Dave Tate's Table Talk

Are you sick of "fitness influencers," training fads, and crappy advice that barely applies inside the gym or on the field? Then sit down with elitefts CEO Dave Tate as he interviews the strongest & smartest minds across the strength sports community to talk real, hardcore training, business, life, and more. If you're looking for real, applicable information on all things training, join the crew.

#391 Why You Aren't Getting Stronger: The 7 Training Sins 12/31/2025

#390 Why You Should Be HAPPY When You Miss a Lift | David Raymond 12/30/2025

#389 Why I Smash My Head on the Bar (The Truth About Psych-Ups) | Justin Zottl 12/23/2025

#388 Westside Barbell vs. KneesOverToes: The Truth About Longevity | Ben Patrick 12/16/2025

#387 The Promise I Made at John Meadows' Grave | Cris Edmonds 12/09/2025

#386 Why SBD Days Are Ruining Your Joints (The Truth About Frequency) | Stuart Locke 12/02/2025

#385 Why The Best Strength Coaches Are GHOSTS | Colton Razo & Michael Silbernagel 11/25/2025

#384 How to Combine Powerlifting and Running Without Losing Gains | Alex Viada 11/18/2025

#383 A 1200lb Squatter's Guide to Handling Pain & Pressure Under the Bar | John Ruoppo 11/14/2025

#382 NFL Star Exposes The "Godfather" Culture of Early CrossFit | John Welbourn 11/11/2025

#381 WARNING: Your Phone Is Shrinking Your Brain (Neuro-Expert Explains How to Fix It) | Alex Kikel 11/07/2025

#381 WARNING: Your Phone Is Shrinking Your Brain (Neuro-Expert Explains How to Fix It) | Alex Kikel In this episode of Dave Tate’s Table Talk, we’re joined by Alex Kikel, also known as The Prep Coach—a leading figure in the world of human optimization, performance enhancement, and health restoration. With a Master’s degree in Injury Prevention and Performance Enhancement and a background in Exercise Science, Alex brings a powerful blend of academic knowledge and real-world coaching experience to the table. Alex launched The Prep Coach during his college years on bodybuilding forums and has since grown it into a respected coaching brand, working with a wide range of clients—from Olympians and professional athletes (NFL, NHL, NBA, MLB, MLS) to physique competitors, biohackers, longevity, enthusiasts, and individuals recovering from dysfunction and chronic illness. Known for his deep understanding of peptides, nootropics, biomechanics, and pharmacokinetics, Alex’s protocols are designed to enhance both physical and cognitive performance. Whether you're a high-level athlete or just looking to upgrade your healthspan, this conversation offers cutting-edge insights on what's possible through science-based training and recovery. Connect with Alex: Website: Coaching Community: 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 Barbells: Wraps, Straps, Sleeves: Sponsors: Get an extra 10% OFF at elitefts (CODE: TABLE TALK): Get 10% OFF Your Next Marek Health Labs (CODE: TABLETALK): Get a free 8-count Sample Pack of LMNT’s most popular drink mix flavors: Get 10% OFF at Granite Nutrition (CODE TABLETALK): Support Massenomics! https://www.massenomics.com/ Save 20% on monthly, yearly, or lifetime MASS Research Review (CODE ELITEFTS20): https://massresearchreview.com/ Get 10% OFF RP Hypertrophy App (CODE: TABLE TALK) /episode/index/show/eliteftstabletalk/id/38922295

#380 5 Weeks on Life Support: How I Survived Total Organ Failure | Jared Maynard 11/04/2025

