Welcome back, friends. This week on the podcast, I sit down with Ben Kovacs, co-founder of Guardian Gym, a nonprofit martial arts academy with locations in Los Angeles, Baltimore, Ethiopia, and more, with a mission to empower youth through free access to Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu and mentorship.

Ben shares the personal experiences that ignited his passion for community work and the story behind the gym’s inception. From securing funding for their first location to building a culture rooted in connection rather than competition, Ben walks us through how Guardian Gym challenges the stereotypes surrounding combat sports. We explore the emotional, psychological, and social benefits that martial arts can offer, especially for at-risk youth, and discuss why BJJ is far more than a sport—it’s a transformative tool for growth, self-respect, and community healing.

To keep up with Ben and what Guardian is up to, you can follow on Instagram at @guardiangym and guardiangym.org

We want to shout out @johnsfitmeals

Head over and use promo code Mad10, and you'll get 10% off.

Thank you, again, to everyone for listening to and supporting the podcast up to this point. Below, you'll find info on where to find the shows and social media. Tell a friend to tell a friend.

Listeners get 20% off their purchase at simpleleaf.com and bjjwholesale.com with the code "BJJWIKI." Go check out @socialmediastrategiesthatwork. The account is operated by friend to the podcast and frequent guest @bjjmomma. Go give a follow and listen to @so_you_like_horror on Instagram and listen to the new episodes on Spotify. https://spoti.fi/3Jqrrxj The show is available on MANY PLATFORMS. FOLLOW US ON SOCIAL MEDIA Facebook.com/offthematspodcast Instagram @offthematspodcast TikTok https://bit.ly/3FTEZAd WRITE INTO THE SHOW Email: offthemats2020@gmail.com

What's up, nerds? This week on the podcast, I'm joined by Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu practitioner and passionate collector Sam Bracamonte. Sam shares the story of how he began his BJJ journey, the hard-earned lessons he's learned while climbing the ranks, and how he prepares mentally and physically for major competitions. We also dive into the challenges that come with training—nerves, injuries, and plateaus—and how he overcomes them.

But Sam isn’t just a grappler—he’s also a serious Marvel Legends collector. He breaks down how his collecting passion began, shares his favorite releases, talks about the hunt for rare figures, and reflects on the highs and lows of building an epic collection.

To wrap up, we explore the unexpected ways the BJJ and collector communities overlap, from shared camaraderie to the thrill of the chase. Whether you’re on the mats or on the hunt for your holy grail, this episode’s got something for you.

Thank you all for listening to and supporting the podcast. Below, you'll find info on where to find the shows and social media.

Go give a follow and listen to @so_you_like_horror on Instagram and listen to the new episode on Spotify

https://spoti.fi/3Jqrrxj

The show is available on MANY PLATFORMS

FOLLOW US ON SOCIAL MEDIA

Facebook.com/offthematspodcast

Instagram @offthematspodcast

Twitter @offthematspod1

TikTok https://bit.ly/3FTEZAd

WRITE IN TO THE SHOW

Email: offthemats2020@gmail.com

Well, hello, again. This week on the podcast, I sit down with grappler Phille Eriksson, whose journey on and off the mats is nothing short of inspiring. After facing severe health challenges that led to an ileostomy, Phille refused to let his circumstances define him—or stop him from returning to Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu.

From his first day on the mats to the emotional rollercoaster of surgery and recovery, Phille shares how he is adapting to life with a stoma and how this will effect his game, modifying his gear, and finding strength in the support of his family and team.

Together, we dive deep into the physical and mental toll of living and training with an ostomy, confronting misconceptions and redefining what resilience looks like in the grappling community. Phille opens up about the importance of representation, the role BJJ plays in healing, and how he is working his way back—not just as a grappler, but as a symbol of what’s possible.

Whether you're a fellow practitioner, someone facing health battles, or simply a fan of stories that challenge limits, this episode is a testament to the power of grit, adaptation, and community.

To keep up with Phille, you can follow him on Instagram at @gymnecessity

We want to shout out @johnsfitmeals

Head over and use promo code Mad10, and you'll get 10% off.

Thank you, again, to everyone for listening to and supporting the podcast up to this point. Below, you'll find info on where to find the shows and social media. Tell a friend to tell a friend.

Listeners get 20% off their purchase at simpleleaf.com and bjjwholesale.com with the code "BJJWIKI." Go check out @socialmediastrategiesthatwork. The account is operated by friend to the podcast and frequent guest @bjjmomma. Go give a follow and listen to @so_you_like_horror on Instagram and listen to the new episodes on Spotify. https://spoti.fi/3Jqrrxj The show is available on MANY PLATFORMS. FOLLOW US ON SOCIAL MEDIA Facebook.com/offthematspodcast Instagram @offthematspodcast TikTok https://bit.ly/3FTEZAd WRITE INTO THE SHOW Email: offthemats2020@gmail.com