Strength Agenda Radio

With the recent Enhanced Games competition happening everyone is talking, but is it a good thing or just a marketing scam?This week Coach Tom and John talk about PEDs, drug testing, and whether or not The Enhanced Games are actually good for sports, and why they think it might just be a big marketing scam.Looking to build real. long lasting strength you can use at any age? Head over to thestrengtheagenda.com to enjoy world class strength programming from Coach Tom Sroka and team.Get a full month of our Basic Strength programs for $1 or full access to all our programs free for 14-Days. Stronger Athletes = Better Athletes

Time for another episode of everyone's favorite (maybe) podcast.Warming up is important, and it changes based on activity, age, injury, goals. It is so important that this week Tom and John make it the focus of this episode. Whether you are an athlete getting ready to compete, someone over 40 just looking to stay healthy and strong for the long haul, or just not sure why you keep getting nagging injuries and are looking to do something about it this is a can't miss episode.Looking to add some serious strength but not sure where to start? Get a full month of our Basic Strength program for only $1. See real progress in just 4 weeks. Ready to take it to the next level? Jump in to our Everyday Strength and Conditioning programs now to get access to everything The Strength Agenda has to offer.Head to thestrengthagenda.com and start building now.

Coaches Tom and John are back with another episode of Strength Agenda Radio.Fresh off the Illinois State WSO meet they give a quick review of the meet before diving into the main topic today, maxing out.A lot of people in the strength training world want to max out regularly, but is that really good for you? Depends. Tom and John weigh in on this pretty heavy topic to give their insight.We believe stronger athletes are better athletes, and we have the results to prove it. Come check out strength programs at thestrengthagenda.com. Whether you are looking to reach the podium at a competition, crush PRs, or just feel better we've got programs for you.enjoy a full month of the Basic Strength program for only $1 right now for a limited time.

We're back! After a brief hiatus due to travel, coaching, and competitions Coach Tom and John are finally back. This time they brought a new friend. Introducing Coach Michael.Coach Michael comes to the Strength Agenda team to help high level CrossFit, and aspiring high level CrossFit athletes level-up. With years of high level competition under his belt along with high level coaching, Michael is great addition to the team. This week the team is talking about strength training for competition, no matter what you compete in, and how to build it for the long term, the right way.Want to try a month of the Strength Agenda way? got to thestrengthagenda.com and sign-up for an entire month of strength training for only $1.

We’re back from the Natural State with medals and insights! In Episode 24 of The Strength Agenda Radio, Coaches Tom and John recap the highs, the lows, and the heavy lifts from the USA Masters competition in Little Rock, Arkansas.But we aren't just talking shop about the podium—we’re diving deep into the tech that’s changing the game for masters athletes and strength junkies alike: Velocity Based Training (VBT). If you’re still training based on "how you feel" or static percentages, you’re leaving gains on the table.TRAIN AT THE SPEED OF STRENGTH:Ready for a program that adapts to your speed? Get the professional programming that bridges the gap between science and sweat.CTA: Start your FREE 7-Day Trial of The Strength Agenda Training App and grab the latest competition-ready gear at thestrengthagenda.com!

Are you still doing two arm circles and calling it a "warm-up"? Stop it. Right now.In Episode 23 of The Strength Agenda Radio, Coaches Tom and John are breaking down the three pillars of a successful training session: Preparation, Performance Footwear, and Pure Caffeine. We’re cutting through the fluff to tell you what actually works to get your body (and brain) ready for the heavy triples.DON'T JUST WARM UP—LEVEL UP:Ready for a program that tells you exactly how to prep for success? Get the roadmap to your next PR.CTA: Start your FREE 7-Day Trial of The Strength Agenda Training App and grab the latest apparel at thestrengthagenda.com!

Think your leg day is tough? Try taking a powerbomb through a table and then finishing a 20-minute match. In Episode 22 of The Strength Agenda Radio, Coaches Tom and John are stepping into the squared circle with a true icon of the Midwest indy scene: former Champion and professional wrestling powerhouse, Craig Mitchell.Craig has spent years perfecting the art of "controlled chaos," and today, he’s pulling back the curtain on the brutal reality of the wrestling business. This isn't just entertainment—it's an athletic gauntlet that requires a very specific kind of strength.TRAIN LIKE A CHAMPION (WITHOUT THE BODY SLAMS):You don't have to get hit with a chair to get strong. Get the elite programming used by athletes across every discipline.Start your FREE 7-Day Trial of The Strength Agenda Training App and grab the latest gear at thestrengthagenda.com!

