#392 Why Most "Functional Training" is Absolute BS | Dr. John Rusin
Release Date: 01/06/2026
Dave Tate's Table Talk
Josh Miller, founder of NTBFW Training Systems and UNC Chapel Hill Exercise Science alumnus, is a strength coach and powerlifter specializing in globalized core training and force transfer. This episode explores building a 'coordinated unit' to manage spinal stenosis and herniated discs while utilizing conjugate principles and block-style organization. Miller also breaks down his 'Other 22 Hours' performance system and the use of natural ergogenic aids to ensure long-term progress for advanced lifters without getting 'lost in the weeds.' Josh Miller: Website: Instagram: ...
info_outlineDave Tate's Table Talk
Michael Brinson is the Head Strength & Conditioning Coach for Jackson Academy athletics and a competitive powerlifter with a 2155 raw total. He’s coached performance at every level, from collegiate football programs (Southern Miss, Kansas, Liberty, Missouri) to Fort Bragg with the 82nd Airborne bringing a no-BS approach to building strong, fast, resilient athletes. Follow Michael: Instagram: @brinson_strength X: @Coach_Brinson_ Coaching Inquiry + Links: linktr.ee/brinsonmichael7 Become an elitefts channel member for early access to Dave Tate's Table Talk podcast and...
info_outlineDave Tate's Table Talk
Dr. Chris Stepien — founder of Barefoot Rehabilitation Clinic (Denville, NJ) and developer of Adhesion Release Methods. Dr. Chris specializes in helping chronic pain sufferers, especially 30–60 year olds who’ve had pain for 6+ months and have already seen multiple doctors or therapists without real relief. He’s also training high-level manual therapists and clinicians to diagnose and treat adhesion and nerve-entrapment patterns so more people can finally get their lives back. Website: Find a provider: Instagram: @barefootrehab | @adhesionreleasemethods...
info_outlineDave Tate's Table Talk
Dave Tate reacts to the internet’s most viral fitness moments, including Kim Kardashian’s Hollywood workout, Ronnie Coleman's take on the modern era of bodybuilders, and Jeff Nippard’s "perfect" exercise. The Westside Barbell legend breaks down the difference between old-school grit and modern hype, tackling everything from teen steroid abuse to cringe-worthy gym fails. Tune in for an unfiltered reality check on what actually builds muscle and strength versus what is just noise. VIDEOS: JEFF NIPPARD - GREG VALENTINO - JESSE JAMES WEST - WSBB - KIM KARDASHIAN - RONNIE COLEMAN - JOHN...
info_outlineDave Tate's Table Talk
Joe Jackson, better known as Delco Jesus, is a 140 kg raw powerlifter, coach, and member of the Delco Spotting Crew from just outside Philadelphia. After battling depression, dropping over 100 pounds, and even going through a period of homelessness, Joe found powerlifting and never looked back. With best competition lifts of 826 lb squat, 463 lb bench, and 744 lb deadlift for a 2017 lb total at 308, he’s competed on big stages like American Pro, Ghost Clash, IPL North Americans, and ABS Series meets. Along the way he’s become known for his faith-driven “Delco...
info_outlineDave Tate's Table Talk
“The Gentleman Barbarian” Bruss Hamilton, a former U.S. Marine, World Strength Games u265 champion, and 2025 America’s Strongest Veteran who traded the strongman field for the pro wrestling ring. Trained at the Black & Brave Wrestling Academy under Seth Rollins and Marek Brave, Bruss has become a staple of the Midwest independent scene (SCW Pro, AAW, Iron Spirit Pro, ZOWA Live, Wrestling Revolver and more) and is now heading into a WWE tryout. Off the platform he’s a husband, father of six, and online coach, using his journey from undersized drama kid to...
info_outlineDave Tate's Table Talk
Jon Grove — North Georgia Barbell founder, APF Georgia State Chairman, WPC Junior World Champion, and true powerlifting lifer. Jon competed in powerlifting for 20 years (1990–2010), lifting in the first monolift meet in history and the very first WPO meet. He’s a multi-time national and world champion, owner of the legendary North Georgia Barbell (2002–2013), and a self-described amateur historian of the sport. After 33 years on gear, a hip replacement, and decades in the APF trenches, Jon now writes about powerlifting history, injuries, PEDs, and what it really means to be “all...
info_outlineDave 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...
info_outlineDave 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...
info_outlineDave 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: ...
info_outlineDr. 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 health, helping everyday lifters and elite athletes alike build strong, resilient, pain-free bodies for life.
Get Dr. Rusin’s new book Pain-Free Performance: Move Better, Train Smarter, and Build an Unbreakable Body https://www.amazon.com/dp/162860509X
Learn more from Dr. John Rusin:
Website: https://drjohnrusin.com/
Certification: painfreetraining.com / getPPSC.com
Unbreakable Training App: becomeunbreakable.com
Instagram: @drjohnrusin
YouTube & Facebook: “Dr. John Rusin”
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 - https://www.elitefts.com/join-the-crew
Limited Edition Apparel - https://www.elitefts.com/shop/apparel/limited-edition.html
Programs & More - https://www.elitefts.com/shop/dave-tate-s-table-talk-crew.html
TYAO Application - https://www.elitefts.com/dave-tate-s-tyao-application
Best-selling elitefts Products:
Pro Resistance Training Bands: https://www.elitefts.com/shop/bands.html
Specialty Barbells: https://www.elitefts.com/shop/bars-weights/specialty-bars.html
Wraps, Straps, Sleeves: https://www.elitefts.com/shop/power-gear.html
Sponsors:
Get an extra 10% OFF at elitefts (CODE: TABLE TALK): https://www.elitefts.com/
Get 10% OFF Your Next Marek Health Labs (CODE: TABLETALK): https://marekhealth.com/tabletalk
Get a free 8-count Sample Pack of LMNT’s most popular drink mix flavors: http://www.drinklmnt.com/tabletalk
Support Massenomics! https://www.massenomics.com
Save 20% on monthly, yearly, or lifetime - MASS Research Review (CODE ELITEFTS20): https://massresearchreview.com
RP Hypertrophy App (CODE: TABLE TALK) https://rpstrength.com/pages/hypertrophy-app