Chokes and Consciousness

In this episode, hosts Michaela and Deja celebrate their 20th episode while discussing themes of consciousness, manifestation, and personal growth. They explore the significance of the new moon and the transition into Sagittarius, reflecting on the past year and their journey of self-discovery. The conversation delves into the Matrix trilogy, emphasizing the importance of letting go to gain contro...

In this episode, Deja and Michaela discuss various themes, from Thanksgiving preparations to work dynamics, manifestation practices, creative aspirations, and the challenges of coaching a high school girl's wrestling team. They share personal insights about their experiences, emphasizing the importance of relationships, intentional living, and the journey of self-improvement. Michaela and Deja dis...

In this episode, Deja and Michaela discuss personal growth regarding self-perception. In this episode, Deja and Michaela celebrate recent promotions in their Jiu-Jitsu community, reflecting on the achievements of their peers and the growing number of upper belts in their gym. They discuss the Tyson vs. Jake Paul fight, analyze the implications of such matches on the sport of boxing, and express th...

In this episode of Chokes and Consciousness, hosts Deja and Michaela welcome their first guest, Nikki May, to discuss her journey in martial arts, particularly Jiu-Jitsu. The interview explores the importance of community, navigating uncertainty in training, and the role of competition in personal growth. They explore the fun aspects of food and friendship and the ongoing debate between Gi and No-...

In this episode, Michaela and Deja discuss Michaela's recent competition, the month of November and its significance, as well as the concept of karmic portals and letting go of old patterns. Additionally, Michaela and Deja reflect on their recent jujitsu competitions, discussing match experiences, training strategies, and the importance of recognizing and improving techniques. In conclusion, they...

In this episode of Chokes and Consciousness, Deja and Michaela explore the theme of duality, reflecting on their recent birthdays and personal growth. The episode highlights exciting developments at Ground Theory, including a new location and the anticipation of a special guest. Additionally, Deja and Michaela then transition into a light-hearted exploration of their 'villain era,' discussing how...

In this episode, Deja and Michaela explore a variety of themes, including personal growth, the significance of tattoos, memorable experiences like scorpion hunting, and the fear of spiders. They reflect on life and death, share their thoughts on the Final Destination movies, and discuss their weekly updates. They discuss the idea of becoming a tree and the legacy one leaves behind. The conversatio...

In this episode, Deja and Michaela celebrate their upcoming birthdays and reflect on their personal growth over the past year. They share stories from their childhood, including memorable experiences in school and sports, and discuss their recent adventures in jiu-jitsu training. In this discussion, Deja and Michaela reflect on their experiences leading up to 2025, discussing the importance of aff...

In this episode, Deja and Michaela discuss their caffeine journeys, share their latest life updates, the impact of aging on time perception, and the exploration into intriguing conspiracy theories, specifically those predicted by The Simpsons. Additionally, Deja and Michaela discuss their fitness routines, fall festivities, their favorite seasonal treats, and the latest UFC/MMA and jiu jitsu news....

In this episode, Michaela and Deja explore various topics ranging from their personal fitness journeys and reflections on aging to the impact of astrology on their lives. They discuss the upcoming UFC events and the importance of community engagement. Furthermore, they discuss the evolving landscape of MMA in Kansas City and the cosmic energies influencing their lives. Throughout the episode, they...

In this episode, Michaela and Deja celebrate their 10th episode, reflecting on their consistency and the support from their community. They discuss the transition into fall, and the cosmic energies affecting their moods. They then shift to pop culture references, Halloween costumes, and the evolution of health trends, particularly in protein products. Michaela and Deja share their feelings about t...

In this episode, Deja and Michaela dive into the chaos of their lives, mainly focusing on Deja's wild Friday the 13th filled with unexpected events. They also discuss their upcoming fight matches, the event's uncertainty, and their shared love for horror movies and superstitions. The conversation shifts to Deja and Michaela exploring their shared love for horror movies, discussing personal superst...

In this episode, Deja and Michaela discuss their recent upgrades in audio and video quality for their podcast. They also talk about their personal fitness journeys and the importance of finding balance in treating themselves. They review upcoming UFC fights and share their thoughts on recent MMA news. They also discuss the Mikey Musumeci and the Mighty Mouse interview and the topic of waiting for...

In this episode, Michaela and Deja recap IBJJF Jiu Jitsu Con and World Masters in Vegas, discuss post-competition thoughts and their overall reflection on being in Vegas, discuss the Topic of the Week: What did I know competing, and what did I learn afterward?, and discuss Zen Talk: Tending to the bricks of your foundation to build continued evolution through natural transitions. 

Join Michaela and Deja as they converse about their upcoming competition in Vegas: Jiu Jitsu Con and World's Masters, the latest UFC news and upcoming events, local MMA and grappling news, ADCC and CJI recap, Topic of the Week: Letting go of expectations, and closing with Zen Talk: Staying present 

Join Michaela and Deja as they discuss updates to their progress to the 2024 Jiu Jitsu Con/Master's Worlds, the latest MMA news, the ending to the 2024 Olympics and people rooting against each other, the Topic of the week discussion of keeping your ego in check, and ending on learning from everyone in Zen Talk.

Much improved audio for this week's episode!!** This week, Michaela and Deja discuss the results from Michaela's latest competition, UFC news, ADCC and CJI news, continued review of the Olympics, boundary setting in training, and embracing the process, not the outcome.

*This episode has some audio challenges. Please bear with Michaela and me as we continue to figure this recording process out! Michaela and Deja discuss Michaela's upcoming competition, a recap of McMann vs. Basil at UFC 304, a preview of UFC on ABC, and local Midwest fight news and new local fighters. Furthermore, there is more Olympic content and review; the Topic of the week is: What are your a...

Michaela and Deja discuss Michaela's upcoming competition, a recap of McMann vs. Basil at UFC 304, a preview of UFC on ABC, and local Midwest fight news and new local fighters. Furthermore, there is more Olympic content and review; the Topic of the week is: What are your accountability, discipline, and mindset when prepping for and right after the competition? We end with our Zen Talk of how do yo...

Michaela and Deja are back with our second episode! This week, Michaela and Deja discuss UFC fights, Intro to the Olympics, and a breakdown of grappling and striking events, discussing rulesets. Additionally, Michaela and Deja get into Competitors vs Hobbyists for our Topic of the Week and dealing with Burnout for our special Zen Talk! Enjoy the listen!

Our Pilot episode is here! Join Deja and Michaela, two former collegiate female athletes who are jiu-jitsu and MMA practitioners, to talk about all things involving female grappling and MMA!