Barbell Shrugged - Talking Training W/ Crossfit Games Athletes, Strength Coaches & More

Sakura Kokumai  is training to become a karate World Champion and to represent USA in the 2020 Tokyo Olympics.   Sakura started karate in Honolulu, Hawaii when she was 8 years old. She started competing internationally at 14, and represented the Jr. USA Karate Team for four years, winning the Jr. Pan American Championships 4 years in a row.   Sakura is currently ranked number 5 in the world! Most recently she won Bronze at the World Championships held in Paris, France, Bronze at the Combat Games in St. Petersburg, Russia, and Gold at the Pan American Olympic festival.   In this episode, we talk about Sakura’s mindset, specifically the night before a tournament and walking into a tournament, the differences in feelings  between winning as a 14 years old and having to win now, different Karate styles and all the meanings behind the kicks and movements and the story behind each one, her rituals to create a presence in martial arts, and much more.   Enjoy! -Mike ---------------------------------------------------

Mike Boyle is one of the foremost experts in the fields of Strength and Conditioning, Functional Training and general fitness. He currently spends his time lecturing, teaching, training and writing. In 1996 Mikel co founded Mike Boyle Strength and Conditioning, one of the first for-profit strength and conditioning companies in the world. Mike Boyle Strength and Conditioning exists for one reason: to provide performance enhancement training for athletes of all levels. Athletes trained range from junior high school students to All Stars in almost every major professional sport.   Prior to Co- founding Mike Boyle Strength and Conditioning, Mike served as the Head Strength and Conditioning Coach at Boston University for 15 years, also for the past 25 years he been  the Strength and Conditioning Coach for Men's Ice Hockey at Boston University. Mike also was the Boston Red Sox strength and conditioning coach in 2013 that won the World Series. In addition to his duties at Boston University and the Red Sox, from 1991

Wade and Matt started their company after enzymes radically changed their lives. They knew the knowledge they were paying $1500 a month to obtain was too great to keep to themselves, so they found a way to spread it to the masses. The result is BiOptimizers: scientifically-backed enzyme supplements that flip the conventional understanding of "health" upside down.   We sit down to talk about our eating styles, our histories in the health and fitness sphere, a lot of nerdy sh*t about how enzymes work and your gut probably doesn’t, why so many people have adverse reactions to gluten and lactose, and how to eat a dozen Sidecar doughnuts in a sitting without dying. You might think you know some stuff about gut health, but these guys are here to break it down (pun intended) for you in ways that are easy to understand and a blast to listen to. Enjoy the ride!   1:00

Julien Pineau is a Humanist & Movement Specialist and founder of StrongFit . Sports have been a part of Julien’s life since he was young and he’s been a state and national champion in a number of sports including soccer, swimming, and wrestling. As an adult, he really found something he liked with MMA and Jiu-Jitsu and spent time traveling the world to learn from the best in the industry.   The time spent Julien spent with the best made him want to learn more about sport and movement so that he could coach others. In 1993, he began his coaching career as a conditioning and grappling coach for the MMA gym where he trained and in 2008, he opened his own gym that focuses on strongman training. StrongFit was born and has evolved from a single gym to a full education program.   Julien’s brain is wired to see faulty patterns and visualize, in space, how people move. With his knack for diagnosing muscular and strength imbalances, he has developed his own system to identify what issues are and fight the root of th

Jen Widerstrom (@jenwiderstrom) is a personal trainer and fitness model. She is well known for her role of a trainer in the NBC's long-running and hit series The Biggest Loser, replacing Jillian Michaels where she worked as a body coach and guided the participants through a well-planned exercise regime and also provided the required emotional support to them during their journey to a fitter body. Jen worked with the popular faces including Bob Harper and Jessie Pavelka.   In the year 2008, Jen got an opportunity to work in American Gladiators, in the character of the female gladiator Phoenix for its second season. The show helped her to change the course of life. It was an amazing experience which helped to boost the brilliant athlete career. She also got the chance to play crazy games and compete with the other contestants. After she left the show, she again focused her career as a fitness trainer and improved her skills by adding Pilates and CrossFit to her workout.   In addition to her fitness, Jen is devo

