
Becoming Ronin
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.
Latest episodes

May 6, 2023 • 1h 15min
#70 Joe Gilfedder - Art and Science of Individualization in the Weightroom
Overview: Joe Gilfedder is a head strength coach at Fordham University and oversees the programs that leads to all athletes’ success there. Joe Gilfedder has an extremely comprehensive understanding the strength and conditioning world and uses this to fuel his sophisticated training style. Today Joe shares his perspective on how he views training for different athletes and different sports. Joe also then talks a bit about lessons learned through years of experimentation and practice with his own training, from bodybuilding, college football, and now Muay Thai. Lastly he gives insight to the Ronin community on honest approach to living a disciplined lifestyle and relentlessly achieve your goals. Timestamps: [0:00] Jocko Fuel [1:20] Intro [2:00] Back to the Cookie Debate [5:28] Joe’s Strength and Conditioning Position [8:05] How Coaching Athlete’s Has Changed [13:30] Lessons Learned from a Decade Training Athletes [15:28] Finding Your Own Coaching Style [20:16] Art and Science of Individualization in the Weightroom [32:59] Indicators of Success for Strength Programs [37:00] Tracking Progress of Athletes [42:14] Front Squatting and Barbell Complexes [51:20] Sticking to a Disciplined Lifestyle [58:59] What Muay Thai Does For Your Training [1:05:20] Challenges of Transitioning from Bodybuilding to Muay Thai Get Ageless Athlete: https://agelessathletesc.com SPONSORS: Jocko Fuel https://store.jockofuel.com/?ref=xgsWFwqMzvQtsD Code RONIN10 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 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

May 3, 2023 • 20min
#69 Sneak Peek Into An Ageless Athlete Workout (Bonus Episode)
Overview: In this bonus episode, we are coming to you immediately post workout. Today’s session was a Smitty-led upper body workout straight from Ageless Athlete 5.0. While the exercises weren’t unique, the way the program is structured is anything but typical. After going through the whole workout in roughly 30 min, it is immediately clear that the session was curated from years of experience and science. This bonus episode is our perspective on the workouts and some tips on new Ageless Athletes techniques. Timestamps: [0:00] Intro [1:02] The Mentality Behind The Ageless Athlete Workout [2:55] Progressive Primer Sets [10:00] Training Intense When Injured [12:35] “Add Sets” [15:25] Training Partners Get Ageless Athlete: https://agelessathletesc.com SPONSORS: Jocko Fuel https://store.jockofuel.com/?ref=xgsWFwqMzvQtsD Code RONIN10 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 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

Apr 29, 2023 • 1h 15min
#68 Lifestyle Q&A, Use Anxiety to Fuel Your Path, Redefining Success
Overview: Today, Smitty, OB, and Chris McGowan answer tons of unique listener questions in a rapid fire format. They then move on to managing anxiety in your life, specifically when you feel that you don’t have any other options. Smitty discusses his struggles with anxiety and some of the eye opening moments in his life that forced a major change that directly led to his success. This leads into a discussion on when we finally felt like we were “successful” in the fitness industry. Lastly, we talk about the downside to calling things “bro science,” and how you can set yourself apart in life by finding the “good” in something rather than taking the easy way out by only seeing the things downsides. We cover this and much more in this episode, and we hope you enjoy! Timestamps: [0:00] Jocko Fuel [1:20] Intro [4:57] Future of The Podcast [8:07] Listener Questions [8:21] Folder or a Scruncher @breakthroughsc [11:05] Best Artists to See Live @kirpallottey [15:04] Oatmeal vs. Chocolate Chip Cookies @mikenolike [16:28] 24 Hours to Live @jonahwilliams6610 [18:25] OB vs. Smitty in a Strongman Competition @lcscoach [22:59] What Would You Do Without Training [26:52] Movie Friendships [28:34] Managing Anxiety @timreynolds10 [42:20] When Did We Feel We Were Finally Successful @davidskifitness [51:08] Top 3 Training Books [58:00] What Is Our Favorite Bro Science Fallacy @thecountofhoops Get Ageless Athlete: https://agelessathletesc.com SPONSORS: Jocko Fuel https://store.jockofuel.com/?ref=xgsWFwqMzvQtsD Code RONIN10 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 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

