Best Mike Reiter Podcasts (2026)

1
Bears fever: A post-season deep dive with Rick Telander & Marc Ganis 42:48

Play Pause

1h ago42:48

42:48

Fran Spielman is joined by former Sun-Times sports columnist Rick Telander and sports stadium consultant Marc Ganis to analyze the Bears' gripping Wild Card victory against the Green Bay Packers, driven by the late-game heroics of quarterback Caleb Williams and wide receiver DJ Moore. The trio also examines the potential long-term impact of Bears' …

1
Congressman Mike Quigley 43:38

1h ago43:38

43:38

Fran Spielman interviews Northside Congressman Mike Quigley about his decision to run for Mayor of Chicago. Quigley discusses the city's fiscal challenges, including the substantial budget allocation to debt and pensions, which he believes interfere with addressing critical issues like mental health, homelessness, and public safety. He underscores …

1
Our New Co-Host Deadlifts 700lbs with Doug Larson, Travis Mash & Dr. Mike Lane #830 1:09:51

36m ago1:09:51

1:09:51

In this episode of Barbell Shrugged, Doug Larson and Travis Mash officially welcome Dr. Mike Lane as the show's new co-host. Mike shares his full origin story, from growing up a sports-loving kid in St. Louis, to discovering strength and conditioning in college, to earning his PhD and becoming a professor of exercise physiology. Along the way, he r…

1
How Circadian Rhythms Shape Strength, Recovery, and Health with Dr. Karen Esser #829 51:25

6d ago51:25

51:25

In this episode, Dr. Karen Esser Professor and Chair of the Department of Physiology and Aging at the University of Florida joins the crew to break down one of the most overlooked performance variables in human physiology: circadian timing. After a career spent studying muscle adaptation, Dr. Esser shifted her research toward the molecular clocks i…

1
With Carlos Martinez. 56:08

10d ago56:08

56:08

We're closing out the year with a compelling guest. Carlos Martinez, London‑based writer, researcher, and co‑founder of Friends of Socialist China. Martinez is known for his sharp analysis of global politics, U.S.–China relations, and the shifting landscape of a multipolar world. His work challenges conventional narratives and opens space for deepe…

1
With Ilya Sokolov 56:15

17d ago56:15

56:15

On this edition of Hitting Left Mike is joined by Ilya Sokolov, the manager behind two powerhouse acts: the Roma punk energy of Fugu Dugu and the legendary klezmer innovators The Klezmatics. They talk about the politics of music, the labor of keeping bands alive, and how art rooted in tradition can still shake the walls of the establishment.…

1
David Greising, CEO of the Better Government Association 37:16

19d ago37:16

37:16

In this episode, Fran Spielman hosts David Greising, CEO of the Better Government Association, to discuss the intense budget conflict in Chicago between Mayor Brandon Johnson and a renegade group of conservative and moderate aldermen. The debate centers around Johnson's push for a corporate head tax and the alternative budget that seeks efficiencie…

1
Menopause, Weight Gain and Hormones with Fat Loss Expert Dr. Bill Campbell #828 54:24

20d ago54:24

54:24

In this episode, Dr. Bill Campbell returns to the show to discuss a major pivot in his research from building muscle and optimizing fat loss to understanding menopause and its effects on women's body composition. After watching his wife struggle through a severe perimenopause transition that resisted every traditional fat loss strategy, Campbell un…

1
Year-End Review: Chicago and Illinois politics in 2025 40:37

25d ago40:37

40:37

In the final weeks of 2025, Fran Spielman hosts a year-end discussion on Chicago and Illinois politics with Sun-Times national political reporter Tina Sfondeles and reporter Mitchell Armentrout as they share insights on major events, including the surprise election of Chicago's Robert Francis Prevost as Pope Leo, Trump's impact on local politics, a…

1
Black Root Recovery: The Multi‑Modality Recovery Sauna Built for Veterans, Athletes, and High Performers #827 45:34

27d ago45:34

45:34

Former Marine and general contractor Andrew Kavanaugh joins the crew to share the origin story of Black Root Recovery, a company he founded after watching too many of his fellow Marines struggle physically, mentally, and emotionally after returning home. What started as a personal quest to rebuild his health led to a 90-pound weight loss, the elimi…

1
With Prexy Nesbitt 56:42

1M ago56:42

56:42

Joining Mike on this edition of Hitting Left is Prexy Nesbitt. Prexy is a veteran activist, educator, and internationalist whose decades of work have connected Chicago's struggles with global movements for justice. From fighting apartheid to challenging systemic racism here at home, his voice carries both history and urgency.…

