The Platform Podcast

Ross Bell is back on the Platform. He is the founder and head coach of Armor Fitness and the man behind VIKN Performance chalk, the official chalk of the Twin Cities Kettlebell Open for as long as we run this thing. We are shield brothers, and this one is a good one.

We get into what Ross is building: Grip of the Gods, an all-comers charity kettlebell competition benefiting Team RWB (enriching veterans' lives through fitness). It came out of losing a friend right before Christmas and wanting to get in front of veteran suicide instead of scrambling to react to it. Lift anything, claim any clan, 25 bucks a lift, and it goes to the cause. In person August 22 at Breakthrough Fitness in Grand Ledge, Michigan, or virtual from anywhere with your set filmed during the submission window.

Ross is anchoring the day with a stupid-for-good world-record attempt: a two-hour long cycle set, with sponsors pledging dollars per rep straight to the vets. We nerd out on how you even train for two hours under the bell (burst-duration sets under Ken Blackburn and the IKFF, gloved snatch work, Bulgarian bag and mace, the Norwegian cycling protocol), why grip is the most underrated quality in the sport, how to train your skin like the organ it is, and what actually separates high-quality chalk from the shitty stuff. If you have ever figured chalk is chalk, VIKN's Valhalla Dust will change your mind.

CHAPTERS

00:00 Sponsor: VIKN Performance

01:02 Welcome, and who Ross Bell is

03:31 Catching up: rebuilding Armor Fitness and VIKN

05:43 Grip of the Gods, and why Team RWB

10:18 How the event works and how to register (Aug 22 Grand Ledge, or virtual)

13:56 The two-hour long cycle world record attempt

14:22 Training for a two-hour set (Ken Blackburn / IKFF)

16:44 Cardio and the Norwegian protocol

18:35 Sponsor: Living.Fit

19:15 Grip: the underrated quality

23:02 Torn hands, and how to avoid them

26:00 Chalk science: what separates good chalk from bad

28:40 Valhalla Dust

31:29 Where to find Ross and VIKN

32:37 Wrap

CONNECT WITH ROSS + VIKN

VIKN Performance on Instagram / Facebook: @viknperformance

Ross's personal brand on Instagram / Facebook: @ArmorFitnessKettlebell

Grip of the Gods registration, $25 a lift, in person Aug 22 or virtual: https://viknperformance.com/pages/grip-of-the-gods

Pledge Ross's world-record set (dollars per rep to Team RWB): https://app.99pledges.com/fund/armorfitness/ross-bell

Ross's Aug 23 kettlebell-sport seminar (IKFF) signup: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSckNZ0OpNDxbTnCUy8zdWulfdoIHojnpzEaw4eLYZu319AL9Q/viewform

CONNECT WITH TCKB

Register for the 2026 Twin Cities Kettlebell Open / AKLU National Championship, September 12: https://www.twincitieskettlebellclub.com/open

Apply for 1-on-1 coaching: https://www.twincitieskettlebellclub.com/interestform

Email: [email protected]

If this episode helps, follow the show and share it with someone who needs to hear it. And if you can lift something for Grip of the Gods, do it.

Support the show and save: Pro Kettlebell, 10% off with code TCKB10, https://prokettlebell.com/online-store?aff=8

VIKN Valhalla Dust chalk, as heard in this episode: https://viknperformance.com

AKLU sanctioned events: https://www.aklu.net/sanctioned-events

Some links are affiliate links, which means I earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. VIKN is the official chalk sponsor of the Twin Cities Kettlebell Open.

💪 Want help reaching your goals?🎯 Apply for 1-on-1 coaching: https://www.twincitieskettlebellclub.com/applyJeremy Olson walks into the gym now around 235 pounds, but at his heaviest, he was 550+ pounds. Over 300 pounds lost. Today, he coaches kettlebell sport athletes in Las Vegas and leads the Psyched Kettlebell team (the “Chalk Monsters”) out of CrossFit Psyched in Henderson.

In this conversation, I sit down with my friend and fellow big guy to talk about what it really takes to transform your body and keep it off. We dig into his CrossFit-to-kettlebell-sport journey, how he discovered the sport through the Rogue Slingshot challenge, and why he decided to start coaching.