Apr 22, 2023 • 51min
#67 Summa Fit, Christine Schulter on Military and First Responder Fitness
Overview: Today we are joined by Christine Schulter of Summa Fit. Today she enlightens us on her journey from a Competitive Figure Bodybuilding Athlete to online fitness entrepreneur. Her company Summa fit targets “fitness for the backbone of our home, community, and nation.” Christine has combined her love for dogs and fitness with her desire to help military and first responders with developing their fitness and getting out of pain. Join us in this episode to learn what it’s like transitioning from figure to coaching, what a K9 Handler program looks like, developing relationships on social media, and much more. Timestamps: [0:00] Jocko Fuel [2:18] Intro [2:49] Rapid Fire Questions [9:40] Transitioning From Bodybuilding [12:23] Working with Military [17:10] K9 Handler Fitness [19:30] Programming Strategies [24:25] Growing A Social Media Following [28:30] The Best Mindset for Dog Training [37:30] Transitioning From Bodybuilding to Coaching [43:10] Current Training Connect with Christine on Instagram: @summa.fit For K9 Handlers: summafitllc.com Get Ageless Athlete: https://agelessathletesc.com SPONSORS: Jocko Fuel https://store.jockofuel.com/?ref=xgsWFwqMzvQtsD Code RONIN10 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 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

Apr 15, 2023 • 59min
#66 The Big Leap - Conquer Your Hidden Fear & Stop Sabotaging Your Success
Overview: In today’s discussion, OB and Smitty talk through “The Big Leap,” a book about Conquering Your Hidden Fear and Taking Life to the Next Level. In this discussion, we talk about ways that we are subconsciously sabotaging our progress, ways to identify your “upper limit,” and how to move past them. We also work through the problems that are posed from having integrity breaches, not pursuing your genius zone, and success mantra’s vs self-limiting thought loops. Lastly, we define “Einstein Time” and how accepting that you are the source of all time will allow you to be the purveyor of your life rather than a victim of your circumstances. Timestamps: [0:00] Jocko Fuel [2:35] Intro [4:26] Smitty’s and OB’s Procedure for Continuing Education [7:47] Are You Sabatoging Your Progress [15:36] Identifying Your Upper Limit [26:33] Repair Your Integrity Breach [30:40] Finding Your Genius Zone [41:59] The Ultimate Success Mantra [49:14] What is an “Enlightened No” [51:38] Einstein Time Get Ageless Athlete: https://agelessathletesc.com SPONSORS: Jocko Fuel https://store.jockofuel.com/?ref=xgsWFwqMzvQtsD Code RONIN10 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 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

Apr 1, 2023 • 52min
#65 Ageless Athlete Teaser, Forgotten Strength Training Lessons
Overview: In today’s episode, it’s back to training. Smitty and OB go through some forgotten secrets from the like of Dave Tate, Louie Simmons, Eric Dalton, Thomas Meyers, and many more. These lessons we cover today are specifically geared towards “reconnecting” your training to muliplanar, intramuscular movements. Far too often, training is compartmentalized, lacking in intention, and poorly rounded. Smitty talks about Ageless Athlete 5.0 principles and why training the “Single Body Unit” is so important for hypertrophy, strength, and feeling good for a long time. Timestamps: [0:00] Ageless Athlete 5.0 Giveaway [2:00] Episode Intro [6:29] The History of “Coordinated Training” [14:10] Unusual Techniques Used By Chinese Weightlifting Team [16:21] Dave Tate’s Explanation of the Single Body Unit [22:48] Louie Simmons and Muscular Coordination Training [29:30] Training “Lines of Tension” [33:53] How to Implement “Instinctive Training” and “Intentional Training” [41:08] Best Multiplanar Exercises SPONSORS: Jocko Fuel https://store.jockofuel.com/?ref=xgsWFwqMzvQtsD Code RONIN10 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 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

