This is the no-fluff strength and coaching show for powerlifters and the coaches who train them. Each week, we dive into what it actually takes to get strong, build better athletes, and grow in the world of powerlifting—without the hype, gimmicks, or recycled internet advice. Whether you're a lifter chasing PRs or a coach leveling up your craft, you'll get real talk, practical strategies, and the kind of honesty the industry needs more of. Hosted by people who live and breathe this stuff, The Rebuild Stronger Podcast is down-to-earth, sometimes blunt, and always a good time. Expect solo episodes, deep dives, and the occasional guest who actually lifts and coaches. If you’re here to cut through the noise, get stronger, and have some fun along the way—welcome.
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44 recent
December 8, 202518 min
The Changing Face of Powerlifting
This week, John and Wyatt delve into the current challenges and changes in the powerlifting community, focusing on the splintering of federations, the prohibitive cost of competition, and the evolving demands of athletes. It highlights the need for more engaging events like Sheffield to revitalize the sport.TakeawaysThe splintering of federations is a major issue.Competition costs are becoming prohibitive.The sport is perceived as boring to watch.Athletes are demanding changes.The real issue is the changing nature of athletes.More events like Sheffield are needed.The cost of competition is a barrier.Athletes' demands are reshaping the sport.The sport needs revitalization.Engaging events can attract more interest
November 25, 20257 min
You’ll End Up Training Conjugate Whether You Admit It or Not
This quick-hit episode tackles one spicy claim: if you stay in the strength game long enough, you will end up running some version of conjugate training — whether you meant to or not.John breaks down why lifters naturally migrate toward variation, speed work, top singles with back-offs, and modified movements as they age, chase longevity, or just get bored doing the same block periodization loops forever.You’ll hear:Why linear and block periodization only solve “simple problems”How injuries, age, and experience push lifters toward variation and dynamic workWhy modifying with specialty bars, bands, and chains isn’t “copying Westside”… it’s just smartHow your “RPE 5 technique work” is actually dynamic effort (sorry)Why labels don’t matter — results and longevity doAnd yes, why bands and chains just look badassThis one’s short, spicy, and guaranteed to make at least three people in your gym group chat go, “Okay but—” And they’d still be wrong.
November 18, 202543 min
Compete More, Stress Less: Why Powerlifters Need More Reps on the Platform
In this episode of Rebuild Stronger, John and Wyatt dig into one of the most misunderstood parts of powerlifting: how often you should actually compete — and why most lifters are unintentionally holding themselves back.From perfect-day fantasies to over-serious twenty-somethings white-knuckling their training, the guys break down how competing more often builds skill, resilience, confidence, and longevity in the sport. They talk local meets, learning to self-handle, avoiding “all or nothing” training mindsets, and how fun — yes, actual fun — is one of the biggest predictors of long-term strength.You’ll hear stories about disastrous warmup room mishaps (including a 200-pound accidental jump), sketchy meets, great meet directors, bad ones, why most lifters should do 3–4 meets per year early on, and how training with a real crew can change everything.Whether you're chasing a PR total or just trying not to bomb out, this episode is packed with real-world insight, a little chaos, and a reminder that you’re allowed to enjoy this sport.What We CoverWhy most lifters don’t compete enoughThe myth of waiting for the “perfect timing”How competing often builds adaptability and confidenceWhy fun is a performance multiplierLearning to self-handle (and why you should)The value of local meets and supporting meet directorsThe dangers of an “all or nothing” training mindsetHow the best athletes balance seriousness with levityStories from the trenches:The 12-hour disaster meetThe 870-lb “warmup” mistakeCT Fletcher–style dungeon workoutsCompeting for the challenge — not the paycheckQuotes That Hit“If you haven’t bombed out yet… have you really lived?”“Fun isn’t the opposite of serious — it’s how you stay serious for decades.”“99.9% of lifters will never make money from powerlifting. So you better enjoy it.”
October 28, 202527 min
Self-Handling in Powerlifting: Why Every Lifter Should Go Solo at Least Once
n this episode of Rebuild Stronger, John and Wyatt dive deep into the often-overlooked skill of self-handling at powerlifting meets. They argue that while having a handler can be valuable, every lifter should experience managing themselves at competitions to truly develop as an athlete.Key Topics Discussed:Why Self-Handling MattersLearn to advocate for yourself in the warm-up roomUnderstand meet logistics and flow without hand-holdingDevelop critical assessment skills for evaluating future handlersBuild genuine confidence in your abilitiesCommon Pitfalls for First-Time CompetitorsThe infamous kilos vs. pounds mix-up (and one lifter's catastrophic opener)Why personal trainers without powerlifting experience can spell disasterThe overwhelming nature of production-heavy meetsThe Handler vs. Self-Handler DebateWhen you actually need a handler (spoiler: probably later than you think)What separates a great handler from someone who just makes callsWhy self-handling builds a foundation that elevates your entire lifting careerCompete More, Peak LessThe math behind competing 4-5 times per year with modest PRsWhy treating every meet like nationals is holding you backReal examples of athletes hitting PRs without full peaksMemorable StoriesSelf-handling through a knee injury to hit a first 2K totalThe meet that lasted until 2 AMTraining like an elite athlete before mastering the basicsQuotable Moments:"If you've never self-handled and you get somebody who's trash at handling, you're not going to know any better.""You don't need to win a bunch of local competitions with the only person in the weight class. Nobody cares at the highest level.""Stop taking yourself so fucking seriously. You need to chill."The Bottom Line:Compete more. Handle yourself. Stop being spoiled. Your future lifting career will thank you.Subscribe to Rebuild Stronger for more no-nonsense powerlifting talk, training insights, and real conversations about strength sports.
