Off the Mats Podcast

What's up, people? This week on the podcast, I sit down with the profoundly inspiring Adisa Banjoko—a true renaissance man whose life bridges martial arts, music, philosophy, and youth empowerment.

As the founder of Hip Hop Chess Federation and 64 Blocks, a Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu black belt, philosopher, author, educator, and podcaster, Adisa brings a wealth of knowledge and perspective to the conversation. We explore his journey through martial arts and hip-hop, the creation of the HHCF and how it spawned 64 Blocks, and how chess, BJJ, and lyrical expression combine to elevate at-risk youth.

Adisa shares powerful stories about mentorship, the mental game of jiu-jitsu, and the role Stoic philosophy plays in life both on and off the mats. We also dig into his community-focused initiative, 64 Blocks, and what it means to build programs that cultivate resilience, creativity, and responsibility.

From chaining submissions to composing rhymes, Adisa draws surprising parallels between combat and art—and he even reveals what’s more mentally taxing: rolling with a world champ or playing a deep chess match.

This episode is packed with wisdom for coaches, grapplers, creatives, and anyone striving to live with greater purpose and presence.

For more on Adisa, head over to @bishopchronicles and @real64blocks on Instagram.  Head over to his Substack, as well https://adisabanjoko.substack.com/

We want to give a shout out to @johnsfitmeals

Head over and use promo code Mahoney10, and you'll get 10% off.

Thank you, again, to everyone for listening to and supporting the podcast up to this point. Below, you'll find info on where to find the shows and social media. Tell a friend to tell a friend.

Listeners get 20% off their purchase at simpleleaf.com and bjjwholesale.com with the code "BJJWIKI."

What's up, listeners? This week on the podcast, I welcome back Blu Mays, the voice behind the @neurodivergent_grappler Instagram page. Blu shares how life and training have evolved since their last appearance, including recent competitions and personal milestones.

We dive into the growth of their social media platform, the motivation behind creating “Trailblazer Tuesdays,” and the delicate but powerful balance between vulnerability and advocacy online.

Blu opens up about the importance of cultivating inclusive mat culture and how instructors and teammates alike can support neurodivergent grapplers more intentionally. We also explore how representation, community, and open conversations can shift the culture in meaningful ways.

To close the episode, Blu answers listener questions about stimming in high-pressure rolls, the need for neurodivergence training for coaches, and recovering from burnout caused by masking on the mats.

To keep up with Blu and her continued journey, head over to @blu_candoit on Instagram, and for more info on neurodiversity, follow @neurodivergent_grappler.

We want to give a shout out to @johnsfitmeals

Head over and use promo code Mahoney10, and you'll get 10% off.

Thank you, again, to everyone for listening to and supporting the podcast up to this point. Below, you'll find info on where to find the shows and social media. Tell a friend to tell a friend.

Listeners get 20% off their purchase at simpleleaf.com and bjjwholesale.com with the code "BJJWIKI."

What's up and welcome back, folks. This week on the podcast, I’m joined by Eli Adams, martial artist and host of the Combat and Coaching Podcast, for a wide-ranging conversation that blends pop culture and personal insight.

We kick things off with a deep dive into our mutual love for comic books, the Marvel Cinematic Universe, and The Walking Dead, before shifting gears into something many grapplers can relate to—getting back to the gym after time away.

Eli opens up about the anxiety and internal resistance that can come with returning to martial arts training, as well as the challenges of finding that spark again when motivation runs low. We talk about managing social exhaustion, the emotional toll of coaching, and the meaningful responsibility that comes with being a mentor.

To wrap things up, we geek out over recent horror releases like Final Destination: Bloodlines and Sinners, comparing notes and sharing early impressions. Whether you’re here for the mats or the movies, this one’s got a little bit of everything.

To keep up with Eli and his continued journey, you can follow him on Instagram at @eli.adams and to keep up with the podcast, follow @combatandcoachingpodcast

We want to shout out @johnsfitmeals

Head over and use promo code Mad10, and you'll get 10% off.

Thank you, again, to everyone for listening to and supporting the podcast up to this point. Below, you'll find info on where to find the shows and social media. Tell a friend to tell a friend.

Listeners get 20% off their purchase at simpleleaf.com and bjjwholesale.com with the code "BJJWIKI."

