The Ageless Warrior Lab

In this interview, Professor Mario "Zen Machine" Sperry joins Dave to discuss what it takes to become a champion — and keep training long after competition ends. The ADCC Hall of Famer and Brazilian Top Team co-founder shares the real story behind his nickname, how his military upbringing shaped his discipline, and why drilling, strength training, and conditioning were central to his success when few others trained that way. They revisit their 1998 BJJ World Championship match, reflect on Mario's experiences in PRIDE and ADCC, and explore his decision to retire at 41 while still winning. Mario also discusses facing fear, fighting with opponents rather than against them, and why simple fundamentals remain effective as jiu-jitsu evolves. From maintaining strength and flexibility with age to drawing on faith and Stoic philosophy, he shares his approach to staying on the mat and bringing discipline to everyday life.

Contacts for interviewee:

Mario Sperry Jiu-Jitsu Academy (official, downtown Miami) - https://mariosperry.com/

Instagram (personal) - https://www.instagram.com/mariosperry/instagram

Instagram (academy) - https://www.instagram.com/mariosperryjiujitsu/instagram

Groundfighter.com (classic Vale Tudo instructional series) - https://www.groundfighter.com/

Brazilian Top Team - https://braziliantopteam.com/

Topic Links:

Mario "Zen Machine" Sperry - https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/M%C3%A1rio_Sperry

Brazilian Top Team - https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Brazilian_Top_Team

ADCC (Abu Dhabi Combat Club) - https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/ADCC_Submission_Fighting_World_Championshipwikipedia

Oleg Taktarov - https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Oleg_Taktarov

Enson Inoue - https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Enson_Inoue

Renzo Gracie - https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Renzo_Gracie

Fábio Gurgel - https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/F%C3%A1bio_Gurgel

ADCC Hall of Fame - https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/ADCC_Hall_of_Famewikipedia

World IBJJF Jiu-Jitsu Championship / Mundials ("Munjal's") - https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/World_IBJJF_Jiu-Jitsu_Championshipwikipedia

Murilo Bustamante - https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Murilo_Bustamante

Roberto "Roleta" Magalhães - https://www.bjjheroes.com/bjj-fighters/roberto-roleta-magalhaesbjjheroes

PRIDE Fighting Championships - https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pride_Fighting_Championships

UFC - https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ultimate_Fighting_Championship

Antônio Rodrigo "Minotauro" Nogueira - https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ant%C3%B4nio_Rodrigo_Nogueira

Antônio Rogério "Minotouro" Nogueira - https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ant%C3%B4nio_Rog%C3%A9rio_Nogueira

Vitor Belfort - https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Vitor_Belfort

Anderson Silva - https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Anderson_Silva

Rashad Evans - https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rashad_Evans

IBJJF - https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/International_Brazilian_Jiu-Jitsu_Federation

CBJJ (Confederação Brasileira de Jiu-Jitsu) - https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Confedera%C3%A7%C3%A3o_Brasileira_de_Jiu-Jitsu

Carlson Gracie - https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Carlson_Gracie

Rigan Machado - https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rigan_Machado

Jean Jacques Machado - https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jean_Jacques_Machado

Carlos Gracie Jr. - https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Carlos_Gracie_Jr.

Gracie Barra - https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gracie_Barra

Mendes brothers (Rafael & Guilherme) - https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mendes_brothers

Vale Tudo - https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Vale_Tudo

Egan Inoue - https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Egan_Inoue

Rickson Gracie - https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rickson_Gracie

Randy Couture - https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Randy_Couture

Paulo Filho - https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Paulo_Filho

Ricardo Arona - https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ricardo_Arona

Cesar Gracie - https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cesar_Gracie

Banzai Pipeline - https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Banzai_Pipeline

Carlos Machado - https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Carlos_Machado

Paweł Jaworski (the "guy from Poland who won ADCC") - https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pawel_Jaworskiwikipedia

Ricardo De La Riva - https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/De_la_Riva_guard

Plato - https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Plato

Plato's Academy - https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Platonic_Academy

Seneca - https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Seneca_the_Younger

Stoicism - https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Stoicism

Music “Disambiguation” by Robel Borja https://open.spotify.com/artist/7j0DUZ79z4edeLkU2H1UoJ?si=eISl0YfaQ-yLThljs48j5A

Get in touch!

This episode was directed and presented by Dave Meyer, editor & coproducer by Ryan Turner, producer & marketing Robbie Lockie, music kindly provided by Robel Borja.

In this interview, Dave Meyer sits down with Jordan Edwards, CEO of Mixology Clothing Company, partner in Chart Organization, and author of Business Jiu Jitsu, to explore how Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu principles translate into business, leadership, and everyday life.

Jordan shares his journey as an entrepreneur and BJJ practitioner, including navigating the challenges of COVID, building resilient businesses, learning from mentors like Renzo Gracie, and applying the principles of survival, control, and submission to business negotiations and personal growth. They also discuss parenting, emotional control, mentorship, and the importance of building a strong culture grounded in values and ethics.

