Power Athlete Radio
Power Athlete Radio is a podcast about strength and conditioning and athletic performance. Host John Welbourn, former NFL player and founder of Power Athlete, interviews experts and athletes. Co-host Chris 'Tex' McQuilkin, the Director of Performance, adds his perspective. The show encourages listeners to push their limits and improve their training.
Episodes
Ep 874: The Hidden Cost of an NFL Career w/ Robert Gallery
NFL veteran Robert Gallery joins John Welbourn to talk about his journey from an Iowa farm to the NFL and the mental health challenges that followed retirement. They dig into brain health and recovery, life after football, alternative treatments, and why community matters when rebuilding your identity beyond the game.ShownotesAre you looking to dominate the leaderboard and take your inner athlete
Ep 873: Is School Making Our Kids Weak? w/ Matt Beaudreau
What are we actually preparing our kids for?Matt Beaudreau joins John Welbourn to challenge modern education, why competence builds confidence, and what parents need to take back. They dig into failure, responsibility, leadership, and raising capable, independent young adults ready to handle the real world.ShownotesAre you new to training or returning to it after time away? Don’t bypass untapped p
Ep 872: Why Strong Doesn't Mean Athletic
If your training isn't making you more athletic, what's it actually doing? John Welbourn and Certified Power Athlete Master Coach, Dr Ben Skutnik, explain the principles that turn strength into real-world performance and why most people have been asking the wrong questions all along.ShownotesAre you looking to amplify your physique and build thick sidewalk splitting slabs of muscle? Follow
Ep 871: The Brain Health Playbook
In this special Best of episode, we bring together the biggest conversations on brain health, neuroplasticity, concussion recovery, cognitive performance and longevity. Featuring insights from Dr. Sean O'Mara, Certified Power Athlete Coach Dr. Hunter Waldman and Dr. Tommy Wood, this episode explores how training, nutrition, movement and continuous learning shape a stronger, healthier brain. If
Ep 870: The Biggest Muscle You're Not Training w/ Dr Tommy Wood
John Welbourn sits down with physician, neuroscientist, and former athlete Dr. Tommy Wood to explore how neuroplasticity, strength training, nutrition, sleep, and lifestyle shape brain health, cognitive performance, and healthy aging. They break down the science behind staying sharp, learning faster, recovering better, and building resilience for life. If you want to perform today without sacrific
Ep 869: The Daily Habits That Build Elite Performers w/ Brian Cain
John Welbourn is joined by elite mental performance coach, Brian Cain to talk about the mindset behind consistent success. They dig into why discipline beats motivation, how small daily habits compound over time, and what separates people who keep moving forward from those who constantly start over.If you're ready to stop chasing quick fixes and start building lasting performance, this convers
Ep 868: Why Most People Never Get Strong
Most people don't need a better program. They need a better target.Power Athlete Certified Coach, Dr. Ben Skutnik, joins John Welbourn to talk about why clear goals are the key to building strength, recovering from injury, and staying motivated when the work gets hard. From knee rehab and getting back to sprinting to balancing training with recovery, they break down what it takes to keep makin
Ep 867: Training for Longevity w/ Tom Newman
What does it really take to build an athlete who performs at a high level for decades instead of seasons?In this episode of Power Athlete Radio, John Welbourn sits down with Tom Newman to explore the connection between strength, brain health, athletic performance, recovery, and longevity. They discuss why modern athlete development requires more than simply lifting heavier or training harder, and
Ep 866: The Peptide Gold Rush w/ Dr Kirk Parsley
Peptides have become the latest gold rush in the world of performance and recovery. Scroll social media for five minutes and you'll find someone claiming they heal injuries faster, build muscle easier, recover overnight, and maybe even live forever. But are peptides the next evolution in human performance, or just another shiny object for people looking to skip the hard work? Dr. Kirk Parsley
Ep 865: The Truth About Aging w/ Dr Kirk Parsley
How healthy are you after 40? Most men assume declining energy, stubborn body fat, poor recovery, low testosterone, and fading athletic performance are simply part of getting older. Dr Kirk Parsley says otherwise as he joins John Welbourn to expose the real drivers of aging-related decline and explain why so many people are getting old before their time. From sleep quality and metabolic health to
Ep 864: How Healthy Are You, Really? w/ Dr Kirk Parsley
Most people assume they're healthy because they aren't sick. That's a dangerous assumption. Dr Kirk Parsley joins John Welbourn to break down the blood markers that reveal what's really happening beneath the surface, the five biomarkers everyone over 40 should monitor, and why being "within range" isn't the same as being healthy. The numbers don't lie, and they may
Ep 863: The Athleticism Test - Would You Pass?
