You can also listen to us on SPOTIFY now!TW: This episode contains talks of self-harm, suicide, and depression.Bill O'Brien is a fighter, a warrior, a giant in all right. With over a decade of grappling experience, O'Brien is a heavy advocate of anti-bullying and his story can move oceans. He has shown time and again that it does not matter the baggage you carry or the mental issues that you have, what matters is how you make the most out of it, and despite them, triumph, against all odds.O'Brien currently helps young adults with learning disability to get employment and wants to make his own Anti-Bullying Programme in the future. In this episode, we largely talk about Bullying, as a child, and as an adult, how to deal with Bullying, how it affects Jiu Jitsu, and all other issues related to men's mental health.He is also a Submit The Stigma ambassador and training partner of @giannigrippo.To the listener,A lot of times in podcasts, people spend a couple of minutes introducing the person, while it might serve a purpose, I think it reinforces what the listener already knows; that is the person being interviewed. Before listening to a podcast, almost all of us will read the description and hence I thought it best to start the podcast ‘raw’ without a specific introduction. This will always be the trend for us as it puts the listener right into the mix of things.If you enjoyed listening to this, share it with your friends. Or, click on the ❤️ button on this post so more people can discover it on Substack. And don’t forget to subscribe!Thanks for reading Rolling For A Reason! Subscribe for free to receive new posts and support my work. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit rollingforareason.substack.com

You can also listen to us on SPOTIFY now!TW: This episode contains talks of self-harm, suicide, and depression.In this episode, we talk about what to do when you are struggling during a depressive episode and have no will to go to training.It can sometimes feel overwhelming when your mind says to isolate but it is exactly at this point where you have to identify the problem and deal with it before that train of thought gets bigger.We talked with Laurien Zurhake who is redefining how trauma-informed coaching works and its applications in Jiu Jitsu through 'Off The Zone'. If you want to know more about her, please listen to our earlier podcast. To the listener,A lot of times in podcasts, people spend a couple of minutes introducing the person, while it might serve a purpose, I think it reinforces what the listener already knows; that is the person being interviewed. Before listening to a podcast, almost all of us will read the description and hence I thought it best to start the podcast ‘raw’ without a specific introduction. This will always be the trend for us as it puts the listener right into the mix of things.If you enjoyed listening to this, share it with your friends. Or, click on the ❤️ button on this post so more people can discover it on Substack. And don’t forget to subscribe!Thanks for reading Rolling For A Reason! Subscribe for free to receive new posts and support my work. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit rollingforareason.substack.com

You can also listen to us on SPOTIFY now!The Youngest female Irish black belt at the age of just 25, Rosa Walsh McCann is one of Europe's top upcoming prospects in the sport of Jiu-Jitsu. Accolades, medals, and trophies, she has won a lot of them, most notably the IBJJF European No-Gi Championship, that said, Rosa has been long associated with ⁠@submitthestigma⁠ , a project established by Erin Herle to spread mental health awareness. Rosa's journey is one in a million and in Episode 6 we delve deep into her Jiu-Jitsu story, struggles, and of course the mental side of things.To the listener,A lot of times in podcasts, people spend a couple of minutes introducing the person, while it might serve a purpose, I think it reinforces what the listener already knows; that is the person being interviewed. Before listening to a podcast, almost all of us will read the description and hence I thought it best to start the podcast ‘raw’ without a specific introduction. This will always be the trend for us as it puts the listener right into the mix of things.If you enjoyed listening to this, share it with your friends. Or, click on the ❤️ button on this post so more people can discover it on Substack. And don’t forget to subscribe!Thanks for reading Rolling For A Reason! Subscribe for free to receive new posts and support my work. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit rollingforareason.substack.com

You can also listen to us on SPOTIFY now!TW: This episode contains talks of self-harm, suicide, and depression.Join us as we talk with Steven Trainor, an ambassador of Submit The Stigma.Prepare for a soul-stirring odyssey as we strip away the layers of stigma enveloping men's mental health in the realm of jiu-jitsu. Through poignant narratives and heart-wrenching revelations, we delve into the shadows where struggles often hide. Witness the tears shed, the demons faced, and the triumphs savored on the unforgiving mats. This episode offers an unfiltered glimpse into the profound impact of grappling with vulnerability, resilience, and the unwavering solidarity of a brotherhood. Join us on this emotional rollercoaster as we navigate the path towards healing, understanding, and unbridled human connection.To the listener,A lot of times in podcasts, people spend a couple of minutes introducing the person, while it might serve a purpose, I think it reinforces what the listener already knows; that is the person being interviewed. Before listening to a podcast, almost all of us will read the description and hence I thought it best to start the podcast ‘raw’ without a specific introduction. This will always be the trend for us as it puts the listener right into the mix of things.If you enjoyed listening to this, share it with your friends. Or, click on the ❤️ button on this post so more people can discover it on Substack. And don’t forget to subscribe!Thanks for reading Rolling For A Reason! Subscribe for free to receive new posts and support my work. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit rollingforareason.substack.com

