Muscles and Malarkey

  Have you ever looked at your training, your hobbies, or even your daily routine and thought, "I just don't feel like me lately?" You're not alone. In this episode of Muscles and Malarkey , I get real about feeling stuck, losing motivation, and what happens when the things you usually love stop feeling exciting. Whether it's the gym, work, or life in general, everyone goe...

Welcome back to another episode of muscles and malarkey!  In this episode, I go over 3 different AITA posts from gym reddit. Have you ever asked yourself, "Am I the Ahole?" then this episode is for you!  I discuss whether OP is, in fact, the A hole, or if maybe a different approach was needed. I also give a few actionable take aways/ advice if you happen to find yourself in a similar sit...

Welcome back to another episode of Muscles and Malarkey!  In this episode, I catch you up on what I've been up to for the past couple weeks. I wanted to break down my meet day at Sunday Service's Crowned in Iron, helping Megsy handle Ashley, and of course, handling my girl April at Goddesses of Steel.  Did April hit her goal of 1000# total? Did I finally break the elusive 400# deadlift b...

There is more to life than your weight. More than calories, more than the scale, more than trying to be smaller. You deserve a life that feels full—  full of joy, full of connection, full of moments that matter. Stop letting your size take up so much space in your mind… when your life is meant to take up space in the world. We’re talking body standards, BMI, strength, genetics—and why your worth h...

 In this episode of Muscles and Malarkey, I’m sharing a full training update as I head into my deadlift-only meet held by Sunday Service in Fort Mill, SC.  I recently started working with a new coach (shoutout to Kim aka Joyful Lifter), and this shift has completely changed my perspective on training. Sometimes a fresh set of eyes is all it takes to remind you what this sport is supposed to feel l...

In this episode, I’m joined by Amber Dawn to talk all things women in powerlifting, strength training, and coaching . We dive into how to train at every age , build long-term strength, and approach powerlifting with a focus on longevity, performance, and sustainability .  Amber shares her journey through the sport, along with insights on what makes a great powerlifting coach , how to support athle...

Meet day can feel chaotic if you don’t know what to expect—but it doesn’t have to be. In this episode, I’m breaking down the full flow of a powerlifting meet, step by step. From weigh-ins and gear check, to finding your space, warming up, and taking your attempts on the platform—I’m walking you through exactly how the day unfolds. I also share some of the biggest mistakes I’ve made (so you don’t h...

In this episode of Muscles & Malarkey , I’m joined by Madeline—a high-level powerlifter, trail runner, and a passionate advocate for inclusivity in the strength space. We dive into her journey into powerlifting, what drew her to the sport, and how it’s evolved over time. More recently, Madeline has stepped into the world of trail running, and we talk all about what it looks like to balance str...

Travel doesn’t have to mean abandoning your workout routine—but it also doesn’t have to include one. In this episode of Muscles & Malarkey , we’re talking about training while traveling and how to approach it in a way that actually supports you, not stresses you out.  If working out while you’re away helps you feel better, stay grounded, or keep some normalcy in your routine, there are plenty...

In this episode, I’m sitting down with my friend and teammate, April, to talk about her journey into fitness and how it evolved into powerlifting. We dive into the highs and the hard seasons — navigating injuries, rebuilding strength, and the mental shifts that come with committing to long-term growth. April shares what it’s really like to face setbacks head-on and choose to keep showing up, even...

The gym is a shared space… so why do some people act like they’ve never interacted with another human before? In this episode of Muscles and Malarkey , we’re breaking down gym etiquette — what actually matters, what’s just annoying, and how to not be that person everyone side-eyes but never confronts. We’re talking: How (and when ) to ask to use equipment Why interrupting someone mid-set is unsafe...

Season 3 is here, y’all! In this kickoff episode of Muscles & Malarkey , I am back and doing things a little differently. Instead of recording months in advance, Season 3 is all about being more present, more current, and more connected to what’s actually happening in the fitness world (yes, even the chaos). I dive into New Year momentum — why you don’t have to change just because it’s January...

