2 Girls 1 Bar Podcast with Mandi & Wanda

The girls are joined by absolute powerlifting legend Jen Thompson, and honestly… we're still not over it. Jen takes us all the way back to her start in the late '90s, when she literally stumbled onto a competition at Muscle Beach and thought, "yeah, I can do that." From lifting in a basement gym with college friends to becoming an 11-time IPF World Champion, her story is equal parts grit, curiosity, and just sticking with it over time. We get into what it actually looked like to grow up in strength sports as a woman when there were barely any women competing, and how she's watched that shift to nearly a 50/50 split today. Jen talks about the role strength played in transforming her confidence and shares how mental training, visualization, and honestly just getting mad enough to push through helped her overcome competition nerves early in her career. Jen will convince you that you are capable of so much more tha you even thought. Follow Jen on Instagram here Grab a 2G1B shirt/sweatshirt or an "I am a woman in strength sports" shirt. Shop the 2G1B Gear on Bonfire!!! Join the 2G1B Patreon to support the podcast and fund ongoing scholarships for women in strength sports. JOIN THE 2 GIRLS 1 BAR EMAIL LIST  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

The girls recap the tornado that was The Arnold this past weekend in Columbus. Wanda competed and bombed (again) and talks about what that means for her mental game and what she will do next. Mandi coached and did so much media and also now doesn't believe anything her Garmin watch says. They talk about everything from the mental training needed for competing to the new funding opportunities and when they compete next (yes, both Mandi and Wanda have meets on the schedule). Grab a 2G1B shirt/sweatshirt or an "I am a woman in strength sports" shirt. Shop the 2G1B Gear on Bonfire!!! Join the 2G1B Patreon to support the podcast and fund ongoing scholarships for women in strength sports. JOIN THE 2 GIRLS 1 BAR EMAIL LIST  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

The girls welcome Syuhaidah Ahman, a weightlifter from Brunei, who shares her unique journey into the sport. Syuhaidah discusses her dual career in construction and weightlifting, revealing how her childhood interest in building and design led her to manage multiple campuses in her professional life. She reflects on her initial exposure to weightlifting through her father's interest in the Olympics and how she eventually found her way into the sport while studying abroad in the UK. The conversation highlights the importance of community in weightlifting, as Syuhaidah recounts her experiences training with Wanda and other lifters, emphasizing that the camaraderie and support from teammates have been crucial to her development as an athlete. Follow Syu on Instagram here Grab a 2G1B shirt/sweatshirt or an "I am a woman in strength sports" shirt. Shop the 2G1B Gear on Bonfire!!! Join the 2G1B Patreon to support the podcast and fund ongoing scholarships for women in strength sports. JOIN THE 2 GIRLS 1 BAR EMAIL LIST  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

Our first bonus episode of the year is officially here! The girls are joined by Will Edmonds of USA Weightlifting who discusses his career journey, the evolution of communications within USA Weightlifting, and the importance of highlighting grassroots athletes. They explore the challenges of media representation in weightlifting, the need for transparency in communication, and Will's personal goals as he prepares for upcoming competitions. We highly encourage you to comment on Will's photos to ask him to play the trumpet for us. Follow Will on Instagram here Follow USA Weightlifting on Instagram here Grab a 2G1B shirt/sweatshirt or an "I am a woman in strength sports" shirt. Shop the 2G1B Gear on Bonfire!!! Join the 2G1B Patreon to support the podcast and fund ongoing scholarships for women in strength sports. JOIN THE 2 GIRLS 1 BAR EMAIL LIST  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

The girls are officially on their 50th episode and ONE YEAR ANNIVERSARY!!! Grab a 2G1B shirt/sweatshirt or an "I am a woman in strength sports" shirt. Shop the 2G1B Gear on Bonfire!!! Apply for the 2G1B Arnold Scholarship here. Want to help fund more scholarships? DM us on Instagram. Join the 2G1B Patreon to support the podcast and fund ongoing scholarships for women in strength sports. JOIN THE 2 GIRLS 1 BAR EMAIL LIST  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

The girls chat with weightlifter, coach, and gym owner Stefani Warnick. Stefani shares her journey from soccer to CrossFit to weightlifting as well as the emotional toll of competing in sport. She shares her evolving relationship with the sport, from the impact of injuries to shifting focus between competing and coaching to the importance of integrity and grit. Follow Stefani on Instagram HERE. Grab a 2G1B shirt/sweatshirt or an "I am a woman in strength sports" shirt. Shop the 2G1B Gear on Bonfire!!! Apply for the 2G1B Arnold Scholarship here. Want to help fund more scholarships? DM us on Instagram. Join the 2G1B Patreon to support the podcast and fund ongoing scholarships for women in strength sports. JOIN THE 2 GIRLS 1 BAR EMAIL LIST  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

The girls chat with our very first International (living and competng) athlete, Noorin Gulam, who has an infectious positivity and determination that you will want to try to adapt. Nooring talks about her journey in weightlifting and emphasizes the significance of self-reflection and mental resilience in sports, as well as her passion for coaching and empowering others, particularly South Asian women in weightlifting. Follow Noorin on Instagram here and find all of her support links here Grab a 2G1B shirt/sweatshirt or an "I am a woman in strength sports" shirt. Shop the 2G1B Gear on Bonfire!!! Apply for the 2G1B Arnold Scholarship here. Want to help fund more scholarships? DM us on Instagram. Join the 2G1B Patreon to support the podcast and fund ongoing scholarships for women in strength sports. JOIN THE 2 GIRLS 1 BAR EMAIL LIST  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

The girls chat with Madison Mackay and talk about her journey into weightlifting, her coaching philosophy, and the importance of community in sports. They explore the balance between Madison's law career and her coaching responsibilities, the growth of Clintonville Barbell, and the significance of female coaches in the weightlifting community. She emphasizes the importance of problem-solving, adaptability, and creating a safe environment for athletes.  FOLLOW MADISON ON IG HERE FOLLOW CLINTONVILLE ON IG HERE FOLLOW OSU WL ON IG HERE 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

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