Coach Mike shares the story behind his essay Thumos: The Fire That Fuels Great Athletes — an ancient Greek idea that explains the spirit driving courage, pride, and perseverance.

You’ll hear how that fire was tested when his son, Nick, suffered a serious shoulder injury during his senior football season — and how the long road to recovery reignited his thumos.

This conversation goes beyond the weight room.

It’s about parenting, patience, and the moments that forge character.

Because muscles heal, but spirit — thumos — is what keeps us moving forward.

Unpack what it really means to build strength that lasts.

From a golden-retriever-hearted freshman finding his place on the basketball court to the gym rules that shape Mighty Oak’s identity, this conversation explores how discipline, consistency, and even mistakes forge character.

We’ll talk about the difference between what’s given and what’s proved, how culture starts with small daily habits, and why the best lessons are often learned in the moment they sting most.

Inspired by the timeless ideas of Coach Dan John, this episode reminds athletes, parents, and coaches alike:

strength isn’t just what you lift—it’s who you become when things get heavy.

Explore the idea of “training to be a grandparent.” Learn how mobility, strength, and simple daily habits prepare you to stay active, playful, and fully engaged with your grandkids for years to come.

Coach Mike shares the story of how his son Nicholas went from being one of the smallest kids in his friend group to stepping onto the high school football field with confidence, strength, and leadership. We explore how strength training in a garage gym became the foundation of Mighty Oak Athletic, how simple movements and consistent effort can change a child’s narrative, and why training together as a family builds more than muscle—it builds resilience, confidence, and lifelong health.

In this episode of the Mighty Oak Athletic Podcast, Michael Ockrim shares his personal journey of discovering strength training as a teenager at Fenwick High School — and how the weight room gave him the one thing life couldn’t: agency. From feeling powerless in school and sports to finding confidence under the barbell, Michael reflects on how lifting shaped his identity, built resilience, and became the foundation for Mighty Oak Athletic. This discussion dives into why strength training is more than building muscle — it’s about reclaiming control, building belief, and proving to yourself that you can change.

In this episode, we break down the Mighty Oak Athletic essay “Under the Bar”—exploring how the barbell teaches discipline, grit, and life skills that athletes carry far beyond the gym.

We dive into the powerful story of Rick Rescorla—the 9/11 hero who saved thousands of lives through relentless preparation and calm leadership. We break down what young athletes can learn from his example and how strength training is about much more than physical gains.

Are you just working out—or actually getting stronger? In this episode, we break down the difference between activity and productivity in the gym. Learn how intentional strength training, smart programming, and progress tracking at Mighty Oak Athletic lead to real results for student athletes and adults alike.

What happens when a legendary Chinese rebel collides with the weight room? In this episode of the Mighty Oak Athletic Podcast, we break down the latest essay that fuses Ne Zha 2 with a partner-driven kettlebell program for student-athletes. We’ll explore:

The three “trials” every young athlete should master—and how to train them without a fancy gym

Why spotting, call-outs, and shared reps can skyrocket motivation and form

The science behind triple-extension power (a.k.a. your personal thunderbolt)

How movie night on August 22, 2025 turns into a free Lotus Trial session (and a fresh Mighty Oak tee)

Easy journal prompts to turn reflection into real gains

Grab your kettlebell—or a backpack full of books—and tune in to learn how myth can fuel measurable progress on and off the field.

Why are so many parents scrolling in the parking lot while their kids crush workouts inside Mighty Oak Athletic? We dive into his latest tough-love essay—exposing America’s creeping health crisis, the dangers of ultra-processed food, and the silent toll of sedentary parenthood.

In this candid conversation you’ll hear:

How today’s adults stack up against previous generations—and why that should light a fire under all of us.

The science-backed power of strength and mobility training to reverse weight gain, joint pain, and chronic disease.

Real-world stories of parents who ditched the car seat for a squat rack and built stronger bonds with their student athletes.

A zero-equipment body-weight workout you can knock out next to the field—or right alongside your kid in the gym.

Action steps to turn “waiting time” into “workout time” and model healthy habits the whole family will follow.

Plug in, level up, and discover why the best place to cheer on your young athlete isn’t a car seat—it’s the plank position right beside them.