Bacon Bibles Barbells Podcast: Recent Episodes
The BBB team
This podcast is all about fitness, dieting, encouraging each other, discussing theology, and of course....BACON. You can connect to us via our Facebook group and e-mail any questions and suggestions to our e-mail - baconbiblesbarbells@gmail.com. Our website is baconbiblesbarbells.com.
High Calling Fitness Client, Edwin, Shares His Story of How God Miraculously Taught Him Sign Language To Communicate With His Wife.
Get ready for the most encouraging and heartwarming story that you've heard in awhile. No need for hot cocoa and a blanket. This story does it all.
In this episode of the Bacon Bibles and Barbells podcast, Coach Justin interviews High Calling Fitness Client, Edwin Koehler. Edwin shares his miraculous story of how God provided him with sign language in a dream (no, he's not pentecostal), enabling him to connect with his wife Tamara before they were even married, and how they now have gone on to serve in sharing the gospel to the deaf community here in the states, and in international missions. This episode highlights God's sovereignty and kindness to show his miraculous power to one couple, and how He has used that gift to multiply their good works and efforts for His glory in ordinary life, and in the spread of the gospel. We also chat for awhile about the goodness of prayer, how God chooses to work for His purposes, providences, and ultimate plan, and the blessing of communication and shared experiences in our world.
Not only is this episode fun to hear and an encouragement to the people of God, but it is also a challenge to not take for granted the everyday gifts of speech and hearing and that our words matter more than we think. Human connection and interaction and its simplicity to those that can easily hear and speak is a huge blessing.
Resources & Links: Bacon Bibles and Barbells on Facebook facebook.com/baconbiblesbarbellspodcast High Calling Fitness on highcallingfitness.com @highcallingfitness on Instagram and Facebook Connect with the Hosts: Coach Justin - @holyquadfather
In this episode of the Bacon Bibles and Barbells podcast, Coach Justin and Coach Amanda welcome special guests Mike Lohman and Gabriele Burgholzer to discuss the formation of the Veteran Strongman Association and their hopes to encourage and inspire veterans through community and sport.
The conversation explores the importance and asset of community and camaraderie in strongman sports, particularly for veterans. Lohman shares the motivation behind creating the association, which aims to provide strongman coaching, awareness of the needs of veterans, and opportunities for veterans to engage in supportive and healthy community.
The episode highlights the welcoming nature of the sport and the various initiatives planned to support veterans, including coaching, seminars, and fundraising events to help is all run. The sport of strongman and the nature of what it is can be a particular gift to veterans, and this association aims to make it more and more accessible to them.
They also explore how strongman training can serve as a supportive environment the mental health challenges that many face. Sport is stronger medicine than anti-depressants, after all. Add in lifelong friends, and you have a recipe for success. They are also committed to quality coaching, free to veterans, where they can both succeed physically and mentally. No 20 year olds with weekend certifications for these folks. If you want to coach with the VSA, you better know your stuff, and love people.
Resources & Links: Bacon Bibles and Barbells on Facebook facebook.com/baconbiblesbarbellspodcast High Calling Fitness on highcallingfitness.com @highcallingfitness on instagram and Facebook Connect with the Hosts: Justin - @holyquadfather Amanda - @amanda.fitcoach
Give it a listen here or wherever you get your podcasts! Just look up Bacon, Bibles, and Barbells! Enjoy the episode! As always, if this is helpful and enjoyable to you, please LIKE, SHARE, and SUBSCRIBE to our channel! New informational videos are put out every week!
Is It Irresponsible To Let Your Kids Lift Weights? Or Is It A Gift To Them?
Discover how weight training can be safe and beneficial for children when approached correctly. This episode dispels common myths, discusses optimal age and safety protocols, and shares practical guidance for parents and coaches interested in introducing kids to strength training. Coaches Justin, Emily, and Amanda break it all down in this episode.
Training kids safely isn't about avoiding risk altogether but about understanding how to manage it responsibly with proper guidance, purpose, and fun.
Give it a listen here or wherever you get your podcasts! Just look up Bacon, Bibles, and Barbells! Enjoy the episode!
Have You Said or Felt Like Your Metabolism Was Broken? Let's bust some myths around this phrase.
This episode debunks common myths about metabolism, hormones, and weight loss, emphasizing that most issues are fixable through proper lifestyle, diet, and training. They chat about what metabolism is and what the term means biologically, what contributes to how "fast or slow" it is, and why we prefer the term ADAPTIVE when talking about this term. Coach Justin and Coach Amanda explore how body adaptation, hormonal health, and behavior influence weight management more than the usual assumptions.
Our bodies are made to respond to the inputs and habits that we give it day and in and day out. It responds appropriately to the right signals. This is why consistency in good habits, training, and nutrition always win out for overall health. Is there sometimes more going on? For sure. But most people are surprised how much of a difference good choices make when you're consistent over months or years.
Give it a listen here or wherever you get your podcasts! Just look up Bacon, Bibles, and Barbells! Enjoy the episode!
In this episode, Coach Justin, Coach Emily, and Coach Amanda explore the often overlooked connection between physical health and spiritual well-being. They address misconceptions about self-care, the importance of physical fitness for christian service, and how caring for your body glorifies God. They acknowledge the lies taught often in the church that the "most holy" activities are Bible reading and prayer, and that almost all else can be forsaken. What we do with our hands, and our whole bodies, matters. How we steward our physical vessel matters.
The coaches also chat about why someone may feel guilty, the false piety some people can have towards the subject, and what the Christian response SHOULD be. To take good care of our body is a reasonable and proper response of thankfulness for the gift of the physical, as well as a wise use of our time to make our efforts for God's kingdom here on earth go further than they would if they were held back by a sick body.
Ecclesiastes 10:10 "If the ax is dull and its edge unsharpened, more strength is needed, but skill will bring success."
Sharpen Your Axe!
Give it a listen here or wherever you get your podcasts! Just look up Bacon, Bibles, and Barbells! Enjoy the episode!
Always seeking "balance" in health and fitness? Think our approach is too "extreme"?
Coaches Justin and Amanda explore the myth of balance in life, emphasizing that serious achievements often require imbalance, even if only for a short time. They discuss how pursuing imbalance can lead to greater health, success, and fulfillment, challenging the conventional pursuit of balance.
God made life to be lived in seasons. The key is to always prioritize what is most important in each season, and to not let the important things drop. But that will look different for each person in each new stage of life.
Give it a listen here or wherever you get your podcasts! Just look up Bacon, Bibles, and Barbells! Enjoy the episode!
Have you ever hesitated to get in the gym because you fear getting "muscle bound" or "losing flexibility and balance?" Respectfully, that a load of BS. Find out why in this episode.
This episode explores the realities of functional training, debunking myths and highlighting effective strategies for longevity and everyday strength. "Functional Training" means a whole lot more than throwing things against the wall and trying to balance on a beam. For most people, the most practical application of trying to train for the long term is to gain muscle mass with machines or free weights. It is the best bang for your buck, but also actually INCREASES flexibility, agility, and balance as we age. Coaches Justin, Amanda, and Emily discuss how traditional notions of functional training often overpromise and underdeliver, emphasizing the importance of strength, proper movement patterns, and personalized training for all ages.
Stop fearing weights or thinking this style doesn't apply to those seeking agility and longevity. Get in the gym.
Give it a listen here or wherever you get your podcasts! Just look up Bacon, Bibles, and Barbells! Enjoy the episode!
Are you Type 2 Diabetic, Pre-Diabetic, or Insulin Resistant? You probably don't have to avoid carbs forever...let's fix it.
In this episode, Coach Justin and Coach Emily discuss how to reverse type 2 diabetes through diet and lifestyle changes. They explain the science behind insulin resistance, blood markers, and practical strategies for improving insulin sensitivity, including diet, exercise, sleep, and stress management. They talk about why Keto and Carnivore are not long term solutions, and why you don't have to fear carbs forever. You just have to get your body healthy enough to handle them again.
Diet is King, but things like sleep, exercise, light exposure, and putting on muscle mass move the needle in the right direction significantly as well. We have a process for reversing these conditions that works every time if the person is consistent. The body is amazing, and can adapt and heal given the right inputs.
Give it a listen here or wherever you get your podcasts! Just look up Bacon, Bibles, and Barbells! Enjoy the episode!
Are you someone who feels stressed or sad and their first thought is ice cream? Do you find yourself thinking about food or worried about food when you're not even hungry?
In this episode, Coach Justin, Coach Emily, and Coach Amanda explore the complex factors influencing food drive, including psychological, physiological, and environmental aspects. They discuss practical strategies to manage food cravings, improve sleep, and develop healthier eating habits to support weight loss and overall health. Some people will naturally have more food drive than others, but it should never be our master. Whether it's nature or nurture, it can be overcome and you can learn discipline over your food cravings with self-awareness and time.
Give it a listen here or wherever you get your podcasts! Just look up Bacon, Bibles, and Barbells! Enjoy the episode!
As always, if this is helpful and enjoyable to you, please LIKE, SHARE, and SUBSCRIBE to our channel! New informational videos are put out every week!
The Arnold Classic was last weekend, which is one of the most prestigious stages in strength sports each year. How did it go? Join Coach Justin, Coach Amanda, and Coach Emily as they recap the 2026 Arnold Sports Expo, covering bodybuilding, strongman, and the overall event atmosphere. They analyze competitors, event choices, and the evolving landscape of strength sports, offering insights for enthusiasts and athletes alike. How is the landscape looking? How long can Mitch Hooper Continue? What do we see for the future?
Give it a listen here or wherever you get your podcasts! Just look up Bacon, Bibles, and Barbells! Enjoy the episode!
What do we think of the new USDA Food Pyramid Guideline??? We lay out all our thoughts... We have gotten lots of questions about this, so in this episode, Coach Justin, Coach Emily, and Coach Amanda analyze the new food pyramid, discussing its design, implications, and how it compares to previous guidelines. They discuss what they most appreciate, what their main issues are, and if it's a realistic and helpful way for people to eat.... Give it a listen here or wherever you get your podcasts! Just look up Bacon, Bibles, and Barbells! Enjoy the episode!
Brain Fog, Bloating, and Low Energy?
In this episode, Coach Justin, Amanda, and Emily discuss common issues like brain fog, bloat, and low energy. They explore various factors contributing to these problems, including hydration, diet, alcohol consumption, hormonal imbalances, food sensitivities, and nutritional deficiencies. The conversation emphasizes the importance of a healthy morning routine, stress management, and the role of carbohydrates in brain function. They also touch on the significance of supplements and the need for a holistic approach to health and wellness.
Give it a listen here or wherever you get your podcasts! Just look up Bacon, Bibles, and Barbells! Enjoy the episode!
YOU...Yes YOU...HAVE TIME TO STEWARD YOUR HEALTH
In this episode of the Bacon Bibles and Barbells podcast, Coaches Justin, Emily, and Amanda discuss the common excuses busy parents make for not working out and how to overcome them. Do you REALLY not have enough time? How much time is adequate? What keeps you from just starting? All of those discussions happens here. No more excuses. They emphasize the importance of taking responsibility for one's health, finding time to train, and the long-term benefits of fitness. The conversation covers practical strategies for meal prep, managing screen time, and shifting mindsets to prioritize fitness. Ultimately, the coaches encourage listeners to take action and make fitness a non-negotiable part of their lives.
Give it a listen here or wherever you get your podcasts! Just look up Bacon, Bibles, and Barbells! Enjoy the episode!
Everyone over 30 has back pain...right??? Not if you have a strong back!
In this episode, Coach Justin and Coach Amanda delve into the complexities of back pain, discussing its causes, the role of injury and inflammation, and the importance of strengthening the back. They explore lifestyle factors that contribute to back pain, the impact of footwear, sleeping positions, training styles, and various treatment options including surgery, chiropractic care, and acupuncture. The conversation emphasizes the significance of movement and rehabilitation in managing back pain effectively, not looking for magic fixes, and most of all getting the back STRONG again! In our experience, A LOT of back pain can be alleviated with a stronger back coupled with a few lifestyle modifications unique to you.
Give it a listen here or wherever you get your podcasts! Just look up Bacon, Bibles, and Barbells! Enjoy the episode!
Ian Has Already LOST an Entire Man and is still pushing for more! Hear about his Journey. Interview with Ian Crump of 1689 Cigars! What does repentance from gluttony and food addiction look like? Ian is gracious enough to share his story.
In this episode, Coach Justin, Coach Amanda, and Coach Emily engage in a heartfelt conversation with Ian Crump, who shares his incredible journey of losing near 200 pounds so far. Ian discusses the mental and emotional challenges he faced, the importance of accountability, and the support he received from family and friends. He emphasizes the significance of small steps in the weight loss journey, the role of diet and exercise, and how his transformation has positively impacted his quality of life. Ian also reflects on the importance of honesty, accountability for pastors and elders, and the need for a supportive family and friend group in overcoming food addiction and achieving lasting change.
Give it a listen here or wherever you get your podcasts! Just look up Bacon, Bibles, and Barbells! Enjoy the episode!
Peri-menopause...What's going on with my body???
In this episode, Coaches Justin, Emily, and Amanda discuss the complexities of peri-menopause, including its symptoms, hormonal changes, and management strategies. They emphasize the importance of lifestyle choices, diet, and exercise in navigating this transition, as well as the role of supplements and hormone replacement therapy. The conversation aims to equip women with knowledge and practical advice for managing their health during this phase of life when it can seem like their bodies and hormones are out of control.
Give it a listen here or wherever you get your podcasts! Just look up Bacon, Bibles, and Barbells! Enjoy the episode!
How Do We Talk To Our Kids About Health??? An age by age breakdown...
In this episode of the Bacon Bibles and Barbells podcast, Coach Justin, Coach Emily, and Coach Amanda how to talk to your kids about health and nutrition. They emphasize the need for parents to instill healthy habits in their children from a young age, focusing on understanding food as fuel, encouraging physical activity, and navigating the challenges of different age groups. We break the conversation down into ages 0-5, 6-12, and 13+ to make it easier to identify what things to emphasize in conversations with their kids as they move through the different developmental stages.
They emphasize the need for open communication about body image in light of scripture and God's design, portion sizes, a time and place for everything, and the significance of encouraging healthy habits. We also address the common pitfalls we see from parents fairly often. The coaches also highlight the role of strength training in building confidence and the necessity of addressing the nutritional needs of active teens. They provide insights on fostering a supportive and positive environment for healthy choices and the importance of normalizing discussions about health and fitness within the family.
There is also a brief conversation on addressing the topic childhood weight gain and how to think about it in your own family context.
Give it a listen here or wherever you get your podcasts! Just look up Bacon, Bibles, and Barbells! Enjoy the episode!
In this episode, Coach Justin and Coach Emily discuss the significance of muscle mass and its impact on health, aesthetics, and discipline. They address misconceptions about bodybuilding, the importance of aesthetics in God's creation, and the mental and physical health benefits of regular exercise, especially in the act of accruing muscle mass. The conversation also highlights the role of increased mass in regard to insulin sensitivity, PCOS, dementia, bone health, metabolic health, anxiety and depression as well as the resilience and discipline gained through fitness training.
In this episode of the Bacon Bibles and Barbells podcast, Coaches Justin, Amanda, and Emily discuss various fitness gimmicks and myths prevalent in the industry. They explore detox teas, waist trainers, vibration plates, and the concept of spot reduction in fat loss. The conversation emphasizes the importance of understanding the science behind these trends and the necessity of a balanced diet and exercise for effective weight management. The coaches also address the misconceptions surrounding protein intake and fat burners, providing listeners with practical advice for their fitness journeys.
Give it a listen here or wherever you get your podcasts! Just look up Bacon, Bibles, and Barbells! Enjoy the episode!
In this special holiday episode of the Bacon Bibles and Barbells podcast, the High Calling Fitness coaches are interviewed by Coach Emily about their personal backgrounds, health journeys, and the transitions into coaching. They discuss personal accomplishments in fitness, hopes for the future, and what they're the most proud of.
The conversation also touches on the significance of aesthetics in health and the often-overlooked issue of gluttony within the church community. The episode also concludes with light-hearted fun questions about coffee orders, personal preferences on cheat meals, greatest strength and weaknesses as people, and embarrassing gym music playlists. They also share some of the craziest things they've heard from clients over the years...
Give it a listen here or wherever you get your podcasts! Just look up Bacon, Bibles, and Barbells! Enjoy the episode!
In this episode of the Bacon Bibles and Barbells podcast, Coaches Justin, Emily, and Amanda delve into the topic of fasting, discussing its myths, realities, and implications for health and fitness. They explore the reasons people fast, the science behind it, and the potential negative effects of fasting on body composition and overall health. The conversation emphasizes the importance of a balanced diet and regular eating patterns over intermittent fasting, highlighting that fasting is not a sustainable or healthy long-term strategy for weight loss or health improvement.
The coaches also briefly discuss the proper spiritual use of regular fasting and how the mindset around that discipline should be completely separate from the practice for weight loss or health.
Give it a listen here or wherever you get your podcasts! Just look up Bacon, Bibles, and Barbells! Enjoy the episode!
In this episode, Coach Justin, Coach Bill, and Coach Amanda discuss seasonal illness, exploring its complexities beyond mere exposure to germs. They delve into various factors contributing to illness, including lifestyle, diet, and environmental influences. The conversation emphasizes the importance of exercise, stress management, and dietary considerations during the holiday season. They also share acute prevention strategies and home remedies, while encouraging listeners to seek professional guidance when necessary.
Topics covered include when to train and when not to, when to seek medical help and when to not, when to nap, natural remedies, seasonal reasons for being sick, as well as what factors go into avoiding it all together.
Give it a listen here or wherever you get your podcasts! Just look up Bacon, Bibles, and Barbells! Enjoy the episode!
In this episode of the Bacon Bibles and Barbells podcast, Coaches Justin and Amanda discuss the recent controversy surrounding trans athlete Jamie Booker in the strongman competition. They explore the implications of biological differences in strength sports, the role of hormones, and the impact of performance-enhancing drugs. The conversation also delves into the integrity of competitions, the future of women's categories, and theological perspectives on gender identity. The hosts emphasize the importance of navigating conversations on gender with truth and love, while also addressing the destructive nature of living in sin. Takeaways * Jamie Booker won the women's strongman title but was later disqualified. * Biological differences between men and women significantly impact strength sports. * Estrogen does not cause muscle wasting as commonly believed. * The integrity of competitions is crucial for fair play. * Future regulations may require chromosome testing for female competitors. * Theological perspectives suggest that God created male and female intentionally. * Living in sin can lead to destructive outcomes for individuals. * Navigating gender identity conversations requires sensitivity and truth. * Social environments can influence personal beliefs and identities. * It's important to seek spiritual guidance rather than affirmation from social media.
LET'S EAT! In this episode of the Bacon Bibles and Barbells podcast, Coaches Justin and Amanda delve into the concept of BIBLICAL feasting. Is indulging ever OK? If so, when, why, how? What does the Bible have to say? They explore its characteristics, purpose, and how to navigate holiday gatherings without guilt. We were made to feast, at the right time, for the righty reasons, with the right outlook. Always in community and with thankfulness. BUT, sometimes it's not your TIME or your TURN to be feasting like you have in the past. So they discuss the importance of planning, portion control, and mindful eating, especially during the feasting season for those people who need to be more intentional in the season that they find themselves in. The conversation emphasizes the communal aspect of feasting, the need for a positive mindset, and practical strategies for managing food choices during holidays if you are someone who tends to binge or overindulge. Listeners are encouraged to reframe their experiences and focus on the joy of celebration rather than guilt over food choices when the purpose is to feast with thankfulness, while also not letting the celebration get the best of them and their health goals in the long term. Give it a listen here or wherever you get your podcasts! Just look up Bacon, Bibles, and Barbells! Enjoy the episode!
