The Powerhouse Mentality

Kaitlyn Kenna Smith

We all have a story. My mission in life and with this podcast is to help you stop tolerating your own b******t to finally win in life. This podcast will teach you how to become the best version of yourself; mind, body and soul. When you never stop learning, keep the commitments you make to yourself and intentionally seek discomfort; you are truly limitless. I'm here to show you through my story and the story of others that anything is possible when you are willing to suffer a little bit more. 

  1. Sep 5

    Persistence Over Perfection: Building VMI Sports with Tom Reilly

    Send us Fan Mail What does it actually take to build something that lasts? I sat down with Tom Reilly, one of the founders of VMI Sports, for a conversation about supplements, entrepreneurship, and the one thing he believes matters more than getting everything right: persistence. We get into the story behind VMI, the intention behind their formulas, the explosion of creatine, and why Tom describes VMI as a “supplement company that markets, not a marketing company that supplements.” For him, innovation isn’t throwing something new on a label just to be different, it’s identifying a real problem and creating a product that actually solves it.  But we also talk about the part of entrepreneurship social media doesn’t make sexy: years of work with very little to show for it. Working two jobs. Making mistakes. Hearing no. Nearly two years without paying themselves. Continuing anyway.  Tom doesn’t call that discipline. He calls it persistence. Because you’re not going to execute perfectly. Your plan is going to change. You’re going to make mistakes.  The people who ultimately build something meaningful are the ones willing to learn, adjust, and keep going. This one goes way beyond supplements. Follow Tom on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/tom_vmisports/ Follow VMI Sports on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/vmisports/ Shop VMI products (code: KAITLYN saves you dollars): https://www.vmisports.com/ -------------------------- Thank you to everyone who has taken the time out of their day to listen to this podcast. It means more to me than you will ever know.  Any questions or recommendations on who I should have on next? Email them to: thepowerhousementality@gmail.com Follow Kaitlyn on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kaitlynkennafitness/ Follow the Powerhouse Journal - https://www.instagram.com/thepowerhousejournal/ Shop Natural Body Inc: https://naturalbodyinc.com/?aff=kaitlyn Save 10% on all of your energy drink needs using code: kaitlynkennafitenss at energydrinkcity.com Read The Powerhouse Journal - https://www.powerhousejournal.com/ Support the show

  2. Aug 27

    5 Questions to Ask Before Buying Any Supplement

    Send us Fan Mail Before you spend money on another supplement, take a step back and evaluate what you’re actually buying. In this episode, I break down five essential questions that can help you look beyond bold claims, trendy ingredients, flashy packaging, and influencer marketing. You’ll learn how to evaluate a supplement based on its purpose, formula, ingredient doses, and overall value - not simply what appears on the front of the label. We cover: What is your goal? Why every supplement decision should begin with a clearly defined purpose—and why even a well-formulated product may be a poor choice if it doesn’t match what you’re trying to accomplish.Is every ingredient dosed to work? How to look beyond an ingredient’s name and consider whether the amount included is supported by relevant evidence for the product’s intended purpose.Does the formula match what it claims to do? How to determine whether the complete formula logically supports the benefits being advertised—or whether the marketing is making promises the formula can’t reasonably support.Does every ingredient have a job and purpose? Why longer ingredient lists aren’t automatically better, how unnecessary additions can make a formula look more impressive, and why every active ingredient should contribute to the product’s central goal.Are you paying for quality or marketing? The ultimate test: If the label were completely blank, would the formula, quality, serving size, and price still convince you to buy the product?By the end of the episode, you’ll have a practical five-question checklist you can use whenever you shop for supplements online or in-store. The goal isn’t to tell you which product to buy - it’s to help you slow down, examine the facts, and make a more informed decision about what deserves a place in your routine. **This episode is intended for general educational purposes and is not medical advice. Consult a qualified healthcare professional before starting a supplement, especially if you take medication, have a medical condition, are pregnant or nursing, or are preparing for surgery** ---------------- Thank you to everyone who has taken the time out of their day to listen to this podcast. It means more to me than you will ever know.  Any questions or recommendations on who I should have on next? Email them to: thepowerhousementality@gmail.com Follow Kaitlyn on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kaitlynkennafitness/ Follow the Powerhouse Journal - https://www.instagram.com/thepowerhousejournal/ Shop Natural Body Inc: https://naturalbodyinc.com/?aff=kaitlyn Save 10% on all of your energy drink needs using code: kaitlynkennafitenss at energydrinkcity.com Read The Powerhouse Journal - https://www.powerhousejournal.com/ Support the show

  3. Aug 20

    The State of the Supplement Industry: Transparency, Collabs & B******t With Shaun Hawley

