#146 Trapped In The Inferno: The Modern Sins Holding You Back

🔗 Subscribe on YouTube   Episode Overview In this episode, OB and Smitty share stories from their time training in commercial gyms—the good, the bad, and the frustrating. From mismatched weights to people sitting on machines scrolling their phones, they vent about common gym pet peeves and how social media has changed the gym environment. The conversation shifts to practical nutrition advice, including the importance of tracking your food and getting enough protein, especially for those serious about results. They also dive into how training methods need to evolve over time, particularly in bodybuilding—balancing strength with size and learning how to adapt as you age. Later in the episode, OB and Smitty get into what it really means to be a good coach. They talk about building trust, creating a supportive environment, and helping clients focus on more than just the physical side of training. It’s about being real, staying positive, and helping people grow both in and out of the gym. This one’s full of honest takes and hard-earned lessons from two guys who’ve been in the game for a long time.       Timestamps [00:00] Strongman Training in Commercial Gyms [10:41] The Role of Social Media in Fitness [18:11] Nutrition Tips and Misconceptions [26:03] The Importance of Open-Mindedness in Fitness [31:08] Judgment in Gym Culture [40:11] The Importance of Tracking Progress [46:41] Strength vs. Size in Bodybuilding [52:32] Nutrition: The Key to Bodybuilding Success [01:02:05] Coaching Challenges and Business Insights [01:09:07] Authenticity in Coaching [01:15:41] The Journey of Self-Discovery [01:22:51] Building Connections Through Positivity [01:30:49] The Importance of Personal Growth [01:39:01] Setting Realistic Expectations     Stay Connected   💡 Join the Ronin community for weekly insights, tips, and motivation! 📲 Follow us on Instagram: @oberther @smittydiesel   🌐 Visit Our Website: www.becomingroninpodcast.com   🛠 Share Your Journey: Tag us with #BecomingRonin and let us know how you’re taking control of your fitness and personal growth journey! 👍 Enjoyed this episode? Subscribe, leave a review, and share it with someone ready to level up their life!   Sponsors 💪 Jocko Fuel Shop now and save with code RONIN10! 🛡 Iron Neck Improve neck strength and save 10%! 💧 LMNT Electrolytes Get FREE LMNT with your first order! ❄️ The Plunge Save $150 on the ultimate cold plunge tank!   Support the Show  Every like, review, and share helps us inspire more people on their self-mastery journey. Together, we can grow stronger, more disciplined, and live better lives. #BecomingRonin #FitnessJourney #SelfMastery #WorkoutTips #Empowerment #FitnessProgramming #GrowthMindset #Podcast                              

🔗 Subscribe on YouTube   Episode Overview In this episode of Becoming Ronin, OB and Smitty dive deep into the worlds of Jiu-Jitsu and strength training, sharing hard-earned lessons and practical insights for coaches and athletes alike. They discuss the significance of earning milestones in martial arts, how training methods have evolved, and why coaching with integrity and intention is more important than ever—especially when it comes to popular challenges like the Murph. The conversation shifts into technical training strategies, with a focus on improving grip strength, dialing in proper push-up form, and understanding the nuances of deadlift technique—especially how to identify and fix hip shifts to prevent injury. OB and Smitty break down how to get more out of your Romanian Deadlifts (RDLs), how to choose the right footwear as a coach who’s on their feet all day, and how to address and correct strength imbalances by programming for your weaker side. Whether you're on the mat or under the barbell, this episode delivers powerful tools to refine your craft and lead with purpose.       Timestamps [00:00] OB Gets His Purple Belt [05:50] The Current Status of Jiu-Jitsu [12:01] Programming Techniques for Challenges [18:13] Correcting Push-Up Form for Better Results [25:50] How to Feel Your Glutes With RDLs [32:57] Innovative Techniques for RDLs [41:28] Addressing Imbalances in Strength Training   Stay Connected   💡 Join the Ronin community for weekly insights, tips, and motivation! 📲 Follow us on Instagram: @oberther @smittydiesel   🌐 Visit Our Website: www.becomingroninpodcast.com   🛠 Share Your Journey: Tag us with #BecomingRonin100 and let us know how you’re taking control of your fitness and personal growth journey! 