#380 5 Weeks on Life Support: How I Survived Total Organ Failure | Jared Maynard Jared Maynard is a Canadian physiotherapist, strength coach, and competitive powerlifter who specializes in resilience through strength training. In January 2023, what began as a mild cold quickly escalated into Secondary Hemophagocytic Lymphohistiocytosis (HLH), a rare and deadly hyper-inflammatory disorder. Despite being strong and healthy, Jared rapidly suffered multi-organ failure, including liver and kidney failure, requiring him to be placed on life support in the ICU for five weeks. Facing fatality odds often described as worse than a coin flip, doctors prepared his family for the worst, but he made a miraculous turnaround, earning him the nickname "Miracle Man" from ICU staff. Jared's survival was critically aided by his years of consistent strength training, with doctors confirming that the 40 pounds of muscle mass he lost served as a vital nutritional reserve during his illness. His harrowing recovery required him to relearn basic functions like walking, talking, and swallowing. Just over a year after leaving the hospital, Jared made a powerful return to the powerlifting platform on May 25, 2024, achieving a lifetime personal record deadlift of 501.5 lbs and a PR DOTS score. Jared continues to compete and uses his story—which includes facing the progressive genetic eye disease, Choroideremia (CHM)—to share the transformative power of strength and inspire others to persevere. Contact Links for Jared Maynard Instagram: @jared.rebuild_stronger Website: Podcast: Rebuild Stronger Podcast Prior Instagram Handle (Now redirecting): @jared.unbreakable_strength 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 Barbells: Wraps, Straps, Sleeves: Sponsors: Get an extra 10% OFF at elitefts (CODE: TABLE TALK): Get 10% OFF Your Next Marek Health Labs (CODE: TABLETALK): Get a free 8-count Sample Pack of LMNT’s most popular drink mix flavors: Get 10% OFF at Granite Nutrition (CODE TABLETALK): Support Massenomics! https://www.massenomics.com/ Save 20% on monthly, yearly, or lifetime MASS Research Review (CODE ELITEFTS20): https://massresearchreview.com/ Get 10% OFF RP Hypertrophy App (CODE: TABLE TALK) /episode/index/show/eliteftstabletalk/id/38906455

#379 The Rise of the "Home Gym Nerd": Collecting vs. Lifting | Massenomics 10/31/2025

#379 The Rise of the "Home Gym Nerd": Collecting vs. Lifting | Massenomics We welcome Tanner Baird and Tommy DeFea from Massenomics back to episode #379 of Dave Tate's Table Talk Podcast! Massenomics is known for its lighthearted approach to the strength and fitness industry. Their motto of “Lift Hard. Live Easy.” summarizes how they like to take the lifting journey seriously but still have as much fun as possible. It was started by Tommy DeFea and Tanner Baird in Western North East South Dakota, and they have developed a diehard community of supporters and enthusiasts...online and otherwise. One of the things they are best known for is their podcast, where they chat about all things related to getting strong. It's not just about lifting weights but also about the culture and lifestyle around it. They sprinkle a lot of Midwest culture into everything they do. Tommy and Tanner have published 499 episodes of their podcast and interviewed hundreds of guests in the strength world. The Massenomics YouTube channel features a playlist of home gym tours to inspire you. They sell apparel and merchandise on their website (https://www.massenomics.com) related to the gym culture and have owned and operated a strength training gym for Ten years. Previous Episode: https://youtu.be/dv3tHC62GtE Website: Follow Massenomics: Instagram: Gym Instagram: Facebook: 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 Access: Limited Edition Apparel - Programs & More - TYAO Application - Best-selling elitefts Products: Pro Resistance Training Bands: Specialty Barbells: Wraps, Straps, Sleeves: Sponsors: Get an extra 10% OFF at elitefts (CODE: TABLE TALK): Get 10% OFF Your Next Marek Health Labs (CODE: TABLETALK): Get a free 8-count Sample Pack of LMNT’s most popular drink mix flavors: Get 10% OFF at Granite Nutrition (CODE TABLETALK): Support Massenomics! https://www.massenomics.com/ Save 20% on monthly, yearly, or lifetime MASS Research Review (CODE ELITEFTS20): https://massresearchreview.com/ Get 10% OFF RP Hypertrophy App (CODE: TABLE TALK) /episode/index/show/eliteftstabletalk/id/38812400

