

Becoming Ronin
Brian "OB" Oberther, Jim "Smitty" Smith
The "Becoming Ronin" podcast is a show that delves into topics related to personal development, fitness, and self-improvement. Hosted by fitness professionals, the podcast explores various aspects of the fitness industry, including training methodologies, mindset, business strategies, and lifestyle tips. The show often features guest experts who share their insights and experiences, providing listeners with practical advice and inspiration for achieving their goals.
Recent episodes have covered topics like program reviews, the distinction between online trainers and coaches, and the significance of aerobic development in training. Notable guests, such as Jason Brown, have appeared on the podcast to discuss these subjects in depth.
The podcast aims to guide listeners on their journey to becoming more self-reliant and empowered, drawing on the metaphor of a "Ronin" — a samurai without a master — to symbolize the pursuit of independence and mastery in life.
Recent episodes have covered topics like program reviews, the distinction between online trainers and coaches, and the significance of aerobic development in training. Notable guests, such as Jason Brown, have appeared on the podcast to discuss these subjects in depth.
The podcast aims to guide listeners on their journey to becoming more self-reliant and empowered, drawing on the metaphor of a "Ronin" — a samurai without a master — to symbolize the pursuit of independence and mastery in life.
Episodes
Mentioned books

Nov 4, 2023 • 1h 4min
#93 Training Frequency, Stubborn Low Back Tightness, Safe Power Exercises
Overview: In today’s episode we address some common fitness industry questions starting with; is frequent muscle stimulation better than longer recovery between workouts. We talk about Mind Pump’s MAPS program and how and how it relates to our approach with our clientele. Next we move into how strength training changes when you begin a sport like BJJ. Included in this discussion are considerations on balancing performance with staying healthy for your sport. The third topic is something that comes up very often - stubborn low back tightness. We give you an extremely useful assessment that you can use on yourself or clients to give a picture of where the tightness is coming from and then instruct on some correctives that we’ve been having huge success with for low back pain. We wrap up the training discussion with best explosive exercises that are low impact. We discuss our own methods of exercise selection and the thought process behind “explosive” training. Lastly, Smitty gives tribute to a big influence of his, Dr. Yessis and dives into some of his work that has massively impacted the industry. Timestamps: [0:00] Intro [1:29] Frequent Muscle Stimulation for Hypertrophy [12:02] Strength Training Around Jiu Jitsu [24:04] How to Assess and Address Stubborn Low Back Tightness [40:26] Best Low Impact Explosive Training [54:37] Tribute to Dr. Yeses Subscribe to Our Youtube! https://youtube.com/@becomingroninpodcast?si=KSmhTMvmrW5JfhXg SPONSORS: Jocko Fuel https://store.jockofuel.com/?ref=xgsWFwqMzvQtsD Code RONIN10 Get 10% Off The Iron Neck: https://www.iron-neck.com/discount/AFFILIATE?rfsn=7380568.84f9bc2&utm_source=refersion&utm_medium=affiliate&utm_campaign=brian.oberther Get FREE LMNT with your first order! (The Cleanest Sports Drink on the Market) http://elementallabs.refr.cc/brianoberther Get $150 off the premier cold plunge tank at: https://plunge.pxf.io/qnXvLN FOLLOW US Instagram (OB) https://www.instagram.com/oberther/ (Smitty) https://www.instagram.com/smittydiesel/ EXTRAS Get Ageless Athlete: https://agelessathletesc.com Team Forever Strong: Https://trainheroic.com/foreverstrong Instagram (OB) https://www.instagram.com/oberther/ www.infinityithaca.com (Smitty) https://www.instagram.com/smittydiesel/ www.dieselsc.com

Oct 28, 2023 • 1h 31min
#92 SWIS 2023 Lessons in Assessment, Hypertrophy Training & Low Back Pain
Guest Scott Burr, high level black belt in Jiu Jitsu, discusses lessons learned at the Elite FTS SWIS Symposium. Topics include neck injuries, vestibular resets, exercise selection for hypertrophy, and Stuart McGill's last presentation. They also share funny stories of getting kicked out of a hotel and their private Jiu Jitsu lesson.

