Better Than Average

Chris and Jay deliver another express podcast but have no fear, episode 66 still has a lot crammed. Chris shares a confession regarding the Star Wars franchise, Jay gives in to the EV revolution and we briefly look forward one of grapplings exciting match ups. This one is very raw, it gets wild even, but that’s no surprise. We’ve come to expect a little carnage, so let’s get it done. Execute Order 66, its going to be Better Than Average.

Chris delivers a serious callout this week, Jay starts a war with the tax man and Casa De Swanston gets an unexpected visitor. It wouldn’t happen on a professional, carefully edited podcast but guess what, that’s not why you joined. Look deep into your soul, you know it’s true, you enjoy the carnage. You love the violent segways between MMA, Jiujitsu and popular culture. Don’t fight against it, let it happen. 65 has all the trappings of a classic Chris and Jay adventure. The outcome may not be everything you hoped but it is sure to be Better Than Average.

Standby, this is a special one. In Episode 64 we discuss Jays latest Jiujitsu competition, we look forward to the big one championship match up between Mikey and Kade and we reflect on how we would survive in the Fallout Universe. It’s an exciting one with plenty of laughs and one slightly disturbing confession from Uncle Jay. Trust me, episode 64 is definitely Better Than Average.

Ladies and Gentlemen, this is Episode 63. It’s an action packed event this week. Chris and Jay review UFC 300 with a special focus on Mad Max Holloway. As well as an update on MMAs biggest show there is all the normal shenanigans this week. We discuss Gi vs No Gi Jiujitsu, Chris tries in vain to sidestep a political debate and Jay loses a sock. It has all the makings of one of our greatest shows, will live up to the hype? Probably not, but it’s certainly Better Than Average.

Now we’ve cleared out the archive, it’s time for another classic episode. After a long week episode 62 has just what we needed to get back in the flow. There are plenty of laughs as well as some serious chat on serious topics. As well as all the normal life chat, this week Chris and Jay discuss MMAs bad boy Jon Jones, BJJs recent debate on excessive force in self defence and UFC 300. Not what you hoped for? Well it is what it is. Give it a go, you know it’s going to be Better Than Average.

Episode 61, Raiders of the Lost Archive. 61 episodes after it’s creation we have unearthed the infamous General Chat podcast. This is the episode that was never to see the light of day, the one Chris thought had some ‘controversial moments’. Well, it’s been a year since we recorded it and like a fine wine it’s aged with grace and now it’s ready for consumption. This episode touches on pretty much everything that makes Better Than Average special. We discuss Jon Jones, cock fighting, Freddie Mercury, steroids in BJJ and our own experiences as white belts. Listening to episode 61 is like exploring a forgotten tomb. There are skeletons and there are relics of times past, most of it is utter garbage but some of it is pure gold. Sit back and take a listen, we promise the whole thing is Better Than Average.

It’s official, BTA pod is sixty. Naturally we are starting to sounds like a couple sixty year olds now. Chris moans about his aching legs, Jay gets vocal about self defence Jiujitsu and we get all nostalgic looking back at some of the iconic movies making a comeback. So much to talk about and so little time this week. There’s BJJ, MMA and a decent section on our thoughts on Connor McGregors recent acting debut. It’s all crammed in there, episode 60 in three nice little chunks totalling a little under 60 minutes, perfection. I can’t promise it’s better than the original but it is Better Than Average.

It’s Episode 59 and let’s be honest, it’s kind of a big deal. Chris and Jay catch up on all the latest MMA and Jiujitsu chat. We relive some of the 90s best advertising, Jay gives us an insight into his antics during his army drills and Chris updates us on a particular lot memorable week of training. It’s live, it’s unscripted and it’s always Better Than Average.

It’s episode 58 and we join the boys early on school day. There little time to waste so let’s get after it! We talk Paul vs Tyson, Ngannou vs Joshua and Saint Denis vs Poirier. But don’t worry if all that masculinity is too much for you. There is plenty more of the classic Chris and Jay nonsense. Chris tells us of his near miss during the weeks No gi class, Jay gives us an update on Corporate Fight Club and we take a look at one of the years best pictures. It’s not too much it just Kenough, and guess what? It’s always Better Than Average.