We also get into the less glamorous stuff: the COVID depression that caused him to gain 100 pounds back, the imposter syndrome that comes with coaching, and why weight loss is never linear. Jeremy’s authenticity and relatability shine through—and that’s exactly why he’s such an effective coach.Connect with Jeremy:

• Instagram: @lv_viking
• Gym: CrossFit Psyched (Henderson, NV)

Connect with TCKB:

• Instagram, Facebook, YouTube: @twincitieskettlebellclub

• Coaching Interest Form: https://www.twincitieskettlebellclub.com/apply

If this episode helps, subscribe, like, and share it with someone who needs to hear Jeremy's story — or someone who cares about building kettlebell sport the right way.#kettlebellsport #weighttransformation #crossfit #kettlebell #fitnessjourney #lasvegas #coachlife #tckbclub #platformpodcast #training #competition #sport🛠️ Support the show + save with these discount codesPro Kettlebell - Made in the USA! – 10% off with code TCKB10https://prokettlebell.com/online-store?aff=8ResourcesAKLU sanctioned events: https://www.aklu.net/sanctioned-events💬 This episode is not sponsored unless explicitly stated. Some links are affiliate links, which means I earn a small commission at no extra cost to you.

Thanks for supporting the show and the sport!Timestamps:00:00 - Intro: Meet the Las Vegas Viking03:00 - How kettlebell sport found a CrossFit guy06:00 - Starting at 550 pounds: The origin story08:00 - Losing 300+ pounds in two years09:00 - Walking into CrossFit for the first time11:00 - High school football and the injury that started the weight gain14:00 - Getting certified: L1, L2, NASM, and the knowledge obsession17:00 - CrossFit Psyched and Henderson, Nevada20:00 - The Rogue Slingshot challenge and discovering kettlebell sport21:00 - Finding a coach who gets it23:00 - Building the Psyched Kettlebell team (Chalk Monsters)25:00 - Community building: It starts with the coaches27:00 - Being the big guy with a beard — approachability as a coach29:00 - Scaling for stimulus, not ego31:00 - Training adaptive athletes at CrossFit Psyched34:00 - The coach mindset: Don't be Michael Jordan37:00 - Growing kettlebell sport inside a CrossFit gym39:00 - From class curiosity to 28-person seminar43:00 - Battling imposter syndrome as a coach47:00 - Weight loss wisdom: "It's not linear" and the COVID setback50:00 - Advice for beginners: Embrace the suck, start lighter52:00 - Where to find Jeremy and upcoming competitions

🔥 Register now for the Luva’ Bells Kettlebell Sport Open!

📍 Camp Rhino Southeast — Las Vegas, NV | Saturday, February 14, 2026

⏰ 11:00AM PT / 1:00PM CT

🎟️ Registration + full event details: https://runsignup.com/Race/NV/LasVegas/LuvahBellsKettlebellOpen

💪 Want help reaching your goals?

🎯 Apply for 1-on-1 coaching: https://www.twincitieskettlebellclub.com/interestform

Happy New Year — we’re kicking off 2026 with a conversation that’s all about building the sport and creating more chances for athletes to step onto the platform.

In this episode, I sit down with Gianna Kreider and Stacey Gustke from Las Vegas Kettlebell Club to talk about the inaugural Luva’ Bells Kettlebell Sport Open. We get into why they decided to host their first meet, what it takes to deliver a strong athlete experience, and how they’re structuring the event to welcome both first-time competitors and seasoned lifters.

✅ Quick registration notes (in-person + virtual)

• In-person pricing:

– Early (before Dec 1): $70

– Regular (Dec 1 – Jan 15): $80

– Late (Jan 15 – Jan 31): $90

– Includes TWO lifts (biathlon and half marathon count as two lifts)

– Additional lifts: $15 each

• Youth (under 16): $20 (kids lifts are 5 minutes)

• Virtual entries: $25 per lift

• AKLU members: $10 discount (email [email protected] for the discount code)

• Virtual submission window: Feb 6–11 (due by midnight PT on Feb 11)

– Submit your public YouTube video link to [email protected]

Resources

• Register (RunSignup): https://runsignup.com/Race/NV/LasVegas/LuvahBellsKettlebellOpen

• Virtual submission rules: https://runsignup.com/Race/LuvahBellsKettlebellOpen/Page-5

• AKLU sanctioned events: https://www.aklu.net/sanctioned-events

If this episode helps, subscribe, like, and share it with someone who wants to compete — or someone who cares about building kettlebell sport the right way.

