In this deeply personal episode of Off the Mats Podcast, I sit down with Crazy 88 MMA blue belt Brandon Timmins to remember his younger brother, Justin Timmins, a fellow grappler and valued member of the Crazy 88 MMA community whom we recently lost to suicide.

Brandon shares memories of Justin as a brother, teammate, and person while discussing grief, the pressure many men feel to hide their struggles, and why honest conversations about mental health matter. We also reflect on the seminar held at Crazy 88 MMA in Elkridge on June 27, with donations benefiting the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention.

This conversation is not an attempt to provide simple answers or define Justin by the circumstances of his death. It is about honoring his life, supporting those affected by suicide loss, and encouraging men to understand that asking for help is not a weakness.

This episode includes discussions of suicide, grief, and mental health that may be difficult for some listeners. If you or someone you know is struggling or experiencing a mental health crisis, call or text the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline at 988. Support is available 24 hours a day. Rest in peace, Justin Timmins.

Also, please consider donating to the foundations listed:

https://supporting.afsp.org/campaigns/Justin-Timmins---Gone-Too-Soon

https://988lifeline.org/donate/

For the first time since July 2020, Episode 317 of Off the Mats Podcast is a solo episode. Jake sits down without a guest to catch listeners up on what has been happening in the Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu community, around the gym, and behind the scenes of the podcast. He shares thoughts on current BJJ conversations, training consistency, gym culture, personal progress, and the challenges of balancing jiu-jitsu with work, family, recovery, and podcasting.

Jake also reflects on how Off the Mats has evolved over more than 300 episodes, what he has learned from interviewing grapplers, coaches, fighters, and community members, and why everyday stories continue to be an important part of the show. The episode closes with a preview of upcoming guests, future conversations, and what may be next for Off the Mats Podcast.

Whether you are a competitor, coach, hobbyist, or someone simply trying to stay consistent on the mats, this episode is a reminder that progress can look different at every stage of the journey.

Follow Off the Mats Podcast, share the episode with a teammate, and send in your suggestions for future guests and topics.

Johan Lorentzon and Eliška Prchalová return to the Off the Mats Podcast for a follow-up conversation about growth, competition, coaching, and community through Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu. Since their last appearance, a lot has changed. Johan stepped onto the competition mats for the first time, Eliška continued growing through her own BJJ journey, and together they held their first seminar in Norway.

We also discussed the reopening of Northpaw in Luleå after it burned down and what it meant to be there on opening day at the new location. This episode is about more than medals or matches. It is about leadership, resilience, rebuilding after adversity, and how jiu-jitsu continues to shape people on and off the mats.