In this episode of the Shaw Strength Podcast, Brian sits down with his wife Keri for a much-needed life update and an honest conversation about everything they’ve had going on. They talk about Brian’s recent transformation, why he decided to step away from the 400-plus-pound strongman version of himself, and how entering a new phase of life has changed his priorities around health, training, longevity, and being more active with their boys. They also look back at the Shaw Strength Summit, celebrating 20 years of Shaw Strength, and what it meant to bring the community together for a weekend built around training, nutrition, mindset, and getting better.

Brian and Keri also break down the long road back to bringing the Shaw Classic and Strongest Man on Earth back in 2027. They get candid about the challenges of growing the event, trying to do too much, the decisions that ultimately forced them to take a step back, and why protecting the integrity of the competition and keeping it athlete-first matters more than anything else. They discuss what they’ve learned over the past five years, where they’re bringing in outside help, changes being made for 2027, and why they believe the event will come back stronger. The conversation also covers their family life, homeschooling, coaching their kids, upcoming events, and what the next phase of Shaw Strength looks like.

If you have questions for Brian, topics you would like to hear Brian talk about or guests you would like to see on the podcast email them to: [email protected]

Podcast Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/shawstrengthpodcast/
Brian's Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/shawstrength/
Clothes, Supplements, and Supportive Gear: https://shawstrength.com/
Behind the scenes content and Giveaways: https://club.shawstrength.com/

Main Channel: https://www.youtube.com/c/SHAWSTRENGTH

In this episode of the Shaw Strength Podcast, Brian goes on the road and sits down with Scott DeShields Jr., better known as Kentucky Ballistics, for one of the most intense conversations we have ever recorded. On April 9th, 2021, Scott loaded what he believed was ordinary military surplus ammunition into a .50 caliber rifle. It had degraded into something closer to a bomb. When he pulled the trigger, the gun came apart in his hands.

Scott walks through the entire story for the first time in this kind of detail. The cap that broke his cheekbone, orbital bone, and nose and blinded him in one eye. The piece of steel that went through his throat, sliced his jugular, and stopped in his right lung. His father running up and telling him there was a hole in his neck. The decision to pack his own throat with his shirt and drive his thumb in up to the knuckle, and the nine minutes across two creeks and a field to get to town while he fought to stay conscious and kept seeing his kids' faces every time everything went black.

From there, Brian and Scott get into the parts of the story most people have never heard. The chest tube the doctor could not get through his rib cage. The moment his wife watched his number disappear from the surgery board and believed he had died. Being opened up with a bone saw, the warning that he would likely come out of surgery having had a stroke, and the strange, peaceful place he says he woke up in while he was under. Scott is careful and honest about that last part, including the years he has spent questioning it himself.

The conversation also covers what got him there. Building Kentucky Ballistics from a bored state trooper filming on a borrowed camera into one of the biggest channels in the space, quitting a career his family told him not to leave, and the ego and the drift that came with the money and the growth. Scott is direct about what he thinks that day was and why he now says that if he could go back and stop it, he would not.

If you have questions for Brian, topics you would like to hear Brian talk about or guests you would like to see on the podcast email them to: [email protected]

Podcast Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/shawstrengthpodcast/
Brian's Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/shawstrength/
Clothes, Supplements, and Supportive Gear: https://shawstrength.com/
Behind the scenes content and Giveaways: https://club.shawstrength.com/

Main Channel: https://www.youtube.com/c/SHAWSTRENGTH

In this episode of the Shaw Strength Podcast, Brian sits down with Coop Mitchell from Garage Gym Reviews for a conversation that goes way beyond gym equipment. They kick things off by exploring a surprising question: could insurance companies eventually influence how we train? If digital resistance equipment can prove it leads to fewer injuries, could traditional gyms end up paying more for insurance and slowly move away from free weights? It sounds far-fetched, but it's an interesting look at the kinds of forces that can quietly shape an entire industry.

