Loz I can’t thank you enough for sharing my story... while opening up is definitely one of the hardest things I’ve ever done I feel it would be wrong, selfish, and just plain cowardly of me to keep it hidden. As you said, people always expect us to be immensely strong inside and out while never making a mistake... but we do. And I certainly fucked up more than most ever will! It’s not the measure of a man when he’s on top that counts... it’s what he does after he’s been knocked down that truly matters! I now feel that I can say this with total conviction because I’ve walked through the fires of Hell, but just because Life has knocked you down, and kept on beating you while you were there, you don’t don’t have to live on your knees! You and only You have the power to get up and turn your nightmare into greatness! Claw your way forward and refuse to ever give in!! Piece by piece and inch by inch... every ONE has the ability to make their way out of the Darkness.

@BigLozOfficial

4 жыл бұрын

Travis I'm honoured that you felt comfortable enough to share with me. The world needs people like you sharing your stories, because you're living proof that it's never completely hopeless and that you can get back up from anything. I can't wait until we can have you back in England, hopefully at a Giants Live show. Everyone needs to let Giants Live know that we want Travis competing in the UK!!

@ChrisMoore-lt3rh

4 жыл бұрын

Thanks for sharing brother

@MrNordic66

4 жыл бұрын

welcome back Travis!!

@19TheChaosWarrior79

4 жыл бұрын

Huge respect. You have a huge amount of physical and emotional strength to be able to open up and be honest like this. Can't wait to see you at a Giants live once this is over. Also big respect to Loz. You are building this channel into a space where you can speak someone and have them feel comfortable to talk like this. I follow lots of channels and enjoy them all but this makes a change from the 10,000 calorie wife swap, deadlifts on the back of a motorbike kinda content. (I'm not knocking anyone else I enjoy it as much as anyone else). Keep up the good work and again respect to you both.

@Storlocktroll

4 жыл бұрын

Travis, thanks for opening up. Living through that was obviously hard, reliving, out in public like that, also really hard, and this time you chose to do so in order to help inspire others and let them know that things can improve and that life will get better. Huge respects for that. If you ever do come back to the UK, I'd like to meet you just to say congrats on making it through and thank you.

Travis Ortmayer, the single largest person with a meth addict that’s ever existed lmao in all seriousness, my parents were addicts and listening to him was so inspiring. He should really be giving talks and speaking about his experiences or write a book. His story really needs to get out there.

Totally respect his honesty , many people including myself have been in dark places and can identify with Travis. This interview needs to be seen by many people. Brilliant stuff. Travis must have massive respect for you Loz to share so much.

@BigLozOfficial

4 жыл бұрын

Thank you. I totally agree: it’s an inspiring story and needs to be heard

Man, this interview hit on a different level. Travis is such an inspiration. Think about how hard it must be to open up and talk about drug addiction and mental health when you're as proud of a guy as Travis. Real change starts from within, and Travis is damn mentally strong. To be able to pull himself out and turn it around when it looked so bleak for him is nothing short of incredible. Hats off to you Loz for being a good listener, and being supportive. I know you're a big mental health advocate. Travis is a role model for so many struggling with similar issues. The power of positivity. At first when I saw Travis on the comeback journey I was happy for him, but after watching this I am THRILLED for him. I want him to come back and enjoy strongman again. It'd be such an amazing thing to see. Hats off to both of you for this interview.

@BigLozOfficial

4 жыл бұрын

Travis’ story and turnaround really is incredible. And I agree you need some big balls to be able to pour your heart out and talk about this kind of thing openly. We commend strongmen for their feats of strength, but this is strength on another level.

@hockeyfreak896890

4 жыл бұрын

@@BigLozOfficial I forget who originally said the quote, maybe it was Kaz, but it goes "perhaps the strongest thing we lift is our feelings" Really rings true

I know this interview is unlike any interview Ortmayer has ever given. Loz once told me, “we forget sometimes, that we like lifting heavy things but in the end we are all still humans.” Still watching and I’ve been inspired, entertained, and heart broken... still have video to watch!

@EvermindTribe

4 жыл бұрын

♥️

Travis definitely speaks from his heart, thanks for allowing us to listen in on this, its given me some food for thought.

That was deep. Had tears leaking out of my eyes when he was saying what he would say to his son if he were listening. I will root for him in any show he's in from now on. Proud of him for being back on track! Very inspiring. We've got to get this Giants live show going now!

Timestamps are in the video description to help you find your way around, but I implore you to listen to Travis’ full story, because it really is inspirational 💪🏽

@sussytranny2705

4 жыл бұрын

Big Loz Official , Ok Laurence ❤️🥰😘😍 kisses 😘

@Bigramt

4 жыл бұрын

Fuck timestamps, these guys are worth listening to lol

@desslattery3457

4 жыл бұрын

Brilliant

@juan20able

4 жыл бұрын

Timestamps are very useful, thank you very much, Big Loz!

@andyc3537

4 жыл бұрын

Laurence, you were excellent in that interview as well as our Phenomenal Phoenix.. You have so many avenues you can take but I agree with a comment.. You would be an amazing support for people, I've been through the system myself and am fortunate enough to be where I am today..It's my end goal to be helping others who want a 2nd chance... wishing good health and happiness always...🙏

Loz.... wow. All I can say is wow. Everyone needs to watch this.

@BigLozOfficial

4 жыл бұрын

Thanks buddy. Please share it if you can mate.

@gym-kneecrickets6294

4 жыл бұрын

Absolutely

@gym-kneecrickets6294

4 жыл бұрын

Big Loz Official forgive and ignore the private message. LOL I was sharing your video, and somehow got on your Facebook page and messages, well I’m old, saw some messages pre wrote and thought I’ve never been here before why are these messages here? Is Loz trying to get in touch with me!?!?! Could it be!?! So I touched one to see maybe a time stamp.. and sent you a message. I tried deleting it and realized that my ignorance can only be hidden from me... just like in real life lol.

Holy shit this interview almost made me cry. Such an inspirational story. Hope Travis meets his son again at some point. As always great commentary from Loz. Wish the best for both of you and greetings from Argentina. P.S: Travis should change his alias to "The Texas Trapman", god dammit his traps are damn huge.

Man does he know how to tell his story. It’s great to see how he came back from addiction and pain and built himself back up. Came away with so much more respect for an athlete I already highly respected.

best interview ever i can|t stop watching it ....... Travis is a man with rare heart these days ... honest, kind and strong

Thank you Big Loz. This is everything I hoped it would be. You are both wonderful people. You should be proud. Thank you both for everything

It would of been so easy for Travis just to come on and talk strongman. But to really tell what happened. How low he got, before he turned his life around. Truly inspiring story.

From a outsider who loves strongman and has followed it for decades. The sacrifice you full time guys give for love of lifting heavy stuff is insane to this common man. I really love guys you do it. The mega hours in the gym. The hours eating and preparing food. The rehab time rolling on balls or whatever gets the knots. A ice bath maybe are a brutal DAILY regiment. Oh yeah, your not making huge money either. It's got to be taxing on your loved ones. Especially a wife. I heard Derrick earlier today and Travis now mention how hard life as a whole is to be a strong man. I truly thank all you guys for the sacrifice you give so I can watch the shows, cheer and smile!

Travis was such a monster back in the day! Great to see him again. These interviews are amazing and I love hearing all the stories. 💪💪

@andyc3537

4 жыл бұрын

What a battle that man has been through. Only the addict knows the constant misery.. As he put it...You become a puppet to the drug.. It's seems only when you loose absolutely everything can you appreciate anything.. It is living hell and the loneliest place on the planet.. So much respect for this honesty..The most real interview your likely to see about addiction... health and happiness to all 🙏

Wasn't expecting to tear up watching one of these videos but when he was talking about what he would say to his son, I can't imagine how that feels.

That is one hell of a story. Travis wish you all the best mate and I hope you and your son can get in contact again.

I’m a former strength athlete and a licensed professional counselor, and just wanted to say to you and Travis, Fantastic interview! Job well done!

Loz, this is probably your best interview to date. Travis's honesty and courage in telling his story is brilliant.

Absolutely outstanding interview--best one yet. Huge credit to Travis for being so candid, so forthcoming, about his very painful past issues with painkillers and the damage to his personal life that resulted. He's a smart guy, an A+ strength athlete, who was headed for multiple podium finishes at the WSM, but got dealt a severe blow by life, a blow that would have defeated most people...but Travis refused to buckle and is now firmly back on his feet. He lost some years of his prime, unfortunately, but he still has many years left to go...and he's in tremendous shape... And huge credit to Loz for being such an excellent, empathetic interviewer, calmly guiding the rudder while some deeply heavy issues were discussed. It was therapeutic...!

Ten minutes in and I'm already smiling and want to go outside and lift some rocks. Great stuff.

I love listening to these stories then going back and watching the contest. Loz, you’re making the sport live, and I love ya for it brother!

One of my earliest memories of getting into this sport, circa 2013 or so, was watching fortissimus 2009 on youtube. I remember Travis both for smiling a lot through interviews, but especially on the stone event when he couldn't get the last stone up (the 6th, fuck that contest was hard) and he was FURIOUS! Forgot about composure and just roared. Left an impression on me of him as a competitor, pure passion. Great stuff, dude!

Safe to say I'm now an emotional wreck after watching that. But I feel like I've learnt so much about myself and what in my own life can bring me down. Inspiring stuff, extremely powerful. To see a big guy like Travis open up like that is what we need to help others with their battles. Really hope to see him at Giants Live competing like he always did.

@hockeyfreak896890

4 жыл бұрын

Sometimes it takes hearing it from someone you resonate with. The message may be the same, but the person delivering it could be the difference

Great chat. Always one of my favourites. Great to see him bacvk competing too 💪🏼🤩👍🏽

Wow Loz, This was an awesome Interview! And thank you Travis for Sharing your Story.

Brilliant watch and inspiring he has a very similar story to ifbb Pro bodybuilder Antoine Valliant he has struggled with drug addiction and came back, he's also struggled with injuries and keeps coming back and refuses to give up! Awesome to see two athletes from two sports beating their demons!

A POWERFUL Interview Travis.... Well done Loz, keep up the good work on promoting the sport.

Travis is so wholesome man. Hard not to like the guy.

Brilliant, Cheers Travis for opening up and letting us all in to see what you have been through. Literally stared the devil in his face said fuck no imma change, not just a physical strong man but mentally too. Hope to see you competing again soon.

This is your best interview to date. You should be given an award for this, it's truly inspiring.

@bigslimdog1350

4 жыл бұрын

And thank you to Travis for being so open. A pure legend of our sport.

@BigLozOfficial

4 жыл бұрын

Thank you Christopher.

Massive respect for Travis! What an inspiration. Another great interview from Loz!

Travis thanks for sharing your story man, went through something very similar myself and also came out of it stronger and better than ever 👊

Travis is still a great guy ! his story made me think of mine ! ! thanks to you LOZ, Terry and Brian, i started working out again, 2 years 6 months and 7 days same day i quit drinking ! I found a new purpose in my live again, training in my strongman gym and i love it ! You surprise me over again with this vid. and the difference between "others" and you is: YOU DO IT WITH HEART !

@BigLozOfficial

4 жыл бұрын

Thank you Franz. I’m glad to hear you are doing well now and smashing your training

What an amazing sight it would be if Travis competed at Europe's Strongest Man and his son was in attendance watching. Really hope it can happen.

@travisortmayer7614

4 жыл бұрын

This would be the most overwhelming thing ever in my life...

@hockeyfreak896890

4 жыл бұрын

Travis Ortmayer honestly man, you deserve that win. Obviously you'll have to train hard etc but what I respect about you so much is that you have ZERO resentment in your heart over all this. It takes a true man to admit mistakes. You admitted it, and owned up to it. That's huge man. Of course your ex hurt you, but you said it yourself, she did the best she could. My philosiphy is that second chances are earned, not given. You've certainly earned a second chance in my books. I hope her and your son see this interview, you've come a long way. Battle tested, scarred, wounded, but grateful, ambitious, humble and wholesome. You're the real deal man. I'm rooting for you hard. Just don't get injured! Haha

what a story. Loz handled that like a Champ. Travis god bless him, tough story x

Awsome interview. A massive well done to you Travis and how you have come back from such difficult times.👍 So good to see you coming back from such a hard period in your life. All the best and keep going matey 💪 👍

Big Loz you have a gift with your empathy, compassion, and sincerity in getting Travis to be in such a positive setting to share his harrowing tale of addiction, mental anguish and almost killing himself. Your genuine caring nature comes through via this medium and it makes for an extremely informative and therapeutic viewing experience. I have lost one close strength athlete friend due to suicide and the mental health and outlook of top competitors can be as drastic as their strength is compared to average people. Great job in opening up Travis. You will make it all the way back.

Best one yet, need to see Travis at the big shows, doing what he does best. What a fucking incredible guy 👏

Just reached the end of this interview. So amazing... I wish Travis all the luck in the world in his continued journey back to greatness. His son has a lot to be proud of. What a guy 👏🏼

Travis, you're a great, tough, and honest guy and you've been through a hell of a lot. I'm so glad you've gotten your life back on track and I hope you accomplish all your personal and professional goals.

Finally finished it... What a ride. What an inspiring conversation. I follow strongman a lot, and I hadn't known any of that. Which, to be fair was just a train wreck. Hope the guy rekindles a relationship with his son. Great video Loz, you made a very good job of a difficult interview. As much as I loved the back story, I'd be eager to hear from him again on the channel.

This was probably my favorite episode of the series. Travis seems like such a cool and down to earth kind of guy. I remember he used to be an absolute animal on the field. One of my favorite strongmen for sure. As a Norwegian I hope Svend Karlsen is on your list as well.

I just watched the podcast. Genuinely had tears running down my face. Brought so many memories back of my own mistakes. Keep strong. Never ever give up.✊✊

Just watching this now....Travis is awesome 😂...great stories and passion. Loving it 👏🏼

Wow! Never expected that. That was genuinely one of the most heartbreaking yet super inspirational interviews I've ever watched. I will use it if I ever need a motivation boost. Huge fan of both you guys and I wish you both all the best for the future.

Wow, another incredible story and great, great interview. Well done to Travis for overcoming such nasty addiction

Dude!! Seriously the most inspirational (to me personally) video that I have ever watched. Loved watching Travis when he was competing in WSM. Have loved watching his comeback in the Champions league. Can't wait to see THE TEXAS STONEMAN!!! At WSM again. Thanks for fantastic video Loz 💪👍

Travis has been one of few strongman i really connect with...talked with him a few times on IG...he is an inspiration...and an incredibly strong human. Physically and mentally...proud to say he is someone I look up to. This was an amazing interview.

Wow, I didn't know much about Travis only seen him in repeat clips of events in the past couple years but he has every ounce of respect I can give. This year I have helped myself down into a bad place and amount of hope and reassurance I got from this video I am very grateful for. Keep climbing Travis and thank you. Also thanks to you Loz I am learning so much out of these videos.

Wow. This is a man who has gone to the depths and come back stronger. The UTMOST respect for this man.

Travis had the most intense eyes! He was a beast! So glad he’s still going at it.

This was an incredible interview. I fell bad for him I can’t imagine going through all that shit.

@travisortmayer7614

4 жыл бұрын

Just a part of the life I chose for myself!

My new favourite strongman, stay strong in every way possible brother, best wishes, be happy

Thank you Loz for doing these! Really shows that everyone has their struggles, no matter the physical strength. I hope you make it big on YT. Travis, if you're reading this - Never stop fighting brother, no matter how hard it gets. I can still see pain in your eyes, but it will be gone once you're united with your son.

Loz, that was a great interview with Travis. Travis, thank you for sharing honestly and hopefully inspiring others into pulling themselves out of darkness like you did.

Very intense life's story. Very personal ans deep. Very interesting. Dont know if you were prepared for that kind of sincere and heart open talking. What a great honnest man.... Respect to him to let his wound share to us....thx to both of you

Amazing interview mate, well done and big props to Travis. I remember making a video about Travis many, many years ago. Back then he really inspired me and all these years later he still is. Travis Beastmyer - The Texas Stoneman.

What an awesome interview so griping, I just couldn’t step away for a second. I didn’t know all of this had happened in Travis’s life.

Wow! How can you not be inspired by a story like that? Thank you for this one Big Loz, this is the best I have felt after watching KZread ever!

Cant help but feel inspired by travis's story, Loz, please keep doing these videos they are amazing

Wow. that was intense!

This has been the best interview yet! Travis and yourself would be the best coaches on earth together. Thanks for talking about your life so openly Travis, u are the man!

This was a very very inspiring interview, amazing what he went through and managed to make a comeback. It just shows you , never give up. Very inspiring

I didn’t know a huge amount about Travis before this vid, but I know I like him. He’s been through a lot and I have huge respect for someone that has overcome the problems that Travis has faced. I also hope he reconnects with his son. He seems like a second chance is deserved. Good luck my man. I will be rooting for you.

Listening to Travis even i want to lift some freaking stones!!

Thank you, this is everything and more I was wanting to catch up with travis, I was always wondering if he just hung up the towel on strongman and where's he's been. Hearing what he went through and that he's coming back just made this my favorite podcast of yours........again thank u for the podcast

Saw Travis compete years ago. Didn't know much about the dude but defo a fan now. Big Loz gets better. Love the difference between him and Eddie but watch both

I remember Travis vividly on TV... And then he disappeared... Now we know the whole story and glad to see him back.

I take back my previous statement: THIS is the best interview you've done. Bless you, Loz. I'm so happy we all got to hear this story. Travis is one of my favorite strongmen of all time.

Awesome vid again I didn't know where Travis had gone. Now I do. What a shame but at least he has come through. Wonder how he will do on his return. Maybe the time off will be good for his body but he is getting on a bit. What a dude!

I remember back when I first started watching Strongman that Travis always stood out as one of the more athletic looking guys. I always wondered what happened to him when he stopped appearing in the shows. This is a fantastic interview, Loz. Props to Travis and yourself for showing that you're truly strong by showing your vulnerability.

I'd love to see Mike Burke on loz

@devynwiesner6211

3 жыл бұрын

I agree dude fell off the map

That is the most inspirational story I’ve ever heard!!! Travis, I admire you and I know I’ll see you in a WSM contest soon! God bless you!! Loz, that interview was awesome!!!

That was some heavy shit. Fair play to the man for opening up about his past 👍💪

Best interview, tremendous.

Hell yeah! Travis is a fucking legend! Intense, charismatic and strong as hell. I really appreciate how honest he was in this interview. He's as REAL as you can get and I respect the hell out of him for that. Keep fighting the good fight Travis!

Damn had no idea he went thru all that super stoked he's getting back into strongman. What an inspirational story and guy he is .

Incredible interview, Loz!

THANK YOU VERY MUCH LOZ, WHAT A PHENOMENAL INTERVIEW. I ALWAYS WONDERED WHAT HAD HAPPENED TO ORTMAYER. BEST OF LUCK TO HIM!

One word Loz Wow! Great interview. Travis certainly has some stories to tell.

First time commenting, big fan Loz! I've watched every single one of these interviews, but this is the best one yet. The chemistry between you and Travis, firing each other up, making each other laugh and smile, fantastic stuff! Travis is such a cool guy, I'd love to see him more involved in strongman again! EDIT: I hadn't actually watched the whole thing... Man. Truly heartbreaking and inspirational at the same time. I really hope he can reunite with his son. Such a strong story and comeback to life.

What an interview, really enjoyed this one! Travis is a good person, thanks for sharing your experiences Travis and thanks Loz for using your time making these interviews 😊

Loz, your content these last few weeks has been utterly incredible. Keep it going man. :)

Thank you Travis for sharing your story and thank you Big Loz for making this video! Listening to Travis' story was very refreshing. I find myself in a dark period of my life and even though my situation is of whole other kinds of issues, I can still relate to the darkness and I found this video helpful to keep fighting through it. Big Loz, encourage Travis to start a KZread channel. It would be so cool if he made a "The road back to WSM"-series and I think it could be beneficial both for Travis and his fans. I would definately subscribe!

Unbelievable i hope this gets a million views

Travis if you read this, know that you're a great guy, your story inspired me, I'm struggling with alot of shit in my life too. I'll listen to you and I'll try to find the positives!! Be sure your boy will be proud with you!

@travisortmayer7614

4 жыл бұрын

Thank you for the message! The Daily struggle is real, but the important thing to remember is to look for the small things to find joy in. Gratitude is so powerful

After watching this, I'm now rooting for Travis to get on the podium at worlds this year! Absolutely incredible story and a fine interview. Loz, you are an excellent listener. I'm amazed you didn't shed a tear during this. That's the most inspirational hour and 40 mins I've ever heard. I hope Travis can reconnect with his son, he's such a good human being! I wish him all the best. Cheers for doing these interviews Loz mate, they are incredible! Atb.

I can't even begin to describe how much respect I have for Travis. What a life, what a story. And the best of all, he came BACK from the darkness! Few people can go down the same path and come out alive. Travis, you are a true legend, my friend. May your light continue to shine for many years to come.

This is an incredibly refreshing podcast in general. This particular episode is probably my favorite out of all the strongman interviews. The broomstick story had me rolling, and YES, California is crazy (I am a Californian). It's always great to see a redemption story - I hope Travis does well.

Powerful interview everyone can take something from, thank you for the interview Laurence

Best interview ever, Loz. Travis - believe me - Californians have had about enough of this coronavirus crap, too.

Man, I loved Travis back in the day. So glad to see he's still strong and healthy 👍

Been waiting for proper strongman interviews to be a thing, thx big Loz! You are a real natural interviewer, people open up to you thx brother!

I don't know how, but this 1 hour 40 minute video was too short :D Got some chills when he said about returning to WSM, Hope his body can keep pace with his determination.

Travis would get a crazy look in his eyes especially before loading stones it was like a switch that he's just turn on. Another great interview Loz :-)

Wow, I keep talking about how Loz's content is fire right now and then this. 🔥 🔥 That's the easiest 1:40:55 to sit through. Great stuff Loz. I've been shouting you out on the other channels too.

@BigLozOfficial

4 жыл бұрын

Thank you buddy. We a really appreciate all the support

Honestly one of the best interviews I've ever watched, had to comment, Travis' story and transformation is incredible!

Amazing interview, I didn’t know much about Travis before this but I really hope he makes a return to worlds

@simonstillborn4951

3 жыл бұрын

And boooom, Travis has been invited