From humble beginnings to working with major names like Demetrious “Mighty Mouse” Johnson and YouTube phenom IShowSpeed, Firechicken shares how his grassroots fight community has become a launchpad for professional fighters — and a global phenomenon.

The crew dives deep into fighter culture, safety improvements, Streetbeefs drama, viral collaborations, and what it takes to build a respectful, welcoming combat community in the backyard scene.

⏱️ Timestamped Highlight Guide

00:00 – 02:00 – Opening chaos & Firechicken joins the show 🔥
02:00 – 05:00 – Scrapyard’s viral reach & the rise of backyard MMA 📈
05:00 – 10:00 – Humble fighters, real lessons, and community over clout 🥊
10:00 – 15:00 – Scrapyard’s matchmaking system & fighter safety rules 🧠
15:00 – 20:00 – Celebrity boxing stories & wild Scrapyard moments 🌍
20:00 – 25:00 – WFC fights at Emerald Queen & 1.8M Instagram followers 💪
25:00 – 30:00 – Firechicken’s collab with IShowSpeed & viral success 🚀
30:00 – 35:00 – The Streetbeefs split and building an independent legacy ⚔️
35:00 – 40:00 – Joe Rogan, Jake Paul & mainstream eyes on Scrapyard 👀
40:00 – 45:00 – Safety, respect & medical support for fighters 🏥
45:00 – End – What’s next for Firechicken & the future of The Scrapyard 🌟

Special Guest: Steve Hagara.

Sponsored By:

• Die Cut Stickers: Use the code GRITCITY15 at checkout and get 15% off your entire order! · Insanely custom stickers crafted to survive the PNW and beyond! Promo Code: GRITCITY15
• RCF Exteriors: Cut Wood. Not Corners. RCF Exteriors specializes in Window and Door installation across the South Puget Sound region. RCF Exteriors is a customer service orientated company with 20+ years experience in window and door installation. Our efficient and knowledgeable team is dedication to making sure you are satisfied with not only the final product but throughout the entire installation process. Email: rcfexteriors@gmail.com Phone: 253-446-8854
• The Union Club: The Union Club is a coworking space contributing to Tacoma's growing artistic and entrepreneurial communities. It combines a maker studio, event hall, and office coworking space, in a 15,000 square foot historic building in downtown Tacoma, Washington.

Support The Grit City Podcast

Links:

• THE SCRAPYARD - YouTube
• WFC: World Fighting Championships — EXPERIENCE THE THRILL OF LIVE BOXING, MMA, MUAY THAI & KICKBOXING
• iShowSpeed Discovers An Underground Fight Club.. - YouTube
• iShowSpeed Hosted Our F!GHT CLUB - YouTube
• The Grit City Podcast: GCP: Streetbeefs Scrapyard - LIVE at The Scrapyard!
• The Grit City Podcast: GCP: Streetbeefs Scrapyard - Sit Down w/ Firechicken and Mandy Bear
• The Grit City Podcast: Streetbeefs Scrapyard
• The Grit City Podcast: Gig Harbor Adventures

01:42 – Jeff kicks off this episode with four words of the day, Justin shares the history of The Union Club, and Firechicken talks about the different fighting styles amongst the fighters. He talks about how Streetbeefs originated, how long Scrapyards has been going, and the various reasons people participate. Justin talks about the different fighters they spoke to on the last episode recorded at the event, Firechicken talks about the respect between the fighters, and how often he hosts the fights.

16:32 – Firechicken talks about his love of video editing, his journey to where he is in terms of recording the fights, and what the different Streetbeefs branches each bring to the table. Mandy shares her first thoughts when Firechichen started the fighting group, Firechicken talked about the research he did before starting it in Washington, and Jeff reads a coaster question. Firechicken talks about their rating system, how they are loose on the weight classes, and how fighters qualify for a title shot.

32:43 – Firechicken talks about the number of YouTube views some of the fights have had, the live stream at the event, and the difference between watching the live stream and watching the video post-fight. He talks about doing fight premiers, Mandy talks about the process of prepping for the event, and how she fills the support role the day of the fight. Firechicken talks about merch, Justin expresses his excitement for fall, and FIrechichen shares why he started selling merch online.

46:57 – Firechicken talks about the benefits of the Kickin' it with Chicken podcast, Justin talks about the importance of getting listener feedback, and gives Firechicken some “bad” business. They discuss the concept of politicians fighting in the ring, ideas for renting out the space, and the group has a “Bad Advice” conversation.

Many thanks to Mandy and Firechicken for hanging out with the GCP guys and having an excellent conversation! For listeners that enjoyed this conversation, Firechicken was also on episodes 132, 147, and 243.

Special Guests: Mandy Bear and Steve Hagara.