#kettlebell #kettlebellsport #strengthandconditioning #tckbclub #platformpodcast #training #competition #sport

🛠️ Support the show + save with these discount codes

Pro Kettlebell (Made in the USA!) – 10% off with code TCKB10

https://prokettlebell.com/online-store?aff=8

Kettlebell Kings – 10% off with code TCKB

https://kettlebellkings.com?afmc=1d

Bearfoot Athletics – 10% off with code TCKB10

https://www.bearfootathletics.com/?ref=RiA5-64mRDq3

Driven Nutrition – 15% off with code TCKB

https://www.drivennutrition.net/pages/go?ref=11454:308873&discount=TCKB

💬 This episode is not sponsored unless explicitly stated. Some links are affiliate links, which means I earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. Thanks for supporting the show and the sport!

Amber & Nikolai Puchlov of Pro Kettlebell open up about the challenges and breakthroughs of building a kettlebell business. From design setbacks and manufacturing hurdles to the validation of seeing athletes worldwide embrace their bells, they share lessons learned and how these experiences shape their vision for the future of kettlebell sport in the U.S. and beyond.

Whether you’re a lifter chasing PRs, a coach building something meaningful, or just curious about resilience and innovation, this episode delivers.

Men’s Mental Health w/ Brenna Thompson, RDN — practical fixes for sleep, anxiety, energy, and connection.
Coffee cutoff at noon, alcohol’s rebound on sleep, blue-light wind-downs, magnesium/melatonin basics, protein that steadies you, and building real support.

🔥 Register now for the 2025 Twin Cities Kettlebell Open!
📍 St. Paul, MN | September 13, 2025
🎟️ www.twincitieskettlebellclub.com/tckbopen2025

💪 Want help reaching your goals?
🎯 Apply for 1-on-1 coaching: https://www.twincitieskettlebellclub.com/interestform

Men’s mental health is under pressure—restless sleep, anxious spikes, and low bandwidth are more common than ever. In this episode I’m joined by registered dietitian Brenna Thompson to skip the doom and go straight to simple, evidence-informed actions men can start today. We get practical about caffeine, alcohol, sleep routines, food choices, and building real connection so you’re not white-knuckling stress alone.

📅 Timestamps
00:00 – Intro & setup
00:05:20 – Why this matters now: men’s mental health crisis
00:06:09 – Suicide: recent trends & context
00:07:14 – “Deaths of despair”: overdoses + working-class/rural risk
00:10:43 – Brenna’s family history & personal context
00:17:39 – Melatonin for sleep
00:21:47 – Magnesium basics for sleep (200–400 mg glycinate)
00:23:18 – When short-term melatonin helps
00:23:53 – Blue light/screens and winding down
00:29:31 – Protein to stabilize energy & mood
00:33:55 – Animal protein, satiety, recovery
00:35:23 – “Hunt–Gather–Farm” grocery filter (fast whole-food meals)
00:37:17 – Caffeine timing & anxiety (no caffeine after noon)
00:38:59 – Alcohol as a downer; sleep disruption
00:42:11 – Rebound effects & next-day mood; non-alcoholic swaps
00:53:53 – Movement + sunlight and neurotransmitters
00:57:00 – Connection: why it matters for men
00:58:23 – “Find your people” — practical ways to keep support
01:02:44 – Building community & staying connected

Resources
• Twin Cities Kettlebell Club — Coaching interest form: https://www.twincitieskettlebellclub.com/interestform
• 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline (U.S.): Call or text 988 anytime

If this episode helps, subscribe, like, and share it with someone who needs practical steps—today.

