Best chokeholdsandchillpod Podcasts (2025)

1
The Rafa Effect: Jiu-Jitsu, Striking, and Chasing Greatness 40:31

9d ago40:31

40:31

In this episode, we sit down with Rafael, a dedicated purple belt, world competitor, and striking coach based in Atlanta. Rafa takes us through his Jiu-Jitsu journey, his love for traveling, and how training around the world has shaped his game. We also dive into his latest venture, The Rafa Effect—a passion project designed to elevate athletes in …

1
Still Here, Still Scrappy, Still in My White Belt Era: Choked by Life, Shirley's Fight Story 53:44

13d ago53:44

53:44

In this powerful and deeply human episode, Mallory and Jenn sit down with Shirley—a white belt from San Diego with a black belt in resilience. Shirley’s story isn’t just about Jiu Jitsu. It’s about surviving cancer, overcoming a brain tumor, navigating neurodivergence, and choosing sobriety every single day for over five years. Alongside her husban…

1
Maddy Jones: Growth, Grit, and the Journey to Brown Belt PART 2 36:48

15d ago36:48

36:48

Maddy Jones has lived a life of movement—both on the mats and across state lines. From growing up with a passion for dance to discovering Jiu-Jitsu, managing a gym, and navigating major life shifts, she’s always found a way to adapt and evolve. In this episode, we sit down with Maddy to talk about her journey from blue belt party days to brown belt…

1
Maddy Jones: Growth, Grit, and the Journey to Brown Belt PART 1 1:06:04

16d ago1:06:04

1:06:04

Maddy Jones has lived a life of movement—both on the mats and across state lines. From growing up with a passion for dance to discovering Jiu-Jitsu, managing a gym, and navigating major life shifts, she’s always found a way to adapt and evolve. In this episode, we sit down with Maddy to talk about her journey from blue belt party days to brown belt…

1
Jumping Out of Helicopters and Into Triangles: Branch's Wild Ride 55:57

23d ago55:57

55:57

Meet Branch—a guy who’s done it all: born in Ukraine, raised in Germany, Coast Guard rescue swimmer, soccer player, and now full-blown jiu-jitsu enthusiast. In this episode, we get into his globe-spanning story, what it takes to survive one of the toughest military trainings out there, and how meeting his birth mom at 19 impacted him. We also talk …

1
Law Abiding Goat Herder, World Traveler, and the Quiet Storm on the Mats: Kenny 1:11:45

1M ago1:11:45

1:11:45

In this episode of Chokeholds & Chill, we sit down with Kenny—a career in law enforcement , world traveler, and the poster child for free spirit with a recently shaved mustache that had us doing a double take. Despite the uniform, don’t be fooled—this guy’s a tough roll and a quiet storm on the mats. We’re diving into Kenny’s early life, his path i…

1
Bet’s Comeback: Jiu-Jitsu, Loss, and the Will to Keep Fighting 40:40

1M ago40:40

40:40

From standing on the podium at IBJJF No-Gi Worlds to facing life’s toughest battles, Bet has proven that resilience isn’t just for competition—it’s for life. In this episode, we sit down with Bet, a fierce purple belt and competitor, to talk about her journey through jiu-jitsu, competition, and personal loss. After losing both her mother and sister…

1
From Chokes to Chalk: Aaron’s Jiu-Jitsu Retirement Plan 46:32

1M ago46:32

46:32

This week on Chokeholds & Chill, we’re catching up with Aaron—Jenn’s #1 training partner, best bud, and all-around legend who decided to ditch Jiu-Jitsu for rock climbing. Once the guy who dominated the mats with us, he packed up, left the Coast Guard, and went home to chase adulting and free mom’s cooking. Now he’s scaling cliffs while we’re left …

1
What a Roll! Season 1 Recap and Season 2 Preview 8:29

2M ago8:29

8:29

Season One of Chokeholds & Chill was anything but chill—and we wouldn’t have it any other way. In this recap, Jenn and Mallory take a victory lap through the chaos, camaraderie, and catharsis that made Season One unforgettable. We did our first edition of Mat Chats with lots of training partners when we went to hero academys camp in costa Rica. We …

