Stacked Keys Podcast
The idea to talk to women who are out there living and making a difference is where the Stacked Keys Podcast was born. There are women who make a difference, but never make a wave while paddling through life. Immediately I can think of a dozen or more who impacted me, but I want more. I want to talk to those I don't know and I want to share with an audience that might need the inspiration to find their own beat. This podcast is to feature women who are impressive in the work world-- or in raising a family -- or who have hobbies that can make us all be encouraged. Want to hear what makes these women passionate and get up in the morning or what they wish they had known earlier in life? Grab your keys and STOMP to your own drum.
Stacked Keys Podcast
Episode 256 -- Lauren Barone -- When A Hobby Turns Into A Legacy
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A jiu jitsu hobby can change your fitness, your confidence, and your friend group, but buying a pro grappling franchise is a different level of commitment. We’re sitting down with Lauren Barone, the force behind the Philadelphia Phenoms and the first female franchise owner in the Pro Grappling Federation (PGF), to talk about what it really looks like to build a team inside a fast-growing submission grappling league.
Lauren takes us from her early love of martial arts to finding Brazilian jiu jitsu as an adult, then jumping into the deep end of combat sports entrepreneurship. We get into why the PGF rule set pushes constant action, how the league is expanding, and what “success” means when you’re building something season by season instead of chasing overnight wins. She also shares the part most people never see: wearing nine or ten hats across marketing, contracts, sponsorships, budgeting, and athlete communication while still showing up calm on camera.
We also talk athlete support and leadership in practical terms, from covering six weeks of Airbnb housing and rental cars to team meals, uniforms, gym access, and recovery perks. And because this is combat sports, we don’t skip the hard stuff: fear, uncertainty, injuries, and how you protect your heart while still caring deeply about the people you’re backing.
If you’ve been curious about the PGF, women in sports leadership, or the business side of jiu jitsu, hit play and come hang with us. Subscribe, share this with a friend who loves grappling, and leave a review so more people can find the show.
Music "STOMP" used by permission of artist Donica Knight Holdman and Jim Huff
Welcome And Who Lauren Is
SPEAKER_01Welcome to Stacked Keys Podcast. I'm your host, Amy Stackhouse. This is a podcast to feature women who are impressive in the work world or in raising a family or who have hobbies that make us all feel encouraged. Wanna hear what makes these women passionate to get up in the morning, or what maybe they wish they'd known a little bit earlier in their lives? Grab your keys and stomp to your own drum.
SPEAKER_04Whatever you do, it ain't nothing on me.
SPEAKER_01Well, I am super excited. We have a guest today that I cannot wait to dig in, find out more about her, find out more about what makes her tick, and just really bring the audience right along with us. Welcome, Lauren Barone. Welcome, Lauren.
SPEAKER_00Hi, Amy. Thanks so much for the invite. Um, it's truly wonderful to connect with you on this podcast. Uh, looking forward to it.
SPEAKER_01Oh, I'm excited, and we've got so much to talk about. And I know that you're actually in one of the busiest parts probably of your um time with what you're involved in. And we're gonna jump straight in. Tell the audience who you are, Lauren, both personally and professionally.
Joining PGF As Franchise Owner
SPEAKER_00Absolutely. So deep at heart, I am a fan of martial arts since childhood. Um, when I was about eight years old, um, my mom put me in taekwondo, and I was a huge fan of ninja turtles, and I like to watch wrestling entertainment on TV. Um, so those building blocks helped shaped the foundation of my love for martial arts. Uh, fast forward to adulthood, um, I started watching Hoyce Gracie on uh his old matches, and I was so inspired by him, like the way he moved with his technique and how precise he was. I was really motivated uh to try to do what he was doing and come to find out he was doing high-level jujitsu. And so that motivated me to uh start taking jujitsu classes. I actually joined with my husband a little over uh three years ago and have been training ever since and haven't looked back. Um professionally, I'm seguing into like from being a hobbyist um into a business owner now. So I had been watching the PGF with my husband for a while. Um, he was kind of like, hey, look at this. This is interesting. And I started watching the episodes and I couldn't get enough of it. I was like, the way they are doing this rule set, it's something that hasn't been done before. It's like constant action. Um, those athletes want to try hard to go for those submissions and they're incentivized for it. And if they're not uh going for the submissions, then they can get a timidity call um and have the shot clock thrown on them. So I I really thought that that that set the PGF apart from all their promotions, that and the kind of premium atmosphere surrounding it. Uh so you know the wheels started turning in my head. I was like, I would absolutely love to be a part of this league in some capacity. And I began talking with Commissioner Brandon McCatherine. And so the next thing I know, I'm on a plane to Vegas. And then one evening I'm sitting on one of those beautiful white couches uh in the VIP area watching this event unfold in front of me live. And I'm like, wow, I I knew right then and there that I 100% wanted to be part of the PGF. And it turns out that I could uh purchase my own franchise. So that's exactly what I did in August of 2025. And then came the fun part. I got to name it. Um, as you can see on my t-shirt, it says Philadelphia Phenoms. Um, I like all things sci-fi. So it was a perfect uh fit for me. Um so it was really nice how what started out as a hobby um kind of paved the way for a career for me.
Confidence And Redefining Success
SPEAKER_01Wow. That that's kind of a buckle your seatbelt and get ready to go because you you had moments as a childhood that shaped you to what you are today, but um but a lot of what you're involved in is not necessarily the path of the path of a woman. It's a very male-dominated sport. It is terribly exciting, but how did you get that confidence that I can play here?
SPEAKER_00Absolutely. Um I feel like throughout my life, I have typically been that type of person who sets out to carve their own path. Um and if that involves me being a pioneer, uh stepping outside of that box, going where others have not gone before, that's that's something that totally fits me. Um I did Airbnb over a decade ago. I started doing that. And at that time where I was living, there were hardly any in my area of the state. So I was kind of used to just doing my own thing and having that drive and ambition and entrepreneurial spirit um carried with me. And so I knew that I could take that experience and motivation and apply it to being the first female franchise owner within the PGF. And yeah, I haven't looked back and I'm really feeling fortunate to uh participate in this role.
