In this episode, we discuss various topics ranging from storm preparedness and community responses to the impact of AI technology on traffic safety. We delve into the evolution of TSA security measures, share personal travel experiences, and explore the intricacies of competing in martial arts. The conversation highlights the importance of recovery, nutrition, and mental strategies in athletic performance, as well as the role of technology in enhancing training. We also reflect on personal growth through competition and the challenges of managing injuries in martial arts. In this conversation, we delve into the struggles faced by fighters outside the octagon, discussing recent incidents involving former UFC fighters and the impact of mental health and CTE. We explore the journeys of retired fighters like Dustin Poirier and the challenges of making weight in wrestling. The discussion shifts to the dominance of Penn State wrestling and the implications of athlete transfers in NCAA wrestling. The role of social media in athletes' lives is examined, along with predictions for upcoming fights and the pressures faced by UFC stars.

Chapters

00:00 Preparing for the Storm

02:52 Emergency Preparedness and Community Response

05:48 AI in Traffic Enforcement

08:36 TSA and Airport Security Changes

11:28 Personal Experiences with TSA

14:19 Training and Competition Updates

17:09 Health and Safety in Sports

19:41 Using Technology for Training

22:31 Understanding Heart Rate and Performance

29:01 Understanding Mental Challenges in Competition

32:19 The Importance of Warm-Ups and Hydration

34:44 Managing Physical Strain and Recovery

38:10 Utilizing Recovery Tools for Optimal Performance

43:25 Fighter Health and Personal Struggles

47:36 The Evolution of Fighters Post-Retirement

49:20 Analyzing Recent Wrestling Competitions

57:45 Injury Protocols and Team Dynamics

01:00:19 Navigating NCAA Regulations and Drug Testing

01:01:54 The Evolution of Social Media in Sports

01:02:41 Upcoming Fights and Match Predictions

01:11:24 Pressure and Performance in High-Stakes Fights

01:15:00 The Impact of Age and Experience in MMA

01:20:08 Future Prospects for Fighters and Title Contenders

In this episode, we check in on everything happening across the world of combat sports—and on the mat in real life.

We break down the latest Real American Freestyle (RAF) event, including the crossover matchup between Colby Covington vs. Luke Rockhold, what pace really means in wrestling and MMA, and how these exhibition-style events are helping keep American wrestlers active outside of Olympic cycles. We also dive into standout performances, controversies, and what’s next for RAF.

From there, we shift into college wrestling news, including major storylines out of Iowa, the upcoming Iowa vs. Penn State dual, rising stars making immediate impacts, and what elite coaching philosophies—like Cael Sanderson’s approach to pressure, effort, and perspective—can teach us about competing and life.

We also touch on:

• Roger Gracie entering a new chapter of life

• Kayla Harrison’s neck injury and what “out of competition” really means

• Rafael Lovato Jr. competing in college wrestling at 42 and what that says about lifelong learning in martial arts

• Brandon Reed earning his black belt and how modern jiu-jitsu promotions are evolving

To close things out, I get personal—sharing where I’m at mentally and physically as I prepare for an upcoming jiu-jitsu competition, reflecting on training, anxiety, preparation, and why competing keeps you honest about where you truly are.

Whether you’re a competitor, coach, or lifelong fan of combat sports, this episode is about more than results—it’s about pressure, preparation, perspective, and trusting the process.

Settle in. Let’s get into it. 🥋🎙️

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Combat Sports and Personal Journey

02:32 Analysis of the RAF Matchup: Covington vs. Rockhold

10:14 Wrestling News: Injuries and Controversies

15:21 The Impact of Neck Injuries in Combat Sports

20:17 College Wrestling Updates: Transfers and Performances

26:40 Upcoming Rivalry: Iowa vs. Penn State

29:40 Embracing Pressure as a Privilege

31:58 The Importance of Purpose in Competition

35:21 Learning from Frustration in Training

36:02 Pace Management and Flow in Grappling

37:48 Crossover Athletes and Their Unique Challenges

39:44 The Evolution of Competition in Jiu Jitsu

47:40 Personal Reflections on Competition and Training

51:53 The Role of Preparation in Success

54:55 The Differences Between Training and Competition

01:01:00 The Atmosphere of Major Competitions

What does a misfit reindeer with a glowing red nose have in common with Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu?

More than you think.

In this holiday-inspired segment, we break down how the story of Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer mirrors the journey of so many jiu-jitsu practitioners—and people in real life. From being overlooked and underestimated to finding your edge when the pressure is on, Rudolph’s story is the ultimate underdog lesson.

We connect classic holiday storytelling to the mats, using real jiu-jitsu examples like butterfly guard, X-guard, pressure passing, and guard retention, along with lessons from legends like Marcelo Garcia and Bernardo Faria. This episode is about learning to lean into what makes you different, trusting the process, and understanding that your biggest “weakness” might actually be your greatest advantage.

Whether you’re a white belt struggling to survive rounds, a competitor dealing with setbacks, or someone navigating challenges off the mat, this episode is a reminder that sometimes the fog has to roll in before your strengths shine.

🎧 Tune in, reflect, and take this lesson with you—on the mats and in life.

Chapters

00:00 The Season of Reflection

02:57 Embracing Differences in Jiu Jitsu

05:20 Finding Strength in Adversity

What does The Polar Express have to do with jiu-jitsu… and life?More than you think.In this holiday-themed monologue, we break down the deeper meaning behind The Polar Express—a story about belief, doubt, and choosing to stay on the ride when things feel uncertain—and how those same lessons show up on the jiu-jitsu mat and in everyday life.Jiu-jitsu doesn’t test your body first.It tests your belief.Belief in yourself when progress feels invisible.Belief when promotions don’t come.Belief when doubt is louder than confidence.Just like the bell in The Polar Express, not everyone hears the lessons. Only those willing to stay committed long enough can recognize them.This episode is for:• Practitioners questioning their progress• Anyone feeling stuck at the end of the year• Those choosing belief over comfort• Fighters on and off the matIf you’ve ever wondered whether the journey is worth it—this one’s for you.🎄 Happy Holidays, and keep believing. 🥋🚆

What does The Polar Express have to do with jiu-jitsu… and life?

