Reviews
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ "Becoming Ronin" with Smitty and OB is an incredible podcast that combines expert advice with heartfelt personal stories. Their authenticity and willingness to share their own journeys make each episode deeply relatable and inspiring. I especially loved the episode where Smitty...Read full review »
jasonrgarvey via Apple Podcasts · United States of America · 07/21/24
7/30/22 Excellent podcast. I have been listening to them all. Joe D, Smitty and Brian are my go-to guys when I need expert advice. I am a certified CPPS trainer. Please post links in timestamp of podcast for best way to reach Smitty, Brian and Joe D. Links for CPPS, Diesel Crew and Brian’s...Read full review »
12 Hens via Apple Podcasts · United States of America · 06/12/24
I really enjoy the combination of Obie and Smitty’s banter and the great self improvement educational pieces . They are truly trying to raise up the fitness industry. The burst series alone deserves 5 stars.
TXmed73 via Apple Podcasts · United States of America · 08/20/23
OB and Smitty deliver a perfect combination of knowledge and banter to keep the viewers informed and entertained. The CPPS event this weekend was impeccable and being able to learn and network with many made it so great.
Becoming Coach D via Apple Podcasts · United States of America · 06/10/23
This show is now a non negotiable part of my daily routine. Came across this show through Smitty’s partner in crime Joe DeFranco. Smitty and Brian undoubtably know their stuff and also make it easy to understand. I’m now working my way through the back log of episodes and learning LOTS! Not...Read full review »
MartynEParry via Apple Podcasts · Great Britain · 04/24/23
If you want to know how to become a better person, this is the podcast for you. There banter is spot on! Learn from there own personal development of learning & wanting more. From strength training, business success & personal growth you will not find a better podcast. They constantly...Read full review »
MikePSRQ via Apple Podcasts · United States of America · 04/16/23
When I leave my house at 5:50am to go train my clients, I know that from the time I drive to my clients' and drive back home I will learn and a laugh a lot! Smitty and Obe share their experiences in the fitness world, self-improvement journeys, and interviews with amazing guest that will...Read full review »
Kirpal Lottey - CPT via Apple Podcasts · Canada · 07/12/22
I am ashamed it has taken me 26 episodes to write a review! Smitty & Obe are two of the smartest but also kindest people I have ever interacted with. Learning from them through the CPPS Certification, listening to their podcast and interacting with them has literally made me a better coach,...Read full review »
Ben_ausnz via Apple Podcasts · United States of America · 07/02/22
I’ve followed Smitty from the Diesel Crew days, even reviewed some training material with one of my clients back when I ran my gym, coaching combat athletes. Always been an industry leader and innovator!! Despite not being in this industry anymore I still maintain an interest in all things...Read full review »
Barry Gibson via Apple Podcasts · Great Britain · 06/29/22
The Becoming Ronin Podcast is Beautiful & powerful in so many ways ! I could say a great ton on why it is so ! This review will be tough to keep short. The wisdom , lessons , and actionable takeaways that OBI & Smitty share when it comes to all things training , self improvement and...Read full review »
Caneting via Apple Podcasts · United States of America · 05/11/22
If you’re looking for the right combination of personal development and strength & conditioning, you’ve found it in Becoming Ronin. Great topics, easy to listen to, and provides simple ways to challenge yourself to become a better person. Definitely check it out!
