Chokes and Consciousness

Mask Off

In this episode, Deja and Michaela discuss various topics ranging from their personal experiences with coffee and energy levels to upcoming sports events and the importance of nutrition. They delve into insights from the UFC, highlighting the importance of mental preparation and visualization techniques for athletes. The discussion also touches on the psychology of performance and the impact of sleep and mindfulness on overall well-being. In this conversation, they discuss various themes surrounding urban planning, sports salaries, holistic wellness, and the challenges faced by fighters in the UFC. They explore the financial landscape of sports, the impact of AI and VR on reality, and the significance of social media in athlete success. The conversation also touches on upcoming fights and the UFC's monopoly in combat sports, highlighting the need for better compensation and health insurance for fighters. In this conversation, Deja and Michaela explore various themes surrounding authenticity, integrity, and the journey of martial arts training. They discuss unique combat sports, the significance of achieving a black belt, and the importance of honesty in the martial arts community. The conversation delves into the consequences of lying for acceptance and the burden of maintaining a facade. Ultimately, they emphasize the importance of choosing oneself, being authentic, and fostering a supportive community.
 
Chapters
00:00 Upcoming Fights and Streaming Challenges53:56 UFC News: New Signings and Debuts56:55 Age Dynamics in MMA: Youth vs Experience59:57 Charles Oliveira's Fight Analysis and Strategy01:02:59 Financial Disparities in Combat Sports01:05:57 The Impact of Salaries on Fighter Performance01:08:50 The Future of Sports Contracts and Market Dynamics01:12:00 Monopolies in MMA and Jiu-Jitsu's Growth01:18:50 The Impact of Social Media on Sports Organizations01:21:23 UFC's Monopolistic Practices and Cross-Promotion Challenges01:22:38 UFC 250 and the Future of MMA Events01:24:13 Exploring Unique Combat Sports: Japanese and African Boxing01:30:14 The Controversy of Rapid Black Belt Achievements01:39:18 The Fallout of Tim Kennedy's Misrepresentation01:47:53 The Burden of Lies and Self-Rejection01:51:00 Authenticity and Belonging01:55:22 Choosing Yourself Over Others01:59:51 The Weight of Masks and Lies02:06:13 Integrity and Authenticity in Community02:12:46 Celebrating Growth and Community02:14:43 Choke and consciousness outro edit.mp3
 

The Willingness of Sacrifice

In this episode, Deja and Michaela explore various themes, including self-defense, the creative process of art, personal experiences in the gym, public behavior, and the impact of fireworks. They also discuss the recent UFC BJJ finale and UFC 317, reflecting on the importance of athlete compensation and the potential for future seasons to include female competitors. The conversation is light-hearted yet insightful, touching on personal anecdotes and broader societal observations. Michaela and Deja delve into various aspects of MMA, including fight recaps, performance strategies, and the importance of confidence versus cockiness. They discuss the sacrifices fighters make for success and reflect on the current state of MMA and jiu-jitsu. The conversation also touches on mindfulness and the significance of maintaining a balanced mindset in the sport.
Chapters
00:00 Introduction and Self-Defense Humor03:32 Art and Creativity in Daily Life06:39 Gym Experiences and Personal Space09:32 Navigating Public Spaces and Social Interactions12:34 Reflections on Independence Day and Fireworks18:29 Pets and Their Reactions to Fireworks23:18 Food Cravings and BBQ Plans34:37 UFC BJJ Finale Insights46:05 UFC 317 Highlights and Fight Analysis46:49 Fight Analysis: Strategies and Outcomes48:35 Referee Decisions and Fight Safety50:33 Dominance in the Octagon: Pantoja's Performance52:48 The Rise of Ilia Topuria56:18 Controversies in the UFC: Patty and Topuria's Beef01:02:14 The State of MMA: Growth vs. Decline01:17:02 The Evolution of Grappling in America01:25:40 Sacrifices for Success01:36:02 Finding Confidence vs. Cockiness01:42:38 Final Thoughts and Reflections01:45:58 Choke and consciousness outro edit.mp3

