LS McClain

At some point, you stop chasing the dream… and start living it. Years ago, Austin Nikolai was watching the World Championships on YouTube during lunch in high school. Today, he's preparing to represent Team USA on that same stage. In this episode, we talked about: • Falling in love with powerlifting • Going from being overlooked to becoming world-class • Why appreciation matters more than genetics...

On this episode of Corner of the CRCL, we sit down with junior powerlifting standout Elliot Sykes for a high-energy conversation about chasing greatness, building toward the Open division, and what it really takes to hunt the top spot in the sport. From dominating as a 74 kg lifter to discussing the possibility of moving up to the stacked 83 kg class, Elliot opens up about the mindset, sacrifices,...

Not everything in this sport is said out loud. Some things live in group chats. Back rooms. Comment sections. And some… get exposed through satire. We sat down with @IPFCENTAL — a name you’ve seen everywhere, even if you don’t know who’s behind it. What we found out? It’s bigger than one person. Bigger than jokes. Bigger than drama. It’s about giving lifters a voice. Calling out the culture. And p...

This week on *Corner of the Circle*, I sit down with Marcellus Williams — aka **@theswolefessor** — for one of the most real and well-rounded conversations we’ve had yet. We dive into faith, family, and fatherhood… and how those pillars shape not only the man he is, but the coach he’s become. Marcellus opens up about his journey into coaching, the responsibility he feels toward his athletes, and t...

SUPPORT LINK - https://1stphorm.com/LSLETSEAT Starting the new season of with a bang! Christian Ferratti @theofficialbigbody pulled up to Corner of the CRCL(Circle) and this one covers it ALL. We get into how he got started in powerlifting, where he thinks the sport is headed, and what he would change if he had the power to do it. We also talk about the people he respects in the game, the recent d...

In this special episode of The Corner of the CRCL, we’re joined by Yaya, all the way from Cairo, Egypt. Yaya opens up about what it means to live with discipline, faith, and purpos....as both a powerlifter and a devout Muslim man. We talk about how his faith has grounded him, especially while navigating a tough knee injury, and how he stays focused, motivated, and locked in on the bigger picture....

What’s up everyone! We’re back with a brand new episode of Corner of the CRCL. This time, we’re joined by none other than the 2025 Powerlifting America 105kg National Champion, Anthony McNaughton. We talk all about the grind leading up to his unforgettable performance in Atlanta, the setbacks he’s faced over the years, and the story of how we first crossed paths. We also dive into his mental game,...

🎙️ New Episode of Corner of the CRCL We’re back with a fresh episode, and this one’s a must-listen. Joining us is Michael Davis, reigning 105kg champion and one of the most respected names in the world of powerlifting. In this episode, Michael dives into his journey through the sport—from dominating both the equipped and raw categories to the mental and physical grind of competitive lifting. He op...

Welcome back to another episode of the Corner of the CRCL podcast! This week, we’re joined by Devin Williams as he prepares for his very first trip to IPF Worlds. We dive into the excitement, the buildup, and the intense training leading up to the big stage. Devin also opens up about his deep faith, his love for Christ, and the grounding force it brings to his life. We explore his missionary work...

In this episode, Gavin Aden joins the show to discuss his journey leading up to nationals, including his training, preparation, and performance. He reflects on doing well but falling just short of his goals, and shares his mindset, motivation, and future plans. The conversation also covers discipline, what’s next for Gavin, his personal Mount Rushmore, and a fun preview of his Eminem impression.

Lets take a trip down memory lane with one of the dopest lifters in the game. Dwardly aka Debo takes us on a ride from his days in Haiti to moving to the US and graduating from the bodybuilding realm to the world of powerlifting. So much fun listen to a person with so much drive, discipline, and commitment to excellence. Weeks away from the Carolina meet we get to hear his plans and intentions of...

A special episode! We have an opportunity to hear Chris Anderson's story of his mental health journey. Having the opportunity to hear moments stemming from early life misdiagnosis to suicidal thoughts to making decisions on medications...all of which are a part of his history and daily handling of his mental health. And we get to have a chance to understand the keys and points of support he uses t...

How does one take their dreams and make them into reality? Victor sits down with me and gives me the low down on how his "go get it" attitude has helped him excel within many different avenues of life. We take a trip down memory lane and track what got him from HS fb to College FB and ultimately to becoming a top powerlifter and professional wrestler. Definately a fun one!

From the heart of Haiti to the hill country of Texas! We had a chance to sit down an talk with one of the fastest rising heavyweights in the game. A soft spoken man with an otherworldly drive to be the best, Jonathan takes us on a trip down memory lane and gives us an insight on what got him Texas. We also. talk about his motivation and how his training and drive all changed to push him to be one...

