In this episode of the Shaw Strength Podcast, host Brian Shaw sits down with Robert Baxter, owner of East vs West, to talk about his incredible journey through business, real estate, franchising, and arm wrestling.

Robert shares stories from some of the biggest opportunities and challenges of his career, including high-pressure real estate deals, expanding the Five Guys brand into Canada, and the lessons he learned while building businesses from the ground up. He talks about the risks, setbacks, and decisions that helped shape his success, as well as the mindset required to keep moving forward when the stakes are high.

The conversation also explores Robert’s lifelong connection to arm wrestling, how competition influenced his approach to business, and what eventually led him to become the owner of East vs West. Along the way, he offers practical insights on leadership, consistency, and the value of staying committed to a long-term vision.

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, host Brian Shaw sits down with Victor Marx for a powerful conversation about overcoming trauma, protecting children, and fighting for accountability.

Victor shares his incredible life story, from surviving severe childhood abuse to building a life focused on faith, resilience, and helping others. The conversation dives into trauma recovery, the long-term effects of fear and shame, and what true healing looks like after hardship.

Brian and Victor also discuss the realities of child exploitation investigations, the mental toll on law enforcement, and the importance of supporting those working to protect children. Victor opens up about his family’s personal experience with sexual assault, the pursuit of justice, and the challenges families face within the legal system.

The episode also explores broader topics including public safety, parental rights, education transparency, accountability, and leadership in today’s world.

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

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