#mensmentalhealth #sleep #anxiety #caffeine #recovery #nutrition #habits #tckbclub #platformpodcast

🛠️ Support the show + save with these discount codes

Pro Kettlebell (Made in the USA!) – 10% off with code TCKB10
https://prokettlebell.com/online-store?aff=8

Kettlebell Kings – 10% off with code TCKB
https://kettlebellkings.com?afmc=1d

Bearfoot Athletics – 10% off with code TCKB10
https://www.bearfootathletics.com/?ref=RiA5-64mRDq3

Driven Nutrition – 15% off with code TCKB
https://www.drivennutrition.net/pages/_go_?ref=11454:308873&discount=TCKB

💬 This episode is not sponsored unless explicitly stated. Some links are affiliate links, which means I earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. Thanks for supporting the show and the sport!

🔥 Register now for the 2025 Twin Cities Kettlebell Open!📍 St. Paul, MN | September 13, 2025🎟️ www.twincitieskettlebellclub.com/tckbopen2025💪 Want help reaching your goals?🎯 Apply for 1-on-1 coaching: https://www.twincitieskettlebellclub.com/interestform🎙️Competing on the world stage comes down to milliseconds of fixation and miles of travel efficiency.In this episode, I sit down with Twin Cities Kettlebell Club athlete Cole Moore for an inside look at his 24 kg Biathlon performance at the 2025 WKSF World Championships in Busto Arsizio, Italy.We break down pacing strategies that held up under international judging, zero-no-count jerk sets, and the mental reset needed when snatch lifts launch just an hour after jerks. If you’re chasing big goals in kettlebell sport—or any sport that demands perfect technique under pressure—this debrief is pure gold.📅 Timestamps – WKSF Worlds Debrief w/ Cole Moore00:00 – Welcome + Intro to The Platform Podcast02:00 – Quick stats: flight category, body-weight, final totals05:00 – Cole’s jerk set: cadence, fixation drill carry-overs (zero no-counts)09:00 – Snatch pacing strategy: why he opened slower than training pace13:00 – The 60-minute turnaround: recovering between jerk → snatch flights17:00 – Judging standards at Worlds vs. U.S. meets22:00 – Travel logistics: Milan arrival, hotel choice, beating jet lag27:00 – Nutrition on meet day: simple carbs + hydration hacks32:00 – Managing nerves: visualization and “one-rep reset” cue37:00 – Technical takeaways: shoulder stability & longer pause holds42:00 – Programming tweaks for the next training block48:00 – Future goals: national ranking + return to Worlds in 202653:00 – Advice to first-time international competitors57:00 – Rapid-fire: favorite gear, music, and recovery tools60:00 – Closing thoughts, shout-outs, and upcoming events🛠️ Support the show + save with these discount codesPro Kettlebell (Made in the USA!) – 10 % off with code TCKB10https://prokettlebell.com/online-store?aff=8Kettlebell Kings – 10 % off with code TCKBhttps://kettlebellkings.com?afmc=1dBearfoot Athletics – 10 % off with code TCKB10https://www.bearfootathletics.com/?ref=RiA5-64mRDq3Driven Nutrition – 15 % off with code TCKBhttps://www.drivennutrition.net/pages/_go_?ref=11454:308873&discount=TCKB💬 This episode is not sponsored unless explicitly stated. Some links are affiliate links, which means I earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. Thanks for supporting the show and the sport!

🔥 Register now for the 2025 Twin Cities Kettlebell Open!
📍 St. Paul, MN | September 13, 2025
🎟️ www.twincitieskettlebellclub.com/tckbopen2025

💪 Want help reaching your goals?
🎯 Apply for 1-on-1 coaching: https://www.twincitieskettlebellclub.com/interestform

🎙️ In this solo episode of The Platform Podcast, I break down how to beat jet lag and perform your best when competing internationally. With the 2025 WKSF World Championships happening June 5–8 in Busto Arsizio, Italy, I’ve got athletes in the air right now — and we’re focused on one goal: arriving ready to lift, not just land.

From adjusting your sleep-wake cycle and tapering training, to flying smart, hydrating, and syncing with local time fast — I share field-tested strategies that help you stay sharp on the platform. Whether you're flying to Milan or planning your first international meet in the future, this episode is your tactical guide to staying strong through the time zone chaos.

