The Chocolate Bar

What do you get when you take the granddaughter of the Heavyweight Weightlifting Champion of the British Empire (1942-1944); the daughter of a college track star, and mix in tenacity, perseverance and pure Trinidadian badassery? You get Deborah Cordner Carson- former Crossfit games competitor and college track athlete, wife, mom, and survivor! Tune in for this EPIC conversation about the how Deborah found Crossfit; the good, bad and ugly of being a Black female elite Crossfit athlete; how she preserved her peace living in the center of the 2020 George Floyd protests in Minnesota; and thriving with a chronic illness and serious health scare. Grab ya snacks and settle in- you do NOT want to miss a second of this conversation! See you at the Bar! Episode notes: Deborah's IG: https://www.instagram.com/dcordnercarson/

Coming in HOT! Get into this Black AF conversation with Jasmyn Penn- Texas native, foodie, secret stand-up comedian (sis is FUNNY AF y'all!),and 76kg USA Powerlifting National Champion. Find out how she stayed strong during the pandemic (propane tank rows, anyone?), how powerlifting found her, and the Blackest, most country thing she's ever done! Prepare to laugh your ass off! See you at the Bar! Episode Notes: Jasmyn's IG: https://www.instagram.com/jasmynspenn/ Michael Seay's (Coach)IG: https://www.instagram.com/maseayjr/ Marcellus Williams'(Coach) IG: https://www.instagram.com/theswolefessor/

The dopeness just keeps on coming! Bri is back for another great conversation with the incomparable Samantha Calhoun- Elite powerlifter, 2X USAPL National Champ (63kg), current IPF world recorder holder in the deadlift, coach, and human extraordinaire. She is also aggressively humble. Find out how Sam stayed meet day ready during the pandemic, what her last meal on earth would be, and the Blackest thing she's ever done- that she can share with us. She also drops some dope training and life gems you do NOT want to miss! See you at the Bar! Episode notes: Sam's IG: https://www.instagram.com/sam.s.calhoun/ Sam's Website: https://samstrong500.com/ Stacking Benjamins Podcast: https://www.stackingbenjamins.com/ Afford Anything Podcast: https://affordanything.com/podcast/ SBD: https://us.sbdapparel.com/

This is for all the mamas, the baby's mamas, the baby's mamas' mamas...Join Bri for a chat with Professional Heavyweight Strongwoman athlete Andrea Thompson- 4x winner Britain's Strongest Woman, winner, World's Strongest Woman (2018), and current World Record holder for the Log, Deadlift, and Elephant Deadlift. Also? She is a 2X (single) mom with with a 9-5. NBD. Andrea shares how Strongwoman found her, how she has navigated training, working, momming and major life changes during Covid, and how competing at the Arnold opened her eyes to systemic racism and all that she never learned about it in school. You don't want to miss this conversation! See you at the Bar! Epicsode Notes: Andrea's IG: https://www.instagram.com/andreathompson_strongwoman/

What do you get a when a genetically gifted former competitive gymnast from New York cartwheels her way into CrossFit and heads (South)West? You get the Fresh Princess of Phoenix- Amanda Goodman! Bri kicks back with this CrossFit Games Athlete, former Grid League member and gymnastics coach to find out about her last meal on earth (courtesy of her late grandmother); how she "outsources" to find her tribe and vibe in the Southwest; what it's like to compete at the elite levels of functional fitness; and why we need to change the narrative about mental healthcare in the Black community. Get into this! See you at the bar! Notes: Amanda's IG: https://www.instagram.com/_amandagoodman/ RPM Jumpropes: https://rpmtraining.com/collections/ropes Her favorite things: https://www.amazon.com/shop/_amandagoodman

Though she be but lightweight; she is fierce! Bri chats with Farah Fonseca- Strongwoman athlete; 3x Lightweight champion, England’s Strongest Woman; nutrition and health coach, and all around badass! Listen in as she discusses how Strongwoman found her, feeling comfortable in her skin, and her last meal on earth (it’s GOOD y’all!). See you at the bar! Show notes: Farah’s IG: https://instagram.com/farahfonseca?igshid=9nbodiyqojao Website: https://www.fonsecafitness.co.uk/meet-farah

Join Bri for this dope conversation with Shacasia Johnson: athlete, multi-national gold medal olympic weightlifter, and self-proclaimed goofball! Casia shares how she made a tough choice for her future path out of high school, her journey into oly, why she never plays small, and why you BET NOT ever assume she is from the OTHER Kansas City! See you at the Bar! Show Notes: Shacasia's IG: https://www.instagram.com/quadslikecasia/ Coach Max Aita: https://www.instagram.com/max_aita/ Juggernaut Training: https://www.instagram.com/juggernauttraining/

