Berserker Strength Radio: The Strength and Anger Podcast

This week, Bain and Stone toss around the questions:  What would it take to make powerlifting "mainstream?"  What does it even mean to be "mainstream?"  And would we even want powerlifting to achieve such a status?  In the "PLUSA Throwback" segment, the boys discuss the April 1990 issue, which has one of the gnarliest photos likely ever taken at a powerlifting meet from 1990 USPF Natural Nationals.

This week, Bain and Stone interview The Man, The Myth, The Legend that is Putt Houston.  He's probably been mentioned on the podcast more than any other person.  Strap in, Putt takes you on a journey of a man who has been competing in powerlifting for 30+ years, has a 6,000 sq. foot home with 11 fridges, pour ammonia in his eyes, and enjoys being tased.

This week, the boys answer YOUR questions from social media.  They also cover TWO hot topics of the day, and Stone tells a "Stone Story" for the ages.  In the "PLUSA Throwback" segment, the boys cover the September 1983 issue of Powerlifting USA.  The cover of that PLUSA featured 275lb class winner from 1983 USPF Seniors, John Gamble.  That epic '83 Seniors was loaded with legendary lifters like Lamar Gant, Rickey Dale Crain, Mike Bridges, a 19-year-old Ed Coan, Ernie Frantz, Fred Hatfield, and Bill Kazmaier among others.

This week, the boys chat with the biggest equipped bench presser of all-time, Jimmy Kolb.  Jimmy has the title of the biggest lift of any type in competition with his 1320lbs unlimited bench, and also has benched 1120lbs in a single-ply shirt.  Jimmy has been competing for almost 15 years, starting when he was in high school.  He talks about his bench progression, his opinion on band vs. traditional shirts, pro powerlifting, and what he has planned next among other topics.

FINALLY, the Strength & Anger Podcast is BACK!  The boys give lots of life updates that prevented them from recording for the past (3) months.  Then they kick around the idea of whether or not the bench arch should be banned or not.

This week, Bain and Stone take a deep dive into the 2021 removal of USA Powerlifting (USAPL) as the US affiliate of the International Powerlifting Federation (IPF).  They go through a full timeline of events of how changes in WADA policy affected the IPF constitution and by-laws, and ultimately led to the IPF removing the USAPL.  In the "PLUSA Throwback," the boys discuss the June 1994 issue, which had Paula Suzuki and Bill Nichols on the cover.  In addition, the boys discussed the the Women's ProAm, and the "Hot Topic" of holes in singlets.

Bain and Stone are back!  After a too-long-hiatus, they are back this week talking about their thoughts on how multi-ply pro powerlifting can succeed long-term.  Bain is fresh off of (another) trip to Florida to help with the WPO Bench Bash, and has some feedback from that event.  Stone was at USAPL "Frat Nats" and his thoughts on that event.  In the "PLUSA Throwback," the boys go all the way back to July 1993, where they were also dicusssing the future of pro powerlifting, after apparently the "first professional bench press meet."  Finally, The Don gives his eulogy of the recently passed Louie Simmons.

This week, Bain and Stone had a chance to chat with long-time powerlifter, Rebecca Roberts.  Rebecca has been competing since 1997, and has competed in single ply, raw, multi-ply, and even strongwoman.  She started as a collegiate powerlifter with the USAPL, became an equipped powerlifter with the APF, had some stints in raw and strongwoman, and now is back in multi-ply.  In the "PLUSA Throwback" segment, the boys discussed the January 2011 issue, which had legondary bencher Joe Mazza on the cover--who at the time had the raw, single-ply and multi-ply bench records at 165 at 487 / 670 / 705 lbs respectively.  The boys also discussed TWO hot topics, discussing (once again) the ever-popular topic of band "shirts" as well as the some's contention that "raw w/wraps is dead."

