Brandon Copeland, aka MidWest Kong, talks in detail about emotional control and overcoming the male ego
In the latest episode of The Mike O’Hearn Show, renowned fitness influencer and strongman Brandon Copeland, also known as Midwest Kong, shared his transformative journey in the fitness world. Known for his superhuman feats of strength, Brandon Copeland dove into the deeper layers of his career, discussing not only his achievements but how his philosophy on fitness, emotion, and respect has impacted his audience and personal growth. In this recap, we’ll highlight the key takeaways from Copeland’s appearance and how his message goes beyond lifting weights to inspiring people in all walks of life.
Inspiring Older Generations to Reclaim Their Health
One of the most heartening moments of the episode was when Copeland reflected on how he has inspired an unexpected demographic—older men. For many, maintaining physical fitness, or even starting it, becomes a daunting task with age. Yet, Copeland shared stories of men who were inspired by his incredible physical strength to get back in shape, even if they had been inactive for years. Some of these men hadn’t trained seriously, or at all, and yet found themselves drawn to the possibility of change after watching Copeland’s content.
Copeland explained that his satisfaction doesn’t come solely from inspiring the next generation of athletes but from helping everyday individuals reclaim their health. He emphasized that despite the awe-inspiring nature of his lifts and feats, he never positions himself as the standard for fitness. Instead, he uses his platform to push a simple yet powerful message: “The standard is simply doing something.”
This approach of focusing on incremental improvement, rather than comparing oneself to elite athletes, has resonated with his audience. Copeland mentioned that when he speaks directly to his fans and emphasizes this inclusive, accessible mindset, he often receives heartfelt messages of gratitude. His ability to connect with those who felt disconnected from fitness serves as a reminder that it’s never too late to start living a healthier life.
Connecting Through Vulnerability: The Power of Emotional Control
Another significant part of the conversation revolved around emotional strength and vulnerability, subjects often avoided in discussions about fitness, particularly among men. Copeland shared an interesting story that highlighted the often-overlooked psychological aspect of his journey. He recounted an incident involving a social media user who persistently harassed him with negative comments. Instead of responding with anger or blocking the individual, Copeland took a different approach. He privately messaged the man and asked him two simple questions: “What size shirt are you? And what color are you?”
To the man’s surprise, Midwest Kong wasn’t retaliating but reaching out. Copeland’s gesture prompted the man to open up in a long email, explaining that he had been going through a difficult time in his life. This exchange ultimately led to a peaceful resolution and deeper understanding between the two, illustrating Copeland’s philosophy of emotional control and compassion. It was a pivotal lesson that speaks to a larger issue: in a world where men are often taught to suppress their emotions, Copeland is advocating for the opposite—emotional openness.
“I always tell people, it wasn’t what I could do physically. Emotionally is what scares me. If you trigger my emotions in a hurtful way—that’s what makes me dangerous.”
He went on to explain how controlling emotions is key to mastering other aspects of life. For him, this journey toward emotional control was aided by his practice of Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, a martial art that emphasizes mental discipline as much as physical prowess. Through Jiu-Jitsu, Copeland found peace and balance in his life. As he put it,
“If you can control your emotions, you can control everything else around you.”
This philosophy doesn’t just apply to conflict resolution or social interactions but also to how people approach their fitness journeys. By staying emotionally centered, individuals are better equipped to stay consistent and motivated, even when challenges arise.
Redefining Masculinity: Strength and Emotional Openness Can Coexist
Another key takeaway from the interview was Copeland’s take on modern masculinity. In a society where men are often pressured to conform to rigid, outdated notions of strength, he is actively challenging the stereotype that emotional openness equates to weakness. Copeland isn’t just a physically imposing figure—he’s a man who’s in touch with his emotions, and he’s not afraid to admit it.
He talked about the misconception that being emotionally expressive makes men weak. Instead, he explained that true strength comes from being able to master both the physical and the emotional. “You can be emotionally open and in control while also mastering your strength.” This blend of emotional intelligence and physical power, according to Copeland, is what creates a balanced, capable individual. And this is the lesson he strives to pass on to his followers, particularly younger men who look up to him not just for his muscle but for his mindset.
The Importance of Respect: Lessons from Jiu-Jitsu
Finally, Midwest Kong delved into the life lessons he has learned from Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, specifically the importance of respect. He explained how in Jiu-Jitsu, before every match, the competitors bow to each other as a sign of mutual respect. It’s a ritual that, for Copeland, has far-reaching implications beyond the mat.
“That same teaching should be applied everywhere you go. Every space you enter, you should go in being ready to be mutually respectful.”
In fact, he takes this concept to heart in all areas of life. Whether it’s interacting with followers, handling personal disputes, or mentoring kids in martial arts, he emphasizes the power of mutual respect. Copeland even shared how he teaches children to bow before stepping onto the mat for sparring. Interestingly, this simple act of respect soon becomes contagious, with kids reminding each other to bow and carry themselves with dignity.
This concept of respect extends far beyond Jiu-Jitsu. It’s about creating environments where people treat each other with kindness and consideration. For Copeland, this is the foundation for not only personal growth but also community building. As more people embrace these principles, respect becomes “infectious,” as he puts it, spreading throughout social circles, classrooms, gyms, and beyond.
Wrap Up
Brandon Copeland, or Midwest Kong, may be known for his incredible strength, but it’s his message of emotional openness, mutual respect, and inclusive fitness that truly defines him. Through his journey, he has inspired people of all ages and backgrounds to start their own path toward health, not by trying to replicate his feats, but by simply doing something. His approach to fitness and life challenges traditional notions of masculinity, teaching that strength comes not just from muscle, but from mastering one’s emotions and respecting others.
Copeland’s appearance on The Mike O’Hearn Show was more than just a conversation about physical fitness—it was a lesson in emotional intelligence, respect, and the power of leading by example.
You can watch the full episode at the top of this article. And make sure to check back every week for new episodes on the Generation Iron Fitness Network or wherever podcasts are downloaded!