What do you get when you mix an aerospace engineer and former collegiate weight and hammer thrower with an ophthalmic technician and violin aficionado? 2 of the dopest siblings alive! Meet Ellen and Gabi Liverpool- sisters, powerlifters and incredibly accomplished smart humans! Find out how they both got into powerlifting, how it has changed both their lives, and the BLACKEST thing they've ever done (note- there's a fork involved, but not for eating!) See you at the Bar! Gabi's IG: https://www.instagram.com/musicalgabbie/ Ellen's IG: https://www.instagram.com/lady.liverpool/

Listen in while Bri chops it up with Sheri Miles- Powerlifter, Pole Dancer, Coach, and super dope human. She talks about her journey with the barbell and the pole, prioritizing mental health in the Black community, and her somewhat surprising last meal on Earth. See you at the Bar! IG: https://www.instagram.com/sheri_miles_/ Website: https://powerandpole.co.uk/the-powerlifting-programe/ All the things: https://linktr.ee/sheri_miles

It's been a minute, fam.

Happy Black History Month, Fam! To celebrate, Bri has a blackity black black chat with Roz the Diva: NASM certified trainer, pole dancer extraordinaire, and strength athlete. Roz talks about when the pole bar and barbell crossed her path and how they changed her life, the intersections of race, size , and gender in the fitness industry, and the Blackest thing she has ever done. Don't miss out! See you at the Bar! Epicsode Notes: Website: http://rozthediva.com/ IG: https://www.instagram.com/rozthediva/

Happy Holidays Fam! Bri is back and finishing up the year with former podcast guest Natalie Graves, AM, LCSW. (Check out EpicSode 42 to hear her first appearance on The Chocolate Bar)Natalie is a licensed clinical social worker and an expert in the area of mental health and wellness for athletes. Tune in to this conversation to learn about post-meet/competition depression, how it is different than the blues, and what you can do about it, before, during and after a competition. You will not want to miss this! See you at the Bar! EpicSode Notes: Website: www.nataliegraves.com/ Email: [email protected] IG: www.instagram.com/nataliegravesathleticcounselor/ Twitter: twitter.com/natalie_graves1 Facebook: www.facebook.com/Nataliethesocialworker/ Therapy for Black Girls: www.therapyforblackgirls.com/ Liberate Meditation: https://liberatemeditation.com/ Ayana Therapy App (Coming in 2020): https://www.ayanatherapy.com/ Therapy for Black Men: https://therapyforblackmen.org/

This time Bri (virtually) jets off to the Motherland to chat with Carla- Daughter of Angola, mama, legal eagle, Crossfit coach, 3x Crossfit regional and 1x Crossfit Games athlete, motivator and rule hater! Carla shares her journey to Crossfit, recovering from pain (physical and emotional), falling in love with her authentic self and why there is no place like home. See you at the Bar! EpicSode Notes: Carla's IG: https://www.instagram.com/meninadeangola/ Crossfit Talatona IG: https://www.instagram.com/crossfittalatona/ Kuduro: https://www.npr.org/sections/therecord/2012/12/26/167628341/kuduro-the-dance-that-keeps-angola-going Matias Damasio: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Q86lCtj1BYs

Bri chats with one of her favorite humans, Kay- Collector of joy. Possessor of compassion. Oh and elite powerlifter, corporate exec and all things badass! Listen in as Kay shares how powerlifting, meditation and mindfulness transformed her and saw her through some of the most difficult times in her life as well as opened her up to immeasurable joy, peace and gratitude. Come get these life lessons and gems Kay drops all throughout this conversation! See you at the Bar! Epicsode Notes: *Trigger Warning: 49:58-50:50 (discussion of controlled dangerous substances) Kay's IG: https://www.instagram.com/kayandkilos/ Meditation/Mindfulness books by Thich Nhat Hanh: https://www.amazon.com/Thich-Nhat-Hanh/e/B000AP5YRY%3Fref=dbs_a_mng_rwt_scns_share The Dhammapada - Teachings of the Buddha: https://www.amazon.com/Dhammapada-Annotated-Explained-Max-Muller/dp/189336142X/ref=sr_1_2?keywords=The+Dhammapada+easy&qid=1565209786&s=books&sr=1-2 Meditation Apps: Guided Meditations/Talks Dharmaseed: https://apps.apple.com/us/app/dharma-seed/id507779665 or https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=org.dharmaseed.android&hl=en_US (website https://dharmaseed.org/) Breethe: https://breethe.com/ IG: https://www.instagram.com/breetheapp/ Murder of Crows IG: https://www.instagram.com/murderofcrowsbarbellclub/