In this episode of the Bacon Bibles and Barbells podcast, Coach Justin and Coach Amanda sit down with Ian Bracken, a seasoned Strongman competitor and gym owner local to Coach Amanda who is about to compete in his biggest competition yet, OSG Worlds. They discuss Ian's journey into strength sports, the community aspect of Strongman, and his experiences in different competition environments. Ian shares his proudest moments, the challenges of training masters strongman and managing injuries, and goes over his upcoming events at the OSG Worlds. Ian also shares his origin story in the realm of Strongman, discussing the importance of fearlessness in training, his unique approach to managing type 1 diabetes along the way, and the significance of his family's support. He outlines his meet-week protocol and what his deloads look like, he defines what would make him feel successful OSG Worlds, and emphasizes the welcoming nature of the Strongman community. Ian even shares a few funny stories from competitions and encourages newcomers to embrace the sport if they've been curious! Give it a listen here or wherever you get your podcasts! Just look up Bacon, Bibles, and Barbells! Enjoy the episode!
What does it actually look like to have your nutrition dialed in? How do you know if you're doing well? What myths and fad diets do we need to leave at the door and forget about? In this episode of the Bacon, Bibles, and Barbells podcast, Coaches Justin, Bill, and Amanda delve into the intricacies of nutrition, focusing on macronutrients, their roles, and how to effectively implement dietary strategies for health and fitness. They discuss the importance of understanding calories, the role of fats, debunk myths surrounding dietary fats and cancer, and emphasize the significance of balanced nutrition for weight management. The conversation also covers practical approaches to tracking food intake and adjusting dietary habits for long-term success. Give it a listen here or wherever you get your podcasts! Just look up Bacon, Bibles, and Barbells! Enjoy the episode!
Have you ever felt guilty for wanting to look good or lose weight? Can christians train with one of their goals being to look attractive in the end? Can we acknowledge there is objective beauty in a healthy look? In this episode, Coach Justin, Coach Emily, and Coach Amanda explore the intersection of bodybuilding style training and Christian faith, discussing whether pursuing aesthetics as a goal in itself is sinful. They share personal training updates, delve into the possible motivations behind bodybuilding style training, and emphasize the importance of stewardship over the body. The conversation also touches on the balance between health, aesthetics, and the christian walk, and the detrimental role of comparison in fitness journeys. Ultimately, they encourage listeners to pursue fitness with the right motivations and to support one another in their journeys. We conclude that one of those godly motivations CAN be aesthetics when your WHY is in the right place! Give it a listen here or wherever you get your podcasts! Just look up Bacon, Bibles, and Barbells! Enjoy the episode!
Feeling like your progress is stalled and you can't figure out why? Or do you just find yourself failing in the same area over and over? Tune in here: Hear about the most common reasons why individuals struggle to make progress in their fitness journeys! In this episode, the coaches discuss various reasons why individuals may struggle to make progress in their fitness journeys. They explore themes such as the importance of patience, the need for recovery, and the impact of life changes on routines. The conversation also delves into emotional eating, the dangers of program hopping, and the significance of accountability in achieving fitness goals. Throughout the discussion, the coaches emphasize the necessity of mastering basic health habits and maintaining a flexible approach to training and nutrition. And if you want more help troubleshooting, go back and listen to PART 1 in the youtube playlist. Give it a listen here or wherever you get your podcasts! Just look up Bacon, Bibles, and Barbells! Enjoy the episode!
Feeling like your progress is stalled and you can't figure out why? Or do you just find yourself failing in the same area over and over? Tune in here: In this episode of the Bacon Bibles and Barbells podcast, Coach Justin and Coach Amanda discuss the common reasons why individuals struggle to make progress in their fitness journeys. They explore themes such as unrealistic expectations, the dangers of overcomplicating training plans, and the importance of creating a supportive environment for achieving fitness goals. The conversation emphasizes the need for consistency, simplicity, and a positive mindset in the pursuit of health and fitness. In this conversation, Coaches Justin and Amanda discuss various aspects of health and fitness, focusing on creating a healthy food environment, understanding emotional eating, managing stress, the importance of sleep and recovery, building discipline over motivation, and establishing clear goals and vision for long-term health. They emphasize the significance of cooking skills, the psychological aspects of food choices, and the need for a structured approach to fitness and nutrition. Give it a listen here or wherever you get your podcasts! Just look up Bacon, Bibles, and Barbells! Enjoy the episode!
Did Christians Get it Right? Or did we Drop the Ball? In this episode of the Bacon Bibles and Barbells podcast, Coaches Justin, Bill, and Emily discuss the murder of Charlie Kirk and the varied responses from the Christian community. They reflect on the importance of mourning, the challenges of public grief, and the need for grace in times of tragedy. The conversation also touches on the role of pastors in addressing such events and the implications of cultural Christianity for the good of society. Ultimately, the hosts emphasize the significance of gospel proclamation and the importance of grace and decorum during serious and difficult times. This episode takes a break from our usual content to dive deep into the BIBLES part of Bacon, Bibles, and Barbell Podcast. We hope this helps stimulate helpful thoughts and conversations wherever you find yourself with this topic. Give it a listen here or wherever you get your podcasts! Just look up Bacon, Bibles, and Barbells! Enjoy the episode!
Are steak and butter really answer to all of your problems??? We would argue a big fat NO! In this episode of the Bacon Bibles and Barbells podcast, Coach Justin and Coach Amanda discuss the implications of high-fat diets on women's health, particularly focusing on insulin sensitivity, hormonal balance, and the importance of carbohydrates. They share personal training updates, health challenges, and recovery strategies while emphasizing the need for a balanced approach to nutrition. The conversation highlights the risks associated with extreme dietary practices and offers practical guidelines for maintaining a healthy diet. Give it a listen here or wherever you get your podcasts! Just look up Bacon, Bibles, and Barbells! Enjoy the episode!
How many women have you heard say "it's my hormones!" Is it really? Or is there more to the story? In this episode, the coaches discuss the complexities of women's hormones, emphasizing the importance of understanding hormonal health beyond social media myths. They explore how lifestyle factors such as diet, exercise, and stress significantly impact hormonal balance. The conversation also covers the menstrual cycle's influence on hormone levels and the necessity of contextualizing blood work results. Ultimately, the coaches encourage women to take control of their health through informed lifestyle choices rather than relying solely on supplements or medications. They also cover the role that being influenced by social media plays in self-diagnosis and the spiral of stress and victim mentality around this topic. The solution is always to try and find out the truth, and deal with the realities. But it is never to sit around feeling sorry for yourself about a self determined diagnosis that a list of symptoms on an instagram post gave you. Give it a listen here or wherever you get your podcasts! Just look up Bacon, Bibles, and Barbells! Enjoy the episode!
In this episode, Coach Justin, Coach Amanda, and her husband Anthony discuss Anthony's journey with antidepressants and the process of coming off those medications. They also cover getting your hormones checked and the link between depression and low hormones, and the difference that testosterone replacement therapy can make. They explore the initial reasons for starting antidepressants, the realization of dependency, and the challenges faced when transitioning off these medications. They discuss the emotional turmoil that often accompanies detox, the numbing effects of SSRIs on life experiences, and the long term effects and addictive nature that Doctors don't usually warn people about. They also touch on the role of nutrition, exercise, and journaling in the withdrawal process, and what to expect from a physical and emotional perspective. They even dive into some simple protocols for coming off these types of medications and go in depth on Anthony's personal experience. Anthony is just one example of many people who are given an anti-depressant by a Doctor that they trust, without ever running a proper hormone panel, suggesting lifestyle interventions, or warning them of the addictive nature. This is just a small piece of a much larger discussion, but one that needs to be talked about more. Anti-depressants don't have to be for life, and can be worked off of safely with the proper guidance.
In this episode of the Bacon, Bibles, and Barbells podcast, Coach Justin, Coach Amanda, and Dave discuss the Strongest Man on Earth competition, sharing insights on training experiences, event highlights, and the evolution of strongman competitions. They compare the Shaw Classic and Arnold Classic, emphasizing the differences in event structure, spectator experience, and competitor performances. The conversation culminates in reflections on the future of strongman events and the potential for growth in the sport. And of course, they can't ignore that Evan Singleton finally got a big win, highlighting the importance of the mental game when competing.
In this episode, Coach Justin and Coach Bill delve into advanced training periodization, focusing on the differences between bodybuilding and strength training. They discuss personal training experiences, the importance of recovery, and the need for individualized coaching. The conversation emphasizes the significance of understanding one's body and adapting training strategies accordingly to achieve optimal results in both bodybuilding and strength sports. No matter who you are, once you work out your newbie gains for a few years, training has to change. Get the basics here of how to look at your nutrition and training with new eyes once you're not a beginner anymore. Embrace more rest, more variety, and more emphasis on diet and sleep. Enjoy the process and, CONGRATULATIONS! You're not a new lifter anymore. It's really not as complicated as the internet makes it seem. Hopefully this podcast takes some of the intimidation out of training as an advanced lifter and makes you more excited about your time in the gym this year. Give it a listen here or wherever you get your podcasts! Just look up Bacon, Bibles, and Barbells! Enjoy the episode!
In this episode, the High Calling Fitness Coaches discuss the myths surrounding body types, specifically the outdated somatotype theory which categorizes individuals into ectomorph, mesomorph, and endomorph. Is there any truth to any of it??? They share personal experiences of transformation, emphasizing that body types are not fixed and can change through lifestyle choices, training, and nutrition. The conversation highlights the importance of control over one's body and the psychological aspects of food and fitness, encouraging listeners to embrace change and challenge societal perceptions of body image. The end summary: Body types are not fixed and can change over time. Praise the Lord! You're not stuck in any sort of "type". Our advice? Ignore any buzz around this topic. Focus on your goals. Have fun along the way. Watch the Results! Give it a listen here or wherever you get your podcasts! Just look up Bacon, Bibles, and Barbells! Enjoy the episode! 00:00 Introduction to Body Type Myths 14:10 Understanding the Three Body Types 21:01 Personal Experiences with Body Types 28:15 The Impact of Hormones on Body Composition 29:00 The Reality Behind Fitness Transformations 30:01 Understanding Somatotypes and Their Impact 32:05 The Role of Soft Tissue in Body Composition 35:47 The Power of Change: Transforming Your Body 38:57 Food Availability and Psychological Factors 41:51 Navigating Social Pressures and Food Choices 46:12 Mastering Emotional Responses to Food 48:37 The Importance of Personal Growth 49:56 The Importance of Control in Dietary Choices 50:59 Strengthening the Marriage Bond 52:57 Celebrating Differences in Strength 53:47 Practical Strategies for Sustainable Eating 56:26 Final Thoughts on Training Together 58:08 Long-Term Vision for Health and Fitness
In this episode of the Bacon, Bibles, and Barbells Podcast, some of the High Calling Fitness coaches Justin, Amanda, and Emily cover WHY WE DON'T DO CROSSFIT. People ask us this frequently. "I'm doing CrossFit, isn't that enough?" We talk through why we think CrossFit is not the ideal method for most people. We are thankful to CrossFit for popularizing lifting and barbells and handing that to the culture at large. Strength Training is more popular than ever before, largely due to their influence. We talk about the expense, the culture, the injury risk, the burnout, and the sustainability (or lack there-of) of the CrossFit way. There are several reasons why we just don't recommend it for anyone trying to make a sustainable lifestyle change, especially if you are over 30! Most people benefit WAY more from a personalized approach, aimed at muscle mass and overall health for the long run. Give it a listen here or wherever you get your podcasts! Just look up Bacon, Bibles, and Barbells! Enjoy the episode! As always, if this is helpful and enjoyable to you, please LIKE, SHARE, and SUBSCRIBE to our channel! New informational videos are put out every week! Interested in working with one of our coaches here at High Calling Fitness? Head on over to www.highcallingfitness.com and schedule a free discovery call with us at the bottom of the page. We would love to chat with you more about your goals and how our health and fitness coaching could be a help to your and your family. Even if you don't hire us, we would love to chat and give you some free advice to take forward in our call . We our a group of reformed christian men and women who are committed to take the mandate of stewardship seriously in the care of the gift or our bodies. We hope to encourage others to do so as well by teaching and equipping them. Lord willing, we will all become more capable for as many years as God gives, building the kingdom of God together and enjoying the good gifts we are given in this life...all to the GLORY OF GOD! Follow us on Facebook.com/highcallingfitness Instagram: @highcallingfitness, @holy_quadfather, @amanda.fitcoach, @weightcraft_and_liftery, and @emily.highcallingfit
In this episode of the Bacon, Bibles, and Barbells Podcast, some of the High Calling Fitness Coach Justin breaks down 10 supplements that people may think are HARMLESS, but can actually cause real damage to your overall health when used for too long or in the wrong context over time. Unfortunately, Coach Bill was not able to finish out the podcast due to storms in his area and internet issues towards the beginning of the show. The "supplement" industry is kind of like the wild, wild west right now in the health and fitness industry. There are a lot of these things that can be used properly in the right context with the right person, but we never recommend just starting a supplement that a friend recommends or that might fit your symptoms without careful analysis. Some of these things can REALLY harm your body when used in the wrong context or for too long of a period of time. Find out what ones we are most leery of when consulting with clients and which ones we have seen do the most damage by diving into this podcast! Let us know in the comments what your experiences have been or what else you think should be on the list! Give it a listen here or wherever you get your podcasts! Just look up Bacon, Bibles, and Barbells! Enjoy the episode! As always, if this is helpful and enjoyable to you, please LIKE, SHARE, and SUBSCRIBE to our channel! New informational videos are put out every week! Interested in working with one of our coaches here at High Calling Fitness? Head on over to www.highcallingfitness.com and schedule a free discovery call with us at the bottom of the page. We would love to chat with you more about your goals and how our health and fitness coaching could be a help to your and your family. Even if you don't hire us, we would love to chat and give you some free advice to take forward in our call . We our a group of reformed christian men and women who are committed to take the mandate of stewardship seriously in the care of the gift or our bodies. We hope to encourage others to do so as well by teaching and equipping them. Lord willing, we will all become more capable for as many years as God gives, building the kingdom of God together and enjoying the good gifts we are given in this life...all to the GLORY OF GOD!
In this episode of the Bacon, Bibles, and Barbells Podcast, some of the High Calling Fitness coaches Justin, Amanda, and Emily cover the top 10 blood markers that they look at for HEALTH with their clients. If we could only choose 10 blood markers to look at and didn't know someone's history, these are likely the ones that we would choose to look at to get a gauge on someone's health. Find out what they are and WHY we would choose the ones that we did by listening here! If you've been wondering what to ask your Dr. about getting, or what to prioritize ordering yourself, check out this podcast. All recommendations made in this video are assuming that your Dr. has already ordered the standard blood workup, these are EXTRAS to get on top of that or to make sure are in your blood panel. Give it a listen here or wherever you get your podcasts! Just look up Bacon, Bibles, and Barbells! Enjoy the episode! As always, if this is helpful and enjoyable to you, please LIKE, SHARE, and SUBSCRIBE to our channel! New informational videos are put out every week! Interested in working with one of our coaches here at High Calling Fitness? Head on over to www.highcallingfitness.com and schedule a free discovery call with us at the bottom of the page. We would love to chat with you more about your goals and how our health and fitness coaching could be a help to your and your family. Even if you don't hire us, we would love to chat and give you some free advice to take forward in our call . We our a group of reformed christian men and women who are committed to take the mandate of stewardship seriously in the care of the gift or our bodies. We hope to encourage others to do so as well by teaching and equipping them. Lord willing, we will all become more capable for as many years as God gives, building the kingdom of God together and enjoying the good gifts we are given in this life...all to the GLORY OF GOD!
In this episode of the Bacon, Bibles, and Barbells Podcast, some of the High Calling Fitness coach Bill and Coach Amanda cover the concept of "Diet Periodization". What do we mean when we say "periodization" and why do we care? How should we be eating and when? Why can't you perpetually diet? How does this working with the different sports? How do you periodize your diet to maximize your results? All these questions and lots more answered here! If you have never quite been able to achieve the look that you want, despite eating and training your best, this is definitely the episode to listen to! Give it a listen here or wherever you get your podcasts! Just look up Bacon, Bibles, and Barbells! Enjoy the episode! As always, if this is helpful and enjoyable to you, please LIKE, SHARE, and SUBSCRIBE to our channel! New informational videos are put out every week! Interested in working with one of our coaches here at High Calling Fitness? Head on over to www.highcallingfitness.com and schedule a free discovery call with us at the bottom of the page. We would love to chat with you more about your goals and how our health and fitness coaching could be a help to your and your family. Even if you don't hire us, we would love to chat and give you some free advice to take forward in our call . We our a group of reformed christian men and women who are committed to take the mandate of stewardship seriously in the care of the gift or our bodies. We hope to encourage others to do so as well by teaching and equipping them. Lord willing, we will all become more capable for as many years as God gives, building the kingdom of God together and enjoying the good gifts we are given in this life...all to the GLORY OF GOD! Follow us on Facebook.com/highcallingfitness Instagram: @highcallingfitness, @holy_quadfather, @amanda.fitcoach, @weightcraft_and_liftery, and @emily.highcallingfit
In this episode of the Bacon, Bibles, and Barbells Podcast, some of the High Calling Fitness coach Bill and Coach Justin cover Thyroid Function, Health, Symptoms, Treatments, and even special considerations if you are a thyroid patient. Topics covered include both Coach Justin and Coach Bill's experience with thyroid diagnoses and medication, as well as their experiences with clients. What bloodwork should you get if you suspect an issue? What are the main symptoms? How do you keep it healthy? If you get bad bloodwork, is it forever? What are the recommended treatments and supplements available for support? Should we think about things like food, exercise, and even vaccines differently if our thyroid is off? Give it a listen here or wherever you get your podcasts! Just look up Bacon, Bibles, and Barbells! Enjoy the episode! As always, if this is helpful and enjoyable to you, please LIKE, SHARE, and SUBSCRIBE to our channel! New informational videos are put out every week! Interested in working with one of our coaches here at High Calling Fitness? Head on over to www.highcallingfitness.com and schedule a free discovery call with us at the bottom of the page. We would love to chat with you more about your goals and how our health and fitness coaching could be a help to your and your family. Even if you don't hire us, we would love to chat and give you some free advice to take forward in our call . We our a group of reformed christian men and women who are committed to take the mandate of stewardship seriously in the care of the gift or our bodies. We hope to encourage others to do so as well by teaching and equipping them. Lord willing, we will all become more capable for as many years as God gives, building the kingdom of God together and enjoying the good gifts we are given in this life...all to the GLORY OF GOD! Follow us on Facebook.com/highcallingfitness Instagram: @highcallingfitness, @holy_quadfather, @amanda.fitcoach, @weightcraft_and_liftery, and @emily.highcallingfit.
