Old Man Strength

Chris Shipley and Dave Larson are joined by Steve Spears, the award-winning host of the long-running Stuck in the 80’s podcast (now over 780 episodes and 20 years strong). Steve dives deep into his lifelong love of 80’s pop culture, from his first Journey concert in 1981 and his obsession with Valley Girl (which he’s watched hundreds of times) to Live Aid, the Challenger disaster, and why 80’s music and movies created a common language we still speak today.

He also talks about his new book Stuck in the 80’s, memorable (and sometimes awkward) interviews with icons like Huey Lewis, Steve Perry, Debbie Foreman, and Olivia Newton-John, the magic of the 80’s Cruise, and how technology has changed the way we experience nostalgia.

If you grew up with MTV, Blockbuster nights, mixtapes, and John Hughes movies, this episode is pure 80’s comfort food.

Sponsored by Revelton Distilling Company, US-FEX Shipping AI, Iowa Beef Steakhouse, Styled by JJ Boutique, Jenny Farrell REMAX Concepts, Kyle Lehman at Wintrust Mortgage and We Will Pizza, LIVE from the AKC Andrew Downs Studios.

Brent Blum returns to Old Man Strength for a candid, behind-the-scenes conversation about his time leading the We Will Collective at Iowa State. He shares never-before-told stories from the chaotic NIL portal battles — including raising millions on tight deadlines, late-night DocuSign sessions from the Dominican Republic, and the insane stress of keeping top Cyclones like Joshua Jefferson, Tamin Lipsey, and Milan Momchilovic in Ames.

Brent opens up about the personal toll it took on him and his wife Krystal, the incredible relationships built along the way, the good (and messy) side of college athletics, player loyalty vs. big-money offers, and why he ultimately stepped away. He also talks about his new chapter with Farm Bureau and the lasting impact of "Cyclones helping Cyclones."

Raw, honest, and full of insight — don't miss this one from the AKC Andrew Downs Studios.

Sponsors:

• Revelton Distilling Company
• We Will Pizza
• Iowa Beef Steakhouse
• Styled by JJ Boutique
• Jenny Farrell - RE/MAX Concepts
• Kyle Lehman at Wintrust Mortgage

LIVE from the AKC Andrew Downs Studios.

The guys sit down with nationally touring comedian, actor, and longtime Triple Espresso cast member John Bush for a fun, wide-ranging conversation on Old Man Strength.

John shares stories from growing up between Hawaii and Minnesota, breaking into comedy (including his very first time on stage at David Wood’s Rib Tickler), life on the road, shadow puppet routines with deep family vaudeville ties, and the realities of decades in stand-up. The guys also dive into Iowa State basketball fever, hidden Iowa gems, BBQ, gender reveal parties, detasseling corn, and plenty of old-man wisdom (and belly-button hernias).

Plus: Dave from In the Cye of the Storm cohosts & the crew talks Cyclones March Madness plans, and there’s the classic “Shut the F*** Up” segment with a heartfelt message.

A laugh-packed episode full of storytelling, comedy insights, and old-man real talk.

Sponsored by Revelton Distilling Company, Iowa Beef Steakhouse, We Will Pizza, Kyle Lehman at Wintrust Mortgage, Jenny Farrell REMAX Concepts and LIVE from the AKC Andrew Downs Studios.

On this episode of Old Man Strength, Chris Shipley takes an Enneagram personality test and finds himself getting roasted by Amy Addison and Caitlyn in one of the funniest and most unexpectedly honest episodes yet.

The crew breaks down Chris’s personality type, including traits tied to The Helper and The Challenger, while connecting the results to real-life situations involving work stress, relationships, family dynamics, therapy, emotional growth, and communication. What begins as a lighthearted test turns into a real conversation about self-awareness, personal growth, and how personality patterns show up in everyday life.

Then, because this is still Old Man Strength, the show goes off the rails in the best way with a BuzzFeed quiz, Target jokes, pop culture references, and nonstop family banter.

If you like podcasts with humor, honesty, personality-test chaos, and a lot of playful roasting, this episode is for you.

Sponsored by Revelton Distilling Company, We Will Pizza, Iowa Beef Steakhouse, and Styled by JJ Boutique.
Live from the AKC Andrew Downs Studios.

The boys are back and the filter is OFF as Old Man Strength rolls into another unforgettable episode — and this time Joshua Sinclair returns to the studio. With Chris out, Tim and Aaron take over the mic for a night full of laughs, unfiltered conversations, and the kind of honest perspective that only comes from years of hard lessons and lived experience.

From the hilarious sponsor banter and classic Old Man Strength humor to deeper conversations about life, grit, and what it really means to keep pushing forward, this episode blends comedy, storytelling, and real-world wisdom the way only 3 Beards Media can deliver. If you love authentic conversations, sarcastic energy, and that “earned not given” mindset — this is one you don’t want to miss.

