Peak Speak - A Powerlifting Podcast

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A Powerlifting podcast from two of Australia's most sought after strength coaches, Thomas Lilley and John Sheridan. Thomas is the owner of PTC Gold Coast gym in Queensland and John is the owner of Burley Strength gym in Canberra. Join them as they talk all things Powerlifting and interview some of t…

Thomas Lilley & John Sheridan


    • Feb 2, 2025 LATEST EPISODE
    • infrequent NEW EPISODES
    • 44m AVG DURATION
    • 202 EPISODES


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    Latest episodes from Peak Speak - A Powerlifting Podcast

    Peak Speak Episode 201: Identities

    Play Episode Listen Later Feb 2, 2025 38:55


    Thomas and John are back in 2025! How consistently? Yet to be seen. Today's episode is around the idea of identity, and how this may change or switch over time - how do we cope with change? 

    Peak Speak Episode 200: 200 EPISODES!

    Play Episode Listen Later Aug 25, 2024 55:19


    Thomas and John reflect on 200 episodes of Peak Speak, and dive deep into how their training has evolved and shaped itself over the years.

    Peak Speak Episode 199: Autonomy In Lifting

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 14, 2024 39:59


    Thomas and John discuss how different lifters require different levels of coaching, and the idea of learning enough through coaching to continue the journey independently. 

    Peak Speak Episode 198: Content Creators

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 10, 2024 30:38


    Thomas and John talk about the intersection between content creators and experts (or lack thereof), and what qualifies as good quality information and sources. 

    Peak Speak Episode 197: You Get To Train

    Play Episode Listen Later May 19, 2024 45:54


    This is a bit of a two in one episode! Starting with a rant about Australian Powerlifting federations, Thomas and John then weigh up the difference in results between serious lifters with impeccable tracking and programming, versus those without the means to go 'all in'. At the end of the day, you get to train, and that's a gift. 

    Peak Speak Episode 196: Science Stuff

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 28, 2024 32:57


    Thomas Lilley and John Sheridan, delve into the age-old clash between science nerds and meatheads within the powerlifting community.

    Peak Speak Episode 195: 250k Downloads!

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 11, 2024 52:38


    On today's episode, media manager Sam Williams (@leumasthegreat) joins Thomas and John to celebrate 250k downloads, with a recap of our journey along the way and how we think Powerlifting has changed during this time.

    Peak Speak Episode 194: Tripods BANNED!?

    Play Episode Listen Later Feb 11, 2024 43:28


    In another controversial Peak Speak episode, Thomas and John discuss some recent internet drama surrounding the use of tripods in the gym environment.

    Peak Speak Episode 193: The Spiciest Episode Yet...

    Play Episode Listen Later Dec 17, 2023 51:28


    There's been a huge drama in the Australian Powerlifting world recently, and we're finally getting the chance to cover it...

    Peak Speak Episode 192: Paralysis By Analysis

    Play Episode Listen Later Nov 26, 2023 38:15


    Great powerlifters work hard and train intelligently, but at what point does overthinking impact your performance? Thomas and John discuss this today on a whole new episode of Peak Speak. 

    Peak Speak Episode 191: When Life Throws Curveballs...

    Play Episode Listen Later Nov 5, 2023 35:30


    Goal setting and planning is often your best chance of success. But even if you're fully prepared, things don't always work out. John recounts a recent experience of this and reflects on his mental state in navigating the feelings around things just not going to plan. 

    Peak Speak Episode 190: The Competition Experience

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 30, 2023 26:01


    How does the experience of competing change the further into your lifting career you get? Find out on this week's Peak Speak!  Use code PEAKSPEAK at Prism Coffee for 20% off your premium coffee needs!

    Peak Speak Episode 189: Powerlifting Inflection Point

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 16, 2023 37:51


    Part of why Powerlifting is so accessible is the fact that you can often make vast improvements rapidly when you first begin the sport. But once you hit that first wall and progress halts, where do you go from there? Thomas and John discuss the Powerlifting Inflection Point.  Use code PEAKSPEAK at Prism Coffee for 20% off your premium coffee needs!