More than you think.

In this holiday-themed monologue, we break down the deeper meaning behind The Polar Express—a story about belief, doubt, and choosing to stay on the ride when things feel uncertain—and how those same lessons show up on the jiu-jitsu mat and in everyday life.

Jiu-jitsu doesn’t test your body first.
It tests your belief.

Belief in yourself when progress feels invisible.
Belief when promotions don’t come.
Belief when doubt is louder than confidence.

Just like the bell in The Polar Express, not everyone hears the lessons. Only those willing to stay committed long enough can recognize them.

This episode is for:
• Practitioners questioning their progress
• Anyone feeling stuck at the end of the year
• Those choosing belief over comfort
• Fighters on and off the mat

If you’ve ever wondered whether the journey is worth it—this one’s for you.

🎄 Happy Holidays, and keep believing. 🥋🚆

Chapters

00:00 The Magic of Belief During the Holidays

02:25 Jiu_Jitsu: A Journey of Doubt and Growth

In this episode, Derving reflects on the holiday season and its significance in evaluating personal growth, particularly in the context of Jiu Jitsu. Drawing parallels with the story of Ebenezer Scrooge from 'A Christmas Carol', he discusses how practitioners can become emotionally disconnected from their journey. The conversation emphasizes the importance of connection, emotional growth, and the realization that true fulfillment comes from relationships and personal development rather than just achievements.

Takeaways

This season brings up the question: Was all that effort worth it?

Many practitioners quit emotionally, not physically.

Scrooge's journey reflects our own struggles in Jiu Jitsu.

The ghosts of Christmas symbolize different stages of reflection.

Present progress is often overlooked in pursuit of future validation.

Isolation leads to unrecognized achievements and loneliness.

Connection is the real wealth in Jiu Jitsu and life.

Growth encompasses emotional and relational aspects, not just technical skills.

You have a choice to carry perspective into the new year.

Life is about who you become along the way, not just what you achieve.

Chapters

00:00 Reflecting on the Year: The Holiday Season and Jiu Jitsu

02:53 The Journey of Ebenezer Scrooge: Lessons for Jiu Jitsu Practitioners

04:19 The Ghosts of Christmas: Past, Present, and Future in Jiu Jitsu

In this episode of Mat Matters, I breakdown the Grinch philosophy, drawing parallels between the character's ego and isolation and the challenges faced in Jiu Jitsu and life. I emphasize the importance of community, resilience, and support systems, encouraging listeners to reflect on their own journeys and relationships as they navigate the holiday season.

Chapters

00:00 The Grinch Philosophy: Ego and Isolation

03:34 Finding Your Flow: Resilience and Support Systems

Takeaways

The Grinch represents the dangers of ego and isolation.

Isolation can hinder progress in both Jiu Jitsu and life.

Spite can fuel temporary success but leads to bitterness.

Resilience is key to overcoming challenges.

Finding your flow means moving with the world, not against it.

Support systems are crucial; identify your 'Max.'

True growth comes from community and shared experiences.

Tapping out is a learning opportunity, not a failure.

Ego can steal joy from achievements.

Reflect on your relationships during the holiday season.

In this episode of Mat Matters, Derving and Nate kick things off with Thanksgiving chaos, holiday food stories, and the reality of post-holiday weight gain—then quickly pivot into a deep dive on the hottest topics in UFC, MMA, and wrestling.

We break down major upcoming fights including Justin Gaethje vs. Paddy Pimblett, Henry Cejudo vs. Payton Talbot, and the highly anticipated Kayla Harrison vs. Amanda Nunes showdown. The conversation also covers fighter inactivity, potential UFC roster cuts, and whether superstars like Jon Jones and Conor McGregor are held to different standards.

On the wrestling side, we unpack one of the biggest shocks in recent history as Iowa State defeats Iowa for the first time in 20 years. We analyze the current state of elite wrestling programs, coaching changes, injuries, weight cutting, international competition, and what it really takes to stay dominant in today’s landscape.

We also touch on:

• Ronda Rousey’s potential move into boxing

• Gina Carano comeback rumors

• The rise of Dagestani wrestling

• The long-term toll of MMA and wrestling careers

This episode blends humor, hard truths, and deep combat sports analysis you won’t want to miss.

🎧 Available now on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, YouTube, and more.

Chapters

00:00 Thanksgiving Reflections and Holiday Indulgences

02:50 Food Traditions and Family Gatherings

05:25 UFC Updates and Upcoming Fights

08:11 Fighter Releases and Career Implications

10:38 Analyzing Fighter Performance and Strategy

13:14 Interim Titles and Future Matchups

15:42 The Impact of Fight Records on Careers

17:58 The Significance of Performance in the Octagon

20:20 The Role of Trash Talk in MMA

24:12 Mental Warfare in Combat Sports

26:38 The GOAT Debate: Nunes vs. Harrison

29:02 Ronda Rousey's Transition to Boxing

30:25 The Return of Gina Carano

33:15 UFC's Changing Landscape: Champion Dynamics

35:20 The Rise of International Fighters

38:16 Wrestling's Evolution and Training Challenges

41:27 Youth Wrestling and Future Stars

44:32 Iowa Wrestling's Struggles and Future

52:09 The Importance of Development in Wrestling