Muscles and Malarkey

Mary
  • 4.8 (5)
  • Fitness
  • Updated Biweekly

Welcome to Muscles and Malarkey, your go-to podcast for all things strength, fitness, and fun! I'm your host, Mary. This show is dedicated to making strength training and fitness simple, accessible, and enjoyable. Whether you’re just starting your strength journey or looking to deepen your knowledge, Muscles and Malarkey is here to guide you through it all. From the basics of training, nutrition, and programming to in-depth explorations of intriguing fitness topics, I've got you covered. I’ll also feature interviews with individuals from various fitness backgrounds to provide diverse perspectives and insights. Each episode is crafted to help you navigate your fitness path with confidence and clarity. These are the lessons and tips I wish I had when I began my strength training journey in 2017, and now I’m sharing them with you. Got questions or topics you want me to cover? Reach out to me on Instagram at @MusclesandMalarkey or email us at musclesandmalarkey@gmail.com. Don’t forget to follow the podcast for the latest updates and join our community of fitness enthusiasts! Get ready to lift, learn, and laugh with Muscles and Malarkey!

  1. Aug 19

    Ep 39: Your CNS Called. It Wants a Nap - A Follow Up with Strength Scientist, Eric

    What happens when your brain, body, and nervous system are all telling you to slow the hell down? 😂 Eric is back on Muscles & Malarkey, and this time we’re getting into the science of CNS fatigue, recovery, and performance—but without making it feel like a neuroscience lecture. We kick things off with an update on Eric’s own training and his new goals, then dive into what the central nervous system actually does, what people mean when they talk about “CNS fatigue,” and how fatigue can impact your performance in the gym. We also talk about recovery, how to recognize when you might need to pull back, and whether there really is a way to hack your recovery and get more out of your training. If you’ve ever wondered why you can feel exhausted even when you technically got enough sleep, why your lifts suddenly feel terrible, or whether you’re actually under-recovered—or just having a bad training day—this one is for you. Your CNS called. It wants a nap. So maybe we should listen. 😴💪 Follow me on Instagram at MusclesandMalarkey.  Email me at MusclesandMalarkey@gmail.com for any questions or feedback!  Please share, rate, review, and subscribe. It really helps get the podcast out to more people!

  2. Jul 22

    Ep 38: Progress You Can't Always See

    This week on Muscles & Malarkey, I'm giving you a training update as I get closer to prep for my December powerlifting meet. We chat about recent PRs, exciting progress with my coach, Kim, and a huge personal health win that reminded me why consistency always pays off. From there, the conversation shifts into some of the best lessons that came out of a weekend spent lifting with friends. We talk about the difference between pushing your limits and letting your ego take over, why recording your lifts is valuable (even without a coach), how the right training partners can completely change your gym experience, when it's okay to move on from a coach, and why trying a new gym—or even your very first workout—might be less intimidating than you think. Whether you're chasing a new PR, just getting started, or looking for a little motivation to finish the year strong, this episode is a reminder that progress isn't just measured by the weight on the bar. It's built through consistency, community, and having the courage to keep showing up. In this episode: Training updates and recent PRsPreparing for a December powerlifting meetCelebrating health wins beyond the gymEgo lifting vs. progressive overloadThe benefits of training with friendsKnowing when it's time to move on from a coachTrying new gyms with confidenceSetting meaningful goals for the rest of the yearFollow me on Instagram at MusclesandMalarkey.  Email me at MusclesandMalarkey@gmail.com for any questions or feedback!  Please share, rate, review, and subscribe. It really helps get the podcast out to more people!

  3. Jul 8

    Ep 37: Getting Out of a Funk: What to Do When You're Feeling Stuck in the Gym

    Have you ever looked at your training, your hobbies, or even your daily routine and thought, "I just don't feel like me lately?" You're not alone. In this episode of Muscles and Malarkey, I get real about feeling stuck, losing motivation, and what happens when the things you usually love stop feeling exciting. Whether it's the gym, work, or life in general, everyone goes through seasons where they feel disconnected from themselves. Instead of chasing motivation or forcing productivity, this episode is all about getting curious. I share practical ways to reconnect with yourself, rediscover what brings you joy, and let go of the pressure to always be "on." We'll talk about: Why being in a funk doesn't mean you've failed.How to tell the difference between burnout and boredom.Simple ways to make training (and life) feel fun again.Why trying something new can reignite your spark.Giving yourself permission to change, evolve, and enjoy the process.If you've been feeling unmotivated, burnt out, or like you're just going through the motions, this episode is your reminder that you don't have to stay there. Sometimes the way forward isn't pushing harder—it's finding your way back to what makes you smile. Tune in, and let's find the fun again.  Follow me on Instagram at MusclesandMalarkey.  Email me at MusclesandMalarkey@gmail.com for any questions or feedback!  Please share, rate, review, and subscribe. It really helps get the podcast out to more people!

  4. Jun 24

    Ep 36: AITA Gym Reddit Stories

    Welcome back to another episode of muscles and malarkey!  In this episode, I go over 3 different AITA posts from gym reddit. Have you ever asked yourself, "Am I the Ahole?" then this episode is for you!  I discuss whether OP is, in fact, the A hole, or if maybe a different approach was needed. I also give a few actionable take aways/ advice if you happen to find yourself in a similar situation.  Have you ever had a crazy gym experience? Send it my way to be featured on the pod! (or not, if you'd rather)  Follow me on Instagram at MusclesandMalarkey.  Email me at MusclesandMalarkey@gmail.com for any questions or feedback!  Please share, rate, review, and subscribe. It really helps get the podcast out to more people!