Oct 19, 2023 • 60min
#91 The Story Behind New York's Biggest Fitness Event, Kenny Santucci
Overview: In today’s episode we’re honored to be joined by Kenny Santucci. Kenny describes how he created the most successful fitness expo in the northeast, Strong NY. Strong NY is Kenny’s contribution to the fitness community in an effort to tackle what he believes is a hole in the community. We talk about how loneliness, a lack of quality fitness options, and too few in person networking events has plagued the fitness industry the last decade. Timestamps: [0:00] Intro [0:23] Kenny’s Jiu Jitsu promotion and practice [12:26] The 2023 Strong NY Event [18:35] Organizing the Event [20:34] Why The Industry Needs the Event [32:50] Fitness is The Glue to Society [36:28] Being Secure in Yourself [42:32] Benefits of In Person Events [46:37] Is Marketing a Scam? [56:39] Event Details Check out the Event: https://strongnewyork.com Watch on Youtube and Subscribe! https://youtu.be/8pCk7dGQp34?si=1ZmLkbHmwyHueAmN SPONSORS: Jocko Fuel https://store.jockofuel.com/?ref=xgsWFwqMzvQtsD Code RONIN10 Get 10% Off The Iron Neck: https://www.iron-neck.com/discount/AFFILIATE?rfsn=7380568.84f9bc2&utm_source=refersion&utm_medium=affiliate&utm_campaign=brian.oberther Get FREE LMNT with your first order! (The Cleanest Sports Drink on the Market) http://elementallabs.refr.cc/brianoberther Get $150 off the premier cold plunge tank at: https://plunge.pxf.io/qnXvLN FOLLOW US Instagram (OB) https://www.instagram.com/oberther/ (Smitty) https://www.instagram.com/smittydiesel/ EXTRAS Get Ageless Athlete: https://agelessathletesc.com Team Forever Strong: Https://trainheroic.com/foreverstrong Instagram (OB) https://www.instagram.com/oberther/ www.infinityithaca.com (Smitty) https://www.instagram.com/smittydiesel/ www.dieselsc.com

Oct 13, 2023 • 1h 15min
#90 Top Four Tips From Four Fit Pros
Episode #90 Four Top Tips from Four Fit Pros Overview: First off we'd like to announce that we are officially up and running on YouTube! If you'd like to watch our podcasts or see bonus content, please feel free to subscribe with the link below! https://youtu.be/8pCk7dGQp34?si=1ZmLkbHmwyHueAmN In today's episode of Becoming Ronin, Smitty, OB, and Chris McGowan listen to 4 tips submitted from industry experts and give their own perspective on each of them. Our tips come from us today from industry leaders Joe DeFranco, Sean Hayes, Dan Goodman, and Josh Sutchar who each give their top pieces of advice after having achieved high levels of success in the fitness industry. Timestamps: [0:00] Intro [2:31] Joe Defranco’s No Mandatory Exercises [22:48] Sean Hayes Improve Every Day [37:30] Dan Goodman Outrunning Attrition [1:04:20] Josh Sutcher Hiring A Coach Watch on Youtube and Subscribe! https://youtu.be/8pCk7dGQp34?si=1ZmLkbHmwyHueAmN SPONSORS: Jocko Fuel https://store.jockofuel.com/?ref=xgsWFwqMzvQtsD Code RONIN10 Get 10% Off The Iron Neck: https://www.iron-neck.com/discount/AFFILIATE?rfsn=7380568.84f9bc2&utm_source=refersion&utm_medium=affiliate&utm_campaign=brian.oberther Get FREE LMNT with your first order! (The Cleanest Sports Drink on the Market) http://elementallabs.refr.cc/brianoberther Get $150 off the premier cold plunge tank at: https://plunge.pxf.io/qnXvLN FOLLOW US Instagram (OB) https://www.instagram.com/oberther/ (Smitty) https://www.instagram.com/smittydiesel/ EXTRAS Get Ageless Athlete: https://agelessathletesc.com Team Forever Strong: Https://trainheroic.com/foreverstrong Instagram (OB) https://www.instagram.com/oberther/ www.infinityithaca.com (Smitty) https://www.instagram.com/smittydiesel/ www.dieselsc.com

