39. ALYSSA AGES "Find the Heart"
2 Girls 1 Bar Podcast
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...
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38. SKYLER PEEBLES "You can do hard things"
2 Girls 1 Bar Podcast
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...
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37. KELSEI REYNOLDS "Doing the Work"
2 Girls 1 Bar Podcast
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,...
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36. "Weight Class Sport Life"
2 Girls 1 Bar Podcast
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...
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35. TINY TIFF "I Lift So I Can Live"
2 Girls 1 Bar Podcast
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 ...
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34. KRISTA DORNBUSH "Set Intensions, Not Expectations"
2 Girls 1 Bar Podcast
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...
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33. ALEIGH MOORE "You're ready."
2 Girls 1 Bar Podcast
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...
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32. MEL STRENO "Courage in Vulnerability"
2 Girls 1 Bar Podcast
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...
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31. MEAGAN O'CONNOR "International Snack Smuggler"
2 Girls 1 Bar Podcast
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 the podcast on Instagram: Follow Mandi on Instagram: Follow Wanda...
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30. JOELLE EMERY "Beyond Personal Records"
2 Girls 1 Bar Podcast
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 the podcast on...
info_outlineIn 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