The Chocolate Bar is on a WORLD TOUR ya'll! Meet Ily and Iris: sisters, elite powerlifters, activists, global citizens and amazing humans! Listen to these Dutch powerhouses chat with Bri about life in the Netherlands, taking up space on the world platform as black women, and how far a sister will go to help her sister make weight, even if it involves scissors! See you at the Bar! Epicsode Notes: Ily's IG: https://www.instagram.com/ilyscious/?utm_source=ig_embed Iris' IG: https://www.instagram.com/inspirised/?hl=en Ily and Iris' Coach IG: https://wimwam.nl/index.php/category/athlete-iris-kensenhuis/

We STILL celebrating Pride, ya'll! Bri chats with Angela, Masters olympic weightlifter, CrossFit coach, activist, and baker extraordinaire. She shares with us her unique journey to her authentic self through strength sports, blackness, queerness, and finding her voice. See you at the Bar! EpicSode Notes: Angela's IG: https://www.instagram.com/fitfemmefoodie/ @fearherfightathletics IG: https://www.instagram.com/fearherfightathletics/@outwod @theoutfdn IG: https://www.instagram.com/theoutfdn/ @decolonizingfitness IG: https://www.instagram.com/decolonizing_fitness/ @crossfitdc IG: https://www.instagram.com/crossfitdc/ @dcweightliftingclub IG: https://www.instagram.com/dcweightlifting/ Search for your local weightlifting club: https://www.teamusa.org/usa-weightlifting/clubs-lwc/find-a-club

Happy Pride Fam! This month, Bri is sitting down with some of the dopest Queer strength athletes in all the land! Setting it off is Storme (yes, that's her gubment name- told y'all she is DOPE): Powerlifter/Oly Lifter, Crossfitter, activist and philanthropy professional. Storm chats with Bri about her journey to and through strength sports, her evolving intersections and identities, and finding her voice. You do NOT want to miss this conversation! See you at the bar! Epicsode notes: Storme's IG: https://www.instagram.com/curvesandkilos/ Tyson's Playground: https://www.instagram.com/tysonsplayground/ Sisters of Powerlifting Gear Exchange: https://www.sistersofpowerlifting.com/collections/free-donations Becoming a Supple Leopard by Dr. Kelly Starrett: https://www.amazon.com/Becoming-Supple-Leopard-2nd-Performance/dp/1628600837 Supple Leopard IG: https://www.instagram.com/suppleleopard/ Mobility Wod IG: https://www.instagram.com/mobilitywod/ No Ashes in the Fire: Coming of Age Black and Free in America by Darnell Moore: https://www.amazon.com/s?k=no+ashes+in+the+fire+by+darnell+l+moore&i=stripbooks&ref=nb_sb_noss

This is for all the baby's mamas, mama's mamas, mamas, baby mama's, mamas, mama's-to-be, step-mamas, and not at all mamas! In this special Mother's Day episode (and the 50th epicsode of the podcast!!!!), Bri talks to Jahmeilah: mom of 2, certified Pregnancy and Postpartum Athleticism Coach, and CrossFit Level 2 Trainer with 5 years of experience coaching athletes of various ages and abilities. They discuss how to safely train before, during and after pregnancy, why "snap-back" culture is some B.S., finding balance as an athlete, coach, wife, and mom, the pee on the platform controversy, how to keep your pelvic floor healthy, and why proper breathing techniques DO NOT equal twerking! You won't want to miss this epicsode! See you at the Bar! EpicSode Notes: Jahmeilah's IG: https://www.instagram.com/coach.jahmeilah/ 1:1 remote coaching with Jahmeilah: https://bit.ly/2Itzyxh Brianna Battles downloadable Pregnancy and Postpartum Fitness Timeline: http://www.briannabattles.com/timeline-for-the-pregnant-and-postpartum-athlete/ Julie Weibe Balloon Example: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cW9mwfy-6-I Find a Pregnancy and Postpartum Athleticism Coach: http://www.briannabattles.com/remote-coaching/professional-network/ Find a Women's Health Physical Therapist: https://ptl.womenshealthapta.org/