1
Civic Federation President Joe Ferguson 36:46

1M ago36:46

36:46

Sun-Times City Hall reporter Fran Spielman is joined by Civic Federation President Joe Ferguson to discuss the alternative budget proposal developed by a group of alderpersons. They discuss the city's current financial challenges and the rejection of Mayor Brandon Johnson's $600 million revenue package. Ferguson outlines the importance of balancing…

1
Ben Johns - The Most Dominant Pickleball Athlete In The World #826 50:34

1M ago50:34

50:34

In this episode, the world's #1 pickleball player, Ben Johns, joins Anders Varner, Doug Larson, Travis Mash, and Dr. Mike Lane to unpack what it really takes to stay at the top of one of the fastest-growing sports on the planet. Ben walks through the insane travel schedule, the perpetual in-season demands, and the growing physical toll of a sport p…

1
SOTS Chicago: Timmy No Brakes, John Goblikon, Megan Gailey, Joey Smith & Jeremiah Watkins | Ep 86 1:28:53

1M ago1:28:53

1:28:53

Stand-Up On The Spot! Featuring completely improvised sets from Timmy No Brakes, John Goblikon, Megan Gailey, Joey Smith & Jeremiah Watkins. No material. Comedians create Stand-Up On The Spot off audience suggestions. Everything is covered from Tom Brady's Cloned Dog, The Louvre Heist, Halloween, Slugging, Foreign Prank Shows and more! Jeremiah Wat…

1
Navigating the future of Chicago's stadiums with Eleanor Gorski 33:31

2M ago33:31

33:31

Fran Spielman interviews Eleanor Gorski, President and CEO of the Chicago Architecture Center, discussing the complex history and future plans for Chicago’s stadiums. The dialogue covers the renovation of Wrigley Field, challenges faced by various sports teams looking for new stadiums, and Gorski's comprehensive report on creating a win-win situati…

1
MRI-based Muscle Analysis with Dr. Doug Goldstein #825 1:00:37

1M ago1:00:37

1:00:37

In this episode, the Barbell Shrugged crew explores how next-generation MRI muscle analysis is transforming the way high-performing athletes train, recover, and prevent injury. Dr. Doug Goldstein walks Anders Varner, Doug Larson, and Travis Mash through Doug Larson's full Springbok Analytics scan a 3D "digital twin" of his musculoskeletal system th…

1
With Martha Biondi. 1:00:04

2M ago1:00:04

1:00:04

Joining MIke on this edition of HItting Left is Martha Biondi. Martha is a historian and the Lorraine H. Morton Professor of African American Studies and Professor of History at Northwestern University. She is author of We Are Internationlists: Prexy Nesbitt and the Fight for African Liberation.

1
Chicago Federation of Labor president Bob Reiter 33:07

2M ago33:07

33:07

Fran Spielman is joined by Bob Reiter, President of the Chicago Federation of Labor, focusing on the significant budget stalemate in Chicago. They discuss Mayor Brandon Johnson's rejected $600 million spending plan and the various revenue options and tax strategies on the table to address the city's financial challenges.…

1
Precision Muscle Analysis with Matt Brown of Springbok Analytics #824 55:13

2M ago55:13

55:13

In this episode, Anders Varner, Doug Larson, and Travis Mash sit down with Matt Brown, Director of Business Development at Springbok Analytics, to explore the cutting edge world of MRI based muscle analysis. Matt breaks down the origins of Springbok, how the company grew from a university research lab solving cerebral palsy surgical problems into o…

1
SOTS: Kevonstage, Michael Blaustein, Jack Jr, Keon Polee & Jeremiah Watkins | Ep 85 1:33:11

2M ago1:33:11

1:33:11

Stand-Up On The Spot! Featuring completely improvised sets from Kevonstage, Michael Blaustein, Jack Jr, Keon Polee & Jeremiah Watkins. No material. Comedians create Stand-Up On The Spot off audience suggestions. Everything is covered from Trump, the Mexican Cartel, Rave Girls, Adult Chuck E. Cheese and more! Jeremiah Watkins you know from Trailer T…

1
Wirth Meredith Shiner. 1:00:24

2M ago1:00:24

1:00:24

Joining Mike in the Lumpen Radio studio is nationally recognized journalist and communications expert, Meredith Shiner. We'll be unpacking the widening rift within the Democratic Party over the vote to end the government shutdown.

