#103 - RESEARCH FOR MEATHEADS
Weights and Plates Podcast
In this solo episode, coach Robert Santana takes a hard look at exercise science research—what it really tells us, and where it falls short. He dives into the history of lifting, the rise of “evidence-based” fitness, and why so many studies don’t translate to real-world results. From sample size problems and lifestyle confounders to the obsession with volume over load, Robert explains why lifters can’t blindly follow the latest paper or guru. Instead, he breaks down the principles that actually build muscle and strength: progressive overload, smart programming, and the smell test of...
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#102 - THE REAL REASON YOU’RE NOT STRONGER
Weights and Plates Podcast
Consistency, recovery, and lifestyle — that’s what really makes or breaks your strength gains. In this episode, Robert Santana breaks down why most lifters stall out after the “newbie gains” phase, the truth about diminishing returns, and the five rules every lifter needs to keep progressing. From balancing training with work, kids, and travel, to why sleep, food, and environment matter more than complicated programming, Robert shares hard-hitting lessons learned from decades of coaching. If you’ve ever asked yourself, “Why am I not making progress?” — this episode is your...
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#101 - LIFTING FAQ: COMMON F*CK UPS & HOW TO FIX THEM
Weights and Plates Podcast
In this episode of the Weights & Plates Podcast, Robert Santana takes a Q&A-style approach to tackle some of the most common training and nutrition challenges. He explains why hydration is more than just drinking water, breaking down the role of electrolytes, sugar, and sodium in performance—especially in extreme heat or for early morning lifters. Robert also covers why training fasted can hurt your lifts, how to fuel properly before a workout, and why post-meal blood sugar spikes are normal for healthy people despite what continuous glucose monitors might suggest. He also dives into...
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#100 - The Truth About Starting in the Fitness Industry
Weights and Plates Podcast
Welcome to the Weights & Plates Podcast, hosted by strength coach and nutrition expert Robert Santana. In this kickoff episode, Robert is joined by Jay Ware, a long-time friend and fellow coach who might just be sticking around as the podcast’s new co-host. 🎙️ In this episode, Robert and Jay dive into: • How they met through strength coaching and coaching internships • Jay’s background growing up in a small town and his journey into fitness • The evolution of strength training and why coaching goes beyond just sets and reps • Real talk about the fitness industry –...
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#99 – YOU'VE BEEN LIED TO ABOUT WOMEN AND YOUR ABS
Weights and Plates Podcast
In this episode, Michael Sartain — former Air Force captain, social dynamics expert, and founder of Men of Action — breaks down the science of attraction, how fitness fuels confidence, and why most men are failing in today’s dating market. We dive into why being the “nice guy” doesn’t work, how evolutionary psychology explains what women are actually attracted to, and the role of social proof in modern dating. Michael explains how building muscle and boosting testosterone are foundational to male confidence and success — but that’s only part of the equation. He also unpacks the...
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#98 - The Shocking Truth About Gaining Muscle (No One Tells You This)
Weights and Plates Podcast
In this episode of the Weights & Plates Podcast, Robert Santana is joined by strength coach Gretchen Geist to break down the biggest misconceptions in the gym. They dive into why most people confuse exercise with actual training, the problem with group classes and light weights, and how real strength training impacts bone density, muscle growth, and long-term health. They also discuss why genetics matter more than people want to admit, what most personal trainers get completely wrong, and why compound barbell lifts should be a non-negotiable for anyone serious about improving their body...
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#97 - Barbells Work. Your Instagram Workout Doesn’t
Weights and Plates Podcast
In this episode of the Weights and Plates Podcast, Robert Santana gets real about what lifting weights actually does for your body—and what it doesn’t. He breaks down the difference between training for strength and chasing aesthetics, why most people misunderstand barbell training, and how steroids and genetics skew expectations. Whether you’re a beginner confused by conflicting advice or a coach trying to get clients under the bar, this episode is a deep, no-BS look at what matters, what doesn’t, and how to train for the long haul. Follow Weights & Plates YouTube: ...
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#96 - The Secret To Looking Like You Lift
Weights and Plates Podcast
Starting Strength Coach Robert Santana talks about how everyone looks different when they train, why that is, why squatting, deadlifting, bench press will help you gain long-term strength, and how to evaluate coaches and trainers. https://weightsandplates.com/online-coaching/ Follow Weights & Plates YouTube: Instagram: @the_robert_santana Rumble: Web: https://weightsandplates.com
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#95 - Getting Stronger Makes Everything Better
Weights and Plates Podcast
Starting Strength Coach Robert Santana talks about how getting stronger helps you achieve every fitness goal, bodybuilding vs powerlifting vs starting strength, novices, and more. Follow Weights & Plates YouTube: Instagram: @the_robert_santana Rumble: https://rumble.com/user/weightsandplates Web:
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#94 - How To ACTUALLY Build Muscle | Hari Fafutis, SSC
Weights and Plates Podcast
Hari Fafutis, SSC joins the show to talk about doing the Starting Strength Linear Progression, gaining weight, building big arms, and more. Follow Weights & Plates YouTube: Instagram: @the_robert_santana Rumble: https://rumble.com/user/weightsandplates Web: Hari's Instagram: @harifafutis
info_outlineCoach and RDN Juliette Gonzalez joins Robert Santana to discuss her fitness journey from Globo Gyms to Starting Strength, becoming a dietician, working as a coach, beauty standards, and more.
https://weightsandplates.com/online-coaching/
Follow Weights & Plates YouTube: https://youtube.com/@weights_and_plates?si=ebAS8sRtzsPmFQf-
Instagram: @the_robert_santana
Rumble: https://rumble.com/user/weightsandplates Web: https://weightsandplates.com