Elitefts Table Talk Podcast

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 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: @drjoh

Dave Tate and Tom Sheppard recap 2025 and discuss the seven deadly sins of training.  Table Talk Lifetime Limited Crew Membership - https://tr.ee/Tk65mP This offer will expire on Friday, Jan 9th.  Shop EWS Supplements (CODE:ELITE30) - https://eternalwarriorsupplements.com Get 10% OFF Your Next Marek Health Labs (CODE: TABLETALK): https://marekhealth.com/tabletalk Tom and Naomi's new website:  https://trainkaizen.com/    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.e

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:  Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dave.raymond_ 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

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: https://www.instagram.com/fullzottl/ Team Zottl Coaching: https://www.instagram.com/teamzottl/ (About/Team page): https://www.justbestrong.ca/team 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 Speci

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: https://atgequipment.com Instagram: https://instagram.com/kneesovertoesguy 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:  Ge

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: https://www.mountaindogdiet.com/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/cedmonds18/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@CrisEdmondsTV 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 Tr

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: www.kodiakbarbell.com  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 - 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: http

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.   LINKS Colton Razo • Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/razo_strength/ • Ohio State staff bio: https://ohiostatebuckeyes.com/sports/mens-track-field/roster/coaches/colton…   Michael Silbernagel • Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/coachsilby/ • Sanford Sports author page: https://www.sanfordsports.com/blog/authors/michael-silbernagel • University of Mary profile: https://goumary.com/sports/womens-track-and-field/roster/coaches/mi

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): https://www.completehumanperformance.com/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/alex.viada/ CHP Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/completehumanperformance/ Courses/Master Course: https://www.completehumanperformance.com/Courses Book (The Ultimate Hybrid Athlete, 2025 – Victory Belt): https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/the-ultimate-hybrid-athlete-alex-viada/1146553110 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

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 coaching and gym ownership, John worked five years in corrections, a career that shaped the discipline and resilience behind his training philosophy. He's an ISSA-certified personal trainer, Massachusetts IPA Chairman, and a sponsored athlete with F8 Customs, helping test and promote next-generation powerlifting gear. Connect with John Ruoppo Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jruoppo Gym – Evolve Fitness & Training: https://www.instagram.com/evolve_ft Ope

John Welbourn is a former 10-year NFL veteran (Philadelphia Eagles, Kansas City Chiefs, New England Patriots) turned entrepreneur, strength coach, and performance educator. After retiring from professional football, he founded Power Athlete, a global leader in athletic performance programming, education, and community building. John is also the creator of CrossFit Football, one of the earliest sport-specific training programs to bridge traditional strength training with the CrossFit methodology. As a pioneer in blending field-sport performance with strength and conditioning, John has spent decades coaching athletes of all levels—from youth sports to elite professionals—focusing on speed, power, and long-term athletic development. His work emphasizes physical preparation, mindset, nutrition, and recovery. Connect with John  Website: https://www.powerathletehq.com Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/johnwelbourn Twitter/X: https://twitter.com/JohnWelbourn YouTube (Power Athlete): https://www.youtube.com/@

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 hea

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 af

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

Eugene "Big Gene" Bazemore is a 32-year-old Army veteran-turned-super-heavyweight powerlifter who clawed his way from orphan shelters in Hampton Roads, VA to a 2,050-lb raw total and an XPC Arnold Worlds title in barely three seasons on the platform. After military service left a competitive void, Eugene discovered powerlifting through Westside vs The World, self-coached his first meet in 2022, and has been stacking 2K-plus totals—and life lessons—ever since. In this conversation with Dave, Gene breaks down the realities of untested lifting, balancing an elite training schedule with day-to-day life in Marietta, nutrition that fuels 800-lb deadlifts, and why the barbell became the lifeline that kept him out of prison. Connect with Gene: LinkInstagramhttps://www.instagram.com/not_big_gene/ Instagram Alt. IG (legacy handle)https://www.instagram.com/halfnattygene/ Instagram Facebookhttps://www.facebook.com/eugene.bazemore.9 facebook.com Meet resultshttps://openpowerlifting.org/u/eugenebazemore Open Powerl

