#018 - Kade Routolo - Who Am I Without My Sport?

Kade Ruotolo is one of the most dominant grapplers of his generation — a multiple-time world champion, elite martial artist, and rising MMA fighter known for his pace, creativity, and relentless belief in himself.But in this episode, Kade joins us during a much quieter chapter: recovering from the most challenging injury of his life.Coming off a full ACL tear and PRP treatment, Kade opens up about the mental side of being sidelined — not just from competition, but from movement, training, and the identity he’s carried since childhood.We talk about navigating recovery when everyone has an opinion, learning to trust your body’s intuition, and what happens when your sense of self is temporarily stripped away.This conversation goes beyond rehab protocols. We explore humility, discipline, martial arts, respect, and the belief system required to become one of the best in the world.Kade also reflects on the small moments that shaped him — including a brief interaction with Nate Diaz as a kid — and how gestures from role models can leave a lifelong impact.This episode is about recovery, identity, belief, and the discipline required to rebuild from the inside out.Follow Kade:https://www.instagram.com/kadekruotolo/Chapters:00:00 — Introduction02:37 — ACL Injury & PRP Treatment06:42 — Balancing Outside Voices vs Intuition11:15 — Discipline, Respect, and Martial Arts14:49 — The Power of Small Moments19:07 — Identity Foreclosure After Injury24:22 — Humility as a Competitive Edge31:37 — Belief, Delusion, and Being the Best39:12 — Recovery, Trust, and Long-Term Vision46:57 — Legacy Beyond Competition52:37 — Closing ReflectionsMedical Disclaimer:This podcast is for informational purposes only and is not medical advice. The Process with Dr. Masi is not a substitute for professional medical evaluation, diagnosis, or treatment. Listening does not create a doctor–patient relationship. Always seek the guidance of a licensed healthcare provider regarding any medical concerns.