Becoming Ronin

In today’s episode, Smitty and OB kick off the podcast by chatting about this past weekend's CPPS certification and the life lessons that can be learned by committing to real world education. The next topic is how social media can affect, not only your physical and mental health, but also the quality and effectiveness of your training programs. Keeping with the theme of the Ronin Book Club, Smitty and OB then toss around some thoughts on the latest readings of “New Man Emerging.” Specifically - living a life that “Sets Your Soul on Fire.” Finally, in a continuing effort to stay committed to self-mastery, Smitty and OB read each others results from the personality trait test known as the “Rheti Test” (Learning your Enneagram type). *For a full list of show notes, timestamps & important links from this episode visit: Becoming Ronin Podcast TIMESTAMPS [0:00] Back from the CPPS  [3:28] OB’s targeting hiring process [6:20] Text Books vs Real World Application [7:18 The Why Vs What [9:30] Is social media hurting your programming? [10:38] Should Everyone Squat Deep? [17:30] Are Influencers Responsible for Warning Followers [20:53] Be an Educated Consumer [23:34] New Man Emerging [30:10] Unearned Leisure Time [34:58] Enneagram Personality Test RESOURCES: New Man Emerging - Mike DeSanti Enneagram Institute

In today’s episode, we are truly honored to be joined by Strength and Conditioning Legend and the ORIGINAL biohacker, Steve Maxwell. Steve Maxwell is the first American to receive a Jiu Jitsu Black Belt from the world-renowned Gracie Family. Beyond having over 50 years of “in the trenches” experience, Steve has traveled the world and trained in all corners of the globe. With the unique experiences he brings to the S&C community, Steve truly is a pioneer in the area of training longevity. In this episode we discuss training, cold exposure, blue zones, the best travel bag, dry brushing, mindset, breathing, and much much more. *For a full list of show notes, timestamps & important links from this episode visit: Becoming Ronin Podcast TIMESTAMPS [0:00] INTRO [3:58] Living a Minimalist Lifestyle [7:20] The mindset behind Brazilian Jiu Jitsu [12:00] Best Place to Travel [14:30] The Biggest Issue with The American Standard [18:53] The Anything But Typical Morning Routine of Steve Maxwell [21:54] Incorporating Longevity Practices into your Life [25:30] You Are Not Your Body Or Mind [28:06] Neti Pot for Removing Environmental Pollutants [30:19] Importance of Cold Water Therapies [33:30] Dry Brushing and Near Infrared for Your Skin [38:45] Why Steve Maxwell no longer like Kettlebell Training [42:57] The Difference Between Specific Strength vs General Strength [47:30] The Underlying Cause of Non-Contact Injuries [52:30] Does Strength Training Make You Stiff? [55:30] Breathing Techniques for Time Under Tension Training [1:05:00] Having Too Many Things is Like Obesity RESOURCES Steve Maxwell's Website Steve Maxwell's Instagram

In today’s episode, we are honored and excited to be joined by Director of Strength and Conditioning at Fordham University, Joe Gilfedder.  Joe Gilfedder is one of the most well read S&C coaches in the industry and has an amazing depth of knowledge on every facet of human performance. Today, be sure to grab a notepad and pen, because Coach Gilfedder lays down some serious knowledge with programming considerations, as well as, how to be a life long learner. *For a full list of show notes, timestamps & important links from this episode visit: Becoming Ronin Podcast TIMESTAMPS [0:00] Intro [3:23] Rapid Fire Questions [9:14] Biggest Training Influence [14:15] Sticking to Continuing Education [19:10] Getting the Most Out of Your Reading Practice [21:20] A Day in the Life of A D1 Strength Coach [26:30] Create Buy In With Your Programming [30:30] Creating the Right Culture in Your Weightroom [35:05] The Foundation of All Good Group Programming [38:00] The Key to Healthy Athletes  [42:00] Why Being Coached Makes You A Better Coach [44:10] Do Olympic Lifts Have a Place in the Weightroom [48:07] Not Copying Your Mentors [53:45] Commit to Being a Life Long Learner RESOURCES Joe Gilfedder's Instagram Joe Gilfedder's Email

In today’s episode, we’re honored to interview Physical Therapist and Author, Tim Reynolds. Tim is an Anatomy and Physiology Professor at Ithaca College, Co-Author of “Movers and Mentors,” an inventor/entrepreneur, and a practicing physical therapist. In this episode, we dig into Tim’s guidelines for recognizing when you need to seek out physical therapy, how to choose a good PT, and some amazing takeaways from his practice. We also interview him about his experience interviewing the world's top physical therapists and fitness professionals to compile his insightful book. Lastly, Tim gives some helpful recommendations on how to view pain, as well as how to fix/prevent it. *For a full list of show notes, timestamps & important links from this episode visit: Becoming Ronin Podcast TIMESTAMPS [0:00] Intro [8:45] Tim’s Unique Childhood  [14:00] Morning Routine [19:20] How Being a Physical Therapist has changed your training? [20:55] Common Issues with Physical Therapy [26:11] Allowing Clients to Tell Their Story [32:15] How to tell if your Physical Therapist is good [38:50] Movers and Mentors [40:45] How to Use Mentors to Boost Your Career [46:19] The Surprising thing About PT Pros [52:09] Biggest Takeaways from Writing The Book [55:47] Changing Your Perception of Pain [1:00:08] Tips for Avoiding Injury RESOURCES Movers and Mentors Tim Reynolds | Instagram Tim Reynolds | Tik Tok

