The Ageless Warrior Lab
Dave Meyer | Host, Ageless Warrior Lab podcast | President & Co-founder of Food System Innovations and Humane American Animal Foundation David Meyer is a pioneering American Brazilian Jiu Jitsu practitioner, and accomplished non-profit founder and Philanthropist. David co-founded and served as CEO of Adopt-a-Pet.com for two decades, turning it into the world’s largest nonprofit homeless pet adoption website and helping save millions of animals, before its acquisition by Mars Inc. Today, David leads Food System Innovations and Humane America Animal Foundation, leading in farm animal welfare and the protein transition movement. He frequently advises U.S. lawmakers on these issues, and has raised and deployed over $160 million in philanthropic capital as part of his work in the nonprofit space. In his athletic career, David has risen to the highest ranks of Brazilian Jiu Jitsu (BJJ). He earned his black belt from Rigan Machado in 1996 and was one the first Americans (“the Dirty Dozen”) to do so. In 2025 he was awarded a coral belt, making him one of the few Americans to ever receive this honor, referred to as the BJJ “Gang of Eight”. He was the first American to medal at the black belt level at the BJJ World Championships in Brazil in 1998, and continues to compete, holding 11 world championship titles, and is the current world champion his age division. As a martial artist and instructor, he taught at UCLA, Steven Seagal’s Tenshin Dojo, and developed globally used grappling curricula with John Will, including customized material for Chuck Norris’s UFAF association. Meyer also played a critical role in post-Katrina animal rescue, co-authored key books on BJJ and pet care, and co-founded a Haiti orphanage for children with HIV, exemplifying a lifetime of impactful leadership in both martial arts and philanthropy. David resides in the San Francisco Bay, and continues to coach BJJ athletes while actively managing Food System Innovations and Humane America Animal Foundation.
Episodes
In this episode, I sit down with Coach Krissa Hjartar, a 5-time Icelandic National Judo Champion, IBJJF No-Gi World Champion, and American National Champion in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu. Krissa shares her incredible journey from training in a small Icelandic town to competing at the highest levels of grappling.
We discuss her expertise in leg locks and takedowns, the unique challenges and advantages women face in martial arts, t...
Many years ago, I sat across from a martial arts "master" who claimed his punch could burst someone's aorta. That moment taught me everything I needed to know about unchecked ego, and it's a lesson that extends far beyond the dojo.
In this episode, I share 35+ years of martial arts wisdom about ego: what it is, why it's dangerous, when it's useful, and most importantly, how to tame it. From getting dest...
Many people don't fail because they're mentally weak, they fail because they're mentally rigid.
In this episode, I explore one of the most powerful skills I've learned from decades of martial arts training: the power of adapting. Whether you're in a BJJ match, running a business, or facing life's unexpected challenges, your ability to adapt determines your success.
Key insights covere...
🥋 In this episode, Dave Meyer sits down with Professor Bob Bass—the SECOND non-Brazilian to ever receive a black belt in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu (1995) making him one of the BJJ Dirty Dozen, and one of the first non-Brazilians to be awarded the prestigious Coral Belt (7th degree black belt) (2024), making him one of the elite “BJJ Gang of Eight”.
Bob shares stories from the earliest days of BJJ in America, including:
Are you thinking about entering your first competition? Or struggling with competition anxiety? In this episode, we dive deep into the psychology of competition, why you should compete, how to prepare mentally and physically, and why winning shouldn't be your primary goal.
Drawing from decades of Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu competition experience, this episode covers:
✅ The TRUE reasons to compete (hint: it's not about the gold med...
In this BJJ Bonus episode, I sit down with Melissa Will—one of the true pioneers of women's Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu. With nearly 36 years on the mats, Melissa has been training longer than any other non-Brazilian woman in the world.
Melissa shares her incredible journey from being a 2nd-degree karate black belt to discovering BJJ at a seminar taught by John Will (who would later become her husband). She describes the moment she rea...
Are you living on autopilot? Most people never take real time alone to examine their lives—until a crisis forces them to. But what if you could proactively gain clarity, purpose, and direction without waiting for disaster to strike?
In this episode, I reveal my "Mission Days" practice—a powerful personal retreat I've used for years to build a major nonprofit, land significant business deals, and make life-changing rea...
Join us for an in-depth interview with Rick Williams—one of the original “Dirty Dozen” American black belts in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, retired police officer, and executive protection specialist for NBA legends like Kobe Bryant. In this episode, Rick shares powerful stories from his decades-long career, including:
• How Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu saved lives on the police force
• Behind-the-scenes insights from protecting NBA su...
