UFC flyweight contender Alex Perez joins The Heart of the Bad Wolf for a raw, honest conversation about the realities of life inside and outside the cage. From fighting friends and overcoming self-doubt to building a life for his family, Alex opens up about the mindset it takes to compete at the highest level.

Ranked in the top 10 of the UFC flyweight division, Perez shares what it’s really like to carry pressure into every fight, why he still questions himself despite success, and how discipline, sacrifice, and competition have shaped his journey.

This episode dives deep into the mental side of fighting, the grind behind the scenes, and the balance between being a father, husband, coach, and elite athlete.

Watch the full episode on YouTube and subscribe for more conversations with fighters and athletes about the mindset behind combat sports.

Follow Alex Perez on Instagram: @alexperezmma

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Podcast production by Command Creative Studios https://commandcreativestudios.com

#UFC #AlexPerez #MMA #CombatSports #UFCPodcast #MMAInterview

UFC bantamweight Ethyn Ewing joins The Heart of the Bad Wolf to share one of the most real journeys in MMA today.

Just days after winning a title with a knockout, Ethyn got the call to step into the UFC—and then went right back to his day job.

In this episode, Ethyn breaks down what it’s really like chasing a UFC career while balancing a full-time job, fatherhood, and the grind of daily life. From early setbacks and tough losses to building a 9-fight win streak, he opens up about the mindset it takes to keep going when nothing is guaranteed.

This is a story about resilience, sacrifice, and doing whatever it takes to build your future—whether that’s inside the cage or on a job site.

If you’re looking for motivation, discipline, and a real look at the fighter’s life beyond the spotlight, this episode delivers.

Watch the full episode on YouTube and subscribe for more conversations with fighters and athletes about the mindset behind combat sports.

Follow Ethyn Ewing on Instagram: @professorfinessermma

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Watch the show on YouTube http://www.youtube.com/@Theheartofthebadwolf

Podcast production by Command Creative Studios https://commandcreativestudios.com

#EthynEwing #UFC #MMApodcast #FightMindset #CombatSports #TheHeartOfTheBadWolf

UFC bantamweight Elijah “Swift” Smith joins The Heart of the Bad Wolf to talk about his journey into the UFC, the mindset required to compete at the highest level, and the realities of life as a professional fighter.

Elijah breaks down the difference between being hurt and being injured, the mental toughness required inside the cage, and why recovery, discipline, and smart training are key to longevity in MMA.

In this conversation, Elijah also shares:

• How he transitioned from wrestling to professional MMA • The origin of his nickname “Swift” • Knocking out his first amateur opponents in seconds • The importance of film study and game planning in the UFC • Training with elite fighters and learning the levels of the sport • Working with a sports psychologist to strengthen the mental side of fighting • Balancing life as a UFC fighter and a father

Elijah also reflects on fighting on Dana White’s Contender Series, earning his place in the UFC, and the motivation that drives him to keep improving every day.

This episode dives deep into the mindset, discipline, and sacrifices required to compete in the world of mixed martial arts.

Watch the full episode on YouTube and subscribe for more conversations with fighters and athletes about the mindset behind combat sports.

Follow Elijah Smith on Instagram: @shakurdabag02

Follow the show's Instagram page @theheartofthebadwolf

Watch the show on YouTube http://www.youtube.com/@Theheartofthebadwolf

Podcast production by Command Creative Studios https://commandcreativestudios.com

#ElijahSmith #UFC #MMAPodcast #TheHeartOfTheBadWolf #UFCFighter #CombatSports

UFC lightweight Mike “Beast Boy” Davis joins The Heart of the Bad Wolf to share the powerful story behind his journey to the UFC.

Mike opens up about being bullied growing up, learning to box at just 14 years old, and riding his bike miles to train at the same gym connected to Mike Tyson’s legendary coaches. That decision changed the course of his life.

In this conversation, Mike discusses: • How martial arts helped him overcome anxiety and bullying • Teaching himself kicks by watching kung fu movies and video games • The mindset of a professional fighter inside the cage • Training, discipline, and earning his Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu black belt • The adversity he faced on his path to the UFC

Mike Davis is known for his explosive fighting style, creativity in the cage, and relentless work ethic. But behind the fighter is a powerful story of resilience, growth, and refusing to quit.

Subscribe for more conversations with fighters, athletes, and people who have walked through adversity and come out stronger.

New episodes of The Heart of the Bad Wolf drop regularly on YouTube.

Follow Mike "Beast Boy" Davis on Instagram:@mikedavismma

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Watch the show on YouTube https://www.youtube.com/@theheartofthebadwolf

Podcast production by Command Creative Studios https://www.commandcreativestudios.com

#MikeDavis#UFC#MMA#TheHeartOfTheBadWolf#UFCFighter#CombatSports

In this "Re-Release," Steven Asplund is a larger-than-life heavyweight with no filter, a ferocious work ethic, and a story you'll want to hear. In episode one of The Heart of the Bad Wolf, host Nicholas James Muscarella sits down with Steven to dive deep into his journey: from growing up overweight and bullied, to embracing fighting, grinding through early amateur bouts, and bulldozing his way into the spotlight after lighting up the Contender Series.

