Rockwell Barbell Podcast

In this episode, Lawrence Scott catches up with Matt Blankenberger (@americanmeatball80_). They talk about the evolution of their friendship and careers. Matt talks about his experiences as the Vice President of Rockwell Barbell, the owner of Pig Collective, and being the co-owner of the clothing brand, Ritual. They discuss the supportive community and family in powerlifting. They also share their love for hardcore music and perspectives on training as they get older.

In this episode, Lawrence and Katie (@katieeenguyen.scott) hosts champion strongwoman athlete Inez Carrasquillo (@Inez_prostrongwoman). Inez shares her journey from a severe injury to winning the North American Arnold Classic Strongwoman competition. She also goes over her experience as a Rogue Invitational champion and new records. Katie talks about her experiences that lead her into becoming a personal trainer and the Director of Operations at Rockwell Barbell. Then, they discuss their collaboration and performance at Lollapalooza, and the supportive community at both Rockwell Barbell and Surge gyms.

In this episode, Lawrence and Ed talk with Dan Strauss. Dan is a Brazilian Jiu Jitsu Black Belt under Roger Gracie and Strength Training Aficionado. He talks about his journey from traditional Japanese Jiu Jitsu to Brazilian Jiu Jitsu and training under legends like Roger Gracie. They also cover philosophies on live sparring versus drilling. You can find Dan on Instagram (@raspberry_ape) or at www.apeacademyonline.com.

Bill and Justin join Lawrence on this episode, where they discuss the links between creativity, formative experiences in education, strong mentorship, and personal growth. Bill shares his journeys taking him from Big Tech, to becoming an educator, and insights from his experience in tech entrepreneurship. They also cover resilience through trauma, teamwork complexities in the video game and tech industries, along with the ongoing process of learning through shared experiences.

In this episode, Lawrence speaks with Ty Horn, aka Mobility Monster (@mobility_monster74), about his journey from college football to strength coaching and Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu. Ty touches on his individualized training approach, the use of unconventional techniques, and the importance of community in martial arts. Ty shares insights from his experiences training with some of the top Jiu-Jitsu grapplers, and how technique can overrule size on the mat. They both touch on blue collar work ethic and how it influenced their training. They also discuss the growth that comes from stepping outside comfort zones and unorthodox paths to finding their strengths in fitness and in life.

In this episode, Lawrence talks with professional CrossFit athlete Dana Paran and owner of Iron Mind Rehab and Performance, Becca Ward. Dana shares her experiences participating in CrossFit competitions. They discuss Dana's experience at the Rogue Invitational, recovering from a significant ankle injury, and the sense of community in CrossFit and powerlifting. Dana and Becca also share how they met and bonded through fitness. Also, they discuss Dana's travels, the current state of CrossFit, and some future plans.

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 joins Lawrence on the podcast this episode, where 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 Checked It Out (@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 Checked It Out 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 martal 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.

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.

In episode 14, Lawrence and "Squat Daddy" Jeremy Miller talk about when and how they started lifting and how that progressed to them training in a much more serious and competitive environment. They also discuss why they lift and how Rockwell is a beacon of hope for people who don't want to be soft. They dive into some comedic injury stories. They also give you their run down on different training modalities they have trained and their opinions on the upsides and downsides of each.

In this episode, Dr. Khong from Midwest Sport and Spine joins Lawrence on the podcast. They discuss the transition from being a student in health and wellness to becoming a business owner in the health and wellness industry. They also discuss SI Joint Pain, breathing/bracing, their distaste for some medical practitioners, as well as their love for Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu.

In this episode, Lawrence has Steve Johnson -- better known as the "Forsaken Warrior" -- to talk about overcoming adversity, pre and post meet training, and his climb to the top of the 275 class. Also covered: Advice to novice lifters, lifting with your significant other and creating a support system by doing so. And details about the upcoming U.S. Open in April that Steve will be competing in against some of the world's best competitors.

In this episode, Lawrence discusses finding your way out of training slumps physically and mentally. He discusses having the mindset of a "new me new day" mentality over a "new me new year" one. He also briefly talks about selflessness in the gym.

In this episode Lawrence has Matt Blankenberger on as a guest to talk about his upcoming meet in December, bouncing back from previous injuries and the mindset required in do so, meet prep planning advice/goal strategizing, how to change your lifting base into something that will take you to higher places and the misrepresentation of businesses and individuals in the fitness world.

In this episode Lawrence discusses the team's experience at Relentless Detroit Charity meet, important lessons learned in lifting, stripping yourself of comforts in the gym and surrendering yourself to form above all else to add weight to the bar and get stronger.

In this episode Lawrence talks about the 5 do's and don't of personal training and being a training partner as well as pre-training anxiety and post training depression and positivity. Also covered is the grind leading up to competition and keeping a strong mindset through dark times.

In this podcast Lawrence tributes it to Olympic Weightlifter and Bodybuilder Jon North as he talks about overcoming adversity in the gym and avoiding lifting purgatory and self punishment to obtain peace and a new found freedom. Also he covers the recent charity powerlifting meets and upcoming Rockwell related meets as well as team mentality and goal setting.

On episode, six Lawrence relates lifting and life to Charles Bukowskis's "Bluebird" and how we should expose our weaknesses to those around us and ask for help and direction in order to move forward.

On episode five Lawrence discusses the significance of losing someone you love and the clarity to life that it brings as well as the strength that can be developed by witnessing others deal with such a loss in such a unique way.

On this Episode Adam Voss from Black Metal Fitness is a guest on the podcast and we talk about mobility, training mentality, music's influence on training and the current state of the fitness industry.

Rockwell's third episode touches on training mentality and interviews Elite Powerlifter Jake Hartman and Pro Figure Competitor and Powerlifter Kelly Lovan from 22nd Street Barbell in Des Moines, Iowa.

This episode dives further into the original Rockwell Barbell location and the training mentality that came to life during the time we trained there. This episode also introduces one of the core members of Rockwell, Mr. Dan Rosales as well as discusses the details as to why the new location came about and why. It also covers the mixture of powerlifters / bodybuilders / athletes / weightlifters being mixed with the personal trainers and their clients and the benefits that came out of such a unique environment. A much more personal look at what makes up Rockwell and who we are.

This first podcast is a short introduction to Rockwell Barbell and explains how and why it started. Part 1.