Best The Brute Strength Podcast Podcasts (2025)

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#131 - Adam Keen - Honouring Yoga’s Roots in Today’s World 58:36

15d ago58:36

58:36

Adam Keen(@adam_keen_ashtanga) returns to the mic to unpack decades of experience as a yoga practitioner, teacher, and deep thinker. Practising since 1999 and one of the rare few to complete the Advanced A series in Mysore under Sharathji, Adam shares insights that only years of dedication can offer—cutting through the fluff of modern yoga while st…

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Poised Under Pressure in West Baltimore’s Streets of Fire with Lt Paul Novak Sr. BCFD 47:19

20d ago47:19

47:19

The fireside chat is a longstanding staple in LUF leadership development and human performance courses. During a recent weeklong LUF human performance course, Baltimore City Fire Department leaders enjoyed the opportunity to hear Lt Paul Novak Sr. reflect on his career with host Jerry Smith. Lt Novak joined the ranks of the BCFD in 1973 and retired…

1
#130 - Anthony Mullaly - Moving from Brute Force to Grounded strength and Resilience 59:36

29d ago59:36

59:36

From international rugby player to breathwork and resilience coach, Anthony Mullally has walked the path from brute force to grounded strength. In this raw and timely conversation, Anthony shares how his journey through elite sport—and the identity crisis that followed—led him to question traditional ideas of masculinity and purpose. Now a senior i…

1
Revisiting Tribe with Journalist, Author and Filmmaker Sebastian Junger 44:32

1M ago44:32

44:32

“Thrilling” and “thought-provoking” are just two words to describe the work produced by our guest in this episode. Sebastian Junger is an American journalist, author and filmmaker whose work demands contemplation regarding what history, science and experience tells us about the ability to endure hardship and how to navigate our current cultural ter…

1
Injury Prevention Strategies for CrossFit Athletes with Nicole Torres 52:39

1M ago52:39

52:39

In this episode of the Brute Podcast, Dex interviews Nicole Torres, a doctor of physical therapy and CrossFit coach. They discuss Nicole's journey from advertising to physical therapy, her experiences working with a diverse range of athletes, and the common injuries seen in CrossFit. The conversation delves into the importance of injury prevention,…

1
Reflections in Command - Coffee with Jim Roussell USMC/Chicago PD 45:17

2M ago45:17

45:17

In this conversation, LUF's senior mentor Jim Roussell, USMC(Ret) and Chicago PD (Ret) candidly discusses leadership in mission-oriented organizations. He reflects on the courageous actions of his U.S. Marines and their Iraqi allies in Fallujah. Jim also shares lessons that he learned during various chapters of his career as well as key takeaways f…

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#129 Punnu Wasu - Walking a Path of Growth in an Age of Comparison & Ego 52:37

2M ago52:37

52:37

Punnu Wasu is a globally respected kirtan singer, multi-instrumentalist, and spiritual teacher. Raised in India in a family of kirtan singers, he trained in classical music from childhood and went on to study meditation, yoga, Reiki, and holistic healing. Blending tradition with contemporary sound, his work creates profound, heart-opening experienc…

1
Building a Leadership and Tactical Performance File Cabinet with Shaun Ferguson CHFD 44:44

2M ago44:44

44:44

Shaun Ferguson is a member of the Cherry Hill Fire Department, where he has served since 2016. He is currently assigned to Special Operations Squad and Hazmat Company 13. Shaun plays a key role in the administration of the Cherry Hill FD Recruit Academy, where he is a member of the fire instructor cadre, teaching in both engine operations and hazar…

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#128 Lucy Lord - Simple made special recipes 55:00

2M ago55:00

55:00

Lucy Lord is a recipe creator, food photographer and yogi that’s has helped hundreds of people find confidence and creativity in the kitchen, without overwhelm . She shares weekly recipes in there supper club and in the co-founds of wellness platform Slow Sundays - @lordlucy "The only constant in this work is change. You can resist it, or you can a…

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Unpacking CPT Adolf von Schell's "Battlefield Leadership" with LtCol Charlie Black USMC (Ret) 49:11

3M ago49:11

49:11

In this episode you’ll hear LtCol Charlie Black, USMC (Ret) guide the LUF book club through Battlefield Leadership by Adolf non Schell. Battlefield Leadership is a classic exploration of leadership under fire, drawn from real experiences on the front lines of World War I. With insight forged through experience, he’ll guide us through von Schell’s p…

