The Heart of the Bad Wolf

Nicholas James Muscarella

The Heart of the Bad Wolf is a long-form, deeply human exploration of the fighters who step into the cage and the people they are when they step out of it. Hosted and created by Nicholas James Muscarella, a lifelong student of combat and connection, this podcast goes beyond records, rankings, and highlight reels to uncover the stories that shape the warriors of mixed martial arts. With a background in wrestling, Kyokushin karate, Muay Thai, Jiu-Jitsu, acting, and psychology, Nicholas brings a rare blend of discipline, empathy, and presence to every conversation. Here, fighters are seen not just as athletes, but as whole human beings molded by their pasts, driven by their “bad wolf,” and grounded by the parts of themselves the world rarely gets to see. Each episode is a relaxed, unscripted dialogue that dives into the heart of what makes a fighter fight: where they came from, the moments that forged them, the battles they’ve faced outside the cage, and how they’ve learned to feed their darker instincts in healthy, disciplined ways. Whether shaped by pain, passion, or pure instinct, every guest brings a unique perspective on the craft and the calling that keeps them returning to the arena. For fans who want to connect with the person behind the gloves and for fighters ready to share their truth, The Heart of the Bad Wolf offers an honest, vulnerable, and deeply human look at the stories that make the sport matter. Watch us on YouTube: http://www.youtube.com/@Theheartofthebadwolf Follow us on: Instagram: @theheartofthebadwolf TikTok: @theheartofthebadwolf

  1. Jason Strout on Why We Fight, Burnout, Fatherhood, Addiction, and the Emotional Cost of Coaching

    15H AGO

    Jason Strout on Why We Fight, Burnout, Fatherhood, Addiction, and the Emotional Cost of Coaching

    In this episode of The Heart of the Bad Wolf, Nicholas James Muscarella sits down with world-renowned striking coach Jason Strout for a raw, honest conversation about fighting, burnout, addiction, fatherhood, and the emotional weight of coaching at the highest level. Jason opens up about growing up in the Midwest with an alcoholic father, finding himself in hardcore music culture, and how fighting became both an outlet and an identity. He shares why he never drank, how gym life saved him at the right moment, and how stepping into combat sports changes you permanently. The conversation goes deeper into the realities most fans never see: • Stopping fights to protect his own fighters • The emotional crash after fight night • The guilt of convincing a fighter to take a payday that ended in a knockout • Burnout from nonstop fight camps • How coaching links you emotionally to a fighter inside the cage • Why he sometimes needs to disappear during fight week to recharge Jason also reflects on becoming a father and how raising a child forces you to confront your own childhood. He speaks openly about ego, relationships, emotional awareness, and the discipline it takes to evolve as a man. This is not just about striking. It’s about identity, chaos, masculinity, mentorship, growth, and breaking cycles. If you care about what fighting really does to the mind and the heart, this episode is for you. Follow Jason Strout on Instagram: @coachstrout website: https://jasonstrout.com/ Like and subscribe for real, long-form MMA conversations. Watch full episodes on YouTube. Follow the show on Instagram: @theheartofthebadwolf Watch the show on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@theheartofthebadwolf Podcast production by Command Creative Studios https://www.commandcreativestudios.com #TheHeartOfTheBadWolf#JasonStrout#MMACoach#StrikingCoach#MuayThai#UFCCorner#FightPhilosophy#MMAInterview#Burnout#Fatherhood#AddictionRecovery#FighterMindset#CombatSports#MentalStrength#Masculinity#CoachingLife#FightCamp#WarriorMindset

    1h 21m
  2. Jacobe Smith on Breaking Generational Curses, Faith, Fatherhood, and His UFC Mindset

    FEB 16

    Jacobe Smith on Breaking Generational Curses, Faith, Fatherhood, and His UFC Mindset

