
Do You Even Lift Bro?
A bi-weekly podcast hosted by @mattpendergraph and @kaizendiygym covering a wide range of home gym topics.
Latest episodes

May 28, 2025 • 1h 12min
The End of Iron? How VOLTRA Is Redefining Home Gyms
This episode centers around Michael and Kyle reflecting on the impact of their recent Coop interview, the rise of smart fitness equipment like the VOLTRA, and how innovation is reshaping home gyms. They also explore personal fitness journeys—Kyle’s bodybuilding transformation and Michael's experiments with "sugar fasting"—and discuss current controversies and trends in the home gym community.

May 12, 2025 • 1h 16min
Coop from Garage Gym Reviews
Cooper Mitchell, Founder of Garage Gym Reviews, shares his expertise on home gym innovations and community building in fitness. He dives into the evolution of gym equipment, highlighting the rise of digital resistance technology. Personal stories about moving gym gear provide a humorous touch. The conversation emphasizes the importance of transparency in the fitness industry and the value of online communities. Coop also shares insights on balancing work and family while nurturing a passion for fitness and fostering connections within the home gym world.

May 7, 2025 • 1h 12min
Home Gym Innovations: The Story Behind Megalith Handles
In this episode, Kyle and Michael chat with Rory Ellis, founder of Rorman Strength. Rory shares his journey from being a musician in metal bands to discovering weightlifting during his time in the military. He talks about what led him to start a home gym and eventually create the Megalith handles. Rory discusses the challenges of building a business in the fitness industry, including manufacturing hurdles and potential partnerships.

Apr 14, 2025 • 59min
Rogue's Redemption
👉🏼 👉🏼 HomeGymCon ‘25 Save 10% with code DYELBhttps://garage-gym-experiment.myshopify.com/products/2025-homegymconChapters0:00 The Bougie Traveler's Dilemma03:05 Product Testing and Equipment Reviews05:53 Innovations in Home Gym Equipment09:07 The Importance of User Feedback11:55 Navigating Pre-Orders and Consumer Trust14:54 Rogue's Redemption Tour18:12 The Future of Home Gym Equipment30:18 Navigating Controversy and Resolution35:09 Lessons Learned from Conflict40:24 Excitement for HomeGymCon 202544:00 Embarking on a Bodybuilding Journey49:27 Motivation and Transformation Stories53:14 New Equipment Innovations in Home GymsFollow Michael on IG: https://www.instagram.com/nicelikemike__/Follow Kyle on IG: https://www.instagram.com/kaizendiygymFollow Michael on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC4JsmAFsAGqRpyWMNxL15QwFollow Kyle on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCFGCfbYPyFpITa0mbwbTmhA

Apr 5, 2025 • 1h 12min
Rack Chaos & Rail Revival: When Smith Machines Return
HomeGymCon ‘25 Save 10% with code DYELBhttps://garage-gym-experiment.myshopify.com/products/2025-homegymcon

Mar 21, 2025 • 1h 20min
Origins of Garage Gym Reviews
HomeGymCon ‘25 Save 10% with code DYELBhttps://garage-gym-experiment.myshopify.com/products/2025-homegymcon

Mar 5, 2025 • 1h 7min
From Celebrity Trainer to Fitness Innovator: Emily Samuel’s Booty Box Journey
Kyle and Michael welcome fitness entrepreneur Emily Samuel. Emily shares her journey from training celebrities to launching the Booty Box, tackling manufacturing challenges, partnering with Fringe Sport, and highlighting the untapped potential of female-focused fitness products.Follow BootyBox on IG: https://www.instagram.com/bootyboxplatform/Follow Emily on IG: https://www.instagram.com/emilyy_fitness/👉🏼 👉🏼 HomeGymCon ‘25 Save 10% with code DYELBhttps://garage-gym-experiment.myshopify.com/products/2025-homegymcon00:00 - Intro & Catching Up03:00 - Optimizing Home Gym Setups07:00 - Gym Equipment Talk: Attachments & Monolifts12:30 - The Business of Assembly Videos14:30 - Home Gym Con 2025 VIP Experience16:30 - Special Guest: Emily Samuel Joins the Podcast29:00 - The Booty Box: From DIY to Market Success34:00 - Social Media Strategy for Fitness Brands42:00 - Why Women’s Fitness is an Untapped Market in Home Gyms48:00 - Will Emily Attend Home Gym Con?54:00 - Future Innovations: Booty Box 2.0 and More1:01:00 - Home Gym Community & Closing ThoughtsMichael on IG: https://www.instagram.com/nicelikemike__/Kyle on IG: https://www.instagram.com/kaizendiygymMichael on YouTube: youtube.com/@nicelikemikeKyle on YouTube: youtube.com/@KaizenDIYGym

