Chokeholds and Chill Podcast

Adam Benayoun: Black Cat Jiu Jitsu, Discipline, and Building Community with Intention

This week on Chokeholds & Chill, Jenn sits down with Adam Benayoun — competitor, coach, dad, and the man behind Black Cat Jiu Jitsu.
 
Jenn and Adam first connected out in Costa Rica at Hero Academy BJJ, and this conversation picks up right where that energy left off — grounded, honest, and full of laughs.
 
In this episode, they talk about:
 
• Adam’s recent competition and what he’s focusing on for the 2026 season
• His upcoming summer camp at Hero Academy and why that experience hits different
• The release of his brand new Skool program and what he hopes it brings to the community
• Building Black Cat Jiu Jitsu and creating a culture that people earn their way into
 
Jenn also dives into a more personal side of Adam, talking about fatherhood and what he hopes his daughter takes from watching him train.
This episode is equal parts thoughtful, funny, and real — a look at someone building something meaningful both on and off the mats.
Host: @jennholmberg
Guest: @adambenayoun
@blackcatjiujitsu
⸻
 
Thank You to Our Sponsors
 
🥋 2026 Roll Model Women’s Only Grappling Camp
@rollmodelgrappling
Indy Base Camp | July 10–12, 2026 | Indianapolis, IN
www.rollmodelswanted.com
Use code CHOKE50 for $50 off registration
 
🌿 MilUsos Skincare
Skincare made for athletes who live on the mats
Instagram: @milusos_skincare
Shop: https://milusosskincare.com
 
🩹 Limitless Tape
High-quality tape designed for grapplers who train hard
Instagram: @limitless_tape
Use code CHOKEHOLD
Shop: https://limitlesstape.square.site/s/shop

Lucy Berman — Combat Candy, MMA Debut, and Dealing With Internet Trolls

This week on Chokeholds & Chill, we sit down with Lucy Berman — MMA fighter, content creator, and the force behind Combat Candy @combatcandies and Combat Crap @combatcrap supplements.
 
Lucy brings a mix of grit, humor, and honesty that’s hard to ignore. From stepping into the cage to building brands in the combat sports space, she’s doing it all — and doing it her way.
 
In this episode, we get into:
 
• Her journey into MMA and what keeps her fighting
• Building businesses while actively training and competing
• The reality of being a woman in combat sports
• Dealing with trolls, inappropriate comments, and online nonsense
• And how she stays grounded through it all
 
We also talk about Combat Candy — and yeah, we’ll say it now: Combat Candy is bomb af. Built for fighters who actually train, it’s one of those products that just makes sense when you’re in this life. 
 
This conversation is real, unfiltered, and full of the kind of perspective that only comes from someone living it every day.
 
⸻
 
Thank You to Our Sponsors
 
🥋 2026 Roll Model Women’s Only Grappling Camp
@rollmodelgrappling
Indy Base Camp | July 10–12, 2026 | Indianapolis, IN
www.rollmodelswanted.com
Use code CHOKE50 for $50 off registration
 
🌿 MilUsos Skincare
Skincare made for athletes who live on the mats
Instagram: @milusos_skincare
Shop: https://milusosskincare.com
 
🩹 Limitless Tape
High-quality tape designed for grapplers who train hard
Instagram: @limitless_tape
Use code CHOKEHOLD
Shop: https://limitlesstape.square.site/s/shop

Broken Arm to Gold Medal: Rehab & Resilience with Jenna Mattera

This week we’re joined by Jenna Mattera, a physical therapist, high-level competitor, and brown belt who knows what it means to fight through adversity. Jenna shares her journey from becoming one of the top-ranked rooster weights in IBJJF competition to suffering a shocking arm fracture at World Masters while entering as the #1 seed.
We talk about the heartbreak of having a title run cut short, what it was like going from treating patients to becoming one herself, and how she attacked rehab with the same intensity she brings to competition. Just a few months later, Jenna returned to the mats and captured gold at a major tournament.
We also dive into treating grapplers and combat athletes, common injury mistakes in jiu-jitsu, building Mattera PT, and her mission to help athletes stay healthy through her Mat Ready Method.
This episode is about resilience, discipline, identity, and proving that setbacks don’t have to be the end of the story.
 
