In this episode of the Off the Mats Podcast, I sit down with my Crazy 88 MMA teammate Brian Garcia to talk about what it’s like to start Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu as a brand-new white belt. Brian has been training for less than a year, so we get into the beginner experience from the ground up: walking into the gym for the first time, surviving the early months, getting comfortable with live rolling, learning how to deal with constant mistakes and submissions, and slowly recognizing the signs of improvement. We also talk about training at Crazy 88 MMA, becoming part of the jiu-jitsu community, the effects that it can have on mental health, developing confidence on and off the mats, and what keeps someone coming back even after the toughest training sessions. Whether you’re a longtime grappler or considering your first BJJ class, this episode offers a relatable look at the early stages of the jiu-jitsu journey. Topics include Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu for beginners, BJJ white belt experiences, Crazy 88 MMA, martial arts training, grappling, confidence, gym culture, and personal growth through jiu-jitsu.

Off the Mats Podcast celebrates another anniversary with Episode #322 and the return of friend to the podcast, Mark Rollamas, from Crazy 88 MMA. Mark was the guest on the very first episode of Off the Mats back in August 2020, and he returns to continue our annual tradition of reflecting on the podcast, martial arts, and where life has taken us. In this episode, Mark and I recap our day at the Muay Thai Developmental League, better known as the MDL, and discuss the atmosphere surrounding amateur Muay Thai development. We also get into our shared love of horror films, our current experiences in grappling, and some of the most underrated positions in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu. Mark also shares practical advice for BJJ white belts who are learning how to survive, develop confidence, and build a strong foundation on the mats. Whether you train jiu-jitsu, follow Muay Thai, enjoy horror movies, or have been listening since Episode #1, this anniversary conversation is about friendship, consistency, and continuing to grow both on and off the mats.

Episode 20 of the Off the Mats Nerdcast is here, and Maryland Phil is back to catch up on everything happening across nerd culture. This week, we break down the latest Marvel Legends reveals from San Diego Comic-Con, including the new Marvel vs. Capcom Sentinel and other figures that caught our attention. We also react to the Avengers: Doomsday trailer, talk about Robert Downey Jr. stepping into the role of Doctor Doom, and discuss whether Marvel can make the next Avengers movie feel like a true event again. We also preview Spider-Man: Brand New Day ahead of its July 31 theatrical release, including where Peter Parker’s story could go after No Way Home, Jon Bernthal’s Punisher, and what we want from a more grounded Spider-Man story. To close things out, we preview our transition to horror, as we prepare to record a bonus episode of the So, You Like Horror? Podcast where we will discuss what we’ve been watching, which upcoming releases have our attention, and where the genre stands in 2026. If you’re into Marvel Legends, the MCU, Spider-Man, horror movies, collectibles, comics, and general nerd culture, this episode is for you.

Melly returns to the Off the Mats Podcast for a conversation about creativity, anxiety, and her evolving relationship with Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu. Since her last appearance, Melly has stepped away from the mats while navigating motherhood for the first time and learning how to balance her new responsibilities with her identity as an artist and grappler. We discuss what life has looked like during this transition, the challenges of being away from training, and why taking a break from jiu-jitsu does not mean walking away from it forever. Melly also shares the inspiration behind @artofjiujitsu and @theartofcalm_co, where she combines creativity, mindfulness, and art meditation to help people manage anxiety and find moments of calm. This episode explores identity beyond the mats, the pressure to remain productive, and how art can become a practical tool for slowing down and reconnecting with yourself. Follow Melly on Instagram at @artofjiujitsu and @theartofcalm_co.

BJJ brown belt Moe Brown returns to Off the Mats Podcast to help break down UFC 329: McGregor vs. Holloway 2. We discuss Conor McGregor’s long-awaited return, the unfortunate knee injury that brought the main event to an early conclusion, and whether Max Holloway should receive full credit for the victory. We also examine what the result means for both fighters, whether a trilogy fight makes sense, and whether McGregor’s latest setback could mark the end of his career inside the Octagon. Moe also provides his technical grappling perspective on Paddy Pimblett’s quick D’Arce choke against Benoît Saint Denis, Brandon Royval’s rear-naked-choke finish, Mario Bautista’s victory over Cory Sandhagen, and Robert Whittaker’s successful light-heavyweight debut.  What was your reaction to the UFC 329 main event? Should Holloway and McGregor fight for a third time? Follow Off the Mats Podcast, leave a rating and review, and join the conversation.