Let’s be honest: your gym bag is either a well-organized toolkit or a mobile biohazard unit. In this fun and surprisingly wholesome episode of The Strength Agenda Radio, Coaches Tom and John are opening up their lockers and dumping out their bags. We’re moving away from the heavy science for a second to talk about the gear that actually makes it into our daily rotation—and more importantly, how to keep your bag from smelling like a locker room’s basement.FILL YOUR BAG WITH THE BEST:Now that your bag is organized, it's time to put it to use. Get the programming that turns all that gear into actual gains.Start your FREE 7-Day Trial of The Strength Agenda Training App and grab some fresh (and non-stinky) apparel at thestrengthagenda.com!

The CrossFit Open is here, and your central nervous system is currently screaming for help. In Episode 20 of The Strength Agenda Radio, Coaches Tom and John are diving into the high-stakes world of short-turnaround recovery. Whether you’re grinding through the Open, a weekend-long competition, or back-to-back meets, the secret to winning isn't "trying harder"—it's recovering smarter.If you’re the athlete who thinks a 30-minute AMRAP on Tuesday is a good idea before an Open workout on Friday, we need to have a little talk.In this episode, we’re breaking down:The Quick Turnaround Protocol: Actionable recovery processes to get you from "wrecked" to "ready" in record time.The Art of the Taper: Why scaling back your volume isn't a sign of weakness—it’s the only way to ensure you’re peaking at the right time.Don't Be a "Tuesday Hero": Why going all-out during your mid-week sessions is the fastest way to sabotage your performance when the lights are on.Managing the Redline: How to listen to your body’s signals and know when to push the gas and when to hit the brakes to avoid the dreaded "Open burnout."Stop leaving your best performances on the practice floor. Tune in to learn how to manage the grind and show up when it actually counts!⚡️ RECOVER. PEAK. REPEAT.Ready for a program that knows when to push you and when to protect you? Get the professional programming your gains deserve.Start your FREE 7-Day Trial of The Strength Agenda Training App and grab some fresh apparel at thestrengthagenda.com!

Stop using your treadmill as a laundry rack! It’s time to turn that spare corner or dusty garage into a powerhouse. In Episode 19 of The Strength Agenda Radio, Coaches Tom and John are stripping away the fancy marketing and high-tech gimmicks to give you the raw truth about building a home gym that actually gets results. Whether you're working with a massive budget or just scrounging for change under the couch cushions, this episode is your ultimate gear guide. TAKE YOUR HOME WORKOUTS TO THE NEXT LEVEL: Got the gear but no plan? We’ve got the programming to match your setup, whether it’s a full garage gym or a single pair of dumbbells. CTA: Start your FREE 7-Day Trial of The Strength Agenda Training App and grab some "Garage Gym Certified" apparel at thestrengthagenda.com!

Post a video of a PR and immediately get "No Rep-ed" by a guy whose profile picture is a cartoon cat? Welcome to social media!In Episode 18 of The Strength Agenda Radio, Coaches Tom and John are diving into the digital trenches to talk about a modern athlete's biggest distraction: Social Media Haters. If you’ve ever hesitated to post your progress because you’re worried about the armchair coaches in the comments, this episode is for you.We’re breaking down the mental game of being an online athlete:The Anatomy of a Troll: Why do people feel the need to tear down your hard work? We discuss the psychology of the "hater" and why their opinion usually says more about them than your squat depth.Filter the Noise: How to tell the difference between constructive criticism from someone who knows their stuff and pure, unadulterated noise from a keyboard warrior.The "Delete & Block" Philosophy: Tom and John share their personal strategies for managing a social media presence without letting it live rent-free in your head.Protecting the Gains: Why mental energy is a finite resource—and why wasting it on a stranger in the comments is literally stealing from your next training session.Stop letting the internet dictate your confidence. Tune in to learn how to build a bulletproof mindset that’s just as strong as your deadlift!⚡️ TUNE OUT THE NOISE, TUNE IN THE RESULTS:Ready to train with a community that actually supports your growth? Get the programming used by athletes who focus on results, not likes.CTA: Start your FREE 7-Day Trial of The Strength Agenda Training App and grab the latest apparel (to look good while you ignore the haters) at thestrengthagenda.com!

