Julie Kedzie

Date: 2017-03-16 | Duration: 3h 4m

Category: Combat Sports, Arts & Entertainment

Episode Overview

Joe Rogan sits down with a pioneering female MMA fighter and creative nonfiction writer to explore the unique intersections of combat sports, creativity, and personal growth. They delve into the early days of women’s MMA, recalling a time when female fighters were rare, fiercely passionate, and often had to scramble through underground forums just to find opponents. Their guest reflects on the mental and physical toll of a decade-long fighting career, sharing vivid stories about the challenges of injury, intense training, and the surreal experience of competing internationally—including a memorable and hilarious incident involving an unfortunate bout of nausea in front of Russian dignitaries like Vladimir Putin. Beyond the cage, the conversation turns to the guest’s academic pursuits in creative nonfiction and how MMA fighters often embody a form of creativity and obsession that fuels their drive. They discuss parallels between extreme athletes—whether fighters or Appalachian Trail hikers—and the human impulse to push beyond limits, even at great personal cost. The dialogue also touches on systemic issues like the harsh realities of student debt, the need for accessible education, and the shortcomings of rigid societal expectations. Their guest’s candid reflections on the physical sacrifices of MMA, the complexity of fighter health management, and the evolving landscape of women’s divisions offer a rare, insightful glimpse into the sport’s past and future. This episode combines raw humor, thoughtful critique, and inspiring perseverance, making it a must-listen for fans of MMA and human endurance alike.

About Julie Kedzie

Julie Kedzie is a retired mixed martial artist and a prominent commentator for Invicta Fighting Championships, where she brings her extensive knowledge and passion for the sport to audiences. Known as a trailblazer in women's MMA, Kedzie made history as one of the first female fighters to compete in the sport, earning accolades for her skills and determination inside the cage. With a career that includes notable victories and a reputation for her insightful analysis, she captivates fans and aspiring fighters alike. Julie's transition from athlete to commentator highlights her dedication to the growth of women's mixed martial arts, making her a compelling figure in the fight community.

Key Moments

0:00:00 – Introduction to Creative Non-Fiction and MMA Fighters' Intelligence
0:01:33 – Early Days and Challenges of Women in MMA (circa 2007)
0:01:33 – Fighting Gina Carano in 2007, a time women’s MMA was nearly unknown
0:02:25 – The Passion and Obsessive Nature of Fighters
0:04:07 – Describing the Unique Thrill of Fighting in MMA
0:04:07 – The vivid description of fight-day nerves and adrenaline
0:05:08 – Ultra-Endurance Hikers and the Drive to Push Limits
0:07:20 – Balancing Physical Health and MMA as a Sport
0:09:12 – Story of shitting herself during a fight in Russia in front of Vladimir Putin
0:09:12 – Memorable Fight in Russia Including Meeting Putin
0:10:26 – Reflections on transitioning to Greg Jackson’s gym and finding a fighting 'home'
0:13:37 – Meeting Jean-Claude Van Damme at an MMA event backstage
0:16:02 – MMA Branding, Tapout and Its Commercialization
0:16:30 – Political Discussion: Trump, Bernie, and Socialism
0:18:00 – Criticism of the modern political system and declaring self as a socialist
0:18:54 – Critique of Student Loans and the Education System
0:19:18 – Discussion on the harsh reality of student loans that can't be discharged in bankruptcy
0:19:29 – Views on Making Education Free and Accessible
0:19:40 – The idea that education should be free and available at any age
0:21:34 – Art, Modern Art, and Support for Artists
0:21:34 – The bizarre nature of modern art at LACMA and its subsidization
0:22:18 – Transition from Pre-law to Professional MMA Fighter
0:23:22 – Fighting History and Injuries: Nose, Shoulders, and Knees
0:26:31 – Experience of injury and difficult recovery after shoulder surgery
0:27:22 – Greg Jackson calling her 'the Lucille Ball of MMA' for clumsiness outside but grace while fighting
0:28:13 – Weight cutting dangers in MMA with examples of fights canceled due to health issues
0:28:13 – Weight Cutting Issues and Potential Solutions in MMA
0:29:22 – Advocating for more weight classes in MMA to improve fighter safety
0:29:43 – Discussion of Female Fighters and Weight Classes
0:30:16 – Praise for female fighter Joanna Jedrzejczyk’s ferocity and technique

Transcript Excerpt

Starting point is 00:00:00 three you started three two tricky and we're live how are you Julie I'm doing well what's happening we were just talking before this podcast started you're working on your master's in non-fiction creative writing creative non-fiction yeah what is creative non-fiction creative writing. Creative non-fiction, yeah. What is creative non-fiction? How does that work? It's actually very encompassing of a lot of things. Think about like memoir or biography, essays especially. We're a bunch of essayists. Starting point is 00:00:35 We're a bunch of nerds. They pick about, I think, nine or ten of us out of a group of 150 for this program, and then we write a ton of essays and we read so much. It's insane. It's amazing how many female MMA fighters, not that this is a knock against male MMA fighters are like really fucking smart. Starting point is 00:00:54 Like Rosie Sexton. Oh yeah. You know, uh, there's like, there's a ton of them. You can go down the list. Yeah. Peggy Morgan. She's got a really intelligent female fighters. I think that, um, I think there's something with MMA and creativity. Starting point is 00:01:08 And I think whereas, because the opportunities maybe haven't been out there for women as much, when it comes to like, I guess, finding an avenue for that creativity, they're, you know, they go into other things like academics and arts, and then they find MMA, and then they try to do both. I wonder if it's that, I mean, I think there's probably a bunch of reasons. Roxanne Matafari, that's another one. She's super smart. I always wonder if it's like maybe it's such an odd thing, Starting point is 00:01:33 especially when you started. I mean, you were a real pioneer in a lot of ways. I mean, you fought Gina Carano in 2007, 10 years ago. Yeah, that was a long time ago. It's crazy when you think about it. MMA was like non-existent in the public sphere back then. It just wasn't something that people talked about for women. But the women that ...

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Frequently asked about this episode

Who was the guest on Joe Rogan Experience #933?

Julie Kedzie was the guest on JRE #933. This page includes the episode overview, topics discussed, and related resources.

What topics were discussed on JRE #933?

On Joe Rogan Experience #933 with Julie Kedzie, topics include Early Days and Challenges of Women in MMA (circa 2007), Fighting Gina Carano in 2007, a time women’s MMA was, The Passion and Obsessive Nature of Fighters, and Describing the Unique Thrill of Fighting in MMA.

Where can I read the transcript for JRE #933?

The full searchable transcript for Joe Rogan Experience #933 with Julie Kedzie is on the dedicated transcript page for this episode, with timestamps and in-page search.