Welcome to Season 2 of Gunz & Bunz, the podcast celebrating strong, successful women! In Episode 5, Bethany chats with Julie Lisak — certified fertility awareness educator, doula, personal chef, mom, and passionate advocate for women's health and body literacy.Julie shares her journey from teaching abroad and launching Plated by Julie during COVID to becoming a doula and founding The Cycle Lady. They dive into cycle tracking for contraception and health, home births, the power of informed consent, navigating chronic illness, and raising kids with body awareness. Plus, Julie’s insights on local food, farming, and building a balanced life.A must-watch for women seeking empowerment through understanding their bodies!

Welcome back to Gunz & Bunz, the podcast celebrating strong, successful women in Jiu-Jitsu and beyond! 💪 In this powerful episode, Bethany sits down with Lora Becker — mother of two, world traveler, science student, teacher, and dedicated Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu practitioner.Laura shares her incredible journey: growing up independent in rural Michigan, moving to Germany at 17, life as a dancer in Vegas, international adventures across Asia and Europe, marriages, raising her sons (including how Jiu-Jitsu transformed her autistic son Alex), and her deeply honest path through trauma recovery. She opens up about a violent assault that shook her sense of safety, her current "Running Project" to reclaim freedom from fear, and why she's documenting the raw, ongoing process of healing.They also dive into:Jiu-Jitsu as a tool for resilience, brain changes, and personal growthAdvice for women starting BJJ (especially avoiding common pitfalls)Education reform, alternative learning, and Laura's vision for better schoolsMotherhood, family, strength, success, and showing yourself empathyLaura's decision to compete in the upcoming Gunz & Bunz Super Fights!

Season 2 Episode 3 of the Gunz & Bunz Podcast features Samantha Schell!A first-degree BJJ black belt, former pro MMA fighter (17 fights, 2x amateur champion at atomweight), and co-owner of Schell Shock BJJ with her husband John.Samantha shares her powerful journey: full scholarship to Florida State University (Criminology & Psychology), stepping into the cage, surviving seven knee surgeries including a total knee replacement at 35, and returning stronger in jiu-jitsu with podium finishes at IBJJF Pans and Masters Worlds.In this episode she talks about:• Life as a pro MMA fighter and the grind behind 17 fights• Overcoming devastating injuries and reinventing herself on the mats• Coaching at Schell Shock BJJ• Writing, sourdough baking, and working on her first novel• Family life as a wife, stepmom, “grandma,” and one of tripletsRaw, honest, and packed with lessons on grit, resilience, and never quitting. Perfect for anyone into BJJ, MMA, or powerful comeback stories.🗣️ Comment below: What’s the biggest lesson you took from Samantha’s story?👍 LIKE | SUBSCRIBE | Bell on for every new episode!#GunzAndBunz #GunzAndBunzPodcast #SamanthaSchell #BJJ #MMAPodcast #SchellShockBJJ #WomenInCombatSports #BJJBlackBelt #ComebackStory #Season2

On Season 2 Episode 2 of the Gunz & Bunz Podcast, the OG crew sits down with Sarah Wills — 2026 IBJJF Pan American Gold Medalist, Sambo National Champion, Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu purple belt, and Team USA international competitor.Sarah brings the heat with her aggressive, submission-heavy style and shares her incredible journey: losing over 100 pounds, overcoming major adversity, and rising to become a multi-time international podium finisher (IBJJF Europeans, No-Gi Worlds, Masters Worlds).From the mats to the boardroom, Sarah opens up about:• Competing at the highest levels in both BJJ and Sambo• Coaching youth athletes at Schell Shock BJJ and teaching women’s self-defense• Being a referee for FUJI BJJ and building confidence through grappling• Running a successful SprayNet franchise as CEO while winning Customer Service Excellence & SHARP Awards• Her background as a national debate champion, former professor, and systems-driven competitorThis episode is packed with raw motivation, real talk on resilience, discipline, and how to build unbreakable self-trust on and off the mats.If you’re into BJJ, self-defense, weight loss transformations, or high-level female athletes crushing it in multiple arenas — this one is for you.🗣️ Drop in the comments: What’s one thing Sarah said that fired you up the most?👍 LIKE | SUBSCRIBE | Turn on notifications so you never miss an episode!#GunzAndBunz #GunzAndBunzPodcast #BJJ #Sambo #WomenInBJJ #SarahWills #PanAmChampion #Grappling #SelfDefense #TransformationStory #Season2