    In this deeply moving episode of The Heart of the Bad Wolf, host Nicholas James Muscarella sits down with UFC fighter Jacobe Smith for one of the most honest conversations of his career. Jacobe opens up about the realities of UFC fight camp, two-a-day training, recovery, weight management, and how the UFC Performance Institute has transformed his approach to preparation. From wrestling at an elite level to developing fight-ending power without traditional weightlifting, Jacobe explains the mindset and discipline required to compete at the highest level. The conversation then turns inward. Jacobe shares painful memories of childhood abuse, poverty, instability, and witnessing domestic violence. He speaks openly about growing up between two worlds, navigating fear and aggression, and how unresolved trauma became fuel inside the cage. As he matured, Jacobe began confronting those experiences, gaining clarity about his parents’ struggles, and choosing a different path for his own children. As a father and homeschool parent, Jacobe explains what it means to actively break generational cycles — choosing accountability, emotional awareness, and communication over silence and fear. He reflects on faith outside of traditional institutions, personal research into belief systems, and the importance of building a strong internal foundation beyond fighting. This episode is about more than MMA. It’s about identity, responsibility, legacy, and turning pain into purpose — keeping the “bad wolf” caged while building something better for the next generation. Like and subscribe for real, long-form fighter stories. Watch full episodes on YouTube. New episodes of The Heart of the Bad Wolf drop regularly Follow Jacobe Smith on: Instagram/threads - @Cobe1423 Facebook - Jacobe Smith TikTok- @jacobesmith96 Follow the show on Instagram: @theheartofthebadwolf Watch the show on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@theheartofthebadwolf Podcast production by Command Creative Studios https://www.commandcreativestudios.com #TheHeartOfTheBadWolf #JacobeSmith #UFC #MMA #UFCFighter #FighterMindset #FightCamp #BreakingGenerationalCurses #ChildhoodTrauma #Fatherhood #FaithAndPurpose #MentalToughness #WrestlingToMMA #CombatSports #MMAPodcast #Resilience #Legacy #RealFighterStories

    1h 9m
  3. From Rock Bottom to the UFC: Mitch Ramirez on Addiction, Faith, and Fight IQ

    FEB 9

    From Rock Bottom to the UFC: Mitch Ramirez on Addiction, Faith, and Fight IQ

    In this powerful episode of The Heart of the Bad Wolf, UFC fighter Mitch Ramirez shares an unfiltered, deeply personal look at the forces that shaped his life—addiction, religion, incarceration, family trauma, and the fight to break generational cycles. Mitch opens up about growing up in a rigid religious environment, the resentment and confusion that followed, and how unexpressed pain turned into self-destructive behavior. He reflects on how both of his parents ultimately questioned the belief systems that once defined their lives, and how those realizations mirrored his own journey through addiction, prison, and personal reinvention. We dive into the idea of intuition—how Mitch always felt the difference between the discipline of the wrestling room and the chaos of the streets—and why ignoring that inner voice led him deeper into trouble. He shares what it was like being sent to a church-funded boys’ home, navigating therapy without trust, and learning how survival instincts can block real growth. The conversation also turns toward fatherhood, emotional awareness, and responsibility, as Mitch explains how training dogs and becoming “Uncle Mitch” helped him recognize patterns passed down from his father—and the conscious effort it takes to become better for the next generation. Alongside the personal story, Mitch breaks down fight IQ, cage awareness, experience vs. talent, and how one moment can change everything at the highest level of MMA competition. This episode is about more than fighting. It’s about identity, accountability, faith without fear, and choosing growth over repetition. Like and subscribe for more real conversations Follow Mitch Ramirez on Instagram: @Mitch_Ramirez Follow the show on Instagram: @theheartofthebadwolf Watch the show on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@theheartofthebadwolf Podcast production by Command Creative Studios https://www.commandcreativestudios.com New episodes of The Heart of the Bad Wolf drop every Monday—follow us so you don’t miss one #TheHeartOfTheBadWolf#MitchRamirez#UFC#MMA#FightIQ#UFCJourney#CombatSports#MentalToughness#AddictionRecovery#FaithAndIdentity#BreakingGenerationalTrauma#Fatherhood#RedemptionStory#FromPrisonToPurpose#LifeAfterAddiction#SelfAwareness#Discipline#Resilience#MMAPodcast

