• #293 Erik Butler
    May 6 2026

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    In this engaging conversation, Thomas and his guest explore the profound impact of friendship and mentorship in martial arts. His guest shares his journey from being a striker to embracing the world of Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, highlighting the importance of kindness, humility, and personal growth. He also shares his journey through martial arts, and the motivations that drove him to overcome fear and prove himself.

    Here is The RŌL Radio with a 3rd degree black belt in Shidokan bare knuckle karate, a Judo brown belt, and a 2nd degree black belt in BJJ, Professor Erik Butler.

    www.rolacademy.tv 30% discount with ROLRADIO code at checkout. Over 1600 videos for your Jiu-Jitsu journey.

    FREE Access to ROL TV - https://rolacademy.tv/yt/269-the-rol-radio


    http://www.therolradio.com
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    Episode Highlights:

    2:31 You Can Lead a Horse to Water. Erik’s Role In Thomas’s Jiu-Jitsu

    4:50 Do Things Happen for a Reason

    10:48 Having Something to Prove

    15:27 Moving from a Fighter to a Martial Artist

    32:58 Being Bullied and Overcoming Fear

    42:29 The Impact of Helping Others

    48:04 Ego and Self-perception

    53:04 Reflections and Growth

    1:02:29 Generational Gaps

    1:12:51 What Makes a Martial Artist

    1:16:03 The Gifts of Different Martial Arts

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    1 hr and 27 mins
  • #292 Jay Zeballos
    Apr 29 2026

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    In this conversation, Thomas and his guest explore the evolution of Jiu-Jitsu, the impact of social media on training, and the importance of community and professionalism in martial arts. They discuss the complexities of learning Jiu-Jitsu, emphasizing the importance of understanding the art versus the sport. His guest also shares personal anecdotes about support from his wife and the impact it has had on his journey. He also looks ahead to the future of his teaching career and the legacy he hopes to leave behind.

    Here is The RŌL Radio with a lifelong martial artist, an instructor at the Jean Jacques Machado Academy and a 5th degree black belt, Jay Zeballos.

    www.rolacademy.tv 30% discount with ROLRADIO code at checkout. Over 1600 videos for your Jiu-Jitsu journey.

    FREE Access to ROL TV - https://rolacademy.tv/yt/269-the-rol-radio


    http://www.therolradio.com
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    https://www.instagram.com/jayzeballos/

    https://www.instagram.com/jjmachadoacademy/

    https://www.jjmachado.com/?

    https://www.youtube.com/@JeanJacquesMachadoOFFICIAL?

    https://www.instagram.com/jeanjacquesmachado/


    Episode Highlights:

    2:14 The Passage of Time

    5:13 The Evolution of Martial Arts and Social Media

    14:03 The Essence of a Martial Artist VS Athletes

    15:46 A Professional Approach

    20:39 The Importance of Community

    24:41 Reflecting on Life and Mortality

    37:11 Helping Students Navigate Their Journey

    42:46 Jiu-Jitsu is for Anybody But Not for Everybody

    52:03 Training Close to the Source

    1:02:38 The Importance Helping Others

    1:04:59 The Impact of Support

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    1 hr and 18 mins
  • #291 Ricardo Miller
    Apr 22 2026

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    In this conversation, Thomas’ guest shares his journey from Brazil to the United States, detailing his experiences in Jiu Jitsu and the challenges he faced along the way. He discusses the therapeutic nature of Jiu Jitsu, the importance of mentorship, and the evolution of the sport in America. He also emphasizes the significance of trust in training, the commitment required to excel in Jiu Jitsu, and the rewarding experience of paying it forward to others. The conversation emphasizes the significance of dedication, the joy of learning, and the value of human connections in the martial arts world.

    Here is The RŌL Radio with a 6th degree under Romero Cavalcanti, the founder of Paragon BJJ academy, and along with his wife Erika Krempel, the father of three beautiful kids, Ricardo Miller.

    www.rolacademy.tv 30% discount with ROLRADIO code at checkout. Over 1600 videos for your Jiu-Jitsu journey.

