The Midlife Mount Podcast

Episode 14: Breaking Grips and Breaking Labels

When midlife women step onto the mats, something shifts. In this episode, we explore how BJJ challenges who we thought we were — and helps us uncover who we’re becoming. Maybe we’re not who we used to be… and maybe that’s a good thing.

Episode 13: The Invisible Load We Roll With

This episode dives into the mental and emotional weight midlife women often carry—family, work, aging—and how it shows up on the mats. We talk about balancing it all, the guilt of taking time for ourselves, and why BJJ can be both a refuge and a mirror.

Episode 12: When the Mats Get Heavy: Navigating Gym Culture in BJJ

We explore how gym culture impacts your BJJ journey—especially for midlife women. From first impressions to red flags, we break down what makes a gym feel welcoming or off-putting, and how to find a space that truly fits your values and goals.

Week 4 Austin Open Check In: Progress, Pressure and Perspective

This week, we’re 8 weeks out from the Austin Open. In this check-in, we talk about the struggle of finding our rhythm — of trying to get into the groove when life keeps throwing curveballs. Training isn’t always perfect, and some weeks feel harder than others. But we’re learning to celebrate the small wins: showing up, hitting a clean rep, choosing rest when we need it. Most of all, we’re practicing grace — giving ourselves room to breathe when the chaos of midlife makes everything feel like too much. If you're in the thick of it too, this episode is your reminder that you’re not alone.

Episode 11: Beyond the Mirror: Body Image and the Midlife Grappler

In this episode, we get real about body image—how it shows up in training, in competition, and in our day-to-day lives as midlife women in BJJ. From self-talk to societal pressure, we’re unpacking the struggle and reclaiming the narrative. This one’s for anyone who’s ever questioned their worth based on the mirror.

Episode 10: It's Not Just in Your Head: Hormones, BJJ and Midlife Shifts

In this episode of The Midlife Mount, we dive deep into the hidden battle many midlife women face on the mats: hormones. From the unpredictable swings of perimenopause to the energy crashes, joint pain, and emotional waves that can hit without warning, we unpack how hormonal changes impact training, mindset, recovery, and competition. We'll share personal stories, practical tips, and expert advice to help you adapt and thrive during this phase. Whether you're feeling stronger than ever or struggling to show up, you're not alone — and there are ways to keep rolling through it.

Austin Check In Week 1

Week One Check-In: The Road to AustinA quick, honest look at the highs, lows, and lessons of week one as we train for the Austin Open. Sore bodies, mindset shifts, and midlife grit—let’s talk about it.

Episode 9: Houston, We Have a Takedown

In this episode of The Midlife Mount, we’re recapping our experience at the Houston Open — the nerves, the wins, the tough moments, and everything in between. 
We’re joined by our badass teammates Chavez and Jessa, who also stepped onto the competition mats and are here to share their stories. From mindset shifts to raw post-match reflections, we get real about what it’s like to compete as midlife women in a young, intense sport.
In this episode:Taking lessons from losses
Celebrating small victories
The power of teammate support
What’s next on our BJJ journey
Whether you’re a seasoned competitor or just BJJ-curious, this episode is packed with heart, honesty, and a few laughs.

Not Too Old, Not Too Late: Building Goals for the Austin Open

In this episode, we dive into the journey to the Austin Open — from setting realistic goals to managing expectations as midlife women in BJJ. We explore how to stay motivated, deal with the mental challenges of competition prep, and celebrate the growth that happens along the way. Tune in for a raw, honest conversation about goals, setbacks, and the grit it takes to show up.

Episode 8: Roll with Respect: Building Strong Coach-Parent-Student Bonds

In this episode, we dive into the essential relationships that shape a positive and productive training environment in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu—coaches, parents, and students. We explore the key do’s and don’ts for setting expectations, fostering effective communication, and ensuring that everyone involved works together to support the student’s growth.
Whether you're a coach striving to create a respectful and encouraging atmosphere, a parent navigating how to best support your child’s journey (whether you train or not), or an adult student looking to your coaches for guidance, this episode has valuable insights for you.
Join us as we break down the challenges, offer practical solutions, and remind each other that at the end of the day, we’re all in this together—learning, growing, and rolling with respect.