    1h 54m
  4. The Mindset Shift That Changed Khalil Rountree’s Life and Career

    FEB 2

    The Mindset Shift That Changed Khalil Rountree’s Life and Career

    In this powerful episode of The Heart of the Bad Wolf, host Nicholas James Muscarella sits down with UFC fighter Khalil Rountree for one of the most honest and emotionally raw conversations ever recorded on the show. This episode was recorded approximately four to five years ago, during a pivotal chapter in Khalil’s life — after facing the possibility of being cut from the UFC and before his career-defining resurgence. What unfolds is a deeply personal story about grief, identity, anger, self-destruction, and ultimately transformation. Khalil opens up about growing up in Los Angeles and Las Vegas, losing his father to murder at just two years old, and being raised by a grieving but emotionally present mother. He shares how fear at a young age turned into anger, isolation, and self-sabotage, leading him into music scenes, hardcore shows, substance abuse, and a lifestyle that slowly pulled him away from himself. The conversation explores how creativity, music, and aggression became coping mechanisms, how empathy shaped his emotional world, and how years of internal conflict led him to a breaking point — including suicidal thoughts and severe health scares. Khalil explains how stepping into an MMA gym at 20 years old changed everything. Training gave him structure, clarity, discipline, and a reason to believe in a future he never thought he’d have. He reflects on masculinity, sensitivity, fear, identity, mindset, and what it truly means to “feed the right wolf.” This episode is not just about fighting — it’s about survival, emotional intelligence, and becoming whole. If you value real stories, vulnerability, and long-form conversations with fighters beyond the cage, this episode is for you. Please like, subscribe, and turn on notifications to support the show. New episodes drop on YouTube. Follow Khalil Rountree on Instagram: @khalilroundtree Watch on YouTube: http://www.youtube.com/@Theheartofthebadwolf Follow the show: Instagram: @theheartofthebadwolf TikTok: @theheartofthebadwolf Produced by Command Creative Studios https://www.commandcreativestudios.com/ #TheHeartOfTheBadWolf #KhalilRountree #UFC #UFCLightHeavyweight #MMAPodcast #UFCInterview #FighterMindset #CombatSports #MMAStories #TraumaAndHealing #MentalStrength #FighterJourney #MartialArtsLife #SportsPsychology #Resilience #EmotionalStrength #RealFighterStories

    1h 42m
  5. Billy Goff on Resilience, Wrestling, Fear, and Fighting Through Self-Doubt

    JAN 26

    Billy Goff on Resilience, Wrestling, Fear, and Fighting Through Self-Doubt

    In this episode of The Heart of the Bad Wolf, host Nicholas James Muscarella sits down with UFC fighter Billy Goff for a raw and deeply honest conversation about fear, resilience, wrestling, and the psychological cost of chasing greatness. Recorded several years ago, this episode captures Billy early in his UFC journey after earning his contract on Dana White’s Contender Series, where he absorbed a brutal head kick, got dropped, got back up, and fought his way to victory. Billy reflects on what drives him forward when things go wrong — inside the cage and in life. The conversation traces Billy’s story from being born in Mississippi and raised in Connecticut to discovering wrestling at a young age, struggling early, and slowly developing the grit that would shape his identity. He explains how wrestling became his foundation — teaching discipline, persistence, body control, and the ability to keep going when nothing is working. Billy opens up about fear before fights, nerves that never fully disappear, and why he’s learned to see fear as a privilege rather than a weakness. He discusses training environments, gym culture, cross-training, and what separates gyms that create fighters from those that simply train people. The episode also dives into sports psychology, perfectionism, self-criticism, and how early childhood instability, parental pressure, and generational trauma shaped Billy’s inner dialogue. He speaks candidly about being hard on himself, learning to mature emotionally, and redefining what success looks like beyond perfection. Billy also explores the emotional highs and lows of fighting, post-fight crashes, confidence, diet experimentation, weight cutting, and how fighting both stabilizes and challenges his mental health. This is an honest look at what it means to grow up through combat sports and learn how to fight without destroying yourself in the process. Like, subscribe, and turn on notifications to support the show. New episodes drop on YouTube. Follow Billy Goff on Instagram: @billiamgoff Watch us on YouTube: http://www.youtube.com/@Theheartofthebadwolf Follow us on Instagram: @theheartofthebadwolf TikTok: @theheartofthebadwolf Produced by Command Creative Studios https://www.commandcreativestudios.com/ #TheHeartOfTheBadWolf #BillyGoff #UFC #MMAPodcast #MMAInterview #FighterMindset #WrestlingToMMA #DanaWhitesContenderSeries #CombatSportsPodcast #MMAJourney #MentalStrength #SportsPsychology #FighterResilience #MMAConfidence #MartialArtsLife #RealFighterStories #UFCFighter #FightingThroughFear

