Elitefts Table Talk Podcast

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

In 2020, Cameron transitioned into the collegiate ranks, serving as Associate Director of Football Performance at the University of North Carolina at Charlotte before moving to Indiana University as an Athletic Performance Coach for football, where he remained through 2023. From there, he joined Auburn University as an Assistant Strength & Conditioning Coach, working with one of the most competitive programs in the SEC. Today, Cameron continues that trajectory at the highest level of the game as an Assistant Strength & Conditioning Coach for the Detroit Lions. A former defensive back at the University of Rhode Island, Cameron holds a bachelor’s degree in kinesiology, a master’s in exercise science from William Paterson University, and is currently a PhD candidate at Jean Monnet University in Saint-Etienne, France. His academic pursuits, paired with years of practical experience, shape a coaching philosophy that balances evidence-based performance science with the demands of real-world competition. C

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 (

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

Get 10% OFF at elitefts (CODE: TABLE TALK): https://www.elitefts.com/  Shop Bands: https://www.elitefts.com/shop/bands.html   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

Get 10% OFF at elitefts (CODE: TABLE TALK): https://www.elitefts.com/  Shop Bands: https://www.elitefts.com/shop/bands.html We welcome John Quint to this episode of Dave Tate's Table Talk Podcast! John Quint holds a Bachelors of Health and Promotion Fitness with a minor in Coaching from Otterbein University. He graduated from the American Institution of Alternative Medicine in Neuromuscular Therapy. He is a Functional Range Systems Instructor and travels throughout the world teaching and lecturing. In addition to maintaining a private practice located in Columbus, Ohio, he co-owns/maintains a virtual internal strength training platform: Gain Acces, and activity programs the training process of physical capacity for skill acquisition for multiple professional and amateur athletes. He also has an extensive competitive career in bodybuilding and has worked for and trained at The Westside Barbell Club since 2011.  www.johnquintnmt.com [schedule here] www.gainacces.com www.linemanspecialstrength.com Absolute:

Get 10% OFF at elitefts (CODE: TABLE TALK): https://www.elitefts.com/  Shop Bands: https://www.elitefts.com/shop/bands.html   Chris Duffin is a world-class strength athlete, inventor, and entrepreneur known for pushing life to the extremes—performance, competence, and achievement. He is the founder of Kabuki Strength and advisor to companies like Bearfoot Shoes and LiftLab, blending engineering, biomechanics, and human performance into transformative products and education.   A record-holding powerlifter, Chris is the only person to squat and deadlift 1000+ lbs for reps and holds the Guinness World Record for the heaviest sumo deadlift. His innovations impact professional sports teams, military branches, and thousands of athletes worldwide.   Raised in extreme adversity, Chris overcame homelessness and a chaotic childhood to become a top student, engineer, and entrepreneur. He is also a sought-after keynote speaker, author, and thought leader in personal development. Father of three and husband to a Canadian

Get 10% OFF at elitefts (CODE: TABLE TALK): https://www.elitefts.com/  Shop Bands: https://www.elitefts.com/shop/bands.html   We welcome Chad Coy to this episode of Dave Tate's Table Talk Podcast!   Chad Coy is a veteran of the iron game and a true powerhouse in the world of strength sports. A 1991 graduate of Purdue University, Chad has spent decades building a legacy in strongman, coaching, and athletic development. His resume includes being the U.S. alternate for the World’s Strongest Man in 2001 and dominating the Masters divisions with multiple titles: 3x America’s Strongest Man (Masters, 2013, 2014, 2017), 2x runner-up at Masters World’s Strongest Man (2012, 2013), Masters 50+ America’s Strongest Man (2021), and a top-6 finish at the 2022 Masters 50+ World’s Strongest Man.   Beyond the platform, Chad has become a respected authority in athlete development. As a Master Coach and the Director of Business Development for the PARISI Speed School, he helps mold the next generation of elite athletes through s

Get 10% OFF at elitefts (CODE: TABLE TALK): https://www.elitefts.com/  Shop Bands: https://www.elitefts.com/shop/bands.html   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, br

