Best Usapl Podcasts (2025)

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Navigating Parenthood and Performance | Guest: Jonathan Gregg 1:17:15

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8d ago1:17:15

1:17:15

In this conversation, Jim McDonald and Jonathan Gregg explore a variety of themes, including parenting, the dynamics of living in New York City, the journey of performance and acting, mental health, and the impact of social media on personal identity. They discuss the importance of authenticity, the role of anger in society, and the significance of…

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Ep. 221 - Regionals: 4 down, 1 to go! 34:25

7d ago34:25

34:25

Send us a text Josh and Lara discussed resuming their podcast after a break and shared updates about Team Rohr's recent weekend activities, including social events and training sessions. They reviewed results from recent lifting competitions and pro card achievements across different regions, while also discussing upcoming powerlifting meets and ev…

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Ep. 306: Primers, Drop Sets, & Waves (Oh my!) | Jessie Stemo 1:15:23

13d ago1:15:23

1:15:23

I’m joined by none other than Jessie Stemo (Power & Grace Performance) to dive deep into variations and progressions that create elite-level technique. We also talk block design (consolidating stressors, sequencing variation → specificity), anchoring with heavy sets, and using cues athletes can actually feel (e.g., “feet hit = bar racked”). Coaches…

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Coach Client Confidential- John Song 1:53:03

16d ago1:53:03

1:53:03

Coach Client Confidential- John Song byBy 2 White Lights

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Episode 305: From Cal Strength to Commentating Worlds | Seb Ostrowicz 55:50

19d ago55:50

55:50

I welcome Seb Ostrowicz, the founder of Weightlifting House, for a reflective episode sparked by a Facebook memory: our 2019 California trip that led straight into his first World Championships in Thailand. We revisit the scrappy beginnings of filming with a $200 camera, pilgrimages to gyms like Cal Strength and Marin Heavy Athletics, and how those…

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David Thomas Tao 1:00:15

22d ago1:00:15

1:00:15

David Tao returns to the show to take us inside the world of theater production and spirits (not the BOO!) kind. Following up his role as the successful CEO of Barbend.com, David has taken on two new roles he’s passionate about: producing theater in New York, and writing about spirits – primarily whiskey and bourbon. He discusses the role of a prod…

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Ep. 304: Rep Maxes, Missing Lifts, & Workout Intent | Jessie Stemo 1:10:58

27d ago1:10:58

1:10:58

This week I’m joined by Jessie Stemo, a frequent guest of the podcast and CEO of Power and Grace Performance. We dive into the heart of effective training: what it really means to train with intention. From athlete camps to day-to-day programming, we explore how to push hard without burning out, why missing less leads to more progress, and how awar…

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Fit for TV: The Reality of the Biggest Loser | 50% Facts Review 41:04

29d ago41:04

41:04

From 2009 to 2020, The Biggest Loser was a phenomenon. A huge cultural moment. What it wasn’t, however, was a show about healthy lifestyles and healthy weight loss. Netflix’s Fit for TV: The Reality of the Biggest Loser examines what it was like for some contestants on the show and some members of the production. The push to keep the show in the sp…

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Ep. 303: What Separates Great Coaches | Sean Rigsby 1:02:41

1M ago1:02:41

1:02:41

As a follow-up to our past conversations, I welcome back Sean Rigsby — coach, lifter, and founder of Heavy Metal Barbell. Sean has long been recognized for his curiosity and commitment to continual coach development, and in this episode we explore how that mindset has shaped his career. We discuss his journey from athlete to coach, the influence of…

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The inside scoop on rehabbing an on-the-job injury | Guests: Ammar Alhaidar and Mohammed Rashed 1:00:47

1M ago1:00:47

1:00:47

Our gym, Third Street Barbell, is blessed to have three physical therapy providers as members at the moment. Ammar and Moe work together in a clinic that treats patients covered by workers comp insurance. Are the metrics of physical therapy success different when return to work is the goal? You can find Ammar on Instagram @ammar_alhaidar https://ww…

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Ep. 302: Beyond Sets and Reps – Rethinking Coach Education 1:14:53

1M ago1:14:53

1:14:53

As a follow-up to years of conversations on the podcast, I sit down to reflect on the evolution of coach education — using the recent Power and Strength Summit as a springboard for discussing what it is, why it matters, and how we can do it better. We explore lessons learned from research and real-world coaching, connecting theory to practice, and …

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Getting older but getting stronger | Guest: Ralph Caggiano 1:09:27

1M ago1:09:27

1:09:27

Some things definitely diminish with age, but the need for strength is not among them. After being introduced to designing fitness training for others in the Coast Guard and a career in the California Highway Patrol, Ralph Caggiano turned to helping clients get stronger as they age. While he does train clients of all ages, he specializes in older c…

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Ep. 220 - Southeast Regionals Filling up! 13:45