Bri kicks it with Jarvina Routt: Wife, Mom, Scottish Highland Games athlete (!!!) and baby Strongwoman competitor. Tune in to learn how this former college discus and hammer thrower found and fell in love with the Highland Games, carved out her own space in a family of 7 amazing athletic siblings, and why she rocks rough and stuff with her afro puff when she's competing. See you at the Bar! EpicSode Notes: Jarvina's IG: https://www.instagram.com/jayrouttthrower/ Highland Games practice group locator: https://www.clanbacon.com/practice-groups Brittany Pryor's IG: https://www.instagram.com/jadessence/ Michelle Carter's IG: https://www.instagram.com/shotdiva/ East West Strength IG: https://www.instagram.com/eastweststrength/?utm_source=ig_profile_share&igshid=1u7xj9n20b7f5

Bri chats with Erika Lamb- 84kg competitive powerlifter, FIU powerlifting coach, and registered dietitian. Find out about her journey with intuitive eating, how powerlifting found her and why she will fight you for bringing her flats on a date! Don't miss this informative episode! See you at the Bar! EpicSode Notes: Erica's IG: https://www.instagram.com/datskrong_rd/ Dynamic Nutrition IG: https://www.instagram.com/dynamic.nutritionsoflo/ Diversify Dietetics IG: https://www.instagram.com/diversifydietetics/ National Organization of Blacks in Dietetics: http://nobidan.org/ Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics: https://www.eatright.org/ 2015-2020 Dietary Guidelines: https://health.gov/dietaryguidelines/ Body Recomposition: https://bodyrecomposition.com/ Brad Schoenfeld IG: https://www.instagram.com/bradschoenfeldphd/

Are y'all ready for Strongman's Dynamic Duo? Bri kicks it with the Number 1 (Shaun)AND Number 2 (Monica) ranked heavyweight amateur strongwomen competitors in the United States! Find out how they found each other, how they push each other not only as as training partners but to be the very best versions of themselves. This epicsode is a testimony to standing in your truth no matter WHAT! Come get some of this Black Excellence; you don't want to miss this! See you at the Bar! EpicSode Notes: Shaun's IG: https://www.instagram.com/thenames_shina/ Shaun's Coach and Gym:https://www.instagram.com/z_tyler_perdue/ https://www.instagram.com/tristar_roanoke/ Monica's IG: https://www.instagram.com/monie5903/ Monica's Chocolate Bar Epicsode on Mental Health: https://soundcloud.com/chocolatebarlife/epicsode-33-blackgirl-interrupted-chocolatebarbelle-monica-and-mental-health Monica's Gym: https://www.instagram.com/explore/locations/819192473/primal-strength-camp/ Monica's Coach : https://www.instagram.com/katiefeeleystrength/ Coach's Gym: https://www.instagram.com/explore/locations/1018959061/power-plant-gym/ Magnesium 4 Muscles: https://www.magnesium4muscles.com/ Post Recovery Drink Play Again Now: https://playagainnow.com/ Redefining Realness by Janet Mock: https://www.amazon.com/Redefining-Realness-Path-Womanhood-Identity/dp/1476709130 Everybody's Got Something by Robin Roberts: https://www.amazon.com/Everybodys-Got-Something-Robin-Roberts/dp/B01L990S5C

What do you get when you block out all of the challenges- physical and otherwise - life has thrown at you and focus solely on the goals you set for yourself? Mix it with some Black Girl Magic and you get Brandi: writer, olympic weightlifter, albinism activist and the first legally blind woman to medal at a USA Weightlifting meet! Bri and Brandi chat about her journey to competitive oly lifting, growing up black with albinism, growing up legally blind, and smashing through challenges and barriers to live your best life. Bri also puts her up on some seasoning salt game! See you at the Bar! Episode Notes: Brandi's IG: https://www.instagram.com/brandiblifting/ Daring Greatly by Brene Brown: https://www.amazon.com/Daring-Greatly-Courage-Vulnerable-Transforms/dp/1592408419/ref=sr_1_1?crid=2O4F8DXK6RMMB&keywords=daring+greatly&qid=1552588675&s=gateway&sprefix=daring+%2Caps%2C117&sr=8-1 National Organization for Albinism and Hypopigmentation (NOAH): https://www.albinism.org/ Tony Chachere's Original Creole Seasoning: https://www.tonychachere.com/Original-Creole-Seasoning

Get out ya pen and pad and learn ya history! Bri talks to the GREAT Krista Ford: 2x Gold Medalist, Former #TeamUSA Bobsledder, 11x National & 7x World Powerlifting Champion and Coach! Learn about her astounding journey from the bodybuilding stage to the powerlifting platform to the U.S. Olympic Women's Bobsled team (THE FIRST BLACK WOMAN!!!) and the sacrifices along the way. Also Bri tries to fight her about deadlifts. You do NOT want to miss this lesson in Black History! See you at the Bar! Show Notes: IG: https://www.instagram.com/powerbykrista/ Website: http://powerbykrista.com/ Twitter: https://twitter.com/powerbykrista Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/krista.ford.10 The Secret: https://www.amazon.com/Secret-Rhonda-Byrne/dp/1582701709