From there, Brian and Coop dive into what makes great strength equipment stand the test of time. They talk about York's legendary legacy, why Rogue has become the modern benchmark for American-made equipment, and why some plates and dumbbells just feel right the second you use them. Brian also shares how training with Charles Poliquin changed the way he approaches activation, rotating handles, thick grips, and micro-loading, and why paying attention to the little details can make a huge difference when it's time to perform.

They also talk about building trust in the fitness industry. Coop shares how Garage Gym Reviews grew from writing simple equipment reviews into one of the most trusted voices in the space by always putting the audience first. The conversation wraps up with home gyms, raising kids around hard work, and why making fitness part of everyday family life can have a lasting impact.

If you have questions for Brian, topics you would like to hear Brian talk about or guests you would like to see on the podcast email them to: [email protected]

Podcast Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/shawstrengthpodcast/
Brian's Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/shawstrength/
Clothes, Supplements, and Supportive Gear: https://shawstrength.com/
Behind the scenes content and Giveaways: https://club.shawstrength.com/

Main Channel: https://www.youtube.com/c/SHAWSTRENGTH

In this episode of the Shaw Strength Podcast, Brian sits down with Nathan Payton to break down what it actually takes to build a nutrition plan that works in real life—not just on paper.

Most diets don’t fail because of a lack of willpower, they fail because they were never designed around the chaos of work, family, travel, and stress. Nathan, a longtime strongman nutrition coach who helped dial in Brian’s own approach, explains how to build structure that actually holds up when life gets busy.

We dive into the “good, better, best” framework for making smarter food choices without chasing perfection, plus simple, repeatable meal prep systems that keep you consistent without living in the kitchen. Cook your basics in bulk, layer in flavor fast, and make it work for the whole household—no separate diet meals, no overcomplication.

From there, we get into the mindset side of nutrition: treating food as fuel while still understanding cravings, emotional eating, and the reality of human behavior. Then it goes deeper into coaching, discipline, and performance—why your “why” fades, how self-awareness changes everything, and why flexibility is often the difference between short-term effort and long-term results.

If you have questions for Brian, topics you would like to hear Brian talk about or guests you would like to see on the podcast email them to: [email protected]

Podcast Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/shawstrengthpodcast/
Brian's Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/shawstrength/
Clothes, Supplements, and Supportive Gear: https://shawstrength.com/
Behind the scenes content and Giveaways: https://club.shawstrength.com/

Main Channel: https://www.youtube.com/c/SHAWSTRENGTH

In this episode of the Shaw Strength Podcast, Brian sits down with Jujimufu for a real conversation about training, longevity, and how your approach has to evolve over time. Jujimufu talks about his 16-week journey to reclaim his famous weighted chair split at 40 years old, and how training now is less about going harder every day and more about being smarter and more intentional.

Brian also shares more about his recent 25-pound weight loss and what it’s been like moving away from his Strongman competition size. They talk about the physical toll that comes with pushing your body at a high level, finding the right balance between business, family, and training, and why sometimes the best work happens when nobody is watching.

If you have questions for Brian, topics you would like to hear Brian talk about or guests you would like to see on the podcast email them to: [email protected]

Podcast Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/shawstrengthpodcast/
Brian's Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/shawstrength/
Clothes, Supplements, and Supportive Gear: https://shawstrength.com/
Behind the scenes content and Giveaways: https://club.shawstrength.com/

Main Channel: https://www.youtube.com/c/SHAWSTRENGTH

In this episode of the Shaw Strength Podcast, Brian Shaw sits down for a conversation that starts off with some laughs and an arm wrestling challenge, but quickly turns into a real discussion about resilience, competition, and what it actually takes to push through pain.

Brian talks about how injuries can completely change the way your body works—from strength imbalances and nerve issues to numbness and even how something as simple as your sleeping position can cause problems over time. For anyone involved in strongman, powerlifting, or strength sports, this episode gives a real look at the constant battle between staying healthy and staying competitive.

