Best Steve Kwan Podcasts (2025)

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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

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4d 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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Marketing Is Not a Line Item - Bill Harper 35:03

1d ago35:03

35:03

My guest this week is Bill Harper, a guy who's been building brands longer than most people have been talking about branding. He's the Chief Creative Officer/CEO of BrandBossHQ , his fifth agency, where he helps businesses find the story that actually scales. Bill has worked with more than 300 brands, helped drive over $2.5 billion — that’s with a …

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Mini Ep. 78: Last Mile Problem 12:07

2d ago12:07

12:07

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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Ep. 361: Submission Series: The Kimura, feat. Stephan Kesting 58:53

5d ago58:53

58:53

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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Marketing With a Soul - Alan Bethke & Matthew Bershadker 47:48

9d ago47:48

47:48

Last time, Alan Bethke, SVP of Marketing at Subaru of America, joined me on the show. We talked about the heart of Subaru’s “Love” campaign and why this brand has such a unique emotional connection with its customers. If you missed that episode, definitely go back and listen — though not yet, after this one. It’s truly one of the most memorable con…

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Mini Ep. 77: Types of Guard 7:57

9d ago7:57

7:57

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

11d 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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Ep. 360: The Perfect Training Camp, feat. Josh McKinney 59:56

12d ago59:56

59:56

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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From ROI to Relationships - Tifenn Dano Kwan 31:06

16d ago31:06

31:06

My guest this week is Tifenn Dano Kwan, Chief Marketing Officer at Amplitude. Tifenn’s mission as a data-driven leader is to shape the future of work through superior digital experiences, great teams, and technology that customers love. What a novel idea. At Amplitude, she drives global marketing strategy and leads a team focused on helping organiz…

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Mini Ep. 76: Knee Line 14:54

16d ago14:54

14:54

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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Ep. 359: Old Bastard Closed Guard, feat. Mike Mahaffey & Jesse Walker 52:51

19d ago52:51

52:51

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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Brand Bravery in EdTech - John Jorgenson 32:10

22d ago32:10

32:10

My guest this week is John Jorgenson, CMO at Cambium Learning Group. John spent his first seven years at Cambium leading marketing for two of its brands, where he helped grow Learning A-Z into its largest division. Now, as Enterprise CMO, he works alongside the Cambium executive team to shape strategy, creativity, and culture. What sets John apart …

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Mini Ep. 75: Curse of Knowledge 4:36

23d ago4:36

4:36

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

25d 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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Ep. 358: Please Tap, feat. Rob Biernacki 52:46

26d ago52:46

52:46

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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Curiosity Fuels Leadership - Kimberley Gardiner 37:17

30d ago37:17

37:17

My guest this week is Kimberley Gardiner, the CMO of Tractor Supply Company. Since 2022, she's been leading the charge on all things marketing for the country's largest rural lifestyle retailer, from big national campaigns to loyalty programs that keep their 30 million-plus Neighbor’s Club members engaged. Kimberley’s career isn't just impressive, …

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Mini Ep 74: Center of Gravity 5:55

1M ago5:55

5:55

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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Ep. 357: The Truth About Burnout, feat. Jeff Shaw 58:38

1M ago58:38

58:38

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…

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Customer Experience Unfiltered - Jay Baer 29:31

1M ago29:31

29:31

My guest this week is someone who doesn’t just talk the talk—he’s lived it, built it, and continues to help others do the same. Jay Baer is one of the most dynamic voices in business growth, customer experience, and marketing. He’s a New York Times bestselling author of seven business books, the founder of five multimillion-dollar companies, and a …

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Mini Ep. 73: Tipping Points 5:57

1M ago5:57

5:57

In this week's mini-episode, we discuss tipping points: the idea that once you have sufficient leverage or momentum, your desired outcome can no longer be denied. 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 def…

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433 - How Jiu-Jitsu Builds an Unshakeable Self Confidence, with Alicia Reitz 51:07

1M ago51:07

51:07

Alicia Reitz and I dive deep into how BJJ can be used to develop a strong sense of self confidence for everyone, and how that self confidence can then be put to good use in self defense and the the rest of your life. We also digress a little into specifics of the social media drama that I was involved in recently, which certainly raised my blood pr…

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Ep. 356: Safer Jiu-Jitsu Competitions, feat. Dr. Jen Case 57:04

1M ago57:04

57:04

This week, we're joined by Dr. Jen Case! Jen is a 13x IBJJF masters world champion, BJJ black belt under Renato Tavares, coach at Charlotte Jiu-Jitsu Academy, and PhD in Human Nutrition & Performance. In this episode, Jen covers the risks of Jiu-Jitsu competition and how it can be made safer. Follow Jen on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/drjen…

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Radical Transparency in Business - Kevin Akeroyd 33:58

1M ago33:58

33:58

My guest this week is Kevin Akeroyd, a veteran tech CEO with a career spanning Fortune 500 giants, private equity powerhouses, and venture-backed disruptors. He’s currently leading Sovos, a PE-backed tax and compliance AI SaaS platform. Before that, Kevin was CEO of Magna Global, the world’s largest contingent workforce technology provider. And pri…

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Mini Ep. 72: Solid Frames 7:53

1M ago7:53

7:53

In this week's mini-episode, we discuss what makes solid frames: relying on bone structure, and minimizing the joints involved. We explain the difference between short-range and long-range frames, and when to use them. Get our Intro to Mechanics audio course, normally $79, FREE: https://bjjmentalmodels.com/freeintro Don't forget to check out BJJ Me…

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Daniel & Drew Take a Break | No Dice, No Problem #40 49:46

2M ago49:46

49:46

The crew reflect on Drew's first month of graduate school, Daniel's first time doing voice over work, and of course...fan questions! All on this episode of No Dice, No Problem! Scorched Basin Kickstarter campaign (Daniel gets paid for his voice over work based on the number of backers who uses this link): https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/homiea…

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Ep. 355: Jiu-Jitsu Tape Study, feat. Corey Guitard 1:02:42

2M ago1:02:42

1:02:42

This week, we're joined by Corey Guitard from 10th Planet Jiu Jitsu Calgary! In this episode, Corey explains how tape study in Jiu-Jitsu (such as video feedback and instructionals) builds structured, efficient learning. Follow Corey on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/10thplanetcalgary Train with Corey at 10th Planet Jiu Jitsu in Calgary: https…

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Behind E.L.F. Beauty’s Viral Success with Laurie Lam 30:11

2M ago30:11

30:11

My guest this week is Laurie Lam, the Chief Brand Officer at E.L.F. Beauty, the powerhouse behind E.L.F. Cosmetics, E.L.F. Skin, and Well People. With nearly two decades of experience shaping global brands, Laurie is a dynamic marketer and strategic innovator who’s redefining what an authentic, accessible beauty company looks like. Before joining E…

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Mini Ep. 71: Priit's 45° Rule 8:59

2M 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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432 - Hybrid Training 4: Optimal Conditioning for Winning BJJ Tournaments, with James Deirmendjian 57:54

2M ago57:54

57:54

James Deirmendjian a strength and conditioning coach specialising in combat and tactical athletes who ALSO competes in BJJ, fighting against much younger opponents. As such he was the perfect choice to finish our 4-part series on hybrid training and the science of developing strength and endurance at the same time. In this episode James and I touch…

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

2M 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…