Bri gets Black History Month POPPING with a kee-kee session with none other than Quiana Welch! If you don't know you better ask somebody! Crossfitter, Oly Weightlifter(AND American Record Holder Bih!), Coach, Speaker of Truth, Defender of Black Girls, and Paradigm Shifter. Q tells us about some of her most iconic strength sports moments, what she believes in (Bri was not ready for THAT), and her biggest, most precious upcoming project to date! See you at the Bar! EpicSode Notes: Quiana Welch IG: https://www.instagram.com/quiana_welch/ Gym: https://www.instagram.com/blackirongymnv/ Brianna Battles: IG: https://www.instagram.com/brianna.battles/ https://www.instagram.com/pregnant.postpartum.athlete/ Website: http://www.briannabattles.com/

Bri chats with Marcia, Doctor of Physical Therapy, Black Creative, Competitive Powerlifter and Strongwoman, Entrepreneur (owner of The Quad Squad Shop), and Super Woman! Learn about the magic that is physical therapy and how it can make you a better athlete. They also discuss managing chronic illness, spoonies, and how to be a B.A.B. There's also a special gift from her so listen till the end! See you at the Bar! EpicSode notes: Personal Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thatdoc.marcia/ Physical Therapy Practice: RZPT website: www.RZPT.CO instagram: https://www.instagram.com/rzpt.co/ Email: [email protected] (CO not COM) and mention The Chocolate Bar for free mobility coaching Store: Quad Squad Shop website: www.QuadSquadShop.com instagram: https://www.instagram.com/quadsquad.shop/ Gym: Broward Barbell Center website: www.BrowardBarbellCenter.com instagram: https://www.instagram.com/browardbarbellcenter/ Pull for Pride Info: https://www.instagram.com/womensstrengthcoalition/ Marcia's Spotify Playlists: https://open.spotify.com/user/1238921197/playlist/14rkzyOxx3Rfw4OT1SKjvB?si=0Wt303tTTGi8E2hFRpxACw https://open.spotify.com/user/1238921197/playlist/0d0sDxJQxao2OkElIZ4PHq?si=nnGnamWSRaSdHRN6qix3lg

Bri chats with Natalie Graves: Magical Black Girl, Licensed Clinical Social Worker and expert in mental health for athletes. She discusses the unique mental health considerations for black female athletes, and why its important to train your brain as well as your body, as well as tips to become the best version of yourself. See you at the Bar! EpicSode Notes: Website: http://www.nataliegraves.com/ Email: [email protected] IG: https://www.instagram.com/nataliegravesathleticcounselor/ Twitter: https://twitter.com/natalie_graves1 Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Nataliethesocialworker/ Therapy for Black Girls: https://www.therapyforblackgirls.com/

Happy Holidays Y'all! Bri chops it up with Jade: Mom of 3 (HOW SWAY she looks 19!), Crossfit coach, and personal trainer. Find out how Crossfit found her, why she loves the sunshine, and how her mama made sure she knew as a little girl that she was the BADDEST BIH! Come get some of this Southern Fried Charm! See you at the Bar! Show notes: IG: https://www.instagram.com/jadeclemmons/?hl=en Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/JadeClemmons Above and Beyond Crossfit IG: https://www.instagram.com/aboveandbeyondcrossfit/?hl=en 15 Invaluable Laws of Growth by John C. Maxwell: https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/1599953676/ref=dbs_a_def_rwt_bibl_vppi_i2

Bri chats with Reina: Powerlifter, Vegan, Finance Executive and Entrepreneur! Find out why she reps so hard for Afro-Latinas, veganism and financial literacy for black women. Also find out why you probably won't catch her on Dancing with the Stars! See you at the Bar! EpicSode Notes: IG: @boricuareina7 CC Holcomb (Coach)IG: https://www.instagram.com/c.c_holcomb/?hl=en Richard Hawthorne (Former Coach)IG: https://www.instagram.com/corestrong010/?hl=en Around the World Tastes IG: https://www.instagram.com/aroundtheworldtastes/?hl=en Synchrony Bank: https://www.synchronybank.com/?utm_source=Google&utm_medium=Brand%20Brand&utm_campaign=Home%20CD&utm_crandtent=CB_SB_S_GO_HM_O&sitecode=CB_SB_S_GO_HM_O&gclid=EAIaIQobChMI2dqhkrGb3wIVBUSGCh1_pQcREAAYASAAEgKFD_D_BwE&gclsrc=aw.ds Post Traumatic Slave Syndrome by Dr. Joy DeGruy: https://joydegruy.com/resources-2/post-traumatic-slave-syndrome/ IRA (Individual Retirement Account)information: https://www.nerdwallet.com/article/learn-about-ira-accounts

