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For Episode 34, Michelle and Nadya are joined by Danyelle Wolf. Danyelle is a lifelong athlete, artist, advocate, believer of god, business woman and more. Having played every single sport under the sun, Danyelle was a three sport student athlete at Millersville University from which she graduated with a degree in teaching and fine art. After quitting her lucrative career as a life coach, Danyelle set out on a path to become a professional athlete never thinking that the road would lead her to the world of combat. She put on her first pair of boxing gloves at the age of 25 and two short years later joined the national team and became the face of US Women’s Boxing as well as a three time USA National Boxing Welterweight Champion. She currently splits her time between her Olympic Dream and her goal of becoming a mixed martial arts champion. It has not been an easy path, one filled with first time injuries and opponents that would drop out at the last minute. Still, Danyelle perseveres on, due to her innate discipline, commitment and work ethic as well as proven track record that when Danyelle says she will accomplish something, she always does. She takes us on a journey of her life and highlights events that have shaped her identity and instilled her with egoless confidence.  Danyelle on social media: WEBSITE INSTA: @danyellewolf TWITTER: @danyellewolf FACEBOOK: Danyelle Wolf ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ WE BROKE THE CAGE (Cage Free Chicks Theme Song) by Alex Schnablegger (DJ LiTHauS)

For Episode 33, Michelle and Nadya are joined by Sarah Bonney. Sarah is the WKA national kickboxing champion and TEAM USA Kickboxing member working steadfast towards her dream of becoming an MMA fighter. Having found boxing post college, Sarah found the courage to quit her stable and well paying government job to become a professional fighter. It was under the tutelage of Kaizen MMA’s Sensei Nima Mazhari that Sarah found physical agency, literacy and strength that she previously did not realize she had. From always being the last kid to cross the finish line, to losing over one hundred pounds to being told that she has a talent and potential for a sport very few are brave enough to try...Sarah is an infectiously positive presence and rising force in the world of fighting who will indubitably achieve great peaks as well as do everything in her power to make the sport a better place for her fellow fighters and generations to follow.  Sarah on social media:  INSTA: @valkyrie.mma | @kaizen_mma FACEBOOK: Kaizen MMA HELP SARAH ACHIEVE HER GOAL OF WINNING GOLD AT THE 2020 WKA Asian-Pacific Championship when she represents Team USA Kickboxing in March! SARAH'S GO FUND ME ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ WE BROKE THE CAGE (Cage Free Chicks Theme Song) by Alex Schnablegger (DJ LiTHauS)

For episode 32, Michelle and Nadya have the absolute pleasure of chatting with the one, the only: Carly “The Cookie Monster” Esparza. Carla is the innagural INVICTA FC strawweight champion as well as the innagural UFC straweight champion, a title she won in the finale of The Ultimate Fighter Season 20: Strawweights; the first ever all women season of TUF. Carla is an exceptional and learned wrestler, a graduate of the esteemed Menlo College wrestling program under the legendary Lee Allen. Carla is also a seminal part of our friendship and MMA fandom like her fellow TUF 20 cast member Jessica Penne. It was an absolute honor to chat with Carla about her life and her experiences as one of the key pioneers in the world of combat sports, regardless of gender. Enjoy. Carla on social media: INSTA: @carlaesparza1 TWITTER: @carlaesparza1 FACEBOOK: Carla Esparza ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ WE BROKE THE CAGE (Cage Free Chicks Theme Song) by Alex Schnablegger (DJ LiTHauS)