Coaching and programming from Justin, Amanda, and William can be found here - https://highcallingfitness.com/
Summary
In this episode of the Bacon Bibles and Barbells podcast, Coach Justin, Coach Amanda, and Coach Bill engage in a comprehensive discussion about hormone replacement therapy, particularly testosterone replacement therapy (TRT). They explore the importance of understanding individual health needs, the benefits of TRT on mental clarity and mood, and the significance of a holistic approach to health that includes diet and training. The conversation also touches on personal training updates, health challenges, and the impact of hormones on relationships and overall well-being. In this conversation, the speakers delve into the complexities of testosterone therapy, discussing the variability of optimal testosterone levels among individuals, the morality surrounding hormone replacement therapy, and the role of SHBG in treatment protocols. They emphasize the importance of individualized approaches to therapy, the limitations of current medical practices, and the fallacies of correlation and causation in medical research. The discussion also touches on the risks associated with PCT and the challenges of understanding medical knowledge in a nuanced way.
Takeaways
TRT can benefit those who are doing everything right but still feel off. Mental clarity and mood improvements are significant benefits of TRT. It's important to consider individual needs and not just follow standard protocols. Hormones play a crucial role in both physical and mental health. Trialing TRT can lead to positive lifestyle changes and improvements. The concept of optimization is more beneficial than therapy in hormone discussions. Normal ranges in blood work may not reflect optimal health. A holistic approach to health includes diet, training, and hormone levels. Testosterone can have profound effects on relationships and personal well-being. Understanding the nuances of hormone levels is essential for effective treatment. Optimal testosterone levels vary for each individual. The morality of TRT is a complex issue. SHBG levels should not dictate treatment protocols. Individualized treatment is crucial for effective therapy. Clomid is not a suitable alternative to testosterone. PCT may not be necessary for everyone. Oral testosterone has significant limitations. Inductive reasoning can lead to medical fallacies. Correlation does not imply causation in medical studies. Understanding medical knowledge requires humility and caution.
Highcallingfitness.com is where you can get programming and nutrition coaching - check them out! Summary In this episode, the hosts discuss the challenges and strategies for parenting children with special needs, focusing on the importance of routine, health, fitness, and nutrition. They share personal experiences and insights on how to create a supportive environment for children, the significance of exercise, and the role of parents in establishing healthy habits. The conversation also touches on the unique needs of children with ADHD and sensory issues, and how to adapt routines and workouts for families with infants. Takeaways * Routine is critical for children with special needs. * Health and fitness can significantly impact the well-being of special needs families. * Gamifying exercise can help engage children in physical activity. * Nutrition can be a major challenge for children with sensory issues. * Parents should model healthy behaviors for their children. * Creating a supportive environment is essential for success. * Start small with routines and gradually increase as needed. * Words of affirmation can encourage positive behaviors in children. * Understanding sensory issues can improve exercise experiences. * The brain's plasticity allows for adaptation and growth in routines.
Coaches Justin, Amanda, and William offer programming, form coaching, diet coaching and more, here!
In this episode of the Bacon Bibles Barbells podcast, coaches Justin, Amanda, and Emily discuss the intricacies of dieting, calorie counting, and the importance of mindfulness in nutrition. They emphasize the significance of understanding caloric intake, the psychological aspects of dieting, and the role of macronutrients in achieving long-term health and fitness goals. The conversation also touches on the common misconceptions surrounding calorie expenditure and the impact of high-fat diets on overall health.
Takeaways
- Caloric deficit is essential for weight loss.
- Tracking calories helps in understanding eating habits.
- Mindfulness in eating can lead to better choices.
- The human body operates on energy balance principles.
- Diet fatigue is often psychological rather than physiological.
- High-fat diets may lead to health issues over time.
- Protein is crucial for satiety and muscle maintenance.
- Long-term health should be prioritized over short-term weight loss.
- Understanding macronutrients is key to body composition.
- Sustainable eating habits are more important than strict dieting.
Coaches Justin, Amanda, and William offer programming, form coaching, diet coaching and more, here!
In this episode of the Bacon Bibles and Barbells podcast, Coaches Justin, Bill, and Amanda discuss the roles of chiropractors and physical therapists in health and rehabilitation. They share personal experiences and insights on the effectiveness of these professionals, emphasizing the importance of individualized care, progressive overload in therapy, and the limitations of chiropractic adjustments. The conversation highlights the need for strength training in recovery and the potential impact of the placebo effect in treatment outcomes. In this conversation, the coaches delve into the complexities of back pain, chiropractic care, and the importance of movement and strength training. They discuss the physiological aspects of back pain, the risks associated with neck manipulation, and the origins of chiropractic practice, highlighting its controversial history. The coaches emphasize the need to identify quackery in chiropractic practices, the significance of movement and strength training in pain management, and the role of massage and physical therapy. They advocate for a holistic approach to health that prioritizes movement and strength over reliance on supplements and chiropractic adjustments.
Takeaways
- Physical therapists are often utilized for rehab post-injury or surgery.
- The effectiveness of physical therapy can vary based on the therapist's knowledge and approach.
- Progressive overload is crucial in physical therapy for effective recovery.
- Chiropractic adjustments may provide temporary pain relief but do not create lasting changes in spinal alignment.
- Individual attention from a physical therapist can lead to better outcomes than cookie-cutter approaches.
- Pain management in physical therapy should not lead to prolonged discomfort post-session.
- Strength training is essential for long-term injury prevention and recovery.
- The placebo effect can play a significant role in perceived benefits from chiropractic care.
- Finding a chiropractor with a sports rehab background may yield better results.
- Elderly patients often require strength training rather than just range of motion exercises. Chiropractic manipulation can provide neuromuscular facilitation.
- Most back pain stems from muscle atrophy, particularly in the erectors.
- Neck manipulation is never appropriate due to associated risks.
- Chiropractic practice has a controversial history and origins.
- Identifying quackery in chiropractic practices is crucial for patient safety.
- Movement and strength training are essential for pain management.
- Massage therapy can be more beneficial than chiropractic adjustments.
- Percussion massage can help relax tight muscles effectively.
- Holistic approaches to health prioritize movement and strength.
- Lifestyle changes are key to reducing pain and improving overall health.
Summary
In this episode, Coach Justin, Coach Amanda, and guests Asher and Zach discuss the unique challenges faced by first responders, including the impact of shift work on sleep, diet, and mental health. They share personal journeys of overcoming obstacles through fitness, the importance of meal prepping, and coping strategies for managing stress. The conversation emphasizes the significance of physical fitness in enhancing job performance and overall well-being, as well as the need for community support and mental health resources for first responders.
Takeaways
First responders face unique challenges due to shift work. Fitness plays a crucial role in job performance and mental health. Sleep deprivation significantly affects first responders' performance. Meal prepping is essential for maintaining a healthy diet on the job. Mental health support is vital for first responders. Regular exercise can improve overall well-being and longevity. Coping mechanisms like breathwork can help manage stress. Building strength can enhance physical capabilities in emergencies. Community support is important for first responders' mental health. Investing in fitness can lead to better family relationships.
Coaches Justin, William, and Amanda do coaching! Check them out here! In this episode of the Bacon Bibles and Barbells podcast, Coaches Justin, Bill, and Amanda delve into the topic of beta blockers, discussing their mechanisms, uses, and implications for both health and athletic performance. They explore the pros and cons of beta blockers, particularly in relation to anxiety management and blood pressure control, while also considering the safety risks for athletes. The conversation highlights the importance of lifestyle interventions and compares beta blockers with SSRIs, emphasizing the need for careful consideration before using any medication. The episode concludes with recommendations for managing anxiety and improving overall health through lifestyle changes. Some key takeaways * Beta blockers are one of the oldest blood pressure medications. * They work by blocking beta receptors that respond to adrenaline. * Beta blockers can reduce heart rate and blood pressure. * They are commonly used for anxiety management in certain situations. * Athletes may experience decreased performance on beta blockers. * Safety risks include potential fainting and reduced circulation. * Lifestyle interventions are often more effective than medication. * SSRIs can have significant side effects compared to beta blockers. * Breath work and other techniques can help manage anxiety. * Consulting a doctor about medication options is crucial for athletes.
Coaches Justin and Amanda offer coaching and programming at this link. In this episode, Ashley shares her transformative journey of overcoming obesity, mental health challenges, and the importance of mindset shifts in achieving a healthier lifestyle. She discusses her experiences with bariatric surgery, dietary changes, and the role of family support in her journey. The conversation emphasizes the significance of exercise, nutrition, and the psychological aspects of weight loss, while also addressing the pitfalls of relying solely on medical interventions. Ashley's story serves as an inspiration for those looking to make lasting changes in their lives. Takeaways * Ashley lost almost 200 pounds in three years through a combination of diet and exercise. * Mental health plays a significant role in Ashley's relationship with food and her weight loss journey. * Bariatric surgery was a turning point for Ashley, but it required a mindset shift for long-term success. * Finding the right balance in nutrition is an ongoing process for Ashley, involving experimentation with different diets. * Support from family is crucial in maintaining motivation and accountability during the weight loss journey. * Coping with stress and impulsive eating remains a challenge for Ashley, requiring constant self-awareness. * Exercise, particularly weightlifting, has helped Ashley regain control and build strength. * Long-term health is about more than just weight loss; it's about sustainable lifestyle changes. * Ashley aims to be a fun and active grandmother, motivating her to stay healthy for her future family. * Navigating the medical system can be frustrating, and Ashley emphasizes the importance of self-advocacy in health.
Coaches Justin, Bill, and Amanda offer coaching services for fitness, diet, programming, and more. They can be found here. In this episode of the Bacon Bibles and Barbells podcast, Coaches Justin, Bill, and Amanda delve into the concept of periodization in training. They explore its application across various fitness domains, including bodybuilding, powerlifting, and lifestyle training. The discussion emphasizes the importance of setting specific goals, adapting training cycles, and the role of nutrition and recovery in achieving optimal results. The coaches share insights on how periodization can prevent injuries and enhance performance, making it a vital component of any training regimen. This conversation delves into the intricacies of training for powerlifting and strongman competitions, focusing on the importance of specialization, tapering, recovery strategies, and mental health post-competition. The speakers discuss how to effectively prepare for competitions, the significance of maintaining movement after intense training, and the psychological challenges athletes face after competition. They also touch on advanced periodization techniques for experienced athletes, emphasizing the need for tailored training approaches as one progresses in their fitness journey. Takeaways * Periodization is essential for setting long-term fitness goals. * Different training cycles (macro, meso, micro) help structure workouts effectively. * Lifestyle clients often experience natural periodization due to life events. * Bodybuilders need to focus on health while pursuing aesthetic goals. * Powerlifting requires a focus on hypertrophy and strength maintenance during the off-season. * Recovery and nutrition play critical roles in effective periodization. * Injuries can arise from repetitive training without variation. * Specificity of goals is crucial for effective training outcomes. * Periodization can help manage weight fluctuations throughout the year. * Understanding individual needs is key to successful training programs. Specialization lifts are crucial for competition preparation. * Tapering involves reducing volume while maintaining high loads. * Post-competition recovery should include light movement to avoid stiffness. * Unilateral training is essential for strongman athletes. * Mental health is a significant concern post-competition. * Establishing new goals is vital after a competition. * Avoid long breaks after competitions to maintain fitness. * Hormonal changes can lead to emotional challenges post-competition. * Training strategies should evolve after five years of consistent training. * Communication with coaches is key for mental and physical recovery.
Both coach Justin and Amanda provide coaching services and can be found at this link. In this episode of the Bacon Bibles and Barbells podcast, Coach Justin and Coach Amanda discuss the often misunderstood role of cardio in strength sports, particularly for powerlifters and strongman athletes. They debunk the myth that cardio kills gains, emphasizing its importance for recovery, conditioning, and overall health. The conversation covers various strategies for incorporating cardio into training regimens, the benefits for longevity in strength sports, and specific considerations for bodybuilders. The hosts also highlight the physiological effects of cardio on muscle recovery and performance, advocating for a balanced approach to training that includes cardiovascular fitness. takeaways * Cardio is often misunderstood in strength sports. * Strongman athletes can greatly benefit from cardio for conditioning. * Powerlifters should not neglect cardio for health and recovery. * Conditioning improves volume tolerance and overall performance. * Bodybuilders use cardio to maintain conditioning and improve stage presence. * Cardio helps remove metabolic waste from the body. * Walking and light cardio can enhance quality of life for strength athletes. * Incorporating cardio can lead to better recovery between sets. * Cardio should be tailored to the specific needs of each strength sport. * A balanced approach to training includes both strength and cardiovascular fitness
Coaches Justin, and William chat all about nicotine, caffeine and what to expect. Check out their coaching and programming services at highcallingfitness.com.
Coaches Justin, Emily, and Amanda chat all about postpartum recovery and what to expect. Check out their coaching and programming services at highcallingfitness.com.
This discussion regarding A1C levels and Blood Sugar is between coaches Justin and Will at highcallingfitness.com. They along with coach Amanda offer various programming, dietary form, and other services. Check them out at highcallingfitenss.com.
We discuss how to survive the holidays if you're trying to maintain or lose weight. Also discussed is Justin and Emily's new cookbook which will be announced next year. Will Eggnog fit your macros? Dave chats about attempting to create and host a strongman competition and Justin and Dave both look back at how 2024 went and what they expect out of 2025.
In this episode Amanda talks about her experience with PCOS diagnosis and gives advice on how other women can navigate the topic. You can hire Amanda as a coach at https://bio.site/sidekicknutritionfitness?fbclid=IwY2xjawFAgSVleHRuA2FlbQIxMAABHVpXE2xO-cy6uXskB-xRAkSGV9AleNNwWgdM_Wy3osGiwCWGKBE0HIDydQ_aem_0dHeYlBRKucVGd84I7UdOQ Justin Johnson's coach link is available here - https://calendly.com/brovidencecoaching?fbclid=IwY2xjawFAgVFleHRuA2FlbQIxMAABHZy30d28eaWq9L-hWo_J2EtfyfU56ik_NFz9dV7vv4EjLKcZVcW6HrxLLA_aem_eRc6e66tCRVMEhvVdnKfLw
Dawain Atkinson is back after his first bodybuilding show. Dawain is E2M's (https://e2mfitness.com/) Director of Communications. Dawain has created a number of things including the Biblical and Reformed podcast network (https://www.facebook.com/thebarpodcastnet) among many other things. We are excited to get the details of all that went into getting into stage shape for his first comp.
Ken McClelland and Mike Lohman just wrote a book entitled Mastering Strongman which you can buy here.
Ken McClelland is a pro strongman, coach, 2x masters world champ, and more (I know his bio goes on, he's been in MMA and other sports as well). If you have any questions about what’s in the book, or if you’re interested in coaching, please feel free to contact Ken at: Kenmcclelland77@gmail.com find him on Instagram: @ken_e_mcclelland.
Mike Lohman is a certified personal trainer and strength coach, the founder of Warpath Strength, co-host of “The Average Joe Strongman Show” podcast, and a State Representative for United States Strongman in Illinois. You can find Mike on Instagram at: @big_mike_strength_coach and you can watch “The Average Joe Strongman Show” on the Warpath Strength channel on YouTube.
HAES Principles - https://asdah.org/health-at-every-size-haes-approach/
We are joined with Jeff Ash to discuss this movement/group. We aren't saying that Jeff Ash is a part of or actively participates in this movement as you'll hear in the podcast as he spends most of his time in the Intuitive Eating world which is different from HAES but Jeff was more than willing to discuss this movement and give us insight into who they are and what they hold to.
Connect with Jeff below:
Website: https://hopedrivesme.com
Equipped to Thrive course and men's community:
https://hopedrivesme.com/equipped-to-thrive
Quick overview of the 10 principles for guys:
https://hopedrivesme.com/overview-of-intuitive-eating/
How to Talk to Your Spouse About Your IE Journey:
https://spotifyanchor-web.app.link/e/rBaU7B4Yhxb
We are joined with retired Marine, coach, and athlete in both powerlifting and strongman Greg Popejoy as he talks about his journey from the Marines to competing and eventually coaching in strength sports.
We are joined with E2M's (https://e2mfitness.com/) Director of Communications and training for his first natural bodybuilding show, Dawain Atkinson. Dawain has created a number of things including the Biblical and Reformed podcast network (https://www.facebook.com/thebarpodcastnet) among many other things.
We are interviewing Jeff Ash again, director of Hope Drives Me, a software developer, coach, nutritionist, and host of the podcast Men's Intuition to discuss the topic Intuitive Eating.
Website: https://hopedrivesme.com
Equipped to Thrive course and men's community:
https://hopedrivesme.com/equipped-to-thrive
Quick overview of the 10 principles for guys:
https://hopedrivesme.com/overview-of-intuitive-eating/
How to Talk to Your Spouse About Your IE Journey:
https://spotifyanchor-web.app.link/e/rBaU7B4Yhxb
What does maturing in the gym mean to you? How have you changed as you've gone from noob to advanced?
- That the biggest dudes typically aren’t the scariest or most intimidating. For the most part they’re the biggest of homies
- No pain no gain is only good to an extent...knowing your body and how far to push is more important than keeping up with someone else.In my youth I pushed too hard, injured myself, lost most gains, went back and said "congrats, you're stronger"
- Keeping it at 90% consistently is way better than 110% and needing a break or dealing with pain. Been there done that. Spend good amount of time on flexibility, mobility and warming up now.
- That you don’t need to go all the way to muscular failure on every set to get great results. What I mean is that you stop 1-2 RIR instead of going all the way to the max on every set. I think you should go all the way to failure on the last set of whatever exercise you’re doing
Do you prefer training in a group or alone? Do you feel like you get the same workout when you are chatting it up between sets? Have you ever trained with a partner who kept you on track during the workout where you weren’t resting too much between sets? Do you prefer training alone in a gym setting vs alone in a garage gym setting (Big Z, “I train alone because it is harder”)
Recovery - let's rank each modality
- Get A Massage.
- Eat Dark-Colored Fruits.
- Eat Leafy Greens & Cruciferous Veggies
- Foam Rolling
- Do Hot/Cold Therapy
- Get Extra Zinc
- Take Post-Workout Protein
- Eat High-Quality Protein At Every Meal.
- Active recovery - Non-strenuous aerobic or physical activity, such as walking, swimming, or yoga
- Hyperbaric oxygen therapy
- Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs
- Compression garments
- Electromyostimulation
- Red-light therapy
- Sleep
- Eating enough
- Hydration
- BCAAs or Electrolytes
- Mobility/stretching
Amanda joins Justin Johnson to discuss her last big competition. Amanda is a natural bodybuillder and has now competed twice. We get to hear about all that has transpired in the last year of training and prep for her second show. Can a master's level bodybuilder make significant gains and stay natural? Check it out!
Notes about this episode from Dave:
My background in IBLP ATI - attended a SBC church in Texas that was jokingly referred to as a Gothard church by the members and those who knew it. Did Alert Cadets (similar to Trail Life/Boy Scouts) which was a bunch of dads and sons doing Boy Scouts stuff but more Christian than BS. After hearing about Life Focus I applied and was a part of that program when I was 14 and again with Life Focus Advanced when I was 15. Those programs was a sort of juvenile delinquent reform program which included being on work details and working the entire 9 weeks while memorizing the book of James. I was the worst kid of the 20 or so that were there, graduating after my Dad flew in to pick me up (they issued you a LF shirt once you proved yourself). Got thrown into solitary confinement and they did a thing called voice-lockdown, applying the whole “Be still and know that I am God” verse literally for 2 weeks).