Welcome back to the Gunz & Bunz Podcast! 🎙️Season 2 Episode 1 kicks off with the original crew (the OG’s from Season 1) reuniting for a full Season 1 recap and an in-depth breakdown of the unforgettable Empowher Event.From the wildest moments, biggest lessons, and behind-the-scenes stories of Season 1 to the energy, networking, and key takeaways from Empowher — this episode is packed with laughs, real talk, and that signature Gunz & Bunz vibe.If you missed Season 1 or just want the full recap before we dive deeper into Season 2, this is the one you don’t want to miss!🗣️ Topics Covered:• Full Season 1 Recap & Favorite Moments• Empowher Event Breakdown• What’s coming in Season 2• Listener questions & more!Drop a comment: What was YOUR favorite moment from Season 1 or the Empowhere Event?🔥 Make sure to LIKE, SUBSCRIBE, and turn on notifications so you never miss an episode!#GunzAndBunz #GunzAndBunzPodcast #Season2 #Podcast #Empowhere #Recap #GunzAndRollzPrevious Gunz & Bunz / Gunz & Rollz episodes, behind-the-scenes videography footage, and full podcast archive will be linked in the pinned comment and community tab. Everything stays in one place — just how we like it.Let’s keep building! 💪

Dr. Jen Jitsu (@drjenjitsu), a 15-time IBJJF Masters World Champion, BJJ black belt, PhD in Nutrition & Human Performance, and board-certified sports dietitian, joins the Gunz & Bunz Podcast for Episode 23!Discover how this elite Jiu Jitsu athlete and scientist blends cutting-edge sports nutrition with high-level BJJ training, recovery strategies for athletes in their 40s, and practical fueling tips for performance, body composition, and longevity.From co-authoring bestsellers like The Renaissance Diet 2.0 to her black belts in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu and Hawaiian Kempo, Dr. Jen shares real-world advice on high-protein diets, metabolic health, competing at the highest levels (including ADCC trials and multiple Pan & World titles), balancing intense training with family life, and even her creative pursuits in glass art and more.Perfect for Jiu Jitsu practitioners, female athletes, strength trainers, and anyone chasing sustainable performance and health.Key topics:Nutrition strategies for BJJ competitorsRecovery and longevity in martial arts after 40Science-backed fueling for strength & enduranceMindset for multi-passionate women in sportIf you're rolling on the mats or hitting the gym, this episode delivers actionable insights with inspiration and grit!Visit gunzandrollz.com for exclusive merch, updates, and more empowering content from Gunz & Bunz. Shop now and use code BUNS5 for 15% off your first order—support the podcast and level up your gear!Subscribe, like, and hit the bell for more stories of strong, successful women. Drop a comment: What's your biggest nutrition question for Jiu Jitsu?#BJJ #JiuJitsu #SportsNutrition #WomensBJJ #IBJJF #BlackBelt #NutritionTips #GunzAndBunz #GunzAndRollz

Join us on Episode 22 of the Guns and Bunz Podcast as we sit down with Melissa Sheppey, a dedicated Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu (BJJ) athlete, purple belt, and passionate advocate for women in grappling. Celebrating 10 incredible years of training and competition, Melissa shares her inspiring journey rooted in discipline, resilience, and personal growth on and off the mats.As a proud wife to Brandon and mom to Zachary, Melissa balances her BJJ passion with part-time work in professional cleaning services while championing women's initiatives. She's deeply involved in Grappling Ladies of Southeastern States, a community dedicated to connecting, empowering, and supporting female grapplers across the Southeast.We dive into her love for BJJ, strength training, fitness, running, hiking, outdoor adventures, swimming, and gaming—plus how Jiu Jitsu builds confidence, strength, and belonging for women everywhere.Whether you're a beginner exploring women's BJJ, a seasoned grappler, or interested in female empowerment through martial arts, this episode is packed with motivation and real-talk insights.Don't miss out—grab your favorite gear and level up your training! Check out the Guns and Bunz store for the best apparel, accessories, and more at www.gunzandrollz.com — use code BUNZ for exclusive deals!Subscribe for more BJJ stories, fitness tips, and community vibes. Like, comment, and share if this episode fired you up!#BJJ #BrazilianJiuJitsu #WomenInBJJ #FemaleGrapplers #BJJCommunity #PurpleBelt #JiuJitsuWomen #GunsAndBunz

