2 Girls 1 Bar Podcast with Mandi & Wanda

This week on 2 Girls 1 Bar , Mandi and Wanda hang out with Olympian and fellow Wisco-girl Mary Theisen Lappen! Mary gets real about the highs and lows of competitive lifting, how she keeps it fun, and why finding the right gear is a game-changer. She talks about building community in the sport, her super chill coaching style, and how she balances being a total powerhouse with keeping things simple...

Don't mind if we already tell you that this was one of our favorite episodes so far... Mandi and Wanda are joined by Meredith Alwine, Team USA weightlifter, momentary powerlifting queen (you'll see), and future law student. Buckle up because we relive the absoute rollercoaster of the last Olympic quad including SO many meets, SO much training, as well as injuries and crying and not even knowing wh...

It is JUST THE GIRLS for this episode of the 2 Girls 1 Bar Podcast with Mandi and Wanda. They download on Wanda's travels, USA Weightlifting Masters National Championships in Atlanta, as well as everything from torn quads to powerlifting meets to girls traincations (yes yes yes). Want to check out the articles referenced in this episode on Masters Weightlifting? Access them here: Age-associated Pe...

In this episode of the 2 Girls 1 Bar podcast, Mandi and Wanda are joined by Team USA's Sophie Shaft. They discuss Sophie's extensive athletic journey, from her early days in gymnastics to her transition into CrossFit and ultimately weightlifting. They explore the challenges Sophie faced, including burnout and coaching styles, and how she found a supportive environment with her current coach, Zach...

In this episode, Mandi, Wanda, and Chelsey discuss Chelsey's journey in weightlifting, the establishment of her women-only gym, Girls Gone Buff, and the challenges of balancing coaching, competing, and personal life. They explore the importance of creating a supportive environment for women in strength sports, the transition from athlete to coach, and the emotional rollercoaster of training. Chels...

This week on the 2 Girls 1 Bar Podcast , Mandi and Wanda welcome powerhouse powerlifter Dani Myers Glynn to the show. Dani shares her journey from lifting on a porch during COVID shutdowns to competing at the Arnold and chasing her USAPL pro card. She opens up about overcoming self-doubt, finding confidence through strength, and why having a training partner can be a game-changer. They also talk a...

This week, Mandi and Wanda sit down with CrossFit athlete, coach, and firefighter Liz Wishart. Liz shares her journey in the sport, from starting out in bodybuilding to competing as an elite CrossFit athlete. She talks about what it was like making the switch from individual to team competition at Wodapalooza and how that experience changed her perspective. They dive into the mental side of compet...

This week on 2 Girls 1 Bar , Mandi and Wanda are joined by weightlifter, coach, and former Division I gymnast Shelby Pflug! Shelby shares her journey from gymnastics to Olympic weightlifting, how she overcame multiple injuries, and the mindset shifts that helped her build confidence and strength. She also dives into coaching youth athletes, fostering a positive training environment, and her goals...

This episode it is just the girls. Join Mandi and Wanda as they recap their experience at the VIRUS Weightlifting Series I and The Arnold. They talk about everything from bombing out to passing out on the platform to furries (yes, sorry). Follow the podcast on Instagram: @2girls1barpod Follow Mandi on Instagram:  @mandimurakami   @meetweekco Get coached by Mandi - schedule an athlete interview!  F...

In this episode, the girls are joined by Melanie Lin, the CEO of VIRUS to chat about all the revival of the brand and their new partnership with USA Weightlifting. Mel speaks on her fitness journey and her experience as a yogi and how that practice affects her leadership style as well as how she handles adversity as a business woman. Her newfound journey in weightlifting has brought her to cross p...

Jessie Stemo joins Mandi and Wanda on the podcast to talk about her transition from an elite competitor in Olympic weightlifting to her new endeavor as the owner and  head coach of the dominant  and still-growing team Power and Grace Performance. As one of the few women-lead club owners, Jessie dives into the highlights and lowlights of her career as an athlete and when it clicked for her that coa...

The girls started a freakin' podcast. Mandi and Wanda kick things off by introducing themselves and sharing their excitement for the upcoming Arnold competition. They dive into their own strength sports journeys—Wanda's transition from a quick CrossFit fling to full-on weightlifting and Mandi's start in the sport through coaching. Along the way, they chat about the power of community in weightlift...