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PODCAST · sports

Better Than Average

by Chris and Jay

One for the hobbyist, the weekend warrior, the everyday mat crawler who is striving for Jiujitsu competence over Jiujitsu excellence. Join Chris and Jay as they cultivate the flowers of a blossoming Bromance and discuss their journey towards BJJ Black belt.Throughout this Podcast we introduce some of the classic Jiujitsu personalities and dive into the lives of the everyday BJJ practitioner. Our mission? We aren’t striving to be the best in the world, but we sure as hell expect to be Better Than Average.

Publisher-supplied feed metadata · PodParley refreshed Oct 14, 2026 · Source feed

Episodes

  1. EP. 147 Vampires

    This week, Chris and Jay sink their teeth into John Carpenter’s Vampires — including James Woods’ character and the all-important question: is he actually believable, or are we giving Hollywood a little too much credit? We also look back at the recent seminar with our friends at ACTJJ in Corby....

  2. EP. 146 Mystic River

    We are finally at the end of the summer holidays and Better Than Average is finally back! This week, Chris and Jay get stuck into Mystic River — a dark and divisive film that gives us a plethora of tragic and dark themes to discuss. Jay also looks ahead to his upcoming trip to ACTJJ in Corby to...

  3. EP. 145 Death Row and Arrow

    This week on Better Than Average, we take on The Life of David Gale — definitely not Uncle Jay’s usual movie choice, and it sparks plenty of conversation. From the film itself to the bigger questions around the death penalty, there’s a lot to get into. We also relive our trip to Westminster to...

  4. EP. 144 American Beauty

    This week on Better Than Average, we dive into a review of American Beauty and try to answer the question: does it still deserve its reputation as one of the greatest films ever made, or has time changed the way we see it? We also celebrate a huge milestone as Circle of Vigour BJJ turns one year...

  5. EP. 143 Saved By The Bell

    This week, Chris and Jay take the Better Than Average Podcast to the Houses of Parliament to catch up with friend of the show, Will Stone MP. We get a behind-the-scenes look at what life is really like as an MP, from representing constituents to navigating Westminster, as Will shares the work…

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  6. EP. 142 Back From The Dead

    After a six-week disappearance, Better Than Average is finally back. Chris finally gets to review The Hunger Games, sparking a surprisingly heated debate as Jay somehow manages to completely miss the point. Is it a modern classic, or are they watching two entirely different films? We also hear…

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  7. EP. 141 Whispering Eye

    This week on Better Than Average, Jay bags gold at Grappling Industries—but there’s a twist… very little focus on the podium pic for this one. We get into the importance (or lack of it) of the classic medal shot and what it says about the moment and the local competition scene. Chris, meanwhile,...

  8. EP. 140 Let the Good Times Roll

    This week on Better Than Average, Chris and Jay recap the recent BJJ Seminar with Junior Silva Atleta & Luciano Araujo sharing key takeaways, standout moments, and why getting on the mats with high-level grapplers never gets old. We also dive into a review of American Pie — a film that, for…

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  9. EP. 139 Rules Of Attraction

    This week on Better Than Average, we dive straight into a review of Rules of Attraction… a film that leaves Chris completely conflicted. Is it underrated? Over the top? A mess? A hidden gem? We genuinely can’t decide—but that doesn’t stop us from trying to bring some sense to the chaos. From…

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  10. EP. 138 A Late Comeback

    After disappearing for six weeks, Chris and Jay are back — and the rust is barely noticeable. This week, we attempt to catch up on everything we’ve missed, including Jay’s bold attempt to get the Mayor of Milton Keynes into a gi, and a visit from comedian, podcaster, and BJJ blue belt Chris…

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  11. EP. 137 American History X

    This week on Better Than Average, Chris and Jay take on the hard-hitting American History X, reflecting on its themes, performances, and why it remains such a powerful — and uncomfortable — watch. We also get a full update on the Plymouth BJJ interclub competition, covering standout moments, team...

  12. EP. 136 No Problemo

    This week on Better Than Average, Chris and Jay tackle one of the all-time great sequels: Terminator 2: Judgment Day. We revisit the action, the effects, the surprisingly emotional moments — and the creeping realization that some of those apocalyptic future scenes might not be as far off as we’d...

