The Reactive Training Systems Podcast

Equipped powerlifting isn’t just about putting on tighter gear—it’s about pressure, trust, and problem-solving when it matters most. In this episode, Coach Mike, Coach Mel sit down with Hugo Duarte and Dominic Wetekam to uncover what really happens behind the scenes. They explore weight management, training logistics, and why equipped lifting feels more like a true team sport than anything else. If you’ve ever wondered why equipped lifters can’t do it alone, how handlers make or break a meet, or what makes this discipline so demanding, this deep dive is for you. It’s not just lifting weights—it’s mastering skill, trust, and teamwork under pressure.

Dr. Nathan Dailey returns to the RTS Podcast to talk with Coaches John Garafano and Ross Leppala about powerlifting rehab, competition stress, and high-level performance. Dr. Nathan’s first powerlifting experience, what it taught him about lifters’ needs, and his role in supporting athletes at IPF Worlds. The conversation dives into his individualized rehab strategies - focused on helping lifters become pain-free, rebuild momentum, and return to competition. For support or consultation with Dr. Nathan, visit the RTS Training Lab or book a consultation through our store.

In this episode of Reactive Training Systems, Coach Ross Leppala and John Garafano discuss John's journey back to competitive powerlifting after a significant hiatus due to injuries and life circumstances. They delve into their training strategies, the importance of environmental factors, and the role of emerging strategies in achieving optimal performance. John shares his inspiring story of overcoming a severe neck injury, weight loss during a move, and the impact of a supportive community.

In this episode, Belgian coach and athlete Jochen Strubbe shares his coaching journey in the sport, emphasizing the importance of critical thinking, creativity, and curiosity in training. The conversation highlights the evolving nature of training methodologies, such as high frequency SBD, and the importance of a supportive community. The coaches also discuss the role of communication and trust in athlete-coach relationships, touching upon the impact of training environments and personalized approaches to coaching.

In this episode of the RTS Podcast, Coach Mike and Coach Mel talk with Thomas Lilly, founder of Zero Weakness Gyms. Known for coaching elite lifter Colton Engelbrecht, Thomas shares his approach to technique, programming, and frequency in powerlifting. They dive into biomechanical rules, RPE, velocity-based training, and more. 

What can 20 years of powerlifting still teach you? In this episode, Coach Mike reflects on lessons from competing at the Nationals, sharing insights on competition prep, travel challenges, weight cuts, and evolving training strategies, especially for deadlifts.

Coach Mike and Mel sit down with 2025 Sheffield champion Kjell Bakkelund. They dive into the art of coaching, building strong coach-athlete relationships, and making smart training decisions. Kjell also shares valuable insights from his powerlifting journey. Whether you're an athlete or coach, this episode is packed with practical takeaways. Don’t miss it!

In this episode, we dive into the art of self-coaching in powerlifting with Ade Omisakin. We talk tracking progress, spotting trends, and using tools like velocity-based training to make smarter decisions in the gym.

Coach Mike, John and our newest RTS Coach Andrew discuss gym safety, managing fatigue, and the differences between dynamic and static RPE systems. They share practical experiences and strategies for improving strength training outcomes across all levels.

This conversation explores powerlifting, focusing on the recent Sheffield competition, coaching strategies, and competition challenges. Kedric Kwan discusses the role of judges, grip strength, and the balance between technical execution and psychology in performance. Coach Mike, Mel and Kedric highlight the importance of communication, flexibility in training, and the need for both discipline and adaptability in coaching. They also touch on philosophical aspects, emphasizing enjoyment, epistemic humility, and applying the scientific method to training.