It’s the Season 2 finale of Muscles and Malarkey, and we’re closing things out with someone truly special — my coach, Jess “Mamabear” Rogers Jess has an incredible journey, from starting out raw to becoming a powerhouse equipped lifter. In this episode, we dive into her evolution as an athlete, the lessons she’s learned along the way, and what it really takes to be a great coach — not just someone chasing likes on the ‘gram. We also get into the heart of it all: why we do this sport, wh...

Your first powerlifting meet doesn’t have to be scary—this beginner-friendly guide walks you through how to sign up, what to pack, and how to step on the platform with confidence. In this episode, I break down everything you need to know to feel confident stepping onto the platform, including: ✅ How to sign up for a powerlifting meet (federations, memberships, and rules made simple) ✅ Must-haves for your meet day bag (gear, food, and little things that make a big diffe...

In this episode of Muscles and Malarkey, I’m joined by Eric — a strength scientist and PhD candidate whose passion for fitness runs deep. We talk about how he found his way into Olympic weightlifting, the lessons he’s learned along the way, and one of the scariest moments of his life at just 23 years old. Eric also shares insight into his groundbreaking work in the neurological field, including the meaningful impact he’s making with people living with Parkinson’s disease. This episode b...

In this episode of Muscles and Malarkey, I sit down with Ty, a high-level powerlifter known for his impressive lifts and dedication to the sport. We talk about his journey into powerlifting, what it’s like to step onto the competition platform, and how he’s navigated the challenges of injury and recovery. Ty also shares his perspective on giving back to the lifting community, the importance of building a strong mindset, and why having a life outside of powerlifting is just as important ...

In this episode of Muscles and Malarkey, I’m joined by my friend Megs to chat all about our first powerlifting meets—what went right, what definitely didn’t, and everything we learned along the way. If you’re prepping for your first competition, we’re serving up tips to help you feel confident, ready, and a little less panicked when you hit the platform. We also take a few detours (because of course we do), including a totally necessary cameo from my beautiful singing voice. 🎤💁‍♀️ Whether you...

EPISODE TWENTY! WOW! In this week's episode, I give you a brief catch up on how lifting has been going and my plans for my next meet. I also discuss something that's been on my mind for a minute - how the media you expose yourself to can negatively (or positively) infulence you. It's important to remember that social media is not always as it seems - and I dive into some of the harsh truths surrounding that. Tune in for an insightful episode that may have you change how you ...

In this episode of Muscles and Malarkey, I sit down with the fierce and fabulous Amythest—roller derby powerhouse, powerlifting queen, and all-around unapologetic badass. We dive into what it means to show up as your full, authentic self in every space—whether you're taking hits on the derby track or lifting heavy on the platform. Amythest shares her journey through sport, community, and self-discovery, and we get real about the power of friendship, identity, and not watering yourself down fo...

Got hurt? Tweaked your back, rolled your ankle, or flared up some tendinitis? Don’t panic—this episode is for you. In Episode 18, I break down exactly what to do in the first 48–72 hours after an acute injury so you can manage pain, protect your progress, and avoid making things worse. I share the full story of how I re-flared my back in late 2024—after ignoring my own advice—and how I clawed my way back to pulling a state record deadlift just a few months later. We’ll talk...

Welcome back to Muscles and Malarkey! In today’s episode, I’m joined by my good friend Kim—powerlifter, coach, referee, and all-around badass. We dive into the power of discovering strength training and how it can be life-changing, especially for women and young lifters. Kim shares what it’s like coaching kids and women in powerlifting, the joy of lifting alongside her own child, and why creating a safe, supportive environment is non-negotiable in and out of the gym. We also talk...

This week, we're diving into how to set SMART goals—goals that are Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, and Time-bound. Whether you're aiming for a fitness milestone, a personal project, or a lifestyle change, SMART goals can help you get there with clarity and purpose. Tune in for practical tips and real-life examples to help you get started! Follow me on Instagram at MusclesandMalarkey. Email me at MusclesandMalarkey@gmail.com for any questions or feedback! Please share...

