Episodes

  • “A lot of fight fandom is STILL really nerdy” with Laura Jedeed

    “A lot of fight fandom is STILL really nerdy” with Laura Jedeed
    Jun 27 2026
    Journalist, U.S. Army veteran, and all-around badass Laura Jedeed joins Tunisha and Kyle for an upbeat and unfiltered conversation about the current challenges facing mixed martial arts (MMA) amid the UFC's rising commercialization and far-right political influence. Together they get real about diversity within combat sports, break down how narrative storytelling and marketing shape the UFC’s brand image, plus Laura shares her firsthand experience covering UFC Freedom 250 on the White House lawn. Give a listen to this candid chat that hits on a little bit of everything as it relates to MMA fandom––including honest tips on staying hopeful in an ever-changing landscape.

    Check out and subscribe to Laura Jedeed’s substack here: Firewalled Media!
    Laura Jedeed’s Slate articles referenced in conversation:
    • It Was Everyone’s Sport. Then MAGA Hijacked It. It Doesn’t Have to Be This Way.
    • The Absurd Spectacle of UFC Freedom 250

    Key Topics:
    • Origin stories of combat sports fandom
    • On the ground coverage of UFC Freedom 250
    • The impact of celebrity culture and social media on MMA narratives
    • The role of media, marketing, and storytelling in MMA's growth
    • UFC’s current surge of commercialization and politics and its impact on combat sports as a whole
    • Influence of brand marketing on consumer perception and meaning-making
    • The personal and collective struggles of MMA fans and fighters


    Keep up with all the ways you can listen, contact, and support the IHQ Podcast hosted by Tunisha Singleton and Kyle Green. 😎

    Follow the show here! https://linktr.ee/ihqpod
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    1 hr and 22 mins
  • “Throw me into hell and I’ll find a way to enjoy it” with Daniele Bolelli

    “Throw me into hell and I’ll find a way to enjoy it” with Daniele Bolelli
    Jun 17 2026
    In this episode martial artist, historian, podcaster, and author of many books Daniele Bolleli shares insights into the transformative potentials of combat sports, the challenges of academia, and shifts in politics and culture. Danielle Bolleli is the type of guy who could talk about anything and it would be worth listening to due to his characteristic blend of wisdom, humor, realism, and hope. Daniele was one of the first names on our must-have guest list so make sure to listen!

    Key Topics:
    • Lessons on resilience and mental toughness
    • The cultural shift from traditional martial arts to MMA and combat sports
    • Authenticity and authority in martial arts teaching
    • The good, the bad, and the ugly of academia
    • Shifts in politics and in combat sports culture
    • The importance of balancing tradition, innovation, and real-world applicability


    Keep up with all the ways you can listen, contact, and support the IHQ Podcast hosted by Tunisha Singleton and Kyle Green. 😎

    Follow the show here! https://linktr.ee/ihqpod
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    1 hr and 38 mins
  • “I’ve been through the ringer” with Nate Quarry

    “I’ve been through the ringer” with Nate Quarry
    May 14 2026
    “Being brave doesn't mean you‘re not afraid; it means you overcome your fears and do what needs to be done. Go to therapy, man.”

    In this episode, fighter turned advocate Nate Quarry opens up about his unique journey—from growing up as a Jehovah’s Witness to breaking into the UFC as a contestant on the very first season of The Ultimate Fighter. Nate recounts quitting his day job and navigating the unexpected call to fight on the show that shaped modern MMA. Through candid stories from his early days, including intense sparring sessions and training with legends, Nate dives into the real fights happening off the mats: combating class warfare, the ongoing push for unionization to protect fighters’ rights, and toxic masculinity within and well beyond the MMA community. Beyond the cage, Nate discusses his creative side, including the creation of his Zombie Cage Fighter comic book series and his passion for reading—he even started a book club!

    For real –– listen in for an insightful conversation blending personal stories and critical discussions, with Nate Quarry—fighter, advocate, creator, and thoughtful voice on the most pressing issues both inside and outside the cage. blends personal stories and critical discussions, revealing the human side of MMA and the passionate individuals behind the sport.

