In this episode of Reppin' Fitness, Coach Brick Headstrong sits down with Brianna Battles, a strength coach, mom of two, and founder of the Practice Brave movement, to talk all about fitness, pregnancy, postpartum, and what it really means to stay strong.From bench pressing in high school to building a global coaching business, Brianna shares her journey through motherhood, strength training, and why “brave” is the B word that matters most. Whether you're a mom, a coach, or just someone trying to understand how to train through life’s big changes, this episode is for you.Inside you’ll find:- What “postpartum” really means (and why it’s forever)- Why moms are not fragile, and not invincible either- The #1 mistake coaches make with pregnancy clients- How partners can actually help (hint: take the baby, don’t just ask)- Garage gyms, Kendrick Lamar, and raising the next generation of strong kidsListen to the Practice Brave Podcast: https://open.spotify.com/show/1P1X8ylAyGPxc3dtzMBzGEFollow Brianna Battles: https://www.instagram.com/brianna.battlesFollow Brick: https://www.instagram.com/brickheadstrongSupport the Show: https://www.brickheadstrong.comTimestamps:0:00 – Intro & B is for Brave0:40 – Meet Brianna Battles1:50 – Gym Today? Jiu-Jitsu Talk2:30 – Bri’s First Gym Experience3:18 – Strong Over Skinny4:20 – Training While Pregnant5:30 – What is Postpartum?6:25 – The Missing Guidance for Moms7:45 – Peeing While Sneezing? Let's Talk8:40 – “Get Back” Culture vs. Moving Forward9:08 – Moms Aren’t Washed Up10:00 – Raising Active Kids11:00 – The Garage Gym Setup12:15 – Training 5,000+ Coaches12:50 – Coaches’ Blind Spots14:20 – Reframing Postpartum Fitness Goals15:20 – Give Yourself Grace (And Time)16:30 – How Partners Can Actually Help17:30 – Why This Work Matters to Bri19:00 – Evolution of Women in Strength20:30 – What Gym Culture Still Gets Wrong22:00 – Coaching Postpartum Clients (Start Here)23:10 – Practice Brave Podcast & Brand24:20 – Cable Hip Thrusts & Feeling Strong25:30 – The Barbell is Non-Negotiable26:00 – Coffee, Toddlers & Kendrick Lamar27:00 – What Motherhood Taught Coaching Never Could28:08 – Outro

Jesse Mulley naturally lost over 260 pounds and he's still going! In this powerful episode of Reppin' Fitness, Coach Brick Headstrong sits down with Jesse to talk about life at over 500lbs to becoming a certified coach. Jesse’s story is a raw and inspiring look at extreme weight loss, mental health, and what it really means to show up for yourself every day.They talk about everything from the mental toll of obesity to the small wins that built momentum, from using VR games to get moving to walking into a gym for the first time. You’ll hear how Jesse rebuilt self-trust, learned to quiet food noise, and found a whole new relationship with his body.Whether you're just starting your journey or supporting someone who is, this episode will give you insight, motivation, and hope.In this episode, you'll learn:- How Jesse lost over 260 lbs naturally- What “food noise” is and how it affects mindset- Why mental health is key to long-term weight loss- How to stay consistent when results stall- The importance of rebuilding self-trust- How Jesse turned his journey into coaching others- Why glute bridges still make his “no thanks” listThis one’s not just about the scale, it’s about taking your life back.Timestamps:0:00 – Brick & Jesse Talk ABCs of Fitness0:40 – Jesse’s Return to the Gym Post-Surgery2:30 – How Much Weight Jesse Has Lost3:10 – Life at 500+ Pounds4:10 – What Eating Was Like Before5:10 – Depression, Self-Hate & the Turning Point6:00 – Why the Gym Helped When Diets Failed7:05 – Starting with VR Before Stepping in the Gym8:15 – Shoutout to Andrew Coates & Trainer Frazier9:30 – Pushing Past Mental Barriers11:30 – Non-Scale Victories & Finding Freedom12:45 – From Grocery Store Struggles to Axe Throwing14:10 – Walking with Purpose (Not Just for Steps)15:30 – Trusting the Science (Even When the Scale Stalls)16:30 – Lies We Tell Ourselves About Effort18:00 – Rebuilding Self-Trust & Loving Yourself Again19:35 – Becoming a Certified Coach (NASM + PN)20:30 – Working with Clients on Mental Fitness21:30 – What is “Food Noise”?23:30 – When Jesse Really Felt the Progress24:00 – What Self-Love Means Now25:00 – Exercises Jesse Hates (Sorry, Glute Bridges)26:00 – What’s on Jesse’s Workout Playlist?27:00 – Why You Should Never QuitCONNECT:

Jesse Mulley: https://www.instagram.com/progressive.overhaul

Coach Brick: https://www.instagram.com/brickheadstrong

Support the Show: https://www.brickheadstrong.com

In this episode of Reppin' Fitness, Coach Brick Headstrong sits down with Shane McLean, writer for Muscle & Fitness and founder of Outback Performance, for an honest convo about what really works in the gym—and why most people are still falling for fitness myths.From the dangers of AI-written workout advice to why barbells aren’t your only option, Shane breaks it all down in a way that’s accessible for everyone, especially beginners and busy parents.We talk about:- How AI is already changing the fitness industry—for better and worse- Why women still hesitate to lift weights (and how to change that)- How to get fit without a full gym setup- Smart time-saving workout strategies (hint: try tri-sets)- Staying motivated when life gets in the way- Why consistency beats perfection every timeThis one’s packed with no-nonsense advice and a few laughs too. Let’s get those reps.0:00 – Intro: Meet Shane McLean0:45 – Did You Go to the Gym Today?1:10 – First Time Working Out & Motivation from Friends2:00 – Raising Fit Kids & Setting the Example3:40 – Connection to Andrew Coates & Writing for Muscle & Fitness5:10 – How AI is Changing Fitness Content7:15 – Why AI Can’t Replace Good Coaching9:10 – The Art + Science of Real Coaching10:15 – Common Myths About Women & Weightlifting12:10 – Easing Into Strength Training Without Barbells13:45 – What to Do If You “Don’t Have Time”15:30 – Motivation Tips That Actually Work18:40 – Can Brick Be the Muscle & Fitness Centerfold?20:10 – The Future of Strength Training is Specialized23:00 – Shane’s Favorite Article: Health vs. Fitness25:10 – Best Gym Songs: Korn & Saliva26:30 – Final Advice: Consistency is EverythingHow to Connect:

Shane McLean - https://www.instagram.com/outbackperformances

Brick Headstrong - https://www.instagram.com/brickheadstrongRep Brick Headstrong at the Gym, buy a shirt!https://www.brickheadstrong.com

In this episode of Reppin' Fitness, Coach Brick Headstrong sits down with Andy Morgan, founder of RippedBody.com and co-author of The Muscle and Strength Pyramids, to discuss the truth behind fitness coaching, the dangers of misinformation, and the importance of sustainable habits.Andy shares his journey from being attacked as a teenager to becoming a respected coach in Japan, emphasizing the significance of consistency, community, and critical thinking in achieving long-term fitness goals.Whether you're a beginner or a seasoned lifter, this conversation offers valuable insights into navigating the fitness industry and building a healthier lifestyle.Timestamps:0:00 – Brick meets Andy Morgan (Ripped Body) 1:30 – Training talk & rep ranges 4:30 – Fitness Charlatans & the supplement industry 7:30 – How Andy built Japan’s top fitness site 9:30 – The truth behind quick-fix fitness products 11:00 – Why some influencers aren’t real coaches 13:00 – The trap of extreme diet tribes 15:30 – How Brick can grow as a coach 19:00 – Why people aren’t in a calorie deficit 22:00 – Weekend eating mistakes & underreporting 23:30 – Andy’s backstory: street attack & karate 25:30 – Tips for kids to get stronger 27:00 – Final question: Brick vs Andrew Coates 27:30 – Outro & thank you Andy Morgan on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/Andy_RippedBody

Coach Brick on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/BrickHeadstrongRep Brick Headstrong at the Gym!https://www.brickheadstrong.com

Coach Brick sits down with EliteFTS founder and strength legend Dave Tate for a powerful conversation on lifting, longevity, and the one thing gyms are missing: community.