  13. EP. 135 Total Recall

    This week on Better Than Average, Chris and Jay dive headfirst into Paul Verhoeven’s 1990 sci-fi classic Total Recall. We break down the film’s unforgettable action, practical effects, mutant side characters, and the eternal question: was it all real… or wasn’t it? Along the way, we also squeeze…

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  14. EP. 134 Would You Like To Know More

    This week on Better Than Average, the conversation starts with Jay’s evolving views on TRT, how his perspective has changed, and what that means for training, aging, and performance. We also check in on recent happenings at Circle of Vigour BJJ, covering training updates, team momentum, and life…

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  15. EP. 133 Lost Boys

    This week on Better Than Average, Jay fills us in on his recent trip to the Philippines, including a memorable hike into a volcano. Back on the mats, we recap COV BJJ’s competition trip to Pisa, covering the performances, the lessons learned, and the post-comp reflections. To round things out, we...

  16. EP. 132 Falling Down

    With Uncle Jay off in the Philippines climbing a volcano, Nigel steps into the co-host seat for episode 132 and he does not disappoint. We catch up on Nigel’s life as BJJ purple belt, the joys, pains, and mild existential crises that come with it. We dive into the spectacle that is Jake Paul vs....

  17. EP. 131 Eye For An Eye

    This week on Better Than Average, Chris and Jay are joined by the only man whose voice could calm a storm or charm a crowd: Nigel, the man with the voice of an angel. We dive into a breakdown of Fatal Attraction, explore Nigel’s growing adventures (and occasional misadventures) in BJJ, and weigh…

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  18. EP. 130 Cocktails & Dreams

    This week’s description is part stanza, part episode bonanza. As Jay’s time in Vietnam comes to a close, we review the movie he chose. A humble a critique, of charisma at its pique. Our film’s an eighties tale, that will never fail. One for the dreamers, filmed before the era of streamers. It’s...

  19. EP. 129 Based On A True Story

    This week on Better Than Average, Chris and Jay dive into the chaotic brilliance of Tropic Thunder, breaking down the movie’s wild moments and timeless one-liners. Jay also shares the unforgettable story of Dave and the lady with no teeth — and yes, it’s exactly as bizarre as it sounds. Somehow,...

  20. EP. 128 This Is The End

    This week on Better Than Average, Chris and Jay tackle the apocalyptic chaos of This Is The End — a film that somehow makes the end of the world look like the ultimate lads’ night in. Meanwhile, Hercules makes his long-awaited studio debut… and immediately reminds everyone why that might have…

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  21. EP. 127 War Dogs

    This week on Better Than Average, Chris and Jay hit record with absolutely no plan — and whether that shows or not, we’ll let you decide. The chaos kicks off with a review of War Dogs, where we revisit our favorite moments from the film and ask some surprisingly thoughtful questions about life on...

  22. EP. 126 Nope

    In this episode of Better Than Average, Chris and Jay dive into Jordan Peele’s Nope — breaking down the movie’s mystery, symbolism, and whatever that whole alien-chimp-cloud situation was. Jay also recaps his dominant performance at AJP Hamburg, where he took home double gold, proving once again...

  23. EP. 125 Duplicates

    Chris and Jay catch up after Jay’s big trip to Fight City for another classic episode of Better Than Average. This week, we dive into the hazards of a leg lock shootout, get the latest update on the kids program at COV BJJ Global Headquarters, and review the modern sci-fi hit Micky 17. Plenty of...

  24. EP. 124 Temporal Pincer Movements

    This week on Better Than Average, Chris and Jay dive into CJI 2 and the heated tap or no tap debate shaking the BJJ world. Along the way, Manchester’s abundance of Thai massage parlours somehow makes it onto the agenda, and Jay manages to sneak in a not-so-subtle infomercial for his COV BJJ...

  25. EP. 123 The Pressure-stige

    This week on Better Than Average, Chris and Jay dive into Christopher Nolan’s The Prestige—a film packed with illusions, obsession, and one of the greatest cinematic twists of all time. We break down what makes this movie such a mind-bending classic, from the performances to the storytelling...

  26. EP. 122 Tailor Made

    This week, Chris and Jay suit up and dive into Matthew Vaughn’s stylish spy flick The Kingsman: The Secret Service. From outrageous action sequences and over-the-top villains to sharp suits and sharper one-liners, we break down what makes this modern twist on the classic spy genre so much fun.…

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  27. EP. 121 Barbarian

    This week’s episode is a globe-trotter’s dream (sort of). Jay is gearing up for a trip to Vietnam while Chris takes a swing at Wimbledon. We also talk about Ffion Davies’ brand-new BJJ gym, Arma, and then dive into some very serious debates: Sydney Sweeney’s jeans and the eternal question—who’s...

