Champ Talk with Branden Hudson

Branden Hudson
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  • HEALTH & FITNESS
  • UPDATED BIWEEKLY

MMA, News and everything else in the world Podcast with Branden Hudson

  1. 2D AGO

    A Journey of Faith and Transformation with Pastor Bill Cropper

    In this episode of Champ Talk with Branden Hudson, Branden sits down with Pastor Bill Cropper, a prominent community figure on the Eastern Shore. Bill shares his incredible journey from a troubled past involving addiction and crime to becoming a dedicated pastor for nearly 30 years. He discusses his transition out of the pastoral role, the challenges and rewards of church hopping, and launching a new social media ministry called Marked Ministries. The conversation delves deeply into the personal encounters with God that changed Bill's life, the importance of real relationships over religious performances, and the ongoing nature of spiritual growth. Branden and Bill also explore the impact of genuine connections over preaching from a pulpit, the role of fitness in maintaining balance, and the essential nature of continuously seeking transformation through faith. This heartfelt dialogue provides valuable insights into living a life of purpose and resilience through unwavering faith. 00:00 Introduction and Housekeeping 00:54 Meet Pastor Bill Cropper 01:20 Transitioning from Pastoral Life 01:58 Church Hopping Experience 02:20 The Reality of Being a Pastor 06:34 A Radical Transformation 11:24 Life After Addiction 17:04 Called to Lead 19:28 Challenges of Modern Faith 25:49 A Life-Changing Encounter 26:24 A Moment of Transformation 27:00 Building a Relationship with God 27:31 Facing Adversity with Faith 28:55 The Journey of Ministry 31:23 Finding Purpose Beyond the Pulpit 33:44 The Power of Personal Testimony 43:17 Embracing the Bible's Teachings 47:09 Final Thoughts and Reflections

    51 min

  2. FEB 11

    Dealing with Hate: Leadership and Success Amidst Criticism

    In this episode of Champ Talk, Branden Hudson dives deep into the topic of dealing with hate and criticism, especially relevant for leaders, entrepreneurs, and influencers. Branden shares personal experiences of handling constant negativity and jealousy in his local community on the Eastern Shore of Maryland. He emphasizes the importance of not letting online hate affect your mission, staying strong in your leadership role, and recognizing the impact of your actions on those you lead. Branden also touches on the necessity of celebrating wins, the role of social media in modern business, and the need to filter out the constructive points from the criticism you receive. Additionally, he discusses the importance of maintaining integrity and authenticity amidst the challenges of running a successful combat sports business. 00:00 Welcome and Call to Action 00:48 Dealing with Hate and Jealousy 01:31 Local Community and Business Ventures 03:15 The Impact of Combat Sports 05:09 Personal Development and Leadership 08:35 Handling Criticism and Staying Positive 17:42 The Role of Social Media 18:39 Navigating Online Recommendations 18:57 Impressive Trial Class Numbers 19:16 Avoiding Online Drama 19:35 Impact of Leadership on Students 20:59 Rising Above Hate 23:04 The Reality of Violence 24:56 Leadership and Culture 28:02 Handling Haters and Trolls 28:39 The Importance of Authenticity 34:16 Concluding Thoughts and Appreciation

    35 min

  3. FEB 4

    Building Fitness Empires: Nick Taghipour's Story

    In this emotionally charged episode of Champ Talk, Branden Hudson sits down with his close friend and mentor, Nick Taghipour, the mastermind behind the Pure Fitness brand. Branden and Nick discuss the importance of overcoming challenges, both in business and personal life. Nick shares his experiences of navigating the complexities of gym ownership during the COVID-19 pandemic and the strategies he implemented to keep his businesses running. The episode also delves into Nick's daughter's severe health struggles and the profound impact it had on his perspective on life and business. Additionally, the conversation touches on essential leadership qualities, including being hands-on, showing genuine care for team members, and the significance of family. Nick also provides insight into the ongoing situation in Iran, offering a personal perspective on the political and social issues affecting his ancestral homeland. This episode is a testament to resilience, strong leadership, and the importance of community in both business and personal spheres. 00:00 Introduction and Excitement 00:20 Importance of Reviews and Feedback 01:03 Introducing Nick Taghipour 03:03 Nick's Gym Empire 04:57 Nick's Journey and Corporate Experience 12:49 COVID-19 Challenges and Adaptations 20:50 Leadership and Member Care 26:01 Impactful Leadership and Getting Hands Dirty 26:56 The Importance of Family and Team 28:04 Daughter's Health Journey and Resilience 34:14 Navigating Vaccine Decisions 37:59 Thoughts on Iran's Current Situation 43:08 Future Plans for Gym Brands 46:05 Final Reflections and Gratitude

