Ep. 493: Kettlebell Superstar Zack Henderson Talks About 'Lift-A-Palooza'
Release Date: 12/03/2025
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I'm joined on this episode once again by none other than kettlebell superstar Zack Henderson to talk about his annual Lift-A-Palooza event held each year during the last week of January.
Here's a list of all the fun stuff we talked about (according to the super genius AI cyborg type thing that I politely but firmly demanded to put together a list of topics for you to be able to pick and choose from):
- [0:00:02] Introduction to the episode and hosts.
- [0:00:23] Discussion about nicknames and owning your name online.
- [0:00:50] Acquiring personal domain names and issues with name spelling.
- [0:02:05] The importance and impact of using one’s real name versus a nickname.
- [0:03:18] Screen names, social media identities, and meeting online connections in person.
- [0:04:16] First impressions of meeting people from social media in real life.
- [0:06:19] Tactical size and body image perspectives in fitness.
- [0:07:24] History and organization of the “Lift-a-Palooza” fitness event.
- [0:10:00] Online versus live (in-person) events post-COVID.
- [0:12:12] Structure and promise of Lift-a-Palooza: hands-on experience, guest instructors.
- [0:14:30] Details on guest coaches: Brett Jones (kettlebell training) and Jen Thompson (powerlifting).
- [0:17:57] Do coaches attend each other's sessions? Conference logistics and memorable past guests.
- [0:19:02] Reflections on last year’s event and interactions between renowned coaches Dan John and Ed Cohn.
- [0:22:35] Changes in fitness culture: from niche to mainstream, impact of social media, and knowledge sharing before the Internet.
- [0:24:16] Visiting iconic gyms, the value of legacy in strength sports, and exclusive education from experts.
- [0:25:34] Social media’s impact on fame and niche celebrities.
- [0:28:13] Comparing attention/fame pre-internet and today, value of in-person learning, and boundaries.
- [0:31:24] The value of deep learning, goal-setting, and fitness as culture.
- [0:32:35] Event logistics: ticket availability and group size at Lift-a-Palooza.
- [0:34:45] Where to find more information: www.ZackHenderson.com, YouTube.
- [0:35:00] Podcast closing remarks and mutual appreciation.
Check Zack out at https://zackhenderson.com/
On YouTube you can find him at https://www.youtube.com/@ZackHenderson
If you like training that:
· Gives you more strength than it takes from you
· Improves your stamina and resilience simultaneously
· Powers-up every nook, cranny, crevice, and corner of your Soft Machine
Then you just might like my 9-Minute Kettlebell and Bodyweight Challenge.
As the name indicates, it’s just 9 minutes long, and it’s designed to be done WITH your current workouts – NOT instead of them.
Even cooler:
Many find that it actually amplifies their strength in their favorite kettlebell and bodyweight moves, like presses, squats, pullups, and more.
And best of all, it’s free.
How free?
I’m talkin’ freer than the 4th of July, my friend.
Get thee thine own copy here: http://www.9MinuteChallenge.com
Have fun and happy training!
Aleks Salkin