Muscles and Malarkey
Welcome to Muscles and Malarkey, your go-to podcast for all things strength, fitness, and fun! I'm your host, Mary. This show is dedicated to making strength training and fitness simple, accessible, and enjoyable.
Whether you’re just starting your strength journey or looking to deepen your knowledge, Muscles and Malarkey is here to guide you through it all. From the basics of training, nutrition, and programming to in-depth explorations of intriguing fitness topics, I've got you covered. I’ll also feature interviews with individuals from various fitness backgrounds to provide diverse perspectives and insights.
Each episode is crafted to help you navigate your fitness path with confidence and clarity. These are the lessons and tips I wish I had when I began my strength training journey in 2017, and now I’m sharing them with you.
Got questions or topics you want me to cover? Reach out to me on Instagram at @MusclesandMalarkey or email us at musclesandmalarkey@gmail.com. Don’t forget to follow the podcast for the latest updates and join our community of fitness enthusiasts!
Get ready to lift, learn, and laugh with Muscles and Malarkey!
Episodes
33 episodes
Ep 33: Less Perfect, More Fun
In this episode of Muscles and Malarkey, I’m sharing a full training update as I head into my deadlift-only meet held by Sunday Service in Fort Mill, SC. I recently started working with a new coach (shoutout to Kim aka Joyful ...
Ep 32: Strong at Every Age with Amber Dawn: Women, Powerlifting & the Journey That Shapes Us
In this episode, I’m joined by Amber Dawn to talk all things women in powerlifting, strength training, and coaching. We dive into how to train at every age, build long-term strength, and approach powerlifting with a focus on lo...
Ep 31: Navigating Meet Day with Confidence: A Step by Step Guide
Meet day can feel chaotic if you don’t know what to expect—but it doesn’t have to be.In this episode, I’m breaking down the full flow of a powerlifting meet, step by step. From weigh-ins and gear check, to finding your space, warming up,...
Ep 30 Strength Training, Inclusivity, and Doing Both: An Interview with Madeline
In this episode of Muscles & Malarkey, I’m joined by Madeline—a high-level powerlifter, trail runner, and a passionate advocate for inclusivity in the strength space. We dive into her journey into powerlifting, what drew her to the...
Ep 29: How to Stay Fit for Spring Break
Travel doesn’t have to mean abandoning your workout routine—but it also doesn’t have to include one. In this episode of Muscles & Malarkey, we’re talking about training while traveling and how to approach it in a way that ac...
Ep 28: Finding Strength & Community with April
In this episode, I’m sitting down with my friend and teammate, April, to talk about her journey into fitness and how it evolved into powerlifting.We dive into the highs and the hard seasons — navigating injuries, rebuilding strength, and...
Ep 27: Gym Etiquette 101: How to Not Be *That* Person
The gym is a shared space… so why do some people act like they’ve never interacted with another human before?In this episode of Muscles and Malarkey, we’re breaking down gym etiquette — what actually matters, what’s just annoyin...
Ep 26: New Year, Same Weights: Season 3 Premiere
Season 3 is here, y’all!In this kickoff episode of Muscles & Malarkey, I am back and doing things a little differently. Instead of recording months in advance, Season 3 is all about being more present, more current, a...
Ep 25: Coaching with Purpose: Jess ‘Mamabear’ Rogers on Raw to Equipped and Why We Lift
It’s the Season 2 finale of Muscles and Malarkey, and we’re closing things out with someone truly special — my coach, Jess “Mamabear” Rogers Jess has an incredible journey, from starting out raw to becoming a ...
Ep 24: Don’t Stress, Just Press: How to Sign Up for Your First Powerlifting Meet
Your first powerlifting meet doesn’t have to be scary—this beginner-friendly guide walks you through how to sign up, what to pack, and how to step on the platform with confidence. In this episode, I break down everything you n...
Ep 23: From Barbells to Brain Science — Meet Eric, the Strength Scientist
In this episode of Muscles and Malarkey, I’m joined by Eric — a strength scientist and PhD candidate whose passion for fitness runs deep. We talk about how he found his way into Olympic weightlifting, the lessons he’s learned alo...
