Rebuild Stronger

It’s “Quitters Day” (two weeks into the year), and we’re calling out the truth: a lot of gyms don’t make money when you train—they make money when you pay and disappear. We break down the business math behind cheap memberships, the “amenities trap,” and why community + coaching beats motivation every time. If a gym is selling you “judgment-free” isolation and making cancellation feel like an IRS audit… that’s not a gym. That’s a subscription with treadmills.

In this episode, John and Wyatt break down the newly announced IPF rule changes—and why the internet promptly lost its damn mind. What starts as a discussion about updated squat, bench, and deadlift rules quickly turns into a larger rant on etiquette, culture, bad coaching, and why powerlifting keeps tripping over dumb problems instead of fixing real ones. They cover what the rules actually say, why some of them make sense, why others are painfully stupid, and how most of this mess is the result of unchecked growth, poor standards, and the sport eating itself alive over nonsense—like it’s 2012 and we’re still arguing whey vs. casein.

This week, John and Wyatt delve into the current challenges and changes in the powerlifting community, focusing on the splintering of federations, the prohibitive cost of competition, and the evolving demands of athletes. It highlights the need for more engaging events like Sheffield to revitalize the sport. Takeaways

This quick-hit episode tackles one spicy claim: if you stay in the strength game long enough, you will end up running some version of conjugate training — whether you meant to or not. John breaks down why lifters naturally migrate toward variation, speed work, top singles with back-offs, and modified movements as they age, chase longevity, or just get bored doing the same block periodization loops forever. You’ll hear: This one’s short, spicy, and guaranteed to make at least three people in your gym group chat go, “Okay but—” And they’d still be wrong.

In this episode of Rebuild Stronger, John and Wyatt dig into one of the most misunderstood parts of powerlifting: how often you should actually compete — and why most lifters are unintentionally holding themselves back. From perfect-day fantasies to over-serious twenty-somethings white-knuckling their training, the guys break down how competing more often builds skill, resilience, confidence, and longevity in the sport. They talk local meets, learning to self-handle, avoiding “all or nothing” training mindsets, and how fun — yes, actual fun — is one of the biggest predictors of long-term strength. You’ll hear stories about disastrous warmup room mishaps (including a 200-pound accidental jump), sketchy meets, great meet directors, bad ones, why most lifters should do 3–4 meets per year early on, and how training with a real crew can change everything. Whether you're chasing a PR total or just trying not to bomb out, this episode is packed with real-world insight, a little chaos, and a reminder that you’re allowed to enjoy this sport. What We Cover most lifters don’t compete enoughfunQuotes That Hit

n this episode of Rebuild Stronger, John and Wyatt dive deep into the often-overlooked skill of self-handling at powerlifting meets. They argue that while having a handler can be valuable, every lifter should experience managing themselves at competitions to truly develop as an athlete. Key Topics Discussed: Why Self-Handling Matters Common Pitfalls for First-Time Competitors The Handler vs. Self-Handler Debate Compete More, Peak Less Memorable Stories Quotable Moments: "If you've never self-handled and you get somebody who's trash at handling, you're not going to know any better." "You don't need to win a bunch of local competitions with the only person in the weight class. Nobody cares at the highest level." "Stop taking yourself so fucking seriously. You need to chill." The Bottom Line: Compete more. Handle yourself. Stop being spoiled. Your future lifting career will thank you. Subscribe to Rebuild Stronger for more no-nonsense powerlifting talk, training insights, and real conversations about strength sports.

Firefighter, strongman competitor, and Supp Dawg founder Chris Northern joins the show to talk about staying in the game for 10+ years, how strongman made his bench stronger, and why he formulates supplements with “everything that works and nothing that doesn’t.” What you’ll learn From PL to Strongman:396 → 427Make it fun (and last):Train when life is chaotic:Supps with integrity:high-stim “Shock Collar”non-stimSleep you feel (not groggy):Rough NightCutting & water management:Creatine, upgraded:Buff DogChapters (timestamps) 00:0300:5805:4123:3630:4631:40Mentions & takeaways Supp DawgBuff DawgProgramming gems:Enjoy the episode—and if this helped, follow the show, drop a rating, and share it with a training partner who needs a spark.

In this episode, we dive into the often overlooked yet crucial aspect of strength training: the basics. John and Wyatt discuss how many lifters, both beginners and those with some experience, tend to overcomplicate their routines by chasing advanced techniques and creating unnecessary problems. They emphasize the importance of sticking to fundamental exercises and consistent hard work, rather than getting sidetracked by complex methodologies. Tune in to learn why mastering the basics is key to long-term success in strength training and how it can prevent you from stalling your progress.

In this episode, we dive into the heated debate surrounding the USAPL's drug testing policies. We explore the implications of testing at local meets versus national events, the cost challenges, and the evolving culture of drug testing in powerlifting. Join us as we discuss the integrity of the sport and the need for strategic testing.

