Nickals and Dimes – Details, episodes & analysis

In this episode of Nickals and Dimes, we’re joined by the one and only Ariel Helwani—one of the most respected and influential voices in MMA media. Ariel has been covering combat sports for over a decade, winning multiple MMA Journalist of the Year awards and shaping the way fans experience the fight game. From hosting The Ariel Helwani Show to breaking some of the biggest stories in MMA history, he has built a reputation as one of the most insightful journalists in the industry. The conversation kicks off with how Ariel began his journalism journey at the University of Syracuse. From there, we dive into the world of MMA journalism, discussing how the field has changed and the challenges of covering such a dynamic sport. Ariel also breaks down the impact of the Netflix era in combat sports, giving his take on how streaming platforms could change the way fights are promoted and consumed. He shares his big break moment, the moment that took his career to the next level, and how he manages to stay up to date with everything happening in sports. The conversation shifts to Ariel discussing his relationship with Dana White, his favorite and craziest interviews, and what it’s really like dealing with fighters in and out of the cage. He also shares his thoughts on how MMA can become more mainstream, the dream interviews he’d still love to do, and the unique relationship between the sport and its fans. Go check out Ariel's channel https://www.youtube.com/@UCVOdVp54jLrFhRUm4S29HeA https://sports.yahoo.com/combat/ MAKE SURE TO SUBSCRIBE GO FOLLOW MY SOCIALS: IG: https://www.instagram.com/nobickal1/?hl=en TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@nobickal Twitter: https://twitter.com/NoBickal GO FOLLOW TONY'S SOCIALS: Tony: https://www.instagram.com/ant_thechamp_cassar/ DON'T FOLLOW RONAN: https://www.instagram.com/theronanbell/ 00:00:00 - Ariel Intro 00:07:48 - The Idea of a Multiperson Interview Show 00:11:13 - MMA Journalism 00:14:29 - Netflix Era in Combat Sports 00:20:37 - Big Break Moment for Ariel 00:27:21 - How Does Ariel Stay Up to Date with Sports 00:32:35 - Ariel’s Relationship with Dana White 00:51:02 - Ariel’s Favorite and Craziest Interviews 01:04:47 - Dealing with Fighters 01:09:36 - How can MMA be more main stream 01:20:58 - Who are some people Ariel dreams to interview? 01:31:26 - Relationships between the sport of MMA and the Fans Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this episode of Nickals and Dimes, we’re joined by one of the greatest mixed martial artists of all time—Demetrious ‘Mighty Mouse’ Johnson. A former UFC Flyweight Champion, DJ set the record for 11 consecutive title defenses, solidifying his place as one of the most well-rounded and dominant fighters in history. He’s continued to make waves outside the cage, winning IBJJF Worlds at the Master Brown Belt level and building a massive audience as a YouTuber and content creator. The conversation kicks off with DJ sharing his experiences training with Islam Makhachev and Khabib Nurmagomedov, giving insight into what makes their team so dominant. He then takes us inside his time training in Thailand, and his training with Shogun Rua. The discussion shifts to the growth of Jiu Jitsu and what it takes to make the sport more accessible to a wider audience. DJ reflects on how he got his start in MMA, what led him to the UFC, and how his career unfolded. He also opens up about life after fighting and his transition into being a YouTuber, where he’s found success sharing fight breakdowns and training insights. Later in the episode, DJ reacts to Bo’s last fight, gives his thoughts on Alexandre Pantoja’s callout, and shares his perspective on how fighting as a sport can continue to evolve. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this episode of Nickals and Dimes, Bo is back in State College, and we catch up on what he has been doing and how training camp is finishing up. We dive into a fun Harry Potter discussion, where we share our favorite characters and moments from the movies and books. Next, we talk about the best accents we’ve heard and Bo shares some stories from his time in Florida. We also chat about the upcoming election and the latest news. Bo mentions a cool moment when Donald Trump gave him a shoutout on Joe Rogan’s podcast. Then, we talk about Jason Kelce smashing his phone and what happened there. We also get into some spooky fun with Halloween talk and share our favorite memories. Later, we discuss a recent incident where James Franklin yelled at a fan, and then we recap UFC 308 and talk about the latest in MMA. Finally, we finish up by discussing Saquon Barkley’s amazing hurdle in a recent game. Join us for another fun episode filled with laughs and great stories! Like, comment, and