Off the Mats Podcast

Off the Mats Podcast #252- Siren Jiu Jitsu feat. Julia Bee

What's up, folks? This week on the podcast, I catch up with Julia Bee, and wow—so much has changed since we last spoke! Julia and I last spoke in April of 2023 and since then, she has earned her Purple Belt in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, a huge milestone in any grappler's journey. But that’s not all—she also got engaged, moved to Virginia, and opened her very own BJJ gym, Siren Jiu Jitsu. Julia shares the challenges and lessons she faced while setting up her gym, from visiting countless academies for research to navigating the tricky world of commercial real estate. She also opens up about the creative process behind designing her gym’s team rash guards—something she’s incredibly proud of. Julia’s story is a testament to resilience, growth, and following your passion. Tune in to hear how she balanced major life changes while building a space for others to thrive on the mats. 
 
Head over to @badgerjiujitsu on Instagram to follow Julai's story and also check out @sirenjiujitsu and stay tuned for more details as they continue to grow.
 
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."Go check out @socialmediastrategiesthatwork. The account is operated by friend to the podcast and frequent guest @bjjmomma. Go give a follow and listen to @so_you_like_horror on Instagram and listen to the new episodes on Spotify.https://spoti.fi/3JqrrxjThe show is available on MANY PLATFORMS.FOLLOW US ON SOCIAL MEDIAFacebook.com/offthematspodcastInstagram @offthematspodcastTwitter @offthematspod1TikTok https://bit.ly/3FTEZAdWRITE INTO THE SHOWEmail: offthemats2020@gmail.com

Off the Mats Podcast #251- Confidence and Combatfeqt. Shawn Gray

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 of finding a good training partner who can match your rhythm.
We then shift gears to talk about the UFC and why being a good trash talker can be just as valuable as being a good fighter. Shawn reflects on how BJJ has boosted his confidence both on and off the mats, and we wrap up the episode with a fun round of five rapid-fire questions. 
 
Head over to @shawnuth_thegreat on Instagram to keep up with Shawn. Also show some love to @k.ands.enterprise and @wear1able1art.
 
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."Go check out @socialmediastrategiesthatwork. The account is operated by friend to the podcast and frequent guest @bjjmomma. Go give a follow and listen to @so_you_like_horror on Instagram and listen to the new episodes on Spotify.https://spoti.fi/3JqrrxjThe show is available on MANY PLATFORMS.FOLLOW US ON SOCIAL MEDIAFacebook.com/offthematspodcastInstagram @offthematspodcastTwitter @offthematspod1TikTok https://bit.ly/3FTEZAdWRITE INTO THE SHOWEmail: offthemats2020@gmail.com

Off the Mats Podcast #250- Milestone Moments feat. Mark Rollamas, Ronnie Masgay, and Kyle Prescott

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, while Ronnie breaks down the key skills and mindsets he instills in his students as their coach. Mark, a fierce competitor, reflects on how stepping onto the competition mats has sharpened his game and mental approach. The group also explores how music shapes the energy of the training room, the changes they’ve experienced since leveling up, and their evolving definitions of success at Purple Belt.
Whether you're a casual practitioner, a coach, or a competitor, this episode offers something for everyone on their jiu-jitsu journey. Tune in as we celebrate 250 episodes with a conversation packed with insight, reflection, and plenty of laughs.
Head over to @mdavid.bjj88 on Instagram to follow Mark's journey and also use offer code CMCMarkR15 at kalinawsd.com for a discount on gis, rashguards, spats, and more. Shout out to @kalinawbjj
Ronnie can be found at @ronniemasgay on Instagram continuing his journey as a grappler and coach at @crazy88severnapark
 
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."Go check out @socialmediastrategiesthatwork. The account is operated by friend to the podcast and frequent guest @bjjmomma. Go give a follow and listen to @so_you_like_horror on Instagram and listen to the new episodes on Spotify.https://spoti.fi/3JqrrxjThe show is available on MANY PLATFORMS.FOLLOW US ON SOCIAL MEDIAFacebook.com/offthematspodcastInstagram @offthematspodcastTwitter @offthematspod1TikTok https://bit.ly/3FTEZAdWRITE INTO THE SHOWEmail: offthemats2020@gmail.com

Off the Mats Podcast #249- Rolling to Success

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 training partners—why it matters and how it can shape your growth in the sport. Plus, we wrap things up with some fun Rapid Fire questions. Whether you're a seasoned grappler or just getting started, this episode is packed with insights and inspiration. Tune in and enjoy the roll.
 