This week, Bain and Stone discussed the topic of comparing raw and equipped numbers.  If a raw lifter can ask an equipped lifter, "What can you do raw??" can an equipped lifter ask a raw lifter, "What can you do equipped??"  The topic was prompted by guest of the show Shawn Deal, who talked with Bain about the situation that prompted the topic.  In the "PLUSA Throwback," the boys discussed the May 2001 issue, which had the GOAT Ed Coan on the cover.

 This week, Bain and Stone had Bob Merkh back on the podcast to talk about transitioning from Raw to Equipped powerlifting.  He and Bain talked about their reasoning for switching from raw to equipped, how they adjusted their training, what they would differently, and more.  In the "PLUSA Throwback" segment, the boys discussed the July 1990 issue, which had the then-recently deceased Dave Pasanella on the cover.

This week, Bain and Stone take YOUR questions, covering a wide array of topics.  In the "PLUSA Throwback" segment, the boys discuss the November 1995 issue, which had highlights from the John Inzer produced "Greatest Bench Press in America" meet, in which John Inzer pulled his historic 780lb deadlift at 165lbs.  The boys also discuss the recent "Professional Powerlifting Championships" announcement from WRPF.

On the final episode of 2021, Bain and Stone discuss their "Top 3s" of everything 2021:  Top 3 Episodes, Top 3 Interviews, Top 3 Powerlifting Events, Top 3 Non-Powerlifting Events, Top 3 Least Favorite Things, and Take-Aways from 2021.  In the "PLUSA Throwback" segment, the boys discuss the July 2008 issue, which had highlights from 2008 WABDL Push-Pull Nationals on the cover.  They also discuss the new USAPL "Pro Series."

This week, Bain and Stone had a chance to chat with Hunter Hernandez, bench press specialist and band "shirt" advocate.  He recently benched 518lbs at 148lb bodyweight in a so-called "band shirt," which puts him the top 20 all-time on OpenPowerlifting.com.  In addition to talking about his start in the sport, Hunter and Stone discussed opposing view points on allowing band shirts in competition, whether or not they consituted a "shirt," and effects they could have on the sport overall.  In the "PLUSA Throwback" segment, the boys discussed the Sept. 1993 issue, which had then ADFPA 181lb National Champion Rob Wagner on the cover.  Additionally, Stone told a recent classic "Stone Story" from one of his members.

This week, Bain and Stone had special guests, Leah Reichman and Amber Hansen, to discuss their new endeavor, The Main Event Project.  Leah and Amber discuss their inception of the project of promoting women's powerlifting.  They also discuss the petition they have been circulating with the goal of expanding women's weight classes in powerlifting.  In the "PLUSA Throwback" segment, the boys disuss the November 2000 issue, which had German bencher Markus Schick on the cover.  Stone also relayed one of the most memorable "Stone Stories" to date, the tale of the Steamworks trip.

This week, Bain and Stone argue about the of the many issues argued countless times in powerlifting on message boards and social media, the 24-hour weigh-in.  Stone takes the "gold standard" position of banning 24-hour weigh-ins, while Bain defends the age-old practice.  In the "PLUSA Throwback" segment, the boys go back to January 1987, which had 17-time IPF World Champion Hideaki Inaba on the cover.  The boys also discuss the controversial IG post by Jen Thompson comparing a high-board press to an arched bench.

This week, Bain and Stone gave a full review to the book, "10/20/Life, Second Edition," by Brian Carroll.  They went chapter by chapter giving the book a full overview, as well as detailing the basics of the training cycles included in the book.  In the "PLUSA Throwback" segment, the boys covered just one month prior to last episode's review, looking at the July 2005 issue.  On the cover was Garry Frank, Becca Swanson, and Joe Bayles from 2005 APF Senior Nationals.

