Peak Speak - A Powerlifting Podcast

Thomas and John are back in 2025! How consistently? Yet to be seen. Today's episode is around the idea of identity, and how this may change or switch over time - how do we cope with change? 

Thomas and John reflect on 200 episodes of Peak Speak, and dive deep into how their training has evolved and shaped itself over the years.

Thomas and John discuss how different lifters require different levels of coaching, and the idea of learning enough through coaching to continue the journey independently. 

Thomas and John talk about the intersection between content creators and experts (or lack thereof), and what qualifies as good quality information and sources. 

This is a bit of a two in one episode! Starting with a rant about Australian Powerlifting federations, Thomas and John then weigh up the difference in results between serious lifters with impeccable tracking and programming, versus those without the means to go 'all in'. At the end of the day, you get to train, and that's a gift. 

Thomas Lilley and John Sheridan, delve into the age-old clash between science nerds and meatheads within the powerlifting community. 🏋️‍♂️🧪

On today's episode, media manager Sam Williams (@leumasthegreat) joins Thomas and John to celebrate 250k downloads, with a recap of our journey along the way and how we think Powerlifting has changed during this time.

In another controversial Peak Speak episode, Thomas and John discuss some recent internet drama surrounding the use of tripods in the gym environment.

There's been a huge drama in the Australian Powerlifting world recently, and we're finally getting the chance to cover it...

Great powerlifters work hard and train intelligently, but at what point does overthinking impact your performance? Thomas and John discuss this today on a whole new episode of Peak Speak. 

Goal setting and planning is often your best chance of success. But even if you're fully prepared, things don't always work out. John recounts a recent experience of this and reflects on his mental state in navigating the feelings around things just not going to plan. 

How does the experience of competing change the further into your lifting career you get? Find out on this week's Peak Speak!  Use code PEAKSPEAK at Prism Coffee for 20% off your premium coffee needs!

Part of why Powerlifting is so accessible is the fact that you can often make vast improvements rapidly when you first begin the sport. But once you hit that first wall and progress halts, where do you go from there? Thomas and John discuss the Powerlifting Inflection Point.  Use code PEAKSPEAK at Prism Coffee for 20% off your premium coffee needs!

Thomas and John discuss programming nuance and when it matters. Does it matter for everyone? Use code PEAKSPEAK at Prism Coffee for 20% off your premium coffee needs!

In this episode, the boys talk a bit about Powerlifting as a sport and how it compares to other sports in regards to rules, refereeing, etc.  Use code PEAKSPEAK at Prism Coffee for 20% off your premium coffee needs!

So you've become a coach...But how do you remain a coach, and continue to improve? Thomas and John discuss longevity in the coaching game.  Use code PEAKSPEAK at Prism Coffee for 20% off your premium coffee needs!

Thomas talks about his latest meet performance, and then the boys talk about the dying art of equipped lifting and why you should give it a go...Maybe?  Use code PEAKSPEAK at Prism Coffee for 20% off your premium coffee needs!

There's coaching and then there's the art of coaching. Tune in this week to hear about how Thomas and John navigate coaching and clearly communicate their message. Use code PEAKSPEAK at Prism Coffee for 20% off your premium coffee needs!

Thomas and John delve into intrinsic drive and motivation and how much they can vary between person to person. Use code PEAKSPEAK at Prism Coffee for 20% off your premium coffee needs!

Thomas and John discuss external education around lifting and how they prefer to use it and seek it for best results. Use code PEAKSPEAK at Prism Coffee for 20% off your premium coffee needs!

Happy New Year listeners! Thomas and John discuss the importance of establishing the correct communication with your coach. Use code PEAKSPEAK at Prism Coffee for 20% off your premium coffee needs! Also, the Key & Peele sketch that Thomas referred to can be watched here.

Thomas and John discuss The Liver King and staying true to yourself.  Use code PEAKSPEAK at Prism Coffee for 20% off your premium coffee needs! Check out Sam's Coffee Time on Instagram for all your coffee porn needs!

Go checkout Sam's Halloween deadlift here! Thomas and John talk about recent Australian comps and reflect on how they have progressed over the years. Use code PEAKSPEAK at Prism Coffee for 20% off your premium coffee needs! And whilst you're on a shopping spree, use code PEAKSPEAK at MANSCAPED to get 20% off best below-the-waist grooming products for men.

John recaps a recent athletic pursuit and reflects on how it made him feel, and how the competitive brain works in mysterious ways...  Use code PEAKSPEAK at Prism Coffee for 20% off your premium coffee needs! And whilst you're on a shopping spree, use code PEAKSPEAK at MANSCAPED to get 20% off best below-the-waist grooming products for men.

