Chokes and Consciousness

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

Channeling Assertiveness

In this episode, Deja and Michaela discuss various personal updates, including Deja's successful dissertation defense and Michaela's new collaboration with a jujitsu company. They explore health and wellness topics, seasonal changes, and their preferences while also reflecting on their experiences at the gym and astrological insights related to their personal growth. The conversation is light-hearted and filled with humor, showcasing their friendship and shared experiences. In this conversation, Deja and Michaela explore themes of personal growth, transformation, and assertiveness. They discuss Sean O'Malley's journey towards self-improvement, the dynamics of UFC fighters, and the importance of channeling assertiveness in overcoming fears. The conversation also touches on the significance of confidence and acting without overthinking, encouraging listeners to embrace their true selves and pursue their goals with determination.
Chapters
00:00 Introduction and Context11:05 Weather and Seasonal Preferences22:54 Gym Experiences and Observations24:49 Health and Fitness Updates24:49 Celebrating Achievements and Promotions27:42 Health and Wellness: Vitamins and Supplements30:38 Defending the Dissertation: A Journey to Doctorate33:44 The Pressure of Presentations and Public Speaking36:43 Creative Collaborations: Developing a Superhero Narrative39:41 New Ventures: Affiliate Marketing in Jiu-Jitsu42:26 Astrological Insights: Embracing Aries Season45:49 Astrological Insights and Good Fortune47:40 Sean O'Malley's Transformation for Success51:11 UFC Updates: Fighters and Future Matches56:11 The Decline of MMA Stars01:01:44 Upcoming UFC Events and Ticket Prices01:04:37 Channeling Assertiveness in Life and Sports01:07:59 Facing Presentation Anxiety01:13:12 The Journey to Assertiveness01:16:54 Acting Without Overthinking01:24:33 Controlling Thoughts and Being Intentional01:25:19 Confidence and Self-Assertion01:27:09 Choke and consciousness outro edit.mp3

From Fear to Flow

In this engaging conversation, Michaela and Deja explore various themes, including the humorous aspects of pranks, the origins of April Fool's Day, their growing podcast audience, and personal updates on their lives. The dialogue is filled with laughter, insights, and reflections on their journey as podcasters and individuals. In this conversation, Deja Jackson and Michaela discuss various topics related to UFC and MMA, including recent fight news, predictions for upcoming events, and the journey of fighters like Paige Van Zant. They explore emotional themes such as transitioning from fear to flow, the importance of sparring techniques, and the dynamics of rolling with different body types in martial arts. The conversation is filled with insights into the sport, personal experiences, and the evolving landscape of MMA. In this conversation, Michaela and Deja discuss various themes surrounding personal growth, resilience, and the challenges faced in combat sports. They explore the dynamics of rolling with larger opponents, upcoming events in the combat sports world, and the journey from fear to flow in high-stress situations. The discussion also delves into the illusion of control in life and the importance of embracing the uncontrollable aspects of existence, culminating in a reflection on how experiences shape personal identity.
 
Chapters
00:00 The Return of the Studio and Prank Ideas02:58 Origins of April Fool's Day05:55 Global Reach and Listener Engagement09:01 Personal Updates and Achievements12:01 Preparing for Presentations and Research14:59 Consciousness and Research Design23:11 Celebrating Accomplishments and Transitioning to Content24:24 From Fear to Flow: Navigating Emotions25:54 UFC News: Retirements and Controversies32:32 Upcoming Fights and Event Changes36:50 UFC 314: Predictions and Matchups41:03 Paige Van Zant's Journey and New Developments47:00 Rolling Techniques: The Art of Sparring50:24 Rolling with Bigger Opponents51:05 Upcoming Events in the Combat Sports World54:44 From Fear to Flow: Overcoming Stress01:02:18 The Illusion of Control in Life01:09:30 Embracing the Uncontrollable

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.