Philosophy of Strength

Philosophy of Strength

Cillian O’Connor
Country Ireland
Language EN
Episodes 147
Latest 04.11.2026

Philosophy of Strength is a podcast hosted by personal trainer Cill O’Connor about strength training and the mindset behind living a strong life. It explores training methods, physical development, and the broader lessons that strength practice can bring. The show is aimed at listeners interested in fitness, self-improvement, and practical approaches to getting stronger.

Episodes

  • #148 Reddit Rambles 19: When to use straps and belts, fixing shoulder pain on bench, and deadlifting after back injury. 04.11.2026 28m
    Coaching enquiries: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSfylhlG-Ojte0w5NAnDIR6RW0MQdxUVlizR3Wb72dz9Og-wBA/viewform
  • #147 Back Pain 101: How to start recovering and get back to what you love 27.10.2026 48m
    Dealing with back pain and not sure where to start? In this episode, I break down when to get checked, how to exercise with pain, and how to gradually get back to the things you love.Coaching enquiries: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSfylhlG-Ojte0w5NAnDIR6RW0MQdxUVlizR3Wb72dz9Og-wBA/viewform
  • #146 Reddit Rambles 18: Overcoming fear of re-injury, when to cut or bulk, and the problem with 1RM estimators. 22.10.2026 31m
    Interested in working with me? : https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSfylhlG-Ojte0w5NAnDIR6RW0MQdxUVlizR3Wb72dz9Og-wBA/viewform
  • #145 Reddit Rambles 17: Exercises for rotator cuff pain, is pain in back rehab normal, and is it progress if you add weight but drop reps? 15.10.2026 33m
    Coaching enquiries: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSfylhlG-Ojte0w5NAnDIR6RW0MQdxUVlizR3Wb72dz9Og-wBA/viewform
  • #144 Back pain: How much should you lift, and when to add weight 07.10.2026 22m
    In this episode, I use the Goldilocks porridge analogy to explain how to find your 'just right': enough training to build strength without repeatedly flaring your back up. I cover how to judge your response, when to progress, and what to do when you’ve overdone it.Coaching enquiries: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSfylhlG-Ojte0w5NAnDIR6RW0MQdxUVlizR3Wb72dz9Og-wBA/viewform
  • #143 Reddit Rambles 16: When to add weight, ego lifting, and back pain on belt squats 30.09.2026 32m
    Another now infamous Q&A episode Interested in coaching? Enquire here: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSfylhlG-Ojte0w5NAnDIR6RW0MQdxUVlizR3Wb72dz9Og-wBA/viewform
  • #142 What really fixed my knee pain 23.09.2026 23m
    For a year, my knee pain got worse when I thought I was fixing it. In this episode, I share how chasing perfect form and the wrong rehab advice kept me stuck and what actually helped me turn the corner. I'll walk you through what I think caused the injury, why fear and fixation slowed me down, and the mental shift that finally moved things forward. If you've been stuck chasing exercises or worried about every sensation, this is for you.Coaching enquiries: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSfylhlG-Ojte0w5NAnDIR6RW0MQdxUVlizR3Wb72dz9Og-wBA/viewform
  • #141 Reddit Rambles 15: How to break strength plateaus, returning to full intensity after injury, and programming for disc bulges 16.09.2026 22m
    A return to answering questions from Reddit. Interested in enquiring about coaching? : https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSfylhlG-Ojte0w5NAnDIR6RW0MQdxUVlizR3Wb72dz9Og-wBA/viewform
  • #140 Will getting stronger help your back pain? 11.09.2026 26m
    You might have heard some people say that back pain is all down to weak muscles. Other says lifting weights is the cause of back pain or that it does very little for it. I break down the facts behind these statements, who strength training is likely to help with their pain or not, and how you can determine where you fit into that. Coaching enquiries: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSfylhlG-Ojte0w5NAnDIR6RW0MQdxUVlizR3Wb72dz9Og-wBA/viewform
  • #139 Rick Nally and I answer your questions 11.06.2026 1h 20m
    Rick and I answer your questions on strength and conditioning, nutrition, running, hybrid training, and pain and injury. Coaching for Non-Influencers seminar:https://mailchi.mp/2c814065f78b/coaching-for-non-influencers
