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.

Naomi Davoudian returns to the Off the Mats Podcast for a conversation about growth, adaptation, and what happens when life forces you out of your comfort zone.

Since her first appearance on the show, Naomi has experienced several major changes. She relocated, joined a new academy, began training under a new professor, and returned to the competition mats. We discuss the challenges of leaving behind familiarity, walking into a new gym as the "new person," and learning how to build trust and confidence in a different training environment.

Naomi shares her perspective on adjusting to a new coaching style, finding her place within a new team culture, and how those experiences have influenced both her jiu-jitsu and personal growth. We also break down her recent experiences competing, the lessons learned from preparation and performance, and how her definition of success has evolved over time.

This episode is about more than Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu. It's about embracing change, staying committed during uncertain seasons, and discovering who you become when you're forced to start over.

Whether you're a competitor, hobbyist, or someone navigating a major life transition, this conversation offers valuable insight into the challenges and rewards of starting a new chapter.

🎧 Listen now and join the conversation.

Off the Mats Podcast #314 welcomes back rising MMA fighter Beltus Tabot for a follow-up conversation focused on growth, pressure, and the evolution that comes with pursuing success in mixed martial arts.

Since his first appearance on the show, Beltus has continued to develop both inside and outside the cage and is recovering from a knee injury. We discuss the lessons learned during his time away, how his training and fight IQ have evolved, and the challenges that come with increased expectations as his career progresses.

Beltus shares his perspective on confidence, discipline, mental toughness, and the realities of balancing life beyond competition.

Beyond fighting, we explore who Beltus is away from the cage, including his interests, support system, and long-term goals. We close the episode with a fun rapid-fire round covering favorite techniques, walkout songs, and more.

Whether you're an MMA fan, martial artist, or someone pursuing ambitious goals of your own, this conversation offers insight into the mindset required to keep moving forward when the spotlight gets brighter.

Topics include: • MMA training and fighter development • Mental toughness and confidence • Life outside the cage • The business of mixed martial arts • Social media and modern fight culture • Future goals and career aspirations • Rapid-fire MMA questions

Follow Beltus Tabot and stay tuned for future fight announcements as his journey continues.

Xavier Lee joins the Off the Mats Podcast for a conversation about Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, competition and the realities of training as a bigger grappler.

Known online as Professor X, Xavier has built a strong presence in the BJJ community by sharing insight on big-man jiu-jitsu, wrestling-style pressure, technical control, and confidence on the mats. In this episode, we talk about his jiu-jitsu journey, what led him to training, how he developed his game, and the lessons he has learned through competition.

We also discuss the difference between using size intelligently and relying on strength, the responsibility of being a good training partner, competing at brown belt, building confidence through jiu-jitsu, and how the lessons from the mats carry into everyday life.

Whether you are a new student, a bigger grappler trying to find your style, a competitor, or someone who loves hearing real stories from the BJJ community, this episode has something for you.

Follow Xavier Lee: @iamxavierleebjj Follow Off the Mats Podcast for more Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu interviews, martial arts stories, and conversations about life beyond the mats.

On this episode of Off the Mats Podcast, I sit down with my Colompton Beer Club co-host, Steve, for a different kind of conversation. Instead of beer reviews, sports talk, and the usual chaos, we talk about Steve’s fitness journey, his personal goals, and what it means to start making real changes when life is already busy.

We discuss motivation, discipline, accountability, nutrition, confidence, and the mental side of getting healthier. Steve opens up about where he is starting from, what he wants to improve, and how difficult it can be to stay consistent when motivation fades.

This conversation is not about becoming a fitness influencer or chasing perfection. It is about being honest, setting realistic goals, and learning how to keep showing up.

Whether you train Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, lift weights, walk on the treadmill, or are just trying to get healthier one decision at a time, this episode is for anyone working to become a better version of themselves.

Topics include: Fitness goals, weight loss, discipline, motivation, accountability, men’s health, nutrition, confidence, self-improvement, Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu mindset, and life beyond the mats.

Off the Mats Podcast welcomes Crazy 88 MMA Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu blue belt Matt Sargeant for his first appearance on the show. In this episode, Matt shares his journey into BJJ, what led him to step onto the mats for the first time, and the realities of surviving the white belt experience.

We discuss the mental and physical challenges of learning jiu-jitsu, the importance of consistency, the culture at Crazy 88 MMA, and how training changes the way people handle stress, pressure, and confidence outside the gym. Matt also talks about earning his blue belt, dealing with expectations after promotion, and what keeps him motivated to continue improving.

This conversation focuses on growth, humility, discipline, and the everyday reality of balancing life with Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu training.

If you’re a grappler, martial artist, or someone thinking about starting jiu-jitsu for the first time, this episode will feel familiar.