    1h 32m
  6. Groovy Lando Vannata on Fighting the Inner Wolf, Psychology, Ego, and the Long MMA Journey

    JAN 19

    Groovy Lando Vannata on Fighting the Inner Wolf, Psychology, Ego, and the Long MMA Journey

    In this episode of The Heart of the Bad Wolf, host Nicholas James Muscarella sits down with UFC fan favorite Groovy Lando Vannata for a raw, philosophical conversation about fighting, identity, psychology, and personal growth. Recorded three years ago, this episode captures Lando reflecting on 19 years of training, 14 years of fighting, and eight years in the UFC. Known for his creativity, soul, and unpredictable style, Lando explains how mentors like Cub Swanson and Cowboy Cerrone helped him break the mold and inject personality into his fighting. The conversation dives deep into ego, losses, maturity, and the realization that a fight career is a marathon, not a sprint. Lando opens up about working with a sports psychologist, using visualization and emotional anchoring to control aggression, fatigue, and focus inside the cage. He also discusses bullying, childhood trauma, intrusive thoughts, and how martial arts gave him an outlet to channel darkness in a healthy, controlled way. Lando reflects on separating competition from morality, feeding the “bad wolf” without becoming it, and why training can give people confidence, emotional regulation, and purpose beyond fighting. This episode is an honest look at what it means to grow through violence, discipline, and self-awareness. Like, subscribe, and turn on notifications. New episodes drop on YouTube. Watch us on YouTube: http://www.youtube.com/@Theheartofthebadwolf Follow Groovy Lando Vannata on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/groovylando/ Follow us on Instagram: @theheartofthebadwolf TikTok: @theheartofthebadwolf Produced by Command Creative Studios https://www.commandcreativestudios.com/ #TheHeartOfTheBadWolf #GroovyLando #LandoVannata #UFC #MMAPodcast #MMAInterview #FighterMindset #CombatSportsPodcast #MMAJourney #SportsPsychology #FightingPhilosophy #MartialArtsLife #MMAConfidence #FighterGrowth #MMAStories #RealFighterTalk #MentalStrength #FeedingTheBadWolf

    50 min
  7. Angela Hill on Being a UFC Pioneer, Identity, Art, and Longevity

    JAN 12

    Angela Hill on Being a UFC Pioneer, Identity, Art, and Longevity

    In this episode of The Heart of the Bad Wolf, host Nicholas James Muscarella sits down with UFC strawweight veteran Angela “Overkill” Hill, one of the true pioneers of women’s MMA and a record-holder for most fights in the UFC strawweight division. Angela opens up about longevity in the UFC, taking intentional breaks from training, fighting through injuries, and learning how to separate her identity from competition. She shares her journey from art school at Cooper Union to Muay Thai, The Ultimate Fighter, and becoming one of the most respected veterans in the sport. The conversation dives deep into creativity, cosplay, gaming, animation, and how artistic expression helped Angela build a fight persona while staying true to who she is outside the cage. She reflects on growing up introverted, finding confidence through art, navigating race and representation in MMA, and the unexpected pressure of becoming the first African-American woman in the UFC. Angela also discusses her long-term goals beyond fighting, including opening a gym, coaching the next generation, and making martial arts more accessible to young athletes. This is an honest, thoughtful conversation about legacy, self-belief, discipline, and building a life that lasts longer than a fight career. If you care about women’s MMA, creativity, and the real human stories behind the fighters, this is an episode you don’t want to miss. Please like, follow, and subscribe — it helps more people discover these fighters and their stories. Follow Angela Hill on Instagram and X: @angieoverkill New episodes drop on YouTube. Watch on YouTube: http://www.youtube.com/@Theheartofthebadwolf Follow the show: Instagram: @theheartofthebadwolf TikTok: @theheartofthebadwolf Produced by Command Creative Studios https://www.commandcreativestudios.com/ #TheHeartOfTheBadWolf #AngelaHill #OverkillHill #UFC #WomensMMA #MMAPodcast #UFCStrawweight #MMAInterview #WomenInMMA #FightLife #FighterMindset #CombatSportsPodcast #MMAArt #FighterCreativity #UFCVeteran #MMAHistory

