Zac Robinson and Josh Pelland
Data Driven Strength Podcast
The perfect blend of research deep-dives and laid-back training talk.
Author
Zac Robinson and Josh Pelland
Category
Podcast website
Latest episode
Jan 28, 2026
Where to listen?
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Episodes
Are Drop Sets an Effective Training Method? [New Research] - S2E14 28.01.2026 1:25:49
Work with Josh, Zac, or another DDS Coach: https://datadrivenstrength.com/coaching 0:35 Introduction to the Study and Team 2:33 Conceptual Rationale for Drop Sets 6:50 Current State of the Literature 12:55 Tonal Technology and Methodology 22:21 Study Design and Participants 26:50 Traditional vs. Drop Series Protocol 34:21 Defining Practical Equivalence 37:34 Hypertrophy Results and Findings 42:14...
How I Lost 30 Pounds Without Losing Muscle | S2E13 09.12.2025 1:24:35
Work with Josh, Zac, or another DDS Coach: https://datadrivenstrength.com/coaching 00:00 Intro Teaser: 30 lbs Down 00:31 Podcast Intro & Topic Overview 02:57 The "Week 4 Effect" 05:05 Does Expertise Hurt Your Own Progress? 06:35 The Value of "Walking the Walk" 10:52 PART I: THE CONTEXT (From PL to Hypertrophy) 18:40 Why Josh Hired a Coach (Steve Hall) 21:30 T...
A New Philosophy for Training Data | S2E12 05.11.2025 1:35:45
Work with a DDS coach: https://datadrivenstrength.com/coaching/ 0:02:14 - Zac’s Work on Individual Response Variation (and his conclusion) 0:08:35 - Key takeaway: programming around constraints, not different principles 0:15:18 - New podcast approach: Building on their own work (Research & Coaching) 0:19:03 - Experience vs weak Scientific Evidence 0:29:17 - Coaching Systems Review: The 5 Core...
Structure vs. Flexibility, Bodybuilding vs. Powerlifting, and a Huge Announcement | S2E11 31.07.2025 1:20:25
Sign up for a 14-day free trial for the Evolve Training App: https://www.evolvetrainingapp.com Work with Josh or Zac: https://datadrivenstrength.com/coaching Free newsletter with exclusive content: https://datadrivenstrength.com 00:00 - Introduction & Rocking Chair Discussion 09:30 — Coaching Anecdotes 14:10 — Structure vs. Flexibility in Training 44:59 — What Bodybuilders Can Learn From Power...
New approach to RIR, Advanced Training Methods, Research Interpretation Errors, and More | S2E9 07.07.2025 2:47:32
Thanks for tuning in to the Data Driven Strength Podcast! More from DDS: https://data-drivenstrength.kit.com/profile 00:00 - Introduction 00:05:17 - Training Flexibility vs. Rigidity 00:25:45 - New Rest-Pause Study 00:43:55 - Recommendations: Rest-Pause & Drop Sets 00:55:49 - How to Individualize Training 01:27:32 - An Improved Approach to RIR 01:40:34 - A Guide to Interpreting Research (Commo...
Volume and Strength: New Science Explained | S2E10 30.06.2025 3:05:21
Thanks for tuning in to the Data Driven Strength Podcast! More from DDS: https://data-drivenstrength.kit.com/profile 00:00- Podcast Introduction & Episode Focus 06:05 - The Deceiving Nature of Scientific Data 10:10 - Episode Outline and Goals 16:15 - Acknowledging the Research Team 18:20 - Historical Periodization Narratives 24:25 - Contrasting Strength Training Approaches 32:30 - Evolving Vie...
Hypertrophy Tier List, Periodization for Hypertrophy, and More | S2E7 02.06.2025 3:08:02
More from DDS: https://data-drivenstrength.kit.com/profile 00:00 Intro 00:23 Introduction 09:34 Hypertrophy variables tier list 13:15 Detailing the tier list structure and criteria 18:44 Tier list discussion begins: Rep Tempo (C-Tier) and Intensity Techniques (initially C, moved to B-Tier) 31:08 Continuing tier list: Range of Motion (A-Tier) and Rest Periods (A-Tier) 41:40 Further tier list variab...
Beginner vs Advanced Training, Powerlifting Mistakes, and More (10k subscribers Q&A) | S2E8 27.05.2025 1:45:36
Thanks for tuning in to the Data Driven Strength Podcast! More from Data Driven Strength: https://data-drivenstrength.kit.com/profile 00:00 Intro 07:13 Q&A Start: Sets to Failure vs. Reps in Reserve (Hypertrophy) 14:01 Sets to Failure vs. Reps in Reserve (Strength) 19:07 The "Fatigue Boogeyman" in Hypertrophy Training 24:51 Fatigue Management in Strength Training 31:23 Autoregulati...
