The Reactive Training Systems Podcast

What can 20 years of powerlifting still teach you? In this episode, Coach Mike reflects on lessons from competing at the Nationals, sharing insights on competition prep, travel challenges, weight cuts, and evolving training strategies, especially for deadlifts.

Coach Mike and Mel sit down with 2025 Sheffield champion Kjell Bakkelund. They dive into the art of coaching, building strong coach-athlete relationships, and making smart training decisions. Kjell also shares valuable insights from his powerlifting journey. Whether you're an athlete or coach, this episode is packed with practical takeaways. Don't miss it!

In this episode, we dive into the art of self-coaching in powerlifting with Ade Omisakin. We talk tracking progress, spotting trends, and using tools like velocity-based training to make smarter decisions in the gym.

Coach Mike, John and our newest RTS Coach Andrew discuss gym safety, managing fatigue, and the differences between dynamic and static RPE systems. They share practical experiences and strategies for improving strength training outcomes across all levels.

What happens when traditional training just doesn't work? In this episode, Coach Mike, Coach Kenny, and Christian Maat dive into unorthodox methods that challenge the norm—from training to failure to redefining recovery. A deep, eye-opening look at what it really takes to reach peak performance.    

This conversation explores powerlifting, focusing on the recent Sheffield competition, coaching strategies, and competition challenges. Kedric Kwan discusses the role of judges, grip strength, and the balance between technical execution and psychology in performance. Coach Mike, Mel and Kedric highlight the importance of communication, flexibility in training, and the need for both discipline and adaptability in coaching. They also touch on philosophical aspects, emphasizing enjoyment, epistemic humility, and applying the scientific method to training.

Mike and Gaby are joined by Kelly Mann, fresh from coaching at Sheffield, to discuss her experience as the first female coach at the event. They cover the challenges and environment of coaching at such a high level, particularly focusing on Meg Scanlon, and her remarkable performance. They also delve into coaching insights, including managing workflow, boundaries, and personal growth, and the effects of external factors on training outcomes.

The excitement about Sheffield 2025 is still high. Coach Mike, Peter and Gaby reflect on the competition and strategy of the attempt selection for Thai lifter Kasemsand Senumong (also known as Opor).

In this episode, Mike and Ross discuss various techniques and mental strategies in powerlifting training, diving into the importance of intentional training and mental preparation. Ross shares personal stories and experiences from his powerlifting career, including his recent world championship victory. The conversation touches on diverse training approaches, decision-making in training, handling setbacks, and the importance of internal vs external motivation.

To share the excitement about Sheffield this year, coach Mike and Mel sit down with Kasemsand Senumong, also known as Opor Kasem, the current 66kg world champion. Opor shares his training approach leading up to the competition, talks about his powerlifting journey since joining RTS and explains his mindset towards Sheffield. 

In this episode, coach Mike and Mel are joined by Coach Jason Tremblay from The Strength Guys to discuss various approaches to training elite powerlifters. They cover the fascinating coaching methods employed for lifters like Taylor Atwood, Joe Jordan, and Celine Crum, detailing specific strategies for strength, injury recovery, and performance optimization. Jason shares his journey into coaching, his experiences in strength and conditioning, and how these learnings shape his current practices. This engaging conversation provides a deep dive into the intricacies of powerlifting coaching and the collaborative efforts required for high-level athlete development.

The RTS team celebrates a successful year, sharing highlights, key achievements, and challenges faced throughout the year. Mike, Mark, Ross, Gaby, Peter, Mel and Adam attended this roundtable discussion. 

In this episode, Mike, Mel, and special guest Coach Pawel Jurczynski, CEO and co-founder of A-game Athletic Performance in Poland explore his journey into coaching, his innovative training approaches, and insights on coaching top-level athletes like Agata Sitko. The conversation delves into the challenges and strategies of managing training volume, the importance of mental preparation, and the use of advanced tools for assessing and improving performance. Tune in for in-depth discussions on technique, volume auto-regulation, and curated training tips for both athletes and aspiring coaches.

The team engages in an in-depth discussion about the diverse experiences and strategies used by competitive powerlifters. The conversation highlights Ross's journey to becoming a world champion, dealing with setbacks like injuries and travel challenges, mental preparation, and the importance of maintaining a balanced life outside of lifting. They also explore the role of athleticism and varied training, such as including plyometrics and sprints, for overall health and performance sustainability. Additionally, the episode delves into the psychological aspects of competition, the importance of process execution over chasing PRs, and strategies for young and seasoned lifters to manage off-seasons and maintain a long-term competitive edge.