1
Strength Forged Through Loss: Genevieve’s Journey in Jiu-Jitsu, the Air Force, and Healing 38:16

2M ago38:16

38:16

Genevieve’s story is one of resilience, transformation, and finding purpose through heartbreak. From a rough childhood to serving in the U.S. Air Force, from losing her adopted father and jiu-jitsu coach to receiving her purple belt in the mail after his passing, Genevieve has faced more than her share of challenges. In this episode, we sit down wi…

1
Healing on the Mats: Shawn’s Journey Through Recovery, Mental Health, and Jiu Jitsu 53:58

2M ago53:58

53:58

In this powerful episode of Chokeholds & Chill, Jenn and Mallory sit down with Shawn—a recovering addict, mental health professional, and dedicated white belt who has been training for about a year. Shawn opens up about his journey through addiction and recovery, how Jiu Jitsu has become a key part of his mental health and healing process, and why …

1
Jiu Jitsu Grandma: "Not Too Old & Not Too Late" 45:32

2M ago45:32

45:32

In this episode of Chokeholds and Chill, Mallory and Jenn get to talk with Elaine, known as "Jiu Jitsu Grandma" on Instagram and throughout the Brazilian Jiu Jitsu community. At a spry 76 years old, Elaine is a 4 stripe purple belt competing her way to black belt and a global inspiration. Elaine is a grandmother with a love of horses who is married…

1
From the Dance Floor to the Mats: Christian’s Journey Through Hip-Hop, Fatherhood, and His First Jiu Jitsu Competition 45:07

3M ago45:07

45:07

In this episode of Chokeholds & Chill, Jenn and Mallory sit down with Christian—an incredible hip-hop dancer, instructor, and new competitor in the world of Jiu Jitsu. Born and raised in Coos Bay, Christian shares how movement has always been a part of his life, from mastering rhythm on the dance floor to finding flow on the mats. We dive into his …

1
Ink, Chokes, and Sewer Rats: Wade’s Journey from Tattooing to Jiu-Jitsu 1:01:04

3M ago1:01:04

1:01:04

What happens when you walk into a tattoo shop for a consultation but end up recruiting your artist to jiu-jitsu instead? In this episode, we sit down with Wade—aka Sewer Rat—to talk about his journey from ink to the mats. We dive into his first rolls, how training has changed his perspective as a dad, and whether tattooing and jiu-jitsu require the…

1
When Trust Is Broken: Grappling with the Reality of Violence in Our Community 51:07

3M ago51:07

51:07

Some people seem fine—until you find out they’re not. In this episode of Chokeholds & Chill, Jenn and Mallory confront one of the hardest realities about training in combat sports: You don’t always know who you’re rolling with. We’re talking about trust, about violence, and about the terrifying fact that we trained, sparred, and laughed with someon…

1
The Ultimate Cornerman: BJ on Supporting Mallory, Traveling for Competitions, and Keeping Athletes Healthy 33:02

3M ago33:02

33:02

In this episode of Chokeholds & Chill, Jenn and Mallory sit down with BJ—Mallory’s husband, a dedicated physical therapist, and the ultimate supportive partner. Though he doesn’t train Jiu Jitsu himself, BJ has become a vital part of Mallory’s competition journey, traveling to tournaments, being the unofficial gym PT, and Mal's biggest fan. We dive…

1
Rolling Through Life: Elise’s Journey as a Mom, White Belt, and Survivor 43:19

4M ago43:19

43:19

In this episode of Chokeholds & Chill, Jenn and Mallory sit down with Elise—a dedicated mother, white belt, and and an integral part of our kids program. An all-around badass who’s been training for about a year alongside her young daughter. Elise opens up about her journey into Jiu Jitsu, how training has impacted her life as a mom, and the challe…

1
Mat Chats in Paradise: Rolling, Learning, and Laughing in Costa Rica 1:11:13

4M ago1:11:13

1:11:13

In this special episode of Chokeholds and Chill, Jenn and Mallory take you to the sun-soaked shores of Tamarindo, Costa Rica, where they join the Pura Vida BJJ and Surf retreat at Hero Academy. Amidst the tropical backdrop, they engage in insightful "Mat Chats" with fellow camp participants, their partners, and esteemed instructors. The episode fea…