Contacts for interviewee:

• LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/edwardsjordan/LinkedIn
• Business Jiu Jitsu website - https://www.businessjiujitsu.com/
• Mixology Clothing Company website - https://www.shopmixology.com/
• Chart Organization website - http://www.chartorg.com
• Business Jiu Jitsu podcast - https://www.businessjiujitsu.com/podcast
• Business Jiu Jitsu book - https://www.businessjiujitsu.com/book
• Mix University - https://mixuniversity.mykajabi.com/
• Fashion First Responders - https://www.shopmixology.com/pages/fashion-first-responders
• ZForge - https://zforge.ai/
• This Is It! (co-authored with Glenn Edwards) - https://www.amazon.com/s?k=If+You%27re+Waiting+for+a+Sign+to+Start+Your+Business+This+Is+It

Topic Links:

Renzo Gracie - https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Renzo_Gracie

John Danaher - https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/John_Danaher_(martial_artist)

Ralph Mitchell - https://nyfighting.com/instructors

Ring of Combat - https://ringofcombat.com/

Lou Neglia - https://www.louneglia.com/

Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) - https://www.ufc.com/

Rodrigo Gracie - https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rodrigo_Gracie

Matt Serra - https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Matt_Serra

Jean Jacques Machado - https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jean_Jacques_Machado

Bruce Lee - https://brucelee.com/

International Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu Federation (IBJJF) - https://ibjjf.com/

Rigan Machado - https://riganmachado.com/

Gordon Ryan - https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gordon_Ryan_(grappler)

Ricardo Almeida - https://ricardoalmeida.tv/

Adopt-a-Pet.com - https://www.adoptapet.com/

Mixed martial arts (MMA) - https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mixed_martial_arts

Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu - https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Brazilian_jiu-jitsu

Jeet Kune Do - https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jeet_Kune_Do

Rorion Gracie - https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rorion_Gracie

Music “Disambiguation” by Robel Borja https://open.spotify.com/artist/7j0DUZ79z4edeLkU2H1UoJ?si=eISl0YfaQ-yLThljs48j5A

Get in touch!

This episode was directed and presented by Dave Meyer, editor & coproducer by Ryan Turner, producer & marketing Robbie Lockie, music kindly provided by Robel Borja.

In this interview, Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu multiple time world champion Bernardo Faria joins Dave to discuss the origins of BJJ Fanatics, the business of online Jiu-Jitsu instructionals, and how digital education is changing the way practitioners learn Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu. Bernardo shares the story of how he met co-founder Michael Zenga, how their partnership led to the creation of BJJ Fanatics, and how the platform grew into a major resource for grapplers looking to learn from world-class instructors.

Bernardo and Dave explore what makes a great Jiu-Jitsu instructor, why being a world champion doesn't automatically make someone a great teacher, and how the best instructional videos break down techniques into concepts that students can understand and apply.

Beyond the business of Jiu-Jitsu, this conversation covers the differences between Japanese Jiu-Jitsu and Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, the importance of studying techniques beyond your own game, and how practitioners can continue improving by learning from specialists. Bernardo also shares his perspective on training as you get older, his Jiu-Jitsu for Old Guys instructional series, competition, longevity, and his goal of staying healthy enough to keep training and rolling  for decades to come.

Contacts for interviewee:
Instagram — https://www.instagram.com/bernardofariabjj/
Facebook — https://www.facebook.com/bernardofariabjj/
X (Twitter) — https://twitter.com/bernardofariajj
YouTube — https://www.youtube.com/@BernardoFariaBJJ
Bernardo Faria Academy — https://bernardofariaacademy.com/
BJJ Fanatics contact page — https://bjjfanatics.com/pages/contact-us
BJJ Fanatics - https://bjjfanatics.com/
Dynamic Striking - https://dynamicstriking.com/
Fanatic Wrestling - https://fanaticwrestling.com/
Judo Fanatics - https://judofanatics.com/
Strong and Fit - https://strongandfit.com/
Sit, Stay, Learn - https://sitstaylearn.com/
BJJ Fanatics Podcast - https://www.youtube.com/results?search_query=BJJ+Fanatics+Podcast
Tap Cancer Out - https://tapcancerout.org/