After that experience I was invited to Life Focus Advanced. Even though I had nothing great to say about my time at Life Focus I begged my parents to let me go to LF Advanced. Attended that and it was a whole different level of psychological and spiritual twisting and trauma. Got locked in solitary confinement again for reacting in anger to my LIT.
Attended ALERT when I turned 18 - it was physically the most brutal thing I had ever done. I dropped out of basic training during the 24 hour hike (yeah they hike with full packs on for 24 hours straight with breaks for meals). I went through a remediation program and requested to do the next basic training due to my Dad’s encouragement to not let this beat me. I made it through that basic training and took the EMT/Firefighting track and graduated in 2004.
Finally attended Verity Institute and met my wife there. Got my bachelor degree and made some good friends I’m still in contact today.
So to wrap up - did Alert Cadets from my 11th birthday 1997ish (didn’t mention we attended the national conference in Knoxville in 2000) and ended my time with IBLP/ATI in 2011.
Issues with the organization and it’s objectives:
- Basic Seminar (their entrance seminar) systematizes everything into prooftexts for how and why you should live and the goal = success (a different type of prosperity gospel)
- A very literal reading of prooftexts that can go any which way the leader wants it to go
- All law, no gospel
- Christianity is behavior modification, period (not being hyperbolic)
- Confusing sanctification and justification
- Predatory nature of the authority - Bill Gothard surrounded himself with young very pretty girls at HQ and seeing he was “God’s Anointed One” few spoke against it and if they did, they were gone
- The umbrella of protection - if we live or act a certain way the devil can gain access…also the dad is the mediator between Christ and the mom/kids
- The group-mentality - once people get into a herd, whatever that herd values, the members will tend to one up themselves to be the most excellent/extreme - which lead to some very messed up programs and teachings with zero oversight
- No hermeneutic in sight - if I think the verse means X…well it does, because I’m the one running the program (doesn’t only apply to Bill Gothard, but to those running other programs as well)
- Grace/Gospel tended to sound/smell like antinomianism. Unsure how to handle the concept of Christian liberty and grace.
Issues I’m still dealing with:
- I understand where my Dad was coming from. He saw a bunch of dads and sons camping and doing daily devotions around a campfire and was like, “This is what I’m not seeing at my local church with the youth group leader eating goldfish…I want more of this.” Upon jumping in and seeing the basic seminar, without a strong theological background, it kinda made sense on it’s face. Fundamentalist churches were tackling more issues than the basic John 3:16 one. Issues like modesty, male and female relationships, music, daily devotions, how much TV is the right amount, drinking, etc. These check boxes appealed to those who were very analytical/engineering types like my dad. And why not jump in deeper, you’re going from milk to meat right?
- I understand the community that he was looking for. IBLP/ATI offered that along with a bunch of shiny happy people who were very respectful, dressed well, and worked very hard.
- These things were all very attractive - so how do we “then” live that separates the piles of “filthy rags” that is our personal righteousness but at the same time speaks to many verses in the Bible that seems to indicate that sanctification takes work (John 14:15, “If you love me, you will keep my commandments.”) Is fruit inspection biblical or is it just measuring one’s sanctification against another?
- I tend to find myself spiraling into an obnoxious Reformed Pub person - is it a sin to do BLANK? But let’s dig in a bit
- Is it a sin to have standards for your family and how they live and have expectations for them to make certain choices and if they don’t, to be disappointed in them, seeking to restore them
- Is it a sin to read the Bible daily? Is it a sin to read it once a week? Is it a sin to get so habitual with Bible reading that you start to worry if you miss a day here or there?
- Music - can listening to certain music be sinful
- Language - are naughty words sinful
- What does it mean to keep the Sabbath holy? Can you sin doing that? Where’s the line
- What keeps us from turning into easy believe-ism nominal Christians? Shouldn’t we have some sort of safeguards to keep us a peculiar people? Shouldn’t we work to not be like the culture?
- How do reformed people deal with legalism? Are there legalistic reformed peeps or is this more a fundy thing within IFB/SBC circles?
- Why is Michael Horton so dang sexy?
A big error in the IBLP/ATI environment was the basic seminar was ALL about me being successful and what I needed to do to attain that. It’s me centered, and I probably could not do enough. My righteousness had to exceed Bill Gothard’s who fasted 40 days at a time and was single to serve God.
This is a different kind of episode. This is an intimate look two adults who grew up in the IBLP/ATI culture and served in various capacities within the organization from 1999-2011, eventually meeting in 2011 at Verity Institute (the college ministry within IBLP) and getting married in 2013. This is not an endorsement of Shiny Happy People (the documentary on Amazon Prime) or an endorsement of IBLP/ATI.
We are interviewing Brandon Craig. Brandon got into powerlifting and joined the BBB group a few years back. Now he has competed at USS Nationals and we get to discuss his experience training for and competing at one of the largest strongman competitions in the US. Brandon is a homeschool dad who works as a car salesman and fits his training in during his lunch break.
We had the pleasure of talking with Troy Bennett and learning about his life pre-strongman, his football career, working in resturaunt management, working in security...yes the list goes on! He survived a severe heart-attack and goes into detail what all that was like.
Apologies to our listeners, the webcam mic took over and, it didn't do the episode any favors. Steps have been made to ensure this doesn't occur again.
Finishing up the 2 part series on TRT supplemenation with discussion regarding these supplements:
Over the counter:
L-carnitine Choline / alphaGPC inject vs oral Noopept Lion’s Mane B-complex inject vs oral - https://www.amazon.com/Durvet-Maxi-B-1000-100mL/dp/B003C9LKA0 Icariin Turmeric Tudca By perscription: Metformin Cialis Honorable mentions: Cold plunge - we mentioned Nurecover but Tractor Supply sells a 100 gallon rubber stock tank which works better for bigger individuals like Dave - https://www.tractorsupply.com/tsc/product/rubbermaid-structural-foam-stock-tanks-100-gal-capacity-2229901?store=377&cid=Shopping-Google-Local_Feed&utm_medium=Google&utm_source=Shopping&utm_campaign=&utm_content=Local_Feed&gclid=Cj0KCQjwmZejBhC_ARIsAGhCqnfam4vbZH3lOm8SKxWYFum4HoDsNf0RagNUKKEr73mzpmSZ0oywK8YaAt3IEALw_wcB Sauna Sauna, carbs, and sleep
This episode we talk about Testosterone Replacement Therapy supplementation. What supplements can you take (legal obv) that will improve training, recovery, conditioning, memory, that will make you better at your sport. This is NOT a sponsored episode, just our recommendations on some that we use. In part 1 we discuss the following:
Magnesium Fish Oil Iodine Zinc C D3 K2 mk-7 Milk thistle extract Slo-niacin Meldonium Creatine
This week coach Justin talks about the role of testosterone in both males and females. The effects of low testosterone are explained and the cognitive, sexual, and physical effects of testosterone are discussed along with the implications of testosterone replacement therapy (TRT).
This episode we are joined with Tricia Emrich to discuss her history working in powerlifting in multiple federations as well as what she's a part of with helping to reform the USPA. We discuss more about what the findings and issues were with the federation, some reasons why they may have occured, what is being done to fix or mitigate those issues in the future, and the future of the USPA.
Tricia has worked in the USAPL for eight years as a meet director and the USPA as a meet director for 9 years and is the SC state chair. She and her husband work dozens of meets each year where they are the two loading and unloading all the equipment and working to ensure lifters have a great lifting experience. You can find her at #USPAsouthcarolina on Instagram.
We dragged Everett in to chat about the USPA social media shakedown that is going on in social media land. We discuss how should a Christian handle such situations and if they could compete in good consicence in such a setting. We go over the changes coming up with the new board in the USPA and hopefully some good changes as they proceed with closer scrutiny from the social media world.
Justin is joined by Matt Turner who is currently ranked 42 in the nation in his weight class with a 1774.7 lb total in the 242 lb weight class (487.57 dots). We talk about his prep, his coaching, and how the meet went. Check it out!
We had to use Google Meet to record this as we had some hardware issues. Justin Johnson interviews David and Christa Auge and talks all about their first strongman comp as a couple. Dave and Christa competed together once before and this is the second competition they've done together. Check it out!
This is a discussion between Justin Johnson and a retired pastor talking about his life and ministry.
Pastor Vern recently retired due to health issues after his cancer went into remission. He spent nearly his entire career as a pastor starting in the pentecostal world and ending up embracing Calvinism. We talk about his life, family, pastoral ministry, and his thoughts as he lives out his final chapters on earth.
Insulin
Intro
Hormone that signals cells throughout the human body to intake energy, and promote various performance and recovery based outcomes.
Body
Modifying the activity of enzymes and the resulting reactions in the body.
glycogen and fat synthesis from glucose are stimulated, and glucose production by the liver through glycogenolysis and gluconeogenesis are inhibited.[68]
The breakdown of triglycerides by adipose tissue into free fatty acids and glycerol is also inhibited.[68]
Building muscle following sickness or injury via the transportation of amino acids to the muscle tissue, which is required to repair muscular damage and increase size and strength. It helps to regulate the uptake of amino acids, DNA replication, and the synthesis of proteins.
Managing the synthesis of lipids by uptake into fat cells, which are converted to triglycerides.
Uptake of amino acids and potassium into the cells that cannot take place in the absence of insulin.
Managing the excretion of sodium and fluid volume in the urine.
Enhancing the memory and learning capabilities of the brain.
Alzeimers patients had increased memory recall with hyperinsulemia and with hyperglycemia (due to consumption of sugars).
Hyperglycemia with insulin suppression via Somatostatin had no positive effect on memory recall.
Dave questions
Glycemic index carbs - should the score on these matter and should you take low vs high index food pre vs post workout
Carb timing - is it really important to time carbs (perhaps pre, intra, and post workout) before you sleep to avoid increasing fat synthesis?
Why is it that some people can do a low or no carb diet and make gains while others need a moderate level of carbs fats and proteins?
Controlling overall caloric intake, does the complexity of the carb matter?
Why is the a war on carbs? Is it a good marketing ploy or something more legit?
Fasted training - have you seen there to be any merit to it in regards to increased fat loss?
How much does controlling sugar intake assist with body recomposition compared to carb intake?
What about those that are pre-diabetic or morbidly obese? Does that mean a person isn’t as insulin sensitive?
Conclusions
Insulin is highly anabolic and starts a cascade of events that result in more energy storage in muscle cells, recovery, hypertrophy, and hyperplasia.
Insulin is also converted by the liver to IGF-1 and higher levels of insulin result in more IGF-1.
Carbs are just as key to performance and recovery as proteins.
Intro Hyperplasia is different from hypertrophy in that the adaptive cell change in hypertrophy is an increase in the size of cells, whereas hyperplasia involves an increase in the number of cells.
Body Hypertrophy seems to generally lead to hyperplasia
Swimming pool analogy
Hypertrophy for beginners, intermediate, advanced
Common hypertrophy rep ranges
Mechanical tension model
Pure volume model
Periodization changes what works best
Sensitization to intensity, volume, etc
Not just for bodybuilders
Dietary considerations
Lean gains vs “bulking”
Blood flow restriction training - should we mention
Conclusions Periodization!
We catch up with Everett and Toney after 3 years since the podcast ended. We chat about what we've been up to since then and talk about future strength/training goals. Mentioned in the show is Toney's new company, Those Florida Guys. We chat about WSM, lockdowns and much more!
What is peaking for athletic performance?
Temporarily adapting to a competition or event at the expense of general or other adaptations.
Why peak?
To maximize performance potential while letting general adaptations to diminish
What happens if you don’t peak?
Lesser performance but maintains general adaptations
How to peak?
Powerlifting vs strongman vs other sports such as cycling
Risk management while peaking
Risks inherently are higher when peaking
Do not cut during a peak generally
Tapering while peaking
For the purpose of stress reduction at the very end
Men need more, women need less
The magic of peak week
Supercompensation
What to do after a peak
Worst peak vs best peak stories
This episode we had a fun conversation with Amanda Kroeker and Levi January regarding all things bodybuilding.
Levi January is a bodybuilding coach and can be found on Facebook.
Amanda Kroeker is a bodybuilding competitior as well as a mom/gymnast/entrepreneur/etc and can be followed on Instagram.
We discuss dietary periodization, training, competition prep, the day of the competion, work life balance, etc.
We are back with our new monthly format, going through our top downloaded content with Matt Wenning.
Matt Wenning is one of only a handful of people to total over 2600 lbs in a professional competition, hold an all-time world record of 2665 lbs in the 308-lb class, and bench press over 800 lbs in a full powerlifting meet. He currently the owner and a private strength coach at Ludus Magnus gym in Columbus, Ohio, a personal trainer to many executives and professionals at Capital Club Athletics, and contracted by the US Army. He also works with firefighters, physicians, children with disabilities, and all forms of athletes in the Columbus, Ohio, area. His raw total is 2205 and equipped is 2665 lbs.
Some of the topics we covered included:
- What differentiates your form of conjugate to Westside?
- Raw PL vs Equipped – is there animosity between the two or is just on the equipped old school lifters?
- Do you think equipped PL will get popular again?
- What do you like about owning/operating a gym?
- Are you in Columbus, OH for any particular reason? Because Rogue or Westside?
- What is MAW (Mountain Athlete Warrior?
Strength Accomplishments
2011 World Record Holder at 308lbs
Former all time World Record Holder with 2665 lb total
World record Raw Squat (no wraps) – 832 lbs
World record Equipped Squat – 1197 lbs
2010 APF National Champion
2009 IPA National Champion
UPA National Record Holder – Open Division
Hey all, we are re-posting the top downloaded episodes from the past 4 years as we look forward to the future. We are currently re-vamping up the podcast, taking a few weeks off from posting new content to re-create the show, fix a few things, and make it better than it was before. Hope you enjoy this interview we recorded back in December 2017 with Matt Reynolds. Gainz and Grace!
We will be talking steroids and powerlifting so buckle up!
We are joined with Pete Rubish who is talking all about how 2018-2019 is going for him. We are also going to be talking about the effects of social media on the sport of powerlifting as well as the continuing evolving of the sport and how drugs are effecting the sport. Basically what the combination of drugs plus social media is doing to powerlifting. The video we discuss can be found here. We also talk about a video he posted nearly a year ago that went viral that can be found here. Pete can be reached at prstrength1@gmail.com.
This year the podcast team got media passes to attend the Arnold Classic 2019. We are extremely grateful for the opportunity and took many photos and was hoping to do some onsite interviews but that didn't pan out. Instead we go over everything Arnold Classic 2019 here and we say goodbye to our longest running co-host, Everett. If you want to follow Everett on social media you can follow him on IG and Facebook.
The podcast is planning on taking a few months off as we re-calibrate our show and make some major changes. During that time we will post the most listened to episodes of the past few years and ask that you remain patient with us as we rebuild the podcast. Gainz and Grace!
We are joined with Dave Crosland who talks all about SARMS - selective androgen receptor modulators. They are in your local stores being pushed at your local gyms. What are they? Are they legal and safe to use?
We are joined by Jeff Ash who talks all about nutrition myths among a variety of topics. We talk about how to build a diet program for the average joe as well as how to do nutrition when you are trying to be obese in powerlifting. Check it out!
According to Openpowerlifting.com, Jaisyn MIke started competing in 2014 and has 21 meets under his belt in 5 years. In the 264+ lb weight class in the USAPL, his best raw squat is 749.5, bench was 619.5, and deadlift was 771.6 lbs for a 2061.3 total and a wilks of 523.45, which he got Jan 14, 2018 in the Winter Games of Texas.
Raw Nationals in October he came in 2nd in the Open and 1st in the Masters 1 division.
Jaisyn Mike is a sponsored athlete and he has a youtube channel under jmikefitness.
We talked about Jaisyn competing at Jezza Uepa's PL competition and how that all went. Check it out!
Dave Ricks, has been competing for over 30-years! He won is first Open IPF Championship in 1991, winning a total of 5 Open World Championships in his career (1991, 1992, 1993, 1994, 1999) and placed Silver in 7 other Open World Championships. In addition, he has taken Best Lifter at the Arnold Sports Festival in 2009, 2010 and 2011, 2012. He has also been a competitor at the 2009 World Games (placing 5th at the age of 50!) and now into his Master’s years of competing, Dave is setting new Master World Records almost every time he hits that platform. He won the 2013 Master World Championships as well as the 2011 World Master’s Championships. At age 53, Dave placed sixth in the Open World Championships. He continues to set Master World Records, most recently the deadlift at the 2013 World Master Championships with a lift of 328 kg.
World Record:
- Master Squat: 90/93 – Broke the record 6x
- Master Deadlift: 90/93 Broke the record 4x
- Master Total – 90/93 – Broke the record 6x
- Set 16 Master World Records
Dave also holds the Open American Raw record, set in 2013. He continues to compete at the Elite, Open level at 54 years of age. He has been selected for the USA Team to compete at the Classic World Championships as an open lifter, where he will be 55 years old.
Dave is an ambassador for powerlifting. He coaches young lifters, hosts local and high school level competitions, and referees from the local to the national level in the USA
Rogue Grand Prix
Basic questions -
- Why did you get into powerlifting?
- What are your strength numbers -best & current
- What are the most common injuries you see from powerlifters and what is the usual reason for this?
- What do you take on a regular basis to supplement your training?
- What is your worst injury and what did you do to fix it?
- What accessories do you use for lifting? What supplements do you take?
- What pet peeves do you have when it comes to training in a gym?
- What is one thing you have heard many lifters say that is WRONG/MYTH?
- Favorite powerlifter to watch progress/compete?
- How hard was it to train while in the Navy? Did you train while deployed on ships?
- What keeps you into powerlifting?
- What have you seen change in powerlifting since you started competing? Good/bad/ugly
We are joined this week with Micah Marino.
According to Openpowerlifting.com, Micah Marino started competing in 2012 at the age of 21 weighing in at 184 lbs. His bodyweight as fluctuated from 165-184 lbs. He is the former world record holder at 165 lbs. And has two all time world records, the 795 lb deadlift single ply and the 165 lb total.
His best raw squat is 534.6, bench is 429.9, and deadlift is 728.6 (4.4 times his bodyweight) lbs at a bodyweight of 165.3 lbs. Biggest total was 1665.5 at American Cup Los Angeles Fit Expo in 2016 with a wilks of 538.34.
He also has a 614 wilks in Single Ply with a 2007 lb total and a multi ply wilks of 667 with a 2190 lb total.
He’s also the owner of the apparel company Fight or Quit which can be found at fightorquit.com.
We talk about two big subjects, Bible Reading Plans and Dave's recent competition, video of that can be found here.
Everett has some choice thoughts about Bible reading plans and some insights that we should consider as the we end January and start heading into February.
This episode we discuss our strength/health/life goals for 2019. We got all the hosts in on this one and it was a fun episode, check it out!
This episode was our most highly downloaded episode of 2018 and we are glad to re-share it as we start 2019.
Greg Nuckols has over a decade of experience under the bar, and a BS in Exercise and Sports Science. He’s held 3 all-time world records in powerlifting in the 220 and 242 classes.
