In this episode of Home Gym History, Rob and Daniel, also known as Dr. Tatty Waffles, discuss their experiences at HomeGymCon, the evolution of home gym setups, and the importance of community in fitness. Daniel shares insights about his gym equipment, including his Eleko rack and Vultra cable system, and reflects on his journey from P90X to barbell training. The conversation also delves into the origin of Daniel's unique online persona, his collaboration with Darko on a product for the Voltra, and his thoughts on various gym brands and innovations in the fitness space. The episode concludes with a light-hearted discussion about Daniel's gym branding, the Salty Goat, and the importance of personal touches in home gym setups.đ Save 10% on tickets to HomeGymCon 2026 with code vintage: https://tinyurl.com/yv55227pFind Daniel on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dr_tattywaffles/Find Rob on YouTube:https://youtube.com/@vintageweightspgh?si=nHp71Y9ez0dudjeRChapters00:00 Welcome to Home Gym History00:30 Reflections on HomeGymCon03:02 Exploring Home Gym Equipment08:31 Diving into Barbells and Plates13:20 The Story Behind Dr. Tatty Waffles19:10 Life in Ohio and Home Gym Evolution23:19 The Vintage vs. New Equipment Debate25:27 Collaboration Origins: The Darko Connection34:06 Innovative Product Development: From Idea to Prototype37:05 Future Innovations: What's Next for Daniel?45:34 The Salty Goat: Gym Decor and Personal Branding
Join the Home Gym History Podcast as I talk with Joey Echeverria, a go-to source for home gym knowledge. Joey shares valuable insights on choosing the right equipment, building a home gym that fits your space, and making smart investments. Whether youâre just starting or upgrading your setup, this episode is packed with practical advice you can put to work right away.đ Save 10% on tickets to HomeGymCon 2026 with code vintage: https://tinyurl.com/yv55227pFind Joey on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/joey.echeverria?igsh=ZTdnc29mdGswbzNoFind Rob on YouTube:https://youtube.com/@vintageweightspgh?si=nHp71Y9ez0dudjeRChapters00:00 Home Gym Con Experience03:04 Transitioning Venues: French Lick to Louisville05:55 Powerlifting Journey and Home Gym Setup08:51 Equipment Choices and Preferences11:59 Innovative Products at Home Gym Con14:56 The Evolution of Joey's Home Gym18:04 Competing in Powerlifting and Strongman21:00 Future Plans and Upcoming Competitions24:02 Selling Equipment and Market Trends26:57 New Gym Setup and Moving Plans30:28 Building the Ultimate Home Gym32:38 Selling Equipment: What Goes First?35:02 Favorite Home Gym Brands and Equipment40:00 Innovative Equipment on the Horizon42:44 The Importance of Personal Fit in Equipment49:38 Navigating the Home Gym Community53:06 Home Gym Con: A Unique Experience
Weightlifter, Alejandro Medina,  has been a member of Team USA eight times. He is the 2023 Pan Am Champion, 2022 National Champion, and 2x American Open Champion. He is co-owner of 3 White Lights Gym in Florida where he trains. Alejandro tells Rob about his weightlifting career and explains the ins and outs of pursuing his Olympic dream. They also talk a lot about barbells. Alejandro on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/medina_islandWhite Lights Gym: https://www.instagram.com/3_whitelights/
Use code Vintage to save: https://primefitness.com/vintageIn this episode of Home Gym History, Rob from Vintage Weights PGH sits down with Jared Griffin from Prime Fitness USA. They discuss Prime Fitness's journey from a small family business to a renowned name in gym equipment manufacturing. Jared delves into unique features of their products, including the smart cam and torque arm technology, and shares insights on their development process, especially during the COVID-19 pandemic. The conversation also covers future innovations, product improvements based on customer feedback, and the significance of their vibrant green color scheme. Additionally, they explore the backstory of their collaboration with Coach Cassim and upcoming products to look forward to at HomeGymCon.
