SHAW STRENGTH PODCAST

101. ENFORCING STRONGMAN COMPETITION RULES FT. ROBERT OBERST

In this episode of the Shaw Strength Podcast, Brian Shaw sits down for a conversation that starts off with some laughs and an arm wrestling challenge, but quickly turns into a real discussion about resilience, competition, and what it actually takes to push through pain.Brian talks about how injuries can completely change the way your body works—from strength imbalances and nerve issues to numbness and even how something as simple as your sleeping position can cause problems over time. For anyone involved in strongman, powerlifting, or strength sports, this episode gives a real look at the constant battle between staying healthy and staying competitive.One of the biggest moments in the episode is Brian’s story from World's Strongest Man 2012, when his hand suddenly stopped working and he lost feeling in his grip. He opens up about the uncertainty, the frustration, and the mental battle of not knowing if things would ever fully recover—while still stepping up to compete.The conversation also covers competitive fairness through the power stairs controversy, and how important clear rules and accountability are in sport. To close things out, Brian and the hosts talk about parenting, bullying, and the lessons sports can teach kids about confidence, discipline, and standing up for themselves.If you have questions for Brian, topics you would like to hear Brian talk about or guests you would like to see on the podcast email them to: askbrian@shawstrength.comPodcast Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/shawstrengthpodcast/Brian's Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/shawstrength/Clothes, Supplements, and Supportive Gear: https://shawstrength.com/Behind the scenes content and Giveaways: https://club.shawstrength.com/Main Channel: https://www.youtube.com/c/SHAWSTRENGTH

100. MULTIMILLION-DOLLAR FIVE GUYS EMPIRE TO EVW OWNER FT. ROBERT BAXTER

In this episode of the Shaw Strength Podcast, host Brian Shaw sits down with Robert Baxter, owner of East vs West, to talk about his incredible journey through business, real estate, franchising, and arm wrestling.Robert shares stories from some of the biggest opportunities and challenges of his career, including high-pressure real estate deals, expanding the Five Guys brand into Canada, and the lessons he learned while building businesses from the ground up. He talks about the risks, setbacks, and decisions that helped shape his success, as well as the mindset required to keep moving forward when the stakes are high.The conversation also explores Robert’s lifelong connection to arm wrestling, how competition influenced his approach to business, and what eventually led him to become the owner of East vs West. Along the way, he offers practical insights on leadership, consistency, and the value of staying committed to a long-term vision.If you have questions for Brian, topics you would like to hear Brian talk about or guests you would like to see on the podcast email them to: askbrian@shawstrength.comPodcast Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/shawstrengthpodcast/Brian's Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/shawstrength/Clothes, Supplements, and Supportive Gear: https://shawstrength.com/Behind the scenes content and Giveaways: https://club.shawstrength.com/Main Channel: https://www.youtube.com/c/SHAWSTRENGTH

99. THE ORIGIN OF THE WORLD’S FASTEST GUN DISARM FT. VICTOR MARX

In this episode of the Shaw Strength Podcast, host Brian Shaw sits down with Victor Marx for a powerful conversation about overcoming trauma, protecting children, and fighting for accountability.Victor shares his incredible life story, from surviving severe childhood abuse to building a life focused on faith, resilience, and helping others. The conversation dives into trauma recovery, the long-term effects of fear and shame, and what true healing looks like after hardship.Brian and Victor also discuss the realities of child exploitation investigations, the mental toll on law enforcement, and the importance of supporting those working to protect children. Victor opens up about his family’s personal experience with sexual assault, the pursuit of justice, and the challenges families face within the legal system.The episode also explores broader topics including public safety, parental rights, education transparency, accountability, and leadership in today’s world.If you have questions for Brian, topics you would like to hear Brian talk about or guests you would like to see on the podcast email them to: askbrian@shawstrength.comPodcast Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/shawstrengthpodcast/Brian's Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/shawstrength/Clothes, Supplements, and Supportive Gear: https://shawstrength.com/Behind the scenes content and Giveaways: https://club.shawstrength.com/Main Channel: https://www.youtube.com/c/SHAWSTRENGTH

98. INSIDE LOOK AT EAST VS WEST ARM WRESTLING OFFICIATING FT. LUKE PULSCHER

On this episode of the Shaw Strength Podcast, Brian sits down with Luke Pulscher, the head referee for East vs West, to talk about the side of arm wrestling fans rarely get to see, officiating at the highest level.One bad angle or one split-second decision can turn a correct call into a controversy that lives forever online. Luke breaks down what it’s really like standing on stage with thousands of eyes watching every move, the speed referees have to operate at, the limits of replay, and how officials handle pressure when the entire internet thinks they saw something different.We also dive into Luke’s personal journey, growing up on a South Dakota farm, overcoming being the “fat kid,” and discovering strength and confidence through arm wrestling. From pulling in bars and local tournaments to becoming one of the most respected referees in the sport, his path wasn’t traditional. Outside of arm wrestling, Luke shares his experiences working as an arborist, developing a passion for personal finance, and building a career helping others plan for their future while still enjoying life today.On the sport side, we go deep into referee training, earning and maintaining an international master rating, how the East vs West replay system has evolved, and what it takes to build a strong officiating team. We talk missed calls, camera placement, social media criticism, and the responsibility referees carry to protect the integrity of competition.If you have questions for Brian, topics you would like to hear Brian talk about or guests you would like to see on the podcast email them to: askbrian@shawstrength.comPodcast Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/shawstrengthpodcast/Brian's Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/shawstrength/Clothes, Supplements, and Supportive Gear: https://shawstrength.com/Behind the scenes content and Giveaways: https://club.shawstrength.com/Main Channel: https://www.youtube.com/c/SHAWSTRENGTH

97. A LIFE-CHANGING ACCIDENT FT. LAURENCE SHAHLAEI

In this episode of the Shaw Strength Podcast, Brian Shaw sits down with strongman veteran, World’s Strongest Man podium finisher, and longtime friend Laurence Shahlaei for a powerful conversation about resilience, competition, and perspective both inside and outside of strength sports.Laurence shares the story of a sudden car accident that turned an ordinary drive into a life-changing moment, leading to a hospital visit and a renewed appreciation for what truly matters. The discussion centers on gratitude, family, and how experiences like this can reset priorities and reshape how athletes approach both training and life.From there, Brian and Laurence dive deep into elite strongman competition — breaking down the most competitive World’s Strongest Man eras, how event order and contest conditions influence results, and why comparing athletes across generations isn’t as simple as looking at numbers on a score sheet. Laurence opens up about overcoming major injuries throughout his career, the challenges of rebuilding confidence after setbacks, and the reality of returning to competition when your body has taken serious damage.The conversation also looks toward life after peak competition, including coaching, staying goal-driven, and supporting family through new challenges. Brian and Laurence discuss preparation, tapering, and how lessons learned in strongman continue to apply to new competitive arenas, along with insights into the technical and mental side of arm wrestling.If you have questions for Brian, topics you would like to hear Brian talk about or guests you would like to see on the podcast email them to: askbrian@shawstrength.comPodcast Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/shawstrengthpodcast/Brian's Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/shawstrength/Clothes, Supplements, and Supportive Gear: https://shawstrength.com/Behind the scenes content and Giveaways: https://club.shawstrength.com/Main Channel: https://www.youtube.com/c/SHAWSTRENGTH