PODCAST

Fighting Matters

Fighting fascism and the far-right in combat sports like MMA and BJJ.

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All Episodes

63:18

Gordon Ryan & The Epstein Fallout

Fighting Matters ·

2026/02/18

In this Presidents Day episode, Fighting Matters connects two explosive stories: Gordon Ryan’s inappropriate DMs and the growing fallout from the Epstein file releases. We debate accountability, conspiracy culture, institutional corruption, and whether justice can survive political power. The conversation turns to Jiu-Jitsu’s own culture, red flags in gyms, and what responsibility communities have when systems fail. ⸻ 👥 Featuring: • Stephan Kesting — @stephankesting (Host) • Mike Mahaffey

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64:40

Martial Artists Should Get Political

Fighting Matters ·

2026/02/12

In this episode of the Fighting Matters podcast, hosts Steve Kwan and Jesse Walker are joined by Joshua Peters: martial arts instructor, former school teacher, and current candidate for Anne Arundel County Council. They explore why local politics matters, how martial arts and civic duty intersect, and why “keeping politics out of Jiu-Jitsu” is a myth. This is a conversation about courage, participation, and standing up for your community. 🔗 Links Mentioned: • Joshua Peters Campaign —

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69:42

How the USA is Trying to Steal Canada's Oil

Fighting Matters ·

2026/02/06

In this episode of Fighting Matters, hosts Stephan Kesting and Jeff Shaw are joined by Tyson LaRone (The Warrior Philosopher) to unpack the renewed push for Alberta separatism, its connections to Trump and MAGA, and the growing influence of U.S. political forces in Canadian domestic affairs. 🔗 Links Mentioned: • Fighting Matters Linktree — https://linktree.com/fightingmatters ⸻ 👥 Featuring: • Stephan Kesting — https://www.grapplearts.com • Jeff Shaw — https://bellinghambjj.com • Tyson

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83:21

How Hate Found a Home in Jiu-Jitsu & MMA

Fighting Matters ·

2026/02/05

This interview is an excerpt from Dark Martial Arts History, an 8-part audio documentary chronicling the history and rise of extremism in martial arts like Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu and MMA. The rest of the documentary is available on BJJ Mental Models Premium, but this piece is relevant to current events, so we're publishing it here for free. In the sixth episode of Dark Martial Arts History, hosts Ben Van Doren and Eva Schubert are joined by longtime Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu educator and commentator ...

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55:11

The collapse of Atos (and what comes next)

Fighting Matters ·

2026/02/03

The allegations against Andre Galvao, and subsequent collapse of Atos, have sent shockwaves through the Jiu-Jitsu world. In this episode, Steve Kwan and Jesse Walker unpack the allegations against Atos leadership, the victim statements that triggered a mass exodus, and why this moment feels different from past scandals. We explore abuse of power in martial arts, why competition success can’t excuse ethical failure, and what real accountability could look like, beyond statements and social med...

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60:32

You Can’t "Keep Politics Out" Anymore

Fighting Matters ·

2026/01/31

The idea of “keeping politics out” is no longer tenable, especially in Jiu-Jitsu and martial arts communities. Against the backdrop of escalating political violence, institutional breakdowns, and global instability, we explore the civic responsibility of gym owners, coaches, and athletes, and why silence increasingly amounts to complicity. 🔗 Links Mentioned: • Fighting Matters Linktree — https://linktree.com/fightingmatters • Fighting Matters Substack — https://fightingmatters.substack.com

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91:45

The Minnesota Shootings and What Comes Next

Fighting Matters ·

2026/01/26

Mother, poet, and US citizen Renée Good was shot by ICE on January 7, closely followed by the shooting of ICU Nurse and US citizen Alex Pretti on January 24th, apparently by members of the Border Patrol. Both Renée and Alex were immediately denounced as "domestic terrorists" by the US administration and an army of bots has been circulating a deluge of easily debunkable falsehood about the two victims. In this episode of Fighting Matters BJJ black belt Stephan Kesting is joined Tyson Larone, ...

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73:40

Racism Can’t Be Ignored in Jiu-Jitsu Gyms (w/ Deon...

Fighting Matters ·

2026/01/23

Racism, extremism, and exclusion aren’t abstract problems in martial arts. They show up in real gyms, affect real people, and shape who feels safe on the mats. In this episode of Fighting Matters, hosts Mike Mahaffey and Jesse Walker are joined by Deon Thompson and Stephen Hall for a candid, deeply personal conversation about how racism and hate groups intersect with Jiu-Jitsu culture, why “staying neutral” is not an option, and what responsibility coaches carry when they teach people how to ...

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69:26

This moment feels like the 1930s

Fighting Matters ·

2026/01/18

In this episode of Fighting Matters, Steve Kwan and Stephan Kesting unpack the political chaos of early 2026 and its real-world consequences for martial artists. From international instability and economic shocks to propaganda, media capture, and rising authoritarianism, they discuss why “keeping politics out of jiu-jitsu” is no longer possible... and what individuals can actually do in moments like this. 🔗 Links Mentioned: • Fighting Matters Linktree — https://linktr.ee/fightingmatters •

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2:59

We Must Never Forget January 6th. — Jeff Shaw,...