Topic Links:
Rorion Gracie - https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rorion_Gracie
Rickson Gracie - https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rickson_Gracie
Royler Gracie - https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Royler_Gracie
Machado brothers - https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Machado_family
Rigan Machado - https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rigan_Machado
Jean Jacques Machado - https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jean-Jacques_Machado
Michael Zenga - https://bjjfanatics.com/pages/about-bjj-fanatics
Adopt a Pet - https://www.adoptapet.com/
Keenan Cornelius - https://legionsandiego.com/instructors/keenan-cornelius/
Dean Lister - https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dean_Lister
Miyao brothers - https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Paulo_Miyao
John Will - https://www.redcatacademy.com.au/john_will.html
Marcelo Garcia - https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Marcelo_Garcia_(fighter)
John Danaher - https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/John_Danaher_(martial_artist)
Gordon Ryan - https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gordon_Ryan_(grappler)
Eddie Bravo - https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Eddie_Bravo
René Dreyfus - https://radicalmmanyc.com/about-us/
Radical MMA - https://radicalmmanyc.com/
Roger Gracie - https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Roger_Gracie
Mendes brothers - https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rafael_Mendes_(grappler)
André Galvão - https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Andr%C3%A9_Galv%C3%A3o
Cobrinha (Rubens Charles) - https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rubens_Charles_Maciel
Tim Ferriss - https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tim_Ferriss
Eric Ries - https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Eric_Ries
FloGrappling - https://www.flograppling.com/
Ben Kovacs - https://www.guardiangym.org/executiveteam
David Mitchell - https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/David_Mitchell_(fighter)

Music “Disambiguation” by Robel Borja https://open.spotify.com/artist/7j0DUZ79z4edeLkU2H1UoJ?si=eISl0YfaQ-yLThljs48j5A

Get in touch!

This episode was directed and presented by Dave Meyer, editor & coproducer by Ryan Turner, producer & marketing Robbie Lockie, music kindly provided by Robel Borja.

In this interview, Ben Kovacs, founder of the nonprofit Guardian Gym and General Manager of FloGrappling, talks with Dave about using Jiu-Jitsu to change kids' lives, and about the hard business realities behind the sport most grapplers never see.

Ben left a career at Twitter to start Guardian, a nonprofit that now runs almost 40 free kids' jiu jitsu academies around the world without an office, rent or a salary for its founder. He explains how it works, why he runs it so differently from most nonprofits, and how Craig Jones and CJI became one of its biggest supporters.

The second half gets into FloGrappling and the economics of Jiu Jitsu: where your subscription money really goes, why superfights are so hard to make money on, what he'd change about competition formats, and why he thinks even most black belts aren't watching the biggest events in the sport.

Ben closes with his advice for anyone who wants to make a living from Jiu-Jitsu, and why he thinks a 64-year-old who still trains and competes is the real definition of success.

Contacts for interviewee:

Instagram — https://www.instagram.com/bskovacs/instagram

LinkedIn — https://www.linkedin.com/in/benkovacs/

Guardian executive team bio — https://www.guardiangym.org/executiveteamguardiangym

Guardian Gym (Guardian Project)

Website — https://www.guardiangym.org/homeguardiangym

Instagram — https://www.instagram.com/guardiangym/instagram

Academy partnership info (for gyms that want to add a Guardian program) — https://www.guardiangym.org/partnershipguardiangym

Guardian x Fair Fight Foundation academy partnership — https://www.guardiangym.org/academyactivation

FloGrappling

FloGrappling — https://www.flograppling.com/

Announcement naming Ben GM of FloGrappling — https://www.flograppling.com/articles/14089373-flosports-expands-partnership-with-bjj-starsflograppling

Who's Number One (WNO) — https://www.flograppling.com/collections/6762055-wno-flograppling

Some clips used for commentary. Original sources linked below

Kaynan v Griffith ADCC 2026 World - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7BXlRLj9ehU

Topic Links:

David Mitchell — https://www.instagram.com/dmitch442/

Black Sheep Jiu Jitsu (Fairfax, CA) — https://www.blacksheepjiujitsu.com/

Joel Lunenfeld (Guardian co-founder) — https://www.linkedin.com/in/joellunenfeld

IBJJF (Masters Worlds) — https://ibjjf.com/

John Will — https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/John_Will_(fighter)

Adopt-a-Pet — https://www.adoptapet.com/

Roger Gracie — https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Roger_Gracie

Lachlan Giles — https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lachlan_Giles

Gordon Ryan — https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gordon_Ryan

Craig Jones — https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Craig_Jones_(grappler)

Yamasaki Academy — https://grappling.com/

Guardian Peru HQ — https://www.guardiangym.org/peruguardiangym

Guardian Culiacán — https://www.guardiangym.org/culiacan

Craig Jones Invitational (CJI) — https://bteamjj.com/craig-jones-invitational/

Seth Belisle (CJI President) — https://www.linkedin.com/in/seth-belisle-b4a0b05a

Fuji Sports (mats) — https://fujisports.com/collections/mats

ADCC — https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/ADCC_Submission_Fighting_World_Championship

Calder Powers (Guardian Executive Director) — https://www.linkedin.com/in/calder-powers

Fair Fight Foundation — https://fightfoundation.com/

Tap Cancer Out — https://tapcancerout.org/

Craig Jones in Peru with Guardian (video) — https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NhbWXUaUA1Ayoutube

