2 Girls 1 Bar Podcast with Mandi & Wanda

The first episode of 2026. We're literally not giving you anything else...just listen lol. We're officially back from our winter break. Shop the 2G1B Gear on Bonfire!!! JOIN THE 2 GIRLS 1 BAR PATREON TO SUPPOR THE PODCAST AND SCHOLARSHIPS FOR WOMEN IN STRENGTH SPORTS JOIN THE 2 GIRLS 1 BAR EMAIL LIST TO FIND OUT ABOUT 2026 SURPRISES! Use the code 2G1B at Virus USA to save 10% off everything and support the podcast! Follow the podcast on Instagram: @2girls1barpod Follow Mandi on Instagram: @mandimurakami @meetweekco Get coached by Mandi - schedule an athlete interview!  Follow Wanda on Instagram: @wl.wanda

This episode is just the girls and it is CHAOS, but we just want to say THANK YOU. Thank you for being here. Thank you for listening. Thank you for believing in women in strengh sports. JOIN THE 2 GIRLS 1 BAR PATREON TO SUPPOR THE PODCAST AND SCHOLARSHIPS FOR WOMEN IN STRENGTH SPORTS JOIN THE 2 GIRLS 1 BAR EMAIL LIST TO FIND OUT ABOUT 2026 SURPRISES! Use the code 2G1B at Virus USA to save 10% off everything and support the podcast! Follow the podcast on Instagram: @2girls1barpod Follow Mandi on Instagram: @mandimurakami @meetweekco Get coached by Mandi - schedule an athlete interview!  Follow Wanda on Instagram: @wl.wanda

In our final guest episode of 2025, we're joined by Alexa Mina, Olympic weightlifter for Team Lebanon and the owner of Cedars Nutrition. Alexa shares her journey from competitive cheerleading to international weightlifting, what it's really like representing a country you didn't grow up in, and how she worked through identity, imposter syndrome, and language barriers along the way. We also talk about her elbow injury and long recovery, competing at major games events like ISG, and the very real sacrifices that come with international sport. On top of that, Alexa dives into building Cedars Nutrition and Cedars Nutrition University, coaching athletes through food without the BS, and why obsession, discipline, and doing hard things have shaped both her athletic and business success. JOIN THE 2 GIRLS 1 BAR PATREON TO SUPPOR THE PODCAST AND SCHOLARSHIPS FOR WOMEN IN STRENGTH SPORTS JOIN THE 2 GIRLS 1 BAR EMAIL LIST TO FIND OUT ABOUT 2026 SURPRISES! Links & Resources Follow Alexa on Instagram Check out Cedars Nutrition Use the code 2G1B at Virus USA to save 10% off everything and support the podcast! Follow the podcast on Instagram: @2girls1barpod Follow Mandi on Instagram: @mandimurakami @meetweekco Get coached by Mandi - schedule an athlete interview!  Follow Wanda on Instagram: @wl.wanda

In this episode of the Two Girls One Bar podcast, the girls are joined by Kelly Benfey who shares her journey from being a competitive athlete in gymnastics and CrossFit to becoming a physical therapist and co-owner of Onward Physical Therapy in Milwaukee. She discusses her recent experience with Hyrox, the importance of community in fitness, and how to overcome barriers in competitions. Kelly emphasizes the need for a fitness-focused approach in physical therapy, integrating her athletic background into her practice.  JOIN THE 2 GIRLS 1 BAR PATREON TO SUPPOR THE PODCAST AND SCHOLARSHIPS FOR WOMEN IN STRENGTH SPORTS JOIN THE 2 GIRLS 1 BAR EMAIL LIST TO FIND OUT ABOUT 2026 SURPRISES! Links & Resources Follow Kelly on Instagram Check out Onward Milwaukee Use the code 2G1B at Virus USA to save 10% off everything and support the podcast! Follow the podcast on Instagram: @2girls1barpod Follow Mandi on Instagram: @mandimurakami @meetweekco Get coached by Mandi - schedule an athlete interview!  Follow Wanda on Instagram: @wl.wanda

