VERBAL TAP (Episode 139) with Jon Thomas

[buzzsprout episode='321782' player='true'] Raf's Recollection | It's been awhile since we've had the pleasure of chatting with our pal Jon Thomas (of Tap Cancer Out), but when we do we make sure to make the conversation memorable and light.

I have a lot of respect for the work that Jon does.  Tap Cancer Out donates hundreds of thousands of dollars (for a sport that often struggles to make financial sense).  And yet, here is a tournament that puts charity right at the epicenter of a great opportunity for those who like to compete to get out there and raise money for a good cause.

I can get behind that.

Not only do we talk about Tap Cancer Out's upcoming venture back out to San Diego (January 16th, be sure to sign up here!), but we also find out more about Jon's journey in jiu-jitsu, his competitive philosophy, what he thinks when he goes to other tournaments he's not running, and maybe even hear a little bit about what it feels like to get a private from Keenan Cornelius.

Plus, we talk about my adventures over at Cobra Kai Jiu-Jitsu in Vegas over the weekend, and give you guys a little more context about these two killer moments that happened there:

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Plus, you can hear all about how Lance Storm, MVP, and William Regal all basically became fans of my technique here.

It's all good stuff you guys.  Listen in and enjoy, folks!

VERBAL TAP (Episode 138) with Ricardo Tubbs

[buzzsprout episode='319280' player='true'] Raf's Recollection | Hey Folks, on another deadline as I write this (so I have to keep things short) but you're in for a good one this week.

On this episode, we bring on Ricardo Tubbs, the President of De FIRMA Kimono Company. For those of you who tuned in to hear me commentate live at the Abu Dhabi Grand Slam, you may have heard Ricardo send in some hilarious tweets -- going as far to even provide an incentive for me to continue plugging his gear.

Curious to hear more about what would compel someone to dare me to plug, as well as a genuine interest in the company, we brought Ricardo on the show. And we were delighted to hear the cool story behind Ricardo's BJJ beginnings (it's almost unbelievable), as well as the way he began his company.

It's a rich conversation that takes us all over the place and really gives you a great take-away as to what makes his company so unique and invested in the community.

Listen in and let us know what you think folks!

VERBAL TAP (Episode 137) with Gabriel Arges

[buzzsprout episode='317497' player='true'] Raf's Recollection | Full write up with Gabe Arges coming up soon!

VERBAL TAP (Episode 136) with Shawn Fowler and Mike Perez

[buzzsprout episode='316047' player='true'] Raf's Recollection | Never a dull moment round these parts, folks.  This week we bring on Sub Con's Shawn Fowler to talk a little bit about the organization's next tournament on November 1st, and then we chat with ATOS's Mike Perez who talks with us about everything from ADCC to competitive spirit, his future plans, and even mentions some things you might not know about the guy.

So listen in and let us know what you guys think.

Oh, BTW, I tricked my work into letting me write about jiu-jitsu today.  So I think that means you all are obligated to read about it.

Give it a read here and then make plans to watch Anthony Bourdain's Parts Unknown this Sunday on CNN.

Oh, and also, you should make plans to watch the Abu Dhabi Grand Slam this Sunday, because yours truly will be doing commentary with John Evans yet again.

So get excited folks.  It's all going down!

VERBAL TAP (Episode 135) with Jesse J. Saxon

[buzzsprout episode='313538' player='true'] Raf's Recollection | I don't recall getting asked to play Over/Under Kevin against Jesse J. Saxon (from WB Survival), so don't believe this photo.

We recap all things UFC 192, plus we chat Flo Grappling No Gi Pans commentary and we even close out with a quick note about my grandfather.

Great episode here folks.

VERBAL TAP (Episode 134) with Jesse J. Saxon

[buzzsprout episode='311127' player='true'] Raf's Recollection | Full recap coming later.  But, for now, please enjoy the nonsense that is Jesse J. Saxon From WB Survival doing his best to match wits (er, thoughts?) with Kevin as they play an installment of Over/Under Kevin.

VERBAL TAP (Episode 133) with Vinny Magalhaes

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Raf's Recollection | Full write up coming later folks, but this episode with Vinny is can't miss.  He talks about everything.  And you'll definitely want to hear his take on ADCC, including his match against Garry Tonon.