SPEAKER_01Yeah, yeah, definitely. So through time, has your definition of success changed? I mean, from what you thought when you were, you know, kind of blazing the trail in the Airbnb world, um, have you seen success evolve for you?
SPEAKER_00For sure. Um, I think that success can look like different things. And I think for success to be possible, there has to be progress in what you're doing. And success is definitely not overnight. There's a lot of trial and error. Um, there's no sugarcoating that. Um it takes a lot of dedication. And I think first and foremost, the most important thing applicable to success is that you're doing something you are truly invested in as a person. Um, for instance, I I wouldn't be involved in a sport that I wasn't heavily invested in. Um, I do jujitsu myself. And even though I'm a casual grappler, um, I still watch it, I still uh train regularly, I still compete. And so I carry that with me into the business side of things because it helps me be more knowledgeable um about that side of combat sports. And I I can use all of the things that I'm learning on the way, along the way, uh, to help my franchise. And as far as being successful, um I just purchased my franchise last August. And I think that it will be a long road of persistence and consistency. Uh but I I do see rewards in the future for that. And at heart, um, I love creating opportunities for these athletes and seeing them thrive.
SPEAKER_01Yeah, I mean, that there's so much to it. I mean, owning the team, um some sports you you don't ever really see the owners. I mean, they might be up in a box or something, and and you don't really see them, but you're seeing these guys day in and day out during the season. And um, and it shapes kind of the whole relationship and the whole demeanor of the team. Have there been any surprises in that for you? Have have you had to protect your heart a little bit along the way?
Supporting Athletes With Real Perks
SPEAKER_00It's it's definitely easy to get heavily invested in um, you know, wanting these athletes to thrive and be successful. Um one of the ways that I as an owner help these athletes out is we cover the entire six weeks of their Airbnb stay while they're participating as a Philadelphia Phenom in the PGF throughout season nine. Um, we also cover their rental car. Uh, we do weekly team dinners or lunches. Um they have team uniforms and we just got some team jackets to kind of boost morale a bit. Um, you know, on the flip side of the coin, it is a combat sport. So you're putting your body through a lot in training. And I feel that as an owner, if I can offer those supportive measures that I mentioned, um, it truly goes a long way. And, you know, I offer an ear to listen um therapeutically when needed. And I I try to be present uh for those athletes when I'm needed.
SPEAKER_01Yeah, that's tough. I mean, all of a sudden you're in this, and and it's kind of even hard to know what you were in. Of, you know, there is no formula of, hey, here's how much it's been costing. Um, because it was kind of a bootstrap operation and growing. So you're you're kind of well, this is the second season of owners.
Building A New League Culture
SPEAKER_00Um the PGF started in 2020. So yeah, you're you're right. It is still relatively a newer um league. I like to think of it in the early days of the NFL. Like we are growing our fan base and expanding the franchises. Um, the Las Vegas Kings were the very first franchise, followed by the Alabama Twisters. And then my franchise, uh the Philadelphia Phenoms came along. And then a few several months later, um, the Colorado Wolverines, and then just on Wednesday, they announced the St. Louis Outlaws. So it's been wonderful to see, even in the short time since my franchise joined the league, to see how the league has expanded already. And that just goes to show that so many people are already um supporting the PGF and they like what we're all doing. And that is truly amazing. What we're building is something lasting.
SPEAKER_01Yeah, yeah. It's not, it it didn't happen overnight, and so it's got some bones to it that um that everybody wants to see it continue um and grow. So you really had to learn as you're going. Have you felt like you were underestimated? I mean, they're like, who is this little blonde woman that's showing up here? And you know, who is she? So did you feel a little underestimated? And you're like, no, I'm here.
SPEAKER_00I I'm sure that there could have been uh people who might underestimate me. However, you know, I I knew full well when going into the female franchise ownership that there was a possibility that there could be pushback or questions, but on the other side of that, there has been like a ton of support. Like we we love what you're doing, and you know, keep doing your thing. And those words of encouragement surpass any form of critique. And that is what I try to focus on the most because like support from other people, like it means the world to me. And I try to stay rooted in the gratitude of those kind words, um and and focus more on that because I think that that sort of positivity, like I can pay it forward to other people as well. Like if I'm I'm seeing another uh woman-owned business out there, that that also motivates me uh to support others.
SPEAKER_01Yeah, yeah. Well, I mean, which kind of leads me right into this. This may we might be talking about jujitsu, but one of the classic comments from jujitsu artists is that it translates into every aspect of life. So do you find that? Do you find that um there are a lot of jiu-jitsu kind of redefines your relationship with strength and what you have happening on and off the map?
SPEAKER_00Yeah, um, it's great that you mentioned that because there were a multitude of reasons uh why I started jujitsu in the first place. Um, not only did I admire watching Hoist Gracie's old matches, but I wanted to lose uh some weight. Um, and then I wanted to learn some self-defense skills. And so you've got all of those things, and you know, not only staying active, but you're achieving things over time, like having the ability to compete, um, you know, gaining ranks at appropriate timing. It's it's like a perfect culmination of different factors that elevate me as a person and instill more discipline in me. Um, having an accountability partner in my husband, that certainly helped motivate me. Um, he's also a competitor. He does uh he does well. I'm proud of him. Um, you know, he and I are by no means um pros at a competition level, but we love to do competitions, we love to train, and I think that carrying that with us has definitely helped uh with the business side of things and helping shape the culture of our franchise.
