Lift Free And Diet Hard with Andrew Coates

Episoder

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  #497 Dr. Darren Candow - Creatine and Your Brain, Performance, Bone Health, and Sleep 20.08.2026 51min

  Dr. Darren Candow is one of the world’s leading researchers and authorities on creatine and joins me to separate what we know from what is still hype.Darren joins me to discuss:• How to sift through the evidence and hype surrounding creatine• What the research actually says about creatine and brain health• Whether creatine may have a role in concussion and head-trauma research• The current evidence around creatine and mental health• Whether creatine can help mitigate some effects of sleep deprivation• Creatine and bone health• How much creatine actually contributes to muscle growth and performance• Why strength and muscle matter for long-term independence• How creatine may influence training quality• Creatine timing and whether the anabolic window matters• Loading protocols and daily dosing• Whether creatine may have a role during injury rehabilitation• How to interpret frightening headlines about creatine and cancer• Whether creatine has any meaningful role in cancer research• Creatine safety data, including concerns about kidney health• Why elevated creatinine does not automatically mean kidney damage• Whether caffeine interferes with creatine• The best type of creatine to take• Why some specialty creatine products may simply cost more without providing additional benefit• Popular creatine myths• Microdosing and other exciting areas for future research• And much moreFollow Darren on Instagram:@dr.darrencandowCHAPTERS00:45 Creatine Basics and Muscle Saturation04:23 Creatine and Brain Health: Hype vs. Evidence08:51 Creatine and Sleep Deprivation13:10 Concussions and Head Trauma17:51 Creatine and Mental Health19:47 Safety, Kidney Health, and Creatinine24:37 Homocysteine, Cancer, and Other Myths28:37 How Much Muscle Does Creatine Actually Build?29:27 Strength, Muscle, and Long-Term Independence30:17 Bone and Brain Health31:32 Creatine and Training Quality34:19 The Best Forms of Creatine37:32 Timing and the Anabolic Window39:52 Cost, Marketing, and the “Pink Tax”42:55 The Creatine and Caffeine Myth45:46 Loading Protocols and Injury Rehabilitation48:22 Future Research and Microdosing50:45 Cooking With Creatine and Final ThoughtsSUPPORT THE SHOWIf this episode helped you better understand what creatine can—and cannot—do:• Subscribe and check out more episodes• Share the episode on social media and tag @andrewcoatesfitness• Send it to someone who still thinks creatine is only for bodybuildersFOLLOW ANDREW COATESInstagram: @andrewcoatesfitnesshttps://www.andrewcoatesfitness.comPARTNERS AND RESOURCESRP STRENGTH APPUse code COATESRP:https://www.rpstrength.com/coatesJUST BITE ME MEALSUse code ANDREWCOATESFITNESS for 10% off:https://justbitememeals.comMACROSFIRST — FREE PREMIUM TRIAL• Download MacrosFirst• Begin setting up your account• When asked, “How did you hear about us?” enter: ANDREWKNKG BAGS — 15% OFFhttps://www.knkg.com/Andrew59676VERSA GRIPPShttps://www.versagripps.com/andrewcoatesTRAINHEROIC — FREE 90-DAY TRIAL• Visit: https://www.trainheroic.com/liftfree• Reply to the email you receive or email trials@trainheroic.com• Let them know Andrew sent youL1 BIOMECHANICS AND ASSESSMENT COURSEUse code COATES:https://pro.activelifeprofessional.com/assessmentworkshopevents
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  #496 Dr. Tony Boutagy - Do Men and Women Need to Train Differently to Build Muscle? 18.08.2026 51min

  Dr. Tony Boutagy holds a PhD in Exercise and Sports Science and returns to dive into the research on sex differences, muscle growth, aging, cardio, recovery, grip strength, and several persistent myths in the fitness industry.Tony joins me to discuss:• Whether men and women need meaningfully different training programs to build muscle• Relative versus absolute differences in muscle-building potential• Whether sex-based differences matter more than individual differences between people• Why training goals should drive programming more than gender• How personal preference affects exercise selection, adherence, and results• Bone-health considerations for women• Why more credentialed professionals are appearing on large podcasts and making unsupported or misleading claims about women’s training• Whether grifting PhDs and doctors are actually outliers• Why misinformation can be financially and socially rewarded online• Whether evidence-based professionals are becoming more willing to publicly challenge bad information• The role of scientific consensus versus individual expert opinion• Whether cardio can support muscle growth• How concurrent training should be considered when hypertrophy is the goal• Whether recovery from resistance training meaningfully slows as we age• The relationship between grip strength and longevity• Why grip strength may function as a broader marker of health rather than a magical intervention itself• What people actually mean when they talk about “stabilizer muscles”• Why the stabilizer-muscle discussion needs more nuance• And much moreFollow Tony on Instagram:@tonyboutagyCHAPTERS04:12 Hormones and Muscle Growth09:27 Program for Goals, Not Gender13:20 Bone Health for Women14:57 Why Misinformation Gets Rewarded24:43 PhDs, Social Media, and Scientific Consensus29:38 Cardio and Hypertrophy35:14 Recovery and Aging40:18 Grip Strength and Longevity44:22 Stabilizer Muscles Explained50:10 Final Thoughts and ResourcesSUPPORT THE SHOWIf this episode helped you better understand sex differences, muscle growth, aging, or fitness misinformation:• Subscribe and check out more episodes• Share the episode on social media and tag @andrewcoatesfitness• Send it to someone who has been told women need an entirely different approach to building muscleFOLLOW ANDREW COATESInstagram: @andrewcoatesfitnesshttps://www.andrewcoatesfitness.comPARTNERS AND RESOURCESRP STRENGTH APPUse code COATESRP:https://www.rpstrength.com/coatesJUST BITE ME MEALSUse code ANDREWCOATESFITNESS for 10% off:https://justbitememeals.comMACROSFIRST — FREE PREMIUM TRIAL• Download MacrosFirst• Begin setting up your account• When asked, “How did you hear about us?” enter: ANDREWKNKG BAGS — 15% OFFhttps://www.knkg.com/Andrew59676VERSA GRIPPShttps://www.versagripps.com/andrewcoatesTRAINHEROIC — FREE 90-DAY TRIAL• Visit: https://www.trainheroic.com/liftfree• Reply to the email you receive or email trials@trainheroic.com• Let them know Andrew sent youL1 BIOMECHANICS AND ASSESSMENT COURSEUse code COATES:https://pro.activelifeprofessional.com/assessmentworkshopevents
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  #495 Ben Yanes - Why Your Assessment Might Be a Waste of Time 13.08.2026 55min

