50% Facts

In this episode, we review Netflix's new docu-series Muscles and Mayhem, which tells the story of the rise and fall of the iconic American Gladiators. We discuss the show's meteoric success, its behind-the-scenes drama, and its eventual downfall. · What was the appeal of American Gladiators? How did the show become so popular? What was it like to be an American Gladiator? What were some of the beh...

This week’s One Good Question actually comes from some comments on Mike’s Instagram. Does a certain fast food restaurant use meat that’s not really meat? And is the occasional fast food meat not that big a deal? Avi Lieu joins us for this one. You can find her on Instagram @avi.lieu . ____ Have a question for one of our Friday “One Good Question” episodes? Hit us up on social media and use the has...

Love him or hate him, Arnold Schwarzenegger has been a phenomenon in bodybuilding, movies, and even politics. A new three-part Netflix documentary series explores his triumphs and challenges through multiple decades and careers. This series plays somewhat like a sequel to the classic “Pumping Iron.” As we ask every time we tackle one of these series, “Do we learn things we didn’t know and actually...

This week’s question from our Discord: Yasssuke Da GOD asks: “I am currently contemplating switching my workout routine since I am trying to cut. And I am realizing I won’t be able to increase my numbers while also trying to increase activities and cardio. So I am considering putting in some bodybuilding splits while still doing some powerlifting and oly movements. Is it me or will this increase m...

We take a look at a few recent comments we’ve seen on social media – to our own stuff and that of others – and contemplate when it’s worth it even to respond. Even just to correct the record. What motivates people to become keyboard warriors? A few related topics: Have Joe Rogan and Elon Musk jumped the shark? Why are Joe’s hands so big? Which Flash is in the Flash movie and why are there so many...

This week’s question from our Discord: Keith Honeycutt ( @keithhoneycutt73 ) asked… "I recently started a podcast with some of my buddies. We are currently 4 episodes in and I think it’s going well. Any advice to keeping a podcast running for a long time or general podcasting tips?" We might have some insight on this one. Avi Lieu join us for this one. You can find her on Instagram @avi.lieu . ___...

In this episode of the 50% Facts podcast, we sit down with David Thomas Tao, co-founder, former CEO, and now head of brand for Barbend.com. Barbend is a leading website for strength training and fitness that was recently acquired by Pillar4 Media. In this interview, Tao discusses his journey to becoming the CEO of Barbend, his thoughts on the future of fitness media, and how Barbend has expanded c...

A day later than normal, but we're back. In this episode of 50% Facts, we review the Netflix documentary series "MacGregor Forever" about UFC fighter Conor McGregor. The series chronicles McGregor's rise to fame and fortune, as well as his subsequent fall from grace. We discuss McGregor's strengths and weaknesses as a fighter, as well as his personal life and controversies. We also offer our thoug...

Avi Lieu joins us to take an online quiz to determine whether any of us are actually douchebags. All of us can be douchebags once in a while. Sometimes accidentally. Sometimes on purpose. But what douchebag behavior makes you a full-time douchebag? You can find Avi on Instagram @avi.lieu . ____ Have a question for one of our Friday “One Good Question” episodes? Hit us up on social media and use th...

This week’s question from our Discord (goodcompanydiscord.com): Thedvspanda asked, “ What fitness stigma does society need to get over?” We hit on some consistent ones. If you have any we missed, feel free to post them on our Discord. One Good Question is taking next week off. It will return in June. ____ Have a question for one of our Friday “One Good Question” episodes? Hit us up on social media...

A new study by BMC Public Health analyzing the posts of fitness influencers shows that about two-thirds of what they post on social media is wrong…and may be doing more harm than good. Should there be some kind of vetting performed on the information they provide, should they be banned for posting self-serving misinformation, or is this just a “buyer beware” situation? We chat about these question...

Two similar questions from our Discord: Erok_ladio asked, “What is your go to meal for cutting/bulking?” linttastic asked, “Go-to snacks during a cut/bulk?” Some things are obvious. Some are really not. ____ Have a question for one of our Friday “One Good Question” episodes? Hit us up on social media and use the hashtag #onegoodquestion. Join our Discord for free at goodcompanydiscord.com! Check o...

Amazon Studios offers up an all-star telling of how a young Michael Jordan (and his mom) were convinced to sign a game-changing deal that created maybe the most iconic footwear in sports history. Dean Saddoris joined us for this one. You can find Dean on IG @deansaddoris.ck and at caffeineandkilos.com Listener resources: More about Air on IMDB. ____ Have a question for one of our Friday “One Good...