    Peak Speak Episode 188: Programming Nuance

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 14, 2023 35:56


    Thomas and John discuss programming nuance and when it matters. Does it matter for everyone? Use code PEAKSPEAK at Prism Coffee for 20% off your premium coffee needs!

    Peak Speak Episode 187: Is Powerlifting Unique?

    Play Episode Listen Later May 28, 2023 29:12


    In this episode, the boys talk a bit about Powerlifting as a sport and how it compares to other sports in regards to rules, refereeing, etc.  Use code PEAKSPEAK at Prism Coffee for 20% off your premium coffee needs!

    Peak Speak Episode 186: Longevity In Coaching

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 30, 2023 37:32


    So you've become a coach...But how do you remain a coach, and continue to improve? Thomas and John discuss longevity in the coaching game.  Use code PEAKSPEAK at Prism Coffee for 20% off your premium coffee needs!

    Peak Speak Episode 185: Give Equipped Lifting A Go!

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 23, 2023 44:35


    Thomas talks about his latest meet performance, and then the boys talk about the dying art of equipped lifting and why you should give it a go...Maybe?  Use code PEAKSPEAK at Prism Coffee for 20% off your premium coffee needs!

    Peak Speak Episode 184: The Art Of Coaching

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 27, 2023 39:25


    There's coaching and then there's the art of coaching. Tune in this week to hear about how Thomas and John navigate coaching and clearly communicate their message. Use code PEAKSPEAK at Prism Coffee for 20% off your premium coffee needs!

    Peak Speak Episode 183: Intrinsic Drive And Motivation

    Play Episode Listen Later Feb 19, 2023 46:46


    Thomas and John delve into intrinsic drive and motivation and how much they can vary between person to person. Use code PEAKSPEAK at Prism Coffee for 20% off your premium coffee needs!

    Peak Speak Episode 182: How To Get The Most From Education

    Play Episode Listen Later Feb 14, 2023 37:08


    Thomas and John discuss external education around lifting and how they prefer to use it and seek it for best results. Use code PEAKSPEAK at Prism Coffee for 20% off your premium coffee needs!

    Peak Speak Episode 181: Communication With Coaches

    Play Episode Listen Later Jan 29, 2023 47:46


    Happy New Year listeners! Thomas and John discuss the importance of establishing the correct communication with your coach. Use code PEAKSPEAK at Prism Coffee for 20% off your premium coffee needs! Also, the Key & Peele sketch that Thomas referred to can be watched here.

    Peak Speak Episode 180: The Liver King

    Play Episode Listen Later Dec 18, 2022 43:03


    Thomas and John discuss The Liver King and staying true to yourself.  Use code PEAKSPEAK at Prism Coffee for 20% off your premium coffee needs! Check out Sam's Coffee Time on Instagram for all your coffee porn needs!

    Peak Speak Episode 179: Australian Powerlifting Comps

    Play Episode Listen Later Dec 11, 2022 36:16


    Go checkout Sam's Halloween deadlift here! Thomas and John talk about recent Australian comps and reflect on how they have progressed over the years. Use code PEAKSPEAK at Prism Coffee for 20% off your premium coffee needs! And whilst you're on a shopping spree, use code PEAKSPEAK at MANSCAPED to get 20% off best below-the-waist grooming products for men.

    Peak Speak Episode 178: Therapy For Washed Up Athletes

    Play Episode Listen Later Nov 13, 2022 42:36


    John recaps a recent athletic pursuit and reflects on how it made him feel, and how the competitive brain works in mysterious ways...  Use code PEAKSPEAK at Prism Coffee for 20% off your premium coffee needs! And whilst you're on a shopping spree, use code PEAKSPEAK at MANSCAPED to get 20% off best below-the-waist grooming products for men.

    Peak Speak Episode 177: 5 Ways To Develop As A Coach

    Play Episode Listen Later Nov 6, 2022 62:28


    Thomas and John discuss 5 ways they have developed as coaches.  Use code PEAKSPEAK at Prism Coffee for 20% off your premium coffee needs! And whilst you're on a shopping spree, use code PEAKSPEAK at MANSCAPED to get 20% off best below-the-waist grooming products for men.