👍 Enjoyed this episode? Subscribe, leave a review, and share it with someone ready to level up their life!   Sponsors 💪 Jocko Fuel Shop now and save with code RONIN10! 🛡 Iron Neck Improve neck strength and save 10%! 💧 LMNT Electrolytes Get FREE LMNT with your first order! ❄️ The Plunge Save $150 on the ultimate cold plunge tank!   Support the Show  Every like, review, and share helps us inspire more people on their self-mastery journey. Together, we can grow stronger, more disciplined, and live better lives.     #BecomingRonin #FitnessJourney #SelfMastery #WorkoutTips #Empowerment #FitnessProgramming #GrowthMindset #Podcast                              

🔗 Subscribe on YouTube     Episode Overview   In this introspective and thought-provoking episode, OB and Smitty take listeners on a guided descent through the symbolic layers of Dante’s Inferno—not as passive tourists, but as directors of a modern reimagining that reflects the traps we face in everyday life. Drawing from the powerful allegory of Dante’s journey through hell, they illuminate how subtle sins—like gluttony, greed, wrath, and deceit—can slowly erode your character and pull you further into a personal hell of stagnation, regret, and disconnection. Each circle of Inferno becomes a metaphor for self-inflicted suffering, revealing how we often sabotage our growth through emotional indulgence, broken trust, and spiritual neglect. OB and Smitty explore how these behaviors manifest in both personal and societal contexts, making the case that unchecked habits and disordered values can keep us trapped in cycles of pain and avoidance. But this isn't a message of doom—it's a call to awareness. The episode highlights how faith, integrity, and personal responsibility can serve as guideposts back to the surface. By identifying where you may be sliding and understanding the emotional and spiritual consequences of sin, you can begin the climb toward redemption, purpose, and peace. Whether you're battling internal demons or looking to strengthen your moral compass, this episode offers hard truths, timeless insights, and a path forward for those willing to face their own inferno.     Timestamps [00:00] Exploring Dante's Inferno: A Journey Through Hell [07:43] Self-Mastery and Personal Reflection [14:56] The Layers of Hell: Understanding Sin and Consequence [22:34] The Path to Redemption: Faith and Spiritual Truth [31:31] The Consequences of Gluttony and Greed [44:54] Building a Bigger Table: The Dangers of Greed [54:01] Exploring Heresy: The Cost of Denying Spiritual Truths [01:01:55] The Nature of Violence: Inner and Outer Conflicts [01:12:53] The Sin of Fraud: Authenticity in Relationships [01:19:07] Treachery: The Deepest Betrayal [01:27:15] Closing Thoughts: Awareness and Reflection   Stay Connected   💡 Join the Ronin community for weekly insights, tips, and motivation! 📲 Follow us on Instagram: @oberther @smittydiesel   🌐 Visit Our Website: www.becomingroninpodcast.com   🛠 Share Your Journey: Tag us with #BecomingRonin100 and let us know how you’re taking control of your fitness and personal growth journey! 👍 Enjoyed this episode? Subscribe, leave a review, and share it with someone ready to level up their life!   Sponsors 💪 Jocko Fuel Shop now and save with code RONIN10! 🛡 Iron Neck Improve neck strength and save 10%! 💧 LMNT Electrolytes Get FREE LMNT with your first order!   Support the Show  Every like, review, and share helps us inspire more people on their self-mastery journey. Together, we can grow stronger, more disciplined, and live better lives.   #BecomingRonin #FitnessJourney #SelfMastery #WorkoutTips #Empowerment #FitnessProgramming #GrowthMindset #Podcast                              