subscribe for more insights and behind-the-scenes stories from Nickals and Dimes! MAKE SURE TO SUBSCRIBE Presented by Betr ⚡️:️ G️O PLAY BETR PICKS NOW: USE CODE BONICKAL UFC LINES ARE OUT NOW!! MUST BE 21+ TC'S APPLY DOWNLOAD BETR ⚡️:️ https://engagebetr.onelink.me/auSX/Bonickal Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this episode of Nickals and Dimes, Bo and the boys are joined by none other than Michael Chandler! They dive deep into a range of topics, starting with the news of Conor McGregor dropping out of the fight and how that changed things for Michael Chandler. The conversation quickly shifts to comparing wrestling vs. MMA culture, with Bo and Michael discussing the similarities and differences, and how the underdog mentality plays a huge role in both sports. Michael reveals the moment he knew he wanted to pursue MMA and how he developed his confidence both inside and outside the octagon. The boys also talk about the tricky balance of being a fighter and staying grounded in everyday life. Ever wonder what Michael would do if he wasn’t fighting? He shares his thoughts on that, too! From dealing with trash talk to discussing his upcoming fight at UFC 309 against Charles Olivera, this episode covers it all. The boys even speculate about whether Michael Chandler could be the next Jon Anik of UFC commentary. To wrap up, they touch on how PSU guys are transitioning into fighting and what that means for the future of combat sports. Like, comment, and subscribe for more insights and behind-the-scenes stories from Nickals and Dimes! MAKE SURE TO SUBSCRIBE Presented by Betr ⚡️:️ G️O PLAY BETR PICKS NOW: USE CODE BONICKAL UFC LINES ARE OUT NOW!! MUST BE 21+ TC'S APPLY DOWNLOAD BETR ⚡️:️ https://engagebetr.onelink.me/auSX/Bonickal Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this exciting episode of Nickals and Dimes, Bo and the boys sit down with Jorge Masvidal, discussing everything from his legendary moments in the UFC to his new ventures outside of the cage. The episode kicks off with a look back at Jose Aldo and how he continues to amaze as one of the greatest fighters in UFC history. From there, the team discusses some of the greatest knockouts ever seen in the octagon, sparking a debate on what really makes a KO unforgettable. They then turn their attention to Jorge Masvidal—what he’s been up to recently and the news that he’s back to training MMA. The boys also reminisce about Jorge’s fight on UFC Fight Island, as well as his first professional MMA fight, giving insight on how MMA looked back in the day. Jorge’s training experiences with Mike Brown and Hector Lombard’s hard sparring sessions are also up for discussion. The episode continues with a focus on Masvidal’s potential UFC comeback, including the possibility of fighting in Miami early next year! To wrap up, Jorge shares details about taking time off from MMA, his new book, and the many business ventures he’s been working on. And, of course, he closes the episode with his craziest Trump story! Don’t miss this episode full of insights, stories, and behind-the-scenes moments. Like, comment, and subscribe for more Nickals and Dimes! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this special episode of Nickals and Dimes, Bo and Tony sit down with Amit Elor, fresh off her incredible performance in Paris, where she claimed Olympic gold. They dive deep into her journey, discussing everything from her preparation for the Olympics to what the future holds as she sets her sights on LA 2028. Amit kicks off the conversation by breaking down the rigorous process of getting ready for the Olympics, detailing the intense training and mental preparation that helped her achieve victory. The team then explores whether she incorporated any new techniques or strategies going into the Olympics, providing a fascinating insight into her evolving approach. As the discussion continues, Amit reflects on her path to the top, sharing the key moments and experiences that shaped her career. She also opens up about how she’s handled adversity along the way, giving fans a look into the mindset of a true champion. The boys also ask Amit about who inspired her to start wrestling, leading to some heartfelt stories about her early influences. Post-Olympics, Amit has been dealing with an increased media presence, and she explains how she's navigating this new chapter in her career. Finally, the episode wraps up with a look at what’s next for Amit, including her plans for LA 2028 and beyond. Thank you so much for tuning in and your constant support ! MAKE SURE TO SUBSCRIBE Presented by Betr ⚡️:️ G️O PLAY BETR PICKS NOW: USE CODE BONICKAL UFC LINES ARE OUT NOW!! MUST BE 21+ TC'S APPLY DOWNLOAD BETR ⚡️:️ https://engagebetr.onelink.me/auSX/Bonickal Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Welcome