Chris and Jay are back in The Quest for Unity. It’s Episode 57 and here’s 5 - 7 reasons why you should be tuning in this week. We take a look at another Craig Jones moment that went viral. We discuss Jay’s new ‘Corporate Fight Club’. We look forward to UFC’s next big event. We explore how to make Jiujitsu appeal to new students. Jay loses himself in mob mentality, Chris goes full Dad mode and we learn how quickly a simple grappling game can become something little more sinister. Don’t worry, it’s all fun and games and it’s always Better Than Average.

Chris and Jay turn on the mics for the 56th time. By now our little Podcast barely needs introduction and that’s fortunate really because we fail to introduce episode 56 at all. 53 minutes and not even a whisper of formally. This is Podcasting in its rawest form, no edits, no endorsements and no clear direction. What can you expect? A deep and meandering conversation which touches on Jiujitsu (a little), MMA (a little more) and Global Politics (a little more than we’d like). Theres updates on Jays BJJ Start Up at Unity Place, an intriguing discussion regarding Chris’ heritage and a confused but well meaning look into what makes a person thrive in Jiujitsu. Episode 56, we can’t guarantee it’s everything you were hoping it would be, but we can guarantee it’s Better Than Average.

Episode 55, a tale as old as time is a tale of two parts. Chris and Jay brave rain of biblical proportions to bring you another feel good story of friendship. What can you expect? You can expect a rough and rugged exterior, try to look past it, there is beauty within. Our story starts with tales from a small provincial JiuJitsu club and ends with a recap of MMAs biggest shows. We talk the Psychology of dressing old, rekindling a love for childhood movies and one of Christianity’s oldest stores. Not sure how those topics tie together? Never fear, as always BTA delivers a classic tale of a blossoming friendship, the greatest tale ever told? Unlikely, but Better Than Average.

Chris and Jay are back with Episode 54 and it’s a special one. We join the boys post Valentines and there is a lot to catch up on. We discuss an aging MMA fighter, Victor Hugo’s big win over Nicky Rod and our favourite thrillers. That’s not all, Jay shares a little too much about his bathroom routine, Chris is left holding the podcast in the wake of another delivery and we talk a look at the shortest podcast interview in history. It’s all in there and it’s a delightful blend vicious Segway and believe it or not there is plenty of Jiujitsu chat. Don’t worry, it’s still Better Than Average.

BTA the final frontier, Chris and Jay go boldly into episode 53. Our first stop is a brief but memorable dig at US and U.K. leaders, I know what you are thinking. Chris normally keeps clear of political talk and there are some pretty close calls in this one. Never fear though, there is still the normal MMA, Jiujitsu and general guy chat. We get an update on Jays recent trip to Bratislava. We relive some of our favourite 90s movies and pay tribute to the King of Sting himself. A classic Chris and Jay adventure dedicated to the late Carl Weathers. It’s not perfect, but it is certainly Better Than Average.

Episode 52, one year of the Better Than Average podcast. Chris and Jay are seasoned whitebelts in podcasting now and it really shows. Episode 52 has a plethora of beautify segways and transitions, there’s BJJ news, 90’s TV and a lengthy chat on Conscription. I know what you’re thinking, sounds like a weird mix of topics. Well, that’s how we roll. Even after 52 weeks of BTA there are interruptions, miscommunication and intermissions but the final product is always Better Than Average.

That’s right ladies and gents, this is the second coming of Ross ‘The Boss’ George. So much to talk about with Ross. We discuss the recent BJJ Blue Belt in a white belt scandal, we talk Gladiators and we recap the latest MMA news. There’s Boxing chat, movie chat and general guy chat. So if you’re a fan of Ross’, a fan of ours or even just fanning the smouldering embers of your potential interest in Jiujitsu check it out. We guarantee only one thing, it’s always Better Than Average.

Episode 50, a half century. We join Chris and Jay on a busy morning so it’s an express podcast this week. Don’t worry there are no half measures of BTA Podcast. There is all the usual MMA, BJJ and guy chat. Chris updates us on his car trouble, Jay sets his sights on a Jiujitsu competition and we talk Batmans greatest enemies. That’s right, something for everyone. Give it a shot, we promise it is Better Than Average.