  🔗 Subscribe on YouTube     Episode Overview   In this episode of Becoming Ronin, OB and Smitty kick things off by tackling the viral gorilla vs. 100 men challenge — a hypothetical debate lighting up social media. They break down their thoughts on how the fight might play out.   From there, the conversation takes a serious turn as OB shares the low back pain circuit he uses with real-life clients, offering a practical, multi-faceted approach to treatment and rehab. The hosts explain why successful recovery isn’t about chasing quick fixes but addressing the underlying patterns that lead to chronic pain.   The episode then dives into the heart of what makes great coaching: the power of effective exercise selection, the art of simplifying cues, and most importantly, building trust by genuinely caring for your clients. OB and Smitty also discuss controversial coaching practices and explore how parenting influences a child’s relationship with fitness, highlighting the fine line between encouragement and pressure.   Packed with humor, coaching wisdom, and actionable takeaways, this episode is a must-listen for trainers, parents, and anyone passionate about growth and mastery in fitness and life.       Timestamps [00:00] Gorilla vs. 100 Men [04:47] Breaking Down Back Pain: A Multi-Faceted Approach [28:41] The Art of Effective Cueing [33:51] The Foundation of Great Coaching [39:17] Making Cues Clear and Actionable [45:01] Why Caring for Clients Comes First [51:08] Controversial Coaching Practices: What Works, What Doesn’t [57:18] Parenting & Fitness: Finding the Balance Between Encouragement and Pressure     Stay Connected   💡 Join the Ronin community for weekly insights, tips, and motivation! 📲 Follow us on Instagram: @oberther @smittydiesel   🌐 Visit Our Website: www.becomingroninpodcast.com   🛠 Share Your Journey: Tag us with #BecomingRonin100 and let us know how you’re taking control of your fitness and personal growth journey! 👍 Enjoyed this episode? Subscribe, leave a review, and share it with someone ready to level up their life!   Sponsors 💪 Jocko Fuel Shop now and save with code RONIN10! 🛡 Iron Neck Improve neck strength and save 10%! 💧 LMNT Electrolytes Get FREE LMNT with your first order! ❄️ The Plunge Save $150 on the ultimate cold plunge tank!   Support the Show  Every like, review, and share helps us inspire more people on their self-mastery journey. Together, we can grow stronger, more disciplined, and live better lives. #BecomingRonin #FitnessJourney #SelfMastery #WorkoutTips #Empowerment #FitnessProgramming #GrowthMindset #Podcast                              

🔗 Subscribe on YouTube     Episode Overview   In this deeply introspective episode, OB and Smitty dive into the raw and transformative journey of personal awakening. Through candid stories and philosophical reflections, they unpack the subtle yet powerful differences between perception and perspective—and how both shape the way we experience the world.   This conversation explores the lies we tell ourselves, the importance of stillness and meditation, and the emotional toll of unacknowledged trauma. They shed light on the impact of early caregivers, the necessity of emotional empathy, and the role of honesty in personal growth.   OB and Smitty challenge listeners to confront self-deception, carry their burdens with grace, and lean into life with authenticity and playfulness. Above all, they emphasize that by facing the truth within ourselves, we open the door to genuine transformation and freedom.     Timestamps [00:28] Moments of Awakening and Personal Transformation [02:55] Perception vs. Perspective: How We Shape Our Reality [05:18] Caregivers, Trauma, and the Path to Growth [10:28] The Role of Self-Awareness and Emotional Maturity [20:16] Truthfulness and How It Changes Perception [25:34] Facing the Lies We Tell Ourselves [28:53] Stillness, Meditation, and the Inner World [31:48] What Is Reality? Exploring Our Filters and Beliefs [36:02] Waking Up to the Truth Within [39:41] The Weight We Carry: Burdens, Responsibility, and Grace [43:28] Playfulness, Authenticity, and Living Fully   Stay Connected   💡 Join the Ronin community for weekly insights, tips, and motivation! 📲 Follow us on Instagram: @oberther @smittydiesel   🌐 Visit Our Website: www.becomingroninpodcast.com   🛠 Share Your Journey: Tag us with #BecomingRonin100 and let us know how you’re taking control of your fitness and personal growth journey! 👍 Enjoyed this episode? Subscribe, leave a review, and share it with someone ready to level up their life!   Sponsors 💪 Jocko Fuel Shop now and save with code RONIN10! 🛡 Iron Neck Improve neck strength and save 10%! 💧 LMNT Electrolytes Get FREE LMNT with your first order! ❄️ The Plunge Save $150 on the ultimate cold plunge tank!   Support the Show  Every like, review, and share helps us inspire more people on their self-mastery journey. Together, we can grow stronger, more disciplined, and live better lives.   Hashtags for SEO #BecomingRonin #FitnessJourney #SelfMastery #WorkoutTips #Empowerment #FitnessProgramming #GrowthMindset #Podcast                              