It’s the Season 2 finale of Muscles and Malarkey , and we’re closing things out with someone truly special — my coach, Jess “Mamabear” Rogers   Jess has an incredible journey, from starting out raw to becoming a powerhouse equipped lifter. In this episode, we dive into her evolution as an athlete, the lessons she’s learned along the way, and what it really takes to be a great coach — not just some...

 Your first powerlifting meet doesn’t have to be scary—this beginner-friendly guide walks you through how to sign up, what to pack, and how to step on the platform with confidence.  In this episode, I break down everything you need to know to feel confident stepping onto the platform, including:  ✅ How to sign up for a powerlifting meet (federations, memberships, and rules made simple)  ✅ Must-h...

 In this episode of Muscles and Malarkey , I’m joined by Eric — a strength scientist and PhD candidate whose passion for fitness runs deep. We talk about how he found his way into Olympic weightlifting, the lessons he’s learned along the way, and one of the scariest moments of his life at just 23 years old. Eric also shares insight into his groundbreaking work in the neurological field, including...

 In this episode of Muscles and Malarkey , I sit down with Ty, a high-level powerlifter known for his impressive lifts and dedication to the sport. We talk about his journey into powerlifting, what it’s like to step onto the competition platform, and how he’s navigated the challenges of injury and recovery. Ty also shares his perspective on giving back to the lifting community, the importance of b...

In this episode of Muscles and Malarkey , I’m joined by my friend Megs to chat all about our first powerlifting meets—what went right, what definitely didn’t, and everything we learned along the way. If you’re prepping for your first competition, we’re serving up tips to help you feel confident, ready, and a little less panicked when you hit the platform. We also take a few detours (because of cou...

EPISODE TWENTY! WOW!  In this week's episode, I give you a brief catch up on how lifting has been going and my plans for my next meet.  I also discuss something that's been on my mind for a minute - how the media you expose yourself to can negatively (or positively) infulence you. It's important to remember that social media is not always as it seems - and I dive into some of the ha...

In this episode of Muscles and Malarkey , I sit down with the fierce and fabulous Amythest—roller derby powerhouse, powerlifting queen, and all-around unapologetic badass. We dive into what it means to show up as your full, authentic self in every space—whether you're taking hits on the derby track or lifting heavy on the platform. Amythest shares her journey through sport, community, and sel...

  Got hurt? Tweaked your back, rolled your ankle, or flared up some tendinitis? Don’t panic—this episode is for you.  In Episode 18, I break down exactly what to do in the first 48–72 hours after an acute injury so you can manage pain, protect your progress, and avoid making things worse. I share the full story of how I re-flared my back in late 2024—after ignoring my own advice—and how I clawed m...

  Welcome back to Muscles and Malarkey ! In today’s episode, I’m joined by my good friend Kim—powerlifter, coach, referee, and all-around badass. We dive into the power of discovering strength training and how it can be life-changing, especially for women and young lifters. Kim shares what it’s like coaching kids and women in powerlifting, the joy of lifting alongside her own child, and why creati...

 This week, we're diving into how to set SMART goals—goals that are Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, and Time-bound. Whether you're aiming for a fitness milestone, a personal project, or a lifestyle change, SMART goals can help you get there with clarity and purpose. Tune in for practical tips and real-life examples to help you get started!  Follow me on Instagram at Musclesan...

 Welcome to another episode of Muscles and Malarkey!  Kat is a powerhouse—literally and professionally. She’s a Public Health Advocate, Competitive Powerlifter, Referee, and Certified Personal Trainer who’s deeply passionate about making real change in her community.  In this episode of Muscles and Malarkey , we talk about the boulders of public health (not just the pebbles), why surface-level fix...

 In this episode, I sit down with Holly, a cardiac rehab nurse with a wealth of experience and a passion for helping people take charge of their health. We go beyond the gym walls to talk about what proactive healthcare really looks like—from small daily habits to how the medical system supports (and sometimes misses) prevention. Holly shares what her day-to-day looks like working with cardiac pat...

In this episode of Muscles and Malarkey , we’re tackling a listener-suggested topic from Katie P—how to stay motivated when discipline just isn’t doing the trick. I’m sharing 10 practical tips to help you boost your motivation, from decreasing decision fatigue and prepping with intention, to trying out alternative strategies that actually work in real life. If you’ve been feeling stuck or just nee...