    Key Topics:
    • Nate Quarry’s MMA journey and transition from fighter to advocate
    • Efforts toward fighter unionization and rights
    • Zombie Cage Fighter comic series
    • Humanity of MMA fighters
    • Importance of psychology, self-awareness, and community
    • Broader social reflections on anger and activism in America


    Keep up with all the ways you can listen, contact, and support the IHQ Podcast hosted by Tunisha Singleton and Kyle Green. 😎

    Follow the show here! https://linktr.ee/ihqpod
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    1 hr and 25 mins
  • “You can do cool sh*t and still have empathy" with Stephan Kesting

    “You can do cool sh*t and still have empathy" with Stephan Kesting
    Apr 12 2026
    In this episode, Tunisha and Kyle sit down with adventurer, jiu-jitsu expert, and firefighter Stephan Kesting. The trio discusses Stephan’s journey into martial arts, his pioneering work in the submission grappling instructional space, how MMA communities have evolved (or at least changed), and near encounters with imaginary bears in the back country. Underlying themes include the possibility of authentic connections in MMA, and the importance of challenging performative masculinity and embracing empathy.
    Key topics:
    • authentic relationships in MMA
    • Red flags in BJJ gyms
    • Performative masculinity
    • Empathy, leadership development, and resilience in personal development
    • Community and mentorship
    • Adventure, survival, and how to not die camping


    Keep up with all the ways you can listen, contact, and support the IHQ Podcast hosted by Tunisha Singleton and Kyle Green. 😎

    Follow the show here! https://linktr.ee/ihqpod
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    1 hr and 31 mins
  • “I want my MMA back” with Julie Kedzie

    “I want my MMA back” with Julie Kedzie
    Mar 31 2026
    On this episode, former fighter, pioneer of women’s MMA, and writer Julie Kedzie joins Tunisha and Kyle for a conversation that explores the intersection of combat sports, ethics, politics, and community. Listen in as Julie shares personal stories, critiques UFC and industry practices, talks about how fans and fighters can navigate a landscape filled with corruption and moral challenges, and makes a direct call to fighters and coaches to live up the warrior ethos and do better.

    In this candid conversation, Julie and the crew discuss the importance of integrity, community building, and leadership in martial arts while also addressing the challenges of the growing toxic culture in combat sport.

    Key Topics:
    • Industry corruption and transparency in MMA
    • The role of fighters and fans in activism
    • UFC Freedom 250 White House card
    • Ethical challenges in combat sports
    • Community building in gyms
    • Leadership's impact on culture
    • Addressing toxicity and abuse in martial arts


    Keep up with all the ways you can listen, contact, and support the IHQ Podcast hosted by Tunisha Singleton and Kyle Green. 😎

    Follow the show here! https://linktr.ee/ihqpod
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    1 hr and 21 mins
  • Back in Action: IHQ Returns to talk MMA, Culture, and Community

    Back in Action: IHQ Returns to talk MMA, Culture, and Community
    Mar 11 2026
    Tunisha Singleton is back after a not-so-brief hiatus to explore the intersection of sports, culture, and politics, this time with a co-host. Kyle Green and Tunisha discuss their plans for a series focusing on combat sports and the people left behind as MMA has taken a turn to the right. They also share personal stories, hopes for future episodes, and discuss the importance of community and storytelling in sports fandom.