Sponsored By:

• The Union Club: The Union Club is a coworking space contributing to Tacoma's growing artistic and entrepreneurial communities. It combines a maker studio, event hall, and office coworking space, in a 15,000 square foot historic building in downtown Tacoma, Washington.
• Die Cut Stickers: Use the code GRITCITY15 at checkout and get 15% off your entire order! · Insanely custom stickers crafted to survive the PNW and beyond! Promo Code: GRITCITY15

Support The Grit City Podcast

Links:

• Union Club Tacoma — The Union Club is a mixed-use project contributing to Tacoma’s growing artistic and entrepreneurial community. It combines studio space, coworking space, office space, beautiful common areas, galleries and an event hall in a 15,000 square foot historic building in downtown Tacoma.
• STREETBEEFS SCRAPYARD - YouTube
• Streetbeefs Scrapyard (@streetbeefs_scrapyard) • Instagram — Wanna fight? Join us on Facebook. We are Streetbeefs Scrapyard, located in the Pacific Northwest, home of Sasquatch himself.
• Streetbeefs Scrapyard | Facebook — We are the Pacific Northwest Branch of STREETBEEFS located in Washington state. Im Firechicken, i run this branch.
• STREETBEEFS SCRAPYARD featuring Solo - YouTube
• Kickin it w/ Chicken - YouTube — Streetbeefs Scrapyard's Official Podcast
• Grit City Comic Show - Tacoma, WA Comic Book Convention — An Old School Style Comic Book Convention at the Greater Tacoma Convention Center

00:16 – Justin comes up with the newest business idea to pass on to Steve, Scott talks about being excited to record this episode, and Justin briefly describes Streetbeefs Scrapyard. They play part of a fight for listeners to get a feel of what it’s like, Buddy V introduces himself, and how he ended up getting started in Scrapyard.

9:47 – Buddy V talks about the lives each of the fighters have outside of the fight, why he fights, and getting involved in the interviews he does for Scrapyard. He shares where people can find him online, Jeff and Scott encourage Justin to become a fighter himself, and they talk to Anomaly about his involvement with the club.

18:58 – Anomaly talks about the types of fighting he enjoys watching at the event, if he’s refereeing at it, and explains how they go through the rules before each event. He talks about why it’s important as a ref to watch the losing guy, Scott and Justin, guess who they think will win the current fight, and they talk to Lights Out, who shares the advice he would pass on to new fighters.

30:16 – They tune into another live fight, encourage the fighters in the last round to keep it going, and chat with Firechicken during fight intermission. Firechicken talks about the development he’s done since the last time GCP was out, the different types of fight styles he sees, and who his favorite is on the hall of fame. He talks about how people can get involved and the importance of understanding what each fighter wants to achieve with fighting.

Special Guest: Steve Hagara.

Sponsored By:

• Cosmic Bottles: Tap into the universe of craft beer! CRAFT BEER FOR YOU! Tired of the same old grocery store beer selection? Looking for a beer selection that caters to your taste? At Cosmic Bottles the choice is always yours. Every day: 11am - 10pm 27116 167th Place SE Suite 108 Covington, WA 98042
• Die Cut Stickers: Use the code GRITCITY15 at checkout and get 15% off your entire order! · Insanely custom stickers crafted to survive the PNW and beyond! Promo Code: GRITCITY15

Support The Grit City Podcast

Links:

• Zuel World — Zuel is a movement started by Buddy V. to show others you can do whatever it is you want.
• Buddy Valenzuela on Facebook
• Buddy Valenzuela (@zuel_buddyv) • Instagram — 155 MMA Champ @streetbeefs_scrapyard
• Hammerhead MMA | Facebook — Joey "Coyote" Guel owner and head coach is a former pro mma fighter.
• STREETBEEFS SCRAPYARD - YouTube
• Streetbeefs Scrapyard (@streetbeefs_scrapyard) • Instagram — Wanna fight? Join us on Facebook. We are Streetbeefs Scrapyard, located in the Pacific Northwest, home of Sasquatch himself.
• Streetbeefs Scrapyard | Facebook — We are the Pacific Northwest Branch of STREETBEEFS located in Washington state.

01:39 – Brogan expresses his frustration of the day, Steve shares what he’s been up to since he last visited with them, and answers the question around AstroTurf as the ring flooring. He explains the different types of AstroTurf that’s out there, the benefits of using it, and the things that have changed over the past couple months. He shares when the next event will be coming up, the number of fights that will be happening, and the professional camera crew that has joined his team.

22:03 – Firechicken talks about being into weightlifting at the beginning of his fighting career, the limitations to having an extensive amount of muscle when fighting, and Scott expresses the want to have Pookie on the podcast. Firechicken tells the back story behind Streetbeefs, how he got involved with them, and Scott expresses his appreciation for being able to watch Streetbeefs and Streetbeefs Scrapyard grow over time. Firechicken discusses where he would like to take the club, the importance of giving fighters time to share “who they are” before their fight, and the benefit of video’s like Concrete Breakdowns.