Sponsors:
MilUsos Skincare
Created for grapplers, by grapplers. Keep your skin healthy on and off the mats.
Instagram: @miluso_skincare
Shop: www.milusoskincare.com
 
Limitless Tape
High-quality finger tape and custom gear trusted by athletes and academies.
Instagram: @limitless_tape
Shop: www.limitlesstape.com
 
2026 Roll Model Women’s Only Grappling Camp
Indy Base Camp | July 10–12, 2026
Indianapolis
Website: www.rollmodelswanted.com
Use Code CHOKE50 for $50 off

Shawn Hammonds — Humble Roots, Jiu Jitsu & Writing the Next Hit in Nashville

This week, we’re joined by our great friend Shawn Hammonds — founder of Team Shawn Hammonds Jiu Jitsu out of Nashville.
 
Shawn’s story blends Nashville music legacy, family values, and jiu jitsu leadership. Growing up with ties to the legendary Grand Ole Opry, music has always been part of Shawn’s life — and now he’s continuing that legacy by writing the next single for Colby Lee Swift from American Idol.
 
In this episode, we talk about:
Growing up in Nashville and his father’s musical legacy
Building Team Shawn Hammonds Jiu Jitsu and creating a strong community
Balancing family, business, and life on the mats
How he met and married former Tennessee Titans cheerleader Cara Lynn Hammonds
Writing music and staying connected to Nashville’s roots
 
This conversation is full of laughs, friendship, and a look into the kind of leadership that builds lasting communities in jiu jitsu.
Sponsors
 
MilUsos Skincare
Created for grapplers, by grapplers. Keep your skin healthy on and off the mats.
Instagram: @miluso_skincare
Shop: www.milusoskincare.com
 
Limitless Tape
High-quality finger tape and custom gear trusted by athletes and academies.
Instagram: @limitless_tape
Shop: www.limitlesstape.com
 
2026 Roll Model Women’s Only Grappling Camp
Indy Base Camp | July 10–12, 2026
Indianapolis
Website: www.rollmodelswanted.com
Use Code CHOKE50 for $50 off

Real Talk with Jenn, Mal & Jessy

This week, it’s just us — real talk, no script, and a conversation that’s been a long time coming.
We start with some life and training updates (because it wouldn’t be us without a little chaos), then shift into the heavier stuff — updates on SA cases we’ve discussed before, the ongoing conversation around leadership in jiu-jitsu, and recent events coming to light that have impacted and continue to impact the community.
We’re not here to report news or pretend to have all the answers — just to talk honestly about what we’re seeing, what’s frustrating, and what needs to change.
We also zoom out into the bigger picture: gym culture, accountability, and why these patterns keep showing up in the sport we love.
And because we do love jiu-jitsu — we wrap it up with practical takeaways, some lighter moments, and a special guest appearance from Jessy with a message for the guys on how to be better training partners.
At the end of the day, this conversation comes from a place of care — for our students, our community, and the future of the sport.
 
We hope you enjoy!
Hosts: Mallory & Jenn
Sponsors: Mil Usos Skin Care & Limitless Tape

Fight Med Collective: Where Healthcare Meets the Mats with Brie Marks

This week on Chokeholds & Chill, we sit down with Brie Marks, PA, founder of Fight Med Collective, longtime healthcare provider & combat sports athlete.
Brie’s journey in medicine started back in 2007 as an EMT and has taken her through nearly every level of care — from pre-hospital settings to the ICU. But like so many in healthcare and first responder roles, the weight of that work doesn’t just disappear when the shift ends.
After COVID, Brie found her way onto the mats and what started as something new quickly became something essential.
 
