In this episode of Off the Mats Podcast, I sit down with Jenn Holmberg, co-host of the Chokeholds and Chill Podcast, to talk about Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu as more than just a sport. Jenn shares how she first found jiu-jitsu, what her early training years were like, and the mentors and experiences that helped shape her approach to life on and off the mats. We also talk about how she balances training, podcasting, and everyday responsibilities, and what jiu-jitsu has come to represent in her life.

We spend time unpacking the origin of Chokeholds and Chill—why Jenn and her co-host Mallory felt there was space for a different kind of conversation within the BJJ community, how they choose topics and guests, and how podcasting has influenced Jenn’s connection to grappling culture. From there, the conversation shifts to the ways jiu-jitsu intersects with mental health, self-awareness, motivation, and personal growth, especially during seasons when life outside the gym feels heavy.

We wrap up by talking about why honest conversations about life and jiu-jitsu matter, and what meaningful success looks like beyond medals and belt promotions, before closing out with a rapid-fire round focused on training, music, food, and lessons learned along the way.