He’s trained hundreds of athletes and regular folks, both online and in-person. He’s written for many of the major magazines and websites in the fitness industry, including Men’s Health, Men’s Fitness, Muscle & Fitness, Bodybuilding.com, T-Nation, and Schwarzenegger.com. Furthermore, he’s had the opportunity to work with and learn from numerous record holders, champion athletes, and collegiate and professional strength and conditioning coaches through his previous job as Chief Content Director for Juggernaut Training Systems and current full-time work here on Stronger By Science.
His passions are making complex information easily understandable for athletes, coaches, and fitness enthusiasts, helping people reach their strength and fitness goals, and drinking great beer.
Some of the questions we got to ask him included:
- Mobility, foam rolling, and stretching (static or dynamic) – what is good for powerlifters vs bad or waste of time?
- How would you recommend a powerlifter do an off season on season when they are scheduling meets in a year? Is it true that you should only work on weaknesses on off season times? Lets assume you have 16 weeks before the next meet, how much weakness work can you do before you should start focusing on being more specific on the comp movements?
- Should there be a body fat percentage that is optimal for bigger powerlifters to try to stay around? Is there a good rule of thumb on weight gain when trying to go up a weight class? BB medicine has the limit to 40″ on the waist and PLto win says to maintain no greater than 15% bf
- Cardio – are 10 minute walks enough for most lifters? What would also be good as far as cardio for general health?
- From Jeff Ash – Is high intensity interval training better than low intensity cardio for strength athletes trying to maximize gains?
Ray Williams is the strongest man we have had on our podcast and a great way to end 2018! Really excited to talk to him about his background, his work, and current goals.
Another episode is up! Everett and David talk all about all things Christmas, food, and theology. Check it out!
Is warming up merely wasting time in the gym or is it something you should be doing on a daily basis?
Ethan McElroy is a strength coach in the Triangle area as well as a powerlifter. He recently wrote an article about warming up which can be found here.
With the holidays coming around you may be stuck with you inlaws or outlaws talking about theology. This episode we are talking a bit about what dispensationalism is and compare that to covenant theology.
We are joined by Jono, Janine, and Everett to talk all about the new transgender policy that Strongman Corp has issued which can be found here.
Early in the podcast Dave mentions the Jugglife Podcast discussion on Transgenderism and we reccomend you check that out first before listening to the podcast if possible. You can find that episode here.
Discipleship - how do you do it biblically? We are joined with Everett and Janine to talk about discipleship and how we see it being done in the past in the church and what things we are getting right and wrong.
This episode we talk nutrition and diets with Jeff and Janine. We talk about what goes into the phrase "a calorie is a calorie".
As of the posting of this episode we still do not have the official results of the IPL Midwest Open 2018. That being said we did a recap of how Everett's meet went and were joined by a guest host, Matt Turner. Matt is one of our Patreon contributors and is currently using Skynet AI coaching which we discussed at length in the episode.
You can find our Patreon page here.
Really grateful for Matt and his support of this show. Skynet can be found here.
American Strongest Man 2018 details can be found here.
Sean Demarinis BIO - 32 years old, born and raised in CA. Currently live in south Orange County. Most famous for the beaches, weather, disneyland and reality shows about privileged housewives and teenage drama. Im in sales and also work part time as a strength coach for East West Strength in Costa Mesa, CA. Strongman/weight lifting is my only hobby. The demand it takes in and out of the gym occupies the majority of my free time. However, i still enjoy going to the movies, dinner, beach, amusement parks etc. Just try and avoid too many physical activities, the risk of getting inured is haunting lol.
Notable Competition history:
- 4x CA strongest man. 2 HW and 2 MW titles
- 4x America's strongest man 105k
- MW and HW pro status
- 2nd place at WSM 105k in 2016 in Ireland
- 3rd place at the Ultimate strongman world championships 2018 in Czech Republic
What hobbies do you have outside of strongman?
- Sleeping, movies, beach, eating
What got you into strength sports? Where did your lifting journey start?
- Lifting begin when i was 12 years old. I was chubby and wanted to make an improvement. My mom actually showed me my first exercises. Really lifting or competitive lifting started when i played football in HS.
What was your inspiration or mentor in strength sports?
- Arnold was a huge inspiration but id have to say what really drove my passion was competing. I really enjoy being able to test myself against others.
Biggest strength numbers:
- Squat - 710
- Bench - 501
- Deadlift - 800
- Push Press - 400+
- Stone - 400+
- Log - 405
- Axle Clean n Press - 385
- Farmers Walk - 360
- Yoke - 1000
- Any I might have missed - 250 DB. 900 18’’ axle DL. 775 axle DL from the floor
Any injuries that you had to deal with?
- Quad tendon rupture off the bone, torn quad muscles, compartment syndrome, pec tears, proximal bicep tendon rupture...and a million other small sprains and tears.
How did you know that strongman was a good fit?
- I didn't at first. It took me 8 month of getting my ass kicked to feel like i was getting good enough to become a professional. However, i did take 4th out of 14 in my first show ever so based on that, i felt i at least had a shot to do well.
How many hours a week would you train before a strongman competition?
- If the show is on Sat, my last raining day is Tuesday. Maybe 1-2 hours, light work to keep the blood moving and muscles staying primed to lift.
What do you take on a regular basis to supplement your training?
- I work with a nutritionist and help with this but mostly the same things most people take...Vitamins, fish oil, protein powders etc
Rachel Pyron BIO -
- I work at Bodybuilding.com - headquarters are in Boise, Idaho. Co-manage Regulatory Compliance
- Grew up in a small, rural town; Arco, Idaho. Very little exposure to gyms/weightlifting etc.
- Competed in bodybuilding in 2009 and 2010 and fell into strongman shortly after.
Here's the results of ASM/ASW 2018.
Notable Competition history:
- Strongman Corp nationals 2013, 2014, 2015
- Arnold 2014, 2015, 2016 - placing 4th at that contest and qualified as a pro
- ASW 2016, 2017, 2018 (current LW 1st)
- Strongest Woman in the World Norway 2018
- World's Strongest Woman 2017
Some of the topics we discussed included:
What hobbies do you have outside of strongman?
- Hiking, traveling, shooting.. Anything outside
What got you into strength sports? Where did your lifting journey start?
- Started running in college and ended up with stress fractures in my feet - lead to weight lifting - bodybuilding -- and then strongman
What was your inspiration or mentor in strength sports?
- all of the other LW women mostly. Very competitive class and consistent women I have competed with year after year - Leslie Hofheins
Biggest strength numbers:
- Squat - good question ~ 225 front squat
- Bench - 180
- Deadlift - 355 axle :) Long Beach
- Stone 210
- Log - 190
- Axle Clean n Press - 170~ just missed 185 Saturday lol
- Farmers Walk - 180
- Yoke - 500
Any injuries that you had to deal with?
Back injury - annular tears in two discs
Dropped a stone on my foot April 2017 - I recommend avoiding this :)
How did you know that strongman was a good fit?
I’m still not sure that it is, but I love it anyway!
How many hours a week would you train before a strongman competition?
Close to 10 probably. General training about 1.5-2 hours plus one long event day.
What do you take on a regular basis to supplement your training?
Food; pre workout w/ creatine. Beta alanine. multi
How many calories do you eat off and on season? How can you afford to eat that much? What is your approach/attitude to food?
I honestly don’t count. I just try not to get hungry and stress about weight cause I’m always way under.
Any funny stories or events that happened in your competition?
I won - ha I was going to hang out and enjoy the beach, I had very little expectations for ASW
Favorite training music?
Country, I know I’m weird
What was the most famous person that you were the most stoked to meet in your competing?
Meeting Big Z at worlds last year was cool. And I finally got to meet Clint Darden in person
If you could do something different in your training (wind the clock back) what would you do?
Oh man… start deadlifting earlier and take more time off
What’s one thing that you want all lifters in the BBB to know or consider before getting into strength sports? (be able to justify your training) Common injuries specific to strongman as well as other health issues that someone might not consider (mental, addictions, etc)?
Little things matter - rest, sleep, food, take care of yourself.
I want to get into strongman...where should I start?
Local gym with equipment and hopefully a local coach - online is helpful, but not the same
What now do you want to do strength wise?
Get healthier, stronger - maybe a powerlifting meet
What’s one thing that you want all lifters in the BBB to know or consider before getting into strength sports?
It takes a long time to get better - consistency
Common injuries specific to strongman as well as other health issues that someone might not consider (mental, addictions, etc)?
It can be a very selfish and lonely sport
What pet peeves do you have when it comes to training in a gym?
Techno music
Article mentioned in the show
Dave Denis (den-KNEE) lives in New Hampshire, the Live Free or Die state. He worked for 16 years in the retail furniture industry in Michigan and Wisconsin, where he sold and trained others to sell all kinds of home furnishings including mattresses. He has been training with barbells in his cluttered garage for just about one year, having been schooled in the Starting Strength method. He is no record holder but he does pretty good for a 55 year old guy.
If it matters to anyone, my PRS (so far) on the 4 major lifts are as follows.
Squat 3x290
Deadlift 3x330
Bench 3x250
Overhead Press 3x170
Some of the topics we discussed included:
- Mattresses for athletes
- Adjustable bed frame - are they worth it
- Various issues with mattresses:
- Back Support
- Pressure Relief
- Sleep Quality
- Temperature Regulation
- Value
- Warranty Service
- Softness Level
- What are the bones of the mattress:
- Latex or Memory Foam
- Hybrid
- Innerspring
Dave's church website can be found here.
Kenric, Everett, and Janine hang out and chat about lifting, life, and laughs.
Intro was Jahazzer "Siesta", the sponsor music was "Cantina Rag", and the outro was Zoliborz "The Call of the Polar Star" used by permission from Freemusicarchive.org
BIO - Steve Carozza started lifting since 7th grade, started powerlifting January 2018, competed in three USPA meets, and has recently been invited to the Nova Fall Classic which is a “for pay competition”, winner gets $3500 in November.
According to openpowerlifting.com you have competed three times, all this year, starting with a total at 1758 and wrapping up at 1912 in late August.
Some of the topics we discussed included:
- What are your current strength numbers? Squat, bench, deadlift, any others you are proud of...
- Were you self-taught or did you learn from various sources?
- What got you into strength sports? Where did your lifting journey start?
- What was your inspiration or mentor in strength sports?
Any injuries that you had to deal with? - What do you take on a regular basis to supplement your training?
- Favorite training music?
- If you could do something different in your training (wind the clock back) what would you do? I want to get into powerlifting...where should I start?
- What now do you want to do strength wise?
- What’s one thing that you want all lifters in the BBB to know or consider before getting into strength sports? (be able to justify your training) Common injuries specific to strongman as well as other health issues that someone might not consider (mental, addictions, etc)?
- What is one thing you have heard many lifters say that is WRONG/MYTH?
- Other than lifting and coaching what are some of your other pursuits and would you consider lifting/coaching a hobby or more than that?
Paul Maxwell received his B.A. in biblical language studies from Moody Bible Institute, his M.Div. from Westminster Theological Seminary, and his Ph.D. in systematic theology from Trinity Evangelical Divinity School. Paul has lifted weights since he was 14 years old and has always seen athletic discipline as essential to a happy life. Paul Maxwell runs both Theo.fit as well as Selfwire.org.
Some of the topics we covered included:
- What are your current strength numbers? Squat, bench, deadlift, any others you are proud of...
- What is your coaching philosophy
- How many athletes do you coach?
- Were you self-taught or did you learn from various sources?
- What got you into strength sports? Where did your lifting journey start?
- What was your inspiration or mentor in strength sports?
- Any injuries that you had to deal with?
- What do you take on a regular basis to supplement your training?
- Favorite training music?
- What now do you want to do strength wise?
- What is one thing you have heard many lifters say that is WRONG/MYTH?
This episode we talk a smorgasborg of topics: Dave is prepping for a hurricane with some vodka and tequila last minute purchases and he's also scheduling a blood test to check a few things. We also discuss program/coach searching and go back and forth on what coach Dave is going to use. Janine shares some of her latest PRs on the Highland Games circuit.
In the show Dave talks about a few blood tests. Stan Efferding recommends that guys and gals get these blood tests done at least annually. There is more information that can be found here.
This meet is Dave and Christa's first PL meet as a couple competing on the same day. On August 25, 2018 at Crossfit RDU, USPA held the NC State Championships and the meet video can be viewed here. Dave and Christa both used the Calgary 16 week program which can be downloaded free here. At the meet Christa went 7 for 9 with a 221 lb squat, a 133 lb bench, and a 243 lb deadlift. Dave went 7 for 9 as well with a 501 lb squat, a 392 lb bench, and a 601 lb deadlift.
Bryce Krawczyk has an absolute sick Youtube channel, one of the few we recommend! Also he has given out a free powerlifting program that you can find on his website. Super excited to get him on the podcast. He lifts equipped as well as raw and we talk about his recent meet at the IPF Worlds 2018, which you can view here.
Janine rocks a highland games and Jeff talks about how to control your calories while eating out, more specifically, some ways to cut calorie intake without drastically changing the way you eat and how to keep them in check while dining out. The tips actually go hand in hand.
This is a first in a new format of shows where we attempt more of a free-flowing lifestyle format. Feel free to give us your thoughts on what you think of the new format.
We had Matt Gary on the show, co-founder of SSPT.
Matt Gary's bio includes:
23 years competition experience
USAPL Coaching Chairman (2012 - present)
USAPL Coaching Certification Director (2012 - present)
USAPL Coach of the Year 2012
Head Coach for 5 US National Teams
Asst. Coach for 35+ US National Teams
USAPL National Referee
SSPT co-founder (est. 2008)
Some of the topics we talked about were:
- game day coaching (at all levels of competitions and the differences between them)
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- What is your coaching philosophy
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- Mindset
- Execution
- Attempt selection
- How many athletes do you coach?
- Were you self-taught or did you learn from various sources?
- How do you prep for game day with attempts and working your athletes
- the application of Minimalism & Stoicism as guiding principles into my coaching process and philosophy
- my approach to singles-only in the DL
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- How often do you train singles and why do you only train singles
- our SSPT legacy
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- SSPT - what is your mission?
- How old is SSPT
- What is your break up between one on one training, game plans, and game day
- RPE or percentage based training
Kimberly Walford is a stud! No more words needed but here is a bio of her achievements on and off the platform: Kimberly Walford began powerlifting in 2000. Since that time, she has amassed 6 IPF Open Raw World Championships: (2-63kg, 4-72kg) (2012-2017) and 11 USAPL National Championships (Raw-Open, Eq-Jr., Military) and 1 - USPA Drug Tested National Championship (75kg) Her best numbers include USPA (DT) - Sq 193kg_425.49lbs, Bh 110kg_242, DL 245kg_540lbs, and TL 545.48kg_1202.59lbs USAPL - Squat: 414lbs/188kg(AR), Bench Press: 253.5lbs/115kg, Deadlift: 542.33lbs/246kg(AR), Total 1210.33 lbs/549kg(AR) She has set: -14 IPL Open WR, 14 IPL SubM WR - 17 IPF IPF Open World Records (two current world records) – 72kg DL: 535.72lbs/243kg and 72kg Total: 1190.49lbslbs/540kg. Hobbies: living my best life, traveling with my gf, anything active, spending time with family and friends.
We chatted all about her history in powerlifting, what it's like being an athlete and a coach, what's better - going 4 for 9 or 9 for 9, and she has a lot of cool stuff to say to noobs who might be interested in taking up the sport - check it out!
Kenric sits down with Strongman competitors and gym owners Mitch and Lacee Hughes to talk about training, USS Nationals, and owning your own gym. Support the show by visiting MyFitStatus.com/bacon and shopping at Valleyvintageshop.com ( coupon code gainzgrace).
Erin and Mark Valenti run Blind Dog Gym and Mark is part of a podcast called The Refined Savage.
Erin and Mark Valenti have been the co-owners of Blind Dog Gym since December of 2012. Blind Dog is a Crossfit gym in Lorain, Ohio, on the west side of Cleveland. together, Erin and Mark opened Blind Dog Gym with a vision of creating a community that is focused on improvement of self, improvement of community, and service to those who have or continue to serve.
Erin played several sports in high school. Rowing was her top sport for a while, including as a D-1 athlete at U of Iowa, and after college. Her competitive energies shifted to Crossfit for several years, and she is now a very competitive, newly minted master’s athlete in the Highland Games. From the Blind Dog website, “Instead of focusing on competition, and maintaining “contender” status, Erin has resolved to focus on longevity, resilience, and injury prevention in an effort to become more coach than athlete.”
Mark was a nationally-ranked professional Highland games athlete, with 22 years on the circuit. He holds several coaching certifications, including CrossFit Level 1 and Strongman, USAW, and USATF Level 1, and is an ADFPA strength and conditioning consultant.
Holiness - what is it? How does Rom 12:1-2 work? How does one keep walking the line between pursuing personal holiness and becoming a Pharisee? Check out this talk between Everett and Dave as they dive into this theological topic.
Really grateful to have Rob Polenik on the show. He's the owner of Brutal Iron Gym and we are going to talk a bunch of topics including:
- The good, bad, ugly of online coaching
- Nutrition and bulking and cutting for different athletes
- Programming and how to approach it for different athletes and general pop
- Pre-competition anxiety and how to handle it
- AND MUCH MORE
Continuing our IPF worlds competition series we catch up with Jaisyn Mike about his contest prep and performance
Intro was Jahazzer "Siesta", the sponsor music was "Cantina Rag", and the outro was Zoliborz "The Call of the Polar Star" used by permission from Freemusicarchive.org
Weight class: 120kg
Division: Masters 1
Nationality: United States of America (USA)
| Best Squat | 300kg | | Best Bench Press | 205kg | | Best Deadlift | 327.5kg | | Best Total | 822.5kg |
Notable achievements:
- 120kg M1 IPF World Classic Champion 2016
- 120kg M1 USAPL Raw National Champion 2016
- 120kg Open USAPL Raw Nationals 2015 9th place
You can check out his lifts at the IPF here.
We had the privilege to interview Suzanne Hartwig-Gary. She has been competing for 28 years and won 6 IPF World Championships and 26 National Championships. IPF Raw Classic Worlds 2018 was my 24th World Championships, she also competed in two World Games. Suzanne competed equipped for 24 years and went to Raw only after 2014 Equipped Worlds. She did my first raw competition in the 2008 Raw Arnold (the first year USAPL was there). Suzanne will be turning 50 this year. Currently she has the Equipped Master I World Record in the squat 182.5kg (402-lbs) and total 442.5kg.
Current Raw World Records:
Open Squat – 156.5kg (345-lbs)
Master I Squat – 156.5kg
Master II Squat – 152.5kg
Master II Bench – 80.5kg
Master III Deadlift – 158kg
Master II Total – 391kg
She also has a degree in Math and a minor in Computer. Suzanne is currently a massage therapist, bookkeeper/executive assistant, strength coach and co-owner of Supreme Sports Performance & Training (SSPT) in Rockville, MD 20852.
She likes to travel, amateur photography and spend time with family and friends.
Some of the episode notes included:
95% of the time you go 9 for 9 - what would you attribute that to?
First squat and second squat looked really easy. That third attempt looked perfect but you could have probably gone a little heavier - how did you feel about the squats?
What cues do you use when squatting?
First bench looked perfect but you were limping off the platform after the second rep - was it cramps or an injury? Do you usually do heavy bench without wrist wraps? Have you seen poor results benching with wrist wraps?
What cues do you use when benching? I noticed with the bench and squat you yell, “Up Up Up” similar to Stan Efferding...when did you start using that cue?