1
Measuring Muscle Mass Percentage with Dr. Chris Perry, Anders Varner, Travis Mash and Doug Larson #823 45:41

2M ago45:41

45:41

In this week's episode of Barbell Shrugged, Anders Varner, Doug Larson, Coach Travis Mash, and Dr. Chris Perry dive deep into the real science of muscle mass, why it's the single most important tissue in the human body and what happens when you don't have enough of it. They cover everything from how muscle mass impacts disease risk, hormone balance…

1
Honoring veterans: A conversation with Ald. Gilbert Villegas (36th) 40:30

2M ago40:30

40:30

In this special Veterans Day episode, Fran Spielman interviews Ald. Gilbert Villegas (36th), a retired Marine and current chair of the City Council's Committee on Economic and Capital Development. Villegas shares personal stories about his family's military service, his own experiences in Desert Shield and Desert Storm, and the sacrifices that come…

1
CTA's future: Funding, expansion, and security with acting president Nora Leerhsen 38:14

2M ago38:14

38:14

In this week's episode, Fran Spielman interviews Nora Leerhsen, the acting president of the Chicago Transit Authority. They discuss the recent $1.5 billion mass transit bailout by the Illinois General Assembly and its impact on CTA's services. Leerhsen outlines plans for service expansion, including 24-hour Orange Line service and the extension of …

1
Rebuilding Strength and Purpose, Travis Mash's Path Back to the Platform w/ Anders Varner, Travis Mash and Doug Larson #822 41:47

2M ago41:47

41:47

In this episode, Anders Varner, Doug Larson, and Travis Mash sit down for a story that is equal parts comeback and evolution. After a hip replacement and years away from competition, Mash, now over 50 years old, stepped back onto the powerlifting platform to go nine for nine and set new age group world records. He breaks down how he rebuilt his bod…

1
SOTS NYC: Neal Brennan, Ian Fidance, Geoffrey Asmus, Drew Dunn, Lee Syatt & Jeremiah Watkins | Ep 84 1:32:23

2M ago1:32:23

1:32:23

Stand-Up On The Spot! Featuring completely improvised sets from & Jeremiah Watkins. No material. Comedians create Stand-Up On The Spot off audience suggestions. Everything is covered from Autism to being black for a week, losing your virginity, Gen Z, Presidential Ninja Warrior, and more! Jeremiah Watkins you know from Trailer Tales, Dr. Phil Live,…

1
With Bob Reiter, Jr. 56:58

2M ago56:58

56:58

Joining Mike on Hitting Left this week is President of the Chicago Federation of Labor, Bob Reiter, Jr. to discuss the role of organized labor in Chicago and nationally and the fight against Trumpism and fascism.

1
Illinois House Speaker Chris Welch defends revenue choices made in $1.5B mass transit bail-out 21:25

2M ago21:25

21:25

In this episode, host Fran Spielman interviews Illinois House Speaker Chris Welch following the passage of a transformative $1.5 billion mass transit bailout package. Welch discusses the collaborative efforts with Governor JB Pritzker and the Illinois General Assembly to avoid service cuts, layoffs, and fare hikes in the CTA, Metra and PACE.…

1
The Science of Sleep and Recovery w/ Dr. Allison Brager, Anders Varner, Travis Mash and Doug Larson #821 49:44

2M ago49:44

49:44

In this episode, neuroscientist and U.S. Army sleep expert Dr. Allison Brager joins Anders Varner, Doug Larson, and Travis Mash to explore the real science behind sleep, recovery, and wearable technology. They discuss which devices actually deliver useful data, such as the Oura Ring for sleep tracking and Garmin for cardiovascular measurements, and…

1
With brother Fred Klonsky. 1:00:06

3M ago1:00:06

1:00:06

Joining Mike in the Hitting Left studio this week is brother Fred Klonsky Zooming in from Brooklyn, taking a deep dive into last week's No Kings protests.