UFC BJJ — https://www.ufc.com/ufcbjj

FloSports — https://www.flosports.tv/

Fight 2 Win — https://www.f2wbjj.com/

Finishers Sub-Only — http://www.finishersjiujitsu.com/about.html

BJJ Stars — https://bjjstars.tv/

Polaris Pro Grappling — https://www.polarisprograppling.com/

Who's Number One (WNO) — https://www.flograppling.com/collections/6762055-wno-flograpplingflograppling

Eddie Bravo Invitational (EBI) — https://ebiofficial.com/

Eddie Bravo — https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Eddie_Bravo

Luke Griffith — https://www.flograppling.com/people/7759045-luke-griffith

Kaynan Duarte — https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kaynan_Duarte

Luke Griffith vs Kaynan Duarte, ADCC 2026 — https://www.flograppling.com/articles/16179648-adcc-worlds-2026-99kg-results-luke-griffith-kaynan-duarte

John Danaher — https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/John_Danaher_(martial_artist)

AIGA — https://aigaglobal.com/

Professional Grappling Federation (PGF) — https://www.pgf.world/

UFC Fight Pass — https://welcome.ufcfightpass.com/

Nick Diaz — https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nick_Diaz

Nate Diaz — https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nate_Diaz

Chael Sonnen — https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chael_Sonnen

Kyvann Gonzalez / Bodega Jiu Jitsu — https://www.bodegajiujitsu.com/about

Gianni Grippo — https://www.flograppling.com/people/5950222-gianni-grippo

Caio Terra Academy San Jose — https://bjjsanjose.com/bjjsanjose

Caio Terra — https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Caio_Terra

Mason Fowler — https://www.bjjheroes.com/bjj-fighters/mason-fowler

Mica Galvão — https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Micael_Galv%C3%A3o

Music “Disambiguation” by Robel Borja https://open.spotify.com/artist/7j0DUZ79z4edeLkU2H1UoJ?si=eISl0YfaQ-yLThljs48j5A

Get in touch!

This episode was directed and presented by Dave Meyer, editor & coproducer by Ryan Turner, producer & marketing Robbie Lockie, music kindly provided by Robel Borja.

In this interview, I sit down with René Dreifuss. René is the founder of Radical MMA in New York. He has been training since 1975, fought in the city's early underground vale tudo shows, and holds a black belt in Brazilian jiu-jitsu along with ranks in judo, karate and several other styles. He also holds a master's degree in Japanese military history from Columbia, which shows up in how he thinks about where fighting styles come from.
Rene's path started with bullying and a street attack that left him convinced karate alone would never protect him. He lived six years in Japan, where he trained at the Kodokan, and learned Kosen Judo from its last living master.
He suvived a car accident that almost cost him use of a leg, and was able to return to training and rebuild his game from the ground up. 
Our conversation turns into a discussion of what separates Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu from the arts it came from, what a knife does to the positional hierarchy on the ground, and why Rene now throws out techniques he has used successfully for 40 years whenever the fight data tells him to. We also get into why he thinks most Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu schools have lost two of the art's original three pillars, and how he pushes his students hard without turning training into bullying.
Rene is a teacher who has lots of experience and is generous about passing his lessons on.

Contacts for interviewee:
Radical MMA (website) https://radicalmmanyc.com/
About René Dreifuss (Radical MMA bio) https://radicalmmanyc.com/about-us/
Radical MMA YouTube channel https://www.youtube.com/c/radicalmma
Martial Culture Podcast (René's podcast) https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/martial-culture-podcast/id1823082472
Radical MMA on Tapology https://www.tapology.com/gyms/1766-radical-mma

Some clips used for commentary.  Original sources linked below
Rat Guard https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rP8KzgpN0Mc

Topic Links:
Yuki Nakai https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Yuki_Nakai
Rickson Gracie https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rickson_Gracie
Gracie family https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gracie_family
Royce Gracie https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Royce_Gracie
Vale Tudo Japan https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Vale_Tudo_Japan
Jean Jacques Machado https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jean_Jacques_Machado
Machado Jiu-Jitsu https://www.riganbjj.com/
John Machado https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/John_Machado
Rigan Machado https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rigan_Machado
Cindy Omatsu https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cindy_Omatsu
Toyotaro Miyazaki https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Toyotaro_Miyazaki
AnnMaria De Mars https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/AnnMaria_De_Mars
Neil Adams https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Neil_Adams_(judoka)
Kodokan https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kodokan_Judo_Institute
Kosen Judo https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kosen_judo
Masahiko Kimura https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Masahiko_Kimura
Kanae Hirata https://budovideos.com/products/kosen-judo-dvd-by-kanae-hirata
Shooto https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Shooto
Gerard Gordeau https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gerard_Gordeau
Gracie Jiu-Jitsu in Action https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-X_LpYdUAo4
John Will https://www.redcatacademy.com.au/john_will.html
Rener Gracie https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rener_Gracie
Hélio Gracie https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/H%C3%A9lio_Gracie
Burton Richardson 
https://jkdunlimited.com/
Ricardo De La Riva https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ricardo_de_la_Riva
Carlson Gracie https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Carlson_Gracie
Luta Livre https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Luta_Livre
Raw Combat by Jim Genia https://www.everand.com/book/414907067/Raw-Combat-The-Underground-World-of-Mixed-Martial-Arts
Eddie Bravo https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Eddie_Bravo
Alexa Grasso 
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Alexa_Grasso
Demetrious Johnson https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Demetrious_Johnson
Tim Elliott https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tim_Elliott
Léo Vieira https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/L%C3%A9o_Vieira
Mike Swain https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mike_Swain
Burton Richardson Ep 33 https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/burton-richardson-combat-wisdom-training-philosophy-ep-33/id1840239491?i=1000751283525