Feb 15, 2025 • 52min
Home Gym Gainz!
In this conversation, Kyle discusses his recent transformation of his garage from a woodworking space to a dedicated gym area. He shares insights on the arrival of new gym equipment, particularly from Temple of Gainz, and reflects on the delivery experiences, including a memorable encounter with a helpful driver. The discussion also touches on the upgrades of the Dane 2.0 machine, initial impressions of the new selectorized machines, and the evolution of home gym equipment. Additionally, they delve into experiences with selling gym equipment on Facebook Marketplace, highlighting the challenges and frustrations that can arise. In this conversation, Mike and Kyle discuss the intricacies of selling items online, particularly on Facebook Marketplace, and the challenges of engaging with followers on social media. The discussion transitions into the topic of building the ultimate home gym, where both speakers share their dream equipment lists and considerations for gym design. They also touch on upcoming events, including HomeGymCon, and the excitement of future guests on the podcast.Episode Chapters00:00 Garage Transformation: From Woodworking to Gym Space03:10 New Equipment Arrival: The Temple of Gains Machines05:52 Delivery Experiences: The Good, The Bad, and The Weird09:06 Dane 2.0: A Closer Look at Upgrades11:48 Initial Impressions: Selectorized Machines in Action15:04 The Evolution of Home Gym Equipment17:46 Marketplace Experiences: The Trials of Selling Equipment25:39 Navigating the Challenges of Online Selling27:31 Engaging with Followers and Managing Expectations34:56 Building the Ultimate Home Gym43:32 Dream Equipment for a Home Gym50:52 Upcoming Events and Future GuestsFollow Michael on IGFollow Kyle on IGMichael on YouTubeFollow Kyle on YouTube

Feb 1, 2025 • 1h 30min
How Lindsay Scheele Landed the Ultimate Dream Job at Garage Gym Reviews
In this conversation, Michael and Kyle welcome Lindsay Scheele, who shares how she came to join the team at Garage Gym Reviews. Lindsay talk’s about the 6-month audition process, her approach to reviews and FOMO from not having attended HomeGymCon yet.
👉🏼 👉🏼 HomeGymCon ‘25 Save 10% with code DYELB
Chapters
00:00 NEW Mammoth Belt Squat Video
05:50 Training and Programming in the Home Gym
16:34 Guest Introduction: Lindsay Scheele
17:01 Lindsay's Experience with Home Gym Programming
24:59 Home Gym vs. Gym Community
26:50 GetRX'D RX3 Tornado Smith Machine Rack
31:01 Lindsay's Background
33:11 Lindsay Joins Garage Gym Reviews
35:49 Balancing Work and Family Life
38:03 First Day Jitters at Garage Gym Reviews
39:12 Product Review Process
43:41 Deciding What to Review
45:06 Evolving Content Creation Strategies
46:57 Community Requested Reviews
48:05 Lindsay or Coop: Who Reviews What?
51:50 Thoughts on Kyle's PIVOT Pad
54:07 New Product Colab
56:28 Progress on Kyle's DIY Leg Curl/Extension
58:44 Upcoming Innovations from Dialed Motion
59:41 Garage Gym Reviews at HomeGymCon?
01:08:12 The Honey Conspiracy Discussion
01:13:18 Reviewing BAD Products
01:18:56 Company's Sending Faulty Products for Review
01:22:47 Wrapping Things Up
Follow
Follow Michael on IG: instagram.com/nicelikemike__/Follow Kyle on IG: instagram.com/kaizendiygymFollow Michael on YouTube: youtube.com/@nicelikemikeFollow Kyle on YouTube: youtube.com/@KaizenDIYGym
Follow Lindsay on YouTube: youtube.com/@garagegymreviewseverythingFollow Lindsay on IG: instagram.com/garagegymreviewseverything

Jan 18, 2025 • 1h 21min
Starting a Home Gym with Matthew Porter
Description
In this conversation, Mike and Kyle discuss various topics ranging from personal fitness goals to the importance of building a home gym. They share their experiences with Dry January, the challenges of maintaining fitness routines, and the resources available for those looking to start or expand their home gym. The conversation emphasizes the significance of community support, the right equipment choices, and the journey towards achieving fitness goals. Matthew Porter joins to play a game of building the best home gym for $2000. They discuss the intricacies of building a home gym, focusing on budget-friendly equipment purchases, safety during transactions, and creative DIY solutions. They share personal anecdotes about their experiences in the fitness community, including the challenges and triumphs of setting up a gym, as well as the importance of knowing local resources and marketplaces. Matthew also shares insights into his journey in the fitness space, including his product development and experiences at HomeGymCon.
👉🏼 👉🏼 HomeGymCon ‘25 Save 10% with code DYELB
https://garage-gym-experiment.myshopify.com/products/2025-homegymcon
Chapters
00:00 Cultural Differences in Alcohol Purchasing
09:48 Embracing Dry January and Fitness Goals
20:10 Building a Home Gym: Getting Started
30:11 Navigating Online Communities for Home Gym Enthusiasts
40:03 Choosing the Right Equipment for Your Home Gym
40:29 Navigating Equipment Purchases Safely
43:22 Building a Home Gym on a Budget
52:11 Creative Solutions for Home Gym Equipment
01:00:49 DIY Enhancements for Home Gym Equipment
01:02:41 Matthew Porter's Journey in the Fitness Space
Additional Links
Follow Porter Physed on IG: https://www.instagram.com/porter_physed/
Check out the Porter Physed shop: https://porterpef.com/
Follow Michael on IG: https://www.instagram.com/nicelikemike__/
Follow Kyle on IG: https://www.instagram.com/kaizendiygym
Follow Michael on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC4JsmAFsAGqRpyWMNxL15Qw
Follow Kyle on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCFGCfbYPyFpITa0mbwbTmhA