A podcast that highlights the beautiful ETC community, with interviews with the people who help run the show as well as the people who make our community a special place.
In this episode of the Easton Training Center Community Podcast, Sean Madden joins Mike to talk about coaching, competition, and the years of work it takes to build a successful Muay Thai program.
Sean shares what he's learned from recently stepping into Easton's kids Muay Thai program, including the differences between coaching kids and adults, adjusting expectations for different students, and why great coaches need to adapt the way they communicate.
The conversation also explores Easton's long-term goal of creating a stronger bridge between the kids and adult programs and developing athletes who can grow up through the entire Easton system.
Sean also breaks down Easton's most successful trip yet to the TBA Muay Thai World Expo, where nine athletes competed in 21 fights, finished with an 18–3 record, and brought home six national championships. More important than the wins, Sean explains how years of developing better systems, higher standards, experienced coaches, and a unified team culture are beginning to pay off on the national stage.
Interested in joining our community?
Sign up for a free class: https://eastontc.com/
In this episode of the Easton Community Podcast, Mike sits down with longtime friend, Easton brown belt, and physical therapist Matt Smith to explore what it really takes to stay healthy, recover from injury, and continue doing the things you love for life.
Matt shares his journey from working with elite athletes and Olympians to helping everyday people overcome pain and regain confidence in their bodies. Along the way, the conversation dives into memorable patient stories, the realities of injury rehabilitation, balancing risk with family responsibilities, and why resilience is often just as important as physical recovery.
Whether you're a martial artist, endurance athlete, or someone looking to move better and stay active as you age, this episode offers practical insights into performance, longevity, and building a body that's prepared for whatever life throws at it.
Interested in joining our community?
Sign up for a free class: https://eastontc.com/
In this episode of the Easton Training Center Community Podcast, Mike Tousignant sits down with Dr. Vassily Eliopoulos—former emergency room physician, lifelong wrestler, Brazilian Jiu Jitsu black belt, and founder of Longevity Health.
Vass shares the pivotal moments that led him from a successful career in emergency medicine to the world of regenerative medicine, health optimization, and longevity.
Along the way, he discusses the lessons martial arts taught him about stress, personal growth, and finding purpose beyond professional success.
The conversation explores everything from flow states and meditation to stem cells, hormones, psychedelics, and the future of healthcare.
Whether you're an athlete, entrepreneur, parent, or simply someone looking to live a healthier and more intentional life, this episode offers a fascinating look at what it means to pursue longevity, growth, and fulfillment.
Interested in joining our community?
Sign up for a free class: https://eastontc.com/
In this episode of the Easton Community Podcast, Tyra Pritt—Academy Operations Director and Kids Department Head at Easton Longmont—shares her journey from parent to leader and how Jiu Jitsu transformed her life.
Tyra and Mike discuss the power of discomfort in growth, what makes a great kids coach, and how martial arts build confidence, resilience, and strong character in both kids and adults.
A must-listen for parents, coaches, and anyone passionate about the impact of Jiu Jitsu beyond the mats.
Interested in joining our community?
Sign up for a free class: https://eastontc.com/
In this episode of the Easton Community Podcast, Mike sits down with River Mayfield, General Manager of Easton Longmont, to dive into his journey from a lifelong martial artist to a leader within the academy. River shares stories from his unconventional karate upbringing, his transition into Jiu Jitsu, and how those experiences shaped his approach to training, coaching, and leadership. This episode offers a raw look at discipline, culture, and what it takes to grow from student to leader inside a martial arts school.
Interested in joining our community?
Sign up for a free class: https://eastontc.com/
In this episode of the Easton Community Podcast, Mike Tousignant sits down with Easton Arvada General Manager and Easton Jiu Jitsu black belt Kyle Wright.
Kyle has been a part of the Easton community for years, but his path into the academy — and into leadership — is anything but typical. Before joining Easton, Kyle was competing in MMA and working at a hobby game shop in Denver, where he developed a reputation for being welcoming, patient, and great with people from all walks of life. That same ability to connect with people would later become a defining part of his coaching style.
Kyle shares how he first connected with Easton through Ian Lieberman, what it was like transitioning from competitor to coach, and how he eventually stepped into a leadership role running the Easton Arvada academy. The conversation explores the realities of building a healthy gym culture, the responsibility that comes with coaching, and what it takes to lead a competition team while still creating an environment where beginners feel comfortable walking through the door.
