Soul Rollers - Jiujitsu, Life and Self-Mastery

Jackson Gage
  • 5.0 (10)
  • SELF-IMPROVEMENT

This podcast is hosted by two ex-police officers who are passionate about jiujitsu and self-mastery. Jackson Gage and William Dennis worked together at the same Police department in a violent city in California, Jackson for 10 years and William for 7. Both were forced to retire after being diagnosed with PTSD. Jiu Jitsu has brought so much positivity into both of their lives in a short amount of time and they want to share their experiences through this podcast. Subscribe to follow our journey in Brazilian jiujitsu and self-mastery.

  1. 07/08/2025

    Ep 48 BJJ and Life In Mexico City w Steve Campbell

    Summary In this episode of the Soul Rollers podcast, host Jackson Gage and co-host William Dennis welcome Steve Campbell, a Jiu Jitsu practitioner and artist living in Mexico City. They discuss the cultural richness of Mexico City, Steve's experiences training Jiu Jitsu in various locations, the challenges and dynamics of training, and the connection between Jiu Jitsu and personal growth. Steve shares insights on the welcoming nature of the Jiu Jitsu community and reflects on his journey in both art and martial arts, emphasizing the joy and challenges that come with it. In this conversation, the speakers explore the transformative power of travel, the philosophy behind their podcasting journey, and the significance of jiu-jitsu in personal growth and mental health. They discuss the importance of persistence, the role of community, and how engaging in meaningful pursuits can enhance one's life experience. The dialogue emphasizes the balance between facing life's challenges and finding joy in shared experiences, ultimately leading to a deeper understanding of self-mastery and fulfillment. In this segment, the conversation delves into the camaraderie formed through jujitsu training, the significance of having a dedicated instructor, and the varying cultures found in different gyms. The speakers reflect on their experiences in law enforcement and how it shapes their perceptions of people and interactions, emphasizing the importance of kindness and understanding in a world often filled with hostility. In this conversation, William Dennis and Jackson Gage reflect on their experiences in law enforcement, the darkness they encountered, and how it shaped their capacity for love and empathy. They discuss the absurdity of life, the duality of their roles as police officers and family men, and the transformative power of vulnerability. The dialogue emphasizes the importance of connection and understanding in their journeys, both in their professional lives and personal growth through jiu-jitsu. Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Soul Rollers Podcast 01:00 Cultural Richness of Mexico City 07:02 Experiences in Jiu Jitsu and Travel 14:01 Training Dynamics and Challenges 22:02 The Connection Between Jiu Jitsu and Life 27:53 Reflections on Personal Growth and Philosophy 30:10 The Journey of Self-Mastery and Travel 32:09 The Evolution of Podcasting Philosophy 34:03 Finding the Right Training Environment 35:32 The Importance of Faith and Persistence 38:01 The Pursuit of Greatness through Jiu-Jitsu 41:14 The Role of Jiu-Jitsu in Mental Health 46:02 Escapism vs. Facing Reality 49:04 The Power of Shared Experience 53:12 The Impact of Jiu-Jitsu on Daily Life 58:12 Finding Meaning in Everyday Tasks 01:01:57 Training Bonds and Rash Guards 01:05:08 The Importance of a Good Instructor 01:11:10 Gym Culture and Community 01:15:10 Perceptions and Misconceptions 01:22:29 The Impact of Law Enforcement on Perspective 01:27:19 Embracing Darkness and Finding Light 01:30:10 The Journey from Darkness to Love 01:33:08 Living Two Lives: The Cop and the Family Man 01:40:44 The Absurdity of Life: Blood and Lawn Mowers 01:42:22 Vulnerability and the Capacity for Love 01:46:57 Empathy in Law Enforcement: A Different Perspective 01:50:20 Manifesting Growth and Future Aspirations Keywords Soul Rollers, Jiu Jitsu, Mexico City, cultural richness, travel experiences, personal growth, training challenges, community, art, dance, self-mastery, travel, podcasting, jiu-jitsu, mental health, personal growth, community, perseverance, life philosophy, shared experiences, jujitsu, training, gym culture, instructors, police experience, community, mindset, rash guards, personal growth, self-awareness, darkness, love, law enforcement, jiu-jitsu, vulnerability, empathy, personal growth, life experiences, transformation, connection