Get 10% OFF at elitefts (CODE: TABLE TALK): https://www.elitefts.com/  Shop Bands: https://www.elitefts.com/shop/bands.html   We welcome Craig Foster to this episode of Dave Tate's Table Talk Podcast! Craig Foster is one of the most accomplished raw powerlifters in the world today. At just 36 years old, Craig has achieved a massive 2298-pound raw total, placing him among the elite ranks of the sport. With a current position as 4th all-time in the raw squat category, his strength and consistency are undeniable.   Craig has squatted over 1000 pounds 13 consecutive times, with 10 of those being in competition—a testament to both his durability and mental fortitude on the platform. His best squat in wraps is a staggering 1025 pounds, while his raw with sleeves performances have earned him a spot as 29th all-time globally.   Craig’s upper body lifts are equally elite: a 606-pound bench press in competition and a 694-pound deadlift round out his extraordinary total.    Craig's IG: https://www.instagram.com/craig_pa

Get 10% OFF at elitefts (CODE: TABLE TALK): https://www.elitefts.com/  Shop Bands: https://www.elitefts.com/shop/bands.html   Pete Rubish takes a seat in this 363rd podcast episode of Dave Tate's Table Talk. Welcome back, Pete!   Pete is a competitive 242-pound powerlifter with best lifts of 772 pounds on squat, 485 pounds on bench, and 920 pounds on deadlift. For the last ten years, he has been coaching and training lifters. His passion is helping others get stronger and realize just how much more capable they can be as they pursue their true potential – and their next PR. After being off PEDs for four years, Pete has found other competitive passions, such as running. He recently ran 66 miles in the Bighorn 100 and ran a half marathon in 1 hour and 38 minutes. Pete and his wife own Koa Strength and Fitness in Oak Ridge, Tennessee.   Koa Strength and Fitness: https://koastrengthandfitness.com/ Pete's IG: https://www.instagram.com/pete.rubish/?hl=en   THANK YOU TO OUR SPONSORS  Get 10% OFF Your Next Marek Hea

Get 10% OFF at elitefts (CODE: TABLE TALK): https://www.elitefts.com/  Shop Bands: https://www.elitefts.com/shop/bands.html   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 Profess

Get 10% OFF at elitefts (CODE: TABLE TALK): https://www.elitefts.com/  Shop Bands: https://www.elitefts.com/shop/bands.html   We welcome Kyle Sheridan to this episode of Dave Tate's Table Talk Podcast!   Born and raised in Webster, NY, Kyle Sheridan has built a name for himself in the strength world through pure grit and community building. He’s the co-owner of Legends 24/7 Gym in Webster and runs his own coaching business, The Crew (formerly Sheridan Strength Crew), helping lifters push their limits together.   A former sprinter and track captain at Webster Thomas High School, Kyle’s love for lifting began after high school when he traded the stage as a guitarist in his rock band Falling Forward for the platform. Starting with natural bodybuilding, he quickly shifted to powerlifting in 2013, where he connected with icons like Rheta West, Bob Merkh, Paul O’Neid, and the late Paul Childress. With their guidance, he smashed his goals—deadlifting 800 and totaling 2,000 pounds at 242 in wraps by 2017.   In 2023,

PLOT TWIST: Special Guest Dave Tate features a mix of humor, philosophy, and deep discussion about powerlifting, with a central theme around the concept of intent—the idea that success in lifting comes not just from effort and discipline but from being mentally present and purposeful in execution. Dave emphasizes that most lifters lack true intent, even if they have all other elements like consistency and motivation. The conversation also explores topics like wrestling, training philosophies, ridiculous fitness advice, and hypothetical scenarios, often laced with humor and storytelling. Ultimately, Dave concludes that what separates great athletes is not just genetics or work ethic, but their mindset—specifically, their ability to embrace adversity and stay indifferent to distractions.    