In this episode of the 2 Girls 1 Bar Podcast, Mandi and Wanda are joined by Clair Crawford - mom, horse girl, powerlifter, all-around amazing woman. Clair has GRIT and also so many stories about powerlifting and her path to competing at an elite level. You are going to want to be her best friend and also go smash weights at the gym. (You've been warned.) JOIN THE 2 GIRLS 1 BAR PATREON TO SUPPOR THE PODCAST AND SCHOLARSHIPS FOR WOMEN IN STRENGTH SPORTS JOIN THE 2 GIRLS 1 BAR EMAIL LIST TO FIND OUT ABOUT 2026 SURPRISES! Links & Resources Follow Clair on Instagram Support Dani's trip to WORLDS!!! Use the code 2G1B at Virus USA to save 10% off everything and support the podcast! Follow the podcast on Instagram: @2girls1barpod Follow Mandi on Instagram: @mandimurakami @meetweekco Get coached by Mandi - schedule an athlete interview!  Follow Wanda on Instagram: @wl.wanda

In this episode, the girls are joined by Taylor Lucas who shares her journey as a registered dietitian and Olympic weightlifter. She discusses her transition from CrossFit to weightlifting, the importance of nutrition and mindset for athletes, and her experiences with injury (yeah, that big one you remember) and recovery. She also talks about her new business venture, Elevare, which focuses on creating unique weightlifting singlets. Throughout the conversation, she emphasizes the significance of community support and the challenges of balancing athletic performance with nutrition.     JOIN THE 2 GIRLS 1 BAR EMAIL LIST TO FIND OUT ABOUT 2026 SURPRISES! Links & Resources Follow Taylor on Instagram Check out Elevare Use the code 2G1B at Virus USA to save 10% off everything and support the podcast! Follow the podcast on Instagram: @2girls1barpod Follow Mandi on Instagram: @mandimurakami @meetweekco Get coached by Mandi - schedule an athlete interview!  Follow Wanda on Instagram: @wl.wanda

In this special bonus episode, Mandi and Wanda sit down with Matt Sicchio, the President & CEO of USA Weightlifting, for a wide-ranging conversation about the inner workings of the NGB, the growth of women in weightlifting, the volunteer engine that keeps the sport alive, and Matt's own late-in-life journey into weightlifting as a masters athlete. Links & Resources • Women's Coaching Collective https://usaweightlifting.org/education/womens-coaching-collective • Coaching Course Scholarships (Level 1 & Level 2) https://usaweightlifting.org/education/scholarships • WeCoach Partnership https://www.wecoachsports.org/ • Volunteer Opportunities & Committees https://usaweightlifting.org/get-involved/volunteer • Membership & Support Reach USAW anytime at: usaw@usaweightlifting.org   Use the code 2G1B at Virus USA to save 10% off everything and support the podcast! Follow the podcast on Instagram: @2girls1barpod Follow Mandi on Instagram: @mandimurakami @meetweekco Get coached by Mandi - schedule an athlete interview!  Follow Wanda on Instagram: @wl.wanda

This week Mandi and Wanda chat with athlete, journalist and author Alyssa Ages. Alyssa shares how lifting got her through phases of change and growth and how her writing and training worlds collide. She opens up about competing in strongwoman events, balancing a freelance writing career, and writing for major publications while staying true to her strengths. They talk about how strength training helped shape her identity, the physical and mental shifts that come with intense training, and what it's like being a woman in strength sports and in media. Alyssa also shares her take on the narratives we tell ourselves about our bodies and our potential.  Links & Resources Pick up Alyssa's book - Secrets of Giants: A Journey to Uncover the True Meaning of Strength (this is an affiliate link that supports the podcast) Follow Alyssa on Instagram Support Dani's trip to WORLDS!!! Use the code 2G1B at Virus USA to save 10% off everything and support the podcast! Follow the podcast on Instagram: @2girls1barpod Follow Mandi on Instagram: @mandimurakami @meetweekco Get coached by Mandi - schedule an athlete interview!  Follow Wanda on Instagram: @wl.wanda

