Ivan joins the podcast to talk about how jiu-jitsu culture has changed, why big sponsors still keep their distance, and what combat sports can learn from skateboarding, branding, and authenticity. The conversation goes from current jiu-jitsu drama and professionalism to Ivan’s background in Barcelona skate culture, his time working at Nike, and what makes a brand actually connect with people. 

We get into:
• the current state of jiu-jitsu culture
• whether jiu-jitsu is a sport or a lifestyle
• why money changes underground communities
• why some athletes and brands last longer than others
• Ivan’s path from skateboarding to Nike
• what authenticity really means in branding and in life 

If you’re into jiu-jitsu, skateboarding, creativity, branding, or building something real over time, this one’s for you.


0:00 This Conversation Might Upset People
1:00 Meet Ivan (Why His Perspective Matters)
2:01 Jiu-Jitsu Drama Is Getting Out of Control
6:13 The Truth About ADCC Money
8:41 Jiu-Jitsu Isn’t Really a Sport
12:10 Nobody Is Actually In Charge
15:05 Money Changed Everything
18:42 Brands Want Nothing To Do With This
20:06 You Have to Pick a Lane
23:29 Building a Brand on Drama Fails
25:10 Say It With Your Chest
26:51 Social Media Is Warping People
29:23 Why There’s Still No Governing Body
33:32 One Mistake Can Cost Millions
38:02 From Skateboarding to Nike
42:08 How He Actually Got In
47:19 The Part of Nike Nobody Talks About
50:37 Did Nike Ruin Creativity?
55:15 The Qatar Story Is Crazy
58:39 This Would Blow Up Jiu-Jitsu
1:02:48 Why Skateboarding Took Over
1:06:23 Jiu-Jitsu Lost Its Edge

Mike Catherwood joins us for a wild, honest conversation about the road from addiction and early recovery to radio, TV, jiu-jitsu, and life on a farm in Texas.

We get into what actually makes people compelling on camera, why fighters are often the easiest people to talk to, how Mike went from Hollywood and entertainment media to raising animals in rural Texas, and the perspective shift that came with it. He also opens up about sobriety, losing friends to addiction, what finally got him clean, and the brutal reality of trying to help people who are still stuck in it. On top of that, we talk jiu-jitsu, Orlando Sanchez, live radio, the difference between podcasting and broadcasting, the state of media today, and Mike’s no-BS views on nutrition and fitness.   

If you like long-form conversations about mindset, culture, fighting, recovery, media, and becoming harder to fool, this one’s for you.

In this episode:
• why authenticity matters in media
• why fighters make great guests
• leaving LA for farm life in Texas
• addiction, recovery, and rock bottom
• jiu-jitsu stories and Orlando Sanchez
• how radio sharpened his on-air instincts
• podcasting vs radio
• Mike’s thoughts on diet, fitness, and social media health advice

Follow Mike Catherwood:
Instagram @mikecatherwood
Tiktok @mike.catherwood


0:00 Why Fake People Lose Online
3:06 Why Fighters Make the Best Guests
4:33 He Left LA for a Farm in Texas
8:46 The Ice Storm That Changed Him
12:59 The Ugly Truth About Politics
19:16 Nature Doesn’t Care About Your Feelings
21:10 Why You Should Do Good Anyway
25:50 20 Years of Jiu-Jitsu Lessons
32:01 Orlando Sanchez: Greatness and Tragedy
34:23 Addiction Doesn’t End Well
37:27 The Motel Room That Changed His Life
41:19 What Finally Got Him Sober
44:16 “If You’re Tough, Get Clean”
51:07 From Janitor to Radio Host
56:26 The Lucky Break That Changed Everything
1:00:55 Why Radio Makes You Sharp
1:06:47 How to Stop Being Nervous on Camera
1:19:11 Why Radio Is Dying
1:27:00 Social Media Fitness Advice Is Broken
1:38:35 His Take on Ozempic

In this episode of Game Plan the Pod, we sit down with newly minted black belt Grayson Henley to discuss his recent victory on the WNO stage and his 15 year journey to the rank. We kick things off with Grayson's roots in Kung Fu, martial arts movies and living in a "cafofo". Later, we hear about Grayson's recovery from a double spinal fracture and his future goals as a black belt.

Check out Grayson's Sponsor:
thetwistedrooster.com


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00:00 Kung Fu Panda
18:56 Insight BJJ
28:15 Caio Terra Association
37:02 Brazilian Cafofo
45:41 Fight Factory, Austin, Texas
54:56 Lumbar Fracture
1:06:00 Coaching, Competing, Creating Triad
1:15:11 Receiving Black Belt in BJJ
1:32:00 Roasting Juice’s BJJ Skills
1:38:25 Grayson’s Goals
1:47:00 Jiu Jitsu Norms