Chokes and Consciousness

Deja Jackson
  • 5.0 (3)
  • SPORTS
  • UPDATED WEEKLY

A sports podcast dedicated to the engagement and elevation of Women’s mma and grappling. Michaela, former collegiate athlete, current mma fighter, and jiu jitsu practitioner. Deja, former collegiate athlete, and current jiu jitsu practitioner. Both Michaela and Deja have a love for women’s sports and a passion to continue ascending the voices of women within the mma and grappling world. Come listen and have fun with us!

  1. FEB 16

    Fire and Desire

    In this episode, Deja and Michaela explore various themes, including the fleeting nature of February, the impact of global warming on weather patterns, and the art of manifestation. They dive into the significance of the upcoming Chinese New Year, specifically the Year of the Fire Horse, and discuss the collective energy affecting personal experiences. The duo also shares insights on physical recovery in sports, celebrates achievements in wrestling, and provides updates on the UFC scene, culminating in a thought-provoking discussion about inclusivity in sports and the unique experience of Zion Clark's match. They discuss the implications of recent controversies in the UFC, upcoming BJJ events, and the significance of personal growth and community engagement. The conversation transitions into a deeper exploration of reclaiming one's inner fire and the necessity of controlled burns in personal and collective growth. The episode concludes with reflections on the importance of managing energy and responsibility in shaping the future of combat sports and personal journeys.   Chapters 00:00 Welcome Back and February Reflections 03:20 Weather Changes and Global Warming 06:17 Manifesting and Visualization Techniques 09:19 Chinese New Year and Energy Shifts 12:22 Collective Energy and Personal Experiences 15:14 Wrestling Journey and Personal Growth 21:26 Celebrating Achievements in Wrestling 24:20 Healing and Recovery Journey 26:30 Embracing the Fire Horse Energy 29:00 Understanding the Year of the Fire Horse 35:01 Navigating the Energies of Fire and Water 46:23 UFC Updates and Discussions 58:44 Post-Fight Reflections and Competitor Dynamics 01:01:19 Disabilities in Competition: Ethics and Respect 01:03:46 Tom Aspinall's Eye Injury and UFC's Response 01:09:47 Kane Velasquez: Legal Troubles and Consequences 01:12:03 UFC's Star Power Crisis and Future Prospects 01:21:42 Upcoming BJJ Events and Community Dynamics 01:27:39 Reclaiming Your Inner Fire: Healthy Rebellion vs. Impulsivity 01:29:52 Embracing Healthy Rebellion in Fitness 01:32:18 Navigating Change and Growth 01:37:25 The Power of Shedding Old Patterns 01:44:49 Finding Inner Fire and Purpose 01:51:47 Controlling the Collective Energy 02:00:58 Choke and consciousness second intro edit.mp3

    2h 1m

  2. FEB 2

    Intentional Integrity

    In this episode, Deja and Michaela discuss their recent health struggles, the importance of nutrition and supplements, and the significance of Aquarius season. They reflect on personal growth, training experiences, and share updates from the UFC, including fight results and discussions about notable fighters like Thug Rose and Justin Gaethje. Michaela and Deja discuss the current state of UFC, particularly focusing on Amanda Nunes' future and the implications of recent fights. They delve into the culture of Jiu-Jitsu, addressing issues of integrity, grooming, and the responsibilities of practitioners within the sport. The conversation emphasizes the importance of community engagement and accountability in the face of troubling behaviors. They conclude with reflections on personal integrity and the significance of staying true to oneself amidst external pressures. Chapters 00:00 Welcome Back and February Vibes 03:34 Health Struggles and Immune System 06:31 Nutrition and Supplements 09:27 Physical Activity and Recovery 12:34 Growth and Development in Youth 15:34 Mindset and Mental Resilience 18:31 Aging and Wellness Awareness 20:35 Aquarius Season: Embracing Change and Integrity 30:02 UFC on Paramount: A New Era in Fighting 50:20 Thug Rose: The Downfall of a Champion 52:47 UFC 325 Recap and Fight Analysis 01:01:28 Upcoming Local Fight Events 01:03:28 The Culture of Jiu-Jitsu and Its Challenges 01:16:26 Addressing Grooming and Abuse in Jiu-Jitsu 01:23:31 Upcoming Events and Final Thoughts 01:24:27 Integrity in Jiu Jitsu: Upholding Personal Values 01:28:20 Authenticity vs. Social Media Pressure 01:32:21 Finding Balance in Chaos 01:36:18 Self-Reflection and Personal Growth 01:40:22 The Impact of Self-Integrity on Others 01:46:44 Choke and consciousness outro edit.mp3