Bri chats with Sherine, elite powerlifter, graphic designer, badass and CEO of Sisters of Powerlifting. Find out what drove her to create a powerlifting community for us, by us, and why no mango formed against her will prosper. See you at the Bar! EPICsode notes: IG: @sincerelysherine IG: @sisterofpowerlifting Website: www.sistersofpowerlifting.com gym IG: @mountvernonbarbell website: www.mountvernonbarbell.com Coach IG: @hayestrainingsystems

"Eating Disorders are a white girl thing." Bri chats with Chocolate BarBelle Kayla about this myth and the little known world of Black women and disordered eating and eating disorders. Find out why this is such a taboo subject in our community, Kayla's personal struggle with an eating disorder and mental health, and how powerlifting has helped her recovery. See you at the Bar! Episode Notes: Kayla's IG: https://www.instagram.com/curlsandcallouses/?hl=en Books and Online Resources: https://www.nationaleatingdisorders.org/ https://www.therecoveryvillage.com/eating-disorders/eating-disorder-hotline/#gref https://jennischaefer.com/ http://www.maryahornbacher.com/books/ https://www.ellenforney.com/ Not All Black Girls Know How to Eat by Stephanie Covington Armstrong : http://notallblackgirls.com/ Insight Timer Meditation App: https://insighttimer.com/

Bri chats with Dr. Crystal Lester, oly weightlifter, USAW referee, and Doctor of Chiropratic, about oly weightlifting, chiro, black women, chiropractic care and recovery. Also, her love of trap music! Get into it! See you at the Bar! EpicSode notes: www.N8performance.com -Private practice @_crystallester - IG bit.ly/CrystalLester - You Tube Channel Supplements: Natural Calm or Magnesium Glycinate Vitamin D3 Omega 3 Probiotics Nutrition: Renaissance Periodization: https://renaissanceperiodization.com/diet-templates Books: Supple Leopard by Kelly Starrett Back Mechanic by Stuart McGill Blogs: https://www.catalystathletics.com https://www.functionalmovement.com

We are Back! Bri talks about all the new cool things coming for the Chocolate Bar. See you at the Bar!

Hey Y'all Happy Summer! Bri and Di catch up about their SMART goals (check out EPICsode 19 to find out what that means)and confess to their respective fuckery. Also find out how to get back on track if you've fallen off with achieving your goals. See you at the Bar!

Bri and Di kee kee it up with another badass strength athlete, Latoneya: Strongman Competitor, Wife, Mom, Brooklyn Bombshell and glittery goon! Find out about what motivates her, how she got into strength sports, and why she is #teammeat! See you at the Bar!

The temps are rising, Drake got the banger of summer, and Bri and Di wanna know: DO nice girls finish last? They get into Nice Girl Syndrome, why it is particularly damaging to black women, and how to know if you are "too nice." See you at the Bar!

Bri and Di got a 2 for 1 for y'all! This is a super special and timely episode. Meet ChocolateBarBelle Monica: mental health professional, strongwoman athlete, and general badass! She drops major knowledge about our mental healthcare- barriers to it, how to access it, and maintain it! Get your pen and pad and prepare to take some notes and be blessed! See you at the bar! Episode Notes Online Resources: www.nami.org www.apa.org www.nimh.nih.gov https://www.therapyforblackgirls.com/ https://themighty.com/mental-health/ talk space app: https://www.talkspace.com/ Books: https://www.amazon.com/Your-Voice-My-Head-Memoir/dp/1590515404 http://www.amazon.com/Soothe-Your-Nerves-Understanding-Overcoming/dp/0743225384 http://www.amazon.com/Willow-Weep-Me-Journey-Depression/dp/039334875X http://www.amazon.com/Black-Pain-Just-Looks-Hurting/dp/0743298837

Hey, What's Up, Hello? Bri and Di are back and in the kitchen cooking up...hacks to make your training, nutrition and life easier! Come get some! See you at the Bar! Episode Notes: Metronome Trick Guy: @yaboimattjones Metronome Apps: https://takelessons.com/blog/best-digital-metronome-apps-piano-z06 Productivity Apps: https://beebom.com/app-blocker-apps/

Hey ya'll! *waves* Bri and Di are back talking about being an "experienced" strength athlete and how to not forget your roots. In other words, they are going to tell you how not to be an asshole to yourself, or others. (As soon as they figure it out for themselves. Might be awhile.) See you at the Bar!