You can squat 500 pounds. Bench your bodyweight for reps. Maybe you've spent years chasing strength and building muscle. But here's the question: Are you actually athletic?Power Athlete Certified Coach, Dr Ben Skutnik joins John Welbourn to break down the components of athleticism and why movement quality, coordination, and muscle mass all play critical roles in long-term performance and l
Ep 862: The Hardest Transition a Man Will Ever Make
Fatherhood has a way of exposing every weakness a man tries to hide. Certified Power Athlete Coach Ben Skutnik and resident Dragon Slayer Arash Soofiani join John Welbourn for a raw conversation about parenting, masculinity, personal growth, and navigating life’s biggest transitions without losing your edge.From marriage and raising kids to identity shifts, sacrifice, and learning how to lead unde
Ep 861: The Lost Art of Discipline
What happened to discipline? John Welbourn sits down with resident Dragon Slayer, Arash Soofiani,k for a raw conversation about the movies, mindset, and life lessons that shaped an entire generation of hard men. From Bloodsport and Rocky to modern culture’s obsession with comfort, the guys break down why toughness isn’t built in motivational speeches, it’s built through suffering, consistency, and
Ep 860: Sam Yo, Calm Under Pressure
Sam Yo’s journey is anything but ordinary. Before becoming one of Peloton’s most recognizable instructors, Sam walked away from life as a West End performer to spend years living as a Buddhist monk. In this episode of Power Athlete Radio, John Welbourn sits down with Sam to explore the lessons he learned through mindfulness, discipline, meditation, and intentional living — and how those lessons sh
Ep 859: The Hypertrophy Playbook
This isn’t another hypertrophy podcast filled with recycled bro science and influencer BS. We're we’re opening the vault to bring you a handpicked compilation of the most effective muscle-building strategies ever featured on Power Athlete Radio, built on decades of real-world strength training and hypertrophy experience. Featuring insights from Jay Cutler, Antonio Squillante, John Welbourn, an
Ep 858: From Effort to Size - The Hypertrophy Standard Explained
John Welbourn & Certified Power Athlete Coach, Dr Ben Skutnik, break down what’s really holding most athletes back from building size, why typical hypertrophy training falls short and exactly how the upcoming Hypertrophy Standard Seminar at Power Athlete HQ, (May 29–30, 2026) is designed to fix it.This is not a lecture. Not a boring seminar. It's a 2-day, hands-on training experience desig
Ep 857: The Truth About Becoming a Man Today w/ Matt Vincent: Part 2
In Part 2, John Welbourn and Matt Vincent tackle male loneliness and the growing disconnect facing modern men. They explore what’s driving it, the real-world consequences, and how convenience and comfort are making things worse, especially for younger generations. More importantly, they discuss how men can rebuild connection, purpose, and brotherhood in a world that’s pulling them apart.ShownotesA
Ep 856: The Truth About Becoming a Man Today w/ Matt Vincent: Part 1
In Part 1 of this two-part series, John Welbourn and Matt Vincent break down what it means to be a man today. Through personal experiences, hard lessons, and honest reflection, they explore the standards, responsibilities, and mindset that shape strong men. The conversation dives into where men go wrong, why so many lack direction, and how the modern world is influencing masculinity, for better or
Ep 855: Madeleine Conti on Real Kettlebell Strength
Kettlebells have become everything from Instagram fluff to serious strength tools, but somewhere the message got lost. Madeleine Conti joins John Welbourn to cut through the noise, breaking down kettlebell training methods, programming, and where most athletes get it wrong. From high-rep conditioning to precision strength work, this episode dives into what actually builds real-world strength, and
Ep 854: Sabrina Shapiro on Mastering Performance Under Pressure
Sabrina Shapiro joins John Welbourn to discuss mental training, performance anxiety, and resilience for athletes. From NCAA fencing to performance coaching, she shares practical tools to build confidence, handle pressure, and perform at your best.ShownotesAre you looking to dominate the leaderboard and take your inner athlete to the next level? Expose yourself to the advanced training techniques t
