Adisa Banjoko, a figurehead in music journalism and martial arts, challenges the narrative around men’s mental health with his The Resilient Men's Group which dissects the societal obligations of men and sheds light on the unseen battles they face daily.

This episode is a journey of personal growth, resilience, and the power of a diverse and supportive community.

Adisa and I explore the profound wisdom of stoic philosophy and its role in developing resilience, a key aspect of mental health. We also highlight the importance of networking through support groups, and testify to the strength found in unity and shared experiences.

Feeling overwhelmed and undervalued are common challenges many people face. We tackle these issues head-on, offering practical solutions that integrate mind and body practices like meditation and journaling.

Join us as we navigate the path to fostering a healthier mindset, and cultivating a stronger sense of self-worth.

This is more than just a podcast; it's a movement towards better mental health for everyone everywhere! We invite you to Subscribe and become part of our thriving community.

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Welcome to our latest video podcast, where I explore the urgent issue of youth human trafficking in Oakland. This video transcends mere discussion, serving as a call to action for community safety, awareness, and empowerment.

Nola Brantley, a distinguished advocate for community safety in Oakland, California, conducts Human Trafficking and Trauma training by day. By night, she and other community leaders distribute safety flyers during Town Nights in several of Oakland's overlooked neighborhoods.

Our conversation is especially dedicated to protecting and uplifting those most at risk, namely black children in urban neighborhoods. We explore practical tools and strategies for personal safety, such as smart/air tags for children, pepper spray for teens and older, and social media safety training for parents and guardians. Additionally, we shed light on the missed opportunity to conduct self-defense classes for these communities over the summer.

While I recognize that this conversation can be polarizing and I do NOT agree with all viewpoints shared, I find common ground with Nola on the overarching goal. Hopefully, together, we can effect change and ensure a safer future for our youth.

Join us in this pivotal conversation. Watch, learn, and share this video to raise awareness. Remember, your voice can be the catalyst for change.

#Oakland #YouthSafety #HumanTrafficking #CommunityEmpowerment #SelfDefense #SocialMediaSafety

Von explores the world of Functional Range Systems (FRS) and why it's a game-changer compared to traditional training methods with fellow grappler and FRC instructor Alex Nichols. 🏋️‍♀️💪Alex explains how FRS emphasizes the need for sport-specific training, which can lead to potential injuries. 🤕🚫As athletes, it's crucial to understand the demands of our sport and favor specialized workouts over general ones. We discuss how this approach can significantly improve your performance and reduce the risk of injuries. 🏆🥇

Von finally connects with Laurien and Alex from Off the Mat after a few controversial incidents in the martial arts community and has a very open dialogue about the often overlooked topic of cults and toxic gym in Jiu Jitsu. In this candid discussion, we share our personal experiences and shed light on the vulnerabilities that students may face while seeking martial arts school to help them develop confidence and self-defense skills. It's sad and happens far to often where people seeking solace from being bullied and abused find themselves in environments that perpetuate the same behaviors.

Von dive’s into the fascinating story of Bryant Pangelinan, a former bodybuilder, cop, and world champion in Jiu Jitsu. Discover how he transitioned from different careers, faced challenges, and built a thriving martial arts community. Learn valuable insights and gain motivation to embark on your own life changing journey. Whether you're a fitness enthusiast, interested in martial arts, or seeking something meaningful to be part of, this video is for you.

Von sits down with Marjani McCoy, owner of If You Must a local event planning company in the San Francisco Bay Area. Marjani started her brand "If You Must" with the idea of living a better life by being more conscious about what we consume. What originally started as an idea for a blog quickly transformed into something real after planning her best friend's wedding. As an event planner, Marjani found her voice by planning unique events that showcase how living a healthy life can also coexist with having fun. Marjani's goal is to create events that are not solely focused on alcohol, but instead include cannabis to help people chill and relax while having a good time. Marjani will be hosting a 420 party at Sky Cafe in South San Francisco on April 22, 2023. For more information and tickets go to

Von sits down with her long time friend and jiujitsu training partner Jyn Rose to talk about her life as a new mom and gym owner. She talks to her about what it's like to step back in the competition scene postpartum and breaks down some jiujitsu techniques for beginners.

Von and Dan continue their conversation with Darren. They talk about how he met Mike Glover and why he decided to get firearms training. Plus what his thought process was behind promoting Von to black belt.

Von sits down with Dionne Davis to talk about her journey to become a fitness trainer.

Von and Dan sit down with Darren and talk about Surfing and JiuJitsu.