    50 min

  4. JAN 28

    Keeping Your Gym Community Engaged and Motivated in the New Year

    In this episode of Champ Talk with Branden Hudson, Branden is joined by his co-host Chet to discuss strategies for keeping gym members engaged and motivated, particularly as the enthusiasm of New Year's resolutions starts to wane. They emphasize the importance of engagement, building personal relationships, creating a sense of community, and actively using social media and group chats to maintain consistent and meaningful communication. They also discuss the unique dynamics of their location inside a larger fitness facility and the challenges and opportunities it brings. This episode is packed with valuable advice for gym owners and fitness instructors looking to improve member retention and foster a supportive gym culture. 00:00 Welcome and Introductions 00:39 Catching Up with Chet 01:26 Gym Dynamics and Trends 05:02 Combat Sports Gym Insights 11:43 Engagement and Member Retention 19:21 Navigating Social Interactions in the Gym 20:16 The Importance of Personal Branding 21:50 Building Relationships with Members 23:28 Engaging with Kids and Parents 34:14 The Role of Social Media and Online Groups 35:48 Final Thoughts and Key Takeaways

    38 min

  5. JAN 21

    Building A Business Empire: Lacey Coleman's Journey

    In this episode of Champ Talk with Brandon Hudson, Brandon welcomes Lacey Coleman, the president of Coastal Comfort Heating and Air. Lacey shares her journey of taking over the family business and the challenges she faced as a woman in a male-dominated industry. Despite dealing with doubt from both men and women, Lacey focused on proving herself through hard work and dedication. She talks about the impacts of major events like the 2008 housing crisis and the COVID-19 pandemic on her business, and the strategies she employed to keep her company afloat. Lacey also opens up about her personal coping mechanisms, including therapy and gym workouts, to deal with the stress and pressures of entrepreneurship. Additionally, she discusses her involvement in community initiatives and her vision for future growth. Lacey's story is a testament to resilience, passion, and continuous self-improvement. 00:00 Introduction and Housekeeping 01:18 Introducing Lacey Coleman 01:26 Lacey's Journey in the HVAC Industry 03:04 Challenges and Overcoming Sexism 12:21 Navigating the 2008 Financial Crisis 12:52 Impact of COVID-19 on Business 21:58 Coping Mechanisms and Personal Growth 26:07 Struggles and Self-Care 26:38 Family Dynamics and Personal Space 27:37 Intentional Living and Travel 29:35 Therapy and Self-Discovery 30:58 Advocating for Women in Business 31:57 Community Involvement and Future Goals 41:08 Balancing Business and Family 48:32 Advice for Aspiring Entrepreneurs 51:24 Conclusion and Final Thoughts

    52 min

  6. JAN 14

    Revitalizing Downtown Salisbury: Challenges and Opportunities with Joey Gilkerson