One of the biggest moments in the episode is Brian’s story from World's Strongest Man 2012, when his hand suddenly stopped working and he lost feeling in his grip. He opens up about the uncertainty, the frustration, and the mental battle of not knowing if things would ever fully recover—while still stepping up to compete.

The conversation also covers competitive fairness through the power stairs controversy, and how important clear rules and accountability are in sport. To close things out, Brian and the hosts talk about parenting, bullying, and the lessons sports can teach kids about confidence, discipline, and standing up for themselves.

If you have questions for Brian, topics you would like to hear Brian talk about or guests you would like to see on the podcast email them to: [email protected]

Podcast Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/shawstrengthpodcast/
Brian's Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/shawstrength/
Clothes, Supplements, and Supportive Gear: https://shawstrength.com/
Behind the scenes content and Giveaways: https://club.shawstrength.com/

Main Channel: https://www.youtube.com/c/SHAWSTRENGTH

In this episode of the Shaw Strength Podcast, host Brian Shaw sits down with Robert Baxter, owner of East vs West, to talk about his incredible journey through business, real estate, franchising, and arm wrestling.

Robert shares stories from some of the biggest opportunities and challenges of his career, including high-pressure real estate deals, expanding the Five Guys brand into Canada, and the lessons he learned while building businesses from the ground up. He talks about the risks, setbacks, and decisions that helped shape his success, as well as the mindset required to keep moving forward when the stakes are high.

The conversation also explores Robert’s lifelong connection to arm wrestling, how competition influenced his approach to business, and what eventually led him to become the owner of East vs West. Along the way, he offers practical insights on leadership, consistency, and the value of staying committed to a long-term vision.

If you have questions for Brian, topics you would like to hear Brian talk about or guests you would like to see on the podcast email them to: [email protected]

Podcast Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/shawstrengthpodcast/
Brian's Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/shawstrength/
Clothes, Supplements, and Supportive Gear: https://shawstrength.com/
Behind the scenes content and Giveaways: https://club.shawstrength.com/

Main Channel: https://www.youtube.com/c/SHAWSTRENGTH

In this episode of the Shaw Strength Podcast, host Brian Shaw sits down with Victor Marx for a powerful conversation about overcoming trauma, protecting children, and fighting for accountability.

Victor shares his incredible life story, from surviving severe childhood abuse to building a life focused on faith, resilience, and helping others. The conversation dives into trauma recovery, the long-term effects of fear and shame, and what true healing looks like after hardship.

Brian and Victor also discuss the realities of child exploitation investigations, the mental toll on law enforcement, and the importance of supporting those working to protect children. Victor opens up about his family’s personal experience with sexual assault, the pursuit of justice, and the challenges families face within the legal system.

The episode also explores broader topics including public safety, parental rights, education transparency, accountability, and leadership in today’s world.

If you have questions for Brian, topics you would like to hear Brian talk about or guests you would like to see on the podcast email them to: [email protected]

Podcast Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/shawstrengthpodcast/
Brian's Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/shawstrength/
Clothes, Supplements, and Supportive Gear: https://shawstrength.com/
Behind the scenes content and Giveaways: https://club.shawstrength.com/

Main Channel: https://www.youtube.com/c/SHAWSTRENGTH

On this episode of the Shaw Strength Podcast, Brian sits down with Luke Pulscher, the head referee for East vs West, to talk about the side of arm wrestling fans rarely get to see, officiating at the highest level.

One bad angle or one split-second decision can turn a correct call into a controversy that lives forever online. Luke breaks down what it’s really like standing on stage with thousands of eyes watching every move, the speed referees have to operate at, the limits of replay, and how officials handle pressure when the entire internet thinks they saw something different.