From overcoming bullying through strength to building a decades-long coaching career, Dave shares the mindset and mistakes that shaped him. They also dive into what makes a real coach, how training should change as you age, and why old-school lifts still work best.

🎯 Topics:

- Why strength is more than muscle

- The #1 mistake beginners make

- How to spot clout-chasing coaches

- Why community matters more than ever

- Training smart past your 30s, 40s & beyond

🎧 New episodes of Reppin’ Fitness every week!

👉 Follow Brick: https://www.instagram.com/brickheadstrong

👉 Follow Dave: https://www.instagram.com/underthebar

🌐 More: https://www.brickheadstrong.com

In this episode of Reppin' Fitness, Coach Brick Headstrong sits down with fitness coach Dr Joey Munoz for a real talk about calories, diets, and why most people are overcomplicating what it takes to get healthy.

From understanding how calories actually work to why “named diets” (like keto, carnivore, and juice cleanses) miss the mark—Joey breaks it all down with practical advice you can actually use. Whether you're trying to lose weight, gain muscle, or just get a handle on emotional eating, this episode helps cut through the noise.

Inside you’ll find:

- A simple breakdown of calories, macros, and metabolism

- Why diet quality and quantity matter

- The real reason your lifestyle might be holding you back

- How emotional eating, stress, and sleep tie into results

- Why most “popular” diets aren’t the answer

This isn’t about shortcuts—it’s about doing it right.

0:00 – Intro & Kid Blocks on Set

0:40 – Meet Joey Muñoz & Monday Gym Routines

1:30 – Joey’s Full-Body Training Schedule

2:10 – Raising Kids & Making Fitness Work

2:30 – Joey’s First Gym Experience

3:15 – What Rep Ranges Work Best?

4:17 – Why Do You Want to Lose Weight?

5:12 – Common Diet Trends & Pitfalls

6:23 – What Actually Works for Fat Loss

7:14 – Understanding Calories & Hunger

8:02 – Caloric Intake & Energy Balance Explained

9:32 – Talking Emotional Eating & Client Struggles

12:07 – How Lifestyle Interference Impacts Results

14:10 – The Word 'Diet' & Why It’s Misleading

15:20 – Tracking Macros vs. Intuitive Eating

17:30 – Brick’s Panda & the Cookie Problem

18:00 – Extreme Diets Clients Try

19:10 – What Is Ozempic? How It Works

20:30 – Risks & Benefits of Weight Loss Medications

21:20 – Why Diet Quality Still Matters

22:30 – Can You Lose Fat & Build Muscle?

23:40 – Brick Wants Size Without Losing Abs

24:20 – Who Inspired Joey’s Fitness Journey?

26:40 – Exercises to Get Strong Without a Gym

27:48 – Outro

CONNECT:

Dr Joey Munoz: https://www.instagram.com/dr.joeymunoz

Coach Brick: https://www.instagram.com/brickheadstrong

Support the Show: https://www.brickheadstrong.com

In this episode of Reppin' Fitness, Coach Brick Headstrong sits down with fitness coach and strength trainer Tom Sheppard to talk about what keeps you going—especially on the days you don’t feel like showing up.

From his first protein shake thrown at him by his big brother to now running a full coaching business with his wife (a world record–holding powerlifter), Tom shares what fitness really looks like when it’s about more than muscles. This episode dives into the mindset, mental health, and small daily wins that make a lasting difference.

