Best Stephan Kesting Podcasts (2025)

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437 - Adam Shoalts, Vanished Beyond the Map 39:55

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2d ago39:55

39:55

Canoeist and author Adam Shoalts on the mindset that drives individuals to seek adventure, and the importance of safety and decision-making in the wilderness. We also dive into the mysterious disappearance of the greatest explorer you've never heard of. Grab Adam's book, Vanished Beyond the Map, anywhere books are sold or here: https://adamshoalts.…

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Ep. 361: Submission Series: The Kimura, feat. Stephan Kesting 1:00:32

21d ago1:00:32

1:00:32

This week, we're joined by Stephan Kesting! In this episode, Stephan teaches the Kimura as both a submission and a positional system: its ancient origins, key positional variations, and how it functions as a control framework rather than just a finishing move. Topics include finishing mechanics, leverage physics, the "fat old lazy man" Kimura, and …

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Ep. 364: Staying Sane in an Insane Sport, Feat. Keith Krikorian 58:47

1h ago58:47

58:47

This week, we're joined by 10th Planet standout Keith Krikorian! In this episode, Keith shares his thoughts on mental health, community, and staying grounded in an increasingly chaotic world. Keith shares how Jiu-Jitsu builds confidence, connection, and emotional resilience, why the sport attracts so many unique personalities, and how gratitude tra…

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Top 7 Destinations to Visit (Before They Get Crowded) with Gunnar Garfors 1:29:22

5d ago1:29:22

1:29:22

Need some inspiration for your upcoming travels? Gunnar Garfors is the first person to travel to every country in the world not once, but TWICE. As the ultimate travel expert, he’s with us to share his list of the best places to visit before they get too popular. You’ll hear about seven out-of-the-ordinary destinations spanning all seven continents…

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Mini Ep. 80: Race to the Bottom 9:25

4d ago9:25

9:25

In this week's mini-episode, we discuss the race to the bottom: a pricing phenomenon where we drive prices so low that they become unsustainable. This concept is critical to understand for any Jiu-Jitsu business. Get our Intro to Mechanics audio course, normally $79, FREE: https://bjjmentalmodels.com/freeintro ⬆️ LEVEL UP with BJJ Mental Models Pre…

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The Revival of Night Train Travel and Launching a European Sleeper Train Startup with Thibault Constant 59:56

7d ago59:56

59:56

Is night train travel making a comeback? Trains have long been seen as a romantic or nostalgic way to explore a destination, but what if it could also be the most practical, comfortable, and climate-friendly way? Thibault Constant is a French train enthusiast turned entrepreneur who built a following of 300k on his YouTube channel, Simply Railways.…

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Ep. 363: Jiu-Jitsu for Belonging, feat. Kenny Kim 54:58

7d ago54:58

54:58

This week, we're joined by Mat Made founder Kenny Kim! In this episode, Kenny discusses how to build deeper connections and stronger communities through Jiu-Jitsu. Topics include: creating lasting engagement at gyms, growing authentic online followings, using storytelling to inspire others, overcoming imposter syndrome, building consistency, and le…

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How To Be a “New Tourist,” the Powers and Perils of Tourism, Embracing Tourist Traps, and the Impact of Travel with Paige McClanahan 1:40:27

12d ago1:40:27

1:40:27

How is tourism impacting communities, and what can we do about it? Paige McClanahan joins me to talk about the dualities of the tourism industry and how we can have deeper travel experiences while benefiting the world. Paige McClanahan is the author of The New Tourist: Waking up to the Power and Perils of Travel. She is an American journalist based…

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Mini Ep. 79: Points of Control 11:27

11d ago11:27

11:27

In this week's mini-episode, we discuss how the torso and levers become points of control. With torso control, we clamp or hook onto our opponent's torso so we can hold them in position or rotate around them. With lever control, we use our opponent's arms, legs, and/or head to create leverage. Attacking a single lever usually affords more force, wh…

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7 Chile Hidden Gems: Off-the-Beaten Path in Patagonia, Mapuche Culture, and More with Steph Dyson 1:34:51

14d ago1:34:51

1:34:51

Want to explore volcanoes, wine valleys, remote wilderness, and vibrant indigenous cultures, all in one country? Why not make Chile your next adventure? Steph Dyson is a travel journalist, guidebook author, and founder of the website Worldly Adventurer. She has spent nearly a decade living and travelling across Latin America, including three years …

