Industrial Strength REPLAY: Episode #55 w/ Paul “Triple H” Levesque!
Joe DeFranco's Industrial Strength Show
Release Date: 04/17/2025
#547 Gym Lessons from High Achievers, How To Blow Up Your Biceps in ONE Set & More!
Joe DeFranco's Industrial Strength Show
For the second time in 4 weeks, Jim "Smitty" Smith joins Joe for an "off the cuff" podcast conversation! Specific topics discussed include: Behind-the-scenes insight into Phase 2 of Built Different; A nuanced approach to training variability (and programming in 4-week blocks); 3 things that the "happiest people in the world" always have; Valuable gym lessons from high achievers; How to get your weaker limb stronger in record time; Remembering Mike Mentzer; The difference between "science-based coaches" & "science-based KIDS"; How to blow up your biceps in ONE iNsAnE set...And so much more!...
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#546 How To Combine Volume & Intensity To Create The Perfect Workout
Joe DeFranco's Industrial Strength Show
Very unique show this week as Joe had to record the podcast from his truck in the parking lot of a hospital (during his dad's shoulder replacement surgery!) But, there is still a ton of value (and entertainment) packed into this episode :) Joe kicks off the show with a funny "pre-surgery George D. story" and a "MuscleUpNovember" supplement sale reminder before getting into the training talk. Specifically, this week's show is a follow-up from last week's episode on "high volume vs high intensity". Joe answers 2 follow-up questions from his audience then explains exactly how to "get the...
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#545 The Unbiased TRUTH About Training Volume...And Why I'm Pissed Off!
Joe DeFranco's Industrial Strength Show
Joe kicks off today's show by explaining why he's pissed off... He then makes up for his "negativity" by giving away a bunch of free supplements and merch! He spends the remainder of the show discussing TRAINING VOLUME... More specifically, "Why the pendulum has currently shifted back towards low volume and whether or not it's TRULY 'better' for building muscle." If you're someone who prefers the nuanced truth (over 60-second Instagram reels) you're going to love this episode! *For a full list of Show Notes + Timestamps visit . IMPORTANT LINKS
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#544 Practical Advice for Improving VO2 Max, Should You Do Cardio Before or After Weights & More!
Joe DeFranco's Industrial Strength Show
Joe kicks off this week's show with 2 very important announcements... He then answers 4 "cardio-related" questions from his audience. Specific topics include: 1) Is the "Norwegian 4x4 protocol" the best training method for someone looking to get in shape/improve their VO2 Max? 2) What is the single best form of cardio? 3) Is a 10-minute HIIT session the same (or better) than 45 minutes of LISS? 4) Should you perform your cardio before or after weight training? *For a full list of Show Notes w/ Timestamps visit . IMPORTANT LINKS
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#543 BUILT DIFFERENT: A Behind-The-Scenes Look at the Methods Behind The Madness!
Joe DeFranco's Industrial Strength Show
On this week's show Smitty and Joe D. "pull back the curtain" and give the audience a behind-the-scenes look at [what goes into] the creation of a PhD-level training program. From the unique training split, to the exercise selection, to the "secret experiment" Joe conducted on himself... You'll learn it all! If you love knowing the "Why's" behind high-level programming - you're going to love this episode! [NOTE: "Built Different" drops on the Team Forever Strong app Monday, October 20th. You can try it for FREE by clicking .] *For a full list of Show Notes + Timestamps from this...
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#542 The Best Training Split You've NEVER Tried, My Thoughts on Dr. Mike's "PhD Controversy" & More!
Joe DeFranco's Industrial Strength Show
This week Joe answers 4 listener questions. Topics include: 1) The controversy surrounding Dr. Mike Israetel's PhD dissertation 2) The most underrated training split 3) The best program for dropping body fat 4) Who is on Joe's "Mount Rushmore" for trainers/strength coaches? *For a full list of Show Notes + Timestamps visit . Important Links
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#541 When To Program Slow Eccentrics, Exercise Sequencing for Better Joint Health & More!
Joe DeFranco's Industrial Strength Show
This week Joe is solo and he's answering 4 of YOUR questions! Specific topics include: 1) Is eccentric duration important for muscle hypertrophy? (If not, is there EVER a reason to intentionally slow down the eccentric portion of the lift?) 2) What NOT to do [training-wise] if you're looking to build muscle and strength 3) Are glucose monitors beneficial for non-diabetics? Should we be concerned about "insulin spikes" when trying to drop body fat? 4) The best way to sequence exercises for joint health (on a PPL split)...And MORE! *For a full list of Show Notes + Timestamps visit ...