For episode 31, Michelle and Nadya are joined by none other than Sa'idah Durkee aka The Ginja Ninja herself. Sa'idah is a highly accomplished purple belt in Brazilian Jiu Jitsu who has won Pans in both Gi and No Gi, a Masters Worlds, as well as a bronze in a Worlds Gi and a silver at a Worlds No Gi. Life has taken Ginja Ninja on a wild ride, from New Mexico to growing up in Egypt where she did high level gymnastics and later transitioned to Taekwondo. Upon the family’s return to the US, Sa’idah unfortunately had to give up martial arts because she could not find a school that took the sport seriously enough. After graduating college, Sa’idah was dealt another heavy hand: a diagnosis of Rheumatoid Arthritis which incapacitated her for quiet sometime, making even the most mundane tasks painful let alone competitive athletics....until she found Brazilian Jiu Jitsu. It was the first sport In a long time that did not cause her immense physical pain and truly fulfilled her competitive soul. Now Sa’idah strives to pay back the community that has already given her so much through the Lion Heart Initiative from Hyperfly which seeks to bring MMA to communities in Africa. DISCOUNT CODES FOR SPONSORS MENTIONED IN PODCAST: Hyperfly 10% off: GinjaFly JitzSoap 10% off: Ginja10 JitsPins 10% off: GinjaPins CannaBody 15% off: GinjaNinjaBJJ GuardWhatsYours discount: message directly and mention that you heard Ginja Ninja talk about it on the podcast! —————————————————-— Sa'idah on social media: INSTA: @ginjaninjabjj | @mma4africa | @bjj4africa | @hyperfly TWITTER: @ginjaninjabjj | @hyperfly FACEBOOK: Ginja Ninja | MMA For Africa | Hyperfly YouTUBE: Lion Heart Initiative | Hyperfly  ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ WE BROKE THE CAGE (Cage Free Chicks Theme Song) by Alex Schnablegger (DJ LiTHauS)

In our last episode of 2019, we had the opportunity to sit down with ourselves and answer some fan questions! Thank you all, from the very bottom to the tippy top of our hearts for the most wonderful journey of the last nine months! We are super excited to bring all of you new stories and perspectives in 2020. Happy Holidays & Happy New Year, Nadya & Michelle And as always, our song is: WE BROKE THE CAGE (Cage Free Chicks Theme Song) by Alex Schnablegger (DJ LiTHauS)

For episode 29, Michelle and Nadya are joined by Kayla Hracho, a fighter out of the legendary American Top Team in Coconut Creek, Florida. Kayla found fighting at the age of 22 through boxing, which quickly transformed from simply a means to keep herself in shape into the stepping stones for building a career in MMA. Throwing caution to the wind, Kayla moved from Pennsylvania to Florida and never looked back, only forward. Kayla is very cognizant and deeply grateful for the opportunity to train in the same environment as some of the world’s most elite fighters yet she never allows herself to get lost in the sauce. Kayla is a wonderfully pragmatic, self aware and self reflective person, with a work ethic that will not only take her very far in the world of combat but also all of her post fight endeavors.  Kayla on social media: INSTA: @kayrockmma TWITTER: @kayrockmma ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ WE BROKE THE CAGE (Cage Free Chicks Theme Song) by Alex Schnablegger (DJ LiTHauS)

For episode 28, Michelle and Nadya are joined by Lara Lay and Arthur Hinojosa: the brilliant wife & husband duo behind WREAPER WRESTLING. By blending Arthur’s passion for wrestling, health & fitness with Lara Lay’s expertise in culture, fashion & business, WREAPER WRESTLING has become a premier source for a superior wrestling lifestyle. The main goal of WREAPER WRESTLING is to bring visibility and awareness to women’s wrestling by curating unique & empowering content that is up to date on current wrestling news, trends & advice that not only connects rising generations of wrestlers to world & Olympic caliber senior wrestlers, but also gives them the space to introduce their own unique personalities and styles to the rest of the world. & we would be remiss to not mention WREAPER WRESTLING’s Fire memes.  WREAPER WRESTLING on social media: INSTA: @wreaperwrestling TWITTER: @fearthewreaper FACEBOOK: Wreaper Wrestling WEBSITE: www.wreaperwrestling.com YOUTUBE | PINTEREST  ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ WE BROKE THE CAGE (Cage Free Chicks Theme Song) by Alex Schnablegger (DJ LiTHauS)

