In this episode, we sit down with James McSweeney, an internationally recognized martial artist, fighter, and coach whose career has spanned more than two decades at the highest levels of combat sports. James is a 6-time World Muay Thai Champion, 3-time World MMA Champion, and a veteran of some of the biggest promotions in the ... James McSweeney – McSweeney MMA – Ep245
Francisco Casaroti is a lifelong martial artist, teacher, and cultural ambassador with nearly three decades of experience in the Afro-Brazilian art of Capoeira. Born and raised in Brazil, Francisco’s journey through movement, rhythm, and expression began at a young age — shaping not only his martial path but also his understanding of community and culture. ... Francisco Casaroti – Capoeira Arte – Ep244
Kenn Scott is an accomplished actor, martial artist, filmmaker, and author whose passion for the martial arts and storytelling has taken him from the dojo to the bright lights of Hollywood. Born in New York and raised in North Carolina, Kenn followed his dreams west to Los Angeles, where his talent and determination led him ... Kenn Scott – Teenage Ninja to Mutant Turtle – Ep243
Geo Corvera is a veteran fight choreographer, stunt coordinator, action designer, and stuntman whose passion for martial arts began at a young age. Born in El Salvador and raised in the Washington, D.C. area of Virginia, Geo quickly made a name for himself on the competition circuit, earning Top 10 NASKA and NBL rankings in ... Geo Corvera – Stunts and more – Ep242
Chris Kent has over five decades of experience in the martial arts and is recognized worldwide as one of the foremost authorities on Jeet Kune Do. In 1973, he became the youngest, and final, member admitted into Dan Inosanto’s legendary “Backyard JKD” group during Bruce Lee’s lifetime. He went on to study with and assist ... Chris Kent – Jeet Kune Do – Ep241
Dana Hee is a martial artist, motivational speaker, commentator, and author who has dedicated more than four decades to the martial arts. Rising from an unstable and traumatic childhood, she used martial arts as a path to transformation, ultimately winning Olympic Gold in 1988. Her success opened the door to Hollywood, where she performed stunts ... Dana Hee – One Step with Courage – Ep240
Robert Drysdale is a world-renowned martial artist, fighter, coach, commentator, author, and academy owner. Born in Utah to a Brazilian mother and an American father, his family moved to Brazil when he was just six years old. In 1998, during his late teens, Robert discovered Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu at the Quatro Tempos Academy—a decision that would ... Robert Drysdale – Zenith Jiu Jitsu – Ep239
Blake Hayes has been a dedicated martial artist since 1986, training relentlessly for nearly four decades. His journey spans multiple disciplines, including Jiu-Jitsu, Boxing, Muay Thai, Judo, and Wrestling. In 2012, Blake earned his black belt in Gracie Jiu-Jitsu and has since risen to the rank of 3rd degree black belt. Three years later, he ... Blake Hayes – Sheepdog Jiu-Jitsu – Ep238
Mary Beth Klock Perez is a 7th degree Master in Tae Kwon Do who began her journey training under the legendary Grand Master Jhoon Rhee. In 1988, she founded Better Families Tae Kwon Do in Miami, Florida — a school built on discipline, perseverance, and community. Just three years later, she met and married 9th ... Mary Beth Klock Perez – Better Families Tae Kwon Do – Ep237
Michael Leonard is both a visual artist and martial artist based in Rochester, NY. Unlike many who start young, Michael began his martial arts journey later in life—and quickly made up for lost time, earning the rank of Nidan. Along the way, he developed a deep fascination with traditional weaponry—not just in their practice and ... Michael Leonard – Kobudo Studio – Ep236
My guest today is John Giduck, a lifelong martial artist, author, and scholar with an incredible background that bridges academics, athletics, and international martial arts training. John holds a Bachelor’s Degree from Penn State, a law degree from the University of Denver, and a Master’s Degree in Russian and Soviet Studies from the University of ... John Giduck – Ep235
My guest today is Julio Rivera — an author, mental health advocate, and lifelong martial artist. With more than 25 years of training, Julio holds black belt rankings in three different martial arts styles. He once owned his own school and now shares his knowledge through private lessons and workshops. Beyond the dojo, Julio is ... Julio Rivera – Internal Jiu Jitsu – Ep234
George Andersch is a lifelong martial artist and fitness enthusiast whose journey began as a teenager. Over the years, he has earned ranks in multiple disciplines, competing not only in traditional martial arts tournaments but also in kickboxing and western boxing matches. Like many, George was inspired by the very first UFC event in 1993, ... George Andersch – Fargo BJJ – Ep233
Onassis Parungao, born in Rota, Spain, is of Spanish and Filipino heritage. His martial arts journey began at the age of eight, and since 1984 he has trained in Tung Kong Kalan, Judo, Wrestling, Yang Style Tai Chi, and Hung Gar. A seasoned competitor, Onassis has fought in three No Holds Barred matches, including UFC ... Onassis Parungao – UFC 7 – Ep232
Reggie Darden began his martial arts journey in the 1990s and has since explored a wide range of disciplines, including Chinese Kenpo, American Kenpo, Capoeira, Boxing, Hapkido, Tae Kwon Do, Muay Thai, and Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu. A proud U.S. Army veteran, Reggie originally hails from San Diego but now calls the Dallas–Fort Worth area home. When ... Reggie Darden – My Empty Hands – Ep231
This week’s guest is a true legend in the world of self-defense and fear management. Tony Blauer is a globally recognized self-defense expert and a pioneer in fear psychology. For over four decades, he has been a leading voice in martial arts, defensive tactics, combatives, and personal safety training. As the founder and CEO of ... Tony Blauer – KNOW FEAR – Ep230
Forrest Morgan is a senior lecturer at the Carnegie Mellon Institute for Strategy and Technology at Carnegie Mellon University. With a distinguished 27-year career in the U.S. Air Force, Forrest went on to spend 16 years at the RAND Corporation, where he conducted high-level research in strategy and doctrine for national defense clients. He is ... Forrest Morgan – Living the Martial Way – Ep229
My guest today is a true martial arts veteran and a leading voice in the world of Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu—Stephan Kesting. With a martial arts career spanning several decades, Stephan holds black belts in multiple disciplines and has devoted much of his life to the study, practice, and teaching of BJJ. His highly respected platform, Grapplearts.com, ... Stephan Kesting – GrappleArts – Ep228
Today’s guest has dedicated over five decades to the martial arts and has become a true pioneer in the world of self-defense. Mark Shuey began his martial arts journey in the Chuck Norris System over 50 years ago, earning his black belt in 1978. Just one year later, in 1979, he began teaching—and he hasn’t ... Mark Shuey – American Cane System – Ep227
My guest today is a true martial artist in every sense of the word. Michael Miller has been training in American Kenpo for over 35 years and currently holds the rank of 6th-degree black belt under Grandmaster Dave Hebler. His lineage and dedication are impressive, with extensive training under martial arts icons including Grandmaster Robert ... Michael Miller – Kenpo Perspectives – Ep226