Music “Disambiguation” by Robel Borja https://open.spotify.com/artist/7j0DUZ79z4edeLkU2H1UoJ?si=eISl0YfaQ-yLThljs48j5A

Get in touch!

This episode was directed and presented by Dave Meyer, editor & coproducer by Ryan Turner, producer & marketing Robbie Lockie, music kindly provided by Robel Borja.

In this interview, David sits down with comedy magician, author and keynote speaker Robert Strong for a wide-ranging conversation on the neuroscience of misdirection, memory, and audience psychology, drawing surprising parallels between the art of magic and Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu. Strong is a Magic Castle member, longtime Google magic instructor, Penn & Teller: Fool Us alum, and founder of the AI speaker bureau Speak About AI. Strong breaks down how magicians exploit Darwinian attention triggers, false memory creation, and timing windows to create tricks that mystify and delight audiences. The discussion covers close-up magic versus stage illusions, the "applied improv" mindset behind reading a room and recovering from mistakes, and how ballroom dancing sharpened Strong's sense of balance and misdirection. He also previews his upcoming book, The Magic Mindset: The 18 Traits of Great Magicians and Great Leaders, and performs live mentalism demonstrations mid-interview. This episode offers martial artists, magicians, and anyone curious about persuasion, focus, and cognitive bias a rare crossover look at how deception, confidence, and preparation shape performance under pressure.

Contacts for interviewee:

Robert Strong: https://www.strongentertainment.com/

About page: https://www.strongentertainment.com/about

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/robertstrong

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/robert_strong/

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

X (Twitter): https://x.com/RobertStrong

The Magic Mindset: The 18 Traits of Great Magicians and Great Leaders (Robert's upcoming book): https://www.strongentertainment.com/

Speak About AI (Robert's company, as founder): https://speakabout.ai/speakers/robert-strong

Magic Castle / Academy of Magical Arts (performing member): https://www.instagram.com/p/CK4wyqLswjT/

Google (teaches magic there, unofficial "Chief Magic Officer"): https://www.allamericanspeakers.com/speakers/383540/Robert-Strong

Clean Comedians (represented speaker/comedian): https://cleancomedians.com/speakers/robert-strong/

Topic Links:

Brian Gillis: https://www.newsfromme.com/2018/07/03/brian-gillis-r-i-p/

Arrested Development: https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0367279/

Magic Castle: http://www.magiccastle.com

Juan Tamariz: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Juan_Tamariz

Penn & Teller: Fool Us: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Penn_%26_Teller:_Fool_Us

Penn & Teller: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Penn_%26_Teller:_Fool_Us

Dwarkesh Podcast: https://www.dwarkesh.com/

Gary Shandling: https://www.imdb.com/name/nm0002031/

WonderFest: https://wonderfest.org/

Peter Norvig: https://www.norvig.com/

Her (movie): https://www.imdb.com/title/tt1798709/

Adam Cheyer: http://www.adam.cheyer.com/

Adopt-a-Pet.com: https://www.adoptapet.com/

The Amazing Randi (James Randi): https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/James_Randi

Exploratorium: https://www.exploratorium.edu/

The Sixth Sense: https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0167404/

Music “Disambiguation” by Robel Borja https://open.spotify.com/artist/7j0DUZ79z4edeLkU2H1UoJ?si=eISl0YfaQ-yLThljs48j5A

Get in touch!

This episode was directed and presented by Dave Meyer, editor & coproducer by Ryan Turner, producer & marketing Robbie Lockie, music kindly provided by Robel Borja.

Description:

In this interview, UFC legend Randy "The Natural" Couture sits down to unpack a career defined by improbable timing. A former U.S. Army sergeant and three-time NCAA All-American wrestler. He fought his first MMA fight in UFC 13 at 33 years old and became a two-division world champion. Randy traces his path from a Pacific Northwest wrestling mat to Olympic alternate status, then into the chaotic, unregulated early days of "no holds barred" fighting. He fought alongside names like Tank Abbott, Mark Coleman, and Mark Kerr, and breaks down the mindset that carried him through six championship reigns and a comeback at age 47. The conversation moves well beyond the cage, covering his surprising second act in Hollywood alongside Sylvester Stallone in The Expendables, his outspoken advocacy for fighter pay and the flaws in MMA's promoter-sanctioning system, a near-fatal heart attack, his current work supporting veterans through the Xtreme Couture GI Foundation, and — most recently — his unexpected leap into 280-mph NHRA drag racing in his sixties. It's a wide-ranging, candid look at mastery, reinvention, and what it means to stay laser-focused across a lifetime of high-stakes second acts.

