Chokes and Consciousness

I, Thou, We

For this episode, Deja and Michaela discuss their last few weeks, recent competitions for fellow teammates, recent UFC events and news, fight strategies, and the evolving landscape of MMA, the UFC business model, and BJJ. We analyze the controversial UFC White House card, upcoming competitions, and the impact of monopolization in the sport. Plus, a humorous dive into a bizarre dolphin kidnapping story and reflections on dinosaurs and Earth's history. Deja and Michaela explore Alan Watts's philosophical insights on freedom and interconnectedness.
 
Chapters
00:00 Welcome Back and Updates03:36 Wrestling Season Reflections06:31 The Importance of Multi-Sport Participation09:37 Health and Wellness in Sports12:32 Gym Hygiene and Cleanliness Concerns18:29 Upcoming Events and Topics of Discussion28:50 Celebrating Competition Success30:43 Competitor Insights and Experiences33:15 Upcoming Competitions and Events37:05 Astrological Influences on Energy44:49 UFC and Fight Updates56:06 Controversies in MMA Titles57:50 Fighter Reactions to UFC White House Card01:00:57 Negotiation and Star Power in UFC01:03:23 The Impact of UFC's Financial Decisions01:06:32 Ronda Rousey's Comeback and UFC's Star Power01:10:27 UFC BJJ and the Future of Grappling01:13:10 UFC's Monopolization of BJJ Competitions01:19:05 Upcoming Fights and Women's Division01:19:41 Dinosaurs and the Netflix Documentary01:28:10 The Evolution of Dinosaurs and Plants01:30:46 The Concept of Time and Human Existence01:32:44 The Dolphin Man: A Wild Story01:48:31 The Paradox of Freedom and Interdependence01:58:23 The Flow of Connection in Training02:01:37 Finding Freedom Through Connection02:05:04 The Interconnectedness of Life02:07:27 Legacy and Impact in Jiu-Jitsu02:10:32 The Illusion of Control02:12:36 Ego and Experience in Training02:16:33 The Collective Consciousness of Jiu-Jitsu02:21:33 Choke and consciousness outro edit.mp3

Fire and Desire

In this episode, Deja and Michaela explore various themes, including the fleeting nature of February, the impact of global warming on weather patterns, and the art of manifestation. They dive into the significance of the upcoming Chinese New Year, specifically the Year of the Fire Horse, and discuss the collective energy affecting personal experiences. The duo also shares insights on physical recovery in sports, celebrates achievements in wrestling, and provides updates on the UFC scene, culminating in a thought-provoking discussion about inclusivity in sports and the unique experience of Zion Clark's match. They discuss the implications of recent controversies in the UFC, upcoming BJJ events, and the significance of personal growth and community engagement. The conversation transitions into a deeper exploration of reclaiming one's inner fire and the necessity of controlled burns in personal and collective growth. The episode concludes with reflections on the importance of managing energy and responsibility in shaping the future of combat sports and personal journeys.
 
Chapters
00:00 Welcome Back and February Reflections03:20 Weather Changes and Global Warming06:17 Manifesting and Visualization Techniques09:19 Chinese New Year and Energy Shifts12:22 Collective Energy and Personal Experiences15:14 Wrestling Journey and Personal Growth21:26 Celebrating Achievements in Wrestling24:20 Healing and Recovery Journey26:30 Embracing the Fire Horse Energy29:00 Understanding the Year of the Fire Horse35:01 Navigating the Energies of Fire and Water46:23 UFC Updates and Discussions58:44 Post-Fight Reflections and Competitor Dynamics01:01:19 Disabilities in Competition: Ethics and Respect01:03:46 Tom Aspinall's Eye Injury and UFC's Response01:09:47 Kane Velasquez: Legal Troubles and Consequences01:12:03 UFC's Star Power Crisis and Future Prospects01:21:42 Upcoming BJJ Events and Community Dynamics01:27:39 Reclaiming Your Inner Fire: Healthy Rebellion vs. Impulsivity01:29:52 Embracing Healthy Rebellion in Fitness01:32:18 Navigating Change and Growth01:37:25 The Power of Shedding Old Patterns01:44:49 Finding Inner Fire and Purpose01:51:47 Controlling the Collective Energy02:00:58 Choke and consciousness second intro edit.mp3

