{"version":1,"type":"rich","provider_name":"Libsyn","provider_url":"https:\/\/www.libsyn.com","height":90,"width":600,"title":"#408 &quot;You Can't Out-Lift Being An A**hole.&quot; | Bob Merkh","description":"The strongest man in the classroom returns to the table. Bob Merkh is back to discuss one of the most unique careers in strength history\u2014highlighted by a sanctioned 1,100 lb squat and 1,100 lb bench press. From the high-stakes platforms of the WPO to a 7th-grade social studies classroom, Merkh has evolved from a \u201cweaponized\u201d athlete into a mentor who understands that true strength is knowing when to walk away. This episode explores the \u201cSword and the Ball\u201d philosophy\u2014the tension between chasing elite performance and embracing the grounded responsibilities of being a father, teacher, and leader.  Inside the Episode   Holy Wars &amp;amp; The Final Meet A look inside Bob\u2019s last full power competition, the 10x bodyweight total, and choosing to retire on his own terms.  The 1,100 lb Bench Miracle The true story of how a Special Olympics athlete\u2019s belief helped push Bob to a world-record lift he wasn\u2019t prepared for.  The WPO Return Why Bob is stepping back onto the platform for a bench-only showdown with AJ Roberts this October.  The Practice of Excellence Translating elite strength principles into a Stoic framework for teenagers and the next generation.  Identity After the Platform Navigating the \u201cquicksand\u201d of powerlifting and redefining yourself after your best numbers are behind you.   Meet the Guest Bob Merkh is a legendary multi-ply powerlifter, 7th-grade social studies teacher, and founder of Atlantic City Barbell.  45+ competitions  Multiple world records The only person to squat and bench over 1,100 lbs  He is also a two-time published author and a leading voice for Special Olympics powerlifting in New Jersey. Books:   Moderation Is For Cowards \u2014 https:\/\/a.co\/d\/cttWqqe  The Practice of Excellence \u2014 Available on Amazon  Instagram: @merkh1776   Support &amp;amp; Links Join the elitefts Crew: https:\/\/www.elitefts.com\/join-the-crew Limited Edition Apparel: https:\/\/www.elitefts.com\/shop\/apparel\/limited-edition.html Programs &amp;amp; More: https:\/\/www.elitefts.com\/shop\/dave-tate-s-table-talk-crew.html TYAO Application: https:\/\/www.elitefts.com\/dave-tate-s-tyao-application   Best-Selling elitefts Products  Pro Resistance Bands: https:\/\/www.elitefts.com\/shop\/bands.html  Specialty Barbells: https:\/\/www.elitefts.com\/shop\/bars-weights\/specialty-bars.html  Wraps, Straps, Sleeves: https:\/\/www.elitefts.com\/shop\/power-gear.html    Sponsors   elitefts \u2014 10% OFF (CODE: TABLE TALK) https:\/\/www.elitefts.com\/  Marek Health \u2014 10% OFF Labs (CODE: TABLETALK) https:\/\/marekhealth.com\/tabletalk  LMNT \u2014 Free Sample Pack http:\/\/www.drinklmnt.com\/tabletalk  Massenomics https:\/\/www.massenomics.com\/  MASS Research Review \u2014 20% OFF (CODE: ELITEFTS20) https:\/\/massresearchreview.com\/  RP Hypertrophy App \u2014 10% OFF (CODE: TABLE TALK) https:\/\/rpstrength.com\/pages\/hypertrophy-app  ","author_name":"Dave Tate's Table Talk","author_url":"https:\/\/www.elitefts.com\/education\/podcasts\/","html":"<iframe title=\"Libsyn Player\" style=\"border: none\" src=\"\/\/html5-player.libsyn.com\/embed\/episode\/id\/40825180\/height\/90\/theme\/custom\/thumbnail\/yes\/direction\/forward\/render-playlist\/no\/custom-color\/88AA3C\/\" height=\"90\" width=\"600\" scrolling=\"no\"  allowfullscreen webkitallowfullscreen mozallowfullscreen oallowfullscreen msallowfullscreen><\/iframe>","thumbnail_url":"https:\/\/assets.libsyn.com\/secure\/item\/40825180"}