

The Hammer Cast
Aleks Salkin
A show about strength, health, fitness, learning languages, and becoming a more interesting person.
Episodes
Mentioned books

Jul 18, 2019 • 10min
EP 10: Motivation gets you nowhere
"Every dead person on Mt. Everest was once a highly motivated person" There's no denying it: we're a culture obsessed with motivation. We watch motivational videos, listen to motivational speeches, and get encouraged to motivate others while complimenting our friends for "being so motivating". The truth is, for as nice as motivation is, it's as fleeting as any other emotion, and is the last thing you should rely on if it's real, lasting change you're interested in. In this episode, I dig into why motivation is a sucky catalyst for self improvement, and what you SHOULD be focusing on instead. Also, be sure to sign up for my email list (and get a super sweet 8-week kettlelbell and bodyweight program to boot!). It's where all my best, most no BS knowledge bombs on strength, calisthenics, kettlebells, and movement go out - NOT on social media. Click here to climb aboard => https://alekssalkin.leadpages.co/8weekchallenge/

Jun 27, 2019 • 14min
EP 9: Your body is NOT a temple
Click here to get my world-famous 8-week kettlebell and bodyweight challenge! => https://alekssalkin.leadpages.co/8weekchallenge/ Your body is a temple. We've all heard it before. Well, the reality is that your body is NOT a temple, it's a little more like...something else. Something that I will reveal in this episode. (you didn't REALLY think you were gonna get away with reading the show notes and not patiently listening to the podcast, did you?) Kick back, take notes, and enjoy.

Jun 20, 2019 • 36min
EP 8: Franz Snideman on power (& speed) to the people!
I'm joined on this episode by Franz Snideman (of https://fsathletics.com/fitness/) one of California's top personal trainers and an internationally recognized expert on the topic of safely training for strength and speed at any age. In this episode Franz and I talk about: * why 'dynopenia' - the loss of the ability to produce power - is the unaddressed elephant in the room for people over 40 * how (and why) to safely train for speed and power * training general population vs. training athletes - the differences and the similarities * Franz's favorite non-kettlebell exercises to kick start your body's ability to move quickly and athletically * much, much more! And if you haven't already, be sure to hop on my email list - https://alekssalkin.leadpages.co/8weekchallenge/

Jun 16, 2019 • 19min
EP 7: Forget 'How' - Focus on 'WHAT'
https://alekssalkin.leadpages.co/8weekchallenge/ - Get on my email list here. In this episode I dive into the topic of why focusing on WHAT you want to accomplish and letting that determine HOW you do it is far more effective than the reverse.

Jun 12, 2019 • 42min
Ep 6: How to Be a More Interesting Person
In today's episode, Pat "The Pat" Flynn and I team up to give you some insights into how (and why) to be a more interesting person. It's simpler than you think!

Jun 6, 2019 • 36min
EP 5: Pat Flynn on Fasting, Fads, & Generalism
I'm joined on this episode by the one and only Pat Flynn of Chroniclesofstrength.com. On this episode we dive headfirst into topics such as: Fasting: is it really all it's cracked up to be? Can eating make you virtuous? Why you should (probably) avoid fitness culture at all costs Pat's (and my) background in electronic stringed instruments My hilariously traumatic piano lessons story The #1 thing you have to be willing to do to be a good coach or trainer So much more. Also, if you didn't know, Pat has a book out, How To Be Better at (Almost) Everything. It's very green! Listen, absorb, and enjoy

Jun 2, 2019 • 38min
EP 4: Mark Reifkind on training, competing, & life
Joining me on the podcast in this episode is one of the most experienced personal trainers in the US, Master SFG Mark Reifkind. Mark has competed at a high level in 4 sport: gymnastics, triathlon, bodybuilding, and powerlifting, and is one of the highest ranking StrongFirst kettlebell instructors in the world. In this episode we discuss: The education of a coach: Mark's history of training - and competing against - the best athletes in the world His insights into the difference between training competitive athletes and training 'Average Joes' Training vs. Exercise - why most people need one and not the other Most important things to factor into a student's training Training like an athlete - a recipe for disaster? Much more! Be sure to check out Mark's website at www.GiryaStrength.com

May 10, 2019 • 33min
How to be a man (even if you're a lady)
What does it mean to be a man? Is 'toxic masculinity' really a thing? And if it is, is it REALLY masculinity? Or is it just a collection of the bad behavior of the world's worst and least virtuous men? Tune in and find out!

May 10, 2019 • 21min
"What's your excuse?"
Of all the annoying, virtue-signaling phrases that get bandied about in the world of fitness, "What's Your Excuse?" plastered near a handicapped athlete or fitness enthusiast is probably the worst. In this episode, Pat, Som, and I talk about our thoughts on this phenomenon.

May 10, 2019 • 16min
Opening Salvo
Welcome to the first ever episode of the Hammer Cast with Yours Jewly, Aleks "The Hebrew Hammer" Salkin. Today I'm joined by none other than the one and only Pat Flynn. We kick this podcast off in earnest with some fun and frivolity. Enjoy!