#378 "Powerlifting Saved Me From Cocaine Addiction & Foster Care" | Eugene Bazemore 10/28/2025

#377 Hard Work Is The Only Hack: A Celebrity Coach's Guide To Real Results | Don Saladino 10/24/2025

#376 "Racking the Bar," The Future of Coaching, and 40 Years of Strength Wisdom | Dave Tate 10/23/2025

#375 The Strongman Doc: Why Modern Chiropractic Is Failing Athletes | Dr. Todd McDougle 10/21/2025

#374 Your RPE is a LIE. Here's How to Find Your TRUE Max Effort | Ben Pauli 10/14/2025

#373 Peaking is a F*cking Waste of Time" - A World-Class Coach Explains | Thomas Lilley 10/10/2025

#372 NFL Coach: Stop Training Athletes Like Powerlifters | Cameron Josse 10/07/2025

#371 Training The Rock & Zac Efron: A Former Marine on Building Superheroes | Aaron Williamson 09/30/2025

#371 Training The Rock & Zac Efron: A Former Marine on Building Superheroes | Aaron Williamson We welcome Aaron Williamson to this episode of Dave Tate's Table Talk Podcast! Aaron Williamson is a Marine veteran, celebrity trainer, and fitness professional with 27+ years of experience. He’s trained Hollywood’s biggest names—Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson, Sylvester Stallone, Zac Efron, JK Simmons, Josh Brolin, Jamie Foxx, Emilia Clarke, and more—while also carving out roles on screen in Terminator: Genisys and American Heist. Aaron’s story is one of resilience. After serving in Iraq, he faced PTSD, job loss, and homelessness before rebuilding his life through fitness. That journey shaped his philosophy: real transformation isn’t about quick fixes—it’s about mindset, health, and longevity. Today, his programs combine military discipline, decades of training experience, and proven results at the highest level. On this episode, Aaron and Dave dive into his Marine background, rise in Hollywood, and his approach to building strength for life. THANK YOU TO OUR SPONSORS Get 10% OFF Your Next Marek Health Labs (CODE: TABLETALK): Get a free 8-count Sample Pack of LMNT’s most popular drink mix flavors with any purchase: Save Up to 20% at Sleepme (CODE: TABLE TALK): Get 10% OFF RP Hypertrophy App (CODE: TABLE TALK) : Get 10% OFF at elitefts (CODE: TABLE TALK): Get 10% OFF at Granite Nutrition (CODE TABLETALK): Support Massenomics! Use the discount code ELITEFTS20 to save 20% on your next monthly, yearly, or lifetime MASS Research Review membership plan. The discount lasts FOREVER! SUPPORT THE SHOW All profits from elitefts Limited Edition Apparel, Table Talk Coffee, and Team elitefts Workouts, Programs, and Training eBooks support Dave Tate's Table Talk Podcast. elitefts Shop: elitefts IG: elitefts Limited Edition Apparel: /episode/index/show/eliteftstabletalk/id/38240370

#370 Why a World's Strongest Man Competitor Quit to Make Movies | Josh Thigpen 09/23/2025

#370 Why a World's Strongest Man Competitor Quit to Make Movies | Josh Thigpen We 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. THANK YOU TO OUR SPONSORS Get 10% OFF Your Next Marek Health Labs (CODE: TABLETALK): Get a free 8-count Sample Pack of LMNT’s most popular drink mix flavors with any purchase: Save Up to 20% at Sleepme (CODE: TABLE TALK): Get 10% OFF RP Hypertrophy App (CODE: TABLE TALK) : Get 10% OFF at elitefts (CODE: TABLE TALK): Get 10% OFF at Granite Nutrition (CODE TABLETALK): Support Massenomics! MASS Research Review - Use the discount code ELITEFTS20 to save 20% on your next monthly, yearly, or lifetime MASS Research Review membership plan. The discount lasts FOREVER! SUPPORT THE SHOW All profits from elitefts Limited Edition Apparel, Table Talk Coffee, and Team elitefts Workouts, Programs, and Training eBooks support Dave Tate's Table Talk Podcast. elitefts Shop: elitefts IG: elitefts Limited Edition Apparel: /episode/index/show/eliteftstabletalk/id/38227060