In this episode, you’ll hear:

• How Steven’s childhood shaped his fight and his life
• The moment he decided enough was enough, and he began transforming his body and mindset
• Growing up in Minnesota with a fighter dad, and learning lessons of discipline from a young age
• What it means to fight not just for yourself but for family, legacy, and those who’ve had your back from day one

Whether you’re a fight fan, someone on a personal transformation journey, or just love real, raw stories — this is one you don’t want to miss.

Tap in, welcome to The Heart of the Wolf.

Subscribe now so you don’t miss future episodes.

Watch us on

YouTube: http://www.youtube.com/@Theheartofthebadwolf

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Instagram: @theheartofthebadwolf

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Command Creative Studios

https://www.commandcreativestudios.com/

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In this "Re-Release" episode of The Heart of the Bad Wolf, host Nicholas James Muscarella sits down with UFC fighter Chris Padilla for a thoughtful and wide-ranging conversation that goes far beyond the cage.

Chris opens up about the mindset he carries into fights and why calmness, discipline, and mental clarity are some of a fighter’s greatest weapons. He discusses the demanding training and nutrition required at the highest level, while also reflecting on deeper themes like family dynamics, mentorship, and the personal demons every fighter must face along the way.

The conversation also explores how psychedelics have shaped Chris’s perspective on life, creativity, and self-awareness, and why having outlets beyond fighting is essential for long-term balance and fulfillment. From upbringing and identity to purpose and personal growth, this episode reveals the human being behind the gloves and the inner work required to thrive inside and outside the cage.

This is an honest look at what it takes to evolve as a fighter and as a person.

Follow Chris Padilla on Instagram: @chriswartaco123, X: chriswartaco, and Snapchat: tacopadilla13

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In this episode of The Heart of the Bad Wolf, Nicholas James Muscarella sits down with world-renowned striking coach Jason Strout for a raw, honest conversation about fighting, burnout, addiction, fatherhood, and the emotional weight of coaching at the highest level.

Jason opens up about growing up in the Midwest with an alcoholic father, finding himself in hardcore music culture, and how fighting became both an outlet and an identity. He shares why he never drank, how gym life saved him at the right moment, and how stepping into combat sports changes you permanently.

The conversation goes deeper into the realities most fans never see:

• Stopping fights to protect his own fighters • The emotional crash after fight night • The guilt of convincing a fighter to take a payday that ended in a knockout • Burnout from nonstop fight camps • How coaching links you emotionally to a fighter inside the cage • Why he sometimes needs to disappear during fight week to recharge

Jason also reflects on becoming a father and how raising a child forces you to confront your own childhood. He speaks openly about ego, relationships, emotional awareness, and the discipline it takes to evolve as a man.

This is not just about striking. It’s about identity, chaos, masculinity, mentorship, growth, and breaking cycles.

If you care about what fighting really does to the mind and the heart, this episode is for you.

Follow Jason Strout on Instagram: @coachstrout website: https://jasonstrout.com/

Like and subscribe for real, long-form MMA conversations. Watch full episodes on YouTube.

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Podcast production by Command Creative Studios https://www.commandcreativestudios.com

#TheHeartOfTheBadWolf#JasonStrout#MMACoach#StrikingCoach#MuayThai#UFCCorner#FightPhilosophy#MMAInterview#Burnout#Fatherhood#AddictionRecovery#FighterMindset#CombatSports#MentalStrength#Masculinity#CoachingLife#FightCamp#WarriorMindset

In this deeply moving episode of The Heart of the Bad Wolf, host Nicholas James Muscarella sits down with UFC fighter Jacobe Smith for one of the most honest conversations of his career.

Jacobe opens up about the realities of UFC fight camp, two-a-day training, recovery, weight management, and how the UFC Performance Institute has transformed his approach to preparation. From wrestling at an elite level to developing fight-ending power without traditional weightlifting, Jacobe explains the mindset and discipline required to compete at the highest level.

The conversation then turns inward. Jacobe shares painful memories of childhood abuse, poverty, instability, and witnessing domestic violence. He speaks openly about growing up between two worlds, navigating fear and aggression, and how unresolved trauma became fuel inside the cage. As he matured, Jacobe began confronting those experiences, gaining clarity about his parents’ struggles, and choosing a different path for his own children.

As a father and homeschool parent, Jacobe explains what it means to actively break generational cycles — choosing accountability, emotional awareness, and communication over silence and fear. He reflects on faith outside of traditional institutions, personal research into belief systems, and the importance of building a strong internal foundation beyond fighting.

This episode is about more than MMA. It’s about identity, responsibility, legacy, and turning pain into purpose — keeping the “bad wolf” caged while building something better for the next generation.

Like and subscribe for real, long-form fighter stories.

Watch full episodes on YouTube.

New episodes of The Heart of the Bad Wolf drop regularly

Follow Jacobe Smith on:

Instagram/threads - @Cobe1423

Facebook - Jacobe Smith

TikTok- @jacobesmith96

Follow the show on Instagram: @theheartofthebadwolf

Watch the show on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@theheartofthebadwolf

Podcast production by Command Creative Studios https://www.commandcreativestudios.com

#TheHeartOfTheBadWolf #JacobeSmith #UFC #MMA #UFCFighter #FighterMindset #FightCamp #BreakingGenerationalCurses #ChildhoodTrauma #Fatherhood #FaithAndPurpose #MentalToughness #WrestlingToMMA #CombatSports #MMAPodcast #Resilience #Legacy #RealFighterStories