Shiloh shares:

• Growing up with a big family of brothers and sisters and always being drawn to fighting

• How he and his brothers tracked down training in the early days when BJJ was still rare in the region

• Standing on the shoulders of the giants — the early 2000s pioneers who believed in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu and put in the work to bring it to Missouri

• What it actually looks like to own and run a BJJ gym in a smaller town (the daily grind, culture, teaching, and competition)

• His continued competitive journey as a black belt under Gracie Humaita and the lessons that come with still stepping on the mats at a high level

This is a conversation about lineage, respect for those who came before, the responsibility of carrying the art forward, and the quiet grind of building something lasting in your community.

If you train BJJ in the Midwest, respect the pioneers who made it possible, or just love hearing from high-level instructors who stay humble — this episode is for you.

Drop a comment: Who are the “giants” you stand on the shoulders of in your own journey?

We go through the matches, the highs and lows of the tournament day, and the overall vibe of competing together as a crew. The highlight of the day? Cory taking the absolute division for white belts — a hard-earned win that gets a full breakdown.

This is just BJJ talk between training partners: what went right, what could have been better, the lessons from the mats, and the brotherhood that comes with showing up and competing as a team.

Drop a comment: What’s your favorite part about competing with your gym crew?

Matt shares his full journey:

• Growing up between Mississippi and Texas, joining the National Guard in high school, and deploying to Iraq in 2005

• Starting Jiu-Jitsu in 2019 and becoming addicted to the grind (including the injuries, quitting blue belt for 6-9 months, and now pushing to improve open guard, sweeps, and subs)

• Life as a regional security manager in the cannabis world

• His many hobbies over the years — from owning a rashguard business to being a hypnotist, camping, and fishing

• Defining life moments: marriage, starting a family, war, career, and the mats

• What keeps him showing up every day and wanting to be remembered as “a real one”

This episode is packed with laughs, wild stories, military perspective, fatherhood, and plenty of BJJ talk. Matt brings serious life experience with a great attitude and tons of personality.

If you love real-talk episodes with military background, career pivots, family life, and unfiltered Jiu-Jitsu grind — this one delivers.

Drop a comment: What’s one wild life chapter that shaped who you are today?

Erik shares:

• What it’s really like running court operations — overseeing juvenile services, treatment courts, pretrial programs, budgets, personnel, and programs that actually help people change their lives

• The deep dive into the criminal justice system — holding people accountable while still showing compassion and giving second chances

• His powerful personal transformation in his mid-50s: quitting drinking, committing to 3:30 AM workouts, whole foods, tracking everything, and rebuilding his body and mindset through pure discipline

• How self-leadership in fitness carries over into being a better husband, father, grandpa, leader, and coach

• The philosophy of “choosing your hard” — because staying the same is hard, but growth is hard too… and worth it

This is a motivating conversation about legacy, personal responsibility, discipline when no one is watching, and refusing to coast in your 50s (or any age).

If you’re in law enforcement, leadership, trying to get back in shape later in life, or just need a reminder that it’s never too late to level up — this episode is for you.

Reach out to Erik for coaching or training:

Anvil Strength and Wellness – anvil2272@gmail.com

Drop a comment: What “hard” are you choosing right now?

Drew shares:

• His journey through Jiu-Jitsu and what it felt like earning that purple belt

• The mindset of a scary competitor who still shows up with a big smile and golden retriever energy

• How his unapologetic faith in Christ shapes the way he trains, competes, and lives

• His heart for helping others — teaching jiu-jitsu on the mats and helping kids learn about God

• What it looks like to be the ultimate helper while still grinding hard in competition and life

This is a fun, uplifting, and inspiring conversation about bringing your full self to the mats — faith, competitiveness, kindness, and all. Drew shows what it looks like to compete hard while lifting others up.

If you train BJJ, wrestle with faith and competition, or just love seeing someone live out their “why” with joy and purpose — this episode is for you.

Drop a comment: Who’s the “golden retriever” in your gym or crew?

Eric opens up about:

• Growing up in the “gypsy life” in Joplin and the chaotic, painful events that marked his childhood

• Spiraling deep into addiction, crime, and multiple stints in jail — becoming a wanted man across several states by his early 20s

• The major turning point at age 25 when he decided to choose his family and start making different decisions

• His incredible climb from rock bottom (night shift at a wastewater plant) to Operations Manager, restaurant owner, and eventually finding real peace

• His current passion: Writing and publishing five books while opening a bookstore.

The most powerful moment came when we asked what he would tell his younger self. Eric’s answer:

“It will all be OK.”

This episode is a testament to the power of choosing change, building a new life through relentless work ethic, and finding purpose after rock bottom. Eric’s story is proof that no matter how far gone you feel, redemption and peace are possible.

If you’ve ever struggled with addiction, made mistakes you thought defined you, or needed hope that things can get better — this one will stay with you.

Drop a comment: What would you tell your younger self?

Go see Eric Rickey at Somewhere In Time Bookshop - 29 S Main, Webb City, MO

We sit down with Casey Lee — 28-year-old cancer survivor, dog mom, traveling Jiu-Jitsu blue belt, and certified personal trainer.

