Chokes and Consciousness

Humble Power

In this episode, Michaela and Deja explore various topics ranging from their personal fitness journeys and reflections on aging to the impact of astrology on their lives. They discuss the upcoming UFC events and the importance of community engagement. Furthermore, they discuss the evolving landscape of MMA in Kansas City and the cosmic energies influencing their lives. Throughout the episode, they emphasize the importance of personal growth and navigating life's transitions. Additionally, Michaela and Deja target the belt system in Jiu-Jitsu, the controversies surrounding MMA fighters like Jon Jones, and Kayla Harrison and the importance of role models in sports. Discussing Topic of the Week and Zen Talk, they touch on the dynamics of power in Jiu-Jitsu, emphasizing the need for self-awareness and the acceptance of one's limitations to harness true power. 
 

Trust your intuition

In this episode, Michaela and Deja celebrate their 10th episode, reflecting on their consistency and the support from their community. They discuss the transition into fall, and the cosmic energies affecting their moods. They then shift to pop culture references, Halloween costumes, and the evolution of health trends, particularly in protein products. Michaela and Deja share their feelings about the recent full moon and its emotional effects, as well as insights from tarot readings. The episode transitions into updates on the Fight2Win event and a recap of UFC Noche, highlighting notable fights and frustrations with event organization. In this conversation, Michaela and Deja discuss the importance of fighter safety in MMA, and the risks associated with the sport. They also analyze recent fight predictions and outcomes, discuss Topic of the Week regarding personal experiences about decision-making in their journeys, and conclude with Zen Talk and the exploration into the significance of trusting one's intuition and emotions. The dialogue emphasizes self-awareness, the acceptance of emotions, and the importance of making decisions that align with personal values and well-being.
 

Opportunities come from challenges

In this episode, Deja and Michaela dive into the chaos of their lives, mainly focusing on Deja's wild Friday the 13th filled with unexpected events. They also discuss their upcoming fight matches, the event's uncertainty, and their shared love for horror movies and superstitions. The conversation shifts to Deja and Michaela exploring their shared love for horror movies, discussing personal superstitions, and reflecting on their fears. They also provide updates on upcoming fight events, including UFC and Invicta, and share their predictions. The discussion transitions into their Topic of the Week regarding their reflection on how their experiences in Jiu-Jitsu mirror their personal lives, emphasizing growth and learning through the sport. In this conversation, Deja and Michaela explore the various stages of learning Jiu-Jitsu, discussing the challenges and growth of each belt level. They then go into their Zen Talk and reflect on their personal experiences, the importance of perseverance, and how challenges can lead to opportunities for deeper understanding and skill development.

Passive assertiveness is a virtue

In this episode, Deja and Michaela discuss their recent upgrades in audio and video quality for their podcast. They also talk about their personal fitness journeys and the importance of finding balance in treating themselves. They review upcoming UFC fights and share their thoughts on recent MMA news. They also discuss the Mikey Musumeci and the Mighty Mouse interview and the topic of waiting for success versus being assertive. They also talk about the UFC and Dana White's contender series. They mention a bare-knuckle fighter who plans to donate her brain to science for a cognitive study. They discuss the risks and safety concerns in combat sports, including CTE. They also mention the possibility of participating in combat jiu-jitsu. In this part of the conversation, Deja and Michaela discuss the importance of being authentic and building your brand in jiu-jitsu. They also touch on the topic of performance-enhancing drugs (PEDs) in the sport and the differences in mindset between former collegiate athletes and non-athletes. They emphasize the constant learning and growth in jiu-jitsu and the dedication required to achieve goals. In this conversation, Michaela and Deja discuss the concept of waiting for success versus being assertive. They explore the idea of going with the flow and allowing opportunities to appear, while also being intentional and taking steps forward in their process. In Zen Talk they discuss the energy you put in and the energy you receive. They emphasize the importance of finding a balance between waiting and taking action. They also discuss the impact of energy on our experiences and relationships, highlighting the need to protect our own energy and set boundaries with others. The conversation concludes with a quote from Maya Angelou: 'Everything in the universe has a rhythm. Everything dances.'
 

Tending to the foundation

In this episode, Michaela and Deja recap IBJJF Jiu Jitsu Con and World Masters in Vegas, discuss post-competition thoughts and their overall reflection on being in Vegas, discuss the Topic of the Week: What did I know competing, and what did I learn afterward?, and discuss Zen Talk: Tending to the bricks of your foundation to build continued evolution through natural transitions. 

Mindfulness Vegas time, baby!

Join Michaela and Deja as they converse about their upcoming competition in Vegas: Jiu Jitsu Con and World's Masters, the latest UFC news and upcoming events, local MMA and grappling news, ADCC and CJI recap, Topic of the Week: Letting go of expectations, and closing with Zen Talk: Staying present 

Check your ego and learn from everyone!

Join Michaela and Deja as they discuss updates to their progress to the 2024 Jiu Jitsu Con/Master's Worlds, the latest MMA news, the ending to the 2024 Olympics and people rooting against each other, the Topic of the week discussion of keeping your ego in check, and ending on learning from everyone in Zen Talk.

The process, not the outcome!

Much improved audio for this week's episode!!**
This week, Michaela and Deja discuss the results from Michaela's latest competition, UFC news, ADCC and CJI news, continued review of the Olympics, boundary setting in training, and embracing the process, not the outcome.

Accountability, Resilience, and Affirmations!

*This episode has some audio challenges. Please bear with Michaela and me as we continue to figure this recording process out!
Michaela and Deja discuss Michaela's upcoming competition, a recap of McMann vs. Basil at UFC 304, a preview of UFC on ABC, and local Midwest fight news and new local fighters. Furthermore, there is more Olympic content and review; the Topic of the week is: What are your accountability, discipline, and mindset when prepping for and right after the competition? We end with our Zen Talk of how do you affirm and show up for yourself? 

Competition Mindsets and Olympic Updates

Michaela and Deja discuss Michaela's upcoming competition, a recap of McMann vs. Basil at UFC 304, a preview of UFC on ABC, and local Midwest fight news and new local fighters. Furthermore, there is more Olympic content and review; the Topic of the week is: What are your accountability, discipline, and mindset when prepping for and right after the competition? We end with our Zen Talk of how do you affirm and show up for yourself?