📅 Timestamps:
00:00 – Welcome + Intro to The Platform Podcast
00:40 – 2025 WKSF Worlds: Dates + Location
01:15 – Why Jet Lag Hits Athletes Hard
02:00 – What Is Jet Lag, Really?
03:30 – Physical + Mental Symptoms of Travel Fatigue
04:45 – Athlete Case Studies + Jet Lag Horror Stories
06:00 – Pre-Trip Tips: Sleep Adjustments + Tapering
09:00 – Smart Flight Booking + Packing Essentials
11:00 – In-Transit Strategy: Hydration, Sleep, Movement
14:00 – Arrival: Sunlight, Naps, and Active Recovery
17:00 – Melatonin, Light Cues, and Nervous System Reset
19:00 – Mindset, Buffer Days, and Staying Ready
21:00 – Final Thoughts + Good Luck to Milan Lifters

🛠️ Support the show + save with these discount codes:

🛡️ Pro Kettlebell (Made in the USA!) – 10% off with code TCKB10
https://prokettlebell.com/online-store?aff=8

🏋️‍♂️ Kettlebell Kings – 10% off with code TCKB
https://kettlebellkings.com?afmc=1d

🦶 Bearfoot Athletics – 10% off with code TCKB10
https://www.bearfootathletics.com/?ref=RiA5-64mRDq3

🥤 Driven Nutrition – 15% off with code TCKB
https://www.drivennutrition.net/pages/go?ref=11454:308873&discount=TCKB

💬 This episode is not sponsored unless stated. Some links are affiliate links, which means I earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. Thanks for supporting the show and the sport!

#kettlebell #jetlag #competitionprep #wksf2025 #platformpodcast #kettlebellsport #strengthandconditioning #tckbclub #tckbopen2025

🔥 Register now for the 2025 Twin Cities Kettlebell Open!📍 St. Paul, MN | September 13, 2025🎟️ www.twincitieskettlebellclub.com/tckbopen2025

💪 Want help reaching your goals?🎯 Apply for 1-on-1 coaching: https://www.twincitieskettlebellclub.com/interestform

🎙️ In this solo episode of The Platform Podcast, I explore what happens when your ambitions outpace your bandwidth—and how that tension can lead to burnout. I open up about my own struggles managing a demanding career, family responsibilities, health challenges, and the pressure to keep this podcast consistent.

I share the strategies I’ve used to rebuild momentum by reconnecting with my purpose, realigning daily actions with long-term goals, and designing systems that support growth—without burning out. I also highlight the power of competition and accountability to help stay motivated and focused.If you've felt overwhelmed, off track, or like you're carrying more than you can manage, this episode is your guide back to alignment.

• 📅 Timestamps:
• 00:00 – Introduction to the Platform Podcast
• 00:23 – The Reality of Burnout and Bandwidth
• 01:08 – Reflection and Reconnection
• 02:35 – Navigating Personal Challenges
• 04:21 – Balancing Career and Personal Life
• 06:46 – Health Issues and Their Impact
• 09:54 – Reestablishing Successful Habits
• 12:36 – Taking Action to Create Momentum
• 18:02 – Understanding Triggers and Environment
• 20:42 – Identity and Long-Term Goals
• 24:31 – Struggling with Identity After Injury
• 25:07 – Redefining Personal Identity
• 26:06 – Aligning Actions with Aspirations
• 27:09 – Building a Sustainable System
• 27:41 – Success Bandwidth and Real-Life Anchors
• 30:12 – Flexible Strength Training
• 31:41 – Protein Intake and Realistic Goals
• 37:31 – Accountability and Competition
• 40:52 – Reflecting and Realigning
• 43:59 – Defining Your Own Comeback Plan
• 46:09 – Final Thoughts and Encouragement

🛠️ Support the show + save with these discount codes:🛡️ Pro Kettlebell (Made in the USA!) – 10% off with code TCKB10https://prokettlebell.com/online-store?aff=8

🏋️‍♂️ Kettlebell Kings – 10% off with code TCKB

https://kettlebellkings.com?afmc=1d

🦶 Bearfoot Athletics – 10% off with code TCKB10

https://www.bearfootathletics.com/?ref=RiA5-64mRDq3

🥤 Driven Nutrition – 15% off with code TCKB

https://www.drivennutrition.net/pages/go?ref=11454:308873&discount=TCKB

💬 This episode is not sponsored unless stated. Some links are affiliate links, which means I earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. Thanks for supporting the show and the sport!