Finding the Deeper Understanding in Tapping

In this episode, Deja and Michaela delve into various themes, including the excitement of reaching a new milestone in their YouTube subscriber count, the challenges of training in the summer heat, and the natural process of aging and adaptation in their jiu-jitsu practice. They also discuss the implications of Mark Zuckerberg's involvement in jiu-jitsu and the evolving landscape of UFC BJJ. The conversation explores personal growth through horoscopes, the significance of community support in sports, and the importance of maintaining a balanced life. With humor and insight, they navigate the complexities of training, competition, and personal development. Deja and Michaela discuss the significance of tapping in martial arts, the recent UFC fights, and the responsibilities of coaches. They delve into Jon Jones' legacy and controversies, the future of the heavyweight division, and upcoming fights. The discussion transitions into a deeper understanding of tapping out, both in martial arts and life, emphasizing the importance of yielding and surrendering to learn and grow.
Chapters
00:00 Introduction to Aggression and Energy02:21 Celebrating Subscriber Growth05:11 Summer Heat and Its Effects07:43 Aging and Physical Changes10:30 Adapting to Physical Limitations12:57 Humor in Jiu-Jitsu15:40 Frustrations with Maintenance Services20:08 Zodiac Connections and Personal Identity22:51 Seasonal Changes and Personal Growth24:49 Cancer Season Insights and New Beginnings27:32 Libra Season and Professional Growth30:06 Summer Competitions and Community Engagement32:13 UFC BJJ Updates and Future Prospects35:58 Mark Zuckerberg's Jiu-Jitsu Journey43:07 The Impact of Celebrity on Jiu-Jitsu46:08 Training Smarter: The Philosophy of Tapping48:13 UFC Fight Night Recap: Lessons from Recent Fights49:57 The Role of Corners: Honesty in Coaching53:21 John Jones: Legacy and Controversies01:02:52 The Debate: John Jones vs. Tom Aspinall01:09:32 Upcoming Fights: UFC 317 Preview01:11:23 Ronda Rousey's Upcoming Movie01:12:06 Boxing News: Canelo vs. Crawford01:13:02 Jake Paul vs. Julio Cesar Chavez Jr.01:14:25 Women's Jiu-Jitsu Event01:15:12 Understanding Tapping in Jiu-Jitsu01:18:53 Life Lessons from Tapping01:22:18 Zen Talk: Yielding and Tapping in Life

The Currency of Sweat

In this episode, Michaela and Deja explore various themes ranging from their daily activities and experiences to survival stories and reflections on air travel. They share their love for thunderstorms, discuss the impact of solar flares, and delve into the wonders of nature and animal encounters. Deja Jackson and Michaela explore a variety of themes ranging from the whimsical idea of befriending wild animals to the serious implications of genetic engineering. They share personal anecdotes about their experiences with pets, carnival rides, and fast food, while also discussing the effects of humidity and the concept of delayed gratification. The conversation is filled with humor and nostalgia, particularly for 90s movies, as they reflect on the evolution of film and societal norms. Michaela and Deja discuss various topics ranging from movie critiques, particularly about dinosaur films, to survival tactics in hypothetical dinosaur invasions. They delve into the mysteries surrounding dinosaurs and express skepticism about our understanding of them. The conversation shifts to predictions about the future, touching on themes from popular culture and technology. They also recap recent UFC events, share updates on Ben Askren's health, and discuss upcoming UFC fights and the new UFC BJJ series, emphasizing the importance of marketing jiu-jitsu as a spectator sport. Furthermore, Deja and Michaela discuss upcoming local MMA events and the importance of delayed gratification in training and competition. They explore the marshmallow test as a metaphor for self-control and resilience, emphasizing the need to embrace the process of growth, even when it feels uncomfortable. The conversation highlights the significance of consistency and effort in achieving long-term goals, while also reflecting on the joy found in the journey rather than just the outcomes.
Chapters
00:00 Introduction and Warm-Up02:56 Daily Life and Activities05:55 Adventures in the Sky and Nature09:00 Survival Stories and Reflections11:59 Fears and Experiences with Air Travel15:03 Technology and Future Innovations18:03 Solar Flares and Their Impact21:01 Nature Observations and Animal Encounters26:16 Befriending Nature: A New Perspective28:02 The Dangers of Wild Animals as Pets29:30 Carnival Rides and Safety Concerns32:01 Fast Food and Portion Sizes34:13 Sweets and Self-Control36:05 Humidity and Its Effects38:28 Delayed Gratification and Effort40:45 The Meat Sweats: A Culinary Experience43:00 Nostalgia for 90s Movies51:14 The Ethics of Genetic Engineering52:07 Nostalgia and Movie Critique54:25 Dinosaurs and Survival Tactics57:09 The Mystery of Dinosaurs01:00:00 Predictions for the Future01:01:10 UFC Fight Night Recap01:08:34 Ben Askren's Health Update01:14:22 Upcoming UFC Events01:17:36 UFC BJJ and Jiu-Jitsu Discussions01:23:32 Upcoming Fights and Local Events01:27:13 Delayed Gratification: The Marshmallow Test01:40:29 Embracing the Humidity of Life01:49:50 The Process Over the Outcome