1
In-depth analysis of Mayor Brandon Johnson's $16.6 billion budget proposal 42:13

3M ago42:13

42:13

In this episode, Fran Spielman invites Chicago City Council veterans Matt O'Shea and Scott Waguespack to discuss Mayor Brandon Johnson's recently unveiled $16.6 billion budget proposal aimed at addressing a $1.15 billion shortfall. The proposed budget includes significant tax and fee increases targeted at businesses and wealthier residents, a contr…

1
Gym Culture w/ Kenny Santucci, Anders Varner, Doug Larson, and Travis Mash #820 56:19

3M ago56:19

56:19

With over a decade of experience, Kenny Santucci has made himself a known as one of New York City's top trainers and a thought leader in the health and wellness industry. Brand ambassador for Michelob Ultra and Fitaid, Technogym Master Trainer, host of the Fitaid Morning Show, Michelob Ultra MOVEMENT Fitness Festival, Model Beach Volleyball, and mo…

1
Discussing Chicago's budget with Mayor Johnson's senior adviser Jason Lee 50:10

3M ago50:10

50:10

In this episode, Fran Spielman discusses the contentious budget plan proposed by Mayor Brandon Johnson, which includes nearly $600 million in progressive taxes targeting wealthy corporations and individuals. Joined by senior mayoral adviser Jason Lee, the conversation delves into revived corporate head taxes, cloud computing taxes, and a new social…

1
Useful Fitness Standards w/ Dr. Mike Lane, Anders Varner, Doug Larson, and Coach Travis Mash #819 54:43

3M ago54:43

54:43

In this episode, the team breaks down what it means to build and maintain essential fitness, the baseline level of strength, endurance, and resilience every person should strive for. They discuss how to train efficiently using the minimum effective dose, balancing work, family, and recovery while still progressing. The conversation covers the princ…

1
SOTS NYC: Josh Johnson, Jordan Jensen, Jeff Ross, Michael Kosta, Maddy Smith & J Watkins | Ep 83 1:46:15

3M ago1:46:15

1:46:15

Stand-Up On The Spot! Featuring completely improvised sets from Josh Johnson, Jordan Jensen, Jeff Ross, Michael Kosta, Maddy Smith & Jeremiah Watkins. No material. Comedians create Stand-Up On The Spot off audience suggestions. Everything is covered from Tylenol to Diddy, Cuomo, Zohran, Intrusive Thoughts, and more! Jeremiah Watkins you know from T…

1
With Jimmy Garrett and Roxanne Dunbar-Ortiz. 58:02

3M ago58:02

58:02

Joining Mike on this edition of Hitting Left are veteran civil rights activist/educator Jimmy Garrett and movement historian Roxanne Dunbar Ortiz. Jimmy Garrett, A founding force behind the Black Student Union movement, helped ignite a wave of campus activism that reshaped American education. As a SNCC organizer and radical intellectual, Garrett fu…

1
Chicago alderpersons discuss the impact of Trump's immigration crackdown 40:28

3M ago40:28

40:28

In this episode, Fran Spielman hosts a discussion with Chicago Alderpersons Jesse Fuentes (26th), Julia Ramirez (12th), and Byron Sigcho-Lopez (25th) about the significant impact of President Donald Trump's severe immigration crackdown on their wards. They share firsthand accounts of ICE raids, the excessive use of force, and the resulting fear and…

1
Addiction, Recovery and Building a Life of Value w/ Tim Riley, Anders Varner, Doug Larson, and Travis Mash #818 51:13

3M ago51:13

51:13

Tim Riley is Director of Sports Performance at Kollective in Austin, TX where he trains athletes at the pro, collegiate, and high school level. Most notably, Riley currently oversees and conducts strength and conditioning sessions for NFL, NBA, PLL & AVP athletes. The NFL off-season program at Kollective is one the largest and most respected progra…

1
Crane Kenny, Chicago Cubs President of Business Operations | Advancing to the NLDS 36:25

3M ago36:25

36:25

In this episode, Fran Spielman interviews Crane Kenny, President of Business Operations for the Chicago Cubs, celebrating the team's recent victory over the San Diego Padres, which advanced them to the National League Divisional Series against the Milwaukee Brewers. They discuss the importance of team chemistry, pivotal managerial decisions, stando…

1
Melanoma, Jungle Gyms, and Strength Tech w/ Anders Varner, Doug Larson, and Travis Mash #817 48:11

3M ago48:11

48:11

In today's episode of Barbell Shrugged, Anders, Doug, and Travis dive into Coach Travis' recent melanoma diagnosis, how he found out about it, and his recent surgery to eliminate it. We also dive into Anders' quest to build a gym in the middle of the woods where he plans on lifting giant trees and the latest in strength tech with Travis Mash. Work …

