<![CDATA[The Barbell Calling]]>What if getting stronger wasn’t about chasing six-packs or selfies—
but about taking control of your health, your confidence, and your future?

Welcome to The Barbell Calling, where Starting Strength Coaches Josh Wells and JD Shipley pull back the curtain on what real strength training looks like—and why it works when everything else doesn’t.

Each week, Josh and JD tackle the myths, fears, and questions that keep people stuck:

  • “Do I need to get in shape before I start?”
  • “What if I’m too old, too injured, or too busy?”
  • “Is barbell training safe for me?”

You’ll hear real conversations, practical coaching advice, and powerful client stories that prove it’s never too late to get strong. Whether you’re a complete beginner, a frustrated gym-goer, or someone just trying to feel better and move easier—this show will teach you how strength transforms more than your body…it transforms your life.

Real strength. Real coaching. Real results.
That’s The Barbell Calling.

]]>https://signup.startingstrengthgyms.com/katy-free-30min?utm_source=website&utm_medium=button&utm_campaign=free30msession&_gl=1*1xw4ygf*_gcl_au*MjE0NjMwMTk4Ni4xNzYyNDY4NzQy*_ga*OTcxOTg4OTgwLjE3NjI0Njg3NDM.*_ga_714J8EVZ6B*czE3NjI0Njg3NDMkbzEkZzAkdDE3NjI0Njg3NDMkajYwJGwwJGgwRiverside.fm (https://riverside.com)Tue, 04 Aug 2026 17:48:14 GMTThu, 06 Nov 2025 22:39:19 GMT60Josh Wells & JD Shipley<p>What if getting stronger wasn’t about chasing six-packs or selfies—<br />but about taking control of your health, your confidence, and your future?</p><p></p><p>Welcome to <b>The Barbell Calling</b>, where <b>Starting Strength Coaches Josh Wells and JD Shipley</b> pull back the curtain on what <i>real strength training</i> looks like—and why it works when everything else doesn’t.</p><p></p><p>Each week, Josh and JD tackle the myths, fears, and questions that keep people stuck:</p><p></p><ul><li><i>“Do I need to get in shape before I start?”</i></li><li><i>“What if I’m too old, too injured, or too busy?”</i></li><li><i>“Is barbell training safe for me?”</i><p></p></li></ul><p>You’ll hear real conversations, practical coaching advice, and powerful client stories that prove it’s never too late to get strong. Whether you’re a complete beginner, a frustrated gym-goer, or someone just trying to feel better and move easier—this show will teach you how strength transforms more than your body…it transforms your life.</p><p></p><p><b>Real strength. Real coaching. Real results.</b><br />That’s <i>The Barbell Calling.</i></p>episodicJosh Wells & JD Shipleyjwells@startingstrengthgyms.comno<![CDATA[EP05 - Aging Gracefully: The Importance of Strength]]>The conversation explores the challenges of aging, particularly focusing on the physical health of the elderly. It highlights the importance of strength and resilience in older age, using personal anecdotes to illustrate the impact of health issues and the need for recovery strategies.

]]>d36301cb-2671-4bdf-aa68-140a42cd161bTue, 06 Jan 2026 17:16:48 GMT<p>The conversation explores the challenges of aging, particularly focusing on the physical health of the elderly. It highlights the importance of strength and resilience in older age, using personal anecdotes to illustrate the impact of health issues and the need for recovery strategies.</p><p></p>no00:27:5315EP05 - Aging Gracefully: The Importance of Strengthfull<![CDATA[EP04 - What to Expect at the Gym: A Newcomer's Guide]]>In this episode of the Barbell Calling Podcast, Josh discusses what newcomers can expect when joining a gym, emphasizing the diverse community, appropriate workout attire, and the importance of a supportive environment. He outlines the expectations for a first visit, including learning fundamental lifts and understanding weight progression. The conversation also highlights the time commitment required for training and the value of learning from others in a communal setting.