Also, we're starting a new thing where you can look up parts of our episodes on YouTube.

Feel free to check out this episode on YouTube right here.

VERBAL TAP (Episode 132) - Newaza Challenge / Polaris Pro 2 / ADCC / UFC 191

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Kevin's Total Recall: If you didn't see the Newaza Challenge, do yourself and jiu-jitsu a favor and go watch it right now (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5UaUpGZpGls).... we'll wait. Okay, so you now you know how amazing it was. Raf Esparza and John Evans were amazing calling the fights. Tune in as Raf explains why Kevin's absence might have beautiful minded his performance.

Raf and Kevin scream in support of Polaris Pro 2 and debate who was better, Garry Tonon or Josh Palmer. Then, Raf graciously catches Kevin up on ADCC 2015 because Kevin was moving Denver. Nay, Kevin moved to Denver. Thats right, Episode 132 is live from Denver (and LA but that's not new).

This podcast ends with Kevin winning Over/Under UFC 191. Watch Major League and afterwards you can send your congratulations to Kevin on his winning streak @phillipskevin1 on twitter.

Stay cool Verbal Tap fans, your the best in the world.

VERBAL TAP (Episode 131) with T.P. Grant

[buzzsprout episode='300919' player='true'] Raf's Recollection | Hey gang, don't have much time for a write up this week (on assignment), but we have a killer Over/Under Kevin preview for UFC 191 with our pal T.P. Grant (who also sticks around to preview ADCC with us on this episode).

Listen in.

Oh, and speaking of ADCC.  What would you say about maybe watching/listening to a possible live scream visual commentary of ADCC with yours truly?  Maybe some kinda Google Hangout kinda thing?

Just spit balling.  Sound off in the comment section below!

VERBAL TAP (Episode 130) with AJ Agazarm

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Raf's Recollection | Before we start I feel it’s important to ask: What are your true feelings about AJ Agazarm?

Obviously his jiu-jitsu places him in the conversation for some of the most reliably exciting and memorable jiu-jitsu matches, but it’s the next part that sometimes tends to throw people: is he a lovable heel working the crowd or is he a guy who’s merely pushing aside jiu-jitsu norms and conventions to “show off?”

This week we not only get the chance to talk with the man in question himself, but also got to ask him about his stellar last minute match up against Karo Parisyan at Metamoris Underground.

We cover it all: how he came to replace JT Torres at the last minute, what goes through his brain the hour before he goes into competition mode, and even why he felt the need to start pushing the action a little bit (ya know, by literally pushing Karo several times here and there throughout the match).

Oh, and before you ask, yes we definitely talk about this.

Our one hour discussion takes through topics big and small, as we also discuss his jiu-jitsu philosophy, what it was like to corner Joao Miyao at EBI 4, I his incredible journey back to ADCC, and maybe even get down to the type of influence his favorite TV show has on his grappling game.

It’s a fascinating discussion into the mind of AJ Agazarm that might even change your perspective on the guy (or not, we don’t really know your situation).

Plus, our good pal John Evans drops in to tell us how in the hell he ended up on our TV screens this week.

Also, be sure to check out this awesome interview I did with Joe Soto right after his head-turning performance at EBI 4!

VERBAL TAP (Episode 129) with Russ Miura and Brandon McCaghren

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VERBAL TAP (Episode 128) with Jared Dopp

[buzzsprout episode='295240' player='true'] Raf's Recollection | Full write up coming soon.

VERBAL TAP (Episode 127) with Eric Heath and Kiyoshi Perkins

[buzzsprout episode='293805' player='true'] Raf's Recollection | Full write-up to come later.

VERBAL TAP (Episode 125) with Joey Hauss and Cousin Marty

[buzzsprout episode='289334' player='true'] Full write up coming up later.

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VERBAL TAP (Episode 121) with Josh Hinger and Dr. David Ley

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VERBAL TAP (Episode 120) with Marshal Carper, Adam Fraser & Travis Conley

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VERBAL TAP (Episode 119) Goes To Worlds

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VERBAL TAP (Episode 117) with Albert Morales and Joe Gilpin

[buzzsprout episode='273958' player='true'] Kevin has the keys to the write up.....(apologies to all). Here's the thing, Raf got married, Raf got a job, and Raf needs at least 24 hours to mourn Letterman ending.  But Kevin? Kevin has literally nothing going on. So.....