    Key Topics:
    • The relaunch of the podcast after a hiatus
    • Personal stories and motivations behind the show
    • The shift in MMA culture and politics
    • The role of storytelling and community in sports
    • Academic perspectives on combat sports and society

    Chapters: 00:00 Introduction and Podcast Relaunch
    01:17 The Unique Podcast Concept: With or Without Mom
    02:07 Persistence and Bullying: The Motivation to Restart
    03:55 The Power of Voice and Storytelling in Sports
    05:42 Why MMA and Combat Sports Matter Today
    07:17 The Political Shift in MMA and UFC
    09:26 The Rightward Shift in Combat Sports Culture
    11:48 Community, Resistance, and Identity in MMA
    14:18 Academic and Practitioner Perspectives in Combat Sports
    16:37 Creating a Community of Fans, Fighters, and Scholars
    17:50 The Role of Media and Narrative in MMA
    20:15 The Personal Journey of Engagement with MMA
    24:13 Research, Practice, and the Future of Combat Sports
    26:24 The Emotional Connection and Stories in Sports
    27:47 Exciting Guests and Future Topics
    40:32 Favorite Horror Movies and Childhood Fears
    42:08 The Scariest Films and Their Impact
    43:58 Running from Werewolves and Childhood Memories
    45:29 The Joy of Sports and Rebuilding Fandom
    50:22 The Evolution of NBA and Sports Fandom
    53:34 The State of the NBA and Personal Fandom
    54:43 Closing Remarks and Future Episodes

    Keep up with all the ways you can listen, contact, and support the IHQ Podcast hosted by Tunisha Singleton and Kyle Green. 😎

    Follow the show here! https://linktr.ee/ihqpod
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    55 mins
  • #BlackTwitter and Cyberculture with Andre Brock PhD

    #BlackTwitter and Cyberculture with Andre Brock PhD
    Nov 20 2023
    Black cyberculture often revolves around persecution, appropriation, resistance, and the like. Then there's #BlackTwitter - a space for Black joy to originate, participate, and conversate. In this Blackity Black episode, T chops it up with scholar and award-winning author, André Brock. Topics of converstaion include, #BlackTwitter as the world’s largest Black group chat, understanding Black technoculture and cyberstudies, Black female identity online and research on Black collectives in both digital and physical spaces, Coach Deion Sanders and "The Prime Effect" and disparities of Black excellence between HBCU and general Black culture.

    Guest Info:
    • Follow André Brock on Twitter/X @docdre
    • Website
    • Download Distributed Blackness: African American Cyberstudies
    • Read the article: From the Blackhand Side: Twitter as a Cultural Conversation


    Host and Show Info:
    • Tunisha's Website
    • X/Twitter, @Tsingletonsays
    • Show account on X/Twitter, @IHQpod
    • Show account on IG, ihq.podcast


    Keep up with all the ways you can listen, contact, and support the IHQ Podcast hosted by Tunisha Singleton and Kyle Green. 😎

    Follow the show here! https://linktr.ee/ihqpod
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    1 hr and 14 mins
  • Myth vs Reality in Wrasslin' with Brad Balukjian

    Myth vs Reality in Wrasslin' with Brad Balukjian
    Oct 14 2023
    How do you find truth in a world built on illusion?

    In this episode, T is joined by bestselling author of The Wax Pack, Brad Balukjian to talk about the blurred realities within professional wrestling. In the midst of the convo, we talk about the pursuit of truth in sport spaces, how science and travel influences Brad’s unique writing style, how 2 PhDs embrace and embody storytelling across professions, and how Brad is honoring his mission to sing the unsung.

    Last and but not least, we get the scoop on Brad’s latest literary, 12,525 miles endeavor to examine the myth vs. reality dichotomy of pro wrestling in his upcoming book, The Six Pack: On the Open Road in Search of Wrestlemania. The Six Pack is available for pre-order now (official release date is April 2, 2024).

    Guest Info:
    • Pre-order The Six Pack: On the Open Road in Search of Wrestlemania
    • Get Brad's first book: The Wax Pack: On the Open Road in Search of Baseball's Afterlife
    • Brad’s website
    • Twitter/X
    • IG
    • Facebook
    Host and Show Info:
    • Tunisha's Website
    • X/Twitter, @Tsingletonsays
    • Show account on X/Twitter, @IHQpod
    • Show account on IG, ihq.podcast


    Keep up with all the ways you can listen, contact, and support the IHQ Podcast hosted by Tunisha Singleton and Kyle Green. 😎

    Follow the show here! https://linktr.ee/ihqpod
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    53 mins