In this episode, we talk about:
•The hidden mental load of healthcare and first responder work
•Walking into a gym for the first time (and why that’s so hard)
•The mental game of competition vs. real-life stress
•How jiu jitsu creates space to process trauma and stay present
•Building Fight Med Collective and creating community through shared experience
 
This conversation is about more than jiu jitsu — it’s about resilience, identity, and finding a way to carry what you can’t just put down.
 
Thank You to Our Sponsors
 
🥋 2026 Roll Model Women’s Only Grappling Camp
Indy Base Camp | July 10–12, 2026 | Indianapolis, IN
www.rollmodelswanted.com
Use code CHOKE50 for $50 off registration
 
🌿 MilUsos Skincare
Built for athletes who train hard and take care of their skin
https://milusosskincare.com
@milusos_skincare
 
🩹 Limitless Tape
High-performance tape designed by grapplers, for grapplers
@limitless_tape
Use code CHOKEHOLD at checkout:
https://limitlesstape.square.site/s/shop
 
 
Guest: Brie Marks, creator of Fight Med Collective
Hosts: Jenn & Mallory
Podcast: Chokeholds & Chill
Sponsors: Mil Usos Skincare & Limitless Tape

Chad Kuhn: 40+ Years on the Mats, Building Limitless Jiu Jitsu

This week on Chokeholds & Chill, we sit down with Chad Kuhn — 2nd degree Brazilian Jiu Jitsu black belt, lifelong martial artist, gym owner, and the man behind Limitless Tape.
 
Chad’s journey in martial arts started in 1982 at just 7 years old, and over four decades later, he’s still showing up — training, teaching, and evolving. From earning his black belt under James Clingerman to leading as Head Instructor at East Coast Martial Arts, Chad brings a level of experience that only comes from a lifetime on the mats.
 
In this episode, we talk about:
 
• What it takes to stay in jiu jitsu for the long haul
• The evolution of training from the early days to now
• Balancing coaching, running a gym, and building a business
• Why longevity matters more than hype
• And how Limitless Tape was built by someone who actually understands what grapplers need
 
This conversation is about more than just jiu jitsu — it’s about consistency, discipline, and continuing to show up year after year.
 
If you’ve ever wondered what it takes to stay in this sport for decades, this episode is for you.
 
⸻
 
Thank You to Our Sponsors
 
🥋 2026 Roll Model Women’s Only Grappling Camp
Indy Base Camp | July 10–12, 2026 | Indianapolis, IN
www.rollmodelswanted.com
Use code CHOKE50 for $50 off registration
 
🌿 MilUsos Skincare
Built for athletes who train hard and take care of their skin
https://milusosskincare.com
@milusos_skincare
 
🩹 Limitless Tape
High-performance tape designed by grapplers, for grapplers
@limitless_tape
Use code CHOKEHOLD at checkout:
https://limitlesstape.square.site/s/shop
 
 
Guest: Chad Kuhn
Hosts: Jenn & Mallory
Podcast: Chokeholds & Chill
Sponsors: Mil Usos Skincare & Limitless Tape

Staccia Greenwell: Loving Women Into Jiu Jitsu

This week on Chokeholds & Chill, Jenn and Mal sit down with jiu jitsu black belt Staccia Greenwell to talk about something that doesn’t get enough attention in jiu jitsu — how we bring more women into the sport and, more importantly, how we keep them there.
 
Staccia has trained and competed across multiple academies throughout the country, earning her black belt in 2024 and building a reputation not just as a tough competitor, but as someone deeply invested in the growth of women in jiu jitsu.
 
In this episode, we dive into the idea of “loving women into the sport” — creating environments where women feel welcomed, supported, and encouraged to grow while still maintaining the integrity and challenge that makes jiu jitsu so powerful.
 
Jenn, Mal, and Staccia discuss:
 
• What it really means to build a supportive women’s program
• Finding the balance between being welcoming and still training hard
• Why community is critical for women staying on the mats
• The lessons competition teaches that the gym sometimes can’t
• How women can support each other while still pushing each other to improve
 
It’s a thoughtful, honest conversation about growth, culture, and the responsibility we all have in shaping the future of women’s jiu jitsu.
 
