Welcome to the Very Well Mind podcast. We've interviewed over 100 authors, experts, entrepreneurs, athletes, musicians, and others to help you learn strategies to care for your mental health.

This episode is hosted by psychotherapist and bestselling author Amy Morin. Now let's get into the episode.

Okay. I got to record this episode in an unusual place.

The jungle MMA and fitness gym in Orlando, Florida.

That's because my guest is Felicia Spencer. A math teacher turned UFC fighter. After winning the Invicta Featherweight Championship, she went on to continued

success in the UFC by taking on some of the most elite fighters of all time, including Amanda

Nunes and Chris Cyborg. I wanted to learn about the mindset it takes to become a mixed martial artist.

And I'm glad I did because Felicia offered some great tips that can apply to anyone who wants to face challenges, test their limits, and step outside their comfort zones.

Make sure to stick around for the therapist's take at the end of the episode.

That's the part of the show where I'll break down some of the strategies Felicia describes

and tell you how to apply them to your own life.

So here's Felicia Spencer.

Felicia Spencer, thank you so much for being on the Mentally Strong People podcast.

Thank you for having me.

So I first learned about you probably when a lot of other people did too.

I watched part of your fight with Amanda Nunes on TV. That's awesome. Thanks for watching.

I guess I'm curious, super curious to know. How did you end up in the UFC?

Well, it just kind of was like a lifelong passion for martial arts.

Just one thing led to the next step, next step, you know, started competing, kept winning fights,

got, you know, turned professional, kept winning fights.

And then next thing you know, I get a call from the matchmaker for the UFC.

I was 7-NO as a professional when I got called to come and

...