Journeyman: Recent Episodes

Robert Villani

Journeyman is a comprehensive conversation about rugby, jiu-jitsu, and everything and anything in between! Stay tuned for future episodes and thanks for listening!

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A collection of top techniques from the Facebook chat and Instagram.

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Introducing an added feature to the podcast: Facebook Group chat where you can pose questions, comments, and participate in the production of each episode!

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Assurances on and off the mats!

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Some thoughts on longevity for the older grappler.

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An interview with Al Gernhardt; a BJJ Black Belt, father, teacher, and friend.

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Be your number one fan. Let people watch!

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Not resolutions but acknowledgments. On and off the mats.

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An interview with Steve Spencer, a competitive purple belt training out of EGA in Beacon NY. We discuss Steve's intro to BJJ, his competition mindset and routines, and his future goals. Thanks for tuning in and enjoy the episode!

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Paying it forward to the next generation.

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Sometimes, pain is the process.

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What factors are affecting your performance on & off the mat?

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Competition progress: improving one day at a time.

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Some helpful steps to success.

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An interview with Kody Vetro; head instructor and owner of Tracks BJJ in Walden, NY. Our discussion ranges from his introduction to BJJ, the belt system, competition mindsets, and the trials and gains of business ownership. Kody also speaks about the importance of consistency in skill development and growing the jiu-jitsu community.

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Leveling up on the mats and in life.

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An interview with Kyle Boehm, 10th planet black belt and ADCC competitor. Our discussion ranges from Kyle's introduction to BJJ, his multi-sport approach to grappling, competition mindset and methodologies, strength training for BJJ, and the future of jiu-jitsu.

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Filling your life with what makes you happy!

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A history of Veteran's Day and our present situation.--- This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app

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Be busy living life to its fullest!


This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app

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The Resistance. What is it?  When does it happen? Why does it happen?  Who benefits??


This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app

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New Trailer


This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app

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An Interview with Matt Sherman, Head Coach of the 2021-22 D1A National Champion Army RFC. Our discussion begins with Matt's introduction to rugby, his impressive collegiate playing career at the University of California, and then as a member of the U.S. National Team.  Matt explains how he used the lessons and mindsets of those experiences when coaching high-caliber athletes.  Furthermore, Coach Sherman speaks of Army's National Championship season, lessons learned, and success moving forward.

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A story about resilience, exposure, and staying the course.

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A list of non-negotiable’s, and surrounding yourself with people who will “jump fences” to be in your frame.


This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app

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A breakdown of this past weekend's Six Nations!! I had originally named this episode "Red Card", but after some consideration renamed it "Best of the Best" in gratitude and appreciation of people doing and giving their best!

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My discussion with Richie Jewell.


This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app

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What's your legacy?  What will people remember about you?

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Five points of progression ranging from short v. long term retention, mitigating injuries, and maintaining a "white belt" mentality. 


This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app

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As the events of September 11, 2001 unfolded, thousands of New Yorkers were trapped on the island of Manhattan. What ensued was the largest maritime evacuation in recorded history.

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Chasing excellence using this winning formula!

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Overcoming injuries and setbacks in sport.

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How our difficult journeys lead us to lives worth living!!

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An addendum to my second competition, a riff on “imposter syndrome”, and the use of the term “quitting” in personal growth.

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A riff on visiting the battlefields at Gettysburg, competing, and finding humility in one of America’s largest graveyards.

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To some, the appeal of contact sports.

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How comparison can derail your journey.

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An interview with Jay Faivre. Our discussion ranges from his introduction to Brazilian jiu-jitsu, motivation and benefits, and advice to newer students.

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Reflection, imposter syndrome, and opening doors.

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An interview with Nic Denyer.  Our discussion is a rugby global trek from Australia, Canada, and traversing the United States.  We speak about his introduction to the sport, his progression into high level rugby, and his experiences both playing and coaching around the world.

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A collection of songs since taking up the guitar in March.  Just like jiu-jitsu, it's about enjoying the process...

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A coaches conversation with Phil Terrigno (Army), Bill San Giacomo (Danbury), and James Kimberly (Marist).  Our discussion ranges from an overview of a "pressure" match mindset, a games-based approach to preparation, kicking and defensive strategies, set pieces, and an athlete crossover plan.

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Today's interview is with Dave Lyme, current Head Coach of Staples High School RFC.  Our discussion ranges from his introduction to rugby as a youth in Australia, to a career that has spanned forty plus years.  We discuss all of this including his progression into coaching, philosophies, and pathways to success for U.S.A. Rugby.

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An interview with Phil Terrigno, currently an assistant coach for Army Rugby.  Our discussion ranges from his introduction to the sport at New Rochelle High School, his early coaching experiences in Texas, pedagogy and philosophies, as well as player and coaching development within U.S. rugby.

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An interview with James Kimberly, Head Coach of Marist RFC.  Our discussion ranges from his introduction to rugby, progression into coaching, his ability to overcome personal struggle, as well as an overview of the future of the sport.

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An interview with Nick Spencer; his introduction to the martial arts, progression to coaching, competition advice, and influential mantras that have guided his journey.

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An interview with Coach Bill San Giacomo; our discussion ranges from updates on the state of rugby,  grassroots moving forward, his progression and passion for coaching,  and the overall evolution and promotion of the sport.

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An interview with Frank Rotovnik; his introduction to rugby, its evolution, versatility, and contributions to the sport on and off the field. 

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An interview with Carl Tetreault; his introduction to rugby, sport specialization, and commonalities between rugby and Jiu- Jitsu.

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An interview with Lara Vivolo, her introduction to rugby, progression through the national ranks, and becoming a member of the 2010 World Cup squad. We discuss the evolution of her career, challenges, and mindset throughout the process.

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An interview with Chris Przymylski, a brown belt under Mike Varley at Black Hole JJ in Mahopac, N.Y. We discuss his introduction to the art, it’s positive effects, the importance of timing and competition, as well as trusting the process.

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An interview with Brian Viriri, long-time rugger, coach, coordinator, and nurse.  Our discussion ranges from his introduction to the sport in Zimbabwe, his guiding influences, best advice received,  and the importance of education and resiliency.

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An interview with Victor Martinez, gym owner and Brazilian jiu-jitsu practitioner. Our discussion includes his introduction to the art, routines and parallels to CrossFit, best advice received, and injury prevention.

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Interview with first-degree black belt Mike Palladino, Our discussion covers his introduction to jiu-jitsu, memorable lessons learned, advice to beginners, and the future of the art.

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Transitioning from football to rugby, injuries, tunneling, and preparation for the older athlete.

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Through discomfort and challenge comes growth.

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How noise can derail your goals and objectives.

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How habit & routine can be helpful in maintaining gains.

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Adaptation, normalcy, and self-care in chaos.

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How struggle can be based on perspective and experience. Why victimhood is often used as a crutch. Oh, & a little about the the state of contact sports...

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How does fear factor into your life??

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Six Nations update, someone else’s crisis, redemption, & the pain of growth.

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Enjoying the grind and setbacks of sport, and how that relates to life.

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Introduction to podcast, being your own “Hero”, Six-Nations rugby