Oct 7, 2023 • 1h 1min
#89 The Opportunity of Bitcoin with British HODL
Overview: Join us on "Becoming Ronin," where financial responsibility meets the path to self-mastery. In this insightful episode, we sit down with British HODL, a Bitcoiner, Investor, and educator, to demystify the fascinating world of finance. British sheds light on what Bitcoin truly represents and how it disrupts traditional finance by addressing inherent issues. We dispel prevalent myths and showcase the potential this digital currency holds. British offers invaluable insights, guiding you on how embracing Bitcoin aligns with financial responsibility on your journey to self-mastery. Tune in and step confidently into the evolving landscape of cryptocurrency, empowering yourself with knowledge and sound investment choices. Timestamps: [0:00] Intro [2:53] Episode Intro [5:00] British’s Journey Into Finance and Bitcoin [8:45] How British was “Orange Pilled” [11:45] Why Bitcoin is So Polarizing [16:00] Elevator Pitch on Bitcoin [17:05 Can Scarcity Go Too Far? [18:45] Is the Middle Class Running Out of Time to Invest [21:30] The Risk of Alternative Stores of Value [28:30] Why You’ll Never Have to Sell [31:20] US Adoption of Bitcoin [34:45] What is an ETF [37:05] What to Expect in the Future [42:53] The Urgency of Bitcoin [45:00] The Fear of the Intangible Asset [49:05] The Parallels of Investing and Fitness [55:00] Recommendations on Continuing Your Education Watch the Full Interview: Connect with British HODL: Youtube Channel: youtube.com/@britishhodl23?sub_confirmation=1 SPONSORS: Jocko Fuel https://store.jockofuel.com/?ref=xgsWFwqMzvQtsD Code RONIN10 Get 10% Off The Iron Neck: https://www.iron-neck.com/discount/AFFILIATE?rfsn=7380568.84f9bc2&utm_source=refersion&utm_medium=affiliate&utm_campaign=brian.oberther Get FREE LMNT with your first order! (The Cleanest Sports Drink on the Market) http://elementallabs.refr.cc/brianoberther Get $150 off the premier cold plunge tank at: https://plunge.pxf.io/qnXvLN FOLLOW US Instagram (OB) https://www.instagram.com/oberther/ (Smitty) https://www.instagram.com/smittydiesel/ EXTRAS Get Ageless Athlete: https://agelessathletesc.com Team Forever Strong: Https://trainheroic.com/foreverstrong Instagram (OB) https://www.instagram.com/oberther/ www.infinityithaca.com (Smitty) https://www.instagram.com/smittydiesel/ www.dieselsc.com

Sep 22, 2023 • 1h 9min
#88 Unveiling Achilles Tendon Secrets: Mastering Prevention and Healing for Resilient Athletes
Overview: Today we jump into a serious issue that plagues the field of play and haunts strength and conditioning coaches around the world: achilles injuries. This is one of the most common tendon rupture injury in the human body and we believe can largely be prevented. In this episode, we delve into the intricate world of Achilles tendon injuries, shedding light on effective prevention and recovery strategies. The Achilles tendon, a vital structure connecting the calf muscles to the heel bone, is prone to injuries due to its high usage and essential role in daily activities. We explore the common causes of Achilles tendon injuries, ranging from overuse and inadequate stretching to sudden, acute trauma, providing invaluable insights for our listeners to understand the risk factors and make informed decisions to mitigate them. Moreover, we unveil a comprehensive array of preventative measures and recovery techniques that can aid in strengthening and healing the Achilles tendon. From targeted exercises and stretches to lifestyle adjustments, we present actionable steps to help both athletes and the general population maintain optimal tendon health. By arming our audience with knowledge and practical advice, we empower them to proactively care for their Achilles tendon and enhance overall mobility and well-being. Tune in to equip yourself with the tools to conquer Achilles tendon challenges and thrive in an active, injury-free lifestyle. Timestamps: [0:00] Jocko Fuel [2:00] Episode Intro [9:57] Aaron Rogers Achilles Injury [11:41] The Background of the Achilles [13:14] Who’s at Risk? [17:33] How Does the Achilles Become Injured? [38:35] Special Considerations for Rehab [41:51] The Corrective Protocol SPONSORS: Jocko Fuel https://store.jockofuel.com/?ref=xgsWFwqMzvQtsD Code RONIN10 Get 10% Off The Iron Neck: https://www.iron-neck.com/discount/AFFILIATE?rfsn=7380568.84f9bc2&utm_source=refersion&utm_medium=affiliate&utm_campaign=brian.oberther Get 15% off the NuRecover Portable Cold Plunge!: https://www.nurecover.com/discount/BRIAN23382 Get FREE LMNT with your first order! (The Cleanest Sports Drink on the Market) http://elementallabs.refr.cc/brianoberther Get $150 off the premier cold plunge tank at: https://plunge.pxf.io/qnXvLN FOLLOW US Instagram (OB) https://www.instagram.com/oberther/ (Smitty) https://www.instagram.com/smittydiesel/ EXTRAS Get Ageless Athlete: https://agelessathletesc.com Team Forever Strong: Https://trainheroic.com/foreverstrong Instagram (OB) https://www.instagram.com/oberther/ www.infinityithaca.com (Smitty) https://www.instagram.com/smittydiesel/ www.dieselsc.com

