Greetings, again. This week on the podcast, I sit down with Maryland Phil to break down Marvel Studios’ Fantastic Four: First Steps. Together, we dive into the film’s plot, character development, and the strengths and weaknesses of Marvel’s First Family.

From the striking retro-futuristic aesthetic to how this version stacks up against both the broader MCU and earlier Fantastic Four adaptations, no stone is left unturned. The conversation also touches on the Silver Surfer and Galactus, fan-favorite elements that spark plenty of debate. We share our overall scores while running through the good, the bad, and the ugly of the film. And of course, it wouldn’t be a true Nerdcast without veering into general nerd territory—discussing upcoming movies, shows, action figures, and the never-ending cycle of comic books restarting at issue #1.

Maryland Phil can be found on Twitter hosting @nerdragecast where he keeps us updated on the Nerd Rage happenings and comic and movie news. He's also on Instagram at @metalliphil

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

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The show is available on MANY PLATFORMS

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Email: offthemats2020@gmail.com

Hello, again. This week on the podcast, I sit down with John Harris, Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu purple belt and founder of TapInRoll.com, a platform designed to connect traveling grapplers with open gyms around the world. John shares his BJJ journey, what inspired him to create the site, and how Tap In Roll is streamlining drop-in bookings, digital waivers, and gym visibility.

Whether you're a competitor constantly on the road or a hobbyist just looking to train while traveling, this episode unpacks the future of BJJ accessibility and community building—one drop-in at a time. You all can follow the continued growth of Tap In Roll at tapinroll.com and on Instgram at @tapinroll

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.

We want to shout out @johnsfitmeals

Head over and use promo code Mahoney10, and you'll get 10% off.

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

Happy Monday, folks! This week on the podcast, I sit down with white belt Devin Coley to dive into his experiences of being at the very start of the Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu journey. Devin shares what it felt like stepping onto the mats for the first time, the nerves of his first roll, and the challenges he’s faced early on as a beginner. From those “aha” moments where techniques finally start to click, to lessons in patience, humility, and resilience, Devin offers a glimpse into the mindset of a new grappler navigating the ups and downs of training.

We also explore how BJJ has impacted his life outside the gym, the importance of supportive mentors and training partners, and the goals that keep him motivated. Whether you’re just tying your first belt or years into your practice, Devin’s story is a reminder of where we all started and the growth that comes from embracing the grind.

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.

We want to shout out @johnsfitmeals

Head over and use promo code Mahoney10, and you'll get 10% off.

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

Welcome back, happy people. This week on the podcast, I sit down with Michael Pereira, the founder of The Autism Voyage, to explore his journey from corporate finance to becoming a dedicated advocate for families navigating autism. Michael opens up about the life-changing moment when his son’s autism diagnosis shifted his priorities from career to family. We discuss the real challenges parents face beyond the diagnosis, from daily routines and communication barriers to managing diet, hygiene, and emotional burnout.

Michael shares practical strategies for self-advocacy, including how to approach IEP meetings, build a reliable care team, and avoid common financial pitfalls when planning for long-term care. We also talk about the unexpected role Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu has played in his son’s growth, helping with focus, body awareness, and confidence, while strengthening their bond as a family.

Wrapping up, Michael dives into why entrepreneurship can be a lifeline for parents of special needs children, and how turning personal experience into purpose can change not just your life, but the lives of others.

To keep up with Michael and their voyage or for more information, you can follow on Instagram at

@theautismvoyage

https://theautismvoyage.com/

https://theautismvoyage.com/newsletter/

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.

Go check out @socialmediastrategiesthatwork. The account is operated by friend to the podcast and 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

Today marks 5 years since I launched Off the Mats Podcast. What started during the uncertainty of the COVID pandemic as a way to stay connected with friends has turned into something bigger than I ever expected.

To every guest who’s come on to share their story, and to every listener who’s tuned in, shared an episode, or reached out—thank you. You’ve helped build a space that’s about more than jiu-jitsu. It’s about people, growth, and community.

Joining me on this week's episode is returning guest, teammate, and friend of the show, Mark Rollamas, for a wide-ranging conversation that blends BJJ, life, and a little pop culture.

We kick things off by catching up on what Mark’s been up to lately—especially his focus on helping newer grapplers develop effective ankle lock attacks. We get into the grind of intense practices and how age and injuries impact training. We also talk about whether YouTube and Instagram techniques actually hold up in live rolls.

Then, of course, we veer into movie talk—sharing thoughts on the new Fantastic Four, our favorite time travel flicks, and some horror film themes (plus a quick nod to the So, You Like Horror? podcast). We wrap it all up by talking about the future of Off the Mats and where my personal jiu-jitsu journey is headed next.

This show has kept me grounded, introduced me to amazing people, and reminded me why these conversations matter.

Here’s to 5 years of stories, lessons, laughs, and everything in between—and to whatever comes next.

🖤 Thank you for rolling with me.

#OffTheMatsPodcast #BJJCommunity #BrazilianJiuJitsu #PodcastAnniversary #GrapplingLife #BJJFamily #5YearsStrong #ThankYou

Greetings, all. This week on the podcast, I sit down with BJJ purple belt, John Ramos, to hear how his journey into Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu began with a Google search about Married with Children star Ed O’Neill and led him from Florida International University to Carlos Gracie Miami and eventually to Crazy 88 MMA.

John reflects on his early days as a white belt competitor, the importance of training safely, and how the world of BJJ intersects with his experiences in the military. He opens up about the emotional challenges of transitioning between gyms and how the mats became a lifeline during tough moments in his personal life.

John also shares what he looks for in a new training environment and offers valuable advice for fellow service members who might feel hesitant to try BJJ. We close out the episode with a fun round of rapid-fire questions to get to know him even better—on and off the mats.

We want to shout out @johnsfitmeals

Head over and use promo code Mahoney10, 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

Welcome back, folks. This week on the podcast, I sit down with Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu purple belt Navarro Chamberlain, training out of Crazy 88 MMA. Known for his tireless work ethic, technical precision, and dedication to the craft, Navarro shares the story of how he first discovered Jiu-Jitsu and the early struggles that shaped his journey. He reflects on what it’s like to train in one of the most competitive gyms in the region, learning from elite coaches and training partners who constantly push him to evolve.

Navarro discusses the mental and technical transitions that come with advancing in rank, reveals his favorite positions and submissions, and offers valuable advice for lower belts aspiring to progress. We also talk about his long-term goals in the sport, including thoughts on coaching, reaching black belt, and staying motivated through the grind.

To close out, Navarro takes on our Rapid Fire segment, answering questions about his toughest rolls, go-to submissions, and how the art has influenced life beyond the mats.

You can keep up with Navarro's journey and accomplishments by following him on Instagram at @frankenstein_bjj

We want to shout out @johnsfitmeals

Head over and use promo code Mahoney10, 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

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