What's up, friends and family? This week on the podcast, Moe Brown returns to catch us up on everything he’s been up to both on and off the mats. Moe discusses launching his own clothing brand and his mission to give back by sponsoring emerging athletes. He shares the creative inspiration behind his designs and why this venture means more than just merch.

We also dive into his volunteer work teaching jiu-jitsu at local preschools and how he finds balance between training, work, and other physical activities. Of course, no Off the Mats episode is complete without a little talk about jiu-jitsu injuries—this time, we compare our battle-scarred fingers.

We shift gears to discuss the current MMA landscape, including the enduring mystique of Conor McGregor and the latest news on Jon Jones. As a bonus, we talk scary movies and what makes them great, then wrap things up with a fun rapid-fire round.

To keep up with Moe, you can follow him on Instagram at @moetivate444 and his clothing brand @officialmoetivatebrand

We want to shout out @johnsfitmeals

Head over and use promo code Mad10, and you'll get 10% off.

Thank you, again, to everyone for listening to and supporting the podcast up to this point. Below, you'll find info on where to find the shows and social media. Tell a friend to tell a friend.

Listeners get 20% off their purchase at simpleleaf.com and bjjwholesale.com with the code "BJJWIKI."

What's up, nerds? This week on the podcast, Maryland Phil joins me for a deep dive into Marvel’s Thunderbolts—or the New Avengers? We unpack our thoughts and feelings on the recent film, including our personal ratings out of 10 and what the name change might signal for the MCU’s future. We take a closer look at each character’s arc and background, drawing comparisons to Suicide Squad along the way.

Our conversation expands into a broader critique of the MCU’s various phases, its growing collection of TV shows, and how the Multiverse Saga might eventually wrap up. From standout character development to some serious storytelling missteps, we break it all down with our “Good, Bad, and Ugly” segment. And because we can't help ourselves, there's also a random sidebar about Tim Burton. It’s chaotic, nerdy, and packed with opinions—just the way we like it.

Maryland Phil can be found on Twitter hosting @nerdragecast where he keeps us updated on the Nerd Rage happenings and comic and movie news. He's also on Instagram at @metalliphil

Thank you all for listening to and supporting the podcast. Below, you'll find info on where to find the shows and social media.

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What's going on, happy people? This week on the podcast, I sit down with Madeleine Avila, a fierce BJJ blue belt competitor from Crazy 88 MMA. Madeleine shares the story of how she got started in jiu-jitsu and what continues to drive her competitive fire. We explore the importance of team culture and support, and how she sharpens her mindset and technique.

Madeleine gives insight into her strategic approach to game planning, as well as the process of identifying and working on holes in her game. She opens up about how she balances mastering the fundamentals with exploring more advanced techniques, and how she mentally prepares for competition—battling nerves and staying focused.

We also dig into one of the toughest lessons she's learned from stepping onto the mats, and how she unwinds outside of the competitive scene. And of course, we wrap it up with a round of rapid-fire questions to close out.

To keep up with Madeleine, you can follow her on Instagram and TikTok at @mad_avila

We want to shout out @johnsfitmeals

Head over and use promo code Mad10, and you'll get 10% off.

Thank you, again, to everyone for listening to and supporting the podcast up to this point. Below, you'll find info on where to find the shows and social media. Tell a friend to tell a friend.

Listeners get 20% off their purchase at simpleleaf.com and bjjwholesale.com with the code "BJJWIKI."

What's up, party people? This week on the podcast, I'm joined by my good friend and neighbor, Dana Zornes, for a wide-ranging conversation that blends fight talk, kettlebell competition, parenting, and personal growth.

We kick things off with UFC chatter, diving into the rumors surrounding the Jon Jones vs. Tom Aspinall matchup, follow-up conversation about UFC 314, and older UFC fights and how the sport has evolved over the years.

From there, Dana gives an in-depth look at the world of kettlebell sport—breaking down team structures, competition divisions, and the unique lifts that make up the Kettlebell Sport World League. We also talk about the mindset of chasing numbers in the weight room, staying organized, and raising active kids in a world that sometimes doesn’t value physicality.

The episode wraps with an honest discussion about bullying, resilience, and how Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu can empower young people. Whether you're a fight fan, a lifter, or a parent, this one hits home.

To keep up with Dana, head over to @razebells on Instagram. You can also head over to the link below for more info from the kettlebell world.

We want to shout out @johnsfitmeals

Head over and use promo code Mahoney10, and you'll get 10% off.

