Chokes and Consciousness

Spring Renewal and Growth

In this conversation, Deja and Michaela discuss their morning routines, the joys of spring, and the unpredictable weather patterns. They share their love for nature, wildlife encounters, and the excitement of outdoor activities. The conversation also touches on the challenges of academic presentations and the importance of personal growth during the spring season. In this conversation, Michaela and Deja discuss various topics related to Jiu-Jitsu promotions, the transition to a purple belt, the nature of athleticism across different sports, accountability in MMA, and the latest UFC news. They reflect on personal experiences, training strategies, and the importance of maintaining health and discipline in competitive sports. In this episode, Michaela and Deja discuss upcoming Jiu-Jitsu competitions, the importance of community engagement, and the concept of 'spring cleaning' in breaking bad habits. They explore the evolution of skills and mindset in martial arts, the influence of nature on creativity, and the necessity of embracing change and growth in personal and professional lives.
Chapters
00:00 Morning Vibes and Coffee Rituals02:58 Spring Awakening and Weather Whiplash06:01 Nature's Rebirth and Bird Conversations09:00 Springtime Favorites and Outdoor Activities12:06 Animal Encounters and Neighborhood Wildlife14:59 Presentation Jitters and Academic Challenges18:02 Spring Cleaning and Personal Growth26:54 Promotions and Transitions in Jiu-Jitsu32:49 The Journey to Purple Belt34:50 Athleticism in Sports: A Comparative Analysis43:59 Accountability in MMA: The Case of Darren Till51:51 UFC News and Fighter Dynamics53:30 Upcoming Competitions and Community Engagement59:08 Spring Cleaning: Breaking Bad Habits in Jiu-Jitsu01:06:45 The Evolution of Skills and Mindset01:10:06 Nature's Influence on Creativity and Energy01:18:01 Embracing Change and Growth

Exercising Options

In this episode, Deja and Michaela celebrate St. Patrick's Day while discussing its origins and the life of St. Patrick. They share personal anecdotes and insights about the holiday, including traditional drinks and foods. Michaela also updates listeners on her recent competition experience, including a knee injury she sustained during a match. The conversation flows from light-hearted banter to deeper historical insights, creating an engaging and informative episode. In this segment, Deja and Michaela discuss the importance of manifesting healing and the power of mindset, especially when dealing with injuries. They share personal experiences of navigating recovery, balancing work and personal projects, and the emotional journey of completing a dissertation. The conversation shifts to the challenges faced by the UFC in maintaining star power and the impact of Dana White's focus on multiple ventures. Finally, they reflect on the relationship between humans and nature, emphasizing the need for balance and awareness of our impact on the environment. In this conversation, Deja and Michaela explore various themes ranging from the nature of predators and human consumption to the dynamics of energy and auras. They discuss the cultural implications of raw food, the concept of rarity in value, and the metaphor of dead batteries to describe energy levels in people. The conversation also touches on Ronda Rousey's career, upcoming women's fights in combat sports, and the future of jiu jitsu in the UFC. Finally, they delve into the power of choice and how small decisions can lead to significant changes in life. In this conversation, Deja and Michaela explore the complexities of making choices and the importance of recognizing options in various situations. They discuss the challenges of waiting for information, the power of choice, and the necessity of acknowledging one's feelings while navigating through life's decisions. The dialogue emphasizes the significance of intuition in decision-making and encourages listeners to overcome their fears and embrace the process of making choices.
 