This week, Bain and Stone interviewed the 2021 Women's WPO Super Finals Champion, Deana D'Andrea.  In only her 3rd multi-ply meet, Deana "came out of nowhere" to unseat the 2-time WPO Women's Champion Tara Webber.  Deana totaled 1790 lbs at 181lbs with lifts of a 727 lb squat, 429 lb bench, and 582 lb deadlift, good for a All-Time Total Record.  We discussed how Deana got involved in powerlifting, how and why she switched over to multi-ply, and what her future goals are.  In the "PLUSA Throwback" segment, the boys discussed the August 2005, which had bench specialist Matt LaMarque on the cover, being the lightest lifter at the time to bench 800lbs.  The boys also discuss the continued USAPL / IPF drama, and the very oddly set-up Julius Maddox 800lb bench attempt at Wriggley Field..

This week, Bain and Stone recap the 2021 WPO Super Finals, which took place August 21-22, 2021, in Fort Lauderdale, FL.  Bain was on the platform both days, and Stone was there coaching one day, and working the next day.  They recap the meet overall, the lifters' performances, and the future of the WPO.  In the "PLUSA Throwback" segment, the boys discuss the February 1991 issue, which had Juha Hyttinen of Finland on the cover.

This week, special guest host Dr. Jennifer Gimmell joins Eric Stone to discuss the technicalities surrounding the various coefficient formulas / tables that are used in powerlifting meets to determine "Best Lifter" awards.  Bain is in for the Intro and Outro, and he and Stone discuss the Powerlifting USA from June 1999 in their "PLUSA Throwback."  In addition, the boys continue to discuss the ongoing "disagreement" between the USAPL and IPF.

This week, Bain and Stone discuss the common phenomenon of new lifters leaving the sport almost as quickly as they started.  They postulate the reasons why they leave the sport, and how it differs from older lifters who "retire" from powerlifting.  In the PLUSA Throwback segment, the boys discuss the February 2011 issue, which had 2010 WABDL Worlds on the cover.

This week, Bain and Stone talk with one of the strongest powerlifters of all-time, Dan Bell!  Dan has some of the highest raw lifts of all-time, and has even dabbled in equipped.  In the "PLUSA Throwback" segment, the boys go all the way back to June 1982, which had "Dr. Squat" Fred Hatfield on the cover.

This week, Bain and Stone got to chat with female powerlifter Amber Hansen, who has had a high level of success both raw and equipped in a short period of time in powerlifting.  She talked about her start in the sport, how she and her coach handle her training both for raw and equipped, and future plans.  In the "PLUSA Throwback" segment, the boys discussed the Sept. 2006 issue, which had Westside bencher Mike Wolf on the cover.

THROWBACK - Andrew Billing started PowerliftingCast back in March of 2008, and Eric Stone was his first guest.  Well before the days when seemingly everyone had their own podcast, Andrew was well ahead of his time, hosting the audio files directly on his own website.  Andrew would go onto train with Team Stone part-time for a time, and has since left the sport of powerlifting.  But, he did give Eric Stone permission to use the podcasts he recorded back in '08 - '09.  If there's interest, we will post the rest of the dozen or so interviews.  We did some limited editing of the audio file (mostly to balance out the volume), it is mostly being presented as it was originally recorded.

This week, Bain and Stone were able to chat with long-time EliteFTS sponsored powerlifter, Jo Jordan.  They talked about his start in the sport, how he got involved with EFS, and his many injuries and how he has overcome them.  In the "PLUSA Throwback," the boys discussed the April 1993 issue, which had Pat Succo on the cover

This week, Bain and Stone look into one of the craziest political stories in the history of powerlifting:  the 1998 attempted "takeover" of the WPC.  Back at 1998 WPC Worlds in Austria, APF / WPC Founder and President Ernie Frantz was banned for the meet, with armed guards hired specifically to keep him out of the venue.  In an instant classic "Stone Story," Eric recalls his recent trip to pick-up another monolift.  The phrase "BOTH?" is likely to become a popular meme.  In the "PLUSA Throwback," the boys look at the February 1999 issue of PLUSA, which had the first-person account from Herb Glossbrenner, who was at the 1998 WPC Worlds.

