This episode wasn’t planned. But it turned out to be exactly the one that needed to happen.

After Eric the Gentleman’s episode (Ep25), Jay had hoped to sit down with Nick for a follow-up — a chance to process some of the deeper things Eric shared about growth, emotional blocks, and nervous system safety. When they tried in Jay’s Failed Follow-Up (Ep26), it didn’t quite land. Jay showed up ready. Nick wasn’t in that space yet.

And then… a text from Nick:
 “I’m mad at u, but we will discuss it on the next podcast.”

What starts as a regular catch-up quietly becomes the follow-up Jay hoped for, but only Nick could decide to start. This time, Nick brings it forward on his own terms — naming the pattern he’s carried of leaning on humor or distraction when things get heavy… and choosing not to do that here.

Like Jiu-Jitsu, this wasn’t about forcing a breakthrough. It was about holding steady in the uncomfortable position long enough for the real shift to happen. The first attempt felt like resistance. But this time, Nick chose when to engage, how to engage — and because of that, the conversation unfolded honestly.

It’s the follow-up they couldn’t force — but the one that honors what Eric the Gentleman shared back in Ep25: the hard truth that healing, growth, and change can only happen at the pace your nervous system feels safe enough to allow.

Getting some hours in.

In this episode, Nick and Jay sit down with Rebecca Billick — a lawyer and mediator whose life reads like five careers rolled into one. Foster parent to 18 kids. Former maximum-security prison math teacher. Wilderness camp counselor for at-risk youth. And most recently, owner and resident of what used to be a 1930s bar and inn — now her home.

But Rebecca doesn’t tell these stories to impress. She shares them the way she seems to approach most things: with honesty, humor, and a steady refusal to glamorize the work. From staining every piece of wood in her home until she gave herself tennis elbow (“couldn’t hold a pen — good times”) to navigating divorce and uncertainty before finding the place she now calls home, Rebecca’s story is less about resume points and more about resilience.

She also reflects on why this path makes sense for her — not because she set out to be a lawyer or a mediator, but because, as she puts it, “I’m just who I am.” The work, in many ways, found her. She didn’t go looking for ways to help people — she simply showed up where she was needed.

The conversation touches on foster parenting, prison education, and the challenge of supporting others without losing yourself along the way. And like the life she’s built, this episode isn’t polished or packaged — it’s honest, thoughtful, and shaped by one simple truth: Rebecca is just who she is.

Getting some hours in.

In this episode of The Predictably Random Podcast, Nick and Jay sit down with professional poker player Chris Bolek for a conversation that moves well beyond the game. While Chris has spent years competing at the highest levels, this episode focuses on something more personal: the emotional weight that can come with chasing success in a high-pressure world.

Chris opens up about the internal battles that aren’t always visible from the outside — the quiet struggles that don’t show up in headlines or highlight reels. It’s a rare and honest look at what it means to stay grounded, even when you feel lost.

Nick and Jay mostly listen, holding space for a conversation that unfolds with care. And near the end, Jay offers a personal reflection he doesn’t usually share — touching on the deeper work of healing, identity, and showing up fully in your own life.

This episode isn’t about poker strategy. It’s about what it means to be human — especially when no one’s watching.

Getting some hours in.

Jay hoped this would be the thoughtful follow-up to their conversation with Eric the Gentleman — a chance to explore how the nervous system shapes our behavior, blocks progress, and subconsciously steers our decisions. But Nick made it very clear he wasn’t trying to talk about feelings.

Every time Jay tries to dig into Eric’s powerful insight — “You will only be, do, or have what your nervous system deems as safe” — Nick dodges with sarcasm, jokes, or flat-out derailment. Jay wanted depth. Nick wanted distraction. What they delivered was classic Predictably Random.

Instead of clarity and breakthroughs, this episode delivers creative avoidance, half-baked introspection, and two guys navigating the fine line between meaningful conversation and total nonsense—mostly thanks to Nick intentionally being a dick.

Getting some hours in.

In this episode of The Predictably Random Podcast, Nick and Jay sit down with Eric Uresk, a no-BS coach whose journey from street-level chaos to deep personal transformation makes for one of the rawest and most inspiring conversations yet.

Eric opens up about his early years—ones marked by crime, addiction, and self-destruction—and how hitting rock bottom eventually led him into sobriety through the 12-step process. What followed wasn’t just recovery, but a complete reinvention: a life built on discipline, self-work, and helping others through the same deep inner work that changed his own trajectory.

Now a full-time coach and mentor (not a therapist, as he firmly clarifies), Eric works with clients navigating serious personal growth—often on a near-daily basis. He shares how he emotionally prepares for that kind of intensity, maintaining rigorous self-care rituals to keep his own inner world clear so he can be fully present for others.

The episode balances powerful insight with plenty of classic Predictably Random energy: jokes about Nick getting his face smashed in during jiu-jitsu, Jay’s AI flexing, and some bro-science on choking techniques (with love). Eric’s trademark intensity, honesty, and dry humor shine as he talks about what it means to live with intention, hold space for others, and stay committed to transformation—no matter where you started.

