What's up, folks? This week on the podcast, I sit down with young entrepreneur, teammate and BJJ Blue Belt at Crazy 88 MMA, Shawn Gray. We take a deep dive into his jiu-jitsu journey. Shawn opens up about how he first got into jiu-jitsu and what drew him to train at Crazy 88 MMA. We break down the differences between gi and no-gi, exploring how each style shapes a fighter’s strategy and mindset. Shawn also shares an insightful analogy, comparing jiu-jitsu to a dance — emphasizing the importance ...
Mar 10, 2025•1 hr 14 min•Ep 251•Transcript available on Metacast What's up, everybody? For the milestone 250th episode of Off the Mats Podcast, we’re bringing together three longtime training partners—Kyle Prescott, Ronnie Masgay, and Mark Rollamas—for a deep dive into their unique journeys to the Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu Purple Belt. Having started together at Ivey League MMA before transitioning to Crazy 88 MMA, their paths to this rank couldn’t be more different. Kyle, a dedicated hobbyist, shares how consistency and hard work guided his jiu-jitsu journey, whil...
Mar 03, 2025•2 hr 13 min•Ep 250•Transcript available on Metacast What's up, adventurers? This week on the podcast, I sit down with one of my teammates, Mr. Rich Christie of Crazy 88 MMA, to discuss his martial arts journey from Muay Thai to Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu and his recent promotion to Blue Belt. Rich shares what led him to start training in the first place and then making the transition to grappling, the challenges he faced, and how BJJ has impacted his approach to training. We also dive into an important conversation about finding safe and reliable traini...
Feb 24, 2025•1 hr 8 min•Ep 249•Transcript available on Metacast What's up, Nerds??? This week on the podcast, we nerd it up as I sit down with returning guest Mike Leng to dive deep into the ever-evolving landscape of nerd culture. We kick things off with a discussion on the Marvel Cinematic Universe and how its trajectory has shifted over the years before exploring James Gunn’s vision for the DC Cinematic Universe and what it could mean for longtime fans. Our conversation then takes a nostalgic turn as we examine Star Wars and its heavy reliance on familiar...
Feb 17, 2025•2 hr 40 min•Ep 16•Transcript available on Metacast What's up, folks? This week on the podcast, I sit down with Andrew Quinn. Andrew is a Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu practitioner from Limerick, Ireland, currently holding a purple belt. He actively competes in the no-gi division. Andrew shares his BJJ journey and experiences on his Instagram account, @the_limerick_globetrotter. He also hosts the HumanzeeJitzu Podcast," where he discusses various topics related to BJJ, including his training experiences and travels. We want to give a shout out to @johnsfit...
Feb 10, 2025•1 hr 13 min•Ep 248•Transcript available on Metacast Greetings, folks. This week on the podcast, I sit down with newly promoted Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu Black Belt Matt Capuano to discuss his journey through the ranks. We start at the beginning, reflecting on his early days as a white belt and the lessons he learned on his way up. Matt opens up about the challenges and growth that came with switching gyms at Purple Belt and how that transition shaped his path to achieving his black belt. We dive into the mental and physical hurdles of long-term trainin...
Feb 03, 2025•1 hr 9 min•Ep 247•Transcript available on Metacast What's up, folks? This week on the podcast, I welcome David Riedman, a Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu brown belt and the creator of the K-12 School Shooting Database, a critical tool in understanding and addressing school gun violence in the United States. David shares his journey in BJJ and how the discipline has shaped his approach to defensive training for educators. We dive into what measures should be taken to protect students in school and whether or not to arm teachers, practical applications of BJJ...
Jan 27, 2025•2 hr 38 min•Ep 246•Transcript available on Metacast Welcome home, folks. This week on the podcast, I sit down with Ohio's own Sean Daugherty. A veteran of UFC 2, Sean shares his origin story, from his beginnings in martial arts and what led him to step into the Octagon during one of the earliest UFC events. Sean opens up about his time in the Air Force, his experiences with mental health, and the transformative lessons martial arts have taught him. Together, we discuss the types of kids drawn to martial arts, the natural movements we lose as we g...