1M ago13:45

13:45

Send us a text Josh and Lara discussed their podcast milestone and future episode naming conventions while reflecting on their editing process. They covered various powerlifting topics including coaching certifications, regional competitions, and training considerations, emphasizing the importance of learning from experienced lifters and adapting t…

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2WL Episode 261- Best lifters who haven't won a world championship 1:16:50

1M ago1:16:50

1:16:50

2WL Episode 261- Best lifters who haven't won a world championship byBy 2 White Lights

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Ep. 301: Building Stronger Athletes | Quincy Johnson, PhD 57:00

2M ago57:00

57:00

In this episode, I’m joined by Dr. Quincy Johnson — strength coach, sport scientist, and Assistant Professor at the University of Kansas. Quincy’s career spans from high school powerlifting champion to working with elite athletes in the NBA, MMA, and NCAA. We discuss the role of maximal strength in sport performance, his “10-5-3” training model, an…

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Ep. 219 - Mike Hafenbrack 46:02

2M ago46:02

46:02

Send us a text This episode featured Dr. Michael Hafenbrack, a physical therapist and powerlifting coach, who discussed his competitive lifting experience, including his Junior National title win and affiliation with various teams. The conversation covered various aspects of equipped lifting, including declining meet attendance, training approaches…

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Journey to bodybuilding | Guest: Riley Corbett 53:07

2M ago53:07

53:07

Unlike some powerlifters who turn to bodybuilding, Riley always knew it was something he wanted to do. Other goals and priorities simply got in the way. When the opportunity came to leave construction work and retail management for personal training, he jumped in with both feet. Riley is our head trainer at Third Street Barbell. He shares the story…

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300th Episode Special | Seb Ostrowicz, Weightlifting House 58:44

2M ago58:44

58:44

What better way to bring in a milestone like the 300th episode than having on one of the most influential people in my life: Seb Ostrowicz For those not in the know, Seb is the founder of Weightlifting House. In this episode... or better yet, metasode, we chat all things podcasting, weightlifting, and philosophy. Enjoy Follow Seb and WH: https://ww…

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Ep. 218 - Bench & Equipped Nationals Recap 14:11

2M ago14:11

14:11

Send us a text Josh & Lara discussed the success of their lifters at national competitions and highlighted achievements in various categories, including qualification for the World Championships in Seoul. The conversation concluded with guidance on following coach-prescribed programs for optimal performance, along with nutrition tips for maintainin…

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What should powerlifters eat to maximize performance? | Guest: Dan Feldman, RD 1:04:05

2M ago1:04:05

1:04:05

Powerlifter and Registered Dietitian Dan Feldman guests this episode to break down some nutrition strategies for competitive powerlifters. Is a crazy amount of protein necessary? Are carbs around workouts good or bad? You can find Dan on Instagram @powerlifterdietitian https://www.instagram.com/powerlifterdietitian/. Shoot him a follow. Join our Di…

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Ep. 299: Conditioning for Health & Longevity | Jordan Feigenbaum, MD 1:24:03

2M ago1:24:03

1:24:03

As a follow-up to a series developing on the podcast, I welcome Jordan Feigenbaum, founder of Barbell Medicine, physician, strength coach, and expert on many things health and performance. In this episode, we discuss conditioning (cardio) and its role in augmenting health-related adaptations. This includes the mechanisms of impact, prescribing cond…

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Ep. 217 - New Raw Nat's Qualifying Totals 31:56

2M ago31:56

31:56

Send us a text Josh and Lara discussed the upcoming Youth, Bench, Equipped and EmpowerID nationals, including details about various divisions, qualifying totals, and specific competitors. They explored potential improvements to competition tracking systems and shared personal anecdotes related to work-life balance and home security. The conversatio…

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USAPL calls out the IPF on drug testing | Guest co-host: Josh Hajar 42:06

2M ago42:06

42:06

The former International Powerlifting Federation affiliate representing the United States, the USAPL, took to instagram recently to criticize the integrity of its drug testing program through WADA. The post using quotes from Olympic athletes casting doubt on some actions made by the testing agency. This is significant because a disagreement over th…

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Ep. 298: Heavy Carries, Top Singles, & USAW/USAPL Nationals | Jessie Stemo 1:04:06

2M ago1:04:06

1:04:06

In this episode, Jessie and I debrief on our experiences at USAPL and USAW Nationals. We explore the successes, what could have gone better, and how we are approaching our programming and coaching differently to navigate those needs. Follow me and get coaching: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.instagram.com/josh_philwl/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ https:/…

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The keys to fitness for executives | Guest: Justin Wright 1:03:53

2M ago1:03:53

1:03:53

Justin Wright is a sales executive who found himself in a position that’s all too common for executives: overweight and out of shape. Work stress, the demands of travel and entertaining, inconsistent diet, family responsibilities, etc., had taken control. He felt that he had to take it back. So, he lost 60 pounds, got jacked, and along the way, he …

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Ep. 216 - USAPL & PA in a Social Media Pissing Contest? 34:36

2M ago34:36

34:36

Send us a text Josh and Lara discussed Lara's recent birthday celebration and climbing adventure on Mount Shasta. They reviewed upcoming powerlifting competitions and debated the drug testing policies between USA Powerlifting and Powerlifting America. The conversation concluded with discussions about the IDFPA World Championships in Seoul and vario…

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Ep. 297: Dr. Michael Roberts | Muscle, Longevity, and the Biology of Aging 1:14:31

3M ago1:14:31

1:14:31

We are joined by Dr. Michael Roberts, a professor and researcher at Auburn University and one of the most published scientists on muscle hypertrophy and skeletal muscle biology. In this episode, we explore the mechanisms of muscle growth, individual response to training, and how skeletal muscle health allows us to age well. Follow Dr. Michael Rober…

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The “Okayest Coach” on finding purpose as a male military spouse and the essentials of good coaching | Guest: Toby Ralph 1:13:09

3M ago1:13:09

1:13:09

Toby spent a decade as a first responder -- with all the stress and hazards those careers entail. Then, he left it all behind to marry a woman with a military career. Military families are used to not having control of a lot of the conditions of their lives, especially where they live and what kinds of jobs are available to spouses. A lifelong inte…

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Ep. 296: Endurance Training for Strength Athletes | Jacob Goodin, PhD 56:54

3M ago56:54

56:54

Sign up for the Power and Strength Summit, the best damn strength and power conference in 2025!! Register here: https://www.powerandstrengthsummit.com/ Dr. Jacob Goodin is an associate professor of kinesiology and Director of Sport Science at Point Loma Nazarene University. He holds a PhD in Sport Physiology from East Tennessee State University, wh…

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2WL Episode 260- IPF Worlds, Gaston goes crazy, and freedom points 1:23:58

3M ago1:23:58

1:23:58

2WL Episode 260- IPF Worlds, Gaston goes crazy, and freedom points byBy 2 White Lights

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Ep. 215 - Raw Nats Recap & Election Results 26:58

3M ago26:58

26:58

Send us a text Lara and Josh discussed their personal lives and upcoming plans, including a Fourth of July mountain summit attempt. They reviewed the performance of their team at various lifting competitions, including Raw Nationals and other meets, where several athletes achieved notable placements and personal records despite some technical mista…

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The Voices of Men (2020) | Men’s mental health documentary | 50% Facts Review 50:58

3M ago50:58

50:58

Just a couple of days past the official Men’s Mental Health Month, we take a look at a short, but powerful documentary available on YouTube, “The Voices of Men.” It was produced in the UK and is driven by men telling their personal stories of struggle with mental health conditions such as depression and PTSD. Their faces are never seen, and their i…

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Ep. 295: REAL Coach-Athlete Relationships, Training Remotely, & 2025 Nationals | Red Gauge Crossover 1:10:00

3M ago1:10:00

1:10:00

Every episode of my podcast covers some aspect of training theory, coaching, psychology, and nutrition. Pretty much anything related to performance. With that comes a lot of abstract thinking and imagining how it would play out in practice. Until now... In this crossover episode, Dani and I get interviewed by the Red Gauge podcast and discuss our c…

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Ep. 214 - Raw Nationals Information 16:04

3M ago16:04

16:04

Send us a text Josh and Lara discussed the upcoming Raw Nationals competition, including logistics, prize money, and the training hall setup at the Georgia International Convention Center. They reviewed the competition schedule, confirmed participant details, and outlined the event's amenities including food concessions, cash bar, and training faci…

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Untold: The Fall of Favre (2025) | 50% Facts Review 46:00

3M ago46:00

46:00

Some athletes are made for super stardom on the field of play, but truly fumble in their personal lives. Brett Favre is one of them. From dick pic scandals to alleged fraud, Farve tarnished his legacy with a series of seemingly boneheaded moves. This Netflix documentary series takes a sharply critical look at one of the game’s best quarterbacks, on…

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Ep. 294: Bridging the Gap Between Weightlifting and S&C | Zach Caswell 54:05

3M ago54:05

54:05

Sign up for the Power and Strength Summit, where Zach will present on bridging the gap between weightlifting and sports performance. Register here: https://www.powerandstrengthsummit.com/ Follow Zach: https://www.instagram.com/ciniman_waffle/ https://www.instagram.com/optimus.performance/ https://www.instagram.com/optimus.barbell/ Follow me and get…

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What to look for in a good physical therapist (or coach)? Guest: PT Dr. Patrick Bell 55:17

3M ago55:17

55:17

At Third Street Barbell, we’re lucky enough to have three physical therapists as members. Jim’s been working with Patrick Bell on a shoulder injury and has been very impressed with his knowledge and how he structures and communicates his rehab exercise selections. Since Patrick’s clients are mainly online, we thought it would be good to chat with h…