Wearing Many Hats Behind Camera
SPEAKER_01Yeah. Well, and you talk about um some of the goals and some of the things that it's helped you accomplish, but Lauren, you seem to have it so together. And it's like, I think I'm gonna do this, I will. Have there been anything, aspects in your life, any boulders that you're like slamming up against constantly? And it's like, I gotta get over this, I gotta get around this through it. I mean, has has it has life just been peachy for Lauren, or have you really had to work through some things at times?
SPEAKER_00Yeah, so what you see right now, um, you know, I'm put together as an owner. When what you see in front of the cameras on Wednesday nights, I'm put together as an owner, but in reality, there is a very um candid behind the scenes uh series of actions going on, and that's me wearing nine or ten different hats. You know, I do a lot of uh social media for my team, I do a lot of marketing. Um, I help make contracts. Um I communicate regularly with the athletes as well as uh my staff. Um, I'm working uh on certain things with my husband. I'm planning future events like seminars and tournaments. I'm also uh trying to network and uh find the right partnership and sponsorship fits for my team. Um, there's also merchandising, budgeting, and so many things that go along. So while I've here I've here put together on camera, um there is so much uh work that goes into it. However, it is a labor of love. It's a path that I chose, and if I could choose it again, I I would choose it every single time. I I love what I do.
SPEAKER_01Yeah, it comes through, it's apparent. Well, I'm I have kind of the creative background and the the marketing and the English major kind of thing, but you've got both, it sounds like, from the the marketing background to the math side to the money side to the calculations, and everything you talked about cost money. How does that not keep Lauren up at night?
SPEAKER_00It is certainly something that we think about and prioritize, however, um what goes into it is a lot of planning, like pre-season, a lot of these things are worked out, like say I'll have a budget, and within that budget uh will be a cost of the Airbnb, will be a cost for the athletes' car, the rental cars, uh, for myself and the athletes, uh, for my own Airbnb, um, the salaries and uh budgeted bonuses, if there are any um team dinners, uh things like that. So there there are a lot of factors uh going into that budget. Um, with it being my very first year as a franchise owner participating in PGF season nine, um, you know, that doesn't Doesn't always go a hundred percent uh you know by the budget. However, you know, I learned those lessons and I will take that with me going into future seasons to try to make uh adjustments um that are best for the franchise.
Budgeting, Fear, And Injuries
SPEAKER_01Yeah. How do you handle fear? You know, sometimes fear can just be so in your track stopping. How do you handle handle it? How do you approach fearful situations or or thoughts?
SPEAKER_00That that definitely is a real thing. And sometimes for me as a business owner, that could even translate into being a little anxious or uncertain about things. Um internally, I feel like if there's a situation that I cannot control, um I won't put all of my time and energy into worrying about it. Um I will try to focus on the good. It, you know, it doesn't always happen that way 100% of the time, but I've learned to focus it on the positive things. Um, but yeah, being in the world of combat sports as a female franchise owner, there are a world of uncertainties. I mean, you know, it could be anything all the way down to like, you don't know how your team is gonna do for the season. And take, for instance, uh, this most recent uh Wednesday night, I had um our first player that was ever assigned to the team, Andrew Cockle. He sustained uh an elbow injury. And, you know, it broke my heart a little bit to see how hard he had worked um and how far he had come, and him being in the top eight, and uh, you know, very close to maintaining that individual player uh playoff spot. So I hated to see him injured, but I knew that the right thing to do was prioritize his health. And um what that looked like for him is he wanted to go back and see his doctor, as he said in the interview. So we made sure to get him uh make sure he was getting home uh safely and told him to stay in touch. And you know, there there's uncertainty that goes along with that because uh you you hate to see anyone injured, but uh I know that he'll be taken care of and he'll keep us updated, and we greatly appreciate everything he's done, the work he's put in, and he's he's just proven to be a fantastic uh first athlete. We hope to see him again in the future.
Leadership, Vegas, And Team Standards
SPEAKER_01Oh yeah. Yeah, we all do. Yeah, that was painful to to see happen. And um, and the other aspect of that is he kind of passed the torch to the younger ones, and he's like, Y'all got this, y'all got this. Oh yeah, I didn't realize how old he was. Um, but I I don't realize how old these little boys are. I'm just kind of like, you know, even even Isaac, I'm like, late 30s, really? So um it just kind of you just age with them, I guess. But um, but yeah, and I mean you have to deal with some of these uncertainties that happen with athletes. Um, and sometimes you have to be the bad guy or the deliverer of bad news, or you know, just some things happen and you have to be ready to shoulder that. So as you came into this, uh you must have had some leadership opportunities throughout your life, or you really went to the wolves in a hurry. So, what kind of leadership or or people did you have that mentored you to know how to lead?
SPEAKER_00Um growing up, I was mostly raised by my dad, and he managed a store. So I feel like some of that leadership rubbed off on me at an early age, and I was kind of uh conditioned for that a little bit. Um, I I also worked in that store growing up, and I took those skills and I carried them with me, and I feel like that in some respects shaped me to be an ambitious uh person. So I I want to say around 2008, I got my nursing license and I worked as an LPN for many years, and then I kind of uh did like a hybrid role where I was like doing the entrepreneurial thing with the Airbnbs like owning and hosting and doing a little bit of nursing here and there on the side. Um so being in that Airbnb ownership and hostess role, that was a leadership role within itself. I didn't have like a lot of staff under me or anything like that, but I was taking charge of navigating through so many different types of situations, like oh the air conditioner broke, for instance, or oh, there's this weird spill, or you know, any number of things could go wrong when you're hosting and owning an Airbnb. Um but as like a creative thinker, that kind of kick-started like my ability to really get in there and problem solve. And that's kind of how I approach this franchise, is I I pull from those skills and experiences that I've had in the past with people and situations, and I found the best way to deal with things is to try to not be reactionary. Like I know I have my facial expressions, and sometimes people can read me like a book when I'm like surprised or you know, a little taken aback or super excited. Um, but like verbally, I will maintain people will notice I will maintain my composure and kind of look to get all the facts uh before I figure out how to problem solve or opportunity solve.