    1h 37m

  2. 06/24/2025

    Ep. 47 Jackson's Dad Dies and William Turns 40

    Summary In this episode of the Soul Rollers Podcast, hosts Jackson Gage and William Dennis discuss personal growth, the significance of training in Jiu Jitsu, and the importance of community and support in achieving self-mastery. They reflect on William's recent 40th birthday, share insights on the mental and physical benefits of staying active, and explore the role of training partners in enhancing Jiu Jitsu skills. The conversation also touches on the unique experiences of No-Gi training and the ongoing journey of learning and growth in martial arts. In this conversation, Jackson Gage and William Dennis explore various themes surrounding personal growth, the impact of Jiu-Jitsu on their lives, and the importance of friendship. They discuss the differences between training in gi and no-gi, the significance of acting on dreams, and the lessons learned from coping with loss. The dialogue emphasizes the value of honesty, vulnerability, and the transformative power of Jiu-Jitsu in developing a calm and centered mindset amidst life's challenges. Chapters 00:00 Introduction to the Soul Rollers Podcast 01:24 Celebrating Milestones: William Turns 40 04:20 Reflections on Personal Growth and Transformation 06:40 The Importance of Training and Physical Activity 10:35 Experiences and Challenges in Jiu Jitsu 16:24 The Role of Training Partners in Jiu Jitsu 22:06 Exploring No-Gi and New Techniques 25:46 The Gi vs. No-Gi Debate 27:42 Friendship and Personal Growth 28:54 Reflections on Life's Journey 30:52 The Importance of Acting on Dreams 32:50 Finding Light in Dark Times 34:37 The Role of Jiu-Jitsu in Personal Development 37:41 Honesty and Vulnerability in Friendship 40:49 Coping with Loss and Grief 43:16 Handling Conflict with Calmness 50:32 The Transformation Through Jiu-Jitsu Takeaways The podcast aims to help men on their personal growth journey. William's 40th birthday marks a significant milestone in his life. Personal growth often comes with clarity and understanding over time. Taking breaks from training can impact mental health and motivation. Physical activity is crucial for mental well-being. Resistance to training can diminish over time with experience. Training partners play a vital role in improving Jiu Jitsu skills. No-Gi training offers a different experience and set of techniques. Community and support in Jiu Jitsu foster personal development. The journey of learning and growth in Jiu Jitsu is ongoing. The gi and no-gi debate reflects personal preferences in training. Friendship can deepen through shared experiences and challenges. Life's journey often leads to unexpected growth and connections. Acting on dreams is crucial as time passes quickly. Grief can be processed in personal ways, and it's important to honor those we've lost. Calmness in conflict can be achieved through training and self-awareness. Jiu-Jitsu fosters personal development and mental health. Honesty and vulnerability strengthen friendships. Life's hardships can lead to greater appreciation and gratitude. The importance of generating light and positivity in the lives of others. Connect w Us on IG: @soulrollers_jj Jackson Gage : @theincreasellife William Dennis: @TheWillDennis Keywords Jiu Jitsu, personal growth, training, physical activity, mental health, milestones, community, transformation, self mastery, podcast, Jiu-Jitsu, personal growth, friendship, coping with loss, mental health, life lessons, acting on dreams, gi vs no-gi, conflict resolution, gratitude

    52 min

  3. 06/10/2025

    Ep. 46 Endless Learning in Jiujitsu

    Summary In this episode of the Soul Rollers podcast, hosts Jackson Gage and William Dennis discuss their experiences in Jiu-Jitsu, focusing on the importance of training techniques like Spider Guard, the art of control, and the endless journey of learning within the sport. They also compare Jiu-Jitsu to CrossFit, emphasizing the personal and artistic nature of martial arts. The conversation highlights the value of rolling with different partners and the unique learning experiences that come from it. In this episode, Jackson Gage and William Dennis delve into the intricacies of Jiu-Jitsu, emphasizing the importance of technique over strength, the necessity of relaxation during training, and the profound life lessons that can be drawn from the practice. They discuss the mental health benefits of Jiu-Jitsu, particularly for those in high-stress professions like law enforcement, and advocate for the integration of Jiu-Jitsu training in police departments to enhance both physical and mental well-being. The conversation highlights the value of trust in training partners and the need for constant feedback in both Jiu-Jitsu and life. Chapters 00:00 Welcome Back to Soul Rollers Podcast 02:45 Training Insights: Spider Guard and Techniques 11:40 The Art of Control in Jiu-Jitsu 19:38 The Endless Journey of Learning in Jiu-Jitsu 27:01 CrossFit vs. Jiu-Jitsu: A Personal Perspective 34:17 Rolling with Different Partners: The Learning Experience 34:27 The Art of Control in Jiu-Jitsu 37:20 Technique Over Strength: The Jiu-Jitsu Philosophy 40:11 Flowing with the Roll: The Importance of Relaxation 44:17 Trust and Technique: The Role of Training Partners 46:10 Jiu-Jitsu as a Metaphor for Life 49:01 Mental Health and Jiu-Jitsu: A Cop's Perspective 56:30 The Need for Jiu-Jitsu in Law Enforcement Takeaways It's been almost exactly two years since the last episode. Training in Jiu-Jitsu involves both deep and light topics. The importance of connection and control in techniques. Learning Spider Guard can be a game changer. Fundamentals are crucial for all levels of Jiu-Jitsu. CrossFit can complement Jiu-Jitsu training. Jiu-Jitsu is a personal art that evolves with the practitioner. Rolling with different partners enhances learning. The journey of learning in Jiu-Jitsu is endless. Enjoying the process is key to mastering Jiu-Jitsu. Control is essential in Jiu-Jitsu, regardless of size. Strength often becomes an excuse for lack of technique. Good technique can nullify the strength of larger opponents. Relaxation during training allows for better skill development. Trusting your training partner enhances the learning experience. Jiu-Jitsu teaches valuable life lessons about resilience and adaptability. Mental health benefits from Jiu-Jitsu are significant, especially for law enforcement. Training should focus on skill development rather than just winning. Feedback from training partners is crucial for improvement. Jiu-Jitsu can serve as a metaphor for navigating life's challenges. Connect on IG: @soulrollers_jj Jackson Gage @theincreaselife William Dennis @TheWillDennis