With deadlift you seem to clear your mind, then jumping before getting into position...how long did it take for you to get those cues for deadlift? Who coached you on your setup the way it is today?
I noticed heavy limping after deadlifts - cramps or injury?
You came back 100% for that second deadlfit - were you able to recover that quickly between attempts? That third deadlift looked like a perfect as an attempt selection for you - what do you attribute that last pull? Could you have gone heavier?
What does being the Open Raw National Team Head Coach 2016-2018 entail? Do you work alongside Coach Paulie?
Was this your first year in M2?
The IPF video of her competition can be found here.
This is the second interview with our IPF Worlds Series. Here are some of the discussion notes from the interview:
You got one red light on first squat for depth - seemed like a bad call, thoughts? Second squat was a world record attempt - how long have you been training for that squat? You got 2 reds on the second squat and you decided to go up 2.5 kilos, why did you go up in weight? How did it feel to get that record? You have an interesting setup with your hands, what are you doing with your right hand on the squat setup after the unrack?
First bench seemed really easy. With no competition to worry about were you concerned about getting on the board or were you looking to push personal best numbers? That third attempt looked perfect as far as a target - how did you feel about your third bench attempt, could you have gone any heavier?
First deadlift seemed like a fight - you think you went a bit heavy for a first pull?
Was there adequate time to rest between attempts? Your warcry during the pull, when did you start utilizing that? Was that second DL a world record or was that the third DL? How much have you pulled in training?
Do you get strange reactions when you train in commercial gyms?
How do you like working with Coach Paulie? Do you have a local coach you utilize?
To watch Susan compete at the IPF worlds click this link.
This is the beginning of a short mini-series called IPF Worlds 2018 and it includes lifters and coaches that were at the IPF Worlds in Calgary. We start off with an interview with Alicia Webb.
Alicia Webb won first place in 84 kg Masters 1 as well as best lifter. She squatted 200 kg, benched 112.5 kg, and deadlifted 197.5 kg for a 510 kg total and a wilks score of 455.23. This is her 6th IPF worlds and she has successfully defended her title.
Alicia's team coach can be found here. Alicia's instagram is here.
Check out the competition here.
Kenric, Everett, and Jeff Ash chat about weights, nutrition, bodyweight manipulation, and general fitness advice. This is a great episode for beginners to diet and nutrition. Check out MyFitStatus.com/Bacon and ValleyVintageShop.com for great deals and to support the show.
Intro was Jahazzer "Siesta", the sponsor music was "Cantina Rag", and the outro was Zoliborz "The Call of the Polar Star" used by permission from Freemusicarchive.org
This episode was truly a number of topics that ranged from a quick overview of some of the IPF lifts, to the SBC, then onto racism and the ERLC and we went all over the place with this one. Hope you all can follow some of the flow of the episode. One of the issues Dave is struggling with is the impact and role of the church in the culture and Everett is there to help set him straight.
Greg Nuckols has over a decade of experience under the bar, and a BS in Exercise and Sports Science. He’s held 3 all-time world records in powerlifting in the 220 and 242 classes.
He’s trained hundreds of athletes and regular folks, both online and in-person. He’s written for many of the major magazines and websites in the fitness industry, including Men’s Health, Men’s Fitness, Muscle & Fitness, Bodybuilding.com, T-Nation, and Schwarzenegger.com. Furthermore, he’s had the opportunity to work with and learn from numerous record holders, champion athletes, and collegiate and professional strength and conditioning coaches through his previous job as Chief Content Director for Juggernaut Training Systems and current full-time work here on Stronger By Science.
His passions are making complex information easily understandable for athletes, coaches, and fitness enthusiasts, helping people reach their strength and fitness goals, and drinking great beer.
Some of the questions we got to ask him included:
- Mobility, foam rolling, and stretching (static or dynamic) - what is good for powerlifters vs bad or waste of time?
- How would you recommend a powerlifter do an off season on season when they are scheduling meets in a year? Is it true that you should only work on weaknesses on off season times? Lets assume you have 16 weeks before the next meet, how much weakness work can you do before you should start focusing on being more specific on the comp movements?
- Should there be a body fat percentage that is optimal for bigger powerlifters to try to stay around? Is there a good rule of thumb on weight gain when trying to go up a weight class? BB medicine has the limit to 40” on the waist and PLto win says to maintain no greater than 15% bf
- Cardio - are 10 minute walks enough for most lifters? What would also be good as far as cardio for general health?
- From Jeff Ash - Is high intensity interval training better than low intensity cardio for strength athletes trying to maximize gains?
Greg Nuckols has over a decade of experience under the bar, and a BS in Exercise and Sports Science. He’s held 3 all-time world records in powerlifting in the 220 and 242 classes.
He’s trained hundreds of athletes and regular folks, both online and in-person. He’s written for many of the major magazines and websites in the fitness industry, including Men’s Health, Men’s Fitness, Muscle & Fitness, Bodybuilding.com, T-Nation, and Schwarzenegger.com. Furthermore, he’s had the opportunity to work with and learn from numerous record holders, champion athletes, and collegiate and professional strength and conditioning coaches through his previous job as Chief Content Director for Juggernaut Training Systems and current full-time work here on Stronger By Science.
His passions are making complex information easily understandable for athletes, coaches, and fitness enthusiasts, helping people reach their strength and fitness goals, and drinking great beer.
Some of the questions we got to ask him included:
- Mobility, foam rolling, and stretching (static or dynamic) - what is good for powerlifters vs bad or waste of time?
- How would you recommend a powerlifter do an off season on season when they are scheduling meets in a year? Is it true that you should only work on weaknesses on off season times? Lets assume you have 16 weeks before the next meet, how much weakness work can you do before you should start focusing on being more specific on the comp movements?
- Should there be a body fat percentage that is optimal for bigger powerlifters to try to stay around? Is there a good rule of thumb on weight gain when trying to go up a weight class? BB medicine has the limit to 40” on the waist and PLto win says to maintain no greater than 15% bf
- Cardio - are 10 minute walks enough for most lifters? What would also be good as far as cardio for general health?
- From Jeff Ash - Is high intensity interval training better than low intensity cardio for strength athletes trying to maximize gains?
Matt Wenning is one of only a handful of people to total over 2600 lbs in a professional competition, hold an all-time world record of 2665 lbs in the 308-lb class, and bench press over 800 lbs in a full powerlifting meet. He currently the owner and a private strength coach at Ludus Magnus gym in Columbus, Ohio, a personal trainer to many executives and professionals at Capital Club Athletics, and contracted by the US Army. He also works with firefighters, physicians, children with disabilities, and all forms of athletes in the Columbus, Ohio, area. His raw total is 2205 and equipped is 2665 lbs.
Some of the topics we covered included:
- What differentiates your form of conjugate to Westside?
- Raw PL vs Equipped - is there animosity between the two or is just on the equipped old school lifters?
- Do you think equipped PL will get popular again?
- What do you like about owning/operating a gym?
- Are you in Columbus, OH for any particular reason? Because Rogue or Westside?
- What is MAW (Mountain Athlete Warrior?
Strength Accomplishments
2011 World Record Holder at 308lbs
Former all time World Record Holder with 2665 lb total
World record Raw Squat (no wraps) - 832 lbs
World record Equipped Squat - 1197 lbs
2010 APF National Champion
2009 IPA National Champion
UPA National Record Holder - Open Division
John Hagee and Israel and the embassy moving to Jerusalem - these are the things we are diving into on this episode.
Some of the links we are referring to include:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TY6_hAkYRB4
https://www.timesofisrael.com/top-pro-israel-evangelical-leader-sees-wellspring-of-support-for-jewish-state/
https://www.nytimes.com/2018/05/14/world/middleeast/robert-jeffress-embassy-jerusalem-us.html
QUESTIONS - Why Hagee’s fascination with Israel and particularly with the Temple and Jerusalem?
I believe this is a fulfillment of the biblical position in the Torah, where God promises to Israel in Deuteronomy, where he promises that He will make Israel the head, and not the tail, of the nations, and that toward the end of days, Jerusalem and Israel will be the epicenter of everything that’s going to happen. So this embassy event, to me, is an indication of God’s favor on this nation and on these people in a very physical way.
"We are gentiles, we don’t have a covenant. You have a covenant, we don’t. And that’s the only way we get plugged in to have eternal life."
Question - Any credibility to Hagee’s timing of events in Israel as quoted here, “I believe that God does everything in His own time. The concept of the year of jubilee, as taught in Leviticus, Chapter 25, the prophetic clock does not tick until the Jewish people are in the land. And measuring that, that God measures time in modules of 50 years: 1917 was a jubilee year because Israel returned to the land. Add 50 to 1917, and you get 1967, the year in which Jerusalem was joined to the State of Israel, and the land mass of Israel more than doubled in a war that is called to this day, a miracle. Add 50 to 1967, and you have 2017.
This is a year of jubilee, and in this year of jubilee, Jerusalem has been pronounced the capital of Israel and the embassy is being moved. It’s a year of blessing that God is bringing to the Jewish people. So you are still front and center as far as God’s blessing being poured out upon you
QUESTION - Jeffress: ‘You can’t be saved being a Jew’ - what about Romans 11 - does Rom 11 apply to unbelieving Jews? Is Jeffress a replacement theology guy?
Hagee - Hitler was God’s plan for Israel - and Blood Moon prophecy...what else will he get wrong?
Gabe's BIO - I’m 22 years old. I’ve been lifting weights since I was 13, but have been training specifically for Strongman for about 6 months now. In that time I have been in two competitions and places 3rd in both in the lightweight division. I train for strongman at Metroflex Gym-Plano in Plano, TX. I have been married for almost a year now. I go to school at Criswell College where I major in Biblical Studies. And I am also a Student and Worship Pastor at Stepping Stones Church of McKinney, TX. Other than lifting my hobbies consist of studying theology, playing video games, watching movies, playing and listening to music. I am originally from Chickamauga, GA (in the Chattanooga, TN area) but now reside in Plano, TX. And something random about me is that in what would have been my sophomore year of college I took a semester to work with the IMB in Central Asia.
Some of the topics we covered with Gabe included:
- What weird strength parlor tricks do you do (rolling up frying pans, tearing phonebooks in half).
- What hobbies do you have outside of strongman?
- What got you into strength sports? Where did your lifting journey start?
- What was your inspiration or mentor in strength sports?
- Biggest strength numbers
- Any injuries that you had to deal with?
- How did you know that strongman was a good fit?
- How many hours a week would you train before a strongman competition?
- What do you take on a regular basis to supplement your training? How many calories do you eat off and on season? How can you afford to eat that much?
- Any funny stories or events that happened in your competition?
- What is your strongest implement/point maker event?
- Favorite training music?
- What was the most famous person that you were the most stoked to meet in your competing?
- If you could do something different in your training (wind the clock back) what would you do?I want to get into strongman...where should I start?
- What now do you want to do strength wise?
- What’s one thing that you want all lifters in the BBB to know or consider before getting into strength sports? (be able to justify your training) Common injuries specific to strongman as well as other health issues that someone might not consider (mental, addictions, etc)?
- What pet peeves do you have when it comes to training in a gym?
- What is one thing you have heard many lifters say that is WRONG/MYTH?
Kenric and Cheri catch up with Katherine Conway on her powerlifting journey.
Check out Valleyvintageshop.com with coupon code gainzgrace for 10% off. And head to http://myfitstatus.com/bacon/ for a two month free trial.
Intro was Jahazzer "Siesta", the sponsor music was "Cantina Rag", and the outro was Zoliborz "The Call of the Polar Star" used by permission from Freemusicarchive.org
Spencer Tyler's Bio - Currently a highland games pro. DII All American in the shot put and discus throw at Angelo State. Holds 5 world records in the Highland Games. Competed at the 2018 Arnold Classic and broke 3 world records, 28 lb sheaf, 56 lb weight for distance, and 56 lb weight over bar. Also holds the 20 lb sheaf record, the spinning weight over bar world record, and the light weight for distance thrown for 96.6 feet.
Some questions we asked him included:
- How did you get into Highland Games?
- What is your favorite event?
- You train with your wife? How does that work? Do you all compete at the same events?
- What has been your most memorable/favorite competition?
- How would you compare competing at the Arnold to your other competitions?
- How long did you train to break the world record in the sheaf toss at the Arnold? What would you attribute your being the best in the world at the sheaf toss to (strength training in the gym, height, years competing)? Who is closest to taking that world record away from you?
- How was the transition from track/field to highland games?
- Are there any great highland games athletes that didn’t compete in track and field in college that you are aware of?
The Reformed Resurgence - what is it, what caused it, is it a blip or is it here to stay? Join David and Everett as they take us on a little field trip through the past 20 years or so of church history.
Today Everett and Kenric are joined with Garrett Blevins, talking about powerlifter, AI training, and busy schedules. we also get a recap of Everett's recent meet. Check out valleyvintageshop.com , use coupon code "gainzgrace" for 10% off, and Check out our new sponsor MyFitStatus on the Google Play and Apple App store, use coupon "bacon" for 3 months free when registering.
Intro was Jahazzer "Siesta", the sponsor music was "Cantina Rag", and the outro was Zoliborz "The Call of the Polar Star" used by permission from Freemusicarchive.org
Adriane was a college athlete in the shot put, discus, hammer, and weight throw, graduating from Ashland University in 2004. She is a 13-time DII All American, with 7 national titles and 6 runner up honors (to her teammate, who was ultimately an Olympian in the hammer). Adriane set DII national records in the discus and indoor and outdoor shot put, and qualified for the Olympic Trials in the shot put in ‘04, ‘08, and ‘12. She was the 13th American woman to throw over 60 feet in the shot.
Adriane also has had a stellar career as a Highland Games athlete. She has won five World Championships, and set world records in 28lb weight for height ( or WoB), and the 28lb heavy weight for distance.
Adriane also has a long track record as a personal coach. She has coached in many different contexts, from high school, to college, to the Warrior Games.
Also the first woman to close the No. 2 Captains of Crush Gripper!
Developing as a thrower: You’ve had a long career with strength sports. How did you first get into the strength side of athletics? Track and field?
When do you first remember thinking that you were going to be really good at throwing things far?
Being a woman in strength sports: Something I know female athletes in strength sports sometimes deal with is how our bodies don’t always fit into the stereotypically feminine frame. One thing that has always struck me about you is how ripped you are, and how unashamed you are about your muscles. I love the picture of you from behind that shows you doing a pull up in your strapless wedding dress! Did you ever have emotional struggles with developing into such a visibly strong woman?
Major challenges: You had a stellar college career at Ashland University, which is how I met you. During your last year at Ashland, you experienced a pretty serious challenge that, for a normal human being, would have derailed your road to the Olympic trials. Please tell us about that.
Where did/do you find your drive?
Mental skills that differentiate the athletes that are able to perform to their potential? How can those skills be developed?
Highland Games: I read that you kind of got into it on a whim - some friends invited you to try it out. What was it like to go from a newbie to qualifying for the World Championships the next year?
What was the experience of being on Spartan Ultimate Team Challenge like for you?
Getting older: Talk a little bit about what your training is like now. How have you adjusted things as you have gotten older?
Coaching: I’m curious about Poliquin’s approach; Biosignature practitioner?
How do you manage the balance between coaching and training yourself?
Is there anything that you would like to promote?
@adrisue on Instagram
Into the Distance - documentary on Vimeo
We had the opportunity to interview Kent Mosher, one of our BBB group members on his first powerlifting competition. Janine joins us as well and we talk all about the importance of sleep.
The two links mentioned in the show are from Barbend and Greg Nuckols.
Kenric and Dave recently both had powerlifting competitions and are on this episode to share stories and talk about their attempts on the platform. Everett and Janine join them and we have a few jokes and a great time!
We were honored to have Dave Ricks back on our show. We got to interview him last year and he's been rocking it since then. Here are some of his accomplishments - Arnold - Best Lifter at the Arnold Sports Festival in 2009, 2010 and 2011, 2012. Competes in the Raw 205 class. Bench press 210 kg (463 lbs) The Arnold - Grand Prix by SBD 03/03/2018 Deadlift 310 kg (683 lbs) The Arnold - Grand Prix by SBD 03/03/2018
Here are some of the topics we discussed:
- How much does your weight fluctuate throughout the year?
- Do people at work or who know you outside of powerlifting think you are crazy or do they understand what it is that you do and why you do it?
- Who are your direct competition and how much does that drive you? John Haack, Ashton Rouska, etc
- Squatted 292.5 and missed 310, PB was 325.5 at Pacific Internationals back in April 30, 2017. Set bench press PR 210 kg (previous was 207.5 kg back in Oct 2017 and deadlift PR 310 kg (previous was 305 kg back in Oct 2017). Missed PR new total is 812.5 kg (previous was 825.5 kg back in April 2017).
- Do you think the judges were too nit-picky about depth in the squat? It appears you were just there at depth, did you think you were high or was it obvious to you as well?
- Squats seem to be difficult for you since Pacific Internationals where you went 9 for 9. Is it a mobility issue that you are working through?
- Your bench and deadlift has steadily improved, what do you attribute your progress?
- Do you think you’ll hit a raw 500# bench in comp someday? (Or gym)
- You started out Equipped...any thoughts on going back to equipped?
- You broke a bunch of state records in your bench press and deadlift PRs as well as national records. Do you have any American record breaking goals you would like to set in the future?
- What specific meets do you look forward to competing at and why (Raw Nationals, IPF Worlds, particular invitationals)?
- How many days a week do you train and have you ever considered other sports (strongman, weightlifting)?
- How are you involved in powerlifting outside of competing?
This episode we talk all about Janine's performance at the Arnold Highland Games as well as talk powerlifting and strongman at the Arnold. Dave and Christa got to hangout with Janine and catch up and watch her compete with some of the top Highland Games athletes in the nation. Check it out!
Kenric and Cheri catch up with BBB member Becca to talk about her weight-loss journey, road to the Arnold, and competing in Strongman.
Go to valleyvintageshop.com, and use coupon code gainzgrace for 10% off.
The Youtube link we are discussing can be found here.
Periodization - what is the problem?
- Some issues arise from long-term life stuff (most people don’t have 12 weeks of their immediate life planned out)
- Research is lacking to show that current periodization is best
-
- Is the one group that was on the periodization model stronger because of the periodization model or because of the novel training stimulus
- Studies are short term
-
- Long term multi-year studies aren’t practical
- Group based (focused on averages)
- Mostly untrained (or nearly untrained) subjects
- Generic science problems
-
- Lack of replication, lack of negative publication
- BIGGEST issue - Over-concluding
Logical roots of Periodization
- Soviets impose top-down models on everything and they can grind through hundreds of athletes to find a few dozen that the model worked well on
Where to go from here:
- The process is more important than the plan, the plan will break you as a coach need to adapt and change
How do you solve these problems?
How would you train if you never heard of periodization?
Simplify!
- Remove as many variables as you can
- Assess what works and what doesn’t
- Utilize a bottom-up process instead of a top-down
Anatoliy Bondarchuk, most successful throws coach in terms of number of Olympic gold medals. Bottom up system of coaching can be credited to Bondarchuk.
What does it look like?
- A framework for implementing a bottom-up approach
-
- Remove a lot of assumptions
- Use systems to monitor training
- Use contingency planning to deal with emerging information
-
- Non-response, peaking too early,k peaking too late, building a catalog of effective methods, etc
- Get fairly uninterested in long term planning
-
- (at least until you know the athlete quite well)
Practical analysis
- Build a microcycle of training (development cycle). Repeat it. Monitor the results.
