Barbell Shrugged5 Maalis 2025

Building a Fitness Franchise w/ Brandon Cullen, Anders Varner, Doug Larson, and Travis Mash #788

Born into an entrepreneurial family in Ontario, Canada, Brandon Cullen was raised with a front-row seat to hard work and high expectations. Pushed by his father to excel both in life and on the ice, Brandon's grit landed him a spot in the New York Rangers' minor league system. But when a career-ending concussion shattered his hockey dreams, everything he'd worked for disappeared overnight.

Instead of calling it quits, Brandon turned that adversity into fuel. Determined to create something new, he poured his competitive drive into the fitness world, building the type of gym he wished existed: one focused on aging athletically without the distractions of gimmicks or trends. He knew firsthand the power of structured training and wanted to bring that same purpose to others looking for more than just a "workout."

Teaming up with fellow pro hockey player Kirk Dewaele, Brandon's first venture was a CrossFit gym, but they quickly saw a gap in the market for a structured, strength-based system. This insight led to MADabolic: a strength-driven gym built on precision, consistency, and science-backed programming, delivering real results for those who crave more. It was about giving people a place to train like athletes, with a methodical focus that cuts through the noise of fitness fads.

"Cardio will keep you alive but Strength Training allows you to thrive," Brandon explains. "Strength complements and enhances every aspect of your life." For him, MADabolic is more than a business, it's a mission to build strength, confidence, and a relentless drive for better in everyone who walks through the door, no matter where they start.

Work With Us: Arétē by RAPID Health Optimization

Links:

Brandon Cullen on LinkedIn

Anders Varner on Instagram

Doug Larson on Instagram

Coach Travis Mash on Instagram

Tämä jakso on lisätty Podme-palveluun avoimen RSS-syötteen kautta eikä se ole Podmen omaa tuotantoa. Siksi jakso saattaa sisältää mainontaa.

Jaksot(1334)

866 - The Godfather of Velocity-Based Training w/ Dr. Bryan Mann

I've been a fan of velocity-based training since I first experimented with it in 2005. After three four-week blocks, I hit PRs across my weightlifting and powerlifting lifts while really enjoying the ...

1 Loka 1h 7min

865 - Built to Last: Strength, Recovery, and Return to Performance w/ Brian Newman

This week on Barbell Shrugged, Brian Newman joins Doug Larson and Dr. Mike Lane to talk about getting stronger, recovering from hard training, and staying healthy enough to keep doing what you love. B...

23 Syys 1h 7min

864 - Strength and Conditioning Industry Pioneer w/ Dr. Andy Fry

This week on Barbell Shrugged, we welcome Dr. Andy Fry to the show. Dr. Fry is a pioneer and legend in the world of strength and conditioning and someone who helped shape my career long before this po...

16 Syys 1h 9min

863 - From Competitor to Recreational Athlete w/ Gini Grimsley

Former Division I and professional basketball player Gini Grimsley joins Doug Larson, Travis Mash, and Dr. Mike Lane to discuss one of the hardest transitions in fitness: going from competitive athlet...

9 Syys 49min

862 - Coaching Behavior Change w/ Cody McBroom

Cody McBroom joins Doug Larson, Coach Travis Mash, and Dr. Mike Lane to break down what separates a list of exercises from real coaching. As a strength coach, online coaching business owner, and host ...

2 Syys 51min

861 - From Paralympian to 10-Time CrossFit Games Champion w/ Thomas Miazga

In this episode, 10-time CrossFit Games champion Thomas Miazga joins Doug Larson, Coach Travis Mash, and Dr. Mike Lane to share the extraordinary path that took him from a childhood shaped by cerebral...

26 Elo 55min

860 - Live More, Hurt Less w/ Dr. Sean Pastuch

Dr. Sean Pastuch sits down with Doug Larson, Coach Travis Mash, and Dr. Mike Lane to talk about what he's learned the hard way about chronic pain, discipline and how to get back to training pain free....

19 Elo 49min

859 - Blood Flow Restriction with Dr. Michael MacPherson

In this episode of Barbell Shrugged, blood flow restriction specialist Dr. Michael MacPherson joins Doug Larson, Coach Travis Mash, and Dr. Mike Lane to break down how BFR training can be used for far...

12 Elo 52min