Let’s be real: Most New Year’s resolutions are dead by February. Are you tired of setting the same goals every year and getting nowhere?In this episode of The Strength Agenda Radio, Coaches Tom and John sit down with a heavy hitter—Coach Ben Tipton from Ironclad Performance in Naperville, IL. We’re pulling back the curtain on how elite coaches actually help their clients set, track, and crush their goals for 2026.MAKE 2026 YOUR STRONGEST YEAR YET:Don't just set a goal—get the program that ensures you reach it.CTA: Start your FREE 7-Day Trial of The Strength Agenda Training App and grab some fresh gear to kick off the year at thestrengthagenda.com!#GoalSetting #NewYearNewGains #StrengthTraining #IroncladPerformance #FitnessGoals2026 #CoachingTips #NapervilleFitness #StrengthAgenda #TrainingMotivation

Sorry, chest day fans, but the truth hurts! In Episode 17 of The Strength Agenda Radio, Coaches Tom and John are diving deep into the world of pressing to settle the score: Is the bench press actually holding your total-body strength back?We’re breaking down why putting heavy weight over your head is the ultimate test of power and how to master the art of the press. If you want a bulletproof core and shoulders like boulders, this episode is your new manual.In this episode, we’re covering:OHP vs. Bench Press: The controversial reason why overhead pressing actually makes you a stronger human being than the bench ever will.The Pressing Catalog: Breaking down the benefits of different variations—from Strict Press and Push Press to the brutal Z-Press.The Carryover: How vertical pressing transforms your athletic performance and stability in ways the bench just can’t touch.The Coaches' Picks: Tom and John reveal their Top 3 Pressing Variations of all time. Find out which moves they swear by and which ones you should add to your program immediately.Stop lying on your back and start moving some weight overhead! Tune in to find out if your favorite press made our top tier.⚡️ READY TO OVERHEAD PRESS LIKE A PRO?Stop guessing and start gaining! Get the programming that builds real-world strength.CTA: Grab your FREE 7-Day Trial of The Strength Agenda Training App and gear up with the latest apparel at thestrengthagenda.com!#OverheadPress #BenchPress #StrengthTraining #ShoulderHealth #PushDay #ZPress #StrengthAgenda #FitnessPodcast #UpperBodyWorkout #VerticalPress

STOP Squatting Like It's One Size Fits All! In Episode 15 of The Strength Agenda Radio, Coaches Tom and John give you the definitive guide to Squat Variations and call out the Social Media Squat Police!What's Covered:Sport-Specific Squats: Why Powerlifting needs a Low Bar, and CrossFit/Weightlifting needs High Bar/Front Squat. Learn the right squat for your sport!Ignore the Trolls: Why context matters more than the opinion of the "experts" in the comments section. Stop letting keyboard warriors ruin your confidence!The Squat Arsenal: Essential variations (Pause Squats, Tempo Squats) to fix weaknesses and build depth.Tune in to master the right squat for your sport and silence the critics!⚡️ GET SQUATTING: Start your FREE 7-Day Trial of The Strength Agenda Training App and check out the best apparel at thestrengthagenda.com!#SquatVariations #Powerlifting #CrossFit #StrengthTraining #SquatPolice #SquatForm #TheStrengthAgenda

Episode 14 of The Strength Agenda Radio is a triple threat, tackling the topics everyone is talking about—from ancient strength sports to cutting-edge weight loss tech! Coaches Tom and John are pulling no punches in this action-packed episode. Start your FREE 7-Day Trial of The Strength Agenda Training App and check out all training and apparel resources at thestrengthagenda.com!

Competition day nerves? Scaling your gym a headache? Tom and John are tackling two massive topics in this double-header, Episode 13 of The Strength Agenda Radio! This episode is essential listening for both athletes preparing to compete and gym/small business owners looking to build a sustainable future. GET THE AGENDA: Ready to level up your coaching game OR your business strategy? Get the roadmap for smart, effective strength training and check out upcoming business resources! Start your FREE 7-Day Trial of The Strength Agenda Training App and check out all resources at thestrengthagenda.com!