It's Never Over

In this episode, Deja and Michaela reflect on their journey through various ages, discuss their community's growth, and share creative ideas for future events. They touch on personal preferences regarding weather, gardening experiences, and the importance of bees in the environment. The conversation also delves into nostalgic animated movies, highlighting their impact on childhood memories. In this engaging conversation, Michaela and Deja explore various themes ranging from the fascinating lives of ants and their intricate tunnels to personal fitness journeys involving bulking and cutting. They also delve into the significance of the Strawberry Moon and its cultural implications, before wrapping up with a recap of UFC 316, discussing fight outcomes and athlete performances. In this conversation, Michaela and Deja discuss the upcoming fight between Amanda Nunes and Kayla Harrison, the implications of Amanda's return on the women's bantamweight division, and the dynamics of relationships in combat sports. They also touch on the UFC's new Jiu-Jitsu initiative and draw parallels between resilience in sports and recent tennis matches, highlighting the importance of perseverance. Deja and Michaela explore themes of resilience, self-discovery, and the importance of maintaining a competitive spirit in sports and life. They discuss the mental and emotional challenges faced in competitive environments, the significance of self-awareness, and how jiu-jitsu serves as a metaphor for life's struggles. The dialogue emphasizes the need to keep pushing forward, even when situations seem dire, and the role of ego in shaping our identities. They also touch on the responsibility of experienced practitioners to ensure safety in training environments.
Chapters
00:00 Introduction and Reflection on Age03:03 Growth and Community Engagement05:58 Creative Ideas and Future Plans08:57 Event Planning and Team Dynamics12:00 Nature and Gardening Insights15:05 Weather and Personal Preferences17:58 Bees and Environmental Awareness21:01 Animated Movies and Nostalgia21:50 The Intricacies of Ant Life24:40 Reflections on Insect Encounters28:12 Fitness Journeys: Bulking vs. Cutting36:09 Astrology and the Strawberry Moon41:52 UFC 316 Recap: Fights and Insights47:44 The Anticipation of a Fight: Amanda vs. Kayla49:44 The Goat Debate: Amanda Nunes' Legacy51:59 The State of Women's Bantamweight Division54:40 The Return of Amanda Nunes: Impact on the Division58:53 The Dynamics of Relationships in Combat Sports01:02:01 UFC's New Jiu-Jitsu Initiative01:15:32 Resilience in Sports: Lessons from Champions01:17:31 Competitive Spirit in Sports01:20:40 Resilience in Adversity01:23:31 The Journey of Self-Discovery01:27:48 The Importance of Self-Awareness01:30:15 Ego vs. True Self01:35:00 Reading People Through Jiu-Jitsu01:41:32 Safety and Responsibility in Training
 