Episode 49, the one that came late. The Boys are joined this week by Napoleon himself, the man with the Guillotine, Andy Leatherland. Andy gives us an update on his BJJ journey Jay fills us in on his big weekend on the mountain and Chris sets his sights on a Half Marathon. What else do we have in store this week? We talk UFC, Boxing and we learn a thing or two about life in China. Is it worth the wait? Hard to say, but it’s definitely Better Than Average.

It’s the first podcast of 2024 and it doesn’t disappoint. This week Jay tells us about the time he tried to steal a snake, Chris learns a little bit about milking donkeys and we get a nice little insight into pyramid schemes. Don’t worry, Jay’s not trying to sell you a Garmin watch this week but if you did need life insurance he’s got you covered. There’s talk on cults, bull fighting and all the normal BJJ, MMA and general guy chat. It’s all washed down with some of uncle Jay’s gold plated ‘Weasel Poop Coffee’ and it’s one hell of a Podcast. Maybe not the best ever, maybe not even our best ever, but 100% Better Than Average.

It’s the final podcast of 2023 and there is a lot to cover. We take a trip down memory lane this week alongside all the normal BJJ, MMA and general guy chat. Need specifics? Don’t worry the specifics are the best part of episode 47. Specifically, we learn about Chris’ gruelling night before Christmas, Jay sets a very specific goal for 2024 and we launch into a very specific debate about BJJ professors. This a podcast that starts with a story about the magic of Christmas and ends with a discussion about BJJ promotions after a brief interlude to discuss 80’s guys, Pearl Harbour and Who Framed Roger Rabbit. That’s right, it’s a wild one. Give it a chance, we promise it’s Better Than Average.

Welcome to a festive addition of Better Than Average Podcast. We join Chris and Jay post lunchtime BJJ session and there is a lot to cram into our 50-minute episode so lets get after it. Jay gives us an update on all the new belt promotions, Chris faces the mean aisles of his local toyshop and together the boys treat us to some good-natured Blue Belt Baiting. But wait, there is more. MMA chat is a big feature this week. We talk David Goggins and Tony Ferguson, we talk Uncle Sam and Donald Trump and we talk Strickland vs DuPlessis. It’s absolutely jam packed. It ducks and weaves better than Leon Edwards. Its interrupted not once, not twice, but three times! Jesus, Jay is hard to manage. Don’t worry, we get there in the end and the finished product is still Better Than Average.

Chris and Jay are back with a podcast of Biblical proportions. It’s a take that starts with the Angel of Death and with El Cucuy. Episode 45 really has it all, Chris gets called out, Jay treats us to a little slight of hand and we get a small but interesting glimpse into life in the Swanston House. There is plenty of fun to be had, all the usual MMA, BJJ and…U.K. Politics by combat? That’s right, you know we like to mix it up and if you’re reading this you are already knee deep, no sense turning back now. Sit back, enjoy the ride. It’s always Better Than Average.

Happy Holidays you filthy animals! Jay’s really ready to let that personality shine in Episode 44 and Chris tries in vain to keep him in check. We learn which Disney princess Jay likes the most, we get dragged into another classic thought experiment and we discover that not all Elf on the shelf’s are created equal. There’s MMA chat, BJJ talk and all the normal Chris and Jay antics wrapped up in the a neat little package… don’t be shy, take a peek…It’s unlikely to be the best present you are given this festive period, but is definitely Better Than Average.

It’s Judgement Day and Chris and Jay are back with Episode 43. This is a feisty one. Jay calls out a friend live on the pod, Chris gets a lesson on navigation and Herc falls asleep at his post. Sounds like a real mixed bag right? Well it is. There is some serious chat about the morality of insurance companies. There is some ethical debate about our attitudes towards robots and there is a little insight into lunchtime BJJ at Southern Tribes. What else is there to say? Not much, its a classic Chris and Jay adventure. It’s raw, it’s honest, it’s Better Than Average.