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Revisiting Jim McNamara's Senior Man Feature Episode with Jerry Smith Jr., BCFD 1:41:49

3M ago1:41:49

1:41:49

The following episode originally aired in July of 2020 featuring Jerry Smith of the Baltimore City Fire Department. This episode was released in two parts, but today we are re-releasing the episodes in its entirety. Jim McNamara hosts this episode of the Leadership Under Fire Optimizing Human Performance Podcast. Jim is a senior Firefighter at the …

1
Risk, Resiliency and Rural Fire Operations with Trevor Meador Frederick County DFRS 1:37:14

3M ago1:37:14

1:37:14

Firefighter Trevor Meador is a member of the Frederick County, MD Fire and Rescue Department, currently assigned to Station 3 in downtown Frederick. Trevor is also an instructor in the Frederick County Training Academy, teaching a variety of topics, from Firefighter Safety and Survival, truck Ops and much more. Trevor also served in the USMC.…

1
#127 Charlie Follows - Building a yoga career in the digital age 52:11

4M ago52:11

52:11

What does it really take to build a sustainable, soul-aligned yoga career in the digital age? In this episode, we sit down with Charlie Follows, a wildly popular YouTube yoga teacher, whose calm demeanour and clear cueing belie the sheer grit, skill, and strategy behind her online presence. This conversation is a rare behind-the-scenes look into th…

1
Luck Equals Preparation Plus Opportunity with LTC Mark Westphal USA and USAF 1:03:16

4M ago1:03:16

1:03:16

Today’s guest is Lt. Col. Mark Westphal, a highly accomplished leader with an extensive and diverse background. Mark grew up in Westchester County, New York before heading to Georgia Tech, where he earned both a Bachelor’s and Master’s degree in Mechanical and Materials Engineering. He also earned an MBA from LaSalle University. In his civilian car…

1
Fee Saghafi: Owning Her Journey 51:48

4M ago51:48

51:48

In this episode of the Brute Podcast, Dex Hopkins and Fee Saghafi discuss various themes surrounding the CrossFit community, competition, and personal growth. They reflect on the current open season, the importance of mentorship, and the evolution of CrossFit formats. Fee shares her unique background in athletics and music, and they both navigate t…

1
#126 Lizzie Lasater - Overcoming restorative yoga misconceptions 59:13

4M ago59:13

59:13

Lizzie Lasater teaches creativity, functional movement, somatic strength, and Restorative Yoga. She holds a Bachelor’s degree, summa cum laude, in Art History from UCLA and a Master’s in Design from Columbia University in New York City. Lizzie jokes that she has been practicing since the womb because her mother, Judith Hanson Lasater, has taught yo…

1
Unpacking Robert Coram's "Brute: The Life of Victor Krulak" with Jim Roussell USMC/Chicago PD 1:00:40

4M ago1:00:40

1:00:40

The LUF team believes that a careful examination of history’s most accomplished mission-oriented leaders reveals that their success was strongly correlated to scholarship and professional reading. LUF book clubs have been a conduit to meaningful discourse, reflection, and critical thought. Jim Roussell has guided several LUF book clubs. Jim’s infec…

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#125 Alex Crockford - Helping millions get healthier & happier 50:02

5M ago50:02

50:02

With millions of followers across multiple platforms, Alex Crockford is on a mission to help the world get fitter, healthier and happier! Whether through fitness coaching, acting, or social media, Alex exemplifies dedication, versatility, and an unwavering commitment to uplifting others @alexcrockford "“Consistency doesn’t have to mean intensity an…

1
Performance and Longevity in Professional Ironman Racing with Angela Naeth 39:14

5M ago39:14

39:14

Angela Naeth is a Canadian Professional Triathlete who made a significant mark on the sport with her exceptional performances in both Ironman and Ironman 70.3 events in her 20 year long career. In 2015, she became the North American Ironman Champion, cementing her place among the elite triathletes of her generation. Known for her strength in cyclin…

1
#124 - Rosie Turner - ADHD Untangled 49:18

5M ago49:18

49:18

Rosie Turner is on a mission to make movement accessible, empowering, and life-changing for ADHDers. As an Accredited ADHD Coach and founder of ADHD Untangled and The ADHD Movement Academy she helps others untangle shame, embrace their ADHD brains, and find movement that works for them. Whether through coaching or training wellness professionals, R…

