#370 Why a World's Strongest Man Competitor Quit to Make Movies | Josh Thigpen
Release Date: 09/23/2025
#392 Why Most "Functional Training" is Absolute BS | Dr. John Rusin
Dave Tate's Table Talk
Dr. John Rusin is an internationally recognized strength coach, physical therapist, and injury-prevention expert with nearly two decades of elite-level experience working with MLB All-Stars, NFL All-Pros, Olympic gold medalists, and world-record-holding powerlifters. He’s the founder of the Pain-Free Performance Specialist Certification (PPSC), the world’s fastest-growing health-first training education system, and the author of Pain-Free Performance: Move Better, Train Smarter, and Build an Unbreakable Body. His work bridges the gap between high-intensity training and long-term...
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#391 Why You Aren't Getting Stronger: The 7 Training Sins
Dave Tate's Table Talk
Dave Tate and Tom Sheppard recap 2025 and discuss the seven deadly sins of training. Table Talk Lifetime Limited Crew Membership - This offer will expire on Friday, Jan 9th. Shop EWS Supplements (CODE:ELITE30) - Get 10% OFF Your Next Marek Health Labs (CODE: TABLETALK): Tom and Naomi's new website: Become an elitefts channel member for early access to Dave Tate's Table Talk podcast and other perks. @eliteftsofficial Support Dave Tate’s Table Talk: FULL Crew Access - Limited Edition Apparel - Programs & More...
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#390 Why You Should Be HAPPY When You Miss a Lift | David Raymond
Dave Tate's Table Talk
David “Dumptruck Dave” Raymond is a 34-year-old father, stepfather, and grandfather from a small town in Illinois, and one of the strongest 165-lb lifters in the world. He started as a 148-lb lifter, becoming one of the first Americans to squat 600+ pounds at that bodyweight, then moved up to 165, where he squatted 705 pounds and deadlifted 716 pounds in the same meet. Along the way, he’s competed at marquee shows like The American Pro and Power Surge Pro/Am, all while insisting powerlifting is “just a hobby.” Follow David Raymond: ...
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#389 Why I Smash My Head on the Bar (The Truth About Psych-Ups) | Justin Zottl
Dave Tate's Table Talk
Justin Zottl — Canada’s strongest powerlifter (All-Time Total). From national champion cyclist to 2300+ totals, Justin breaks down winning American Pro 3 three weeks after herniating L5, why standards matter more than hype, and what ABS is doing right on meet production. Follow Justin / Team Zottl: IG: Team Zottl Coaching: (About/Team page): Become an elitefts channel member for early access to Dave Tate's Table Talk podcast and other perks. @eliteftsofficial Support Dave Tate’s Table Talk: FULL Crew Access - Limited...
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#388 Westside Barbell vs. KneesOverToes: The Truth About Longevity | Ben Patrick
Dave Tate's Table Talk
Ben Patrick (Knees Over Toes Guy) — founder of ATG (Athletic Truth Group), coach, and educator turning deep-range knee strength into scalable programs used by athletes, parents, and schools. Website & gear: Instagram: Become an elitefts channel member for early access to Dave Tate's Table Talk podcast and other perks. @eliteftsofficial Support Dave Tate’s Table Talk: FULL Crew Access - Limited Edition Apparel - Programs & More - TYAO Application - Best-selling elitefts Products: Pro Resistance Training Bands: Specialty...
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#387 The Promise I Made at John Meadows' Grave | Cris Edmonds
Dave Tate's Table Talk
Protégé of the late John Meadows, Cris has spent over 18 years competing and coaching, helping bodybuilders and serious lifters achieve stage-ready physiques without compromising their joints, digestion, or overall well-being. He now carries the Mountain Dog legacy forward with Mary Meadows—keeping the principles sharp, practical, and brutally honest. Follow Cris: Website: Instagram: YouTube: Become an elitefts channel member for early access to Dave Tate's Table Talk podcast and other perks. @eliteftsofficial Support Dave Tate’s Table Talk: FULL Crew...
