In this episode of The Heart of the Bad Wolf, host Nicholas James Muscarella sits down with UFC fan favorite Groovy Lando Vannata for a raw, philosophical conversation about fighting, identity, psychology, and personal growth.

Recorded three years ago, this episode captures Lando reflecting on 19 years of training, 14 years of fighting, and eight years in the UFC. Known for his creativity, soul, and unpredictable style, Lando explains how mentors like Cub Swanson and Cowboy Cerrone helped him break the mold and inject personality into his fighting.

The conversation dives deep into ego, losses, maturity, and the realization that a fight career is a marathon, not a sprint. Lando opens up about working with a sports psychologist, using visualization and emotional anchoring to control aggression, fatigue, and focus inside the cage. He also discusses bullying, childhood trauma, intrusive thoughts, and how martial arts gave him an outlet to channel darkness in a healthy, controlled way.

Lando reflects on separating competition from morality, feeding the “bad wolf” without becoming it, and why training can give people confidence, emotional regulation, and purpose beyond fighting. This episode is an honest look at what it means to grow through violence, discipline, and self-awareness.

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Produced by Command Creative Studios https://www.commandcreativestudios.com/

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