In this episode, Brian sits down with Iron core’s Tyler Hobson to break down how a lifelong obsession with Olympic lifting, physics, and precision turned into some of the most intuitive strength equipment in the game. Tyler explains the pendulum principle, how tempo can make or break a strength curve, and why some machines feel right from the very first rep. From a hip press born out of training around herniated discs to prototypes that get scrapped the moment they fight your leverage, this is a deep dive into ruthless iteration and chasing perfect movement.

We also get real about the cost of craftsmanship. Tyler shares late nights on the shop floor, solo installs for NFL teams, and the moment the grind nearly cost him his family—before he made the decision to rebuild the business around community. That mindset shows up in everything: inch-and-a-half shafts, pillow block bearings, limited runs signed by the builder, and equipment that’s “overbuilt” because feel matters.

Beyond the steel, this episode is about mindset. Gratitude rituals that reset bad days. Leadership that shows up, cleans bathrooms, and earns loyalty. The value of trades, apprenticeships, and doing things the right way when no one’s watching. If you care about strength equipment, small-business grit, or doing hard things at a high level, this one delivers.

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: askbrian@shawstrength.com

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 his wife Keri to look back at how the Shaw Classic really started — from a late-night idea in 2020 to one of the toughest strength contests on the planet. They break down the early chaos, the DIY setup in their home gym, and what it was actually like trying to pull off a world-class event in the middle of worldwide shutdowns. From scrambling to get athletes into the country to worrying the whole thing might get them in trouble with the neighborhood, it’s the raw, unfiltered story of building the Shaw Classic from the ground up.

Brian and Keri dig into the athlete-first mindset that drives the entire event, the inspiration taken from legendary contests like Fortissimus, and why the Shaw Classic refuses to shy away from big athlete rosters and brutal events. Keri shares the behind-the-scenes workload most people never see—moving equipment across the country, hand-packing athlete bags, and making sure as much as possible goes straight back into the athletes’ prize purse.

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: askbrian@shawstrength.com

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 pro strongman Nick Guardione to explore the wins that don’t come with trophies, the 50-pound PRs, the calmer mind under bright lights, and a training log filled with solutions instead of excuses. At the heart of the conversation is Nick’s journey, a story that starts with loss and adversity and ends with a clear, deliberate plan to keep climbing in the pro ranks.

We unpack Nick’s early obsessions, the moment life collapsed, and the friend who dragged him to the gym until it became a lifeline. From there, it’s a masterclass in process: how six months of focused newbie gains turned into a dominant novice debut, why “punching up” against harder fields accelerates growth, and how he studies every contest to find the exact fix for the next block. Nick shares the mental framework that keeps him steady—clearing distractions, checking equipment, and protecting the flow state—so he can go all-in when it counts.

We also dive into the spectacle that makes strongman special. Visual events, character, and tension bring new fans to feats of strength; innovation matters even when the internet nitpicks. We talk candidly about risk, backlash, and owning a vision for a sport that needs both heavy lifts and memorable moments. Along the way, you’ll hear why a “last place” deadlift can be a massive personal victory, how to measure progress without losing sight of the podium, and what Nick is building this offseason to push toward Worlds finals and consistent top-five finishes.

If you care about mindset, performance, and the craft of competing—this conversation is your playbook. Listen, share with a friend who needs the push, and leave a review so more lifters find it. Then tell us: what punch-up are you taking next?

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: askbrian@shawstrength.com

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