Journey of Fulfillment

Summary
In this episode, Deja and Michaela celebrate their 40th podcast milestone, reflecting on their growth and commitment over the past year. They discuss their journey towards consistency in health and fitness, sharing personal experiences and insights on nutrition. The conversation also explores healthy snack options, including protein balls and fat bombs, emphasizing the importance of making informed food choices. Deja and Michaela discuss the impact of weather on their moods, nostalgic memories from school, personal growth, and upcoming events, including a trip to Vegas and an analysis of a UFC fight. They share insights on how their experiences shape their current lives and the importance of staying active and connected with their goals. Deja and Michaela focus on the challenges faced by female fighters, weight management issues, and the professionalism expected in the UFC. They delve into the recent fight cancellation involving Maycee Barber and Erin Blanchfield, highlighting the impact of weight struggles and mental health on athletes. The discussion also touches on controversial decisions in Jiu-Jitsu competitions and the ongoing debate about women's representation in the sport, particularly in light of comments made by Craig Jones regarding female athletes and their contracts. Furthermore, they discuss the importance of communication in training, and emphasizing the significance of choosing training partners wisely and the necessity of open communication during training sessions. The discussion also touches on the pressures faced by young athletes in today's sports culture, advocating for a balance between success and personal joy. The conversation concludes with reflections on the decline of outdoor play among children and the impact of specialization in sports. They reflect on the importance of creativity and playfulness in Jiu-Jitsu, the significance of finding fulfillment in life's journey, and the value of individuality and self-awareness. They discuss the challenges of maintaining health in a culture that often promotes unhealthy lifestyles, the joy of engaging in activities that foster creativity, and the necessity of taking time to appreciate achievements rather than rushing to the next goal.
Chapters
00:00 Getting Back to Fitness11:55 Weather Talk and Tornado Warnings14:56 Nostalgia of School Days20:50 Reflections on Growth and Change26:54 Preparing for Upcoming Events30:56 UFC Discussion and Fight Analysis33:10 Macy Barber's Weight Struggles and Fight Cancellations38:42 Erin Blanchfield's Disappointment and Professionalism in UFC41:54 The Mental and Physical Challenges of Fighters47:21 Controversial Decisions in Jiu-Jitsu Competitions53:51 The Debate on Women's Representation in BJJ01:01:31 The Journey to Black Belt01:03:01 Choosing Your Roles Wisely01:04:56 The Importance of Communication in Training01:08:54 Upcoming UFC Predictions01:16:55 Success Without Burnout in Sports01:26:42 The Changing Landscape of Sports Stars01:29:21 Cultural Reflections on Health and Fitness01:30:51 Creativity and Playfulness in Jiu-Jitsu01:36:31 Finding Fulfillment in the Journey01:43:28 Embracing Individuality and Self-Awareness01:47:01 Choke and consciousness outro edit.mp3
 

Appreciate Tradition

In this episode, Deja and Michaela discuss various topics ranging from the weather and seasonal changes to personal health and outdoor activities. They reflect on their experiences with nature, including biking and camping, while also touching on the intriguing subjects of aliens, robotics, and animal behavior. Their light-hearted banter reveals personal anecdotes and insights, creating an engaging dialogue that resonates with listeners. Deja and Michaela explore a variety of topics, ranging from their experiences at cat cafes to their fitness journeys, discussing protein snacks and innovative food options. They reflect on gym fashion trends, the importance of hygiene in public spaces, and even delve into the serious topic of tornado safety. Their light-hearted banter and insightful observations create a relatable and entertaining dialogue that resonates with listeners. Deja and Michaela explore various themes, including the importance of self-defense training, particularly through jujitsu, and the upcoming fights in the MMA scene. They discuss a remarkable story of a 13-year-old girl who defended herself using jiu jitsu, the significance of local fight events, and the balance between technique and tradition in martial arts. The conversation emphasizes personal growth, community engagement, and the evolving nature of martial arts culture. Michaela and Deja explore themes of aggression in martial arts, the importance of humility and tradition, and the balance between capability and responsibility. They discuss the dynamics of being an underdog, the pitfalls of modern technology in education, and the significance of maintaining respect within the martial arts community. The conversation culminates in a reflection on how tradition shapes discipline and the future of martial arts.
Chapters
00:00 Weather Talk and Seasonal Changes03:01 Personal Health and Weight Reflections06:04 Outdoor Activities and Safety Concerns09:03 Nature and Animal Encounters12:02 Aliens and Conspiracy Theories15:00 Technology and Robotics18:02 Camping Experiences and Nature Appreciation21:00 Animal Behavior and Personal Experiences25:13 Exploring Cat Cafes and Nature Connection27:03 Fitness Journeys and Protein Snacks29:24 Innovations in Protein Foods30:45 The Challenge of Bulking Up32:02 Plant Care and Green Thumbs32:58 Weekly Reflections and Health Updates34:03 Gym Fashion Trends and Observations38:56 The Evolution of Gym Attire41:03 Hygiene and Etiquette in Public Spaces45:58 Conversations on Tornado Survival and Safety51:42 The Impact of Tornadoes and Survival Stories53:18 Self-Defense and Jujitsu: A 13-Year-Old's Triumph56:30 Upcoming Fights and Predictions01:01:34 Local Fight Events and Community Engagement01:02:25 The Importance of Technique in Jujitsu01:14:52 Tradition vs. Modernity in Martial Arts01:23:13 The Aggressive Underdog01:26:28 Just Because You Can, Doesn't Mean You Should01:35:18 Zen and Tradition in Martial Arts
 