What’s the difference between a clean & jerk that flies and one that flops? This week on Strength Agenda Radio, Coaches Tom and John introduce a brand-new segment: Technique Corner, starting with the often misunderstood Split Jerk. Whether you’re missing lifts overhead or your footwork’s a mess, this episode breaks down the how and why of effective jerking mechanics—helping you lift bigger, safer, and more confidently. Plus: 🔥 The coaches swap stories on the hardest workouts they’ve ever done—including one so bad it earned a nickname that can’t be said on air. 💡 Tips for bouncing back from brutal training days 💪 Why you’re probably underestimating your recovery needs 🎧 Listen if you want to: Fix your jerk technique and foot placementLearn how to program smarter intensity Stop crashing after max effort days Feel seen after suffering through a soul-crushing metcon 😵‍💫

Get ready for the future of your gains! In Episode 11 of The Strength Agenda Radio, Coaches Tom and John dive into the most buzz-worthy topic in fitness: Artificial Intelligence (AI) for strength programming and athletic training.Is your next workout going to be written by a robot? We break down the revolutionary—and sometimes risky—role of AI in crafting personalized training programs. This isn't just theory; it's a practical look at how athletes and coaches can leverage new tech to maximize performance.Here's what the guys cover:The AI Advantage: What are the undeniable benefits of using AI for personalized fitness? (Think hyper-customization, real-time adjustments, and eliminating human oversight.)The Drawbacks & Danger Zone: The crucial drawbacks of AI programming, including the risk of over-reliance, ethical concerns, and the data blind spots that can make your program ineffective or even dangerous.When to Press Go: Clear guidelines on when and how to use AI—is it best for a beginner, a competitive athlete, or just as a smart assistant for a coach?The Human Element: Why the coach's experience, intuition, and communication will always be irreplaceable, no matter how smart the machine gets.Don't get left behind! Tune in to understand how to intelligently integrate AI into your quest for a stronger you.⚡️ GET THE AGENDA: Ready to see a program designed for your life? Check out our expertly crafted programs with a FREE 7-Day Trial of The Strength Agenda Training App. Browse the full gear lineup and more at thestrengthagenda.com!

Ever drag yourself to the gym feeling like a beat-up zombie? Yeah, we've been there!In this high-energy episode of The Strength Agenda Radio, Coaches Tom and John ditch the textbook to talk real-life training. We're tackling the elephant in the weight room: what to do when you're physically, mentally, or totally fried.Life is messy—stress hits, sleep vanishes, and sometimes your planned 5x5 feels like a 1x100. This episode is your new survival guide! We’re sharing the insider secrets on:How to tell the difference between "suck it up" and "time to back off."Actionable, no-BS strategies for modifying workouts on the fly. We'll give you the tools to adjust weight, volume, and exercise selection so you keep winning, even when the stars don't align.What to do when your first set is a total disaster and how to salvage a tough training day.Finding the line between pushing hard and digging yourself into a hole of burnout and injury.Stop letting bad days become missed weeks. Listen in and learn how to train smarter, not just harder, for long-term strength and fitness!Ready to train with purpose, even on your worst days?Join the thousands already crushing their goals with The Strength Agenda!⚡️ GET THE AGENDA: Snag your FREE 7-Day Trial of The Strength Agenda Training App and browse our awesome apparel at thestrengthagenda.com!

In this episode, Coaches Tom and John break down all the action from Masters Weightlifting Worlds in Las Vegas. From standout performances to behind-the-scenes strategy, they dive into what it takes to compete — and coach — at the highest level. The conversation covers athlete results, the professionalism (or lack thereof) from lifters and coaches, and the importance of holding the standard. You'll also hear their insights on game-day strategy, lift selection, and time management on the platform.

Recorded live at the 2025 Masters Worlds in Las Vegas, this special episode of The Strength Agenda Podcast captures the energy of the competition floor. Coach Tom answers real questions from the Strength Agenda community on training, recovery, and the business of strength, while sharing behind-the-scenes stories from a week that delivered 3 World Champions, 2 silver medals, 3 bronze medals, 2 PRs and a top-10 world finish.Whether you’re chasing your own PRs or building a stronger coaching business, you’ll take away actionable insights from one of the biggest stages in Olympic weightlifting.

