Can powerlifting be used as a tool to liberate and build strong identities? Dr Marilia Coutinho thinks so, and built a strength gym in one of São Paulo's biggest slum. But corruption, mafia-like violence on the part of a well-known international powerlifting organization challenged her project. Marilia spoke about the her time organizing in Brazil, as well as her fascinating concept of what she calls "body alienation". You won't want to miss this one!

Dana is an impressive powerlifter from New Jersey, a former judge for the USAPL, and a member of an expanding and diverse group, the Sisters of Powerlifting. I spoke to Dana about the rise of the #melaningang and what's in store for her in the new year.

French philosopher René Descartes once suggested that the earliest conceptions of the gravity stemmed from our understanding of the soul. And for the powerlifter, this connection between the mind and gravity ought to give us some pause—it certainly did for JM Blakley. Many know Blakley for his impressive records he held while an elite bench presser at Westside Barbell. He’s a PhD, coach, and ordained reverend, who has his own unique brand of metaphysical insight. Joe speaks to JM about the mind and body, Eastern philosophy, what grad school was like for him, his critique of conjugate training, and his own personal theology. Season 2, Episode #14 is one heavy-hitter!

In our last episode of 2019, Joe interviews Josh Rondeau on his first book,  'High School Barbell Club' which was published earlier in the year. Rondeau takes the reader through the very basics of lifting for strength and athleticism, making this work ideal for anyone who has never entered the weight room. But 'High School Barbell Club' is more than an introduction to the power lifts, but also a way to understand other methods and programs within the sport itself, tackling the question of "where to begin?" that is so vital in our path to grow stronger.

Soviet conjugate training, the Bulgarian method...two systems of strength training which yielded incredible results, ultimately toppling the American dominance over the sport of weightlifting for over a decade. I spoke to veteran Olympic weightlifting coach and author Andrew Charniga (sportivnypress.com) about the decline of American weightlifting, the Soviet and Bulgarian system, steroids, and even got in a few good Ivan Abadjiev anecdotes!

In ancient Greek mythology, Hephaestus is the God of Fire. Powerful, clever, he also walks with a limp, disabled since childbirth. Mocked by some, revered by others, his ability to achieve greatness in spite of his disability inspires others. James Norris of Handi-Capable Fitness does just that—inspires others like him, to get themselves strong and confident. In Episode 11, I spoke to James about his life with Cerebral Palsy, ableism, and his message for those in his community, and beyond.

I recently spoke to Heather Squire, an activist and Muay Thai fighter based in Philadelphia, whose own journey from being fearful to conquering herself, manifested in more ways than victory in the ring. We spoke about her training, her political beliefs, and what lay in store next for Heather, as she ventures into Thailand to take her skills to the next level.

Joe talks with James Robinson, PhD candidate in History at Northeastern University, whose dissertation uncovers the forgotten narrative of working-class and leftist athleticism in the 20th century. Unions, it turns out, did more than just fight for wages and better working conditions—they also hosted sporting events and even had their own teams. Could this bright example of history repeat itself in the future?

According to Olympic weightlifting coach and scholar, Andrew "Bud" Charniga", the strength gap between biological men and women may be as narrow as 80%—if not closer. As more and more women begin to take up powerlifting, Joe sits down with WNPF coaches Debbi Cohen, Kathi Sottosanti, and Henri Skiba, owner of Skiba's Gym in New Jersey, to talk about the mental, physical, and social barriers women who compete in strength sports must break. Definitely check out Coach Kathi the Fit Spirit's YouTube channel, for a video of this talk and more great content!