Chokeholds and Chill Podcast

AJ Clingerman on Building Connection and Community Through Jiu Jitsu

From running the world’s largest women’s Jiu Jitsu camp to coaching business owners and hosting podcasts, AJ Clingerman somehow does it all — and still finds time to roll.
Jenn and Mallory talk with AJ about how she built her Roll Models empire, the lessons she’s learned about leadership and burnout, and why creating safe spaces for women in Jiu Jitsu matters more than ever.
 
Check out www.rollmodelswanted.com
Use CODE: CHOKE50 for $50 off on 2026 Roll Model Women’s Only Grappling Camp - Indy Base Camp July 10-12, 2026 | Indianapolis, IN
https://rollmodelswanted.com/products/2026-roll-model-women-s-only-grappling-camp-indy-base-camp
 
Follow AJ and her projects: @ajclingerman | @rollmodelgrappling | @beautyandthegipodcast

Behind the Chokes & the Chaos: What Really Happened in Season 3

From the mats to the mic, Season 3 has been a ride.
 
We started with BJJ Wiki, shared cycles (and laughs) with Eli Coffey, got introspective with Lex Stevenson’s hit episode on behavioral science and BJJ, and heard stories that stuck with us — from Randy Rae’s resilience to Abe and TJ of Lee’s Heart.
 
There was Scotty Miller, the one that got away (Vegas edition), Seph Smith and his now-infamous mustard moment, and a heartfelt re-release of Shirley’s episode that reminded us why we do this.
 
We wrapped it up with Becky of Mil Usos Skincare — our first official sponsor — and a little love for our favorite training partners, Zac and Victoria.
 
It’s been real, it’s been raw, and it’s been really freaking fun.
Catch up, laugh with us, and get ready for what’s coming next.
Best skincare: @milusos_skincare 
@chokeholdsandchillpod
📧 Chokeholdsandchillpod@gmail.com

Homegrown Grit: Zac Moburg on Family, Jiu-Jitsu, and Finding His Way

From small-town roots to the mats of Kansas City, Zac Moburg’s story is one of grit, gratitude, and growth. A blue belt with a big heart (and an even bigger guard game), Zac opens up about the people and moments that shaped him — from growing up in the Midwest to learning discipline through powerlifting, caddying, and eventually Jiu-Jitsu.
 
Jenn and Mal sit down with Zac to talk about life lessons, family, second chances, and the gym that’s become his home away from home. Beneath the tough exterior is a guy who respects where he came from and the people who helped him get here — coaches, teammates, and the community that keeps him grounded.
 
This episode is about more than training — it’s about rebuilding, belonging, and the quiet strength that comes from showing up every day.
 
Follow us on Instagram @chokeholdsandchillpod
Email us at chokeholdsandchill@gmail.com

Mil Usos Skincare: How Jiu-Jitsu Athletes Can Protect Their Skin — with Becky

In this episode of Chokeholds & Chill, we sit down with Becky Williams, the founder of Mil Usos Skin Care, a brand made specifically for grapplers. We dive into her journey of training, creating products to protect and heal skin on the mats, and why we’re excited to partner with her and share them with our community.
But we go way beyond skin care — we get into women’s issues in jiu-jitsu, the challenges and opportunities in a male-dominated sport, and how women navigate the tension between beauty culture and combat culture. Honest, contrarian, and empowering — this is a conversation you won’t want to miss.
 
Follow: @milusos_skincare @chokeholdsandchillpod

Master Worlds Mat Chats: On the Mats & Behind the Booths

Master Worlds isn't just about the matches - it's the people, the stories, and the atmosphere that make it unforgettable. In this episode, we take you along with us as we chat with athletes, explore the vendor booths, and share our raw impressions on the highs and lows of competing and spectating, and the energy of Vegas outside of the tournament.
We got to connect with:@tapcancerout @mrjasperwong @worldwidewalls @kekoacollective @drinkflowater @wilneroreilly @jesusandjiujitsu_usa and more!!
Follow us: @chokeholdsandchillpod
Hosts: @jennholmberg and @itsmaltime

From the Streets to the Podium: Randy Rae’s Jiu Jitsu Redemption Story

Randy Rae’s journey to the mats wasn’t easy—but it’s one of resilience, reinvention, and relentless grit.
 