    Peak Speak Episode 176: The Rule Changed!

    Play Episode Listen Later Sep 25, 2022 37:23


    We're finally back, and a rule changed! What was it? Do we think it's good or bad for the sport? Use code PEAKSPEAK at Prism Coffee for 20% off your premium coffee needs! And whilst you're on a shopping spree, use code PEAKSPEAK at MANSCAPED to get 20% off best below-the-waist grooming products for men.

    Peak Speak Episode 175: Annie Short

    Play Episode Listen Later Aug 28, 2022 94:46


    This week John sits down with strength coach, bodybuilder and powerlifter Annie Short. Annie has a Bachelor in Exercise Science and has recently started her journey as a Fitness Content Creator, writing content for gyms and coaches alike. You can find her at @annieshortstrength and @musclewriter Use code PEAKSPEAK at Prism Coffee for 20% off your premium coffee needs! And whilst you're on a shopping spree, use code PEAKSPEAK at MANSCAPED to get 20% off best below-the-waist grooming products for men.

    Peak Speak Episode 174: Should You Stretch?

    Play Episode Listen Later Aug 21, 2022 32:05


    Stretching has been a hot topic throughout fitness history. Is there value in it? Use code PEAKSPEAK at Prism Coffee for 20% off your premium coffee needs! And whilst you're on a shopping spree, use code PEAKSPEAK at MANSCAPED to get 20% off best below-the-waist grooming products for men.

    Peak Speak Episode 173: Advice For The Modern Coach

    Play Episode Listen Later Aug 7, 2022 38:41


    Last episode the boys ranted a bit about negative things they noticed about modern coaches. This week, they come with more solutions!  Use code PEAKSPEAK at Prism Coffee for 20% off your premium coffee needs! And whilst you're on a shopping spree, use code PEAKSPEAK at MANSCAPED to get 20% off best below-the-waist grooming products for men.

    Peak Speak Episode 172: What The Modern Coach Gets WRONG!

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 24, 2022 35:18


    In this episode, Thomas and John discuss modern coaches and how they're often missing a piece to the puzzle.  Use code PEAKSPEAK at Prism Coffee for 20% off your premium coffee needs! And whilst you're on a shopping spree, use code PEAKSPEAK at MANSCAPED to get 20% off best below-the-waist grooming products for men.

    Peak Speak Episode 171: Dr. Andy Galpin

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 10, 2022 59:14


    John chats with Dr. Andy Galpin, a Ph.D. in Human Bioenergetics, who has had an incredible career as a scientist, teacher and coach. He is also the author of the book 'Unplugged'. Read more about Andy here http://www.andygalpin.com/ and follow him at https://www.instagram.com/drandygalpin/ Use code PEAKSPEAK at Prism Coffee for 20% off your premium coffee needs! And whilst you're on a shopping spree, use code PEAKSPEAK at MANSCAPED to get 20% off best below-the-waist grooming products for men.

    Peak Speak Episode 170: Thank Your Meet Director

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 3, 2022 35:42


    In this episode, Thomas and John go behind the scenes and talk about the setup required to put on a successful meet.  Use code PEAKSPEAK at Prism Coffee for 20% off your premium coffee needs! And whilst you're on a shopping spree, use code PEAKSPEAK at MANSCAPED to get 20% off best below-the-waist grooming products for men.

    Peak Speak Episode 169: Arguing On The Internet

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 13, 2022 31:17


    Do you get into Internet arguments? Do you feel fulfilled afterwards or does it leave you feeling flat and exhausted? Thomas and John discuss the impact that this can have in the realm of the fitness industry.  Use code PEAKSPEAK at Prism Coffee for 20% off your premium coffee needs! And whilst you're on a shopping spree, use code PEAKSPEAK at MANSCAPED to get 20% off best below-the-waist grooming products for men.

    Peak Speak Episode 168: Change How You Feel

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 5, 2022 34:56


    Often we associate things feeling 'better' as a positive change, but is this always the case? Thomas and John discuss how discomfort is often necessary to move forward.  Use code PEAKSPEAK at Prism Coffee for 20% off your premium coffee needs! And whilst you're on a shopping spree, use code PEAKSPEAK at MANSCAPED to get 20% off best below-the-waist grooming products for men.

