Fighting Matters

Fighting Matters

Fighting fascism and the far-right in combat sports like MMA and BJJ.

  1. DEC 18

    The relentless bullying of trans athletes

    In this episode of the Fighting Matters podcast, hosts Steve Kwan, Mike Mahaffey, and Jesse Walker confront the relentless bullying and scapegoating of transgender athletes, especially within combat sports. They unpack how bad-faith arguments, misinformation, and moral panic have turned a tiny minority into a political and cultural punching bag, and discuss what gym owners, coaches, and training partners can do to create safer, more inclusive spaces. 🔗 Links Mentioned: • Fighting Matters Linktree — https://linktree.com/fightingmatters • BJJ Mental Models (Steve Kwan) — https://bjjmentalmodels.com • Old Bastard BJJ (Mike Mahaffey) — https://instagram.com/oldbastardbjj • Rough Hands BJJ (Jesse Walker) — https://roughhandsbjj.com ⸻ 👥 Featuring (Hosts): • Steve Kwan — @bjjmentalmodels • Mike Mahaffey — @oldbastardbjj • Jesse Walker — @roughhandsbjj ⸻ 🧠 Topics Discussed: • How trans athletes became a political and cultural scapegoat • Bullying vs. good-faith discussion around sports and fairness • Why hate movements target small, vulnerable groups • Misogyny, fear, and propaganda in combat sports culture • What gym owners can do to make their spaces safer and inclusive ⸻ 📖 Chapters: 00:00 — Why trans athletes are being targeted 03:30 — Scapegoating and bad-faith arguments 07:45 — Why this problem must be addressed by gym culture 13:10 — Sports, fairness, and fabricated moral panics 21:00 — Propaganda, fear, and political exploitation 42:30 — What coaches and gyms can do differently 54:10 — Final thoughts on dignity, accountability, and inclusion

    57 min
  2. NOV 19

    MAGA Needs an Exit Strategy

    In this episode of the Fighting Matters podcast, hosts Steve Kwan, Mike Mahaffey, and Jesse Walker talk about the recent political shift of Marjorie Taylor Greene (MTG) and her public apology regarding her past rhetoric and actions. They explore the implications of her apology, the need for accountability, and the potential for redemption in politics. 🔗 Links Mentioned: • Fighting Matters Linktree — https://linktree.com/fightingmatters • Fighting Matters Food Drive (direct link) — https://teamfeed.feedingamerica.org/teams/7625 • Fighting Matters Substack — https://fightingmatters.substack.com ⸻ 👥 Featuring: Steve Kwan — https://bjjmentalmodels.com Mike Mahaffey — http://oldbastardbjj.com Jesse Walker — https://roughhandsbjj.com ⸻ 🧠 Topics Discussed: • Marjorie Taylor Greene's recent apology is a rare moment in politics. • The need for accountability and consequences for past actions is crucial. • Creating off-ramps for defectors from harmful ideologies is important. • Empathy and understanding can help bridge political divides. • Misinformation plays a significant role in shaping beliefs and actions. • The rise of extremism poses a serious threat to political discourse. • Finding common ground is essential for moving forward. • Public apologies can pave the way for political redemption. • The importance of community initiatives in addressing social issues. • Engaging in face-to-face conversations can foster understanding.  ⸻ 📖 Chapters: 00:00 Introduction and Light Banter 01:24 Marjorie Taylor Greene's Political Shift 06:15 The Complexity of Apologies in Politics 10:01 Navigating Human Rights and Political Accountability 17:01 The Role of Redemption in Politics 20:58 Consequences and the Future of Political Figures 28:04 The Need for a Reckoning in Politics 35:14 Navigating Extremism and Hate Groups 37:51 The Dangers of Normalizing Hate 39:22 The Complexity of Redemption 41:30 Assessing Paths to Redemption 44:34 Creating Off-Ramps for Extremists 48:42 The Political Landscape Shift 53:16 Finding Common Ground 01:01:28 Community Action and Food Drives

    1h 9m
  3. NOV 2

    The SNAP & ACA Shutdown Could Choke Jiu-Jitsu Gyms

    In this episode, Steve Kwan, Jeff Shaw, and Jesse Walker break down how the ongoing SNAP and ACA shutdown could devastate working-class Americans, and why Jiu-Jitsu gyms will be hit especially hard. They unpack how food assistance and healthcare subsidies keep communities afloat, why cutting them is both illegal and economically disastrous, and how martial artists can take action through solidarity, food drives, and conscious spending. 🔗 Links Mentioned: • Fighting Matters Food Drive — https://teamfeed.feedingamerica.org/teams/7625 • Fighting Matters Substack — https://fightingmatters.substack.com • BJJ Mental Models — https://bjjmentalmodels.com ⸻ 👥 Featuring: Steve Kwan — https://bjjmentalmodels.com Jeff Shaw — https://bellinghambjj.com Jesse Walker — https://roughhandsbjj.com ⸻ 🧠 Topics Discussed: • What the SNAP shutdown really means for Americans • How ACA cuts raise healthcare costs for everyone • The ripple effect on gyms and small businesses • SNAP’s economic multiplier and why it matters • Why “the cruelty is the point” in U.S. politics • Building community resilience through action ⸻ 📖 Chapters: 00:00 Introduction 02:15 What SNAP Really Does 05:20 How Food Assistance Fuels the Economy 09:40 Why Jiu-Jitsu Gyms Will Feel the Pain 12:30 Launching the Fighting Matters Food Drive 18:10 Debunking SNAP Myths 24:30 The Affordable Care Act Fallout 28:40 Real Stories of Rising Premiums 33:10 Tax Cuts, Inequality, and Stagnation 40:00 Jiu-Jitsu Analogies for a Broken Economy 45:20 What Gym Owners Can Do 50:10 Voting With Your Wallet 52:00 Final Thoughts: Stay Strong as a Community

    55 min
5
out of 5
18 Ratings

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Fighting fascism and the far-right in combat sports like MMA and BJJ.

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