On this episode of the Full Tilt Podcast, Jim McCarthy sits down with heavyweight legend Steve Mocco for a deep dive into one of the most unique careers in American wrestling. From judo roots and Blair Academy super-teams to wrestling under the lights in Carver-Hawkeye and Gallagher-Iba, Steve shares the stories, rivalries, and training methods that shaped a generational heavyweight.

They cover his transition from Iowa to Oklahoma State, the real reason behind that move, life at the Olympic Training Center, wild trips to Russia and Ukraine, and what it’s like now running a club and coaching his own sons. Along the way, you’ll hear about training with icons like Terry Brands, John Smith, and Henry Cejudo, plus some unforgettable behind-the-scenes stories.

0:00 Ferrari, Japanese signs, and Iowa–Oklahoma State talk
0:55 Full Tilt intro with Steve Mocco
1:19 Being on the heavyweight Mount Rushmore
3:39 Kidney issue, swimming, and discovering judo
5:39 How judo shaped Mocco’s wrestling style and foot sweep
9:22 “Stand up and fight” judo tournament and Buxton banning judo
11:05 Inside Blair Academy’s super teams and Buxton’s training
24:09 Why Mocco chose Iowa and the first Carver-Hawkeye experience
33:46 Why he transferred from Iowa to Oklahoma State
35:00 Season on the Mat cameras and life inside the Iowa room
56:35 Following Terry Brands to the Olympic Training Center
1:05:43 Manitou Incline and brutal altitude workouts
1:13:36 Winning the Yarygin and beating world champs
1:18:38 Getting shorted on prize money in Russia
1:21:23 Riots, tire fires, and sneaking back into the city
1:30:01 Transition to coaching and starting his Florida club
1:43:00 Balancing dad and coach with his own kids
1:46:44 Who he’d teach his famous foot sweep to

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