  28. EP. 120 X-Force

    This week, we’re coming to you from the brand new Circle of Vigour BJJ Global Headquarters! Big moves, big mats, and big opinions. Chris kicks things off by making some bold predictions about Jay’s recent BJJ tournament performance—was he right, or hilariously wrong? We also dive into a rewatch…

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  29. EP. 119 A New Frontier

    This week, Chris and Jay are recording from the brand new Circle of Vigour BJJ—a fresh chapter for the show and the mats alike. In this episode, they dive into the UFC’s unexpected visit to the White House and what it could mean for the sport’s future. Jay recaps his recent trip to the iconic...

  30. EP. 118 DIY

    This week on Better Than Average, we build our own makeshift studio and hit record—no excuses, just real talk all caught on film. We dive into Topuria’s big win at UFC 317 and what’s next for the Lightweight Division. Jay walks us through his recent NAGA success, sharing match insights…

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  31. EP. 117 The Pod Collective

    Episode 117 – The Pod Collective This week, Chris and Jay are joined by a good friend and fellow training partner, Jack — a creative force both on the mats and behind the camera. Jack shares his journey balancing Jiu Jitsu with entrepreneurship, diving into his startup The Pod Collective, a...

  32. EP. 116 Life In The Shadows

    This week, Chris and Jay dive in with almost no foreplay, and the result is pure chaos. Topics range from Jay’s questionable fiber intake to the big question: is the new Superman actually more jacked than Henry Cavill? With a little help from AI, the guys tackle one of pop culture’s weirder...

  33. EP. 115 Secondary Inspection

    This week on Better Than Average, Chris and Jay are back from their summer breaks with stories to tell—Jay recaps his trip to San Francisco, while Chris went fully off the grid in the south of France. We catch up on all the latest from UFC 316, including Kayla Harrison’s dominant submission win,...

  34. EP. 114 A Mothers Love

    In this week’s episode of Better Than Average, Chris and Jay are back with the usual dose of BJJ, MMA, and unapologetic man chat. Big news on the local scene—Circle of Vigour BJJ is opening a new location in Winslow, and we’ve got the inside scoop. Whether you’re a mat savage or just BJJ-curious,...

  35. EP. 113 Pistols at Dawn

    This week on Better Than Average, we’re diving into the gritty brilliance of The Departed—Scorsese’s crime epic packed with tension, double-crosses, and some unforgettable performances. From there, we head down a rabbit hole into the world of dueling culture—how honor, pride, and pistols…

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  36. EP. 112 A Descent Into Madness

    This week, Chris and Jay explore the fine line between control and chaos. They kick things off with a raw and real conversation about parenting styles—how different approaches shape kids, the pressure of doing it “right,” and the madness that sometimes comes with the territory. Then, they revisit...

  37. EP. 111 The Running Man

    In this week’s episode, Chris and Jay cover all the usual suspects — BJJ talk, fight world updates, and life off the mats. Then, it’s time to go retro with a full review of The Running Man, the dystopian Arnold Schwarzenegger classic based on a Richard Bachman (aka Stephen King) novel. They break...

  38. EP. 110 Incubated

    This week on Better Than Average, Chris and Jay are back on the mics talking all things BJJ, gold medals, new beginnings, and chest-bursting sci-fi classics. Jay breaks down his recent trip to the AJP and bringing home gold, while the guys dive into some exciting news about the launch of a brand...

  39. EP. 109 Skin On Skin

    Chris and Jay are back with another classic episode of the Better Than Average Podcast! This week, the guys dive into a Robert De Niro staple — Taxi Driver — a film that sparks more debate than expected (and not always for the smartest reasons). But the hottest arguments don’t stop there. Chris...

  40. EP. 108 Green Giant

    The boys are riding high after hosting a huge podcast guest, and the energy is undeniable. This week, we dive into a fresh review of Ryan Gosling’s Drive, plus an old-school gem straight from Uncle Jay’s classic movie archive. But that’s just the beginning. Expect a whirlwind of topics, from the...