Mandi and Wanda chat with weightlifter Skyler Peebles, an 86+ kilo athlete from Richmond, Virginia, who's known for her honesty, humor, and heart both on and off the platform. Skyler talks about her journey from college softball pitcher to CrossFit athlete to Olympic weightlifter, and how lifting helped her rebuild confidence, trust herself again, and heal after injury and personal challenges. They talk about everything from access and inclusivity in weightlifting to social media pressure, representation, and building community for women and athletes of color in strength sports. Skyler shares how she uses her platform to advocate for others, spread body positivity, and remind lifters that it's okay to not have it all together every day. Links & Resources Follow Skyler on Instagram LSKD – Skyler's sponsor and athletic apparel partner. Use the code SKY15 to save and shop here!  Support Dani's trip to WORLDS!!! Use the code 2G1B at Virus USA to save 10% off everything and support the podcast! Follow the podcast on Instagram: @2girls1barpod Follow Mandi on Instagram: @mandimurakami @meetweekco Get coached by Mandi - schedule an athlete interview!  Follow Wanda on Instagram: @wl.wanda

Mandi and Wanda sit down with Kelsi Reynolds, grad student, researcher, hobbyist weightlifter, assistant coach for the OSU Weightlifting Club, and certified meme queen. Kelsi opens up about her athletic journey from competitive swimming to Olympic weightlifting, the reality of balancing grad school and training, and finding joy and confidence again after burnout. The girls chat about back injuries, pandemic fatigue, rediscovering motivation, and what it's like to transition from athlete to coach. Kelsi's humor and humility make this one feel like a late-night hangout with your smartest, funniest gym friend. Links & Resources Follow Kelsi on Instagram: @kelso_32 Support Dani's trip to WORLDS!!! Use the code 2G1B at Virus USA to save 10% off everything and support the podcast! Follow the podcast on Instagram: @2girls1barpod Follow Mandi on Instagram: @mandimurakami @meetweekco Get coached by Mandi - schedule an athlete interview!  Follow Wanda on Instagram: @wl.wanda

It's just the girls and it was LATE when this recording happened (LOL). Mandi and Wanda dive into a real, unfiltered chat about navigating body image, weight class decisions, and the mental gymnastics that come with it all. From deciding not to cut before a meet to learning when to step away from tracking macros, this episode hits all the topics most athletes quietly wrestle with. The girls get candid about their shared dance backgrounds, the disordered habits that sometimes come with aesthetics-driven sports, and how strength training helped reframe their relationship with food, weight, and self-worth. Mandi opens up about her recovery from injury and health challenges, while Wanda shares her mindset around taking breaks from weightlifting, embracing her body as it is, and finding joy in new activities like climbing and pole. Links & Resources Book Finals/Worlds media with Mandi/Meet Week Co Get coached by Mandi - schedule an athlete interview!  VOTE ON THE NEXT 2 GIRLS 1 BAR MEETUP HERE (INCLUDING CLINICS & CAMPS) The Power & Strength Summit returns in January! Sign up for early bird registration here Apply for the Women in Strength PASS Scholarship here Support Dani's trip to WORLDS!!! Use the code 2G1B at Virus USA to save 10% off everything and support the podcast! Follow the podcast on Instagram: @2girls1barpod Follow Mandi on Instagram: @mandimurakami @meetweekco Get coached by Mandi - schedule an athlete interview!  Follow Wanda on Instagram: @wl.wanda

In this episode, Mandi and Wanda chat with Tiny Tiff, a longtime powerlifter turned weightlifter and personal trainer, about her athletic roots, building confidence through lifting, and creating a community-driven gym for everyday people. Tiff shares how a chance invite to a college powerlifting club led to a decade-long love affair with the barbell — and how the gym became her second family. She opens up about the transition from soccer to powerlifting, discovering Olympic weightlifting, and how competing gives her purpose even after 12+ years in the sport. Links & Resources Follow Tiny Tiff on Instagram here Support Dani's trip to WORLDS!!! Use the code 2G1B at Virus USA to save 10% off everything and support the podcast! Follow the podcast on Instagram: @2girls1barpod Follow Mandi on Instagram: @mandimurakami @meetweekco Get coached by Mandi - schedule an athlete interview!  Follow Wanda on Instagram: @wl.wanda