Thank you, again, to everyone for listening to and supporting the podcast up to this point. Below, you'll find info on where to find the shows and social media. Tell a friend to tell a friend.

Listeners get 20% off their purchase at simpleleaf.com and bjjwholesale.com with the code "BJJWIKI."

Ladies and Gentlemen, welcome back! This week on the podcast, I sit down with Erin Herle—a Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu black belt, Certified Mental Performance Consultant (CMPC), and holder of a Master’s in Sport & Performance Psychology. Together, we explore how mental coaching can transform an athlete’s performance, how coaches can use psychology to lead more effectively, and why grapplers must train their minds just as diligently as their bodies.

Erin breaks down what mental coaching truly is—and how it differs from therapy or everyday motivation. We dive into the common mental blocks she sees in combat athletes, and how to tackle competition anxiety and the fear of failure.

Whether you're an athlete, a coach, or someone looking to strengthen your mental game, this conversation is packed with insight you won’t want to miss.

To keep up with Erin, head over to @erinherle on Instagram or you can check out @trainyamind also on Instagram. Follow the link below to work further with Coach Erin

We want to shout out @johnsfitmeals

Head over and use promo code Mahoney10, and you'll get 10% off.

Thank you, again, to everyone for listening to and supporting the podcast up to this point. Below, you'll find info on where to find the shows and social media. Tell a friend to tell a friend.

Listeners get 20% off their purchase at simpleleaf.com and bjjwholesale.com with the code "BJJWIKI."

What's up, y'all? This week on the podcast, I sit down with Coach Kevin Brewer, a U.S. Navy veteran turned Spartan athlete, mindset coach, and weight loss mentor with an inspiring story of resilience.

Kevin opens up about his battle with injuries and illness, and the long, winding journey to reclaim his health through discipline and mindset work. We dive into the challenges of navigating today’s overwhelming maze of health advice, online gurus, and misinformation, and Kevin shares how these experiences shaped his mission to help others cut through the noise.

We talk about the often-overlooked biases in “healthy” eating advice, and the need for validation when building new habits. Kevin also offers insight into the world of Spartan Races—from how the courses are structured to what challenges him the most. But beyond physical strength, we explore the power of vulnerability in coaching, the importance of being authentic, and why people helping people might just be the most underrated force for good in the world.

For more on Kevin, head over to @coachkevinbrewer on Instagram. Follow the link below to work further with Coach Kevin

We want to shout out @johnsfitmeals

Head over and use promo code Mahoney10, and you'll get 10% off.

Thank you, again, to everyone for listening to and supporting the podcast up to this point. Below, you'll find info on where to find the shows and social media. Tell a friend to tell a friend.

Listeners get 20% off their purchase at simpleleaf.com and bjjwholesale.com with the code "BJJWIKI."

What's up, party people? This week on the podcast, I’m joined by Kris Pinkerton of Nerd Rage Radio and The Realm of Collectors for a fun conversation all about pro wrestling. We warm up by discussing how pro wrestling and BJJ intersect. We give examples of current wrestlers who train. After that we get into the current main event scene over in AEW. 

We then get into a conversation about WrestleMania 41. From Rey Mysterio taking on El Grande Americano to the massive triple-threat clash between Roman Reigns, CM Punk, and Seth Rollins, we share our thoughts on every matchup. We also talk Cody Rhodes vs. John Cena for the Undisputed WWE Championship and Cena's heel turn back at Elimination Chamber. We give our thoughts on IYO SKY’s title defense against Bianca Belair and Rhea Ripley, and Gunther putting the World Heavyweight Championship on the line against Jey Uso and what comes next for them.

Plus, we break down standout bouts like AJ Styles vs. Logan Paul, Bron Breakker’s Intercontinental Championship defense, and Jade Cargill facing off with Naomi. We wrap up with predictions on what could happen after Mania and the future feuds these matchups could ignite. 

To keep up with Kris, you can find him on Nerd Rage Radio every week or go check out @crashboxcustoms on Instagram.

We want to shout out @johnsfitmeals

Head over and use promo code Mahoney10, and you'll get 10% off.

Thank you, again, to everyone for listening to and supporting the podcast up to this point. Below, you'll find info on where to find the shows and social media. Tell a friend to tell a friend.

Listeners get 20% off their purchase at simpleleaf.com and bjjwholesale.com with the code "BJJWIKI."