

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

Jun 4, 2023 • 57min
#73 Cheating Death with Special Operator Rob Solveson
Overview: In this captivating episode of our podcast, we delve into the awe-inspiring journey of Rob Solveson, an extraordinary special operator with Force Recon. Rob's life has been punctuated by immense challenges that would have broken the spirit of many, yet he persevered and emerged stronger than ever. Join us as we explore his remarkable story of resilience, determination, and triumph over unimaginable obstacles. Timestamps: [0:00] Intro [1:37] Episode Intro [3:07] Rob’s Background [11:46] Becoming a Recon Marine [20:13] Recon Selection [27:31] Iron Neck [28:44] The Injury [41:08] Addiction [44:23] Getting Clean [51:26] Rob’s Message To Others 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 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 26, 2023 • 57min
#72 Assess Your Own Low Back Pain, What Type Of Conditioning Do You Need? World’s Best Push-Up
Overview: In this episode, we cover a wide range of topics related to fitness, rehabilitation, and common exercise questions. Join us as we settle the debate on breakfast sandwiches, celebrate OB's blue belt, and provide expert insights and advice on various listener submitted questions. In the following segments, we celebrate OB's recent accomplishment of earning his blue belt in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, discuss the dedication and hard work required to progress in martial arts, and highlight the significance of this achievement. We then delve into the benefits and considerations of incorporating Turkish get-ups (TGUs) into your fitness routine, providing guidance on who can benefit from this exercise and how to approach it safely. For those involved in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu or boxing, we explore effective conditioning strategies and offer tips to enhance endurance and stamina specifically for these combat sports. We address a common issue during squats – the movement of knees – and provide insights into potential causes and techniques to improve squat form and stability. Shoulder mobility is the focus of the next segment, where we share tips and cues to ensure proper execution and prevent common mistakes while performing brachial hangs. Thinking of setting up a home gym? We discuss essential machines and equipment to consider when building your own workout space, providing recommendations based on your fitness goals. Low back pain is a common concern, so we identify exercises to avoid for individuals with low back pain and suggest alternative movements to protect and strengthen the area. Additionally, we guide listeners through self-assessment techniques to identify potential triggers and offer guidance on seeking appropriate professional help. Staying injury-free after rehab is vital, so we discuss strategies for maintaining a healthy body post-rehabilitation, emphasizing proper form, listening to your body, and gradually progressing your workouts. Discover the fascinating connection between tension and pain as we explore how modifying tension through exercises and movement can help alleviate discomfort and contribute to overall pain reduction. Lastly, we highlight the significance of paying attention to warm-up routines, as they can provide valuable insights into your body's readiness for exercise and serve as indicators of any underlying issues. Join us in this episode filled with a mix of fun food appreciation, personal achievements, and expert advice on fitness, rehab, and common exercise questions. Tune in to gain valuable insights to optimize your fitness journey and maintain a healthy, injury-free body. Timestamps: [0:00] Intro [0:30] Breakfast Sandwiches [3:34] OB Gets His Blue Belt [8:53] Who Should Do TGUs? [17:47] Conditioning for Jits or Boxing [21:49] Knees Moving When Squatting [25:31] Are You Doing Your Brachial Hangs Correctly? [29:02] Which Machines Should You Buy? [35:20] Which Exercises to Avoid for Low Back Pain [39:20] How to Assess Your Own Low Back Pain [46:43] Staying Injury Free After Rehabbing [48:42] How Changing Tension Decreases Pain [51:28] What Your Warm Ups Are Telling You 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 13, 2023 • 1h 7min
#71 Eric Cressey - Best Tips for Training Pro Athletes, Truth Behind Injury, Multi-Level Assessments
Overview: In this episode, we're joined by Eric Cressey, a renowned strength and conditioning coach, author, and speaker, who has worked with thousands of athletes and clients from all walks of life. Eric is the co-founder of Cressey Sports Performance, a high-performance training facility, and has been featured in numerous publications, including Men's Health, Men's Fitness, and ESPN. Today, Eric will share his insights on building a brand, nuances of training pro athletes, and staying injury-free. Timestamps: [0:00] Intro [4:02] Jocko Fuel [5:45] Episode Intro [8:42] No Bad Reps [10:00] How Fast to Progress Athletes [13:50] Cressey’s Multi Level Assessment Process [20:28] The Integration of Technology into Training [26:21] Arm Care Routines [30:00] How Methodology Evolves [31:34] Building a Quality Brand [37:25] Going from Gen Pop to Pro Baseball Coaching [40:09] Difference In Training Pros vs Gen Pop [42:49] Positioning Breathwork [44:10] Early Career Mistakes [49:28] Does Strength Really Prevent Injury [52:37] What Eric’s Training Looks Like Now [54:57] AM vs PM Training [56:24] What Does SMR Do? [58:52] Maintaining Knee Health [1:03:12] Eric Cressey’s Legacy Eric Cressey’s Instagram: https://instagram.com/ericcressey?igshid=MzRlODBiNWFlZA== 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 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