  5. Jun 10

    Ep 35: Memorable Meet Day Madness

    Welcome back to another episode of Muscles and Malarkey!  In this episode, I catch you up on what I've been up to for the past couple weeks. I wanted to break down my meet day at Sunday Service's Crowned in Iron, helping Megsy handle Ashley, and of course, handling my girl April at Goddesses of Steel.  Did April hit her goal of 1000# total? Did I finally break the elusive 400# deadlift barrier? Tune in to find out!  Follow me on Instagram at MusclesandMalarkey.  Email me at MusclesandMalarkey@gmail.com for any questions or feedback!  Please share, rate, review, and subscribe. It really helps get the podcast out to more people!

  6. May 27

    Ep 34: Your Life Is Bigger Than Your Weight

    There is more to life than your weight. More than calories, more than the scale, more than trying to be smaller. You deserve a life that feels full—  full of joy, full of connection, full of moments that matter. Stop letting your size take up so much space in your mind… when your life is meant to take up space in the world. We’re talking body standards, BMI, strength, genetics—and why your worth has nothing to do with a number on the scale. Make sure you’re subscribed so you don’t miss this one. 💪🔥 Follow me on Instagram at MusclesandMalarkey.  Email me at MusclesandMalarkey@gmail.com for any questions or feedback!  Please share, rate, review, and subscribe. It really helps get the podcast out to more people!

  7. May 13

    Ep 33: Less Perfect, More Fun

    In this episode of Muscles and Malarkey, I’m sharing a full training update as I head into my deadlift-only meet held by Sunday Service in Fort Mill, SC.  I recently started working with a new coach (shoutout to Kim aka Joyful Lifter), and this shift has completely changed my perspective on training. Sometimes a fresh set of eyes is all it takes to remind you what this sport is supposed to feel like—fun, challenging, and meaningful.  We also get into a mindset I see way too often: waiting for “perfect.” Perfect timing, perfect readiness, perfect conditions. The truth? That moment never really comes. And chasing it often turns into procrastination in disguise.  Instead, I’ve been focusing on showing up as I am, letting go of comparison, and rebuilding trust in the process—both in training and in myself.  If you’ve ever felt stuck, pressured, or like you’re not where you “should” be, this episode is your reminder that progress doesn’t come from perfection—it comes from consistency, perspective, and learning to enjoy the process again.  Follow me on Instagram at MusclesandMalarkey.  Email me at MusclesandMalarkey@gmail.com for any questions or feedback!  Please share, rate, review, and subscribe. It really helps get the podcast out to more people!

  8. Apr 22

    Ep 32: Strong at Every Age with Amber Dawn: Women, Powerlifting & the Journey That Shapes Us

    In this episode, I’m joined by Amber Dawn to talk all things women in powerlifting, strength training, and coaching. We dive into how to train at every age, build long-term strength, and approach powerlifting with a focus on longevity, performance, and sustainability.  Amber shares her journey through the sport, along with insights on what makes a great powerlifting coach, how to support athletes effectively, and why community and inclusivity matter in strength sports. We also reflect on our own experiences in lifting—what’s changed over time, lessons learned, and how our past shapes the way we train and coach today.  This episode is for anyone interested in powerlifting for women, strength training for longevity, improving your coaching skills, or simply finding a more sustainable and meaningful approach to fitness.  If you’re looking to get stronger, train smarter, and stay in the sport for the long haul, this conversation is for you.  Interested in coaching? Amber can be found at a.dawn.vicious on Instagram  Follow me on Instagram at MusclesandMalarkey.  Email me at MusclesandMalarkey@gmail.com for any questions or feedback!  Please share, rate, review, and subscribe. It really helps get the podcast out to more people!

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4.8
out of 5
5 Ratings

About

Welcome to Muscles and Malarkey, your go-to podcast for all things strength, fitness, and fun! I'm your host, Mary. This show is dedicated to making strength training and fitness simple, accessible, and enjoyable. Whether you’re just starting your strength journey or looking to deepen your knowledge, Muscles and Malarkey is here to guide you through it all. From the basics of training, nutrition, and programming to in-depth explorations of intriguing fitness topics, I've got you covered. I’ll also feature interviews with individuals from various fitness backgrounds to provide diverse perspectives and insights. Each episode is crafted to help you navigate your fitness path with confidence and clarity. These are the lessons and tips I wish I had when I began my strength training journey in 2017, and now I’m sharing them with you. Got questions or topics you want me to cover? Reach out to me on Instagram at @MusclesandMalarkey or email us at musclesandmalarkey@gmail.com. Don’t forget to follow the podcast for the latest updates and join our community of fitness enthusiasts! Get ready to lift, learn, and laugh with Muscles and Malarkey!

Information

  • Creator
    Mary
  • Years Active
    2024 - 2026
  • Episodes
    39
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    © 2026 Muscles and Malarkey
  • Show Website
    Muscles and Malarkey