JudoPod by JudoTV
JudoPod is the official podcast from JudoTV, featuring interviews with Olympic champions, world medallists, and judo legends. Hosted by Robin Willingham and Thea Cowen, each episode explores the mindset, moments, and memories of elite judoka. The show is aimed at lifelong fans, competitive athletes, and anyone curious about the discipline behind the throws.
Episodes
#21: Martti Puumalainen aka ‘The Nice Guy’: Big man. Big personality. Bigger ambitions.
Finland’s powerhouse, Martti Puumalainen joins JudoPOD for a candid, funny and refreshingly honest conversation about life as a heavyweight judoka. Press play to learn some of his tricks of the trade and why he believes kindness is the most important thing in an intense contact sport where throwing and submissions are the aim of the game.
#20: Justin Flores: Judo as a secret weapon in MMA. J FLO's unique life created regrets and opportunities. How do you find your niche?
Judo player, wrestler, grappling coach to the some of the biggest names in the UFC game, including team mate and close friend Ronda Rousey, Justin Flores explains how judo - and his regrettable break from it - has shaped his life in an incredible way. Where does he feel judo has a space in the martial arts world and how do we get more eyes on the sport we love?
#19: Patricia Sampaio: Portugal's Olympic medallist talks about the darker times behind judo's biggest smile.
Patricia Sampaio has been burdened with huge injuries during her career, but they've only led to bigger results. The European Champion, World and Olympic bronze medallist is not only a force to be reckoned with on the tatami but she is one of the sports greatest personalities, so come get to know her story and why Kayla Harrison is such a big influence.
#18: Tajus Babaicenko: The new kid on the block! 2026 Cadet Euro Champ has his sights on a future Olympic gold, but what's the plan?
We hear plenty from senior and even retired athletes of their journeys to becoming star studded judoka, but what does it take for the up and coming generation? Lithuania's rising star, Tajus Babaicenko, gives us an insight in to his heroes, his goals and the strict and hectic schedule that will hopefully help him achieve them. There are still many hurdles to overcome and he seems more than rea
#17: Telma Monteiro: The Journey. The most decorated Portuguese judoka talks life lessons and monumental times at the top.
It’s all about the journey for Telma Monteiro, one of Portugal's greatest sporting icons and one of the most respected names in international judo. Over an extraordinary career spanning more than two decades, Monteiro became the most decorated judoka in Portuguese history; claiming Olympic bronze in Rio 2016, six European titles, five World Championship medals, and inspired generations through
#16: Aleksandar Kukolj: The inaugural European Champion of Serbia has experienced all of the highs and lows an athlete could possibly endure and he talks about it all on JudoPod!
The first Serbian judoka to claim the coveted European title, Aleksandar Kukolj changed the landscape of Serbian judo. His story goes far beyond a single gold medal however, a journey of relentless discipline, resilience through injury, reinvention across weight categories, competing at the highest level of world judo. World Championship silver medallist, Olympian, Kukolj has also balanced elite s
#15: Nemanja Majdov: Serbia's youngest World Champion take us on his journey to the top and the sacrifices that made it possible.
Exploring Nemanja’s journey from a young athlete in Serbia to the top of the international rankings, the lessons learned through victory and defeat, and the mental challenges that come with performing under pressure. Nemanja talks training, competition, faith, motivation, and the family who drive him in pursuit of excellence.
#14: Shirine Boukli: 'Game Face' to the bubbly social media personality, Boukli can do it all!
Olympic and World medallist, Shirine Boukli recently entered in to the French hall of fame with five continental championship titles, but what has it cost her? Talking all things judo including competing at home in the Paris Olympics 2024 and looking to become a record holder, we look to see who the exciting social media personality is behind the fighter.
#13: Alice Bellandi: Resilience. Discipline. The Olympic Mindset.
Olympic champion Alice Bellandi opens up about the resilience, discipline, and mental strength required to reach the pinnacle of sport. From overcoming challenges on the world stage to experiencing the emotions of Olympic success, she reflects on the defining moments of her journey, the lessons learned through adversity, and what it truly means to perform under pressure when the world is watching.