  Ben Yanes makes his long-overdue first appearance on the podcast and brings his trademark nuance to assessment, biomechanics, exercise selection, injury narratives, science-based fitness, and what good coaching actually looks like in the real world.Ben joins me to discuss:• Why “a vast majority of the assessments you’re doing are a total waste of everyone’s time”• Why skilled coaches are continuously assessing clients during actual training• How training itself can function as an assessment• The relationship between science-based and anti-science fitness communities• Why the two tribes often rely on each other to create content• What actually qualifies someone as “science based” or “anti-science based”• Why nuance rarely performs as well as certainty on social media• The different camps that emerge around fitness information online• How people can rewrite the story they tell themselves about lifting• Common “bro biomechanics” misconceptions• What Ben means when he says, “Exercises don’t have a purpose, only people have a purpose”• Why exercise selection needs to begin with the goal of the individual• Why muscles respond to tension rather than knowing the name of an exercise• How biomechanics, physics, and subjective experience can coexist• The panic that sometimes develops around exercises like preacher curls• Why blaming an exercise for an injury can create misleading narratives• What Ben means by asking how “f#@kupable” an exercise is• Why load management and respect for an exercise matter• Why anterior pelvic tilt is not automatically something that needs to be fixed• The problems with quick-fix diagnoses and corrective-exercise identities• How diagnostic labels can influence someone’s perception of their own body• Why good coaches need to become comfortable operating in uncertainty• And much moreFollow Ben on Instagram:@ben_yanesCHAPTERS01:32 The Evolution of Fitness Social Media02:18 Why Most Assessments Are Overrated05:21 Training Is an Assessment07:56 Science-Based Versus Anti-Science Fitness16:07 Why Nuance Loses to Hot Takes20:01 The Three Fitness Camps25:21 Stereotypes and Exercise Selection27:20 Rewriting Your Lifting Story29:42 Bro-Biomechanics Myths30:20 Exercises Don’t Have Goals—People Do33:34 Muscles Respond to Tension34:47 Where Physics Meets Feel37:47 The Preacher Curl Panic38:18 The Trap of Blaming Exercises41:25 Load Management and Respecting the Exercise44:39 The Anterior Pelvic Tilt Myth47:38 Quick Fixes and Coaching Identity50:31 Diagnosis and the Stories We Tell Ourselves52:38 Coaching Through Uncertainty54:59 Final Thoughts and Where to Find BenSUPPORT THE SHOWIf this episode helped you think differently about assessments, biomechanics, exercise selection, or coaching:• Subscribe and check out more episodes• Share the episode on social media and tag @andrewcoatesfitness• Send it to a coach who still believes every client needs to pass a long checklist before they can trainFOLLOW ANDREW COATESInstagram: @andrewcoatesfitnesshttps://www.andrewcoatesfitness.comPARTNERS AND RESOURCESRP STRENGTH APPUse code COATESRP:https://www.rpstrength.com/coatesJUST BITE ME MEALSUse code ANDREWCOATESFITNESS for 10% off:https://justbitememeals.comMACROSFIRST — FREE PREMIUM TRIAL• Download MacrosFirst• Begin setting up your account• When asked, “How did you hear about us?” enter: ANDREWKNKG BAGS — 15% OFFhttps://www.knkg.com/Andrew59676VERSA GRIPPShttps://www.versagripps.com/andrewcoatesTRAINHEROIC — FREE 90-DAY TRIAL• Visit: https://www.trainheroic.com/liftfree• Reply to the email you receive or email trials@trainheroic.com• Let them know Andrew sent youL1 BIOMECHANICS AND ASSESSMENT COURSEUse code COATES:https://pro.activelifeprofessional.com/assessmentworkshopevents
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  #494 Max Aita - The Best Principles From the Bulgarian, Russian, and American Strength Systems 11.08.2026 54min

  Max Aita is an elite strength coach and accomplished competitor who joins me to share lessons from decades of training, coaching, and studying some of the most influential strength systems in history.Max joins me to discuss:• The history of the Bulgarian, Russian, and American strength-training systems• How the three systems differ in philosophy and application• The foundational coaches and figures behind each system• Bulgarian training and the pursuit of extreme specificity• Soviet and Russian approaches to variation, volume, and long-term development• The evolution of American strength training• How culture and athlete-selection systems influenced what appeared to work• Why talent funnels matter when evaluating successful training systems• How steroids and other performance-enhancing drugs complicated our understanding of older training methods• The best principles Max takes from each strength system• How he blends those principles into his own coaching• What everyday lifters and non-strength athletes can actually learn from elite systems• Balancing specificity with exercise variation• How to add variety without creating random, chaotic programming• Periodization and autoregulation• Identifying whether strength or technique is the limiting factor• Why great coaching depends heavily on communication• How Max’s coaching philosophy has evolved with experience• The difference between coaching fame and coaching skill• How bad science, viral content, and dishonest influencers distort training information online• AI-generated content, dopamine traps, supplements, peptides, and the modern fitness landscape• And much moreFollow Max on Instagram:@max_aitaCHAPTERS00:57 Stories From the Juggernaut Era02:38 The Three Major Strength Systems04:01 Soviet, Bulgarian, and American Training07:23 Culture and the Talent Funnel10:30 China and Athlete Selection16:15 Key Coaches and the Conjugate System19:04 Influencers of the Early Internet Era22:58 Coaching Fame Versus Coaching Skill25:44 An Example of Viral Fitness Fraud27:08 Building an Influencer Career on Lies27:52 Supplements and Peptides Everywhere29:47 AI Creators and Dopamine Traps31:47 Why Bad Science Goes Viral34:08 Bulgarian Versus Soviet Training36:49 Sustainable Programming Principles39:03 Exercise Variety Without Chaos43:36 Coaching Is Communication45:20 Periodization and Autoregulation49:46 Strength Versus Technique Bottlenecks53:39 Final Thoughts and ResourcesSUPPORT THE SHOWIf this episode helped you better understand strength programming, periodization, or how elite training systems actually work:• Subscribe and check out more episodes• Share the episode on social media and tag @andrewcoatesfitness• Send it to a lifter or coach who loves debating the “best” way to get strongFOLLOW ANDREW COATESInstagram: @andrewcoatesfitnesshttps://www.andrewcoatesfitness.comPARTNERS AND RESOURCESRP STRENGTH APPUse code COATESRP:https://www.rpstrength.com/coatesJUST BITE ME MEALSUse code ANDREWCOATESFITNESS for 10% off:https://justbitememeals.comMACROSFIRST — FREE PREMIUM TRIAL• Download MacrosFirst• Begin setting up your account• When asked, “How did you hear about us?” enter: ANDREWKNKG BAGS — 15% OFFhttps://www.knkg.com/Andrew59676VERSA GRIPPShttps://www.versagripps.com/andrewcoatesTRAINHEROIC — FREE 90-DAY TRIAL• Visit: https://www.trainheroic.com/liftfree• Reply to the email you receive or email trials@trainheroic.com• Let them know Andrew sent youL1 BIOMECHANICS AND ASSESSMENT COURSEUse code COATES:https://pro.activelifeprofessional.com/assessmentworkshopevents
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  #493 Christian Thibaudeau - Training With Isometrics, Eccentrics, Complexes, and Cluster Sets 06.08.2026 1t 21min

