Muscles and Malarkey

Welcome to Petty University 101, the Season 3 finale of Muscles & Malarkey. 🎓

This episode started with one Instagram reel claiming that deadlifts are bad for you—too risky, too technical, too difficult to coach, and apparently only appropriate for powerlifters and strongmen.

Naturally, I had questions.

We're breaking down the actual conversation around deadlift injury risk, low back pain, lumbopelvic injuries, powerlifting injuries, technique, fatigue, and strength training—including how the squat, bench press, and deadlift compare.

We'll also tackle the argument that "pro athletes don't deadlift," why that's a terrible way to determine whether an exercise is right for you, and what good coaching actually looks like when teaching someone to deadlift.

You don't have to deadlift. You don't have to use a barbell. But you also don't need to be afraid of a movement because someone on Instagram told you it's dangerous.

Your training should serve YOUR goals—not somebody else's fear-mongering.

Class is in session. Welcome to Petty University. 😂 

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What happens when your brain, body, and nervous system are all telling you to slow the hell down? 😂

Eric is back on Muscles & Malarkey, and this time we’re getting into the science of CNS fatigue, recovery, and performance—but without making it feel like a neuroscience lecture.

We kick things off with an update on Eric’s own training and his new goals, then dive into what the central nervous system actually does, what people mean when they talk about “CNS fatigue,” and how fatigue can impact your performance in the gym. We also talk about recovery, how to recognize when you might need to pull back, and whether there really is a way to hack your recovery and get more out of your training.

If you’ve ever wondered why you can feel exhausted even when you technically got enough sleep, why your lifts suddenly feel terrible, or whether you’re actually under-recovered—or just having a bad training day—this one is for you.

Your CNS called. It wants a nap. So maybe we should listen. 😴💪

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This week on Muscles & Malarkey, I'm giving you a training update as I get closer to prep for my December powerlifting meet. We chat about recent PRs, exciting progress with my coach, Kim, and a huge personal health win that reminded me why consistency always pays off.

From there, the conversation shifts into some of the best lessons that came out of a weekend spent lifting with friends. We talk about the difference between pushing your limits and letting your ego take over, why recording your lifts is valuable (even without a coach), how the right training partners can completely change your gym experience, when it's okay to move on from a coach, and why trying a new gym—or even your very first workout—might be less intimidating than you think.

Whether you're chasing a new PR, just getting started, or looking for a little motivation to finish the year strong, this episode is a reminder that progress isn't just measured by the weight on the bar. It's built through consistency, community, and having the courage to keep showing up.

In this episode:

• Training updates and recent PRs
• Preparing for a December powerlifting meet
• Celebrating health wins beyond the gym
• Ego lifting vs. progressive overload
• The benefits of training with friends
• Knowing when it's time to move on from a coach
• Trying new gyms with confidence
• Setting meaningful goals for the rest of the year

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Email me at [email protected] for any questions or feedback! 
Please share, rate, review, and subscribe. It really helps get the podcast out to more people! 

Have you ever looked at your training, your hobbies, or even your daily routine and thought, "I just don't feel like me lately?"

You're not alone.

In this episode of Muscles and Malarkey, I get real about feeling stuck, losing motivation, and what happens when the things you usually love stop feeling exciting. Whether it's the gym, work, or life in general, everyone goes through seasons where they feel disconnected from themselves.

Instead of chasing motivation or forcing productivity, this episode is all about getting curious. I share practical ways to reconnect with yourself, rediscover what brings you joy, and let go of the pressure to always be "on."

We'll talk about:

• Why being in a funk doesn't mean you've failed.
• How to tell the difference between burnout and boredom.
• Simple ways to make training (and life) feel fun again.
• Why trying something new can reignite your spark.
• Giving yourself permission to change, evolve, and enjoy the process.

If you've been feeling unmotivated, burnt out, or like you're just going through the motions, this episode is your reminder that you don't have to stay there. Sometimes the way forward isn't pushing harder—it's finding your way back to what makes you smile.

Tune in, and let's find the fun again. 

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Email me at [email protected] for any questions or feedback! 
Please share, rate, review, and subscribe. It really helps get the podcast out to more people! 

Welcome back to another episode of muscles and malarkey! 

In this episode, I go over 3 different AITA posts from gym reddit. Have you ever asked yourself, "Am I the Ahole?" then this episode is for you! 