Contacts for Randy:
X (Twitter) - https://x.com/Randy_Couture
Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/xcnatch/
Xtreme Couture GI Foundation - www.XCGIF.org
Merging Vets and Players (MVP) - www.vetsandplayers.org
Xtreme Couture GI Foundation - https://www.xtremecoutureg.org/
Xtreme Couture (training center, Las Vegas) - https://www.xtremecouture.com/

Books:
Becoming the Natural: My Life In and Out of the Cage -https://www.amazon.com/-/he/Becoming-Natural-Life-Out-Cage/dp/1439153361
Wrestling for Fighting: The Natural Way - https://a.co/d/08Ti6Jxr
Extreme Training: The Fighter's Ultimate Fitness Manual - https://www.amazon.com/Extreme-Training-Fighters-Ultimate-Fitness/dp/1450724981

Topic Links:
Straight Blast Gym - https://www.straightblastgym.com/
Matt Thornton https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Matt_Thornton_(martial_artist)
Robert Follis - https://www.tapology.com/fightcenter/coaches/1229-robert-follis
Nate Cory - https://www.tapology.com/fightcenter/fighters/nate-cory
Nate Quarry - https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nate_Quarry
Chris Haueter - https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chris_Haueter
Rigan Machado - https://www.riganbjj.com/
PFL (Professional Fighters League) - https://www.pflmma.com/
Jacaré (Ronaldo Souza) - https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ronaldo_Souza
Randy Couture vs. Jacaré Souza grappling match (PSL "X-Mission," 2006) - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Q_q4Yf0SdAM
Robert Drysdale - https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Robert_Drysdale
Ricco Rodriguez - https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ricco_Rodriguez
Boxing Works (Hermosa Beach) - https://www.boxingworks.com/
Vitor Belfort - https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Vitor_Belfort
Maurice Smith - https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Maurice_Smith_(fighter)
Mark Coleman - https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mark_Coleman
Tank Abbott - https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tank_Abbott
John McCarthy - https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/John_McCarthy_(referee)
Mark Kerr - https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mark_Kerr_(fighter)
Kurt Angle - https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kurt_Angle
John Will - https://www.redcatacademy.com.au/john_will.html
Tito Ortiz - https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tito_Ortiz
Antônio Rodrigo Nogueira - https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ant%C3%B4nio_Rodrigo_Nogueira
Royce Gracie - https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Royce_Gracie
Rorion Gracie - https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rorion_Gracie
Team Quest - https://www.tapology.com/gyms/124-team-quest
Sunkist Kids Wrestling Club - https://sunkistkids.org/
Shannon Williams - https://www.themat.com/halloffame/hall-of-fame-detail?PN=Shannon_Williams
Mike Valentine (Practical Martial Arts) - https://www.practicalmartialarts.net/
Vision Quest (film) - https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Vision_Quest_(film)
MMAFA - https://mmafa.org/
Muhammad Ali Act - https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Muhammad_Ali_Boxing_Reform_Act
Lorenzo Fertitta - https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lorenzo_Fertitta
Zuffa - https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Zuffa
Conor McGregor - https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Conor_McGregor
Jake Paul - https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jake_Paul
Ronda Rousey - https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ronda_Rousey
Chuck Liddell - https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chuck_Liddell
Cradle 2 the Grave (film) - https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cradle_2_the_Grave https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Scorpion_King_2:Rise_of_a_Warrior
The Scorpion King (film) - https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Scorpion_King
Gersh Agency - https://www.gershagency.com/
Brigitte Nielsen - https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Brigitte_Nielsen
The Expendables (franchise) - https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Expendables(franchise)
Barry Primus - https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Barry_Primus
The Smashing Machine (film) - https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Smashing_Machine_(2025_film)
Matt Lindland - https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Matt_Lindland
Jerry Anderson - https://www.imdb.com/name/nm0031578/
Brock Lesnar - https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Brock_Lesnar
NHRA - https://www.nhra.com/
SCAG Power Equipment - https://www.scag.com/
Frank Hawley - https://www.frankhawley.com/
Rico Chiperelli - https://www.tapology.com/fightcenter/coaches/2088-rico-chiperelli
Jay Glazer - https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jay_Glazer
Unbreakable (book) - https://www.amazon.com/Unbreakable-Story-Passion-Perseverance-Purpose/dp/1476776299
Waves to War (documentary) - https://wavestowar.com/

Music “Disambiguation” by Robel Borja

Get in touch!

This episode was directed and presented by Dave Meyer, editor & coproducer by Ryan Turner, producer & marketing Robbie Lockie, music kindly provided by Robel Borja.