Ep 853: The Grind to ADCC w/ Felipe Costa
Power Athlete Dragon Slayer and BJJ black belt assassin, Felipe Costa, joins John to break down his upcoming fight, ADCC 2026 prep, and elite Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu training. Learn the mindset, strength, conditioning, and recovery strategies needed to compete at the highest level of BJJ.ShownotesAre you a fighter & grappler? Crafted to complement your existing combat training, max out your streng
Ep 852: How to Bulletproof Your Body w/ Dr. John Rusin
Dr. John Rusin lays out how to bulletproof your body with smarter programming, better movement, and a no-BS approach to pain-free performance. We break down the biggest mistakes in modern training, why early specialization is wrecking athletes, and how a lack of movement diversity is setting you up for breakdown. If you want to build real strength, stay injury-free, and keep performing for the lon
Ep 851: Pat Barber on Raising Wolves in a World of Sheep
What does it take to raise capable kids in a comfortable world? John sits down with former CrossFit Games athlete, Pat Barber, to talk fatherhood, masculinity, and why real-world skills still matter. From learning through experience to living intentionally as fathers and men, they break down how competence, challenge, and action shape stronger families and more capable humans.ShownotesAre you look
Ep 850: Why Women Over 40 Need the Barbell w/ Hailey Babcock
Think strength training is optional after 40? Think again. Hailey Babcock joins John to unpack the real challenges women face in midlife. From hormones and muscle loss to the misinformation dominating social media, and why picking up heavy weight might be the most important health decision women make after 40.ShownotesNo barbell? No problem. Lean & Able is our essentials program for those lean
Ep 849: Hard-Earned Hypertrophy Lessons
John sits down with resident Power Athlete Dragon Slayer, Arash Soofiani, to share the hard-earned hypertrophy lessons they wish they’d known starting out. From mistakes that kill gains to strategies that actually work. If you’ve ever chased size and felt stuck, this episode is your blueprint for smarter training.ShownotesAre you looking to amplify your physique and build thick sidewalk splitting
Ep 848: Training for the Olympics of Grappling
What does it take to step onto the mats at the ADCC World Submission Wrestling Championship, aka the Olympics of grappling, and not just survive, but dominate? Felipe Costa and Victor Hugo join John to pull back the curtain on elite-level preparation for the highest stage in submission wrestling.Tune in and learn how the world’s top submission athletes develop world-class work capacity, positional
Ep 847: What HAMMER 90 Actually Did for Our Athletes
What really happens when you commit 90 days to disciplined training, structured nutrition, and real accountability? John and Dr. Ben Skutnik, Certified Power Athlete Coach and Nutrition Ninja, break down the results of our HAMMER 90 Challenge. What worked, what didn’t, and the lessons that surprised them most. No fluff, no highlight reel, just honest insights on fat loss, strength gains, mental re
Ep 846: Super Bowl 2026 Predictions w/ Will Fries
The Super Bowl isn’t won by highlight plays, it’s decided in the trenches. Vikings offensive lineman Will Fries joins John to share his Super Bowl 2026 predictions, breaking down what really wins championships: offensive line play, defensive pressure, conditioning, and mental warfare. No hot takes. Just real football.ShownotesAre you looking to dominate the leaderboard and take your inner athlete
Ep 845: What 30 Years Under the Bar Teaches You About Hypertrophy
We're revisiting one of our most listened-to hypertrophy conversations and it holds up for one simple reason: the lessons were earned the hard way.After decades under the bar, John and Arash break down what actually moves the needle when it comes to building muscle, and what quietly wastes years of training. From prioritizing compound lifts and progressive overload to steering clear of junk vo
Ep 844: The Evolution of Human Performance w/ Robb Wolf
John and Robb Wolf dive deep into Art De Vany’s lasting impact on fitness. They unpack the history of strength and conditioning, call out the myths that still dominate gyms and nutrition advice, and explore the truths that have been ignored or forgotten. This conversation isn’t just about nostalgia, it’s about cutting through the dogma and giving athletes the tools to think critically about health
