Becoming Ronin
The Wandering Man's Journey to Self-Mastery.
Episodes
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Episode Overview
In this episode, OB and Smitty dive into a mix of storytelling, training wisdom, and real-life lessons. Smitty recounts a vivid story from his childhood on the farm, reflecting on the emotional conflict of taking a woodchuck’s life. Then they recount the unfortunate woodchuck attack on OB's dogs and the chaos t...
Episode Overview
In this episode, OB and Smitty unpack the deeper meaning behind the question: "What does it profit a man to gain the world but lose his soul?" They explore how chasing success for the wrong reasons can lead to personal emptiness, and how to ensure your talents are employed with integrity. The discussion weaves in personal stories, reflections on grief and trauma, and the value of defini...
Episode Overview
Join us in this heartfelt conversation as we explore the depths of grief and its role in our lives. Our guest, Michael Desanti, shares insights on how grief can be a powerful teacher, helping us to connect more deeply with ourselves and others. Discover how embracing the full spectrum of emotions can lead to a more authentic and fulfilling life.
Grief is a gift that allows us to con...
Episode Overview
As we gear up for the milestone of Episode 150, OB and Smitty take a reflective turn, diving into the often-overlooked role grief plays in personal growth. This conversation pulls back the curtain on how emotional depth can shape physical resilience and how embracing life’s heavier moments can actually fuel the journey forward.
From there, the energy shifts to what makes training stick. ...
Episode Overview
In this episode, OB and Smitty share stories from their time training in commercial gyms—the good, the bad, and the frustrating. From mismatched weights to people sitting on machines scrolling their phones, they vent about common gym pet peeves and how social media has changed the gym environment.
The conversation shifts to practical nutrition advice, including the importance of tracking y...
Episode Overview
In this episode of Becoming Ronin, OB and Smitty dive deep into the worlds of Jiu-Jitsu and strength training, sharing hard-earned lessons and practical insights for coaches and athletes alike. They discuss the significance of earning milestones in martial arts, how training methods have evolved, and why coaching with integrity and intention is more important than ever—especially when it c...
Episode Overview
In this introspective and thought-provoking episode, OB and Smitty take listeners on a guided descent through the symbolic layers of Dante’s Inferno—not as passive tourists, but as directors of a modern reimagining that reflects the traps we face in everyday life. Drawing from the powerful allegory of Dante’s journey through hell, they illuminate how subtle sins—like gluttony, greed, w...
Episode Overview
In this episode of Becoming Ronin, OB and Smitty kick things off by tackling the viral gorilla vs. 100 men challenge — a hypothetical debate lighting up social media. They break down their thoughts on how the fight might play out.
From there, the conversation takes a serious turn as OB shares the low back pain circuit he uses with real-life clients, offering a practical, multi-fac...
Episode Overview
In this deeply introspective episode, OB and Smitty dive into the raw and transformative journey of personal awakening. Through candid stories and philosophical reflections, they unpack the subtle yet powerful differences between perception and perspective—and how both shape the way we experience the world.
This conversation explores the lies we tell ourselves, the importance of stil...
Episode Overview
In this episode of Becoming Ronin, OB and Smitty reflect on their experiences with the Ronin Challenge and how structured challenges can reignite motivation and foster community. The conversation transitions into a Q&A format covering diverse training strategies such as ramp-up sets, pre-exhaust techniques, and effective core training. They explore the evolution of core exercises, high...
Episode Overview
In this episode, OB and Smitty dive deep into the power of isometric training, breaking down its role in strength development, rehabilitation, and performance enhancement. They explore the science behind isometrics, highlighting its benefits for joint stability, muscle activation, and injury recovery. The conversation sheds light on common mistakes people make when implementing isomet...
Episode Overview
In this episode of Becoming Ronin, OB and Smitty unveil the Ronin Summer Challenge 2025—a collection of must-try fitness challenges designed to test strength, endurance, and mental toughness. From raw strength tests and bodyweight circuits to the ultimate conditioning assessments, they break down each challenge and how lifters of all levels can incorporate them into their summer training.
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Episode Overview
In this episode, OB and Smitty take on some of the most popular exercises and training methods, ranking them as overrated or underrated based on effectiveness, risk vs. reward, and real-world performance benefits. They break down strength training fundamentals, covering everything from grip strength and rowing techniques to squats, lunges, and injur...
Episode Overview
In this episode of Becoming Ronin, OB and Smitty dive into the evolution of training, from innovative equipment to adapting workouts for any environment. They discuss the rise of flow training, the benefits of building a home gym, and the impact of unique tools like the WEC Deck and specialized gym timers. The conversation also covers mechanical advantage drop sets, ab roller core training...
Episode Overview
In this episode, OB and Smitty dive deep into the relationship between strength training, mobility, and flexibility. They break down the critical differences between mobility and flexibility, emphasizing the role of resistance training in improving movement quality. The discussion highlights the importance of understanding joint mechanics for injury prevention and performance enhancem...
Episode Overview
In this compelling episode of Becoming Ronin, we sit down with Jason Lacayo, a former SWAT operator turned mental health outreach officer, to explore the critical intersection of physical preparedness, mental resilience, and spirituality. Jason brings a wealth of experience from his years in law enforcement, where he has not only faced the physical demands of tactical operations but also t...
Episode Overview
In this episode, OB and Smitty are joined by their Jiu-Jitsu coach, Josh Lange of Corazon MMA, to explore the journey of personal growth through Jiu-Jitsu. Together, they celebrate Smitty's accomplishment of earning his blue belt and dive into the essential components of strength training, flexibility, and the mental aspects of training. The discussion emphasizes the balance between tensio...
Episode Overview
In this episode of Becoming Ronin, OB and Smitty kick things off by sharing some heartfelt reflections on their Christmas traditions and the deeper meaning of family during the holidays. The conversation transitions into a lively discussion about HYROX, a trending fitness challenge and training style. They break down its pros and cons, comparing its safety and effectiveness to other popula...
Episode Overview
In this episode, OB and Smitty are joined by special guest Chris McGowan, IFBB pro athlete and coach, to share simple yet effective dieting and nutrition tips to stay lean heading into the winter and holiday season. The episode kicks off with a playful debate about oatmeal versus chocolate chip cookies, leading into discussions on training methodologies, nutrition, and coaching strategie...
🔗https://youtube.com/@becomingroninpodcast?si=KSmhTMvmrW5JfhXg
Overview:
In this conversation, OB and Smitty discuss their experiences with community involvement during a wildfire crisis, the importance of overcoming gym anxiety, and share personal stories about their hardest workouts. They emphasize the significance of connection, self-perception, and the mental barriers that often hold individuals back from fully engaging in...
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