Hustle and Flow

In this episode, Deja and Michaela reconnect after a break, sharing personal updates, reflections on adulting, and their experiences with challenges and achievements. They discuss everything from tornado survival to academic journeys, artistic endeavors, and the importance of perseverance in the face of obstacles. The conversation underscores the importance of personal growth and the journey of discovering one's life's path. In this conversation, Deja shares her journey from aspiring physical trainer to pursuing a career in mental health and therapy. She discusses the academic challenges she faced, her growing interest in mental health, and the pivotal moments that led her to pursue a master's degree and eventually a doctorate. The conversation also touches on the importance of enjoying food and the positive energy associated with nourishment, as well as the upcoming competitions and personal goals. In this conversation, Deja and Michaela discuss upcoming competitions in jiu jitsu and MMA, including jiu jitsu Con and local fights. They delve into recent UFC news, including Islam Makhachev's title relinquishment and Jon Jones' uncertain future. The discussion shifts to a debate on athleticism between NBA players and baseball players, highlighting the unique skills required in each sport. Finally, they plan fun games and challenges for a future event, showcasing their competitive spirit and camaraderie. In this engaging conversation, Deja and Michaela explore the importance of play in life, the challenges faced by athletes like Clarissa Shields in transitioning between sports, and the necessity of maintaining a hustle and flow mindset. They discuss the significance of discipline in achieving freedom and the power of perspective in overcoming life's challenges. The conversation is filled with personal anecdotes, motivational insights, and a light-hearted approach to serious topics.
Chapters
00:00 Return and Reflections03:00 Life Updates and Adulting06:00 Tornado Talk and Survival09:01 Academic Journey and Achievements11:58 Artistic Endeavors and Creativity14:52 Hustle, Flow, and Finding Freedom17:58 Personal Growth and Overcoming Challenges27:03 Navigating Academic Challenges and Career Aspirations30:02 Discovering Passion for Mental Health and Therapy33:08 Transitioning into Professional Life and Finding Purpose37:03 Pursuing Higher Education and Overcoming Obstacles39:00 The Journey to a Doctorate and Life Changes42:03 Preparing for Competitions and Future Goals49:01 The Importance of Enjoying Food and Nourishment56:51 Upcoming Competitions and Registrations01:02:15 UFC and MMA News Updates01:08:30 Local Fights and Events01:13:04 Athleticism Debate: NBA vs. Baseball01:20:44 Fun Games and Challenges01:22:26 Fun and Games: The Importance of Play01:25:08 Clarissa Shields: A Champion's Journey in MMA01:28:58 Hustle and Flow: The Journey of Life01:40:32 Finding Freedom in Discipline01:47:15 Mind Over Matter: The Power of Perspective
 