Thomas and John discuss 5 ways they have developed as coaches.  Use code PEAKSPEAK at Prism Coffee for 20% off your premium coffee needs! And whilst you're on a shopping spree, use code PEAKSPEAK at MANSCAPED to get 20% off best below-the-waist grooming products for men.

We're finally back, and a rule changed! What was it? Do we think it's good or bad for the sport? Use code PEAKSPEAK at Prism Coffee for 20% off your premium coffee needs! And whilst you're on a shopping spree, use code PEAKSPEAK at MANSCAPED to get 20% off best below-the-waist grooming products for men.

This week John sits down with strength coach, bodybuilder and powerlifter Annie Short. Annie has a Bachelor in Exercise Science and has recently started her journey as a Fitness Content Creator, writing content for gyms and coaches alike. You can find her at @annieshortstrength and @musclewriter Use code PEAKSPEAK at Prism Coffee for 20% off your premium coffee needs! And whilst you're on a shopping spree, use code PEAKSPEAK at MANSCAPED to get 20% off best below-the-waist grooming products for men.

Stretching has been a hot topic throughout fitness history. Is there value in it? Use code PEAKSPEAK at Prism Coffee for 20% off your premium coffee needs! And whilst you're on a shopping spree, use code PEAKSPEAK at MANSCAPED to get 20% off best below-the-waist grooming products for men.

Last episode the boys ranted a bit about negative things they noticed about modern coaches. This week, they come with more solutions!  Use code PEAKSPEAK at Prism Coffee for 20% off your premium coffee needs! And whilst you're on a shopping spree, use code PEAKSPEAK at MANSCAPED to get 20% off best below-the-waist grooming products for men.

In this episode, Thomas and John discuss modern coaches and how they're often missing a piece to the puzzle.  Use code PEAKSPEAK at Prism Coffee for 20% off your premium coffee needs! And whilst you're on a shopping spree, use code PEAKSPEAK at MANSCAPED to get 20% off best below-the-waist grooming products for men.

John chats with Dr. Andy Galpin, a Ph.D. in Human Bioenergetics, who has had an incredible career as a scientist, teacher and coach. He is also the author of the book 'Unplugged'. Read more about Andy here http://www.andygalpin.com/ and follow him at https://www.instagram.com/drandygalpin/ Use code PEAKSPEAK at Prism Coffee for 20% off your premium coffee needs! And whilst you're on a shopping spree, use code PEAKSPEAK at MANSCAPED to get 20% off best below-the-waist grooming products for men.

In this episode, Thomas and John go behind the scenes and talk about the setup required to put on a successful meet.  Use code PEAKSPEAK at Prism Coffee for 20% off your premium coffee needs! And whilst you're on a shopping spree, use code PEAKSPEAK at MANSCAPED to get 20% off best below-the-waist grooming products for men.

Do you get into Internet arguments? Do you feel fulfilled afterwards or does it leave you feeling flat and exhausted? Thomas and John discuss the impact that this can have in the realm of the fitness industry.  Use code PEAKSPEAK at Prism Coffee for 20% off your premium coffee needs! And whilst you're on a shopping spree, use code PEAKSPEAK at MANSCAPED to get 20% off best below-the-waist grooming products for men.

Often we associate things feeling 'better' as a positive change, but is this always the case? Thomas and John discuss how discomfort is often necessary to move forward.  Use code PEAKSPEAK at Prism Coffee for 20% off your premium coffee needs! And whilst you're on a shopping spree, use code PEAKSPEAK at MANSCAPED to get 20% off best below-the-waist grooming products for men.

Thomas and John weigh up the pros and cons of using external measures or devices such as velocity trackers to predict outcomes.  Use code PEAKSPEAK at Prism Coffee for 20% off your premium coffee needs! And whilst you're on a shopping spree, use code PEAKSPEAK at MANSCAPED to get 20% off best below-the-waist grooming products for men.

One of the many things that can ruin a powerlifter's day - bombing a meet! Thomas and John talk about how common this is, and how it can sometimes be our best teacher.  Use code PEAKSPEAK at Prism Coffee for 20% off your premium coffee needs! And whilst you're on a shopping spree, use code PEAKSPEAK at MANSCAPED to get 20% off best below-the-waist grooming products for men.

This episode isn't a dig about staying intermediate, instead it's a celebration of the intermediates! Thomas and John discuss all the good things about using Powerlifting for fun and health and not letting it consume your life.  Use code PEAKSPEAK at Prism Coffee for 20% off your premium coffee needs! And whilst you're on a shopping spree, use code PEAKSPEAK at MANSCAPED to get 20% off best below-the-waist grooming products for men.