#kettlebell #burnout #mindset #tckbclub #platformpodcast #strengthandconditioning #comeback #resilience #kettlebellsport #tckbopen2025

Sign up today for the 2025 Twin Cities Kettlebell Open!

In this episode of the Platform Podcast, we welcome back Bobby Hicks, a renowned kettlebell sport athlete, content creator, and chef. Bobby discusses his unique journey from being a kettlebell sport competitor to becoming a social media influencer with his Retro Recipes Kitchen channel. He shares his experiences and challenges on Fox's cooking competition show 'Next Level Chef' with Gordon Ramsay.

We explore Bobby's preparation for the show, the impact of his kettlebell sport background on his performance, and the camaraderie among contestants. Bobby also opens up about his aspirations for his culinary career and future projects including pop-up dinners and seeking opportunities in television. Tune in for an exciting discussion on competition, cooking, and creativity.

Timestamps

• 00:00 Introduction and Guest Welcome
• 01:09 Kettlebell Sport and Personal Challenges
• 04:11 The Birth of Retro Recipes
• 07:35 Social Media Success and Metrics
• 08:39 Journey to Next Level Chef
• 12:57 Behind the Scenes of Filming
• 30:00 Mispronunciations and Cooking Techniques
• 31:45 Facing the Pressure of Competition
• 35:07 Gordon Ramsey: The Real Deal
• 38:05 Behind the Scenes: Life on a Cooking Show
• 43:16 The Emotional Rollercoaster of Competing
• 49:39 Future Plans and Collaborations
• 56:41 Final Thoughts and Farewell

Don’t forget to like, subscribe, and share this episode if you find it helpful!

In this annual St. Patrick’s Day special, host Jordan Kunde-Wright of the Twin Cities Kettlebell Club once again reunites with David Keohan—affectionately known as “Indian Stones.” This yearly tradition marks a time to toast the holiday together while catching up on David’s newest achievements. From launching his craft beer, Mullán, to filming a funded one-hour documentary for RTÉ, David continues to champion Ireland’s rich heritage of stone lifting.

Listeners will hear how David’s passion for preserving Celtic culture has led him to discover more than 48 historic stones throughout the Irish countryside—some weighing upwards of 200 kilos. He shares humorous anecdotes about powerlifters struggling with the awkward heft of these behemoths, proving that raw barbell strength doesn’t always translate to practical lifting. Meanwhile, Jordan swaps stories about hauling logs in his backyard, underscoring the primal satisfaction of moving “real world” weight.

Amid all the laughter and celebration, David reveals his forthcoming trip to Boston, where he’ll inaugurate a brand-new lifting stone at a cultural center and offer stone lifting workshops. He also discusses The Wind Under It, his upcoming book set to be published worldwide by Bloomsbury, and hints at a possible PhD focusing on these ancient stones.

Whether you love strongman feats, enjoy a good pint, or simply want to revel in genuine Irish spirit, this annual conversation offers a fascinating glimpse into the ever-expanding world of Celtic stone lifting. Sláinte!

Timestamps

• [00:00:21 – 00:01:04] – St. Patrick’s Day Kickoff
• [00:01:04 – 00:01:44] – Introducing “Mullán” Beer
• [00:01:44 – 00:02:30] – Tradition & Pride
• [00:02:30 – 00:03:30] – Documentary Projects
• [00:03:30 – 00:05:00] – Stone-Lifting vs. Powerlifting
• [00:05:00 – 00:07:00] – Musical Sessions & Irish Pubs
• [00:07:00 – 00:13:00] – Spreading the Lifting Bug
• [00:13:00 – 00:19:10] – Daily Training & Bulgarian Split Squats
• [00:19:10 – 00:30:00+] – Future Ventures & Moby Dick Stone
• [00:30:00 – 00:59:56] – Books, Tours & Next Steps