1
Flying High & Rolling Deep: Jessy Holmberg on Jiu Jitsu, Patience, and Life at 30,000 Feet 49:55

4M ago49:55

49:55

In this weeks episode of Chokeholds and Chill, Mallory takes the lead to interview the one and only Jessy Holmberg - Jenn's husband, a brown belt in Brazilian Jiu Jitsu, a commercial airline pilot, and according to Jenn, the most patient man alive. They dive into Jessy's journey through Jiu Jitsu, what it's like balancing a high-pressure career wit…

1
Technical Difficulties: When Boobs Ruin Your Arm Triangle 28:44

4M ago28:44

28:44

Episode 2 of Chokeholds and Chill is here, and it's all about keeping it real - on and off the mats! Jenn and Mallory kick things off with Roll Call, sharing their hot takes and how things are different now vs when they started Jiu Jistu, and the little things that keep them coming back for more. Then, it's a round of besties trivia, where we see h…

1
Rolling Next to the Dive Bar: Jiu Jitsu, Bar Fights, and Gym Vibes 11:29

5M ago11:29

11:29

Jenn and Mallory talk grappling with a drunk audience, tackling the mat, and goals for 2025 in their premiere episode of - Chokeholds and Chill. So get to your favorite chill zone, grab your gallon water jug, and tie your belt! Whether you train jiu jitsu, have considered it, or just want to know what living with somebody who does - these two purpl…

1
Chokeholds and Chill 1:02

5M ago1:02

1:02

Welcome to Chokeholds and Chill - the podcast where life meets the mats! Join Jenn and Mallory, two women balancing Brazilian Jiu Jitsu and real life, as they share laughs, lessons, and inspiring stories. Each episode features candid chats with training - and non-training - partners, explores the ups and downs of life on and off the mats. Whether y…

Podcasts Worth a Listen

Chokeholdsandchillpod Podcasts

Podcasts Worth a Listen

1
Chokeholds and Chill Podcast

chokeholdsandchillpod

1
The Rafa Effect: Jiu-Jitsu, Striking, and Chasing Greatness 40:31

1
Still Here, Still Scrappy, Still in My White Belt Era: Choked by Life, Shirley's Fight Story 53:44

1
Maddy Jones: Growth, Grit, and the Journey to Brown Belt PART 2 36:48

1
Maddy Jones: Growth, Grit, and the Journey to Brown Belt PART 1 1:06:04

1
Jumping Out of Helicopters and Into Triangles: Branch's Wild Ride 55:57

1
Law Abiding Goat Herder, World Traveler, and the Quiet Storm on the Mats: Kenny 1:11:45

1
Bet’s Comeback: Jiu-Jitsu, Loss, and the Will to Keep Fighting 40:40

1
From Chokes to Chalk: Aaron’s Jiu-Jitsu Retirement Plan 46:32

1
What a Roll! Season 1 Recap and Season 2 Preview 8:29

1
Strength Forged Through Loss: Genevieve’s Journey in Jiu-Jitsu, the Air Force, and Healing 38:16

1
Healing on the Mats: Shawn’s Journey Through Recovery, Mental Health, and Jiu Jitsu 53:58

1
Jiu Jitsu Grandma: "Not Too Old & Not Too Late" 45:32

1
From the Dance Floor to the Mats: Christian’s Journey Through Hip-Hop, Fatherhood, and His First Jiu Jitsu Competition 45:07

1
Ink, Chokes, and Sewer Rats: Wade’s Journey from Tattooing to Jiu-Jitsu 1:01:04

1
When Trust Is Broken: Grappling with the Reality of Violence in Our Community 51:07

1
The Ultimate Cornerman: BJ on Supporting Mallory, Traveling for Competitions, and Keeping Athletes Healthy 33:02

1
Rolling Through Life: Elise’s Journey as a Mom, White Belt, and Survivor 43:19

1
Mat Chats in Paradise: Rolling, Learning, and Laughing in Costa Rica 1:11:13

1
Flying High & Rolling Deep: Jessy Holmberg on Jiu Jitsu, Patience, and Life at 30,000 Feet 49:55

1
Technical Difficulties: When Boobs Ruin Your Arm Triangle 28:44

1
Rolling Next to the Dive Bar: Jiu Jitsu, Bar Fights, and Gym Vibes 11:29

1
Chokeholds and Chill 1:02