In this episode of Training Partners, hosts Sean Rigsby and Chris Yandle pull back the curtain on one of the least discussed—but most important—topics in the coaching world: the real economics of coaching . From hourly wages to expected weekly hours, from the hidden toll of unpaid labor to the structural challenges that shape the industry, Sean and Chris break down what coaches actually face behind the scenes.

Whether you’re a coach navigating your own career, an athlete curious about the realities of the profession, or someone interested in the business of sport, this conversation offers a candid look at how the industry works (and sometimes doesn’t). Expect honest insights, personal experiences, and a few hard truths as the hosts tackle questions of sustainability, compensation, and the future of coaching as a profession.

In this episode of Training Partners, host Sean Rigsby welcomes back recurring guest Siera Schuster for a deep dive into the diverse world of weightlifters. From the weekend warriors who lift for fun, to the driven competitors chasing medals, to the elite athletes living and breathing the sport—Sean and Siera break down what separates each group and the traits that define them.Whether you’re picking up a barbell for the first time or pushing for international platforms, this conversation offers insight, clarity, and a few laughs along the way. Tune in for an honest, thoughtful look at the spectrum of lifters—and maybe discover where you truly fit.

In this episode of Training Partners, hosts Sean Rigsby and Chris Yandle break down all the action from the World Championships in Norway, sharing insights, standout performances, and behind-the-scenes stories from the international stage. The guys also dive into the 2025 Carolinas WSO Championships, where Heavy Metal Barbell won best overall team for the fourth year in a row! Of course, no episode would be complete without a little off-platform talk — Sean and Chris swap takes on Dodger baseball, current storylines across sports, and whatever else comes up when two training partners get together behind the mic.

In this episode of Training Partners, host Chris Yandle sits down with special guest Jaimerius “JJ” Williams for an inspiring and energetic conversation about strength, sports, and chasing big dreams. JJ shares his remarkable journey — from his days on the football field to discovering Olympic weightlifting.

They dive into JJ’s training mindset, his goals of representing Team USA and competing in the Olympics, and how his experiences have shaped his approach to becoming a coach and mentor for others. Of course, it wouldn’t be Training Partners without some fun — Chris and JJ swap stories and good-natured banter about their favorite football teams along the way.

Tune in for a mix of motivation, strength talk, and sports camaraderie that will leave you ready to hit the gym — or at least cheer a little louder on game day.

In this episode, Chris Yandle interviews Maria Fecik, a coach and athlete in the Hyrox community. They discuss Maria's extensive athletic background, her transition to Hyrox, and her unique training approach. Maria shares insights on mindset, race preparation, and the importance of community in sports. They also delve into Maria's coaching philosophy, the growth of her business, and her future aspirations in the sport.

In this special episode of Training Partners, host Sean Rigsby sits down with strength coach and entrepreneur Dane Miller, the powerhouse behind Garage Strength. Recorded live at the Senior World Championships in Norway, this conversation dives deep into Dane’s journey—from his early days as an athlete, to discovering his passion for coaching, and ultimately founding one of the most influential strength training brands in the U.S.

Dane opens up about the mentors and moments that shaped his philosophy, how he developed world-class athletes from the ground up, and the challenges and breakthroughs that came with building Garage Strength into a global name in athletic development.

Whether you're a coach, lifter, or just love hearing how high performers think and work—this episode brings the energy and insight straight from the world stage.

In this episode of Training Partners, hosts Tayler Harris and Chris Yandle unpack the key differences between training for sport-specific performance and training for long-term health. With Tayler’s background in competitive weightlifting and Chris’s experience in the hybrid fitness world of HYROX, they bring two distinct—but complementary—perspectives to the table.

Together, they explore how goals, programming, and priorities shift depending on whether you're chasing medals or just trying to move well for life. From pushing limits to preserving longevity, this conversation digs into what it really means to train with intention.

In this episode of Training Partners, hosts Sean Rigsby and Chris Yandle take on the world of strength sports — from Strongman and Powerlifting to CrossFit, Hyrox, Highland Games, and more — ranking them all from silliest to least silly.

With equal parts hot takes and deep dives, Sean and Chris break down what makes each sport unique, intense, and occasionally ridiculous. Along the way, they challenge you, the listener, to build your own rankings and see how your list stacks up.

List of sports in no particular order: Strongman, Powerlifting, Weightlifting, Highland Games, CrossFit, Hyrox, Kettlebell Sport, Obstacle Course Racing/ Spartan, Marathon, Grid

On this episode of Training Partners, hosts Sean Rigsby and Tayler Harris welcome special guest Siera Schuster.

Siera dives into the reasons behind her decision to train with Heavy Metal Barbell, what it’s like working with a coach remotely, and how she stays focused and competitive as a high-level athlete. From navigating the challenges of remote training to the mindset it takes to perform at an elite level.

In this episode of Training Partners, hosts Sean Rigsby and Chris Yandle sit down with special guest Sarah Tyler to dive into her incredible journey as an athlete — from her early beginnings to becoming a fierce competitor on the national stage.

Sarah opens up about the highs, lows, and lessons she’s learned along the way, and shares what continues to drive her passion for the sport. But that’s not all — we’re excited to officially welcome Sarah as the newest remote coach for Heavy Metal Barbell! 🎉