SPEAKER_01Yeah. Well, that's interesting. That's both opportunity or problem. Um, and sometimes they can be one and the same term. Well, you know, it's interesting because as you have these teams and you get, you know, close to them, you have opportunities to kind of pour into them. And some of these, some of these guys are young, some of them are older, but this is kind of their first break of kind of getting out there, and and it's like that that idea of fame and fortune, and there's not a whole lot of fortune in jujitsu um yet, um, but that can go to the head very quickly, and you're in Vegas, and so you have these guys that could go wild in Vegas, but you don't see a lot of that, you don't see that happening. What's your take on that? Of of how that influence is and what you can do.
SPEAKER_00I think that you're right, it's certainly a possibility because we are in Las Vegas. Not only is it the fight capital, but it's also one of the entertainment capitals. You know, there's bright lights, there's all kinds of events and things to do. And, you know, there's always a possibility that uh people can go choose to have fun or party. And I think that at the end of the day, there's an expectation that we are all adults and can be responsible for our own actions, for our own selves. And um the guys on my team specifically, they know that they're here to compete and to train regularly and uh, you know, to make weight, um, but they're certainly free, you know, if they want to go do certain events or something like, for instance, I went and checked out a show at the win last year. I was I was here on business, but as long as there's a balance and no one's out doing anything um illegal and we're kind of putting our best pa faces forward for the franchise, um that that's what my expectations are for sure.
SPEAKER_01Yeah, yeah, and that uh you're right. I mean, everybody's worked so hard to get to this point that that's um they haven't landed here by accident, and that probably has has a great deal to do with it as well. Um now in the sport and in the life that you're involved in, how do you reconcile being both kind and gentle and physically powerful? Because I mean they're these your athletes are exploding on the the mat, and then and at night they're having and I mean by exploding I mean their their athleticism. Um and then they've usually got three or more competitions within a night.
SPEAKER_00Yeah, um, absolutely. It is around three competitions in a night. Um, structural hierarchy is um definitely a thing for the Philadelphia Phenoms. Um what do you mean by that? We have myself as the owner, and then we have my husband who functions more in a CFO role, and then we have Stephen Aiken, who's our general manager. So, like maintaining order through that hierarchy, like if someone has an issue, uh, they'll go to Steven, or if Steven needs to address something with one of the athletes, that will usually be carried out uh through him. And then if Steven or my husband isn't available, um, I of course will be available to address anything that needs to be addressed. And you're absolutely right. Um, it's not, you know, you you can be the good guy or the bad guy sometimes, depending on the situation, because you know, it is combat sports, emotions run high. Um, at the end of the day, we want to be a franchise that is a family-friendly environment. Like we we want people of all ages to be able to go on their TV, to go on YouTube or live stream on kick, uh, anywhere from little sister or little brother to grandma and grandpa, and every age in between. We we want to them to feel welcome as a viewer, as a fan.
SPEAKER_01Yeah, yeah. Now, did you know these athletes? Did you know some of the names? Did you know Steven? I mean, I know you probably came across him in the first um seasons that you started watching, but were these relationships that you had prior?
SPEAKER_00With my very first signed athlete, Andrew Cockle, I had trained with him at the gym. I attend at 10th Planet, Reading, Pennsylvania, because he trains there sometimes. And between my husband and I, we noticed his talent and fostered a friendship with him. And he's highly respected on the East Coast. And we knew that he would be a wonderful fit for our team. We consulted with different black belts who are more knowledgeable in technique than we are. Um, and I think to see him go out there and participate on the big stage in the PGF, it was like coming full circle where we we just knew he would be a good fit. And then he was doing amazing, you know, he was in the top eight uh all the way up until his injury. Um, so we we certainly wish him well, a smooth road of recovery. Um, but as far as other people, I met Stephen Aiken um last summer uh when I purchased my franchise. So I I kind of knew him casually and got to know him a bit better. Um, he was at the PGF owner summit uh last, I believe it was last November in Alabama. So I got to network and talk to him more and find out what it you know a great person he is and the wealth of knowledge he brought uh to the franchise because he has been a gym owner, an athlete himself, and he's been with the PGF for many years. Since the beginning, yeah. Oh, yeah. So I knew bringing someone like that on board with all of those accolades and all the experience, it would be a perfect fit. And it it was definitely a great move. And we're we're looking forward to the future now as the season ends. Uh, with respect to the rest of the guys, um, Sean Melanson, um, I had not met him before, but I knew of his social media presence. Um, we're very proud of him, proud of all the guys, actually. Uh, same with Kyle Chambers, I had known of him, but I hadn't met him. Uh, same with Noah and then um Derek Rayfield, I had met last summer because he had participated in the PGF before. So I actually got to watch him compete. Um, yeah.
SPEAKER_01Yeah, yeah. So it's it sounds like you're really enjoying yourself. Would you say that this is a fun time of life for Lauren?
SPEAKER_00Absolutely. And that's what I try to keep at the forefront of my mind, no matter how busy I am, or how many meetings I have on any given day, or how much I have to do, how long my to-do list gets. Yeah I I try to make it a point to stop and look around. Like I get to do these cool things, and that genuinely fills my heart with gratitude when I take a step back to try to do that daily and say, I I really get to do this. This is pretty cool. I think it's cool.
Grounding Habits And Self Talk
SPEAKER_01It is pretty cool. So let's talk about your daily rituals. I mean, you know, you're when you're in the PGF season, sometimes it's really hard to take care of yourself. Um, so what do you do to make sure that you're staying healthy, that you're staying grounded? Do you have some techniques or some things that you make sure that you incorporate for yourself?