After years of building Rebuild Stronger together, John and Jared sit down for a raw, honest conversation about their decision to part ways professionally. But this isn’t a breakup—it’s an evolution. In this episode, they unpack the why behind the decision, what it means for their athletes and businesses, and the personal growth that led them here. You’ll hear how an ICU coma, powerlifting nationals, and a mutual commitment to doing the hard, right thing shaped the direction of two high-impact coaching paths. Whether you’re an athlete, coach, or entrepreneur navigating partnership dynamics, this episode will hit home. No drama. No secrets. Just real talk about business, friendship, and legacy. 🎧 Listen in for: The behind-the-scenes of merging two coaching businesses during a medical crisis Why they made the decision to split, even while everything was working The rare, drama-free transition that put people over pride What’s next for both Rebuild Stronger and Unbreakable Strength

Welcome! John and Jared dive into Jared’s weightlifting journey, influenced by fitness gurus like Omar Isuf and Alan Thrall. They laugh about getting older and spotting grey hairs in their beards. Jared wishes he’d focused more on the fundamentals instead of trying to stay lean back in the day. They also emphasize sticking to the basics for beginners in powerlifting and the difference good coaching can make. Let us know if you’re a Star Wars or Harry Potter Stan. John - https://www.instagram.com/john.rebuild_stronger/ Jared - https://www.instagram.com/jared.rebuild_stronger/ TimeStamps 00:00 Intro0 5:55 Regret over early program hopping and choices. 14:01 Questioning extended periods of alternating dieting approaches. 22:32 Tweaking, troubleshooting, and embracing individual differences in training. 28:49 Coach’s effective suggestion. 31:44 Strength hinges on wrist and forearm strength.

Welcome back, today we dive into all things powerlifting, strength, sport, business, and life. In today’s episode, Jared and John shake the foundation of their friendship… From there, they transition into a deeper discussion about navigating comebacks in strength sports, especially after significant breaks or injuries. Drawing from personal experience, Jared shares insights on how to manage expectations, avoid common pitfalls, and stay consistent in training. Whether you’re a seasoned athlete dealing with setbacks or just starting your journey, this episode offers valuable lessons on resilience and adaptation. Got a question after listening to this episode. Send us a DM on Instagram. John - https://www.instagram.com/john.rebuild_stronger/ Jared - https://www.instagram.com/jared.rebuild_stronger/ TimeStamps 00:00 Intro0 6:20 Recognizing comeback, reset, facing reality, no denial. 11:55 Training changes, consider reintegration carefully after injury. 16:14 Adjust goals, embrace consistency, adapt to detours.

Hey there, listeners! Welcome back to another episode of the Rebuild Stronger podcast. Today, John and Jared are diving into the nitty-gritty of powerlifting and strength training, starting off with John’s hilarious yet painful story about his recent training session that left him sore all over. From there, they chat about the temptation of “new” workout methods and how easy it is to get distracted by the latest fitness trends. They stress the importance of sticking to the basics and learning from the tried-and-true methods of the past. Plus, they share solid advice on growing and learning in your fitness journey without falling into the novelty trap. So, whether you’re a gym veteran or just getting started, this episode is packed with laughs, insights, and practical tips to help you get stronger and smarter. And hey, don’t forget to drop us a five-star review on your favorite podcast platform—it really helps us out! Enjoy the episode! Got a question after listening to this episode. Send us a DM on Instagram. John - https://www.instagram.com/john.rebuild_stronger/ Jared - https://www.instagram.com/jared.rebuild_stronger/ Time Stamps 00:00 Intro0 8:28 Learn and understand the history of strength programming. 16:05 People seek novelty; hope for shortcuts. 21:11 Exploring connections deepens understanding and importance.

Hey friends, today we explore persistence through gaming and real-life challenges. We connect how playing the video game God of War creates persistence needed for success, whether in video games, training, or overcoming injuries. Throughout this episode we broadens to real-life applications, emphasizing the importance of balancing persistence with enjoyment to avoid frustration and stress. Jared talks about his journey recovering from a hamstring injury, stressing the need for motivation and flexibility. Join us for another thoughtful conversation. Got a question after listening to this episode. Send us a DM on Instagram. John - https://www.instagram.com/john.rebuild_stronger/ Jared - https://www.instagram.com/jared.rebuild_stronger/ Time Stamps 00:00 Intro0 7:40 Adapting training, overcoming challenges, and persistence. 13:47 First-time squatting disaster. 22:39 Enjoying training, drive for new experiences. 27:41 Embrace discomfort for personal growth and purpose.

