#1416 - Rob Kearney
NaN minutesEpisode #1416
Rob Kearney is the only openly gay professional strongman. He currently holds the American record for the log press, at 471 lbs. There is also a documentary about his life currently in production:
Episodes with Rob Kearney
Watch the full episode of #1416 - Rob Kearney.
Episode Timestamps
Podcast featuring World's Strongest Gay - Embracing Acceptance in the Powerlifting Community
- Guest with the identity 'World's Strongest Gay' shares his experience of acceptance in the powerlifting community.
- Discusses the supportive environment of the Strongman community and the lack of discrimination upon coming out.
- Draws parallels between acceptance in the Strongman and stand-up comedy communities.
The Journey to Self-Acceptance and Coming Out at 22
- Narrates the journey of self-discovery, involvement in various activities, and realization of sexual orientation in high school and college.
- Describes the process of coming out in college and the impact on personal relationships.
- Explains the decision to come out, leading to a breakup and subsequent self-acceptance.
Experiencing Perception Shifts: Moving from Exposure to Acceptance
- Growing up surrounded by unconventional norms of smoking pot and bongo playing with same-sex couples next door.
- Realization of the societal reaction towards gay marriage through the perspective of a friend's discontent Cuban father.
- Encountering discrimination firsthand, leading to understanding the power of self-acceptance and standing up against prejudice.
Embracing Identity: Coming Out and Building Acceptance
- Came out due to a serious relationship and not wanting to hide his truth from his partner.
- Relief found in self-acceptance and liberation after acknowledging inherent identity.
- Reflecting on the challenging journey of self-discovery, openness, and the freedom that comes with authenticity.
Strongman Journey: From Minimal Equipment to National Champion
- Started strongman training in Connecticut with minimal equipment like steel log and Atlas stones
- Competed in numerous contests within a five-hour radius from Springfield, Massachusetts
- Initial struggles with taking last place in contests, gradually improving to secure national champion titles
Injury and Recovery in Strongman Training
- Experienced a serious injury dropping a 275-pound stone on his chest in a contest
- Recovery period led to cautious approach in training to prevent further injuries
- Balancing intense training with wisdom gained from academic background to minimize risks
Fire Truck Pulling Challenge - The Weight Difference Surprise
- Pulled a fire truck with varying weights: 28,000 pounds and then 40,000 pounds
- Realized the weight discrepancy when water was added to the fire truck
- Experienced the challenge of pulling heavier weight at surprise
- Discussing the physical toll and full-body burning sensation
Strongman Stories with 53-Year-Old Mark Felix
- Exploring the remarkable career of Mark Felix at 53 and his grip strength
- Discussing common injuries like Achilles tendon rupture and torn bicep in strongman
- Debating deadlifting techniques and grip styles like mixed grip and hook grip
- Considering the longevity and training practices in strongman competitions
Massage Therapy & Recovery Workouts
- Uses recovery tools during long flights for muscle recovery.
- Regularly visits a massage therapist and bodywork person for deep tissue massage and needling.
- Emphasizes the importance of finding a skilled massage therapist for effective treatment.
Body Work Techniques & Competition Preparation
- Describes the benefits of dry needling for pain relief and muscle tightness.
- Discusses the use of mobility tools like foam rollers and voodoo bands for recovery.
- Shares insights on intense competition schedule and immediate return to training after events.
Split Jerk Technique and Strongman Challenges
- Learned split jerk technique from CrossFit background
- Introduced to strongman, struggled with strict pressing
- Explains differences between push press and split jerk
Friendship, Competition, and Dietary Habits
- First interaction between Robert and the athlete
- Discussion about eating habits and calorie intake
- Preference for specific foods like bison and chicken
World's Strongest Gay and LGBTQ Visibility
- The discussion about owning the website domain worldstrongestgay.com
- The importance of LGBTQ visibility in professional sports like Strongman
- Challenges and stereotypes faced by openly gay men in sports
Embracing Visibility and Overcoming Stereotypes
- Addressing stereotypes about masculinity and sexuality in sports
- Personal experiences and responses to hate messages and negativity
- The impact of visibility in inspiring others and spreading positivity
Rogue Live Streams Giants Live Event in Daytona Beach
- Rogue livestreams entire event in Daytona Beach, featuring Giants Live tour
- Strongman competition attracts 12,000-seat crowd in UK
- UK lacks sports competition like the NFL, making strongman popular
Strongman Competitions Gain Mainstream Popularity with CBS and IMG
- Strongman competitions now aired on CBS and CBS Sports
- Efforts to make strongman more popular in the US
- Eddie Hall's success in the UK contributes to growing fan base and mainstream recognition
Arnold Strawman Classic & Wheel of Pain Event
- Participants wear specialized shoes for different events like truck tire pulling and rock climbing.
- Discussion on the Wheel of Pain event inspired by the movie Conan the Barbarian at the Arnold Strawman Classic.
- Description of the intricate design and significant cost of the event's equipment.
Competition Insights & Testing Procedures
- Details about the physical challenges faced in competitions like pushing a heavy wheel.
- Discussion regarding testing procedures and potential drug testing in strongman competitions.
- Description of the extensive medical testing and documentation required before participating in World's Strongest Man competition.
Preparing for Columbus Strongman Contest
- Competitor discusses the recent event in Santa Monica where he didn't do well
- Focus on gauging performance for upcoming contest in Columbus
- Training schedule and goals for achieving a deadlift of a thousand pounds
Dedicated Training and Sacrifices for Success
- Describing the journey towards deadlifting a thousand pounds
- Importance of recovery and strategic training leading up to contests
- Commitment to rigorous training regimen and sacrifices needed for the sport
Louis Simmons and Extreme Strength Training
- Louis Simmons is known for his extreme strength feats and methods in the gym.
- Discussion about incredible stories involving severe injuries and quick recoveries for continued training.
- Reference to renowned gym with top-notch strength equipment and facilities.
Louis Simmons and the World of Strongman Competitions
- Louis Simmons' gym known for hosting intense and competitive strongman events.
- Discussion around strongman culture, dedication to records, and intense training routines.
- Insight into the experience of visiting Louis Simmons' gym and its impact on visitors.
Passing out and Heart Attacks in Strongman: Jesse Marunday
- Discussion about Strongman athletes passing out due to extreme exertion and lack of proper breathing techniques.
- An anecdote about a friend, Jesse Marunday, who suffered a fatal heart attack at a young age while training in the gym.
- Mention of the risks of sleep apnea among Strongman athletes, leading to heart strain and potential health complications.
Evolution of Strongman Competitions: Louis Sear and World's Strongest Man
- Overview of the historical roots of Strongman competitions dating back to the 1700s, with feats of strength like barrel throws.
- Introduction of World's Strongest Man in the 1970s, transitioning Strongman into a formal sport.
- Insight into the modern organization of Strongman events, involving a committee to design challenging yet visually appealing tasks for competitors.
American Log Press Record Holder Shares Journey to Success
- Overcoming initial struggles with overhead lifts
- Becoming a student of the sport and learning from others
- Maintaining good health and avoiding injuries throughout the journey
Appreciation for Positive Influence and Support on Instagram
- Acknowledgment of inspirational and positive content on Instagram
- Spreading messages of love, positivity, and inspiration
- Encouragement and well wishes for future achievements