Ashley Bledsoe is not only Mike’s wife, she’s a relationships coach, who guides couples to create a powerful partnership.   Ashley also has a master’s degree in Sports and Recreation Management, and has been supporting, coaching and facilitating groups in the fitness industry for the past 10 years. However, over the past three years, she’s been delving into deeper healing work. She’s passionate about coaching female entrepreneurs to forge deeper connections to themselves, each other and creating unique and practical ways to bring that to their businesses.   Ashley is committed to guiding and supporting people to deeply know and love themselves, understanding that this is the way to create powerful partnerships. She came to this realization in her own marriage after eight years of being together. By working on her relationship with herself, she was able to strengthen her connection and bring her partnership to the next level.   In this episode, we talk about relationship and how to make yours stronger, how to

This is a special episode, where Doug Larson (@douglaselarson) and Anders Varner (@andersvarner) talk about the best books on business, why communication is a skill you should constantly be developing, how mindset training is a skill that plays into all of life’s skills, why learning meditation will make you better at everything, and much more.   Enjoy! - Doug and Anders ----------------------------------------------------------------------- Show notes at: http://www.shruggedcollective.com/bbs-brobookclub ----------------------------------------------------------------------- Please support our partners! @drivennutrition: https://drivennutrition.net/shrugged/ to save 20%@bioptimizers: www.BiOptimizers.com/shrugged  “shrugged” to save 37% @organifi - www.organifi.com/shrugged to save 20% ► Subscribe to Barbell Shrugged's Channel Here ► Subscribe to Shrugged Collective's Channel Here http://bit.ly/BarbellShruggedSubscribe

It's hard to remember a time before Instagram, but Dennis (@denheen) and Kelsey (@thedailykelsey) built their online training business the old-fashioned way (through Facebook and email). They took a chance, came up with a catchy name, HIIT Burn (@hiitburn), and the rest is laid out in detail for you in this episode. In their case, big risks and some smart marketing led to big rewards—it's a classic tale of entrepreneurship gone right, and you know that's Real CHALK's brand of protein powder.   Picking a great name, staying true to your brand, ad campaigns, the next big social media platform, and why haters should make you happy—if it's business- or marketing-related, we cover it. We also talk about Kelsey's experience with anorexia and how she's using her journey to recovery to help her clients understand the role that mindset plays in living a healthy lifestyle. In an oversaturated market, it's authenticity that draws people to your brand, and it doesn't get more real than this.   We switch to more lighthear

The Strong Coach: “Guiding Coaches to Their Greatness” Season 2 Epilogue The Strong Coach Season 2 kicks off with an epilogue with head Coach Danny Rios, a recent Strong Coach Graduate April Flaten, and the co-host Doug Larson. April is one of the very first clients to graduate the program and has created a position in the fitness industry that fits her lifestyle and business goals. The core principles we discuss are: Personal Development In this course, we go over how you can become the best, truest version of yourself — and help clients do the same. You’ll learn goal-setting techniques that will promote exponential growth for you and your clients. Language Skills Foster better communication with clients and potential clients by understanding the power of your words. Learn what the best coaches already know to clearly communicate in every moment with confidence. Time & Energy Cultivation Adopt the planning and scheduling formulas that Mike Bledsoe has practiced for years to conquer every single day and a

Matt Gallant is the CEO of BiOptimzers and has a bachelor’s degree in Kinesiology. He’s been a strength and conditioning coach for multiple pro-athletes, a self-defense instructor, and has over 10 years experience formulating supplements. Fun fact: Matt’s been playing guitar and keyboards for over 19 years… and recorded a hard rock CD when he was young and angry.   Wade Lightheart is the president of BiOptimzers, a 3-Time Canadian Natural Bodybuilding Champion, and one of the world’s premier authorities on Natural Nutrition and Training Methods. Having majored in Sports Science at the University of New Brunswick, he has authored numerous books on health, nutrition and exercise which have sold in over 80 countries. Wade is sought out by athletes and high-performance oriented individuals worldwide for his advice on how to optimize their health and fitness levels.   In this episode, we talk about why our culture struggles with digestion, understanding protease and how it helps digestion, what are digestive enzym