We also dive into Luke’s personal journey, growing up on a South Dakota farm, overcoming being the “fat kid,” and discovering strength and confidence through arm wrestling. From pulling in bars and local tournaments to becoming one of the most respected referees in the sport, his path wasn’t traditional. Outside of arm wrestling, Luke shares his experiences working as an arborist, developing a passion for personal finance, and building a career helping others plan for their future while still enjoying life today.

On the sport side, we go deep into referee training, earning and maintaining an international master rating, how the East vs West replay system has evolved, and what it takes to build a strong officiating team. We talk missed calls, camera placement, social media criticism, and the responsibility referees carry to protect the integrity of competition.

If you have questions for Brian, topics you would like to hear Brian talk about or guests you would like to see on the podcast email them to: [email protected]

Podcast Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/shawstrengthpodcast/
Brian's Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/shawstrength/
Clothes, Supplements, and Supportive Gear: https://shawstrength.com/
Behind the scenes content and Giveaways: https://club.shawstrength.com/

Main Channel: https://www.youtube.com/c/SHAWSTRENGTH

In this episode of the Shaw Strength Podcast, Brian Shaw sits down with strongman veteran, World’s Strongest Man podium finisher, and longtime friend Laurence Shahlaei for a powerful conversation about resilience, competition, and perspective both inside and outside of strength sports.

Laurence shares the story of a sudden car accident that turned an ordinary drive into a life-changing moment, leading to a hospital visit and a renewed appreciation for what truly matters. The discussion centers on gratitude, family, and how experiences like this can reset priorities and reshape how athletes approach both training and life.

From there, Brian and Laurence dive deep into elite strongman competition — breaking down the most competitive World’s Strongest Man eras, how event order and contest conditions influence results, and why comparing athletes across generations isn’t as simple as looking at numbers on a score sheet. Laurence opens up about overcoming major injuries throughout his career, the challenges of rebuilding confidence after setbacks, and the reality of returning to competition when your body has taken serious damage.

The conversation also looks toward life after peak competition, including coaching, staying goal-driven, and supporting family through new challenges. Brian and Laurence discuss preparation, tapering, and how lessons learned in strongman continue to apply to new competitive arenas, along with insights into the technical and mental side of arm wrestling.

If you have questions for Brian, topics you would like to hear Brian talk about or guests you would like to see on the podcast email them to: [email protected]

Podcast Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/shawstrengthpodcast/
Brian's Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/shawstrength/
Clothes, Supplements, and Supportive Gear: https://shawstrength.com/
Behind the scenes content and Giveaways: https://club.shawstrength.com/

Main Channel: https://www.youtube.com/c/SHAWSTRENGTH

In this episode of the Shaw Strength Podcast, Brian Shaw sits down with elite arm wrestler Brandon Allen for an honest conversation about preparation, competition, and what it really takes to walk into a high-pressure supermatch.

Brian and Brandon dive into how arm wrestling training differs from strongman and powerlifting, breaking down tapering, recovery, staying technically sharp, and finding the balance between pushing hard and showing up fresh on match day. They also look back at their own match from earlier in the year, talking through key moments, setup decisions, and the mental side of competition that starts long before you ever grip up at the table.

Brandon shares stories from training alongside some of the best in the sport including Devon Larratt, Eric Spoto, and Michael Todd  and what he’s learned about preparation, pressure, and staying ready when small details make the biggest difference.

The conversation shifts beyond training into fatherhood, responsibility, and the lessons both athletes are trying to pass on to their kids. From discipline and respect to navigating social media and outside opinions, Brian and Brandon talk openly about how becoming fathers has changed their perspective on competition, success, and life outside the gym.

If you have questions for Brian, topics you would like to hear Brian talk about or guests you would like to see on the podcast email them to: [email protected]

Podcast Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/shawstrengthpodcast/
Brian's Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/shawstrength/
Clothes, Supplements, and Supportive Gear: https://shawstrength.com/
Behind the scenes content and Giveaways: https://club.shawstrength.com/

Main Channel: https://www.youtube.com/c/SHAWSTRENGTH