Peaking is the last phase of training before you hit the competition platform, and is often misunderstood. Thomas and John talk about the mistakes that often ruin this process and how to ensure success on the day.  Use code PEAKSPEAK at Prism Coffee for 20% off your premium coffee needs! And whilst you're on a shopping spree, use code PEAKSPEAK at MANSCAPED to get 20% off best below-the-waist grooming products for men.

Are there too many Powerlifting Federations? Thomas and John give their view.  Use code PEAKSPEAK at Prism Coffee for 20% off your premium coffee needs! And whilst you're on a shopping spree, use code PEAKSPEAK at MANSCAPED to get 20% off best below-the-waist grooming products for men.

Have you ever thought about what your values were, or worked at a place that sought to define their values? In a coaching context, can you articulate what makes your training system unique to your brand, and can you repeat it time and time again? Thomas and John discuss creating systems and the importance of being able to teach your system to others.  Use code PEAKSPEAK at Prism Coffee for 20% off your premium coffee needs! And whilst you're on a shopping spree, use code PEAKSPEAK at MANSCAPED to get 20% off best below-the-waist grooming products for men.

Are your muscles weak, or are you lacking skill? Thomas and John break down common misconceptions around why you might fail a lift and what the cause probably is.  Use code PEAKSPEAK at Prism Coffee for 20% off your premium coffee needs! And whilst you're on a shopping spree, use code PEAKSPEAK at MANSCAPED to get 20% off best below-the-waist grooming products for men.

This week's episode was filled with jewels! Are you struggling to get your business off the ground? Thomas and John discuss what sort of mindset is required to sell your products and services and what not to do.  Use code PEAKSPEAK at Prism Coffee for 20% off your premium coffee needs! And whilst you're on a shopping spree, use code PEAKSPEAK at MANSCAPED to get 20% off best below-the-waist grooming products for men.

How often do you compete? Thomas and John discuss the age old question, and give an argument for competing more often rather than less often. Use code PEAKSPEAK at Prism Coffee for 20% off your premium coffee needs! And whilst you're on a shopping spree, use code PEAKSPEAK at MANSCAPED to get 20% off best below-the-waist grooming products for men.

We all know the main motivation for lifting weights, to get jacked and strong. But what can we learn outside of that? Thomas and John discuss how the barbell has enriched their lives outside of the main goal.  Use code PEAKSPEAK at Prism Coffee for 20% off your premium coffee needs! And whilst you're on a shopping spree, use code PEAKSPEAK at MANSCAPED to get 20% off best below-the-waist grooming products for men.

Back by popular demand! Thomas sits down with Paul and Dan Rucci, owners of Rucci's gym in WA and chats gym ownership and the direction of Powerlifting in Australia. Use code PEAKSPEAK at Prism Coffee for 20% off your premium coffee needs! And whilst you're on a shopping spree, use code PEAKSPEAK at MANSCAPED to get 20% off best below-the-waist grooming products for men.

The Peak Speak team reflect on the year that was! How was your 2021 besides the obvious? Use code PEAKSPEAK at Prism Coffee for 20% off your premium coffee needs! And whilst you're on a shopping spree, use code PEAKSPEAK at MANSCAPED to get 20% off best below-the-waist grooming products for men.

When was the last time you tested your maxes? Do you max too frequently or has it been a while since you established your numbers? Thomas and John discuss the value of establishing your baseline and the pros and cons.  Use code PEAKSPEAK at Prism Coffee for 20% off your premium coffee needs! And whilst you're on a shopping spree, use code PEAKSPEAK at MANSCAPED to get 20% off best below-the-waist grooming products for men.

Generally we talk about more advanced concepts, but this week we're doing an episode for those just getting started! Starting anything can be daunting, but it doesn't need to be. Thomas and John discuss some tips around starting your Powerlifting journey.  Use code PEAKSPEAK at Prism Coffee for 20% off your premium coffee needs! And whilst you're on a shopping spree, use code PEAKSPEAK at MANSCAPED to get 20% off best below-the-waist grooming products for men.

Tune into this week's episode on Endurance training and the benefits it can have on our health and other athletic pursuits. Use code PEAKSPEAK at Prism Coffee for 20% off your premium coffee needs! And whilst you're on a shopping spree, use code PEAKSPEAK at MANSCAPED to get 20% off best below-the-waist grooming products for men.

Do you take deloads from training or are you on team #NODAYSOFF? Thomas and John discuss their thoughts on the topic. Use code PEAKSPEAK at Prism Coffee for 20% off your premium coffee needs! And whilst you're on a shopping spree, use code PEAKSPEAK at MANSCAPED to get 20% off best below-the-waist grooming products for men.