Best Steve Kwan Podcasts (2025)

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Mini Ep. 71: Priit's 45° Rule 8:59

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1h ago8:59

8:59

In this week's mini-episode, we discuss Priit's 45° Rule, a helpful tip for surviving (and escaping) bad positions. The "rule" tells us: When your legs have been neutralized (ie. guard is passed), get your shoulders at 45 degrees relative to the floor. Get our Intro to Mechanics audio course, normally $79, FREE: https://bjjmentalmodels.com/freeintr…

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Talkative: Juan Soto & J.T. Realmuto at The Plate; Managerial Changes Abound; Trea Turner Goes Down 1:07:21

20h ago1:07:21

1:07:21

Jeff Passan and Buster Olney discuss the Giants sneaking back into the NL Wild Card race, Kyle Schwarber hitting another home run, where the Nationals could land for manager and GM, and if a first round playoff exit would force a manger change for the Phillies. Next, Buster chats with Juan Soto and J.T. Realmuto about their back-and-forth at the pl…

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How RFK Jr. is Actually Making America SICK Again, w/ Conspirituality Podcast’s Derek Beres 1:13:33

8h ago1:13:33

1:13:33

In this episode of Fighting Matters, hosts Stephan Kesting and Steve Kwan engage with Derek Beres, a health and science journalist and co-host of the Conspirituality podcast. They explore the role of RFK Jr and the Make America Healthy Again (MAHA) movement's role in promoting conspiracy thinking, inaccurate health narratives, and spreading of misi…

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Watched and Relaxed: Yankees Win Biggest Series So Far; Angry Phillies Fan Goes After HR Ball; Taylor McGregor on the Cubs 55:02

3d ago55:02

55:02

Karl Ravech and Buster hop on the Ravy Train in the absence of a Clown Car. The guys discuss the outrageous behavior of a Phillies fan in Miami, if losing Trea Turner is a fatal blow to Philadelphia’s World Series chances, a wild ending in Baltimore to celebrate Cal Ripken Jr.’s 2131 game, the Yankees winning the most important series of the season…

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Ep. 354: How Goals Evolve, feat. Thomas Rozdzynski 57:30

1d ago57:30

57:30

This week, we're joined by Thomas Rozdzynski from RŌL Academy! In this episode, Thomas discusses how students’ Jiu-Jitsu goals evolve over time, the importance of coach–student communication, and balancing fun with measurable progress for long-term success. Follow Thomas on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/rozdzynskibjj Train with Thomas at RŌL…

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Brawls Were Brawls: Mariners Can’t Pitch on the Road; Michael Kay on Big Yankees-Blue Jays Series; Ballpark & Beyond 55:39

6d ago55:39

55:39

David Schoenfield and Buster discuss the impact of Cal Ripken Jr.’s 2131 game 30 years later, Framber Valdez’s agent denying Valdez intentionally hit his catcher, what the heck is going on with the Mariners, the American League wild card race, and the collapsing Reds. Then, the voice of the Yankees Michael Kay stops by to talk about a big series ag…

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Fighting vs. Violence: What’s the Difference? (w/ Jay O’Shea) 57:57

5d ago57:57

57:57

In this episode of Fighting Matters, Jeff Shaw (Bellingham BJJ) and Mike Mahaffey (Old Bastard BJJ) welcome special guest Jay O’Shea. Jay is a martial artist, scholar, and the author of Risk, Failure, Play: What Dance Reveals about Martial Arts Training. The team tackles one of the deepest questions in combat sports: what separates fighting from vi…

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Mini Ep. 70: Hick's Law 5:19

5d ago5:19

5:19

In this week's mini-episode, we discuss Hick's Law, a powerful psychology and design concept that explains how the availability of more options increases our decision-making time. 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 po…

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Angry at Your Catcher: Framber Valdez Does Something Buster’s Never Seen; The Phillies’ Nick Castellanos Problem 1:02:04

8d ago1:02:04

1:02:04

Tim Kurkjian and Buster discuss Framer Valdez crossing up his catcher, Jason Adams going down for the Padres, the Red Sox extending Aroldis Chapman, the best team in the American League, Shane Bieber looking phenomenal and the Tigers slowing down. Then, Hembo stops by to talk about why the Mets stretch run will be defined by their rookie starters, …

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Hide Behind Me: The Clown Car Recaps Braves-Phillies; The Numbers Game 15:50