- Repeat
- Track time to peak
- TTP should be similar for all lifts
- First block gets taken too far just to see reaction
- After determining TTP, incorporate deload session unless near a meet (usually ¼ the length of TTP)
- Requires tracking of each workout and communication between lifter and coach
QUESTIONS -
- How many athletes did you have to test to get the three TTP values
- How many micro-cycles do you write up and what do you change
- Do you follow the specificity principle when changing the exercises - less variance on the big three as you get closer to the meet
- How long does it take to get the micro-cycles correct? A few months?
- Are you hoping to be able to compare this approach to historical gains from top-down periodization
- If you are an individual lifter without a coach, prioritize what should be focused on when changing parts of a program and how long you should tinker with these variables before making a judgement that this change was good or bad.
- Can you do this type approach as an individual lifter, what would it take?
- Have the coaches at RTS determine the best things to change vs what things tend not to work with changing?
- Measure e1RM when u start and end the block
- From Everett - are you moving to equipped lifting
This week Everett, David, and Janine pick up where we left off last week. Check out Bacon, Bibles, and Barbells on Facebook for the full discussion. Don't forget to visit valleyvintageshop.com and support the podcast, and contact us for T-shirts to rep at the gym.
This week we asked the Facebook group to give us theology topics to discuss and over 100 posts later we decided to do a two part series on theology. So grab your thinking caps and get ready to hear us tackle topics from women in the church to New Covenant theology!
Ed Coan best lifts are 1019 lb squat, 584 lb bench, 901 lb deadlift, with a total of 2504 lbs at 220 lbs. His best drug tested meet was a 2282 lb total at ‘94 IPF senior world championships. According to Wikipedia, Coan has set over 71 world records in powerlifting.
Some the questions we discussed were:
- When was your last competition? How is your current training?
- Who are some of the old greats that are still alive that us younger generation lifters could learn from? Kirk, Gene Bell, Goggins
- Any books on powerlifting that you recommend?
- How has powerlifting changed? What changes were good, bad, and ugly?
- What was it like making one record after another? Was it training/genetics/programming/desire to win...what made you so good?
- What was the award that you were the most excited by/honored by? (example: I see that ISoF has awarded you a few years ago)
- What is different competing between the USPF and the IPF?
- How many years training did it take before you starting making state and national records?
- Were you ever sponsored? How did work and life balance work in with your training?
- Favorite music/band to train to?
- Are you super-focused in the gym or outgoing?
Kenric, Everett, and Janine get together to talk about how we manage to be athletes with full-time lives. Nutrition, recovery, training, and everything else to goes along with it. Hit up valleyvintageshop.com for all your beard and hair care products, soaps, and balms. Coupon code "gainzgrace".
Pete Rubish is a master of the deadlift! 920 lb deadlift gym lift and 2100 lb total, 2nd all time in the 242 lb raw class. Pete's been training for 12 years and is still going strong, recovering from a back injury last year and breaking records with a recent competition in Tennessee.
If you are interested in contacting Pete for coaching you can reach him at prstrength1@gmail.com. His instagram is here.
We talk to BBB member Anthony Kroeker about their upcoming Adoption, training, and their unique choice of middle names. Check out Kroekeradoption.com to keep up with their adoption and donate. as always, visit Valleyvintageshop.com for all your soaps, balms, and oils.
Liturgy - where did it come from?
What is liturgy - Merriam-Webster defines it as a rite or body of rites prescribed for public worship, or a customary repertoire of ideas, phrases, or observances.
Would the passover be the first example of liturgy?
Why do churches have different liturgical practices? Is liturgy more than merely congregational recitations on a weekly basis? Example, each week we recite the same four things before the sermon and sing the doxology before we leave…
How is liturgy different from sacraments (or ordinances as Baptists like to call them - why don’t Baptists like the word sacraments?)
Where in Scripture does it say that Sunday worship should include various liturgical proceedings?
What are some good and potentially bad things about liturgy in the church? (Example - repetition can lead to vain repetitions where people are going through the motions)
My note - During church we are worshipping God and if God said there’s a way to worship him we need to get ourselves in line to that. Church isn’t about me it’s about Him.
St Justin Martyr (thx internet) - “But we, after we have thus washed him who has been convinced and has assented to our teaching, bring him to the place where those who are called brethren are assembled, in order that we may offer hearty prayers in common for ourselves and for the baptized person, and for all others in every place, that we may be counted worthy, now that we have learned the truth, by our works also to be found good citizens and keepers of the commandments, so that we may be saved with an everlasting salvation. Having ended the prayers, we salute one another with a kiss. There is then brought to the president (i.e. presiding Presbyter) of the brethren bread and a cup of wine mixed with water; and he taking them, gives praise and glory to the Father of the universe, through the name of the Son and of the Holy Ghost, and offers thanks at considerable length for our being counted worthy to receive these things at His hands. And when he has concluded the prayers and thanksgivings, all the people present express their assent by saying Amen. This word Amen answers in the Hebrew language to γένοιτο (so be it). And when the president has given thanks, and all the people have expressed their assent, those who are called by us deacons give to each of those present to partake of the bread and wine mixed with water over which the thanksgiving was pronounced, and to those who are absent they carry away a portion.”
Some say the first “church service” was Acts 2:41-47. Is the accurate?
So worship was visible in OT and is invisible in NT
Talayna is a physical therapist and CrossFit athlete. She was a college gymnast and heptathlete. Originally from Tennessee, she now lives in Naples, Florida. She was sponsored by Reebok, Kill Cliff, RSP Nutrition, and CrossOver Symmetry. She recently completed a clinical doctorate in physical therapy.
Some of the topics we discussed included:
- How did you get started in sports?
- Tell us about transitioning from gymnastics to the heptathlon.
- When and how did you get involved with CrossFit?
- What drew you to Crossfit?
- What are some of the highlights competing in CrossFit?
- What were/are your maxes?
- Most of our group members (and probably listeners) are amateur athletes/lifters. What was is it like being a sponsored athlete? Do you have an agent? Did they approach you? What catches were there? Is it worth it?
- How do you picture your future in sports/fitness?
- Talk to us about CrossFit and safety and being a physical therapist. Some people are definitely biased against CrossFit, and it has a reputation of being an activity where people push themselves past healthy limits.
- From a PT perspective, what advice do you have for weekend warriors or amateur lifters who do something like strain their back or experience some other injury?
- It seems sometimes like medical professionals do whatever they can to keep injured athletes away from their sport. How can medical professionals do a better job of getting us back to full activity?
- There seems to be controversy over various modes of injury rehab (ice vs heat)? Where do you stand on the ice vs heat controversy?
- What about the difference of opinion regarding foam rolling? Where does the research seem to point in regards to foam rolling and its effectiveness (http://www.dieselcrew.com/are-foam-rollers-crap, http://articles.reactivetrainingsystems.com/2016/10/06/treat-the-issues-not-the-tissues/)
- What modalities of PT are crap or have little to no research behind it?
- Graston technique - useful or not for recovery? What about cupping? What essential oil is your fav?
Evangelism - how should it work? What does it look like as far as the believer's role and the church's role? The's are a few of the topics discussed with this week's episode.
This is our FIRST annual goals episode. In this episode we are joined with Cheri, Everett, Janine, and Kenric as we discuss our goals for year 2018.
The link to the USPA strength standards can be found here.
Dave’s Goals
BW - 275
SQ - currently 450 - class 3
BN - currently 370 (missed 400) - class 1
DL - currently 510 (missed 550) - class 1
Total - currently 1330 (could be closer to 1400) - class 2
BW - 275 if possible (hahahahahahaha) lol :)
SQ - 539 - class l
BN - 425 - class master
DL - 614 - class master
Total - 1578 - class 1
Cheri - I really want to enjoy lifting and not being obsessed with chasing numbers. Near a masters total and would love to get to an elite total. Focus on life/lifting balance. Would like to be solidly in the masters total. Husband will hopefully do a meet as a couple in 2018. Weight class goals - would like to get down to 165, need to lose 10 lbs. Probably compete in a competition in 2018.
Kenric - First goal - total 1607 for masters by end of March. Have new baby in end of March. Nutrition and weight, around 285. Back is feeling better, pulling sumo for 500x2.
Everett - listen to the show, it's in there :P
Janine - Throwing at the Arnold Classic. Would like to bench 225 lbs. How are you working around back issues? Most leg press for lower body, hamstring curls and back extensions for posterior chain work. Arnold Classic - caber toss, weight over bar, heavy weight for distance (18 lbs), sheaf toss, stone throw, keg toss. Goal for 2018 - not be sick. Improve master’s throws records. Hoping to hit top 5 at Arnold Classic.
We are joined with BBB members Steven Lee, Everett Henes, and Dave Auge. This is Stephen's first meet and he easily gets the highest total in his weight class and highest total of the meet in knee sleeves.
Steven Lee competed at the 275 lb weight class and got a 500 lb squat, 340 lb bench, 585 lb deadlift.
Dave Auge also in the 275 lb weight class and got a 450 lb squat (59 lb PR), 370 bench (10 lb PR), 510 deadlift (40 lb PR).
Everett Henes got 2nd place in the masters at 242 lbs and got a 535 lb squat, 315 bench, and 550 deadlift.
We had the opportunity to interview Matt Hadden CEO of General Leathercraft and Pioneer Belts. We got to discuss the following topics:
- What got you into working with leather?
- Powerlifting belts...how did that line of business become attractive?
- What sets Pioneer belts apart from your competition?
- What are some cool belts/athletes you have made belts for?
- What is the process in making a belt?
- What is your background in strength training?
- IPF - how hard is it to get it approved
Matt Reynolds has nearly 20 years of experience competing in strength sports and coaching barbell-based strength and conditioning. He first totaled “elite” in powerlifting in 2004, won his professional status in the sport of Strongman in 2006, and founded one of the strongest and largest pure-strength gyms in the country, STRONG Gym, (PowerliftingWatch Gym of the Year 2013 and 2014).
Matt’s strength articles have been widely published since 1999, and he has been interviewed by some of the world’s most popular podcasts, including Art of Manliness, Order of Man, Art of Charm, Starting Strength, STRONG Life with Zach Even-Esh, Barbell Business, PT Prophet, and Power Athlete.
Matt is a Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist through NSCA, and holds his Starting Strength Certification. Since 2010, he traveled throughout the country serving as staff coach with Mark Rippetoe for Starting Seminars. He also has served as an adjunct professor for Exercise Science at Bryan University.
Matt founded and owns Starting Strength Online Coaching, a company built on bringing premium strength coaching from Starting Strength Coaches to those who don’t have a Starting Strength Coach in their area. Although he now coaches almost exclusively online, he still loves coaching single-session, in-person, out-of-town clients each week.
Matt also co-hosts the popular strength podcast, Barbell Logic, with fellow SSC Scott Hambrick where they systematically and progressively walk through the journey of strength with their 100k+ listeners each month
Some of the topics we discussed included:
- How did you come to your faith? How has your faith impacted your lifting/competition life?
- Barbell Logic - how did that start?
- What got you into powerlifting? What got you into Starting Strength? How is the Starting Strength Online Coaching company working? What are your and Rip’s thoughts on online vs face to face coaching?
- What other sports/strength sports have you done?
- What was it like founding and running STRONG Gym? What did you love most about it and what do you miss most? What are some of your pet peeves as a gym owner? What do you like most about not being a gym owner anymore?
- You hold many championships. What are some of the highlights from competing as a powerlifter and as a strongman athlete that stick out to you the most?
- You went pro in 2006- what was the process like of going from an amateur to a pro?
- As a professor for Exercise Science what are some of your thoughts of the online powerlifting community with the mix of bro-science and actual research that is being spread by those like Dr Israetel, Dr Baraki, the folks at JTS, RTS, and of course Starting Strength?
- Any interesting meet stories? Where is the coolest place you’ve competed?
- What do you enjoy more about a powerlifting meet vs a strongman competition?
- What are your best lifts?
- What programs do you recommend over others after a beginner has advanced through the Starting Strength program and can be considered an intermediate lifter? What counts as an intermediate lifter?
- Recovery - what is your personal go to for general recovery after training?
Daniel McKim BIO - All American shot putter in college and 15-time national qualifier in five events (I’m guessing weight, hammer, discus, and indoor and outdoor shot put...not javelin…) at DII Northwest Missouri State University. Retired from the Highland Games following a career that lasted over a decade and saw him win five world championships and six national championships, and two world championships in the caber toss,two world team championships, and two world records in light and heavy hammer. Appeared on NBC’s “Spartan: Ultimate Team Challenge” this summer. Active on social media (hilarious videos!!). Also an outspoken believer.
Daniel McKim's Youtube and Instagram links
Questions that were discussed in this episode included:
- You are very outspoken about your faith. Tell us about that - how did you come to faith? How has your faith impacted your athletics career?
- What got you into track and throwing? And what is a Spoofhound?
- What were some of the highlights for you from throwing in high school and college?
- What other sports/strength sports have you done?
- How did you get into highland games after college?
- You hold many championships - national and world; individual and team. What are some of the highlights from competing as a Highland Games athlete that stick out to you the most?
- You went pro in 2007 - what was the process like of going from an amateur to a pro?
- You competed in the Highland Games for over a decade. What have you done to stay active and healthy through that time?
- I have heard that you can do multiple meets in a month, how many have you done in a short period?
- Any interesting meet stories? Where is the coolest place you’ve competed?
- You got to be part of a team of Highland Games athletes on NBC’s “Spartan: Ultimate Team Challenge.” What was that experience like? It looked like a bit more cardio than I like!
- How does a highland game go?
- You hold the world record in the light and heavy hammers. Are they your favorite highland games events? What events were the most challenging for you to master?
- How do (did) you train for Highland games?
- How often do (did) you do event specific training vs strength training?
- You retired from the Highland Games this year. Tell us a little about how you came to that decision?
- You’ve got five boys. Are any of them interested in the sports their dad has competed in?
- What are your best lifts?
- We have a lot of people in the group who either have or want to put together a home gym. As a Sorinex rep, what advice do you have for them?
- Black or grey sweatpants? Just kidding. It’s not even a question. #bss4life
- Sorinex - how awesome is it to sell equipment
We are joined with Raeanne Pemberton. She is a crossfitter, powerlifter, marathon runner, and now competes and is very successful in Strongman. She is also a co-founder of Belle of the Bar.
Some of the topics we discussed included:
- What got you into powerlifting and strongman?
- Best lifts? BN, SQ, DL, Strongman implements?
- What are your long term strength goals and short term?
- What are your pet peeves training at a gym?
- What is belle of the bar? What are some things you’ve learned through creating it?
- Women in strength sports...where do you see them in 10-20 years?
- How long should I do powerlifting before I consider strongman? Should I do one before the other or does it matter?
- What is your favorite thing about powerlifting? What specifically about strongman do you love that is different from powerlifting?
- Who’s your competition and do you let them drive you or are you driven internally?
The disabled show mentioned on the podcast was called the America's Strongest Disabled Athlete.
Hope you all had a great Thanksgiving!
Today we are talking about food and food prep - macros, tracking calories, what to do about the holidays, reverse dieting, how does flexible dieting work, have we tried keto...all this good stuff! Have a happy thanksgiving and enjoy those calories!
Links mentioned in the show:
Calorie King
Avatar Nutriton
IIFYM
Today we are discussing the doctrine of providence.
What is Providence?
WLC 1:18 What are the works of providence? A. God's works of providence are his most holy,(1) wise,(2) and powerful preserving(3) and governing(4) all his creatures; ordering them, and all their actions,(5) to his own glory.(6)
(1)Ps. 145:17
(2)Ps. 104:24; Isa. 28:29
(3)Heb. 1:3
(4)Ps. 103:19
(5)Matt. 10:29,31; Gen. 45:7
(6)Rom. 11:36; Isa. 63:14
Does anything happen in this world that is outside the providence of God?
Can we “read Providence”?
Biblical examples of Providence, good and bad:
-
Bad: Job’s friends; Disiples in John 9
-
Good: Joseph, Paul
What difference does understanding the doctrine of Providence make?
It's member interview week and this week we are interviewing Kent Mosher, pastor of Table Church as well as a strength athlete. He's currently squatting more than Dave (big accomplishment) and finishing up his undergrad. Some of the topics we discussed were:
- What drew you to powerlifting?
- You’re a pastor? Does lifting heavy help with sermon prep? (I haven’t asked Everett this yet...feel happy)
- Do you think a pastor is disqualified from ministry for being fat?
- What are your best lifts?
- What are your current strength goals? What is your future “perfect world” strength goal?
- As a gym member, what pet peeves do you have? Do you have a home gym?
- How close is Portlandia to Portland?
Johnny Layne is the USPA VP for the RAW division and runs a crazy amount of powerlifting meets as a meet director on the east coast. We were honored to pick his brain about the future of powerlifting as well as how he got involved in the USPA and what the USPA is all about.
Some of the topics covered included:
- USPA - what is it’s history and makes it special? Why is it better than the USAPL? What rivalry is there between the USPA and the USAPL?
- What drew you to strength sports?
- What drew you to the USPA?
- What is the Layne Performance Center?
- What are your best lifts?
- What are your current strength goals? What is your future “perfect world” strength goal?
- As a gym owner, what pet peeves do you have? What is the best thing about being a gym owner? What is the worst thing about being a gym owner?
- What are some of the coolest things you’ve seen working all these powerlifting meets?
- What would you tell to a new lifter who is looking to break records and be the next Ray Williams?
Questions from the group:
- Why should I lift USPA instead of other lifting federations?
- Ask him about West Virginia and our bench pressers!! (Which I am not a good one!)
- Why is it a requirement for the lifter to take off the thumb strap when wearing wrist wraps?
Austin Baraki Bio - Starting Strength Staff Coach is a resident physician in Internal Medicine at the UT Health Science Center at San Antonio, Texas. He received his doctorate in Medicine from Eastern Virginia Medical School in Norfolk, Virginia and his B.S. in Chemistry from The College of William & Mary in Williamsburg, Virginia. He became interested in strength training after completing a 15-year competitive swimming career through the Division 1 collegiate level, and is now a competitive powerlifter and strength coach for clients of all ages with Barbell Medicine. He now practices telemedicine through SteadyMD.
Some the topics covered included:
- What got you into swimming?
- What got you into strength training?
- Are there any crossovers between your years as a swimmer and powerlifting?
- Why Starting Strength and not some other thought center around powerlifting like JTS, Westside, RTS, or 5/3/1? Is it the certification process that appealed to you?
- HRT and PL - will the USAPL ever allow athletes on HRT to compete and potentially be apart of the IPF? Do other countries have to be as strict in testing their competitors as the US (thinking of the Icarus movie)? - The link to the article Dr. Baraki mentions can be found here.
- Separate question - I know you had a seminar talk regarding testosterone and strength training (perhaps not posted on youtube yet) - are there significant differences in strength being at a test level of 290 vs a test level of 900 ng/dL (both considered to be normal levels of testosterone in a non-obese adult).
Questions from the Facebook group:
- What one thing should you look for before hiring a strength coach?
- Who's smarter him or Jordan Feiganbaum?
- Where do you see the future of powerlifting being the next 10-30 years?
- Besides "the bridge" what intermediate programs do he thinks are useful?
