PODCAST · sports
The Strenuous Life Podcast with Stephan Kesting
by Stephan Kesting
What is it that allows some people to push themselves beyond their limitations? Why can some people survive situations others do not? On this podcast we try to find out the answers. Stephan Kesting, is a lifelong martial artist, BJJ black belt, career firefighter, and outdoorsman. Join us as he talks to fighters, adventurers, competitors, coaches, firefighters, trainers and other people living the strenuous life.Stephan also runs Grapplearts.com, where he has published many hundreds of martial arts videos, articles and tutorials.His free guide to learning Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, A Roadmap for BJJ, has been downloaded more than 10,000 times and has become a foundational text for the art.
Episodes
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450 - Save the Fear for Later; Discipline, Fear Management & Survival Lessons from Champion Freediver Anna von Boetticher
Anna von Boetticher is a freediving champion, and she joins us today to share her profound insights into the fascinating world of freediving, its disciplines, risks, and the incredible adaptability of the human body. Discover how mental strength, safety protocols, and physiological limits can be...
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449 - Why Jiu-Jitsu is NOT for Everyone, with James Deirmendjian
Thrilled to have James Deirmendjian on the podcast to discuss why jiu-jitsu might NOT be for everyone, the benefits of training with practitioners from diverse backgrounds, balancing training and a career, and creating camaraderie through jiu-jitsu. Follow James on Instagram at...
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448 - The Forgotten Jiu-Jitsu Practitioner Who Taught Maeda (and Ultimately the Gracies) Groundfighting
Most people know that BJJ descended from Kodokan Judo which came from traditional Japanese Jiu-Jitsu systems. But the Kodokan was initially quite weak at the groundfighting aspect of grappling, and it wasn't until it brushed up against other systems specialising in ne-waza or groundwork that it...
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447 - Making Your BJJ Training Safer and Much More Effective with Chris "The Villain" Paines
Chris is a BJJ and Luta Livre black belt teaching in the UK and has many radical ideas about teaching and training BJJ which could change the sport for the better! In this episode we covered... - Training takedowns and dangerous submissions safely - A radical re-imagining of the BJJ belt system -...
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446 - Building a Community BJJ Dojo in Kenya with Just Shiggi!
Shiggi loves BJJ and thinks that it can build and change communities in Africa, and is on a mission to open a community dojo in Kenya aimed at empowering girls aged 12 to 18. Shiggi is a BJJ practitioner with a background in Shotokan karate, Taekwondo, Capoeira, and working the door as a bouncer…
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445 - The Most Dangerous Day of My Arctic Journey and What It Taught Me About Satisfaction and Happiness
In today's episode of The Strenuous Life Podcast, I share the story of dealing with storms, giant tides, and the ever-present threat of polar bears on the remote Hudson Bay coast at the mouth of the Thlewiaza River in Nunavut, Canada and what I learned about physical, mental, and emotional...
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444 - Stoicism and BJJ, with Adisa Banjoko
How your journey through BJJ can intersect with and is helped by Stoicism, with Adisa Banjoko. It gets pretty personal as we go beyond the sound bites of Stoicism and dig into the actual practices you can use to develop the four virtues of Stoicism, namely wisdom, discipline, justice and courage....
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443 - Twenty-seven Red Flags to Avoid When Picking a BJJ Club
Telltale traits of toxic schools by Stephan Kesting, a BJJ black belt for 20 years. Did he miss any red flags? RED FLAGS 01:24 No cross-training 01:41 Separating you from friends and family 02:30 No trial classes 03:35 No talking to current students 03:55 No watching classes 04:14 Instructor's…
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442 - Building a Positive Gym Culture in BJJ, with Josh Peters
How to create a professional environment and a welcoming gym culture at your BJJ school, and what people do wrong, with Josh Peters. Josh is a 3rd degree black belt in BJJ, who has competed in Brazilian Jiu Jitsu, Muay Thai, Sanda, Sambo, kickboxing and Mixed Martial Arts. He runs...