#369 The Future of Athlete Training: Insights from a Leading Coach | Mike Niklos 09/16/2025

#369 The Future of Athlete Training: Insights from a Leading Coach | Mike Niklos We welcome Mike Niklos to this episode of Dave Tate's Table Talk Podcast! Since 2008, Mike Niklos has worked with athletes at every stage—from young athletes just beginning their journey to the highest-caliber professionals in the world. With nearly two decades of coaching experience, Mike has designed and implemented long-term athletic development programs for youth ages 8–18, as well as elite-level, high-performance training for professional, collegiate, and Olympic athletes. His resume reads like a roll call of global sports organizations. Mike has trained and developed athletes competing in the NFL, CFL, XFL, NBA, MLB, MLS, USWNT, NWSL, UEFA, BBL, and Rugby Union. His ability to adapt programming to the demands of each sport—and the specific needs of each athlete—has made him a sought-after resource in the world of strength and conditioning. Mike’s coaching philosophy blends science-based performance principles with practical, real-world experience. He understands that building a dominant athlete requires more than just raw strength; it’s about developing speed, agility, power, durability, and mental toughness over time. His long-term approach to youth training lays a foundation that not only improves performance in the short term but sustains it throughout an athlete’s career. For professionals, his programming is dialed in to optimize peak performance when it matters most—on game day. THANK YOU TO OUR SPONSORS Get 10% OFF Your Next Marek Health Labs (CODE: TABLETALK): Get a free 8-count Sample Pack of LMNT’s most popular drink mix flavors with any purchase: Save Up to 20% at Sleepme (CODE: TABLE TALK): Get 10% OFF RP Hypertrophy App (CODE: TABLE TALK) : Get 10% OFF at elitefts (CODE: TABLE TALK): Get 10% OFF at Granite Nutrition (CODE TABLETALK): Support Massenomics! Use the discount code ELITEFTS20 to save 20% on your next monthly, yearly, or lifetime MASS Research Review membership plan. The discount lasts FOREVER! SUPPORT THE SHOW All profits from elitefts Limited Edition Apparel, Table Talk Coffee, and Team elitefts Workouts, Programs, and Training eBooks support Dave Tate's Table Talk Podcast. elitefts Shop: elitefts IG: elitefts Limited Edition Apparel: /episode/index/show/eliteftstabletalk/id/38201260

#368 Westside Barbell's Missing Link: Neuromuscular Therapy | John Quint 09/09/2025