  Strength and conditioning legend Christian Thibaudeau returns to share advanced training strategies for building muscle, improving performance, and programming with greater intent.Christian joins me to discuss:• Whether he feels pressure to remain visible and relevant on social media after a legendary coaching career• How experimenting with long-duration isometrics changed his training• What isometric training is and why it can be useful• The difference between overcoming and yielding isometrics• How to use overcoming isometrics in your own training• How to use yielding isometrics and loaded stretches• Applying isometrics safely and effectively with clients• Using pre-fatigue to improve muscular recruitment• Whether the eccentric phase is as important for muscle growth as we have been told• What newer research may suggest about eccentric training• The ideal tempo for productive training repetitions• Extending eccentric work beyond concentric failure• The tradeoff between muscle damage, recovery, and training stimulus• How eccentric overload can be misused• What training complexes are and how to program them• Using complexes to develop sport-specific qualities• How sled sprints can improve acceleration• What cluster sets are and how they can support muscle and strength gains• Overspeed drills, plyometrics, and the stretch reflex• Why every training method needs a clear purpose• And much moreFollow Christian on Instagram:@christian.thibaudeau.thibarmyCHAPTERS01:11 Staying Relevant Online04:00 A Breakthrough With Long Isometrics07:18 Pre-Fatigue and Muscular Recruitment12:01 Isometric Training Explained15:03 The Benefits of Overcoming Isometrics18:32 Yielding Isometrics and Loaded Stretching25:21 The Hypertrophy Plant Analogy32:29 Eccentrics and Chin-Ups34:09 Revisiting the Eccentric Research41:07 Finding the Ideal Rep Tempo44:51 Eccentric Training Beyond Failure46:53 Muscle Damage and Recovery Tradeoffs48:50 When Eccentric Overload Goes Wrong51:34 Training Complexes Explained55:57 Complexes for Sport-Specific Skills01:01:05 Sled Sprints for Acceleration01:07:31 Cluster Sets for Muscle Growth01:09:16 Overspeed and Fast Training Drills01:14:01 Programming With Intent01:17:04 Plyometrics and the Stretch Reflex01:19:01 Final Thoughts and Current ProjectsSUPPORT THE SHOWIf this episode gave you new ideas for using isometrics, eccentrics, complexes, or cluster sets:• Subscribe and check out more episodes• Share the episode on social media and tag @andrewcoatesfitness• Send it to a coach or lifter who enjoys experimenting with advanced training methodsFOLLOW ANDREW COATESInstagram: @andrewcoatesfitnesshttps://www.andrewcoatesfitness.comPARTNERS AND RESOURCESRP STRENGTH APPUse code COATESRP:https://www.rpstrength.com/coatesJUST BITE ME MEALSUse code ANDREWCOATESFITNESS for 10% off:https://justbitememeals.comMACROSFIRST — FREE PREMIUM TRIAL• Download MacrosFirst• Begin setting up your account• When asked, “How did you hear about us?” enter: ANDREWKNKG BAGS — 15% OFFhttps://www.knkg.com/Andrew59676VERSA GRIPPShttps://www.versagripps.com/andrewcoatesTRAINHEROIC — FREE 90-DAY TRIAL• Visit: https://www.trainheroic.com/liftfree• Reply to the email you receive or email trials@trainheroic.com• Let them know Andrew sent youL1 BIOMECHANICS AND ASSESSMENT COURSEUse code COATES:https://pro.activelifeprofessional.com/assessmentworkshopevents
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  #492 Jason Brown - In Defense of Zone 2 Cardio 04.08.2026 57min

  Jason Brown returns for a nuanced discussion about Zone 2 cardio, walking, conditioning, stress, recovery, and how cardio should fit into an individual’s life.Jason joins me to discuss:• Whether Zone 2 cardio is actually overrated• How much of Zone 2’s benefit comes from simply getting people moving• The value of reducing sedentary time and increasing daily activity• The relationship between Zone 2-style activity, NEAT, and mental health• Why getting outside and moving can provide benefits beyond fitness adaptations• Looking at cardio and all training through the lens of nervous system regulation• Accounting for the total stress already present in someone’s life• Why cardio recommendations should begin with the individual’s available time and capacity• The nuanced debate around whether walking counts as exercise• Why sprint training should not be treated as Zone 2 cardio• Why average heart rate during lifting or high-intensity training does not prove someone received a Zone 2 stimulus• The difference between cardiovascular strain and sustained aerobic work• Why exercise labels matter less than matching the activity to the person’s needs• Jason’s thoughts on the current state of online coaching• And much moreFollow Jason on Instagram:@jasonbrowntrainingCHAPTERS01:04 Setting Up the Zone 2 Controversy01:59 Who Is Zone 2 Cardio For?05:05 Social Media Hot Takes07:02 The Benefits of Sustained Aerobic Work10:41 Andrew’s Questions About Zone 214:45 Mechanisms and Aerobic Adaptations21:13 Time Constraints and Effective Dosing29:07 Does Walking Count as Exercise?30:53 Walking as Therapy33:20 Regulation Matters More Than Debates34:09 Plug-and-Play Training35:40 Why Speed Training Is Not Zone 237:35 The Limits of Heart Rate as a Proxy39:39 Genetics and Individual Cardio Needs44:08 Making 30 to 60 Minutes Count47:21 Assessments and Coaching Standards50:40 The Reality of Online Coaching54:49 Aerobic Training Requires Time55:45 Final Thoughts and Where to Find JasonSUPPORT THE SHOWIf this episode helped you think differently about Zone 2 cardio, walking, recovery, or conditioning:• Subscribe and check out more episodes• Share the episode on social media and tag @andrewcoatesfitness• Send it to someone who believes cardio needs to be intense to be worthwhileFOLLOW ANDREW COATESInstagram: @andrewcoatesfitnesshttps://www.andrewcoatesfitness.comPARTNERS AND RESOURCESRP STRENGTH APPUse code COATESRP:https://www.rpstrength.com/coatesJUST BITE ME MEALSUse code ANDREWCOATESFITNESS for 10% off:https://justbitememeals.comMACROSFIRST — FREE PREMIUM TRIAL• Download MacrosFirst• Begin setting up your account• When asked, “How did you hear about us?” enter: ANDREWKNKG BAGS — 15% OFFhttps://www.knkg.com/Andrew59676VERSA GRIPPShttps://www.versagripps.com/andrewcoatesTRAINHEROIC — FREE 90-DAY TRIAL• Visit: https://www.trainheroic.com/liftfree• Reply to the email you receive or email trials@trainheroic.com• Let them know Andrew sent youL1 BIOMECHANICS AND ASSESSMENT COURSEUse code COATES:https://pro.activelifeprofessional.com/assessmentworkshopevents
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  #491 Dr. Austin Baraki - Are Testosterone Levels Really in Massive Decline? 30.07.2026 1t 12min

  Dr. Austin Baraki joins me to challenge the popular narrative that testosterone levels are collapsing across society and to examine what the available evidence actually shows.Austin joins me to discuss:• Whether men’s testosterone levels have declined dramatically in recent decades• Where the testosterone-decline narrative originated• Why viral claims often move faster than the evidence• How obesity, alcohol consumption, sleep loss, and socioeconomic deprivation can affect testosterone• Whether pesticides, fluoride, plastics, deodorant ingredients, seed oils, or polyester clothing meaningfully affect testosterone• The relationship between red meat, cholesterol, saturated fat, and testosterone• Why many environmental and lifestyle factors matter more for overall health than for testosterone specifically• How the testosterone conversation also applies to women• Whether differences within the normal physiological testosterone range meaningfully affect muscle growth or health• Why temporary hormonal increases after strength training do not necessarily produce more muscle growth• Acute changes in testosterone, growth hormone, insulin, and cortisol• When someone should consider having their testosterone levels checked• Which health conditions should be evaluated alongside possible hormonal concerns• Why laboratory results need to be interpreted alongside symptoms and clinical context• Why testosterone replacement therapy can be both overprescribed and underprescribed• And much moreFollow Austin on Instagram:@austin_barbellmedicineCHAPTERS02:10 The Testosterone Decline Myth06:37 Breaking Down Viral Claims08:03 An Evidence-First Framework11:15 Sponsor: Active Life12:26 Rapid-Fire Testosterone Villains16:24 Saturated Fat and Testosterone20:06 The Real Risk From Plastics21:52 Sponsor: MacrosFirst22:55 Seed Oils and Testosterone33:08 The Health Factors That Matter Most35:15 Obesity, Sleep Apnea, and Testosterone36:47 Alcohol and Lifestyle Evaluation37:44 Sleep Loss and Testosterone38:46 Extreme Diets Versus the Big Levers40:35 Optimization Versus Real Life42:07 Symptoms and Clinical Probability44:28 Specific Versus Vague Symptoms46:57 Misdiagnosis and Proper Medical Workup49:50 Hormonal Responses to Strength Training55:10 Why Laboratory Results Need Context01:01:44 Women and Testosterone Therapy01:06:31 Why TRT Is Mis-Prescribed01:09:32 When to Test Your Testosterone01:11:31 Final Thoughts and Book RecommendationSUPPORT THE SHOWIf this episode helped you better understand testosterone, hormonal health, or testosterone replacement therapy:• Subscribe and check out more episodes• Share the episode on social media and tag @andrewcoatesfitness• Send it to someone who is worried that modern life is destroying their testosteroneFOLLOW ANDREW COATESInstagram: @andrewcoatesfitnesshttps://www.andrewcoatesfitness.comPARTNERS AND RESOURCESRP STRENGTH APPUse code COATESRP:https://www.rpstrength.com/coatesJUST BITE ME MEALSUse code ANDREWCOATESFITNESS for 10% off:https://justbitememeals.comMACROSFIRST — FREE PREMIUM TRIAL• Download MacrosFirst• Begin setting up your account• When asked, “How did you hear about us?” enter: ANDREWKNKG BAGS — 15% OFFhttps://www.knkg.com/Andrew59676VERSA GRIPPShttps://www.versagripps.com/andrewcoatesTRAINHEROIC — FREE 90-DAY TRIAL• Visit: https://www.trainheroic.com/liftfree• Reply to the email you receive or email trials@trainheroic.com• Let them know Andrew sent youL1 BIOMECHANICS AND ASSESSMENT COURSEUse code COATES:https://pro.activelifeprofessional.com/assessmentworkshopevents
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  #490 Q Willey - Does Training With Barbells Cause More Injuries? 28.07.2026 57min