Grab your favorite coffee mug, pour some liquid gold in, and settle in for another episode of Strength Agenda Radio with Tom & John.Masters Weightlifting Worlds is happening and Team SAW has a number of people competing. Prepping athletes for competition takes a lot of work to help make sure mentally and physically they are ready to perform at their peak. But when should someone peak? What if there are a lot of competitions or meets they want to take part in? Can someone realistically do 6-7 events a year while performing at a high level and recovering well enough to avoid breakdown and injury. That is the topic of today's episode.Don't forget the Strength Agenda app is out now and you can join for 20% off for your first three months using the code FOUNDER20 when you sign up HERENow on with the show.

So many affiliations so little money. With Hyrox, WFP and CrossFit all offering some level of affiliate opportunity where should a gym owner invest? This week Tom and John talk about what a gym owner should consider before jumping into bed with a brand as an affiliate. Everything from money, to marketing value, community and longevity.Still looking for a strength program that moves the needle without taking up 3 hours of your day? The Strength Agenda Everyday programs on the new app are exactly what you've been waiting for. Whether your goal is to build strength to compete, feel better, or look good in your swimsuit we've got a program for you.Head over to thestrengthagenda.com to try 7-Days free on the new app and experience the difference for yourself.

Coaches Tom and John are back and this time they tackle questions from around the community. Want to get your question into the guys? Send your question to [email protected] and the team will get to it in a future podcast (as long as it isn't too weird).Looking to up your strength game, technique, or just build a little extra muscle? The new Strength Agenda app offers tested, proven strength training in an easy to navigate app. CLICK HERE to sign-up for a free 7-day trial and use the code FOUNDER20 for 20% off your first three months.

In this episode, coaches Tom and John tackle the crucial, and often misunderstood, world of marketing for fitness businesses. Drawing on John's extensive background in business and marketing outside the fitness industry, they provide a fresh perspective on what it truly takes to build a successful brand.Tom and John get back to basics, defining what marketing is and, more importantly, what it is not. They pull back the curtain on common mistakes that fitness professionals make and highlight the key "must-dos" that are essential for growth. This isn't just about social media; it's about understanding the foundational work required to connect with your ideal clients and build a sustainable business.Whether you're a new coach just starting out or a seasoned gym owner looking to grow, this episode is a no-nonsense guide to shedding light on the hard work that must go into this key aspect of making your fitness business thrive.

Another episode of your favorite ADHD fueled duo is back. This time Coaches Tom and John talk baseball for a little bit (because again, ADHD) and ultimately their introduction to CrossFit and thoughts on the CrossFit Games. A little trek through CrossFit Games history and some lamenting about the way things were, specifically Regionals and how much that is missed, to the way things are now and how qualifying just seems odd anymore.Enjoy the episode. Don't forget to like and subscribe! Oh yeah! Join us on the new app. Sign-up at thestrengthagenda.com and use the code FOUNDER20 to get 20% off your first 3 months of training from The Strength Agenda.

Welcome back everyone to Strength Agenda Radio's revival. In episode 2 we talk about the world record deadlift from Hfpor at 505kg, Tom's smack talk during competition, strength training in CrossFit and if Tia can repeat once again (spoiler alert, she did).Thanks for tuning in everyone. Don't forget to hit LIKE and SUBSCRIBE when listening to the episode.Also right now we are soft launching the new Strength Agenda app! Try it FREE for 7-days AND join the Founding Members club to get 20% off your first three months. CLICK HERE to jump in now whether you're looking for Olympic lifting, Powerlifting, hypertrophy, or Masters we've got you covered.Thanks for tuning in everyone!

Welcome back to Strength Agenda Radio from The Strength Agenda. While it has been a long time since the original podcast we are excited to bring it back!This week we get a quick introduction to Coach Tom and John's history and how this bigger, stronger, version of Strength Agenda has come to be. With things like a new Strength Agenda app on the horizon, expanded programs, and an even stronger mission to help athletes and gym owners accomplish their goals.Don't forget to hit the "Like" and "Subscribe" buttons. Also if you are looking for strength programming that works in an app format that helps you stay on track stay tuned for the official Strength Agenda app launch! Enjoy the show.