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441 - The Science of Fighting and Training MMA, with Ian Harris
How to train MMA effectively, efficiently, and safely, with Ian Harris from Fight Science. Ian has more than 40 years of martial arts experience and has been working with MMA fighters for more than 20 years. Today we discuss the changes that need to be made to MMA for it to be effective in a real...
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440 - Training Methods and Cross Training in Jiu-Jitsu, with Josh Peters and Stephan Kesting
Josh Peters and Stephan Kesting look at the evolution of effective teaching methods, school culture, risk, cross-training, and why you want your students to become better than you in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu. Follow Josh on Instagram https://www.instagram.com/joshcpmma/ and check out his school in the...
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439 - The Real Catch Wrestling and What it Can Teach Jiu-Jitsu, with Val 'The Crippler' Childs
Catch wrestling was a brutal method for settling disputes on the American Frontier as well as one of the largest, most respected spectator sports prior to the modern era. In this episode Val Childs - who has been training in catch wrestling since he was 5 - takes us on a tour through the…
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438 - Crafting Your Ideal Jiu-Jitsu Journey, with Tom Wortman
AOJ black belt Tom Wortman is a fierce competitor; he won IBJJ Pans, Euros, North Americans and Master Worlds in a single year as a brown belt. He's also a jiu-jitsu gypsy, typically training at a club for 3 to 6 months, then moving thousands of miles to see a new part of the country and training...
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437 - Adam Shoalts, Vanished Beyond the Map
Canoeist and author Adam Shoalts on the mindset that drives individuals to seek adventure, and the importance of safety and decision-making in the wilderness. We also dive into the mysterious disappearance of the greatest explorer you've never heard of. Grab Adam's book, Vanished Beyond the Map,...
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436 - How Training Your Submissions as Positions Takes Your Game to the Next Level, with Steve Kwan from BJJ Mental Models
Today the tables get turned and I end up on the other end of the microphone as Steve Kwan from BJJ Mental Models picks my brain about the huge benefits that arise to treating your jiu-jitsu submissions as positions first, and submissions second. I promise this will make perfect sense by the end…
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435 - Roy Dean and the Origins of BJJ in North America
Renowned BJJ blackbelt Roy Dean came onto The Strenuous Life Podcast to talk about his research into how BJJ got started in North America, martial arts culture in Japan, the power of Judo in self defense situations, the importance of role models in shaping one's conception of masculinitym and…
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434 - High-Percentage BJJ Competition Strategies with Beatrice 'Berimbozo' Jin
Beatrice Jin shares the competition strategies that have allowed her to become the American National adult black belt middleweight champion and one of the top ranked black belts in the world. From guard pulls to sweeps to takedowns to pin escapes to conditioning to KO grips to structuring open…
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433 - How Jiu-Jitsu Builds an Unshakeable Self Confidence, with Alicia Reitz
Alicia Reitz and I dive deep into how BJJ can be used to develop a strong sense of self confidence for everyone, and how that self confidence can then be put to good use in self defense and the the rest of your life. We also digress a little into specifics of the social media drama that I was...
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432 - Hybrid Training 4: Optimal Conditioning for Winning BJJ Tournaments, with James Deirmendjian
James Deirmendjian a strength and conditioning coach specialising in combat and tactical athletes who ALSO competes in BJJ, fighting against much younger opponents. As such he was the perfect choice to finish our 4-part series on hybrid training and the science of developing strength and…
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431 - Hybrid Training 3: Mixing Ultramarathon and Strength Training with James Pieratt
James Pieratt from Wild Hunt Conditioning joins us to share what he learned on an expedition in which he ran 802 miles through nearly the entire state of California. James is unique in the ultrarunning community because he also lifts heavy weights and trains in BJJ. We looked at the mindset and...
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430 - Hybrid Training 2: The Science of Strength, Power and Endurance with Chris Duffin
Record-setting powerlifter and freak athlete Chris Duffin discusses the intricacies of hybrid training, focusing on the balance between strength and endurance. He shares his unique qualifications, including his experience with elite athletes and his world record feats. Chris breaks down the...