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."Go check out @socialmediastrategiesthatwork. The account is operated by friend to the podcast and frequent guest @bjjmomma. Go give a follow and listen to @so_you_like_horror on Instagram and listen to the new episodes on Spotify.https://spoti.fi/3JqrrxjThe show is available on MANY PLATFORMS.FOLLOW US ON SOCIAL MEDIAFacebook.com/offthematspodcastInstagram @offthematspodcastTwitter @offthematspod1TikTok https://bit.ly/3FTEZAdWRITE INTO THE SHOWEmail: offthemats2020@gmail.com

Off the Mats Nerdcast #16- Wide World of Nerds

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 elements—does it enhance the franchise or hold it back?
From there, we journey into the intricate and immersive world of Warhammer 40K lore and the growing appeal of the franchise. We also geek out over Legos and Lord of the Rings, celebrating the creativity and enduring impact of these beloved franchises. Mike and I also tackle the topic of toxic fandoms, discussing how online communities can both uplift and tear down the things they claim to love.
Finally, we reflect on the importance of passing down nerd culture to the next generation. How do we introduce kids to the things we love while avoiding the pitfalls of gatekeeping and toxicity? Whether you're a lifelong fan or just getting into nerd culture, this episode has something for everyone.
Mike can be found on Instagram at @unorthodoxnutrition 
 
Thank you all for listening to and supporting the podcast. Below, you'll find info on where to find the shows and social media.
 
Go give a follow and listen to @so_you_like_horror on Instagram and listen to the new episode on Spotify
 
https://spoti.fi/3Jqrrxj
 
The show is available on MANY PLATFORMS
 
FOLLOW US ON SOCIAL MEDIA
 
Facebook.com/offthematspodcast
 
Instagram @offthematspodcast
 
Twitter @offthematspod1
 
TikTok https://bit.ly/3FTEZAd
 
WRITE IN TO THE SHOW
 
Email: offthemats2020@gmail.com

Off the Mats Podcast #248- The Limerick Globtrotter feat. Andrew Quinn

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 @johnsfitmeals
Head over and use promo code Mahoney10, and you'll get 10% off.
 
Again, thank you 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."Go check out @socialmediastrategiesthatwork. The account is operated by friend to the podcast and frequent guest @bjjmomma. Go give a follow and listen to @so_you_like_horror on Instagram and listen to the new episodes on Spotify.https://spoti.fi/3JqrrxjThe show is available on MANY PLATFORMS.FOLLOW US ON SOCIAL MEDIAFacebook.com/offthematspodcastInstagram @offthematspodcastTwitter @offthematspod1TikTok https://bit.ly/3FTEZAdWRITE INTO THE SHOWEmail: offthemats2020@gmail.com

Off the Mats Podcast #247- Rolling Through the Ranks feat. Matt Capuano

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 training, the evolving perspectives at each belt level, and what this milestone means to him. To wrap up, we keep things fun with a five-question round of "Would You Rather...?". 
 
To keep up with Matt, give a follow on Instagram at @romanred66 and we also want to give a shout out to @the_real_og_sweetangelina2453, @allianceupland, and @mayramazza
 
We want to give a shout out to @johnsfitmeals
Head over and use promo code Mahoney10, and you'll get 10% off.
 
Again, thank you 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."Go check out @socialmediastrategiesthatwork. The account is operated by friend to the podcast and frequent guest @bjjmomma. Go give a follow and listen to @so_you_like_horror on Instagram and listen to the new episodes on Spotify.https://spoti.fi/3JqrrxjThe show is available on MANY PLATFORMS.FOLLOW US ON SOCIAL MEDIAFacebook.com/offthematspodcastInstagram @offthematspodcastTwitter @offthematspod1TikTok https://bit.ly/3FTEZAdWRITE INTO THE SHOWEmail: offthemats2020@gmail.com

Off the Mats Podcast #246- School Safety and Self-Defense feat. David Riedman

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 in real-world situations, and the invaluable lessons martial arts bring to high-stakes environments. This episode offers a unique blend of martial arts philosophy and actionable insights into pressing societal issues.
 
For more information on David's work, please follow the links below where you will find his Substack and weekly podcast Back to School Shootings.
https://k12ssdb.substack.com/
https://open.spotify.com/show/5naKhAAnNOObvYREwAuSyz
 
We want to give a shout out to @johnsfitmeals
Head over and use promo code Mahoney10, and you'll get 10% off.
 
Again, thank you 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."Go check out @socialmediastrategiesthatwork. The account is operated by friend to the podcast and frequent guest @bjjmomma. Go give a follow and listen to @so_you_like_horror on Instagram and listen to the new episodes on Spotify.https://spoti.fi/3JqrrxjThe show is available on MANY PLATFORMS.FOLLOW US ON SOCIAL MEDIAFacebook.com/offthematspodcastInstagram @offthematspodcastTwitter @offthematspod1TikTok https://bit.ly/3FTEZAdWRITE INTO THE SHOWEmail: offthemats2020@gmail.com