Jan 20, 2025•2 hr 50 min•Ep 245•Transcript available on Metacast What's up, folks? This week on the podcast, I sit down with BJJ Black Belt Eli Knight for a conversation that dives deep into the world of martial arts and modern challenges in the digital age. We explore Eli’s unique teaching style and how he connects with students on and off the mats. We also discuss the power of social media in promoting Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, balancing its benefits with the negativity that can come with online trolls and bullies. The conversation takes an intriguing turn as we...
Jan 13, 2025•1 hr 19 min•Ep 244•Transcript available on Metacast Happy New Year, folks. This week on the podcast, I welcome back Blu Mays, the voice behind the Instagram account @neurodivergent_grappler. We dive into her experiences as a grappler navigating neurodiversity, her use of an ADHD Coach to help manage ADHD and the transformative power of positive thinking. Blu shares insights on reframing challenges and finding unique approaches to growth, and we point out how the children's book If You Give a Mouse a Cookie mirrors the ADHD experience. We also dis...
Jan 06, 2025•1 hr 15 min•Ep 243•Transcript available on Metacast What's up, folks? This week on the podcast, I sit down with my teammate and competitor, Marv Green, for an honest and inspiring conversation. We kick things off with a candid chat about awkwardness and anxiety, setting the stage for Marv to share his journey into Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu. He opens up about what first inspired him to step onto the mats, how BJJ has transformed his confidence, and the supportive family he’s found at Crazy 88 MMA. Marv also dives into the nerves he faced when competing,...
Dec 30, 2024•59 min•Ep 242•Transcript available on Metacast Seasons Greetings, folks. This week on the podcast, I’m joined by Blue Belt Laura, the powerhouse behind the BJJ Babes Podcast and a dedicated Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu grappler. Laura shares her incredible journey into BJJ, training at a UFC Gym in California, and how focusing on Jiu-Jitsu has shaped her both on and off the mats. We dive into the vital role of community in BJJ and how Laura's podcast has not only enriched her personal growth but also brought inspiring stories to life through her amaz...
Dec 23, 2024•1 hr 29 min•Ep 241•Transcript available on Metacast What's up, folks? This week on the podcast, I sit down with my teammate and BJJ Brown Belt, Jeremy Collins, for a lighthearted and eclectic conversation. We dive into everything from sipping on White Claws and the inspiring work of the Make-A-Wish Foundation to the whimsical belief in Santa Claus and the all-too-real issue of bad hygiene on the mats. Whether you're here for the laughs, the inspiration, or the jiu-jitsu banter, this episode has a little something for everyone. Tune in, and don't ...
Dec 16, 2024•2 hr 18 min•Ep 240•Transcript available on Metacast What's up, listeners? This week on the podcast, I sit down with Jose Diaz from the Realm of Collectors to dive into his inspiring fitness journey and how it has transformed his life. Jose shares insights into his routines, future goals, and the mindset that keeps him motivated. We also take a fun detour into the worlds of video games and pro wrestling, discussing favorite moments and how these passions intersect with his lifestyle. To wrap it up, we played a fitness-themed round of "Would You Ra...
Dec 09, 2024•2 hr 33 min•Ep 239•Transcript available on Metacast Greetings, everyone! 🎙️ This week on the podcast, I’m joined by Ms. Sarah Oriza, a 28-year martial arts veteran, Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu black belt, and co-founder of G.I.R.L.S Gym Combat Academy. 🥋 Sarah shares her journey through various martial arts disciplines, leading to her black belt in BJJ. We dive into what motivated her to start G.I.R.L.S Gym, the rewarding experiences of creating a women-only space, and the unique challenges she’s faced running the gym. To keep up with Sarah, head over ...