Chris and Jay are officially podcastings cowboys. Episode 42 consists of 3 separate audio files. Why? Two words, Jay Swanston. You know Better Than Average is completely against editing, it’s not our style, but every now and then one of the team needs censoring and if you're a fan of the Pod you already know who I’m talking about. This week is utter Pandamonium, we cover alot of random stuff. Chris shares his frustration at recent green policy, Jay shares his opinion on flushable wipes and together we share our must haves for being shipwrecked on a dessert island. Don't worry, there is all the normal MMA, BJJ and Wrestling chat but aside from that its all over the place. Utter chaos, but its also raw and beautiful. If you enjoy a wild ride, and surely you do, this one is Better Than Average.

Chris and Jay pay homage to the great nation of France this week. Strange thing to do? Well, Jay’s latest man crush, UFC fighter Benoît Saint-Denis, might a have something to do with it. This week we discuss the epic results from UFC 294 and the implications for MMA. We pay tribute to the old lions of grappling and consider if Jake Paul has the right skill set for his PFL debut. Sounds like one for the combat sport purists? Well it really isn’t. Chris has a near miss with hyperthermia, Jay takes a tumble into a lake and PT Will breaks a nail. It’s a rough ride, but that’s the way we like it, it’s about the journey. Guess what, the journey is always Better Than Average.

BTA turns 40! Naturally this is when we pick up some new aches and pains. It’s off to a rocky start this week but it’s handled with the elegance and maturity that you would expect from a 40 episode old podcast. So, what’s on the agenda? We talk about the up and coming UFC match ups, wrestling and how it compares to BJJ and West End Musical’s… I know, it’s how we roll. Is this going to be the next big thing? No, it’s probably not, but it is Better Than Average.

It’s Showtime! The boys sit down in the wake of All Hallows Eve for another classic Chris and Jay adventure. This week we talk horror movies, Forest Grump and the Baddest Man in the Planet. Wait, there is more. Chris gets and update on the recent BJJ competition, Jay shares his very own ghost story and we recap the most recent news in one of grapplings most contentious topics. It’s under prepared, it’s completely unedited, but some how, it’s still Better Than Average.

What’s up everybody, here we are with another round of Better Than Average Podcast. Introducing first, fighting out of the Purple Corner, we have Jay ‘Slam Dunk’ Swanston. Jay’s a 5ft6 powerhouse known for his intimidating cauliflowers and slickly smooth snatch. Fighting out of the Brown Corner we have Chris ‘Big Brown’ Dachtler, a freestyle athlete known for his sharp one liners and frequent bouts of infectious laughter. They’ll being going head to head in Episode 38 and it promises to be a battle for the ages. Why should you tune in? Well the boys will take a shot at understand the afterlife, breakdown one of the UFC most intriguing match ups and pay tribute to a young man with a big heart and an even bigger mouth, dead Doug. There’s a bit of everything in this weeks main event and the results are in, all three judges were unanimous, it’s Better Than Average.

Chris and Jay are back with the 37th instalment of their epic journey into podcasting. I know what you’re thinking, it’s been a wild ride but after 37 episodes the boys must have this podcasting thing down to a slick operation. Yeah, it’s a fair assumption but that’s not how it’s goes down. Episode 37 is a hot mess, but there is beauty in it. Jay is faced an impossible decision, Chris tells us about riding the worm and the Swanston’s get yet another delivery. We talk MMA, ADCC Trials and…time travel. Controversial for a Jiujitsu podcast, but that’s how we roll, and the result is Better Than Average.

Uncle Jay is back and there is loads to talk about this week. Chris fills us in on his recent run in with Palace Guard, Jay tells us all about the Philippines and we discuss the UFCs recent drama with drug testing. It’s a quick turn around today and the result is Better Than Average.

Chris and Jay are back with Episode 35 and it’s a big one. We discuss Jay’s upcoming trip to the Philippines. We talk MMA’s Boogyman and his big match up with Paddy the Baddy and We learn a little more about Uncle Jay’s recent Jiujitsu tournament.