In this episode, Jenn and Mallory sit down with Randy to talk through his story—from growing up with no supervision, battling addiction from a young age, and cycling through the juvenile justice system—to building a life rooted in purpose, fatherhood, and Jiu Jitsu.
 
After getting sober at 20, Randy spent the next decade helping others do the same. He’s open about what that kind of emotional investment looks like, how he protects his own mental health, and the pressure and heartbreak of watching people he cares about struggle.
 
Now a purple belt and seasoned competitor, Randy shares how Jiu Jitsu became a new lifeline. From daily discipline to competition wins—including a recent gold at the IBJJF Virginia Summer Open—he’s found community and clarity on the mats.
 
This is an episode about grit, growth, and giving back. If you’ve ever felt like it was too late to change your life, Randy’s story will show you otherwise.
Guest: @randyjrae
Follow us: @chokeholdsandchillpod
Hosts: @jennholmberg and @itsmaltime
 

Full V*gina Passing, Stand-Up Comedy, and Seph Smith

Richmond’s own Seph Smith joins Jenn and Mal for an episode that’s equal parts Jiu Jitsu and comedy. A decorated black belt under Ryan Hall with years of IBJJF competition experience, Seph has built a legacy as both a tough competitor and a beloved coach.
 
We dig into:
• His journey through grappling and competition
• The crossover between comedy, creativity, and Jiu Jitsu
• How animals play such a big role in his life
• And yes… the origin story of “full v*gina passing” (you’ll just have to listen 🤭)
 
If you’re here for the Jiu Jitsu, the laughs, or just some real talk with a genuinely cool human—you won’t want to miss this one.
 
@sephwillkillyou
@upstreambjj

From Wrestling Roots to UFC Corners: The Coaching Journey of Scotty Miller

This week on the podcast, we’re joined by Scott Miller — a 3rd-degree Jiu-Jitsu black belt, former collegiate wrestler, owner of Evergreen Jiu Jitsu, and world-class coach who’s spent decades refining the art of grappling. With a foundation in wrestling that began at just six years old, Scott has gone on to become a respected mentor to both everyday practitioners and UFC fighters competing at the highest levels.
 
We dive into Scott’s journey from earning his black belt in 2013 to overseeing seven affiliate academies and shaping the games of athletes like Brandon Royval, Anthony Smith, and Cody Brundage. He opens up about what it means to blend wrestling and Jiu-Jitsu for MMA, the lessons he’s carried from training under Neil Melanson, and why he believes efficiency and adaptability are at the heart of good grappling.
 
Scott also shares stories from teaching and training around the world, plus how his YouTube channel helps spread knowledge to grapplers of all levels. If you’re serious about the art—whether as a competitor or a lifelong student—this is one episode you don’t want to miss.
Follow @scottyjiujitsu
@evergreenjiujitsu

Lee's Heart: Healing Through EMS and Veteran Retreats & Community - Conversations with Founders with TJ & Abe

This week, we sit down with TJ and Abe, the founders of Lee’s Heart—a nonprofit built on grit, healing, and the power of adventure. As combat veterans and flight paramedics, these two saw the impact of trauma up close. But they also discovered something unexpected: Jiu Jitsu and it's community as a lifeline.
 
What started as a coping tool has become a powerful retreat experience for first responders, helping them reconnect to purpose, peace, and each other. We talk about nervous system regulation, community building, and why movement is medicine—especially for those who’ve spent their lives saving others.
 
💛 Learn more or support their mission: www.leesheart.org
📸 Follow them on Instagram: @leesheart_

Behavioral Science Meets the Gentle Art: ACT On and Off the Mats with Alexis Stevenson, MA, BCBA, LBA

What do behavioral science and Brazilian Jiu Jitsu have in common? A lot more than you think. In this episode, Jenn and Mal sit down with Alexis Stevenson—BCBA, purple belt, and passionate researcher—whose work explores the intersection between Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) and Jiu Jitsu.
 
From her recent presentation in Iceland to her experiences training around the world, Lex shares insights on values-based living, mental flexibility, and how ACT principles can support athletes inside and outside the academy. Whether you’re a grappler looking to improve your mental game or just curious about how behavioral science can improve your life, this one’s for you.
 
Follow Lex at on Instagram @dsertwildflower 
Follow us on Instagram @chokeholdsandchillpod