August 21, 202549 min
The King Of SuppDawg: Fighting Fires and Being Strong AF with Chris Northern
Firefighter, strongman competitor, and Supp Dawg founder Chris Northern joins the show to talk about staying in the game for 10+ years, how strongman made his bench stronger, and why he formulates supplements with “everything that works and nothing that doesn’t.” What you’ll learnFrom PL to Strongman: Why Chris moved from a decade of powerlifting to three years of strongman—and how pressing events drove his bench from 396 → 427 in the gym.Make it fun (and last): The “titration” mindset to avoid burnout and keep training light, competitive, and enjoyable.Train when life is chaotic: How a career firefighter balances 24–72-hour shifts with progression—split heavy days and accessories, control what you can, and put the phone on Do Not Disturb.Supps with integrity: Why Sup Dog launched high-stim “Shock Collar” alongside a non-stim formula that stacks cleanly (half-and-half for 200 mg caffeine + full pumps).Sleep you feel (not groggy): The thinking behind Rough Night—a melatonin-free approach built around ZMA, botanicals, and hops.Cutting & water management: How their thermogenic helps fasted cardio and weight cuts (thermogenesis + dandelion root).Creatine, upgraded: Buff Dog adds electrolytes + pH buffers for absorption and fewer GI issues—why Chris ate the cost to keep the formula right.Chapters (timestamps)00:03 — Intro + who is Chris Northern (firefighter, strongman, founder of Sup Dog)00:58 — Powerlifting roots, hip injury, and switching to strongman; Arnold firefighter comps05:41 — Keeping training fun; overhead work that pushed bench strength up23:36 — When to call a rest day; focus rules (timer on, phone in the bag)30:46 — Thermogenic, weight-cut lessons, and broader product lineup31:40 — Why buffer creatine (Buff Dog) and clearing up dose mythsMentions & takeawaysSupp Dawg: Shock Collar (high-stim), Non-Stim Pre, Rough Night (sleep), Thermogenic, Buff Dawg (pH-buffered creatine).Programming gems: Rotate movements to keep progressing; split heavy lifts vs. accessories around shift work; “control the controllables.”Enjoy the episode—and if this helped, follow the show, drop a rating, and share it with a training partner who needs a spark.
July 16, 202529 min
Keep It Simple Stupid (Yeah I said it...)
In this episode, we dive into the often overlooked yet crucial aspect of strength training: the basics. John and Wyatt discuss how many lifters, both beginners and those with some experience, tend to overcomplicate their routines by chasing advanced techniques and creating unnecessary problems. They emphasize the importance of sticking to fundamental exercises and consistent hard work, rather than getting sidetracked by complex methodologies. Tune in to learn why mastering the basics is key to long-term success in strength training and how it can prevent you from stalling your progress.
July 8, 202513 min
Drug Test Everyone?
In this episode, we dive into the heated debate surrounding the USAPL's drug testing policies. We explore the implications of testing at local meets versus national events, the cost challenges, and the evolving culture of drug testing in powerlifting. Join us as we discuss the integrity of the sport and the need for strategic testing.
June 23, 202529 min
The End of an Era and the Start of a New Chapter
After years of building Rebuild Stronger together, John and Jared sit down for a raw, honest conversation about their decision to part ways professionally. But this isn’t a breakup—it’s an evolution.In this episode, they unpack the why behind the decision, what it means for their athletes and businesses, and the personal growth that led them here. You’ll hear how an ICU coma, powerlifting nationals, and a mutual commitment to doing the hard, right thing shaped the direction of two high-impact coaching paths.Whether you’re an athlete, coach, or entrepreneur navigating partnership dynamics, this episode will hit home. No drama. No secrets. Just real talk about business, friendship, and legacy.🎧 Listen in for:The behind-the-scenes of merging two coaching businesses during a medical crisisWhy they made the decision to split, even while everything was workingThe rare, drama-free transition that put people over prideWhat’s next for both Rebuild Stronger and Unbreakable Strength
July 19, 202437 min
Aging, Beards and Lifting
Welcome! John and Jared dive into Jared’s weightlifting journey, influenced by fitness gurus like Omar Isuf and Alan Thrall. They laugh about getting older and spotting grey hairs in their beards. Jared wishes he’d focused more on the fundamentals instead of trying to stay lean back in the day. They also emphasize sticking to the basics for beginners in powerlifting and the difference good coaching can make.Let us know if you’re a Star Wars or Harry Potter Stan.John - https://www.instagram.com/john.rebuild_stronger/Jared - https://www.instagram.com/jared.rebuild_stronger/TimeStamps00:00 Intro05:55 Regret over early program hopping and choices.14:01 Questioning extended periods of alternating dieting approaches.22:32 Tweaking, troubleshooting, and embracing individual differences in training.28:49 Coach’s effective suggestion.31:44 Strength hinges on wrist and forearm strength.
July 12, 202420 min
The Comeback Trail
Welcome back, today we dive into all things powerlifting, strength, sport, business, and life. In today’s episode, Jared and John shake the foundation of their friendship… From there, they transition into a deeper discussion about navigating comebacks in strength sports, especially after significant breaks or injuries. Drawing from personal experience, Jared shares insights on how to manage expectations, avoid common pitfalls, and stay consistent in training.Whether you’re a seasoned athlete dealing with setbacks or just starting your journey, this episode offers valuable lessons on resilience and adaptation.Got a question after listening to this episode. Send us a DM on Instagram.John - https://www.instagram.com/john.rebuild_stronger/Jared - https://www.instagram.com/jared.rebuild_stronger/TimeStamps00:00 Intro06:20 Recognizing comeback, reset, facing reality, no denial.11:55 Training changes, consider reintegration carefully after injury.16:14 Adjust goals, embrace consistency, adapt to detours.
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