In this interview, 10th Planet Jiu Jitsu founder Eddie Bravo sits down with longtime training partner and friend David Meyer to share the story behind one of the biggest upsets in grappling history — his legendary submission win over Royler Gracie at ADCC. Eddie opens up about his early days training at the Machado Academy in the 1990s, the origins of the name "Twister" and the rubber guard, and how traditional Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu lacked systematic drilling. The conversation dives deep into Eddie's creative process, his unlikely path from strip club DJ to Man Show writer (with the help of Joe Rogan) to jiu jitsu innovator, and the philosophy of "reps over everything" that built 10th Planet Jiu Jitsu into a global grappling movement. Along the way, David and Eddie trade stories about the early Gracie challenge matches, training with the Machado brothers, Ken Shamrock's visit to the academy, and the mindset shifts that shaped two of jiu jitsu's most influential figures. Whether you're a BJJ practitioner, MMA fan, or grappling history enthusiast, this episode is packed with rare behind-the-scenes stories, jiu jitsu history, and hard-earned lessons on creativity, persistence, and building something no one else was doing.

Contacts for Eddie Bravo:

10th planet BJJ - https://www.10thplanetjj.com/

Eddie Bravo Invitational EBI - https://www.instagram.com/ebiofficial/?hl=en

Eddie's podcast- Look Into It - https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLW8L4f9Vbw8M&si=xEZ0mjWBgfXDT-ot

Eddies Music

Hook Thieves" — Eddie's band - https://open.spotify.com/artist/3dqndc6A7nTKUsaYFd8ncv?si=mCpJDCs7RO26WKWO1ds0NA

"If Lana Covered" — Eddie's YouTube playlist - https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLXYGaNm4UxrckR5cFaMIn_IA4ZK-VJnuT&si=ITjaEu77L11hwNkz

Eddie's Books:

Jiu Jitsu Unleashed https://a.co/d/00Ow5LPi

Mastering the Rubber Guard https://a.co/d/01eIGH37

Advanced Rubber Guard https://a.co/d/08oqRKJT

Mastering the Twister https://a.co/d/04zXEET9

Some clips used for commentary. Original sources linked below

Eddie Bravo vs Royler Gracie ADCC 2003 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ewTGXah4GXE&t=11s

Eddie Bravo vs Royler Gracie Metamoris 2014 rematch

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7dWuG0oQnpw

Dr. D Schultz Slaps Reporter: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GeJepvj5tn4

Dominic Lobo Gogoplata Knockout: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1S25cwU5xUk

Richie BoogeyMan Martinez Rubber Guard Finish at No Gi Worlds: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9Twqr2beqjw

Topic Links:

Royce Gracie — https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Royce_Gracie
Rickson Gracie — https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rickson_Gracie
Carlos Machado — https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Carlos_Machado_(fighter)
Jean Jacques Machado — https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jean_Jacques_Machado
John "Johnny" Machado — https://johnmachadobjj.com/professor-john-machado/
Rigan Machado — https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rigan_Machado
Ken Shamrock — https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ken_Shamrock
Masakatsu Funaki — https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Masakatsu_Funaki
Ricco Rodriguez — https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ricco_Rodriguez
Randy Couture — https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Randy_Couture
Bart Vale — https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bart_Vale
Chris Haueter — https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chris_Haueter
Royler Gracie — https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Royler_Gracie
Marcio Feitosa — https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Marcio_Feitosa
Joe Moreira — https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Joe_Moreira
Renzo Gracie — https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Renzo_Gracie
ADCC — https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/ADCC_Submission_Fighting_World_Championship
Leo Vieira — https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/L%C3%A9o_Vieira
The Man Show — https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Man_Show
Joe Rogan — https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Joe_Rogan
Hulk Hogan — https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hulk_Hogan
Fedor Emelianenko — https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Fedor_Emelianenko
Israel Adesanya — https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Israel_Adesanya
Lana Del Rey — https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lana_Del_Rey
Suno — https://suno.com/discover

Music “Disambiguation” by Robel Borja https://open.spotify.com/artist/7j0DUZ79z4edeLkU2H1UoJ?si=eISl0YfaQ-yLThljs48j5A

Get in touch!

This episode was directed and presented by Dave Meyer, editor & coproducer by Ryan Turner, producer & marketing Robbie Lockie, music kindly provided by Robel Borja.

In this interview, BJJ black belt Felicia Oh sits down to share her remarkable journey from starting Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu at age 33 to becoming a black belt under both Jean Jacques Machado and Eddie Bravo, a rare distinction only a handful of grapplers hold. The conversation covers what it was like training as a small woman in the male-dominated early days of BJJ, competing at ADCC and the FILA Worlds, and practical advice for smaller grapplers dealing with bigger, stronger opponents. Felicia also opens up about the camaraderie among the "Dirty Dozen" pioneering women in the sport, her take on gi versus no-gi training, BJJ's realistic limits as self-defense, adapting her game through injuries and a battle with Epstein-Barr virus, and her unexpected career as an MMA inspector and judge for the state athletic commission. Packed with candid stories and hard-earned wisdom, this episode is a must-watch for grapplers, MMA fans, and anyone interested in martial arts history and women's role in combat sports.