🔗 Subscribe on YouTube     Episode Overview   In this episode of Becoming Ronin, OB and Smitty reflect on their experiences with the Ronin Challenge and how structured challenges can reignite motivation and foster community. The conversation transitions into a Q&A format covering diverse training strategies such as ramp-up sets, pre-exhaust techniques, and effective core training. They explore the evolution of core exercises, highlighting the Turkish Get-Up and lessons from RKC certification. Throughout the discussion, they emphasize the importance of adaptability, longevity, and mindset in both training and life. This episode offers valuable insights for anyone looking to deepen their understanding of programming, core functionality, and how to stay motivated through personal and professional challenges.   Timestamps [00:25] Ronin Challenge Progress Update [08:21] Listener Q&A [21:01] Pre-Exhaust Techniques in Training [33:20] Real Core Training [39:53] RKC Certification and Application [46:52] Understanding Core Functionality [52:17] Building the "Wedge" [59:30] Overcoming Roadblocks and Lack of Motivation   Stay Connected   💡 Join the Ronin community for weekly insights, tips, and motivation! 📲 Follow us on Instagram: @oberther @smittydiesel   🌐 Visit Our Website: www.becomingroninpodcast.com   🛠 Share Your Journey: Tag us with #BecomingRonin100 and let us know how you’re taking control of your fitness and personal growth journey! 👍 Enjoyed this episode? Subscribe, leave a review, and share it with someone ready to level up their life!   Sponsors 💪 Jocko Fuel Shop now and save with code RONIN10! 🛡 Iron Neck Improve neck strength and save 10%! 💧 LMNT Electrolytes Get FREE LMNT with your first order! ❄️ The Plunge Save $150 on the ultimate cold plunge tank!   Support the Show  Every like, review, and share helps us inspire more people on their self-mastery journey. Together, we can grow stronger, more disciplined, and live better lives.   Hashtags for SEO #BecomingRonin #FitnessJourney #SelfMastery #WorkoutTips #Empowerment #FitnessProgramming #GrowthMindset #Podcast                              

  🔗 Subscribe on YouTube     Episode Overview In this episode, OB and Smitty dive deep into the power of isometric training, breaking down its role in strength development, rehabilitation, and performance enhancement. They explore the science behind isometrics, highlighting its benefits for joint stability, muscle activation, and injury recovery. The conversation sheds light on common mistakes people make when implementing isometric exercises and how these errors can lead to suboptimal results. With practical insights, they discuss how to properly integrate isometrics into training programs, whether for breaking through strength plateaus, improving athletic performance, or accelerating recovery from injuries. Beyond technique, OB and Smitty emphasize the importance of setting high standards in training and understanding the psychology behind pain and movement. They challenge common misconceptions about injury management and stress the need for individualized approaches to training and recovery. By the end of the episode, listeners will gain a deeper appreciation for isometric training and walk away with actionable strategies to enhance their own fitness journey, whether as athletes, coaches, or fitness enthusiasts.     Timestamps [01:10] The Power of Isometrics [04:07] Common Mistakes in Isometric Training [06:56] Understanding Isometric Variations [10:12] The Science Behind Isometrics [13:07] Practical Applications of Isometrics [16:22] Isometrics in Rehabilitation [19:13] Advanced Isometric Techniques [22:17] Integrating Isometrics into Training [25:12] Contrast Training and Isometrics [28:00] The Future of Isometric Training [47:39] Setting Standards in Training [50:54] Understanding Injury and Recovery [57:24] The Power of Isometrics [01:03:01] Implementing Isometrics for Performance [01:11:10] Breaking Down Isometric Techniques [01:20:25] Isometrics in Rehab and Warmups [01:30:22] The Future of Isometric Training   Stay Connected   💡 Join the Ronin community for weekly insights, tips, and motivation! 📲 Follow us on Instagram: @oberther @smittydiesel   🌐 Visit Our Website: www.becomingroninpodcast.com   🛠 Share Your Journey: Tag us with #BecomingRonin100 and let us know how you’re taking control of your fitness and personal growth journey! 