Bri and Di sit down with the GREAT Christina King- Certified Personal Trainer, Lifestyle Coach, Blogger, Activist, Femin(oir)ist, Powerlifter, and All Around BADASS. Get into this dope conversation as Christina drops knowledge about self-love, #takingupspace, inclusive fitness, black female empowerment, and the one movie erryboy and they mama have seen, BUT her! Shocking. See you at the Bar! EPICsode Notes: Christina's IG: @iamchrissyking Christina's Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/christina.reddking Christina's Twitter: https://twitter.com/iamchrissyking Christina's Blog: http://chrissyking.com/blog/ 13th: https://www.netflix.com/title/80091741 The New Jim Crow: http://newjimcrow.com/

Happy Black Valentine's History Day Month, y'all! What a glorious time to be alive and melanated! Take a trip with Bri and Di down Black Ass Memory Lane as they reminisce about #growingupblack and all the joy and terror that entailed! See y'all at the Bar! In Wakanda! EPICsode Notes: Snail Repair Cream: https://www.amazon.com/MIZON-Snail-Repair-Cream-Grams/dp/B00AF63QQE/ref=sr_1_1_sspa?ie=UTF8&qid=1518643364&sr=8-1-spons&keywords=snail%2Brepair%2Bcream&th=1 Fiber Lash Mascara:https://www.amazon.com/Fiber-Lash-Mascara-Paraben-Free-Hypoallergenic/dp/B01N23JTLO/ref=sr_1_5_a_it?ie=UTF8&qid=1518643462&sr=8-5&keywords=fiber%2Blash%2Bmascara&th=1 Charcoal Tooth Whitening Powder: https://www.amazon.com/Whitening-Activated-Charcoal-Whitener-Bentonite/dp/B01LWYMXJR/ref=sr_1_1_sspa?s=beauty&ie=UTF8&qid=1518643524&sr=1-1-spons&keywords=tuxedo%2Bteeth&th=1 Klarity Kosmetics: https://www.klaritykosmetics.com/

Hey Y’all! Happy almost February! Bri and Di discuss all the things (fitness/strength-related and otherwise)they wanted left in 2017 (dump it)and what they'd replace them with in 2018(dig it)! Some are fun, some serious, but all of them are slightly petty. Oh and they are the same ole trash talking awkward unicorns you met last year. Sorry. See you at the Bar! EPICsode Notes: Lis Saunders- IG @lissmash Powerlifting Women- www.thepoweliftingwomen.com IG@powerliftingwomen

In this EPICsode, Bri and Di (but mostly Di) kiki with AdrienneWhoo-powerlifter, Girls Who Powerlift ambassador, activist, musician, teacher, student, and all around superhero- about accessibility in powerlifting, self-coaching, why representation matters, and putting your money where your mouth is. Meanwhile, Bri falls down a rabbit hole 20 minutes in never to be heard from again. SMH See you at the bar! Episode Notes: Adrienne's IG: https://www.instagram.com/adriennewhoo/ Stronglifts squat guide: https://stronglifts.com/squat/ Stronglifts bench guide: https://stronglifts.com/bench-press/ Stronglifts deadlift guide: https://stronglifts.com/deadlift/ Creating a Strength Block: https://youtu.be/eBIInwyXIfA Girls Who Powerlift: www.girlswhopowerlift.com IG: @girlswhopowerlift

Happy New Year Y'all! Jordan wore his UNC shorts under his Bulls uniform during games; Serena bounces the ball 5 times before her first serve; UFC figther Lyoto Machida drinks (gulp) his own urine every morning. Mmmmkay. Bri and Di kick off 2018 and explore the different routines, rituals and setups (including their own)strength athletes perform, why they do, and if they "work." See you at the Bar! Episode notes: Therapy for Black Girls Therapist Directory, https://www.therapyforblackgirls.com/therapist-directory/ IG: @therapyforblackgirls podcast: https://www.therapyforblackgirls.com/podcast/ Sports: Why the World's Best Athletes Use Routines, Psychology Today, https://www.psychologytoday.com/blog/the-power-prime/201207/sports-why-the-worlds-best-athletes-use-routines The power of superstitions and rituals in sport, http://believeperform.com/performance/the-power-of-superstitions-and-rituals-in-sport/