  Q Willey is a Doctor of Physical Therapy and Certified Strength and Conditioning Coach who joins me to discuss barbell training, back pain, injury risk, metabolic health, rehabilitation, and the way strength training is often portrayed online.Q joins me to discuss:• Why no existing studies show that squats or deadlifts cause back pain• Whether barbell lifts are inherently riskier than other forms of exercise• How the loadability of barbells can get some lifters into trouble• Why training systems matter more than individual exercises• Load management, fatigue, and individual capacity• Why pain can feel random even when contributing factors exist• How sensational injury stories shape public perceptions of lifting• The self-driving-car metaphor for anecdotes about barbell injuries• Why lifting is often demonized more than other physical activities• What imaging can and cannot tell us about back pain• Spine surgery, structural findings, and pain• The value of physical therapy beyond simply “fixing” injuries• The relationship between metabolic health, obesity, pain, and rehabilitation outcomes• How to discuss body weight respectfully in a clinical setting• GLP-1 medications and a physical therapist’s professional scope• And much moreFollow Q on Instagram:@coach_q_physioCHAPTERS00:19 Meet Coach Q01:08 Do Squats Hurt Your Back?02:48 Load Management Basics06:57 Why Pain Can Feel Random10:45 Sensational Stories About Injury Risk13:24 Spine Surgery and Medical Imaging17:43 Why Lifting Gets Demonized20:21 Barbells Versus Training Systems30:37 The Value of Physical Therapy Beyond Fixes37:22 Metabolic Health and Pain42:38 Discussing Body Weight Respectfully51:33 GLP-1 Medications and Professional Scope55:33 Where to Find Q56:54 Final Thanks and Wrap-UpSUPPORT THE SHOWIf this episode helped you think differently about barbells, injury risk, pain, or rehabilitation:• Subscribe and check out more episodes• Share the episode on social media and tag @andrewcoatesfitness• Send it to someone who is afraid that squats or deadlifts will automatically damage their backFOLLOW ANDREW COATESInstagram: @andrewcoatesfitnesshttps://www.andrewcoatesfitness.comPARTNERS AND RESOURCESRP STRENGTH APPUse code COATESRP:https://www.rpstrength.com/coatesJUST BITE ME MEALSUse code ANDREWCOATESFITNESS for 10% off:https://justbitememeals.comMACROSFIRST — FREE PREMIUM TRIAL• Download MacrosFirst• Begin setting up your account• When asked, “How did you hear about us?” enter: ANDREWKNKG BAGS — 15% OFFhttps://www.knkg.com/Andrew59676VERSA GRIPPShttps://www.versagripps.com/andrewcoatesTRAINHEROIC — FREE 90-DAY TRIAL• Visit: https://www.trainheroic.com/liftfree• Reply to the email you receive or email trials@trainheroic.com• Let them know Andrew sent youL1 BIOMECHANICS AND ASSESSMENT COURSEUse code COATES:https://pro.activelifeprofessional.com/assessmentworkshopevents
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  #489 Dr. Pak Androulakis-Korakakis - The Minimum Effective Dose for Muscle Building 23.07.2026 58min

  Dr. Pak Androulakis-Korakakis returns to explain what the research says about the minimum effective dose for muscle growth, strength, health, and long-term physical independence.In this episode, we discuss:• The minimum amount of training required to build muscle• Whether minimum-dose training produces meaningful real-world results• How inactive and metabolically unhealthy people respond to resistance training• Where diminishing returns begin as training volume increases• Minimum effective dose training for everyday people• Minimum-dose training for serious lifters• Whether people accurately estimate reps in reserve• Training close to failure in high and low rep ranges• When you should and should not train to failure• Whether machines are enough for older adults• Building muscle and supporting bone health as you age• Fatigue, recovery, and the reality of overtraining• Genetics and realistic expectations• Why consistency matters more than training secrets• Pak’s new book, Train Smarter, Not Longer• And much moreFollow Dr. Pak Androulakis-Korakakis on Instagram:@dr__pakCHAPTERS01:05 Minimum Effective Dose04:34 Research-Based Volume Targets05:48 Training Close to Failure08:27 Fractional Sets Explained11:06 Low- vs. High-Volume Training16:22 Minimum-Dose Training for Real Life20:08 Rep-Range Absolutism26:24 Fatigue and Overtraining Myths30:03 Injury Risk and Training Workarounds32:29 Minimum-Dose Training for Seniors33:21 Results From 20 Minutes Per Week37:11 Machines for Safe, Hard Training38:34 Larry’s Recovery Update42:41 Estimating Reps in Reserve45:10 Does Anything Actually Matter?49:18 Genetics and Realistic Expectations53:15 Consistency Beats Training Secrets57:38 Pak’s Book and What Comes NextSUPPORT THE SHOWIf this episode helped you rethink how much training is actually required to make progress:• Subscribe and check out more episodes• Share the episode on social media and tag @andrewcoatesfitness• Send it to someone who thinks they do not have enough time to trainFOLLOW ANDREW COATESInstagram: @andrewcoatesfitnesshttps://www.andrewcoatesfitness.comPARTNERS AND RESOURCESRP STRENGTH APPUse code COATESRP:https://www.rpstrength.com/coatesJUST BITE ME MEALSUse code ANDREWCOATESFITNESS for 10% off:https://justbitememeals.comMACROSFIRST — FREE PREMIUM TRIAL• Download MacrosFirst• Begin setting up your account• When asked, “How did you hear about us?” enter: ANDREWKNKG BAGS — 15% OFFhttps://www.knkg.com/Andrew59676VERSA GRIPPShttps://www.versagripps.com/andrewcoatesTRAINHEROIC — FREE 90-DAY TRIAL• Visit: https://www.trainheroic.com/liftfree• Reply to the email you receive or email trials@trainheroic.com• Let them know Andrew sent youL1 BIOMECHANICS AND ASSESSMENT COURSEUse code COATES:https://pro.activelifeprofessional.com/assessmentworkshopevents
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  #488 Dr. Gary McGowan - Cholesterol, High Blood Pressure, and Cardiovascular Disease 21.07.2026 57min