    FREE Access to ROL TV - https://rolacademy.tv/yt/269-the-rol-radio


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    https://paragonbjjventura.com/

    https://paragonbjjventura.com/instructor/ricardo-franjinha-miller/

    https://www.instagram.com/paragonbjj/

    https://www.instagram.com/paragonbjjventura/?hl=en

    Episode Highlights:

    2:20 Good Days Bad Days

    4:39 Ricardo’s BJJ Beginnings

    10:10 Catching the Jiu-Jitsu Bug

    12:51 Mentors and Paying It Forward

    19:40 The Challenges of Moving to the US

    26:09 Opening Paragon

    30:12 The Future of Jiu-Jitsu

    33:35 Ricardo’s Black Belt Journey

    39:56 Training Hobbyists and Professionals

    42:44 Managing the Complexity of Jiu-Jitsu

    49:29 Ricardo’s Plans for the Future

    54:54 Finding Fulfillment

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    59 mins
  • #290 Nathan Fitch
    Apr 15 2026

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    In this conversation, Thomas’ guest shares his journey through martial arts, discussing his laid-back approach to life, the challenges of procrastination, and the evolution of his training from Aikido to Judo and Muay Thai. He reflects on the transformative experience of traveling to Thailand to train in the birthplace of Muay Thai. He also discusses the significance of mentorship, the necessity of showing up, and the value of embracing discomfort for personal growth.

    Here is The RŌL Radio with a judo black belt, a 3rd degree jiu-jitsu black belt under Vitor Oliviera, the founder and head instructor at SOS Gym in Florence Kentucky, Nathan Fitch.

    www.rolacademy.tv 30% discount with ROLRADIO code at checkout. Over 1600 videos for your Jiu-Jitsu journey.

    FREE Access to ROL TV - https://rolacademy.tv/yt/269-the-rol-radio


    http://www.therolradio.com
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    https://www.instagram.com/nathanfitchbjj/

    https://www.instagram.com/son_of_siam/

    https://sonofsiam.com/?

    Episode Highlights:

    2:26 Take It as It Comes

    4:13 Procrastination and Decision Making

    8:01 Nathan’s Martial Arts Beginnings

    24:13 New Addiction to Muay Thai

    29:04 The Growth Mindset

    34:32 Making the Move to Thailand

    47:18 Psychological Barriers

    53:46 Transitioning to Jiu-Jitsu

    57:32 Embracing Discomfort for Personal Growth

    1:05:32 Dealing with Student Disappointment

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    1 hr and 14 mins
  • #289 Kanan Clarke-Jones
    Apr 8 2026

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    In this conversation, Thomas’ guest shares his insights on the dynamics of teaching Jiu-Jitsu, emphasizing the differences in energy levels between group and private lessons. and the necessity of keeping students engaged in their learning process. He shares personal experiences from his own journey in martial arts, highlighting the mental aspects of competition and the evolution of his passion for Jiu-Jitsu. He discusses his journey to Brazil for training, and the life lessons learned through struggles in both Brazil and New York City. He also reflects on the influence of Marcelo Garcia on his Jiu-Jitsu journey and the unexpected opportunities that arose during difficult times.

    Here is The RŌL Radio with a Competition Coach at Marcelo Garcia New York City, and a Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu black belt under Marcelo Garcia, Kanan Clarke-Joes.

    www.rolacademy.tv 30% discount with ROLRADIO code at checkout. Over 1600 videos for your Jiu-Jitsu journey.

    FREE Access to ROL TV - https://rolacademy.tv/yt/269-the-rol-radio


    http://www.therolradio.com
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    https://www.instagram.com/kanancj/

    https://www.patreon.com/collection/1702602?view=expanded

    https://marcelogarciajj.com/nyc/

    Episode Highlights:

    3:03 The Dynamics of Teaching Groups vs Privates

    9:08 Learning from the Best. Trainning with Demin Maia

    13:43 Understanding How Students Learn

    22:22 Self-Criticism and Copmpeting Against Yourself

    30:02 Kanan’s Martial Arts Journey

    39:27 Recognizing Student Potential

    41:19 Navigating Emotions

    47:22 Training In Brazil

    54:51 Moving to NYC

    1:01:10 Biggest Lessons Learned

    1:09:54 Kanan’s Pivot Point

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    1 hr and 14 mins
  • #288 Kyle Kalchbrenner
    Apr 1 2026

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    In this conversation, Thomas’ guest shares his unique journey from wrestling to Jiu-Jitsu, discussing the challenges and mindset shifts required to excel in both sports. He emphasizes the importance of vulnerability, reflection, and the willingness to learn from mistakes. The discussion also delves into the dynamics of training in jiu-jitsu, emphasizing the significance of trust among training partners and the differences between self-defense and sport jiu-jitsu. Finally, he shares his thoughts on achieving black belt status and the complexities of the ranking system in martial arts.