For episode 27, Michelle and Nadya are joined by Natalie “Lady Killface” Morgan, a very accomplished Muay Thai fighter, turned Mixed Martial Artist fighting out of THE YARD Muay Thai. Having originally moved out to Los Angeles to pursue music, Natalie found a whole new dimension of rhythm inside the cage when she picked up Muay Thai to keep in shape. Her grit and infatiguable determination led Natalie to 5 amateur, and 1 pro Muay Thai titles as well as KO/TKO of the Year accolades. Natalie is someone who not only visualizes her next steps but actively crafts opportunities for herself to grow as a fighter and a person as she is an ardent believer that you create your own reality. When not beating her opponents with a single look, the origin of her nickname, Natalie is busy training, working towards her post-fight career in geology as well as racking up acting credits. You can catch her in Season 1 episode 11 of Room 104 on HBO, Rag Doll and most recently in James Arthur and Travis Barker’s music video YOU. Enjoy. Natalie on social media: INSTA: @ladykillface  TWITTER: @ladykillface FACEBOOK: Natalie "Lady Killface" Morgan WEBSTIE: www.ladykillface.com  ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ WE BROKE THE CAGE (Cage Free Chicks Theme Song) by Alex Schnablegger (DJ LiTHauS)

For episode 26, Michelle and Nadya have the privilege of sitting down with the one and only: Roxanne “Roxy” Saffaie. Lifestyle Entrepreneur, Thought Leader in Personal Empowerment & Empowerment Coach, make up artist to the stars as well as Founder & Host of BlackBeltBeautyRadio podcast. Roxy lives and works by her mantra “360 Degrees of Beauty,” and is the ultimate personification of how you feel on the inside directly impacts how you look and decide to live your life. Roxy is also the perfect embodiment of strong is the new sexy, and we’d be hard pressed to find anyone else who so clinically balances the demands of being a life long athlete and the demands of being a woman. Much like her excellence chasing brother, Mike Saffaie, Roxy is a perfect example of how everything begins with your mindset. She manifests the life she dreams of and every single day puts in the work and the reps necessary to make her dream a bona fide reality. As she so perfectly puts herself: you are the life you are living. Roxy on social media: INSTA: @roxylook | @blackbeltbeauty FACEBOOK: Roxanne Saffaie  BlackBeltBeauty Radio | #blackbeltbeautyradio WEBSTIE: www.blackbeltbeauty.com | www.roxylook.com ------------------------------------- WE BROKE THE CAGE (Cage Free Chicks Theme Song) by Alex Schnablegger (DJ LiTHauS)

For episode 25 Michelle and Nadya have the most incredible honor of sitting down with Jessica Penne. In the scope of the development of women’s MMA and laying down the foundation that has helped the sport achieve its current heights, Jessica Penne is one of the sport’s unsung heroes. Having been a professional fighter for over a decade, in our humble and honest opinion, Jessica does not get the recognition her career so rightfully deserves. From her dominant performances in local Southern California shows in the nascence of her path, to being the first woman to win in a major organization, in Bellator-a whole three years before women were allowed into the UFC. As well as being Invicta FC’s first atomweight champion, to being one of 16 women cast in season 20 of The Ultimate Fighter all competing for the inaugural UFC Strawweight Belt. On top of celebrating Jessica as a wonderful emissary of the sport, we also want to celebrate how beautifully outspoken she has been in regards to mental health. Jessica’s honesty is incredibly inspiring and so necessary in this day an age. We are humbled to have shared a conversation with her for this podcast and hope you all enjoy. Jessica on social media: INSTA: @JessicaPenne | @ASTRAEA_THE_MINOIS TWITTER: @JessiaPenne 2 STRAWS Podcast w/Angela Hill  FACEBOOK: Jessica Penne ------------------------------------- WE BROKE THE CAGE (Cage Free Chicks Theme Song) by Alex Schnablegger (LiTHauS)