In this episode, Mike Tuchscherer and Gaby Muller welcome coach Adam Jones and special guest Elliott Sykes, 2024 IPF World Champion. Elliot shares his journey in powerlifting, from starting at age 15 to breaking multiple world records. The discussion delves into his training strategies, overcoming challenges, and the impact of social media on his lifting career. They offer their perspectives on developing effective training programs and managing the complexities of peak performance. This episode is a deep dive into the nuanced world of competitive powerlifting, the importance of adaptability, and the value of strong coach-athlete relationships.

Ross Leppala and Peter Lucey discuss the pivotal role of scouting reports in powerlifting. A recent experience at the Masters World Championships profoundly shifted Ross´ perspective. The discussion delves into what comprises a useful scouting report, the insights it offers, and how it can influence strategy in tight competitions. They share detailed examples of using scouting reports to make strategic decisions, emphasizing the importance of being adaptable to evolving competition dynamics. The episode highlights how strategic planning, combined with real-time adjustments, can lead to victory in competitive meets.

In this episode, coaches Ross Leppala, Peter Lucy, and Adam Jones discuss essential factors for a successful powerlifting meet. They highlight the importance of having a solid plan, setting realistic goals, and staying flexible throughout the competition. The conversation also delves into the role of a handler, adapting to unexpected challenges, and using Estimated 1RM as a tool rather than a strict target. Their insights and experiences from international competitions provide valuable lessons for both athletes and coaches aiming to optimize performance.

In this episode, Mike, Mel and Kenny delve into the diverse techniques used by powerlifters. The discussion covers the concept of self-organized technique and how lifters develop personalized approaches to their lifts. They explore the balance between giving athletes freedom to develop their technique and providing structure and guidance. This episode also highlights the challenges and strategies in adapting and perfecting form, both for novice and experienced lifters, and shares insights on coaching approaches for optimal performance.

In this episode, join Mike, Kenny and Pat Horvath as they dive into pivotal coaching strategies and the nuances of work capacity in powerlifting. Discover Pat's insights on tackling challenges like recovery and training tolerance, and learn about the art of developing coaching techniques for intentional growth. The conversation also covers the significance of metabolic fitness and broadening a coach's expertise. Additionally, hear about the pendulum swings in training philosophies, balancing high-frequency, high-intensity approaches with essential accessory movements. 

In this episode, host Mike Tuchscherer talks with Coach Mel Kasper and Jacob Tsypkin about learning skills in powerlifting and Brazilian Jiu Jitsu. They compare two ideas: one that views skill as coming from how athletes interact with their environment, and another that sees skill as a mental model created through thinking. The conversation includes practical applications of these theories, emphasizing the importance of real, resisted practice and individual variation in training.

In this podcast episode about game day coaching, Mike Tuchscherer discusses with coaches Gaby and Kenny the challenges and strategies of handling multiple lifters at large competitions, drawing on Kenny´s recent experience at the USAPL Collegiate Nationals. They share insights on managing group coaching scenarios, emphasizing the importance of having diverse training strategies and support systems like the RTS Training Lab to enhance coaching effectiveness and athlete performance.

In this episode, Mike Tuchscherer, Gaby Muller, and Mel Kasper engage in an insightful conversation with Bryce Krawczyk of Calgary Barbell. They reflect on several events that have already happened in 2024, particularly focusing on Bryce and athlete Brittany Schlater's experiences at the Sheffield competition. The discussion highlights coaching strategies, the psychological aspects of training, and the intricacies of athlete-coach relationships, including handling adversities and fostering effective communication. Bryce also talks about the development and success of the Calgary Barbell app, shedding light on online coaching and community building. This episode provides valuable insights into powerlifting coaching, athlete development, and the importance of mental resilience in sports.

In this episode, Mike Tuchscherer discusses his recent powerlifting competitions, milestones, and reflections on the sport's evolution. Talking about a return to equipped lifting, he shares insights on decision-making, personal growth, and balancing raw and equipped lifting goals. Tune in for a concise yet insightful exploration of powerlifting's journey through Mike's perspective.