1
Enhancing Fireground Performance through Coaching with Kevin O’Connor, FDNY 1:09:05

5M ago1:09:05

1:09:05

Today’s guest is FDNY Firefighter Kevin O’Connor of Ladder 33 in the Bronx. Kevin is a 17 year member of the department and has represented the FDNY on countless occasions as a member of the Pipes and Drums band. He is a regular contributor to the FDNY’s MPI program and a Tactical Performance Coach helping members hone their skills on the fire floo…

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Kelsey Kiel on What's Next 54:48

6M ago54:48

54:48

Brute Athlete Kelsey Kiel joins the podcast to talk about her journey in fitness, her new role leading Brute Body, and what makes this revamped program a game-changer. From her training mindset to helping athletes push past their limits, Kelsey shares insights, advice, and what's next for her. 🎧💪 Listen Now!…

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#123 James ‘Hunter’ Crossley - From Gladiator to Sound Healer 45:34

6M ago45:34

45:34

James Crossley first gained national attention as "Hunter" on the ITV series Gladiators, then going on to pursue a diverse career encompassing; Shakespearean acting, recording breaking strongman lifting and being a celebrity wellness advocate. Transitioning into the realm of holistic wellness, he is one of the UK’s leading sound healer trainers, sp…

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Remembering Black Sunday with FF Brendan Cawley, FDNY 1:06:42

6M ago1:06:42

1:06:42

The FDNY suffered line of duty deaths at two separate fire operations on January 23, 2005, “Black Sunday.” Firefighter Richard Scalfani of Ladder Co. 103 was killed in the performance of his duties while operating a private dwelling fire on Jerome St. in the East New York section of Brooklyn. Just hours prior, six members of Ladder Co. 27 and Rescu…

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#122 - Matt Giordano - Why you need to start thinking about biomechanics in yoga asana 55:48

6M ago55:48

55:48

Matt Giordano is a yoga teacher and founder of Chromatic Yoga, a global school focused on biomechanics and technique. Known for his joyful, transformative teaching, Matt empowers students to deepen their practice authentically. Based in Connecticut, he offers online and in-person trainings worldwide. @theyogimatt WHAT YOU’LL DISCOVER How the concep…

1
2024 Year in Review with Jason Brezler and James McNamara - Part 2 36:22

6M ago36:22

36:22

Today's episode is part 2 of a 2 part conversation with Jason Brezler and James McNamara where we continue to reflect on the range, depth, and reach of Leadership Under Fire’s TEAM efforts in 2024. The LUF team has maintained its commitment to humanizing and optimizing performance and leadership in today’s fire service and other high-risk industrie…

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2024 Year in Review with Jason Brezler and James McNamara - Part 1 56:07

7M ago56:07

56:07

In this episode we are joined by LUF Founder Jason Brezler and LUF’s Senior Man James McNamara. In this conversation, we reflect on the range, depth, and reach of Leadership Under Fire’s TEAM efforts in 2024. The LUF team has maintained its commitment to humanizing and optimizing performance and leadership in today’s fire service and other high-ris…

1
Legacy of Courage and Compassion with Kristina Moon 36:55

7M ago36:55

36:55

This episode features a powerful story of courage, compassion, and legacy. We’re honored to have Kristina Moon, wife of fallen FDNY firefighter William (better known as “Billy”) Moon II, whose heroic act of organ donation after a tragic accident in December of 2022 has saved multiple lives and left an enduring legacy of service. For more informatio…

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#121 - Hannah Barrett - Avoiding Yoga Teacher Pitfalls 1:00:24

7M ago1:00:24

1:00:24

Hannah is an author, wife and mother, who – after a decade working in finance – completely reassessed her life and stress levels and realised her true path lay in yoga. In fact, after the traumatic birth of her daughter, yoga helped Hannah rediscover who she was and her purpose in life. The transformational effect and growth yoga had on Hannah’s re…

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Developing Grey Collar Professionals with Capt Gabe Angemi, Camden FD 59:29

8M ago59:29

59:29

In this episode, we present part two of a two-part conversation between Jason Brezler and Captain Gabe Angemi of the Camden Fire Department, which originally aired on October 31st. In part one, Gabe shared his experiences during the recovery efforts in Asheville, NC, following Hurricane Helene. Part two shifts focus to the critical role of academia…

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#120 - Richie Norton - Simple Practices to Change Your Life 42:40