Dec 02, 2024•1 hr 14 min•Ep 238•Transcript available on Metacast What's up, nerds??? It's been a while, but Maryland Phil has joined me for another Nerdcast episode to get caught up on nerd stuff in 2024. We talk about the upcoming MCU show and movie slate, our thoughts and hopes for the next Fantastic Four film, horror flicks, and what's going on in the world of comics. No martial arts were discussed this episode. 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 a...
Nov 25, 2024•3 hr 50 min•Ep 15•Transcript available on Metacast What's up, party people? This week on the podcast, I welcome Pete Jarvis to sit down and chat. Pete shares how he got into jiu-jitsu and his past as a podcaster. He talks about the paintball community, and we get nerdy and talk about collecting and being passionate about our hobbies. To keep up with Pete and his journey, head over to @whitey_mouse on Instagram. 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 everyo...
Nov 18, 2024•2 hr 41 min•Ep 237•Transcript available on Metacast Greetings, friends. This week on the podcast, I welcome Crazy 88 MMA Brazilian Jiu Jitsu Brown Belt Devin Riley to the show. Devin shared his BJJ origin story. We discuss how he prepares for competitions, what he does in his downtime, weight cutting, and motivating the younger athletes. To keep up with Devin, head over to @drileyjj on Instagram and check out @odyssey.strong, as well on Instagram We want to give a shout out to @johnsfitmeals Head over and use promo code Mahoney10, and you'll get ...
Nov 11, 2024•57 min•Ep 236•Transcript available on Metacast What's up, winners? This week on the podcast, I welcome Matt Veiga of the BJJ Balance Podcast and Oss Nation. Matt and I talked about social media growth, the importance of engagement on social media, growing up in the 90s, and what winning looks like in the training room. To keep up with Matt, head over to @oss_nation_bjj on Instagram and check out @bjjbalance Follow the link below for the podcast, social medias, and Youtube info. linktr.ee/oss_nation_bjj We want to give a shout out to @johnsfi...
Nov 04, 2024•2 hr 45 min•Ep 235•Transcript available on Metacast What's up, beautiful mammals? This week on Off the Mats Podcast, I’m excited to sit down with longtime friend of the show, Zack H., as we celebrate his incredible milestone—earning his Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu Black Belt! Zack shares his journey, the highs and lows of the grind, and how it feels to reach the pinnacle of BJJ. We also dive into the importance of recording training rounds, the responsibilities that come with being a black belt, and how every rank in BJJ comes with its own challenges and...
Oct 28, 2024•2 hr 58 min•Ep 234•Transcript available on Metacast Greetings, folks. This podcast week, I welcome Johan and Eli back as we play catch-up with where Eli is in her training as she returns to Sweden. Our conversation covered Johan's training plans at black belt, Eli's training plans after her vacation, how fencing can connect to BJJ, and wristlocks. To follow Johan and learn what's next in his journey, you can find him at @johlor80 on Instagram. And to follow Ellie's continue growth and adventures, head over to @prchalova.eliska on Instagram. We wa...
Oct 21, 2024•1 hr 8 min•Ep 233•Transcript available on Metacast What's up, folks? This week on the podcast I sit down and talk with Colin Stewart. We talk about his helping bring Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu to Ethiopia. He shares with us how it all started, the conditions they had to overcome, the importance of jiu-jitsu for so many, and the plans for Kao BJJ. To keep up with Colin and Kao BJJ, head over to @kao_bjj on Instagram. Follow the link below for more info on ordering the book "Bow Before No Man: The Origin of Brazilian Jiu Jitsu in Ethiopia" www.amazon.com...
Oct 14, 2024•1 hr 25 min•Ep 232•Transcript available on Metacast Greetings, folks. This week on the podcast, I welcome BJJ Purple belt and content creator Viktoria from Australia. Viktoria shared how her martial arts journey began, the importance of making people laugh, finding your tribe, and recognizing ego on and off the mats. To keep up with Viktoria, head over to @heiviktoria on Instagram. Follow the link below to connect to her other links. heiviktoria.komi.io We want to give a shout out to @johnsfitmeals Head over and use promo code Mahoney10 and you'l...