Takeaways

  • The gym is a diverse community with people from all walks of life.
  • Members are focused on getting stronger and improving their health.
  • There are no distractions like posing in mirrors or dating in the gym.
  • Comfortable clothing is essential for effective training.
  • Weightlifting shoes provide stability and safety during lifts.
  • First visits focus on teaching fundamental movements and finding appropriate weights.
  • Soreness is not a measure of progress; consistency is key.
  • Training sessions are scheduled for 90 minutes but may take less time initially.
  • Community support enhances the training experience and learning process.
  • Members often become knowledgeable enough to coach others.
]]>f99ca6b4-a519-4d2b-8c22-f22c8a3d12a9Mon, 22 Dec 2025 21:13:36 GMT<p>In this episode of the Barbell Calling Podcast, Josh discusses what newcomers can expect when joining a gym, emphasizing the diverse community, appropriate workout attire, and the importance of a supportive environment. He outlines the expectations for a first visit, including learning fundamental lifts and understanding weight progression. The conversation also highlights the time commitment required for training and the value of learning from others in a communal setting.</p><p></p><p><b>Takeaways</b></p><ul><li>The gym is a diverse community with people from all walks of life.</li><li>Members are focused on getting stronger and improving their health.</li><li>There are no distractions like posing in mirrors or dating in the gym.</li><li>Comfortable clothing is essential for effective training.</li><li>Weightlifting shoes provide stability and safety during lifts.</li><li>First visits focus on teaching fundamental movements and finding appropriate weights.</li><li>Soreness is not a measure of progress; consistency is key.</li><li>Training sessions are scheduled for 90 minutes but may take less time initially.</li><li>Community support enhances the training experience and learning process.</li><li>Members often become knowledgeable enough to coach others. </li></ul>no00:18:5814EP04 - What to Expect at the Gym: A Newcomer's Guidefull<![CDATA[EP03 - Getting Started in the Gym]]>In this episode of Barbell Calling, hosts Josh Wells and JD Shipley tackle the common misconception that you need to be in shape before starting a fitness journey. They discuss the importance of starting strength training from any fitness level, the benefits of personalized coaching, and how mental resilience is built through consistent effort. Tune in to hear inspiring stories of transformation and learn why the best time to start is now. Don't miss out on this empowering conversation!

]]>c34b595a-e09e-4f6c-aee5-529b16ab336dMon, 15 Dec 2025 16:51:18 GMT<p>In this episode of Barbell Calling, hosts Josh Wells and JD Shipley tackle the common misconception that you need to be in shape before starting a fitness journey. They discuss the importance of starting strength training from any fitness level, the benefits of personalized coaching, and how mental resilience is built through consistent effort. Tune in to hear inspiring stories of transformation and learn why the best time to start is now. Don't miss out on this empowering conversation!</p>no00:20:3713EP03 - Getting Started in the Gymfull<![CDATA[EP02 - The Coach's Influence on Client Success]]>In this conversation, Josh discusses the pivotal role of coaches in guiding clients through their fitness journeys, particularly focusing on the psychological barriers clients face when it comes to weight training. He emphasizes the importance of addressing fears associated with increasing weights and how coaches can help clients navigate these challenges effectively.

]]>ba6f0391-a849-40af-a341-cf5e7a732bd7Fri, 14 Nov 2025 19:05:57 GMT<p>In this conversation, Josh discusses the pivotal role of coaches in guiding clients through their fitness journeys, particularly focusing on the psychological barriers clients face when it comes to weight training. He emphasizes the importance of addressing fears associated with increasing weights and how coaches can help clients navigate these challenges effectively.</p>no00:19:54EP02 - The Coach's Influence on Client Successfull<![CDATA[EP01 - Introductions]]>Meet the dynamic duo for The Barbell Calling and learn their vision for this new podcast.

]]>eff5d096-5d87-4ee1-9164-466a683c79b1Thu, 06 Nov 2025 22:41:00 GMT<p>Meet the dynamic duo for The Barbell Calling and learn their vision for this new podcast.</p>no00:24:4811EP01 - Introductionsfull