Dr. Gabrielle Lyon is a functional medicine physician specializing in Muscle-Centric Medicine. She leverages evidence-based medicine with emerging cutting-edge science to restore metabolism, balance hormones and optimize body composition.   Dr. Lyon attended the Arizona College of Osteopathic Medicine and is board-certified in Family Practice. She also completed her research fellowship in Nutritional Science and Geriatrics at Washington University in St. Louis. Prior to her foray into medicine, Dr. Lyon was a national semifinalist in Fitness America, a professional fitness model and nationally ranked figure competitor.   Dr. Lyon's ongoing work is focused on metabolism, muscle, and body composition optimization. As a nationally recognized authority, Dr. Lyon is a regular speaker, sought after expert and educator. Dr. Lyon sees patients in New York City.   In this episode of Barbell Shrugged Dr. Gabrielle Lyon discusses why  you should stop focusing on body fat percentage and start building muscle, muscle cen

You might know a thing or two about CBD, but I guarantee you are not on the level with Mike Banhagel, the founder of Seven Points CBD. This guy can define words most people can't pronounce, and he explains CBD from plant to product in a way that's fun and accessible. He answers all the hot-topic questions (drug tests? CBD for law enforcement? FDA regulation? Vaping) and tells consumers what questions they need to be asking in order to find the best products in a saturated market.   This episode is chalk-full of random references (have you seen Waterworld?), all kinds of semi-related stories from Dartmouth grads selling back supports to dogs on the Fourth of July, weird analogies like supermarket orange juice, and some inappropriate jokes about football games. You'll probably learn, you'll definitely laugh, and you'll be able to talk your less-knowledgeable friends off the ledge when they start freaking out about getting popped. Dive in!   Happy New Year! – Ryan ------------------------------------------------

Jess Magic is a heARTist, a soul-stirring songstress, and a muse for today's generation of change-makers. More than a singer, Jess is a musical story-teller who creates compelling opportunities for people to interact with life from an open heart.   In a world where so many are longing for deeper levels of connection, authentic expression and intimacy, Jess weaves a "spell" of love with each song and story to reveal aspects of the human experience that crack open the hearts of those who are touched by her presence.   As an emcee (a.k.a. "Mistress of Ceremonies"), a speaker and a social entrepreneur, Jess Magic uses her voice and charismatic presence to break down barriers between artist and audience, giving people permission to drop the masks and be seen in their most raw, joyful and sincere expression.   In this episode, we talk about how to really feel freedom and fulfillment, how to have songversations, how to have the heart take information and really feel it, singing in public, feeling safe and free while

Closing out 2018 on the highest of highs! Jeff (@iamjeffthornton) and Derz (@coachderz) are moving full steam ahead with Feed Me Fuel Me TV. Our time with the Shrugged Collective (@shruggedcollective) has come to an end. We've learned a ton of lessons and have created a space that is open for collaboration in the future. Don't be surprised if you catch us making cameos on the Collective in the future.   It would be a massive understatement to say that 2018 was enlightening. We made some extremely genuine relationships and had some of the deepest and dopest conversations ever! We broke the mold with topics on masculinity, vulnerability, embracing your story, and living a legacy worth leaving. We interviewed intuitive clairvoyants, life coaches, business consultants, professional athletes, fit pros, doctors, entrepreneurs, and people from so many epic walks of life. The common denominator is the willingness to be authentic and vulnerably deliver their stories in a way that struck massive chords with you, our tr

Emmie Satrazemis is a board-certified sports nutritionist, registered dietitian, and Nutrition Director at Trifecta. Emmie is a veggie fanatic who loves to have fun while spreading the good word of nutrition.   A self-described “always hungry” fitness junkie, Emmie loves to build strength and push her body hard, which comes in handy when working with professional, Olympic, and collegiate athletes and serving as the dietitian for the Navy SEALs.   A thought leader in nutrition, Emmie is on the Nutrition Advisory Board for STRONG Fitness Magazine and has been featured as a nutrition expert on local news and radio in the Sacramento area and in Washington DC. Her words have been featured multiple online publications, like Retail Dietitians Business Alliance, Food Logistics, and Food Navigator USA.   In this episode, we talk about understanding the basics of nutrition for health and performance, are pre-made meals a great way to get healthy food?, getting proper nutrition on a busy schedule, the differences in eat