    Here is The RŌL Radio with a physician assistant, who graduated Summa Cum Laude from Marquette University, prior to that he received his undergraduate degree in molecular/microbiology from University of Illinois. Current Director of Education and Southside Lead for Advanced Practice Providers in his medical group, an avid wrestler, dedicated father and Thomas’ first organic black belt, Kyle Kalchbrenner.

    www.rolacademy.tv 30% discount with ROLRADIO code at checkout. Over 1600 videos for your Jiu-Jitsu journey.

    FREE Access to ROL TV - https://rolacademy.tv/yt/269-the-rol-radio


    http://www.therolradio.com
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    https://www.instagram.com/the_neck34/


    Episode Highlights:

    2:33 The Transition from Wrestling to Jiu-Jitsu

    8:12 Making Yourself Vulnerable

    14:16 Combining Jiu-Jitsu and Wrestling

    24:00 Losing to Improve

    27:11 The Hardest Thing for a Beginner

    31:41 The Worst Feeling on the Mats

    34:13 Kyle Starts Wrestling

    39:58 Overcoming Fear

    47:58 Finding Jiu-Jitsu

    51:23 Trusting Your Partners

    1:01:44 Ranking Systems

    1:19:13 What If

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    1 hr and 32 mins
  • #287 Alberto Crane
    Mar 25 2026

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    In this conversation, Alberto Crane returns to share his journey of commitment and resilience in the world of Jiu-Jitsu and MMA. He discusses the philosophy of going 'all in' on one's passions, the importance of overcoming obstacles, and the evolution of martial arts. Alberto reflects on his experiences leading to his black belt and the changes in the Jiu-Jitsu community over the years, emphasizing the significance of persistence and the future direction of the sport. Alberto emphasizes the significance of TacFit in his recovery and personal growth, and he reflects on the legacy he hopes to leave behind through his work and relationships. The conversation culminates in a discussion about his new book, which aims to inspire others through his experiences.

    Here is The RŌL Radio with the owner of Legacy BJJ, podcaster, and author of the new book, All In: Lessons On and Off the Mat, Alberto Crane.

    www.rolacademy.tv 30% discount with ROLRADIO code at checkout. Over 1600 videos for your Jiu-Jitsu journey.

    FREE Access to ROL TV - https://rolacademy.tv/yt/269-the-rol-radio


    http://www.therolradio.com
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    https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/all-in-alberto-crane/1149457868

    https://www.instagram.com/albertocrane/

    https://www.legacybjj.com/

    https://www.albertocrane.com/?

    https://www.youtube.com/@albertocraneshow


    Episode Highlights:

    1:45 What It Means to Go All In

    4:18 Choose Your Mindset

    12:33 Over Coming Trials and Triumphs

    15:09 The Emotions of Receiving the Black Belt

    20:19 Evolution: The Move from Fight Clubs to Professionalism

    29:18 A Diagnosis That Cut an MMA Short

    37:25 What Really Matters in Life

    40:29 The Transformative Power of TacFit

    49:35 Family, Legacy, and Impact on Others

    52:29 The Significance of All In: Lessons On and Off the Mat

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    59 mins
  • #286 Andy Lazarit
    Mar 18 2026

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    Today’s guest shares his inspiring journey from troubled youth to Muay Thai fighter, coach and mentor. He highlights the transformative power of discipline, community, and purpose and how his experiences shaped his outlook on life, fighting, and helping others.

    Here is The RŌL Radio with Legacy’s head Muay Thai instructor, the inspirational, Andy Lazarit.

    This episode on YouTube - https://youtu.be/2W51WGbRO34?si=g8Tia-pGTat8SbeW


    www.rolacademy.tv 30% discount with ROLRADIO code at checkout. Over 1600 videos for your Jiu-Jitsu journey.

    FREE Access to ROL TV - https://rolacademy.tv/yt/269-the-rol-radio


    http://www.therolradio.com
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    https://www.instagram.com/andy_lazarit/
    https://www.instagram.com/bangmuaythai/
    https://www.instagram.com/legacylosangeles/

    Episode Highlights:
    2:18 The Journey from Anger to Joy
    7:27 Maturing Through Martial Arts
    14:22 Growing Up In the Hood
    26:17 The Power of Helping Others
    32:09 How Muay Thai Changed Andy Forever
    48:52 Andy’s Toughest Fight
    53:19 Finding Purpose
    1:;09:09 Embracing Change

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    1 hr and 20 mins