8M ago42:40

42:40

Former rugby player turned human performance coach, @RichieNorton_ brings 15 years of experience working with elite athletes and trailblazers in the field of human optimization. As a Master Coach at XPT Life, Richie is skilled in Breathwork, Meditation, Callisthenics, Capoeira, and Yoga—his teachings are rooted in a wealth of expertise across diver…

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The Willingness to Prepare Sets Us Apart with Captain Trevor Renadette FDNY 43:35

8M ago43:35

43:35

Today’s guest is Trevor Renadette. Trevor is a native of Plattsburgh, NY where he was born and raised before going to college at Plattsburgh State in 1998. After one year at university Trevor decided to take a break from school in order to join the NY Army Nation Guard. In 1999 he attended Infantry basic training in Fort Benning, GA. before advance…

1
#119 - Mark Walsh - 'Mr Embodiment' on hacking your mental health with strength training 39:54

8M ago39:54

39:54

Mark Walsh, aka “Mr. Embodiment,” is the author of 2 books, host of the The Embodiment Podcast (2M+ downloads) and led The Embodiment Conference (500,000 participants). He founded the Embodied Facilitator Course, training 2,000+ coaches in over 40 countries. @warkmalsh YOU’LL LEARN ABOUT How bonding styles differ between men and women, when to outs…

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Humanizing Real World USAR Operations with Capt Angemi, Camden FD 38:19

9M ago38:19

38:19

Our guest for this episode is Gabe Angemi. Gabe is a second-generation member of the Camden NJ Fire Department. He presently serves as a Captain and is assigned to Squad Company 7. Gabe has spent many years serving in Camden’s Special Operations companies and has been a member of NJ-TF1 FEMA USAR since 2008. Gabe serves as a tactical leadership adv…

1
Understanding the History Behind Our Why with FF Joanne Mariano, FDNY 46:50

9M ago46:50

46:50

Joanne Mariano is a firefighter with the FDNY assigned to L136 in Elmhurst, Queens, and formerly assigned to E225 in East New York, Brooklyn. Prior to joining the fire department, she was a lighting technician with IATSE Local 52 Motion Picture Studio Mechanics. She holds a bachelor’s degree in Film Production from Hunter College and is currently p…

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Whoever Shows Up on a Cold Rotten Day with LUF Chief Mentor Jim Roussell 1:06:34

10M ago1:06:34

1:06:34

This conversation was originally recorded in May of 2024 when Jim Roussell spoke to leaders in the Baltimore City Fire Department during the BCFD’s first weeklong LUF Optimizing Human Performance (MPI) Course. Jim Roussell served with the Chicago Police Department for more than 36 years and spent most of his career in gang-tactical units. He comman…

1
#118 - Arundhati Baitmangalkar -Finding Clarity, Compassion and Contentment 1:00:44

10M ago1:00:44

1:00:44

@Arundhati_Baitmangalkar is an Indian immigrant yoga teacher in America. She’s a yoga nerd, yoga teacher trainer, host of the Let’s Talk Yoga podcast, yoga studio owner, YouTuber and online content creator. Having lived in India for over 2 decades, she offers a unique yet refreshing perspective yoga for teachers and students. Her key areas of focus…

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Drawing Hope from the Memories of Those Lost with Battalion Chief Pat Connolly 1:21:59

10M ago1:21:59

1:21:59

Battalion Chief Pat Connolly is a twenty-three year member of the FDNY. Chief Connolly began his career at Engine 39/Ladder 16 on the Upper East Side of Manhattan, then promoted to Lieutenant and was assigned to E231/TL120 in Brownsville Brooklyn. Chief Connolly promoted again to the rank of Captain and was assigned to L-133 in South Jamaica, Queen…

1
#117 - Hannah Paradise - Being a wellness industry solo female founder 48:33

10M ago48:33

48:33

Hannah Paradise founded @Oyogo.london with the mission to change the landscape of wellbeing tourism. She believes that fly & flop travels are being replaced by a new-era of travel experiences that are helping people feel healthier, happier and elevate their personal well-being journey. Oyogo work at an expert advisory level to help their hotel clie…

1
Making Yourself Hard to Kill and the Limits of Operational Safety 1:09:47

10M ago1:09:47

1:09:47

This conversation is a continuation of an episode about Building the LUF Team which was published on May 16, 2024. LUF Senior Man Jim McNamara and Founder Jason Brezler revisit Leadership Under Fire’s origins and the genesis of LUF’s Making Yourself Hard to Kill construct, and more broadly the team’s endeavor to challenge and encourage leaders to t…