Oct 07, 2024•2 hr 45 min•Ep 231•Transcript available on Metacast What's going on, family and friends? This week, I want to share a personal episode with you. It's special to me because I get to sit and talk with my Grandmother. She shares stories about her childhood, coming from Exumas, Bahamas, moving to Washington, DC, and then to Detroit. She shares stories about her career working at Head Start, raising seven kids, and her hopes all of us, as grandkids, start our own families and carry on family traditions. We want to give a shout out to @johnsfitmeals He...
Sep 30, 2024•1 hr 22 min•Ep 230•Transcript available on Metacast Greetings, folks. This week, on the podcast, I chat with Taelor Moore, a BJJ grappler out of 10 Planet Jiu Jitsu Oceanside. Taelor and I had a fun conversation as she shared her jiu-jitsu story. We found out the when, where, and why of her early training days. Taelor also discussed her experience as a public figure in the BJJ community, why she prefers no gi as opposed to gi jiu jitsu and plans to potentially launch her own podcast. To keep up with Taelor and her jiu jitsu journey, head over to ...
Sep 23, 2024•2 hr 30 min•Ep 229•Transcript available on Metacast Greetings, everyone. This week on the podcast, I want to welcome back Alfredo Moscoso of Arte Suave Elite. Fredo and I did some catching up as we discussed the current state of Arte Suave Elite. We talked about the most recent event that took place on September 14th, we discussed being able to have fun while doing the things that you love, being authentic, impacting the California jiu-jitsu scene, and the future of Arte Suave Elite. To keep up with the Arte Suave Elite lineup, head over to the l...
Sep 16, 2024•1 hr 25 min•Ep 228•Transcript available on Metacast Hi, friends and welcome back to the podcast. This week, I chat with Mike Leng, a sports nutritionist with 14 years of experience specializing in BJJ and MMA. Mike and I discussed what makes for good nutrition, weight-cutting in combat sports, my love for honey buns, and a little bit about eating lifestyles like the carnivore and vegan diets. To catch up with Mike or to schedule a consultation with him, head over to the link below and you'll be up to date on all the happenings. https://www.unorth...
Sep 09, 2024•2 hr 41 min•Ep 227•Transcript available on Metacast Hey folks, welcome back. This week on the podcast, I sit, once again, with George Ivanoff and he shares his adventures from CJI and ADCC. We talk about his experience at both events, matchups, event competitions, and the future of jiu-jitsu, ADCC, and CJI. To follow George and his family's continued adventures, head over to Instagram and see @geo_n_fam And to help George tap cancer out, head to the link below. https://wecan.tapcancerout.org/fundraiser/5493502 And for more info on Global Grapplin...
Sep 02, 2024•1 hr 13 min•Ep 226•Transcript available on Metacast Welcome back, folks. This week on the podcast, I sit with friend of the podcast and Brazilian Jiu Jitsu Black Belt, Chad Meyers. In this episode, Chad shares his transformation to a full-on carnivore and how it has helped him. We discuss the benefits of a meat-only diet, getting back in touch with our physical & mental health, jiu-jitsu & stoicism, and helping others meet their potential. To catch up with Chad and his continued growth or to schedule a consultation with him, head over to ...
Aug 26, 2024•1 hr 20 min•Ep 225•Transcript available on Metacast Hello again, folks. This week on the podcast, I welcome Roxi Smith, a Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu grappler who focuses on strength, flexibility, and mobility programs specifically designed for female BJJ practitioners. She is also the creator of the Ready to Roll training app, which offers tailored programs to help BJJ athletes improve their physical conditioning to complement their grappling skills. Roxi and I talked about some of her challenges as a female grappler, how the Ready to Roll app came to l...
Aug 19, 2024•1 hr 7 min•Ep 224•Transcript available on Metacast 