BECOMING RONIN GIVEAWAY - To enter, share this episode on social media and tag @oberther, @smittydiesel, and @becomingronin to be entered to win one of many Becoming Ronin Swag Boxes. Today’s episode is split into two parts. Part 1 is all about knee pain. OB covers his approach with a client who presents with Patella Femoral Syndrome and some very simple at home correctives to fix it. Smitty and OB then discuss training considerations that may help you bulletproof your knees. In Part 2, Smitty and OB put a spin on a Q&A by answering them Newlywed style (answering each question for the other person) and hilarity ensues. *For a full list of show notes, timestamps & important links from this episode visit: Becoming Ronin Podcast TIMESTAMPS [0:00] Intro [3:44] Smitty’s new program and his issue with it [7:30] OB’s simple assessment with knee pain [17:20] Frontal Plane vs Sagital Plane Exercises for Knee Health  [20:30] Doing exercises you hate [23:00] Testing Rectus Femoris before doing Split Squats [25:10] How to assess your feet if you have knee pain [29:01] The Quickest Way to Overuse Injuries [32:45] Integrated vs Static Mobility Drills [35:25] Smitty and OB play the Newlywed Game [36:18] What is the other’s Worst Pet Peeves [37:51] Worst Habit [39:00] What is the other’s worst fear? [40:51] Favorite Ice Cream Flavor [41:36] What would you buy with lottery winnings? [43:08] Big spoon or little spoon? [44:10] Who is more honest? [47:40] What is each other’s best quality [52:00] Who would the other person play in a movie? RESOURCES Becoming Ronin Book Club Recommendation: New Man Emerging - Mike Desanti

In today’s episode, Smitty and OB start with a couple exciting announcements. The first of which is a new Ronin Giveaway with some amazing merchandise on the line including Ronin Swag as well as Diesel Straps. Secondly, OB and Smitty gauge the interest in a Ronin Retreat led by last week’s guest, Mike DeSanti. The next topic they dive into is overcoming laziness by identifying the critical three things that are guaranteed to flatten obstacles in order to achieve more. Next OB discusses a collection of ways to deal with “difficult people” in your life. Lastly, Smitty rolls out his newest update to the Becoming Ronin handbook. *For a full list of show notes, timestamps & important links from this episode visit: Becoming Ronin Podcast TIMESTAMPS [0:00] Ronin Giveaway [1:54] Ronin Retreat [4:44] Intro [14:54] Overcoming Laziness [17:20] Preparation and Getting Ahead of Obstacles [20:50] Recognizing Patterns to Avoid Friction [26:44] Make a Snowball [33:35] How to Deal With Difficult People [35:00] Are they the difficult one, or am I? [41:44] Asking questions to reveal base concerns [52:14] The Ronin Journey [52:44] Update to the Ronin Handbook

In today’s episode, we are honored to have Men’s Transformation Coach, Mike DeSanti on the show. Beyond being a major influence in Smitty's life, Mike is the author of the book, New Man Emerging and owner of Authentic Self Healing LLC. As a respected life coach, Mike is committed to inspiring men to live lives of purpose and fulfillment. Mike and Smitty discuss the transformative process of participating in a sweat lodge, the meaning behind them, and who benefits from the experience. Smitty gets emotional when he brings up the accountability Mike has given to Smitty in digging up “Smitty’s story,” that has held him back for years. Mike then dives deep on the self-limiting beliefs that manifest as procrastination and how those beliefs are affected by your relationships with others. Mike explains that to be your authentic self, it’s crucial to explore your “shadow," and dissect it to break down old coping mechanisms that no longer serve you. *For a full list of show notes, timestamps & important links from this episode visit: Becoming Ronin Podcast TIMESTAMPS [0:00] Intro | Rapid Fire [2:45] Who would win in a fight between @jayferruggia and @lukahocevar [3:20] What is the best part of the Montana Retreat? [4:40] Who can beat Smitty in an ice cream eating contest? [5:28] Florida vs. New Jersey [5:45] What is the morning routine of a Life Coach? [7:20] How does gratitude drive your day? [9:20] What dish do you make, better than your mom? [11:15] Post sweat lodge feast [12:25] The meaning behind sweat lodges [16:33] Funniest Sweat Lodge Story [21:40] Stop fighting the resistance to begin learning [23:30] Who benefits from a sweat lodge? [27:28] F**K You Mike Desanti [29:24] The Story People Tell Themselves [33:50] What is procrastination?  [42:00] How Your Growth Affects Others [43:47] Never Solicit Feedback From Spectators [44:49] Shadow Work [56:50] Common things people store in their Shadow [1:01:40] Allowing your partner to speak without judgment RESOURCES The Vital Guide Mike's Instagram