Inside you’ll find:

• Why mental health is physical health
• How fitness saved Tom during his darkest years
• Tips to stay consistent even when you’re unmotivated
• The truth about comparison, pressure, and “bad workouts”
• A banana drop set… yes, really.

Whether you’re struggling to get to the gym or questioning if it’s even worth it, this episode will remind you: just showing up counts.

Connect:
Tom Sheppard: https://www.instagram.com/phoenixperformancetraining
Coach Brick: https://www.instagram.com/brickheadstrong
Support the Show: https://www.brickheadstrong.com

Timestamps:

• 00:00 – Intro: Brick Tests Out the New Set
• 00:43 – Meet Tom Sheppard: Coach, Husband, Lifter
• 01:30 – Training for a Photo Shoot & Rebranding Their Coaching Business
• 02:15 – Tom’s First Workout: A Brother, Whey Protein & a Wake-Up Call
• 03:45 – How Fitness Helped His Mental Health
• 05:00 – Training for the Mind vs. the Muscles
• 06:30 – Can You Be Too Dependent on the Gym?
• 08:00 – The Pie Chart Exercise: Balancing Life Beyond Fitness
• 09:40 – How to Shake Off a Tough Day (Hint: Get Outside)
• 11:00 – Is the Fitness Industry Helping or Hurting Mental Health?
• 12:50 – Why Physical and Mental Health Are the Same Thing
• 14:00 – What the Gym Can Teach You About Focus and Discipline
• 15:40 – How to Apply Gym Lessons to Life
• 17:00 – Helping Kids Love Fitness Without the Pressure
• 18:30 – The Comparison Trap & Dragon Ball Z Body Dysmorphia
• 20:30 – The Real Flex: Pride in Effort, Not Outcome
• 21:20 – The One Question Tom Asks Every Client
• 23:15 – Why Knowing Why You Train Matters Most
• 24:30 – Batman, the Joker & The Ever-Moving Fitness Goalpost
• 25:40 – What to Say to Someone Struggling Right Now
• 27:00 – Just Show Up: Why Discipline Beats Motivation
• 28:50 – Brick’s Shortcut Reps & the Power of Showing Up Anyway
• 29:20 – Tom’s Biggest Inspiration (Spoiler: It’s His Wife)
• 30:20 – Banana Drop Sets & Other Weird Workouts
• 32:00 – Getting Stronger Without a Gym
• 33:10 – When Life Throws Lemons… Curl Bananas

Still Intimidated by CrossFit? This Will Help

Coach Brick Headstrong meets metal and muscle in this epic episode of Reppin’ Fitness

CrossFit Level 3 Trainer, musician, and dad—Alex Mercieca—joins Brick to talk about how he mixes lifting with live music (literally) and how beginners can confidently step into the world of CrossFit.Whether you’re a curious first-timer or just want to know what “WOD” means, this episode covers it all—from bodyweight workouts to legendary CrossFit challenges like Murph and Fran. Oh, and there’s also a full breakdown of Brick’s leg day conspiracy theory.

In this episode:

- No-hands squatting while shredding guitar solos

- The difference between traditional gym workouts and CrossFit

- What a real CrossFit class is like

- Why consistency beats supplements

- What beginners need to know before their first day

Got questions like:

“What if I’m out of shape?” “Am I too old?” “Will I get hurt?”

This episode is for you.

https://www.instagram.com/amercieca78

https://www.instagram.com/brickheadstrong

https://www.brickheadstrong.com

Timestamps:

00:00 – Brick’s Headbanging Test

00:56 – Meet Alex: CrossFit Trainer, Musician, Dad

03:00 – First Time Working Out

04:50 – CrossFit Rep Ranges Explained

06:00 – What CrossFit Really Is

08:00 – Can Beginners Do CrossFit?

09:00 – Leg Day vs. Lower Body Day

11:00 – How CrossFit Workouts Are Structured

13:00 – Fran, Cindy & Hero WODs

17:00 – CrossFit Results & Expectations