Rest in love, Queen <3
In this powerful and deeply human episode, Mallory and Jenn sit down with Shirley—a white belt from San Diego with a black belt in resilience. We learned of her passing just months after recording.
Shirley’s story isn’t just about Jiu Jitsu. It’s about surviving cancer, overcoming a brain tumor, navigating neurodivergence, and choosing sobriety every single day for over five years. Alongside her husband Dustin—her middle school sweetheart and co-owner of Studio 33 Jiu Jitsu—Shirley has built a life filled with strength, service, and second chances.
From the mats to motherhood to managing properties by day and health battles by night, Shirley’s journey is a testament to grit, grace, and the power of community. Even when Jiu Jitsu had to take a backseat, she never stopped finding her way back to it.
You can follow Shirley's journey at her CaringBridge here:
https://www.caringbridge.org/site/a99128b8-8e32-11ef-9494-350da6b5041c
Follow Dustin and Shirley on Instagram @studio33bjj
Follow Chokeholds and Chill on Instagram @chokeholdsandchillpod
Email us: chokeholdsandchillpod@gmail.com
Popular Podcasts
On Purpose with Jay Shetty
I’m Jay Shetty host of On Purpose the worlds #1 Mental Health podcast and I’m so grateful you found us. I started this podcast 5 years ago to invite you into conversations and workshops that are designed to help make you happier, healthier and more healed. I believe that when you (yes you) feel seen, heard and understood you’re able to deal with relationship struggles, work challenges and life’s ups and downs with more ease and grace. I interview experts, celebrities, thought leaders and athletes so that we can grow our mindset, build better habits and uncover a side of them we’ve never seen before. New episodes every Monday and Friday. Your support means the world to me and I don’t take it for granted — click the follow button and leave a review to help us spread the love with On Purpose. I can’t wait for you to listen to your first or 500th episode!
Stuff You Should Know
If you've ever wanted to know about champagne, satanism, the Stonewall Uprising, chaos theory, LSD, El Nino, true crime and Rosa Parks, then look no further. Josh and Chuck have you covered.
The Joe Rogan Experience
The official podcast of comedian Joe Rogan.