Reinventing Self

In this episode, Deja and Michaela explore various themes, including aging, environmental awareness, and personal anecdotes. They discuss the significance of Earth Day, the impact of plastic pollution, and the importance of water conservation. The conversation is lighthearted yet thought-provoking, touching on personal experiences with aging and the humorous side of life events like fireworks. They also dive into cosmic thoughts about time travel and the future of our planet. In this engaging conversation, Michaela and Deja explore a variety of themes, ranging from the idea of time travel and its connection to Earth to personal updates about their lives and routines. They discuss health and well-being, share experiences from a recent concert, and preview upcoming events, including UFC Kansas City. The conversation also highlights the achievements of women in MMA, reflections on competitions, and light-hearted banter about the sport, culminating in a humorous take on Ronda Rousey's shadowboxing antics. In this enlightening conversation, Deja and Michaela explore the themes of personal transformation, the importance of self-discipline, and the journey of reinventing oneself. They discuss the challenges of shedding old identities, the significance of patience in personal growth, and the necessity of self-awareness in recognizing patterns in one's life. The dialogue emphasizes the importance of being open to change, embracing vulnerability, and trusting the process of transformation. They also touch on the idea of raising one's frequencies through mindfulness practices and the impact of ancestral identity on personal growth.
 

When the Fight Chooses You

Deja and Michaela celebrate their 36th episode while discussing the recent Pink moon and its astrological significance. They share personal updates, including health and fitness journeys, focusing on Jiu-Jitsu. The conversation shifts to work life, discussing office essentials and the importance of a comfortable workspace. They also delve into their experiences with plant care, sharing humorous anecdotes about their struggles. Finally, they celebrate their growth on YouTube, reflecting on their journey and future plans. In this episode, Michaela and Deja explore various themes ranging from the dynamics of strength and skill in sports to emotional connections with food. They engage with their audience, discussing their growth goals and the importance of feedback. The conversation also touches on personal experiences with pre-workout supplements, the impact of mood on eating, and a recap of UFC 314, highlighting key fights and performances. In this segment, Deja and Michaela discuss various topics in the MMA world, including the emergence of the 'Fighting Nerds' crew, the surprising performances of fighters like Paddy Pimblitt and Volkanovski, and the future of Michael Chandler. They also touch on Amanda Nunes' Hall of Fame induction and her potential return to the octagon, as well as the cancellation of the Global Fight League and its implications for fighters. The conversation wraps up with a look at upcoming events and news in the MMA landscape. In this episode, Michaela and Deja discuss the theme of perseverance and resilience when faced with challenges, particularly when the fight chooses you. They explore the importance of mindset, the process of overcoming self-doubt, and the necessity of showing up for oneself. The conversation emphasizes that success is a result of hard work, learning, and love for what you do, encouraging listeners to embrace their challenges as opportunities for growth.
Chapters
00:00 Introduction and Episode Overview03:05 Astrology and the Pink Moon06:01 Personal Updates and Health08:57 Jiu-Jitsu and Physical Well-being12:09 Work Life and Office Essentials14:58 Plant Care and Experiences18:00 YouTube Growth and Future Plans22:40 Exploring Strength and Skill Dynamics24:31 The Concept of Shared Consciousness25:46 Engaging with the Audience: Growth and Community26:50 The Importance of Feedback and Reviews28:01 Food and Mood: The Emotional Connection29:32 Diss Tracks and Food Disappointments30:58 Caffeine and Energy Levels32:32 Pre-Workout Experiences and Sensitivities35:00 Upcoming Events and Personal Goals36:49 UFC 314 Recap: Fights and Performances45:59 The Rise of the Fighting Nerds48:03 UFC Debuts and Surprises51:00 The Future of Michael Chandler53:01 Volkanovski's Comeback and Title Defense57:04 Amanda Nunes: Hall of Fame and Future Fights01:00:56 The GFL Cancellation and Its Impact01:09:00 MMA News and Future Events01:11:45 When the Fight Chooses You01:20:36 Walking Through the Fire01:30:00 Success is No Accident