or Episode 24, Michelle and Nadya had the pleasure of chatting with Paulina “Firefox” Granados, Combates superstar, our kindred foodie spirit and chaser of dreams. Hailing from Corpus Christi, Texas, Paulina has made her home in San Diego, training out of the illustrious Team Alliance. We take a wonderful drive through Paulina’s life, taking time to wonder at the most important moments: like seeing a picture of Gina Carano on MySpace that catalyzed her involvement in MMA, to traveling to Thailand to train with Master Toddy for season 2 of Fight Girls to having the honor of being the first ever woman to win an MMA fight in New York after the sport’s legalization in the state. Paulina is infectiously fierce, bubbly and kind; has an effortless and endless supply of smiles, laughter and confidence that makes it impossible to not get inspired and invigorated yourself.  Suzette on social media: INSTA: @PaulinaGrana2 | @SlickMickeyPoo TWITTER: @PaulinaGrana2 FACEBOOK: Paulina 'Firefox' Granados ------------------------------------- WE BROKE THE CAGE (Cage Free Chicks Theme Song) by Alex Schnablegger (LiTHauS)

For Episode 23, Michelle and Nadya had the pleasure of chatting with Suzette Howe, a rennaisance woman if there ever was one. Suzette is an author, mixed martial artist, second “mom” to many fighters as well as the mom of former WEC and UFC Champion, Dominick Cruz. Suzette takes us on a brilliant drive of her life and the experiences that have allowed her to fulfill her long burning dream of becoming an author. She is currently working on a trilogy called BROKEN BEFORE BATTLE, a series in which she profiles fighters, coaches, and their families in order to dispel superficial myths about the fight world and invite her readers into these vulnerable and unique hearts. The first book in the trilogy, BROKEN BEFORE BATTLE: CHANGING LIVES OUTSIDE THE OCTAGON, profiles 8 professional fighters and coaches and their inspiring tales of overcoming trauma, tragedy and obstacles. The second book, which is currently in progress, will be BROKEN BEFORE BATTLE: RAISING CHAMPIONS FOR TOMORROW and will profile the parents of various champions. Outside of her heavy and healing involvement in the MMA community, Suzette is also a marketing specialist of over 25 years, helping business owners develop digital marketing strategies through her company Show U How 2. She also enjoys traveling and trudging through the outdoors chasing waterfalls, as well as her life in Tucson, Arizona with her husband of 23 years and being a mom to three equally as brilliant, grown up children all following their own dreams. Suzette on social media: INSTA: @SuzetteHowe7 TWITTER: @SuzetteHowe FACEBOOK: Suzette Howe WEBSITE: www.SuzetteHowe.com | www.ShowUHow2.com ------------------------------------- WE BROKE THE CAGE (Cage Free Chicks Theme Song) by Alex Schnablegger (LiTHauS) 

For Episode 22, Michelle and Nadya had the pleasure of chatting with Miranda "Fear The" Maverick, a professional mixed martial artist fighting for Invicta FC, an all women's fighting organization. Miranda is also currently pursuing her PhD in industrial and organization psychology. Miranda is the perfect embodiment of what an ambassador to our beloved sport should be, as well as what it means to be an empowered gal in today's day and age. She strives to live her life as authentically to who she is as possible, never shying away from embracing her faith, her intellect and her drive * discipline. Miranda defies expectations and sets no limits to what she can achieve...and for that we want to celebrate her! ALSO!!! TUNE IN THIS FRIDAY SEPTEMBER 6TH for INVICTA FC's 2nd installment of the PHOENIX RISING SERIES and join us in cheering for Miranda, and the rest of the flyweights as they embark on a one-night tournament exclusively on UFC's Fight Pass!!!! Miranda on social media: INSTA: @fearthemaverick_sfcmma TWITTER: @FearTheMaverick FACEBOOK: Miranda "Fear The" Maverick INVICTA Fighting Championships Phoenix Rising Series II September 6th, 2019 only on UFC FIGHT PASS ------------------------------------- WE BROKE THE CAGE (Cage Free Chicks Theme Song) by Alex Schnablegger (LiTHauS)

