The Knockout Life with Phoenix Carnevale

Phoenix Carnevale sits down with actor, director, martial artist, and real-life superhero Michael Jai White for a deep, dynamic, and inspiring conversation. Known for his roles in Spawn, Black Dynamite, The Dark Knight, and the recently released action-comedy Trouble Man, Michael opens up about everything from emotional discipline and ego to what it really means to lighten up in life and on set.Phoenix and Michael explore the power of mindset, overcoming adversity, the martial arts philosophy behind his success, and how his past — including surviving shootouts and early trauma — shaped the man and artist he is today. You'll hear untold stories from Hollywood, training sessions with Jon Jones, and the shocking comment a studio executive once made that still fuels his fire.Plus, powerful parenting advice, a tribute to Method Man, how finding humor in things can be a powerful form of strength and storytelling and the return of the rapid fire round where you truly get to know Jai White.Whether you're a fighter, a fan, or someone on a path to growth, this episode is packed with knockout wisdom.Highlights include:• Why letting go of ego unlocks real power• Behind the scenes of Trouble Man, Black Dynamite and other Jai White films• The real story of Spawn and overcoming claustrophobia• Martial arts as a tool for life — not just in the ring or on the mats• Advice for aspiring actors and martial artists• The gift of poverty and gratitude in hard times• Speed round: Jon Jones, Michelle Yeoh, Tisha Campbell & more Follow the show on Instagram: @THEKNOCKOUTLIFEFollow the show on YouTube: @TheKnockoutLifePodcastFollow Phoenix on Instagram: @PhoenixCarnevale Follow Michael Jai White @officialmichaeljai and be sure to watch Trouble Man streaming now and Hostile Takeover releasing later this year.   

In the premiere episode of The Knockout Life, host Phoenix Carnevale kicks things off with none other than her longtime friend, UFC legend Matt Serra—a man who shocked the world when he took down Georges St-Pierre at UFC 69… to the tune of a mariachi band playing the Mission: Impossible theme.From hilarious fight walkouts and dad jokes in VR to powerful stories of loss, resilience, and championship grit, Serra opens up like never before. He talks about his passion for family and teaching, his obsession with fundamentals, what it really felt like to be counted out by everyone, and how that iconic win changed his life—and mindset—forever.Highlights include:• Matt’s origin story and the philosophy behind his success• Never-before-heard anecdotes from UFC 69 and the early days of The Ultimate Fighter• A heartfelt tribute to underdogs, students, and the fighters who push through the fear• A rapid-fire speed round where we learn more than you ever expected about Serra, including his favorite childhood cartoon, celeb   crush, guilty pleasure (yes, it’s pizza), and much more• Honest reflections on staying grounded after success, and why no loss has ever kept him up at night• Insight into his relationship with fighters like Merab Dvalishvili and Aljamain Sterling, and what makes them both hilarious and elite• His take on loyalty in MMA, coaching, and why some losses open more doors than wins ever couldWhether you're a fighter, a fan, or just someone trying to stay on the mat when life throws a punch, this episode hits all the right notes.Follow the show on Instagram: @THEKNOCKOUTLIFEFollow the show on YouTube: @TheKnockoutLifePodcastFollow Phoenix on Instagram: @PhoenixCarnevale