Ep 843: 7 Reasons Most Training Fails (And What Actually Works)
Most people don’t fail because they’re lazy—they fail because they chase intensity and novelty instead of following rules that actually work. John breaks down the 7 non-negotiable rules of training success: consistency, goal-driven programming, nutrition, recovery, and accountability.ShownotesAre you looking for a flexible training program so you can balance training with life? Follow Grindstone a
Ep 842: Unlock Peak Power in 2026
Certified Power Athlete Coach Ben Skutnik and resident Dragon Slayer Arash Soofiani join me to look back at the impact of the 2025 Hammer 90 Challenge. We break down how structured training, nutrition coaching, and accountability turned hard work into measurable results and lasting lifestyle change. Showing how consistent effort, community support, and evolution in training methods can help athlet
Ep 841: Minimize Injury & Maximize Performance w/ Scott Hogan
Scott Hogan, author of Built or Broken, joins John to explore how athletes can train smarter, protect their joints, and stay in the game longer. They discuss the often-overlooked role of tendons in performance, how injuries cascade when dysfunction goes unaddressed, and why addressing pain early is critical. Scott also dives into the importance of broad athletic development in youth sports.Whether
Ep 840: The Best of Power Athlete Radio 2025
2025 was another year of cutting through noise, calling out weak ideas, and reinforcing what actually works. In this Best of Power Athlete Radio episode, we revisit the conversations that challenged the status quo in training, health, and performance. No gurus, no feel-good wellness, just strength, discipline, and truth.ShownotesAre you new to training or returning to it after time away? Don’t byp
Ep 839: Tayla Cannon on Injury & Performance
John sits down with physiotherapist and athlete, Tayla Cannon, to cut through the noise around injury recovery. Tayla exposes common rehab myths, shares the strategies that actually work, and explains how athletes can train smarter, stay durable, and get back stronger after setbacks. She also opens up about her own athletic journey, giving us her hard earned insights into overcoming injuries and b
Ep 838: Building More Than Muscle w/ Bert Sorin
Bert Sorin joins John to dive deep into personal growth, the power of mentorship, and how his late father shaped their journeys. Exploring lessons in strength, resilience, and living a life of impact both in and out of the gym. This is more than fitness; it’s about creating impact, honoring those who shaped you, and passing the torch to the next generation.ShownotesAre you a fighter & grappler
Ep 837: Redefining Durability w/ Dr. Ben Skutnik
Durability isn’t just toughness, it’s the often-overlooked fourth pillar of performance. Dr Ben Skutnik, Power Athlete Certified Coach and Nutrition Ninja, breaks down the outdated model most athletes follow and introduces a new framework for real-world strength, longevity, and resilience. Learn how to build a body that can handle the grind day in and day out, avoid breakdowns, and stay in the gam
Ep 836: The Athlete’s Guide to Diabetes w/ Andrew Koutnik
Diabetes doesn’t mean weakness, it means you need better information. Andrew Koutnik Ph.D sits down with us to break down how diabetes reshapes physiology, hormone balance, and energy production, and why good training can be the ultimate weapon against chronic disease. If you want to understand the science without the sugarcoating, this conversation delivers.ShownotesAre you looking for a flexible
Ep 835: Why Most Gyms Fail w/ Joe Riggio
Most gym owners don’t fail because of training; they fail because they don’t understand business. Joe Riggio of Business of Strength sits down with John to break down why equipment-heavy gyms bleed cash, and how small, efficient boutique gyms with clear pricing, strong marketing, and the right location consistently outperform the competition. They dive into real sales strategy, the power of in-per
Ep 834: The Truth About Hot & Cold Therapy w/ Dr Tom Seager
Hot and cold therapy is everywhere, from ice baths and cryo to infrared saunas, but how much of it actually works? Dr. Tom Seager, PhD and expert in environmental stress physiology, joins John to unpack the science behind thermal stress. Learn how heat and cold exposure can improve recovery, boost metabolism, and help manage Type 2 and Type 3 diabetes. Forget the influencer hype, this episode deli
Ep 833: Micro-Impacts & Brain Health w/ Dr. Hunter Waldman
Power Athlete Certified Coach, Dr. Hunter Waldman schools us on the unseen damage of micro-impacts and what they mean for long-term brain health. Learn how nutrition, supplements, and smart recovery can help athletes protect their minds and extend their careers.ShownotesAre you looking to dominate the leaderboard and take your inner athlete to the next level? Expose yourself to the advanced traini
Ep 832: Robb Wolf on Nutrition, Ego & the Death of a Movement
CrossFit blew up, then fell apart. Robb Wolf joins John to unpack how it happened, from the early garage gym days and the rise of Paleo to the chaos of ego, bad science, and corporate bloat. This is a raw look at what went wrong in fitness, what the industry got backwards, and how to rebuild real performance from the ground up.ShownotesYou can't out-train a crappy diet. Three comprehensive nut
Ep 831: The Science of Stress & Strength
Technology’s making life easier, but it’s also making us weaker. John sits down with Power Athlete Certified Coaches, Dr. Ben Skutnick and Dr. Hunter Waldman, to break down how stress drives adaptation, why comfort kills progress, and how nutrition and training are coming together in the HAMMER 90 Challenge. Tune in to learn how discipline, data, and discomfort forge stronger athletes.ShownotesAre
Ep 830: Tanner Shuck’s Journey Through the CrossFit Machine
Tanner Shuck joins John to share his journey from Division 1 football to the CrossFit Games and beyond. He opens up about the rise and fall of CrossFit, from the golden era of competition to the cracks that led to its collapse, and how life in Dubai reshaped his views on strength, performance, and purpose. A raw, unfiltered conversation about what happens when fitness loses its way and how real at
Ep 829: Science vs. Sweat: Building Better Athletes w/ Marcus Filly
Marcus Filly joins John to talk about his journey from pre-med student to CrossFit Games athlete and the creation of Functional Bodybuilding. They dig into why experience often outpaces “evidence-based” fitness science, the rise of Hyrox and hybrid athletes, and how to build a body that performs for life. This one is a masterclass in blending intellect, intuition, and intensity in the pursuit of l
Ep 828: Hypertrophy 101, Lessons From the Iron Trenches
John sits down with our resident Dragon Slayer, Arash Soofiani to share the hypertrophy lessons they wish they knew starting out. From mastering compound lifts and progressive overload to avoiding junk volume and caffeine traps, these battle-tested insights will save you years of wasted effort in the gym.ShownotesAre you looking to amplify your physique and build thick sidewalk splitting slabs of
Ep 827: Dr. Sean O’Mara on Visceral Fat. Why Your Abs Don’t Matter.
Dr. Sean O’Mara joins John to expose visceral fat, the hidden fat around your organs that wrecks health, performance, and longevity. Learn how MRI scans reveal the truth beneath the surface, why BMI is useless, and what you can do to eliminate the fat that really matters.ShownotesYou can't out-train a crappy diet. Three comprehensive nutrition programs crafted by NFL pro John Welbourn prescrib
Ep 826: Leadership & Authenticity in the Line of Fire Part 2
Mike Sarraille, former Navy SEAL officer and Recon Marine is back for the second part of this leadership series. We dig into authenticity, stolen valor, and how the culture of the military has shifted. Mike pulls no punches on what separates real leaders from pretenders, why authenticity is non-negotiable, and what today’s military can teach anyone building a team, business, or family.ShownotesAre
Ep 825: Breaking The Limits of Strength w/ Dave Spitz
What does it take to build athletes capable of lifting the impossible? Dave Spitz of Cal Strength joins John to break down his approach to training a new world-record hopeful, the blueprint for developing freak strength, and the common mistakes lifters make when chasing heavy weights.If you want to understand how world-class power is forged (and why most athletes fail before they ever get strong),
Ep 824: Leadership & Authenticity in the Line of Fire Part 1