46:04 – Steve talks about the risk behind the fight, matching up beginner fighters with other first-time fighters, and how humbling fighting can be for the involved. He talks about the amount of thought that goes into matching fighters up, the GCP guys thank him for stopping by, and the plans for bubble suits so they can finally meet in person. Justin talks about Brogan and him taking Tiquando as kids, they continue their conversation from the last episode on Cobra Kia, and Justin talks about his recent visit to It’s Greek to Me in Tacoma.

63:45 – Scott talks about the grilled cheese sandwiches he gets from Burbs Burgers in Seattle, Justin gives a shout out to Tacoma Tool Library from their friend Derek, and his next home project. Scott talks about shutting off his Facebook, how that’s impacted him, and Justin talks about bustin out the good old Game Boy. He shares his plans to eventually get a stand-up arcade game, Scott talks about how he mises hanging out with the guys, and the show closes down with them opening the conversation up to the listeners.

Thanks Steve for taking the time to stop in and update the GCP guys on what’s been going on with Streetbeefs Scrapyard!

Special Guest: Steve Hagara.

Support The Grit City Podcast

Links:

• ARMAN HAMMER vs GOLDEN HANDS - YouTube
• Pete Souphasith (@psoup206) on Instagram — Streetbeefs Scrapyard's new camera crew!
• Streetbeefs Scrapyard on Facebook — We are a Pacific Northwest backyard fight organization located in Gig Harbor.
• Street Beefs Documentary by Jynx Productions — Easily one of the best characters and all-around good humans we have ever worked with, this documentary follows Chris “Scarface” Wilmore.
• SCARFACE From StreetBeefs Fighter Breakdown and Analysis — StreetBeefs Fighter Breakdown and Analysis
• STREETBEEFS SCRAPYARD on YouTube — Streetbeefs Scrapyard main YouTube Page.
• It's Greek To Me
• Burbs for the people
• Chung Chun Rice Dog Chain Will Open Its First Seattle Location Soon — Massive Korean Rice Corndog Chain Will Open Its First Seattle Location Soon!

01:23 – Scott introduces Steve, Brogan talks about going back to his stomping grounds, and Justin shares their new setup where listeners can tune in during their live recording and add comments in real time. They talk about games GCP listeners can play, they wish Jeff a Happy 50th, and Steve shares how he got started with Streetbeefs. He talks about building the ring in his backyard, scheduling the fights, and joining ventures with Streetbeefs.

16:09 – Steve talks about the “Guns Down, Gloves Up” concept behind Streetbeefs, they talk about how respectful the fighters are, and Brogan talks about the different skill levels in the ring. Steve discusses his competition in the MMA, Justin and Brogan talk about being involved in Tae Kwon Do, and Steve shares why he does not want to turn it into an MMA type environment. He talks about the upcoming event, the number of fights at his recent events, and his want to get it to the same level as the Streetbeefs happening in California.

30:27 – Steve shares how the GCP guys can get Scrapyard t-shirts, talks about the production setup for the events, and the interviews he’s been including at the end of the fights. Jeff comments on his like of the rawness of the fights, Steve shares the open invite he has out to anyone who wears a Sasquatch outfit, and Brogan talks about how excited he was to go back home when they went to the fight. He talks about his recent trip with his wife to Port Townsend, the wineries and beer shops they hit up while there, and shares how Port Townsend came to be.

45:00 – Steve talks about where his fighter name Fire Chicken came from, Brogan talks about the number of Cosmic Bottles Founders Mugs left, and his “Free Ice for Life” gimmick. Justin shares the great note they got from a listener that gave them props for one of their past Norwescon episodes, how the listener found GCP, and Justin and Brogan close out the episode reflecting on the Nibbles and Bites game store in Tacoma back in the 90’s.

Special Guest: Steve Hagara.

Support The Grit City Podcast

Links:

• STREETBEEFS DEADPOOL VS FIRECHICKEN
• STREETBEEFS FIRECHICKEN VS STEADY EDDIE
• Street Beefs New York Times Documentary
• Cosmic Bottles
• Street Beefs on Instagram — We are Streetbeefs Scrapyard, located in the Pacific Northwest, home of Sasquatch himself. We are a fight group branched off the OG's in VA.
• Streetbeefs live on Facebook
• Streetbeefs Scrapyard Group

12:19 – Justin continues to review Streetbeefs rules, Brogan shares where they enjoyed breakfast at in Gig Harbor, and what they ordered there. Scott gives The Float props for their biscuits, Brogan talks about what they did after breakfast before fights started, and they discuss the types of fighters that were at the event. They talk about how many fights they saw, Scott explains the setup of the event, and how they were impressed about how nice and respectful the fighters there were.

