From Anger to Inspiration: The Evolution of Brandon ‘MidWest Kong’ Copeland – and how he’s dedicated his life to change for the next generation
In a compelling episode of The Mike O’Hearn Show, strength athlete and former mixed martial arts fighter, Brandon “MidWest Kong” Copeland, sat down with Mike O’Hearn to share his remarkable journey from a life steeped in violence and anger to one dedicated to personal growth, accountability, and inspiring others. This episode is a powerful reminder of how even the most troubled pasts can be transformed into sources of strength and positivity.
Brandon “MidWest Kong” Copeland is no stranger to the world of strength and combat sports. A formidable presence in both the gym and the ring, Copeland has built a reputation as a dedicated and powerful athlete. However, his journey to success was anything but straightforward.
Born and raised in a challenging environment, Copeland’s early years were marked by violence and anger. This tumultuous upbringing could have easily led him down a dark path, but instead, Copeland chose to turn his life around, becoming a beacon of hope and transformation for others.
Growing up, Copeland was immersed in a world where strength and aggression were often intertwined. His involvement in mixed martial arts and strength sports provided an outlet for his energy and a way to channel his emotions. However, beneath his tough exterior was a young man grappling with deep-seated issues that could have derailed his life. It was this internal struggle that set the stage for his eventual transformation.
The Turning Point: Choosing a Different Path
In his conversation with Mike O’Hearn, Copeland reflects on how his life could have taken a much darker turn had he not made the conscious decision to change. O’Hearn points out that Copeland’s past was filled with violence and anger, and it would have been easy for him to remain on that destructive path.
Instead, Copeland chose to take a 180-degree turn, dedicating himself to personal growth and positive change. This decision, as Copeland explains, was rooted in a strong sense of accountability that was instilled in him from a young age.
“Since I was a very young kid, I was raised on accountability,” Copeland shares. He recalls how, when he got into trouble at school, his mother never assumed it was someone else’s fault. Instead, she would ask, “What did you do?” This early lesson in accountability stayed with him as he grew older.
After making a few mistakes, Copeland realized that the only way to truly turn his life around was to hold himself accountable for his actions. This mindset shift was the catalyst for his transformation.
Overcoming a Dark Past: Speaking to the Youth
Despite his personal growth, Copeland acknowledges that his dark past continues to challenge him, especially when he tries to connect with the youth. He recounts how some schools and recreational centers have been hesitant to invite him to speak because of his violent history.
When his mother would ask him about these rejections, Copeland initially made excuses, claiming that the situations had been over-exaggerated. But his mother would always respond with a piercing question: “Did you take action that allowed people to over-exaggerate these claims?” This question forced Copeland to confront the reality of his past actions and to accept that he couldn’t simply dismiss others’ concerns.
“Little by little, I’ve continued to break through and get my message to the youth,” Copeland says. He understands the importance of sharing his story, not to glorify his past, but to help young people see that change is possible, no matter how dark their circumstances may seem.
The Power of Unpacking Emotions
One of the most powerful moments in the episode comes when Copeland discusses the importance of unpacking emotions—a concept that is often stigmatized, especially among men. “Many men are raised to not unpack their emotions because it’s seen as weakness,” Copeland explains.
He points out that this is particularly true for Black men, who are often taught that showing vulnerability is a sign of weakness. However, Copeland argues that the real weakness lies in not confronting and dealing with one’s emotions. “I’ve been to more funerals than I’ve been to high school graduations,” he shares, highlighting the tragic consequences of ignoring emotional pain.
For Copeland, unpacking his emotions was a crucial step in his journey to becoming the man he is today. He urges young people to embrace this process, emphasizing that turning to crime and violence as a way to cope with emotional pain only leads to more suffering.
“I’ve been a pallbearer more than I’ve been a groomsman.”
Bringing Hope to the Hopeless: Visiting Prisons and Spreading Positivity
Another significant aspect of Copeland’s mission is his work with individuals who are incarcerated. He regularly visits prisons to speak with those who have lost hope and feel that their lives are over, even when they may only have a few years left before release.
Copeland makes it a point to instill hope in these individuals, letting them know that their stories can still make a difference. “Even though they made mistakes and are now in prison, their stories can help others learn to make a change,” Copeland explains. By sharing his own journey, he aims to show that it’s never too late to start living again.
The Influence of Mentors: Learning from Flex Wheeler
As Copeland’s story continues to unfold, he reflects on the importance of mentorship in his life. He shares how, as a young man, he looked up to legendary bodybuilder Flex Wheeler. Today, Copeland considers himself fortunate to call Wheeler not just an influence, but a friend and mentor. However, even with his newfound success, Copeland admits that he still faces challenges, particularly when it comes to managing his anger.
He recounts a time when Wheeler called him out after he got into an undisclosed altercation with someone in the fitness industry. “Flex told me that if he ever saw me acting that way again, he would stop speaking with me,” Copeland recalls. This tough love from his mentor was a wake-up call, reminding him of the importance of handling his emotions in a healthy manner. For Copeland, this moment was a powerful reminder of what was at stake if he ever regressed to the person he once was.
Building a Legacy: Beyond Strength, Toward Impact
As the conversation draws to a close, Copeland reflects on his true goals. “Being the strongest has never been my number one goal,” he says. For him, the most important thing is to use his platform and connection with fitness to inspire others to change their lives. This mission led him to collaborate with CT Fletcher and others to create a non-profit organization called “Sonz of a Beast,” which uses fitness as a tool to inspire and empower people to make positive changes in their lives.
“The fitness part of my life, of anyone’s life, is the shortest aspect of their legacy,” Copeland emphasizes. “How they act outside of athleticism, how they inspire and change the world—that is true legacy.” This powerful statement encapsulates the essence of Copeland’s journey—from a troubled past to a life dedicated to making a lasting impact.
Conclusion: A Story of Transformation and Hope
Brandon “MidWest Kong” Copeland’s appearance on The Mike O’Hearn Show is a testament to the power of accountability, emotional growth, and the desire to help others. His story is one of transformation, not just of the body, but of the mind and spirit. Copeland’s journey reminds us that no matter how dark our past may be, we all have the potential to change our lives and inspire others to do the same.
As Mike O’Hearn wisely put it, “It’s not about moving weights, it’s about moving people.” And with his story, Copeland is doing just that—moving people to believe in the possibility of change and to take the steps necessary to create a brighter future for themselves and those around them.