10d ago15:50

15:50

David Cone, Eduardo Perez, Karl Ravech and Buster discuss Hurston Waldrep’s splitter, Brian Snitker being the end of his managerial career, possible replacements for Snitker in Atlanta next season, Jesus Luzardo looking like a different pitcher, and if Kyle Schwarber will stay in Philadelphia. Then, Sarah Langs plays The Numbers Game with help from…

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Ep. 353: Jiu-Jitsu Fitness Myths, feat. Dr. Kristi Charish & Dr. Christle Guevarra 1:15:53

8d ago1:15:53

1:15:53

In this episode, we're joined by Dr. Kristi Charish and Dr. Christle Guevarra for a deep dive into fitness and nutrition myths in Jiu-Jitsu! Kristi & Christle explore how bad information spreads, the role of genetics in performance, and why aspiring athletes often fail when trying to do everything at once. They break down key misconceptions around …

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Who Smells Now?: Mets Sweep the Phillies; Real Ways to Improve MLB; Where Will Kyle Schwarber Land in Free Agency? 1:11:56

13d ago1:11:56

1:11:56

Jorge Castillo and Buster discuss Orioles infielder Luis Vazquez — Jorge’s cousin — hitting his first major league home run, the Mets sweeping the Phillies, the rise of Nolan McLean, Philadelphia navigating their pitching without Zack Wheeler, Kyle Schwarber’s upcoming free agency, and if Jorge has a lean in the AL MVP race between Aaron Boone and …

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Mini Ep. 69: Consistency 6:15

12d ago6:15

6:15

In this week's mini-episode, we discuss consistency as a concept, and explain how it acts as the basis for building good habits, achieving compound gains, and creating luck. 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,…

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"Jane" Speaks: Allegations Against Adam Zugec & ZUMA Martial Arts 1:09:08

13d ago1:09:08

1:09:08

In this episode of Fighting Matters, we're joined by "Jane Doe," who expands on her recent allegations surrounding Adam Zugec and ZUMA Martial Arts in Victoria, BC. "Jane" recaps her story of training at ZUMA, her experiences with misconduct and boundary violations, why she decided to go public, and how that experience has impacted her. We discuss …

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Kid Gloves: Reds GM Nick Krall Stops By; West Coast Bias; Toronto’s X-Factor 58:29

15d ago58:29

58:29

Tim Kurkjian and Buster discuss an exciting series between the Padres and Mariners, the Cal Raleigh-Aaron Judge MVP race coming down to the season’s final month, Clayton Kershaw continuing to roll, the odd situation with Ketel Marte in Arizona, and which teams may see managerial changes this offseason. Then, Red GM Nick Krall stops by to talk about…

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BONUS: Updated Pedagogy, feat. Rob Biernacki 1:01:00

14d ago1:01:00

1:01:00

In this bonus episode, Rob Biernacki talks pedagogy! We discuss his updated pedagogy module on BJJ Concepts, the evolving landscape of Jiu-Jitsu instruction, balancing concepts with techniques, evidence versus anecdote, emotional dysregulation in students, and the role of community in gym culture. Rob also shares news on his upcoming retirement fro…

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Daniel & Drew Go Back to School | No Dice, No Problem #39 1:00:28

15d ago1:00:28

1:00:28

Summer's (nearly) over! Drew discussed going back to grad school while Daniel shared his experiences playing at a Pokémon World Championship store tournament as a new player. Plus, they answered questions from awesome Patreon supporters of the Asians Represent podcast! - Support the launch of Daniel's wuxia TTRPG Wandering Blades here: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https:…

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Different Crew: Red Sox Best Yankees in Weekend Series; Cal Raleigh Records Remarkable Milestone 49:33

17d ago49:33

49:33

David Cone, Boog Sciambi and Mike Couzens are in the Clown Car after Sunday Night Baseball, diagnosing the state of the New York Yankees and Boston Red Sox. They also discuss what’s next for Anthony Volpe after being benched, Milwaukee honoring Bob Uecker and Cal Raleigh’s historic weekend. Then, Buster talks to Red Sox shortstop Trevor Story. Next…

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Ep. 352: Arm Drag Concepts, feat. Niamh Bryn 56:31

15d ago56:31

56:31

This week we're joined by Niamh Bryn, owner of Snowblind BJJ in Seattle! In this episode, Niamh explores the versatility and depth of the arm drag, and why it's more than just a beginner move. We explain its role as an opening salvo to create reactions, off-balances, and angles rather than an all-or-nothing attempt at taking the back. Follow Snowbl…