Interested in joining our community?
Sign up for a free class: https://eastontc.com/
After a long break, the Easton Training Center Community Podcast is back and kicking off the year with ETC founder, Amal Easton.
Amal shares personal stories that touch on self-control, responsibility, confrontation, and how years of martial arts training shape the way we move through the world. The conversation moves from real-world conflict to parenting, values, and what it means to draw clear lines in your life without losing your humanity.
Interested in joining our community?
Sign up for a free class: https://eastontc.com/
In this episode, CEO Mike Tousignant sits down with Alex Huddleston, Easton Training Center’s Director of Martial Arts, to unpack the work happening behind the scenes to elevate martial arts across all Easton academies.
Alex shares insights into the systems and strategy behind Easton's curriculum development, leadership training, and competition prep. The two dive deep into this year's Easton Open, the success of the Denver Open training camp, and the impact of creating inclusive spaces like women’s randoris and teen-only sessions. You’ll also hear a heartfelt discussion about the mental and emotional growth martial arts offers—especially through competition.
Whether you’re a coach, student, or simply passionate about martial arts culture, this episode gives a front-row seat to the vision, structure, and values that shape Easton’s martial arts programs.
Interested in joining our community?
Sign up for a free class: https://eastontc.com/
On this month’s episode of the Easton Community Podcast, our host, Mike Tousignant, interviews Coach Sean Madden, ETC’s Muay Thai Program Director who’s been the central force in shaping Easton’s Muay Thai program.
Interested in joining our community?
Sign up for a free class: https://eastontc.com/
On the latest episode of the Easton Community Podcast, our host, Mike Tousignant, sits down with Neal Ritter and Gelsey Malferrari, a stand-out family from our Easton Longmont location.
Along with interviews with Easton leaders and insights into our operational processes, one of the best things about this podcast has been expanding its voice into the community and sharing the inspiring stories of those who make up our world.
Interested in joining our community?
Sign up for a free class: https://eastontc.com/
On this month’s episode of the Easton Community Podcast, Mike Tousignant interviews our newest GM, Kate Eischen – a Muay Thai brown shirt, mom and the first female to run an Easton academy!
Kate, who started at Easton in 2013, brings a range of prior life experiences to the room and has gone through every rank of leadership in her community, from kickboxing coach to kids coach to Kids Department Head to the Department Head of Muay Thai before stepping into her newest role as Centennial’s GM.
Listen to all the Easton Training Center Community Podcast Episodes:
Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/easton-training-center-community-podcast/id1606067987
Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/63wImFLa1ulJ8IlciQJsw8?si=0dd35252606d4a0b
Interested in joining our community? Sign up for a free class: https://eastontc.com/
On the latest episode of the Easton Team Podcast, President Mike Tousignant sits down with Director of General Managers, VP, and Black Belt, Ian Lieberman.
Ian started at Easton in 2006, progressing from cleaning mats to coaching, then running the Denver school before becoming Easton's VP and Director of General Managers. Mike and Ian discuss fear, growth and ownership over one’s life, including learning to accept the hand you've been dealt while also overcoming your circumstances.
Listen to all the Easton Training Center Community Podcast Episodes:
Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/easton-training-center-community-podcast/id1606067987
Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/63wImFLa1ulJ8IlciQJsw8?si=0dd35252606d4a0b
Interested in joining our community? Sign up for a free class: https://eastontc.com/
This month on the Easton Community Podcast, our host Mike sits down with Boulder Academy Operations Director and comic book aficionado, Viola Burlew – or Vi, as we know her. Vi has been with Easton for 14 years, having started training at the age of 11 back in 2010, nearly the same year as Mike Tousignant himself.
Listen to all the Easton Training Center Community Podcast Episodes:
Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/easton-training-center-community-podcast/id1606067987
Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/63wImFLa1ulJ8IlciQJsw8?si=0dd35252606d4a0b
Interested in joining our community? Sign up for a free class: https://eastontc.com/
It's safe to say no non-Easton employee or member has had as significant of on impact on our community as Larry Dressler. On the latest episode of the Easton Community Podcast, Mike Tousignant sits down with Larry – the consultant who showed us how crystalizing our mission, optimizing our internal structure and implementing core values can help us navigate any conflict and decision with conviction, discernment and clarity.