This week, Bain and Stone had a chance to sit down, in person, with Pete Arroyo.  Pete goes way back to the early 2000s competing and coaching with Eric.  Pete talked about his early days in the sport, the lessons he learned, his start in coaching, and what eventually took him away from competing in the sport.  In the "PLUSA Throwback" segment, the boys discussed the January 1999 issue, which had "Bull" Stewart from WABDL Worlds on the cover.  They also ran into some details on the 1998 WPC Worlds, which featured a supposed "takeover" attempt of the WPC.

This week, Bain and Stone examine the topic of being a "handler" for another lifter at a meet.  What does it mean to be a "handler?"  What types of things would you need to do for a raw vs. an equipped lifter?  Also included is a classic "Stone Story" that goes back to one of the first IL Raw Power Challenge meets.  In the "PLUSA Throwback" segment, the boys go back to the July 1986 issue, which had some interesting insights on some of the powerlifting federation politics at the time.

This week, Bain and Stone take YOUR questions.  The boys also discuss results from 2021 AAPF Nationals.  In the "PLUSA Throwback," they discuss the May 2006 issue, which had Ryan Kennelly on the cover, and had an article on the "Rubber Band Man" Dick Hartzell.

This week, Bain and Stone go back to 1997 to discuss how USA Powerlifting (USAPL) became the US affiliate to the International Powerlifting Federation (IPF).  It started with a meeting on March 1, 1997 between the current US affiliate, the USPF, the organization then known as the American Drug-Free Powerlifting Association (ADFPA).  It ended at the 1997 IPF Men's Worlds at their annual meeting, where the USPF was voted out of the IPF, and the USAPL was immediately voted in as their replacement US affiliate.  Along the way, Powerlifting USA was FILLED with letters back and forth between USAPL and USPF officials and members.  In the "PLUSA Throwback," the boys discuss what else was going on in powerlifting in January 1998, when this news finally went to press.  On the cover was Alexei Sivokon, the "Champion of Champions" from the 1997 IPF Men's Worlds.

This week, Bain and Stone continue their "Why" series, looking at why the two of them are often seen helping at powerlifting meets.  They also go through a recap of the 2021 Women's ProAm, which both of them helped work.  In the "PLUSA Throwback" segment, the boys go back to the March 1987 issue, which had quite the interesting "Power Prevu" article by PLUSA Editor-in-Chief Mike Lambert.

This week, Bain and Stone argue about the age-old powerlifting topic:  Is the walkout actually part of the squat?  In the "PLUSA Throwback" segment, they go back to the December 2006 issue, which had the first-ever 1000+ lb deadlifter on the cover, Andy Bolton.

"It's only two weeks!"  Remember hearing that, a YEAR ago?  This week, Bain and Stone discuss the anniversary of that "two weeks" that led to a huge change in the world, their lives, and even powerlifting.  In the "PLUSA Throwback" segment, they discuss the Sept. 2001 issue, which had highlights from the 2001 WPO Semi-Finals.

This week, Bain and Stone complete their review of "Gear" by covering its last chapter, "Ernie Frantz and The History of Frantz Multi-Ply Gear" by Eric Maroscher.  This book within a book details how Ernie Frantz set the stage for current multi-ply powerlifting.  In the "PLUSA Throwback" segment, the boys covered the August 2003 issue, which had Scot Mendelson on the cover.  "Mendy" had just benched an all-time WR of 875lbs at the time of the publishing of that issue.

This week, Bain and Stone review the book "Gear:  The Ultimate Guide to Equipped Powerlifting" by David Kirschen and friends.  They take a deep dive into this book that takes a very in-depth look into the topic of equipped powerlifting.  Because the book contains so much content, they will split off the last chapter on the Legacy of Ernie Frantz into its own podcast at a later date.  In addition, they skipped their usual PLUSA Throwback segment--but that will return next week.