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⚖️ The Left’s Purity Trap: Why We Keep Losing 1:10:57

18d ago1:10:57

1:10:57

In this episode of Fighting Matters, Steve Kwan of BJJ Mental Models, Jesse Walker of Rough Hands BJJ, and Mike Mahaffey of Old Bastard BJJ welcome special guest Eric Muntz to tackle one of the most self-destructive tendencies of the political left: the purity trap. We’ve talked plenty about the dangers of the far right, but tonight we turn the mir…

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Strategic Deception: Yankees-Red Sox Meet After 2 Months; Cubs & Dodgers Obscuring Issues 49:37

20d ago49:37

49:37

David Schoenfield and Buster discuss the Mariners struggling to pitch away from home, Kyle Tucker playing through a hairline fracture in his hand, and how the Dodgers are managing the outfield. Then, Red Sox play-by-play voice Dave O’Brien stops by to talk about the state of the Red Sox with a big series against the Yankees this weekend. Later, Tod…

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Mini Ep. 68: Defensive Thinking 6:25

19d ago6:25

6:25

In this week's mini-episode, we discuss defensive thinking, the tendency to excuse poor performance before it even happens. 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 premium membership off…

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Dope Like You: Judge & Boone’s Differing Injury Stories; Expansion & Realignment Talk; Kyle Tucker Takes a Seat 56:05

22d ago56:05

56:05

Tim Kurkjian and Buster discuss why there is no rift between Aaron Judge and Aaron Boone following their differing injury assessments, if Tim is opening to realignment, Buster’s belief the Royals are the 2025 Tigers, Tim’s time in Williamsport, and Nolan McLean’s athleticism. Then, Hembo stops by to talk about Zack Wheeler’s injury news, Kyle Tucke…

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Brain Is Working: Clown Car Rides Through Williamsport for the Little League Classic 37:20

24d ago37:20

37:20

David Cone, Karl Ravech, Eduardo Pérez and Buster are in the Clown Car following the Little League Classic in Williamsport, Pa. The guys discuss a 7-3 Mets win over the Mariners on Sunday Night Baseball, Nolan McLean providing the Mets a spark, Mark Vientos getting going, why Mariners are still the best team in the American League, and the interact…

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Ep. 351: Injury Prehab, feat. Dr. Mike Piekarski 1:00:06

22d ago1:00:06

1:00:06

This week, we're joined again by “Doctor Kickass” Mike Piekarski: physiotherapist, BJJ black belt, online course creator, and instructor! In this episode, Mike discusses injury mitigation, or “prehab,” for grapplers. We explore how injuries commonly occur in Jiu-Jitsu through joint locks, scrambles, takedowns, and ego-driven decisions, and emphasiz…

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Winning Burgers: Dan Shulman on the Blue Jays; Operational Humility in Milwaukee; Big Padres-Dodgers Series This Weekend 48:25

27d ago48:25

48:25

Dan Shulman and Buster discuss the Toronto Blue Jays perched atop the American League, the latest on George Springer, wearing down pitchers, the veteran staring pitching, and when we might see top prospect Trey Yesavage. Then, Jesse Rogers stops by to talk about the Brewers’ confidence, the Cubs calling up Owen Caissie, and the Padres taking a lead…

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Mini Ep. 67: Loss Aversion 7:02

26d ago7:02

7:02

In this week's mini-episode, we discuss loss aversion, the human tendency to fear losses more than we desire equivalent gains. While avoiding losses is rational, excessive fear of loss can hold us back from our biggest growth opportunities. Get our Intro to Mechanics audio course, normally $79, FREE: https://bjjmentalmodels.com/freeintro Don't forg…

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Always Up To Something: Phillies GM Dave Dombrowski on Trading for Jhoan Duran; AL & NL West Races; Hembo on the Brewers 1:06:03

29d ago1:06:03

1:06:03

Tim Kurkjian and Buster discuss the Cal Raleigh as the main attraction during the Little League Classic in Williamsport, the Padres catching the Dodgers in the NL West, the Mariners catching the Astros in the AL West, the Brewers lighting up Paul Skenes, and how Skenes should handle his future on a bad team. Then, Dave Dombrowski talks about his co…

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BJJ Meditations 95 | Judo Meditations 18:14

27d ago18:14

18:14

In this episode of BJJ Meditations, host Joe shares personal updates about his life as a new father and the introduction of a judo program at Princeton BJJ. He discusses the philosophy of 'Don't Know Mind' and how it applies to training in judo and jiu jitsu. Joe reflects on the benefits of judo for enhancing jiu jitsu skills, the importance of lea…