LinksUse code Vintage to save on HomeGymCon Tickets: homegymcon.comWeight it Out Website: https://bit.ly/3VP3RTvFollow Rob on IG: https://www.instagram.com/vintageweightspgh/
LinksUse code Vintage to save on HomeGymCon Tickets: homegymcon.comSave 5% at Arm Assassin Strength Shop with code vintage: https://www.armassassinstrengthshop.com/Find Arm Assassin Strength Shop on Instagram https://www.instagram.com/armassassinstrengthshop?igsh=czBuNmdpZW9obWUzđ $2,500 plus Prizes 𤯠The HomeGymCon Grip Strength Championship is June 27, 2025 âĄď¸ https://ironpodium.com/browse/event/home-gym-con-grip-championship?fbclid=PAZXh0bgNhZW0CMTEAAaYDRdlT7qx1w37vBJ0-dVjiCu2qzcAjYcESeETACaV4CjoEw7IJGiO4loE_aem_t0TKTeitqN5xHFv43Sx4YA
Episode Description In this engaging episode of Home Gym History, Rob from Vintage Weights PGH sits with John Mauser, also known as Viking John. John shares his passion for old-time strongman feats and his journey as a coach and performer. Listeners get insights into his unique powerlifting techniques, arm wrestling pursuits, and entertaining feats like bending steel and ripping cards. The episode also touches upon John's Amazon publication, 'Forgotten Strength 101', his social media presence, and his experience auditioning for America's Got Talent. An exploration of John's methods emphasizes both strength training and engaging audience performances, encouraging viewers to subscribe for more unique strength content. Episode Outline (0:00) Welcome to Home Gym History (0:24) John Mouser's Training Regimen (1:39) The Challenges of Arm Wrestling (3:03) Balancing Grip Training and Arm Wrestling (6:29) Journey into Pro Wrestling (12:42) Transition to Strongman Competitions (16:06) Discovering Old Time Strongman Feats (28:59) Planning and Performing Strength Exhibitions (34:19) The Mindset of a Performer (35:35) Grand Finale: America's Got Talent (38:15) Relatable Visuals in Strongman Acts (41:09) Learning from the Best(50:51) Coaching Journey and COVID Adaptations (59:10) America's Got Talent Experience (1:06:19) Final Thoughts and Plugs Links John Mouserâs Book, Forgotten Strength 101 John on Instagram
Links Use code Vintage to save on HGC Tix: https://garage-gym-experiment.myshopify.com/products/2025-homegymconFollow - @vintageweightspgh Indiana Stones on IG: https://www.instagram.com/_indiana_stones_/ Episode Outline (0:00) Introduction: David Keohan's Mission to Find and Lift Ancient Stones (4:42) Exploring Stones with Fascinating Stories (15:07) The Scalp Stone: Uncovering Ancient Celtic Traditions (20:32) Preserving Irish Culture Through Oral History and Stones (23:51) The Wind Under It: Unearthing an Irish Culture - David Keohan's Book (26:30) Training with Kettlebells and the Transition to Stone Lifting (33:58) Reviving Ancient Traditions: Stone Lifting (38:20) Preserving Heritage: Impact of David Keohan's Work (46:04) Upcoming Projects: Documentary and Book on Stone Lifting Summary David Keohan, also known as Indiana Stones, embarked on a mission to find and lift forgotten and lost lifting stones in Ireland. His journey began during the COVID-19 lockdowns when he couldn't access his usual gym equipment. He started lifting stones in his backyard and fell in love with the functionality and physicality of it. Through research and exploration, David discovered various lifting stones in Ireland, each with its own historical and mythological significance. He has documented his adventures in a book titled 'The Wind Under It: Unearthing an Irish Culture.' David also incorporates kettlebell training into his fitness routine. David Keohan shares his journey in kettlebell sport and stone lifting, highlighting his achievements and the challenges he faced. He started kettlebell sport at the age of 35 and quickly became successful, winning competitions and setting world records. He then transitioned to stone lifting, rediscovering the ancient tradition of lifting natural stones in Ireland. David's passion for preserving and reviving this cultural practice has gained attention and recognition, leading to opportunities such as a TED talk, a book, and a documentary. He emphasizes the importance of the stones' stories and the connection to Irish and Scottish culture. David's journey is a testament to the power of passion and the ability to turn things around at any age. Takeaways David Keohan's mission to find and lift forgotten and lost lifting stones in Ireland began during the COVID-19 lockdowns when he couldn't access his usual gym equipment. He discovered the functionality and physicality of stone lifting and fell in love with it. Through research and exploration, David found various lifting stones in Ireland, each with its own historical and mythological significance. He has documented his adventures in a book titled 'The Wind Under It: Unearthing an Irish Culture.' David also incorporates kettlebell training into his fitness routine. Passion and dedication can lead to success in sports and cultural practices. Rediscovering and preserving ancient traditions can bring a sense of pride and cultural revival. Setting goals and continuously improving can lead to personal growth and achievement. Age should not be a barrier to pursuing new challenges and achieving greatness.