Mar 25, 2023 • 1h 5min
#64 Social Experiment, Learning to Think, Mike Mentzer’s Secret to Hypertrophy
Overview: Today we are joined by a Becoming Ronin alumn, Chris McGowan. This episode kicks off with OB performing a social experiment between Chris and Smitty that tests (strains?) their friendship. We then transition to talking about the purpose of education, the ethics of paying to be verified on Instagram, Mike Mentzers tricks for hypertrophy, and signs of overtraining. The episode wraps up with Smitty and Chris reminiscing about the funny story of how they met in the gym. Timestamps: [0:00] Intro [2:27] Social Experiment - The Prisoner’s Dilemma [15:30] Smitty’s Relationship Epiphany [20:03] Learning HOW to think [29:00] Paying to Be Verified on Instagram [35:06] Awards vs Rewards [37:34] Mike Mentzer’s High Intensity Training [50:03] Signs of Overtraining [1:01:00] The Funny Story of How Smitty and Chris Met SPONSORS: Jocko Fuel https://store.jockofuel.com/?ref=xgsWFwqMzvQtsD Code RONIN10 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 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

Mar 18, 2023 • 1h 1min
#63 Overcoming Critical Incidents and Trauma with Tony Scaglione
Overview: In this episode, we are joined by a retired Police Officer and Critical Incident Trauma Specialist, Tony Scaglione. Through sharing his story directly with departments, Tony has been critical in helping bring attention to overcoming mental health barriers within the first responder community. Tony is also affiliated with the onsite academy; an organization focusing on “critical incident stress management”, including pre-incident education, peer support, debriefings, and when necessary, residential training and treatment. Today Tony shares his gripping story with the Ronin community and speaks on ways he over came his trauma. Timestamps: [0:00] Intro [0:30] Rapid Fire [5:04] What is a Critical Incident Trauma Specialist [7:30] Tony’s Life Changing Incident [22:50] Debriefing After Trauma [27:08] Outdated Advice on Processing Emotions [30:48] Processing vs. Over Analyzing [37:18] The Ongoing Struggle [40:20] The Mentality Behind Your Work [48:38] Mental Hygiene Prior to Trauma Reach Tony https://onsiteacademy.org SPONSORS: Jocko Fuel https://store.jockofuel.com/?ref=xgsWFwqMzvQtsD Code RONIN10 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 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

Mar 11, 2023 • 55min
#62 Mind Hacking, Debugging Your Mental Loops
Overview: In today’s episode we begin by talking about an article making its rounds in the news lately, about the Atkins diet. We dive one step deeper than the journalism by looking at the research methods used and discuss some nutrition misconceptions and myths. Then we dive directly into Mind Hacking by Jason Hargave. This leads to some profound advice on ways to alter your thoughts, debug your negative mind loops, change how you act in the world, and ultimately change your life. Timestamps: [0:00] Thank You [2:06] Intro [4:24] 5 AM Squat Session [13:58] Atkins Diet and Heart Disease [21:30] Food Logs and Common Nutrition Mistakes [29:10] Mind Hacking [30:23] You Are Not Your Mind [36:38] The Task At Hand [38:07] Debugging Your Mental Loops [42:40] Using Third Party Perspective [46:05] Deeply Held Beliefs and Reality Distortion Field [47:46] Mood Chip [49:47] Action Steps SPONSORS: Jocko Fuel https://store.jockofuel.com/?ref=xgsWFwqMzvQtsD Code RONIN10 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 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

Mar 4, 2023 • 50min
#61 Real Assessment Results, Are Box Squats Bad for Your Spine, How Much Water Should You Actually Drink
Overview: Todays episode kicks off with a rapid fire thought experiment of kettlebell training vs dumbbell training. Then Smitty and OB work through one of OB’s real assessments and discuss what some of his issues are and how they would correct them. This segues into Smitty’s recent online discussion on a better way to do push ups to minimize injury risk and maximize the benefits. We wrap the training discussion by settling the debate on if you should eliminate all box squats from your programming as many in the industry have stated recently. One piece of advice you often hear is “drink a lot of water to stay hydrated.” Today we aim to both define how much is a lot of water, how much is too much, and is drinking more water better? Timestamps: [0:00] Intro [1:07] Give Up Kettlebells or Dumbells [4:46] Smitty on The Ready State [9:07] OB Walking Through A Client Assessment [17:45] Correcting Low Back Pain [22:20] Smitty’s Best Push Up Variation for Shoulder Pain [28:00] A Surprising Way to Improve Shoulder Stability [30:00] Ending the Argument on Box Squats [37:05] How Much Water Should You Drink? SPONSORS: Jocko Fuel https://store.jockofuel.com/?ref=xgsWFwqMzvQtsD Code RONIN10 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 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