[buzzsprout episode='126277' player='true']
Raf's Recollection | Take it easy on Kev this week, gang. It's been a rough couple of days.
When we finished recording the podcast on Sunday, Kev and I had what we considered to be one of our best episodes. In fact, Kevin was so pleased with the way things were turning out during the editing phase, he actually sent me several texts just to say how awesome the episode was.
Of course, we didn't know this at the time, but that euphoric sentiment would turn out to be the kiss of death.
Just moments after putting the final touches on the podcast (and right as he was uploading it to our site), Kevin happened to notice that his audio went missing. Something happened during the conversation process that eliminated a significant portion of Kevin's vocal track.
Now, while the thought of having a Kevin-less podcast is something that sounds fantastic in theory, just think about how crazy I would have come off. Oh sure, my voice would make it seem like I was in the middle of a conversation with someone else, but the large chunks of radio silence from Kevin would have made me sound downright insane.
Just to give you an idea of how the podcast would have sounded without Kevin, please consider the following visual metaphor on the right hand side here.
Anyway, Kev took the day to get his head together and we (somehow) managed to slab together a podcast for your listening pleasure.
In fact, I don't know if it's a testament to his talent or a slight on the production value we normally carry on this dog and pony show, but you can hardly tell there were any major audio problems in this podcast (and if you do, keep it to yourself, please. No one likes a show-off).
Nonetheless, should you feel so inclined, send Kev a nice message (@PhillipsKevin1 on the Twitter) to let him know his efforts are appreciated. We'll go back to treating him like shit next week.
The Gentleman
While I don't have the kind of extreme beef that Dana White does with "The Gentleman," Josh Hill, I do give him a little bit of grief on the podcast. It has nothing to do with his (ironically stated) struggle of growing up "really, really ridiculously good looking" or even the fact that he has a truly impressive grappling record of 36-1 (North American Grappling Association).
It has more to do with the fact that he's so damn polite.
It's almost upsetting.
While Dana's spared no expense telling us what a "one trick pony" Josh Hill is throughout the season, I wasn't very surprised when the extremely well-mannered Canadian did the extremely well-mannered Canadian thing of not talking shit about Dana White (the nerve of this guy!).
But that doesn't stop me from trying to prod. And I'd even like to think we got him to have a couple moments of (dare I say?) "edge" during our interview, where we also ask about his MMA journey, his family's roots in pro wrestling, and his fight against former-opponent-turned pal, Mike Wootten.
We even issue a challenge for the next time he comes on the podcast. Let's see if he's got the stuff to prove us wrong.
The Vixen
I suppose we could have subtitled this podcast "The Gentleman and The Vixen" (I swear this wasn't by design, I'm only stupidly realizing this now), but we also get the chance to talk with the "Venezuelan Vixen," Julianna Pena.
As one of the first TUF cast members to fight (and therefore share their narrative), we've arguably gotten to know more about Julianna than most of her fellow cast members this season. We certainly touch on topics like the letters she wrote to her teammates, how it felt to be portrayed as the underdog, and even got to ask if she felt her housemate makeovers paid off.
However, I'll put this out there right here and now: One of our questions brings out one of the most unexpected stories Kev and I have ever heard on the podcast. It's a story that not only helps identify what makes Julianna so mentally and physically tough, but also gives you an idea of why she fights. It's an awesome story and, frankly, I'm happy she was willing to share it with us.
Additionally, if you happen to be in the Spokane, Washington area, be sure to support Julianna's team at Northern Quest Resort and Casino's "Conquest of the Cage," as both her brother-in-law and her training partner Elizabeth Phillips will be fighting in the co-main event. Tickets for that fight can be found right here.
Odds and Ends
Among some of the Odds and Ends topics that make it onto the podcast this go round include: Which UFC Fighter would make a great WWE Superstar, how good of a public speaker is Dana White, and why we can't stop talking about Lyoto Machida's scarf.
All this and more on this week's podcast!
Raf's Recollection | Tim Kennedy wants to die fighting a set of bionic sharks underwater.
And, for a while, the internet was truly being used to its full potential. Finally, the UFC relented and handed Kennedy a fighter worthy of his time: Rafael Natal, a fighter who may or may not understand the hilarious design behind Kennedy’s Twitter attacks.