Sounds like another classic Chris and Jay adventure right? Wrong, the boys get serious this week as we share our thoughts on the recent scandal involving BJJ Purple Belt Russell Brand. I know what you’re thinking, that topic is a little dark for BTA. Well, there is plenty of light moments too. Chris uncovers a little more about Uncle Jay’s upbringing, Jay treats us to his best RAF impression and we get an insight into the importance of a good drop and roll. It’s a lot for one episode, but that’s how we do it, and the results are always Better Than Average.

The boys are back and this week we are joined by Thunder thighs himself, the man with the 3 Pillars. You might know him as William Lock but we know him as PT Will. What can you expect from our catch up with Milton Keynes’ answer to Sébastien Chabal. Will gives us an insight into living with anxiety and how that has shaped his experience in JiuJitsu. He shares some sage advice on personal fitness and gives a honest and candid insight into hi personal experience with Cancer. Sounds serious right? Well it is, but in classic Better Than Average there is plenty to laugh about.
Chris tries to start a PT Rivalry, Jay tries to fix a developing cauliflower and Will helps Jay our with his peg leg. It’s all there, three dudes letting it all hang out. The result? Well, we’ll let you be the judge, but for sure it’s Better Than Average.

Chris and Jay are 33% through the experiment that is the Better Than Average Podcast. Have they started to run out of vigourosity? Hell no, episode 33 has all the characteristics of a classic Chris and Jay adventure. We talk Aliens and expansion of the Universe. We talk MMA and the big rematch, Shevchenko vs Grasso 2. We talk ADCC Trials and one of the more excited and unexpected champions. Don’t worry is not all Jiu Jitsu this week. There’s Politics, stories of of peeing into the wind and impressions of basking sharks. It really is all over the place and the result really is Better Than Average.

Chris and Jay are back with episode 32. This week there is a lot to talk about. Jay makes a special effort to catch up Quintet, one of BJJs more interesting events, Chris gets a recap on UFC 293 and the boys discuss one of musics iconic bands. Not what you hoped for? Don’t worry, there are plenty of wacky moments as Chris and Jay strive to bring the Podcast back on track after a turbulent few weeks. Do they succeed? We can’t promise that they do, we can promise that Ep 32 is Better Than Average.

The boys are back and there is a lot to cover this week. Chris and Jay are working under pressure with this weeks episode coming out within hours of recording. Naturally, it’s rife with inaccuracies, violent segways and poorly thought out ideas, but that’s how we roll. So what did we cover? We talk upcoming Jiu Jitsu matches and Master Worlds. Chris learns what to do when you are clearing a building and how to choose the right weapon for the job. Jay gives us a lowdown on his fractured relation with the King of England. Sounds a bit of a mess right? Well, rest assured, it’s Better Than Average.

Episode 30, the big 3-0. How do Chris and Jay plan to celebrate BTAs thirtieth? By welcoming our first female guest. Who better than RGA Brown Belt and Personal Trainer Hayley Carter. Hayley’s a bit of a local legend, fierce on the mats, fierce in the gym and fierce in life. Hayley gives us a much needed ladies perspective on grappling and MMA, fills us in on her own woman’s BJJ programme and her brief but memorable work in the area of crocheted clothing. A avid competitor and huge personality, trust us, as podcasts goes it’s Better Than Average.

BTA is nearly 30 and it’s time to get serious. We join Chris and Jay early morning this week and it barely shows. Chris fills us in on one of the biggest pharmaceutical scandals of the century, Jay lets rip on Navy boys and Sienna makes a short but memorable cameo in search of snacks. Interesting?Well, wait to you hear what are the boys planning in the eve of their thirtieth. We discuss potential MMA match ups for Zuck, we discuss the high and lows of being a BJJ Whitebelt and we give our opinion on nuclear power. I know what you are thinking, it’s rare to have a podcast that talks clean energy, MMA, JiuJitsu points strategies and ‘Big Pharma’ (sorry Jay) in a single 1.5hr episode. Well, you know we don’t screw around, and you know we can’t edit content out either, so the result is another meandering conversation that isn’t really what we planned but is Better Than Average.