Listen to all the Easton Training Center Community Podcast Episodes:
Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/easton-training-center-community-podcast/id1606067987
Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/63wImFLa1ulJ8IlciQJsw8?si=0dd35252606d4a0b
Interested in joining our community?
Sign up for a free class: https://eastontc.com/
On the latest episode of the Easton Community Podcast, Mike Tousignant sits down with Easton Muay Thai coach, competitor, and Team USA representative Allie Readmond.
Listen to all the Easton Training Center Community Podcast Episodes:
Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast...
Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/63wImFL...
Interested in joining our community? Sign up for a free class: https://eastontc.com/
On the latest episode of the Easton Community Podcast, Mike Tousignant sits down with Easton Black BJJ Belt, competitor, teacher and co-owner of Easton Lowry, Professor Amy Fidelis.
Listen to all the Easton Training Center Community Podcast Episodes:
Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/easton-training-center-community-podcast/id1606067987
Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/63wImFLa1ulJ8IlciQJsw8?si=0dd35252606d4a0b
Interested in joining our community?
Sign up for a free class: https://eastontc.com/
On the latest episode of the Easton Community Podcast, our host Mike Tousignant sits down with Easton Brown Belt, Kids Martial Arts Program Director, and former Easton Longmont GM, Jordan Shipman, to discuss what Jordan has learned while transitioning roles in Easton and what his perfect day would look like.
Jordan, who started out coaching Fundamentals classes at Easton Boulder, was the GM of Easton Longmont from when it opened to the beginning of last year. He helped to pilot the new school through the uncertainty of the pandemic and, along the way, discovered his passion for teaching kids martial arts.
Listen to all the Easton Training Center Community Podcast Episodes:
Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/easton-training-center-community-podcast/id1606067987
Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/63wImFLa1ulJ8IlciQJsw8?si=0dd35252606d4a0b
Interested in joining our community? Sign up for a free class: https://eastontc.com/
On the latest episode of the Easton Community Podcast, our host Mike Tousignant sits down with Easton Blue Belt, endurance athlete, performance coach and mountaineer Jason Antin to talk training, mindset, dad stuff and more.
Jason, who co-started a company called Beat Monday brings an element of resilience and excitement to anything he does – especially since he started to follow his passion full time.
On the latest episode of the ETC Community Podcast, our host, Mike Tousignant, sits down with Angelo Keely, an Easton student and CEO of Boulder-based supplement company, Kion, to discuss his unusual upbringing and the series of life events that sent him on a lifelong pursuit of wellness, eventually landing him in Boulder, CO.
On the latest episode of the Easton Staff Podcast, our host, Mike Tousignant, sits down with Professor Reid Delman - a wrestler, coach, race director and Jiu Jitsu back belt who has been with Easton since its inception.
Easton Training Center Co-Owner, Eliot Marshall, joins the podcast to discuss how he started at Easton, how Easton has transformed in the past 24 years, and some of the lessons Eliot's learned throughout his time with Easton.
Easton Training Center's head blog and copy writer, Tatyana Grechina, joins the podcast to discuss her background in art her unlikely journey to being an integral part of Easton's team.
The man who started it all, Amal Easton, joins Easton Training Center CEO, Mike Tousignant, to discuss the beginnings of Jiu Jitsu in America and how the art transformed from a well kept secret to one of the fastest growing martial arts in the world.
In September's special episode we feature Phil Lietz, Easton Longmont's new General Manager. Phil holds a black belt in Jiu Jitsu and Judo, is a talented artist, and a Professional Heptoculturist. Phil and Mike discuss Phil's transition to GM in Longmont, Phil's work as an artist, and the search for mastery.
Read more about Phil from a recent blog: https://eastonbjj.com/news/from-concept-art-to-martial-arts-meet-eastons-newest-gm-phil-lietz/
In August's special episode we feature Matt Bloss, GM of Easton Training Center Boulder and Program Director of the Kids Muay Thai Program, and Jordan Shipman, the former GM of Easton Training Center Longmont and newly-promoted Program Director for Kids Martial Arts. Matt and Jordan discuss challenges faced in each position as well as aligning all the schools under program-wide initiatives.