SPEAKER_00Absolutely. Um if there's a situation where I need to really take a step back, where it could be stressful, um, as simple as it sounds, I do practice uh meditation and breathing techniques where I'll just close my eyes for a few minutes and practice box breathing, like holding your breath for a few seconds, then pausing, slow exhale and repeat a few times. And believe it or not, that helps me feel calm and rebalance myself so that um I can approach the situation uh with putting my my best self forward. I also like do detox baths, like you know, use magnesium salts. Um, I go to the gym. Uh besides training jujitsu in a jujitsu gym. Um I bought the guys a gym membership and I'm a member there as well through the end of the season. And I like lifting weights. Uh, so I'll try to get in there once or twice a week, and that that helps reset me as well. Um, I'm also kind of a foodie. I like the food in Las Vegas, I think the food scene is amazing. Okay, I I'm kind of a buffet girl, and I really like the one at the wind and the one at Caesar's Palace. And I'm I'm seeing all these foods that I haven't really seen before. And I'm like taking pictures, I'm doing the touristy things. Oh, um, I'm I'm not really a drinker or a gambler. So the the foodie thing, that's totally Lauren.
SPEAKER_01Yeah, that's funny. Um, Becca, our middle one, um, was doing PGF and was helping Isaac and Keelan there for a little while, um, till she had a baby this year and she didn't get out there. But um, but it was funny. They would like run seven miles to go get vegan donuts and then run back to, you know, with them, and they're like, hey, we've worked off, you know, the donuts. And so I think Isaac's missed having not having her out there because she would do the scouting of what are the things that are around us, but they're but there what wasn't any, I mean, there's a lot of stuff that isn't convenient, and that makes Vegas hard for for you guys. So you've really scouted out looking for the things. I mean, I'm so excited to hear you talk about gym membership. I mean, that these are some perks that weren't there when it first started, and so these guys are getting some things that weren't there. And did they realize that? Did they realize what they're being handed while they're in the season?
SPEAKER_00I I certainly hope so, because there is a lot of budgeting and time and planning and energy that goes along with these perks of providing not only the salary so that they're paid athletes, but their rental car, their Airbnb throughout the whole stay, so they don't have to worry about that. Their weekly team dinner, their uniforms, their jackets, um, any bonuses, you know, and the cherry on top the gym membership. Uh, so there are a lot of things provided to these athletes to help them thrive so that all they literally have to focus on is make sure they're meeting their fitness and nutrition goals and training regularly, staying healthy.
SPEAKER_01Yeah, yeah. And that underscoring staying healthy because they're you know, they may well, most jujitsu athletes do live with a bunch of people, but um, but they're in with people, and so to kind of keep sickness at bay and all of that, you have to be super vigilant. Um, so do you feel like you compete with the other teams in perks, or do y'all kind of all do the same thing, or do you try to, you know, I mean, right now they are on your team, but I mean, it's kind of the reputation of who will you be next season? Who will you be, you know?
SPEAKER_00Oh, yeah, I I think that people definitely talk about which teams are doing various things because that's just human nature. Yeah. Um, there are always going to be teams that provide the most and then There are going to be teams that really need to stay within their budget. But I feel like across the board, what all of us franchises are doing in paying these athletes, make sure making sure at the very least they have a place to stay and some form of transportation to practices and matches, like that's not been done before in this sport. So that in itself is like amazing. And like the gym that the guys have a membership to, not only does it have like, you know, fitness equipment, weightlifting equipment, but it also has a recovery room with like um a cold plunge as well as a sauna. So that's like a perk on top of a perk. But I mean, while our franchise may not provide the most perks, I think overall, if you're an athlete in the PGF, um you're you're at that professional level. And you know, there there are very big advantages to that. And um that's that's truly exceptional to be selected, you know, no matter what franchise you're on.
SPEAKER_01Oh yeah, yeah. I mean, being invited to come to the PGF is is an accomplishment. And then, you know, it it goes beyond that. So do you are you a self-talker? Do you have inner dialogue? Do you wake up and and talk to Lauren?
SPEAKER_00Yeah, I do have inner dialogue. I think when I wake up in the morning, I always have some song stuck in my head. And once the song gets out, it's like me looking at my to-do list and just kind of making mental notes for the day. Um, my my to-do list, I'll have like check marks. It's digital, but there's still like check boxes by it because um I have to be task-driven and um stay stay on point in the position I'm at. Um, but yeah, there's a lot of working dialogue, kind of like a clock with lots of working components. It's it's ticking and turning up there. Sometimes it might be like a hands hamster wheel on the struggle bus, but on the struggle bus, yeah. But there's there's always lots of tasks to do. And me as an ambitious, goal-oriented person, there's gonna be days where I don't feel my best. Like if we came off of a rough night or we had an injury, I might wake up just feeling like you know, concerned or you know, feeling not my best, but if I try to reset myself in the gratitude and remember that it's gonna be okay at the end of the day, I I know I can always make it through.
Tradeoffs, Qualifiers, And Future Growth
SPEAKER_01Yeah, yeah. What have you had to let go of to become who you are?
SPEAKER_00Absolutely. So last year, um, as a jujitsu competitor, I competed probably 10 or 12 times. That has been a huge passion of mine because I used to have a lot of stress associated with competing, um, you know, anxiety. And I made it a point to keep competing so that I could better manage uh those stress levels. And I I've made lots of progress and I've had ambitions to compete a lot this year. However, um that has taken a step back a bit because franchise owner Lauren, that part of me has had to step up and um do what I need to do to steer the ship in the correct direction for the present and the future. Um, so yeah, things like competing um have kind of taken a back seat. That being said, I do still have time to compete. Um I have a couple of super fights planned for this year, but it just looks different than it used to. And I'm I'm like, you know, beginning to accept that I I can't be a hundred percent for both. And um I want to be present for my franchise uh first and foremost. So sometimes there are just not enough hours in the day, but I'm grateful that I still have time to train and do some competitions. It just doesn't look like the same schedule as it used to.