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#116 - Jamie Clements - Breathwork for optimised daily living & transformation 56:48

11M ago56:48

56:48

Jamie Clements is a breathwork specialist and founder of @the_breath_space . Jamie has worked alongside top entrepreneurs, politicians, athletes, global brands and many more, to share the life changing potential of breathwork and altered states of consciousness. After discovering out first-hand just how impactful breathwork can be, Jamie strongly b…

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#115 - Dan Bosomworth - Founder of Brass Monkey Ice Baths 51:09

11M ago51:09

51:09

Dan is a husband, dad, career long marketer and recently founded ice bath company @BrassMonkeyIce in 2020. His journey started after converting a problematic chest freezer into an ice bath to enable a daily ice bath at home during the pandemic. The early benefits of cold water immersion were immediately obvious to him, feeling both challenged and c…

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Reading and Responding to Black Swans with Jim Roussell 1:31:33

11M ago1:31:33

1:31:33

Since our formal inception more than a decade ago, the LUF Team has championed professional reading. The LUF team believes that a careful examination of history’s most accomplished mission-oriented leaders reveals that their success was strongly correlated to a scholarly appreciation of literature and professional reading. In 2022, LUF launched our…

1
Purpose and Performance Under Pressure with Lt Ben Baus, Milwaukee FD Rescue Co. 1 1:13:48

11M ago1:13:48

1:13:48

Lieutenant Ben Baus joined the ranks of the Milwaukee Fire Department in 2012. As a firefighter, Ben served in Rescue Co. 1 and on the department’s Heavy Urban Rescue Team which provides technical rescue throughout the city and surrounding areas. He was promoted to Lieutenant in 2020 and is currently assigned to Rescue Co. 1. Ben has been a contrib…

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#114 - Ashana - The Therapeutic Power of Sound Healing 1:09:23

11M ago1:09:23

1:09:23

Ashana (@soundofashana) is one of the premiere healing music artists and New Age vocalists of our time, weaving together soaring, angelic vocals and the celestial sound of alchemy crystal singing bowls. Her best selling music has been downloaded and streamed by millions of fans around the world. Ashana is an expert in the field of sound healing wit…

1
Excitement and Confidence from Dallin and James ahead of the 2024 CrossFit Games 35:56

12M ago35:56

35:56

Summary In this conversation, James Spraguer, and Dallin Pepper talk about their upcoming competition at the 2024 CrossFit Games. They also share advice for their younger selves and reflect on the longevity of their careers. The conversation touches on the significance of character over accomplishments and the value of enjoying life outside of Cros…

1
Don't Do Ordinary with Lt Evan Bergman USAF 1:01:12

12M ago1:01:12

1:01:12

Today we are joined by LT Evan Bergman with the United States Air Force. Evan is a Tactical Air Control Party Specialist, or TACP, at the 15th Air Support Operations Squadron in Savannah Georgia. He spent most of his youth in Annapolis Maryland before attending the Virginia Military Institute where he majored in Psychology. After graduating in 2021…

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#113 - Sophie Hellyer - Empowerment through cold water & kinship 52:32

12M ago52:32

52:32

Sophie Hellyer (@sophiehellyer) is a breath, yoga and swim coach, who became a national champion surfer and model in her late teens. Over the years she has campaigned for diversity in surfing and become a prominent spokesperson on ocean pollution, sustainability and ethical fashion. In 2005, Sophie got sewage in her lung whilst surfing, this led to…

1
Protecting Courage with Chief Paul Conway 1:13:38

1y ago1:13:38

1:13:38

Paul Conway is a third-generation firefighter who served with the Milwaukee Fire Department for 31 years and retired as the Chief of Operations in 2012. He also served with the New Berlin Volunteer Fire Department for seventeen years. Paul used his fire service experience and passion to start Conway Shield. Nearly 40 years later, the Conway Shield …

1
Strength Secrets from Small Towns to Global Arenas 31:02

1y ago31:02

31:02

How does a small-town weightlifting legend leave a lasting impact on the world of CrossFit and Olympic lifting? This week on the Brute Podcast, we’re joined by Dex Hopkins and Matt Bruce for an eye-opening journey into the realms of strength training and competitive CrossFit. Dex reminisces about his formative days and his initial, unforgettable en…

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