It’s Episode 28 and the boys are back for another classic Chris and Jay adventure. Jays on fire this week and even recaps the recent Jiujitsu matches. Chris challenges the IBJJF points system and together Chris and Jay try to offer some safe advice for the struggling whitebelts. I know what you’re thinking, sounds like a Podcast made by a couple Jiujitsu Dorks. Never fear, there are plenty of violent segways and shenanigans this week. Jay brings us back to the subject of boners, Chris gets treated to a very well executed Arnold Schwarzenegger impression and we talk Barbie Vs Oppenheimer. It’s a wild one, it’s entirely unedited, but it’s a still Better Than Average.

Chris and Jay are back with another classic Chris and Jay production. We’re 27 weeks in now and Jay’s doorbell shows no signs of wavering. What can you expect from episode 27? Jay unlocks his inner Will Smith, Chris shares a painful childhood trauma and together we breakdown Jiu Jitsu’s recent clash of the titans - Pythagoras vs Swanston II, spoiler alert, Jay gets triangled again….joke…or is it? Episode 27 has it all, a nostalgic look back to the glorious era of DVDs, a recap of the recent UFC event and a brief insight into life going up in Felthem. As always, it’s raw and un-edited. It’s entirely unscripted. It’s a hot mess, but it’s still Better Than Average.

Episode 26. Chris and Jay are joined by ZR Team Brown Belt, Will ‘Powered by Weetabix’ Sinclair. You may know him as Big Will, the man with the juicy worm, we know him as Captain Britain. What can we expect from the man with the best biceps in Southern Tribes? Will fills us in on his journey so far, his athletic background and he offers some sage advice for those looking to progress in BJJ. Father, gymnast, swimmer, skateboarder and Weetabix munching extraordinaire. A big dude with a big heart. Do we do the occasion justice? Maybe, it’s never perfect, but is always Better Than Average.

Episode 25, The Quarter Quell. This is Better Than Average at its finest, zero quarter given. No edits, no reruns, a true and unabridged Chris and Jay adventure. This week we recap Chris’ experience training with a Jiujitsu legend, 2023’s Pan American Champion and lord of the Butteryfly - Adam Wardziński. We find out how Jay got schooled by Carl and his Graco Roman Wrestling and we look back on Tom Aspinall’s epic performance at UFC 291, is it time for us to see Tom vs Jones? Don’t worry, its not over till its over and there is plenty more crammed to our first quarter. We talk upcoming BJJ and UFC grappling events as well as some of the best submission finishes in MMA and we discuss Jay’s diminishing vigorousity and charlatans in the health and well-being sector. Chris offers to give Jay an official life reading. Jay sets his sights on an old rival and Herc gets handed his notice. Its all there. Its all recorded live and the result, as always, isn’t perfect but it is Better Than Average.

Here it is, episode 23a. I know what you are thinking, why 23a? If you are an avid Better Than Average listener you will know why, two words…. Jay Swanston. This week we did catch up with our tame Mauy Thai Fighter but due to our lack of technical expertise we produced audio which is below even our relatively modest standards. Never fear, we’ll be back with Ross George next week but for this week its just me and Uncle Jay, a classic Chris and Jay adventure. So what’s in store? We recap Jay’s recent Jiujitsu Competition, we recap all the drama of UFC 290 and Jay recaps his time leading new recruits in the army. Guess what, there is always more and this week is no exception. We discuss Toxic Masculinity, bullying, Zuck’s shredded abs and the Billy Goats Gruff amongst a plethora of other topics. There are no half measures this week, we are going full send and the result isn’t perfection but it is Better Than Average.

Episode 22, two little ducks in a row. We join Chris and Jay for the 22nd round of the Better Than Average Podcast. It’s a rough one. Chris recaps his training session with Jiujitsu legend JT Torres, Jay tells us how he gave a competitor vertigo and Herc and his crew interrupt the podcast like a group of rowdy teenagers. This week is a real box of delights. We breakdown some of the best moments from UFC invitational 4, we talk Fion vs Dern, the return of the King and we burn our bridges with flowgrappling. Did I miss anything? Of course I did. We make our dream MMA match ups. We talk evolution and vagina scented candles. We even talk Politics like a couple of dorks. I know, it’s all over the place, but it’s Better Than Average.