#367 The Foot Mechanic Secrets Powerlifters Don't Know | Chris Duffin 09/03/2025

#366 The Simple Secret to Unbreakable Workout Consistency | Chad Coy 08/26/2025

#365 A PHD's Secret to INFINITE Gains | Eric Helms 08/19/2025

#365 A PHD's Secret to INFINITE Gains | Eric Helms We welcome Eric Helms to this episode of Dave Tate's Table Talk Podcast! Eric Helms, PhD, CSCS, is a WNBF Pro Natural Bodybuilder and internationally respected coach, scientist, and educator in the strength and physique sport world. Since 2009, he has coached with 3D Muscle Journey, where he now serves as Chief Science Officer. His coaching résumé includes national champions and world team athletes from five countries—three of whom became IPF World Champions. Eric has coached for Team USA, New Zealand, and Canada at IPF Classic Worlds, the Commonwealth Championships, and the inaugural Sheffield meet. In academia, Eric is a Senior Research Fellow and Strength & Conditioning Lab Manager at the Sports Performance Research Institute New Zealand (SPRINZ) at Auckland University of Technology (AUT). His research focuses on evidence-based practices for bodybuilding and powerlifting, bridging the gap between science and real-world performance. Eric is also a prolific communicator of science. He co-hosts the popular Iron Culture Podcast, co-authors The MASS Research Review with Greg Nuckols and Eric Trexler, and has written foundational books on bodybuilding and powerlifting programming and nutrition. Eric's IG: THANK YOU TO OUR SPONSORS Get 10% OFF Your Next Marek Health Labs (CODE: TABLETALK): Get a free 8-count Sample Pack of LMNT’s most popular drink mix flavors with any purchase: Save Up to 20% at Sleepme (CODE: TABLE TALK): Get 10% OFF RP Hypertrophy App (CODE: TABLE TALK) : Get 10% OFF at elitefts (CODE: TABLE TALK): Get 10% OFF at Granite Nutrition (CODE TABLETALK): Save $250 at the Business of Strength Retreat 2025 (CODE: Elite250): Support Massenomics! SUPPORT THE SHOW All profits from elitefts Limited Edition Apparel, Table Talk Coffee, and Team elitefts Workouts, Programs, and Training eBooks support Dave Tate's Table Talk Podcast. elitefts Shop: elitefts IG: elitefts Limited Edition Apparel: /episode/index/show/eliteftstabletalk/id/37815950

#364 "I Don't Lift Heavy": The Training Philosophy of a 2300lb Total | Craig Foster 08/12/2025

#363 Anything Can Be Taken to the Extreme | Pete Rubish 08/08/2025

#362 85% OF GYMS FAIL. HERE'S WHY. | Joe Riggio & Dan Goodman 08/05/2025

#362 85% OF GYMS FAIL. HERE'S WHY. | Joe Riggio & Dan Goodman Get 10% OFF at elitefts (CODE: TABLE TALK): Shop Bands: Welcome Dan Goodman and Joe Riggio to the 362nd episode of Dave Tate's Table Talk podcast. Dan Goodman and Joe Riggio are standout figures in the fitness industry, each bringing unique strengths to their partnership at Varsity House, a prominent gym brand they've developed together. Dan began his career at the front desk of Parisi Speed School at 16 and quickly ascended the ranks, eventually partnering with Joe in 2009 to establish Varsity House. Known for his strategic vision in business development and financial management, Dan has become a trusted advisor to gym owners globally through their consulting venture, The Business of Strength. Joe Riggio started Varsity House in 2006 from an unused loading dock, driven by a lifelong passion for fitness that began when he was twelve. With a master’s degree in Biology and nearly two decades as an Adjunct Anatomy & Physiology Professor at Montclair State University, Joe's scientific approach has not only propelled Varsity House to a 20,000 sq/ft facility but also helped numerous athletes and local adults enhance their fitness. As a dedicated family man and avid outdoorsman residing in River Vale, New Jersey, Joe is passionate about expanding their brand and assisting other gym owners in achieving business success through innovative training and business strategies. Together, Dan and Joe are steering Varsity House towards a future of expansion, aiming to open ten new semi-private training facilities in the next five years. Varsity House Gym IG: Save $250 at the Business of Strength Retreat 2025 (CODE: Elite250): THANK YOU TO OUR SPONSORS Get 10% OFF Your Next Marek Health Labs (CODE: TABLETALK): Get a free 8-count Sample Pack of LMNT’s most popular drink mix flavors with any purchase: Save Up to 20% at Sleepme (CODE: TABLE TALK): Get 10% OFF RP Hypertrophy App (CODE: TABLE TALK) : Get 10% OFF at elitefts (CODE: TABLE TALK): Get 10% OFF at Granite Nutrition (CODE TABLETALK): Save $250 at the Business of Strength Retreat 2025 (CODE: Elite250): Support Massenomics! SUPPORT THE SHOW All profits from elitefts Limited Edition Apparel, Table Talk Coffee, and Team elitefts Workouts, Programs, and Training eBooks support Dave Tate's Table Talk Podcast. elitefts Shop: elitefts IG: elitefts Limited Edition Apparel: /episode/index/show/eliteftstabletalk/id/37666870

Dave Tate's Table Talk

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