Welcome to Gunz & Bunz – the podcast celebrating strong, successful women who dominate in life and on the mat!In Episode 21, host Bethany welcomes the incredible Brooklynn Stanley, a 19-year-old college freshman and rising star in combat sports. With 7 years of Brazilian Jiu Jitsu under her belt (literally – she's a blue belt!), Brooklynn also wrestled in high school, qualifying for the state championships in just one year. She's deeply involved in her gym community, coaching and supporting the women's class at Triumph, inspiring the next generation of female fighters.This powerful conversation dives into:How she built her skills in BJJ and wrestling as a young womanOvercoming challenges in male-dominated combat sportsThe importance of community, coaching, and empowering other women on the matsMotivation, discipline, and balancing training with college lifeIf you love stories of grit, determination, female empowerment, martial arts, BJJ, wrestling, or women breaking barriers in combat sports, this episode is for you!👉 Head to our website Gunzandrollz.com for exclusive bonus content, guest resources, merch, and the full episode archive!Subscribe now and hit the bell 🔔 so you never miss an empowering story from incredible women crushing it!#WomenInBJJ #FemaleFighter #BJJBlueBelt #WomensWrestling #CombatSports #EmpoweringWomen #GunzAndBunz #PodcastEp21 #BrooklynnStanley #MartialArtsWomen

Meet Sara Aistrop – a powerhouse working mom, devoted wife of 16 years, proud mother of four sons, MeMaw to two granddaughters (and one grandson on the way), AND a fierce Brazilian Jiu Jitsu competitor!In Episode 20 of the Gunz & Bunz Podcast, we dive deep into how Sara balances a demanding career as a medical receptionist in Critical Care, over a decade in pharmacy, and her burning passion for Jiu Jitsu. Discover the grit, discipline, and heart it takes to show up every day for family while rolling hard on the mats and chasing competition goals.This episode is packed with real talk on resilience, family-first living, and proving it's never too late to pursue your fire. If you're a mom, athlete, or anyone inspired by strong women who refuse to quit – this one's for you!Key highlights:Juggling healthcare career + Jiu Jitsu training as a busy momThe mindset that fuels competition and daily lifeBeing a supportive wife, loving mother, and cherished grandmother while evolving on the matGunz & Bunz celebrates strong, successful women crushing it in life, family, and on the mats! 💪If Sara's story fired you up, smash that LIKE button, drop a comment with your biggest takeaway, SUBSCRIBE for more inspiring interviews with incredible women, and hit the bell 🔔 so you never miss an episode!0:00 - Intro & Welcome to Sara Aistrop3:30 - Sara's Background: How She Got Into BJJ & Early Training9:45 - Competing in Gi & No-Gi: Fight to Win & Toro Cup Experiences18:20 - Breaking Down Key Matches & Favorite Techniques26:10 - Facing Challenges as a Female Competitor in a Male-Dominated Sport34:50 - Mindset & Overcoming Fear/Obstacles on the Mat42:30 - Training Routine, Gym Life (Ronin Kickboxing & Combative Arts), & Advice for Beginners50:15 - Empowering the Next Generation: Inspiration for Youth Athletes & Women in Jiu-Jitsu58:00 - Q&A, Future Goals, & Final Thoughts1:05:00 - Outro, Thanks to Sara, & Call to Action#JiuJitsuMom #BrazilianJiuJitsu #WomenInJiuJitsu #WorkingMom #FemaleAthlete #MomOf4 #BJJ #MartialArts #InspirationalWomen #GunzAndBunzPodcast #GunzAndBunzEp20

In this powerhouse episode, we sit down with North Carolina’s trailblazing Principal of the Year, Summer Joy Rogers. With 27 years in education, Summer has done it all: 4th-grade teacher, instructional coach, assistant principal, and now a decade-strong principal who opened a brand-new school in South Charlotte and launched the state’s very first Leader in Me On-Demand School.Summer drops straight fire on building cultures where kids and teachers thrive, why leadership is about heart over title, balancing high-stakes roles with being a wife and mom of two athletes, and how she stays sharp with leadership books and early-morning runs. If you’re an educator, parent, leader, or just love stories of real people making big impact, this one’s for you.Summer Joy Rogers proves you can be tough, tender, and totally unstoppable, all at the same time.Don’t miss it, this is the motivation Monday needed!Grab your new favorite “Gunz & Bunz” tee, hoodie, or tumbler while you listen atgunzandbunz.com – fresh drops just landed and they’re moving fast! 💪🔥Drop your favorite takeaway in the comments and tag a teacher or principal who needs to hear this one! #GunzAndBunz #EducationLeadership #LeaderInMe