Two-Cent Tuesday on life/work updates, Vera-Cruz, Canada, Sean Brady, more

Hello, Hello. Hope you’re doing well.

Here are a few thoughts/nugz/notes for ya on this lovely Tuesday in June.

1. First, some housekeeping, as they say the biz.
   
   June 21 will mark the official one-year anniversary of the Independent Helwani era. Well, technically it started on June 15, which was my last day at ESPN. Or, I guess you can say it started June 16, but it was on June 21 that I announced all the new things I’d be doing, which included starting this page!
   
   Remember this?

   Almost exactly one year later, I can honestly say that I don’t regret a single decision I’ve made. From leaving ESPN, to going back to VOX, to the Ringer Show, BT, BetMGM, this page, the work with Showtime and DAZN … I couldn’t be happier with every move. Truly. What an eventful/fun year, eh?
   
   Best part? I feel like I’ve grown closer to the community and am doing meaningful, fun work for you and me.
   
   That said, I’ve never been someone who has been content with the status quo, especially when it comes to my career, so I’m gonna switch a couple things up heading into year 2 of this experiment.
   
   As I’ve teased before, I have a new gig I’ve been working on (it already started, actually) but I’m not quite ready to share that one yet. I will in due time, I promise. I am very, very excited about this one.
   
   As it pertains to this page, don’t worry, I’m not leaving. The only change that is coming to these parts is that come June 21 I will be lifting the paywall completely. Now, I’d urge you to keep subscribing so you can get all the updates via e-mail, but you won’t have to pay to read/comment/leave questions anymore. I will, however, be keeping the option to subscribe, if you still want to show your support in another way, and I can assure you, as was the case this past year, that every penny I earn from the subs will go to charity. As I announced last year, every penny I earn from subs goes to Colorectal Cancer Canada. That will remain the case, if you still want to sub.
   
   When your one year is up, you’ll be asked if you want to pay again. Again, you can, if you want to, but no pressure whatsoever. You don’t have to. It’ll all be free beginning June 21.
   
   I’ve loved writing here. It’s been very fulfilling. I also love how this page as made The MMA Hour better with the On The Nose questions. None of that is changing.
   
   Also, nothing is changing with The MMA Hour or Ringer or BetMGM. I still have a couple years left on those deals, which is great. Full transparency: My one-year at BT Sport is coming up. I do hope to re-sign. I’ve really enjoyed doing the WWE stuff for them, and I’d be very happy to see that continue.
   
   Like I said, I’ll be adding one more thing and potentially a second, too. Stay tuned for all that.
   
   My indy show, The Ariel Helwani Show, which I couldn’t be more proud of, will post two more new interviews (this week and next) and then we will take a summer break. Consider it the end of season 1. And then it will resume, as it started, right after Labor Day. Nice, little break/reset. That is something I never believed in the past, but as I learned last summer, it really helps the mind, body and soul.

   
   I’m so happy with how that show has gone. It’s really given me a lot of nachas each and every week.
   
   Have I mentioned how thankful I am for all of you? I truly am. You have made this year so enjoyable and fulfilling for me. I don’t know what I did to deserve this connection with you good people, but I am truly appreciative for it all.
   
   Thank you. Again.
   
   OK, I think that’s it for now. Now, to the reason you’re here: