Best Josh McKinney Podcasts (2025)

1
Ep. 360: The Perfect Training Camp, feat. Josh McKinney 59:56

Play Pause

13d 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.…

1
#37 Jack Taufer - Jiu Jitsu Training, Teaching & Traveling 1:50:17

2d ago1:50:17

1:50:17

Chris has an enlightening conversation with Jack Taufer, a Dave Kama Jiu-Jitsu black belt. They talk about his beginnings in the art looking for a way to deal with street fights as a young man and then finding jiu jitsu which changed his life. They also discuss his time traveling and teaching the art to students all over the world. They also talk a…

1
Mini Ep. 78: Last Mile Problem 12:07

3d 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…

1
#346: 13 Jiu Jitsu Horror Stories! 1:13:11

3d ago1:13:11

1:13:11

Every Jiu-Jitsu gym has its own ghost stories—broken toes, cursed Darce chokes, phantom white belts that vanish for years, and students who never came back. In this Halloween special, I(@thejoshmckinney) and Bryce(@bryceallen_) share 13 real mat horror stories that’ll make you laugh, cringe, and appreciate how crazy our sport really is.From "Ralphi…

1
Steve Garcia, Jeremiah Wells, UFC Fight Night: Garcia vs. Onama picks 51:49

3d ago51:49

51:49

Two days removed from their chat with David Onama, Jim Norton and Matt Serra return for a Wednesday episode with his opponent in Saturday’s main event — 12th-ranked featherweight Steve Garcia. The Albuquerque native joins the show to discuss his six-fight win streak, his ongoing callout, and why this matchup with Onama feels like the biggest moment…

1
Charles Jourdain talks Vancouver win, David Onama on first main event, UFC 321 reactions 54:36

5d ago54:36

54:36

Jim Norton and Matt Serra kick off the show reacting to the wild ending of UFC 321’s main event — sharing their thoughts on Ciryl Gane’s dominant first round against Tom Aspinall before the anticlimactic finish via accidental eye poke. Both hosts agree they want to see that fight run back — and while Jim pulled ahead of Matt in the week’s win-loss …

1
Rev. Keith Caldwell, John Ray Clemmons, Dr. Steve Threlkeld 59:50

6d ago59:50

59:50

Episode Notes My guests include MICAH Memphis President Rev. Keith Caldwell. In the midst of what is happening in our city on a few fronts, he has been pretty busy of late. From the Federal intervention and the fear and uncertainty for many as it continues, to the refusal of the Mayor to sign a memorandum of understanding with unions, he shares his…

1
Ep. 361: Submission Series: The Kimura, feat. Stephan Kesting 58:53

6d 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 …

1
Merab Dvalishvili eyes fourth title defense, Glover Teixeira on Pereira’s future, UFC 321 picks 49:13

10d ago49:13

49:13

Jim Norton and Matt Serra are joined by reigning UFC bantamweight champion Merab Dvalishvili, who returns for his 15th appearance on Unfiltered — just weeks after a whirlwind stretch that saw him defend his title on a Saturday and celebrate Aljamain Sterling’s wedding the very next day. Merab discusses staying hungry now that he’s beaten nearly eve…

1
Mini Ep. 77: Types of Guard 7:57

10d 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…

1
#345 The Sacred Art of Stalling 1:16:15

10d ago1:16:15

1:16:15

Everyone hates stalling—until they realize it’s actually strategy. In this episode, I(@thejoshmckinney) breaks down why the best competitors know when to slow the game down, how to use the clock as a weapon, and why “winning is winning” (shoutout Dom Toretto). Learn how to control pace, protect your energy, and make less Jiu-Jitsu happen when it ma…

1
Bonus Episode: Introducing Only If You Get Caught with Patrick Redford 33:23

10d ago33:23

33:23

We've got one more treat for you before we'll be back with more gossip next month! This is the first episode of Patrick Redford's new podcast Only If You Get Caught. Only If You Get Caught is about how we can better understand sports and culture by examining how humans cheat in ways big and small. Sacramento Kings fans have long believed that the N…

1
Drew Dober’s victory lap, Canada’s Melissa Croden talks debut win on home soil, UFC Vancouver recap 50:58

12d ago50:58

50:58

Jim Norton and Matt Serra are joined by lightweight knockout artist Drew Dober fresh off his record-setting 10th UFC lightweight KO — a win that came the same weekend he turned 37 years old. Dober opens up about balancing the pressures of a three-fight skid with life as a father to a two-year-old daughter, celebrating the victory with Krispy Kreme,…

1
Lee Harris, Josh Spickler, and Stephanie Yarbrough 59:39

13d ago59:39

59:39

Episode Notes My guests include the first appearance of Shelby County Mayor Lee Harris. He was one of the first public officials to speak out regarding the Memphis Safe Task Force in his opposition against it. Three weeks later, we have seen over 1000 arrests, thousands of tickets written, 200 ICE arrests and many unanswered questions. He joins me …

1
#30 Packers POV: Dr. Chris Carr 25:16

16d ago25:16

25:16

In this episode of the Packers POV podcast, the Packers director of performance psychology and team behavioral health clinician Dr. Chris Carr talks about leading an NFL performance psychology program, details the importance of the player-only meditation room at Lambeau Field and shares his trusted mental health techniques that can be utilized by a…

1
Mini Ep. 76: Knee Line 14:54

17d 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…

1
#344 I'm Quitting BJJ, Here's Why... 56:21

17d ago56:21

56:21

After 17 years I'm Quitting BJJ If you want to know why, listen to the episode. HeadnodHQ Home of American Jiu-Jitsu Jiu-Jitsu for Imbeciles (FREE) BJJ Mental Models sportshygiene.com Promo Code “ISUCK” Datsusara 10% OFF with Promo Code “ISUCK” The Competitor’s Journey Join ⁠ISAJJ PRO (ALL of Josh’s Courses in One Place) Follow the show on⁠ Instagr…