  Dr. Gary McGowan drops in to share a masterclass on cardiovascular disease and its major risk factors, including:The relationship between cholesterol and cardiovascular diseaseWhy LDL cholesterol is importantWhat causes LDL cholesterol to riseThe dietary factors that can increase LDL cholesterolNavigating misleading claims about LDL from the carnivore diet communityWhy elimination diets can appear to improve someone’s healthThe relationship between obesity and cardiovascular diseaseWhy not all fat storage in the body is associated with the same level of disease riskVisceral fat, BMI, and the personal fat thresholdWhy cardiovascular risk accumulates over timeThe role of genetics in cholesterol and blood pressureWhat causes high blood pressureThe role of dietary sodium in hypertensionThe most important lifestyle behaviours for lowering cardiovascular disease riskHow to screen for atherosclerotic plaque buildup in your arteriesCoronary artery calcium scans and CCTA imagingWhether caffeine and energy drinks increase the risk of heart problemsAnd much moreFollow Gary on Instagram:@drgarymcgowanCHAPTERS01:31 Cholesterol and Heart Risk04:50 Why LDL Rises06:23 Diet Drivers of LDL09:31 Coffee and Cholesterol10:32 Exercise and Lipids12:19 Carnivore LDL Debate18:32 Elimination Diet Reality21:48 Obesity and Heart Disease26:26 Visceral Fat and BMI31:15 BMI Reality Check32:24 Personal Fat Threshold32:46 Obesity Over Time33:58 Cumulative Risk Model34:58 Blood Pressure Drivers36:04 Salt and the Modern Diet38:21 Lifestyle Risk Pillars38:53 Heart Plaque Screening41:32 Calcium Scans Explained44:33 CCTA for Soft Plaque48:17 Caffeine and Heart Risk53:14 Energy Drink Extremes55:21 Where to Find Gary57:34 Final Wrap-UpSUPPORT THE SHOWIf this episode helped you better understand cholesterol, blood pressure, or cardiovascular disease risk, you can support the show by:Subscribing and checking out more episodesSharing it on social media — tag me and I’ll respondSending it to someone who is confused about cholesterol, blood pressure, or heart healthFOLLOW ANDREW COATESInstagram: @andrewcoatesfitnesshttps://www.andrewcoatesfitness.comPARTNERS AND RESOURCESRP STRENGTH APPUse code COATESRP:https://www.rpstrength.com/coatesJUST BITE ME MEALSUse code ANDREWCOATESFITNESS for 10% off:https://justbitememeals.comMACROSFIRST – FREE PREMIUM TRIALDownload MacrosFirst and during setup you’ll be asked:“How did you hear about us?”Type in the code: ANDREWKNKG BAGS – 15% OFFhttps://www.knkg.com/Andrew59676VERSA GRIPPShttps://www.versagripps.com/andrewcoatesTRAINHEROIC – FREE 90-DAY TRIALComplete these two steps:Go to:https://www.trainheroic.com/liftfreeReply to the email you receive — or email trials@trainheroic.com — and let them know Andrew sent you.L1 BIOMECHANICS AND ASSESSMENT COURSEUse code COATES:https://pro.activelifeprofessional.com/assessmentworkshopevents
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  #487 Joe DeFranco - Long Live In-Person Training 16.07.2026 50min

  Iconic gym owner, podcaster, strength coach, educator, and trainer of elite athletes Joe DeFranco returns to share insights from decades of coaching in person.Joe shares:Why he still coaches in person, and why it's essential for both his physical and mental well-beingWhat keeps him energized after decades as a coach and gym ownerWhy relationships matter more than anything else for client successWho's more challenging to coach: elite professional athletes or general population clients?The traits that make someone highly coachableWhy trainers are really "problem solvers and stress managers"How his clients continue to make him a better coachWhy in-person coaching still offers something technology can't replaceAnd much moreInstagram: @defrancosgymCHAPTERS01:10 Who Is Hardest to Coach?02:48 The Traits That Drive Success05:03 Building Trust With Triple H06:00 Earning Trust Over Time08:48 Admitting What You Don't Know11:59 Why Long-Form Content Still Wins15:03 The High Stakes of Everyday Clients19:51 Why In-Person Coaching Matters20:51 The High-Ticket Online Coaching Critique23:49 Coaching Is Stress Management26:26 Keeping Coaches Healthy27:31 Why Joe Still Loves Coaching In Person29:15 Online vs In-Person Coaching31:30 When Clients Become Family33:10 Health Drives Performance35:46 Training Is Listening38:04 Long-Term Client Relationships40:01 Knowing When to Fire Clients44:13 Guarding Your Energy47:25 Mentorship, Events, and Final ThoughtsSUPPORT THE SHOWIf this episode reminded you why great coaching is about relationships - not just programming - you can support the show by:Subscribing and checking out more episodesSharing it on social media (tag me and I'll respond)Sending it to a coach, trainer, or gym owner who values the craftFOLLOW ANDREW COATESInstagram: @andrewcoatesfitnesshttps://www.andrewcoatesfitness.comPARTNERS AND RESOURCESRP Strength App (use code COATESRP)https://www.rpstrength.com/coatesJust Bite Me Meals (use code ANDREWCOATESFITNESS for 10% off)https://justbitememeals.comMacrosFirst – FREE Premium TrialDownload MacrosFirst and during setup select ANDREWKNKG Bags (15% off)https://www.knkg.com/Andrew59676Versa Grippshttps://www.versagripps.com/andrewcoatesTRAINHEROIC – FREE 90-Day Trialhttps://www.trainheroic.com/liftfreeReply to the email you receive (or email trials@trainheroic.com) and let them know Andrew sent youL1 BIOMECHANICS AND ASSESSMENT COURSEhttps://pro.activelifeprofessional.com/assessmentworkshopeventsUse code COATES at checkout.
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  #486 Alberto Nunez - Zen and the Art of Bodybuilding 14.07.2026 55min

  Coaching and bodybuilding legend Alberto Nunez of Team 3DMJ joins me for a humble discussion about the principles that have made him one of the most respected coaches in natural bodybuilding.Alberto shares his thoughts on:Does training advice from the competitive (and untested) bodybuilding world still work for natural everyday lifters trying to build muscle?The differences and similarities between natural and enhanced trainingWhy absolute load can affect training differently than relative (bodyweight) loadWhy adherence matters above all else for long-term progressWhy autoregulation is one of the most valuable skills a lifter can developHow Alberto stays ultra lean year-round without obsessionHow to train yourself to genuinely enjoy nutritious foods as your default choiceFinding fulfillment through good habits instead of constant outcomesAnd much moreInstagram: @nunez3dmjCHAPTERS01:23 Natural vs Enhanced Training04:40 Progression and Joint Safety06:15 Volume and Recovery Debate08:51 Absolute Load Effects14:02 How Drugs Mask Mistakes17:22 The Non-Negotiable Habits Pyramid21:34 Rituals and Nutrition Myths25:26 Avoiding Diet Rule Overload26:22 Adherence for Long-Term Health27:49 Consistency Over Rituals30:09 Putting Fitness on Autopilot33:08 Autoregulation as a Skill35:53 Novelty Versus Basics38:41 Staying Lean Year-Round44:01 "Sad Life" Comments47:10 Finding Joy in the Basics50:53 The Zen of Bodybuilding52:54 Wrap Up and LegacySUPPORT THE SHOWIf this episode helped you think differently about bodybuilding, nutrition, and long-term success, you can support the show by:Subscribing and checking out more episodesSharing it on social media (tag me and I'll respond)Sending it to someone who wants to build muscle without getting lost in online extremesFOLLOW ANDREW COATESInstagram: @andrewcoatesfitnesshttps://www.andrewcoatesfitness.comPARTNERS AND RESOURCESRP Strength App (use code COATESRP)https://www.rpstrength.com/coatesJust Bite Me Meals (use code ANDREWCOATESFITNESS for 10% off)https://justbitememeals.comMacrosFirst – FREE Premium TrialDownload MacrosFirst and during setup select ANDREWKNKG Bags (15% off)https://www.knkg.com/Andrew59676Versa Grippshttps://www.versagripps.com/andrewcoatesTRAINHEROIC – FREE 90-Day Trialhttps://www.trainheroic.com/liftfreeReply to the email you receive (or email trials@trainheroic.com) and let them know Andrew sent youL1 BIOMECHANICS AND ASSESSMENT COURSEhttps://pro.activelifeprofessional.com/assessmentworkshopeventsUse code COATES at checkout.
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  #485 Dr Andy Galpin - Sleep Masterclass 09.07.2026 48min

