The GRYND

di Mac Digital

Società e cultura

Stagione 1

Pivot, Adapt, and Keep Moving with Travis Jarman

Episode 22 of The GRYND features Travis Jarman—entrepreneur, owner of Honey Badger Gym and Honey Badger Pools, CrossFit coach, personal trainer, and Brazilian jiu-jitsu purple belt. Travis is the kind of guy who brings real fire to everything he does. Whether he is building a business, coaching someone toward a better version of themselves, putting in rounds on the mats, or figuring out what comes next when life changes the plan, he shows up with an unmatched level of ambition and effort. We talk BJJ and the long game of earning progress on the mats. Travis shares what training has taught him about discipline, humility, consistency, and making it happen even when work, family, and life are already demanding everything out of you. We also get into the entrepreneur side of the grind: building Honey Badger Gym and Honey Badger Pools, making hard decisions, taking risks, and learning to pivot when the hand you are dealt forces you to change direction. The plan does not always stay the plan—but you can either freeze or adapt. Travis also opens up about being diagnosed with Type 1 diabetes at just 10 years old and managing it throughout his life. It is a real look at responsibility, resilience, and refusing to let circumstances write the whole story for you. And yes, there is a recent BMX recovery story in here too. We will just say this: do not try it. This is an episode about training hard, building something of your own, handling adversity, and staying in motion when life gets complicated.

Episode 21: Go West and Hunt - Matt's Wyoming Elk Camp Debrief

Episode 21 of The GRYND is a quick elk-camp debrief with Matt following a successful Wyoming elk hunt. This one is about getting out of your normal routine, heading west, putting boots on unfamiliar ground, and taking the opportunity when it shows up. Matt breaks down the hunt, the country, the work, the lessons from elk camp, and what it means to come home successful after chasing elk in Wyoming. Hunting out West is not always convenient. It takes planning, time away, money, effort, and a willingness to be uncomfortable. But the memories, the country, the people you share camp with, and the work it takes to earn an animal are worth it. If you have ever thought about going west to hunt—this is your push to quit talking yourself out of it. Start planning. Save the money. Get in shape. Take the tag. Go make the trip. You do not need everything to line up perfectly. You just need to take the opportunity and keep showing up. No fake motivation. No shortcuts. Just the work—and a long way from home.

Episode 20: AI, Adversity, and the Human Side of Leadership with Adam Lopardo

Episode 20 of The GRYND features Adam Lopardo—A-Force BJJ purple belt, teacher, training partner, tech professional, and founder of Blue Dot Consulting. Adam sits down with us to talk about growing up in the Joplin area and how life before, during, and after the Joplin tornado shaped his perspective. We get into the moments, people, and experiences that pushed him toward IT, technology, and eventually helping others understand how to use AI with purpose instead of fear. But this episode is about a lot more than tech. Adam shares his background in rock climbing, the life-altering injury that changed his path, and how that journey eventually led him to Brazilian jiu-jitsu. From finding A-Force BJJ in Webb City to earning his purple belt, Adam talks about what training has given him: perspective, community, humility, and a place to keep growing when life does not go as planned. We also take a real look at AI and leadership. Adam breaks down how people and businesses can use AI to remove busy work, create better systems, think more clearly, and spend more time doing what only humans can do—leading, connecting, teaching, and showing up for the people around them. This is a conversation about adapting when the plan changes, rebuilding after hard seasons, learning new skills, finding your people, and continuing to show up. No fake motivation. No shortcuts. Just the work. Connect with Adam and Blue Dot Consulting: Phone: 417-434-1207 Email: adam@bluedotconsulting.ai

19 - Line work, BJJ & Building a legacy with Garrett

On this episode of The GRYND, we sit down with Garrett — husband, father of two daughters, journeyman lineman who chases storms to restore power after natural disasters, and lifelong martial artist. Garrett shares: • Growing up with strict parents who instilled discipline, accountability, and an unshakable work ethic • A lifelong path through wrestling, taekwondo, boxing, MMA, and weapons training before finding a deep home in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu • The hard years of line school and apprenticeship that kept him away from his family, and how walking into KCBJJ in 2020 helped him rebuild mentally, physically, and emotionally • What it means to train with purpose — not just for competition, but to be ready to protect the people he loves • The daily grind of storm work: dangerous, exhausting, and deeply rewarding when the lights come back on for communities in crisis • Lessons from past mistakes, learning to control “the switch,” and the responsibility of leaving a strong legacy for his wife and daughters This is a powerful conversation about ownership, family, resilience, and showing up as a man when life gets hard. Garrett’s “why” is clear: protect and provide, no matter the cost. If you’re a husband, father, tradesman, or anyone grinding to become the man your family needs — this episode will resonate! Drop a comment: What’s the biggest responsibility that keeps you grinding?

18 - The Warrior Poet – Shiloh Burchfield on Bringing BJJ to Southwest Missouri & Building Neosho BJJ

On this episode of The GRYND we sit down with Shiloh Burchfield — black belt, owner of Neosho BJJ, and the definition of a warrior poet. A large, powerful presence on the mats who is equally known for his humility, intelligence, and deep respect for the art. Shiloh shares: • Growing up with a big family of brothers and sisters and always being drawn to fighting • How he and his brothers tracked down training in the early days when BJJ was still rare in the region • Standing on the shoulders of the giants — the early 2000s pioneers who believed in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu and put in the work to bring it to Missouri • What it actually looks like to own and run a BJJ gym in a smaller town (the daily grind, culture, teaching, and competition) • His continued competitive journey as a black belt under Gracie Humaita and the lessons that come with still stepping on the mats at a high level This is a conversation about lineage, respect for those who came before, the responsibility of carrying the art forward, and the quiet grind of building something lasting in your community. If you train BJJ in the Midwest, respect the pioneers who made it possible, or just love hearing from high-level instructors who stay humble — this episode is for you. Drop a comment: Who are the “giants” you stand on the shoulders of in your own journey?

