First things first! If you’re a coach, trainer, physical therapist, a parent, or just someone who loves fitness, this is your chance to join us in October for the best training certification in the industry! The CPPS Level 1 certification will be held on October 27 at EliteFTS in Ohio. Check out the details in the show note links! Todays episode is born from listener feedback. The listeners have reported to Smitty and OB that they would love deeper dives on some of the topics they discuss. In response to this request, Smitty and OB are starting a NEW SERIES unimaginatively called “Everything ..read more

Today we’re joined by our good friend, Josh Comitale. Josh is a 14-year veteran of the Troy, NY Police Department. Smitty and OB inquire about Josh’s experience in law enforcement and his early career. Josh then covers in gripping detail, his role in the 2015 officer-involved shooting, what it was like mentally, and the road to recovery. As usual, lots of lessons to be learned so don’t miss a second! Josh's story will have you on the edge of your seat from the very first minute!  TIMESTAMPS [0:00] Intro [1:00] Rapid Fire Questions [8:23] Becoming a Cop [13:33] Early Career [15:10] How Ba ..read more

Today, Smitty and OB are honored to be joined by Infinity Coach, Cory Comitale. Cory is brining the Ronin community his guidelines for how he creates his perfect morning routine. The Ronin listeners are no strangers to the connection between owning your morning and self-mastery. Secondly, Smitty gets OB’s and Cory’s thoughts on his rules for longevity. The guys talk through all the things Smitty wishes he knew early on in his career and is now passing on as sage advice for training success. TIMESTAMPS [0:00] Team Forever Strong [1:50] The 20-20-20 Rule for Morning Routines [11:51] The Truth B ..read more

Today’s show is all about you, the listener! First, Smitty announces the launch of the new app “Team Forever Strong” - a new training app that will deliver customized “DeFranco/Diesel” programming, right to your phone (52-weeks/year round). Then Smitty and OB ask each other questions from this week's Instagram Q&A and cover everything from shoulder mobility, sled work, back training, and even a couple of embarrassing moments. TIMESTAMPS [0:00] Powerlifting Meet [4:10] Team Forever Strong Programming [13:00] Keep it Clean with Cluster Sets [15:00] Polarized Training [27:44] First Reaction ..read more

This week’s episode kicks off with a Smitty and OB answering listener submitted Q&A's. Smitty and OB exchange questions from Instagram and give their thoughts sled dragging, reverse hypers, how to build muscle, and much more. Lastly, Smitty dives into one of his favorite stories that closely represents his journey in overcoming resentment. He tells the story of Wayne Dyer's, 'My Greatest Teacher.' This amazing journey provides so many insights into how you can overcome your past, let go of resentment, and finally live without boundaries.  TIMESTAMPS [0:00] Intro [3:00] “Giant Sets” f ..read more

Smitty and OB are extremely excited and honored to bring Becoming Ronin listeners, strength coach, entrepreneur, and nutrition pioneer, Mike Dolce. Mike is a breath of fresh air in an industry full of untruths and misconceptions. Mike’s brass tax approach is nothing but empowering and honest. In this episode the guys briefly discuss Mike’s humble beginnings, then dive deep on high level coaching, an extreme ownership approach with nutrition, and much needed industry financial advice. This episode is a kick in the pants while giving a peek 'behind the curtains' on the mindset of a world renown ..read more

In today’s episode, we are honored to talk shop with Tony Gentilcore. Tony starts out discussing his beginnings as a Co-Founder of Cressey Sports Performance. He lets us in on some of the differences between training professional athletes and gen. pop clients, as well as, his unique 'collective' business model. He also gives some sage advice on how to avoid burnout and lean into your hobbies. Finally, in true Ronin fashion, Smitty and OB fire off some rapid fire questions to learn a little more about Tony's life as a Dad and his philosophy about living a simple life. TIMESTAMPS [0:00] In ..read more

In today’s episode Smitty and OB get real by diving into some touchy subjects. They start out with a listener question about avoiding an uncomfortable situation which sparks a conversation about always seeking the truth. Second, Smitty asks OB’s opinion on a recent experience he had with a complete stranger. This turns into a dialogue on what it means to be offended and if you should take a chance to say the 'truth' to someone. They wrap the episode up by giving their hot take opinions on 10 debated topics in the industry in an informative way. TIMESTAMPS [0:00] News [0:00] Intro [4:00] A tru ..read more

In today’s episode Smitty and OB give a couple of important updates, then dive straight into three listener questions: Question 1. The first question sparks some hilarious stories about a legendary monster that Smitty and OB used to train with - along with some sessions that didn't end well. Question 2: This rolls right into the guys finally unveiling two iconic challenges known as the Man Maker and Widow Maker. Question 3: They finish with a hotly debated topic, which is; should you always train for FULL ROM? TIMESTAMPS [0:00] News [5:00] Intro [8:00] SWIS is coming to the US (CPPS One-Day P ..read more

In today’s episode Smitty and OB are excited to announce their first sponsor, The Cold Plunge. They are offering listeners of Becoming Ronin $150 off their first Cold Plunge purchase. In today’s epsiode, the Ronin community is extremely fortunate to spend an hour discussing business, growth, and mindset with one of the fitness industry leaders, Luka Hocevar. Luka is the owner of Vigor Ground Fitness in Renton, WA, as well as, maintains an impressive portfolio in a diverse range of entrepreneurial ventures. In true Ronin fashion, we go well beyond fitness and discuss some of the things th ..read more