You can also listen to us on SPOTIFY now!TW: This episode contains talks of self-harm, suicide, and depression.A legend in her own right, Erin Herle is one of the few names that pops up when you talk about competition Jiu Jitsu. A multiple-time IBJJF Champion, Asian, European, South American, and World Champion, she is featured, and rightly so, on BJJ Heroes. However, the most important thing of her legacy is that she founded Submit The Stigma, a pioneer in spreading mental health awareness through Jiu-Jitsu. She is also one of the few BJJ Champions vocal about mental health awareness and their struggles with it in Jiu Jitsu. Furthermore, she also has a M.S. in Sports and Performance Psychology and works as a mental health performance coach. Her 'Train Ya Mind' is also one of the frontrunners in training on the mental side of performance. In episode 5, we largely talk about mental health issues related to BJJ, the dark side of competitions, anxiety, depression, and a lot, A LOT, more.To the listener,A lot of times in podcasts, people spend a couple of minutes introducing the person, while it might serve a purpose, I think it reinforces what the listener already knows; that is the person being interviewed. Before listening to a podcast, almost all of us will read the description and hence I thought it best to start the podcast ‘raw’ without a specific introduction. This will always be the trend for us as it puts the listener right into the mix of things.If you enjoyed listening to this, share it with your friends. Or, click on the ❤️ button on this post so more people can discover it on Substack. And don’t forget to subscribe!Thanks for listening to Rolling For A Reason! Subscribe for free to receive new posts and support my work. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit rollingforareason.substack.com

For somebody who suffered abused, just showing up, is winning the World Championship - Laurien ZurhakePeople with trauma will always be attracted to something as powerful as martial arts, to change their lives.The question is how does that journey look for them? What is trauma-informed coaching and how does it go with the Ecological approach? Laurien and Alex Zurhake are redefining how people with trauma can use Jiu-Jitsu to change their lives.They are one of the few pioneers of the Ecological approach in Germany and before someone comments, their dog Yuki, is an absolute sweetheart. She is a therapy dog and helps with their method of trauma-informed coaching. Laurien and Alex run their academy @teamlaurienalex out of Munich, Germany.In episode 4, Join us as we talk to them about the Ecological approach, trauma, mental health problems, and their respective Jiu-Jitsu journeys.To the listener,A lot of times in podcasts, people spend a couple of minutes introducing the person, while it might serve a purpose, I think it reinforces what the listener already knows; that is the person being interviewed. Before listening to a podcast, almost all of us will read the description and hence I thought it best to start the podcast ‘raw’ without a specific introduction. This will always be the trend for us as it puts the listener right into the mix of things.If you enjoyed listening to this, share it with your friends. Or, click on the ❤️ button on this post so more people can discover it on Substack. And don’t forget to subscribe! This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit rollingforareason.substack.com

Stephanie Biscan is not your average 17-year-old. At 17, she's a determined BJJ para-athlete, defying odds with every roll on the mat. Her spirit eclipses any physical limitations, weaving through challenges with resilience and grace. With each submission, she embodies strength, inspiring others to embrace their own journey, proving that determination knows no bounds. She is also a Gold Medalist in the World Combat Games held in Saudi Arabia. To the listener,A lot of times in podcasts, people spend a couple of minutes introducing the person, while it might serve a purpose, I think it reinforces what the listener already knows; that is the person being interviewed. Before listening to a podcast, almost all of us will read the description and hence I thought it best to start the podcast ‘raw’ without a specific introduction. This will always be the trend for us as it puts the listener right into the mix of things.If you enjoyed listening to this, share it with your friends. Or, click on the ❤️ button on this post so more people can discover it on Substack. And don’t forget to subscribe! This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit rollingforareason.substack.com

Thank you for listening to Rolling For A Reason. This post is public so feel free to share it.Mental preparations are often ignored or sidelined when it comes to competitions. Rarely are classes designed to help in mental performance in today’s jiu-jitsu world. Join us as we talk with multiple-time IBJJF medalist, NAGA Champion, and owner of Nexus Fighter Academy Tony Hesse, and discuss the mental side of things when it comes to Jiu-Jitsu competitions and preparation. Tony is also part of the German Grappling National Team which competes in the United World Wrestling Championship along with being a coach to multiple Champions over his decade-long coaching experience.To the listener,A lot of times in podcasts, people spend a couple of minutes introducing the person, while it might serve a purpose, I think it reinforces what the listener already knows; that is the person being interviewed. Before listening to a podcast, almost all of us will read the description and hence I thought it best to start the podcast ‘raw’ without a specific introduction. This will always be the trend for us as it puts the listener right into the mix of things.If you enjoyed listening to this, share it with your friends. Or, click on the ❤️ button on this post so more people can discover it on Substack. And don’t forget to subscribe! This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit rollingforareason.substack.com

Thank you for listening to Rolling For A Reason. This post is public so feel free to share it.TW: This episode talks about self-harm, depression, suicide, and other mental health struggles. In a sport where everyone is tough or claims to be, Melike Agansoy has a heart of a lion. Her story is one of a kind and in this episode, we delve deep into her struggles with mental health. We also talk about how competitive jiu-jitsu is, and how life is in general. To the listener,A lot of times in podcasts, people spend a couple of minutes introducing the person, while it might serve a purpose, I think it reinforces what the listener already knows; that is the person being interviewed. Before listening to a podcast, almost all of us will read the description and hence I thought it best to start the podcast ‘raw’ without a specific introduction. This will always be the trend for us as it puts the listener right into the mix of things.If you enjoyed listening to this, share it with your friends. Or, click on the ❤️ button on this post so more people can discover it on Substack. And don’t forget to subscribe! This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit rollingforareason.substack.com

In this episode, we talk with World Champion, European Champion, multiple-time NAGA, and IBJJF Champion, Ana Yagües, about her journey in Jiu Jitsu, mental health, and women in the sport. Ana has her academy, Nexus Fighter Academy, that she runs out of Hamburg, Germany. She is also a mother to four kids and has written a book called, BJJ - The Rules Of The Game. To the listener, A lot of times in podcasts, people spend a couple of minutes introducing the person, while it might serve a purpose, I think it reinforces what the listener already knows; that is the person being interviewed. Before listening to a podcast, almost all of us will read the description and hence I thought it best to start the podcast ‘raw’ without a specific introduction. This will always be the trend for us as it puts the listener right into the mix of things. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit rollingforareason.substack.com