Chokeholds and Chill Podcast

What happens when you walk into a tattoo shop for a consultation but end up recruiting your artist to jiu-jitsu instead? In this episode, we sit down with Wade—aka Sewer Rat—to talk about his journey from ink to the mats.
We dive into his first rolls, how training has changed his perspective as a dad, and whether tattooing and jiu-jitsu require the same level of patience and precision. And of course, we finally get the full story behind that nickname. Grab a seat and get ready for some laughs, some insight, and maybe even a new tattoo idea or two.
Welcome to Chokeholds and Chill! 

Some people seem fine—until you find out they’re not.
 
In this episode of Chokeholds & Chill, Jenn and Mallory confront one of the hardest realities about training in combat sports: You don’t always know who you’re rolling with. We’re talking about trust, about violence, and about the terrifying fact that we trained, sparred, and laughed with someone who would later be arrested for attacking a woman in broad daylight.
 
He was a trusted training partner, someone we shared the mats with, someone we—like so many others—thought was just another guy in the gym. Sure, we’d joke, “Man, I’d hate to run into him in a dark alley,” but we said it with the assumption that he was dangerous in sport, not in life. And then he was arrested for violently attacking a woman outside of a Walmart, in the early evening, in public. Two men had to fight him off.
 
And the truth is, this isn’t just about this case. According to RAINN, 8 out of 10 sexual assaults are committed by someone the victim knows—a friend, a coworker, a classmate, a teammate. Only 19.5% of sexual assaults are committed by strangers. The people most dangerous to us often don’t look dangerous at all.
 
Together, we ask: How do we process the fact that some of the people we trust most could be capable of violence? And how do we create a training culture where survivors can feel safe?
 
This is an episode we never thought we’d have to record—but here we are.
This episode contains discussions of sexual assault, violence, and trauma. If these topics are difficult for you, please listen with care or skip this episode if needed. If you or someone you know needs support, please seek out resources such as RAINN (800-656-HOPE) or other local organizations that can help.
Source: https://jiujiteiramagazine.com/2021/08/end-the-abuse/
 

In this episode of Chokeholds & Chill, Jenn and Mallory sit down with BJ—Mallory’s husband, a dedicated physical therapist, and the ultimate supportive partner. Though he doesn’t train Jiu Jitsu himself, BJ has become a vital part of Mallory’s competition journey, traveling to tournaments, being the unofficial gym PT, and Mal's biggest fan.
We dive into what it’s like to be a non-training partner in the Jiu Jitsu world, how his expertise in physical therapy helps all athletes stay training, and the unique dynamic of supporting a competitor from the sidelines.
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In this episode of Chokeholds & Chill, Jenn and Mallory sit down with Elise—a dedicated mother, white belt, and and an integral part of our kids program. An all-around badass who’s been training for about a year alongside her young daughter.
Elise opens up about her journey into Jiu Jitsu, how training has impacted her life as a mom, and the challenges of balancing it all. She also shares her experiences with her past and how stepping onto the mats has helped her reclaim her strength, confidence, and sense of self. This conversation is raw, inspiring, and a powerful reminder of the resilience that Jiu Jitsu can bring out in all of us.
TRIGGER WARNING: This episode discusses addiction, abuse, trauma, and recovery. If this episode is not for you at this time, please pause and enjoy one of our other episodes. 
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In this special episode of Chokeholds and Chill, Jenn and Mallory take you to the sun-soaked shores of Tamarindo, Costa Rica, where they join the Pura Vida BJJ and Surf retreat at Hero Academy. Amidst the tropical backdrop, they engage in insightful "Mat Chats" with fellow camp participants, their partners, and esteemed instructors. The episode features in-depth conversations with renowned Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu black belts Shawn Hammonds and Nick "Chewy" Albin. 
Shawn, a 3rd-degree black belt and multiple time IBJJF champion, shares his journey and coaching philosophy. Nick, the creator of the popular Chewjitsu YouTube channel and head instructor at Derby City Martial Arts, discusses his passion for teaching and the growth in BJJ. 
Tune in for a blend of personal stories, training insights, and the vibe of training Jiu-Jitsu in paradise. 
 
For camp information: 
herobjj.com
Chewjitsu: 
www.youtube.com/@chewjitsu 
Follow the Chochi girls on Instagram @chokeholdsandchillpod 
Email us at chokeholdsandchillpod@gmail.com
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In this weeks episode of Chokeholds and Chill, Mallory takes the lead to interview the one and only Jessy Holmberg - Jenn's husband, a brown belt in Brazilian Jiu Jitsu, a commercial airline pilot, and according to Jenn, the most patient man alive. 
They dive into Jessy's journey through Jiu Jitsu, what it's like balancing a high-pressure career with training and the secrets to training with your partner over the years. He's got a few stories about training for the past 12 years up his sleeve. Don't miss this candid and entertaining convo! 
Tie that belt, grab a snack, and let's get to it! 
Go ahead and hit those like/subscribe buttons and grab a buddy, high five in, and let's get rolling! 
Follow us at @chokeholdsandchillpod on Instagram
Email us at chokeholdsandchillpod@gmail.comFind us on all major podcasting platforms. 

Episode 2 of Chokeholds and Chill is here, and it's all about keeping it real - on and off the mats! Jenn and Mallory kick things off with Roll Call, sharing their hot takes and how things are different now vs when they started Jiu Jistu, and the little things that keep them coming back for more. Then, it's a round of besties trivia, where we see how well they know each other's game. 
Grab your gi and join us for a fun, chill episode packed with laughs and relatable Jiu Jitsu moments! 
Go ahead and hit those like/subscribe buttons and grab a buddy, high five in, and let's get rolling! 
Follow us at @chokeholdsandchillpod on Instagram
Email us at chokeholdsandchillpod@gmail.comFind us on all major podcasting platforms. 

Jenn and Mallory talk grappling with a drunk audience, tackling the mat, and goals for 2025 in their premiere episode of - Chokeholds and Chill. 
So get to your favorite chill zone, grab your gallon water jug, and tie your belt! 
Whether you train jiu jitsu, have considered it, or just want to know what living with somebody who does - these two purple belts will have you laughing, learning, and maybe even some eye rolls. 
Go ahead and hit those like/subscribe buttons and grab a buddy, high five in, and let's get rolling! 
Follow us at @chokeholdsandchillpod on Instagram
Email us at chokeholdsandchillpod@gmail.comFind us on all major podcasting platforms. 

Welcome to Chokeholds and Chill - the podcast where life meets the mats! Join Jenn and Mallory, two women balancing Brazilian Jiu Jitsu and real life, as they share laughs, lessons, and inspiring stories.
Each episode features candid chats with training - and non-training - partners, explores the ups and downs of life on and off the mats. Whether you're a seasoned grappler, a curious beginner, or just love a good story, time to chill, roll, and enjoy!