    1h 47m

  3. JAN 12

    River Endurance

    In this episode, Deja and Michaela reflect on their experiences so far in January, discussing the wrestling season, personal health challenges, and the importance of outdoor play during childhood. They explore themes of motivation and endurance as they transition into the new year, sharing updates on wrestling events and predictions for upcoming UFC fights. They reflect on Rafael Lovato Jr's' return to wrestling at the age of 42, the importance of team dynamics, and how personal experiences shape one's endurance in both sports and life. The discussion also touches on the significance of maintaining relationships and community support, as well as finding one's flow state in various activities. They emphasize the need for steady movement and the importance of being present in the moment, while also acknowledging the challenges of motivation and the impact of external factors on personal growth. Chapters 00:00 Welcome Back and January Reflections 03:32 Wrestling Season and Personal Updates 06:31 Childhood Memories and Injuries 09:26 The Shift in Childhood Fearlessness 12:31 The Contrast of Childhood and Modern Kids 15:25 New Year Motivation and Energy Burnout 18:26 Finding Flow and Endurance in Life 21:38 Updates on Wrestling Events and Competitions 27:10 The Rise of Patty and Marketability in MMA 29:25 Weight Classes and Fight Dynamics 31:11 Health Risks in Combat Sports 32:20 Ben Askren's Recovery Journey 33:20 The Importance of Hygiene in MMA 34:29 Soap Preferences and Personal Care 37:27 Driving Responsibilities and Growing Up 42:23 Upcoming UFC Fights and Predictions 50:42 The Competitive Spirit in Sports 51:39 Age and Athleticism: A New Perspective 54:41 The Dynamics of Team Sports Across Generations 58:43 The Balance of Experience and Youth in Competition 01:01:36 Endurance and Mastery: The Journey of Improvement 01:15:44 Finding Flow: The Muse and Presence 01:20:06 The Power of 1%: Small Steps to Growth 01:23:02 Endurance Over Motivation: The Steady Path 01:28:39 River Flow: Energy and Presence 01:39:34 Commitment and Connection: The Importance of Relationships 01:46:32 Choke and consciousness outro edit.mp3

    1h 47m

  4. 12/29/2025

    Run Like a Horse

    In the last episode of 2025, Deja and Michaela reflect on the year, transitioning from the year of the snake into the year of the horse, and on the importance of grounding oneself and reflecting on personal experiences. Michaela and Deja emphasize the need for awareness and adaptability in the face of change, holding self accountable in breaking loops, and challenging self to move towards internal and external growth. The discussion encourages listeners to shed attachments that no longer serve them and embrace life's fluidity as they transition into the 2026 new year!   Chapters 00:00 End of Year Reflections and New Beginnings 03:33 The Year of the Snake: Transformation and Growth 06:34 Personal Check-Ins: Health and Performance 09:33 Competition Recap: Vegas Experience 12:30 Lessons Learned: Celebrating the Process 15:30 Setting Goals for 2026: Emergence and Growth 18:27 Breaking Cycles: Personal Development and Awareness 21:34 The Transition to the Year of the Horse 24:39 Connecting Experiences: Shedding and Growth 27:34 Looking Ahead: New Year Aspirations 32:06 Personal Growth and Competition Mindset 35:20 Transitioning Energies: From Snake to Horse 38:02 Embracing Movement and Change 41:26 Reflections on Recent Fights and Sports Trends 57:32 The GOAT Debate: Generational Comparisons in Sports 01:05:39 Transitioning from the Year of the Snake to the Year of the Horse 01:08:49 The Process of Shedding and Growth 01:10:35 Reflecting on Past Decisions and Growth 01:13:13 Understanding Plateaus in Personal Growth 01:17:10 Breaking the Loop: Lessons from 'Stranger Things' 01:22:03 The Importance of Connection and Facing Challenges 01:25:30 Characteristics of the Year of the Horse 01:27:40 Pacing Yourself for Growth 01:30:37 Finding Flow and Awareness 01:34:31 Reconnecting with Yourself 01:37:13 Closing Thoughts and Intentions for the New Year 01:39:30 Choke and consciousness outro edit.mp3

