Emily's Pajama Party

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...

Send us Fan Mail Jiujitsu is a physical sport that is incredibly demanding on the body. This week Emily sits down with her friend Diana. Diana Wang is a seasoned physical therapist with nearly a decade of experience and a passion for Jiu-Jitsu. She has dedicated her career to helping athletes understand their bodies and prevent injuries, particularly in the BJJ community. Through her work at Open...

Send us Fan Mail As a mother, you face a multitude of challenges, from parenting responsibilities to personal aspirations. In this post, we explore how Janel navigates the demands of single motherhood while pursuing her passion for jujitsu. Discover the valuable insights she shares about personal growth, resilience, and the importance of finding balance in life.

Send us Fan Mail In today’s world, many parents are searching for ways to enrich their children’s lives beyond the traditional classroom. This episode explores how Mary, a homeschooling mother of three, has seamlessly integrated Jiu Jitsu into her family's daily routine. From building self-defense skills to fostering a strong family bond, this journey is packed with valuable insights for anyo...

Send us Fan Mail In a world where confidence can be scarce, the stories of those who embrace their fears can be truly inspiring. In this episode of the podcast, Emily and Brie dive deep into the world of Jiu-Jitsu, exploring not just the techniques and training, but the personal growth and resilience that come with the practice. Brie, a seasoned Physician Assistant and a dedicated mom of two, shar...

Send us Fan Mail  In a world that often emphasizes youth and traditional paths, the story of Martine, a 71-year-old jiu-jitsu practitioner, breaks the mold. Her journey from self-doubt to empowerment showcases the transformative power of martial arts and the importance of community support. Martine is curious, joyful, and such a story teller! Also, the episode involves nose honking, because why no...

Send us Fan Mail  In a world where physical activities often demand intense competition and focus, the harmonious blend of yoga and Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu (BJJ) offers a refreshing perspective. In our latest podcast episode, we delve into the journey of Bianca, a passionate yoga teacher and BJJ practitioner, as she shares her insights on how these two disciplines complement each other beautifully. Bi...

Send us Fan Mail In the world of martial arts, few experiences are as transformative as stepping onto the jiu-jitsu mat. In a recent podcast episode, Desirae shares her incredible journey from being a supportive parent to becoming an active participant in the sport. Her story illustrates not just the physical challenges of jiu-jitsu but also the profound personal growth that comes from embracing t...

Send us Fan Mail In this episode, Rachel and Annalee illustrate how Jiu-Jitsu transcends being just a sport; it becomes a transformative journey that fosters empowerment, community, and resilience. Their stories remind us that embracing challenges—whether on the mats or in life—can lead to personal growth and deeper connections with others.

Send us Fan Mail Hi everyone, Emily here. Each week I typically interview amazing women in the world of brazilian jiujitsu. This is a bonus epsiode where I interview Clay, the guy that got me into BJJ! It is a fun talk between us, definitely a departure from my norm and a fun little peek into my life where social and sport combine. The jiujitsu community is filled with fantastic individuals, here...

Send us Fan Mail On this episode of the Pajama Party, Emily sits down and talks with her friend Alexandra. She has trained in martial arts most her life, and over twenty years in Jiujitsu. BJJ was there for her during really tough moments where she leaned into the community and the chance to work through life's most challenging battles. She has worked hard to create not one, but two communiti...

Send us Fan Mail In this episode of the Pajama Party podcast, host Emily sat down with Maya, the founder of Alchemize, to discuss her inspiring journey in creating a women-centric jiu-jitsu apparel brand. From her early entrepreneurial spirit to the challenges of designing functional and stylish gear, Maya's story is one of empowerment and transformation.

Send us Fan Mail  In today’s fast-paced world, finding activities that empower us and foster community is essential. Ellen, a PhD student and passionate jiu-jitsu practitioner, shares her journey of discovering strength, confidence, and friendship through the art of jiu-jitsu. Join us as we delve into her experiences and insights, proving that sometimes the most unexpected paths lead to profound p...