The Gus Cooke Podcast

Earlier in the week I posted something on social media about coaching the person, not the athlete. So we dived into it a bit further today. 

In this conversation, Gus Cooke shares his personal journey with anabolic steroids, discussing the taboo surrounding their use, the evolution of his training philosophy, and the importance of understanding the science behind performance enhancement. He emphasizes the role of testosterone, the impact of sleep and recovery, and the risks associated with steroid use, particularly for women. The discussion also touches on behavioral aspects of steroid use, the need for regulation and education, and the future of performance enhancement in a health-conscious context.

In this conversation, Gus Cooke and Sarah Rainbow delve into the concept of training intent and its significance in athletic performance. They discuss the subjective nature of RPE (Rate of Perceived Exertion) and how it can be made more objective through data collection. The dialogue transitions into the importance of mindset in training, particularly regarding the pressure to progress. They also explore different coaching styles, emphasizing the benefits of a non-directive approach that fosters athlete autonomy. The conversation concludes with reflections on the importance of enjoyment in training and how it contributes to overall success and mental well-being.

In this episode of the Lifters League Podcast, powerlifting coaches Gus Cooke and Sarah Rainbow dive deep into the unique culture and training approaches of the International Powerlifting Federation (IPF).

They discuss the pros and cons of the IPF's strict rules and judging standards, and how this can impact an athlete's development and enjoyment of the sport. Gus and Sarah also explore the importance of balancing external and internal competitiveness, and how Sarah's transition into Strongman training has helped her rediscover the joy of getting stronger.

The conversation also covers the concept of "body IQ" - how developing a deeper understanding of movement mechanics and proprioception can benefit powerlifters. Gus shares his insights on the limitations of common coaching cues like the "tripod foot" and the need for a more holistic, high-resolution approach to technique.

Whether you're a competitive powerlifter, a strength athlete looking to diversify your training, or simply someone interested in the mental and physical aspects of getting stronger, this episode is packed with valuable insights and perspectives from two experienced coaches at the top of their game.

You’ve heard it countless times: "Trust the process." But what if that’s not enough? In this episode, Gus Cooke challenges the conventional wisdom around relying solely on outcomes and numbers. Instead, you'll discover how to clearly identify and implement behaviors and routines—the "non-negotiables"—that genuinely drive progress and long-term success. Gus shares practical strategies for distinguishing between leading and lagging indicators, breaking down goals into actionable daily habits, and understanding how small, incremental improvements compound dramatically over time. If you’ve ever felt stuck, frustrated by inconsistent results, or unsure about what "trusting the process" actually means, this conversation will equip you with the clarity and actionable insights you need to achieve sustained progress in your training, mindset, and overall performance.

Injury isn't just physical—it tests your mindset, commitment, and belief in your own potential. In this episode, we sit down with Anna, a top Australian powerlifter who turned a devastating back injury into a comeback story for the ages. From barely being able to walk after a training accident, to standing proudly on the podium at ProRaw, Anna reveals exactly how she navigated intense pain, uncertainty, and doubt to become stronger than ever before.

You'll hear firsthand the strategies and mindset shifts required to overcome severe setbacks, how trusting the right coach and process can accelerate recovery, and why mastering the "boring basics" is your most powerful tool for success.

If you've ever worried that injury might derail your progress permanently—or wondered if you have what it takes to return stronger—this episode offers actionable insights and undeniable proof that your greatest strength often comes from your greatest struggles.

Tune in and reignite your path back to peak performance.