  Dr Andy Galpin shares a masterclass in sleep for everyday quality of life.Andy adds nuance to the often oversimplified and misleading claims about sleep, including:Why your sleep is the biggest opportunity to improve your quality of lifeDefining poor sleep versus sleep deprivationWhat are the acute negative effects of poor sleep?Why people are remarkably resilient after one night of poor sleepHow to build sleep resilienceWhy your elaborate sleep ritual might actually be working against youHow to sleep better when you travelHow our perception of our sleep quality affects how we feelThe difference between our physiological and psychological tolerance to poor sleepHow to develop the skill of falling asleep quicklyIs blue light exposure as problematic as we often hear?Why the nervous system arousal from media may matter more than the light itselfHow dangerous sleep apnea really isWhy most sleep apnea goes undiagnosedDoes mouth tape actually work?And a lot of practical tactics for improving your sleepInstagram: @drandygalpinCHAPTERS01:12 Sleep: Your Biggest Lever02:26 Recovering From a Bad Night06:44 Sleep Wearables Reality Check12:39 Building Better Sleep Habits15:16 Sleep Resilience vs Chronic Sleep Loss18:39 Sleep Rituals and Travel22:58 Screens and the Arousal Myth25:34 The Worst Apps Before Bed26:33 Why Content Matters More Than Blue Light27:44 Hotel Sleep and Travel Anxiety Hacks29:29 Sleep Apnea Reality Check32:15 Beyond CPAP: Other Treatment Options38:15 Altitude, Pregnancy, and Sleep Apnea40:31 Mouth Tape and Nasal Strips43:03 Learning to Fall Asleep Faster45:13 Wind Down and ConsistencySUPPORT THE SHOWIf this episode helped you improve your understanding of sleep and recovery, you can support the show by:Subscribing and checking out more episodesSharing it on social media (tag me and I'll respond)Sending it to someone who's struggling with sleepFOLLOW ANDREW COATESInstagram: @andrewcoatesfitnesshttps://www.andrewcoatesfitness.comPARTNERS AND RESOURCESRP Strength App (use code COATESRP)https://www.rpstrength.com/coatesJust Bite Me Meals (use code ANDREWCOATESFITNESS for 10% off)https://justbitememeals.comMacrosFirst – FREE Premium TrialDownload MacrosFirst and during setup select ANDREWKNKG Bags (15% off)https://www.knkg.com/Andrew59676Versa Grippshttps://www.versagripps.com/andrewcoatesTRAINHEROIC – FREE 90-Day Trialhttps://www.trainheroic.com/liftfreeReply to the email you receive (or email trials@trainheroic.com) and let them know Andrew sent youL1 BIOMECHANICS AND ASSESSMENT COURSEhttps://pro.activelifeprofessional.com/assessmentworkshopeventsUse code COATES at checkout.
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  #484 Dr Nick Tiller - The Health and Wellness Lie 07.07.2026 56min

  Dr Nick Tiller joins me to share a scathing critique of the health and wellness industry, including:Why the health and wellness industry isn’t your friend—it’s a trillion-dollar conDefining the wellness industryThe most concerning wellness trendsWhy the wellness industry has become so massiveThe incentives for influencers and even credentialed "authorities" to grift on bogus wellness productsDo well-intentioned people slide into misinformation, or are most wellness grifters motivated by money from the start?How much responsibility does the consumer bear?How can consumers become better equipped to protect themselves?Will we ever see meaningful regulatory change?How AI-generated content is exploding online to cash in on the wellness trendAnd much moreInstagram: @nb.tillerCHAPTERS01:06 The Wellness Industry Con02:24 Defining Wellness Terms04:55 Experts vs Influencers07:32 Credentialed Grifters10:00 Consensus vs Contrarians11:25 The Playbook for Undermining Trust14:16 Scientists vs Storytelling17:43 The Sagan Effect and Public Outreach21:31 Staying In Your Lane25:07 TikTok Peptides Panic30:54 Peptide Heart Risks31:18 Regulation vs Personal Responsibility33:33 Science Communication, AI, and Media Literacy37:03 Why Platforms Won't Police Misinformation39:36 Bad Faith Wellness Actors42:52 The Influencer Economy Exposed46:06 Deepfakes and Fake Physiques50:46 Bodybuilding Pressure and Deaths55:10 Curate Your Feed56:09 Book Plug and FarewellSUPPORT THE SHOWIf this episode helped you become a more skeptical consumer of health information, you can support the show by:Subscribing and checking out more episodesSharing it on social media (tag me and I'll respond)Sending it to someone trying to separate evidence from wellness hypeFOLLOW ANDREW COATESInstagram: @andrewcoatesfitnesshttps://www.andrewcoatesfitness.comPARTNERS AND RESOURCESRP Strength App (use code COATESRP)https://www.rpstrength.com/coatesJust Bite Me Meals (use code ANDREWCOATESFITNESS for 10% off)https://justbitememeals.comMacrosFirst – FREE Premium TrialDownload MacrosFirst and during setup select ANDREWKNKG Bags (15% off)https://www.knkg.com/Andrew59676Versa Grippshttps://www.versagripps.com/andrewcoatesTRAINHEROIC – FREE 90-Day Trialhttps://www.trainheroic.com/liftfreeReply to the email you receive (or email trials@trainheroic.com) and let them know Andrew sent youL1 BIOMECHANICS AND ASSESSMENT COURSEhttps://pro.activelifeprofessional.com/assessmentworkshopeventsUse code COATES at checkout.
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  #483 Brad Jensen - Being A Real Human On Social Media In An Age Of AI Automation 02.07.2026 54min

  My good friend Brad Jensen returns in a more casual conversation between two old friends catching up. We wanted to share this discussion with you, so we hope you come along for the ride.Brad shares his thoughts on:People commenting on "his account" as if he isn't even a real personNever imagining the reach and impact of his contentWhether all of the engagement from social media is actually a positive experience and how he manages itBeing willing to admit when you missed the mark with contentA nuanced discussion about choosing sponsorship deals carefullyCan you eat fast food and maintain your weight—or even lose fat?Practical tactics for navigating eating on the runGetting clear on which treats are actually worth the caloriesWhy alcohol consumption is decliningUsing non-judgmental language around drinking lessThe challenge of responding to every message on social media while avoiding questionable tactics like appointment setters pretending to be you in your DMsThoughts on using AI to fake interactions with followersAnd much moreInstagram: @thesoberbodybuilderCHAPTERS00:16 Reuniting With Brad00:49 Conference Talk Stories01:59 Fast Food and Weight Loss03:10 Monetizing Content06:30 Choosing Sponsors Wisely08:02 Turning Down Bad Deals10:38 Eating Out Strategy15:11 Go-To Orders16:25 Stop Wasting Calories21:08 Food Pressure and Alcohol24:32 Why Drinking Is Down25:36 Cannabis Versus Alcohol27:08 Aging and Hangovers28:55 How Media Normalizes Drinking29:42 The Sex and the City Myth32:14 Why Content Tone Matters36:02 The Steroid Story Lesson40:26 Followers and Ego43:10 DM Setters and Trust45:04 AI DMs and Ethics49:53 Why Human Coaching Still Wins52:48 The Future of In-Person Coaching54:02 Final Thanks and Wrap-UpSUPPORT THE SHOWIf this episode made you think differently about authenticity, social media, coaching, or AI, you can support the show by:Subscribing and checking out more episodesSharing it on social media (tag me and I'll respond)Sending it to someone building a business or navigating social mediaFOLLOW ANDREW COATESInstagram: @andrewcoatesfitnesshttps://www.andrewcoatesfitness.comPARTNERS AND RESOURCESRP Strength App (use code COATESRP)https://www.rpstrength.com/coatesJust Bite Me Meals (use code ANDREWCOATESFITNESS for 10% off)https://justbitememeals.comMacrosFirst – FREE Premium TrialDownload MacrosFirst and during setup select ANDREWKNKG Bags (15% off)https://www.knkg.com/Andrew59676Versa Grippshttps://www.versagripps.com/andrewcoatesTRAINHEROIC – FREE 90-Day Trialhttps://www.trainheroic.com/liftfreeReply to the email you receive (or email trials@trainheroic.com) and let them know Andrew sent youL1 BIOMECHANICS AND ASSESSMENT COURSEhttps://pro.activelifeprofessional.com/assessmentworkshopeventsUse code COATES at checkout.
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  #482 Dr Emily Dow - Cortisol, Hormone Balancing, and Zone 2 Vs Higher Intensity Cardio 30.06.2026 1t 16min