In today’s episode, Smitty and OB are honored to have world record holder powerlifter Chad Aichs as a guest. Chad holds one of the highest powerlifting totals in the world with a 1173 lbs. squat, 820 lbs. bench, and a 755 lbs. deadlift. Chad, owner of Courage Barbell, is also a prolific author for his own blog, as well as, a regular author for EliteFTS. In this episode, Chad provides decades of “Under The Bar” wisdom and shares brilliant training hacks, identifies major obstacles that hold people back, and shares the mentality it takes to become a world class powerlifter.  *For a full list of show notes, timestamps & important links from this episode visit: Becoming Ronin Podcast TIMESTAMPS [0:00] Intro [2:38] Favorite Cheat Meal [3:20] Pre-Meet Rituals [4:30] Eating Habits for a 400 lb Powerlifter [5:58] Dream Piece of Gym Equipment [7:10] What is Chad’s Dream Car? [10:10] What is the most common training mistake people make when trying to get strong? [12:10] Spreading Out Your Training To Save Your Gains [15:20] Implementing Recovery Sessions into Your Program [17:20] Not sticking to the “7 Day” Schedule for Lifting [19:50] A Better Training Split [21:00] Best Drug Free Numbers [26:10] Powerlifting Injuries [28:22] What does it feel like to squat 1100 lbs [32:00] Battling Insomnia, Staying Up for 14 Days Straight [39:32] A Brilliant Way To Split Up Your Training Days [46:00] Why Percentage Based Training is Too Obscure [50:05] How Has Chad's Mindset Around Lifting Evolved? [1:04:00] The Importance of Having Goals Outside of Fitness [1:11:20] Life Lessons From Powerlifting RESOURCES Courage Barbell  Chad’s Instagram

In today’s episode, we’re honored to be joined by Firefighter, John Haney. Smitty and OB ask questions about John’s 26 years of experience as a veteran firefighter. John shares some amazing stories; including a tragic line of duty death, getting carbon monoxide poisoning, and the road back to learning how to walk again. John shares heartfelt experiences that teach us all above the bravery and courage of firefighters. *For a full list of show notes, timestamps & important links from this episode visit: Becoming Ronin Podcast TIMESTAMPS [0:00] Intro [1:09] Rapid Fire Questions [4:03] The Surprising Truth About Firefighters [10:07] Misconceptions About The Fire Service [15:00] Advice From A Veteran Firefighters [19:55] Funniest Fire Calls [22:37] Most Memorable Calls [27:10] The Worst Night Of John’s Life [53:40] Smitty Makes A Terrible Joke [56:00] How Your Ego Can Hold You Back [1:06:40] The Worst Excuse

In this week's episode, Smitty and OB are Eager to announce, "The Ronin Handbook." The handbook will allow listeners and supporters of the show to follow along with free, science-backed ways to drastically improve the quality of their life. In this episode, we lay out the first five Ronin principles or habits from eariler podcast episodes. Additionally, Smitty and OB introduce a new, VIDEO COACHING segment for the show, where they take video submissions from listeners and provide feedback and coaching tips. Lastly, Smitty and OB discuss the three causes of injuries and how to avoid them. *For a full list of show notes, timestamps & important links from this episode visit: Becoming Ronin Podcast TIMESTAMPS [0:00] How To Get Out of Speeding Tickets [2:00] The Ronin Handbook [2:40] Criteria for the Handbook [2:55] How to Make Immediate Change [3:30] Free Ways to Get Better [4:45] Improving the Quality of Your Life [5:40] Consistently Challenging Yourself Outside of Fitness [11:00] Taking Control of Your Life [18:26] Leaving Every Place Better Than How You Found It [20:53] Sunday Brain Dumps [23:40] Writing Down Three “To-Dos” the Night Before [25:20] Not Touching Your Phone Within Two Hours of Waking [33:24] Where to Start With Cold Plunging [39:00] Review Guidelines for Challenges [42:00] Live Coaching: OB and Smitty Coach a Listener’s Deadlift [49:50] A Warning For Deadlifters [53:16] What Is A "Back Ass?" [54:47] The 3 Causes of Injury [56:57] Avoiding Low Back Injury [58:30] Injury Proof Your Training [59:00] Is There Such A Thing As “Perfect Form” RESOURCES: Ronin YT Channel - Deadlift Analysis Sebastian Junger - Tribe Wim Hoff Breathing