  41. EP. 107 Chris Ramsey

    In Episode 107 of the Better Than Average Podcast, Chris and Jay sit down with comedian, podcaster, and Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu blue belt Chris Ramsey! As a seasoned pro behind the mic, Chris sets the bar high—and the guys do their best to keep up. They dive into his journey in stand-up, the wild…

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  42. EP. 106 Institutionalised

    This week, Chris and Jay reflect on the biggest interview of their podcasting careers and dive into a wild biopic about Britain’s most violent inmate. They also explore ways to naturally boost testosterone, because who doesn’t want to get the natural juices flowing? Sounds like a...

  43. EP. 105 Sub Optimal

    Chris and Jay are back with another classic episode of Better Than Average! This week, we break down one of BJJ’s biggest matchups and dive into a fascinating period of American history—thanks to our movie review of Lawless. Intrigued? You should be. But that’s not all. Jay’s vigourosity comes...

  44. EP. 104 The Death Stare

    Chris and Jay are back after a going AWOL last week. Episode 104 is a short one, but it’s packed with all the antics you know and love. Jay shares an update on his recent IBJJF gold medal win (and his BJJ fanboy moment), while the guys dive into a fun debate on military research, neatly tying…

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  45. EP. 103 Back to Basics

    Episode 103 – Back to Basics with Chris and Jay This week, Chris and Jay are back at Uncle Jay’s, adjusting to reality after the highs of last week’s trip to London’s Lyceum Theatre. While the comedown is real, there’s always a silver lining—this episode is packed with all the classic Chris and…

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  46. EP. 102 George Asprey & Shaun Escoffery

    Welcome to Episode 102! This week, Chris and Jay step off the mats and into the world-famous Lyceum Theatre in London to meet Scar and Mufasa themselves. You might be wondering what Better Than Average Podcast is doing at the home of Disney’s The Lion King, but here’s the twist—George Asprey and...

  47. EP. 101 Hired Guns

    Welcome to Episode 101! This week, Chris and Jay step in for Scott and Alain on The Reef Podcast. Now, we know what you’re thinking—those Reef guys run a tight ship, and you’re not sure if we can bring the same high-level Jiu-Jitsu knowledge and critical insight… and honestly, you’d be right. But...

  48. EP. 100 Fortress of Solitude

    Welcome to Episode 100! For this milestone-smashing edition of the Better Than Average Podcast, the boys take a nostalgic deep dive into the 1978 classic Superman. Whether you’re a die-hard fan of the Man of Steel or just here for the usual chaos, don’t worry—we’ve got all the MMA, BJJ, and man...

  49. EP. 99 Red Balloons

    Episode 99: The Penultimate Show? Chris and Jay are nearing the incredible milestone of 100 episodes, but could this really be the second-to-last Better Than Average podcast? A scary thought—but don’t worry, this week is packed with classic Chris-and-Jay banter to keep you smiling. The episode...

  50. EP. 98 30 Minutes or Less

    Better Than Average Podcast – Episode 98 In this action-packed 30-minute episode, Chris and Jay put their podcasting skills to the ultimate test: delivering a quality show in record time. Do they succeed? That’s for you to decide. What’s certain is that they cover an impressive amount of ground…

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ABOUT THIS SHOW

One for the hobbyist, the weekend warrior, the everyday mat crawler who is striving for Jiujitsu competence over Jiujitsu excellence. Join Chris and Jay as they cultivate the flowers of a blossoming Bromance and discuss their journey towards BJJ Black belt.Throughout this Podcast we introduce some of the classic Jiujitsu personalities and dive into the lives of the everyday BJJ practitioner. Our mission? We aren’t striving to be the best in the world, but we sure as hell expect to be Better Than Average.

HOSTED BY

Chris and Jay

CATEGORIES

Frequently Asked Questions

How many episodes does Better Than Average have?

Better Than Average currently has 147 episodes available on PodParley. New episodes are automatically indexed when they're published to the podcast feed.

What is Better Than Average about?

One for the hobbyist, the weekend warrior, the everyday mat crawler who is striving for Jiujitsu competence over Jiujitsu excellence. Join Chris and Jay as they cultivate the flowers of a blossoming Bromance and discuss their journey towards BJJ Black belt.Throughout this Podcast we introduce some...

How often does Better Than Average release new episodes?

Better Than Average publishes regularly with 147 episodes available. Check the episode list for the typical release schedule.

Where can I listen to Better Than Average?

You can listen to Better Than Average on PodParley by clicking any episode. We provide an embedded audio player for direct listening, and you can also subscribe via your preferred podcast app using the RSS feed.

Who hosts Better Than Average?

Better Than Average is created and hosted by Chris and Jay.
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