Off the Mats Podcast

The Off the Mats Podcast is hosted by Jake Dante, a jiu jitsu practitioner in Maryland and all around regular guy. On the show, various topics are discussed ranging from training to dealing with injury and mental health as it relates to martial arts. We also talk about other topics outside of that realm that can go anywhere from comic books to films to pro wrestling and even just general family life.
The Off the Mats Podcast is hosted by Jake Dante, a jiu jitsu practitioner in Maryland and all around regular guy. On the show, various topics are discussed ranging from training to dealing with injury and mental health as it relates to martial arts. We also talk about other topics outside of that realm that can go anywhere from comic books to films to pro wrestling and even just general family life.
Episodes
Episodes



Monday Jan 27, 2025
Monday Jan 27, 2025
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



Monday Jan 20, 2025
Off the Mats Podcast #245- Alien Blueprint feat. Sean Daugherty
Monday Jan 20, 2025
Monday Jan 20, 2025
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 grow, how martial arts helps us reconnect with them, and the confidence it instills in practitioners. Sean and I also talked about starting up a new project: the launch of a mini-podcast. Don’t miss this inspiring conversation with a true pioneer in the sport—tune in, subscribe, and share your thoughts!
To keep up with Sean, head over to @alienblueprint on Instagram.
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



Monday Jan 13, 2025
Off the Mats Podcast #244- Jiu Jitsu Adjacent feat. Eli Knight
Monday Jan 13, 2025
Monday Jan 13, 2025
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 delve into the role of artificial intelligence in content creation and debate as we explore how it’s reshaping authenticity in the martial arts community. And we close out with a round of "Would You Rather...?".
This episode is packed with insights, laughs, and raw honesty—don’t miss it!
To keep up with Eli, head over to @knight_jiu_jitsu on Instagram. Also, visit the link below for more content.
linktr.ee/Knightjiujitsu
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



Monday Jan 06, 2025
Off the Mats Podcast #243- Navigating Neurodiversity feat. Blu Mays
Monday Jan 06, 2025
Monday Jan 06, 2025
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 discuss the importance of training at a gym that fosters a supportive and light-hearted environment—a place where everyone can thrive on and off the mats.
Whether you're a grappler, neurodivergent, or simply looking for inspiration, this episode will leave you motivated to approach life and training with a fresh perspective.
To keep up with Blu and her continued journey, head over to @blu_candoit on Instagram, and for more info on neurodiversity, follow @neurodivergent_grappler.
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



Monday Dec 30, 2024
Monday Dec 30, 2024
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, the lessons he’s learned from defeat, and how the discipline of jiu-jitsu has impacted both his personal and professional life. Whether you’re a grappler or just someone looking for a boost of inspiration, this episode is packed with relatable moments and valuable insights.
Tune in to hear Marv’s story, his reflections on competition, and why the jiu-jitsu journey is about so much more than just the wins.
To keep up with Marv, head over to @revenant_reborn84 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 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



Monday Dec 23, 2024
Off the Mats Podcast #241- From the Mat to the Mic feat. Laura the Blue Belt
Monday Dec 23, 2024
Monday Dec 23, 2024
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 amazing guests. We also talk about dealing with trolls in the comments and how to effectively shuts down narcissistic negativity—an important lesson for anyone navigating online spaces.
To cap things off, we lighten the mood with a fun game of rapid-fire questions, revealing Laura’s favorite moves, inspirations, and dream training experiences.
This episode is packed with wisdom, laughs, and empowering insights for grapplers of all levels. Don’t miss it!
To keep up with Laura's podcast and jiu jitsu journey, head over to @bjjbabespodcast 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 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



Monday Dec 16, 2024
Off the Mats Podcast #240- Live, Laugh, Grapple feat. Jeremy Collins
Monday Dec 16, 2024
Monday Dec 16, 2024
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 forget to subscribe, share, and leave a review! Let us know: What's your go-to drink after rolling?"
To keep up with Jeremy, head over to @bjj_picasso 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 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



Monday Dec 09, 2024
Off the Mats Podcast #239- Transforming Through Fitness feat. Jose Diaz
Monday Dec 09, 2024
Monday Dec 09, 2024
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 Rather...?".
Tune in for a mix of inspiration, entertainment, and thought-provoking conversation. Don’t forget to subscribe, leave a review, and share with a friend!
To keep up with Jose and his fitness journey, head over to @diaz4fitness on Instagram and check out @realmofcollectors, as well 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 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

About the Host
Jake Dante is a content curator with BJJ.Wiki. You might know him from several social media and podcast projects such as Nerd Rage Radio and Colompton Social Club. He is also generally very lowkey but active on social media.
Jake lives, trains, and podcasts from Anne Arundel County, Maryland and is always spending time with his family and working on show ideas and content.