Get 10% OFF at elitefts (CODE: TABLE TALK): https://www.elitefts.com/  Shop Bands: https://www.elitefts.com/shop/bands.html   We welcome Luka Hocevar to this episode of Dave Tate's Table Talk Podcast!   Born and raised in Ljubljana, Slovenia, Luka Hocevar credits basketball, fitness, and great coaches for steering him away from crime and onto a path that took him to the elite European Leagues and the NBA Summer Pro League. After hanging up his professional basketball jersey, Luka dedicated himself to transforming lives just like his coaches did for him.   With over 19 years of coaching experience, Luka has become a powerhouse in the world of physical and mental performance and body transformation. He’s the founder and co-owner of Vigor Ground Gym in Ljubljana and the owner of Vigor Ground Fitness and Performance in Seattle—two facilities known as premier coaching destinations in Slovenia and the U.S. Combined, they’ve helped transform the lives of over 12,000 clients since 2006.   Luka has personally coached

Get 10% OFF at elitefts (CODE: TABLE TALK): https://www.elitefts.com/  Shop Bands: https://www.elitefts.com/shop/bands.html   We welcome Brian Kichton to this episode of Dave Tate's Table Talk Podcast!   After spending most of his life under the bar, Brian Kichton dove headfirst into strongman in mid-2021—and hasn’t looked back since. With a rapid ascent through the ranks, Brian captured the 2023 Strongman Corp Amateur Nationals title, securing his coveted pro card and making his mark as a serious contender in the sport. After a strong showing at the Amateur Arnold, he’s turned his focus to competing as a pro on the global stage through the Strongman Champions League, where he’s pushing his limits against some of the world’s best.   When he’s not pressing logs or deadlifting cars, Brian balances the iron game with a career in finance—proving you can wear a suit by day and lift atlas stones by night. He recently relocated to Atlanta with his wife and two loyal pitbulls, embracing the grind of pro strongman whi

Get 10% OFF at elitefts (CODE: TABLE TALK): https://www.elitefts.com/  Shop Bands: https://www.elitefts.com/shop/bands.html   We welcome Shaun Kopplin to this episode of Dave Tate's Table Talk Podcast!   From the streets to the squat rack, Shaun Kopplin has transformed his life story into a mission of building better humans through strength. As the owner and operator of Mamba Furnishings, Cream City Clothing, and Wolfpack Barbell Club, Shaun wears many hats—entrepreneur, coach, community builder, and living proof that powerlifting can change lives.   A reformed criminal and recovered addict, Shaun knows firsthand what it means to hit rock bottom and crawl back up, barbell in hand. Through Wolfpack Barbell Club, he’s created a safe haven for lifters to push past their limits, find discipline, and surround themselves with a pack that won’t let them fail.   Outside the gym, Shaun channels the same relentless drive into Mamba Furnishings and Cream City Clothing, brands that represent hard work, hustle, and a comm

Get 10% OFF at elitefts (CODE: TABLE TALK): https://www.elitefts.com/  Shop Bands: https://www.elitefts.com/shop/bands.html   We welcome Chris Vachio to this episode of Dave Tate's Table Talk Podcast!   Chris Vachio has been training with purpose for over 40 years. A true veteran of the iron game, Chris started lifting in the early ‘80s and hasn’t let up since. He first made his mark in the 1990s, dabbling in both bodybuilding and powerlifting, but it was Strongman that ultimately became his long-term passion.   For the past 16 years, Chris has dedicated himself to competing in and promoting Strongman events across the country. As a competitor, he’s known for his grit, consistency, and old-school training mindset. As a promoter, Chris has earned widespread respect for running top-tier contests that are both lifter-focused and well-organized—helping grow the sport from the grassroots level up.   Check out his Adaptive Strongman competition this October: America’s Strongest Athlete with Disabilities 2025 https

Get 10% OFF at elitefts (CODE: TABLE TALK): https://www.elitefts.com/  Shop Bands: https://www.elitefts.com/shop/bands.html   We welcome Matt Wiedemer to this episode of Dave Tate's Table Talk Podcast!   Matt Wiedemer brings a powerhouse resume to the table, blending elite-level coaching, entrepreneurship, and lifting experience. With over two decades in the strength and conditioning game, Matt is best known as the co-owner of Beat Fitness—a facility he's owned and operated for 20 years. His gym became a training ground for champions, including UFC legends Jon Jones and Henry Cejudo, along with numerous other professional fighters.   Matt's career began under the mentorship of one of the greats, Buddy Morris, working alongside him at both the University of Pittsburgh and with the Cleveland Browns. This foundation laid the groundwork for Matt’s philosophy of high-performance training that bridges athleticism with real-world application.   In addition to his coaching pedigree, Matt is a decorated powerlifter, h