Easton Training Center Community Podcast

In this episode of the Easton Training Center Community Podcast, Mike sits down with Easton co-owner Eliot Marshall for a wide-ranging conversation about parenting, Jiu Jitsu, leadership, and the evolution of Easton. Mike and Eliot talk about raising kids, learning to be more present as parents, and finding the balance between giving your children a great life while still allowing them to experience struggle. They dive into Jiu Jitsu, including how Easton's approach to teaching has evolved, the importance of the coach-student relationship, and why the fundamentals of control and dominance continue to matter even as the sport changes. It's an honest conversation about getting older, continuing to learn, and how the lessons picked up on the mat carry over into family, business, and life.   Interested in joining our community? Sign up for a free class: https://eastontc.com/

In this episode of the Easton Training Center Community Podcast, Sean Madden joins Mike to talk about coaching, competition, and the years of work it takes to build a successful Muay Thai program. Sean shares what he's learned from recently stepping into Easton's kids Muay Thai program, including the differences between coaching kids and adults, adjusting expectations for different students, and why great coaches need to adapt the way they communicate. The conversation also explores Easton's long-term goal of creating a stronger bridge between the kids and adult programs and developing athletes who can grow up through the entire Easton system. Sean also breaks down Easton's most successful trip yet to the TBA Muay Thai World Expo, where nine athletes competed in 21 fights, finished with an 18–3 record, and brought home six national championships. More important than the wins, Sean explains how years of developing better systems, higher standards, experienced coaches, and a unified team culture are beginning to pay off on the national stage. Interested in joining our community? Sign up for a free class: https://eastontc.com/

In this episode of the Easton Community Podcast, Mike sits down with longtime friend, Easton brown belt, and physical therapist Matt Smith to explore what it really takes to stay healthy, recover from injury, and continue doing the things you love for life. Matt shares his journey from working with elite athletes and Olympians to helping everyday people overcome pain and regain confidence in their bodies. Along the way, the conversation dives into memorable patient stories, the realities of injury rehabilitation, balancing risk with family responsibilities, and why resilience is often just as important as physical recovery. Whether you're a martial artist, endurance athlete, or someone looking to move better and stay active as you age, this episode offers practical insights into performance, longevity, and building a body that's prepared for whatever life throws at it.   Interested in joining our community? Sign up for a free class: https://eastontc.com/

In this episode of the Easton Training Center Community Podcast, Mike Tousignant sits down with Dr. Vassily Eliopoulos—former emergency room physician, lifelong wrestler, Brazilian Jiu Jitsu black belt, and founder of Longevity Health. Vass shares the pivotal moments that led him from a successful career in emergency medicine to the world of regenerative medicine, health optimization, and longevity. Along the way, he discusses the lessons martial arts taught him about stress, personal growth, and finding purpose beyond professional success. The conversation explores everything from flow states and meditation to stem cells, hormones, psychedelics, and the future of healthcare. Whether you're an athlete, entrepreneur, parent, or simply someone looking to live a healthier and more intentional life, this episode offers a fascinating look at what it means to pursue longevity, growth, and fulfillment. Interested in joining our community?  Sign up for a free class: https://eastontc.com/

In this episode of the Easton Community Podcast, Tyra Pritt—Academy Operations Director and Kids Department Head at Easton Longmont—shares her journey from parent to leader and how Jiu Jitsu transformed her life. Tyra and Mike discuss the power of discomfort in growth, what makes a great kids coach, and how martial arts build confidence, resilience, and strong character in both kids and adults. A must-listen for parents, coaches, and anyone passionate about the impact of Jiu Jitsu beyond the mats.  Interested in joining our community? Sign up for a free class: https://eastontc.com/

In this episode of the Easton Community Podcast, Mike sits down with River Mayfield, General Manager of Easton Longmont, to dive into his journey from a lifelong martial artist to a leader within the academy. River shares stories from his unconventional karate upbringing, his transition into Jiu Jitsu, and how those experiences shaped his approach to training, coaching, and leadership. This episode offers a raw look at discipline, culture, and what it takes to grow from student to leader inside a martial arts school. Interested in joining our community? Sign up for a free class: https://eastontc.com/

In this episode of the Easton Community Podcast, Mike Tousignant sits down with Easton Arvada General Manager and Easton Jiu Jitsu black belt Kyle Wright. Kyle has been a part of the Easton community for years, but his path into the academy — and into leadership — is anything but typical. Before joining Easton, Kyle was competing in MMA and working at a hobby game shop in Denver, where he developed a reputation for being welcoming, patient, and great with people from all walks of life. That same ability to connect with people would later become a defining part of his coaching style. Kyle shares how he first connected with Easton through Ian Lieberman, what it was like transitioning from competitor to coach, and how he eventually stepped into a leadership role running the Easton Arvada academy. The conversation explores the realities of building a healthy gym culture, the responsibility that comes with coaching, and what it takes to lead a competition team while still creating an environment where beginners feel comfortable walking through the door.   Interested in joining our community? Sign up for a free class: https://eastontc.com/

After a long break, the Easton Training Center Community Podcast is back and kicking off the year with ETC founder, Amal Easton.  Amal shares personal stories that touch on self-control, responsibility, confrontation, and how years of martial arts training shape the way we move through the world. The conversation moves from real-world conflict to parenting, values, and what it means to draw clear lines in your life without losing your humanity. Interested in joining our community? Sign up for a free class: https://eastontc.com/

In this episode, CEO Mike Tousignant sits down with Alex Huddleston, Easton Training Center's Director of Martial Arts, to unpack the work happening behind the scenes to elevate martial arts across all Easton academies. Alex shares insights into the systems and strategy behind Easton's curriculum development, leadership training, and competition prep. The two dive deep into this year's Easton Open, the success of the Denver Open training camp, and the impact of creating inclusive spaces like women's randoris and teen-only sessions. You'll also hear a heartfelt discussion about the mental and emotional growth martial arts offers—especially through competition. Whether you're a coach, student, or simply passionate about martial arts culture, this episode gives a front-row seat to the vision, structure, and values that shape Easton's martial arts programs. Interested in joining our community? Sign up for a free class: https://eastontc.com/

On this month's episode of the Easton Community Podcast, our host, Mike Tousignant, interviews Coach Sean Madden, ETC's Muay Thai Program Director who's been the central force in shaping Easton's Muay Thai program. Interested in joining our community? Sign up for a free class: https://eastontc.com/