The Power of Lifting Podcast

In this episode, we sit down with Mike Johnston , a Marine veteran, physical therapist, and lifelong strength coach who’s spent over four decades shaping athletes, rebuilding bodies, and inspiring purpose. From his time as a D1 coach and professional strongman to his philosophy on discipline, accountability, and the art of living — this conversation dives deep into what it really means to find str...

In this episode of The Power of Lifting Podcast, Eric sits down with long-time friend, gym owner, and former hockey player Marshall Weber for a powerful conversation about business, brotherhood, and building something that matters. Eric and Marshall dive into their shared history from early memories of competitive sports to navigating the highs and lows of gym ownership. They reflect on the lesson...

In this episode, we sit down with Mecca Coach and competitive bodybuilder John to dive into the real reason everyone needs a coach . We talk about his journey into bodybuilding, the power of mentorship, and how coaching can take your fitness—and your mindset—to the next level. John shares personal stories, powerful insights, and his passion for helping others reach their goals. We also explore The...

Join us on The Power of Lifting Podcast, where we dive into how fitness is incorporated into our everyday lives.  This week's episode features Tony Book, owner of Premier Physical Therapy, who has brought so many different aspects of physical therapy to light within this episode. From cognitive functions to lifestyle and behavioral changes, you'll learn about his story and how he took hi...

Join us on the power of lifting podcast where we dive into how fitness is incorporated into our everyday lives.  This week's episode features Jose Ibarra, owner of Chicken Elite and other businesses, and how he forged himself into the successful entrepreneur he is today! If you have any questions about how to become your healthiest and most confident self, go to the link below and set up a FR...

By popular demand the Power Of Lifting Podcast is answering all your questions about the infamous post bodybuilding show life. Eric, Kaycee, and Kaylia sit around the mics and discuss what to expect, do, and experience when your bodybuilding show is over. This stage of bodybuilding can be very difficult for a lot of athletes. If you are one of these athletes or you are just curious about what to e...

We are excited to introduce this episodes special guest Doctor of physical therapy, Jenny Brennecke! Dr. Brennecke joined the Mecca team only a few months ago and we couldn’t be more grateful. Jenny is building an empire to spread the word about Physical Therapy and the positive impact it can have on not only ones fitness, but their lives. Listen in on Jenny’s journey that takes her from graduatin...

Welcome back to the Power Of Lifting Podcast! It has been a minute since we were sitting at the mics, and sharing the stories of our very special guests. However, the wait is over and we are excited to get "back in the saddle" and get this train moving once again! Our special guest this week is Allegra Simms, our newest Mecca Gym coach. Allegra, along with her fiancé, moved to Meridian I...

We are honored to have a long-time client of Eric’s and Sales Expert, Travis Harwood on the Power Of Lifting Podast. First and foremost Travis is a strong powerlifter and has had great success, especially in the bench press, with an astrounding over 400 lbs. press! However Travis’ main love and passion is in Sales. Listen in as Travis shares his story on finding door to door sales and excelling en...

*Trigger Warning* This episode of the Power Of Lifting Podcast is a little different then our usual motivational, fitness themed episodes. Our guest today is Tylar Bell who helps run a local Idaho Anti-Human Trafficking non-profit organziaion called Community Outreach Behaviour Services or COBS for short. This amazing organization works with many different law enforcement angencies and other suppo...

If this episode doesn’t get you motivated to get out and get stuff done, we don’t know what will! It was an honor to have Kam Wheeler as our guest today. Cody Wagnon graciously filled in for Hunter as co-host on this episode. Eric, Cody and Kam talk about life, business, and the importance of fitness in their lives. Listen in as Kam shares his incredible story and why he chooses to bring the power...

It was a pleasure having the energetic, passionate, and vibrant Kerri Price on this episode of the Power Of Lifting Podcast! Kerri is our head Group Fitness Instructor here at the Mecca Gym. Group Fitness is a new feature offered at our facility, and unlimted classes are included in your membership with us! We have a great conversation getting to know Kerri and what lead her to become a “movement...

On our 53rd episode of the Power Of Lifting Podcast we are honored to have The Mecca Gym's new General Manager, Zac Phillips! Zac is a born leader, and in his first couple of months at the Mecca Gym, he has already become invaluable to our team and culture. Zac was born and raised in Alabama, and as he entered his adult life, joined the marines. After his service in the military, Zac moved to...

