In a sport that has local, regional, national, and international-level events, how do you know which you should compete in? This week Alan and Christina dig into what it takes to do the "Big" Show, and is it the right move for you and your goals. Think you are ready for the next level? Tune in to see what questions you should probably be asking yourself first.

Knee sleeves, elbow sleeves, deadlift suits, oh my. With so many different options for protection and assistance in lifting, when do you make the investment? And when do you use them? SHOULD you use them? This week, Alan and Christina dig in to that what, when, how and why of geared lifting. Notable brands mentioned:   CERBERUS STRENGTH (Code "SMI" for 10% off) https://cerberus-strength.us/ Triple Ply Deadlift Belt https://cerberus-strength.us/products/triple-ply-deadlift-belt   SBD Apparel https://us.sbdapparel.com/   Inzer Advanced Designs https://inzer.com/

This week we go prehistoric with Evan “T-Rex” Singleton — one of the most electric personalities and fiercest competitors in the world of strongman. From WWE to World’s Strongest Man podiums, Evan’s story is one of raw power, grit, and relentless comeback energy. After tearing his bicep completely off the bone at World’s Strongest Man, Evan refused surgery, rebuilt himself through pure determination, and returned stronger than ever to dominate the Royal Albert Hall. In this episode, he opens up about: 💥 Overcoming major injuries and rebuilding confidence🧠 The mental toll of elite competition and learning to block out the noise🏋️‍♂️ Training in 100° Tennessee heat and prepping for the season ahead🔥 How belief, discipline, and experience shape a true champion You’ll also hear hilarious behind-the-scenes stories — from his dinosaur obsession 🦖 and “T-Rex” nickname to the viral headbutt that had fans accusing him of using blood capsules on stage. If you’re an athlete, coach, or fan of strongman culture, this is a must-listen deep dive into what it really takes to chase the title of World’s Strongest Man.

What happens when a U.S. Marine veteran, adaptive athlete, and one-legged strongman decides to defy every limitation ever placed on him? You get Cody George — IG @legloess69 — (because of course it is) a true example of redefining what’s possible in strength sports. In this episode, hosts Christina Arthur and Alan Colley sit down with Cody to talk about: 💪 His journey from military service and injury to becoming a competitive strongman 🦾 The mental battles of recovery, resilience, and finding purpose after amputation 🏋️ How adaptive strength training is growing — and what needs to happen next 🔥 The mindset that led him to compete (and crush it) at Orlando’s Strongest against able-bodied athletes 🤝 His mission to expand Adaptive Strongman and create opportunities for others to rise Tune in this week to learn that the limits we put on ourselves are usually much more restrictive than what is actually possible. Watch exclusive interviews, behind-the-scenes content, and athlete stories on the Lift & Load Show, presented by Strongman Institute.

Widely considered the greatest strongman to have ever lived, Žydrūnas Savickas has a list of accomplishments that pales everything in comparison. Setting over 70 world records in his strongman career, "Big Z"'s rap sheet includes: World's Strongest Man 4× Winner: 2009, 2010, 2012, 2014 6× Runner-up (record for most 2nd-place finishes) Arnold Strongman Classic 8× Champion (2003–2008, 2014, 2016) Holds the record for the most wins at this event Europe’s Strongest Man: 3× Winner (2010, 2012, 2013) Lithuania’s Strongest Man: 16× Champion (1998–2005, 2007–2014) And the list goes on. We had the opportunity to talk to the GOAT himself and learn some of the ways he approaches competing and his ultimate goal. Turns out it is the most simple thing... just win.

They say champions are born, not made. In the case of Inez Carrasquillo, it is both. This week we dive into how she became one of the strongest woman in the world, holding multiple world titles including the Arnold Strongwoman Classic Champion, North America's Strongest Woman, and the Rogue Invitational Champion. A mother, coach, and athlete, Inez shows that the road to the top is never the easiest one, but the legacy and example that we leave behind makes it all worth it.

Coach, Professional Strongman, Gym Owner, and now... Lift & Load new cohost?! For the past 12+ years Alan Colley and Iron House Gym have been institutions in Florida strength sports, helping hundreds of athletes across the country reach their ultimate potential. So it is only right to start season two by running it back to basics and learn more about the man behind the Iron. Before the gym, before he was even a coach, join us this week as we kick off this new era and learn about the foundation of the Strongest Gym in Florida.

