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Audible Never seen/heard footage that did NOT make the original full episode. Mike and Scott had 30-minutes in the studio before the podcast went live. Mark shares some great stories about The Rock, filming the movie, The Smashing Machine, and more.
Join us as we delve into the inspiring journey of Mark Kerr, a former NCAA wrestling champion and MMA fighter, as he shares his life story, challenges, and insights into overcoming adversity. This episode offers valuable lessons on resilience, vulnerability, and the power of authenticity.
Key Topics
Mark Kerr's early life and wrestling career
Transition from MMA to Hollywood and media
Lessons on resilience and overcoming adversity
The importance of vulnerability and authenticity in life
Behind the scenes of the documentary, The Smashing Machine
Chapters
00:00 Introduction and Guest Introduction
00:55 First Impressions and Personal Challenges
01:56 Meeting Dwayne and Publicity Challenges
03:01 Mark Kerr's Public Persona and Engagement Skills
04:02 Balancing Public Life and Personal Authenticity
05:16 Starting the Interview: Mark Kerr's Story
06:20 Mark Kerr's Background and Early Life
07:14 The Documentary 'The Smashing Machine' and Its Impact
08:17 Behind the Scenes of the Documentary Filming
08:53 Mark Kerr's Connection with Music and Art
10:03 Memorable Moments in Venice and Italy
11:01 Reflections on Personal Growth and Challenges
11:23 Dealing with Fame and Vulnerability
12:26 The Journey of Self-Discovery and Healing
13:48 Gratitude and Support Systems
14:54 Manifestation and Unexpected Opportunities
16:14 The Power of Persistence and Patience
18:12 Balancing Public and Private Life
19:22 The Role of Family and Support in Recovery
21:03 Final Reflections and Lessons Learned
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Show website coming soon!
UFC Hall of Famer, "The Smashing Machine"
Mark Kerr, nicknamed The Smashing Machine, is a two-time UFC Heavyweight Tournament Champion, World Vale Tudo Championship winner, four-time ADCC World Champion, and a 2025 UFC Hall of Fame inductee in the Pioneer Era Wing.
He was born December 21, 1968, in Toledo, Ohio. A 6-foot-3, 255-pound wrestler, he lost to Kurt Angle in the 1996 Olympic trials and turned to mixed martial arts. In 1997 he won Vale Tudo 3 in Brazil and the UFC 14 and UFC 15 heavyweight tournaments, becoming one of only five fighters to win multiple UFC tournaments. From 1998 to 2001 he fought in PRIDE in Japan, earning an estimated $1.8 million. His professional MMA record is 15-11-0 with one no-contest.
In 1999 he was hospitalized after an opiate overdose. John Hyams's 2002 HBO documentary The Smashing Machine followed him from 1999 to 2001. After 2000 he won only 4 of 15 fights and lost his last five before retiring. He relapsed in 2011, entered treatment again in late 2013, and spent seven months in a halfway house. In 2016 he was diagnosed with peripheral neuropathy from repeated trauma.
Benny Safdie's 2025 A24 biopic, starring Dwayne Johnson as Kerr and Emily Blunt as Dawn Staples, premiered at the Venice Film Festival, where Safdie won the Silver Lion, and reached theaters on October 3, 2025. Kerr married Franci Alberding on December 31, 2023. They live in the Phoenix area and co-own Absolute Wellness.
Advocate & Partner to Mark Kerr
Franci Alberding-Kerr is a fitness consultant who designs custom wellness facility spaces and co-owns Absolute Wellness with her husband, UFC Hall of Famer Mark Kerr.
She was raised in Ballwin, Missouri, and educated at Missouri State University. She later settled in Scottsdale, Arizona. She married Kerr on December 31, 2023, and has appeared with him at public events including the Venice Film Festival screening of A24's The Smashing Machine and his 2025 UFC Hall of Fame induction.