2025 Littlefield Lecture
The Official Release of Stronger: The Untold Story of Muscle in Our Lives by Michael Joseph Gross
Presented by The H.J. Lutcher Stark Center, The Kinesiology & Health Education Department, and The University of Texas at Austin College of Education
On March 11, 2025, the Stark Center was honored to host the official release of Michael Joseph Gross’s new book, Stronger: The Untold Story of Muscle in Our Lives. Described in early reviews as a “groundbreaking,” “pioneering narrative,” that “raises the question that great books do: ‘Why has this not been written before?’” Gross’s book also has a unique UT connection. His richly detailed history explores the meaning and cultural significance of strength through the lives of three academics: Stark Center founder and professor, Jan Todd; UT Kinesiology professor Charles Stocking; and, in Australia, exercise physiologist and geriatrician Maria Fiatarone Singh of the University of Sydney. After his remarks, Gross was joined on stage by two special guests—the current World’s Strongest Man and winner of the 2025 Arnold Strongman Classic, Mitchell Hooper of Canada; and Martins Licis, former World’s Strongest Man winner and former winner of the Arnold Strongman Classic, and now producer and star of the popular online show: Strength Unknown.
Watch the Full Lecture and Q&A:
Lecture and Event Photos:
Mitchell Hooper:
Martins Licis:
Official Event Flyer:
