Emily's Pajama Party

Send us Fan Mail  In this episode, Emily sits down with Evelynn, whose full-blown obsession with BJJ is equal parts inspiring and hilariously relatable. Evelynn shares how jiu-jitsu took over her life in the best way — from the joy, the challenges, and the breakthroughs, to the moments that made her fall even deeper in love with the sport.  A fun, high-energy episode that celebrates passion, growt...

Send us Fan Mail  In this episode, Emily sits down with Jenna for a deep, technical, and incredibly insightful conversation about grappling as a smaller-framed athlete. What begins as a friendly chat quickly turns into a mentoring moment, with Jenna breaking down the strategies, leverage, and mindset shifts that smaller practitioners can use to thrive on the mats.  Full of practical wisdom, detail...

Send us Fan Mail  In this episode, Emily sits down with her friend Robyn—one of the funniest, most genuine people you’ll ever meet. What starts as a simple chat quickly turns into an unexpectedly honest, hilarious, and heartfelt conversation that goes in all the best directions. Robyn’s humor, her realness, and the way she opens up remind us how much depth and warmth can hide behind the laughter....

Send us Fan Mail  In this episode, Emily sits down with her friend Jody for an honest and refreshingly real conversation about the early days of BJJ. From the lessons nobody warns you about to the mindset shifts that make all the difference, Jody shares what she wishes she’d known as a white belt—and what she hopes new practitioners can carry with them as they start their own journey.  A warm, enc...

Send us Fan Mail  In this episode, Emily sits down with her friend Karina to talk about the real, everyday challenge of finding balance as a mom, a full-time professional, and a dedicated BJJ practitioner. Karina opens up about the pressures, the routines, the messy moments, and the small wins that help her keep moving forward. This honest conversation is all about showing up for yourself even whe...

Send us Fan Mail  In this episode, I sit down with AJ, owner of a thriving gym in Indianapolis built on one powerful philosophy built on community. AJ shares her journey, the heart behind creating an inclusive space on and off the mats, and the lessons she’s learned about leadership, vulnerability, and building a place where every person feels seen.  A conversation full of warmth, purpose, and the...

Send us Fan Mail  In this episode, Emily sits down with Daniela — known on Instagram as The Jiujitsu Mom — to talk about motherhood, identity, and finding strength and community on the mat. Daniela shares her honest, heartfelt journey into jiujitsu, the challenges she’s navigated along the way, and the joy she’s found in carving out space for herself while inspiring others to do the same. A warm,...

Send us Fan Mail In this episode of Emily’s Pajama Party , I catch up with my friend Courtney , who brings her trademark humor and honesty to the mic. Courtney opens up about stepping away from jiujitsu when life got stressful and finances got tight — and what it felt like to come back to the mats after time away. We talk about balance, burnout, and learning to give yourself grace when life doesn’...

Send us Fan Mail  In this episode, Emily sits down with her professor, Leo, for a fun and insightful conversation that blends history, culture, and a whole lot of personality. Leo shares pieces of his background, his journey from Brazil to teaching jiu-jitsu in the U.S., and the deeper meaning behind the art he brings to the mats every day. Plus, he helps clear up some of the most commonly mispron...

Send us Fan Mail In this episode of Emily’s Pajama Party , I sit down with my friend Olivia , a dedicated jiujitsu athlete who’s been training for three years and is already an avid competitor. Olivia opens up about what drives her to compete, how stepping onto the competition mats has built her confidence, and the lessons she’s learned through both victory and defeat. We talk about how competitio...

Send us Fan Mail In this episode of Emily’s Pajama Party , I sit down with my friend Torrie , whose journey to the jiujitsu mat is all about representation, courage, and self-expression. Torrie shares how she found her place in a sport where she didn’t always see herself reflected — and how she’s learned to celebrate what makes her unique both on and off the mats. We talk about belonging, confiden...

Send us Fan Mail  This week on Emily’s Pajama Party , I’m joined by my friend Kimberly , who opens up about the highs and lows of recovering from a major injury that took her off the mats for over a year. From surgery to setbacks to finding her way back to jiujitsu, Kimberly shares how she turned recovery into a journey of self-discovery and strength. Her honesty, resilience, and willingness to sh...

Send us Fan Mail  This week on Emily’s Pajama Party , I’m joined by my friend Jen , who brings her background in kinesiology and personal training to help us understand what it really means to train with purpose. We talk about setting realistic goals, staying consistent, and using the right support — from nutrition to mobility — to build confidence and strength as women in jiujitsu. If you’ve ever...

Send us Fan Mail  This week on Emily’s Pajama Party , I’m joined by my friend Mikey , who opens up about the ups and downs of her jiujitsu journey. We talk about the importance of perseverance, how to stay committed when you’re feeling out of your comfort zone, and the confidence that comes from showing up anyway. It’s a powerful reminder that growth doesn’t come from the easy rolls — it comes fro...

Send us Fan Mail Welcome all to my first official episode of Emily's Pajama Party. Each week I will interview a new person and they will share their unique perspective on the sport. Today I will share a bit about me and my 'why.' I am looking forward to this Jiujitsu Journey and where it takes me. 

Send us Fan Mail Hi Everyone! My name is Emily and I am on an adventure to find community for women in the sport of Brazilian Jiujitsu. I am excited to interview inspiring women (and others) who are incredible humans on and off the mat. I am by no means an expert, so come learn alongside me! I am looking to make this sport accessible to all who want to try it.