017: Chewjitsu Branson Open Recap – Gym Talk with Matt, Cory & Justin

On this episode of The GRYND we sit down with Matt, Cory, and Justin for a pure gym talk session as we recap the Chewjitsu Branson Open. We go through the matches, the highs and lows of the tournament day, and the overall vibe of competing together as a crew. The highlight of the day? Cory taking the absolute division for white belts — a hard-earned win that gets a full breakdown. This is just BJJ talk between training partners: what went right, what could have been better, the lessons from the mats, and the brotherhood that comes with showing up and competing as a team. Drop a comment: What’s your favorite part about competing with your gym crew?

016 - "life is a wild ride" From the Delta to Iraq, the Mats and everything in between with Matt Jackson

On this fun, heavy, and rabbit-hole-filled episode of The GRYND we welcome Matt Jackson — National Guard veteran, regional manager for a security company (with heavy cannabis industry clients), husband, father, and dedicated Jiu-Jitsu practitioner. Matt shares his full journey: • Growing up between Mississippi and Texas, joining the National Guard in high school, and deploying to Iraq in 2005 • Starting Jiu-Jitsu in 2019 and becoming addicted to the grind (including the injuries, quitting blue belt for 6-9 months, and now pushing to improve open guard, sweeps, and subs) • Life as a regional security manager in the cannabis world • His many hobbies over the years — from owning a rashguard business to being a hypnotist, camping, and fishing • Defining life moments: marriage, starting a family, war, career, and the mats • What keeps him showing up every day and wanting to be remembered as “a real one” This episode is packed with laughs, wild stories, military perspective, fatherhood, and plenty of BJJ talk. Matt brings serious life experience with a great attitude and tons of personality. If you love real-talk episodes with military background, career pivots, family life, and unfiltered Jiu-Jitsu grind — this one delivers. Drop a comment: What’s one wild life chapter that shaped who you are today?

015 - Choosing Your Hard | Court Administrator Erik Theis on Leadership, Discipline & Getting Strong in Your 50s

On this episode of The GRYND we sit down with Erik Theis — Court Administrator for Jasper County, Missouri, with over 32 years in the criminal justice system, fitness coach, and owner of Anvil Strength and Wellness. Erik shares: • What it’s really like running court operations — overseeing juvenile services, treatment courts, pretrial programs, budgets, personnel, and programs that actually help people change their lives • The deep dive into the criminal justice system — holding people accountable while still showing compassion and giving second chances • His powerful personal transformation in his mid-50s: quitting drinking, committing to 3:30 AM workouts, whole foods, tracking everything, and rebuilding his body and mindset through pure discipline • How self-leadership in fitness carries over into being a better husband, father, grandpa, leader, and coach • The philosophy of “choosing your hard” — because staying the same is hard, but growth is hard too… and worth it This is a motivating conversation about legacy, personal responsibility, discipline when no one is watching, and refusing to coast in your 50s (or any age). If you’re in law enforcement, leadership, trying to get back in shape later in life, or just need a reminder that it’s never too late to level up — this episode is for you. Reach out to Erik for coaching or training: Anvil Strength and Wellness – anvil2272@gmail.com Drop a comment: What “hard” are you choosing right now?

014 The Golden Retriever Purple Belt – Drew Williams on Faith, Competition & Helping Others Grind

On this episode of The GRYND we welcome Drew Williams — the golden retriever of AForce BJJ, freshly promoted purple belt, scary competitor, and one of the most helpful people you’ll ever meet on or off the mats. Drew shares: • His journey through Jiu-Jitsu and what it felt like earning that purple belt • The mindset of a scary competitor who still shows up with a big smile and golden retriever energy • How his unapologetic faith in Christ shapes the way he trains, competes, and lives • His heart for helping others — teaching jiu-jitsu on the mats and helping kids learn about God • What it looks like to be the ultimate helper while still grinding hard in competition and life This is a fun, uplifting, and inspiring conversation about bringing your full self to the mats — faith, competitiveness, kindness, and all. Drew shows what it looks like to compete hard while lifting others up. If you train BJJ, wrestle with faith and competition, or just love seeing someone live out their “why” with joy and purpose — this episode is for you. Drop a comment: Who’s the “golden retriever” in your gym or crew?

013 - “It Will All Be OK” | Eric Rickey’s Story

On this raw and redemptive episode of The GRYND we sit down with Eric Rickey — a man who has lived many lives. Eric opens up about: • Growing up in the “gypsy life” in Joplin and the chaotic, painful events that marked his childhood • Spiraling deep into addiction, crime, and multiple stints in jail — becoming a wanted man across several states by his early 20s • The major turning point at age 25 when he decided to choose his family and start making different decisions • His incredible climb from rock bottom (night shift at a wastewater plant) to Operations Manager, restaurant owner, and eventually finding real peace • His current passion: Writing and publishing five books while opening a bookstore. The most powerful moment came when we asked what he would tell his younger self. Eric’s answer: “It will all be OK.” This episode is a testament to the power of choosing change, building a new life through relentless work ethic, and finding purpose after rock bottom. Eric’s story is proof that no matter how far gone you feel, redemption and peace are possible. If you’ve ever struggled with addiction, made mistakes you thought defined you, or needed hope that things can get better — this one will stay with you. Drop a comment: What would you tell your younger self? Go see Eric Rickey at Somewhere In Time Bookshop - 29 S Main, Webb City, MO

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