Intentional Integrity

In this episode, Deja and Michaela discuss their recent health struggles, the importance of nutrition and supplements, and the significance of Aquarius season. They reflect on personal growth, training experiences, and share updates from the UFC, including fight results and discussions about notable fighters like Thug Rose and Justin Gaethje. Michaela and Deja discuss the current state of UFC, particularly focusing on Amanda Nunes' future and the implications of recent fights. They delve into the culture of Jiu-Jitsu, addressing issues of integrity, grooming, and the responsibilities of practitioners within the sport. The conversation emphasizes the importance of community engagement and accountability in the face of troubling behaviors. They conclude with reflections on personal integrity and the significance of staying true to oneself amidst external pressures.
Chapters
00:00 Welcome Back and February Vibes03:34 Health Struggles and Immune System06:31 Nutrition and Supplements09:27 Physical Activity and Recovery12:34 Growth and Development in Youth15:34 Mindset and Mental Resilience18:31 Aging and Wellness Awareness20:35 Aquarius Season: Embracing Change and Integrity30:02 UFC on Paramount: A New Era in Fighting50:20 Thug Rose: The Downfall of a Champion52:47 UFC 325 Recap and Fight Analysis01:01:28 Upcoming Local Fight Events01:03:28 The Culture of Jiu-Jitsu and Its Challenges01:16:26 Addressing Grooming and Abuse in Jiu-Jitsu01:23:31 Upcoming Events and Final Thoughts01:24:27 Integrity in Jiu Jitsu: Upholding Personal Values01:28:20 Authenticity vs. Social Media Pressure01:32:21 Finding Balance in Chaos01:36:18 Self-Reflection and Personal Growth01:40:22 The Impact of Self-Integrity on Others01:46:44 Choke and consciousness outro edit.mp3

River Endurance

In this episode, Deja and Michaela reflect on their experiences so far in January, discussing the wrestling season, personal health challenges, and the importance of outdoor play during childhood. They explore themes of motivation and endurance as they transition into the new year, sharing updates on wrestling events and predictions for upcoming UFC fights. They reflect on Rafael Lovato Jr's' return to wrestling at the age of 42, the importance of team dynamics, and how personal experiences shape one's endurance in both sports and life. The discussion also touches on the significance of maintaining relationships and community support, as well as finding one's flow state in various activities. They emphasize the need for steady movement and the importance of being present in the moment, while also acknowledging the challenges of motivation and the impact of external factors on personal growth.
Chapters
00:00 Welcome Back and January Reflections03:32 Wrestling Season and Personal Updates06:31 Childhood Memories and Injuries09:26 The Shift in Childhood Fearlessness12:31 The Contrast of Childhood and Modern Kids15:25 New Year Motivation and Energy Burnout18:26 Finding Flow and Endurance in Life21:38 Updates on Wrestling Events and Competitions27:10 The Rise of Patty and Marketability in MMA29:25 Weight Classes and Fight Dynamics31:11 Health Risks in Combat Sports32:20 Ben Askren's Recovery Journey33:20 The Importance of Hygiene in MMA34:29 Soap Preferences and Personal Care37:27 Driving Responsibilities and Growing Up42:23 Upcoming UFC Fights and Predictions50:42 The Competitive Spirit in Sports51:39 Age and Athleticism: A New Perspective54:41 The Dynamics of Team Sports Across Generations58:43 The Balance of Experience and Youth in Competition01:01:36 Endurance and Mastery: The Journey of Improvement01:15:44 Finding Flow: The Muse and Presence01:20:06 The Power of 1%: Small Steps to Growth01:23:02 Endurance Over Motivation: The Steady Path01:28:39 River Flow: Energy and Presence01:39:34 Commitment and Connection: The Importance of Relationships01:46:32 Choke and consciousness outro edit.mp3

Run Like a Horse

In the last episode of 2025, Deja and Michaela reflect on the year, transitioning from the year of the snake into the year of the horse, and on the importance of grounding oneself and reflecting on personal experiences. Michaela and Deja emphasize the need for awareness and adaptability in the face of change, holding self accountable in breaking loops, and challenging self to move towards internal and external growth. The discussion encourages listeners to shed attachments that no longer serve them and embrace life's fluidity as they transition into the 2026 new year!
 