Bri and Di kick back and kiki with April- Powerlifter, Mom, Wife and Frisbee Phenom! See you at the Bar! Episode Notes: April's IG: @aprillovesliftin Meg Squats IG: @megsquats Gina Aversa's IG: @ginahalfwolf

Hex plates and knee sleeves and lifters and...you get the idea. Bri and Di shoot the breeze about the joys (and pains) of giving and receiving, and what's on their holiday gift list. Also Bri gets naughty while trying really hard to be nice (Cue 70's porn soundtrack). If you're wondering what to get for your fave strength athlete that has everything (or nothing), check this out! See you at the Bar! Episode Notes: Feed me fight me: https://feedmefightme.com/collections/women Teeki leggings: https://teeki.com/collections/hot-pants k.deer leggings: https://www.k-deer.com/collections/signature-stripes TENS unit: https://www.amazon.com/United-Surgical-Tens-7000-Unit/dp/B00NCRE4GO/ref=lp_3040473011_1_1?srs=3040473011&ie=UTF8&qid=1512593802&sr=8-1 Grrrl Clothing: https://www.grrrl.com/ discount code: CHOCOLATEBAR Girls Who Powerlift: https://www.girlswhopowerlift.com/ LFT HVY Clothing: http://lfthvy.storenvy.com/ kate lynn and adwoa: katelynnandadwoa.com robot vacuum: http://www.iliferobot.com/ Slap Cap: https://www.graceeleyae.com/collections/satin-lined-caps-1 Powerlifting Women: https://thepowerliftingwomen.com/collections/all Zuresh: http://www.zuresh.com/zuresh2012/default.asp?ssl=off Izzy and Liv: https://www.izzyandliv.com/ Onyxbox: https://shop.weareonyx.com/

Words.Mean.Things(S/O to Chrissle and The Read- if ya'll don't already listen to The Read Podcast, then you need to immediately look.at.your.life.). While waiting for their Thanksgiving meals to digest, Bri and Di tackle the psychology of self-talk and its impact on our lives, in and out of strength sports. See you at the Bar! Epicsode Notes: The Truth About Positive Self Talk, by Lindsey Wilson: https://coachingtoolbox.net/mental-toughness/coaching-basketball-the-truth-about-positive-self-talk.html IAB.MFG Athletic Apparel: https://www.iabmfg.com/ Donuts + Deadlifts: https://doughnutsanddeadlifts.com/ Feed Me Fight Me: https://feedmefightme.com/

Bri and Di use this pre-pre-Thanksgiving episode to talk about all the random things they for which they are thankful: everything you didn't want to know about them! Happy Thanksgiving! Epicsode Notes: Tufunga Training: http://www.teamtufunga.com/ Fair Life Chocolate Milk: https://fairlife.com/ultra-filtered-milks/chocolate-milk/ The Rack Athletic Performance Center: https://www.therackapc.com/ Converse: https://store.nike.com/us/en_us/pw/clearance-converse/47Zpir

"You're strong- for a girl." "You arch during bench- that's cheating and you're a hoe!" "Sumo doesn't count, bitch!" *Insert dramatic eyeroll* We've all seen these bros in the gym and online...Bri and Di dig into why some dudes (and sometimes other women) won't let strong women be great, and why people feel so entitled to define for women (especially Black women) what kind of female strength is acceptable. See you at the Bar! Show notes: Eriel Deranger- https://www.indigenousclimateaction.com/

Have you ever wondered WTF Strongman actually is? Well, you're about to find out! Bri and Di chop it up with Jewel Sandeen- Wife, Mom, Strongman and OCR competitor, Badass, and Chocolate BarBELLE extraordinaire. We get allll up in her business! Also- ghetto childhood candy. See you at the Bar! Show Notes- Here's where you can find (on Instagram) the strongman competitors and strongman-adjacent folk mentioned in this episode: @squeakasaurus_flex Jewel Sandeen @neworleansstrongman Twon Lyles @coachleecee Alicia Blanding @mostfitandnutrition Monique @neversate Brian Alsruhe @alenarose620 Alena Alsruhe @jeff_kryglik Jeff Kryglik @monie3903 Monica @rokermotion Latoya Roker @michelefetner Wonder Woman @m.hammer Melanie Hammer @ntoxicated26 Nicolai Myers @beauty_badassery Abbie Deals @gailynnthepowerhouse Gailynn

No, this isn't about how to elevate your Twitter/IG hashtag game, it's actually about how to set training/competing goals for yourself to ensure success. Did you know there are 3 types of training goals you SHOULD be setting, and that one is wayyyy less important than the other two (you'll surprised which one it is!)? Bri and Di discuss them, why they are important, and how to use them. Check it out! See you at the Bar!