SPEAKER_01Yeah, yeah. The schedule is not quite your own, but at the same time, you're around a lot of people that have, you know, that are known for this or known for that, or they've got this technique, and and you're getting to sit there within breathe on them distance sometimes, and they wind up in your lap, but yeah, I mean, you are right there watching um technique time after time. So, does are you able to translate any of that into your game?
SPEAKER_00For sure. Um I sometimes when watching the PGF from the Phenoms Couch, I'll look at something and be like, wow, I didn't even know that existed. You know, at the end of the day, I'm a bluebelt, even though I'm a business owner, I am like a sponge soaking up the technique and moves. And my style of jujitsu would not be great for the PGF because I'm a slower type, more pressure passer as a heavyweight female competitor. Um, I I absolutely love the PGF rule set uh above anything else. But me as a competitor, it looks a lot different for me. But the great thing about it is it's it's almost like getting advice in live live action time, like being able to watch uh these matches helps sharpen my game. And like, you know, I might ask one of the guys, you know, when we're not on a PGF night, like for advice. Um, hey, how can I improve this? Like this happened at my last tournament, so they're they're good for feedback. And I I think it all around helps my game for sure.
SPEAKER_01Yeah, yeah. I kind of laugh. Sometimes I'm able to say things before Brandon does, and I'm like, Yes, I knew that was gonna happen. I knew they should have done that. I knew that it just you know, just because of watching, just because of seeing, just because of and this past week, you know, I was actually traveling, and so I had it on while I was driving, and I couldn't watch it, but I could hear it. And Brandon did such a phenomenal job of breakdown that I didn't I didn't miss anything. I mean, there was I knew what was coming because I had seen so much of it, and and everybody kind of has their own move, and and you know what they're going to try to do, and that that becomes exciting. What's the most exciting part of this whole industry, this whole experience for you?
SPEAKER_00I think hands down, the actual PGF nights, like watching that live experience, there's so much time and energy and planning that goes into these seasons and the individual uh match evenings, like in front of the scenes, behind the scenes, from the production crew to the athletes, uh, to the staff, um the franchise owners, the people in the PGF, the rest, everyone in between. We all come together to make these events possible. And the league to me is absolutely something magical because it puts on such high-level entertainment that I feel like I haven't seen before in other promotions. It's it's legitimately fun to watch because of the rule set and because of the format and how they have everything stylized. I just absolutely love the aesthetic. And like there's literally nowhere else I'd rather be. That that is the best part and the most fun part. And I can tell you one thing when the season is over, I will be a bit sad because I know I'm gonna miss it in my time in Vegas, but I will always uh start planning for the next one. That's that's the beauty of it. Um, looking to the future and planning for what the next season might hold. But absolutely those nights are so fun.
SPEAKER_01Yeah, yeah. But you blink and the next one's here. I mean, it's kind of like, whoa, I mean, you go back and you do your other part of your life. So are there other aspects of your life that will pick back up while you're still franchise owner and still working, you know, all behind the scenes things that have to happen. Um, is there another part of life that you pick up? And plus, I mean, uh your husband hadn't been out there the whole time, right? Right. So you're kind of dual living. Is that hard?
SPEAKER_00Um with the aspect of me being present in Las Vegas for the entire six weeks, that is not difficult for me because I really enjoy Las Vegas and I see it um as an opportunity to help grow not only my franchise but help grow the sport as well. Um, I do definitely miss my husband and my pets at home, but I talk to him every single day. We communicate extremely well. Um, and I feel like I'm at an age where, you know, I can be fine, you know, at my Airbnb and do my tasks that I need to do. Maybe me 10 years ago would have struggled or have had difficulties with this, but where I'm at currently in life, I I absolutely feel like I'm handling it fine. And I I feel like the time has gone by uh rather quickly. Um, I I happen to love Las Vegas. The heat is not my most favorite thing in the world, but I pretty much love the other aspects of Las Vegas. I I think like it's cool to see the desert, the mountains uh in the background. Um, but yeah, once I'm done with this PGF season and go back to Pennsylvania, um I think that if we look at my time as like a circle, like a pie, um, that chart will probably look different than previous years. There's going to be a bigger slice of the pie, which is my time going to planning future events and uh seminars. And with that, you know, I may have a little less time for training and competing or, you know, other things, but that's okay because I know that certain things are necessary to help uh expand this franchise and help spread the word um to anyone who wants to hear about the PGF or the Philly phenoms.
SPEAKER_01Yeah. Well, you guys also are involved in the qualifiers. So you kind of you'll have your qualifier, but then you know, even if somebody's qualifying somewhere else, they still are are just as apt to be on your team. So it's important that you're kind of watching all of that happen and be at some of it, probably.
SPEAKER_00Oh yeah. Um, our very first event was our PGF qualifying tournament for the Philadelphia Phenoms um at the beginning of this year, and we had that um at Finishers in Bethlehem, Pennsylvania. And so it was right in the middle of a big blizzard. We're talking about 18 inches or so of snow. And I was like uh probably an hour and a half from where I lived where the venue for the event was, and it was I was like in the middle of it, as I suspect many others were. And it I often tell this story, it was a day where literally everything could have gone wrong. But despite that, we had a wonderful turnout of not only competitors that signed up, but coaches and spectators and supporters as well. And it was like literally heartwarming, like the turnout that the jujitsu community um had despite the inclement weather. And I was like, I was so grateful, honestly, because we had the qualifier and we had um a great competitor, Jaden Grohner out of 10th Planet Lombard, win. And um he had a spectacular night. He was drafted by the Colorado Wolverines. He he had a really good night on uh Wednesday night. So um, although I want uh my team to win, it's it's nice kind of seeing uh people succeed, uh you know, that I I've kind of been following along with their story, like if they participated in my qualifier.