Chapters
00:00 Welcome Back and St. Patrick's Day Celebrations03:10 The Origins of St. Patrick's Day06:01 St. Patrick: The Man Behind the Legend11:57 Michaela's Competition Update and Knee Injury24:36 Manifesting Healing and Mind Power27:09 Navigating Injuries and Mindset30:31 Balancing Work and Recovery32:10 The Journey of Completing a Dissertation37:15 Exercising Your Options in Life39:20 UFC's Star Power Dilemma46:12 Nature's Balance and Human Impact51:27 The Nature of Predators and Human Consumption52:00 Raw Food and Cultural Perspectives53:19 The Concept of Rarity and Value54:17 Auras and Energy Dynamics55:45 The Metaphor of Dead Batteries56:42 Creative Thought Processes58:37 Ronda Rousey: The Comeback and Concussions01:01:06 Women in Combat Sports: Upcoming Fights01:02:30 The Future of Jiu Jitsu and UFC Contracts01:07:10 The Dynamics of Weight Classes in Fighting01:11:27 The Power of Choice and Creative Outlets01:14:46 Navigating Choices and Options01:25:36 Overcoming the Fear of Choice01:36:08 Embracing Intuition in Decision-Making

The Battle Between Thoughts and Knowledge

Summary
In this episode, Deja and Michaela discuss the loss of their original episode due to technical difficulties and share insights from their previous discussions on the warrior mindset, energy alignment, and nutrition. They also touch on gardening and the importance of homegrown food and reminisce about their favorite video games. The conversation wraps up with reflections on their wrestling community and personal growth. In this conversation, Deja and Michaela explore various themes ranging from personal reflections on life and sports to the impact of advertising on health and youth. They discuss the normalization of needles in advertising, the influence of quick fixes in weight loss, and the importance of staying grounded in a digital world. The dialogue emphasizes the need for awareness and connection to nature amidst the overwhelming presence of media and advertising. In this conversation, Michaela and Deja discuss the benefits of walking and outdoor activities, share updates from the latest UFC Fight Pass events, and delve into the complexities of criticism in sports, particularly focusing on the balance between constructive feedback and personal growth. They then explore various themes related to Jiu Jitsu, and the significance of understanding personal learning styles for effective retention of information. They share personal anecdotes and insights, emphasizing the need for adaptability and growth in both sports and life. They discuss the impact of anxiety and self-doubt on performance, and the importance of balancing thoughts with knowledge. The conversation emphasizes the significance of confidence and resilience in overcoming challenges, particularly in competitive settings.
 
 

Dirty 30!

In this episode of Chokes and Consciousness, hosts Michaela and Deja celebrate their 30th episode milestone, reflecting on their journey and the extensive content they've created. They discuss the impact of cold weather on their daily lives and the desire to move to warmer climates. They preview upcoming events in MMA and kickboxing, hinting at potential participation in future competitions. In this segment, the conversation revolves around upcoming jujitsu competitions, the experience of coaching high school girls wrestling, and the emotional impact of competing at various levels. They then discuss the importance of exposure and experience in sports, the challenges of different competition rules, and the growth that comes from coaching. They also delve into the concept of aggressive jiu-jitsu, exploring what constitutes 'dirty moves' and the mentality behind them. In this conversation, Deja and Michaela dive into various aspects of Jiu-Jitsu, focusing on the dynamics of techniques like neon belly, the ethics surrounding dirty moves, and the importance of hygiene in training. They discuss the implications of using weight in sparring, the nuances of wrist locks, and the respect required in a training environment. The conversation highlights the balance between competition and camaraderie, emphasizing the need for communication and mutual respect among practitioners. The discussion also delves into the art of aggression in jiu-jitsu, emphasizing the balance between aggression and technique, and the learning process through physical experience. Michaela and Deja explore the intricacies of movement, body dynamics, and the importance of understanding one's own physicality in combat sports. They discuss the balance between control and pressure, the significance of timing and energy management during rolls, and the distinction between aggression and recklessness in fighting. The dialogue emphasizes the need for self-awareness and strategic thinking in martial arts, while also touching on the emotional aspects of aggression and its impact on performance.
Chapters
00:00 Celebrating 30 Episodes of Chokes and Consciousness03:01 Weather Talk: The Impact of Cold on Daily Life06:01 Dreaming of Warmer Places: California and Beyond09:00 Traveling West: Exploring the Pacific Northwest12:03 Classroom Dynamics: Teaching in a Virtual World14:59 Upcoming Events in MMA and Kickboxing23:57 Upcoming Competitions and Events29:12 High School Girls Wrestling State33:15 Coaching Experience and Growth43:05 Aggressive Jiu-Jitsu and Dirty Moves46:40 The Dynamics of Neon Belly in Jiu-Jitsu49:54 Understanding Dirty Moves in Training52:19 The Ethics of Wrist Locks and Submissions57:00 The Impact of Dirty Moves on Training01:01:40 Hygiene and Respect in Jiu-Jitsu01:05:50 Weight Dynamics and Fair Play in Sparring01:10:15 Height and Size Perspectives in Sports01:14:13 UFC Updates and Championship Changes01:20:10 Adesanya's Shift in Mindset01:30:27 The Art of Aggressive Jiu-Jitsu01:37:30 Understanding Movement and Body Dynamics01:40:15 The Balance of Control and Pressure01:43:11 Timing and Energy Management in Rolls01:45:41 Aggression vs. Recklessness in Combat01:57:51 Embracing Your Inner Aggro
 