    Send us Fan Mail The Bearded Gorilla is BACK. Shaun Hawley returns to the podcast for another completely unfiltered conversation about the supplement industry - where it’s been, where it’s going, and what’s actually winning right now. We get into the rise of transparency and why proprietary blends have become nearly impossible to defend, what separates a great product from a great BRAND, why flavor matters even though taste is completely subjective, and how collaborations and nostalgia have become some of the biggest forces shaping supplements and energy drinks. We also break down some of the brands we believe are doing things right, the problem with consumers reacting to headlines without doing the research, and why media has a responsibility to educate instead of simply chasing outrage. Plus, Shaun catches us up on his bodybuilding season, moving from Classic into Open, bringing his best package ever despite not winning the show, his upcoming growth phase, and what he’s learned from building his own platform and doing content his way. This is less of an interview and more of two supplement-industry nerds sitting down and talking shop - formulas, flavor, branding, collabs, social media, bodybuilding, b******t and everything in between. Because at the end of the day, there’s enough room for all of us to win. The goal is to make the industry better. Follow Shaun: https://www.instagram.com/thebeardedgorilla/ ---------------- Thank you to everyone who has taken the time out of their day to listen to this podcast. It means more to me than you will ever know.  Any questions or recommendations on who I should have on next? Email them to: thepowerhousementality@gmail.com Follow Kaitlyn on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kaitlynkennafitness/ Follow the Powerhouse Journal - https://www.instagram.com/thepowerhousejournal/ Save 10% on all of your energy drink needs using code: kaitlynkennafitenss at energydrinkcity.com Read The Powerhouse Journal - https://www.powerhousejournal.com/ Support the show

  4. Aug 13

    From Entry-Level to Executive: The Reality of Success with Aaron Summers

    Send us Fan Mail What does it actually take to build one of the most respected brands in sports nutrition? In this episode, I sit down with Aaron Summers, Executive at 1st Phorm, to talk about the 13-year journey of helping build the company from the ground up. We go far beyond supplements and into the principles that create lasting success—discipline, culture, leadership, delayed gratification, and holding yourself to a higher standard. We discuss why so many people chase titles instead of earning them, how 1st Phorm's Legionnaire program changed influencer marketing forever, the power of playing the long game, why consistency beats motivation, and how small daily actions compound into extraordinary results. Whether you're building a business, advancing your career, chasing athletic goals, or simply trying to become a better version of yourself, this conversation is packed with practical lessons you can apply immediately. In this episode, we cover: Aaron's journey from a small-town kid to 1st Phorm executiveThe vision that built 1st PhormWhy culture is your greatest competitive advantageThe philosophy behind the Legionnaire programEntrepreneurship vs. building an incredible career inside a companyWhy most people quit before success has a chance to compoundThe Chinese bamboo tree lesson on patience and consistencyLeadership through accountabilityThe daily standards that create extraordinary resultsBalancing career, family, faith, and fitnessIf you enjoyed this episode, be sure to follow the podcast, leave a review, and share it with someone who's committed to becoming better every single day Follow Aaron on Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/aaronsummers/ ---------------------------------------- Thank you to everyone who has taken the time out of their day to listen to this podcast. It means more to me than you will ever know.  Any questions or recommendations on who I should have on next? Email them to: thepowerhousementality@gmail.com Follow Kaitlyn on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kaitlynkennafitness/ Follow the Powerhouse Journal - https://www.instagram.com/thepowerhousejournal/ Save 10% on all of your energy drink needs using code: kaitlynkennafitenss at energydrinkcity.com Read The Powerhouse Journal - https://www.powerhousejournal.com/ Support the show

  5. Aug 6

    The Truth About the Supplement Industry With Robik From Apollon Nutrition

    Send us Fan Mail Most supplement companies sell hype. Very few build trust. In this episode, I sit down with Robik, owner of Apollon Nutrition, for one of the most honest conversations I've had about the supplement industry. We break down why transparency matters, how brands manipulate consumers through marketing, why many influencers have lost credibility, and what actually separates great supplement companies from mediocre ones. We also dive into how Apollon was built from a small gym into one of the industry's most respected brands, why innovation has slowed down, what makes a truly great protein or pre-workout formula, and why telling the truth—even when it's unpopular—is the best long-term business strategy. If you want to become a more informed consumer or you're tired of the marketing nonsense surrounding supplements, this episode is for you. In this episode: Why the supplement industry has a trust problemThe biggest red flags consumers should watch forMarketing vs. formulation: what actually mattersProprietary blends, transparency, and ingredient qualityHow Apollon Nutrition was builtWhat separates premium brands from hype brandsWhy innovation in supplements is disappearingBuilding a business through honesty instead of shortcutsFollow Apollon Nutrition - https://www.instagram.com/apollonnutrition/ Follow Robik - https://www.instagram.com/robik2075/ Shop Apollon Nutrition Products (code: kaitlynkennafitness): https://www.apollonnutrition.com/ ------------- It means more to me than you will ever know.  Any questions or recommendations on who I should have on next? Email them to: thepowerhousementality@gmail.com Follow Kaitlyn on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kaitlynkennafitness/ Follow the Powerhouse Journal - https://www.instagram.com/thepowerhousejournal/ Save 10% on all of your energy drink needs using code: kaitlynkennafitenss at energydrinkcity.com Read The Powerhouse Journal - https://www.powerhousejournal.com/ Support the show