Strength and Hypertrophy Lessons from 2024 (Q&A) | S2E6 06.02.2025 1:35:02
Thanks for tuning in to the Data Driven Strength Podcast! More from Data Driven Strength: https://data-drivenstrength.kit.com/profile Timestamps: 00:00 Introduction 04:04 Exploring AI in Strength Training 28:04 Personal Learnings and PhD Insights 31:18 Understanding Training Protocols and Individual Responses 37:24 The Role of Environmental Factors in Training Outcomes 43:31 Individualization in T...
Frequency and Strength: New Science Explained | S2E5 08.01.2025 2:45:16
Thanks for tuning in to the Data Driven Strength Podcast! https://sportrxiv.org/index.php/server/preprint/view/460 Timestamps: 00:00 Introduction 02:51 The Mystery of the Norwegian Frequency Project 09:14 Understanding Between-Study Variability in Research 11:49 The Impact of New Research on Training Practices 18:03 The Role of Social Media in Science Communication 20:54 Reflections on Research I...
Volume and Muscle Growth, Are There Really Doubts? Ft. Dr. Sam Buckner | S2E4 20.12.2024 1:45:20
Thanks for tuning in to the Data Driven Strength Podcast! Follow Sam: https://www.instagram.com/samuelbuckner?utm_source=ig_web_button_share_sheet&igsh=ZDNlZDc0MzIxNw== Timestamps: 00:00 Introduction 03:10 Sam's Background and Research Focus 06:06 Understanding Muscle Growth and Measurement Techniques 12:04 The Complexity of Hypertrophy Research 19:05 High Volume Training and Its Implications...
Can The Volume Research Be Trusted: Ft. Dr. Eric Helms | S2E3 15.11.2024 1:25:14
Thanks for tuning in to the Data Driven Strength Podcast! Timestamps: 00:00 Introduction 04:02 Evolution of Research in Strength Training 12:08 Critical Analysis of Volume Research 20:12 Understanding Limitations in Training Studies 30:02 Real-World Implications 42:32 Balancing Science Communication and Practical Utility 44:55 Shifting Perspectives on Training Volume 47:21 Long-Term Training Persp...
Frequency and Hypertrophy: New Science Explained | S2E2 16.10.2024 2:48:03
Thanks for tuning in to the Data Driven Strength Podcast! https://sportrxiv.org/index.php/server/preprint/view/460 Timestamps: Timestamps: 00:00 Introduction 16:40 Background 29:16 Historical Perspectives on Training Frequency 50:28 What We Did (Methodology) 01:00:57 Findings on Frequency Quantification 01:10:43 Primary Meta-Regression Results 01:35:58 Comparing The Results Frequency Quantificatio...
Volume and Hypertrophy: New Science Explained | S2E1 04.10.2024 5:01:31
Thanks for tuning in to the Data Driven Strength Podcast! https://sportrxiv.org/index.php/server/preprint/view/460 Timestamps: 0:00:00 Introduction 0:04:41 The Story Behind This Project 0:10:00 The Goal of This Podcast 0:24:03 Background Research / Rationale 0:44:30 Method of Set Quantification 0:51:20 Search and Inclusion Criteria 0:55:45 Why Include Non-training Control Groups 1:01:20 Smallest D...
Managing the Costs of Training to Failure | Ep. 66 14.08.2024 37:27
Thanks for tuning in to the Data Driven Strength Podcast! 00:00 Introduction 01:30 Controlling Proximity to Failure and Downstream Effects 03:39 Theoretical Considerations and Adjusting Load Set-to-Set 11:50 Practical Recommendations for Training to Failure 19:35 Exercise Order and Perception of Effort 35:08 Maximizing the Stimulus Under the Curve All our stuff - https://data-drivenstrength.ck.pa...
How Should Your Volume Change Over Time? | Ep. 65 07.08.2024 41:40
Thanks for tuning in to the Data Driven Strength Podcast! 00:00 Introducttion 02:27 Framing the Discussion on the Dose-Response Relationship 08:19 Differentiating Muscle-Centric and Practical Constraints 15:32 Volume Needs over a Lifting Career 24:26 The Minimum Effective Dose and Practical Considerations 32:22 The Shifting Window of Productive Training Volumes 38:35 Wrap Up All our stuff - https...