Kev's Recollection: Albert Morales is too skinny to do jiujitsu or fighting, but no one told him that. He stops by just in time for me to announce him winning a different fight.  Albert laughs off my moronic behavior because well....he's met me. Then he explains how he put John Yoo down with punches to win at Bellator 137.  Humble in victory he also gives us some seriously funny exclusives about his post fight interactions with the doctor.  Albert is also a gluten for punishment, and is preparing for the IBJJF World's competition.  What a warrior right? Wrong, because he believes when you wear gi pants and a rash guard you SHOULDN'T grab the pants (when Raf reads this he is going to be pissed).  Albert was great, and look how attractive he is in this photo I might have added correctly:

Its going okay on this whole episode write-up thing (at least I think so).  Next up is Comedian and Jiujtisu Purple Belt Joe Gilpin.  I'm going to be honest with you guys, its possible Raf might replace me with Joe. I'm going to be more honest, I get that.  Joe joins us for Over / Under Kevin for UFC 187 featuring Rumble vs. DC!  Lets all take a second with the original poster to remember why its important not to use drugs while driving:

Joe is awesome, this podcast is awesome, you all should listen to it because that would make you all... really cool.   Here is a fun photo of Joe I got from his Facebook post so you can imagine the many visual jokes that were made:

Feels like writing this will ensure Raf never lets me do this again.  Cheers Verbal Tap Cast community, you all are the best (no seriously, fans of this show are unlike any other!)

-Kevin T Phillips

VERBAL TAP (Episode 116) with Jeff Glover

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Raf's Recollection | Hey gang, full write up coming later, but we've got a kick ass show for you this week.

First up, our buddy Mike Hofer talks with us about Jiu-Jitsu In The Park.  Then Jeff Glover talks a little bit about the behind the scenes nature of this weekend's Metamoris show, and then Dave Contreras from Budo Videos helps us dissect the event all together.

Stop on in for a great episode folks.

And be sure to check out our latest video Please Listen Carefully!

And you can also see some of the awesome action from this weekend's Jiu-Jitsu In The Park event right here.  It looked bad ass.

VERBAL TAP (Episode 115) with Eric Jackman

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Raf's Recollection | Remember how sitcoms back in the day used to have "very special" episodes, typically dealing with heavier subject matters, that would take the show outside the constraints of what you'd normally come to expect form it?

You know, stuff like this.

It seemed only fitting that we would refer to our recap of all things Mayweather vs. Pacquiao would fall under that "very special" banner, considering how many millions of people across the world who suffered from one of the biggest wastes of time we've ever had to encounter.

Except if you're Kevin.  He didn't watch the fight.  Because he's Kevin.

Which is why I had to bring on our pal Eric Jackman (New York Ric from the MMA Hour) to help us try to make sense of how exactly two legendary fighters, rival cable networks, the media, the Tecate girls, Jamie Foxx, and the Burger King all hit us where it hurt the most.

Our wallets.

A photo posted by Verbal Tap Cast (@verbaltapcast) on May 3, 2015 at 9:08pm PDT

After all, it wouldn't be a "very special episode" without a guest star.

Eric does a superb job helping recap not only the historical context of the fight, but also commentating on the farce that was the build up to the show.

So just know that if boxing isn't your jam, we'll pick right back up where we left off in the MMA world come next week.  But if you were one of the pour souls who spent $100 to watch a man dance around the ring and get awarded the win, then consider this episode your catharsis and listen in to the Podcast of the (Fucking) Century.

Because that's what we're calling this one.  Especially if they can call that bull shit, Fight of the Century.

A photo posted by Verbal Tap Cast (@verbaltapcast) on May 2, 2015 at 5:00pm PDT

Speaking of, be sure to check out my first article for First Slice about some of the direct aftermath of this big fight.  I'll be covering part of the Sports Beat over there, so be sure to like the Facebook page and like and share my articles if you'd be so kind.

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