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Artwork for The Strenuous Life Podcast with Stephan Kesting

The Strenuous Life Podcast with Stephan Kesting

Stephan Kesting
Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu
Training Methodology
Biomechanics
Learning Strategies
Cognitive Sciences
Motor Skills
Procedural Memory
Everest
Zero-Sum Game
Sparring Techniques
Historical European Martial Arts
Jiu-Jitsu
MMA
Solo Climbing
Mountaineering
Eco-Adjacent Training
Winter Climbing
Avalanche
Bareknuckle Boxing
Training Camps

What is it that allows some people to push themselves beyond their limitations? Why can some people survive situations others do not? On this podcast we try to find out the answers. Stephan Kesting, is a lifelong martial artist, BJJ black belt, career firefighter, and outdoorsman. Join us as he talks to fighters, adventurers, competitors, coaches, firefighters, trainers and other people living the... more

PublishesTwice monthlyEpisodes437Founded16 years ago
Number of ListenersCategories
SportsWrestling

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Artwork for The Strenuous Life Podcast with Stephan Kesting

Latest Episodes

Canoeist and author Adam Shoalts on the mindset that drives individuals to seek adventure, and the importance of safety and decision-making in the wilderness. We also dive into the mysterious disappearance of the greatest explorer you've never heard ... more

Today the tables get turned and I end up on the other end of the microphone as Steve Kwan from BJJ Mental Models picks my brain about the huge benefits that arise to treating your jiu-jitsu submissions as positions first, and submissions second.

I ... more

Renowned BJJ blackbelt Roy Dean came onto The Strenuous Life Podcast to talk about his research into how BJJ got started in North America, martial arts culture in Japan, the power of Judo in self defense situations, the importance of role models in s... more

Beatrice Jin shares the competition strategies that have allowed her to become the American National adult black belt middleweight champion and one of the top ranked black belts in the world.

From guard pulls to sweeps to takedowns to pin escapes ... more

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Recent Guests

Steve Kwan
Host of BJJ Mental Models Podcast
BJJ Mental Models
Episode: 436 - How Training Your Submissions as Positions Takes Your Game to the Next Level, with Steve Kwan from BJJ Mental Models
Beatrice Jin
A Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu competitor and educator known as Berimbozo.
Kogaion Academy
Episode: 434 - High-Percentage BJJ Competition Strategies with Beatrice 'Berimbozo' Jin
Alicia Reitz
Coach and advocate for women in martial arts
Episode: 433 - How Jiu-Jitsu Builds an Unshakeable Self Confidence, with Alicia Reitz
Chris Duffin
World record-breaking powerlifter and expert in hybrid training.
Kabuki Strength
Episode: 430 - Hybrid Training 2: The Science of Strength, Power and Endurance with Chris Duffin
Mike McCastle
A renowned strength and endurance athlete, world record holder
Episode: 429 - Hybrid Training 1: Peaking for Power, Endurance, and Mental Strength with Mike McCastle
Tom Callos
Veteran martial artist and influential figure in martial arts business.
Episode: 428 - Tom Callos, A Black Belt and Gentleman
Dr. Haley Perlis
A sports psychologist and coach who helps athletes overcome performance anxiety.
Episode: 427 - Overcoming Doubt and Anxiety in Competition, with Sports Psychologist Haley Perlis
Rob Biernacki
BJJ practitioner and instructor
Island Top Team, BJJ Concepts
Episode: 425 - Optimal BJJ Competition Mindset, with Rob Biernacki
Bryan Rumble
Clinical epidemiologist and Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu instructor
Rumble Academy
Episode: 423 - BJJ, Science, and D&D with Bryan Rumble

Host

Stephan Kesting
Stephan Kesting is known for his expertise in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu as a black belt, extensive background in martial arts, and role as a career firefighter. He leverages his experiences in both sports and challenging outdoor environments to inspire and educate his audience.

Reviews

4.8 out of 5 stars from 679 ratings
  • Great oldtimer

    I really like Stephan! I’ve been watching his videos for an eternity, since doing karate and dabbling in BJJ (now only BJJ). He has great long term perspective.

    I also really like his other topics, as I’m also an outdoor person.

    At soon 40 there’s more to life than BJJ, family first, strength training to hold up and backpacking for the mind.

    Apple Podcasts
    5
    SandstromDJ
    Finland4 months ago
  • Big fan boy of Kesting

    Good find and enjoying this podcast concerning BJJ, FMA, comic books, martial

    Arts. Great guests, topics and insights. Entertaining, educational. Non political, informative, interesting and lively. Going thru list from oldest to newest. Thank you, Stephan.