AnP Professor via Apple Podcasts · United States of America · 04/15/22
Many people look forward to Fridays because it's the start of the weekend; I look forward to Fridays because I get a chance to listen to this podcast. Smitty and Brian are pioneers in the fitness industry and every episode is full of insight into training better and living a better life....Read full review »
HWoods3769 via Apple Podcasts · United States of America · 04/15/22
I have followed ‘Smitty’ for years and always loved his holistic approach to fitness. His insights into life are powerful and have been very helpful for me over the years. This is my first introduction to OB and I really enjoy his points of view on life inside and outside of the gym. Thank you so...Read full review »
Coachcurtisgrci via Apple Podcasts · Canada · 04/07/22
This podcast is packed with great information to make you a better person. Smitty and OB cover a multitude of topics that will certainly help you in your pursuit of personal growth. The subjects vary from physical fitness to sound business practices. I love the conversational format between OB...Read full review »
joejones64 via Apple Podcasts · United States of America · 03/20/22
Had the honor of meeting and training with Smitty years ago in college. Smitty not only changed my thought process about training but also about just being a good person. I still use Smitty’s life philosophies and teaching methods every day as a physical therapist. Since moving to Philly I’ve...Read full review »
DJK022 via Apple Podcasts · United States of America · 02/25/22
I love these guys. I first met both of them for CPPS training and having the opportunity to learn more from them through their podcast is truly a gift. I have learned so much from you both about life and business in your 7 episode run. You have challenged me to be a better coach, self care...Read full review »
fierce_phoenix_ via Apple Podcasts · United States of America · 02/22/22
I was expecting something completely different when Joe Defranco told me to listen to this podcast. From episode 1, I was blown away. It was like they were speaking to me personally and my aspirations of becoming something better. I was a guy who flushed my 20s down the drain, and now in my early...Read full review »
duskycd via Apple Podcasts · United States of America · 02/16/22
This podcast is exactly what’s needed for people trying improve their lives. Smitty and OB work well together and have a lot of wisdom and knowledge to share and their stories are hilarious! I highly recommend this podcast.
Kmacho711 via Apple Podcasts · United States of America · 02/11/22
Smitty and OB are a wealth of knowledge, As this podcast moves into the future there will be a broad spectrum of information on training, life lessons and much more. As they have stated in the episodes thus far they have been around the industry for sometime and they will lay the information out...Read full review »
Nybuell via Apple Podcasts · United States of America · 02/06/22
I’ve been a follower of Smitty from way back when I first started out in the fitness industry in 2011 Thanks to a mutual friend (Joe H) I even had the pleasure of training with Smitty, who by the way is as humble in real life as he is online. Both Smitty and OB have helped shape my outlook and...Read full review »
Stephen Finlayson via Apple Podcasts · Great Britain · 02/05/22
Smitty and OB not only will have some of the best stories to tell, but also some of the best advice in fitness, business, and family/friendships. I appreciate you guys starting this podcast and it gives me a real reminder of why I started this path for myself in health and fitness: That is to...Read full review »
B-ri_Lee via Apple Podcasts · United States of America · 02/04/22
Really enjoying this show and the hosts. Feel like they are sharing their knowledge not telling me what they know. On 3rd episode and enjoying topics. Older lifter (63) so hoping they discuss training, diet and recovery for older listeners. Planning to start Ronin game also.
JimD17 via Apple Podcasts · United States of America · 02/02/22
Excited to have a new podcast to add to my collection! Have been a fan of Smitty for a while and to be able hear him on his own podcast now is awesome! Brian showed me a lot during my CPPS training and I admired that even after asking him a bunch of questions he kept on answering a lot of them...Read full review »
Gonzalo Rts Fitness via Apple Podcasts · United States of America · 02/02/22
I am a long time fan of Jim smith! I have enjoyed most of his training programs and I’ve also listened to him on Joe D’s podcast and I realized he goes way deeper than just fitness. The wisdom he brings in most areas of life really make you think. Am I trying to achieve my best life ? This...Read full review »
tigehguy via Apple Podcasts · United States of America · 01/30/22
I’ve been meaning to listen to “Becoming Ronin” pod cast for a few weeks, binged all 4 this weekend. Smitty & OB really make you think, and it’s comforting knowing I’m not the only person with some of the same thoughts and life questions. I look forward to many more podcasts and great insight.