👍 Enjoyed this episode? Subscribe, leave a review, and share it with someone ready to level up their life!   Sponsors 💪 Jocko Fuel Shop now and save with code RONIN10! 🛡 Iron Neck Improve neck strength and save 10%! 💧 LMNT Electrolytes Get FREE LMNT with your first order! ❄️ The Plunge Save $150 on the ultimate cold plunge tank!   Support the Show  Every like, review, and share helps us inspire more people on their self-mastery journey. Together, we can grow stronger, more disciplined, and live better lives.   Hashtags for SEO #BecomingRonin #FitnessJourney #SelfMastery #WorkoutTips #Empowerment #FitnessProgramming #GrowthMindset #Podcast                              

🔗 Subscribe on YouTube   Episode Overview In this episode of Becoming Ronin, OB and Smitty unveil the Ronin Summer Challenge 2025—a collection of must-try fitness challenges designed to test strength, endurance, and mental toughness. From raw strength tests and bodyweight circuits to the ultimate conditioning assessments, they break down each challenge and how lifters of all levels can incorporate them into their summer training.   They discuss strategies for maintaining strength while embracing outdoor workouts, the role of proper recovery, and how tools like the Echo Bike can be used to gauge stamina. The conversation also dives into the importance of community, the mental side of training, and how to adapt challenges for longevity. Whether you're looking for a new benchmark or just a fun way to push your limits, this episode has something for every lifter.       Timestamps [00:00] Anticipating New Summer Challenges [03:35] Maintaining Strength Outdoors [10:33] Introducing the Ronin Summer Challenge 2025 [11:30] Challenge 1: 100 Pull-Ups in 15 Minutes [16:17] Challenge 2: 250 Push-Ups in 25 Minutes [20:53] Challenge 3: Lunges of Death [28:25] Challenge 4: Farmer's Walk for a Mile [34:03] Challenge 5: Three Minute High Plank [34:28] The Importance of Proper Form in Challenges [44:00] Understanding Daily Challenges for Older Lifters [59:55] Evaluating Stamina: The Echo Bike Test   Stay Connected   💡 Join the Ronin community for weekly insights, tips, and motivation! 📲 Follow us on Instagram: @oberther @smittydiesel   🌐 Visit Our Website: www.becomingroninpodcast.com   🛠 Share Your Journey: Tag us with #BecomingRonin100 and let us know how you’re taking control of your fitness and personal growth journey! 👍 Enjoyed this episode? Subscribe, leave a review, and share it with someone ready to level up their life!   Sponsors 💪 Jocko Fuel Shop now and save with code RONIN10! 🛡 Iron Neck Improve neck strength and save 10%! 💧 LMNT Electrolytes Get FREE LMNT with your first order! ❄️ The Plunge Save $150 on the ultimate cold plunge tank!   Support the Show  Every like, review, and share helps us inspire more people on their self-mastery journey. Together, we can grow stronger, more disciplined, and live better lives.   Hashtags for SEO #BecomingRonin #FitnessJourney #SelfMastery #WorkoutTips #Empowerment #FitnessProgramming #GrowthMindset #Podcast                              

🔗 Subscribe on YouTube   Episode Overview In this episode, OB and Smitty take on some of the most popular exercises and training methods, ranking them as overrated or underrated based on effectiveness, risk vs. reward, and real-world performance benefits. They break down strength training fundamentals, covering everything from grip strength and rowing techniques to squats, lunges, and injury prevention strategies. Plus, they highlight why some overlooked movements—like pull-ups and chin-ups—deserve more attention. Whether you're a coach or trainee, this discussion will help you train smarter and get the most out of your workouts. Tune in to find out if your favorite exercises make the cut!     