Kevin Polky - The Journey

This week on The Journey, I’m joined by Nick Votava, co-founder of Rockford Barbell. Nick and I dive into the story of how Rockford Barbell began and how it has grown into a community space where movement, weightlifting, and yoga help children develop crucial social and emotional skills. We talk about the rise in anxiety among youth since the pandemic and how physical activity and community can be powerful tools for connection and growth. Nick also shares his own experiences with group workouts, wrestling, and football, and how embracing physical challenges has shaped his ability to manage stress and build resilience. Together, we reflect on the importance of pushing through reluctance, the role of experiential learning in coaching, and why facing challenges head-on is essential for personal development. Finally, Nick discusses Rockford Barbell’s expanding programs, including in-school classes, after-school youth fitness, and their annual weightlifting meet, which connects young athletes to a lifelong commu