Find Eric at:

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

Getting some hours in.

In this episode, Nick and Jay welcome Rohit Tharani, a globetrotting filmmaker and adventurer whose career has taken him from corporate media in Asia to documenting wild escapades with jiu-jitsu star Craig Jones. Rohit shares the behind-the-scenes madness of filming in war zones, navigating cultural barriers, and creating viral content on a shoestring budget.

The conversation spans Rohit’s journey from growing up in Hong Kong to producing high-stakes documentaries in places like Ukraine, Medellín, and Venezuela. He talks about his creative process, from capturing unfiltered moments to editing in armored vehicles and airport lobbies. With humor and grit, he describes dodging bullets, blowing up cars, and balancing the chaos of life on the road with his passion for storytelling.

They also dive into the unconventional genius of Craig Jones, a grappler who blurs the line between comedy and competition, and the impact of using jiu-jitsu to support charitable causes. For anyone curious about what it takes to make it in the unpredictable world of adventure filmmaking, this episode is a must-listen.

Check out more of Rohit Tharani’s work on his YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/@rohitwonder
And dive into the hilarity and brilliance of Craig Jones at: https://www.youtube.com/@BTeamJiuJitsu

Getting some hours in.

In this episode, Nick and Jay sit down with "Sunny", better known as Ehsan Hatem El-Kirdany, Miss Egypt 2007. Sunny shares her unexpected journey from modeling gigs to the pageant stage, where she was crowned on April 23, 2007 in Cairo. Growing up bicultural—half Egyptian, half American—gave her a unique lens to navigate life in Egypt, a country often marked by rigid societal expectations for women.

The conversation dives into the whirlwind of pageant life: from skeptical beginnings to finding herself in the top five, answering questions in English amidst a booing audience, and ultimately winning the crown. Sunny offers a behind-the-scenes glimpse into the Miss Egypt pageant, including sketching during downtime and enduring the surreal moments of standing on stage in heels she couldn’t escape from.

But this episode is about more than tiaras—Sunny reflects on the struggles of fame, the isolation of being in the spotlight, and how she found her footing after leaving the pageant world. From teaching English to immigrants to reconnecting with her core values, Sunny’s story is a heartfelt reminder that true success comes from staying grounded and authentic, no matter how glittery life gets.

Getting some hours in.

In this wide-ranging episode, Nick and Jay dive deep into the quirks and realities of adulting, from the inexplicable importance of sweatpants to the surprising emotions sparked by new grocery stores. Jay opens up about his recent move to Austin, including the unexpected challenges of leaving a comfort zone and the mental gymnastics of starting fresh in a new city.

The duo reflects on how overachievers often fail to talk about their bad days and why it’s okay to admit you need a hug—or at least a weighted blanket. They share insights on finding joy in the moment, avoiding the trap of constantly chasing the next goal, and how being intentional can elevate everyday experiences. Whether it’s savoring a perfect cup of coffee or learning to embrace the ups and downs, this episode is a reminder that it’s not all about the grind—it’s about the memories you create along the way.

Tune in for laughs, life lessons, and some solid tips on why hoop shorts might just be the ultimate sleepwear.

Getting some hours in.

In this reflective episode, Nick and Jay take a step back to look at the growth of their podcast and their lives as 2024 comes to a close. They dig into the art of finding your voice—not just in podcasting but in life. Whether it’s learning the ropes of Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu (where purple belts reign supreme) or refining their craft as podcasters, they explore how progress is less about leaps and more about continuous, meaningful steps forward.

The duo reminisces about their favorite guests, including the inspiring crime reporter and the ex-con who turned his life around, and share how those stories shaped their journey. They also touch on the idea of pursuing passion with purpose—why some people go all-in, while others let fear or complacency hold them back.

With a mix of humor and heartfelt insights, this episode celebrates how far they’ve come and sets the tone for 2025. From resolutions that aren’t tied to dates to the value of small, incremental change, Nick and Jay remind us that growth is a process, not a destination.

Getting some hours in.

In this jam-packed episode, Nick and Jay cover everything from stock tips to the intensity of competitive greatness. They start by diving into investment strategies, debating the merits of buying what you love (Apple, Tesla, Alphabet) versus playing it safe with the S&P 500. Jay reflects on the lessons he's learned navigating the stock market, while Nick marvels at the importance of long-term planning—even when the market feels more volatile than ever.

The conversation then shifts gears to explore the legendary determination of athletes like Michael Jordan and Kobe Bryant. From Jordan’s relentless competitive spirit to Kobe’s seamless second act post-NBA, Nick and Jay discuss what separates icons from everyone else. They even touch on current rising stars like Anthony Edwards, debating whether he has the "it factor" to be the next big thing.

Finally, the episode turns personal, as Nick reveals plans for his next big move: 45 days in Austin, Texas. He’s chasing new experiences, training with top-tier athletes, and soaking in comedy at Joe Rogan’s Mothership Comedy Club. The episode is a mix of practical advice, nostalgic reflections, and inspiring plans for the future.

Getting some hours in.