On this episode of the Shaw Strength Podcast, Brian sits down with Luke Pulscher, the head referee for East vs West, to talk about the side of arm wrestling fans rarely get to see, officiating at the highest level.

One bad angle or one split-second decision can turn a correct call into a controversy that lives forever online. Luke breaks down what it’s really like standing on stage with thousands of eyes watching every move, the speed referees have to operate at, the limits of replay, and how officials handle pressure when the entire internet thinks they saw something different.

We also dive into Luke’s personal journey, growing up on a South Dakota farm, overcoming being the “fat kid,” and discovering strength and confidence through arm wrestling. From pulling in bars and local tournaments to becoming one of the most respected referees in the sport, his path wasn’t traditional. Outside of arm wrestling, Luke shares his experiences working as an arborist, developing a passion for personal finance, and building a career helping others plan for their future while still enjoying life today.

On the sport side, we go deep into referee training, earning and maintaining an international master rating, how the East vs West replay system has evolved, and what it takes to build a strong officiating team. We talk missed calls, camera placement, social media criticism, and the responsibility referees carry to protect the integrity of competition.

If you have questions for Brian, topics you would like to hear Brian talk about or guests you would like to see on the podcast email them to: askbrian@shawstrength.com

Podcast Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/shawstrengthpodcast/
Brian's Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/shawstrength/
Clothes, Supplements, and Supportive Gear: https://shawstrength.com/
Behind the scenes content and Giveaways: https://club.shawstrength.com/

Main Channel: https://www.youtube.com/c/SHAWSTRENGTH

In this episode of the Shaw Strength Podcast, Brian Shaw sits down with strongman veteran, World’s Strongest Man podium finisher, and longtime friend Laurence Shahlaei for a powerful conversation about resilience, competition, and perspective both inside and outside of strength sports.

Laurence shares the story of a sudden car accident that turned an ordinary drive into a life-changing moment, leading to a hospital visit and a renewed appreciation for what truly matters. The discussion centers on gratitude, family, and how experiences like this can reset priorities and reshape how athletes approach both training and life.

From there, Brian and Laurence dive deep into elite strongman competition — breaking down the most competitive World’s Strongest Man eras, how event order and contest conditions influence results, and why comparing athletes across generations isn’t as simple as looking at numbers on a score sheet. Laurence opens up about overcoming major injuries throughout his career, the challenges of rebuilding confidence after setbacks, and the reality of returning to competition when your body has taken serious damage.

The conversation also looks toward life after peak competition, including coaching, staying goal-driven, and supporting family through new challenges. Brian and Laurence discuss preparation, tapering, and how lessons learned in strongman continue to apply to new competitive arenas, along with insights into the technical and mental side of arm wrestling.

If you have questions for Brian, topics you would like to hear Brian talk about or guests you would like to see on the podcast email them to: askbrian@shawstrength.com

Podcast Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/shawstrengthpodcast/
Brian's Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/shawstrength/
Clothes, Supplements, and Supportive Gear: https://shawstrength.com/
Behind the scenes content and Giveaways: https://club.shawstrength.com/

Main Channel: https://www.youtube.com/c/SHAWSTRENGTH

In this episode of the Shaw Strength Podcast, Brian Shaw sits down with elite arm wrestler Brandon Allen for an honest conversation about preparation, competition, and what it really takes to walk into a high-pressure supermatch.

Brian and Brandon dive into how arm wrestling training differs from strongman and powerlifting, breaking down tapering, recovery, staying technically sharp, and finding the balance between pushing hard and showing up fresh on match day. They also look back at their own match from earlier in the year, talking through key moments, setup decisions, and the mental side of competition that starts long before you ever grip up at the table.

Brandon shares stories from training alongside some of the best in the sport including Devon Larratt, Eric Spoto, and Michael Todd and what he’s learned about preparation, pressure, and staying ready when small details make the biggest difference.

The conversation shifts beyond training into fatherhood, responsibility, and the lessons both athletes are trying to pass on to their kids. From discipline and respect to navigating social media and outside opinions, Brian and Brandon talk openly about how becoming fathers has changed their perspective on competition, success, and life outside the gym.

If you have questions for Brian, topics you would like to hear Brian talk about or guests you would like to see on the podcast email them to: askbrian@shawstrength.com

Podcast Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/shawstrengthpodcast/
Brian's Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/shawstrength/
Clothes, Supplements, and Supportive Gear: https://shawstrength.com/
Behind the scenes content and Giveaways: https://club.shawstrength.com/

Main Channel: https://www.youtube.com/c/SHAWSTRENGTH