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#386 Why SBD Days Are Ruining Your Joints (The Truth About Frequency) | Stuart Locke
Dave Tate's Table Talk
Stuart Locke is a champion powerlifter, coach, and owner of Kodiak Barbell, which specializes in athlete mentoring, rehabilitation, and individualized programming. He’s also the Director of Strength Sports at Pre-Script and a thought leader on sustainable performance coaching. Stuart's Info: Instagram @stu_kodiakbarbell. Become an elitefts channel member for early access to Dave Tate's Table Talk podcast and other perks @eliteftsofficial Support Dave Tate’s Table Talk: FULL Crew Access - Limited Edition Apparel - Programs & More - TYAO...
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#385 Why The Best Strength Coaches Are GHOSTS | Colton Razo & Michael Silbernagel
Dave Tate's Table Talk
On episode 385 of Dave Tate's Table Talk Podcast Dave sits down with Strength & Conditioning Coaches Colton Razo and Michael Silbernagel. Colton Razo — Assistant Strength & Conditioning Coach for Track & Field at The Ohio State University. Formerly University of Houston, Bemidji State, SD Mines, Kansas (GA). Frequent presenter at USTFCCCA and T&F education events. Michael Silbernagel — Manager at Sanford Sports (Bismarck) and adjunct professor (University of Mary). Former Head S&C at UMary (built the department), MSCC (CSCCa), USAPL Raw National Champion. ...
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#384 How to Combine Powerlifting and Running Without Losing Gains | Alex Viada
Dave Tate's Table Talk
Alex Viada is a coach, educator, and founder of Complete Human Performance (CHP). He’s best known for pioneering the modern Hybrid Athlete methodology—training strength and endurance concurrently without tanking either. We dig into programming (MED, stress consolidation), durability for tactical/functional athletes, pain & injury re-learning, and what’s inside his new book, The Ultimate Hybrid Athlete. Alex Viada Links Website (CHP): Instagram: CHP Instagram: Courses/Master Course: Book (The Ultimate Hybrid Athlete, 2025 –...
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#383 A 1200lb Squatter's Guide to Handling Pain & Pressure Under the Bar | John Ruoppo
Dave Tate's Table Talk
John Ruoppo is an elite American powerlifter, coach, and gym owner based in Massachusetts. He’s the All-Time World Record holder in the 308 lb single-ply squat (1,075 lbs) and has posted best competition lifts of 1,201.5 lb squat, 700 lb bench, and 804.7 lb deadlift, for a 2,560 lb total. John co-owns Evolve Fitness & Training in West Boylston MA with his wife Stefanie—an ex-college soccer player and marathon runner. Together they’ve built a community gym that hosts IPA-sanctioned powerlifting meets and develops lifters of all levels. Before...
info_outlineWe welcome Josh Thigpen to this episode of Dave Tate's Table Talk Podcast!
Josh Thigpen is a professional strongman from Houston, Texas, whose incredible 20-year career has taken him to over 60 contests in 30 countries. A four-time World’s Strongest Man competitor, Josh has earned 12 international podium finishes, held multiple world records, and achieved the legendary feat of holding the most weight ever by a human—600 pounds in each hand. At his peak, standing 6’5” and weighing 320 pounds, Josh was a dominant force in the sport. Today, he maintains a powerful 275-pound frame while continuing to inspire athletes worldwide.
Beyond the competition platform, Josh has made a major impact as an author, penning 13 bestselling eBooks that have become essential resources for strength athletes. His works include The Cube Method for Strongman, The Grip Guide, Training Camp, The Complete Guide to Strongman, and Adventures of a Pro Strongman. These guides blend his deep competitive experience with practical, no-nonsense training strategies, making them a staple for anyone serious about strongman or strength training.
Since transitioning from full-time competition, Josh has shifted his creative energy to the film industry. He is the creator, writer, actor, director, and producer of the indie fantasy web series Sword of Alentius—a passion project that merges epic storytelling with his larger-than-life presence. In addition to his own productions, Josh is acting in other film projects, further showcasing his versatility and creative drive.
https://www.instagram.com/josh_thigpen/
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