With the 500th anniversary of the Protestant Reformation we are going to discuss this time in history in more detail. Some of the topics covered include:
- What was the reformation?
- Who started it?
- Why is it relevant?
Lets talk about some of the things we reformed from
- Indulgences
- Merits of the saints
- The Pope’s authority over purgatory
And some of the things we reformed to
- The 5 solas
- Sola Fide, by faith alone.
- Sola Scriptura, by Scripture alone.
- Solus Christus, through Christ alone.
- Sola Gratia, by grace alone.
- Soli Deo Gloria, glory to God alone.
This episode we go over an indepth article on periodization for powerlifters by Dr. Mike Israetel which can be found at the Juggernaut Training Systems website here.
We cannot say enough great things about this guide. Dave learned the difference between micro, meso, and macrocycles. Everett and Janine debate over phase potentiation and Janine reads excerpts from her copy of Periodization Training for Sports by Bompa and Carrera.
There are a number of helpful visuals you won't get in the podcast so please do check the link out above. Enjoy the show!
EPISODE 100! We are delighted to have James Deffinbaugh and Laura Anderson to give us a recap on how the ASM 105kg and Strongest Woman in the World events went.
Day 1
Log Clean and Press for reps - 60 secs
WT Men 105k - 325
Fatback Farmers - 60 sec., Athlete will carry farmers walk implements 30 feet perform and 4 Deadlift reps with the farmers implements, then carry 30 more feet to finish line and perform 4 more Deadlift reps for time. Athlete will be given a down call on deadlift.
105k - 340
Keg Over Bar 60 secs
WT Men 105k - 320
Arm over Arm Pull
TBD
Axle Deadlift for reps
WT Men 105k - 675
For James tiebreaker - one-arm farmer's handle hold for max time AT 300lbs
Questions for Laura - the log press and farmers (? she got 2nd on farmer’s) were the two that kept you from gold. How close were you to getting more points on both events (1 rep for log press, 1 second faster on farmers)?
https://www.strongmancorporation.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/08/Scoresheet-Olympia-2017-Final.pdf
Questions for James - how heavy was the arm over arm, how heavy do you usually train at the gym? Sean Demarinis tore his quad on the farmers. How big of an upset was that?
Today's episode we discussed the visible and the invisible church...and no this has nothing to do with H.G. Wells.
Some of the discussion points that were covered included:
Understanding the Visible/Invisible church distinction
- In Scripture
- In History
- As regards the Reformation
Errors when it comes to this distinction
- The invisible church IS the visible church
- The visible church IS the invisible church
- The visible and invisible are two different churches
How do we account for churches that are not faithful?
- Impure vs pure
- How impure before it is no church at all?
Here’s the question for debate - What does the modern visible church today look like and how close is that to what it should look like? What things would be different?
What is the role of the local church?
What is the social gospel?
What is the invisible church? How does that differ from the visible church?
Westminster Standards. Chapter 25, "Of the Church," states: "The catholic or universal church, which is invisible, consists of the whole number of the elect, that have been, are, or shall be gathered into one, under Christ the Head thereof; and is the spouse, the body, the fullness of him that filleth all in all. The visible church, which is also catholic or universal under the gospel (not confined to one nation, as before under the law), consists of all those throughout the world that profess the true religion; and of their children: and is the kingdom of the Lord Jesus Christ, the house and family of God, out of which there is no ordinary possibility of salvation" (sections 1, 2).
This week we discuss an article from Greg Nuckols website, Stronger By Science.
This article was originally penned by Dr Mike Zourdos who has an extensive impressive history in powerlifting as well as a long list of educational credentials.
When it comes to load progression, many of us have done a few of these strategies without even being aware of it. Some of the ways to progress in load I've heard go as follows:
If work is below an 8 RPE, progress up by 2.5% for that week and see how next week feels, repeat until at 8 RPE...new cycle of training changes things up on a monthly basis so you shouldn’t hit an 8 RPE until near week 4 of each training cycle. This was presented by kizentraining, as well as by Jake Noel.
Another progression strategy I’ve seen is more linear - follow plan and at week 3 do an amrap for squat and bench and based on number of reps your working 1rm will go up and your linear percentages will change with that new number. DL changes based on speed of bar that is tracked by coach or can be tracked personally,.
From the article:
Surely, we all look to continuously increase the load we are lifting, but how are we supposed to do this? What strategies can you use to dictate load progression? How much should you increase load each week? Are different progression strategies appropriate for experienced and novice lifters?
There are 3 strategies for load progression: These strategies are:
-
An arbitrary progression
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Autoregulatory Progressive Resistance Exercise
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Rating of perceived exertion (RPE) progression
Arbitrary progression - Great for novice or intermediate lifters as the progression tends to add weight quickly. However, just because you can add 10kg, doesn’t mean that you should.
When a novice individual increases load too fast, this causes a constant increase in volume, and in the short-term, moderate volumes may be preferable for both strength (2, 3) and hypertrophy (3) to high volumes. Therefore, I see no reason for a novice individual to adapt to a higher training volume early on, especially if there is no guarantee that extra benefit will occur. Further, it is likely that a novice individual is still making great strides to improve their technique on multi-joint lifts (i.e. squat, bench press, deadlift, etc.), thus rapid load progressions could increase injury risk when technical mastery is not yet achieved. Therefore, in novice to intermediate lifters, it may be a successful strategy to prescribe an excellent load with a simple 2.5kg progression increase.
Final Word: An arbitrary progression from week to week cannot be used universally since rate of strength adaptation is individual; however, it could keep novices from progressing too much too soon by stipulating they stick to a simple 2.5kg weekly load increase.
Autoregulatory Progressive Resistance Exercise (APRE) - This is what I’m currently using with this training block.
- Pros - as long as you are using a % increase of load this is a good model as it is based on how many reps you can achieve based on last week’s (month’s) numbers (which are based on the previous week/month).
- Cons - that AMRAP might be over what you can usually do due to excitability and you knock out 10 reps when you usually could only knock out 8, which can lead to progressing in too much load and missing reps down the road.
Rate of Perceived Exertion (RPE) - RPE 10 - no more in the tank, 9 - 1 rep, 8 - 2 reps...you can utilize RPE for load progression (lower RPE = more reps x sets). This can be done looking at last training session or looking at an average RPE based across all sets.
- Pros - it doesn’t get much more individualized than RPE.
- Cons - is the RPE accurate? How long does it take for a lifter to know for sure? Noobs might think they are at a 7 RPE when they are much closer to a 9.
Final Word: Load progression with RPE has distinct advantages in that it individualizes progression not only for the lifter but also across different days of the week (if different repetition zones are used within a week); however, this strategy is predicated on the lifter providing accurate RPE values.
We are joined by Ethan McElroy, Raleigh area coach for powerlifting and general fitness. Ethan's specialty is strength training for general population and coaching others in strength and power sports. He has competed and coached in powerlifting and football. Ethan has also participated in one strongman, 2 highland games and threw shotput and discus for 7 years. Ethan will be competing in a meet coming up in November as well as a strongman event in spring and the State one in May.
Ethan's coaching site can be found here, and he is on Instragram here.
How did you get into Powerlifting? What got you into strength sports? Where did your lifting journey start? I got into powerlifting in my final year of college. I had spent the previous year focusing on losing weight and been lifting weights for a year following basic linear progression and bodybuilding.com workouts. I was getting tired of not lifting for strength and wanted something to fill my competitive itch. A friend and fellow personal trainer suggested I check out Port City Sports Performance where he was interning. I went there and met with one of the owners who is a powerlifter, got started training there and was hooked!
Talk about experience in powerlifting: I have been training for powerlifting since March 2015 and competing since November 2015. I have loved every minute of it. I think it is a great sport as it lets me do what I love most interact and help people and move heavy objects.
How many meets have you done? I have competed in 4 meets with my 5th one coming up in November. I have coached in 4 meets.
Different meets and stories there: At my first meet the whole crowd cheered as I tried to pull 478 on my third attempt. I missed it but it was an awesome feeling. It was really cool competing at Nationals last year. I saw a lot of great lifts. I saw Ray Williams sitting in the warm up room a couple hours before he squated 1000lbs.
Different programs and experience writing/following programs: I have used conjugate, wendlers 5/3/1, starting strength, linear progression, big Texas method, Travis mash, smolov jr and more for myself and my athletes.
Fitness culture - good, bad, ugly: I like that more people are starting to weight lift now and I feel slowly people are starting to realize there aren't instant fixes.
Any strongman stories you have? What meets have you competed in strongman? I have competed in NC Strongest Man and Woman in May 2017. I was a lot of fun definitely harder than a powerlifting meet. A lot more to worry about and learn. I plan on doing NC Strongest Man and Woman 2018 and possibly another one in the Spring of 2018. I have also competed in 2 highland games and hope to compete again just not sure when.
Biggest strength numbers: Competition- Squat 385 Bench 291.5 Deadlift 511.5,Gym Squat 390 Bench 300/315 Deadlift 515 Frame Deadlift 600, Atlas Stones 200, 225,255.
Any injuries that you had to deal with? Elbow tendonitis, knee pain, iliolumbar sprain, sprained toe, constant tightness in right trap and shoulder blade from throwing and sleeping position.
What do you take on a regular basis to supplement your training? How many calories do you eat off and on season? How can you afford to eat that much? Multi vitamin, vitamin d, magnesium, fish oil, bcaas. While cutting my calories have been 2,500 to 2,100 and on my current reverse they are 2,800. A nice caring wife who tries to understand why the fridge is empty two days after grocery shopping.
Favorite training music? Metal, viking metal, alternative rock
We had the pleasure of personally hosting Tom Dugan and his wife all the way from Syracuse, NY. They were heading to SC on their anniversary trip and decided to crash with Dave and his family for the night. Some squats/bench was done, a lil steak and beer, and we recorded an episode on the spot. A number of topics were covered that included:
- How to get millennials active in church
- What is discipleship and how does it work
- Do we compete with the Holy Spirit to keep people coming to church?
- How do we church correctly? (This was hinted at but not discussed in too much length)
Enjoy!
This episode happened last minute, but as usual Everett takes us to the deep end of the pool. We talk counseling and the pastoral role of counseling. Inevitably we discuss some of the stigmas of always having on your Sunday best which can imply that the church isn't a place for people to share their struggles and problems. This is probably one of Dave's fav episodes...check it out!
Dr. Rori Alter is an accomplished powerlifter and physical therapist. Some of her achievements in powerlifting include:
- Arnold Classic Sling-Shot Pro American 2017 - 1st place 72 kg Women Open
- USA Powerlifting Raw National Championship 2016: 4th place 72kg Women Open
- USA Powerlifting Raw National Championship 2015: 4th place 72kg Women Open
- 2015 USA Powerlifting Raw Open Rankings:7th place 63kg Class and 7th place 72kg Class
- USA Powerlifting Pro Raw Challenge at The 2015 Arnold Classic: 3rd place 72kg Women Open
- USA Powerlifting American Open 2014:1st place 75kg Women Open
- USA Powerlifting Raw National Championship 2014: 5th place 72kg Women Open
From her website Progressive Rehab & Strength, Rori is a Full Body Certified Active Release Techniques Practitioner, a Starting Strength Certified Coach and a sought-after Physical Therapist and Coach within the powerlifting community.
Rori holds a Doctorate in Physical Therapy from New York Institute of Technology and a Bachelor of Science in Health Science from Boston University. At Boston University, she specialized in Human Physiology, a topic that has fascinated her since she was a young dancer training in New York City.
Rori transitioned from the performing arts to racing triathlons in her early 20s. She not only competed, but also started the Boston University Triathlon team and competed on the regional and national collegiate level during her undergraduate and graduate careers.
Some of the topics we discussed included:
- What got you interested in PL? What got you interested in working with hurt athletes?
- What different modalities of care do you provide?
- How did Progressive Rehab and Strength get started?
- Who are some of the big names you’ve helped rehab? How did they find you?
- The medical community within powerlifting - how do we build it up so that powerlifters have more services/doctors they can choose from and become better educated on how to take care of themselves? What are some things that you would suggest that could be done to connect PTs and others to the PL community?
- Lower back injuries tend to be most common among powerlifters - why is this? What could be done to minimize potential back issues?
- There is some debate on the usefulness of foam rolling - useful or no?
- Same with static stretching - useful or no?
- What is the biggest single thing an athlete can do to improve his longevity in the sport of powerlifting?
- What frustrates you the most about the PL community and what can be done to improve that?
- Between active and passive therapy, which do you think is the more effective?
We chat with Everett on his 2nd meet in 2017. He recounts how he had to make some last minute adjustments with a smaller space for a meet, inexperienced judges, and inexperienced loaders and spotters. He also hit some long sought after goals and talks about how he he hit those goals...check it out!
Cheri Rushing is a powerlifter, wife/homeschool mom, and co-founder of the Facebook group Belle of the Bar. We talked about a bunch of crazy stuff like fitness and modesty culture...it gets real and crazy. Some of the topics included:
- How did you get into Powerlifting?
- Talk about experience in powerlifting
- How many meets have you done?
- Different meets and stories there
- Different programs and experience writing/following programs
- Fitness culture - good, bad, ugly
- Why weren’t you taken seriously by mainstream strength facebook groups?
- Modesty and sanctification...what is good and bad about the purity culture?
Laura Anderson is a strongman competitor in Raleigh NC. Among some of her achievements in strongman include:
2016 National Champion LW (Strongman Corp)
2017 2nd place USS Nationals
She also has an Undergrad in Business Administration/Computer Information Systems, finished a Paralegal Graduate Program, and currently working towards a Master of Arts in Apologetics. Here's a bit of the discussion:
What do you love about strongman?
I love the technical aspects and the strategy involved. There’s a limit to how big and strong we can get, but it’s fun to see people overcome physical disadvantages to become strong competitors.
Is it considered strongman or strongwoman?
Strongman
What are your goals in competing in Strongman?
I’ve never had any. I just want to meet people and go places.
Regarding Apologetics, Pressup or Classical/Evidential and why?
Largely evidential with a presuppositional slant. Is that a thing?
We are super psyched to have Daniel Yeh from Citadel Nutrition here to tell us about his company and what they are doing! The supplement industry can seem large dark and mysterious and we talk all about it in this episode. Things we discussed include:
- Citadel Nutrition - how did it get started?
- The issues with supplements as far as the proprietary blends?
- What does the world of supplements look like?
- What to watch out for when buying supplements?
- Why are some companies cheaper than others?
- What supplements are worth buying?
- Which ingredients are worth your money in a supplement and which are worthless or not effective?
Pro Strongman, 2014 Strongman Corporation Middleweight Amateur National Championship, co-inventor of Spider Tack, and owner of Spider Strength Gym. Currently getting ready for America's Strongest Man at the Olympia in Las Vegas, then if I qualify, World's Strongest Man 105kg here in Raleigh, NC in December We had a great time talking with James. Some of the topics we covered included:
- What weird strength parlor tricks do you do (rolling up frying pans, tearing phonebooks in half).
- What hobbies do you have outside of strongman?
- What got you into strength sports? Where did your lifting journey start?
- What was your inspiration or mentor in strength sports?
- Biggest strength numbers
- Any injuries that you had to deal with?
- How did you know that strongman was a good fit?
- How many hours a week would you train before a strongman competition?
- What do you take on a regular basis to supplement your training? How many calories do you eat off and on season? How can you afford to eat that much?
- Any funny stories or events that happened in your competition?
- What is your strongest implement/point maker event?
- Favorite training music?
- What was the most famous person that you were the most stoked to meet in your competing?
- If you could do something different in your training (wind the clock back) what would you do?I want to get into strongman...where should I start?
- What now do you want to do strength wise?
- What’s one thing that you want all lifters in the BBB to know or consider before getting into strength sports? (be able to justify your training)Common injuries specific to strongman as well as other health issues that someone might not consider (mental, addictions, etc)?
- What pet peeves do you have when it comes to training in a gym?
- What is one thing you have heard many lifters say that is WRONG/MYTH?
We are very excited to have Mike Tuscherer back to talk about his amazing team at IPF Worlds 2017. All the videos of the different competitions can be found here.
We talked to Mike about his experiences with coaching this years team at the IPF and competiting in previous global competitions. We also discussed:
- Who was on the roster? LaFlamme(2), Luo(2), AlAjmi(6), Simmons(6), Chan(4), Richardson(2), Craven(2), Hinchley(9), Gibbs(2), Cowan(2), Manuel(4), Branton(3)
- How do you get to IPF Worlds?
- Any of your team that were relatively new competitors and how did going to Worlds so early in their lifting career affect them?
- Did you have different coaching strategies for each lifter?
- How does travel affect lifting and performance and what things do you do to counteract the effects of travel?
- Does the IPF reimburse you at all for the trip/place to stay?
- Do you plan on competing on the IPF stage next year?
- Does the IPF drug test all lifters?
We also have a special post episode talk about injuries and talk about a potential future podcast episode with the RTS rehab doc, Rori Alter - hopefully we can chat with her soon.
Everett rocked it in this episode as we talked all about preaching and listening! Some of the resources we used can be found here.
Kenric and Toney sit down with Mark Springer, CEO of Avatar Nutrition. We talk Flexible dieting, answer some listener questions, and chat about how of week is going.
See avatarnutrition.com for online Nutrition coaching. See valleyvintageshop.com, use coupon code Gainzgrace for 10%off.
We got to interview another member of the Facebook group - one of our newer lifters, Jared Helms! He has been doing a variation of 5x5 for 6 weeks now and is pumped to show his progress in the group and is thirsty to learn more. Everett and Dave talk about things they have learned starting their respective journeys a few years ago and we learn about Everett's keto diet progress.
Next week we will have the Avatar Nutrition team on to talk all about what their program/system will provide and how it will work.
Dave had his first powerlifting competition June 3rd with the USPA and we get to hear all about it. Everett joins Dave in going over the first comp and discusses topics like:
- The weigh-in/check-in
- The rules meeting - anything you didn't expect
- How to deal with nerves
- Fuel throughout the day
We had the privilege to interview David Ricks and hear his journey in powerlifting which has led him to numerous world titles and records in the powerlifting community both on the national and international stage.
Some of the things we discussed included:
- Why did you get into powerlifting?
- What are your strength numbers -best & current
- What are the most common injuries you see from powerlifters and what is the usual reason for this?
- What do you take on a regular basis to supplement your training?
- What is your worst injury and what did you do to fix it?
- What accessories do you use for lifting? What supplements do you take?
- What pet peeves do you have when it comes to training in a gym?
- What is one thing you have heard many lifters say that is WRONG/MYTH?
- Favorite powerlifter to watch progress/compete?
- How hard was it to train while in the Navy? Did you train while deployed on ships?
- What keeps you into powerlifting?
- What have you seen change in powerlifting since you started competing? Good/bad/ugly
- What federation is your favorite to compete?
We are joined again last minute with Don Powers, an equipped lifter from back in the day sharing with us some more wisdom and his experiences in a recent equipped competition, things he likes about the way the new competitions are running and things he misses from the old days.
We discuss:
- What new gear (not roids) he's using in training
- What he wants to add to his home gym
- What he wished he had when he was training as a younger lifter
- The negativity of the online lifting world
- His upcoming comp and goals
- And much more
We are on Facebook, search Bacon Bibles Barbells and we are doing a fundraiser to raise money for 2017 hosting - if you want to buy a BBB t-shirt, check us out there!