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Ep. 362: Submission Series: The Omoplata, feat. "Silver Fox" Karel Pravec 56:42

14d ago56:42

56:42

This week, we're joined again by "Silver Fox" Karel Pravec! In this episode, Karel explores one of Jiu-Jitsu's most underrated submissions: the omoplata. Karel explains why the omoplata is so effective as both a sweep and control position, how to chain between parallel and perpendicular omoplatas, and why it excels against bigger opponents. Follow …

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Remote Roundup: True Costs of Long-Term Travel, Taxes & Borderless Living, an Underrated Productivity Habit, + More (October 2025) 1:17:23

19d ago1:17:23

1:17:23

What tools and routines make the biggest difference for nomads? What really drives down your cost of living abroad, and what are you giving up to get there? On this month’s episode, Caitlin and Janessa swap stories on budgeting, daily tradeoffs, and what it takes to feel comfortable in constant motion. You'll hear their thoughts on shifting priorit…

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Mini Ep. 78: Last Mile Problem 13:46

18d ago13:46

13:46

In this week's mini-episode, we introduce the last mile problem, which explains why it gets harder to achieve our goals as we near the end (or "last mile"). The last mile problem is commonly caused by complexity, complacency, consistency, or confidence. Get our Intro to Mechanics audio course, normally $79, FREE: https://bjjmentalmodels.com/freeint…

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7 Epic Travel Fitness Adventures (For All Levels) and Solo Travel for Transformation with Heidi Nicklaus (+ Jason’s Ultimate Travel Blunder) 1:11:38

21d ago1:11:38

1:11:38

What would your travels look like if you planned them around the most epic, life-shaping active adventures you could dream up? Heidi Niklaus is the founder of Heidi Runs Abroad LLC, where she helps travelers, expats, and digital nomads maintain their wellness routines on the road. With a background in higher education at Rutgers University, she piv…

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436 - How Training Your Submissions as Positions Takes Your Game to the Next Level, with Steve Kwan from BJJ Mental Models 58:08

9d ago58:08

58:08

Today the tables get turned and I end up on the other end of the microphone as Steve Kwan from BJJ Mental Models picks my brain about the huge benefits that arise to treating your jiu-jitsu submissions as positions first, and submissions second. I promise this will make perfect sense by the end of the episode, and may change how you approach your t…

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#10: KC Jones - Never Quit: The True Meaning of a Black Belt 1:08:41

13d ago1:08:41

1:08:41

“A black belt means I never quit.” “We may not speak the same language, but we can all speak martial arts.” “BKF wasn’t Kenpo — it was the first real MMA school.” “Fear is natural. The trick is to understand it, not run from it.” “Relaxation under pressure — that’s the highest skill.” “We started with 30 students. Only two made it. That’s what bein…

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Mini Ep. 77: Types of Guard 9:36

26d ago9:36

9:36

In this week's mini-episode, we introduce the four types of guard: hook, clamp, frame, and hybrid. Every guard in Jiu-Jitsu can be classified into one of these types. Get our Intro to Mechanics audio course, normally $79, FREE: https://bjjmentalmodels.com/freeintro ⬆️ LEVEL UP with BJJ Mental Models Premium! The world's LARGEST library of Jiu-Jitsu…

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435 - Roy Dean and the Origins of BJJ in North America 1:02:36

23d ago1:02:36

1:02:36

Renowned BJJ blackbelt Roy Dean came onto The Strenuous Life Podcast to talk about his research into how BJJ got started in North America, martial arts culture in Japan, the power of Judo in self defense situations, the importance of role models in shaping one's conception of masculinitym and more. If you get a chance, please give this show a ratin…

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Top 15 USA National Park Hikes: From Iconic Must-Dos to Hidden Wilderness Gems with Jason Frye 1:34:14

28d ago1:34:14

1:34:14

What if the best hikes in America’s national parks aren’t the ones you’ve already heard of? Jason Frye is a travel and outdoor writer who grew up in the mountains of West Virginia and now lives in North Carolina near the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. His latest book with Moon Travel Guides, USA National Parks Hiking: The Top 100 Trails, cove…

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Ep. 360: The Perfect Training Camp, feat. Josh McKinney 1:01:36