What makes a great leader, and what makes a terrible one? Former Navy SEAL, Mike Sarraille, joins John to share lessons from the battlefield on leadership and trust. If you’ve ever asked yourself what it really takes to lead in today’s world, this episode is for you.ShownotesAre you a war fighter or door kicker looking to increase your resilience and lethality? HAMR was created after working with
Ep 823: Inside the Weight Cut: What It Really Takes
Cutting weight is one of the hardest parts of being an athlete, and most people get it dead wrong. John is joined by Power Athlete's resident Dragin Slayer, Arash Soofiani, and Certified Power Athlete Coach & Nutrition Ninja, Ben Skutnik, to pull back the curtain on sugar detoxes, scale anxiety, and the nutrition and training protocols that actually work. If you want to drop weight without
Ep 822: The Truth About Women’s Training w/ Samantha Christine
The fitness industry feeds women gimmicks, crash diets, and cookie-cutter workouts. Samantha Christine joins John to expose the lies, explain how women’s training must differ from men’s, and unpack the hidden dangers of weight-cutting. Real talk, real strength, no fluff.ShownotesAre you looking for a flexible training program so you can balance training with life? Follow Grindstone and punch the c
Ep 821: Inside the HAMMER 90 Challenge
Ninety days. No excuses. John and Power Athlete Certified Coach & Nutrition Ninja, Ben Skutnik, take you inside the HAMMER 90 Challenge, what it is, how it works, and what happened when they put themselves through it. This is the blueprint to reset your body, sharpen your mind, and prove you can cash the check your mouth’s been writing.ShownotesAre you looking to amplify your physique and buil
Ep 820: The Truth About Holistic Health w/ Dr. Bobby Williams
Dr. Bobby Williams joins John to blow up the myth of "balanced living" and reveal what it really takes to live a high-performance, holistic life. From the hidden toll of alcohol and drugs to gut health, detoxing, and dialing in true nutrition, this episode is a wake-up call for anyone who thinks cold plunges and smoothies are enough.ShownotesAre you looking for a flexible training program
Ep 819: Peptides: The Biohack You're Missing w/ Jay Campbell
Peptides, fasting, and fruit diets, Jay Campbell joins John to separate fact from fiction. They dive into what actually moves the needle for recovery, fat loss, and performance. If you're tired of chasing hacks that don’t deliver, this episode is your blueprint for getting dialed in.ShownotesYou can't out-train a crappy diet. Three comprehensive nutrition programs crafted by NFL pro John W
Ep 818: Fuel, Focus & the Discipline to Dominate
Resident Dragon Slayer, Arash Soofiani, returns to talk fuel, focus, and the fight against weakness. From the sugar diet to carnivore extremes, we break down what really drives performance — and why discipline in the kitchen reflects discipline in life. Whether you're meat-fueled or sugar-drunk, this one will challenge your thinking.ShownotesYou can't out-train a crappy diet. Three compreh
Ep 817: AI, Aliens, & Ancient Architects w/ Matt Vincent
Matt Vincent is back, after globe-trotting through Egypt, Turkey, and Greece. He and John get into ancient civilizations, lost tech, and the uncomfortable questions mainstream history won’t touch. They're also sharing their thoughts on AI, critical thinking, and what it means to stay sharp in a world that's going soft.ShownotesAre you looking for a flexible training program so you can bala
Ep 816: The Carnivore Cure w/ Dr. Shawn Baker
Dr. Shawn Baker joins us to break down the carnivore diet and its power to reverse chronic disease, reduce inflammation, along with it's potential to be the cure for America’s health crisis. If you’ve been told meat is the problem, this episode will make you think twice.ShownotesYou can't out-train a crappy diet. Three comprehensive nutrition programs crafted by NFL pro John Welbourn presc
Ep 815: Psychedelics Saved My Life w/ NFL Vet Braden Smith
NFL veteran, Braden Smith, joins John to share his battle with OCD, the decision to step away mid-season for rehab, and how psychedelic therapy helped him reclaim his life. A powerful look at mental health, resilience, and the hidden struggles inside pro football.ShownotesAre you looking to dominate the leaderboard and take your inner athlete to the next level? Expose yourself to the advanced trai
Ep 814: Beyond the Trends. What Really Works for Performance & Durability
