Emily's Pajama Party

Send us Fan Mail Deja Fabro balances a unique life as both an educator,  and a stand-up comedian, using humor to connect with her students and fellow jiujitsu practitioners. In this episode, she shares how laughter can be a powerful tool in both her work and her jiu jitsu practice. Dual Life for Deja Fabro Deja works with college students who have developmental disabilities, coaching them to succe...

Send us Fan Mail This week I had the opportunity to sit down with a new friend Kriszanne. A chance meet up at a women's workshop led to us sitting down and talking about her return to the mats. She has gone through a lot- injuries, the pandemic, and relationships that led to time away from jiujitsu. I knew her story was a powerful one and it still surprised me! The part that really hooked me...

Send us Fan Mail Women’s jiu-jitsu is being rebuilt in real time—and Jody is one of the people doing it. A brown belt, competitor, coach, and founder of Bodied Jiu Jitsu, Jody shares the story behind creating training camps for women of all sizes and skill levels. She also discusses Heavy is the Crown , a no-fee women-focused tournament designed to create more meaningful brackets and competition o...

Send us Fan Mail What if the fastest way to become a smarter grappler was to think like a chess player, train like a martial artist, and stop caring about doing things "the right way"? Maria makes the case for a more creative, more adaptable approach to jiu-jitsu, karate, and life - and why that mindset changes everything on the mat. 

Send us Fan Mail A cute-boy invitation in high school turned into a wrestling-and-jiu-jitsu career built on passion, discipline, and the kind of intensity that wins impossible matches. Laura shares how she walked onto a Canadian college wrestling team with almost no experience, when we get in our own way, and what it really takes to level up when you're starting late. Emily and Laura break do...

Send us Fan Mail Purple belt, applied math nerd, and app builder Ashlee Spradley is proving that jiu-jitsu doesn’t stop when you leave the mat. She reveals how chasing knowledge, not belts, changed her training, her mindset, and ultimately inspired her to build Matlock , an app designed to help grapplers study, review, and stay sharp anywhere. Ashlee and I get real about the grind behind progress:...

Send us Fan Mail This week I am thrilled to share a fun episode with all of you! It feels like an extra special episode featuring a unique mother-daughter duo, Isidra and her 12-year-old daughter Isis. In this engaging conversation, we explore their shared journey through the worlds of powerlifting and jiu-jitsu, highlighting the lessons they've learned together, the challenges they've f...

Send us Fan Mail Living with a mental condition can often feel like a barrier to pursuing passions and interests. However, it's essential to recognize that these conditions do not have to dictate your journey. In this episode, we explore how to overcome the belief that your mental health limits your capabilities and share strategies for pursuing what you love, no matter the obstacles. Stephan...

Send us Fan Mail Ever wonder how a martial art can transform not just your body, but your mindset, confidence, and sense of safety? This episode dives into the empowering world of women's beginner-friendly Jiu Jitsu classes, revealing how the sport fosters peace, resilience, and community—even for those recovering from injury or new to martial arts. Keisha shares her inspiring journey of step...

Send us Fan Mail This week I got to sit down with my friend Criss. I know growing up, starting at a new school, new teacher, etc made me nervous. Will the kids like me? Will the teacher be nice? As an adult I found the same feelings emerge when I started jiujitsu- what will the culture at the gym be? What are the spoken (and unspoken) rules? Criss knows all about those new kid feelings- as a milit...

Send us Fan Mail In a world where we're often told to fit into a specific mold, many individuals struggle with body image and self-acceptance. Azimah Azmi, originally from Singapore and now residing in San Diego, passionately advocates for reconnecting with our bodies. In this episode, we explore Azimah's journey into body awareness and the transformative power of jiu-jitsu, shedding lig...

Send us Fan Mail In the world of jiu-jitsu, where grit and strength are often celebrated, many women face a unique challenge: balancing their physical toughness with the desire to feel confident and beautiful. This is a vital conversation that Heaven Luna, owner of Luna Beauty and Wellness, sheds light on in our recent podcast discussion. Here, we explore how self-care, particularly in aesthetics,...

Send us Fan Mail Most of us shy away from activities that feel intimidating or unfamiliar. Lisa J, a Miami-based therapist and new jujitsu enthusiast, reveals how she finally took the leap—and what it’s taught her about fear, body image, and resilience. From nervous first classes to surprising victories on the mat, she shares how embracing discomfort is transforming her mindset and even her therap...

Send us Fan Mail In this episode of Emily's Pajama Party , I sit down with my friend Jo to talk about resilience, healing, and the incredible strength it takes to move forward after life's most difficult moments. Jo shares her journey through Brazilian jiu-jitsu and how the sport has played a role in rebuilding confidence, finding community, and discovering strength she didn't know...

Send us Fan Mail In this interview, Daisy breaks down IBJJF from the inside — what makes it the gold standard of jiu-jitsu competition, how the registration and gi-check process works, and why the experience can feel both intimidating and deeply rewarding. She also shares what competing has taught her about problem-solving, resilience, and staying calm under pressure, alongside practical advice fo...

Send us Fan Mail This week I sat down with my friend Kat. She shared her own journey with jiujitsu and how it became so much more than a hobby. In today’s fast-paced world, finding activities that bring families together can be a challenge. For many, Jiu-Jitsu is not just a sport but a way of life that fosters connection, fitness, and personal growth. Kat shares about her path as the co-owner of T...

Send us Fan Mail  This week I got to sit down and talk with my friend Jenn. In this episode you will hear how Jiu Jitsu helped Jenn overcome personal struggles and build a resilient mindset. Discover her journey from a domestic violence survivor to a passionate martial artist. She shared inspiring journey through Jiu Jitsu, how it transformed her life, and the lessons she learned along the way. Fr...

Send us Fan Mail This week I got to sit down with my friend, Sue. Sue’s story is a testament to the beauty of integrating different passions in life. By exploring the connections between classical piano and jiu-jitsu, she demonstrates that learning and growth are lifelong journeys filled with joy and discovery. So, whether you're a musician looking to try something new or a martial artist see...

Send us Fan Mail This week I sat down with Erin Herle (www.erinherle.com). She is not only a Certified Mental Performance Consultant, but also a competitor, bjj blackbelt, cat enthusiast, and hardcore punk fan. She is so wise, ever-changing, funny, and open to share all she knows. Erin touched on the mental game of being a fighter and being authentic with who we are both on and off the mats. This...

Send us Fan Mail We all choose to move through life in the path (hopefully) that works best for us. Jane found jiujitsu and incorporated it into her already active life. She started training a few times a week and quickly transitioned to training 6 days a week, often times multiple sessions a day. I really enjoyed talking to her as she is explained the structure and support to make it possible. Is...

Send us Fan Mail You know the phrase, give a penny get a penny? Jamie is one of the good ones. She has gotten so much from the jiujitsu community- confidence, family, you name it. She also saw a need. Her organization, Feral Fam (www.feralfam.org) supports athletes with the necessary gear, registration fees, etc to compete (btw not just for jiujitsu folks either). Her story is an important one- wh...

Send us Fan Mail Ever feel like your body has a mind of its own? Here’s how to navigate your menstrual cycle and performance. This week I had a chance to sit down with Lindsey, owner of Female Fight Nutritionist. She shares her expertise on helping female fighters learn how to optimize training throughout their cycle in order to be stronger on and off the mats. This episode is not just jiujitsu fo...

Send us Fan Mail This week I sat down with my friend Aula. She is everything we hope for when looking for a partner for class- friendly, helpful, positive, and inclusive. On the mat she shines and she is dedicated to bringing out the best in herself and others. It was a surprise for me to hear that she considers herself introverted. Off the mats she is reserved, shy, and usually only speaks when s...

Send us Fan Mail In the world of Jiu-Jitsu, understanding the psychology behind movements and reactions can elevate your game significantly. During a recent conversation with Connie, a board-certified behavior analyst and passionate Jiu-Jitsu practitioner, we explored how behavior analysis intertwines with martial arts. Whether you’re a seasoned grappler or just starting, these insights can help y...

Send us Fan Mail I love that every interview is its own journey. Sitting down with Erin I expected her to share about her path to black belt. I quickly learned that her belief in herself to accomplish audaciously big goals is her superpower that has led her to much success. There is no substitute for time on the mats and she brings so much wisdom to the show. I hope this episode also encourages yo...