#12: Nikoloz Sherazadishvili: Overcoming obstacles. Building a support network. The Pressures of being champion.
The Spanish Georgian has claimed multiple world titles at a lower weight class, but now with an adjusted mindset and two Olympic Games under his belt, LA28 is the one he is counting on. Following in his late father's footsteps, he continues the legacy, despite flying another flag!
#11: Clarisse Agbegnenou: How to create new challenges for yourself. The story of Clarisse.
Clarisse Agbegnenou is the gift that keeps on giving. Not only did she achieve ultimate greatness as an athlete, she proved she could do it again with a new body and mind. From rivals picking her up in limousines to scheduling training around nap time, find out Clarisse's story here.
#10: Hedvig Karakas: The surprises that bring success. When to stop, and working for the IJF.
Hedvig Karakas made a name for herself early whilst mirroring her junior world success on the senior stage, but at what cost? We discuss the motivation to keep going, the battle for the European title, the step away from competitive life and on to a new role in the IJF and welcoming her beautiful daughter.
#9: Tamerlan Bashaev: known for being 'The Teddy Slayer' but who is Tamerlan?
European Champion, World and Olympic medallist, yet Tamerlan Bashaev carries the weight of defeating one of the greatest judoka of all time. Now a third Olympic cycle will see him face Inal Tasoev again, will he have a chance at Olympic glory again?
#8: Neil Adams: The new rules, what makes a true great, and how to approach the Olympics.
Neil Adams is one of judo’s true greats. Britain’s first male World Champion, he is now also known for his extensive work as a coach, Referee Commission member, and, most prominently, as IJF commentator. The “Voice of Judo” joins us in the studio to dive deep into his career, both during and after his competitive days, sharing his thoughts on the latest rules, athletes, and news, while also reflec
#7: Marti Malloy: LA28, Judo in the USA, Olympic success and Kayla Harrison
There's a call from inside the house! USA's Olympic medallist Marti Malloy brings us the inside scoop for LA2028 as she works to bring sport to life on home soil. The world-class judoka takes a trip down memory lane with lifelong friends, Kayla Harrison and Travis Stevens, detailing her own journey to the top, listen to the good and the grizzly!
#6: Alina Böehm: Increasing the popularity of judo. And making decisions that are right for you.
Alina Böehm brings intensity, confidence, and fearless authenticity to the podcast. A world-class judoka known for her explosive style on the mat, she’s also a trailblazer beyond competition, making an impact with her bold Playboy cover and redefining what strength and self-expression look like in elite sport. This episode dives into high-performance judo, mindset, and owning your identity at the
#5 Dennis van der Geest: How Judo is honest. And finding a direction after retiring competitively.
Dennis van der Geest joins the podcast as a larger-than-life figure in judo and beyond, a World Champion and Olympic medallist whose power and presence made waves on the international stage, and who has since reinvented himself as a prominent media personality. This episode dives into elite competition, life after sport, and the mindset it takes to evolve and stay relevant long after the final mat
#4 Christa Deguchi: What really changes when you finally win. And how to manage it.
Olympic Champion Christa Deguchi joins the podcast as a true force in judo, sharing her journey to the top of the Olympic podium. From high-pressure battles on the world stage to the grit behind the gold, this episode dives into what it really takes to become the best, while also keeping your sense of humour
#3 Teddy Riner: How do you compete when everyone expects you to win?
The GOAT: Teddy Riner enters the podcast as a living legend of judo, an Olympic and World Champion whose dominance, longevity, and aura have reshaped the sport. From unmatched power on the mat to the mindset required to stay at the top for over a decade, this episode explores greatness, leadership, and what it truly means to be a champion.
#2 Barbara Matic: How to move on from big losses. And mixing high heels with combat sports.
Croatia's Goat: Croatia's first World and Olympic Champion proves you really can have it all as a woman in a fighting sport.
#1 Ilias Iliadis: Knowing when to quit. And why he’ll never stop training.
The youngest male Olympic Champion and one of the most successful and respected judoka in modern judo history.
#0 Welcome to JudoPOD
From the JudoTV team, JudoPOD brings deeper stories and bigger conversations from the world of judo.
