Podcast Episode

The Living Jewishly Podcast

Need a LIFT? You will be ImPRESSed

Feb 24, 2022 Episode 67

Living Jewishly / Michael Bandler

“The tool is power lifting… I can go to the gym and I can use anger, whatever anger I have, and take it out on the weight.”

— Michael Bandler

The “gains” that you can achieve in the gym go far beyond simply having bigger biceps or the ability to carry all of your groceries inside in just one trip. For many people, lifting weights is a powerful way to improve not only their physical strength, but also their mental health… allowing them to become stronger people, both inside and out.

This episode of the Living Jewishly Podcasts is an installment of What’s in Your Toolbox?, a monthly podcast about mental health — and the tools that we use to protect and heal.

In this episode, Bobby K speaks with Special Olympic Gold Medalist Michael Bandler about the healthy and constructive ways that he deals with anger, his dedication to the sport of powerlifting, and how his passion took him all the way to the top.

Remember: even world champions who can deadlift 500 lbs may struggle with their mental health… and, just like the rest of us, they carry toolboxes to help them persevere.

“The reason that I love to cook is because… it occupies my mind, because you’ve got to measure, you’ve got to cut, you’ve got to do this, you’ve got to do that.”

— Bobby K

This‌ ‌episode discusses:‌ ‌

How Michael channels his negative emotions into fuel for improving his physique
The importance of persistence and patience in following your passions
How travelling and performing with the Famous PEOPLE Players helped Michael find himself

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Highlights:‌ ‌

00:50 Intro

02:27 Michael Bandler

04:19 Power lifting

05:16 Michael’s journey to the gold medal

06:39 Michael’s gold medal performance

07:17 Perseverance, patience & form

08:15 Did he expect to be a champion?

09:28 Snowboarding

11:29 Cooking

13:00 Family & Famous PEOPLE Players