Casey shares the raw, emotional story of:

• Receiving her Hodgkin’s Lymphoma diagnosis on June 29, 2022

• Losing her boyfriend and soon-to-be fiancé just 7 days later in a tragic shooting

• The darkest days of chemo, overwhelming grief, and the decision to fight for the life she wanted

• Starting her Jiu-Jitsu journey just weeks after her chemo port was removed

• What “Journey to Purple” really means — both chasing her purple belt and her 5-year cancer-free milestone

She also talks about the light she’s created from the darkness — competing at a high level (100+ matches and a pro win), rebuilding her body and life from the ground up, and pouring her energy into giving back through Tap Cancer Out, women’s BJJ initiatives, and volunteering.

This episode is heavy. There were a lot of tears. But it’s also full of hope, resilience, purpose, and proof that even after your world falls apart, you can rebuild something powerful.

If you’ve ever faced loss, fought through a health battle, or needed a reminder of how strong the human spirit can be — this one is for you.

Ian shares

• His roots in Idaho, playing college sports at the University of Idaho, and his early career as a strength & conditioning coach

• His transition into the energy and energy efficiency world

• The raw journey of being a two-time cancer survivor — the fight to get the all-clear, the devastating day he learned the cancer was back, and how he kept pushing forward

• His Jiu-Jitsu journey, recently earning his brown belt, stepping into a teaching role at AForce BJJ, and becoming the fun, lovable, yet scary-good and scary-big mat enforcer everyone respects

This is an inspiring conversation about resilience, showing up when life hits hardest, finding joy and purpose on the mats, and turning pain into power. Ian’s story is proof that the grind never stops — even when your body tries to make you quit.

If you’re fighting through health challenges, starting over, or pushing for the next level in life or on the mats — this episode will hit you deep.

Drop a comment: What’s one battle you’ve had to grind through that made you stronger?

Randy shares:

• His journey growing up, finding work, and steadily rising through the ranks to executive leadership

• Real leadership lessons learned in the corporate world and how they apply on and off the mats

• His Jiu-Jitsu journey — starting later in life, pushing through injuries, and what it’s taken to keep showing up

• How he’s deeply involved in the AForce BJJ culture, especially now in retirement, and what keeps him coming back to the mats

This is a powerful conversation about grinding through every stage of life, leading by example, overcoming setbacks, and staying connected to something bigger than yourself. Randy lives the powerful idea:

“Where joy is a habit, love is a reflex.” — Bob Goff

If you’re climbing the ladder at work, starting something new later in life, dealing with injuries, or trying to stay sharp in retirement — this episode is full of honest wisdom and motivation.

Drop a comment: What’s one leadership lesson you’ve learned that carries over to your personal grind?

Matt opens up about:

• Growing up and his intense combat tour in Fallujah, Iraq (2004-2005)

• Transitioning from the Marine Corps to civilian life, years of powerlifting and strongman, tactical training, and teaching military leadership

• The current grind of his second half of life — getting back into elite shape, becoming a competitive athlete again, and transforming his body and mind in his 40s

• How the whole family trains BJJ together, his rapid progress since October 2024, and what it’s like competing as a brand-new white belt

• The real motivation behind it all: Being strong and capable for his wife, daughter, and bonus son

This is a raw, inspiring conversation about resilience, fatherhood, brotherhood, second acts, and refusing to accept “getting old.” Matt lives the Aristotle quote he loves: “It is a shame for a man to grow old without seeing the beauty and strength of which his body is capable.” #staycapable

If you’re in your 30s, 40s, or beyond and feel like you’re fighting for a comeback — or you just respect people who refuse to quit — this episode will hit you hard.

Drop a comment: What’s your “second half” grind right now?

#thegryndpod #afmobjj #secondhalfgrind #40+

Pranker takes us through: His love for baseball growing up and his transition to playing college basketball. His personal journey into Jiu-Jitsu and what pulled him deep into the art. The real story behind building AForce BJJ into what it is today alongside Coach Mike. His big vision and dreams of making AForce the go-to BJJ academy in the entire Four-State area.How he balances a full-time job, single dad life, running the academy, and still competing at a high level.

This is a raw, inspiring conversation about transitions, leadership, fatherhood, and the relentless grind it takes to build something meaningful while still showing up as a dad, athlete, and business owner.

If you’re a parent trying to balance life, someone chasing big goals in your 30s/40s, or part of the AForce family — this episode is packed with perspective and motivation.

Drop a comment: What’s the biggest transition you’ve had to grind through in life?

#AFMO #thegryndpod #GRYND #BBJ

Coach Mike shares:

• The full origin story of AForce BJJ and his personal journey progressing through Jiu-Jitsu

• What it really takes to build and protect a strong gym culture

• The honest highs of gym ownership — the wins that make it all worth it

• The brutal lows that most people never see

• The daily GRYND of keeping classes running consistently, getting coaches to show up, and driving real engagement from students

From the early days to the ongoing challenge of making it all work in a southwest Missouri town, this is a raw, behind-the-scenes look at what it actually takes to run a successful BJJ academy.