“We are back in the saddle” and are pleased to be back at the Mecca wood table with some amazing guests. On this, our 52nd episode we are pleased to finally have our great friend and long-time client of Eric’s, Blake Haggett. Blake is the CEO and Broker of KZB Real Estate which is a commercial real estate brockerage here in Boise Idaho. Blake also played an instrumental part in securing Mecca 2.0’...

As we launch into our second semicentennial set of episodes of The Power Of Lifting Podcast, we are honored to have Payton Falash on the show! Relatively recently, she discovered her love and passion for bodybuilding and fitness. She took initiative in her life, found an expert coach, joined the worlds greatest gym, and hit the ground running. In less than a year she competed in her first bodybuil...

Ladies and Gentlemen we did it! We are excited to release our 50th episode of the Power Of Lifting Podcast. What an amazing journey it has been and we are bringing you an amazing guest with it. Kaycee Cafferty joins us this episode to talk about where life has taken her since being on our show almost exactly a year ago. Kaycee is a mother, real estate agent, great friend, and is currently crushing...

The Power Of Lifting Podcast is 49 epsiodes old and we couldn’t be happier with its reception and support from all our listeners. As we near the big 50 we take the opportunity talk with the main man himself Eric Cafferty and have him answer, again the questions that we ask all our guests. It was a great opportunity to look back and see how his answers have changed since we began this show nearly 2...

The Power Of Lifting crew is honored to be joined once again by Paulie Campbell, a great friend and coach. Paulie came to visit us from his mountin home in Montana to talk; business, lifting weights, fitness myths, and of course food. We also hear his awesome story of teaming up with Layne Norton, Phd and joining the biolayne coaching team. Paulie is truly a one of a kind man with so much wisdom a...

We are back in action, and we hope you loved our last episode about the Mecca Story! This week we are back with guests and couldn’t be more pumped. Chris Vaughn, a Mecca trainer, powerlifter, and Marvel fan joins us on this episode to talk about his life and what brought him into the exclusive Mecca Trainers club. Listen in as Chris shares his journey from being told by a doctor his sophomore year...

Start your engines because we are back! After an unfortunate but vital break, we are officially ready to get the Power Of Lifting Podcast rolling again. The reason for the break? Our move of course! It has been an amazing ride getting our new location up and running. If you havent yet, come and check us out at 2932 N. Eagle Rd. #101 Meridian ID 83646. $0 enrollment fee through March 31st.  We are...

Well… we have offically made it to episode #45 of the Power Of Lifting Podcast, and that means another recap! Due to unforseen circumstances we were unable to get together and record a recap episode, BUT of course we have some amazing clips from our last 15 episodes for y’all to check out!  Also, as you hopefully know by now the Mecca Gym is moving locations and we are in full swing making that mo...

Ladies and Gentlemen, Mandy Keene! It was a pleasure to sit with Mandy and talk with her about her journey. At a very young age Mandy became obsessed with Tony Robbins and his message to the world. After her mom gave her the opportunity she got hired on to be a coach for him. Unfortunately, burn-out came quickly for her and she decided to try other careers paths. Eventually however, Mandy’s love f...

On this very special episode we get to sit down with The Mecca Gym’s general mananger, Chelsea Szymanski! Chelsea embodies the Mecca mission in everyting that she does and it is no mystery why she is the perfect manager for our team. From a very young age Chelsea has always been involved with and has a passion for athletics and fitness. This passion led her to college softball, the bodybuilding st...

'Tis the season... for eating! We are firm believers in eating here at The Mecca Gym, as well as enjoying the holidays, and yes, you can have both. Eric and Hunter sit down and go over all you need to know about eating during this time of year, and doing so without losing your progress. It’s time to stop worrying about attending those holiday parties and take advantage of the holiday season! ...

The official tease and introduction of The Confidence Campaign and our Asset Health and Fitness App! We are very excited for these two amazing projects that have been in development for a while now. The Confidence Campaign’s mission is to help people come to realize their most confident selves. Stay tuned for much more on this in the future. The Asset Health and Fitness App has been released to th...