Welcome back to another episode! We dive deep into the realms of personal responsibility, self-care, and leadership. Tune in to hear John’s tale of a significant mistake and his thoughts on the hollow nature of apology posts. Meanwhile, Jared recounts his amusing experience with Starlink’s roof overhang obstruction and brings the conversation full circle by noting the importance of humility and feedback in powerlifting. So, grab your headphones and join us for an engaging episode packed with valuable takeaways and a whole lot of fun! HIT US UP John’s Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/john.rebuild_stronger/ Jared’s Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jared.unbreakablestrength/ Time Stamps 00:00 Intro0 7:43 Prioritize self-care to better serve others. 10:23 Bryce reacts gracefully after losing world team spot. 16:29 Take responsibility, clarify rules, ask questions. 26:21 Injury story blamed on Ricky Stanicki. 31:45 Regretful decision in the home gym setup.

In this episode, we discover the common pitfalls that powerlifters encounter when it comes to programming their strength training. Hear about the dangers of tinkering too much with programming, the risks of focusing too heavily on specific aspects of training like volume and intensity, and the importance of keeping an open mind to trying new exercises and approaches. Join us as we discuss our experiences, lessons learned, and the strategy of continually evolving your training methods to achieve long-term success in powerlifting. Tune in for valuable tips and engaging conversations on navigating the complexities of strength training programming. Got a question about powerlifting? Hit us up John - https://www.instagram.com/john.rebuild_stronger/ Jared - https://www.instagram.com/jared.rebuild_stronger/ TimeStamps 00:00 Intro 04:34 Stick to plan. 12:19 Watch out for excessive focus on training aspects. 15:07 Improve speed, strength, and efficiency with training-specificities. 19:04 Reduced dread and increased sustainability through SPD. 24:22 Try new exercises, don't discard them.

On today’s episode of the Rebuild Stronger podcast, Jared and John discuss their experiences with imposter syndrome, the lessons learned from overcoming challenges, and the power of consistency to small victories in powerlifting and life. They share personal stories of self-doubt, perseverance, and growth, providing valuable insights into the mindset and approach needed to succeed in the sport and beyond. Tune in as they discuss the importance of learning from setbacks, staying open to new lessons, and ultimately out-surviving imposter syndrome through action and determination. TimeStamps 00:00 Intro 05:34 Reflecting on the past and self-realization. 07:10 Overcoming imposter syndrome. 11:11 Athletes change, but outlasting them is key. 15:58 Firm belief in training and resistance is beneficial. 18:15 Consistency leads to small wins in training. Connect with the host. John’s Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/john.rebuild_stronger/ Jared’s Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jared.unbreakablestrength/

On this episode of the Rebuild Stronger Podcast, we dive into the complex topic of weight gain and its impact on performance in strength sports like powerlifting. Jared and John share their experiences and insights on the relationship between weight gain, muscle growth, and performance, providing a personal perspective on the often-debated subject. From discussing the challenges of maintaining a particular weight class to offering practical advice on building muscle mass, Jared and John bring humor and practical wisdom to the conversation. Tune in every Friday to listen to two powerlifting coaches who chat about Strength, Powerlifting, Coaching, Life, and Business. Where to Find The Hosts John’s Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/john.rebuild_stronger/ Jared’s Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jared.unbreakablestrength/ TimeStamps 00:00 Intro 04:50 Embracing weight gain for powerlifting success. 12:58 Elite genetics create a long-term body change. 16:24 Be comfortable, confident, & build muscle. 20:57 Old elite FTS videos.

On this episode of the Rebuild Stronger Podcast, John and Jared dive into the importance of finding the right coach and the value of seeking guidance in powerlifting and life. They discuss their personal experiences with coaching and reflect on how having the right support can make all the difference. Offering insights into their coaching styles, they emphasize the significance of finding the perfect fit for your needs and goals. Tune in to discover the critical factors to consider when selecting a coach and gain valuable advice on navigating the coaching relationship. Give us a follow and turn your notifications on because we will have a new episode every Friday. Where to Find The Host John's Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/john.rebuild_stronger/ Jared's Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jared.unbreakablestrength/ TimeStamps 00:00 Intro 05:48 Lessons learned, no regrets 19:18 Finding someone to streamline and support your busy life is crucial for stability and progress. 23:01 Trustworthy partners are necessary

Today, Jared and John, along with our guest, strength enthusiast Wyatt Christiansen, peel back the layers of elite lifting. Dive into the psyche of a lifter, explore the nuances of compensatory acceleration training, and understand why speed, technique, and the right mindset are essential to transcending limits. We reflect on childhood movies like ‘Land Before Time’ and ‘American Tale,’ and comment on the unexpectedly dark themes found in ‘Brave Little Toaster.’ Give us a follow and turn your notifications on because we will have a new episode every Friday. Connect with Wyatt Christiansen ( check out the meme he made) Where to Find The Host John's Instagram Jared's Instagram TimeStamps 00:00 Intro. 05:04 Debate over acceleration training with bands. 09:59 Two muscle fibers with higher intensity. 16:39 Pre and post-hospital experiences with weightlifting. 19:27 Bench press and squat technique consistency is important. 21:55 Prioritize performance, technique, and positioning for success in training. 27:13 Focus on driving forward, achieving personal best. 33:56 Chest training for strength and momentum.