The Power in Surrendering

In this episode, Michaela and Deja discuss their preferences for energy boosts, comparing coffee and energy drinks, and delve into the effects of caffeine on health. They share personal anecdotes about their experiences with energy drinks and the impact on their heart rates. The discussion transitions to them brainstorming fun activities to do together, including visits to cigar lounges and bingo nights, highlighting the importance of social connections and leisure activities in their lives. In this conversation, Michaela and Deja discuss various topics ranging from personal experiences with weight management and nutrition to the challenges of grocery prices and the idea of raising chickens. They share stories about animals, including the intelligence of elephants and the bond between unlikely animal pairs. The discussion shifts to the decline in movie quality, particularly in live-action adaptations, and their thoughts on Super Bowl commercials. They also touch on personal struggles, including car troubles, and the impact of these challenges on their lives. Finally, they reflect on coaching dynamics in the context of UFC 312, exploring the relationship between athletes and their coaches. In this conversation, Deja Jackson and Michaela discuss various themes surrounding the dynamics of coaching in sports, the financial landscape of athletes, the retirement of John Danaher, the future of Travis Kelce in football, and the experiences of newbies in jiu-jitsu. They explore the implications of public discourse on coaching, the alarming absence of female athletes in top earnings, and the challenges faced by athletes as they age and consider retirement. The conversation also highlights the importance of breathing and technique for beginners in jiu-jitsu. In this conversation, Michaela and Deja explore the journey from being a novice to becoming a mentor in jujitsu, emphasizing the importance of patience, practice, and community support. They discuss the concept of surrender, highlighting its power in accepting reality and the necessity of asking for help. The discussion transitions into the philosophy of Wu Wei, or effortless action, and how it relates to finding one's flow in both jujitsu and life.
Chapters
00:00 Energy Boosts: Coffee vs. Energy Drinks03:02 The Science of Caffeine and Heart Health06:06 Cigars and Cigar Lounges: A Social Experience12:00 Bingo: The Unexpected Thrill of the Game20:58 Planning Fun Activities: Cigar Lounges and Beyond23:15 The Struggles of Weight Management24:00 Nutrition and Protein Goals25:53 The Cost of Living: Grocery Prices26:58 The Reality of Raising Chickens28:15 Nature's Brutality: Animal Stories29:50 The Bond Between Unlikely Animals30:48 The Intelligence of Elephants32:02 Lessons from the Jungle Book34:55 The Decline of Movie Quality36:39 Commercials and the Super Bowl Experience38:28 Weekly Updates and Personal Struggles41:57 Car Troubles and Their Impact44:14 Manifesting a Better Future46:07 UFC 312: Coaching and Performance50:40 Reflections on Coaching Dynamics52:45 Coaching Dynamics and Public Discourse57:19 The Financial Landscape of Athletes01:08:41 John Danaher's Retirement and Its Implications01:13:31 Travis Kelce's Future in Football01:23:34 Navigating Newbies in Jiu-Jitsu01:25:25 Navigating the Journey: From Novice to Mentor01:30:38 The Power of Surrender: Embracing Reality01:41:16 Finding Flow: The Art of Wu Wei

