Chokes and Consciousness

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.
 
 

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