    1h 40m

  5. 12/08/2025

    Hibernating Within

    Summary In this 60th episode, Michaela and Deja reconnect after a brief hiatus to discuss the impact of seasonal changes on their energy and motivation. They dive into the importance of competition in maintaining accountability, share updates on their upcoming brackets for No-Gi Worlds, and reflect on the challenges of embracing winter's energy. The duo also touches on their Spotify Wrapped experiences, highlighting how music influences their moods. The conversation takes a turn as they navigate online rivalries and personal growth, culminating in a recap of recent UFC fights and jiu-jitsu performances. They conclude with a Topic of the Week on going with energy and a Zen talk on embracing the winter season and personal growth.   Chapters 00:00 Reconnecting After a Break 03:26 Seasonal Changes and Energy Shifts 06:25 Competition Preparations and Bracket Updates 09:37 The Journey of a Competitive Hobbyist 12:32 Embracing Winter's Energy 15:31 Reflections on Youth and Nutrition 18:21 Music and Personal Growth 22:17 Introduction to the Online Scrappin' Drama 23:03 The Knee Injury Incident 25:52 Highlight Reel Controversy 28:26 The Fourth Highlight and Its Implications 30:37 Petty Responses and Social Media Dynamics 35:10 Reflections on Competition and Ego 39:15 The Nature of Martial Arts and Social Media 42:56 Recap of Recent Fights and Performances 47:30 Prelims and Main Card Highlights 51:09 UFC's Transition to Paramount and Fighter Retirements 53:23 The Grit of Henry Cejudo and Upcoming Contenders 56:37 Brandon Moreno's Early Stoppage and Injury Discussions 01:00:51 UFC Rankings and Dana White's Controversial Comments 01:08:58 The State of MMA and Fighter Opportunities 01:09:38 Who's Number One: Jiu-Jitsu Highlights 01:14:52 Embracing the Energy: Coping with Seasonal Changes 01:16:45 Inspiration from the Community 01:19:51 Finding Joy in Consistency 01:23:06 Shifting Routines and Self-Reflection 01:27:08 Overcoming Blocks and Embracing Change 01:30:10 Hibernating Within: Embracing Winter's Lessons 01:39:32 Embracing Abundance and Gratitude 01:41:20 Choke and consciousness outro edit.mp3

    1h 42m

  6. 11/20/2025

    Finding the Station in the Static

    In this episode, Michaela and Deja explore the transition into the holiday season, the start of wrestling season, and the impact of cosmic events like Mercury retrograde on daily life. They explore personal challenges, the evolution of film technology, and the implications of A.I. on society. The discussion also touches on astrological insights, the significance of the new moon in Scorpio, and the importance of self-care and personal philosophy in navigating life's complexities. Michaela and Deja analyze the significant fights of UFC 322 and reflect on the implications of age in fighting careers. They delve into the dominance of Valentina Shevchenko and Islam Makhachev, the ongoing tensions between Dana White and Francis Ngannou, and the cultural differences between Nogi and Gi in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu. The conversation also touches on personal growth, the importance of unlearning, and developing an understanding of your philosophy of life.    Chapters 00:00 Reconnecting and Reflecting on Time 06:36 Wrestling Season Kickoff and Team Dynamics 10:32 Weather Changes and Cosmic Events 14:38 Exploring Theories of Existence and AI 20:37 The Future of Technology and Humanity 26:28 The Matrix and AI: A Double-Edged Sword 30:39 Survival Preparedness: The New Normal? 33:30 Navigating Life's Challenges: Embracing Vulnerability 34:37 Mercury in Retrograde: Glitches in Life 42:08 Nogi Worlds: Preparing for Competition 46:54 Astrological Insights: New Moon in Scorpio 53:47 Thanksgiving and Holiday Reflections 54:34 UFC 322 Highlights and Title Fights 56:55 Fighter Performance and Career Decisions 59:07 Age and Longevity in Fighting 01:00:57 Knockouts and Fight Analysis 01:05:20 Valentina vs. Weili: A Dominant Performance 01:07:09 The GOAT Debate: Valentina vs. Amanda 01:12:36 Islam's Dominance and Future Prospects 01:18:49 Dana White and Francis Ngannou's Controversy 01:21:59 UFC's Transition to Paramount Network 01:23:32 Nogi vs. Gi: Cultural Differences in BJJ 01:25:40 Exploring Energy Dynamics in Jiu-Jitsu 01:28:12 The Journey of a Competitive Hobbyist 01:30:13 Defining Success Beyond Competition 01:31:39 The Reality of Training Journeys 01:37:15 Unlearning and Personal Philosophy 01:39:44 Concepts vs. Steps in Learning 01:41:54 Outgrowing Old Patterns 01:44:58 Embracing Change and Chaos 01:52:22 The Necessity of Growth Through Struggle 01:54:54 Finding Clarity in the Static 01:57:26 Choke and consciousness outro edit.mp3