back to Nickals and Dimes! In this episode, the boys kick off with a fun discussion about guilty pleasures before diving into what everyone is currently watching. Tony talks about some of the new movies he's seen recently, while Bo keeps pressing him to watch The Prestige. Next, they break down the differences between Ponzi and Pyramid Schemes, with Bo sharing a story about how he may have been involved in a pyramid scheme during high school. Things take a lighter turn as Bo shows off his new mustache and explains his decision to go with the new look. The conversation then shifts to the recent Anthony Joshua knockout, as they discuss what happened and what it means for the boxing world. Bo and Tony also preview the upcoming Penn State Wrestling season, giving fans insight into what to expect from one of the top programs in the country. To wrap things up, Bo shares details on his training camp plans, providing a behind-the-scenes look at how he’s preparing for his next big challenge. Like, comment, and subscribe to stay updated on everything happening with Nickals and Dimes! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Welcome back to another episode of Nickals and Dimes! This week, the boys kick things off with a lighthearted discussion about where everyone has gone, before shifting gears to talk about Penn State Football and a throwback story with Bill Kelly. The excitement ramps up as Bo reveals his upcoming fight against Paul Craig, giving fans a sneak peek of what to expect. The conversation takes a fun twist when the boys debate how good bears are at fighting, before getting back to business with a UFC 306 recap. Looking ahead, they dive into the details of UFC 309 and other highly anticipated fight cards. In a reflective moment, Tony officially announces he’s done fighting, sharing his thoughts on closing that chapter of his life. This is followed by a hilarious story about how he almost went bald, keeping the laughs coming. They also reminisce about Ronan’s mullet, and Bo ends the episode by revealing that he’s pretty much blind—adding a comical touch to wrap things up. Don't miss this episode full of insights, fight talk, and plenty of laughs! Like, comment, and subscribe to stay updated on all things Nickals and Dimes. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Welcome back to Nickals and Dimes! In this episode, the boys dive into a wide range of topics, blending humor, insights, and personal stories that you won’t want to miss. Next, we meet Uncle Mike, a special guest who brings a wealth of experience and fascinating stories to the table. The conversation takes a lighthearted turn as the boys joke about Ronan’s shorts being a little too high, before diving into what Uncle Mike does for a living. They explore his career and discuss the deeper topic of how men are shaped by nature, highlighting the role of the great outdoors in building character and resilience. As the episode progresses, the discussion shifts to the importance of focusing on self-improvement rather than comparing oneself to others. Uncle Mike then shares the inspiring story of how he founded 7T Outfitters, offering valuable lessons on hunting and the outdoors. The team also delves into the symbolism and significance of moving water in life and nature. Finally, Ronan shares his thoughts and experiences from his time in Colorado, wrapping up the episode with reflections and insights from everyone. Don’t miss this episode packed with laughs, wisdom, and great stories! Like, comment, and subscribe to stay updated! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this week’s episode of Nickals and Dimes, the boys take a deep dive into the 2024 Olympic Games, recapping the most memorable moments and standout performances. Bo Nickal shares his thoughts on how wrestling can break into the mainstream, offering innovative ideas to elevate the sport's visibility and appeal to a broader audience. Beyond the world of wrestling, the conversation takes a fun turn as the boys reminisce about their travel experiences. They share stories from the different places they've visited, including some strange and hilarious Airbnb encounters that you won’t want to miss. For all the movie buffs out there, the team discusses their favorite films and what to keep an eye on in theaters soon. Also they go over what movies are highly rated on Rotten Tomatoes and if the boys agree with those ratings. The episode wraps up with a heartfelt segment of "Let's Get Deep," where the team explores the powerful connection between confidence and success. They delve into how self-assurance can drive achievement in both personal and professional life, sharing insights and personal experiences on how to cultivate and harness this vital trait. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices