Rockwell Barbell Strongcast

In this episode, Lawrence talks both Al Jakich and Terry Strand, bodybuilding veterans. They talk about how they met, where they've been, and the history of fitness culture of Chicago. Terry shares humorous insights on how bodybuilding shaped his life. Al shares his experiences growing up on Chicago's west side and his passion for bodybuilding. They also reminisce about the golden age of gyms, the evolution of training practices, and discuss the importance of community, mentorship, and tradition in fitness.

Tom O'Neill, a long time trainer at Rockwell Barbell, joins Lawrence on the podcast. They chat about how they connected through Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu and powerlifting. Tom also dives into their transition from casual lifting to powerlifting and strongman competitions. Then, Lawrence and Tom highlight the ways in which their training philosophies evolved over time, training injuries, motivation, and being accountable to oneself when training.

Becca Ward (https://www.ironmindrehab.com/) joins Lawrence to discuss her experiences as a physical therapist and powerlifting coach. Becca talks about her path from a newcomer in powerlifting into embracing the sport and its culture. She also touches on the intersection of strength training and rehabilitation, as well as managing her own practice, Iron Mind. They also chat about the advantages of bypassing traditional insurance models and the benefits of patient focused care.

Adam Kern (@adammkern) joins Lawrence on the podcast to discuss all things Porsche, car culture, and building a community with a common passion. Adam shares the origins of the CheckedItOut (@checkeditout.io), a premier Porsche enthusiast gathering that he established. He also discusses his brand Low End Garage (@lowendgaragechicago), working with artists to bring a vision to life for his events, and road tripping with a Porsche in tow. Find out more about CheckedItOut and Low End Garage here: https://www.checkeditout.io/ https://www.lowendgaragechicago.com/media

In this episode, Lawrence talks with Charles Lewis, a Rockwell Barbell regular. They discuss how they met and how their friendship developed with time. With a background as a nuclear procurement engineer, Charles also shares his childhood challenges and path to a successful career. Then, they explore the evolution of training through mental fortitude and unconventional methods, drawing inspiration from solo outdoor routines akin to Musashi Miyamoto's discipline and swordsmanship.  Charles also shares some anime recommendations with Lawrence, and touches on how anime and gaming has influenced his passion for training. They also cover injury, recovery, and not letting a setback break consistency in training. They also touch on diverse training techniques, machine workouts versus working with restrictions during training, and fostering a supportive fitness community. 

Anja Schuffner shares insights about her training leading to and competing in the Arnold Strongman Classic. Anja also discusses challenges faced by Asian athletes, and her mission to empower Asian women in strength sports. Lawrence and Anja covers insights on work-life balance, contrasting work cultures globally, and a glimpse into Anja's training routine in Hong Kong. They also cover the landscape of Strongman and powerlifting in Asia. Visit our sponsor, Eaternal Nutrition. https://eaternalnutrition.com

On this episode, David (@basketball.biology) and Lawrence talks about social media and the impact one can have with sharing vital information with others to expose yourself to new ideas. They also discuss the value of communicating with new people, the benefits of asking for help, and reaching out to others. They talk about mobility techniques and things they've tried and changed over time. They also discuss how David's athletic history influences the work that he does now, as well as his connection to the world of basketball.

On this episode, Dan joins Lawrence on the podcast. Lawrence and Dan discuss how they met, their different life trajectories and experiences. They also cover skate parks, punk houses, and the types of people and experiences that come with them. Dan also touches on his experience as a first responder, being deployed to Iraq, and adjacent topics.

This week, Ed, Rob, and Ben return to the podcast. They talk about Thai boxing, Jiu Jitsu, and lessons they've learned about self defense. There's discussion about fighting versus fleeing, instant gratification versus long-haul changes when practicing martial arts. Then there's discussion about separating one's "business persona" from one's personal self when communicating with others online. They also discuss if money would impact how they represent themselves online. Sponsored by Eaternal Nutrition. https://eaternalnutrition.com

This week, Lawrence and Justin Moore discuss the desire to live forever, motivation for committing to training, as well as the impact and decisions behind taking supplements.  They also discuss the proliferation of AI, Value Design, and the need for independent software creators. Curious to learn more about Justin's Value Design principles? Want to find out about how to integrate Value Design into your life? You can find out more at: https://live.savvily.app/  Also, visit our sponsor, Eaternal Nutrition. https://eaternalnutrition.com

Ben Le and Rob Whitley join Lawrence on the podcast. They discuss martial arts, powerlifting, and the past and present of their training experiences. They also touch upon aging and how it impacts them as it relates to training and being comfortable with themselves. Finding the balance between life, work, and training goals is also discussed. Also, visit our sponsor, Eaternal Nutrition. https://eaternalnutrition.com

Lawrence gives an update on the state of the gym and introduces Shara Miller to the podcast. They discuss their backgrounds and talk about how they ended up in their respective careers. They also discuss how the skills learned in life, work, and school can apply to training.

In this episode Lawrence has professional K-1 kickboxer Charles Rodriguez on the podcast. They discuss his bout in Chicago last fall, how he got into martial arts, how that led him into being the kickboxer he is today and his unique outlook on life/fighting. One of the most uncommon yet refreshing personalities in martial arts culture.

Lawrence has Ed Serra on from Threshold Martial Arts. He is a Brazilian Jiu Jitsu black belt with Carlson Gracie Team under Adam Miller / Bill Shimuk and a apprentice instructor in the Thai Boxing Association under Kru Tim Tokarz / Ajarn Chai. Lawrence and Ed discuss the recent belt test that Lawrence participated in, Ed's history in BBJ and Muay Thai and the carry over into daily life and as a martial artist.

In this episode four trainers from a Rockwell discuss lifting, powerlifting politics, partaking in an instructor's jiu-jitsu black belt test, and other unnecessary yet hilarious antics.

On this episode Lawrence has a friend named Alex on who's Special Forces Green Beret preparing to enter Ranger School. Alex has utilized Matt Wenning's programming and the conjugate method to help him properly get ready for Ranger School while avoiding injury or fatigue. In this episode they discuss training, Special Forces Assessment and Selection as well as his background as Active Duty, his experience in college and his upbringing.

In this episode Lawrence has guest Booker Youngblut on the show. He is a trainer at Rockwell Barbell as well as an artist, charity organizer, and welder. They discuss his role in all the above and how they have led him to be a trainer. They also discuss what it was like for him joining Rockwell as a member and a client and eventually transitioning organically to become a trainer.

In this episode Lawrence has Stefi Cohen and Hayden Bowe on discuss their unique lifting style, their gym Hybrid Method Performance, Stefi's world record deadlift, transitioning from benign a sport athlete  (hockey and soccer) to a powerlifter and the benefits of powerlifting for Olympic lifting. Also discussed is their program crossover approach and how each of them got into powerlifting and have literally become two of some of the most well known faces out there in the strength community.

In this episode Lawrence has Christy Senay and Matt Blankenberger on the podcast, two of Rockwell's personal trainers. They discuss online coaching, their experience with Jailhouse Training via Josh Bryant and their mentalities early on in their powerlifting careers. They also discuss managing your training between being smart and crazy at the same time. Finding the middle ground between the two. Also discussed are the gay powerlifting games and training through injury intelligently.

In this episode Lawrence covers training while traveling and focusing on consistency instead of progress. He also discusses short term goal programming, appropriate resistance and searching for the most fitting training environment. He also discusses helping your family train and understand how to conquer their own physical fitness.