In this episode Michelle and Nadya have the pleasure of chatting with Alandria Brown, an amateur MMA fighter with aspirations of UFC gold and world domination. Hailing from a small Tennessee town, she knew the road to her success lay in Los Angeles and so she packed up two suits cases, grabbed her dog Luna and full sent towards the horizon. Her path has not been without tribulations however, she has had to overcome several injuries, put foot to pavement in order to find fights, and keep grinding despite her initial two loses. Now that she has had a taste of victory, she is relentless in her pursuit of all of her future Wins. Her dedication, passion and discipline are incredibly admirable, traits we find paralleled in her mother, someone who is a badass in her own right. She is also a wonderful role model to all her younger siblings and we cannot wait to watch her conquer everything she has set her mind to.  Alandria on social media: INSTA: @alandriakbrown TWITTER: @alandriabmma ------------------------------------- WE BROKE THE CAGE (Cage Free Chicks Theme Song) by Alex Schnablegger 

In this episode Michelle and Nadya have the pleasure of chatting with Katherine Shai: 5x National Team Member, 2x Olympic Team Alternate, and University World Champion for Team USA in wrestling. She is also the daughter of legendary US Wrestler, 3 time Olympian and longtime coach of the Woman's Wrestling Team at Menlo College, Lee Dale Allen. We know Katherine through her active involvement in the wrestling community via LuchaFit, blog come ultimate resource for female wrestlers and as a board member of Sally Robert’s WRESTLE LIKE A GIRL, an organization focused on empowering and providing proper competitive and training infrastructure for girl’s wrestling in the US. Katherine is also a mother, dautlessly driving towards her Olympic dreams. She is a brilliant example of perseverance, grit, and always keeping a calm and clear mind when pushing forward. Enjoy.  Katherine on social media: INSTA: @katherineshai | @lucha.fit | @wrestlelikeagirl TWITTER: @Katherine_shai | @luchafit | @WrstleLikeAGirl FACEBOOK : Katherine Shai | LuchaFit | Wrestle Like A Girl LUCHAFIT | WRESTLE LIKE A GIRL ------------------------------------- Ice Flow Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com) Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 3.0 License http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0/ https://incompetech.com/music/royalty-free/index.html?isrc=USUAN1200088

In this episode Michelle and Nadya have the pleasure of sitting down with Vanessa Adriance, a multi-hyphenate badass. Vanessa is a lawyer working in environmental litigation, an amateur boxer out of Wildcard Boxing, and author. Vanessa takes us through her journey from post Katrina New Orleans to Los Angeles, her divorce and finding her true voice through boxing under the tutelage of Zac “Kid Yamaka” Wohlman. We also talk about how important and necessary combat sports are for women (and people in general) in regards to increasing confidence, learning how to listen to your body, learning of the peaks women are capable of achieving...and come to a conclusion that everyone needs to get punched in the face at least once in their lives. Vanessa on social media: INSTA: @vadriance  TWITTER: @vanessaadriance ------------------------------------- Ice Flow Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com) Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 3.0 License http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0/ https://incompetech.com/music/royalty-free/index.html?isrc=USUAN1200088

In this episode Michelle and Nadya have the pleasure of sitting down with Mike Saffaie, a strength & conditioning coach as well as professional body builder based in Torrance, California. Mike works with some of the world's top athletes & fighters in MMA today, as well as everyday people who are seeking to elevate themselves physically and mentally. Mike is also a Brazilian Jiu Jitsu blackbelt under Rener & Ryron Gracie; a deeply emotionally intelligent human being and a firm believer in tasting true hunger in order to push yourself both physically and mentally. He is not someone who makes decisions on a whim: he has gravitas in both is composure and words. Mike is also another example of a coach that not only understands what he is doing, but is able to apply his knowledge in practice, while carrying zero ego into the equation. He has worked with the likes of WMAA pioneer and UFC title contender Carla Esparza, top UFC featherweight and title contender Brian Ortega, BJJ/MMA legend Fabricio Werdum, hot MMA prospect Jean Paul Bosnayan, MMA veteran Cristos Giagos and many, many more highly accomplished athletes & fighters. Mike on social media: INSTA: @mikesaffaie  Ice Flow Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com) Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 3.0 License http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0/ https://incompetech.com/music/royalty-free/index.html?isrc=USUAN1200088