  • #138 Dave Hagerty talks high performance in your thirties 19.05.2026 1h 4m
    Myself and Dave delve into the keys to enjoying and succeeding with your training in your thirties and beyond - plus some general philosophical discussion about life. Make sure to follow Dave on Instagram @dr.dave.strengthandkindness
  • #137 Tony Gentilcore on writing, simple training, and nuance in fitness. 13.05.2026 1h 14m
    Tony Gentilcore is a highly experienced coach who has worked with athletes and general population to get them stronger and out of pain. He is well known in particular for his writing through both articles and books in the fitness space that help people get the most from their training. Use coupon code 'PHILOSOPHY' to get $100 off the Complete Fit Pro Blueprint workshop in Dublin on October 3rd-4th. Visit the site here: https://somerset-fitness.teachable.com/p/complete-fit-pro-blueprint
  • #136 Dean Somerset on how to succeed in coaching 22.04.2026 1h 2m
    In this episode I’m joined by Dean Somerset to break down what actually leads to success as a coach. We talk about why coaches get stuck, the gap between theory and real-world coaching, and what to focus on if you want to build a career that lasts.Use coupon code 'PHILOSOPHY' to get $100 off the Complete Fit Pro Blueprint workshop in Dublin on October 3rd-4th. Visit the site here: https://somerset-fitness.teachable.com/p/complete-fit-pro-blueprint?utm_id=97758_v0_s00_e0_tv0
  • #135 Melody Schoenfeld talks vegan diet myths, strongman, AI in fitness, and more. 07.04.2026 1h 5m
    Melody Schoenfeld has over 30 years coaching experience and has been voted NSCA Personal Trainer of the Year in 2019. In this episode we discuss vegan diet myths, strongman for average joes, AI in the fitness industry, and the industry's tactic of making women feel insecure to sell products.Follow Melody on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/5ftoffury1/
  • #134 Compound vs isolation exercises: how to use them properly 28.03.2026 14m
    I break down the difference between compound and isolation exercises, and more importantly, how to actually use them in your training.We’ll cover what each type of exercise is good for, the common mistakes people make, and how to structure your sessions so you’re not wasting time on things that don’t move the needle.If you’ve ever wondered whether you should be doing more “big lifts” or more targeted work, this will give you a clear answer.Coaching enquiries: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSfylhlG-Ojte0w5NAnDIR6RW0MQdxUVlizR3Wb72dz9Og-wBA/viewform
  • #133 Reddit Rambles 14: Doing everything right but no progress, convincing your significant other to get healthy, and how to measure muscle gain. 10.03.2026 22m
    Interested in working with me? https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSfylhlG-Ojte0w5NAnDIR6RW0MQdxUVlizR3Wb72dz9Og-wBA/viewform?usp=header
  • #132 Reddit Rambles 12: Stalling on overhead press, gaining weight after starting training, and waking in the middle of the night. 23.02.2026 18m
    Apply for a coaching consultation: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSfylhlG-Ojte0w5NAnDIR6RW0MQdxUVlizR3Wb72dz9Og-wBA/viewform?usp=header
  • #131 Why the smartest people need the simplest plans. 09.12.2025 24m
    A lot of smart people struggle with lifting because they overthink every decision. They try to optimise the perfect plan, jump between programmes, and end up making no real progress.In this episode, I break down why overthinking happens and what actually matters for getting stronger. You’ll learn the common traps, the basics that never change, and a simple framework you can follow to train with confidence without getting lost in the noise.ONLINE COACHING: https://mailchi.mp/9cb0bf374e72/online-coaching
  • #130: Reddit Rambles 11: Proper gym clothing, back strength imbalances, and lack of motivation. 18.11.2025 33m
    Online coaching information: https://mailchi.mp/9cb0bf374e72/online-coaching
  • #129 Reddit Ramble 10: Non-linear bench progress, intermediate strength standards, and 'suboptimal' training splits. 31.10.2025 26m
    In Reddit Rambles, I answer questions from the various fitness-related subreddits. If you liked this episode, share it with a friend!

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