Why Goal-Setting Is Failing You (And What to Do Instead)

In this episode, your hosts TC and Chris Nicole interview an athlete who has competed at ALL of our sanctioned StrongLifting competitions, and who was a First Time competitor at our very first Reckless Miami Mayhem StrongLifting competition back in 2024. She shares her experience at the events, her hesitations in her first registration, and what has kept her coming back time after time - tune in to find out why YOU should compete in StrongLifting next!

Most people think lifting weights is about aesthetics or performance. But the real power of strength training goes far beyond what you see in the mirror. Muscle and bone are protective tissues that regulate metabolism, support brain health, maintain hormonal balance, and keep us resilient as we age.In this episode, TC and Chris Nicole break down the science behind strength training and longevity. You’ll learn:How contracting muscle acts as a metabolic and endocrine organ, releasing myokines that influence metabolism, inflammation, brain function, and fat tissueWhy strength declines faster than muscle size, and how sarcopenia affects men and women differentlyThe truth about hormone spikes during heavy lifting — and why receptor sensitivity is often more important than absolute hormone levelsHow bones respond to mechanical load, plus insights from the LIFTMOR trial on high-intensity resistance training for postmenopausal womenPractical strategies for training smart, staying strong, and maintaining independence as you ageWhether you lift for aesthetics, performance, or health, this episode shows why muscle isn’t just decoration - it’s protection.

In this episode, we sit down with Nancy to explore a lifetime of athletic evolution — from breaking barriers as one of the first girls to join a boys’ track team, to playing and coaching rugby at the highest levels, to now holding world records in raw powerlifting in her 60s.Nancy shares how early exposure to calisthenics and track shaped her competitive mindset, how she found her passion for rugby at MIT, and what it was like balancing elite athletics with earning a PhD and building a career. We dive into her transition from player to coach, the lessons she learned about leadership and teamwork, and how those experiences continue to influence her training and life philosophy today.The conversation shifts into aging, strength training, and rewriting the narrative around what’s possible for women in their 50s and 60s. Nancy challenges the myth that decline is inevitable, emphasizing resilience, discipline, and personal responsibility over cultural excuses. We also discuss the lack of participation in women’s masters divisions, the importance of community in fitness, and why more women should step onto the platform and compete.This episode isn’t just about sport — it’s about longevity, purpose, mentorship, and aligning daily actions with long-term values. Whether you’re a competitive athlete, a coach, or someone who simply wants to stay strong and capable for life, Nancy’s story offers both inspiration and practical perspective.If you’ve ever wondered what’s possible as you age — this conversation will change how you think about it.

Goals give direction, but are often emotional.Systems are practical, and WILL illicit results.If your goals keep stalling, it’s likely not a motivation problem; it’s a systems problem.In this episode, we unpack: • Why focusing on outcomes can reduce motivation • Why habits and systems outperform willpower • How identity is built through repetition, not intention • What to do daily when motivation disappearsNew year; New approach.Stop chasing outcomes; Start building systems.Create success for yourself in 2026.

In this episode, we break down what this year truly taught us as athletes and coaches — the lessons that actually moved the needle in bodybuilding, powerlifting, and long-term physique development. We dive into the real truth about creatine HCL vs. creatine monohydrate, why some athletes benefit from switching, and how to use creatine effectively for strength, recovery, and muscle growth. We also get into posing breakthroughs, including the importance of practicing on your “bad side”, building symmetry, and fixing common mistakes we see in bikini and bodybuilding presentations. From there, we talk about the athlete lifestyle — managing real-life schedules, setting boundaries, learning to say no, and protecting your energy so you can actually train, recover, and perform at a high level. And finally, we share the biggest coaching lessons we learned this year, especially around communication. What helps athletes progress? What holds them back? What do we expect as coaches, and what can athletes do to get more out of the coach–athlete relationship? If you’re an athlete in bodybuilding, powerlifting, StrongLifting, or simply someone trying to balance training with real life, this episode is packed with practical, experience-based insights to take into next season.

On this episode of the Reckless Training podcast, Chris Nicole and TC dive into some of the most popular supplementation strategies employed by the general population and elite athletes alike! Energy Drinks, protein powders, creatine, glutamine, beta-alanine, citrulline, plus vitamins and minerals - all discussed here! Tune in to put the finishing touches on your dietary routine.

In Part Two of our Navigating Nutrition miniseries, Chris and TC explore cooking oils, cookware, and various food additives. They go into depth about how seed oils became so prevalent in today's American diet; they explore the variety of cookware options consumers have available to them; and they discuss some of the popular preservatives, colorings, and artificial sweeteners that are becoming more and more mainstream - along with the negative effects that may come with ingesting them. Listen to the full episode to find out more - don't forget to like the video and subscribe to our channel if you like our content!

In the first installment of the Navigating Nutrition mini series, Chris Nicole and TC discuss the differences in whole foods vs processed foods, as well as various marketing terms that the average consumer is exposed to while trying to build a healthy diet and lifestyle. Tune in to find out how you can make your grocery trips more effective at fueling your goals!

Peak Week Isn’t Magic — It’s Mental.In this episode, TC and Chris Nicole share what most competitors miss about Peak Week — and it’s not about the carbs or the water. The real battle is mental. From athlete overcorrections to stress sabotage, this conversation is a must-listen for anyone prepping for the stage OR the platform..You’ll learn:💥 How to manage stress so your physique can shine💥 Why trusting your coach is more important than tweaking your plan💥 The mindset shifts every athlete needs the final 7 days💥 Tips to stay sharp, calm, and confident heading into show day🎯 Peak Week is about polish, not panic. Listen now and show up ready — mentally and physically.🎧 Available on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and YouTube 📩 Want our free Peak Week checklist? DM “PEAK” to @Reckless_Training on Instagram or grab it at RecklessTraining.com

How to receive and digest Judge Feedback in Bodybuilding and Powerlifting -Getting feedback from judges can be one of the most emotionally charged moments in a competitor’s journey — especially when you feel like you brought your best to the stage. In this episode, TC and Chris Nicole break down how to interpret, process, and apply judge feedback without letting ego, emotion, or confusion get in the way.They explore:What judges are actually looking for (and how it can shift between shows or federations)Why many athletes get defensive — and how to move past itThe difference between feedback and critiqueWhat to do when your coach filters feedback (for better or worse)How to tell when it’s time to evolve your look — or change your strategy entirelyWhether you're a first-time competitor or a seasoned pro, this episode is your mindset reset after a tough scorecard. Learn how to turn subjective criticism into objective progress — and keep your head in the game.Table of Contents - - Intro – Why Feedback Matters Setting the stage for why this conversation is needed and what athletes are missing.What Judges Actually Look For Pulling back the curtain on what goes into a scorecard and how subjective judging works.The Disconnect: Expectations vs. Reality When what you bring doesn't match what the judges want — and why that's hard to swallow.Getting Defensive: The Athlete’s First Reaction “But I looked my best ever!” — breaking down that emotional backlash we all feel.When Coaches Filter Feedback Why coaches soften the blow or add context — and when that hurts more than it helps.Sifting Through the Noise Separating ego from truth, and finding the “useful 10%” inside even bad feedback.Confidence vs. Confirmation Bias Walking the line between self-belief and delusion.The Best Athletes Ask Better Questions How to mine judge feedback for gold and frame it as data, not a dig.Callback: You’re Not Owed Anything A return to the idea that showing up doesn’t entitle you to praise.Closing – How to Actually Grow from Criticism Practical mindset shifts and questions every athlete should ask post-show.