    Peak Speak Episode 167: Externalising Authority

    Play Episode Listen Later May 30, 2022 36:51


    Thomas and John weigh up the pros and cons of using external measures or devices such as velocity trackers to predict outcomes.  Use code PEAKSPEAK at Prism Coffee for 20% off your premium coffee needs! And whilst you're on a shopping spree, use code PEAKSPEAK at MANSCAPED to get 20% off best below-the-waist grooming products for men.

    Peak Speak Episode 166: Bombing

    Play Episode Listen Later May 22, 2022 30:25


    One of the many things that can ruin a powerlifter's day - bombing a meet! Thomas and John talk about how common this is, and how it can sometimes be our best teacher.  Use code PEAKSPEAK at Prism Coffee for 20% off your premium coffee needs! And whilst you're on a shopping spree, use code PEAKSPEAK at MANSCAPED to get 20% off best below-the-waist grooming products for men.

    Peak Speak Episode 165: How To Be A Lifetime Intermediate

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 26, 2022 38:31


    This episode isn't a dig about staying intermediate, instead it's a celebration of the intermediates! Thomas and John discuss all the good things about using Powerlifting for fun and health and not letting it consume your life.  Use code PEAKSPEAK at Prism Coffee for 20% off your premium coffee needs! And whilst you're on a shopping spree, use code PEAKSPEAK at MANSCAPED to get 20% off best below-the-waist grooming products for men.

    Peak Speak Episode 164: Top 3 Peaking Mistakes

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 18, 2022 32:26


    Peaking is the last phase of training before you hit the competition platform, and is often misunderstood. Thomas and John talk about the mistakes that often ruin this process and how to ensure success on the day.  Use code PEAKSPEAK at Prism Coffee for 20% off your premium coffee needs! And whilst you're on a shopping spree, use code PEAKSPEAK at MANSCAPED to get 20% off best below-the-waist grooming products for men.

    Peak Speak Episode 163: Australian Powerlifting Federations

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 27, 2022 37:43


    Are there too many Powerlifting Federations? Thomas and John give their view.  Use code PEAKSPEAK at Prism Coffee for 20% off your premium coffee needs! And whilst you're on a shopping spree, use code PEAKSPEAK at MANSCAPED to get 20% off best below-the-waist grooming products for men.

    Peak Speak Episode 162: Creating Systems

    Play Episode Listen Later Feb 27, 2022 32:04


    Have you ever thought about what your values were, or worked at a place that sought to define their values? In a coaching context, can you articulate what makes your training system unique to your brand, and can you repeat it time and time again? Thomas and John discuss creating systems and the importance of being able to teach your system to others.  Use code PEAKSPEAK at Prism Coffee for 20% off your premium coffee needs! And whilst you're on a shopping spree, use code PEAKSPEAK at MANSCAPED to get 20% off best below-the-waist grooming products for men.

    Peak Speak Episode 161: Strength Vs. Skill

    Play Episode Listen Later Feb 20, 2022 22:45


    Are your muscles weak, or are you lacking skill? Thomas and John break down common misconceptions around why you might fail a lift and what the cause probably is.  Use code PEAKSPEAK at Prism Coffee for 20% off your premium coffee needs! And whilst you're on a shopping spree, use code PEAKSPEAK at MANSCAPED to get 20% off best below-the-waist grooming products for men.

    Peak Speak Episode 160: Business Tings!

    Play Episode Listen Later Feb 13, 2022 32:03


    This week's episode was filled with jewels! Are you struggling to get your business off the ground? Thomas and John discuss what sort of mindset is required to sell your products and services and what not to do.  Use code PEAKSPEAK at Prism Coffee for 20% off your premium coffee needs! And whilst you're on a shopping spree, use code PEAKSPEAK at MANSCAPED to get 20% off best below-the-waist grooming products for men.