1
SOTS: Bobby Lee, Andrew Santino, Tony Baker, Caroline Rhea, Feeney & Watkins |Ep 82 |15 Year Special 1:33:30

4M ago1:33:30

1:33:30

Stand-Up On The Spot! Featuring completely improvised sets from Bobby Lee, Andrew Santino, Tony Baker, Caroline Rhea, Mike Feeney & Jeremiah Watkins. No material. Comedians create Stand-Up On The Spot off audience suggestions. Everything is covered from & more! Jeremiah Watkins you know from Trailer Tales, Dr. Phil Live, his special DADDY, and as t…

1
With Colin Kramer. 58:10

4M ago58:10

58:10

Joining Mike in the Lumpen Radio studio is Colin Kramer, an environmental scientist with the EPA's Region 5 office in Chicago, where he monitors pollution, enforces cleanups, and responds to hazardous waste emergencies across the industrial Midwest. He's also an active member of AFGE Local 704, which has been disbanded by Trump.…

1
Ald. Brendan Reilly (42nd) takes on Cook County leadership 34:53

4M ago34:53

34:53

In this episode, Sun-Times City Hall reporter Fran Spielman interviews downtown Ald. Brendan Reilly (42nd) who is now running for Cook County Board president. Reilly discusses his critiques of current County Board President Tony Preckwinkle, highlighting issues like the mismanagement of federal pandemic funds, 'failed social experiments' in the sta…

1
Four Levers of Physiological Flexibility w/ Dr. Michael T. Nelson, Anders Varner, Doug Larson, and Travis Mash #816 54:14

4M ago54:14

54:14

Dr. Mike T. Nelson has spent 18 years of his life learning how the human body works, specifically focusing on how to properly condition it to burn fat and become stronger, more flexible, and healthier. He's has a PhD in Exercise Physiology, a BA in Natural Science, and an MS in Biomechanics. He's an adjunct professor and a member of the American Co…

1
With Kathy Tholin and Laura Tanner. 58:36

4M ago58:36

58:36

Mike's guests on this edition of Hitting Left show are two militant voices from Chicago's grassroots resistance. Kathy Tholin and Laura Tanner of Indivisible. Kathy is the Board Chair of Indivisible Chicago. She helped lead the massive "No Kings" protest that brought tens of thousands to Daley Plaza to challenge authoritarian drift and defend immig…

1
With Flint Taylor. 58:01

4M ago58:01

58:01

Joining Mike in the Lumpen Radio studio today is Flint Taylor. Flint is a founding partner of the People's Law Office in Chicago. His career has spanned more than five decades of legal resistance to state violence and police misconduct. Flint was part of the original legal team that investigated the assassination of Fred Hampton in 1969, and he's b…

1
Chicago anchorman Bill Kurtis reflects on his career in journalism 1:03:07

4M ago1:03:07

1:03:07

In this in-depth interview, Fran Spielman welcomes Bill Kurtis, a legendary figure in journalism, to discuss his 60-year career. Kurtis shares captivating stories from his new memoir, 'Whirlwind: My Life Reporting the News,' reflecting on pivotal moments that shaped his path, including a life-changing broadcast during a tornado in Kansas.…

1
Four Pillars of Anti-Aging w/ Blair LaCorte, Anders Varner, Doug Larson, and Travis Mash #815 58:03

4M ago58:03

58:03

Blair LaCorte is the Vice Chair of the Board of Directors at the Buck Institute for Research on Aging—the world's first biomedical research institution dedicated solely to understanding aging and age-related diseases, and the largest independent scientific institute in the Bay Area. A seasoned leader and strategist, Blair has a track record of tran…

1
A New Generation in Chicago Politics: Walter "Red" Burnett’s Vision for Change 40:10

4M ago40:10

40:10

In this episode, Fran Spielman interviews Walter "Red" Burnett, the 29-year-old son of former City Council Ald. Walter Burnett, who has been selected by Mayor Brandon Johnson to join the Chicago City Council. Burnett discusses his desire to continue his father's legacy, stressing the importance of community engagement and addressing pressing issues…

1
The Path to IFBB Pro w/ Aaron Starker, Anders Varner, Doug Larson, and Travis Mash #814 55:17

4M ago55:17

55:17

Aaron Straker is a N.A.S.N. Licensed Primary Sports Nutritionist. He prefers a pragmatic approach to nutrition that focuses on simple food selection, the importance of nutrient density, and the importance of objectivity in dieting and reporting. Today on Barbell Shrugged we dive into Straker's path to becoming and IFBB Pro. From injury, setbacks, d…