Imagine being able to travel the world doing what you love. Dancing!!! Imagine being from a South Texas town and ending up dancing and performing for millions. Having to ask yourself.. New York?.. Do I do Broadway? LA?... Do I tour and do the silver screen? .. so many choices!!! Well, we have a chance to hear Edson Juarez's story. What started off in S. Texas as a late blooming passion has taken h...

SSJBOB! One of the strongest dudes walking the powerlifting planet as we speak. Crazy thing is.. he's just getting started. We dive into his lifting habits and also take a trip into the mindset of one of the coldest lifters competing. Applauded for his accomplishments on the platform, many have no clue how mentally prepared and locked in this man is. You'll definitely appreciate what he brings to...

We are back! After a little break we are bouncing back with the one and only Gabby Martinez. We sat down and talked about her recipe for success and her ability to prioritize her goals in life to create the best combo for success. We talk about her move to Powerlifting America and her future goals of hitting the world stage, all while being a high level coach and athlete. Not to mention a grad stu...

One of the coolest and most unique stories in strength sports. We get a chance to sit down and chat with Kseniya and get to know the mystery woman. We find out her likes and dislikes and what drives her as a lifter, competitor, and coach. We also have a chance to hear her story and journey from Ukraine to Texas , just how much love and sacrifice her mother for her family. Such an awesome story!

My man 50 grand Daniel H stops by the corner to talk in ins and outs of being a successful business owner. The heartbeat of the amazing gym Lift ATX talks about his love for the east side of Austin and all it took to get to where he is with the team he's built. "Its bigger than me" Season 5 ... Ep 1 .. lets go!!!!

Fresh off of 2 amazing performances at the Showdown meet, Any and John talk about the lead up, aftermath and whats next on the menu. 2 of my faves! How can you not love these guys!

YES! WE ARE BACK FROM THE BREAK AND STARTING WITH A FEW PRET NATS PODCASTS... I REALLY WANTED TO GE THE SIDE OF THE ATHLETER BEFORE GOING TO NATS AND SEEING AS HOW THEY ALL DID SO WELL... ITS COOL SEEING WHAT THIER MINSET WAS BEFORE. JASMINE IS THE FIRST OF THE INTERVIEWS... WE TAKE A LOOK INTO HER BEGINNINGS, LIFTING MINDSET, HOW SHE HAS SUCH A PASSION TO HELP OTHERS, AND OF COURSE HER THOUGHTS O...

THE MINDSET AND MAKEUP OF AN OLYMPIAN IS DIFFERENT. THEY AE SIMPLY, BUILT DIFFERNT! I HAD THE HONOR OF SITTING DOWN WITH ONE OF MY FRIENDS, CHRIS BENARD...WHO JUST HAPPENS TO BE NE OF THE BEST TRIPLE JUMPERS IN THE USA. AND YES.. HE IS AN OLYMPIAN. CRAZYYY! SIT BACK AND LISTEN TO HIS STORY AND MINDSET. WHAT MAKES HIM OE OF THE BEST IN THE GAME?.....HE'S A HARD WORKER WITH A CHAMPION'S MIDSET

IMAGINE HAVING A FRIEND WHO YOU'VE LOOKED UP TO FOR YEARS. AND NOW... IMAGINE HAVING HER ON YOUR PODCATS AND BEING FULLY BLOWN AWAY! ... YEP THAT WAS ME! I CANT WAIT FOR YOU GUYS TO HEAR MY FRIEND DENISE'S STORY. FROM WORKING HER WAY UP THE RANKS ON A TV STATION FROM THE BACK ROOM TO BEING FEATURED IN FRONT OF THE CAMERA AND HAVING HER OWN SHOW...TO RELIAZING HER WORTH AND STEPPING AWAY. SO MANY L...

CAN I JUST MOVE TI IRELAND ALREADY? HAHAH! EVEEYONE I KNOW FROM IRELAND ARE AMZING AND GREAT PEOPLE! AND KYM IS THE BEST! THIS 47KG IRISH NATIONAL TEAM MEMBER IS KILLING THE GAME! SHE SITS DOWN WITH ME TO TELL ME THE SECRETS OF HANDLING LIFTING DURING A LOCKDOWN AND SHARES HOW SHE GOT INTO POWERLIFTING. WE TALK ABOUT HER FAVORITE BOOKS AND OF COURSE WHATS UP NEXT FOR HER! AND OF COURSE ... HER SON...

FROM KILLING IT IN THE POOLS TO KILLING IT ON THE PLATFORM! I HAD A CHANCE TO CHOP IT UP WITH THEEE DEADLIFTING QUEEN! SUCH AN AWESOME AND INSPIRING STORY! JORDANNE IS FILLED WITH JAMAICAN PRIDE AND MIDWEST FLARE. SIT BACK AND ENJOY LISTENING TO AN IMPRESSIVE YOUNG WOMAN! AND LETS SEE HOW FERGALICIOUS HER SONG IS!