This week’s question from our Discord (goodcompanydiscord.com): BennyG asked: How hard is it to see the fitness industry now, compared to when you, Bart, Alan and Omar were creating vids and smashing weights? I feel like if I were, you watched the videos I see today of everyone being "built different" and all the various "I'm better than you captions" it would be hard to stay quiet. Meanwhile all...

With the IPF now discussing banning sumo deadlifts, we try to come up with legitimate reasons (other than social media scrubs not liking them) why they shouldn’t be allowed in competition? Will this subject ever die? We start off talking about Mike’s recent trip to Alphaland and Corrupted Strength. Avi Lieu joins us for this one. You can find Avi on Instagram @avi.lieu . ____ Have a question for o...

Due to a canceled flight and prep for an apparel drop, we’ve only got one episode this week…but it’s a fun one. Our longtime buddy, Gabe Crisp, was in town for a gig and was gracious enough to join us. We talked about whether metal vocalists really need to scream, the relationship between powerlifting and angry music, when touring musicians find time to lift, his love for discgolf, and the rules a...

From our Discord: DKQuinoa asked, “What is your creative process? (Leaving this open-ended and open to interpretation on purpose).” ____ Have a question for one of our Friday “One Good Question” episodes? Hit us up on social media and use the hashtag #onegoodquestion. If your question is picked, you’ll get something special from us! Join our Discord for free at goodcompanydiscord.com! Check out ou...

UFOs? Aliens? Training plans that always work…for anyone? Calorie theory? We discuss the limitations of evidence and the point that blind faith (and wishful thinking) kick in. ____ Have a question for one of our Friday “One Good Question” episodes? Hit us up on social media and use the hashtag #onegoodquestion. If your question is picked, you’ll get something special from us! Join our Discord for...

Time for another question from our Discord. Keith Honeycutt asks “(Who is) someone in the fitness industry you still want to meet in person?” After decades (combined) of time in the industry, who haven’t we met that we’d still like to meet? It’s a pretty short list… ____ Have a question for one of our Friday “One Good Question” episodes? Hit us up on social media and use the hashtag #onegoodquesti...

Reunited for a brand-new episode after a month of travel, we got to be in the house for Kings/Warriors Game 2 and see Draymond Green stomp on the chest of the King’s Domantas Sabonis. We talk about how sports can build community, and how what you wear can shape how you feel about yourself. ____ Have a question for one of our Friday “One Good Question” episodes? Hit us up on social media and use th...

Deep thought question: What’s the greatest gift has powerlifting given you? Strength? Friends? Purpose? Goals? Confidence? The crew weighs in with some heartfelt responses. Joe Stanek (@joe_gameday) sat in as guest host on this one, along with Mike, Nico (@nicoflores83kg), and Elexa (@nanoo31). ____ Have a question for one of our Friday “One Good Question” episodes? Hit us up on social media and u...

We’re still on a production break for a couple of weeks or so due to a trip out of the country, so we’re revisiting some valuable episodes from the beginning (and original format) of the show. We know that heat and cold shock proteins form in the body in reaction to changes in temperature, but what do they do and should we be trying hard to get them? • How much do you need to change your body temp...

Joe pitched this one from one of his followers: You can lift anyway you want, but you can’t compare your lifts to anyone else’s if they are not to the same standard. Can you really compare lifts across federations or different equipment standards? Are squats with wraps comparable to squats with sleeves? Are deadlift bars and stiff bars THAT different in terms of weight lifted? Joe Stanek (@joe_gam...

We’re still on a production break for a couple of weeks or so due to a trip out of the country, so we’re revisiting some valuable episodes from the beginning (and original format) of the show. (Plus, you get to hear us to an ad read we didn’t have time to cut out.) Here’s the original description of this episode: Friends, dates, relationships…all pretty essential to most of us, right? But a lot of...

Is listening to a book on audio the same thing as reading the words with your eyes? Is there a downside to only listening? There’s more disagreement on this than you might think. Joe Stanek (@joe_gameday) sat in as guest host on this one, along with Mike, Nico (@nicoflores83kg), and Elexa (@nanoo31). ____ Have a question for one of our Friday “One Good Question” episodes? Hit us up on social media...