  The Professor of the Dark Arts, Dr Emily Dow returns by popular demand. Emily has seen a huge surge in popularity, and for good reason. Her media is thoughtful, intelligent, and extremely well communicated.Emily joins me to talk about:Why "high cortisol" has become the new hormonal imbalanceWhat cortisol actually does, and why acute elevations in cortisol are not only not bad for you, but essential to normal physiologyIs there any validity to the claim that cortisol elevation from training stress is harmful, especially for peri-menopausal women?Why chronically elevated cortisol is a problem and how it developsWhy the phrase "hormone balancing" is often a red flag for pseudoscienceWhat common traits we see among unqualified influencers promoting trendy health boogeymenWhat the research tells us about exercise and mental healthDoes your brain benefit more from higher-intensity cardio than Zone 2?A nuanced discussion on the Zone 2 versus higher-intensity cardio debateIs part of Zone 2's benefit simply that it replaces unhealthy sedentary behaviors?Thoughts on research headlines like "Carbohydrate intake does not affect muscle growth"What "scope creep" means when experts are pressured to comment outside their area of expertise, such as peptidesAnd much moreInstagram: @dremilydowCHAPTERS00:49 The Cortisol Myth01:55 Why Cortisol Matters03:45 Hormone Balancing Grifts08:37 Fixing Chronic Stress12:44 HIIT for Women14:58 Fueling and Recovery18:33 Exercise Guidelines20:49 Is Overtraining Real?24:20 Training Load and Injury Risk26:22 Mixed-Modal Cardio30:22 Exercise and Mental Health36:32 Exercise vs SSRIs40:02 Zone 2 and Brain Health43:14 Exercise and Brain Blood Flow43:52 Rethinking Zone 246:00 Steps vs Cardio49:13 Heart Rate Zone Myths50:07 Fiber and Colon Cancer53:48 Carbohydrates and Muscle Growth57:12 When Nothing Matters01:00:54 Supplements and Rituals01:04:49 Scope Creep and Expertise01:12:15 Choosing Real ExpertsSUPPORT THE SHOWIf this episode helped you better understand cortisol, exercise science, or how to separate evidence from hype, you can support the show by:Subscribing and checking out more episodesSharing it on social media (tag me and I'll respond)Sending it to someone overwhelmed by hormone, cortisol, or cardio misinformationFOLLOW ANDREW COATESInstagram: @andrewcoatesfitnesshttps://www.andrewcoatesfitness.comPARTNERS AND RESOURCESRP Strength App (use code COATESRP)https://www.rpstrength.com/coatesJust Bite Me Meals (use code ANDREWCOATESFITNESS for 10% off)https://justbitememeals.comMacrosFirst – FREE Premium TrialDownload MacrosFirst and during setup select ANDREWKNKG Bags (15% off)https://www.knkg.com/Andrew59676Versa Grippshttps://www.versagripps.com/andrewcoatesTRAINHEROIC – FREE 90-Day Trialhttps://www.trainheroic.com/liftfreeReply to the email you receive (or email trials@trainheroic.com) and let them know Andrew sent youL1 BIOMECHANICS AND ASSESSMENT COURSEhttps://pro.activelifeprofessional.com/assessmentworkshopeventsUse code COATES at checkout.
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  #481 Ashley Hodge - Glute Training Mastery 25.06.2026 56min

  Ashley Hodge is a strength coach and powerlifter and joins me to talk about her knowledge and experience with practical, evidence-based glute training.Ashley shares her thoughts on:Is glute training as complicated as glute influencers make it out to be?Is there a difference in how you approach glute training for competitors versus the general population?For the everyday person with time for only two full-body workouts each week, how should they maximize glute growth?Practical wisdom for glute training that online-only influencers often fail to considerAre common banded and bodyweight drills enough stimulus for glute growth?Does it matter if you can't feel your glutes as much during heavy deadlifts or hip thrusts?Why Ashley is still committed to in-person coachingWhy Ashley promotes step counts and walking challengesAnd much moreInstagram: @a.hodgefitnessCHAPTERS00:43 Glute Training Basics01:47 Weekly Volume Rules02:54 Loading and RPE04:44 Rep Ranges by Exercise07:17 Fatigue and Exercise Selection10:03 Programming for the General Population14:55 The Two-Day Glute Plan17:58 Hip Thrust Setup Options22:16 Bands and Lockout Work25:16 Training Frequency and Recovery27:17 The "Feeling Your Glutes" Debate29:11 Form Checks and Lockout30:02 Video Form Checks30:55 Gym Filming Etiquette31:34 Lengthened Partials32:27 Why Ashley Coaches In Person35:45 Client Wins and Coaching Structure39:23 Social Energy and Longevity41:20 Workshop Sponsor Break42:31 The Online Coaching Grift46:21 Lead Sources and Branding49:36 Step Count Strategy53:41 Winter Movement Hacks55:45 Wrap Up and Where To Find AshleySUPPORT THE SHOWIf this episode helped you simplify your glute training or improve your programming, you can support the show by:Subscribing and checking out more episodesSharing it on social media (tag me and I'll respond)Sending it to someone who's tired of confusing glute advice onlineFOLLOW ANDREW COATESInstagram: @andrewcoatesfitnesshttps://www.andrewcoatesfitness.comPARTNERS AND RESOURCESRP Strength App (use code COATESRP)https://www.rpstrength.com/coatesJust Bite Me Meals (use code ANDREWCOATESFITNESS for 10% off)https://justbitememeals.comMacrosFirst – FREE Premium TrialDownload MacrosFirst and during setup select ANDREWKNKG Bags (15% off)https://www.knkg.com/Andrew59676Versa Grippshttps://www.versagripps.com/andrewcoatesTRAINHEROIC – FREE 90-Day Trialhttps://www.trainheroic.com/liftfreeReply to the email you receive (or email trials@trainheroic.com) and let them know Andrew sent youL1 BIOMECHANICS AND ASSESSMENT COURSEhttps://pro.activelifeprofessional.com/assessmentworkshopeventsUse code COATES at checkout.
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  #480 Amy Morin - The Mental Strength Playbook 23.06.2026 57min

