#186 DJ Sansone & Ashton West - The Yard Gym

Ben Robertson was our male runner-up in the Supplement Superstores Lock In Challenge, dropping an impressive 12 pounds while learning what it truly means to stay locked in.For Ben, the biggest challenge wasn’t simply losing weight—it was finding a way to prioritize his health and fitness while balancing the demands of a busy life. Like many people, his fitness journey has had its share of ups and downs over the years. This time around, he focused on building habits he could actually maintain, staying disciplined even when life got hectic, and finding a balance that worked for him.Ben sat down with us to share his experience throughout the Lock In Challenge, what helped him stay consistent, and how shifting his priorities allowed him to make real progress without putting the rest of his life on hold.12 pounds down and a new perspective on what it means to stay disciplined.This is Ben’s Lock In story.

This week, we sit down with Brian Teach, Head of Product Development at 1st Phorm, to pull back the curtain on what actually goes into creating and formulating supplements for one of the biggest brands in the industry.Brian has been with 1st Phorm for over 15 years, and we dive into how product development has evolved during that time, what goes into sourcing high-quality ingredients, why the cost of whey protein continues to rise, and what separates a great formula from everything else on the shelf.From the early days of 1st Phorm to the products they’re developing today, Brian gives us a behind-the-scenes look at a side of the supplement industry most consumers never get to see.

In this episode of the Protein Bros Podcast, we sit down with Mugzy BullJunk to talk about his incredible rise to fame in the wrestling world and how he built a brand that has inspired athletes across the country.We dive into his experience competing in RAF, the lessons he's learned throughout his career, and what drives him to keep pushing forward. Mugzy also shares why giving back to the next generation has become one of his biggest priorities through youth wrestling camps, mentorship, and growing the sport.

The bros sit down with DJ Sansone and Ashton West, the owners of The Yard Gym in St. Louis and the upcoming Lee's Summit, MO location. We dive into how one of Australia's fastest-growing fitness brands made its way to the Midwest, what sets The Yard apart from traditional gyms, and why its unique blend of strength, conditioning, and community is attracting so much attention. We also talk entrepreneurship and discuss The Yard becoming Nike Training's first global gym partner. Tune in and go check out The Yard Gym!

Tyler and Ryan are the owners of the brand new 24 hour gym - Iron Reserve in Independence, MO. Iron Reserve is not your typical gym - custom gold plated plates and dumbbells, state of the art equipment and a full med spa that offers facials, peptides, bloodwork and everything in between. Iron Reserve is a gym that looks and operates like no other. High standards, amazing trainers and a community that will welcome you with opens arms. In this episode we talk about their relationship and the idea behind opening the gym, the future plans for their current location and their growth, and we talk about what changes in the fitness community that that love. Tune in!

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.