Don is best known for training actors like Ryan Reynolds, Hugh Jackman, John Krasinski, Sebastian Stan, Blake Lively, and Emily Blunt for some of the most significant blockbuster roles of the last two decades. He opened his first gym, Drive 495, in New York City 2005. He later transitioned into building a global online fitness business, coaching tens of thousands of people worldwide through digital programs, live coaching, and speaking events. His work has been featured in Muscle & Fitness, Men’s Health, Women’s Health, People, Cosmopolitan, WebMD, and on The Today Show, Page Six TV, and E! News. He’s a two-time Muscle & Fitness cover athlete and sits on the advisory board of Men’s Health Magazine. Connect with Don Website: https://www.donsaladino.com Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/donsaladino YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@DonSaladino Podcast: Stronger with Don Saladino (available on Amazon Music, Spotify, Apple Podcasts) Newsletter: Signup at DonSaladino.com for training progra

Get your FREE Copy of Racking The Bar Here: https://mailchi.mp/elitefts/racking-the-bar-ebook.   Tom Sheppard interviews Dave Tate about his observations seen over 4 decades in the strength industry.    elitefts founder and strength legend Dave Tate is back with his third book, "Racking the Bar." In this deep-dive interview, Dave reveals the raw, unfiltered lessons from over four decades under the bar—and why the fitness industry is about to be cleansed. Dave holds nothing back, discussing why he believes AI will "eat the lunch" of lazy online coaches, the brutal accountability required to reach your potential, and why focusing on your legacy is a destructive waste of time. This isn't just about lifting weights; it's about the relentless pursuit of self-improvement, the changing perception of a lifter through the decades, and the hard-earned wisdom that can only come from becoming "the guy on the other side of the table." Become an elitefts Channel Member Get early access to Dave Tate’s Table Talk Podcast a

Dr. Todd A. McDougle, BS, DC, FICA, is a 25+ year veteran of the chiropractic world and the man behind the McDougle Chiropractic Methods (MCM)—a technique built to keep strength athletes strong, not “sprung.” From backstage at World’s Strongest Man, to consulting for UCLA Gymnastics, USC Swimming, and the LA Dodgers, Todd has spent decades treating the world’s top performers when it matters most—under the bar, mid-contest, and in crisis mode. He’s not just a doctor—he’s a backstage mechanic for the broken, the beat up, and the best of the best. As CEO of IN Chiropractic & Wellness, Inc., founder of Indiana Scoliosis Specialists, and Chairman of the ICA Council on Fitness & Sports Health Science, Dr. McDougle is building the future of chiropractic from the platform up—with LIVE-FIRE labs, mentorship, and a war on cookie-cutter care. Follow Dr. McDougle Instagram: @dr.mcdougle_strongmandoc Website: www.DrMcDougle.com Podcast appearances & teaching: inchiropractic.com   Become an elitefts C

We welcome Ben Pauli to this episode of Dave Tate’s Table Talk Podcast! As the Athletic Director of Rochester Performance Gym (RPG), co-founder of Coaching Revolution, and owner of Michigan BarBenders Barbell, Ben brings a unique blend of Conjugate methodology and data-driven auto-regulation to the strength world. A seasoned multi-ply powerlifter with best lifts of 1,107 lb squat, 810 lb bench, and 810 lb deadlift, his “strain as a skill” philosophy reflects a mindset built on grit, adaptability, and precision. From first-time lifters to UFC contenders, Ben’s ability to develop resilient, high-performing athletes has cemented his reputation as one of the most respected coaches in modern strength training. CONNECT WITH BEN - Instagram: @coach_p_strength - Coaching Revolution: coaching-revolution.com - Michigan BarBenders: michiganbarbenders.com - Rochester Performance Gym: rpg-strength.com   Become an elitefts channel member for early access to Dave Tate's Table Talk podcast and other perks. ➡️@eliteftsofficia

We welcome Thomas Lilley to this episode of Dave Tate’s Table Talk Podcast! Thomas is a 36-year-old Australian powerlifting coach, gym owner, and federation president who founded Zero Weakness, a powerhouse strength brand with 11 gyms across Australia, New Zealand, and the UK. He leads three major federations—APL, NZPU, and UKPU—with APL now Australia’s largest. Known for coaching lifters to multiple all-time world records, including the #1 total of 1200kg (wraps) and highest DOTs score ever (688.33), Thomas also holds the #1 equipped total and bench in Australia. Through ZeroW’s expansion into franchising, education, and equipment, and his work on the Peak Speak and ZeroW Podcasts, Thomas continues to shape global powerlifting culture. Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/tombro7/Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/ptcgoldcoast Zero W: https://www.zerowequipment.com/   Become an elitefts channel member for early access to Dave Tate's Table Talk podcast and other perks. ➡️@eliteftsofficial Support Dave Tate’s