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429 - Hybrid Training 1: Peaking for Power, Endurance, and Mental Strength with Mike McCastle
Mike McCastle smashed David Goggins' pullup record by doing 5,804 pull-ups in 24 hours while wearing a 30-pound backpack... and pulled an F-150 pickup truck 22 miles through Death Valley... and flipped a 250 lb tire for 13 miles... and climbed a rope for the equivalent distance of Mount…
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428 - Tom Callos, A Black Belt and Gentleman
Martial arts pioneer Tom Callos came onto The Strenuous Life Podcast to discuss the California martial arts scene in the wake of Bruce Lee, the importance of taking your training out of the dojo and into the world, how your students can become your school's most effective advertising, being BJ...
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427 - Overcoming Doubt and Anxiety in Competition, with Sports Psychologist Haley Perlis
Today let's learn from sports psychologist Dr. Haley Perlis, who delves into the competition mindset, developing mental toughness, managing stress, avoiding burnout, the psychology of extreme sports, and how your core values shape your life and sport. Find out more about Dr Perlis at...
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426 - What Needs to Change to Do Jiu-Jitsu after Age 35
Today I'm joined by wrestler, jiu-jitsuka, and author Chris Jessulat (https://www.thewrongsideof35.com/) to discuss the best practices for staying relevant on the mats as you enter your fourth decade and beyond... 00:00 Training as an Older Grappler 02:48 The Transition from Competitive to...
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425 - Optimal BJJ Competition Mindset, with Rob Biernacki
Rob Biernacki has some very impressive competition victories, including black belt masters gold at both No Gi Worlds and ADCC. In this podcast episode he reveals... Why people sometimes just don't perform up to their potential and how to fix it, How to reframe tournament nerves, The optimal state...
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424 - Writing the Ultimate BJJ Book, with Meerkatsu and Graham Barlow
It started as an April Fool's joke and then morphed into a BEAST of a book complete with 967 illustrations called "Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, the Ultimate Illustrated Guidebook". In episode 424 I chat with renowned BJJ black belt, illustrator and designer Seymour Yang (better known as Meerkatsu) and…
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423 - BJJ, Science, and D&D with Bryan Rumble
Bryan Rumble is a 2nd degree belt and a working scientist. In this episode we start out by talking about BJJ traditions, the depth of the art, and how the scientific method might be applied in jiu-jitsu. Then, at about the 23 minute mark, Bryan and I nerd out SUPER hard on Dungeons and Dragons…
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422 - How to Condition Yourself to Deal with Adrenaline in Stressful Situations
The fight-or-flight reflex is always lurking just below the surface. When things get sufficiently stressful, our hormonal system dumps enormous amounts of adrenaline into our bloodstream, and—BOOM—suddenly we're ready for action. That adrenaline serves a purpose: it elevates your heart rate…
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421 - BJJ Training and Conditioning Myths, with James Deirmendjian from Fit Fight Training
Three time IBJJ World medallist James Deirmendjian joins me to discuss optimal training methodologies and the science behind strength and conditioning for sport. We cover hacks to improve recovery, debunk common myths in the Jiu-Jitsu community, and go deep into the need for a more scientific...
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420 - Braving Polar Bears, Facing Off Against the Columbian Military, and Team Dynamics with Frank Wolf
Frank Wolf is an explorer, a writer, and one hell of an adventurer. In this episode we cover what he learned about endurance and survival during his travels in the Arctic, Central America, and Antarctica. Check out his fantastic book Two Springs, One Summer anywhere you get books in including...
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419 - Perseverance, Life and Death in the Subarctic (Audiobook Format)
I've got something special for you today: a true adventure story set in the Far North featuring that I underwent a few years ago after a kidney transplant. I ended up learning a LOT about mental toughness, resilience, and strategies for making progress when I was absolutely at the end of my rope,...