In this episode Michelle and Nadya have the pleasure of sitting down with Jiggy Yoon, professional Hypewoman for Compassionate Gangsters. From South Korea, to Queens, to Southern California: Jiggy has never once bowed to the pressures of life, but has always risen to occasion and then some. She is a Type 1 Diabetic who is constantly striving to figure out how to reconcile her diagnosis and her athletic passions from dance, to CrossFit to Muay Thai to Brazilian Jiu Jitsu in the present. She is a bright and loud voice on social media; calling not just other diabetics, but all humans going through something to see the strength, beauty and possibility innate to them. She is also very outspoken about being a gay Christian and seeks to envelop anyone who has ever felt disenfranchised in anyway with the warmth of her deep and beautiful faith. She is also known for VULNERABILITY IS DOPE, a project that once started as a slogan on a T-Shirt to make extra money and now a powerful movement and mantra to many who care about mental and emotional health. Jiggy on social media: INSTA: [@ jiggyyoon] (https://www.instagram.com/jiggyyoon/) & @vulnerabilityisdope TWITTER: [@ jiggyyoon] (https://twitter.com/JiggyYoon) [WEBSITE] (https://www.jiggyyoon.com) [FACEBOOK] (https://www.facebook.com/JiggyYoonOfficial) [YOUTUBE] (https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCvjZt8fIJdoiQWw62aEC_fw) Ice Flow Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com) Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 3.0 License http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0/ https://incompetech.com/music/royalty-free/index.html?isrc=USUAN1200088 Find out more at https://the-cage-free-chicks-podcast.pinecast.co This podcast is powered by Pinecast.

In this episode Michelle and Nadya have the pleasure of chatting with Coach Carmen Bott. Carmen is an absolutely brilliant international performance coach out of Vancouver specializing in collision sports athletes such as wrestlers and football linemen. She is the mastermind behind HUMAN MOTION, a wonderful training facility in Port Moody, BC. Coach Bott is also a professor at Simon Fraser University, author of THE WRESTLER'S EDGE - a comprehensive, pre/in/&post season strength & conditioning program, and an insatiable scholar. All of Coach Bott's methodology is deeply rooted in scientific research, but what makes her stand out the most, is her keen ability to apply her abundant knowledge in practice. She is also a wonderful, no nonsense, vivacious human being and all of her athletes, or kids as she likes to call them, are incredibly lucky to have her. Carmen on social media: INSTA: @coachbott TWITTER: @carmenbott WEBSITE: [HUMAN MOTION] (https://www.humanmotion.ca) ADDITIONAL: [THE WRESTLER'S EDGE] (https://fightcampconditioning.com/book/wrestlers-edge/) [FIGHT CAMP CONDITIONING] (https://fightcampconditioning.com) [FIGHT CAMP CONDITIONING YOUTUBE] (https://www.youtube.com/user/FCCFightConditioning) Ice Flow Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com) Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 3.0 License http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0/ https://incompetech.com/music/royalty-free/index.html?isrc=USUAN1200088 Find out more at https://the-cage-free-chicks-podcast.pinecast.co This podcast is powered by Pinecast.

In this episode Michelle and Nadya have the pleasure of chatting with Lydia Des Dolles. She is the creator of FIGHT CONNECT TV (nee MMA CONNECT TV), panelist on Virgin Media 1's talk show ELAINE, Brazilian Jiu Jitsu blue belt, fellow podcaster and ex-rockstar. Lydia on social media: INSTA: @lydiadesdolles @FightConnectTV @TheFirstExchange TWITTER: @LydiaDesDolles @FightConnectTV WEBSITE: [FIGHT CONNECT TV] (https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCe22QC-aqBD4T1Uh9SvD24w) [THE FIRST EXCHANGE PODCAST] (https://open.spotify.com/show/5qa5kZ2ErpxSuqublrRRtg?si=_wilKFotROiT3Gl-vpJNeA) FACEBOOK: [Lydia] (https://www.facebook.com/LydiaDesDollesMMA/) Ice Flow Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com) Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 3.0 License http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0/ https://incompetech.com/music/royalty-free/index.html?isrc=USUAN1200088 Find out more at https://the-cage-free-chicks-podcast.pinecast.co This podcast is powered by Pinecast.