Beyond the Mats

In Episode 22 of Beyond the Mats, we sit down with Israel Wilkes out of Boone, North Carolina, a 23 year old purple belt bringing a completely different kind of movement to jiujitsu. Before stepping onto the mats, Israel’s background was anything but traditional. From ultimate frisbee to parkour, he built a foundation around balance, coordination, and body control skills that now show up in his gr...

Episode 21 of Beyond the Mats features Jared Haymon, the founder of Pit Boss Grappling, one of the most unique and intense formats in the game right now. We dive into how Pit Boss Grappling was created, from the original idea to building a combat environment unlike anything else. Jared breaks down the signature elements that make it stand out: fighters competing in suits, the high-pressure pit wal...

In Episode 20 of Beyond the Mats, Mel Trueblood shares one of the most intense journeys we’ve had on the show. After a life-changing moment in 2023, Mel found MMA as a way to channel his anger into something positive—and never looked back. He opens up about getting shot, fighting with a bullet still in his hip, and the mindset it took to step into the cage under those circumstances. From surgery a...

In Episode 19 of Beyond the Mats, I sit down with Brett Moyer of the Colorado Wolverines to talk about his journey through Jiu-Jitsu and what it’s like competing in the fast paced format of the Professional Grappling Federation (PGF). Brett breaks down the unique PGF team format, what Week 1 of the season was like, and how the Colorado Wolverines, one of the newest teams in the league, drafted him...

Raised in a family of fighters, Tyson was truly born into the fight. He shares what it was like growing up around combat sports, how that environment shaped his mindset, and why he ultimately chose boxing as his path. We dive into the mentality it takes to pursue greatness and the family culture that makes Warrior Built special. This episode is about discipline, pressure, belief and building somet...

On Episode 17 of Beyond the Mats, we sit down with Rachel “Unbreakable” Beauchamp, who competed 29 times in 2025, including 15 fights, at 45 years old. We talk about what keeps her competing at that pace, how she got into martial arts, her experiences in Combat Jiu-Jitsu and upcoming Lethwei fight (What’s Lethwei? Well, she tells us!). Plus, we close it out with the signature Beyond the Mats segme...

In episode 16 of Beyond the Mats we have another great conversation with amateur MMA fighter from Ronin Fitness, Trey White! We talk a lot about UFC this episode, more of Trey’s plans for the future and what he’s been up to since episode 8. Leave us a review on Spotify and don’t forget to follow the show on here and IG @beyondthematspodcast

In episode 15 of Beyond the Mats we talk to head coach and owner of Genesis Training Academy in Arvada, Colorado, Jacob Ramos. With 30+ years of experience, Jake’s coached fighters from UFC, to Boxing, Bareknuckle and more Jake currently coaches Rose Namjunes, Chris Camozzi, along with countless other amazing professional fighters. This is a great episode that provides insight from one of the best...

On this episode we interview Denver Gorden, former semi pro football player who started training bjj at the age of 40. Even though his opponents may be a decade younger than him that doesn’t stop him. We dive in to life beyond the mats, training, tournaments and everything in between! Leave us a review on spotify and follow the show on instagram @beyondthematspodcast

In this episode of beyond the mats, we sit down with amateur MMA fighter out of Ronan fitness in Eau Claire, Wisconsin, Ethan Abram. Ethan is sitting at 3-0 with his next fight coming up March 21st, looking to become 4-0 in his amateur career. We talk about what life was like growing up, how he found the sport, his journey so far, and more 🔥 If you guys enjoyed this episode, leave a review and fo...

In this episode of Beyond the Mats, we talk with Pueblo’s own, Nico Cornejo! We cover everything from his early wrestling days, what it was like growing up in pueblo and even more about his fight with ONE championship in Denver. We also talked about his gym, how he got into mma and what his next plans are in the fight game. If you love mma or you’re from Pueblo yourself, this is a great episode to...

Beyond the Mats is Back!!! In this episode I talk with Tommy Lozano, mma fighter from Subhounds in Denver, Colorado. We talk about life before MMA, what he does for fun outside of the cage, and more about Subhounds. Tommy won his Professional debut on October 4th via TKO, We recorded this episode before his fight. Follow the show and leave a review, also follow on instagram to join the giveaways @...

In this episode of Beyond the Mats, we sit down with Noah Shaffner, a brown belt under Greg Souders at Standard Jiujitsu in Maryland. We dive into Greg’s unique training approach, the philosophy behind Standard, and what makes it such a special room to grow in. Noah also shares insight into the return of the Standard kids program and what that means for the next generation of grapplers. Packed wit...

This week we’re joined by a blue belt out of British Columbia, training at West Coast Jiu Jitsu — you probably know him as the viral “Self Jiujitsu” Coach; he’s a competitor and content creator who’s been putting in serious work on the mats. We talk about his surgery and recovery, his competition journey, and how he balances it all with making content. Another solid conversation with someone pushi...

In this episode, we sit down with amateur MMA fighter Trey White from Ronin Fitness in Eau Claire, WI. Trey shares insight into his mindset while competing, the people who motivate him, life outside the cage, and much more. A great look into the journey of a young fighter building his path in the sport. To get to know trey better, check out his content on his instagram, you won’t be let down. If y...

In this episode of Beyond the Mats, we talk with Kalo Steely, a 16-year-old grappler making waves in the Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu community. Starting his martial arts journey with judo, Kalo eventually transitioned into Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, where he now regularly challenges himself in adult competition brackets. We dive into what first drew him to martial arts, his competitive mindset, how he balances...

In this episode of Beyond the Mats, I sit down with Salvador Hernández, a BJJ brown belt from Enso Jiu Jitsu in Portland, Oregon. With a big super fight on the horizon, Salvador opens up about his training, mindset, and the journey that led him into coaching. We also dive into life off the mats, the lessons Brazilian Jiu Jitsu has given him, and how he’s using them to inspire others inside and out...

This week I sit down with Austin “Osmosis” Jones — a 16-11 pro MMA fighter, former Nebraska college football player, and currently training at Factory X in Englewood, Colorado. We talk about life off the mats, his training mindset, building with his gym, and dive deep into the fight scene in Colorado. From the cage to the community, Austin brings a unique perspective on what it takes to compete at...

In this episode I sit down with Waylon Redman, an 18-year-old blue belt competitor out of Fayetteville, Arkansas. We talked about his journey in jiu-jitsu so far, the grind of training, stepping into competition, and a lot more. Waylon’s mindset and approach to the sport at such a young age makes for a really solid conversation you won’t want to miss. Follow along and check it out wherever you get...

In this episode of Beyond the Mats, I chat with Sam Gaier from Eau Claire, Wisconsin — a brown belt from Ronin with a killer 52-7 BJJ record and a 5-1 amateur MMA run. Sam’s known for his relentless work ethic and a mindset that pushes him to constantly improve both on and off the mats. We talk about what life was like before martial arts, his love for jiujitsu, and what’s next for his career. If...

This week on Beyond the Mats, I’m joined by Francis (Frank) Saint Peter — a 4-1 amateur fighter out of Warrior Built MMA in Pueblo, Colorado. We dive into the mental side of the fight game — from handling nerves in the cage to staying focused when life gets heavy outside it. Frank opens up about what fighting has taught him far beyond just training and competition. A real conversation about mindse...

In this episode of Beyond the Mats, I sit down with pro MMA fighter Austin Clayton for an honest conversation about the journey that shaped him. We talk about his life before MMA, his decorated wrestling career, and how growing up close with his father influenced the man—and fighter—he is today. Austin opens up about life in Las Vegas, the mental shift that comes with expecting his first child, an...

In this very first episode of Beyond the Mats, I introduce you to the mission, the mindset, and the meaning behind the podcast. This isn’t just another fight recap show — Beyond the Mats is where we get real about the journey behind every fighter, grappler, and coach. Whether you’re training BJJ, stepping into the cage, or just obsessed with the lifestyle, this podcast is for you. I’ll be sharing...