Timestamps [00:00] Unlocking Strength: What You Need to Know About CPPS Certification [06:54] Coaching Like a Pro: How CPPS Elevates Your Training Approach [12:02] The Fitness Advantage: Why Continuous Learning Separates the Best from the Rest [17:58] Underrated vs. Overrated: Are You Wasting Time on the Wrong Exercises? [33:13] Pull-Ups & Chin-Ups: The Secret to Upper Body Strength Nobody Talks About [39:09] Rowing Mastery: How Proper Technique Transforms Your Strength Gains [41:31] Grip Strength & Injury Prevention: The Overlooked Key to Lifting More Weight [44:21] Why Grip Strength Matters More Than You Think in Strength Training [46:16] Movement Patterns Explained: Train Smarter, Not Harder [49:27] Bulletproof Your Grip: The Most Effective Strength-Building Techniques [51:48] Bent Over Rows: Are You Maximizing Their Benefits? [55:54] Lat Pulldown Secrets: How to Get More Out of Every Rep [59:16] Stronger Shoulders & Arms: Expert Tips for Maximum Growth [01:07:51] Squats & Deadlifts: The Foundation of Strength and Power [01:18:39] Lunges & Split Squats: The Ultimate Guide to Lower Body Development     Stay Connected   💡 Join the Ronin community for weekly insights, tips, and motivation! 📲 Follow us on Instagram: @oberther @smittydiesel   🌐 Visit Our Website: www.becomingroninpodcast.com   🛠 Share Your Journey: Tag us with #BecomingRonin100 and let us know how you’re taking control of your fitness and personal growth journey! 👍 Enjoyed this episode? Subscribe, leave a review, and share it with someone ready to level up their life!   Sponsors 💪 Jocko Fuel Shop now and save with code RONIN10! 🛡 Iron Neck Improve neck strength and save 10%! 💧 LMNT Electrolytes Get FREE LMNT with your first order! ❄️ The Plunge Save $150 on the ultimate cold plunge tank!   Support the Show  Every like, review, and share helps us inspire more people on their self-mastery journey. Together, we can grow stronger, more disciplined, and live better lives.   Hashtags for SEO #BecomingRonin #FitnessJourney #SelfMastery #WorkoutTips #Empowerment #FitnessProgramming #GrowthMindset #Podcast                              

🔗 Subscribe on YouTube   Episode Overview In this episode of Becoming Ronin, OB and Smitty dive into the evolution of training, from innovative equipment to adapting workouts for any environment. They discuss the rise of flow training, the benefits of building a home gym, and the impact of unique tools like the WEC Deck and specialized gym timers. The conversation also covers mechanical advantage drop sets, ab roller core training, and the nostalgic fitness influences that shaped their philosophies. Additionally, OB and Smitty break down effective warm-up techniques, the importance of dynamic stretching, and how to modify training for colder weather. They introduce the concept of ‘ad sets’ in circuit training and explore the key differences between bodybuilding and powerlifting. Throughout the discussion, they emphasize creativity, adaptability, and the pursuit of continuous improvement in training. Tune in for an insightful conversation packed with actionable takeaways for athletes, coaches, and fitness enthusiasts looking to elevate their approach to training.     Timestamps [00:00] Flow Training and Its Evolution [02:59] Building a Home Gym: Equipment Essentials [05:55] Innovative Training Variables and Techniques [09:27] New Equipment Purchases and Their Benefits [12:03] Exploring Unique Training Tools [14:54] Mechanical Advantage Drop Sets and Their Application [17:48] The Importance of Timers in Training [21:08] Core Training: The Ab Roller Experience [23:52] Nostalgia in Fitness: Influences and Inspirations [27:02] Modern Training Techniques and Their Roots [36:31] Training Adaptations in Cold Weather [39:21] Innovative Warm-Up Techniques [42:09] Dynamic Stretching and Strength Training [45:22] Ad Sets: A New Approach to Circuit Training [51:33] Intentional Training: The Bodybuilder vs. Powerlifter Debate [58:04] Strength vs. Athletic Performance: Finding Balance       Stay Connected   💡 Join the Ronin community for weekly insights, tips, and motivation! 📲 Follow us on Instagram: @oberther @smittydiesel   🌐 Visit Our Website: www.becomingroninpodcast.com   🛠 Share Your Journey: Tag us with #BecomingRonin100 and let us know how you’re taking control of your fitness and personal growth journey! 👍 Enjoyed this episode? Subscribe, leave a review, and share it with someone ready to level up their life!   Sponsors 💪 Jocko Fuel Shop now and save with code RONIN10! 🛡 Iron Neck Improve neck strength and save 10%! 💧 LMNT Electrolytes Get FREE LMNT with your first order! ❄️ The Plunge Save $150 on the ultimate cold plunge tank!   Support the Show  Every like, review, and share helps us inspire more people on their self-mastery journey. Together, we can grow stronger, more disciplined, and live better lives.   Hashtags for SEO #BecomingRonin #FitnessJourney #SelfMastery #WorkoutTips #Empowerment #FitnessProgramming #GrowthMindset #Podcast