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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
Procedural Memory
Motor Skills
Cognitive Sciences
Learning Strategies
Biomechanics
Everest
Sparring Techniques
Zero-Sum Game
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 monthlyEpisodes440Founded17 years ago
Number of ListenersCategories
WrestlingSports

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Artwork for The Strenuous Life Podcast with Stephan Kesting

Latest Episodes

Josh Peters and Stephan Kesting look at the evolution of effective teaching methods, school culture, risk, cross-training, and why you want your students to become better than you in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu. Follow Josh on Instagram www.instagram... more

Catch wrestling was a brutal method for settling disputes on the American Frontier as well as one of the largest, most respected spectator sports prior to the modern era. In this episode Val Childs - who has been training in catch wrestling since he ... more

AOJ black belt Tom Wortman is a fierce competitor; he won IBJJ Pans, Euros, North Americans and Master Worlds in a single year as a brown belt. He's also a jiu-jitsu gypsy, typically training at a club for 3 to 6 months, then moving thousands of mile... more

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

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Recent Guests

Val Childs
Expert in CATCH Wrestling and its applications
Combat City Catch Wrestling
Episode: 439 - The Real Catch Wrestling and What it Can Teach Jiu-Jitsu, with Val 'The Crippler' Childs
Tom Wortman
Experienced Jiu-Jitsu practitioner and traveler
Episode: 438 - Crafting Your Ideal Jiu-Jitsu Journey, with Tom Wortman
Adam Shoalts
Canadian explorer and author
Author of "Vanished Beyond the Map"
Episode: 437 - Adam Shoalts, Vanished Beyond the Map
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

Host

Stephan Kesting
A lifelong martial artist, Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu black belt, career firefighter, and outdoor enthusiast. Known for his expertise in martial arts, particularly in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, and for leading conversations that challenge individuals to push their limits and explore resilience in various contexts.

Reviews

4.8 out of 5 stars from 682 ratings
  • 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, exciting, enlightening, interesting and exceptionally eellogofusciouhipoppokunurious. enjoyed his Perseverance adventure.

    Going thru list from oldest to newest. Thank you, Stephan.

    Apple Podcasts
    5
    Apollo Kidlat
    United States2 months ago
  • 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
    Finland6 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

Listeners Say

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

The blend of martial arts discussion with life lessons resonates well, attracting those who value personal development.
Overall, there is a strong sense of community and support among listeners who appreciate the host's genuine approach and expertise.
Listeners appreciate the wealth of knowledge and practical insights shared, especially regarding Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu training and resilience concepts.
While many commend the high-quality guests and engaging conversations, some find occasional political commentary off-putting.

Chart Rankings

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

Apple Podcasts
#151
Canada/Sports/Wrestling
Apple Podcasts
#170
United Kingdom/Sports/Wrestling
Apple Podcasts
#33
Germany/Sports/Wrestling
Apple Podcasts
#76
Italy/Sports/Wrestling
Apple Podcasts
#90
France/Sports/Wrestling
Apple Podcasts
#182
Australia/Sports/Wrestling

Talking Points

Recent interactions between the hosts and their guests.

437 - Adam Shoalts, Vanished Beyond the Map
Q: How do you make decisions about whether to continue on a journey in the wilderness, especially in terms of safety?
My philosophy is to finish what I start, but I always prioritize safety and err on the side of caution, assessing conditions carefully before deciding to proceed or find alternatives.
437 - Adam Shoalts, Vanished Beyond the Map
Q: What insights do you have about what drove Hubert Darrell to do these extraordinary long-distance solo expeditions across the ice?
Darrell was driven by a deep love for the wilderness and a desire for autonomy. He fell in love with the call of the wild during his adventures in the Yukon during the gold rush, which inspired him to wander extensively across the Arctic.
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.

Audience Metrics

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Frequently Asked Questions About This Podcast

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

The content predominantly revolves around Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, martial arts, and the principles of endurance, resilience, and exploration. Conversations frequently delve into training techniques, mental health in sports, and the cultural implications of martial arts. Unique insights from various guests, including athletes, coaches, and psychologists, offer listeners diverse perspectives on overcoming personal and physical challenges. The podcast stands out for its discussions that bridge martial arts with broader life lessons, often integrating outdoor adventures with themes of personal growth and mental toughness, appealing to those interested in both physical and psychological aspects of training and competition.

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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. The BJJ Fanatics Podcast
3. I Suck At Jiu Jitsu Show
4. The Chewjitsu Podcast
5. Bulletproof For BJJ Podcast

How many episodes of this podcast are there?

this podcast launched 17 years ago and published 440 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. Val Childs
2. Tom Wortman
3. Adam Shoalts
4. Steve Kwan
5. Beatrice Jin
6. Alicia Reitz
7. Chris Duffin
8. Mike McCastle

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