Whether you’re brand new to the sport or years into your journey, this episode is a reminder that the strongest teams are built on both accountability and encouragement.
 
⸻
 
Thank You to Our Sponsors
 
🥋 2026 Roll Model Women’s Only Grappling Camp
Indy Base Camp | July 10–12, 2026 | Indianapolis, IN
www.rollmodelswanted.com
Use code CHOKE50 for $50 off camp registration
 
🌿 MilUsos Skincare
High-performance skincare made for combat athletes.
@milosos_skincare
https://milusosskincare.com
 
🩹 Limitless Tape
Tape that holds up when the rounds get hard.
@limitless_tape
Use code CHOKEHOLD at checkout:
https://limitlesstape.square.site/s/shop

Beatrice Jin: Building Women’s Open Mats & Stronger Jiu Jitsu Communities

This week on Chokeholds & Chill, Jenn sits down with black belt Jiu Jitsu competitor Beatrice Jin to talk about one of the most powerful forces in women’s jiu jitsu: community.
Beatrice began training in 2018 after moving to a new city for her career and quickly discovered that the mats could become more than just a place to train—they could become a place where women connect, grow, and support one another.
Today, she’s not only a dedicated competitor, but also a huge advocate for creating space for women through women’s open mats and community-driven training environments that encourage learning, mentorship, and belonging.
In this episode, Jenn and Beatrice talk about:
• Why women’s open mats are so important for growth and confidence
• The unique value of training with other women in a male-dominated sport
• How jiu jitsu helped her build community after moving to a new city
• The responsibility that comes with helping create safe and welcoming training spaces
• Why supporting women on the mats ultimately strengthens the entire sport
 
Beatrice will also be teaching this summer at Roll Models Women’s Grappling Camp, sharing her passion for community-building, learning, and high-level training with women from all over the world.
 
If you care about growing women’s jiu jitsu—not just in numbers, but in support, connection, and opportunity—this episode is one you won’t want to miss.
Thank You to Our Sponsors
 
🥋 2026 Roll Model Women’s Only Grappling Camp
Indy Base Camp | July 10–12, 2026
Indianapolis, IN
www.rollmodelswanted.com
Use code CHOKE50 for $50 off camp registration
 
🌿 MilUsos Skincare
Designed for combat athletes who train hard and take care of their skin.
@milusos_skincare
https://milusosskincare.com
 
🩹 Limitless Tape
Premium tape for grapplers who demand performance and durability.
@limitless_tape
Use code CHOKEHOLD at checkout:
https://limitlesstape.square.site/s/shop

Robyn Henderson: Laughing, Crying, Competing & Keeping It Real

This week we’re joined by Robyn Henderson @spoonfulofrobyn— chef, white belt, chaos enthusiast, and the only person brave enough to say the quiet parts out loud.
 
We talk about:
 
• The absolute psychological mind f*ck that is competing
• The adrenaline dump that makes you forget your own name
• Crying in your car but still showing up to train the next day
• Why training with women isn’t a luxury — it’s survival
 
We also get into Unbreakable Camps — the kind of rooms where you walk in nervous and walk out feeling like maybe… just maybe… you’re not insane for loving this sport.
 
Robyn is sarcastic. She’s honest. She laughs it off while crying, and somehow that makes all of us feel more normal.
 
If you’ve ever:
 
Signed up for a comp and thought you were primed
Overanalyzed a roll for three business days
Or needed a room full of women who actually get it
 
This one’s for you.
 
🎀 2026 Roll Model Women’s Only Grappling Camp
@rollmodelgrappling
July 10–12, 2026 | Indianapolis, IN
www.rollmodelswanted.com
Use code CHOKE50 for $50 off
 
🌿 MilUsos Skincare @milusos_skincare
Because mat burn and breakouts are not a personality trait.
Shop: www.milusosskincare.com
 
🩹 Limitless Tape @limitless_tape
For the joints you swore were fine.