FFYL024: The Truth About Why Jiu Jitsu Creates the Strongest Bond in Sports with Gonzalez Grappling
Release Date: 08/28/2025
FFYL027: How the Wounded Warrior Project Fought for Sal After He Was Blown up by an IED
Fighting for Your Life
In this episode, Miguel sits down with Marine veteran, musician, and Wounded Warrior Project spokesperson Sal Gonzalez, who shares his incredible story of resilience after being blown up by an IED. The two first met at a Veterans Breakthrough Jiu Jitsu retreat, and their conversation dives deep into recovery, gratitude, and purpose. Sal opens up about how the Wounded Warrior Project stood by him from day one, how music and jiu jitsu became his therapy, and why he finds joy in choking people with his nub. Sal Gonzalez https://peglegsongs.com Website http://www.fightingforyourlifepodcast.com Buy...
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FFYL026: How Jiu Jitsu Completely Transforms Your Mindset and Makes You Unstoppable in Business and Life
Fighting for Your Life
In this episode, Miguel sits down with Bryan Gunter, co-founder of PorradaUSA app available on iphone, to talk about how the lessons from the mats translate far beyond the gym. Bryan, a blue belt and World Masters silver medalist, shares how Jiu Jitsu reshaped his mindset in business, parenting, and life—teaching patience, adaptability, and problem-solving under pressure. They explore how rolling becomes a form of therapy that helps you breathe, refocus, and grow stronger in every area of life. Porrada USA https://porradausa.com Website http://www.fightingforyourlifepodcast.com Buy Us a...
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FFYL025: The Emotional Story Behind a World Masters Champion Who Refused to Quit
Fighting for Your Life
Miguel interviews Carl Richey, a newly crowned IBJJF World Masters gold medalist, in an emotional conversation that goes far beyond the mats. Carl opens up about the years of sacrifice, doubt, injuries, parenting, and the relentless grind it took to finally reach the top of the podium. He talks about the moment everything hit him—the support from his coaches, teammates, and family—and why winning wasn’t just about a medal, but about honoring everyone who helped him get there. Carl’s IG: https://www.instagram.com/papi_guero89/ Website http://www.fightingforyourlifepodcast.com Buy Us a...
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FFYL024: The Truth About Why Jiu Jitsu Creates the Strongest Bond in Sports with Gonzalez Grappling
Fighting for Your Life
In this episode, Miguel talks to Gonzalez Grappling Head Coaches Jason Gonzalez and his son Lil Jay about what makes the bond inside a jiu jitsu gym unlike anything else in sports. From the grind of training partners pushing each other through tough camps, to the pride of watching students and teammates shine on competition day, they get real about the highs and lows of the fight life. They laugh about how the closer you are, the more you mess with each other, why true teammates don’t care if you win or lose, and what separates watered-down martial arts from real fighting. Plus, they...
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FFYL023: Reaction to “Jiu Jitsu Saved My Life but Destroyed My Body” and the Truth About Injuries
Fighting for Your Life
In this episode, Miguel sits down with his wife Sonja Ramirez, who recently started training Jiu Jitsu and just experienced her first real injury—a knee tweak that opened the door to a much deeper conversation. They react to the video “Jiu Jitsu Saved My Life but Destroyed My Body” and unpack the hard truth: if you’re on the road to Black Belt, injuries are part of the deal. But with every comeback, your mind gets stronger—and that toughness starts showing up in every part of your life, ultimately leading to mastery of your life. Sonja’s Website https://www.sonjaramirez.com Website...
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FFYL022: Why Getting Punched in the Face at Streetbeefs West Coast Makes Humble Beast Smile
Fighting for Your Life
In this episode, Miguel sits down with Darius “Humble Beast” Ryan, a rising Streetbeefs West Coast fighter known for smiling mid-fight and bringing heart to every round. From childhood dreams of WWE to real-life wrestling mats, Darius discovered his love for competition early. He opens up about finding Streetbeefs, what it feels like to get punched and still love it, and how fighting has become a positive outlet that keeps him grounded, joyful, and motivated. This one’s all energy, heart, and honesty. Humble Beast IG: https://www.instagram.com/humblebeaststory/ Website...
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FFYL021: This Powerful Veterans Jiu Jitsu Retreat Is Saving Lives and Rebuilding Purpose Through Brotherhood
Fighting for Your Life
In this powerful episode, Miguel sits down with Caleb, Matt, Chris, and Phil at the 2025 Veterans Breakthrough Jiu Jitsu Retreat to talk about how this nonprofit is changing lives. Veterans Breakthrough is helping veterans find purpose and connection through all-inclusive retreats and Jiu Jitsu scholarships to local gyms. These retreats create a safe space where veterans open up about their experiences, build lasting bonds, and experience the physical and mental benefits that come with training Jiu Jitsu. Veterans Breakthrough http://www.veteransbreakthrough.org Website...
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FFYL020: How Tiny Tank Started Streetbeefs West Coast and How Fighting Saved His Life
Fighting for Your Life
In this episode, Miguel sits down with Martin “Tiny Tank” Rubio, one of the original driving forces behind Streetbeefs West Coast. From backyard brawls in high school to building a multi-state movement, Tiny Tank shares how fighting gave him purpose, discipline, and a whole new direction in life. He opens up about his journey to sobriety, losing over 60 pounds, and how Streetbeefs became the catalyst for a powerful personal transformation that’s still going strong today. Follow Tiny Tank and Streetbeefs below: IG: https://www.instagram.com/tinytank__/ SBWC:...
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FFYL019: Why Every Martial Artist Should Have the Forever a White Belt Mentalit
Fighting for Your Life
Miguel sits down with "Naughty" Nate Smith, host of the Forever a White Belt Podcast and coach at Columbia River Jiu Jitsu and Reptilian Top Team, for a deep dive into the mindset that keeps martial artists growing. They break down the importance of staying curious and open to learning, no matter your rank. Nate shares how a fighter’s style reveals their personality and how he uses that insight to bring out the best in his students. They also explore the life lessons martial arts teach beyond the mats. Website http://www.fightingforyourlifepodcast.com Buy Us a Coffee...
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FFYL018: Using Jiu Jitsu to Help Veterans Find Purpose and Community With Veterans Breakthrough
Fighting for Your Life
Miguel sits down with Phil and Kyle from Veterans Breakthrough, along with Dave, a scholarship recipient whose life has been transformed by jiu jitsu. Veterans Breakthrough is helping military veterans find purpose and connection through jiu jitsu, covering gym memberships and hosting events to build a supportive community. They discuss why so many veterans are drawn to the sport, how it mirrors the brotherhood of the military, and the powerful impact training has on mental and physical well-being. Website http://www.fightingforyourlifepodcast.com Buy Us a Coffee...
info_outlineIn this episode, Miguel talks to Gonzalez Grappling Head Coaches Jason Gonzalez and his son Lil Jay about what makes the bond inside a jiu jitsu gym unlike anything else in sports. From the grind of training partners pushing each other through tough camps, to the pride of watching students and teammates shine on competition day, they get real about the highs and lows of the fight life. They laugh about how the closer you are, the more you mess with each other, why true teammates don’t care if you win or lose, and what separates watered-down martial arts from real fighting. Plus, they highlight Lil Jay’s viral baseball bat choke moment.
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