1
Mike Malott & Kevin Holland join ahead of co-main clash, UFC Vancouver picks 57:19

17d ago57:19

57:19

Jim Norton and Matt Serra are joined by both sides of UFC Vancouver’s co-main event — Kevin Holland and Mike Malott — just days before the welterweights step into the Octagon. Mike Malott stops by first to talk about representing Canada once again on home soil. Well aware of the danger Holland presents, he breaks down their matchup and shares what …

1
Michael Aswell Jr., Bas Rutten, UFC Rio reactions 1:14:56

19d ago1:14:56

1:14:56

Jim Norton and Matt Serra return for a stacked Monday edition of UFC Unfiltered with two guests and plenty to unpack after UFC Rio. First, Houston’s own Michael Aswell Jr. joins the show fresh off his first UFC win — a first-round knockout in Rio — to talk about what it felt like silencing the Brazilian crowd, cutting down from 210 pounds in high s…

1
Erika Sugarmon, Natalie McKinney, and Torrey Harris 59:38

20d ago59:38

59:38

Episode Notes My guests include County Commissioner Erika Sugarmon. First, they vote to change the election cycle of the school board only to have the Mayor veto it. Will there be an override? Also, the state Comptroller has not approved the Shelby County budget so what could that mean? I ask and she responds. Natalie McKinney was elected to the sc…

1
Ep. 359: Old Bastard Closed Guard, feat. Mike Mahaffey & Jesse Walker 52:51

20d 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…

1
Mini Ep. 75: Curse of Knowledge 4:36

24d 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…

1
#343 Black Belt's Guide to Getting Promoted 1:02:24

24d ago1:02:24

1:02:24

What is required of a black belt? What is required of a blue?Today Josh(@thejoshmckinney) defines every belt and exactly what you should be focused on at every belt.This episode is literally made for everyone white to black belt! Jiu-Jitsu for Imbeciles, feat. Rob Biernacki(FREE): ⁠https://www.bjjmentalmodels.com/isuck⁠ ⁠sportshygiene.com⁠ Promo Co…

1
Montel Jackson talks high-stakes co-main vs. Figueiredo, UFC Rio predictions 45:15

24d ago45:15

45:15

Jim Norton and Matt Serra return for a new Wednesday edition of UFC Unfiltered with bantamweight contender #15 Montel Jackson, who joins the show ahead of his co-main event bout against former flyweight champion Deiveson Figueiredo at UFC Rio. Reflecting on his journey from wrestling to the world of mixed martial arts, Montel discusses how watching…

1
Edmen Shahbazyan, Yousri Belgaroui, UFC 320 takeaways 1:01:56

26d ago1:01:56

1:01:56

Jim Norton and Matt Serra kick off the week with a pair of middleweights at very different points in their UFC journeys. First, Edmen Shahbazyan joins the show fresh off his third win of 2025 to break down his first-round knockout at UFC 320, share what’s changed in his mindset since joining Xtreme Couture, and explain why he believes his best days…

1M ago59:34

59:34

1
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…

1
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…

1
#341 Glyn Powditch: Breathe like THIS for Better Jiu Jitsu 1:02:49

1M ago1:02:49

1:02:49

If you still “gas” when the pressure hits, you’re breathing wrong. Today, I (@thejoshmckinney) sit down with Glyn Podwitch (@glynpowditch). Glyn breaks down practical breathwork for BJJ—how to brace in crushing positions (scarf hold, neon belly), inflate to survive triangles, and use exhale timing to escape without panicking. We also get into Ricks…

1
Mario Bautista eyes 9-fight win streak, Mateusz Gamrot on Oliveira matchup, UFC Perth picks 53:01

1M ago53:01

53:01

Matt Serra and Jim Norton return for a midweek edition of UFC Unfiltered with a pair of No. 8–ranked contenders, bantamweight Mario Bautista and lightweight Mateusz Gamrot, as both men prepare to embrace the road-dog role against fan favorites. Bautista joins the show to reflect on his eight-fight winning streak and preview next month’s bantamweigh…

1
#37 Ryan Young - Preservation & Transmission of Rickson Gracie Jiu Jitsu 1:23:44

1M ago1:23:44

1:23:44

Chris has a conversation with 3rd degree black belt Ryan Young who runs Kama Jiu Jitsu's Dallas Texas location. Ryan has been training since 1989 under Relson Gracie in his home state of Hawaii. He talks about the early days of Jiu Jitsu in America and how he eventually met Rickson Gracie student and Dirty Dozen member Dave Kama. Chris and Ryan als…

1
Youssef Zalal talks Josh Emmett matchup, Jean-Paul Lebosnoyani on DWCS win, guest co-host Din Thomas 1:06:29

1M ago1:06:29

1:06:29

Din Thomas jumps in as guest co-host alongside Matt Serra for a jam-packed Monday edition of UFC Unfiltered! First up, 9th-ranked featherweight Youssef Zalal stops by ahead his UFC 320 showdown with Josh Emmett. Riding a four-fight UFC winning streak, Youssef shares stories from his long-awaited trip back to Morocco before shifting his focus to his…

1
Raumesh Akbari, Luke Cymbal, and Mauricio Calvo 59:54

1M ago59:54

59:54

Episode Notes On the next live and all new Real Talk Memphis; One big issue with three differing points of view. Guests include State Senator Raumesh Akbari. With the advent of the state national guard. State troopers and other federal assets, our city will under the microscope. She tells me what she hopes will happen and what the takeaway will be.…