Maintenance Volume: More Than Meets the Eye | Ep. 64 31.07.2024 1:04:19
Thanks for tuning in to the Data Driven Strength Podcast! 00:00 Intro 05:25 Defining Maintenance Volume 08:18 Current Research on Maintenance Volume 18:49 Limitations of Current Research 24:16 Determining Effective Maintenance Volumes 32:47 Skepticism Around Some Evidence-Based Concepts 35:11 Maximizing Gains of Maintenance 46:27 Absolute vs. Relative Change in Volume 01:01:14 The Importance of L...
How Novelty Can Make Your Training More Effective | Ep. 63 24.07.2024 44:07
Thanks for tuning in to the Data Driven Strength Podcast! 00:00 Intro 03:14 Calf Anatomy 08:29 Exploring the Concept of Resensitization 29:17 The Role Individualization 36:09 Anecdotal Evidence of Potential Effectiveness 42:16 Practical Resensitization Strategies Subscribe to our YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@datadrivenst... Be sure to sign up for our newsletter: https://www.data-dri...
Tips for Hardgainers and Distributing Volume for Strength | Ep. 62 17.07.2024 36:35
Thanks for tuning in to the Data Driven Strength Podcast! Subscribe to our YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@datadrivenst... Be sure to sign up for our newsletter: https://www.data-drivenstrength.com/n... Learn more about Infinity Programs: https://www.data-drivenstrength.com/i... To learn more about 1 on 1 coaching: https://datadrivenstrength.typeform.c... Follow Zac on Instagram: https...
Conceptualizing Training Frequency for Strength | Ep. 61 10.07.2024 36:31
Thanks for tuning in to the Data Driven Strength Podcast! 00:00 Introduction 01:29 How Do We Train During Vacation 08:26 Grgic Frequency Meta-analysis 14:09 Interpreting the Research and Counterfactuals 23:30 Managing Frequency and Individualization 29:21 Balancing Frequency and Performance 35:17 Wrap Up Subscribe to our YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@datadrivenst... Be sure to sign up...
Experience-Driven Coaching Strategies | Ep. 60 03.07.2024 36:24
Thanks for tuning in to the Data Driven Strength Podcast! 00:00 Introduction 02:06 Experience-Driven Coaching Strategies 05:10 Contribution of Muscle Size to Strength 10:47 Periodization 27:26 Partial ROM Failure 35:58 Wrap Up Subscribe to our YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@datadrivenst... Be sure to sign up for our newsletter: https://www.data-drivenstrength.com/n... Learn more about...
Is Optimal The Enemy? | Ep. 59 26.06.2024 35:18
Thanks for tuning in to the Data Driven Strength Podcast! Timestamps 00:00 Introduction 03:24 Where We’ve Been 11:26 The Role of Optimization 26:46 Concepts That Seemed Obvious After the Fact 30:45 Recent Papers 34:02 Wrap up Subscribe to our YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@datadrivenst... Be sure to sign up for our newsletter: https://www.data-drivenstrength.com/n... Learn more about I...
Does the Evidence Now Support Effective Reps? Ft. Greg Nuckols | Ep. 58 18.12.2023 4:00:18
Free RPE/RIR guide: https://data-drivenstrength.ck.page/rpe-guide Greg Nuckols: https://www.strongerbyscience.com https://www.strongerbyscience.com/effective-reps/ https://www.instagram.com/gregnuckols/?hl=en 0:00:00 Intro 0:04:50 Overview of New Proximity to Failure Meta-Regression 0:17:00 Common Misinterpretations of the Results 0:20:00 The Resurgence of the Effective Reps Model 0:40:00 The Desi...
Do Short Rest Periods Actually Decrease Muscle Growth? | Ep. 57 11.12.2023 1:11:31
Thanks for tuning in to the Data Driven Strength Podcast! Timestamps: 00:00 Intro 02:30 Reconciling the Data on Short Rest Periods and Intensity Techniques Subscribe to our YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@datadrivenstrength/featured Be sure to sign up for our newsletter: https://www.data-drivenstrength.com/newsletter Learn more about Infinity Programs: https://www.data-drivenstrength.com...
Beyond Powerbuilding: Principles and Advanced Applications | Ep. 56 30.08.2023 50:45
Thanks for tuning in to the Data Driven Strength Podcast! Timestamps: 00:00 Intro 08:30 Beyond Powerbuilding Subscribe to our YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@datadrivenstrength/featured Be sure to sign up for our newsletter: https://www.data-drivenstrength.com/newsletter Learn more about Infinity Programs: https://www.data-drivenstrength.com/infinity-pre-launch To learn more about 1 on...
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