In this inspiring episode, Dave Meyer—author, Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu black belt, entrepreneur, and philanthropist—shares his powerful journey from martial arts champion to animal rescue hero. Dave recounts the extraordinary story of leading a daring animal rescue mission with Dr. Pia Salk and Jane Garrison during the devastation of Hurricane Katrina, saving over 100 dogs and cats.
Dave breaks down the three layers of meaning,...
Join host David Meyer as he sits down with Chris Haueter, one of the legendary "Dirty Dozen"—the first non-Brazilian black belts in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu (BJJ). In this in-depth conversation, Chris shares his unique journey from a Southern California beach kid and punk rock enthusiast to a pioneering martial artist and influential BJJ instructor.
Discover the untold stories behind the spread of BJJ in America, the origins of...
Join us for an inspiring and wide-ranging conversation with Arvind Gupta—Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu black belt, venture capitalist, biotech pioneer, and lifelong learner. Hosted by Dave Meyer, this episode dives deep into the parallels between martial arts and entrepreneurship, the mindset required to build world-changing companies, and the personal stories that shaped Arvind’s journey from athlete to investor.
Arvind shares his experience...
In this episode, we dive deep into the reality that time is our most precious, and limited, resource. Drawing from personal stories, life-changing realizations, and practical advice, you’ll learn why you may have less time than you think, how to make every moment count, and how to avoid the trap of mediocrity. Discover exercises to help you refocus your life, find your purpose, and start living with intention today.
If you found thi...
Join host Dave Meyer as he sits down with Sensei Mike Valentine, co-founder of Practical Martial Arts in Northern California. In this deep-dive conversation, Mike shares his unique approach to martial arts—one that goes far beyond punching and kicking. Discover how martial arts can build resilience, character, and real-world strength in kids, teens, and adults alike.
Mike draws on decades of experience and a passion for ne...
Unlock the secrets to lifelong strength and fitness with BJJ Black Belt Dave Meyer in this episode of the Ageless Warrior Lab! At 63, Dave shares his personal exercise protocol, proven strategies for building functional strength, and the six pillars of "homework" that keep him in top shape—decades after most slow down.
Whether you’re a martial artist, athlete, or just want to stay fit as you age, discover practical tips o...
Join host Dave Meyer for an inspiring and wide-ranging conversation with Jeremy Corbell—martial artist, artist, documentary filmmaker, and one of the leading voices in UFO/UAP journalism today.
In this episode of the Ageless Warrior Lab, Jeremy shares his journey from a scrappy, out-of-control kid to a disciplined martial artist, successful artist, and now a prominent investigative journalist uncovering the mysteries of UFOs. The di...
In this episode, we dive deep into the world of anxiety—what it is, how it manifests, and most importantly, how to overcome it. Drawing from personal experiences in high-stakes Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu competitions, neuroscience insights, and practical tools, you'll learn how to manage both situational and generalized anxiety.
Discover the difference between fear and anxiety, why even elite athletes and professionals experience it, ...
In this gripping episode of Ageless Warrior Lab, BJJ Black Belt and Dirty Dozen member Dave Meyer takes you on a journey through the heart of Hurricane Katrina’s aftermath, sharing powerful stories of animal rescue, courage, and the raw reality of fear.
Discover how martial arts wisdom and real-life crisis experiences reveal the difference between fear and danger, and learn practical strategies to manage fear—whether you’re facing a...
EP.Join David Meyer and John Will as they sit down with the legendary Rigan Machado—one of the most influential figures in Brazilian Jiu Jitsu and a key member of the iconic Machado and Gracie families. In this in-depth interview, Rigan shares his journey from growing up in a house full of future BJJ champions, to dominating competitions in Brazil, pioneering Jiu Jitsu in the United States, and working with Hollywood’s biggest...
Unlock the secrets to true confidence with Dave Meyer, Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu black belt and martial arts champion. In this episode, Dave shares powerful stories from the mat, including lessons from legends like Gene LeBelle and the Machado brothers, and reveals the real difference between confidence, underconfidence, and overconfidence.
Discover practical tools to build lasting confidence, avoid the pitfalls of arrogance, and learn ho...
Step into a transformative conversation between BJJ Black Belt David Meyer and world-renowned author and spiritual teacher Dan Millman, best known for "Way of the Peaceful Warrior." In this episode of the Ageless Warrior Lab, discover how martial arts, mindfulness, and self-awareness can unlock your true potential—no matter your age or background.
Dan Millman shares his journey from world champion gymnast to bestselling au...
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