  I’m a voracious reader and it’s a special treat to feature as a guest a popular mainstream author whose books I love.Amy Morin is a therapist and the author of several books including The Mental Strength Playbook and 13 Things Mentally Strong People Don’t Do.Amy joins me to share her expertise about:What are the most important things mentally strong people don’t do from her listWhy “not giving away your power” is the most important on the listHow social media therapy speak gets weaponized and causes more harm than goodAre people more fearful of interaction with camera phones everywhereAmy’s thoughts on “everyone diagnosing themselves with a mental health issue on the internet”Why Amy believes “trust your gut” is the most damaging advice in pop psychologyAnd much moreInstagram: @amymorinauthorCHAPTERS01:02 Stop Giving Away Power02:49 Rewrite Your Story05:41 No Self-Pity Spiral07:56 Learned Helplessness Trap09:08 Therapy Speak Online11:33 Pathologizing Dating13:04 Mentally Strong Couples15:41 Playbook Mood Tools18:11 Emotional Spillover20:10 Calculated Risk Taking21:53 Cameras and Social Fear25:36 Viral Upside Stories26:40 Social Media Unknowns28:11 Take More Shots28:51 Fear and Criticism30:37 Build a Victory Vault32:31 Resentment and Envy33:35 Identity and Habits35:37 Owning Mistakes37:33 Online Pile-Ons43:39 The Self-Diagnosis Trap46:40 Personal Responsibility51:04 The “Trust Your Gut” Myth54:46 Media Savvy Wrap Up56:17 Final RecommendationsSUPPORT THE SHOWIf this episode helped you think differently about mental strength, anxiety, or navigating the modern world, you can support the show by:Subscribing and checking out more episodesSharing it on social media (tag me and I’ll respond)Sending it to someone who could use a reminder that resilience is a skillFOLLOW ANDREW COATESInstagram: @andrewcoatesfitnesshttps://www.andrewcoatesfitness.comPARTNERS AND RESOURCESRP Strength App (use code COATESRP)https://www.rpstrength.com/coatesJust Bite Me Meals (use code ANDREWCOATESFITNESS for 10% off)https://justbitememeals.comMacrosFirst – FREE Premium TrialDownload MacrosFirst and during setup select ANDREWKNKG Bags (15% off)https://www.knkg.com/Andrew59676Versa Grippshttps://www.versagripps.com/andrewcoatesTRAINHEROIC – FREE 90-Day Trialhttps://www.trainheroic.com/liftfreeReply to the email you receive (or email trials@trainheroic.com) and let them know Andrew sent youL1 BIOMECHANICS AND ASSESSMENT COURSEhttps://pro.activelifeprofessional.com/assessmentworkshopeventsUse code COATES at checkout
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  #479 Dr Mike Israetel - Drugs To Build Muscle and Lose Fat Without Needing to Work Out 18.06.2026 57min

  Dr Mike Israetel returns to enlighten you on what’s coming in the future of health, fitness, and aesthetics. Mike’s new book, The Aesthetics Revolution, is available everywhere June 23rd, so grab a copy.Mike shares what we may see happen in the relatively near future, including:Will we have access to drugs that build muscle without working out (and we’re not talking about PEDs)Roughly when could we see approval and access to these drugsHow will AI expand our capacity to research and develop new pharmaceuticalsWhat should we expect from the next generation of fat loss drugsHow powerful will they be and will they have fewer potential side effectsWill the muscle-building drugs be an effective combo with the weight loss drugsTo what degree will people be able to create "designer physiques"Will people stop working out if they can get the aesthetic and even health benefits of these drugsWill people be and stay as happy as they think if they gain access to this degree of physique changeIs life extension a potential outcome of this revolution in pharmaceuticalsWill de-aging be possibleAnd much moreInstagram: @drmikeisraetelCHAPTERS00:57 Muscle Drugs Without Training01:21 Why Steroids Are Blunt02:38 Myostatin and New Anabolics05:27 Approval Timelines and Access06:48 AI, Peptides, and China Fast Track09:22 Health Uses Beyond Bodybuilding13:19 Next Gen GLP-1 Weight Loss16:08 Oral Options and Liver Fat18:00 Mass Adoption Tipping Point21:03 Designing Physiques With Tech26:04 Gym Attendance and Real Health31:00 Hedonic Adaptation and Happiness33:18 Money and Happiness33:51 Attractiveness Changes Lives35:42 Hedonic Adaptation Debate37:09 Future Where Everyone Is Hot38:42 GLP-1 Culture Clash40:33 Exercise Beyond the Gym43:09 Fun, Fitness, and Honesty44:24 Longevity From New Drugs49:08 AI Designed Medicines54:22 Genetic Engineering Era55:42 Serene Revolution and Cybernetics57:33 Book Plug and FarewellSUPPORT THE SHOWIf this episode helped you better understand the future of medicine, aesthetics, and human performance, you can support the show by:Subscribing and checking out more episodesSharing it on social media (tag me and I’ll respond)Sending it to someone fascinated by longevity, AI, or the future of fitnessFOLLOW ANDREW COATESInstagram: @andrewcoatesfitnesshttps://www.andrewcoatesfitness.comPARTNERS AND RESOURCESRP Strength App (use code COATESRP)https://www.rpstrength.com/coatesJust Bite Me Meals (use code ANDREWCOATESFITNESS for 10% off)https://justbitememeals.comMacrosFirst – FREE Premium TrialDownload MacrosFirst and during setup select ANDREWKNKG Bags (15% off)https://www.knkg.com/Andrew59676Versa Grippshttps://www.versagripps.com/andrewcoatesTRAINHEROIC – FREE 90-Day Trialhttps://www.trainheroic.com/liftfreeReply to the email you receive (or email trials@trainheroic.com) and let them know Andrew sent youL1 BIOMECHANICS AND ASSESSMENT COURSEhttps://pro.activelifeprofessional.com/assessmentworkshopeventsUse code COATES at checkout
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  #478 Steve Kamb - How To Try Again 16.06.2026 55min

  Steve Kamb joins me to talk about the ideas from his new book, How to Try Again: An Approachable Guide to Navigating Chaos and Making Change.Steve shares wisdom about:Which is harder: starting, or starting againThe "Back to Normal" fallacyThe importance of a bias toward actionDo people wait for optimal timing?Do people believe it will go smoothly this time?Do people fail to anticipate obvious and predictable obstacles?Do people fail to allow for unforeseen obstacles?When do we need to try again and when do we need to try something different?How much do people try to control the wrong things?How much of success comes down to one's attitude toward struggle and failure?If you're someone who's been trying and faltering, this is for you—whether in fitness and health, career, or life.Instagram: @stevekambCHAPTERS01:15 Starting vs Starting Over03:01 The Back to Normal Fallacy06:18 Why Treading Water Still Counts08:34 Letting Go of the Perfect Future13:05 The Too Many Options Trap17:25 Procrastination and the Five Whys19:53 Identity and Imposter Syndrome22:53 Failure as Feedback24:14 Keep Doing the Thing28:17 New Year's Goals and Self-Efficacy32:37 Pause, Accept, Change, Try Again37:32 Control What You Can Control41:36 The "Yes And" Philosophy of Life47:41 Struggle, Capacity, and Resilience51:04 Updating Your Fitness Identity53:37 Book Launch and Where To Find SteveSUPPORT THE SHOWIf this episode helped you rethink failure, setbacks, or personal growth, you can support the show by:Subscribing and checking out more episodesSharing it on social media (tag me and I’ll respond)Sending it to someone who needs encouragement to keep goingFOLLOW ANDREW COATESInstagram: @andrewcoatesfitnesshttps://www.andrewcoatesfitness.comPARTNERS AND RESOURCESRP Strength App (use code COATESRP)https://www.rpstrength.com/coatesJust Bite Me Meals (use code ANDREWCOATESFITNESS for 10% off)https://justbitememeals.comMacrosFirst – FREE Premium TrialDownload MacrosFirst and during setup select ANDREWKNKG Bags (15% off)https://www.knkg.com/Andrew59676Versa Grippshttps://www.versagripps.com/andrewcoatesTRAINHEROIC – FREE 90-Day Trialhttps://www.trainheroic.com/liftfreeReply to the email you receive (or email trials@trainheroic.com) and let them know Andrew sent you