I discuss whether OP is, in fact, the A hole, or if maybe a different approach was needed. I also give a few actionable take aways/ advice if you happen to find yourself in a similar situation. 

Have you ever had a crazy gym experience? Send it my way to be featured on the pod! (or not, if you'd rather) 

Follow me on Instagram at MusclesandMalarkey. 
Email me at [email protected] for any questions or feedback! 
Please share, rate, review, and subscribe. It really helps get the podcast out to more people! 

Welcome back to another episode of Muscles and Malarkey! 

In this episode, I catch you up on what I've been up to for the past couple weeks. I wanted to break down my meet day at Sunday Service's Crowned in Iron, helping Megsy handle Ashley, and of course, handling my girl April at Goddesses of Steel. 

Did April hit her goal of 1000# total? Did I finally break the elusive 400# deadlift barrier? Tune in to find out! 

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Email me at [email protected] for any questions or feedback! 
Please share, rate, review, and subscribe. It really helps get the podcast out to more people! 

There is more to life than your weight.

More than calories, more than the scale, more than trying to be smaller.

You deserve a life that feels full—
 full of joy, full of connection, full of moments that matter.

Stop letting your size take up so much space in your mind… when your life is meant to take up space in the world.

We’re talking body standards, BMI, strength, genetics—and why your worth has nothing to do with a number on the scale.

Make sure you’re subscribed so you don’t miss this one. 💪🔥

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 In this episode of Muscles and Malarkey, I’m sharing a full training update as I head into my deadlift-only meet held by Sunday Service in Fort Mill, SC. 

I recently started working with a new coach (shoutout to Kim aka Joyful Lifter), and this shift has completely changed my perspective on training. Sometimes a fresh set of eyes is all it takes to remind you what this sport is supposed to feel like—fun, challenging, and meaningful. 

We also get into a mindset I see way too often: waiting for “perfect.” Perfect timing, perfect readiness, perfect conditions. The truth? That moment never really comes. And chasing it often turns into procrastination in disguise. 

Instead, I’ve been focusing on showing up as I am, letting go of comparison, and rebuilding trust in the process—both in training and in myself. 

If you’ve ever felt stuck, pressured, or like you’re not where you “should” be, this episode is your reminder that progress doesn’t come from perfection—it comes from consistency, perspective, and learning to enjoy the process again. 

Follow me on Instagram at MusclesandMalarkey. 
Email me at [email protected] for any questions or feedback! 
Please share, rate, review, and subscribe. It really helps get the podcast out to more people! 

In this episode, I’m joined by Amber Dawn to talk all things women in powerlifting, strength training, and coaching. We dive into how to train at every age, build long-term strength, and approach powerlifting with a focus on longevity, performance, and sustainability. 

Amber shares her journey through the sport, along with insights on what makes a great powerlifting coach, how to support athletes effectively, and why community and inclusivity matter in strength sports. We also reflect on our own experiences in lifting—what’s changed over time, lessons learned, and how our past shapes the way we train and coach today. 

This episode is for anyone interested in powerlifting for women, strength training for longevity, improving your coaching skills, or simply finding a more sustainable and meaningful approach to fitness. 

If you’re looking to get stronger, train smarter, and stay in the sport for the long haul, this conversation is for you. 

Interested in coaching? Amber can be found at a.dawn.vicious on Instagram 

Follow me on Instagram at MusclesandMalarkey. 
Email me at [email protected] for any questions or feedback! 
Please share, rate, review, and subscribe. It really helps get the podcast out to more people! 

Meet day can feel chaotic if you don’t know what to expect—but it doesn’t have to be.

In this episode, I’m breaking down the full flow of a powerlifting meet, step by step. From weigh-ins and gear check, to finding your space, warming up, and taking your attempts on the platform—I’m walking you through exactly how the day unfolds.

I also share some of the biggest mistakes I’ve made (so you don’t have to), along with practical tips on timing your warm-ups, choosing your attempts, staying fueled, and keeping your nerves in check.

Whether you’re new to competing or just want a smoother, more confident meet day experience, this episode will help you show up prepared and ready to lift.

At the end of the day, it’s not just about the numbers—it’s about the experience. Find your people, enjoy the energy, and remember… it’s you vs. you. 💪

Follow me on Instagram at MusclesandMalarkey. 
Email me at [email protected] for any questions or feedback! 
Please share, rate, review, and subscribe. It really helps get the podcast out to more people!