28d ago1:01:36

1:01:36

This week, we're joined again by Josh McKinney! In this episode, Josh explains how to structure the perfect Jiu-Jitsu competition camp. Topics include: offense vs. defense days, performance days, intensity vs. recovery, overtraining, saying no to unsafe rolls, and advice for non-competitors. Follow Josh McKinney on Instagram: https://www.instagram.…

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Mini Ep. 76: Knee Line 16:33

1M ago16:33

16:33

In this week's mini-episode, we discuss the concept of the knee line: an imaginary line connecting your two knees. When the two points of this line combine with your groin, these three points create a triangle. That triangle is the basis for how we use our legs to clamp or wedge our opponent in place. To clamp or wedge their body part in place with…

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How to Harness the Power of Your Intuition (Using the Icelandic Concept of Innsæi) with Hrund Gunnsteinsdottir 1:28:49

1M ago1:28:49

1:28:49

What would life feel like if you could reliably tap into your intuition, even when your logic is pulling in another direction? Hrund Gunnsteinsdóttir is an Icelandic author, speaker, and creative leader known for popularizing the concept of InnSæi, the Icelandic approach to intuition. She spent years working in international development (including …

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Ep. 359: Old Bastard Closed Guard, feat. Mike Mahaffey & Jesse Walker 54:30

1M ago54:30

54:30

This week, we're joined by Mike Mahaffey (Old Bastard BJJ) and Jesse Walker (Rough Hands BJJ)! Mike and Jesse explain the "old bastard" style of closed guard: a way to play the position without relying on strength, speed, or athleticism. Follow Mike Mahaffey: https://instagram.com/oldbastardbjj https://threads.com/@oldbastardbjj Follow Jesse Walker…

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Mini Ep. 75: Curse of Knowledge 6:15

1M ago6:15

6:15

In this week's mini-episode, we discuss the curse of knowledge: a cognitive bias explaining why it's hard for experts to relate to beginners. Get our Intro to Mechanics audio course, normally $79, FREE: https://bjjmentalmodels.com/freeintro Don't forget to check out BJJ Mental Models Premium! If you love the podcast, you'll definitely love our prem…

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434 - High-Percentage BJJ Competition Strategies with Beatrice 'Berimbozo' Jin 54:34

1M ago54:34

54:34

Beatrice Jin shares the competition strategies that have allowed her to become the American National adult black belt middleweight champion and one of the top ranked black belts in the world. From guard pulls to sweeps to takedowns to pin escapes to conditioning to KO grips to structuring open mats so that they become a competitive advantage for yo…

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Peru’s Hidden Gems, Why NOT to Hike the Inca Trail + Amazing (Less Crowded) Alternatives with Heather Jasper 1:16:45

1M ago1:16:45

1:16:45

By Jason Moore

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Ep. 358: Please Tap, feat. Rob Biernacki 54:25

1M ago54:25

54:25

In this episode, Rob Biernacki confronts a growing trend of competitors refusing to tap and taking serious injuries at low-level tournaments. Rob argues that reckless "tough-guy" behavior, poor finishing mechanics, and bad coaching culture are fueling unnecessary damage for hobbyists. Rob calls for smarter, safer training values, reminding athletes…

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Surviving On a Desert Island + Transformative Travel with Tom Williams from Desert Island Survival 1:18:20

1M ago1:18:20

1:18:20

By Jason Moore

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Mini Ep 74: Center of Gravity 7:34

2M ago7:34

7:34

In this week's mini-episode, we discuss center of gravity: your body's "tipping point" of balance. Your center of gravity is around 56% of the way up your body (around your pelvis) when standing upright, but moves as your body moves. Understanding your center of gravity is key to preventing it from being used against you. With practice, your center…

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Top 7 French Riviera Hidden Gems (A Local’s Guide) + A Lifestyle Redesign Built Around Travel with Cédric Pages 1:03:25

1M ago1:03:25

1:03:25

By Jason Moore

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Ep. 357: The Truth About Burnout, feat. Jeff Shaw 1:00:17

2M ago1:00:17

1:00:17

This week, we're joined again by Jeff Shaw from Bellingham BJJ! In this episode, Jeff talks about the causes and cures for burnout in Jiu-Jitsu. Topics include: plateaus, the “blue belt blues,” the unique pressures faced by instructors and gym owners, keeping training sustainable, protecting consistency, staying playful, reframing expectations, and…