Episode 21, it’s BTAs 21st and The Boys are back for another thrilling adventure. Chris is recovering from a stomach bug but it’s the verbal diarrhoea Jay is burdened with that causes the most discomfort. Episode 21 has it all. Jay gives us some health advice, Chris updates us on how he spent his time between toilet breaks and Herc, well, Herc doesn’t give a hoot. This week we talk MMA and one of UFCs most intriguing match ups - Zuck vs Musk. We consider what’s in store for Mike Chandler now that Connor McGregor has missed the USADA deadline and we talk about one of the biggest celebs in Jiujitsu. It’s a big one, our 21st and we are in the mood to celebrate. Rest assured, as we enter adulthood we do so with one pledge, we will continue to be Better Than Average.

Episode 20, twenty weeks in the making. It’s been a long and treacherous journey and it’s not over yet. So, what do we have for you on this, our twentieth instalment? Well, it has shades of the early days and just a hint of progress. Jay gets two unsolicited interruptions this week which he handles pretty terribly. He forgets the names of just about everyone in BJJ and he gushes over a recent encounter with one of his man crushes. Chris gives a quick recap on IBJJF worlds. He learns a little about how bad Jay is at driving lorries and Jay brings him up to date with the latest Connor McGregor incident. That’s it? God no. We have a religious encounter, we talk MMA and some of the biggest characters in the UFC and we discuss the future of a rising star in woman’s grappling. Episode 20, it’s a wild ride but it’s still Better Than Average.

Better Than Average 19, the one after the one before. A post-holiday Podcast. Chris and Super-tanned Jay settle right back into the BTA experiment with an express Podcast perfect for those of you lacking the vigorousity demanded by our normal BTA content. So, what can you expect from the leaned down version of the Chris and Jay podcasting experience? You can expect to learn a little about Greek Legends and the people of Cyprus. You’ll learn a little about what not to due during a live unedited podcast, and possibly most importantly, you’ll learn which Wizarding House Jay Swanston belongs in. Did I miss anything? Come on, of course I did. We talk JiuJitsu and the new aggressive style of Mckenzie Dern. We talk UFC 289 and Oliveira’s domination of Beneil Dariush and we talk Amanda Nunes and her legacy in MMA. Did I catch everything? Wait, there is more. We discuss life in the metaverse, life on deployment and Jay dishes out a life lesson. Sounds like a wild ride right? It really is, but its Better Than Average and if you’re here 19 episodes in we all know that’s the way you like it so settle down and let’s get nuts.

BTA’s eightieth birthday, the moment it gets real. What’s the order of business for number 18? This is Better Than Average recorded under pressure. Chris attempts to keep Jay in the light while we discuss post-apocalyptic protocol. Jay relives the moment he nearly gets caught in one of Jiujitsu’s snazziest submissions and we discuss how you train that crushing top pressure without crushing the relationships you have in the gym. Is that everything? God no. Jay becomes Fabricio and tells us what its like to be approaching 40. Chris learns about Jay’s favourite Malaysian Martial Arts movie and we discuss one of the many upcoming UFC events, 289. We talk weight cutting, the rise of woman’s Jiujitsu and the birds and the bees. I know, it’s a hot mess, that’s ok its Better Than Average.

Episode 17, BTA XVII, the 17th leg in the journey that is the Better Than Average Podcast. We join Chris and the newly crowned interim champ of the old man division, Jason Swanston. What eclectic mix of delights do we have in store you on the 17th week? Jay loses all sense of time, Chris shares a guilty pleasure and we talk the important subject of man crushes. Jay tells us all about the British Open, the man behind that infamous triangle and treats our listens to another ’flex’. We talk about one of Jiujitsu’s most taboo submissions with a special shout out to our friends at The Wrist Lock Club. We discuss the merits of ADCC and WNO over the traditional IBJJF competition and get a special visit from an Akido Legend. Any else? Come on, you know there is something else. We try a new feature, experiment with AI image generation and Jay teaches us how to get that killer cardio. Is BTA XVII going to blow your mind? Its possible, but 100%, its Better Than Average.