Ep 22: The Power of Cheesecake: An Interview with Ty aka Pull_MyBeard
In this episode of Muscles and Malarkey, I sit down with Ty, a high-level powerlifter known for his impressive lifts and dedication to the sport. We talk about his journey into powerlifting, what it’s like to step onto the compet...
Ep 21: "Maybe the Best PR was Believing in Myself" An Interview with Megsy
In this episode of Muscles and Malarkey, I’m joined by my friend Megs to chat all about our first powerlifting meets—what went right, what definitely didn’t, and everything we learned along the way. If you’re prepping for your first co...
Ep 20: What You Consume Will Consume You
EPISODE TWENTY! WOW! In this week's episode, I give you a brief catch up on how lifting has been going and my plans for my next meet. I also discuss something that's been on my mind for a minute - how the media you expos...
Ep 19: Full Contact, Full Authenticity: An Interview with Amythest
In this episode of Muscles and Malarkey, I sit down with the fierce and fabulous Amythest—roller derby powerhouse, powerlifting queen, and all-around unapologetic badass.We dive into what it means to show up as your full, authen...
Ep 18: Flared Up but Not Out: How to Handle Injuries Like a Boss
Got hurt? Tweaked your back, rolled your ankle, or flared up some tendinitis? Don’t panic—this episode is for you. In Episode 18, I break down exactly what to do in the first 48–72 hours after an acute injury so you can...
Ep 17: Ref Whistles and Reps: Kim on Coaching, Lifting, and Leading
Welcome back to Muscles and Malarkey! In today’s episode, I’m joined by my good friend Kim—powerlifter, coach, referee, and all-around badass. We dive into the power of discovering strength training and how it can be life-...
Ep 16: Get SMART, Babe!
This week, we're diving into how to set SMART goals—goals that are Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, and Time-bound. Whether you're aiming for a fitness milestone, a personal project, or a lifestyle change, SMA...
Ep 15: Lifting More Than Weights: Kat Talks Strength and Public Health
Welcome to another episode of Muscles and Malarkey! Kat is a powerhouse—literally and professionally. She’s a Public Health Advocate, Competitive Powerlifter, Referee, and Certified Personal Trainer who’s deeply passionate abo...
Ep 14: Beyond the Gym: Building Health from the Inside Out with Holly, RN
In this episode, I sit down with Holly, a cardiac rehab nurse with a wealth of experience and a passion for helping people take charge of their health. We go beyond the gym walls to talk about what proactive healthcare really looks like—f...
Ep 13: Motivation MIA? 10 Real Tips to Get You Moving Again
In this episode of Muscles and Malarkey, we’re tackling a listener-suggested topic from Katie P—how to stay motivated when discipline just isn’t doing the trick. I’m sharing 10 practical tips to help you boost your motivation, from dec...
Ep 12: Strong Mindsets; An Interview with Bridgette Tovar
In this episode of Muscles and Malarkey, I sit down with my friend and fellow lifter, Bridgette, for a conversation that goes beyond sets and reps. We dive into the mindset that fuels progress in lifting, the importance of finding your...
Ep 11: Unlearning the Cycle; Women's Bodies Beyond Trends
Your body isn’t a trend—it’s yours. But for decades, society has treated women’s bodies like fashion statements, constantly shifting the ‘ideal’ from one extreme to another. From the heroin chic of the ’90s to the rise of the hourglass fi...
Ep 10: Holiday Survival Guide: 6 Strategies for a Joyful Season
In the season 1 finale of Muscles and Malarkey, I'm tackling one of the most challenging yet rewarding times of the year: the holiday season. Join me as I share six effective strategies to help you stay flexible, care for yourself, and...
Ep 9: How to Pick the Perfect Coach for You (And Avoid Red Flags!)
In this episode of Muscles and Malarkey, I'm diving into the world of coaching to help you find your perfect match. Ever wondered if hiring a coach could take your fitness journey to the next level? I’ll start by exploring why yo...