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The journey from fighter to coach often reveals the deepest insights about combat sports. Billy Freedson, standing at just 5'5", began his martial arts journey with what he calls "Napoleon syndrome" – a chip on his shoulder and a readiness to fight that eventually transformed into a sophisticated understanding of striking, grappling, and the intricate dance between them.

Billy's expertise spans multiple disciplines: Muay Thai, K-1 kickboxing, wrestling, judo, jiu-jitsu, and even Filipino knife fighting. This comprehensive background has made him a valued coach at Cleveland's Upgraded Industries, where he's helped shape numerous fighters including Tony "The Latin Assassin" – a wrestling specialist whose striking has evolved from "brutish" and forward-charging to technical and angle-focused under Billy's guidance.

What makes Billy's perspective particularly valuable is his willingness to acknowledge the hard lessons of his own fighting career. From backyard brawls to a knockout loss against future UFC champion Cody Garbrandt, Billy understands the painful education that combat sports provide. After going 3-0 at 135 pounds, his fighting career ended with a difficult weight cut that drained his performance – experience that now informs his coaching approach.

The podcast explores fascinating aspects of the fight game: how wrestlers can use striking to set up takedowns, why women fighters often underestimate their own power, what six weeks of training in Thailand taught Billy about authentic Muay Thai, and even a candid assessment of Jake Paul's boxing skills ("high level amateur"). Throughout these topics runs a consistent thread – Billy's dedication to building Cleveland's combat sports community through collaborative training rather than gym rivalry

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Easter traditions spark passionate opinions, nostalgic memories, and plenty of laughter in this seasonal gathering of friends. From the unanimous dislike of Peeps marshmallow treats to heated debates about the best Easter candies (Reese's eggs and Cadbury caramel eggs emerge victorious), our panel dives deep into what makes this spring holiday special across generations.

Food takes center stage as guests share their traditional Easter meals – ham remains a staple for most, while Italian pastas, Polish kielbasa, pierogies, and even brisket make appearances on family tables. The conversation reveals a strong consensus that holidays should be celebrated at home rather than restaurants, emphasizing how these gatherings strengthen family bonds and create lasting memories.

The peculiar tradition of Easter Bunny photos generates universal amusement and slight horror. As one guest describes mall Easter Bunnies: "They just look stressed out and deranged." Another shares his teenage experience being forced to don the costume for younger family members, likely scarring them for life as a six-foot-five bunny approached them.

Perhaps most heartwarming are the shared memories of childhood Easters – following colorful jelly bean trails to hidden baskets, unexpected Nintendo systems as gifts, and now creating new traditions with their own children. These stories reveal how holiday traditions evolve while maintaining their essential purpose of bringing loved ones together.

Whether you're planning an elaborate Easter dinner, filling baskets for little ones, or simply gathering with family and friends, this episode captures the spirit of the season and might just inspire you to start some new traditions of your own. Share your own Easter memories and tradi

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Anthony "The Violence" Pirozzoli doesn't live up to his nickname when he's laying bricks at his day job, but step into the ring with him, and you'll quickly understand how he earned it. Growing up wrestling in middle school before abandoning sports to "go work and make money," Anthony eventually found his calling later in life when his love of watching MMA transformed into an irresistible desire to step into the ring himself.

What makes Anthony's journey fascinating is his rapid evolution as a fighter. Starting with Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu and MMA, he quickly realized where his true passion lay: "I didn't like the option of the takedown. I prefer no escape." This philosophy perfectly captures why he transitioned from mixed martial arts to focus exclusively on kickboxing and striking. While he respects the technical beauty of ground fighting, there's something pure about two combatants standing toe-to-toe that resonates deeply with his fighting spirit and Italian heritage.

Despite working full-time as a bricklayer, Anthony's commitment to his craft is unwavering. He heads straight from construction sites to the gym for conditioning, managing to balance a demanding professional life with the rigorous training required for championship fights. This dedication has paid off with impressive victories, including winning the Impacto 165 title on just three weeks' notice and claiming Cleveland Golden Gloves at the same weight class.

From fighting in everything from hotel banquet rooms to Thailand's dedicated "mini arenas" that host fights seven nights a week, Anthony provides a fascinating glimpse into the regional fighting scene. He also shares personal connections within the fight community, including discovering he's second cousins with a previous podcast

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