Sep 8, 2023 • 1h 1min
#87 Avoiding Career Burnout, Reigniting Your Passion
Overview: In today’s episode we explore a topic that plagues any industry: BURNOUT. Our goal with this episode is to both give you an understanding of what leads to burnout, as well as help dissect whether your job is the issue, or your mindset is leading you down the wrong path. We lay out six components of career fatigue and talk about each one in an effort to develop tools to become burnout proof and reignite the passion to pursue what’s best. Timestamps: [0:00] Intro [1:32] How You Treat the Waitress [10:15] What is Burnout [11:50] Be Useful [17:41] The Path To Burnout [24:33] Volume and Workload [27:22] Do You Have Control? [31:19] The Reward [39:24] Fairness [46:02] Community [49:39] The Value Test SPONSORS: Jocko Fuel https://store.jockofuel.com/?ref=xgsWFwqMzvQtsD Code RONIN10 Get 10% Off The Iron Neck: https://www.iron-neck.com/discount/AFFILIATE?rfsn=7380568.84f9bc2&utm_source=refersion&utm_medium=affiliate&utm_campaign=brian.oberther Get 15% off the NuRecover Portable Cold Plunge!: https://www.nurecover.com/discount/BRIAN23382 Get FREE LMNT with your first order! (The Cleanest Sports Drink on the Market) http://elementallabs.refr.cc/brianoberther Get $150 off the premier cold plunge tank at: https://plunge.pxf.io/qnXvLN FOLLOW US Instagram (OB) https://www.instagram.com/oberther/ (Smitty) https://www.instagram.com/smittydiesel/ EXTRAS Get Ageless Athlete: https://agelessathletesc.com Team Forever Strong: Https://trainheroic.com/foreverstrong Instagram (OB) https://www.instagram.com/oberther/ www.infinityithaca.com (Smitty) https://www.instagram.com/smittydiesel/ www.dieselsc.com

Aug 26, 2023 • 58min
#86 Smitty’s Birthday Episode, Is Bitcoin a Scam? Filming In The Gym, Walking Lunges Every Day, Tips for Hypertrophy
Overview: After wishing Smitty a happy birthday, we dive right into a subject close to Smitty’s heart: Bitcoin. What many might not know is that Smitty has been researching Bitcoin for the past couple years and today he sheds some light on what it is for those who may not know. Then we continue to answer some listener questions, starting with what our thoughts are on filming in the gym. We discuss etiquette for influencers and fit pros, and some criteria for the the content you put out. Next we discuss a few questions all based around hypertrophy and some simple details that can make a massive difference in not only your muscle growth, but also your joint health and training longevity. Lastly we wrap up with some thoughts on energy system training and hear Buddy Morris’ take on Bioenergetics. Submit Questions: (OB) https://www.instagram.com/oberther/ (Smitty) https://www.instagram.com/smittydiesel/ Timestamps: [0:00] Intro [0:30] How Does Smitty Feel on His Birthday [7:42] Burst Series [10:28] Is Bitcoin a Scam? [27:37] Filming In The Gym [35:00] Walking Lunges Every Day [43:17] Eliminate Momentum For Max Hypertrophy [48:24] Buddy Morris on Bioenergetics [54:05] Example Strength Capacity Workout CURRENT RONIN CHALLENGE Download the checklist here: https://quick-action.s3.amazonaws.com/RONIN-CHALLENGE-DAILY-UPDATED.pdf Send Screen Time Screen Shots To: becomingroninpodcast@gmail.com SPONSORS: Jocko Fuel https://store.jockofuel.com/?ref=xgsWFwqMzvQtsD Code RONIN10 Get 10% Off The Iron Neck: https://www.iron-neck.com/discount/AFFILIATE?rfsn=7380568.84f9bc2&utm_source=refersion&utm_medium=affiliate&utm_campaign=brian.oberther Get 15% off the NuRecover Portable Cold Plunge!: https://www.nurecover.com/discount/BRIAN23382 Get FREE LMNT with your first order! (The Cleanest Sports Drink on the Market) http://elementallabs.refr.cc/brianoberther Get $150 off the premier cold plunge tank at: https://plunge.pxf.io/qnXvLN FOLLOW US Instagram (OB) https://www.instagram.com/oberther/ (Smitty) https://www.instagram.com/smittydiesel/ EXTRAS Get Ageless Athlete: https://agelessathletesc.com Team Forever Strong: Https://trainheroic.com/foreverstrong Instagram (OB) https://www.instagram.com/oberther/ www.infinityithaca.com (Smitty) https://www.instagram.com/smittydiesel/ www.dieselsc.com