Summary Rob and Ryan J. Pitts discuss the history and products of Stronger Grip. The conversation delves into Ryan's inspiration for his unique fitness equipment, which draws from strongman, carnival games, and horror themes. They emphasize the importance of functional movements and grip training, and Ryan shares his journey in the fitness industry. The conversation highlights Ryan's passion for creating innovative products and building relationships within the fitness community. Outline (0:00) Introduction and Overview (3:04) The History and Offerings of Ryan J. Pitts Presents and Stronger Grip (11:59) The Intersection of Historical Strongman and Carnival Games in Ryan's Products (23:00) The Creative Process and Motivation Behind Ryan's Products (29:51) Improving Grip Strength and Functional Fitness with Ryan's Products (31:50) The Fun and Interactive Nature of Ryan's Products (49:37) Feats of Strength and Personal Achievements(51:58) Collaborating for Success (56:26) Focusing on Personal Growth (01:01:14) Engaging Customers through the Creation Process Links Use code Vintage to save on HGC Tix Follow  @vintageweightspgh StongerGrip Website
Links Use code vintage to save on â 2025 HGC tickets Follow Rob on IG Strict Vision Website Strict Vision IG Overview In this conversation, Rob interviews Brandon Fougnies, the owner of Strict Vision Athletics, a gym with a superhero theme. They discuss Brandon's personal strength history, the origin of the superhero theme in his gym, and the difference between public gyms and private studios. Brandon emphasizes the importance of finding a coach who is invested in their business and committed to producing results. They also touch on the connection between superheroes and real-life athletes, highlighting the role of genetics and the dedication required to excel in sports. Brandon Fougnies discusses the importance of internal motivation and doing things for oneself rather than seeking validation from others. He also talks about the challenges he faced when transitioning from working with elite athletes to the general public and becoming a gym owner. Collaboration and the power of partnerships are highlighted as key factors in his success, particularly in terms of marketing and content creation. Fougnies emphasizes the value of diverse revenue streams and the benefits of being a media company. He shares his long-term goals, including partnering with Marvel and training high-profile clients for free. The conversation concludes with a discussion on the importance of consistency in training and the availability of free resources like YouTube for learning new movements. Chapters (0:00) Introduction and Background (3:55) Branding and Unique Tone(9:16) Working with NFL Athletes (13:46) Public Gyms vs. Private Studios (23:13) The Power of Internal Motivation (24:38) Challenges of Transitioning to a Gym Owner (26:20) The Importance of Collaboration (27:23) Utilizing Social Media Marketing (31:21) Long-Term Goals: Partnerships and Training (35:21)The Value of Consistency and Learning
Links Use code Vintage to save on 2025 HGC Tix Use code vintage to save from Mayhem Strength Episode Outline (0:00) The History of Jimbrows and Mayhem Strength (8:53) The Manufacturing Process and Quality Control (13:28) Challenges of Running a Business and Transitioning from the Military (23:27) The Impact of COVID-19 and the Importance of Social Media
Episode Outline (1:00) Jake Le Master Intro (10:24) Zuver's Introduction (27:22) Creating the Le Master Plates (33:55) "The first finished model" & "The actual finished model" (40:52) Improving upon V1 (52:09) Other projects in the works (58:22) Discussion with the Zuver family (60:57) Growth of vintage weights & conversation about new vintage lookalikes being produced. Links Le Master website Le Master IG
Overview Coop discusses his journey in the strength industry and the growth of his brand, Garage Gym Reviews. He talks about attending fitness expos, his transition from writing articles to creating videos, and the milestones and memorable moments in his career. Coop also addresses criticism and how he deals with it, emphasizing the importance of focusing on the opinions of those who matter to him. In this conversation, Rob and Coop discuss various topics related to Garage Gym Reviews and the fitness industry. They address the issue of communication and criticism, the acquisition of Garage Gym Reviews by Pillar Four, and the challenges and opportunities during the pandemic. They also talk about their love for gym equipment and the importance of having a team that is passionate about fitness. Episode Outline (0:00) Introduction and Background (6:07) Attending Fitness Expos and Reviewing Equipment (13:04) Inspirations and Early Days of Garage Gym Reviews (25:41) Dealing with Criticism and Valuing Opinions (29:59) Addressing Criticism and Responding to Tim from Gym Crafter (32:12) Navigating Communication and Criticism (34:09) The Acquisition of Garage Gym Reviews (35:06)Challenges and Opportunities During the Pandemic (37:35)The Importance of a Passionate Team (43:18) Focusing on the Audience (46:41) Announcing Acquisitions (50:29) The Love for Gym Equipment (57:07) Reviewing Criterion Equipment (1:01:02) Exploring New Machines and Equipment
***Use code Vintage to save on 2025 HGC Tix Summary The conversation covers various topics, including the home gym community, strength training, fitness industry ethics, and personal history. It delves into Goob's journey into strength training, his experiences in the fitness industry, and the challenges of balancing training with professional and personal obligations. The conversation also explores the speaker's involvement in exposing fraudulent activities in the fitness world and the impact of social media on self-perception. Then, Huck Finn shows up... He discusses the development of his home gym, the production of t-shirts, and his interactions with Amish visitors. The conversation also touches on his experiences with supplements and his love for meat sticks from 1st Phorm.