sob9675 via Apple Podcasts · United States of America · 01/29/22
Been a long time fan of Smitty and came across OB during the CPPS cert assessment and I was immediately as impressed with him. Refreshing version of a “fitness” podcast where they talk about life and growth as well. Finally the more quiet side of Joe Ds best programs has a platform to educate and...Read full review »
Scotland360 via Apple Podcasts · United States of America · 01/29/22
I’ve been following OB and Smitty’s training/self-help on various social media platforms for quite sometime. As a current CPPS trainer (CPPS football and level 2 as well), It’s awesome smitty and OB finally have another platform to talk about training and various elements and life and business....Read full review »
Dharmaworkman21 via Apple Podcasts · United States of America · 01/29/22
“In the midst of chaos there is opportunity”, that was how my teaching day was. Then somehow, someway stumbled upon this and have been hooked. Thank you for taking the figure of a Ronin and bringing it to modern day. Not just fitness, not just making money, not just hard work, but also being a...Read full review »
XZknight via Apple Podcasts · United States of America · 01/29/22
I’ve been listening to these two babble for years now. After finally convincing them to start their own podcast I can safely say this is my safe haven. Don Torretto or Applebees said it best when they said, “when you’re here, you’re family”. That’s how I feel when I listen to these guys. Awesome...Read full review »
Richard Ravioli via Apple Podcasts · United States of America · 01/25/22
Top notch quality conversations, always learning.
Kamikaze Punishment via Apple Podcasts · Canada · 01/22/22
I’ve been a fan of Smitty and learned alot from him from the defranco podcast and the CPPS certifications! This podcast is awesome with letting us listen as we step into Smitty’s mind and learn from him in terms of his own personal development! Which is humbling as we are always trying to find...Read full review »
Nealo! via Apple Podcasts · Great Britain · 01/17/22
Long time fan of Smiddy, his worldly views on life and the experience he shares as a knowledgeable expert in his field. The premise of ‘Becoming Ronin’ is only fitting as Smiddy is a ‘one-man-with-courage’ majority in his pursuit of mastery and the podcast is a vehicle to share his insight to...Read full review »
TheCountofHoops via Apple Podcasts · Australia · 01/16/22
Well done guys!
Brian Vorhis via Apple Podcasts · United States of America · 01/16/22
Hi Been a lifetime member of Defranco nation for a while now. Love diesel mass and all the content you provide. Great podcast I can relate to soo much of the stuff you was talking about family Can’t wait for the next one Thanks guys …Kam ( from London U.K)
Kams326 via Apple Podcasts · Great Britain · 01/14/22
I’ve previously known of Smitty via his relationship with Joe DeFranco so I subscribed expecting a training focused experience. BUT, this podcast is about much more than growing physically. Growing emotionally, spiritually, financially and more were topics they touched on in just the very first...Read full review »
musicknowsnosound via Apple Podcasts · United States of America · 01/12/22
If you choose to listen to this podcast, you will have no choice but to be driven to improve. I have been a fan of Smitty for years and through him, introduced to Obie. The podcast will challenge you to reflect on and perhaps improve your spirituality, mindset, and overall purpose. I have become...Read full review »
C. Caputo via Apple Podcasts · United States of America · 01/10/22
Just two great guys! So much value on a number of topics. Thank you!
CLongo32 via Apple Podcasts · United States of America · 01/09/22
Stoked about this podcast I’ve been following these guys in various formats for years, can’t wait to get a deeper dive on a regular basis!
Gtrain77 via Apple Podcasts · United States of America · 01/09/22
Awesome podcast already! Very engaging and very informative. Can’t wait for more guys!
GOLFWANGGG28 via Apple Podcasts · United States of America · 01/09/22
This was everything I needed to hear without knowing I needed to hear it ! You guys are amazing and I didn’t want the episode to end. Now I can’t wait for the next one.
Rexy140 via Apple Podcasts · United States of America · 01/09/22
I’m so happy this has happened. I’ve learned tons from reading/watching Smitty’s content over the years through social media and the CPPS cert. Adding Obie in the mix makes this such a great podcast. Already looking forward to many more. Thank you 👊💙
Andy_Lavery via Apple Podcasts · Great Britain · 01/09/22
Well thought out content, very good dialog between the hosts. Really enjoy hearing about peoples journey through life, and how hard work can help you improve your life, if your willing by to put the time in.
A-DOG 1981 via Apple Podcasts · United States of America · 01/08/22
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