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How "active clubs" use MMA to spread white supremacist hate 1:26:19

28d ago1:26:19

1:26:19

In this episode of Fighting Matters, Steve Kwan of BJJ Mental Models is joined by Stephan Kesting, Mike Mahaffey, and former FBI special agent Mike German to uncover the truth about “Active Clubs” — far-right extremist fight clubs infiltrating martial arts. Mike German spent 16 years as an FBI undercover agent, including operations against neo-Nazi…

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Old-Timers: Another Clown Car Cameo; Brewers Creating Distance in NL Central; Boog w/ Kyle Tucker 35:31

1M ago35:31

35:31

David Cone, Karl Ravech, Eduardo Pérez and Buster combine for a Clown Car as they're walking out of Busch Stadium. The guys discuss the state of the Cardinals and Cubs following Sunday Night Baseball, the Brewers sweeping the Mets, if the New York teams are in danger of falling out of the Wild Card race, Mariano Rivera tearing his achilles, and nex…

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Ep. 350: Front Headlocks, feat. Brianna Ste-Marie 1:03:54

29d ago1:03:54

1:03:54

In this episode, Brianna Ste-Marie talks about the front headlock: its offensive power, common pitfalls like “bloodlust,” strategic uses for control and distraction, and key differences between gi and no-gi. Follow Brianna on social: https://www.instagram.com/briannasm Mental models discussed in this episode: Myopia https://bjjmentalmodels.com/myop…

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Mud Birds: Royals GM J.J. Picollo on Deadline Moves & Extending Seth Lugo; Snippets of Desperation in the AL East 52:37

1M ago52:37

52:37

Royals GM J.J. Picollo joins Buster to discuss his traded deadline experience, how much the parity in the American League was a factor in making moves, extending Seth Lugo, adding Mike Yastrzemski, and trading Freddy Fermin to the Padres. Then, Alden Gonzalez talks about the tight AL East race, his preseason Mariners’ prediction, the Yankees trying…

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How Donald Trump Turned Politics Into WWE 1:07:19

1M ago1:07:19

1:07:19

In this episode of Fighting Matters, Steve Kwan of BJJ Mental Models and Jesse Walker of Rough Hands BJJ are joined by wrestling historian David Wolf to unpack how Donald Trump turned American politics into a pro wrestling storyline. From Trump’s long history with Vince McMahon and WWE, to the political weaponization of kayfabe, we dig into how the…

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Mini Ep. 66: Abundance Mindset 5:51

1M ago5:51

5:51

In this week's mini-episode, we discuss the idea of an abundance mindset, where we view success as something we can mutually achieve. The abundance mindset contrasts with a scarcity mindset, which sees success as a zero-sum game. This mini-episode explains why the abundance mindset can counterintuitively improve your Jiu-Jitsu over the long term, e…

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Glut: Aaron Judge Returns; Yankee Panic or Patience; Best Team in the American League; Thin 2026 HOF Class 1:00:18

1M ago1:00:18

1:00:18

Hembo and Buster discuss the New York Yankees losing their fifth straight game, Jhoan Duran’s entrance, what makes Cristopher Sánchez so dominant, how trading Rafael Devers unlocked the Red Sox lineup, and baseball is enjoying unprecedented (on-field) parity. Then, Tim Kurkjian and Dave Schoenfield talk about which team is the best in the American …

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Daniel's Trip to the Chinese Canadian Museum | No Dice, No Problem #38 1:04:31

1M ago1:04:31

1:04:31

Fresh from a trip to Vancouver, Daniel shared his experiences visiting the Chinese Canadian Museum, cancelling a group jubensha experience, the Burnaby Crystal Mall food court, and more! - Support the launch of Daniel's wuxia TTRPG Wandering Blades here: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/tonyatplusoneexp/wandering-blades⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ //SPONSOR Asia…

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Started to Flow: Rob Thomson Crashes Clown Car; Charlie Morton on Getting the Ball in World Series Game 7 57:55

1M ago57:55

57:55

Phillies manager Rob Thomson hops in the Clown Car with Buster, Eduardo Pérez, David Cone and Karl Ravech to share his thoughts on Cristopher Sanchez’s performance and using Jhoan Duran in the eighth inning. Then, the guys discuss why the MVP of the weekend was Dave Dombrowski, the best team in the National League, the Marlins sweeping the Yankees,…