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#540 The Nuanced TRUTH About Bulking, Fasting, Vegetable "Defense Chemicals" & More w/ Dr. Allan Bacon
Joe DeFranco's Industrial Strength Show
This week Joe welcomes Dr. Allan Bacon to the Industrial Strength Show. Dr. Allan holds a Doctorate in Dental Surgery from the University of Maryland. He transitioned from a career as an oral surgeon to become a certified Bodybuilding, Powerlifting & Fitness coach. He's also a certified Nutritionist and has formulated professionally for industry-leading dietary supplement companies since 2009. You can find his published fitness articles in outlets such as Muscle & Fitness, Sci-Fit, the Alan Aragon Research Review, The Personal Trainer Development Center, and more. On today's show...
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#539 Principle-Based Programming & Pain-Free Gains w/ Dr. John Rusin
Joe DeFranco's Industrial Strength Show
After a 7-year hiatus, Dr. John Rusin (Founder & CEO of Pain-Free Performance Certifications & author of "Pain-Free Performance") returns to the Industrial Strength Show...and he does NOT disappoint! This episode is jam-packed with wisdom, helpful tips, and actionable advice. Highlights from Joe & John's conversation include: What has changed in John's training (since he last spoke with Joe 7+ years ago?); What does John believe the "barrier for entry" should be to become a [professional] personal trainer?; Top 3 traits of great personal trainers; Top 2 mistakes made by...
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#538 Josh Bryant On The Nuanced Aspects of Building Strength, Muscle and Speed As We Age
Joe DeFranco's Industrial Strength Show
This week Joe welcomes Josh Bryant to the Industrial Strength Show...and he does not disappoint! Josh is a world-renowned strength coach and author. A former Strongest Man in America who benched 600 pounds raw and totaled 2294 pounds. He's also coached some of the strongest people in the world including Olympia bodybuilders, pro athletes and tactical operators. In addition, Josh has authored over a dozen best-selling books and developed personal training certification courses with ISSA - all while continuing to coach and host seminars worldwide. On today's show, you'll hear Josh discuss the...
info_outlineSURPRISE, SURPRISE!! Last week Joe announced that there would NOT be a podcast this week... But, in honor of Triple H’s WWE Hall of Fame induction, Joe changed his mind and decided to REPLAY Triple H's first-ever appearance on the podcast! This episode originally aired on March 31, 2016 and it quickly became the most downloaded Industrial Strength Show of all-time…until it went missing!!! But thankfully Joe was able to track down the “missing file” and now you can enjoy this historic episode once again!
- Highlights from Joe & Triple H's conversation include:
- Triple H tells his version of the story of how he and Joe met
- The promise that Joe made to Triple H during their very first meeting
- Triple H’s “old way” of warming up vs. the “new way” and how it’s affected his training and overall health
- Why Triple H trains barefoot
- How switching from Free Squats to Box Squats has improved Triple H’s knee health & overall strength
- How/Why Triple H’s shoulders got BIGGER [and healthier] once he stopped lifting heavy weights
- Triple H tells the story of when WWE superstar Sheamus tried doing “Blackburns” with him
- The misconception that “training for function” will take away from your hypertrophy gains & aesthetics
- The reason Triple H trains at midnight
- What exercise(s) does Triple H “hate so much that he wants to Pedigree Joe D. onto a pile of broken glass"?
- Triple H explains why he feels the gym teaches you everything you need to know about life
- The #1 characteristic Triple H looks for when recruiting new NXT talent
- Who was Triple H’s favorite wrestler when he was a kid?
- Triple H reveals the best overall athletes currently on the WWE roster
- Triple H’s favorite workout music
- Who did Triple H enjoy wrestling the most during his career?
- Triple H’s all-time favorite in-ring moment
- What are Triple H’s all-time favorite wrestling matches to watch?
- Who’s the better boxer – Triple H or Stephanie McMahon?
- Triple H talks about his current [leaner] physique and his low-carb diet
- Is Triple H on a strict “Keto” diet year-round or just when he’s peaking for Wrestlemania?
- What will be Triple H’s GO-TO cheat food after his Wrestlemania match this year?