Ep. 237 - Taylor Smith

Ep. 237 - Taylor Smith

Author: Josh Rohr & Lara Sturm March 4, 2026 Duration: 43:29
Send us Fan Mail In this episode of the podcast, Josh interviewed Taylor Smith, a powerlifter who recently competed in the Georgia State meet where she set new PRs and became the best overall lifter by Dots. Taylor discussed her background in lifting, her recent success, and her decision to switch coaches after 2.5 years with Josh and Wade. They explored Taylor's future goals in powerlifting, including competing in nationals, and discussed the recent changes to Raw Nationals, including the el...

Every Wednesday, Josh Rohr and Lara Sturm blend chalk dust with hair spray on the Powerlifting & Power Ballads Podcast. While the show has deep roots in Georgia's powerlifting scene, the conversation spans hot topics and competitions from across the country. Each episode is built around a specific structure that regulars have come to rely on: dissecting a hypothetical "Powerlifting Situation" for some comedic problem-solving and sharing a practical "New Lifter Tip" that cuts through the noise. You'll get analysis of the latest news in the sport, straightforward training advice, and of course, the essential musical component that gives this podcast its name. The hosts frequently run listener tournaments where submissions can win prizes from sponsors, adding a community-driven, competitive edge. It’s a unique mix where serious educational content on technique and competition meets the lighter, funnier side of gym culture, all soundtracked by the perfect power ballad. Tune in for a weekly dose that’s as much about the shared culture of lifting as it is about the numbers on the bar.
Author: Language: en-us Episodes: 100

Powerlifting & Power Ballads Podcast
Podcast Episodes
Ep. 205 - Presidential Interviews next week! [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 23:10
Send us Fan Mail Josh provided updates on presidential interviews and upcoming events for USA Powerlifting, including deadlines for nominations and new meet additions to the calendar. He and Lara discussed weight cutting…
Ep. 204 - Gwen Cook, Elaine Ostrander & Kevin Cregan [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 36:39
Send us Fan Mail This episode focused on powerlifting experiences, with team members discussing recent competitions, training setups, and strategies for handling anxiety and unexpected situations during events. They also…
Ep. 203 - Masters Invitational Recap with Jo House & Molly Walker [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 33:36
Send us Fan Mail This episode featured guest co-hosts Molly Walker and Jo House discussing their experiences at the Masters invitational in Chattanooga and their powerlifting backgrounds. The conversation covered notable…
Ep. 202 - Lara talks a lot of Bee-S [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 29:44
Send us Fan Mail Lara and Josh reminisce about their past experiences and share news about the passing of Bill Helmich, a well-known figure in the powerlifting community. They also discuss the upcoming Master's Invitatio…
Ep. 201 - The Deadlift Curl is NOT Legal [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 28:29
Send us Fan Mail Josh and Lara discussed their podcast "Balance" and various powerlifting events, including upcoming competitions and rule violations. They also covered topics such as the U.S.A. Powerlifting elections, s…
Ep. 199 - USAPL Collegiate Nationals Preview ft. Cameron Barrilleaux [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:03:34
Send us Fan Mail In this Episode we discuss the current state of collegiate powerlifting, the evolution of the Collegiate Nationals, and the importance of strategic thinking and number crunching in competitions. We also…
Ep. 198 - High School Nationals Results & New Lifter Tip [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 22:56
Send us Fan Mail Josh and Lara discussed the new features of a training app, their personal experiences with scooters and motorcycles, and the importance of following a structured training plan for efficient strength bui…
Ep. 197 - Highlights from Military Nationals [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 20:39
Send us Fan Mail Josh and Lara discussed their recent attendance at the Military, Police and Firefighter Nationals, the upcoming high school nationals powerlifting meet in Wisconsin, and their personal preferences for co…
Ep. 196 - Military Nationals, NGB Notice & Something Random [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 9:49
Send us Fan Mail Josh and Lara discussed the upcoming Military, Police and Firefighter Nationals event, which will take place at the Newnan Centre in Newnan, Georgia on Saturday, March 15th from 9 to 4. They also discuss…