In June's special episode we feature Easton Littleton General Manager, Nick Maverick, and Easton Denver General Manager, Carlos Espinosa, join the podcast to discuss their journeys in martial arts and climbing the Easton ladder from coach to front desk staff to general managers of Easton academies.
In May's special episode we feature Easton's Director of Operations, Sarah Rochniak, Creative Director, Van Tran, and Director of Marketing, Michael Phipps, to discuss how their unique positions at Easton came to be. How you can work toward a career in at Easton or in martial arts, and some of the unique challenges of the business side of Easton.
Easton's Muay Thai Program Director, Sean Madden, and Jiu Jitsu Program Director, Alex Huddleston, join CEO Mike Tousignant to discuss the Program Director role, what it's like to grow into a role at Easton, and the shape and direction of their respective programs.
Peter Straub, GM of Centennial, and Ian Lieberman, Director of GMs join Easton Training Center CEO, Mike Tousignant, to dive into management, opening a new school, and moving into a leader of an established school
Agenda
Agenda presentation
Core Values:
Principles:
Last meeting
We lead with empathy
We bring positivity into every situation
Questions
Director of General Managers - Ian Lieberman
Last month you told us about some books we should all read, can you tell us why these are so significant? You can just choose one to chat about.
Personal Success
Director of Marketing - Michael Phipps
Personal Success
Agenda
Greeting and agenda presentation
Core Values:
Principles:
Last meeting
We are early and prepared
We don’t ignore deficiencies
Next 3
Departmental Debrief:
Mike
New promotions
Agenda
Greeting and agenda presentation
1 Personal and 1 Business Success
Core Values:
Principles:
Last meeting
We are reading and learning
We make being open-minded a habit
Next 3
Departmental Debrief:
Mike Tousignant:
New promotions
Q&A(a chance for everyone to ask questions or get ideas out they may have on their mind)
Questions/Feedback:
Agenda
Greeting and agenda presentation
Last meeting
We utilize Failure
We remain rational
Next 3
Departmental Debrief:
New promotions
Q&A(a chance for everyone to ask questions or get ideas out they may have on their mind)
Agenda:
- Greeting and agenda presentation
- 1 Personal and 1 Business Success
- Core Values:
Excellence: We set and surpass the highest standards through constant improvement.
Trust: We authentically earn and grant trust.
Compassion: We honor the dignity of all.
Stewardship: We empower others.
Principles:
Last meeting
We take accountability. We don’t blame others
We show our care
We appreciate effort
Next 3
We utilize Failure
We recognize success
We remain rational
Director of Martial Arts: Alex Huddleston(BJJ, MT, & Kids)
Director of General Managers: Ian Lieberman
Director of Operations and Administration: Sarah Rochniak
Director of Marketing: Mike Tousignant (placeholder)
Director of Creative: Van Tran
Director of Digital Media: Mike Phipps
New promotions
Q&A(a chance for everyone to ask questions or get ideas out they may have on their mind)
Questions/Feedback:
Agenda
Greeting and agenda presentation
Core Values:
Principles:
We remain nimble
We show appreciation
Departmental Debrief:
Mike
New promotions
Q&A(a chance for everyone to ask questions or get ideas out they may have on their mind)
(This is the all staff June meeting held on July 11 due to timing with the holiday)
Agenda
Principles:
Last meeting
We consider our impact on others.
We embrace the unknown as an opportunity.
Next 3
Agenda
Greeting and agenda presentation
Core Values
Excellence: We set and surpass the highest standards through constant improvement.
Trust: We authentically earn and grant trust.
Compassion: We honor the dignity of all.
Stewardship: We empower others.
Principles:
Last meeting:
We bring positivity into every situation
We listen to learn and ask questions to provide guidance
We solve problems, we don’t create them.
Next 3:
Departmental Debrief:
Make sure we talk about
Agenda
Some items we will be covering: * Lot's of events competitions to report on. * Competition team progress. * Q2 is going to be very admin heavy. * New companies we will be moving to in Q2 * + Banking: Wells Fargo to First Bank + CRM: MBO to Wellness Living + Website company: HIVE * Currently reading: Brene Brown: Atlas of the Heart. * New Easton Podcast idea