43 The Role of Faith and Values in Coaching 01:15:55 Training Philosophies – From NFL to UFC 01:19:32 Parenting Lessons from the Gym 01:23:10 Being “On” vs. Being Authentic 01:26:44 Keeping Fire as You Get Older 01:30:18 How to Inspire vs. Just Teach 01:33:02 Staying Hungry in Every Chapter of Life 01:36:55 Roger’s Reflections on Confidence & Hardship 01:41:18 Rooney’s Legacy and What He Wants to Leave Behind 01:45:42 Advice to Young Coaches and Fathers 01:50:15 How to Make Discipline Contagious 01:54:38 Final Takeaways – Live with Purpose 01:59:00 Episode Wrap-Up & Closing Thoughts 02:00:00 Outro & Thanks for Watching Follow us on social media:Instagram: https://instagram.com/champandthetrampTikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@champandthetrampFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/champandthetrampDon't forget to like, comment, and subscribe for more unfiltered conversations about combat sports, politics, and everything in between!

On this episode of @champandthetramp, the guys sit down with Aaron James—a lineman, veteran, and true survivor—who shares the powerful story of surviving a 7,500-volt electrical accident that led to one of the most extensive facial transplants in U.S. history. Aaron walks us through the day of the accident, waking up from a six-week coma, and the long, painful road through over 30 surgeries. Alongside his wife Meagan, he opens up about mental recovery, organ donation, and finding purpose through motivational speaking. This is a raw, emotional, and ultimately inspiring conversation about resilience, love, and second chances.Chapters:00:00:00 Disclaimer00:00:13 MuscleMeds Carnivor Memorial Day Sale 00:00:34 Podcast Begins – Introducing Aaron James 00:01:35 The Electrical Accident – 7,500 Volts to the Face 00:03:22 What Happened That Day – Memory Gaps & Bucket Lift 00:05:11 Waking Up from a Six-Week Coma 00:06:49 Meagan Gets the Call – “He May Die Before You Arrive” 00:08:25 Condition Stabilizes – Day-by-Day Survival 00:13:48 Meagan Reflects on Strength, Support & Loyalty 00:15:20 33 Surgeries and the Facial Transplant Journey 00:18:03 How NYU Selected Him – Testing, Waiting, the Call 00:21:50 Why Aaron Turned to Motivational Speaking 00:23:25 Meagan’s Commitment – “I’m Here for the Long Haul” 00:24:45 Life After Trauma – The Wall That Divides Everything 00:26:25 Being a Lineman – Respect, Risks & Brotherhood 00:32:28 Injuries Explained – Entry, Exit, and Physical Damage 00:35:10 Transplanted Eye, Stem Cells, and Healing Experiments 00:37:41 Phantom Pain & Nerve Growth After Surgery 00:39:12 Facial Transplant History & Ethics 00:40:53 The Donor’s Gift – Saving Multiple Lives 00:47:44 Speaking to Linemen – “This Could Be You” 00:50:02 Meagan’s Loyalty & 22 Years of Marriage 00:51:32 Launching Their Speaking Brand – Stuck With Purpose 00:53:45 Ongoing Recovery, Medication, and Life Today 00:56:35 Final Reflections – Gratitude, Resilience, and LegacyFollow us on social media:Instagram: https://instagram.com/champandthetrampTikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@champandthetrampFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/champandthetrampDon't forget to like, comment, and subscribe for more unfiltered conversations about combat sports, politics, and everything in between!