#184 Aaron Summers pt. 1

This week on the Protein Bros Podcast, we're joined by Aaron Summers from 1st Phorm for the second time! If you've ever been to 1st Phorm's massive Summer Smash parties, you understand how amazing the event is — and Aaron is the man responsible for making it all happen behind the scenes. From coordinating massive crowds and unforgettable performances to handling the countless moving pieces that go into one of the fitness industry's biggest annual events, Aaron has a front-row seat to it all.In this episode, Aaron shares never-before-heard stories from past Summer Smash events, what it takes to pull off a weekend of that magnitude, and what attendees can expect from Summer Smash in the years ahead. Whether you're a longtime 1st Phorm supporter or planning your first trip to St. Louis, this episode gives you an inside look at the event that has become a staple of the fitness community.Stay tuned for pt. 2 next week!

Dr. Kyle Gillett returns for his 3rd appearance on the podcast and this one goes deep.We dive into the rapidly changing world of peptides and how professional athletes are beginning to view them for recovery, injury prevention, performance longevity, muscle retention, and staying competitive through long seasons. We also discuss which peptides are gaining the most attention in pro sports, the risks athletes need to consider, and how regulations and testing are evolving around their use.On top of that, we break down the long-term conversation around GLP-1s, how that space is changing fast, and what supplements are important to take while using them to help support muscle mass, recovery, performance, and overall health.One of the most detailed episodes we’ve done yet on performance optimization, recovery, longevity, and the future of modern health science.

This week we’re joined by one of the most respected bodybuilding minds in Kansas City, Will Moxley, alongside returning guest and IFBB Pro, Christian Miles.Will has built a reputation for mastering the fine details—bringing a highly educated, calculated approach to nutrition, prep, and elite-level physique development. And with Christian back on the mic, we get both the coach and competitor perspective in real time.In this episode, we break down Will’s full coaching philosophy, the biggest do’s and don’ts competitors need to understand, and what it really takes to guide athletes at the pro level.If you’re serious about bodybuilding—or want to understand what separates average from elite—this is one you don’t want to miss.

The voice heard around the world. What started as a stand for his community quickly turned him into a polarizing figure—seen as both a hero and a villain. But through the noise, he earned something more valuable: respect.That respect led to a partnership with Leo of Recovery CBD.This week, they join us to unpack their journey, the complexities of the peptide and CBD industries, and the message behind Ian’s new book Find Your Hill.

There is a lot of responsibility in training youth athletes and there is nobody that has proven success and results like @coachjessejewel After a very successful football career, Jesse took a leap of faith and opened @activestrengthco - a facility that is home to some of the best youth athletes in the Midwest. This episode is full of insight on a business level, sports training and development of our next generation. Tune in!

Legacy. Evolution. Vision.Omber Khan, owner of Health Spot and founder of Self Evolve, joins the show to break down the real story behind his family’s start in supplements back in 1993. We talk early industry days, the grind it took to build from nothing, and how he’s now pushing Self Evolve into the future. If you care about where supplements came from—and where they’re going—this one’s for you.

In this episode, we sit down with Lexi and Brett Johnson—power couple, competitors, and entrepreneurs making serious waves in the fitness space. Lexi is the owner of LJW, 1st Phorm Athlete and a rising force in the industry, while both her and her husband Brett compete at the pro level in HYROX, pushing the limits of performance and discipline.We dive into their journey through business, competition, and what it takes to operate at a high level both individually and as a couple. Lexi also announces her upcoming Bald 5K event on April 11th! Come bald, ready to run and ready to party! This episode is all about balance, mindset, and doing hard things… while still having fun.

Today we’ve got Morgan and Ryan, the duo behind the brand-new Iron Gates Gym in Belton, Missouri. It’s a 24-hour access gym built for serious lifters, with a heavy focus on bodybuilding and real training culture.But the gym is just part of the story. Morgan and Ryan have both owned and operated multiple businesses over the years, so we dive into their entrepreneurial journey, what led them to open Iron Gates, and what they’re trying to build in the fitness community.