BarBend Podcast

Today I’m talking to powerlifter Jimmy Kolb, the all-time record holder in the equipped bench press. In June 2021, he benched an astonishing 508 kilograms (or 1,120 pounds) in a single-ply bench shirt. It’s the heaviest bench press ever performed by a human. Jimmy joins us to talk about training as a bench specialist, his transition from raw to equipped lifting, misconceptions about equipped lifting, and pushing human performance past boundaries of what was once thought possible. It’s an interesting look at one of the most focused strength approaches we’ve ever seen.

One from our archives: Kevin Oak has held multiple all-time powerlifting world records throughout his career. Currently, he holds the 242 lb raw all-time world record for the squat with his recent 860 lb lift. Outside of powerlifting, Kevin also owns his own apparel business, Barbell Commission.

In today’s episode we chat with Kevin about a variety of topics including his pre world record mindset, what his next epics feats of strength will be, and much more.

Today I’m talking to Eoin Everard, an Irish physiotherapist and elite runner who has represented his country on the international athletics stage — he’s run the mile in under 4 minutes and is the 2-time Irish National Champion at 1500 meters. And if that’s not enough, he’s got a PhD in biomechanics. Eoin and I talk about his athletic background and how overcoming injury led him down a path to better understand sports performance for all athletes. Where does athletic movement start breaking down, and how do mobility restrictions factor in? And what can athletes to do start addressing those issues? While the information on this podcast isn’t meant as medical advice, I hope you get a lot out of how our guest breaks down biomechanics in a really digestible way.
Before we get into that, I want to give a quick shoutout to today’s episode sponsor, Protecht Wraps. Wrist protection is important for me — and as someone with wrist injuries in the past, I try and go the extra mile to protect them.
Do you wear a fitness tracker when lifting? Then you've probably experienced taking it off for bench press, kettlebells, or other exercises.
Introducing Protecht Wraps, the first and only wrist wrap for lifting, cross-training, and kettlebell workouts that are designed to work around your watch while keeping your wrists and watch protected.
They just launched, and you can check them out at Protechtwraps.com

Today I’m talking to my friend Angela Gargano, who is a bit of an “OG” in the fitness space. She’s competed on American Ninja Warrior multiple times, earned the title of Miss Fitness USA, and she’s also a serial fitness entrepreneur. She joins me from Austin, Texas, which just might be the best city in America for fitness pros and enthusiasts alike. Let’s find out why.

What fuels athletes like Rich Froning, Annie Thorisdottir, and Mattie Rogers? Hint: It's nutrition, backed by science. In under five years, Nick Shaw built Renaissance Periodization from an upstart seller of diet templates into a nutrition empire. He joins us to talk nutrition myths, information fatigue, and the truth about carbs.