SPEAKER_01Yeah. Well, I mean, and that's kind of the whole environment. It's it's kind of weird. I I've always thought this was an odd sport to where you can get out there and absolutely tear each other apart, going for whatever your vulnerability is, and then hug at the end and be great friends. And so it's like what sport does that happen in? So it's kind of kind of fun to watch that. But but there's so many things that happen both in being in the sport and being a franchise owner, being a woman in this. I mean, you already have a place of of differentiation. If you could speak to your younger self, what would you tell her was coming your way and to get ready for it? What do you wish you had known in your early adult years to here you are now?
Authentic Branding And Women’s Grappling
SPEAKER_00I think that the best piece of advice I could give a younger me would be patience. Um, you know, if there's a situation where you're feeling like is very challenging, like don't be reactionary. Let's let the all the facts unfold and everything and put the puzzle pieces together before we react. Um, you know, and it doesn't always have to be a negative situation, it doesn't have to be a negative connotation. That's just to life in general. Be patient and like keep your eyes open for the big picture. Don't don't view things from just one perspective, kind of, kind of gather different opinions and perspectives and then figure it out after you have more knowledge. And I think with age truly comes wisdom as cliche as it sounds, because again, I don't know that a Lauren me 10 years ago could have handled this. I don't know if me five years ago could have handled this, but I feel like so many things aligned and I was placed on this life path um at the perfect timing, and I could not be more grateful.
SPEAKER_01Yeah. You think you'll ever go back to nursing?
SPEAKER_00No, that's that's in the past for me. I will likely keep my license um active, but my my heart is completely in jujitsu, um, helping grow the Philly Phenoms franchise, helping grow the PGF League, and helping grow uh grappling as a sport.
SPEAKER_01Yeah. What does authenticity look like to you?
SPEAKER_00A great example of authenticity to me, um, um, within my own franchise is me applying personal elements. Like you take the name, this Philadelphia Phenoms right here, um, as a girl that likes sci-fi things like classic sci-fi movies, classic sci-fi TV shows, like The Twilight Zone, for instance. I've been a fan of that for many years. I like Rod Serling. I think he was one of the best uh TV hosts out there. Um I applied that to the branding of my franchise. Um, as you see, the alien theme, the UFO theme, that falls under the umbrella of being sci-fi. So I'm hoping that authenticity translate translates to people that are fans of the Philly Phenoms, and you know, they might like some of the same stuff I do.
SPEAKER_01Yeah. Well, what do the guys kind of think of it? They've kind of embraced it, I know. I've seen where they they do a rolling with a phenom character.
SPEAKER_00Um yeah. Um Sean Melanson has done a few videos, and I've seen him uh put on the green alien mask, and I I uh I think a lot of people are entertained by that. Um it's kind of like, oh, you know, we we've embraced um a green alien as like our mascot. Maybe, maybe that's a good idea for the future. I should look into that, like having a costume made and someone donning the green alien to meet and greet and you know, cheer for us. I like it.
SPEAKER_01That's fun. Well, I mean, uh what you're trying to do is is kind of build up that team camaraderie. Um, because even though it's an individual sport, this takes it to a a team sport. Um and the points that they get for themselves translate into points for the team. So it's it's kind of different than what you know being a a jujitsu athlete is typically.
SPEAKER_00Absolutely. Um the top eight scoring guys uh Wednesday night, this coming Wednesday night, they will go into the playoffs, the individual playoffs, um, and they'll crown a winner um at the end of those playoffs. So not only are there team playoffs where the top two teams um will compete, which is currently the Las Vegas Kings and the Alabama Twisters, but those top eight scoring guys, they will be contending for uh uh that number one spot. And um Sean Melanson is in that top eight for us. Um, Andrew was as well, but um he's back home now uh working on his road to healing his arm. So we're really excited to see Sean Melanson and then Derek Rayfield, he is not far out of the top eight. So if he has a great night uh this coming Wednesday, he is certainly um could be a contender in the top eight.
SPEAKER_01Yeah, yeah. Now there was a little bit of controversy this past week where somebody got ejected. And so do you think that that had any bearing on the the athletes of realizing, hey, you know, technicals are gonna get you and you you've got to keep it in line.
SPEAKER_00Absolutely. Um we we definitely don't want anyone interfering or yelling at the referees. Um, certainly. Objections and complaints are valid, but there's a time and a place for everything to be addressed. And that proper avenue would be the coach respectfully requesting a review. Because there's a proper process with the PGF as a professional league. And that that process, yeah, would be for the coach to request a review. So we we definitely want to keep uh the program family friendly and appropriate for uh all ages to watch.
SPEAKER_01Yeah, yeah. And I mean, it's just getting everybody back in check. I mean, it's the emotions start running high. You're about halfway through. And so it it everybody's tired, everybody wants what they want. So it's kind of a a recheck, I guess, of like, hey, pull it back. Um, so do you want to see women show up in the PGF? I know we had some um special competitions along the way, um, but would you kind of go out there on a limb and say, hey, I I want a woman on the team. I want us to kind of go that route, or is that does that have a place?
SPEAKER_00Absolutely. Um, I love that you brought that up. I think it was PGF season two. They tried to do like a women's bracket. They did not have enough interest, unfortunately. Um, however, I do think that that will be revisited in the future. I can I can definitely uh see that happening. Not only that, but in the meantime, we have these wonderful women's super fight and title matches.
SPEAKER_01Right.
SPEAKER_00Um, so like while we're in development on uh those future things, we we can enjoy these uh high-level women's grappling matches for these title belts. Um, so that that's something I definitely look forward to.
SPEAKER_01Yeah, yeah. I always want to pull Kaya back and say, let's go. So so yeah, that that could be exciting and it could be a whole different um aspect or another portion to the season. Um, not not taking away or replacing anything, but but just adding um the more you grow. So um, well, Lauren, we've talked about so many different things, and I know that we've we've gone down some of the personal roads and then the professional and where you're seeing it headed, but do you have a challenge out there for for people that are are wanting to watch, wanting to learn, um, and then and then a challenge to those athletes?