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418 - Spartans, Samurai and Ninja with BJJ Black Belt Jeff Nelson
I was thrilled to have Jeff Nelson on the show to talk about Spartans, Samurai, Ninja, developing confidence through jiu-jitsu, fight scenes in movies that drive us crazy, and pro-training at some of the best BJJ schools in the world. Follow Jeff on Instagram (@thoughtandmindjj) and check out his...
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417 - Can You Get Your BJJ Black Belt Without Affiliating with a Specific School?
Paul Kindzia describes himself as a "homeschooled, non-denominational, it takes a village black belt" and had a very unique route to getting his BJJ black belt. He was a ronin, training at different schools and did a lot of his training in his home dojo. This paid off because he was a top IBJJF...
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416 - How to Climb Everest, with Extreme Alpinist Jost Kobusch
Jost Kobusch is just back from Everest, where he is doing a multi-year project to climb the tallest mountain in the world... by himself... without oxygen... up the incredibly difficult West Ridge route in the middle of winter. In winter, the effective altitude of Everest is over 9,000 meters, and...
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415 - BJJ and Self Defense, with Tyson 'The Warrior Philosopher' Larone
Tyson Larone is a BJJ belt, a Muay Thai teacher, TEDx speaker, and a strongman competitor. In this episode he and I dive deep into exploring how BJJ can be used for self defense, including how context changes everything in self defense… adaptations that women and smaller people need to make… the...
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414 - Optimized BJJ Training for Non-Athletic Grapplers, with Jesse Walker
The standard BJJ approach of throwing newcomers to the wolves may work for young and talented athletes, but it's definitely not optimal for most older, non-athletic, or female grapplers (otherwise known as the vast majority of people). In today's episode I'm joined by Jesse Walker from Rough…
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413 - Strongman Training Secrets, with Kalle Beck
Kalle Beck has competed, coached and commentated in Strongman events and has helped thousands of people become much, much stronger. Here's how some of the lessons learned from Strongman apply to other sports... Check out Kalle's site at https://startingstrongman.com/ and the Facebook group he…
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412 - Eco-Adjacent Training and How to Do It Correctly, with Rob Biernacki
One of the biggest trends in BJJ right now is the so-called "ecological approach." In episode 412 of The Strenuous Life Podcast I'm joined by renowned coach Rob Biernacki to discuss the do's and don'ts of game-based training. Check out Rob's instructional BJJ Games here...
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411 - Smashing the Mental Barriers Holding Back Your Jiu-Jitsu
Erin Herle is a BJJ black belt under Cobrinha and is a certified Mental Performance Consultant. In her work she uses an evidence-based approach and has a master's degree in sport and performance psychology. In this episode we cover overcoming the biggest barriers holding you back from performing…
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410: How B Team Prepared for ADCC and CJI, with Chris Wojcik
Would you like a behind-the-scenes peek at what really goes on at one of the most successful grappling teams in the world as they get ready for ADCC and CJI, the Olympics of grappling? Today I'm joined by Chris Wojcik, a standout grappler and the author of The Grappler's Diary, and we cover...…
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409 - Denis Kang, From Underground Bareknuckle Fights to the Biggest MMA Stage in the World
Denis was one of the top MMA fighters in the world with wins over Minoru Suzuki, Murilo 'Ninja' Rua, Akihiro Gono and Marvin Eastman. In this interview he opens up about the mindset shift that took him to a 22 fight undefeated streak... how he dealt with the death of his fiance while competing…
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408 - Ramsey Dewey on Effective Combat Sports and What Self Defense Experts Get Wrong
Ramsey Dewey is an MMA coach now based in Shanghai, China. I really enjoyed our conversation which included... How wearing headgear in sparring actually makes things WORSE for your brain His controversey with Master Wong Why China could take over MMA What self defense 'experts' get wrong What...
