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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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Duke vs Houston and Florida vs Auburn - this Final Four may be chalk with all top seeds, but our basketball roundtable delivers bold predictions and passionate debates about who's cutting down the nets in San Antonio.

Our panel of coaches, broadcasters and basketball lifers tackle the burning questions: Is Duke's Cooper Flagg truly the greatest freshman in college basketball history? Does Houston's top-ranked defense give them the edge over Duke's offensive firepower? Which coach among the Final Four has the advantage? And who ultimately wins it all?

The conversation takes a fascinating detour when Coach Mike Worrell shares the remarkable story of coaching Jacob Tucker, the 5'10" Division III player who shocked the basketball world by winning the 2011 NCAA Slam Dunk Championship. From viral YouTube sensation to meeting NBA legends and being mobbed for autographs, it's a reminder of how March Madness creates unforgettable moments.

The group also examines how dramatically college basketball has changed in the NIL era. With players and coaches constantly moving between programs, could any modern coach ever reach the legendary status of figures like Wooden, Knight or Coach K? As one panelist puts it bluntly: "There's no loyalty anymore on any level - players, coaches, administrators."

Whether you're filling out your bracket or just love college hoops, t

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Dive into a sweet escape with our special guest host Fiddy and "The Fab Five" as they unwrap their deepest dessert opinions and share hidden bakery gems you won't want to miss. This episode is a sugar-coated journey through the world of treats that will have you reaching for your car keys to hunt down local pastry treasures.

Our guests reveal surprising consensus on some topics (ice cream beats cookies every time) while passionately disagreeing on others. When it comes to bakeries worth visiting, we uncover spectacular recommendations spanning from Corbo's in Cleveland to Jimmy's in Liberty and Oakmont Bakery in Pittsburgh—each promising authentic Italian pastries that would make any nonna proud.

The conversation turns hilariously unified when black licorice enters the chat. Every single guest expresses profound distaste for this controversial candy, with descriptions ranging from "if death had a taste" to comparisons we can't repeat in polite company. But it's not all criticism—our guests enthusiastically share their favorite candies, from Heath Bars to Reese's Fast Break to the nostalgic appeal of candy corn pumpkins.

As the discussion moves through morning coffee habits, birthday cake preferences, and even a tour of Hershey, Pennsylvania, you'll discover how dessert choices reveal personality traits and generational perspectives. The show wraps with a heated debate about pie superiority, with surprising contenders for both best (cherry, key lime) and most overrated (pumpkin, apple).

Whether you're planning your next road trip around bakery stops or simply looking to settle a dessert debate with friends, this episode delivers the perfect blend of recommendations, memories, and passionate opinions about the sweeter things in life. Tell

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Lacing up for track season brings a flood of memories to anyone who's ever competed, and this star-studded panel takes us straight to the starting blocks. From Olympic trial qualifier Jose Jefferson who triple jumped 51'11" to All-American javelin thrower Lauren Lubarski who broke her university record as a freshman, these track legends deliver a masterclass in what it takes to excel in the sport.

The conversation quickly reveals how track and field creates versatile athletes – Jose competed in five events at one meet, while Lauren transitioned from discus national champion in high school to javelin standout in college. As Coach Andy Upton shares insights from his impressive 27-year coaching career, we discover how knowledge gets passed down through generations, with many former competitors now coaching the next wave of talent.

Nothing bonds track athletes like suffering through brutal weather conditions. Stories of competing in hailstorms, running through snow-covered tracks, and watching high jump bars fall from wind gusts before jumpers even approach bring knowing laughter from everyone involved. Coach Upton's tale of squeegeeing water off floating long jump boards demonstrates the dedication coaches bring to helping athletes succeed regardless of conditions.

When the discussion turns to the most challenging event in track and field, the 800-meter race na

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Baseball's economic divide has never been more pronounced, yet the beauty of America's pastime remains in its unpredictability. Despite the Los Angeles Dodgers emerging as clear World Series favorites after their offseason spending spree, there's something magical about baseball that money simply can't buy – and that's exactly what makes this upcoming MLB season so compelling.

The Baltimore Orioles stand as this year's most intriguing challenger, with their young core poised to build on last season's breakout success. Meanwhile, Cleveland's Guardians continue defying expectations with their formula of "pitching and good vibes," proving that team chemistry and development can sometimes outperform raw payroll power. These underdog stories represent what many consider baseball's beating heart – the blue-collar determination that resonates with fans across America's smaller markets.

Nothing exemplifies baseball's economic tensions better than the Oakland Athletics' controversial move to Las Vegas. The relocation saga highlights the growing divide between ownership interests and committed fanbases, with one commentator powerfully noting: "Moving the team was a Band-Aid on a bullet hole." This sentiment extends beyond Oakland to broader concerns about baseball's future landscape – will small market teams eventually disappear entirely? The most promising solution might not be imposing a salary cap but rather establishing a salary floor, forcing ownership groups to invest minimally in competitive rosters while preserving players' earning potential. As Pittsburgh's electric playoff atmosphere once demonstrated, passionate fans in smaller markets create something invaluable for the sport that billion-dollar payrolls can never manufacture: authentic connection and c

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Join us for a vibrant, music-filled episode that dives into the genres, artists, and unforgettable concert experiences that shape our lives! We kick things off with some light-hearted icebreakers, setting the tone for an exciting exploration of our varying musical tastes.

Our panel shares their go-to genres, revealing personal stories behind their choices—from reggae and rock to country and everything in between. As we discuss our favorites, we dive into the emotional connections that music evokes, often serving as a soundtrack to pivotal moments in our lives.

Listen in as we recount memorable concert experiences, reliving the excitement of live performances from artists like Kid Rock, Lil Wayne, and even the powerhouse Celine Dion! We tackle some controversial music debates—like whether Taylor Swift is in the same league as the greats—and finish up with summer playlist recommendations that'll set the perfect vibe for sunny days and barbeque nights.

Don't miss this opportunity to reminisce, reflect, and most importantly, connect through the universal language of music. Tune in, subscribe, and let us know your favorite tracks!

We explore the depth of our musical identities through engaging discussions on genres and memorable concerts. With a lively panel, we dive into our favorite styles, unforgettable experiences, and the impact of music on our lives.

• Sharing heights and thermostat settings as an icebreaker
• Favorite music genres discussed: reggae, rock, and country
• Memorable concert experiences, including Kid Rock and Lil Wayne
• Debating Taylor Swift's place among icons like Whitney Houston
• Recommendations for crafting the perfect summer playlist

If you enjoyed this episode, be a friend,

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