This week, Bain and Stone have another chance to chat with the "Queen Bee" herself, Laura Phelps-Stackhouse.  Laura is the #1 Glossbrenner Female Equipped Powerlifter of All-Time.  She has broken 7 All-Time Powerlifting World Records.  She is the owner of Queen Bee Power, and coach of many successful powerlifters and Crossfit athletes.  She answered all of YOUR questions about training and conjugate.  In the "PLUSA Throwback" segment, the boys discussed the November 1990 issue with bench press specialize and pro wrestler Ted Arcidi on the cover.

Continuing in their "Why" series, this week, Bain and and Stone articulate why the two of them have chosen to compete in and support the American Powerlifting Federation.  They continue to explore the legacy of Ernie Frantz in this episode, as originally the American *Masters* Powerlifting Federation, or AMPF, was formed in 1982 by Ernie Frantz.  In the "PLUSA Throwback" segment, they discuss the November 1982 issue, which has "Dr. Squat" Fred Hatfield on the cover.  Hatfield talks about the "Magic Leg Machine, aka the safety squat bar or SSB.  The issue also has a good deal of information on the emerging APF form evolving out of the original AMPF, after a number of controversies surround the 1985 USPF Seniors.

This week, Bain and Stone chatted with Emma Jarman, a classic raw female powerlifter.  Emma is a columnist for EliteFTS, and recently put out a survey to female powerlifters on PED usage.  Emma came on to talk about her lifting, her experience in the sport, as well as the survey.  The boys felt talking with Emma about her survey would be a good follow-up to their recent PED episode.  Emma talked about the process of collecting the data, and why she released it in the manner in which she did.  In the "PLUSA Throwback" segment, the boys go ALL the way back to the October 1980 issue, which once again had a younger Ernie Frantz on the cover.  The issue also brought to light the "NPA" federation that had a very short exsistance as the first splinter organization.

This week, Eric Stone is joined by his wife, Jackie Stone, as a special guest host.  They met and trained together at Frantz Gym on the Frantz Power Team back in the early 2000s.  After Ernie Frantz passed last week, they both felt it was important to do a tribute episode to him, talking about their memories of Ernie, of training at Frantz Gym, and talking the legacy that that "Godfather of Powerlifting" left behind.  In the "PLUSA Throwback" segment, they went through highlights from the March 1996 issue that had the man himself, Ernie Frantz, on the cover, squatting 815lbs at 61 years old at 1995 WPC Worlds.

This week, Bain and Stone finally do their long-awaited and teased Performance-Enhancing Drugs in Powerlifting episode.  They go through the thoughts of (4) different lifters who use PEDs for various reasons and with various methods, and talk about the issues that surround them.  In the "PLUSA Throwback" segment, the boys discuss the February 1993 issue, which had 6x IPF Open World Champion Kirk Karwoski on the cover.

This week, Bain and Stone cover the hot topic of rubber band "shirts" being used in equipped powerlifting competitions.  They go through the history of devices like the Slingshot, and how they transitioned through Texas High School Powerlifting now to be accepted as "shirts" by some organizations.  In the "PLUSA Throwback" segment, the boys go all the way back to April 1992, with the late Anthony Clark on the cover.

This week, Bain and Stone review the year that was 2020.  They go through their "Top 3's" from 2020, take-aways from the year, and look forward to goals for 2021.  In the PLUSA Throwback segment, the boys go back to April 2001, with the Arnold Classic bench meet results on the cover featuring Kenny Patterson, Rob Fusner, and Tina Rinehart.

In this week's episode, Bain and Stone take opposing side of the "powerlifting has too many feds" argument.  Bains takes the affirmative while Stone takes the opposing point of view.  In the "PLUSA Throwback" segment, brought to you by Deathwish Barbell, the boys once again go way back to the Sept. 1998 issue.  The '98 issue has Angelo Beradinelli on the cover, and has part 1 of the results from the 1998 APF Senior Nationals.