In this episode, Mandi and Wanda yap with Krista Dornbush, a retired educator turned Masters weightlifter who proves that age is no barrier to strength, grit, or a good sense of humor. After decades in education, Krista found new passion (and humility) in Olympic weightlifting — starting the sport at 50! She talks about moving from California to Chicago, transitioning from in-person to remote coaching, and finding her groove again after the SoCal Weightlifting gym fire. The conversation dives into finding balance between competitiveness and fun, how to manage meet anxiety, and what it's really like starting a new sport later in life. Krista's warmth, humor, and wisdom make this one an episode for every athlete—especially those who've ever thought, "Am I too old to start?" Spoiler: You're not. Links & Resources Follow Krista on Instagram: ➤ Lifting account: @oldladyhoist ➤ Personal account: @curlinginthesquatrack Mentioned Apps: LiftOracle & MeetCal Support Dani's trip to WORLDS!!! Use the code 2G1B at Virus USA to save 10% off everything and support the podcast! Follow the podcast on Instagram: @2girls1barpod Follow Mandi on Instagram: @mandimurakami @meetweekco Get coached by Mandi - schedule an athlete interview!  Follow Wanda on Instagram: @wl.wanda  

In this episode, Mandi and Wanda sit down with Aleigh Moore—athlete, coach, and athletic trainer out of Atlanta, Georgia. Aleigh shares her unique journey of starting out as both a competitor and a coach at the same time, her background in sports, and how she transitioned into CrossFit and weightlifting. Aleigh dives into her role as an athletic trainer, explaining what ATs really do for athletes, and shares insight on injury prevention, rehab, and how coaches can better support lifters working through setbacks. She also opens up about her own injury journey, rehabbing a torn UCL, and the mental and physical process of returning to the platform. Links & Resources Follow Aleigh on Instagram Support Dani's trip to WORLDS!!! Use the code 2G1B at Virus USA to save 10% off everything and support the podcast! Follow the podcast on Instagram: @2girls1barpod Follow Mandi on Instagram: @mandimurakami @meetweekco Get coached by Mandi - schedule an athlete interview!  Follow Wanda on Instagram: @wl.wanda  

This week, Mandi and Wanda sit down with sports psychologist Melissa Streno to talk about the mental side of strength sports, eating disorders, and the transitions athletes face in and out of competition. Mel shares her journey from lacrosse player to coach to psychologist, and why she's so passionate about supporting athletes as whole people—not just performers on the platform. The conversation covers big topics like how to spot disordered eating, what to do if you think a friend might be struggling, how athletes can prepare for life after sport, and why mental health support is just as important as your coach or nutritionist. Whether you're an elite athlete, a weekend lifter, or just curious about how psychology connects with performance, Mel drops a ton of insight that you'll want to hear. Links & Resources Follow Mel and her practice on Instagram: @lanternpsychdenver Learn more about her private practice: Lantern Psych Denver – lanternpsychdenver.com Support Dani's trip to WORLDS!!! Follow the podcast on Instagram: @2girls1barpod Follow Mandi on Instagram: @mandimurakami @meetweekco Get coached by Mandi - schedule an athlete interview!  Follow Wanda on Instagram: @wl.wanda

In this episode of the 2 Girls 1 Bar Podcast, Meagan O'Connor, a registered dietitian and board-certified specialist in sports dietetics, shares her journey and insights into sports nutrition. She discusses her role as the team dietitian for USA Weightlifting, her experiences working with various sports teams, and the importance of balanced nutrition for athletes. Meagan also addresses common misconceptions about nutrition, the significance of networking in her career, and her personal fitness goals. Follow Megan on Instagram Support Dani's trip to WORLDS!!! Follow the podcast on Instagram: @2girls1barpod Follow Mandi on Instagram: @mandimurakami @meetweekco Get coached by Mandi - schedule an athlete interview!  Follow Wanda on Instagram: @wl.wanda