SPEAKER_00Absolutely. Um, if you're someone that wants to learn more about the PGF, um, I would say this like to me, it's a lot easier to understand than pro football or pro basketball. And here's why, I'll explain it. So the scoring is super simple. Um, you you can visibly see when someone is getting choked. We we know that part. So, with that in mind, like if the person taps, that's gonna be six points. Now, if they can get that choke in under a minute, that's gonna add one extra bonus point. So six points for the choke, and then uh that one point equaling seven in under a minute. And then the second best thing you can do if you're not able to get that choke is to obtain a break. Now, that break means you're trying to secure a joint lock, be it an arm submission or some sort of ankle lock, heel hook. Uh, there's a number of submissions that go along with that. Now, if you can get the tap on that, that's gonna be three points. And the same rule applies. If you can get it in under a minute, you're gonna get one extra point. So I would say, like, if you can understand those concepts, then please check out the PGF on Wednesday nights. You can live stream it on www.kick.com slash pgf world, or you can live stream it on the PGF World YouTube. Um, so if if you're a newer fan, hey, you're welcome. Come check it out. The rules are super simple to learn. Um, if if you're new to jujitsu, you know, do you just wanting to try it out? I I was there years ago. I I was in your same spot and I was unsure and uncertain. Um, it's nice to go try it with a friend or a partner uh so that the accountability is there. It's it's kind of like uh going to the gym, like say, you know, if you're on a journey to a better path of fitness, uh, you know, just bring somebody with you and check it out. Uh, you may love it. I sure did.
SPEAKER_01Yeah. Yeah. And what about to the fighters? What kind of challenge would you put out there to both your fighters and to the others?
SPEAKER_00Absolutely. I would say that you need to lay the foundation of discipline and being very honest. There is a lot that goes into being a professional athlete. Um, I myself witness that firsthand because I see these players training and preparing. There's weight gains, there's weight cuts, uh, there's a an immense amount of dedication and discipline. And if you want it, it's there for you. But there is a lot of work uh that has to be put in to get to that level. Just keep training, keep competing. And, you know, if your goal is to get into the PGF and be on one of these franchise teams, um, definitely sign up for a qualifying tournament if it's your weight class, because you never know. It might be your day.
SPEAKER_01Yeah, yeah. Well, it doesn't come without the hard work. I think you underscored that because it is hard work, it is dedication, it's sacrifice. Um, and and one of the things that I would encourage people to do is to follow along. Follow along. These guys have stories, you get kind of a look into their lives, and um, and it gets real exciting um about their wins, their losses. You kind of, you know, we talked a little bit about protecting your own heart when you're in the midst of watching their ups and downs. Um, there's a lot that you as an owner kind of go through with them, and you do it as an audience um participant as well, um, because you you get vested into people and um and get a little hurt when they get hurt and a little happy when they get happy, and so it's um it's something else. Um, we've talked about a lot of things. Anything that we haven't touched on that you want to make sure we do?
SPEAKER_00No, I I just um I've had a great time on this podcast, and I feel like we got to go over a lot of topics that scratch way beyond the surface, which I think is fantastic, and it it helps give uh viewers and listeners out there more of a candid glance into the inner workings of not only the PGF, but being a franchise owner. And I'm I'm grateful I could share that side of uh the story, and I'm really looking forward to the remainder of the PGF season. And I encourage everyone to watch Wednesday nights live stream it on PGF World YouTube.
SPEAKER_01Sounds great. Well, Lauren, one of the things that I do want to say is that you are um kind of collecting your dreams and living them out and really putting life to your goals, and that that's phenomenal, and it's definitely speaks highly of uh women in general and what's possible because you're you're in a field that is not heavily female dominated, and yet you're holding your own. So that's um that is there's something to be said for that. There's some encouragement just from others seeing you do that. So thank you. Thank you very much.
Where To Watch And Support
SPEAKER_00So thank you. Um, and one last thing, if anyone out there wants to support the team directly, please check out our Patreon at www.patreon.com slash Philly phenomps. There um are regular updates on their behind the scenes photos and stories. So uh if there's big news, it will usually hit there first.
SPEAKER_01Oh, that's fabulous. Thank you for sharing that. Well, I appreciate you. So if they go that route too, is that how they get up with you personally as well?
SPEAKER_00Um, if someone wants to contact me directly, they can do so on my personal Instagram page at Y-A-S-I-T-S-L-B. Yes, it's L B. Um, if they're looking to network with me as an athlete, I have a separate athlete Instagram page, which is Sit Girl Jitsu, T-H-I-C-C, G-I-R-L-J-I-T-S-U. Um, if they want to connect with the Philly Phenoms uh for possible partnerships, sponsorships, things like that. Uh, you can find us on most social media at Philly Phenoms. We have a small, tiny TikTok presence. We have a newer YouTube, we have a uh we're gaining in presence on Instagram. Um, so definitely check us out, give us a follow. And if you like us, um support us by liking, commenting, or going on our Patreon and of course watching us on Wednesday nights.
SPEAKER_01That's fantastic. Thank you, Lauren. Thank you so much.
SPEAKER_03Come on, dreams and busting at the same.
SPEAKER_01Find Stat Keys Podcast on Spotify, SoundCloud, and iTunes, or anywhere you get your favorite podcast, listen. You'll laugh out loud, you'll cry a little, you'll find yourself encouraged. Join us for casual conversation that leads itself based on where we take it, from family to philosophy to work to meal prep to beautifully surviving life. And hey, if I could ask a big favor of you, go to iTunes and give us a five rating. The more people who rate us, the more we get this podcast out there. Thanks, I appreciate it.
SPEAKER_04All I gotta do is count one, two, three. Whatever you do, nothing on me, do nothing in a whole, no, don't do all.