  6. Jul 30

    Overrated Brands, Proprietary Blends & Supplement Industry B******t With Justin Hall

    Send us Fan Mail Justin Hall; aka Supplement Snoop, is back for round two, and this conversation went exactly where you’d expect: all over the supplement industry with absolutely zero filter. We break down why a great formula alone isn’t enough to build a successful brand, why “clinically dosed” doesn’t automatically mean better, and why proprietary blends still piss us off. Justin also pulls back the curtain on the realities of building myQ Brain Food; from manufacturing and inventory to razor-thin margins and the hidden costs most aspiring brand owners never consider. We also get into fear-based marketing, overrated and underrated brands, our current favorite proteins, caffeine fear-mongering, and why social media has people diagnosing every normal bodily function as a medical disaster. Plus, I share what I may eventually build under Powerhouse and how I want to help create more education, transparency, and trust in an industry where consumers are constantly being sold more b******t. Nearly two hours of supplements, business, strong opinions, and absolutely no b******t.  Follow Justin - https://www.instagram.com/supplementsnoop/ Shop Justin's Brand: MyQ Brain Food - https://myqbrainfood.com/ -------------------------- Thank you to everyone who has taken the time out of their day to listen to this podcast. It means more to me than you will ever know.  Any questions or recommendations on who I should have on next? Email them to: thepowerhousementality@gmail.com Follow Kaitlyn on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kaitlynkennafitness/ Follow the Powerhouse Journal - https://www.instagram.com/thepowerhousejournal/ Save 10% on all of your energy drink needs using code: kaitlynkennafitenss at energydrinkcity.com Read The Powerhouse Journal - https://www.powerhousejournal.com/ Support the show

  7. Jul 23

    The Truth About Pain, Mobility & Staying Injury-Free With Primal Mobility's Matt Phili

    Send us Fan Mail Most people think mobility means stretching. Matt Phili is here to tell you that's only a small piece of the puzzle. In this episode, Kaitlyn sits down with the founder of Primal Mobility to discuss why so many people continue to struggle with chronic pain despite stretching, foam rolling, and trying every "fix" under the sun. Matt breaks down the real difference between flexibility and mobility, why strength in end ranges matters, and how limitations in areas like the ankles, hips, and thoracic spine can create pain throughout the entire body. They also dive into: Why your hips may not actually be "tight"The surprising relationship between chronic pain and the nervous systemWhy fear of movement can keep injuries lingering for yearsThe truth about Jefferson curls, knee-over-toe training, and "dangerous" exercisesHow Matt built Primal Mobility from rock bottom while supporting his familyWhy movement is one of the most powerful tools we have for improving both physical and mental healthWhether you're a CrossFit athlete, someone dealing with nagging aches and pains, or simply want to move and feel better for life, this conversation will completely change the way you think about mobility. Follow Matt: Instagram: @primal.mobility Check out Primal Mobility: https://www.primalmobility.com/ Thank you to everyone who has taken the time out of their day to listen to this podcast. It means more to me than you will ever know.  Any questions or recommendations on who I should have on next? Email them to: thepowerhousementality@gmail.com Follow Kaitlyn on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kaitlynkennafitness/ Follow the Powerhouse Journal - https://www.instagram.com/thepowerhousejournal/ Save 10% on all of your energy drink needs using code: kaitlynkennafitenss at energydrinkcity.com Read The Powerhouse Journal - https://www.powerhousejournal.com/ Support the show

About

We all have a story. My mission in life and with this podcast is to help you stop tolerating your own b******t to finally win in life. This podcast will teach you how to become the best version of yourself; mind, body and soul. When you never stop learning, keep the commitments you make to yourself and intentionally seek discomfort; you are truly limitless. I'm here to show you through my story and the story of others that anything is possible when you are willing to suffer a little bit more. 

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