Off the Mats Podcast #319- A Different Kind of Strength feat. Ben Kerslake

This week on the podcast, I welcome back Crazy 88 MMA Brown Belt Kyle Rocke for a catch-up episode focused on jiu-jitsu, travel, and his recent trip to Barbados. Kyle shares what took him to the island, his experience exploring Barbados, and what happened when he decided to add a little Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu to the vacation by dropping into a local BJJ academy. We talk about walking into an unfamiliar gym and what it’s like to realize that jiu-jitsu gives you an instant connection with people almost anywhere in the world. We also catch up on Kyle’s current BJJ journey, what he’s been working on back home, how his game has evolved, and whether training while traveling is something more grapplers should experience. Whether you train Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, enjoy martial arts travel, or have ever thought about packing your gi on vacation, this episode is a look at how the mats can make a new place feel a little more familiar.

Returning guest Mannuel C. joins me again on the Off the Mats Podcast for a laid-back catch-up conversation about life, jiu-jitsu, personal growth, and everything that’s changed since we last sat down together. We talk about where Mannuel is in life right now, changes in motivation, navigating plateaus, and the importance of the right people and training environment. We also get into changing priorities, personal goals, and what keeps him moving forward through different seasons of life. This episode is less about chasing one specific topic and more about checking in, reconnecting, and having the kind of conversation that happens when two people haven’t sat down together in a while. Whether you train Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, enjoy martial arts podcasts, or just appreciate honest conversations about growth and everyday life, this episode has something for you. Follow Off the Mats Podcast for more conversations with grapplers, martial artists, coaches, competitors, and people from throughout the BJJ community.

In this episode of the Off the Mats Nerdcast, I’m joined by Maryland Phil to break down Spider-Man: Brand New Day and share our full thoughts on the latest chapter in Tom Holland’s Spider-Man story. We give our score of the film out of 10, we talk about what worked, what didn’t, our favorite moments, the movie’s biggest weaknesses, and give our official Good, Bad & Ugly before revealing our official Good, Bad & Ugly. We also dive into the latest Marvel X-Men reboot casting news, sharing our reactions to the actors stepping into some of the most iconic mutant roles in Marvel history and discussing what we hope to see when the X-Men officially make their mark on the MCU. Whether you’re a longtime Spider-Man fan, an X-Men reader, or just trying to keep up with everything happening in the Marvel Cinematic Universe, join us for another nerd-filled conversation on the Off the Mats Nerdcast. Topics include: Spider-Man: Brand New Day review, Tom Holland’s Spider-Man, Marvel Studios, MCU, X-Men reboot, Marvel X-Men cast, Spider-Man movie ranking, Good Bad & Ugly review, comic book movies, and Marvel news.

In this episode of Off the Mats Podcast, I sit down with my Crazy 88 MMA teammate Renee R., along with her son Joshua and daughter Annalena, to talk about what it’s been like discovering Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu together as a family. Renee began training in January 2026 and is still in the early stages of her journey as a white belt, but she has already experienced how quickly jiu-jitsu can become more than just another hobby. We talk about what originally brought her to the mats, the nerves and challenges that come with being a beginner, learning to become comfortable with being uncomfortable, competing early in her journey, and the ways training has started to influence her confidence and mindset away from the gym. Joshua and Annalena also join the conversation to share their own experiences training at Crazy 88 MMA, giving us a look at jiu-jitsu through the eyes of younger athletes and what it’s like when martial arts becomes something the entire family can share. This episode is about more than submissions and techniques. It’s about starting something new, growing together, and finding community through Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu. Whether you’re a longtime grappler, a brand-new white belt, a parent considering martial arts for your kids, or someone wondering what it’s like to begin BJJ, this conversation offers a relatable look at life on and off the mats. Topics include: Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu for beginners, the white belt experience, kids in jiu-jitsu, family martial arts, BJJ competition, Crazy 88 MMA, confidence, personal growth, and building community through grappling.

In this episode of the Off the Mats Podcast, I sit down with my Crazy 88 MMA teammate Brian Garcia to talk about what it's like to start Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu as a brand-new white belt. Brian has been training for less than a year, so we get into the beginner experience from the ground up: walking into the gym for the first time, surviving the early months, getting comfortable with live rolling, learning how to deal with constant mistakes and submissions, and slowly recognizing the signs of improvement. We also talk about training at Crazy 88 MMA, becoming part of the jiu-jitsu community, the effects that it can have on mental health, developing confidence on and off the mats, and what keeps someone coming back even after the toughest training sessions. Whether you're a longtime grappler or considering your first BJJ class, this episode offers a relatable look at the early stages of the jiu-jitsu journey. Topics include Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu for beginners, BJJ white belt experiences, Crazy 88 MMA, martial arts training, grappling, confidence, gym culture, and personal growth through jiu-jitsu.