Welcome to another episode of Muscles and Malarkey! Kat is a powerhouse—literally and professionally. She’s a Public Health Advocate, Competitive Powerlifter, Referee, and Certified Personal Trainer who’s deeply passionate about making real change in her community. In this episode of Muscles and Malarkey, we talk about the boulders of public health (not just the pebbles), why surface-level fixes aren’t enough, and what it’s going to take to truly “Make America Healthy Again....

In this episode, I sit down with Holly, a cardiac rehab nurse with a wealth of experience and a passion for helping people take charge of their health. We go beyond the gym walls to talk about what proactive healthcare really looks like—from small daily habits to how the medical system supports (and sometimes misses) prevention. Holly shares what her day-to-day looks like working with cardiac patients, how recovery goes beyond physical movement, and the role lifestyle plays in long-term...

In this episode of Muscles and Malarkey, we’re tackling a listener-suggested topic from Katie P—how to stay motivated when discipline just isn’t doing the trick. I’m sharing 10 practical tips to help you boost your motivation, from decreasing decision fatigue and prepping with intention, to trying out alternative strategies that actually work in real life. If you’ve been feeling stuck or just need a little push, this episode is full of tools to help you move forward without the burnout.  ...

In this episode of Muscles and Malarkey, I sit down with my friend and fellow lifter, Bridgette, for a conversation that goes beyond sets and reps. We dive into the mindset that fuels progress in lifting, the importance of finding your people in the gym, and why supporting other women in strength sports is a game-changer. We also talk about the power of community, celebrating strength in all its forms, and lifting each other up—literally and figuratively. Whether you're new to lifting or a se...

Your body isn’t a trend—it’s yours. But for decades, society has treated women’s bodies like fashion statements, constantly shifting the ‘ideal’ from one extreme to another. From the heroin chic of the ’90s to the rise of the hourglass figure, these ever-changing beauty standards create a toxic cycle that leaves women chasing an illusion instead of embracing their own strength, health, and confidence. In this episode of Muscles and Malarkey, we’re breaking down why women’s bodies ...

In the season 1 finale of Muscles and Malarkey, I'm tackling one of the most challenging yet rewarding times of the year: the holiday season. Join me as I share six effective strategies to help you stay flexible, care for yourself, and remember that every body is a good body—especially during the holidays. From managing family dynamics to guilt-free indulgences, this episode is all about making the season more enjoyable and less stressful for your mind and body. Plus, stick around for a light...

In this episode of Muscles and Malarkey, I'm diving into the world of coaching to help you find your perfect match. Ever wondered if hiring a coach could take your fitness journey to the next level? I’ll start by exploring why you might need a coach, from pushing past plateaus to mastering new techniques, or staying accountable in ways you can’t on your own. But not all coaches are created equal! I’ll guide you through the green flags—qualities of a good coach who can help you reach you...

In this episode, I dive deep into the crucial role muscle plays in aging gracefully and staying healthy. As we get older, building and maintaining muscle becomes even more important—not just for looks, but for longevity, mobility, and overall well-being. I'll break down the benefits of strength training for aging bodies, from preserving bone density to boosting metabolism and reducing the risk of injury. Plus, I'll share some personal stories about the most common issues I see in the hospital...

Welcome back to Muscles and Malarkey! In this episode, I take a deep dive into some of the biggest fitness myths that have been circulating for years. From common misconceptions about, body mass, diet and "spot reduction", I’m setting the record straight. With real-life examples and scientific sources to back it up, I’ll walk you through the truth behind the myths and share how these misconceptions can impact your fitness journey. Whether you're a beginner or a seasoned lifter, this episode w...

Welcome back to Muscles and Malarkey! In this episode, I sit down with my long-time lifting partner, Emily, to talk about her journey from a gym beginner to competing in Weightlifting and Powerlifting meets. We discuss how she got into fitness, her experiences at different competitions, and share some useful lifting tips along the way. Expect a few thought-provoking hot takes and a lot of honest conversation about the ups and downs of training. It’s an insightful and enjoyable chat, perfect f...