Grab a drink, settle in, and enjoy another episode built on busted knuckles, stubborn pride, and the kind of strength you can’t learn in a gym.

Sponsored by Revelton Distilling Company, Iowa Beef Steakhouse, Styled by JJ Boutique, Naked Dave's Seasoning, We Will Pizza by Creasman Foods, Kyle Lehman at Wintrust Mortgage and LIVE from the AKC Andrew Downs Studios.

In this powerful and heartfelt episode of Old Man Strength, we sit down with Erin Kiernan, longtime journalist and anchor at WHO-TV 13, to talk about far more than headlines and newscasts.

Erin takes us back to the very beginning — growing up, discovering her passion for journalism, and the path that led her to a career in television news. From her early days in the industry to becoming a trusted voice in Iowa homes, she reflects on the lessons, challenges, and growth along the way.

The conversation then turns deeply personal as Erin opens up about her son Michael’s autism diagnosis — the moment her world shifted, the learning curve that followed, and how it reshaped her perspective as both a mother and a professional. She shares the emotional reality of navigating parenting, advocacy, and public life all at once.

We also dive into Erin’s decision to step back this past summer, her venture into using social media as a platform for awareness and honesty, and how advocacy has become a central part of her purpose. Finally, Erin looks ahead to the future — what it holds for Michael, for her family, and for continuing the conversation around autism with empathy and understanding.

This episode is raw, honest, inspiring, and a reminder that true strength often shows up off-camera.

Sponsored by Revelton Distilling Company, Iowa Beef Steakhouse, Naked Dave Seasoning, Kyle Lehman at Wintrust Mortgage, Styled by JJ Boutique and LIVE from the AKC Andrew Downs Studios.

Old Man Strength returns with a raw, funny, and unexpectedly powerful conversation about grit, balance, and what real strength looks like in today’s world.

In this episode, hosts Chris Shipley and Tim Johnson sit down with Tanner Lloyd, a Des Moines–based content creator who has rapidly built a following across TikTok, Facebook, and Instagram through consistency, authenticity, and relentless hustle. Tanner shares his journey growing up on the east and south sides of Des Moines, spending countless hours at the baseball fields, and finding his path through retail work, Twitch streaming, and viral online content.

The discussion dives deep into the realities of modern content creation—how playing video games turned into real income, the pressure of grinding nonstop, and the hidden cost of success when health and relationships take a back seat. Tanner opens up about a pivotal conversation with his dad that forced him to confront burnout, re-center his priorities, and redefine what winning actually looks like.

Along the way, the guys explore generational differences in work ethic, the changing definition of “a real job,” and why discipline and accountability still matter—no matter how new the platform or paycheck. From laugh-out-loud moments to honest reflections on fatherhood, mentorship, and self-awareness, this episode perfectly captures the heart of Old Man Strength.

This isn’t about ego, age, or muscles—it’s about resilience, responsibility, and showing up when it counts. Whether you’re building something new or trying not to lose yourself along the way, this conversation hits home.

Pour a drink, settle in, and enjoy another episode of Old Man Strength—where wisdom is earned, not flexed.

Sponsored by Revelton Distilling Company, Iowa Beef Steakhouse, Styled by JJ Boutique, Kyle Lehman at Wintrust Mortgage and LIVE from the AKC Andrew Downs Studios.

On this episode of Old Man Strength, Chris Shipley and Aaron Wall sit down with one of the toughest people they know—Barbie Van Wick. From growing up poor in small-town Georgia to uprooting her life and starting over in Iowa at just 17, Barbie shares a raw, honest story about resilience, ambition, and refusing to stay stuck in the life you’re handed.

Barbie opens up about poverty, identity, faith, culture shock, finding her voice, and building a life rooted in purpose. Along the way, she reflects on motherhood, marriage, bodybuilding, cancer survival, and the quiet courage it takes to chase “more” when comfort would be easier. This is a powerful conversation about grit, growth, and what real strength looks like when the weights aren’t in the gym.

Sponsored by Revelton Distilling Company, Iowa Beef Steakhouse, and Kyle Lehman at Wintrust Mortgage. Live from the AKC Andrew Downs Studios

Chris brings on former host Tim Johnson to talk about what is has been up to and bring an old school theme back. Sponsored by Revelton Distilling Company, Iowa Beef Steakhouse, Kyle Lehman at Wintrust Mortgage and LIVE from the AKC Andrew Downs Studios.

We go old school vintage Old Man Strength when Aaron and Chris catch up on what they have been up to, the guys discuss how different their kids upbringing, sports and activities differ from when they are kids, Chris talks about how his moms estate wrapping up is going and more. Sponsored by Revelton Distilling Company, Kyle Lehman at Wintrust Mortgage STYLED by JJ Boutique and LIVE from the AKC Andrew Downs Studios.