24:48 – Brogan talks about the others in the event crowd, Scott explains how Streetbeefs got started, and Justin shares the interesting fact on how often people are spotted on camera each week. Justin discusses who from Cameo who they would want on to do an advertisement for GCP, they share the price of various people that are on there, and they talk about Chris Hansen’s recent arrest. Justin offers to send people who donate to their Cameo goal a sticker and they review those cheapest on the site.

35:58 – Justin poses the team with a question for Mark Sargent, they discuss their plans for recording live again soon, and Scott shares the latest Flat Earth theory he’s heard. They encourage listeners to not look at GCP for any news or science, the new “Old Man Injuries” they each have, and the shows each of them have been watching.

Support The Grit City Podcast

Links:

• Streetbeefs Live on Facebook
• Streetbeefs Scrapyard on YouTube
• The Float on Facebook
• Average American recorded by security cameras 238 times each week

1:42 – Brian kicks off the show talking about how he got Battle at the Boat started in Tacoma, the preparation that goes behind the show, and explains what ‘Bacon Bowl’ was. He talks about being involved in promoting boxing for 35 years, Andrea talked about what got him involved in boxing, and Brain shares who Andrea will be fighting in the upcoming boxing match. Andre talks about his training regiment and Brian talks about the historic boxing fighters that have come from the Tacoma Boxing Club.

10:53 – Brian talks about the history of fighting in Tacoma, how he fell into it, and shares how people that want to get involved in boxing would go about doing so. Andre discusses sparing with other gyms in the community, the age kids typically start out in boxing, and how he blocks out the distractions and stays focused during training and in the ring.

22:18 – Andre shares the other types of sports he has been involved in, each of them discuss what their favorite aspect of boxing is, and then on the flip side, their least favorite aspect of the sport. Justin shares when the upcoming event is happening at the Emerald Queen Casino, Brian shares where people can find him online and what it is like to be a part of both MMA and boxing. As the show closes, Brian passes on what changed him from tell the fighters ‘Good Luck’ to ‘Just Do Good’.

Thank you all for sitting down to talk about local boxing and the upcoming event!

Special Guests: Andre Keys and Brian Halquist.

Sponsored By:

• The Union Club: The Union Club is a coworking space contributing to Tacoma's growing artistic and entrepreneurial communities. It combines a maker studio, event hall, and office coworking space, in a 15,000 square foot historic building in downtown Tacoma, Washington.

Support The Grit City Podcast

Links:

• Brian Halquist Productions
• CageSport MMA - Home on Facebook
• Battle at the Boat - Photos
• Battle at the Boat - Home on Facebook
• EQC | Battle At The Boat 124 - Buy Your Tickets!

11:42 – Chris discusses his MMA career, turning pro May 2016, his current stats at 4 and 1, and his premier debut at the Emerald Queen in Tacoma. He tells the guys about his gym, Gig Harbor MMA, how he reads other fighters that he goes up against and how 80% of the fight is mental with 20% physical. Chris also talks about that amount of time that goes into training at them gym, which is typically every day.

At the midway point, they dive into different types of marijuana, the strains on the market and Misha’s recommendation for shoppers to use leafly.com, a website that offers Marijuana Dispensary & Strain Reviews to assist with picking the strain that works for them. Terrance then tells the guys about what brought him to Tacoma 2 ½ years ago and what got him in the marijuana industry.

40:11 – Misha discusses upcoming events put on by Mary Mart, including the Black Sushi Event (3/03/2018), a fashion show with models showcasing clothing of local artists from the Tacoma and Seattle Areas. The topic then turns to Mary Marts plans for Mary Mart’s Got Talent, an open mic event with mixtures of comedians, slam poets, and live musicians, hosted by T. People interested in the future events can find more information on Mary Mart’s website or FaceBook page.

The show winds down with Chris discussing taking over the gym in Gig Harbor and his decision to leave his job and run the gym full time. Chris further explains that at the time he was also making his pro debut in the MMA. Discussion then covers the guys running their own business and where people can find Mary Mart and Gig Harbor MMA.
Thanks to Bill, Misha, T, and Chris for joining the podcast again to catch up with the guys, we look forward to having you on again soon!

Special Guests: Billy, Chris Stone, Misha, and T.

Sponsored By:

• Wizard's Keep Games: Building Community Through The Power Of Games. Stop by and check out the weekly events. Commander, D&D, Friday Night Magic, It all happens at Wizard's Keep Games in Renton. 17148 116th Ave SE Renton WA, 98058

Support The Grit City Podcast

Links:

• Gig Harbor MMA
• Gig Harbor MMA on Facebook
• Mary Mart Website
• Mary Mart on Facebook
• Mary Mart on Instagram