Tired of fitness trends that don’t deliver? John and Arash cut through the BS to reveal what actually works,from strength training and BJJ to raw dairy, fascia training, gut health, and sugar-fueled diets. If you want real answers, tune in.ShownotesAre you a fighter & grappler? Crafted to complement your existing combat training, max out your strength, skill and conditioning so you can master
Ep 813: The Powerlifting Playbook. Elite Tactics from Matt Wenning
Matt Wenning joins John to break down what it really takes to build elite-level strength. From time-tested training principles to lessons learned under the bar with some of powerlifting’s greats, this episode is a masterclass in doing the work, avoiding costly mistakes, and training for the long haul.ShownotesAre you looking to amplify your physique and build thick sidewalk splitting slabs of musc
Ep 812: Fast Food, Slow Gains w/ Ben Skutnik
You don’t have a nutrition problem, you have a discipline problem. Certified Power Athlete Coach and nutritionist, Ben Skutnik, joins John to lay out why you're stuck: emotional eating, zero cooking skills, and no plan. We get into the weeds on food tracking, meal prep, and why mastering your kitchen is non-negotiable if you want to perform. Stop guessing and start eating like someone who give
Ep 811: Vaccines, Viruses & Misinformation w/ Dr Robert Clancy
World-renowned immunologist, Dr. Robert Clancy, joins John to expose the truth about COVID, vaccines, gut health, and the failures of modern medicine. If you’re tired of fear-driven healthcare and want real answers, this episode is for you.ShownotesAre you a fighter & grappler? Crafted to complement your existing combat training, max out your strength, skill and conditioning so you can master
Ep 810: Building Young Warriors. Jiu Jitsu, Coaching, and Fatherhood
Jiu Jitsu is more than submissions, it’s structure, suffering, and self-mastery. Arash Soofiani returns to share how lessons from the mat shape fatherhood, coaching, and life. From youth MMA to the mental chess of combat sports, this episode is all about building strong bodies and even stronger minds.ShownotesAre you a fighter & grappler? Crafted to complement your existing combat training, ma
Ep 809: Fixing Broken Athletes w/ Henry Abbott
Journalist, author and amateur athlete, Henry Abbott, joins John to break down his new book Ballistic, a brutal takedown of modern coaching and why athletes are getting hurt younger and more often. From overuse injuries to one-sport burnout, they unpack what’s breaking athletes and how ballistic movement could be the antidote. Coaches, parents, and athletes, this one’s a wake-up call.ShownotesAre
Ep 808: GP1s, Conspiracies, and Caffeine w/ Baker Leavitt
Baker Leavitt, Director at Black Rifle Coffee, joins John for a wild ride through culture, political theories, masculinity, and modern performance. From questioning mainstream narratives to unpacking the rise of GLP-1s like Ozempic, Baker opens up about his own experience with the drug, and what it says about today’s quick-fix mindset. What starts as casual banter turns into a deeper conversation
Ep 807: Jen Widerstrom Just Changed the Game
Jen Widerstrom joins John to break down the coaching app she built with Arnold Schwarzenegger, and why it’s cutting through the BS in the fitness industry. They dig into the power of real-time, individualized coaching and call out the cookie-cutter programs that overpromise and underdeliver. If you're tired of fitness fads, this episode is for youShownotesNo barbell? No problem. Lean & Abl
Ep 806: The Truth About Bodyweight Strength w/ Chris Sommer
Former US National Gymnastics Coach and founder of GymnasticBodies, Chris Sommer, is one of the few guys who can break your body down with just a set of rings, and then rebuild it with bulletproof joints and freaky tendon strength. This isn’t your average “how to get your first pull-up” conversation. We went deep on why so many adults are broken, what coaches get wrong about progressive overload,
Ep 805: Kyle Ruth on How to Build Real Athletes
Strength is a skill, not a side quest. Former CrossFit Games athlete and coach at Training Think Tank, Kyle Ruth, joins John to break down how training has evolved (and gone soft), why Olympic lifting still matters, and what it really takes to build resilient athletes, especially when you're raising them yourself. If performance matters to you or your kids, don’t skip this one.ShownotesAre you
Ep 804: New Amsterdam Genomics. Rethinking DNA