If you train Jiu-Jitsu, dream of opening your own gym someday, or just want to understand the work that goes into keeping the mats open for the rest of us — this episode delivers real perspective and hard-earned lessons.

Drop a comment: What’s the best (or worst) part about your gym culture?

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Dr. Dani shares:

• Her journey from Nebraska Cornhusker to healing in the Show-Me State

• What it really takes to keep police officers, BJJ athletes, and busy dads moving pain-free

• Her well-rounded approach to healing that goes far beyond just adjustments — blending chiropractic care with multiple disciplines and a whole lot of heart

• Practical advice for anyone dealing with aches, pains, old injuries, or just trying to stay active while grinding through life

Whether you already see a chiropractor, you’re brand new to it, or you’re just pushing through constant soreness from training, work, or fatherhood — this episode is packed with real insight and perspective.

Dr. Dani isn’t just treating backs… she’s helping people stay in the fight. This is for everyone who wants to move better and feel better.

Drop a comment: What’s one thing you do (or want to do) to take better care of your body?

Go see Dr. Dani @ Active Health Chiropractic (https://acthealthchiro.com/) and mention the GRYND crew and your session is only $29.99

Jeremy breaks down:

• The truth about fitness in policing — why so many officers struggle with weight, injuries, and burnout, and what’s actually going on behind the badge.

• The injury that stopped him in his tracks and pushed him to completely rebuild how he trains, recovers, and shows up.

• His experience with peptides — what’s worked, what hasn’t, and how they fit into real-world performance, recovery, and fat loss for guys working long, demanding shifts.

• Training for an Ironman while still on the job, dialing in his health, and becoming the kind of dad his boys can look up to — someone who shows up every day with discipline and purpose.

We keep it honest: the culture issues around fitness in law enforcement, the mix of science and trial-and-error with peptides, and the mindset it takes to make real, lasting change.

If you’re in law enforcement, battling injuries, trying to level up your health while working a tough job, or just want to show up better for your family — this one hits.

Drop a comment: What’s one change you’ve made (or need to make) to level up at home or in your health?

What’s working, what’s growing, and where we’re taking this thing next.

We talk about building something bigger than just episodes — creating a real community of guys who are in the trenches, grinding through life, and showing up every day.

We get into what’s ahead: more guests, tighter conversations, and new ways to bring you into it — listener stories, Q&As, and eventually meeting up in person.

Matt shares what he’s lining up behind the scenes — guests from law enforcement, BJJ, hunting, and people who truly live the grind.

And we keep it real about what it takes to make this happen while balancing real life — detective work, task force schedules, long days, and still finding a way to hit record.

No fluff — just the wins, the challenges, and the “why” that keeps us showing up and staying consistent when life gets chaotic.

If you’re trying to build something meaningful while juggling a demanding job and real responsibilities, this one’s for you.

Drop a comment and let us know what you want to see more of — guests, topics, anything. We read it all.

What started as a quick pull-up turned into something real — Matt and Colten came by to meet the new baby, and next thing you know, we fired up the Rodecaster and away we go.

No script, no filter — just real talk about what life looks like right now. New parenthood, no sleep, shifting priorities, and figuring out how to keep pushing while everything changes, and why having a solid crew around you matters more than ever.

It’s short and on the lighter side — just three guys talking about the grind that actually matters: family, and friends.

If you’re in the thick of it — raising kids, building something, or just trying to keep it all together — this one’s for you.

Colten gets real about what it’s like growing up with a disability — the everyday challenges most people never see, the mental toughness it builds, and the quiet battles he’s learned to fight without recognition.

We dive into his journey as a brand-new white belt in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, where size matters and “victim weight” is no joke. From getting smashed to adapting his game, Colten shares how he’s learning to survive, improve, and earn respect on the mats despite the odds.

Then we get into the part people don’t talk about enough — dating. The awkward conversations, the stigma, the rejection, the self-doubt — and what it actually takes to put yourself out there when you feel like you’re already starting behind.

It’s locker-room honest: laughs, hard truths, brotherhood, and the deeper “why” that keeps Colten showing up — in training, at work, and in life.

If you’ve ever felt different, pushed through limitations, or wondered why dating can feel like the hardest roll of all, this one’s going to hit home.

This one’s different — because it’s one of our own.

This is our first “meet the guys” episode, and we’re kicking it off with Matt — the dude who helped turn this whole thing from late-night talk into reality. He’s the idea guy, the hype man, and the one who pushed to make The GRYND happen.

Matt’s a detective on a regional drug task force in Southwest Missouri, a passionate hunter who lives for the outdoors, and just over a year into his Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu journey. He’s grinding on every front — in life, in his career, and in his hobbies — and chasing the why that keeps him going.

In this episode, we cover it all: who we are, why we started The GRYND, and what it means to take on the hard things and own the process.

If you’re about real stories from real people chasing growth, purpose, and discipline, you’re in the right place.

Welcome to The GRYND — Let’s go