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What do you get when you take the granddaughter of the Heavyweight Weightlifting Champion of the British Empire (1942-1944); the daughter of a college track star, and mix in tenacity, perseverance and pure Trinidadian badassery? You get Deborah Cordner Carson- former Crossfit games competitor and college track athlete, wife, mom, and survivor! Tune in for this EPIC conversation about the how Deborah found Crossfit; the good, bad and ugly of being a Black female elite Crossfit athlete; how she preserved her peace living in the center of the 2020 George Floyd protests in Minnesota; and thriving with a chronic illness and serious health scare. Grab ya snacks and settle in- you do NOT want to miss a second of this conversation! See you at the Bar! Episode notes: Deborah's IG: https://www.instagram.com/dcordnercarson/

Coming in HOT! Get into this Black AF conversation with Jasmyn Penn- Texas native, foodie, secret stand-up comedian (sis is FUNNY AF y'all!),and 76kg USA Powerlifting National Champion. Find out how she stayed strong during the pandemic (propane tank rows, anyone?), how powerlifting found her, and the Blackest, most country thing she's ever done! Prepare to laugh your ass off! See you at the Bar! Episode Notes: Jasmyn's IG: https://www.instagram.com/jasmynspenn/ Michael Seay's (Coach)IG: https://www.instagram.com/maseayjr/ Marcellus Williams'(Coach) IG: https://www.instagram.com/theswolefessor/

The dopeness just keeps on coming! Bri is back for another great conversation with the incomparable Samantha Calhoun- Elite powerlifter, 2X USAPL National Champ (63kg), current IPF world recorder holder in the deadlift, coach, and human extraordinaire. She is also aggressively humble. Find out how Sam stayed meet day ready during the pandemic, what her last meal on earth would be, and the Blackest thing she's ever done- that she can share with us. She also drops some dope training and life gems you do NOT want to miss! See you at the Bar! Episode notes: Sam's IG: https://www.instagram.com/sam.s.calhoun/ Sam's Website: https://samstrong500.com/ Stacking Benjamins Podcast: https://www.stackingbenjamins.com/ Afford Anything Podcast: https://affordanything.com/podcast/ SBD: https://us.sbdapparel.com/

This is for all the mamas, the baby's mamas, the baby's mamas' mamas...Join Bri for a chat with Professional Heavyweight Strongwoman athlete Andrea Thompson- 4x winner Britain's Strongest Woman, winner, World's Strongest Woman (2018), and current World Record holder for the Log, Deadlift, and Elephant Deadlift. Also? She is a 2X (single) mom with with a 9-5. NBD. Andrea shares how Strongwoman found her, how she has navigated training, working, momming and major life changes during Covid, and how competing at the Arnold opened her eyes to systemic racism and all that she never learned about it in school. You don't want to miss this conversation! See you at the Bar! Epicsode Notes: Andrea's IG: https://www.instagram.com/andreathompson_strongwoman/

What do you get a when a genetically gifted former competitive gymnast from New York cartwheels her way into CrossFit and heads (South)West? You get the Fresh Princess of Phoenix- Amanda Goodman! Bri kicks back with this CrossFit Games Athlete, former Grid League member and gymnastics coach to find out about her last meal on earth (courtesy of her late grandmother); how she "outsources" to find her tribe and vibe in the Southwest; what it's like to compete at the elite levels of functional fitness; and why we need to change the narrative about mental healthcare in the Black community. Get into this! See you at the bar! Notes: Amanda's IG: https://www.instagram.com/_amandagoodman/ RPM Jumpropes: https://rpmtraining.com/collections/ropes Her favorite things: https://www.amazon.com/shop/_amandagoodman

Though she be but lightweight; she is fierce! Bri chats with Farah Fonseca- Strongwoman athlete; 3x Lightweight champion, England’s Strongest Woman; nutrition and health coach, and all around badass! Listen in as she discusses how Strongwoman found her, feeling comfortable in her skin, and her last meal on earth (it’s GOOD y’all!). See you at the bar! Show notes: Farah’s IG: https://instagram.com/farahfonseca?igshid=9nbodiyqojao Website: https://www.fonsecafitness.co.uk/meet-farah

Join Bri for this dope conversation with Shacasia Johnson: athlete, multi-national gold medal olympic weightlifter, and self-proclaimed goofball! Casia shares how she made a tough choice for her future path out of high school, her journey into oly, why she never plays small, and why you BET NOT ever assume she is from the OTHER Kansas City! See you at the Bar! Show Notes: Shacasia's IG: https://www.instagram.com/quadslikecasia/ Coach Max Aita: https://www.instagram.com/max_aita/ Juggernaut Training: https://www.instagram.com/juggernauttraining/

What do you get when you mix an aerospace engineer and former collegiate weight and hammer thrower with an ophthalmic technician and violin aficionado? 2 of the dopest siblings alive! Meet Ellen and Gabi Liverpool- sisters, powerlifters and incredibly accomplished smart humans! Find out how they both got into powerlifting, how it has changed both their lives, and the BLACKEST thing they've ever done (note- there's a fork involved, but not for eating!) See you at the Bar! Gabi's IG: https://www.instagram.com/musicalgabbie/ Ellen's IG: https://www.instagram.com/lady.liverpool/

Listen in while Bri chops it up with Sheri Miles- Powerlifter, Pole Dancer, Coach, and super dope human. She talks about her journey with the barbell and the pole, prioritizing mental health in the Black community, and her somewhat surprising last meal on Earth. See you at the Bar! IG: https://www.instagram.com/sheri_miles_/ Website: https://powerandpole.co.uk/the-powerlifting-programe/ All the things: https://linktr.ee/sheri_miles

It's been a minute, fam.

