In this episode of the Shaw Strength Podcast, Brian sits down with world-class arm wrestler Ermes Gasparini to break down what it really takes to compete at the very top of the sport.

Ermes shares his story from the beginning — pulling with his dad as a kid, winning his first tournaments at just 16 years old, and earning global respect by proving himself against the best arm wrestlers in the world. The conversation moves into what separates elite arm wrestlers from athletes who are simply “strong.” Topics include hand strength, back pressure, blocking power, and why the smallest technical details on the table matter even more when facing massive superheavyweights.

Past supermatches are also discussed, including lessons learned along the way and how short-notice matches completely change preparation. The massive size difference when facing Levan Saginashvili is another major topic, including why that weight gap is a real challenge that demands smarter training and more mass (including a few jokes about the strongman cheesecake diet).

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.com

Podcast 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

In this virtual episode of the Brian Shaw Podcast, Brian sits down with arm wrestling legend Devon Larratt to talk about two huge upcoming matches and what it takes to prepare at the highest level. Brian is getting ready to travel to Germany to face Leonidas on his home turf, while Devon is focused on a right hand battle against one of the most dangerous athletes in the sport, Vitaly Laletin.

Brian shares a big realization from his training over the past couple of years. For a long time he was unknowingly limiting his own power with rigid cues, but once he started focusing on connecting everything from his hand through his shoulder and into his core, it completely changed how his strength carries over to the arm wrestling table. Instead of chasing bigger numbers in the gym, the focus now is on movements and angles that actually translate to competition.

Devon also breaks down the challenge of facing Vitaly and why the matchup is so difficult. Vitaly’s top roll and explosive shoulder commitment make him a very unique problem. Devon explains how important it is to control the wrist early, survive that initial hit, and then make adjustments as the match develops. With six weeks of focused preparation, the goal is to show up healthy, sharp, and ready.

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.com

Podcast 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

In this episode of the Shaw Strength Podcast, Brian sits down with Ed Coan, widely regarded as the greatest powerlifter of all time, to unpack what real, lasting progress actually looks like. Ed breaks down the foundation of his success: simple training cycles executed with ruthless honesty, an obsession with closing weaknesses, and the discipline to play the long game. No gimmicks. No noise. Just principles that stand the test of time.

Brian and Ed dive into old-school lifting culture, basement gyms, boiler rooms, and training environments where accountability wasn’t optional. You showed up on time. You loaded plates. You cleaned up. If you didn’t contribute, you didn’t lift. That culture built resilient athletes who chased better reps, not attention.

Ed lays out lessons that are as practical as they are powerful: keep the plan simple, track how training feels, not just how it looks, and relentlessly bring up weak points so nothing breaks under heavy load. If one social media post can derail your 12-week cycle, you didn’t have a plan, you had distraction. He also speaks candidly about health, past mistakes with anti-inflammatories, and why bloodwork, sleep, and nutrition ultimately matter more than any number on the bar if you want longevity in the sport.

They also get into equipment, why certain old Nautilus and Nebula machines still hold value, how tools like the Sorinex Back Attack can build the posterior chain safely, and when specialty bars actually earn their place in a program. The episode closes on a bigger theme: trophies fade, but relationships, habits, and character remain. Respect strength. Build your circle wisely. Let your work speak for itself.

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.com

Podcast 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