Use code vintage to save on 2025 HGC tickets Visit Darko Lifting Website
Use code Vintage to save on 2025 HGC Tix Check out the companies in roundtable: Black Widow Executive Fit Mutant Metals JD Gym Equipped Follow  @vintageweightspgh for more information on vintage weights, home gym advice, and podcasts.
Summary John Greaves III, the founder of Garage Gym Life, shares his journey and insights into building and maintaining a home gym. He discusses the motivation and inspiration behind Garage Gym Life and the importance of providing content that helps home gym owners. John emphasizes the value of a home gym in terms of cost savings and the ability to customize and personalize the space. He also shares his philosophy on equipment and the importance of functionality and organization in a home gym. Throughout the conversation, John highlights the long-lasting equipment that has been a part of his home gym and the role of content creators in the home gym community. In this part of the conversation, John and Rob discuss the reality of affiliate links and the work that goes into creating reviews. John and Rob also emphasize the importance of honesty in reviews and the need to choose which products to review carefully. In addition, they explore the connection between home gym training and old-time strongman lifting, highlighting the appeal of emulating the training methods of the past. Then, they discuss the joy of surprising people with unconventional lifts and the inspiration they find from other lifters. In this part of the conversation, John and Rob discuss the versatility of physical culture and how it allows for the exploration of different movements and training styles. They emphasize the importance of variety in workouts and finding inspiration from others. John shares his goal of providing tools and resources to help people succeed in their home gyms. They also discuss the need for diverse home gym content and the importance of collaboration and supporting each other's growth. They touch on the responsibility of content creators and the importance of improving YouTube channel performance. Furthermore, they discuss the fear and excitement of live streaming and the potential for exploring historical home gyms. In this conversation, Rob and John Greaves III discuss the importance of preserving weightlifting history and the potential for creating a video series on the subject. They explore the idea of visiting historical weightlifting locations and documenting their significance. They also discuss the possibility of applying for grants to support historical projects and the importance of physical fitness at any age. The conversation concludes with a discussion about their goals for the upcoming Home Gym Con event.
Scott McDonald, CEO of Body-Solid, discusses the founding and growth of the company, his transition to the role of CEO, and the evolution of the fitness industry. He highlights the importance of product development and the role of customer feedback in shaping new products. McDonald also discusses the changing trends in home gyms and the impact of programming on the industry. He reflects on the challenges of marketing and promotion in the digital age and the need for flexibility and adaptability in the industry. In this conversation, Scott McDonald, the President of Body Solid, discusses the challenges of balancing retail and online sales, the changes in the work atmosphere, the utilization of data and technology, remote work, and the future plans of Body Solid. He also provides a sneak peek of what to expect at HomeGymCon and emphasizes the importance of engaging with customers and seeking feedback.
Links Use code vintage to save on â HomeGymCon Tixâ Jungle Wars Registration Midwest Kong IG Episode Outline (0:00) Introduction (2:15) Jungle Warz (6:52) Flex Wheeler & Other Relationships Formed (11:58) Humor (17:09) Public Speaking (19:26) Sonz of a Beast (33:33) Jiu Jitsu (38:48) Transition to Strength Training & 225 LB Bench Rep Focus
Links Use code vintage to save on â HomeGymCon Vintage Weights PGH Website Episode Outline (0:00) Introduction & what is HomeGymCon? (5:23) Why French Lick? (9:54) Differences between 2023 & 2024 (18:04) Rob's Top 5 Booths for 2024 (30:57) What's Jake looking forward to? (44:54) What should HGC look like in the future?