One look at Elly Latemore and you will see a few things: she is strong, she is real, and she is taking the strongwoman world by storm. Hailing all the way from Australia, we sit with her this week as she talks about how she found Strongman, how it changed her outlook on training and life, and what is next for her as she continues her journey to conquer the sport and the world stage.   IG: ellystrength

Athletes push their limits, their bodies, and some of the best push their sport. CJ Krause is one of those athletes. Professional Strongman and nutrition coach, CJ understands that your output is as only as good as your input. This week we sit with him to talk about his career, how he works with athletes in a weight cut, and what the future can hold for the sport of strongman.   IG: giant_slayer_krause

We all KNOW we should stay hydrated, but what does that really mean? And in weight class sports where water cutting is part of the game, how do you do so safely and still perform your best? This week we sit down with Katelin Hickman, Owner and Founder of Strong IV, on the very first Lift & Load on the Go. We join her in Clearwater Beach, FL to talk about all things hydration, IV therapy, and how to properly recover from dehydration. Interested in learning more about hydration and IV therapy? Check her out on Instagram @strongiv_hydrate

Once in a while in every sport there comes an athlete that makes winning seem like second nature, seemingly finding success everywhere they turn. As a 64kg athlete and recent Masters Strongwoman, Carlee Olivera is a force to be reckoned with. Coming off a dual win with America's Strongest Master and America's Strongest 64kg Woman, we sit with Carlee to talk about her training protocol, how she switches between bodybuilding and strongman competitions, and her plans for 2025. 

Is your training style truly benefitting the sport that you are trying to excel in? And are there areas of your training that could be optimized by looking at a different style of lifting heavy things and putting them back down? We wondered exactly that, and sat down this week with Conjugate specialist Mark Estrebillo. An accomplished athlete and coach, he breaks down his take on what is the best type of training for the strongman athlete, and how that might apply to the everyday person. IG: @coachmarkestrebillo

How often have you thought that you aren't strong enough, life dealt you a bad hand, or maybe you are too broken for success? Those intrusive thoughts can enter even the strongest of people, and that includes pound for pound strongest woman on the planet, Rhianon Lovelace. Athlete, business owner, almost theoretical physicist... join us this week as we sit with her and the OG Kaos of Kaos Strength as we hear her story and how she built herself into a champion despite all odds. https://www.kaosstrength.co.uk/ IG: rhi.lovelace   ***Trigger Warning*** This episode includes topics of both sexual assault and domestic violence. If you or a loved one experiences any of these things, our doors are always open to help get you to the resources you need. 

Sarah Bäckman is many things: 8x World Champion Arm Wrestler, Gym Owner, and mentor to so many looking to get into the growing sport of Arm Wrestling. But what IS it? And could it be a good fit for you? Tune in this week as we hear Sarah's story and how she found her way from being a 14 year old arm wrestling in her school cafeteria to being one of the best in the world. Also she's jacked. 10/10 jealousy scale. IG: swesarahb Gym: https://progeargym.com https://sarahbackman.com

Bring your wife, bring your kids, because were talking prehab and rehab up on this episode. Dr. J'amie Goguen-Locke of Kodiak Barbell joins us this week to discuss the differences between prehab and rehab, the importance of getting a coach, and when your own personal anatomy makes a difference in how you train. If you think this episode isn't for you, you're wrong.    Why call it pee pee time? Watch to the end to find out more. Links to Dr. J'amie's bracing guide referenced can be found on her Instagram, @drjaimegoguen

Husband, Father, Athlete. In that order. Throw in being a Bearded Villain and our favorite kilt-wearing-hammer-throwing-strength-sports supporter, John Banks understands that life is all about balance. Tune in this week to learn more about how he approaches training, fatherhood, charity, and being an integral part of growing the Florida strength community.  For more about Bearded Villains, check out bv305.com and @beardedvillainsmiami on Instagram

Sometimes the best path is the one you carve out for yourself. Athlete, Sports Commentator, and Strongwoman personality Nicola Buchan joins us this week to discuss how she does exactly that in her career: balancing being an athlete, mom, coach, commentator for some of the biggest shows on the planet, and unapologetically herself. Also a casual ultramarathon runner? We are still trying to wrap out heads around that one... For more guaranteed laughs and inspiration on how to find your best self through sport, you can find iam_nbfitness on Instagram and _nbcoaching on TikTok

"Peptides" are the buzz word for the "miracle cure" these days, but are they worth the hype? And how do they play in the world of performance and recovery enhancement? This week we sat with Harrison (@harrysquatter_) Fleetwood to get some answers, author of the "Peptide Cheat Sheet" (links in his Instagram bio)and a Powerlifting, Performance, and certified hormone health coach. Harrison specializes in evidence based methods with functional health, longevity and physiology for both males and females wanting to optimize and excel their overall performance in strength sports, and helping educate athletes with making better and smarter choices.

You know that feeling that SOMETHING is wrong with your health but can't figure it out? Maybe you are frustrated with endless appointments and no answers. You aren't alone, so tune in this week to Celia talking about her experience with autoimmune disorders, her path to healing, and the lesson on how sometimes you just need to listen to, and take care of, your gut.  IG:iamceliacavalli

Whether you are new to your fitness journey or one of the pros, athletes of any skill level seeks advice on how to improve their training, nutrition, and performance. Enter RP Strength, one of the leaders in the industry in diet and strength training. Join us this week while we sit with RP Strength CEO Nick Shaw for his take on the fitness industry and advice for maximizing your training.