Contacts for interviewee:

Instagram (official) - https://www.instagram.com/felicia0h/

USA Dojo profile (Big John McCarthy's UTA bio) - https://www.usadojo.com/felicia-oh/

Herb Dean's referee training https://www.herbdean.com/

John McCarthy's referee training https://www.mmareferee.com/

Topic Links:

1. Felicia Oh - https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Felicia_Ohwikipedia
2. Jean Jacques Machado - https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jean_Jacques_Machadowikipedia
3. Rigan Machado - https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rigan_Machado
4. Eddie Bravo - https://www.bjjheroes.com/bjj-fighters/eddie-bravobjjheroes
5. John McCarthy ("Big John") - https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/John_McCarthy_(referee)wikipedia
6. ADCC (Abu Dhabi Combat Club) - https://adcc-official.com/adcc-official
7. IBJJF (International Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu Federation) - https://ibjjf.com/ibjjf
8. 10th Planet Jiu Jitsu - https://www.10thplanetjj.com/10thplanetjj
9. !0th Planet Phoenix - https://www.10thplanetphx.com/
10. Jean Jacques Machado Academy - https://www.jjmachado.com/jjmachado
11. Renzo Gracie Academy - https://renzogracieacademy.com/renzogracieacademy
12. Black Sheep Jiu Jitsu - https://www.blacksheepjiujitsu.com/blacksheepjiujitsu

Music “Disambiguation” by Robel Borja https://open.spotify.com/artist/7j0DUZ79z4edeLkU2H1UoJ?si=eISl0YfaQ-yLThljs48j5A

Get in touch!

This episode was directed and presented by Dave Meyer, editor & coproducer by Ryan Turner, producer & marketing Robbie Lockie, music kindly provided by Robel Borja.

In this conversation with Ryron Gracie — grandson of Grandmaster Hélio Gracie and son of UFC co-founder Rorion Gracie, Ryron breaks down the true philosophy of Gracie Jiu-Jitsu, exploring the critical differences between sport BJJ, self-defense training, and MMA, and why he believes "there are no bad positions" in jiu-jitsu, only bad situations. Filmed at the Gracie University in Los Angeles, Ryron shares deep insights on staying calm under pressure, principles he learned from his grandfather Hélio, and how slowing down and prioritizing positional control can transform how you handle conflict both on the mat and in real life. He also discusses SafeWrap, an innovative proprietary restraint system developed for healthcare and law enforcement that uses two-person lateral control to safely subdue individuals without joint locks, chokes, or pain compliance. The discussion goes further into ego, patience, teaching philosophy, and how jiu-jitsu principles like timing, misdirection, and non-attachment show up everywhere — from parenting to business negotiations to everyday interactions. Whether you're a BJJ practitioner, MMA fan, or interested in self-defense, martial arts psychology, and the Gracie family legacy, this episode offers rare wisdom from one of the most respected voices in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu today

Contacts for Ryron Gracie:
"Gracie University" (official website) - https://www.gracieuniversity.comgracieuniversity
"The Gracie Breakdown" (YouTube channel with brother Rener) - https://www.youtube.com/graciebreakdownyoutube
"Ryron Gracie" (Instagram) - https://www.instagram.com/ryrongracieinstagram
"Ryron Gracie" (X/Twitter) - https://x.com/RyronGracie

Some clips used for commentary.  Original sources linked below
Royce Gracie vs Kimo UFC 3 Classic Fight - https://youtu.be/kCdh-PXYZMs?si=WUkmcXm_kW2p6nGS

Topic Links:
"Rigan Machado" (BJJ instructor David trained with) - https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rigan_Machadopaste.txt
"UFC" (Ultimate Fighting Championship) - https://www.ufc.compaste.txt
"Royce Gracie" (early UFC fighter, sparked BJJ's US popularity) - https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Royce_Graciepaste.txt
"Hélio Gracie" (Ryron's grandfather, founder of Gracie Jiu-Jitsu) - https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hélio_Graciepaste.txt
"Rorion Gracie" (Ryron's father, UFC co-founder) - https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rorion_Graciepaste.txt
"Jean Jacques Machado" (David's coach, defense-first philosophy) - https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jean_Jacques_Machadopaste.txt
"Rener Gracie" (Ryron's brother and business partner) - https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rener_Graciewikipedia
"Safe Wrap" (Gracie two-on-one restraint system) - https://www.gracieuniversity.com

Music “Disambiguation” by Robel Borja https://open.spotify.com/artist/7j0DUZ79z4edeLkU2H1UoJ?si=eISl0YfaQ-yLThljs48j5A

Get in touch!

This episode was directed and presented by Dave Meyer, editor & coproducer by Ryan Turner, producer & marketing Robbie Lockie, music kindly provided by Robel Borja.