In this episode of the 2 Girls 1 Bar podcast, Mandi and Wanda are joined by Joelle Emery - athlete, coach, dog mom, and so much more. Joelle shares her path to discovering weightlifting through CrossFit and why she chose to focus solely on weightlifting. They discuss the importance of redefining success in competition, the challenges faced by athletes, and the joy of coaching kids in weightlifting. Joelle emphasizes the significance of creating a supportive environment for young athletes and shares insights on addressing safety concerns with parents.  Follow Joelle on Instagram Listen to Joelle's lifting playlist Resources from Joelle on lifting for youth Follow the podcast on Instagram: @2girls1barpod Follow Mandi on Instagram: @mandimurakami @meetweekco Get coached by Mandi - schedule an athlete interview!  Follow Wanda on Instagram: @wl.wanda

It's just the girls today for a super casual catch-up episode. Wanda is back from her presentation in Switzerland and Mandi finally doesn't have a fever. They chat about travel, Texas, Finals, and meet rituals as well as the upcoming online meetup (NEXT WEEK) on this episode! RSVP for the very first Ladies of Strength Online Meetup on Wednesday, August 27th, at 8pm EST/7pm CST. It is aboslutely FREE to attend, but we want to get everyone registered so we can send out updates via Eventbrite and make sure everyone has the link to join. This is for ALL LADIES who are interested in strength sports, from athletes to coaches to spectators to someone wondering if they want to start lifting. Join us to chat and ask questions. We'll have a featured guest with Mandi and Wanda each time, the first one being the one and only Dani Glynn Myers. Join from your gym. Join from your car. Join from your couch. Follow the podcast on Instagram: @2girls1barpod Follow Mandi on Instagram: @mandimurakami @meetweekco Get coached by Mandi - schedule an athlete interview!  Follow Wanda on Instagram: @wl.wanda

Mandi and Wanda welcome Kayla Cocker, weightlifter, coach, and super mom, to the podcast. Kayla shares her journey from literally every sport ever, including track and rugby, to discovering her passion for weightlifting. She discusses the transition from CrossFit to weightlifting, the importance of supportive coaching, and her experiences in competitions. Kayla also opens up about the impact of amazing coaches on her desire to coach, including her very first CrossFit/weightlifting coach Katrina - who we want to shout out for being the original inspo for Kayla (and who is now also a full-on weightlifting coach). Follow Kayla on Instagram here RSVP for the very first Ladies of Strength Online Meetup on Wednesday, August 27th, at 8pm EST/7pm CST. It is aboslutely FREE to attend, but we want to get everyone registered so we can send out updates via Eventbrite and make sure everyone has the link to join. This is for ALL LADIES who are interested in strength sports, from athletes to coaches to spectators to someone wondering if they want to start lifting. Join us to chat and ask questions. We'll have a featured guest with Mandi and Wanda each time, the first one being the one and only Dani Glynn Myers. Join from your gym. Join from your car. Join from your couch. Follow the podcast on Instagram: @2girls1barpod Follow Mandi on Instagram: @mandimurakami @meetweekco Get coached by Mandi - schedule an athlete interview!  Follow Wanda on Instagram: @wl.wanda

Mandi is joined by the amazing Grace Jenkins discuss Grace's journey in the world of weightlifting, her role at Power and Grace, and the importance of community and support in sports. They explore Grace's background in cheerleading, her transition to weightlifting, and how competing has changed her perspective on the sport. The conversation highlights the significance of personal growth, the culture within Power and Grace, and the future goals for the team and its athletes. Follow Grace on IG here Follow Power & Grace Performance on IG here RSVP for the very first Ladies of Strength Online Meetup on Wednesday, August 27th, at 8pm EST/7pm CST. It is aboslutely FREE to attend, but we want to get everyone registered so we can send out updates via Eventbrite and make sure everyone has the link to join. This is for ALL LADIES who are interested in strength sports, from athletes to coaches to spectators to someone wondering if they want to start lifting. Join us to chat and ask questions. We'll have a featured guest with Mandi and Wanda each time, the first one being the one and only Dani Glynn Myers. Join from your gym. Join from your car. Join from your couch. Follow the podcast on Instagram: @2girls1barpod Follow Mandi on Instagram: @mandimurakami @meetweekco Get coached by Mandi - schedule an athlete interview!  Follow Wanda on Instagram: @wl.wanda