In this episode, Mike Tuchscherer and Gaby Muller welcome Dr. Nathan Dailey, a renowned physical therapist with a background in the U.S. Army, for an in-depth conversation on pain, rehabilitation, and return to sport. Dr. Dailey, known for his evidence-based approach and extensive clinical experience, discusses the complexities of pain science, the importance of an evidence-based triad model, and the need for a holistic understanding of rehabilitation and training. This episode provides valuable insights for athletes, coaches, and anyone interested in the latest perspectives on pain and rehabilitation strategies. For more information on Reactive Training Systems and to join the RTS Training Lab for access to office hours with Dr. Nathan and other features, visit store.reactivetrainingsystems.com.

This episode features a conversation between Mike Tuchscherer, Gaby Muller and coach and athlete Alexander Eriksson, discussing the Sheffield 2024, Alexander's powerlifting background, coaching strategies, and the preparation leading up to Gustav Hedlund´s win at Sheffield 2024. They also highlight the importance of smart, long-term training and the coach-athlete relationship.

In this episode, Mike Tuchscherer and Gaby Muller sit down with Evans Nana, aka the "Ghanaian Gladiator" or "Evans The Hulk", and discuss the power of belief and positivity in sports and life. Evans shares the story of his personal journey in strongman, his past in powerlifting, and how powerlifting training impacted his performance in strongman. They touch upon the impact of a coach´s belief, the importance of paying attention, and the experience of turning around negative thoughts to achieve success in sports. Evans also shares how he wants to be remembered for empowering others and bringing positive change.

At some point, all lifters will face some degree of adversity in their training. It's important to our long-term development that we learn how to use that adversity to empower us. This ensures we can come out the other side, successful. Coach Mike and Ross sit down and talk about how that has played out for them over the past few years in their pursuits of strength. Lifters featured in our training montage videos are lifters who we coach.

In this podcast episode, host Gaby Muller and Mike Tuchscherer sit down with Adam Jones and founder and coach of Performotion, Kelly Mann. Dive into the growth of Performotion, and gain unique insights into the importance of biomechanics, exercise selection, and the balance between health and strength in powerlifting. Discover the concept of a 'Golden Microcycle' and the significance of variation in training. Listen to how Kelly shares her viewpoints on athlete-coach communication and her personal experience in setting boundaries in coaching. Kelly and Adam also optimistically share news about the future of Australian powerlifting.

In this episode, coach Ross Leppala, Mel Kasper, and Gaby Muller explore how travelling and moving can affect a training routine and how to deal with such changes. They discuss their personal experiences of relocating and travel and share tips on managing stress, adapting to new environments, and maintaining a positive attitude during disruptions. The conversation highlights the importance of acceptance, flexibility, and maintaining discipline over motivation, nodding at the value powerlifters can derive from varying environments and interruptions in routine to build resilience and focus.

Mike Tuchscherer, John Garafano and Kenny Allen sit down with Newton Cheng to talk about his performance at the nationals recently and extract some valuable lessons. The experienced powerlifter Cheng shares some very mature insights on his approach and mentality on competing.  

In this riveting podcast episode, Mike Tuchscherer engages in a thought-provoking conversation with Claire Zai, coach from Barbell Medicine and powerlifting athlete herself. The duo delves into the intricate world of coaching processes, shedding light on the unique challenges and advantages of simultaneously wearing the hats of coach and athlete. Tuchscherer and Zai explore the nuances of effective coaching communication and the paramount importance of building client trust. With their extensive experience and deep insights, this dynamic exchange offers a wealth of wisdom for anyone navigating the dual role of guiding athletes and pursuing their own athletic ambitions

In this episode, Mike Tuchscherer sits down with Ryan Stills to discuss the fascinating intersection of veganism and athletics. The conversation delves into the world of veganism and its impact on sports performance. Tune in as they explore the benefits, challenges, and personal experiences of pursuing a plant-based lifestyle while striving for athletic excellence. Whether you're an athlete looking to optimize your nutrition or simply curious about the vegan lifestyle, this podcast episode offers valuable insights and inspiration.

In this episode, Mike Tuchscherer engages in an insightful conversation with renowned head coach, Jason Tremblay, from The Strength Guys. Together, they delve into the intricate world of injury risk management within the realm of powerlifting. Jason Tremblay offers a unique coach's perspective, sharing his invaluable insights into how he approaches training and underscores the pivotal role of volume in athletes' development. Furthermore, the discussion explores the utility of periodized training in optimizing performance while minimizing the risk of injury. Tune in to gain a deeper understanding of injury prevention strategies and the science behind building resilience in powerlifting.

In this insightful episode of "Running a Successful Powerlifting Business," hosted by athlete Newton Cheng, the tables turn as he interviews the renowned Mike Tuchscherer, the mastermind behind Reactive Training Systems (RTS). Joining the conversation is John Garafano, RTS's Director of Operations, shedding light on his evolving role. Through a captivating dialogue, they unravel the blueprint of RTS's triumph, delving into Mike's strategic approach to establishing and expanding the company. With a focus on sustainable and profitable growth, the podcast offers a treasure trove of wisdom for aspiring entrepreneurs, illustrating the art of navigating and thriving within the realm of small businesses.

Kedric Kwan or Reformance joins RTS Founder and Coach, Mike Tuchscherer to discuss all things AI and its impact on coaching.

The RTS Coaching team was in full swing at the 2023 IPF World's Championship in Malta. This is a podcast from coaches Mike Tuchscherer, Adam Jones, and Gaby Muller about their experiences.

Mike sits down with powerlifting legend, Nathan Baxter, to discuss his inspirational story. The conversation naturally evolves to discussing finding your meaning and purpose in powerlifting. 

RTS Coach, Gaby Muller, sits down with RTS Founder, Mike Tuchscherer, to discuss all things Emerging Strategies, Stress Index, and different training effects.

RTS' newest coaches, Kenny Allen and Gaby Muller join Mike Tuchscherer and John Garafano to talk about how important reflection is in the process of improving one's training and game day performance. 

Kedric Kwan from Reformance joins Mike Tuchscherer to discuss his experience coaching high-performance athletes at the Sheffield 2023. Mike and Kedrik also talk about other topics including program design, Emerging Strategies, the concept of Time to Peak, and training around injuries. 

This is a repost of an episode that aired on Mar 04, 2019: In this episode, Head Coach Mike Tuchscherer speaks with Dr. Jordan Feigenbaum from Barbell Medicine about everything from Pain Science, and the "optimal" rep ranges, to technical perfectionism. You're going to want to get your notepad out for this one.

Sean Noriega, Founder of Nori Powerlifting and high-level USAPL 83kg competitor joins RTS Founder, Mike Tuchscherer to discuss all things coaching and training. Sean discusses concepts like Emerging Strategies, Time-To-Peak, Volume, Intensity, and more.

Newton Cheng who is an RTS Athlete and also the Director of Health and Performance at Google joins RTS Coaches Mike Tuchscherer and John Garafano to discuss what it is like balancing powerlifting with being a father. Newton talks about balancing role priorities, Adult Cognitive Development theory, and creating a flexible mindset in training.  

This is a repost of one of our most popular episodes back in April 2020. If you haven't listened to this episode, we highly encourage you to give it a listen: This episode features Dr. Mike Isreatel of Renaissance Periodization and John Kiely a senior lecturer at the University of Lancashire discussing Periodization "theory" and how useful it is for coaches in the modern era. Of course your host Mike Tuchscherer shares his insights and personal anecdotes for a bottom-up style training that we've dubbed "Emerging Strategies".  Please share this with your fellow lifting enthusiasts if you found it valuable!

Matt Gary of SSPT joins RTS Coaches Mike Tuchscherer and John Garafano to discuss all things Game Day execution. Matt also talks about his book on Game Day Coaching

RTS Coaches Mike Tuchscherer and John Garafano sit down to talk about Mike's return to his first national event at Powerlifting America Nationals 2023. Mike talks about his mindset going into comp and specifically whether he was going to compete at all given his injury just a two weeks out from competition.

Zac Robinson from Data Driven Strength recently completed his Master's Thesis at Florida Atlantic University's Muscle Physiology Laboratory on the Effect of Proximity to Failure During Resistance Training on Muscle Performance and Fatigue. Zac joins RTS Coaches Mike Tuchscherer and John Garafano to discuss whether all RPEs are equal for strength gains.

Dr. Mike Soya joins RTS Coaches Mike Tuchscherer and John Garafano to talk about how pulling the simplest lever in injury management can often result in the quickest return to training. If you'd like some help with your Return to Training, please consider jumping into one of Dr. Soya's office hours in the RTS Training Lab. 

Mike Tuchscherer sits down with Pana (Panagiotis Tarinidis) to discuss his training philosophy and how he views specificity in training with the use of SBD days.