Andrea Ager is passion personified. She attacks everything she does with her whole heart, whether it’s running track, competing in CrossFit, coaching her AgerBomb seminars, or sharing her faith. As a high-level athlete and an instructor, she knows it’s crucial to never stop learning about training and nutrition for herself so that she can better serve her clients. Andrea’s drive to never stop improving has inspired some crazy decisions, like leaving the CrossFit coaching staff to branch out on her own and moving halfway across the country to train for the Games with a team she’d never met (and get to know a certain guy better

Tero Isokauppila (@iamtero) is a a Finnish nomad turned into a fungi lovin’ foodpreneur. He is the president and founder of Four Sigmatic (@foursigmatic) — A mushroom and superfoods company that creates products to help you live a better and healthier life. Tero’s dream is to bring back the ancient mushroom wisdom to modern lifestyle.   In his native Finland, Tero grew up on his family’s centuries-old farm regularly foraging for mushrooms. He holds a degree in both chemistry and plant-based nutrition from Cornell University, and was awarded a Finnish innovation award for discovering that the Japanese matsutake mushroom also grows in Finland.   Tero was chosen as one of the world’s Top 50 Food Activists by the Academy of Culinary Nutrition, and has been featured in Vogue, Time, Forbes, Harper’s Bazaar, and more. He’s also the author of Healing Mushrooms: A Practical and Culinary Guide to Using Mushrooms for Whole Body Health.   In this episode, we talk about why mouth breathing means your disconnected, why Ter

This week Jeff and Derz sit down with the founder of Athlete's Brand (@athletesbrand), Kyle Mauch (@kylemauch) and discuss what is truly possible! One of the most common questions we are asked as a result of our discussions is how you go about discovering your purpose. When you ask Kyle, he'll tell you that you're asking the wrong question. To know your purpose is to know WHY you were put on this earth. That is a subjective question that is usually left to the interpretation of those that you've impacted. If you knew WHY you were born, there would be no deviation from your path. You would do those deeds, accomplish those goals, without obstacle and no distraction. We all know that is not reality. Seeking purpose can give you a sense of fulfillment. A feeling of impact. Feelings often misinterpreted as purpose. ⠀ That is what Kyle does now for professional athletes and high performers. He guides them in clarifying their legacy. He helps them discover what they care about most deeply and assists them in buildin

Jen Esquer, DPT, PT, has been on a ruthless ongoing journey to learn about the body and movement since she was a child. She was a professional gymnast until age 16, studied yoga and pilates, studied physiotherapy, and is continuously exploring and learning more . is creator of and The Optimal Body Preventing Pain & Injury Optimizing Lives.   Dr. Jen is also the creator of The Mobility Method , which is designed to give the everyday person the opportunity to take themselves through a basic screening process and self-diagnose limitations. In addition, there are various modules to help individuals address their own personal needs, whether it be their neck, back, shoulders, etc.   In this episode, we talk about understanding the body conversation, how language affects epigenetics, why do you need to learn how to breathe and meditate, how do you start to learn, and much more.   Enjoy! - Doug and Anders ----------------------------------------------------------------------- Show notes at: http://www.shruggedcol

From Wall Street cold calling to owning a successful gym in NYC with a detour into the nightclub scene along the way, Vincent Miceli’s career trajectory is all over the map and he has got some stories. I caught up with him at Solace to compare notes on gyms as businesses, how to create great programming, and what we would do differently if we could start all over.   Vincent talks about his own weight-loss journey (he lost almost 100 pounds in a year) and how he got into CrossFit (spoiler: it involved flipping a coin). We get real about what we look for in coaches, wonder where the insanely energetic people coaching SoulCycle classes come from, and break down what running a gym really looks like when you get down to the expenses. It’s a little bit of storytelling, a little bit of insight offering, a little bit of knowledge dropping, and a hell of a lot of fun. With Vincent’s “there is no ceiling” mentality, anything is possible—and this episode is proof of that.   Buckle up! - Ryan   HIGHLIGHTS: 1:00 My gym is