Journeyman

My guest today is Laina Giselle Mason, who is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker with over 16 years of mental health experience. She works from an intersectional feminist lens, pulling from modalities like IFS, Somatic and Polyvagal Theory, DBT, and Cognitive Processing Therapy; not because she likes acronyms, but because she's genuinely curious about finding what actually works for each person. She has a particular venn diagram of clients who identify as survivors of sexual trauma, LGBTQIA+ folks, and people navigating the wild ride of middle age. She currently serves as the Supervisor of Clinical Education and Development with the New York City Psychotherapy Collective. She's also a mom to two incredible boys, which she'll tell you is its own form of advanced training. Laina has been on the mats for over eight years, holds a brown belt in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu at Evolution Grappling Academy under Mike Palladino, and coaches there too. She came to BJJ the way a lot of people come to therapy: looking for something else, and finding far more than she expected. When she's not in the gym or the virtual therapy room, she's outside somewhere, dancing or making art out of dead flowers and bones, which tells you pretty much everything you need to know about her.  We discuss the role of jiu-jitsu as part of trauma treatment, red flags , and the overall benefits to practitioners. This is an episode you are going to want to share!! My appreciation for Laina's time and expertise. Thank you for listening, and as always, enjoy the show!

Easy equals hard. Hard equals hard. Choose your hard.

Factors YOU can control: your physical being, your effort, your reponse to adversity, and your mindset!

If you grapple, you are the minority. The struggle is the success!

Putting your children, and yourself, in the right rooms!

Have you ever been stuck? On the mats and in life.

Tradeoffs, Upkeep, and Injury mitigation! Plus, Reality Versus #3 and what makes a "McDojo" gym?

Reality Versus #2... When to start wrestling versus jiu-jitsu? What factors/ variables keep you training longer?

New segment "Reality Versus"! Today's topics include the use of steroids, creeping, and injuries!! Just some light topics to start off with lol

Some tips to avoid burnout, track your progress, and adapt to the ever changing variables on and off the mat! Stay tuned for the ne segment "Reality Versus" on upcoming episodes. Like, subscribe, and share the show:)

Become undeniable in the process of achieving your goals!

Take a look around. Father's are needed more than ever!

Is your child "under-sized" in their respective sport(s)? Are their peers larger and more athletic? Over time, work ethic, grit, and attitude will keep them in the game!

Are you comfortable with being uncomfortable?Are you a present participant?Your fears will become your fate.

Time on the mats are fleeting. Don't take yourself too seriously and enjoy the learning and your progression.

Touch greatness whenever and wherever possible!

Don't say this.

The amazing story of Zion Clark.

Climb higher for a better view on and off the mats.

7 tips from a novice competitor.

An interview with BJJ Black Belt Malachy Silva, owner and Head Instructor of Midtown Jiu-Jitsu in Kingston, New York.

Sometimes it's the path you pave, not the final destination.

A collection of top techniques from the Facebook chat and Instagram.

Introducing an added feature to the podcast: Facebook Group chat where you can pose questions, comments, and participate in the production of each episode!

Assurances on and off the mats!

Some thoughts on longevity for the older grappler.

An interview with Al Gernhardt; a BJJ Black Belt, father, teacher, and friend.

Be your number one fan. Let people watch!

Not resolutions but acknowledgments. On and off the mats.

An interview with Steve Spencer, a competitive purple belt training out of EGA in Beacon NY. We discuss Steve's intro to BJJ, his competition mindset and routines, and his future goals. Thanks for tuning in and enjoy the episode!

Paying it forward to the next generation.

Sometimes, pain is the process.

What factors are affecting your performance on & off the mat?

Competition progress: improving one day at a time.

Some helpful steps to success.

An interview with Kody Vetro; head instructor and owner of Tracks BJJ in Walden, NY. Our discussion ranges from his introduction to BJJ, the belt system, competition mindsets, and the trials and gains of business ownership. Kody also speaks about the importance of consistency in skill development and growing the jiu-jitsu community.

Leveling up on the mats and in life.

An interview with Kyle Boehm, 10th planet black belt and ADCC competitor. Our discussion ranges from Kyle's introduction to BJJ, his multi-sport approach to grappling, competition mindset and methodologies, strength training for BJJ, and the future of jiu-jitsu.

Filling your life with what makes you happy!

A history of Veteran's Day and our present situation.

Be busy living life to its fullest!

The Resistance. What is it?  When does it happen? Why does it happen?  Who benefits??

New Trailer

An Interview with Matt Sherman, Head Coach of the 2021-22 D1A National Champion Army RFC. Our discussion begins with Matt's introduction to rugby, his impressive collegiate playing career at the University of California, and then as a member of the U.S. National Team.  Matt explains how he used the lessons and mindsets of those experiences when coaching high-caliber athletes.  Furthermore, Coach Sherman speaks of Army's National Championship season, lessons learned, and success moving forward. 

A story about resilience, exposure, and staying the course.

A list of non-negotiable’s, and surrounding yourself with people who will “jump fences” to be in your frame.

A breakdown of this past weekend's Six Nations!! I had originally named this episode "Red Card", but after some consideration renamed it "Best of the Best" in gratitude and appreciation of people doing and giving their best!

My discussion with Richie Jewell.

What's your legacy?  What will people remember about you?

Five points of progression ranging from short v. long term retention, mitigating injuries, and maintaining a "white belt" mentality.