Lauren Fritsch, founder of New Amsterdam Genomics, breaks down how real-time DNA updates are changing the game for performance, health, and longevity. We dive into John's own genetic data, the evolution of sequencing tech, and why your old DNA test is already outdated. If you’re serious about unlocking your full potential, tune in.ShownotesAre you looking for a flexible training program so you
Ep 803: The Fight After 40 - Weight Gain And How to Fix It
You’re not 25 anymore, and the old tricks don’t work. Arash Soofiani is back to break down fat loss for men over 40: why the weight creeps in, where most guys fail, and what it really takes to reclaim strength, discipline, and testosterone-fueled dominance. No shortcuts. No BS. Just the hard truth and the tools to fight back.ShownotesAre you a fighter & grappler? Crafted to complement your exi
Ep 802: The Gut War w/ Dr. Sabine Hazan
Dr. Sabine Hazan is back and she’s not holding anything back. In this powerful conversation, she breaks down how the gut microbiome influences everything from immunity to mental health, why her research is turning heads, and how she plans to change the world. If you care about your health, this is one you won’t want to miss.ShownotesYou can't out-train a crappy diet. Three comprehensive nutrit
Ep 801: Training Myths vs Mastery w/ Dr Ben Skutnik
Everyone’s yelling “show me the studies,” but no one’s actually reading them. Dr. Ben Skutnik joins John to unpack what doing your own research really means, how non-scientists should approach training studies, and why lifting heavy with a loose diet doesn’t make you healthy. We get into body comp, healthspan, and the blurry line between being curious and being clueless. If you think strength alon
Ep 800: John McPhee - Train Like Your Life Depends on It
John McPhee, aka The Sheriff of Baghdad, joins us to expose the biggest myths in tactical training and the harsh realities of real-world combat. From mastering fundamentals to why most guys are training for a fantasy, McPhee breaks down what actually works when it matters most. If you want unfiltered insights from a Tier 1 operator who’s been there, done that, and trained the best, this episode is
Ep 799: Judd Lienhard: Strength Science vs. Bro Science
Most people train like morons. Random workouts, zero plan, chasing soreness instead of strength. Judd Lienhard joins John to cut through the nonsense and break down what ACTUALLY makes you stronger, what’s killing your gains, and why most training advice is garbage.They dive into programming mistakes, the science behind real strength, and the myths still floating around gyms like a bad fart. If yo
Ep 798: Welbourn vs CrossFit - The Smackdown
The internet thrives on drama, but true strength isn't just about lifting, it's about cutting through the noise.In this exclusive Q&A, John Welbourn and Arash Soofiani set the record straight on athletic performance. Does CrossFit's work capacity model actually translate to sports? Where do most athletes go wrong with General Physical Preparedness (GPP) vs. sport-specific training?
Ep 797: Xande Ribeiro: Jiu-Jitsu Mastery & Brotherhood
Xande Ribeiro isn’t just a world champion, he’s a legend who’s seen it all in jiu-jitsu. In this episode, we break down the grind, the brotherhood, and the relentless discipline it takes to dominate across generations. From his roots in Manaus to shaping the next wave of Six Blades athletes, Xande shares what it truly takes to leave a legacy. This isn’t just about jiu-jitsu, it’s about building th
Ep 796: Exercise Selection - What Works & What’s BS
Most people waste time in the gym doing exercises that don’t move the needle. In this episode, I sit down with Arash Soofiani to answer your questions on exercise selection; what works, what’s BS, and how to train smarter. We’re calling out the most overrated movement in modern programs, breaking down the lifts you need for an unbreakable back, and showing you how to get results without living in
Ep 795: Hard Truths & Tactics for Muscle Growth & Fat Loss
Most people are wasting time in the gym and wondering why they’re not getting bigger, stronger, or leaner. John answers your biggest questions about muscle growth, fat loss, and the real work it takes to build a legit physique. No fluff—just straight talk and actionable tactics.Hit play, get smarter, and start training like you mean it.Shownotes00:01:15 - Diet and Nutrition00:07:48 - Strength and
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