    1h 58m

  7. 11/08/2025

    Be a Beaver

    In this episode, Deja and Michaela explore various themes, including the significance of the Beaver Moon during Scorpio season, the challenges of maintaining motivation, and the impact of recent betting scandals in the UFC. They reflect on personal experiences, the importance of intrinsic motivation, and the balance between health and legacy in the sports world. The discussion also touches on the upcoming competitions and the collective energy shifts as the year comes to a close. Deja and Michaela explore various themes surrounding personal choices, accountability, and the impact of loss in sports. They discuss notable figures in MMA, including John Jones and Ronda Rousey, and delve into the significance of the Beaver Moon as a metaphor for building foundations and setting intentions for personal growth. The dialogue emphasizes the importance of reflection and the need to hold oneself accountable for achieving goals. Chapters 00:00 Introduction and Superhero Identities 03:35 The Impact of COVID on Social Interactions 06:36 Navigating Seasonal Changes and Emotional States 09:35 New Year Resolutions and Motivation Dynamics 12:31 Competing and Coaching in Sports 15:32 The Beaver Moon and Its Significance 22:41 Manifesting Dreams and Future Connections 23:33 The Rise of Betting Scandals in Sports 35:43 Health vs. Legacy in Combat Sports 40:16 Ronda Rousey's Controversial Comeback 45:53 Mackenzie Dern's Accent and Identity Crisis 48:58 Building Strength and Preparation 50:11 Embracing the Beaver Moon 53:25 Revisiting Fundamentals for Growth 56:08 Accountability and Self-Reflection 01:01:41 Setting Intentions for the Future 01:10:43 Choke and consciousness outro edit.mp3

    1h 11m

  8. 10/31/2025

    Shedding the Mask

    In this special Halloween episode, Deja and Michaela embody Spider-Man and Blade, discussing their favorite Halloween traditions, candies, and the evolution of trick-or-treating. They share personal stories about their childhood Halloween experiences and delve into the origin stories of Spider-Man and Blade. The conversation also touches on the significance of Scorpio season, emphasizing themes of introspection and transformation, and concludes with a discussion of their favorite Halloween movies. Deja and Michaela discuss various topics, including recent UFC fights, the state of the heavyweight division, Ronda Rousey's potential return to the octagon, and the importance of shadow work and personal growth. They explore the challenges fighters face, the dynamics of the UFC, and the significance of embracing one's darker side for personal growth and internal transformation. The conversation culminates in a Zen talk about shedding masks and confronting personal truths, emphasizing the need for self-reflection and growth. Chapters 00:00 Introduction to the Special Episode 03:35 Halloween Celebrations and Traditions 06:32 Trick-or-Treating: Then and Now 09:31 Halloween Decorations and Neighborhood Spirit 12:28 Costumes and Personal Expressions 15:32 Origin Stories of Spider-Man and Blade 24:13 Vampire Strengths and Spider-Man Powers 26:02 Navigating Energy Shifts 29:57 The Transition to Scorpio Season 32:01 Understanding Scorpio Traits 37:10 Halloween Favorites and Movie Discussions 38:34 UFC Highlights and Upcoming Fights 48:24 Ronda Rousey's Controversial Statements 54:41 MMA Updates and Concerns 56:37 Upcoming Competitions and Events 58:21 Embracing the Shadow: A Deep Dive into Self-Reflection 01:09:45 Zen Talk: Shedding Masks and Internal Work 01:21:33 Choke and consciousness outro edit.mp3

    1h 22m
See All (65)

Ratings & Reviews

5
out of 5
3 Ratings

About

A sports podcast dedicated to the engagement and elevation of Women’s mma and grappling. Michaela, former collegiate athlete, current mma fighter, and jiu jitsu practitioner. Deja, former collegiate athlete, and current jiu jitsu practitioner. Both Michaela and Deja have a love for women’s sports and a passion to continue ascending the voices of women within the mma and grappling world. Come listen and have fun with us!

Information

  • Creator
    Deja Jackson
  • Years Active
    2024 - 2026
  • Episodes
    65
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    © Copyright 2024 All rights reserved.
  • Show Website
    Chokes and Consciousness