    Peak Speak Episode 159: The Value Of Competing More Frequently

    Play Episode Listen Later Jan 30, 2022 38:24


    How often do you compete? Thomas and John discuss the age old question, and give an argument for competing more often rather than less often. Use code PEAKSPEAK at Prism Coffee for 20% off your premium coffee needs! And whilst you're on a shopping spree, use code PEAKSPEAK at MANSCAPED to get 20% off best below-the-waist grooming products for men.

    Peak Speak Episode 158: Life Lessons From The Bar

    Play Episode Listen Later Jan 23, 2022 57:07


    We all know the main motivation for lifting weights, to get jacked and strong. But what can we learn outside of that? Thomas and John discuss how the barbell has enriched their lives outside of the main goal.  Use code PEAKSPEAK at Prism Coffee for 20% off your premium coffee needs! And whilst you're on a shopping spree, use code PEAKSPEAK at MANSCAPED to get 20% off best below-the-waist grooming products for men.

    Peak Speak Episode 157: The Rucci Bros

    Play Episode Listen Later Jan 16, 2022 57:07


    Back by popular demand! Thomas sits down with Paul and Dan Rucci, owners of Rucci's gym in WA and chats gym ownership and the direction of Powerlifting in Australia. Use code PEAKSPEAK at Prism Coffee for 20% off your premium coffee needs! And whilst you're on a shopping spree, use code PEAKSPEAK at MANSCAPED to get 20% off best below-the-waist grooming products for men.

    Peak Speak Episode 156: 2021 Recap!

    Play Episode Listen Later Dec 19, 2021 39:59


    The Peak Speak team reflect on the year that was! How was your 2021 besides the obvious? Use code PEAKSPEAK at Prism Coffee for 20% off your premium coffee needs! And whilst you're on a shopping spree, use code PEAKSPEAK at MANSCAPED to get 20% off best below-the-waist grooming products for men.

    Peak Speak Episode 155: The Value Of Baseline Testing

    Play Episode Listen Later Dec 12, 2021 41:40


    When was the last time you tested your maxes? Do you max too frequently or has it been a while since you established your numbers? Thomas and John discuss the value of establishing your baseline and the pros and cons.  Use code PEAKSPEAK at Prism Coffee for 20% off your premium coffee needs! And whilst you're on a shopping spree, use code PEAKSPEAK at MANSCAPED to get 20% off best below-the-waist grooming products for men.

    Peak Speak Episode 154: Getting Started Powerlifting

    Play Episode Listen Later Dec 5, 2021 20:27


    Generally we talk about more advanced concepts, but this week we're doing an episode for those just getting started! Starting anything can be daunting, but it doesn't need to be. Thomas and John discuss some tips around starting your Powerlifting journey.  Use code PEAKSPEAK at Prism Coffee for 20% off your premium coffee needs! And whilst you're on a shopping spree, use code PEAKSPEAK at MANSCAPED to get 20% off best below-the-waist grooming products for men.

    Peak Speak Episode 153: Lessons From Endurance

    Play Episode Listen Later Nov 28, 2021 35:03


    Tune into this week's episode on Endurance training and the benefits it can have on our health and other athletic pursuits. Use code PEAKSPEAK at Prism Coffee for 20% off your premium coffee needs! And whilst you're on a shopping spree, use code PEAKSPEAK at MANSCAPED to get 20% off best below-the-waist grooming products for men.

    Peak Speak Episode 152: Deloads

    Play Episode Listen Later Nov 22, 2021 33:46


    Do you take deloads from training or are you on team #NODAYSOFF? Thomas and John discuss their thoughts on the topic. Use code PEAKSPEAK at Prism Coffee for 20% off your premium coffee needs! And whilst you're on a shopping spree, use code PEAKSPEAK at MANSCAPED to get 20% off best below-the-waist grooming products for men.

    Peak Speak Episode 151: Running A Successful Business

    Play Episode Listen Later Nov 14, 2021 39:52


    Thomas and John reflect on their business owning journeys, along with all the lessons learned along the way.  Use code PEAKSPEAK at Prism Coffee for 20% off your premium coffee needs! And whilst you're on a shopping spree, use code PEAKSPEAK at MANSCAPED to get 20% off best below-the-waist grooming products for men.

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