Chapters
00:00 End of Year Reflections and New Beginnings03:33 The Year of the Snake: Transformation and Growth06:34 Personal Check-Ins: Health and Performance09:33 Competition Recap: Vegas Experience12:30 Lessons Learned: Celebrating the Process15:30 Setting Goals for 2026: Emergence and Growth18:27 Breaking Cycles: Personal Development and Awareness21:34 The Transition to the Year of the Horse24:39 Connecting Experiences: Shedding and Growth27:34 Looking Ahead: New Year Aspirations32:06 Personal Growth and Competition Mindset35:20 Transitioning Energies: From Snake to Horse38:02 Embracing Movement and Change41:26 Reflections on Recent Fights and Sports Trends57:32 The GOAT Debate: Generational Comparisons in Sports01:05:39 Transitioning from the Year of the Snake to the Year of the Horse01:08:49 The Process of Shedding and Growth01:10:35 Reflecting on Past Decisions and Growth01:13:13 Understanding Plateaus in Personal Growth01:17:10 Breaking the Loop: Lessons from 'Stranger Things'01:22:03 The Importance of Connection and Facing Challenges01:25:30 Characteristics of the Year of the Horse01:27:40 Pacing Yourself for Growth01:30:37 Finding Flow and Awareness01:34:31 Reconnecting with Yourself01:37:13 Closing Thoughts and Intentions for the New Year01:39:30 Choke and consciousness outro edit.mp3
 

Hibernating Within

Summary
In this 60th episode, Michaela and Deja reconnect after a brief hiatus to discuss the impact of seasonal changes on their energy and motivation. They dive into the importance of competition in maintaining accountability, share updates on their upcoming brackets for No-Gi Worlds, and reflect on the challenges of embracing winter's energy. The duo also touches on their Spotify Wrapped experiences, highlighting how music influences their moods. The conversation takes a turn as they navigate online rivalries and personal growth, culminating in a recap of recent UFC fights and jiu-jitsu performances. They conclude with a Topic of the Week on going with energy and a Zen talk on embracing the winter season and personal growth.
 
Chapters
00:00 Reconnecting After a Break03:26 Seasonal Changes and Energy Shifts06:25 Competition Preparations and Bracket Updates09:37 The Journey of a Competitive Hobbyist12:32 Embracing Winter's Energy15:31 Reflections on Youth and Nutrition18:21 Music and Personal Growth22:17 Introduction to the Online Scrappin' Drama23:03 The Knee Injury Incident25:52 Highlight Reel Controversy28:26 The Fourth Highlight and Its Implications30:37 Petty Responses and Social Media Dynamics35:10 Reflections on Competition and Ego39:15 The Nature of Martial Arts and Social Media42:56 Recap of Recent Fights and Performances47:30 Prelims and Main Card Highlights51:09 UFC's Transition to Paramount and Fighter Retirements53:23 The Grit of Henry Cejudo and Upcoming Contenders56:37 Brandon Moreno's Early Stoppage and Injury Discussions01:00:51 UFC Rankings and Dana White's Controversial Comments01:08:58 The State of MMA and Fighter Opportunities01:09:38 Who's Number One: Jiu-Jitsu Highlights01:14:52 Embracing the Energy: Coping with Seasonal Changes01:16:45 Inspiration from the Community01:19:51 Finding Joy in Consistency01:23:06 Shifting Routines and Self-Reflection01:27:08 Overcoming Blocks and Embracing Change01:30:10 Hibernating Within: Embracing Winter's Lessons01:39:32 Embracing Abundance and Gratitude01:41:20 Choke and consciousness outro edit.mp3

Finding the Station in the Static

In this episode, Michaela and Deja explore the transition into the holiday season, the start of wrestling season, and the impact of cosmic events like Mercury retrograde on daily life. They explore personal challenges, the evolution of film technology, and the implications of A.I. on society. The discussion also touches on astrological insights, the significance of the new moon in Scorpio, and the importance of self-care and personal philosophy in navigating life's complexities. Michaela and Deja analyze the significant fights of UFC 322 and reflect on the implications of age in fighting careers. They delve into the dominance of Valentina Shevchenko and Islam Makhachev, the ongoing tensions between Dana White and Francis Ngannou, and the cultural differences between Nogi and Gi in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu. The conversation also touches on personal growth, the importance of unlearning, and developing an understanding of your philosophy of life. 
 
Chapters
00:00 Reconnecting and Reflecting on Time06:36 Wrestling Season Kickoff and Team Dynamics10:32 Weather Changes and Cosmic Events14:38 Exploring Theories of Existence and AI20:37 The Future of Technology and Humanity26:28 The Matrix and AI: A Double-Edged Sword30:39 Survival Preparedness: The New Normal?33:30 Navigating Life's Challenges: Embracing Vulnerability34:37 Mercury in Retrograde: Glitches in Life42:08 Nogi Worlds: Preparing for Competition46:54 Astrological Insights: New Moon in Scorpio53:47 Thanksgiving and Holiday Reflections54:34 UFC 322 Highlights and Title Fights56:55 Fighter Performance and Career Decisions59:07 Age and Longevity in Fighting01:00:57 Knockouts and Fight Analysis01:05:20 Valentina vs. Weili: A Dominant Performance01:07:09 The GOAT Debate: Valentina vs. Amanda01:12:36 Islam's Dominance and Future Prospects01:18:49 Dana White and Francis Ngannou's Controversy01:21:59 UFC's Transition to Paramount Network01:23:32 Nogi vs. Gi: Cultural Differences in BJJ01:25:40 Exploring Energy Dynamics in Jiu-Jitsu01:28:12 The Journey of a Competitive Hobbyist01:30:13 Defining Success Beyond Competition01:31:39 The Reality of Training Journeys01:37:15 Unlearning and Personal Philosophy01:39:44 Concepts vs. Steps in Learning01:41:54 Outgrowing Old Patterns01:44:58 Embracing Change and Chaos01:52:22 The Necessity of Growth Through Struggle01:54:54 Finding Clarity in the Static01:57:26 Choke and consciousness outro edit.mp3

Be a Beaver

In this episode, Deja and Michaela explore various themes, including the significance of the Beaver Moon during Scorpio season, the challenges of maintaining motivation, and the impact of recent betting scandals in the UFC. They reflect on personal experiences, the importance of intrinsic motivation, and the balance between health and legacy in the sports world. The discussion also touches on the upcoming competitions and the collective energy shifts as the year comes to a close. Deja and Michaela explore various themes surrounding personal choices, accountability, and the impact of loss in sports. They discuss notable figures in MMA, including John Jones and Ronda Rousey, and delve into the significance of the Beaver Moon as a metaphor for building foundations and setting intentions for personal growth. The dialogue emphasizes the importance of reflection and the need to hold oneself accountable for achieving goals.
Chapters
00:00 Introduction and Superhero Identities03:35 The Impact of COVID on Social Interactions06:36 Navigating Seasonal Changes and Emotional States09:35 New Year Resolutions and Motivation Dynamics12:31 Competing and Coaching in Sports15:32 The Beaver Moon and Its Significance22:41 Manifesting Dreams and Future Connections23:33 The Rise of Betting Scandals in Sports35:43 Health vs. Legacy in Combat Sports40:16 Ronda Rousey's Controversial Comeback45:53 Mackenzie Dern's Accent and Identity Crisis48:58 Building Strength and Preparation50:11 Embracing the Beaver Moon53:25 Revisiting Fundamentals for Growth56:08 Accountability and Self-Reflection01:01:41 Setting Intentions for the Future01:10:43 Choke and consciousness outro edit.mp3

Shedding the Mask

In this special Halloween episode, Deja and Michaela embody Spider-Man and Blade, discussing their favorite Halloween traditions, candies, and the evolution of trick-or-treating. They share personal stories about their childhood Halloween experiences and delve into the origin stories of Spider-Man and Blade. The conversation also touches on the significance of Scorpio season, emphasizing themes of introspection and transformation, and concludes with a discussion of their favorite Halloween movies. Deja and Michaela discuss various topics, including recent UFC fights, the state of the heavyweight division, Ronda Rousey's potential return to the octagon, and the importance of shadow work and personal growth. They explore the challenges fighters face, the dynamics of the UFC, and the significance of embracing one's darker side for personal growth and internal transformation. The conversation culminates in a Zen talk about shedding masks and confronting personal truths, emphasizing the need for self-reflection and growth.
Chapters
00:00 Introduction to the Special Episode03:35 Halloween Celebrations and Traditions06:32 Trick-or-Treating: Then and Now09:31 Halloween Decorations and Neighborhood Spirit12:28 Costumes and Personal Expressions15:32 Origin Stories of Spider-Man and Blade24:13 Vampire Strengths and Spider-Man Powers26:02 Navigating Energy Shifts29:57 The Transition to Scorpio Season32:01 Understanding Scorpio Traits37:10 Halloween Favorites and Movie Discussions38:34 UFC Highlights and Upcoming Fights48:24 Ronda Rousey's Controversial Statements54:41 MMA Updates and Concerns56:37 Upcoming Competitions and Events58:21 Embracing the Shadow: A Deep Dive into Self-Reflection01:09:45 Zen Talk: Shedding Masks and Internal Work01:21:33 Choke and consciousness outro edit.mp3

Reclaiming Your Worth

In this episode, Deja and Michaela reflect on their recent experiences, including adventures in New York and Philadelphia, personal growth during Libra season, and insights into competition and self-worth. They discuss the impact of astrology on their emotions and decisions, share highlights from recent UFC events, and celebrate upcoming birthdays. The conversation emphasizes the importance of balance, exploration, and community in their lives. They discuss various topics related to UFC, including Ronda Rousey's potential comeback, the unique fighting style of Mikey Musumeci in UFC BJJ3, and Merab's impressive cardio during his title defense. They also recap UFC 320, highlight upcoming fights, and address the need for more representation of women in MMA. The discussion transitions into a deeper exploration of self-worth, personal reflection, and the importance of understanding one's value beyond titles and accolades, culminating in a Zen talk about anchoring oneself in self-acceptance and awareness.
 
Chapters
00:00 Reconnecting After a Break03:34 Celebrating Birthdays and Life Changes06:35 Exploring New York: A Cultural Contrast09:38 Food Adventures in the Big Apple12:36 Competition Insights and Future Plans15:33 Balancing Training and Life18:34 Professional Growth and Conference Experiences25:08 Exploring Philadelphia's Culinary Delights28:24 Adventures at the Ben Franklin Institute29:47 Sports Excitement in Philadelphia31:05 Navigating Libra Season's Energies32:59 Understanding the Last Quarter Moon35:18 The Duality of Libra's Influence36:53 Flowing with Intention Amidst Chaos38:18 Reclaiming Your Worth in Libra Season39:40 UFC Highlights and Recent Fights51:44 Upcoming UFC Events and Predictions58:52 Culinary Comparisons and Cultural References01:00:28 Fighting Spirit and Personal Strength01:02:24 Upcoming Fights and Competitions01:06:32 Self-Worth and Personal Reflection01:18:34 Zen Talk: Anchoring in Self-Worth01:27:48 Reflections on Self-Worth and Beauty01:28:34 Choke and consciousness outro edit.mp3