This week, Bain and Stone list their top 5 reasons why they have and continue to compete in powerlifting as a sport.  In the "PLUSA Throwback" segment, brought to you by Death Wish Barbell, the boys go all the way back to May 1998.  On the cover is the "GOAT" of powerlifting, Ed Coan; inside he discusses his 1996 failed drug test at the IPF Worlds.

This week, Bain and Stone interviewed Dr. Fred Clary, a Chiropractic Neurologist and long-time powerlifter.  They talked about Dr. Fred's powerlifting career starting back in the 80's, taking a break, and then picking it back up in the 2010s.  They also discussed his research into the COVID-19 Pandemic.  In the "PLUSA Throwback" segment, brought to you by Death Wish Barbell, the boys discussed the Septemer 2002 issue, with Ryan Kennelly on the cover.  The Ryan Kennelly 800lb bench press took the boys down quite a rabbit hole of looking into who really did first officially bench 800lbs in a sanctioned meet.  They also debut a new segment called, "Stone Stories," where Stone recalls various stories from meets he's run and emails he has recieved.

This week, Bain and Stone review the 2020 WPO Super Finals.  They talk about how the meet came to be on Wednesday, October 28, 2020 at 2XL Powerlifting, the running of the event, the lifting itself, and the future of the WPO.  In the "PLUSA Throwback" segment, presented by Death Wish Barbell, the boys discuss the March 2000 issue, with Liz Willett on the cover from 2000 USAPL Women's Nationals.

This week, Bain and Stone discuss the twists and turns of promoting WPC / AWPC Worlds in the the mist of a global pandemic.  They go through the full timeline of scheduling the meet, going all the way back to April 2019 when planning began.  In the "PLUSA Throwback" segment, presented by Deathwish Barbell, the boys discuss the March 2004 issue, with Priscilla Ribic, Liz Willett, Amy Weisberger, and Becca Swanson on the cover.

This week, Bain and Stone talk with WPO competitor, and up-and-coming multi-ply female powerlifter, Leah Reichman.  She has competition-best lifts of 771lb squat, 470lb bench, and 600lb deadlift equipped; and 510lb squat, 275lb bench, and 525lb deadlift classic raw.  She is competing in the upcoming WPO Super Finals, and has some BIG goals for the future.  In the "What is BS" segment, Bain and Stone rant on "internet call-outs" and the Starbucks online account / app.  In the "PLUSA Throwback" segment, presented by Death Wish Barbell, the boys discuss the June 2005 issue, with USAPL/IPF lifter Anthony Harris.

After a week off, this week Bain and Stone dive into YOUR questions from all across the board.  To start, however, Bain has an extensive update on his trip to Atlantic City.  In the "PLUSA Throwback" segment, presented by Death Wish Barbell, the boys discuss the June 2007 issue, with a young AJ Mangum from WABDL Teen Nationals on the cover.

In the first of a new series of "Why" episodes, Bain and Stone affirmatively answer the question of why a lifter would choose to lift and compete equipped.  In the "What is BS" segment, Stone goes on a rant very related to recent social media posts on a certain lifter's training video.  In the "PLUSA Throwback" segment, presented by Death Wish Barbell, the boys discuss the December 2011 issue with Vince Urbank from the 2011 Night of the Living Deadlift on the cover.

In this week's episode, Bain and Stone go through all the "other stuff" they missed in their first Equipment episode, including wraps, sleeves, shoes, belts, and miscellaneous.  In the "PLUSA Throwback" segment, presented by Deathwish Barbell, the boys went all the way back to the May 1982 issue, which had Bill Toscas on the cover.  The issue also had an interesting letter from then-USPF President Conrad Cotter, shedding some light on the formation of the USPF and its separation from the AAU.