.JPG)
Emily's Pajama Party
Hi There- I'm Emily and I started my jiujitsu journey in 2024. I am building a community to encourage all women who want to train the accessibility to do so. I interview inspiring individuals to build connection and support.
Episodes
49 episodes
EPP: Meet Laura (Adding Layers to Create a Well-Rounded Life)
A cute-boy invitation in high school turned into a wrestling-and-jiu-jitsu career built on passion, discipline, and the kind of intensity that wins impossible matches. Laura shares how she walked onto a Canadian college wrestling team with almo...
.JPG)
EPP: Meet Ashlee (I created Matlock to help folks study bjj on and off the mats)
Purple belt, applied math nerd, and app builder Ashlee Spradley is proving that jiu-jitsu doesn’t stop when you leave the mat. She reveals how chasing knowledge, not belts, changed her training, her mindset, and ultimately inspired her to build...
EPP: Meet Isidra and Isis (Mother Daughter Duo)
This week I am thrilled to share a fun episode with all of you! It feels like an extra special episode featuring a unique mother-daughter duo, Isidra and her 12-year-old daughter Isis. In this engaging conversation, we explore their shared jour...
EPP: Meet Stephanie (More Than A Diagnosis)
Living with a mental condition can often feel like a barrier to pursuing passions and interests. However, it's essential to recognize that these conditions do not have to dictate your journey. In this episode, we explore how to overcome the bel...
EPP: Keesha (Before and After Keesha's First Jiujitsu Class)
Ever wonder how a martial art can transform not just your body, but your mindset, confidence, and sense of safety? This episode dives into the empowering world of women's beginner-friendly Jiu Jitsu classes, revealing how the sport fosters peac...
EPP: Meet Criss (Resilience when having to move gyms)
This week I got to sit down with my friend Criss. I know growing up, starting at a new school, new teacher, etc made me nervous. Will the kids like me? Will the teacher be nice? As an adult I found the same feelings emerge when I started jiujit...
EPP: Meet Azimah (Choosing body wisdom to thrive in jiujitsu and life)
In a world where we're often told to fit into a specific mold, many individuals struggle with body image and self-acceptance. Azimah Azmi, originally from Singapore and now residing in San Diego, passionately advocates for reconnecting with our...
EPP: Meet Heaven (Keep that skin looking and feeling great while rolling)
In the world of jiu-jitsu, where grit and strength are often celebrated, many women face a unique challenge: balancing their physical toughness with the desire to feel confident and beautiful. This is a vital conversation that Heaven Luna, owne...
EPP: Meet Lisa (Stories from the mats, white belt edition)
Most of us shy away from activities that feel intimidating or unfamiliar. Lisa J, a Miami-based therapist and new jujitsu enthusiast, reveals how she finally took the leap—and what it’s taught her about fear, body image, and resilience. From ne...
EPP: Meet Jo (Just Stand Up; Rising above and overcoming challenges)
In this episode of Emily's Pajama Party, I sit down with my friend Jo to talk about resilience, healing, and the incredible strength it takes to move forward after life's most difficult moments. Jo shares her journey through Brazilian ...
EPP: Meet Daisy (All things IBJJF)
In this interview, Daisy breaks down IBJJF from the inside — what makes it the gold standard of jiu-jitsu competition, how the registration and gi-check process works, and why the experience can feel both intimidating and deeply rewarding. She ...
EPP: Meet Kat (Building your home on the mats)
This week I sat down with my friend Kat. She shared her own journey with jiujitsu and how it became so much more than a hobby.In today’s fast-paced world, finding activities that bring families together can be a challenge. For many, Jiu-...
EPP: Meet Jenn (Living and thriving and putting in the work)
This week I got to sit down and talk with my friend Jenn. In this episode you will hear how Jiu Jitsu helped Jenn overcome personal struggles and build a resilient mindset. Discover her journey from a domestic violence survivor to a passi...
EPP: Meet Sue (Can Classical Piano and Jiujitsu be friends?)
This week I got to sit down with my friend, Sue. Sue’s story is a testament to the beauty of integrating different passions in life. By exploring the connections between classical piano and jiu-jitsu, she demonstrates that learning and growth a...
EPP: Meet Erin Herle (Confidence on the mats, building your mental game)
This week I sat down with Erin Herle (www.erinherle.com). She is not only a Certified Mental Performance Consultant, but also a competitor, bjj blackbelt, cat enthusiast, and hardcore punk fan. She is so wise, ever-changing, funny, and open to ...
EPP: Meet Jane (She trains a lot. Like, a lot a lot.)
We all choose to move through life in the path (hopefully) that works best for us. Jane found jiujitsu and incorporated it into her already active life. She started training a few times a week and quickly transitioned to training 6 days a week,...
EPP: Meet Jamie (Getting Confidence and Giving Support)
You know the phrase, give a penny get a penny? Jamie is one of the good ones. She has gotten so much from the jiujitsu community- confidence, family, you name it. She also saw a need. Her organization, Feral Fam (www.feralfam.org) supports athl...
EPP: Meet Lindsey (Train With Your Cycle, Not Against It)
Ever feel like your body has a mind of its own? Here’s how to navigate your menstrual cycle and performance. This week I had a chance to sit down with Lindsey, owner of Female Fight Nutritionist. She shares her expertise on helping female fight...
EPP: Meet Aula (Shy gals can jump on the mat too!)
This week I sat down with my friend Aula. She is everything we hope for when looking for a partner for class- friendly, helpful, positive, and inclusive. On the mat she shines and she is dedicated to bringing out the best in herself and others....
EPP: Meet Connie (Where Behavior and Jiujitsu and Life Collide)
In the world of Jiu-Jitsu, understanding the psychology behind movements and reactions can elevate your game significantly. During a recent conversation with Connie, a board-certified behavior analyst and passionate Jiu-Jitsu practitioner, we e...
EPP: Meet Erin (The Brutal Viking With Grit and Follow Through)
I love that every interview is its own journey. Sitting down with Erin I expected her to share about her path to black belt. I quickly learned that her belief in herself to accomplish audaciously big goals is her superpower that has led her to ...
EPP: Meet Diana (How to keep rolling for a lifetime)
Jiujitsu is a physical sport that is incredibly demanding on the body. This week Emily sits down with her friend Diana. Diana Wang is a seasoned physical therapist with nearly a decade of experience and a passion for Jiu-Jitsu. She has dedicate...
EPP: Meet Janel (Leading By Example, A BJJ Mom's Hope For Her Daughter)
As a mother, you face a multitude of challenges, from parenting responsibilities to personal aspirations. In this post, we explore how Janel navigates the demands of single motherhood while pursuing her passion for jujitsu. Discover the val...
EPP: Meet Mary (Homeschooling/ Moving/ Transitions/ Trust with Jiujitsu)
In today’s world, many parents are searching for ways to enrich their children’s lives beyond the traditional classroom. This episode explores how Mary, a homeschooling mother of three, has seamlessly integrated Jiu Jitsu into her family's dail...
EPP: Meet Brie (Medical Professionals SHOULD Train in Combat Sports)
In a world where confidence can be scarce, the stories of those who embrace their fears can be truly inspiring. In this episode of the podcast, Emily and Brie dive deep into the world of Jiu-Jitsu, exploring not just the techniques and training...