    1h 39m
  8. Carla Esparza on Perseverance, Women’s MMA, Motherhood, and Becoming a UFC Champion

    JAN 5

    Carla Esparza on Perseverance, Women’s MMA, Motherhood, and Becoming a UFC Champion

    In this episode of The Heart of the Bad Wolf, host Nicholas James Muscarella sits down with Carla Esparza, two-time UFC Women’s Strawweight Champion and one of the most influential pioneers in women’s MMA. Carla shares the unlikely story of how they first met while on their honeymoons in Bora Bora, before diving into her journey through wrestling, MMA, and the early days of women fighting at the highest level. She reflects on being the inaugural UFC Strawweight Champion, setting historical records, and carrying the responsibility of helping grow women’s MMA from the ground up. The conversation explores discipline, resilience, parenthood, training as therapy, balancing career and family, and the mental parallels between fighting, art, and life. Carla also opens up about her upbringing, the mentors who helped shape her career, and the perseverance required to stay relevant and competitive across multiple generations of fighters. This episode is an intimate look at legacy, growth, and what it truly means to put the “bad wolf” in the cage and walk away stronger. Like, subscribe, and turn on notifications. New episodes drop on YouTube. Follow Carla Esparza: Instagram and X: @CarlaEsparza1 Watch us on YouTube: http://www.youtube.com/@Theheartofthebadwolf Follow us on Instagram: @theheartofthebadwolf TikTok: @theheartofthebadwolf Command Creative Studios https://www.commandcreativestudios.com/ #TheHeartOfTheBadWolf #CarlaEsparza #UFC #WomensMMA #UFCChampion #StrawweightChampion #MMAInterview #FighterLegacy #WomenInSports #MMAStory #CombatSportsPodcast #MentalStrength #FighterMindset #UFCWomensDivision

    1h 9m
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Trailer

Ratings & Reviews

5
out of 5
3 Ratings

About

The Heart of the Bad Wolf is a long-form, deeply human exploration of the fighters who step into the cage and the people they are when they step out of it. Hosted and created by Nicholas James Muscarella, a lifelong student of combat and connection, this podcast goes beyond records, rankings, and highlight reels to uncover the stories that shape the warriors of mixed martial arts. With a background in wrestling, Kyokushin karate, Muay Thai, Jiu-Jitsu, acting, and psychology, Nicholas brings a rare blend of discipline, empathy, and presence to every conversation. Here, fighters are seen not just as athletes, but as whole human beings molded by their pasts, driven by their “bad wolf,” and grounded by the parts of themselves the world rarely gets to see. Each episode is a relaxed, unscripted dialogue that dives into the heart of what makes a fighter fight: where they came from, the moments that forged them, the battles they’ve faced outside the cage, and how they’ve learned to feed their darker instincts in healthy, disciplined ways. Whether shaped by pain, passion, or pure instinct, every guest brings a unique perspective on the craft and the calling that keeps them returning to the arena. For fans who want to connect with the person behind the gloves and for fighters ready to share their truth, The Heart of the Bad Wolf offers an honest, vulnerable, and deeply human look at the stories that make the sport matter. Watch us on YouTube: http://www.youtube.com/@Theheartofthebadwolf Follow us on: Instagram: @theheartofthebadwolf TikTok: @theheartofthebadwolf

Information

  • Creator
    Nicholas James Muscarella
  • Years Active
    2025 - 2026
  • Episodes
    13
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    © Nicholas James Muscarella
  • Show Website
    The Heart of the Bad Wolf