Aug 18, 2023 • 23min
#85 BURST Episode 4/4: Energy Systems and Conditioning
Overview: In this mini burst series, Smitty and OB are breaking down program design into four episodes: Assessment, Warm Up, Strength, and Conditioning. Each category will be its own episode and you will hear Smitty and OB program for two different clients and think through the considerations for each and give their advice on how to apply it to yourself. Todays episode is all about how to program and progress energy systems. Conditioning training is one of the most misunderstood aspects of programming, with confusion around HR training, fat loss, sports performance, and training for health. Each discipline is going to require its own considerations as to not waste time and lead to overtraining and burnout. Submit Questions: (OB) https://www.instagram.com/oberther/ (Smitty) https://www.instagram.com/smittydiesel/ Timestamps: [0:00] Intro [1:23] Considerations for Programming [3:30] The Three Energy Systems [9:12] A Conservative Approach for Non Athletes [13:30] The Best Type of Conditioning CURRENT RONIN CHALLENGE Download the checklist here: https://quick-action.s3.amazonaws.com/RONIN-CHALLENGE-DAILY-UPDATED.pdf Send Screen Time Screen Shots To: becomingroninpodcast@gmail.com SPONSORS: Jocko Fuel https://store.jockofuel.com/?ref=xgsWFwqMzvQtsD Code RONIN10 Get 10% Off The Iron Neck: https://www.iron-neck.com/discount/AFFILIATE?rfsn=7380568.84f9bc2&utm_source=refersion&utm_medium=affiliate&utm_campaign=brian.oberther Get 15% off the NuRecover Portable Cold Plunge!: https://www.nurecover.com/discount/BRIAN23382 Get FREE LMNT with your first order! (The Cleanest Sports Drink on the Market) http://elementallabs.refr.cc/brianoberther Get $150 off the premier cold plunge tank at: https://plunge.pxf.io/qnXvLN FOLLOW US Instagram (OB) https://www.instagram.com/oberther/ (Smitty) https://www.instagram.com/smittydiesel/ EXTRAS Get Ageless Athlete: https://agelessathletesc.com Team Forever Strong: Https://trainheroic.com/foreverstrong Instagram (OB) https://www.instagram.com/oberther/ www.infinityithaca.com (Smitty) https://www.instagram.com/smittydiesel/ www.dieselsc.com

Aug 16, 2023 • 35min
#84 BURST Episode 3/4: Programing Strength, Supplementals and Accessories
Overview: In this mini burst series, Smitty and OB are breaking down program design into four episodes: Assessment, Warm Up, Strength, and Conditioning. Each category will be its own episode and you will hear Smitty and OB program for two different clients and think through the considerations for each and give their advice on how to apply it to yourself. Todays episode is all about how to program and progress strength training. Everyone knows “exercises,” but exercises alone are just like notes in a song. It isn’t until one has a profound knowledge of adaptation that those notes can be composed into a song. In this episode, we attempt to elucidate some of the overcomplicated aspects of programming in order to put some of our tools into your hands. Submit Questions: (OB) https://www.instagram.com/oberther/ (Smitty) https://www.instagram.com/smittydiesel/ Timestamps: [0:00] Intro [1:35] Addressing the Starting Point [3:25] Laying the Foundation [7:42] Movement Capacity Continuum [14:24] Exercise Selection [19:45] Intention over Volume @bretcontreras [26:37] Considerations for Individualization [32:24] Supplemental vs. Accessories CURRENT RONIN CHALLENGE Download the checklist here: https://quick-action.s3.amazonaws.com/RONIN-CHALLENGE-DAILY-UPDATED.pdf Send Screen Time Screen Shots To: becomingroninpodcast@gmail.com SPONSORS: Jocko Fuel https://store.jockofuel.com/?ref=xgsWFwqMzvQtsD Code RONIN10 Get 10% Off The Iron Neck: https://www.iron-neck.com/discount/AFFILIATE?rfsn=7380568.84f9bc2&utm_source=refersion&utm_medium=affiliate&utm_campaign=brian.oberther Get 15% off the NuRecover Portable Cold Plunge!: https://www.nurecover.com/discount/BRIAN23382 Get FREE LMNT with your first order! (The Cleanest Sports Drink on the Market) http://elementallabs.refr.cc/brianoberther Get $150 off the premier cold plunge tank at: https://plunge.pxf.io/qnXvLN FOLLOW US Instagram (OB) https://www.instagram.com/oberther/ (Smitty) https://www.instagram.com/smittydiesel/ EXTRAS Get Ageless Athlete: https://agelessathletesc.com Team Forever Strong: Https://trainheroic.com/foreverstrong Instagram (OB) https://www.instagram.com/oberther/ www.infinityithaca.com (Smitty) https://www.instagram.com/smittydiesel/ www.dieselsc.com