    Apple Podcasts
    5
    Apollo Kidlat
    United Statesa year ago
  • Koral- worthy

    Stephan deserves high praise for producing really great content, making it available to all, and being well informed on public health and science. Plus he’s a rugged outdoorsman who doesn’t shill supplements!

    Apple Podcasts
    5
    DMillstein
    United Statesa year ago
  • Intelligent and Thoughtful

    One of my favourite podcasts as a BJJ and a scientist. The host is intelligent and is able to articulate concepts and ideas easily, so that they make sense without any visual content. We are spoilt with good BJJ podcasts. It’s a golden age. But Strenuous Life is one of the best. Highly recommended

    Apple Podcasts
    5
    FreeBornAde
    United Kingdom2 years ago
  • Talk about a diverse portfolio!

    Came for the bjj content stayed for the outdoor adventure, medical, and conspiracy busting interviews.

    A must listen when the episodes pop.

    Apple Podcasts
    5
    ktc sd van
    United States2 years ago

Listeners Say

Key themes from listener reviews, highlighting what works and what could be improved about the show.

Some feedback notes discomfort with political discussions that occasionally surface, suggesting a desire for a focus on core topics of interest, such as personal growth and martial arts.
Listeners appreciate the depth of knowledge shared by guests and the valuable insights on mental resilience and training.
Many praise the engaging storytelling approach of the host, blending martial arts with broader life lessons.

Chart Rankings

How this podcast ranks in the Apple Podcasts, Spotify and YouTube charts.

Apple Podcasts
#74
United States/Sports/Wrestling
Apple Podcasts
#54
Canada/Sports/Wrestling
Apple Podcasts
#115
United Kingdom/Sports/Wrestling
Apple Podcasts
#17
France/Sports/Wrestling
Apple Podcasts
#45
Italy/Sports/Wrestling
Apple Podcasts
#56
Germany/Sports/Wrestling

Talking Points

Recent interactions between the hosts and their guests.

433 - How Jiu-Jitsu Builds an Unshakeable Self Confidence, with Alicia Reitz
Q: Why do you think the Jiu-Jitsu course became popular among teenage girls?
Alicia marketed the course as a self-defense program, creating an inclusive environment where no one needed to be an athlete, building a strong sense of community and confidence for the girls.
433 - How Jiu-Jitsu Builds an Unshakeable Self Confidence, with Alicia Reitz
Q: What inspired you to start rolling around on the ground with people wearing pajamas?
Alicia's journey into Jiu-Jitsu was sparked by a desire to find an outlet that relied on leverage and technique instead of brute strength.
430 - Hybrid Training 2: The Science of Strength, Power and Endurance with Chris Duffin
Q: Which do you do first, weight training or cardio?
It's okay to do either, but I prefer to do strength training first for better adaptation.
427 - Overcoming Doubt and Anxiety in Competition, with Sports Psychologist Haley Perlis
Q: Can you distinguish between eustress and distress?
Distress is debilitating stress that makes you want to flee, while eustress is good stress that helps you thrive.
427 - Overcoming Doubt and Anxiety in Competition, with Sports Psychologist Haley Perlis
Q: Can you give me an example of how those values can help bring them out of that funk?
Values help us focus on our strengths and actions that align with them, pulling us out of negative spirals.

Audience Metrics

Listeners, social reach, demographics and more for this podcast.

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Frequently Asked Questions About This Podcast

What is This Podcast about and what kind of topics does it cover?

Content primarily revolves around themes of personal development, mental resilience, and the challenges faced by athletes and adventurers. Frequent topics include various martial arts disciplines, especially Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu (BJJ), along with discussions on strength training, overcoming mental barriers in competition, and adapting training techniques as practitioners age. The podcast stands out for its diverse array of guests, ranging from sports psychologists and seasoned martial arts instructors to adventurers who share their experiences in extreme environments, making it a well-rounded source of inspiration and practical advice for listeners interested in pushing their limits across multiple domains. Unique elements include Stephan Ke... more

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Which podcasts are similar to this podcast?

These podcasts share a similar audience with this podcast:

1. BJJ Mental Models
2. Bulletproof For BJJ Podcast
3. The BJJ Fanatics Podcast
4. The Chewjitsu Podcast
5. The Simple Man Podcast

How many episodes of this podcast are there?

this podcast launched 16 years ago and published 437 episodes to date. You can find more information about this podcast including rankings, audience demographics and engagement in our podcast database.

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What guests have appeared on this podcast?

Recent guests on this podcast include:

1. Steve Kwan
2. Beatrice Jin
3. Alicia Reitz
4. Chris Duffin
5. Mike McCastle
6. Tom Callos
7. Dr. Haley Perlis
8. Rob Biernacki

To view more recent guests and their details, simply upgrade your Rephonic account. You'll also get access to a typical guest profile to help you decide if the show is worth pitching.

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