Happy Black History Month, Fam! To celebrate, Bri has a blackity black black chat with Roz the Diva: NASM certified trainer, pole dancer extraordinaire, and strength athlete. Roz talks about when the pole bar and barbell crossed her path and how they changed her life, the intersections of race, size , and gender in the fitness industry, and the Blackest thing she has ever done. Don't miss out! See you at the Bar! Epicsode Notes: Website: http://rozthediva.com/ IG: https://www.instagram.com/rozthediva/

Happy Holidays Fam! Bri is back and finishing up the year with former podcast guest Natalie Graves, AM, LCSW. (Check out EpicSode 42 to hear her first appearance on The Chocolate Bar)Natalie is a licensed clinical social worker and an expert in the area of mental health and wellness for athletes. Tune in to this conversation to learn about post-meet/competition depression, how it is different than the blues, and what you can do about it, before, during and after a competition. You will not want to miss this! See you at the Bar! EpicSode Notes: Website: www.nataliegraves.com/ Email: socialworkandsports@gmail.com IG: www.instagram.com/nataliegravesathleticcounselor/ Twitter: twitter.com/natalie_graves1 Facebook: www.facebook.com/Nataliethesocialworker/ Therapy for Black Girls: www.therapyforblackgirls.com/ Liberate Meditation: https://liberatemeditation.com/ Ayana Therapy App (Coming in 2020): https://www.ayanatherapy.com/ Therapy for Black Men: https://therapyforblackmen.org/

This time Bri (virtually) jets off to the Motherland to chat with Carla- Daughter of Angola, mama, legal eagle, Crossfit coach, 3x Crossfit regional and 1x Crossfit Games athlete, motivator and rule hater! Carla shares her journey to Crossfit, recovering from pain (physical and emotional), falling in love with her authentic self and why there is no place like home. See you at the Bar! EpicSode Notes: Carla's IG: https://www.instagram.com/meninadeangola/ Crossfit Talatona IG: https://www.instagram.com/crossfittalatona/ Kuduro: https://www.npr.org/sections/therecord/2012/12/26/167628341/kuduro-the-dance-that-keeps-angola-going Matias Damasio: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Q86lCtj1BYs

Bri chats with one of her favorite humans, Kay- Collector of joy. Possessor of compassion. Oh and elite powerlifter, corporate exec and all things badass! Listen in as Kay shares how powerlifting, meditation and mindfulness transformed her and saw her through some of the most difficult times in her life as well as opened her up to immeasurable joy, peace and gratitude. Come get these life lessons and gems Kay drops all throughout this conversation! See you at the Bar! Epicsode Notes: *Trigger Warning: 49:58-50:50 (discussion of controlled dangerous substances) Kay's IG: https://www.instagram.com/kayandkilos/ Meditation/Mindfulness books by Thich Nhat Hanh: https://www.amazon.com/Thich-Nhat-Hanh/e/B000AP5YRY%3Fref=dbs_a_mng_rwt_scns_share The Dhammapada - Teachings of the Buddha: https://www.amazon.com/Dhammapada-Annotated-Explained-Max-Muller/dp/189336142X/ref=sr_1_2?keywords=The+Dhammapada+easy&qid=1565209786&s=books&sr=1-2 Meditation Apps: Guided Meditations/Talks Dharmaseed: https://apps.apple.com/us/app/dharma-seed/id507779665 or https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=org.dharmaseed.android&hl=en_US (website https://dharmaseed.org/) Breethe: https://breethe.com/ IG: https://www.instagram.com/breetheapp/ Murder of Crows IG: https://www.instagram.com/murderofcrowsbarbellclub/

The Chocolate Bar is on a WORLD TOUR ya'll! Meet Ily and Iris: sisters, elite powerlifters, activists, global citizens and amazing humans! Listen to these Dutch powerhouses chat with Bri about life in the Netherlands, taking up space on the world platform as black women, and how far a sister will go to help her sister make weight, even if it involves scissors! See you at the Bar! Epicsode Notes: Ily's IG: https://www.instagram.com/ilyscious/?utm_source=ig_embed Iris' IG: https://www.instagram.com/inspirised/?hl=en Ily and Iris' Coach IG: https://wimwam.nl/index.php/category/athlete-iris-kensenhuis/

