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 In today’s fast-paced world, finding activities that empower us and foster community is essential. Ellen, a PhD student and passionate jiu-jitsu practitioner, shares her journey of discovering strength, confidence, and friendship through the art of jiu-jitsu. Join us as we delve into her experiences and insights, proving that sometimes the most unexpected paths lead to profound personal growth.

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 In this episode, Emily sits down with Evelynn, whose full-blown obsession with BJJ is equal parts inspiring and hilariously relatable. Evelynn shares how jiu-jitsu took over her life in the best way — from the joy, the challenges, and the breakthroughs, to the moments that made her fall even deeper in love with the sport.
 A fun, high-energy episode that celebrates passion, growth, and the kind of enthusiasm that reminds us why showing up to the mats feels like coming home. 

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 In this episode, Emily sits down with Jenna for a deep, technical, and incredibly insightful conversation about grappling as a smaller-framed athlete. What begins as a friendly chat quickly turns into a mentoring moment, with Jenna breaking down the strategies, leverage, and mindset shifts that smaller practitioners can use to thrive on the mats.
 Full of practical wisdom, detailed technique talk, and the kind of guidance you usually only get from a trusted mentor, this episode is a must-listen for anyone who has ever felt outsized in training. A standout, skill-focused conversation that’s both empowering and refreshingly real. 

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 In this episode, Emily sits down with her friend Robyn—one of the funniest, most genuine people you’ll ever meet. What starts as a simple chat quickly turns into an unexpectedly honest, hilarious, and heartfelt conversation that goes in all the best directions. Robyn’s humor, her realness, and the way she opens up remind us how much depth and warmth can hide behind the laughter.
 A joyful, surprising episode that celebrates authenticity, friendship, and the magic of letting a conversation be whatever it wants to be. 

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 In this episode, Emily sits down with her friend Jody for an honest and refreshingly real conversation about the early days of BJJ. From the lessons nobody warns you about to the mindset shifts that make all the difference, Jody shares what she wishes she’d known as a white belt—and what she hopes new practitioners can carry with them as they start their own journey.
 A warm, encouraging episode full of relatable moments, hard-won wisdom, and the reminder that everyone’s path on the mats begins with simply showing up. 

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 In this episode, Emily sits down with her friend Karina to talk about the real, everyday challenge of finding balance as a mom, a full-time professional, and a dedicated BJJ practitioner. Karina opens up about the pressures, the routines, the messy moments, and the small wins that help her keep moving forward. This honest conversation is all about showing up for yourself even when life is full, giving yourself grace, and carving out space for the things that make you feel strong and grounded. A cozy, heartfelt episode for anyone trying to juggle it all. 

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 In this episode, I sit down with AJ, owner of a thriving gym in Indianapolis built on one powerful philosophy built on community. AJ shares her journey, the heart behind creating an inclusive space on and off the mats, and the lessons she’s learned about leadership, vulnerability, and building a place where every person feels seen.
A conversation full of warmth, purpose, and the reminder that the strongest teams are the ones that feel like home. 

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 In this episode, Emily sits down with Daniela — known on Instagram as The Jiujitsu Mom — to talk about motherhood, identity, and finding strength and community on the mat. Daniela shares her honest, heartfelt journey into jiujitsu, the challenges she’s navigated along the way, and the joy she’s found in carving out space for herself while inspiring others to do the same.
A warm, real conversation about growth, resilience, and showing up exactly as you are. 

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In this episode of Emily’s Pajama Party, I catch up with my friend Courtney, who brings her trademark humor and honesty to the mic. Courtney opens up about stepping away from jiujitsu when life got stressful and finances got tight — and what it felt like to come back to the mats after time away.

We talk about balance, burnout, and learning to give yourself grace when life doesn’t go according to plan. It’s one of my funniest and most down-to-earth conversations yet — full of laughter, truth, and the reminder that sometimes, taking a break is exactly what you need to fall back in love with jiujitsu.

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 In this episode, Emily sits down with her professor, Leo, for a fun and insightful conversation that blends history, culture, and a whole lot of personality. Leo shares pieces of his background, his journey from Brazil to teaching jiu-jitsu in the U.S., and the deeper meaning behind the art he brings to the mats every day. Plus, he helps clear up some of the most commonly mispronounced Portuguese terms in BJJ — with plenty of humor and patience.
 A light, warm, and informative episode that highlights the heart behind the techniques and the people who carry the tradition forward. 

On IG @leonardo.rodarte or @rodartemma