On this episode of Off the Mats Podcast, I sit down with Ben, a grappler whose life recently changed after undergoing surgery that resulted in an ileostomy. Ben shares the story behind his health journey, what recovery has been like, and how he is adjusting physically and emotionally to life with an ostomy. We also discuss the challenges of stepping away from Brazilian jiu-jitsu, the support he has received from the people around him, and his return to the mats. Ben speaks openly about vulnerability, confidence, adaptation, and what strength looks like when your body and daily routine suddenly change. This is an honest conversation about resilience, ostomy awareness, major surgery recovery, and the determination to keep moving forward both on and off the mats.

In this deeply personal episode of Off the Mats Podcast, I sit down with Crazy 88 MMA blue belt Brandon Timmins to remember his younger brother, Justin Timmins, a fellow grappler and valued member of the Crazy 88 MMA community whom we recently lost to suicide. Brandon shares memories of Justin as a brother, teammate, and person while discussing grief, the pressure many men feel to hide their struggles, and why honest conversations about mental health matter. We also reflect on the seminar held at Crazy 88 MMA in Elkridge on June 27, with donations benefiting the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention. This conversation is not an attempt to provide simple answers or define Justin by the circumstances of his death. It is about honoring his life, supporting those affected by suicide loss, and encouraging men to understand that asking for help is not a weakness. This episode includes discussions of suicide, grief, and mental health that may be difficult for some listeners. If you or someone you know is struggling or experiencing a mental health crisis, call or text the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline at 988. Support is available 24 hours a day. Rest in peace, Justin Timmins. Also, please consider donating to the foundations listed: https://supporting.afsp.org/campaigns/Justin-Timmins---Gone-Too-Soon https://988lifeline.org/donate/

For the first time since July 2020, Episode 317 of Off the Mats Podcast is a solo episode. Jake sits down without a guest to catch listeners up on what has been happening in the Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu community, around the gym, and behind the scenes of the podcast. He shares thoughts on current BJJ conversations, training consistency, gym culture, personal progress, and the challenges of balancing jiu-jitsu with work, family, recovery, and podcasting. Jake also reflects on how Off the Mats has evolved over more than 300 episodes, what he has learned from interviewing grapplers, coaches, fighters, and community members, and why everyday stories continue to be an important part of the show. The episode closes with a preview of upcoming guests, future conversations, and what may be next for Off the Mats Podcast. Whether you are a competitor, coach, hobbyist, or someone simply trying to stay consistent on the mats, this episode is a reminder that progress can look different at every stage of the journey. Follow Off the Mats Podcast, share the episode with a teammate, and send in your suggestions for future guests and topics.

Johan Lorentzon and Eliška Prchalová return to the Off the Mats Podcast for a follow-up conversation about growth, competition, coaching, and community through Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu. Since their last appearance, a lot has changed. Johan stepped onto the competition mats for the first time, Eliška continued growing through her own BJJ journey, and together they held their first seminar in Norway. We also discussed the reopening of Northpaw in Luleå after it burned down and what it meant to be there on opening day at the new location. This episode is about more than medals or matches. It is about leadership, resilience, rebuilding after adversity, and how jiu-jitsu continues to shape people on and off the mats.

Naomi Davoudian returns to the Off the Mats Podcast for a conversation about growth, adaptation, and what happens when life forces you out of your comfort zone. Since her first appearance on the show, Naomi has experienced several major changes. She relocated, joined a new academy, began training under a new professor, and returned to the competition mats. We discuss the challenges of leaving behind familiarity, walking into a new gym as the ”new person,” and learning how to build trust and confidence in a different training environment. Naomi shares her perspective on adjusting to a new coaching style, finding her place within a new team culture, and how those experiences have influenced both her jiu-jitsu and personal growth. We also break down her recent experiences competing, the lessons learned from preparation and performance, and how her definition of success has evolved over time. This episode is about more than Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu. It’s about embracing change, staying committed during uncertain seasons, and discovering who you become when you’re forced to start over. Whether you’re a competitor, hobbyist, or someone navigating a major life transition, this conversation offers valuable insight into the challenges and rewards of starting a new chapter. 🎧 Listen now and join the conversation.