    In this episode of 'Champ Talk with Branden Hudson,' Branden invites Joey Gilkerson, a respected community leader and principal at NAI Coastal, to discuss the ongoing efforts and challenges in revitalizing downtown Salisbury. Joey shares insights into his vision for downtown development, the importance of increasing residential housing, and the complex issue of affordable housing in the area. The conversation also delves into the current litigation surrounding the development project and the crucial role community involvement and local elections play in shaping the city's future. Joey emphasizes the potential long-term benefits of downtown development, including increased tax revenue and business growth. The episode provides a comprehensive look at the obstacles and aspirations for Salisbury's downtown area, making it a must-watch for anyone interested in urban development and community improvement. 00:00 Welcome and Introduction 00:48 Guest Introduction: Joey Gilkerson 01:26 Joey's Career in Real Estate 02:35 Early Days and Personal Stories 04:35 Roadie Joe's and Business Evolution 09:23 Downtown Development Challenges 25:30 The Need for More Downtown Residents 25:35 The Impact of the Ross Project 25:56 Future Vision for Downtown 27:37 The Role of Courts and Legal Services 30:42 Affordable Housing Debate 36:29 Litigation and Political Challenges 46:39 Community Involvement and Local Politics 50:51 Conclusion and Final Thoughts

    54 min

  7. JAN 7

    Stellar Fights and Their Impact on MMA

    In this episode of Champ Talk with Branden Hudson, the host welcomes back Brad Dalton, owner and founder of Stellar Fights, to discuss the upcoming Stellar Fight 72 at the Crown Sports Center in Fruitland, Maryland. The conversation highlights the legalization of amateur MMA in Maryland, the planning and logistics behind organizing fights, and the importance of community support. Brad shares insights on the operational challenges faced in the MMA industry, the crucial role of marketing for fighters, and the influential role of the WKA, particularly Brian Crenshaw. The episode also touches on personal anecdotes, including the impact of Brad's late mother, and emphasizes the crucial yet often overlooked infrastructure that keeps the sport running. 00:00 Welcome and Introduction 00:35 Special Guest Announcement 00:57 Upcoming Fight Details 01:40 Legalization of Amateur MMA in Maryland 02:56 Choosing the Venue 07:51 Past Events and Challenges 13:37 Personal Stories and Reflections 25:55 Reflecting on Growth and Support in MMA 26:23 Challenges and Opportunities in Local MMA Promotions 28:33 The Fragile Egos in Combat Sports 30:07 The Importance of Loyalty and Structure in MMA 34:23 The Role of Sanctioning Bodies in MMA Success 38:50 Advice for Aspiring Fighters on Marketing and Earning 45:21 Concluding Thoughts and Upcoming Events

    48 min

  8. 12/31/2025

    Turning Struggles into Strengths

    In this episode of Champ Talk, Branden Hudson shares his personal journey leading up to his MMA career and beyond. Reflecting on his past, Branden talks about the pivotal moments that shaped his life, his initial motivation to start mixed martial arts, and the crucial turning points that led him from a tumultuous lifestyle to becoming a community role model. Highlighting the importance of persistence, faith, and taking actionable steps despite fear, he illustrates how taking chances can open unexpected doors and opportunities. Branden also emphasizes the value of helping others and building a supportive community, encapsulated in his story of dedicating his fight earnings to a friend in need. Through his narrative, he hopes to inspire and motivate listeners to pursue their dreams and overcome challenges. 00:00 Welcome to Champ Talk: Christmas Edition 00:35 Reflecting on 60 Episodes of Champ Talk 00:52 The Importance of Perspective and Experience 03:00 Balancing Humor and Seriousness in Life 05:48 The Journey into Mixed Martial Arts 09:10 First Fight Experiences and Lessons Learned 16:13 The Turning Point: Overcoming Challenges 21:06 Ticket Sales and Hustle 22:14 A Pivotal Fight 23:27 Community and Personal Growth 24:15 The Spark of Change 27:21 Chasing Titles and Losing Perspective 31:21 Life's Downward Spiral 33:21 Turning Point in Jail 35:07 Rebuilding and New Opportunities 37:03 The Power of Taking Action 41:50 Conclusion and Reflections

    44 min
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5
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About

MMA, News and everything else in the world Podcast with Branden Hudson

Information

  • Creator
    Branden Hudson
  • Years Active
    2019 - 2026
  • Episodes
    160
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    © 2026 Champ Talk with Branden Hudson
  • Show Website
    Champ Talk with Branden Hudson