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407 - 3 Big Lessons Learned During 19 Days of Isolation in the Arctic
I just did a 19-day solo canoe trip in the Canadian Arctic, and here are the 3 big lessons I learned! If you want to see photos and a day-by-day description of the trip please go here: https://essentialwilderness.com/lost-in-the-barrens-a-solo-canoe-trip-on-a-remote-arctic-river/ Order my book...
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406 - Goodbye - I Am Out of Here!
This podcast episode covers all the details and preparations for a long solo trip in the Arctic that I'm starting today! After 30 hours of driving and a 2 hour bush plane flight to Nueltin Lake I'll be heading north of the treeline direct into the Barren Lands of the Arctic. Once there, I'll be...
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405 - Three Ways that Training for MMA Fights Has Changed Since the Early UFC
Short episode today with my friend Denis Kang sharing three ways that fighters have improved their training methods to get ready for MMA fights. Denis fought for the first time in 1998 (in an event without gloves) and went on to fight a total of 55 times in events like the UFC, PRIDE, DREAM…
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404 - What the Hell Happened to MMA?
Luke Thomas is one of the most influential MMA analysts in the game and the host of The Morning Kombat Podcast. I was delighted to talk to him today about How the sport of MMA has changed The rise of Eastern European fighters Why is terrible behaviour of MMA fighters tolerated Can other MMA...
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403 - Is Bear Spray Better than Guns vs Aggressive Bears? Here's What the Data from 352 Bear Encounters Says...
In this episode I put on my adventurer hat and use my biology background to look at four studies and 352 aggressive bear encounters in Alaska to see whether bear spray or firearms was more effective at deterring aggressive black, grizzly and polar bear behaviour. The results may surprise you, but...
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402 - A BJJ Concept to Help You Through the Tough Times in Life
There are times when it feels like life has you trapped on the bottom of mount against a vastly heavier, more experienced opponent intent on mauling you. The steps to deal with these two situations are the same. Pass this on to someone you think it might help, Stephan Kesting P.S. I made one…
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401 - Modifying BJJ for Self Defense, with Rachel Honeyman
I really enjoyed talking with Rachel Honeyman about modifying BJJ for self defense, which techniques to focus on and which positions to avoid. Rachel has trained in BJJ, the Filipino Martial Arts, Muay Thai, and many other martial arts and runs https://www.fearlessfemmes.com/
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ABOUT THIS SHOW
What is it that allows some people to push themselves beyond their limitations? Why can some people survive situations others do not? On this podcast we try to find out the answers. Stephan Kesting, is a lifelong martial artist, BJJ black belt, career firefighter, and outdoorsman. Join us as he talks to fighters, adventurers, competitors, coaches, firefighters, trainers and other people living the strenuous life.Stephan also runs Grapplearts.com, where he has published many hundreds of martial arts videos, articles and tutorials.His free guide to learning Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, A Roadmap for BJJ, has been downloaded more than 10,000 times and has become a foundational text for the art.
HOSTED BY
Stephan Kesting
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Frequently Asked Questions
How many episodes does The Strenuous Life Podcast with Stephan Kesting have?
The Strenuous Life Podcast with Stephan Kesting currently has 450 episodes available on PodParley. New episodes are automatically indexed when they're published to the podcast feed.
What is The Strenuous Life Podcast with Stephan Kesting about?
What is it that allows some people to push themselves beyond their limitations? Why can some people survive situations others do not? On this podcast we try to find out the answers. Stephan Kesting, is a lifelong martial artist, BJJ black belt, career firefighter, and outdoorsman. Join us as he...
How often does The Strenuous Life Podcast with Stephan Kesting release new episodes?
The Strenuous Life Podcast with Stephan Kesting publishes regularly with 450 episodes available. Check the episode list for the typical release schedule.
Where can I listen to The Strenuous Life Podcast with Stephan Kesting?
You can listen to The Strenuous Life Podcast with Stephan Kesting 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 The Strenuous Life Podcast with Stephan Kesting?
The Strenuous Life Podcast with Stephan Kesting is created and hosted by Stephan Kesting.
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