More Than The Mat

In 2021 Trent Hidlay wanted give back to the local Mifflin County community. So he requested help from his brother Hayden and buddy Joey Bender to start a wrestling event for the community to enjoy. Their "Wrangle in the Wild" event was a huge success and is gearing up for the second year. On this episode of More Than the Mat, Jake talks with Trent about building such a hyped-up event. Watch Wrangle in the Wild II: https://rokfin.com/stream/20966/Wrangle-II-Amateur-Wrestling-Event?affiliate_id=67323 Exclusive Fanco Videos: https://youtube.com/fancowrestling/join

Richie Lewis is a 2X JUCO All-American, NCAA Qualifier at Rutgers, and MMA fighter. On this episode of More Than the Mat, he shares his experiences in Florida, how he transitioned from wrestling to MMA, and why he started his own clothing line. Bottom line: he's more than just a "savage." Aper Fitness: https://aperfitness.com/ Insta: https://www.instagram.com/richie_savage/?hl=en Twitter: https://twitter.com/lewisrichie

Virginia Tech's Hunter Bolen is a complete outdoorsman. In fact, he competes in fishing tournaments. He talks about the biggest fish he ever caught (50 1/2"), the Musky tournament he won, and why he is so passionate about the sport. Bolen also shares details about his new business Smash Outdoors. On this episode of More Than the Mat, Jake talks with Hunter about the outdoors lifestyle. Follow Hunter Bolen: https://www.instagram.com/p/CeSC_mbsWdf/ Smash Outdoors: https://www.facebook.com/smashoutdoors/ Video Version: watch this podcast episode and get exclusive wrestling content by becoming a Fanco Fanatic.

Wrestler Nicholas Leitten uprooted his entire life to rescue, restore, and revive orphaned children in Peru. He and his wife founded GoLovePeru with the purpose of giving a family structure and homes to  children. On this episode of More Than the Mat, Jake talks with Nick about his mission. GoLovePeru: https://goloveperu.org/ GoLovePeru Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/goloveperu/ Video Version: watch this podcast episode and get exclusive wrestling content by becoming a Fanco Fanatic.

High schooler Seth Mendoza may not be allowed to drive a car yet, but he is flying planes. The Illinois State Champion from Mount Carmel is an absolute unit on the wrestling mat. Outside of wrestling he flies planes, does wood burning, and gives to charity. On this episode of More Than the Mat, Jake talks with Seth about all of his incredible hobbies. Seth's Website: https://www.unleashedbyseth.com Seth's Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sethmendoza064 Video Version: watch this podcast episode and get exclusive wrestling content by becoming a Fanco Fanatic.

Division 2 collegiate wrestler Cayden Henschel began his YouTube channel back in 2019, the same year Fanco started uploading content. In those few years, he has seen tremendous growth to over 120,000 YouTube subscribers and a massive social media following. As a fun goal he keeps repeating to his audience that he wants to pass FloWrestling in subscribers, and he soon will. On this episode of More Than the Mat, Jake talks with Cayden about creating content for wrestlers and why he enjoys it.   Video Version: watch this podcast episode and get exclusive wrestling content by becoming a Fanco Fanatic.

Former Appalachian State wrestler Tony Gravely worked a "regular" job after college until he realized he wasn't fulfilled. He learned how to fight, and pursued his dream after leaving his full-time job. Now he's on UFC cards as a pro fighter. On this episode of More Than the Mat, Jake and Tony discuss the grinding path from Division 1 college wrestler to MMA fighter.   Video Version: watch this podcast episode and get exclusive wrestling content by becoming a Fanco Fanatic.

During the 2020 pandemic, NC State Wrestling's Kai Orine picked up a fun hobby: tattoos. He uses his creative skills to design art that he tattoos on others. He has tattooed his teammates and even his own mom. Kai shares the stories of times his coaches weren't too happy about "someone" tattooing guys on the wrestling team. On this episode of More Than the Mat, we talk with the D1 college wrestler about his creativity and skill.   Video Version: watch this podcast episode and get exclusive wrestling content by becoming a Fanco Fanatic.

Did you know Josiah started 15+ businesses before he landed on the successful college wrestling news company, Fanco Wrestling? In this episode of More Than the Mat he discusses his business successes and failures. Josiah also shares some exciting news in his personal life. On this inaugural episode of More Than the Mat, Josiah hands over the interviewing reigns to new host Jake Hart, a D1 college wrestler at Virginia Tech. This is the first of many fun, behind-the-scenes discussions on this new wrestling podcast endeavor. Video Version: watch this podcast episode and get exclusive wrestling content by becoming a Fanco Fanatic.

Fanco's More Than the Mat tells the stories of what the nation's toughest athletes are doing off the competition mat. Aside from wrestling and fighting, what are the hobbies, businesses, and activities that these athletes do? That's the question we're set out to answer on More Than the Mat, a podcast by Fanco Wrestling and hosted by Virginia Tech wrestler Jake Hart. Don't expect your typical boring wrestling interview show. No, this is more than that. This is More Than the Mat. Subscribe for conversations with NCAA college wrestlers, MMA fighters, business professionals, and others involved with amateur wrestling.