Don't Lose the Lesson in Defeat

In this episode, Deja and Michaela discuss their busy lives, training routines, and experiences in competitive sports.  The conversation flows from light-hearted banter to deeper reflections on their journeys in sports and personal growth. In this conversation, Michaela and Deja discuss various aspects of their experiences in competition and personal interactions. They dive into the emotional challenges faced during competitions, the dynamics of being on different teams, and the social pressures that come with being athletes. The discussion also touches on their introverted and extroverted tendencies, communication preferences, and the challenges of working in therapeutic settings. They reflect on the culture of weight training in high school sports and share nostalgic memories of Valentine's Day traditions from their school days. In this conversation, Michaela and Deja discuss various topics ranging from food preferences and Valentine's Day celebrations to the significance of Black History Month. They reflect on the recent Super Bowl, sharing their thoughts on the game and the halftime show. The discussion transitions into dealing with defeat, drawing parallels between sports and personal experiences. Michaela shares her recent competition results, highlighting her achievements and the lessons learned from her matches. In this segment, Deja and Michaela discuss the competitive landscape of grappling, upcoming competitions, and their training strategies. They also recap UFC 312, analyzing the fights and performances, particularly focusing on Weili Zhang's victory. The conversation shifts to influencer boxing, exploring the implications and the nature of influencer boxing in general. In this engaging conversation, Michaela and Deja explore various themes surrounding competition, the nature of defeat, and the lessons learned from losing. They discuss the importance of staying ready for challenges, upcoming jiu-jitsu competitions, and how to embrace losses as opportunities for growth. The dialogue emphasizes the significance of resilience, sportsmanship, and the personal journey of improvement in martial arts and life.
Chapters
00:00 Introduction and Episode Overview02:01 Busy Lives and Training Regimens05:59 Competitive Sports and Personal Experiences12:01 Injuries and Their Impact18:03 Reflections on Recent Events and Future Plans21:00 Regional Wrestling Dynamics21:56 Emotional Toll of Competition23:00 Social Interactions and Personal Boundaries24:02 The Spectrum of Introversion and Extroversion24:57 Communication Preferences and Overstimulation25:59 Therapeutic Boundaries and Professional Challenges28:58 Weight Training Culture in High School Sports32:59 Valentine's Day Nostalgia and School Traditions42:38 Food Preferences and Valentine's Day Celebrations45:46 Celebrating Black History Month46:50 Dealing with Defeat: Super Bowl Reflections51:48 Halftime Show Highlights and Reactions55:34 Personal Achievements and Competition Recap01:03:39 The Competitive Spirit in Grappling01:04:51 Upcoming Competitions and Training Strategies01:06:03 UFC 312 Recap and Fight Analysis01:17:57 Megan Anderson's Shift to Influencer Boxing01:29:58 Celebrity Showdowns: Imagining Epic Fights01:31:46 Upcoming Competitions: IBJJF and More01:35:19 The Art of Losing: Embracing Defeat01:51:32 Finding Lessons in Losses: A Zen Perspective

Embrace The 'Bamboo Mind'

In this episode, Deja and Michaela explore the emotions and the weight of energy in their lives, especially in relation to their roles as mentors. They provide personal updates on their week, including a wrestling senior night and the challenges of managing emotional energy. Finally, they recap their interview with Heidi, emphasizing the significance of community and the insights gained from her journey in jiu-jitsu. In this conversation, Michaela and Deja explore the themes of community building, personal growth, and the journey of competition in jujitsu. They discuss the importance of authenticity in creating a supportive environment, the challenges and learning experiences that come with competing, and the significance of reading and self-improvement. The conversation also touches on Michaela's upcoming Sub-Spectrum competition in Iowa, insights from recent UFC events, and Michaela's experience as a commentator. They conclude with an announcement about the Global Fight League lineup, highlighting notable fighters and teams. In this episode, Deja and Michaela discuss the lineups of various MMA teams, notable fighters, and upcoming events in the world of mixed martial arts. They then transition into a deeper conversation about finding stillness amidst chaos, sharing personal insights and strategies for managing high-energy situations. The episode concludes with a Zen talk on the concept of 'Bamboo Mind,' emphasizing resilience and flexibility in the face of challenges.
Chapters
00:00 Aging and Acceptance: The Journey to 3005:58 Navigating Emotions: The Weight of Energy18:07 Interview Recap: Insights from Heidi27:05 Building Community Through Authenticity34:46 Cultivating Ideas Like Trees45:01 UFC Updates and Fight Night Insights52:10 Michaela's Commentary Experience01:02:30 Upcoming Events and Fight Cards
01:04:18 Topic of the Week: Finding your Stillness in the Storm 01:16:24 Zen Talk: Embracing Bamboo Mind
 

Interview w/Sensei Heidi!

In this episode, Deja and Michaela welcome their sensei, Heidi, a black belt and experienced martial arts teacher, to discuss her journey in Jiu-Jitsu, the challenges of training as a female, and the importance of community in martial arts. They share personal experiences, weekly updates, and reflections on the impact of weather and energy levels on training. The conversation highlights the evolution of Jiu-Jitsu, the significance of resilience, and the milestones ahead for the community. In this conversation, Heidi dives into her experiences in Jiu-Jitsu, discussing the journey from white to purple belt, the challenges of overcoming injuries, and the importance of perseverance in training. Heidi explores the transition to competition, the mindset of competitors, and the excitement and nerves that come with competing. The conversation also highlights the love for learning and the sense of community within the Jiu-Jitsu world, as well as the impulsive decision to try MMA and the fun of competing. In this engaging conversation, the speakers explore various themes surrounding the journey of Jiu-Jitsu practitioners, from the humorous origins of nicknames to the serious milestones of belt progression. They discuss the significance of achieving a black belt as a new beginning, the importance of community in training, and the balance between teaching and personal growth. The conversation also touches on the motivation to continue training and teaching, and emphasizing the interconnectedness of the Jiu-Jitsu community. In this engaging conversation, the speakers delve into the themes of responsibility, empowerment, and personal growth within the context of Jiu-Jitsu. They discuss the weight of being a role model, the importance of community, and the transformative power of martial arts. The conversation also highlights the significance of Heidi's hobbies and passions, as well as the journey of self-discovery through training. The speakers encourage listeners to embrace discomfort and seek connection within the Jiu-Jitsu community, ultimately emphasizing the art's role in fostering resilience and self-knowledge.
 

Reverse Pivot, Be Water

In this episode, Deja and Michaela celebrate their 25th episode milestone while discussing the importance of adjusting to life's challenges. They explore the concept of 'reverse pivots' in life, the struggle to find balance amidst busy schedules, and the quest for better sleep. The conversation also touches on the joys and challenges of pet ownership, reflections on nature and safety, and the fears associated with risks in life. Ultimately, they emphasize the value of risk-taking in discovery and personal growth. In this engaging conversation, Deja and Michaela dive into various themes, including the mysteries of discoveries, the fears associated with the ocean, reflections on animal behavior, and the impact of movies on life lessons. They explore the unknown, discuss their fears of deep water and creatures, and share nostalgic memories of childhood films while contemplating the role of technology in exploration. In this engaging conversation, Michaela and Deja discuss their weekend plans, including Michaela's exciting role as a commentator for a fight card. They reflect on how unexpected opportunities can lead to new experiences, sharing personal anecdotes about their journeys. The duo also dives into recent fighting events, updates on fighters, and the upcoming draft. As they navigate through life's unexpected changes, they emphasize the importance of flexibility and managing expectations, all while sharing relatable stories about food and daily life. In this conversation, Michaela and Deja explore the themes of frustration, adaptability, and maintaining one's identity amidst change. They discuss the importance of acknowledging emotions, the need for flexibility in personal and professional life, and the art of adaptability in Jiu-Jitsu. The conversation culminates in a Zen talk about embracing the flow of life and the wisdom of being like water, as taught by Bruce Lee.
 