Off the Mats Podcast celebrates another anniversary with Episode #322 and the return of friend to the podcast, Mark Rollamas, from Crazy 88 MMA. Mark was the guest on the very first episode of Off the Mats back in August 2020, and he returns to continue our annual tradition of reflecting on the podcast, martial arts, and where life has taken us. In this episode, Mark and I recap our day at the Muay Thai Developmental League, better known as the MDL, and discuss the atmosphere surrounding amateur Muay Thai development. We also get into our shared love of horror films, our current experiences in grappling, and some of the most underrated positions in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu. Mark also shares practical advice for BJJ white belts who are learning how to survive, develop confidence, and build a strong foundation on the mats. Whether you train jiu-jitsu, follow Muay Thai, enjoy horror movies, or have been listening since Episode #1, this anniversary conversation is about friendship, consistency, and continuing to grow both on and off the mats.

Episode 20 of the Off the Mats Nerdcast is here, and Maryland Phil is back to catch up on everything happening across nerd culture. This week, we break down the latest Marvel Legends reveals from San Diego Comic-Con, including the new Marvel vs. Capcom Sentinel and other figures that caught our attention. We also react to the Avengers: Doomsday trailer, talk about Robert Downey Jr. stepping into the role of Doctor Doom, and discuss whether Marvel can make the next Avengers movie feel like a true event again. We also preview Spider-Man: Brand New Day ahead of its July 31 theatrical release, including where Peter Parker's story could go after No Way Home, Jon Bernthal's Punisher, and what we want from a more grounded Spider-Man story. To close things out, we preview our transition to horror, as we prepare to record a bonus episode of the So, You Like Horror? Podcast where we will discuss what we've been watching, which upcoming releases have our attention, and where the genre stands in 2026. If you're into Marvel Legends, the MCU, Spider-Man, horror movies, collectibles, comics, and general nerd culture, this episode is for you.

Melly returns to the Off the Mats Podcast for a conversation about creativity, anxiety, and her evolving relationship with Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu. Since her last appearance, Melly has stepped away from the mats while navigating motherhood for the first time and learning how to balance her new responsibilities with her identity as an artist and grappler. We discuss what life has looked like during this transition, the challenges of being away from training, and why taking a break from jiu-jitsu does not mean walking away from it forever. Melly also shares the inspiration behind @artofjiujitsu and @theartofcalm_co, where she combines creativity, mindfulness, and art meditation to help people manage anxiety and find moments of calm. This episode explores identity beyond the mats, the pressure to remain productive, and how art can become a practical tool for slowing down and reconnecting with yourself. Follow Melly on Instagram at @artofjiujitsu and @theartofcalm_co.

BJJ brown belt Moe Brown returns to Off the Mats Podcast to help break down UFC 329: McGregor vs. Holloway 2. We discuss Conor McGregor’s long-awaited return, the unfortunate knee injury that brought the main event to an early conclusion, and whether Max Holloway should receive full credit for the victory. We also examine what the result means for both fighters, whether a trilogy fight makes sense, and whether McGregor’s latest setback could mark the end of his career inside the Octagon. Moe also provides his technical grappling perspective on Paddy Pimblett’s quick D’Arce choke against Benoît Saint Denis, Brandon Royval’s rear-naked-choke finish, Mario Bautista’s victory over Cory Sandhagen, and Robert Whittaker’s successful light-heavyweight debut.  What was your reaction to the UFC 329 main event? Should Holloway and McGregor fight for a third time? Follow Off the Mats Podcast, leave a rating and review, and join the conversation.

On this episode of Off the Mats Podcast, I sit down with Ben Kerslake, a BJJ brown belt whose life recently changed after undergoing surgery that resulted in an ileostomy. Ben shares the story behind his health journey, what recovery has been like, and how he is adjusting physically and emotionally to life with an ostomy. We also discuss the challenges of stepping away from Brazilian jiu-jitsu, the support he has received from the people around him, and his return to the mats. Ben speaks openly about vulnerability, confidence, adaptation, and what strength looks like when your body and daily routine suddenly change. This is an honest conversation about resilience, ostomy awareness, major surgery recovery, and the determination to keep moving forward both on and off the mats.