    59 min

  4. 05/27/2025

    Ep. 45 Struggles as Stepping Stones to Success in Jiujitsu and Life

    In this episode of the Soul Rollers podcast, hosts Jackson Gage and William Dennis discuss their journeys in Jiu Jitsu, the importance of consistency in training, and the impact of mindset on personal growth. They share their experiences of returning to the mat after breaks, the challenges of balancing life and training, and the lessons learned through struggles. The conversation emphasizes the significance of community, self-discovery, and the internal factors that shape our external experiences. In this conversation, Jackson Gage and William Dennis explore the transformative power of inner change and self-discovery. They discuss how personal responsibility and surrendering control can lead to healthier relationships and a more fulfilling life. Through anecdotes and reflections, they emphasize the importance of focusing on one's inner world to create positive external experiences. The dialogue also touches on the challenges of emotional triggers and the significance of self-love in fostering authentic connections with others. Chapters 00:00 Welcome to Season Three 02:57 Returning to Jiu Jitsu 05:56 The Importance of Consistency 09:03 Mindset and Personal Growth 11:52 Finding Balance in Life 14:59 Learning Through Struggles 17:46 Experiences on the Mat 20:57 The Role of External Influences 23:55 The Journey of Self-Discovery 35:40 Transforming Interactions: The Power of Inner Change 39:32 The Journey of Self-Discovery and Responsibility 44:10 Embracing the Struggle: Lessons from Life's Challenges 51:57 Finding Love Within: The Key to Authentic Relationships 57:01 Surrendering Control: The Path to Freedom 01:03:53 The Road Rage Reflection: Understanding External Triggers Takeaways -Returning to Jiu Jitsu can be a transformative experience. -Consistency in training leads to personal growth and happiness. -Mindset plays a crucial role in how we perceive challenges. -Finding balance in life is essential for maintaining training schedules. -Struggles on the mat teach valuable life lessons. -Community support enhances the Jiu Jitsu experience. -Self-discovery is a continuous journey influenced by our interactions. -External circumstances often reflect our internal state. --Commitment to training requires discipline and time management. -Every experience on the mat contributes to our overall growth. Change your inner world to transform your outer world. -Surrendering control leads to personal freedom. -You are responsible for your own feelings and reactions. -Life's struggles are opportunities for growth. -Love must come from within before it can be shared. -External validation is a trap; focus on self-acceptance. -Every interaction is a mirror reflecting your inner state. -The journey of self-discovery is ongoing and essential. -Holding space for others requires self-love and acceptance. -Embrace the chaos and order of life as part of the journey.

    1h 8m

  5. 04/14/2023

    Ep. 44 Its Not the Goal, It's Who You Become

    IG @SoulRollers_jj

    59 min

  6. 04/07/2023

    Ep.43 Let Fear be Your Compass, One Foot in Front of the Other

    In this episode Jackson and William discuss self-mastery in depth. IG @soulrollers_jj IG @theincreaselife IG @thewilldennis

    1h 7m

  7. 03/31/2023

    Ep. 42 Look Up to No Man, Be a Good Person and Adopt-a-cop

    In this episode Jackson and William discuss a Samurai warrior quote and being a good human. They also talk about why it's important to never put anyone on a pedestal. They also go into the necessity of better training in Law Enforcement. Listen to this episode for these and many other topics related to jiujitsu , life nd self mastery. Connect on IG @soulrollers

    1h 23m

  8. 03/24/2023

    Ep. 41 Learn How to Listen, Focus on Giving and Be open to Change

    In this episode we discuss the importance of being a good listener in jiujitsu, the power of giving and why it's important to always be open to change. Follow on IG @Soulrollers_jj Contact Jackson @theincreaselife on IG Conta t William @thewilldennis

    1h 5m
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5
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10 Ratings

About

This podcast is hosted by two ex-police officers who are passionate about jiujitsu and self-mastery. Jackson Gage and William Dennis worked together at the same Police department in a violent city in California, Jackson for 10 years and William for 7. Both were forced to retire after being diagnosed with PTSD. Jiu Jitsu has brought so much positivity into both of their lives in a short amount of time and they want to share their experiences through this podcast. Subscribe to follow our journey in Brazilian jiujitsu and self-mastery.

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