We STILL celebrating Pride, ya'll! Bri chats with Angela, Masters olympic weightlifter, CrossFit coach, activist, and baker extraordinaire. She shares with us her unique journey to her authentic self through strength sports, blackness, queerness, and finding her voice. See you at the Bar! EpicSode Notes: Angela's IG: https://www.instagram.com/fitfemmefoodie/ @fearherfightathletics IG: https://www.instagram.com/fearherfightathletics/@outwod @theoutfdn IG: https://www.instagram.com/theoutfdn/ @decolonizingfitness IG: https://www.instagram.com/decolonizing_fitness/ @crossfitdc IG: https://www.instagram.com/crossfitdc/ @dcweightliftingclub IG: https://www.instagram.com/dcweightlifting/ Search for your local weightlifting club: https://www.teamusa.org/usa-weightlifting/clubs-lwc/find-a-club

Happy Pride Fam! This month, Bri is sitting down with some of the dopest Queer strength athletes in all the land! Setting it off is Storme (yes, that's her gubment name- told y'all she is DOPE): Powerlifter/Oly Lifter, Crossfitter, activist and philanthropy professional. Storm chats with Bri about her journey to and through strength sports, her evolving intersections and identities, and finding her voice. You do NOT want to miss this conversation! See you at the bar! Epicsode notes: Storme's IG: https://www.instagram.com/curvesandkilos/ Tyson's Playground: https://www.instagram.com/tysonsplayground/ Sisters of Powerlifting Gear Exchange: https://www.sistersofpowerlifting.com/collections/free-donations Becoming a Supple Leopard by Dr. Kelly Starrett: https://www.amazon.com/Becoming-Supple-Leopard-2nd-Performance/dp/1628600837 Supple Leopard IG: https://www.instagram.com/suppleleopard/ Mobility Wod IG: https://www.instagram.com/mobilitywod/ No Ashes in the Fire: Coming of Age Black and Free in America by Darnell Moore: https://www.amazon.com/s?k=no+ashes+in+the+fire+by+darnell+l+moore&i=stripbooks&ref=nb_sb_noss

This is for all the baby's mamas, mama's mamas, mamas, baby mama's, mamas, mama's-to-be, step-mamas, and not at all mamas! In this special Mother's Day episode (and the 50th epicsode of the podcast!!!!), Bri talks to Jahmeilah: mom of 2, certified Pregnancy and Postpartum Athleticism Coach, and CrossFit Level 2 Trainer with 5 years of experience coaching athletes of various ages and abilities. They discuss how to safely train before, during and after pregnancy, why "snap-back" culture is some B.S., finding balance as an athlete, coach, wife, and mom, the pee on the platform controversy, how to keep your pelvic floor healthy, and why proper breathing techniques DO NOT equal twerking! You won't want to miss this epicsode! See you at the Bar! EpicSode Notes: Jahmeilah's IG: https://www.instagram.com/coach.jahmeilah/ 1:1 remote coaching with Jahmeilah: https://bit.ly/2Itzyxh Brianna Battles downloadable Pregnancy and Postpartum Fitness Timeline: http://www.briannabattles.com/timeline-for-the-pregnant-and-postpartum-athlete/ Julie Weibe Balloon Example: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cW9mwfy-6-I Find a Pregnancy and Postpartum Athleticism Coach: http://www.briannabattles.com/remote-coaching/professional-network/ Find a Women's Health Physical Therapist: https://ptl.womenshealthapta.org/

Bri kicks it with Jarvina Routt: Wife, Mom, Scottish Highland Games athlete (!!!) and baby Strongwoman competitor. Tune in to learn how this former college discus and hammer thrower found and fell in love with the Highland Games, carved out her own space in a family of 7 amazing athletic siblings, and why she rocks rough and stuff with her afro puff when she's competing. See you at the Bar! EpicSode Notes: Jarvina's IG: https://www.instagram.com/jayrouttthrower/ Highland Games practice group locator: https://www.clanbacon.com/practice-groups Brittany Pryor's IG: https://www.instagram.com/jadessence/ Michelle Carter's IG: https://www.instagram.com/shotdiva/ East West Strength IG: https://www.instagram.com/eastweststrength/?utm_source=ig_profile_share&igshid=1u7xj9n20b7f5

Bri chats with Erika Lamb- 84kg competitive powerlifter, FIU powerlifting coach, and registered dietitian. Find out about her journey with intuitive eating, how powerlifting found her and why she will fight you for bringing her flats on a date! Don't miss this informative episode! See you at the Bar! EpicSode Notes: Erica's IG: https://www.instagram.com/datskrong_rd/ Dynamic Nutrition IG: https://www.instagram.com/dynamic.nutritionsoflo/ Diversify Dietetics IG: https://www.instagram.com/diversifydietetics/ National Organization of Blacks in Dietetics: http://nobidan.org/ Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics: https://www.eatright.org/ 2015-2020 Dietary Guidelines: https://health.gov/dietaryguidelines/ Body Recomposition: https://bodyrecomposition.com/ Brad Schoenfeld IG: https://www.instagram.com/bradschoenfeldphd/