Fighting Matters ·

2026/01/07

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60:30

BJJ's Best and Worst of 2025

Fighting Matters ·

2025/12/30

This episode of Fighting Matters closes out the year with a no-holds-barred look at Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu in 2025. The hosts break down the biggest wins, deepest disappointments, and most important moments that shaped the sport—on and off the mats. From cultural flashpoints to genuine bright spots, this is BJJ’s year in review, warts and all. 🔗 Links Mentioned: • Fighting Matters Linktree — https://linktr.ee/fightingmatters • Fighting Matters Substack — https://fightingmatters.substack.com ⸻

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57:25

The relentless bullying of trans athletes

Fighting Matters ·

2025/12/18

In this episode of the Fighting Matters podcast, hosts Steve Kwan, Mike Mahaffey, and Jesse Walker confront the relentless bullying and scapegoating of transgender athletes, especially within combat sports. They unpack how bad-faith arguments, misinformation, and moral panic have turned a tiny minority into a political and cultural punching bag, and discuss what gym owners, coaches, and training partners can do to create safer, more inclusive spaces. 🔗 Links Mentioned: • Fighting Matters

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82:00

The True Villain in The Boys (And It's Not Who You...

Fighting Matters ·

2025/12/13

The Fighting Matters crew is joined by Shaun Benson from The Boys to talk about about the show and how it relates to the state of the world right now. Along the way we explore the blurring of lines between credible information and disinformation, the rise of Fascism, and the real bad guy responsible for evil in both The Boys and the real world. Follow Shaun on Tiktok https://www.tiktok.com/@shaunybenso and on Instagram https://www.instagram.com/shaunmbenson/

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58:02

Craig Jones trolled his way into the NYT

Fighting Matters ·

2025/12/03

In this episode of Fighting Matters, Steve Kwan and Jesse Walker talk with writer Adrian Nathan West about his New York Times piece on Craig Jones, exploring how trolling, politics, and culture collide in modern Jiu-Jitsu. 🔗 Links Mentioned: • The NYT Article — https://nyti.ms/3Y1N6oz • Nate West’s Website — https://anathanwest.com • The Baffler — https://thebaffler.com ⸻ 👥 Featuring: Steve Kwan — https://bjjmentalmodels.com Jesse Walker — https://roughhandsbjj.com Adrian Nathan West —

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63:52

How bad BJJ coaches trap you with rank

Fighting Matters ·

2025/11/27

In this episode of the Fighting Matters podcast, hosts Steve Kwan, Stephan Kesting, and Jesse Walker break down how bad BJJ coaches trap students with rank. They explore how belt pressure becomes a tool for fear and control, why some gyms drift into cult-like behavior, and how to spot red flags before you get stuck. 🔗 Links Mentioned: • Grapplearts Black Friday Sale — https://www.grapplearts.com • BJJ Mental Models Premium — https://bjjmentalmodels.com • Rough Hands BJJ —

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68:44

MAGA Needs an Exit Strategy

Fighting Matters ·

2025/11/19

In this episode of the Fighting Matters podcast, hosts Steve Kwan, Mike Mahaffey, and Jesse Walker talk about the recent political shift of Marjorie Taylor Greene (MTG) and her public apology regarding her past rhetoric and actions. They explore the implications of her apology, the need for accountability, and the potential for redemption in politics. 🔗 Links Mentioned: • Fighting Matters Linktree — https://linktree.com/fightingmatters • Fighting Matters Food Drive (direct link) —

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33:34

The UFC Betting Scandal, with Luke Thomas

Fighting Matters ·

2025/11/07

MMA analyst Luke Thomas joins the Fighting Matters crew to discuss fixing fights in the UFC in particular, and MMA in general. We look at which specific type of fighter is being targeted, who might be behind it, and the role of the FBI in investigating the UFC. More Luke Thomas MMA analysis on his YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/lukethomas Luke Thomas gets political: https://www.youtube.com/@LukeThomasGetsPolitical Follow Luke Thomas on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/l...

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54:41

The SNAP & ACA Shutdown Could Choke Jiu-Jitsu Gyms

Fighting Matters ·

2025/11/02

In this episode, Steve Kwan, Jeff Shaw, and Jesse Walker break down how the ongoing SNAP and ACA shutdown could devastate working-class Americans, and why Jiu-Jitsu gyms will be hit especially hard. They unpack how food assistance and healthcare subsidies keep communities afloat, why cutting them is both illegal and economically disastrous, and how martial artists can take action through solidarity, food drives, and conscious spending. 🔗 Links Mentioned: • Fighting Matters Food Drive —

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73:07

Fashion, Fitness, Fighting: How Hate Groups Attract...

Fighting Matters ·

2025/10/31

In this episode, Steve Kwan sits down with journalist Michael Colborne of Bellingcat to expose how far-right movements use aesthetics and martial arts culture to recruit young men. They discuss the origins of the “active club” network, the rise of far-right fashion and fitness subcultures, and how hate groups weaponize masculinity and community to spread extremism. Michael also shares how visual literacy can help parents, coaches, and martial artists identify warning signs and resist radicali...

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85:15

2025 Feels Like a Conspiracy Theory (w/ JimmyTheGiant)

Fighting Matters ·

2025/10/22

In this episode of Fighting Matters, Steve Kwan sits down with UK political video essayist JimmyTheGiant and Truth Collective founder Chris Ingram to unpack how billionaire networks, social media algorithms, and post-truth politics are reshaping democracy across the globe. Links mentioned: • JimmyTheGiant on YouTube — https://www.youtube.com/@JimmyTheGiant • The Truth Collective — https://truthcollective.global • BJJ Mental Models — https://bjjmentalmodels.com ⸻ 👥 Featuring: Steve Kwan —

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