Chapters
00:00 Celebrating Milestones and Adjustments03:01 Navigating Life's Reverse Pivots05:59 Finding Balance in Busy Lives09:00 The Quest for Better Sleep12:01 The Joys and Challenges of Pet Ownership15:04 Reflections on Nature and Safety17:56 Exploring Fears and Risks in Life20:58 The Value of Risk-Taking in Discovery24:20 Exploring the Unknown: Discoveries and Their Consequences27:30 The Mysteries of the Ocean and Space28:42 Fears of the Deep: Water and Its Creatures32:31 Nature's Brutality: Animal Behavior and Human Interaction37:00 Movies and Life Lessons: Reflections on Creed41:00 Nostalgia in Film: Revisiting Childhood Favorites42:17 Innovations in Exploration: The Role of Technology47:54 Weekend Plans and Commentating Adventures51:42 The Journey of Unexpected Opportunities53:17 Fighting Events and Recent Results58:50 Fighter Updates and Future Drafts01:06:05 Navigating Life's Unexpected Changes01:09:39 Expectations and the Little Things in Life01:12:03 Maintaining Identity Amidst Change01:19:58 The Art of Adaptability in Jiu-Jitsu01:22:02 Zen Talk: Embracing Flexibility and Flow
 

Discipline Equates to Freedom

In this episode of Chokes and Consciousness, hosts Deja and Michaela discuss their experiences during a week of snow days, the importance of community engagement with their listeners, and share personal anecdotes about cooking chili and the challenges of food safety. They reflect on childhood memories of snow and sledding while diving into the risks associated with skateboarding, highlighting how perspectives change from childhood to adulthood. In this conversation, Michaela and Deja reflect on their childhood experiences with winter activities, discussing the lessons learned from accidents and the nostalgia of playing in the snow. They share their thoughts on how their perspectives on winter activities have changed as adults, including the challenges of extreme cold experienced in Minnesota. The conversation transitions into a discussion about discipline versus motivation, exploring how these concepts relate to personal growth and freedom. In this segment, Michaela and Deja discuss upcoming UFC fights, analyze coaching ethics in the sport, and highlight local events in the community. They also delve into the newly established Global Fight League, exploring its potential impact on the combat sports landscape and fighter compensation. In this conversation, Deja and Michaela explore the themes of discipline versus motivation, the evolving landscape of sports, and the importance of personal growth. They discuss the financial aspects of sports, the emergence of new leagues, and the significance of setting goals. The dialogue emphasizes the need for discipline in achieving long-term success and the role of mindfulness in maintaining motivation. The episode concludes with a Zen talk on how discipline can lead to a sense of freedom and fulfillment.
Chapters: 
00:00 Introduction and Episode Overview05:55 Snow Days: Reflections and Experiences11:55 Chili Chronicles: Cooking and Food Safety17:04 Childhood Memories of Snow and Sledding22:59 Skateboarding: Risks and Reflections32:55 Experiences of Extreme Cold and Snow in Minnesota45:20 Discipline vs. Motivation: A Path to Freedom55:50 UFC Controversies and Coaching Ethics01:04:50 The Global Fight League: A New Era in Combat Sports01:18:12 The Value of Sports and Entertainment01:30:47 Finding Your Own Discipline01:38:26 The Role of Goals in Discipline01:44:00 Zen Talk: Discipline as a Path to Freedom