D&D Fitness Radio Podcast

In Episode 174, we discuss Don’s comprehensive foray into the world of wellness vacations and retreats that are changing the landscape of the vacation industry.  Don and Derek discuss the trend towards a more healthy focus on relaxing and rejuvenating getaways.    As we all know, travel and vacations can be a very stressful time for people, with an emphasis on rushing around and being the typical...

Episode 173 is the last one of 2024 with Don and Derek debriefing on the year, talking about all things related to fitness, strength training and wellness.  We hope everyone had a great year and we look forward to great things for all of our listeners and guests in 2025.               The D&D Fitness Radio podcast is available at the following locations for downloadable audio, including:   iTu...

In Episode 172, we listen to Dr. Pat Davidson tell us about his dedicated journey into the world of competitive bodybuilding.  Pat has the tendency to engage in all types of training and competitions since he was a young athlete that had the hopes of becoming a professional athlete.  Whether it has been team sports, mixed martial arts, powerlifting or strongman competitions, Pat has jumped in with...

Episode 171 has us sitting down with Andrew Hauser, in the midst of the 2024 World Series between the LA Dodgers and NY Yankees, talking about the nuances of rehabilitation and the intricacies of professional baseball.  Andrew has had the opportunity to work in Major League Baseball for over a decade and now works in private practice addressing injuries for all professional athletes, including the...

In Episode 170, we have a frank discussion with Dr. Dwayne Jackson about the ins-and-outs of testosterone deficiencies and the need for individuals to seek out supplemental testosterone replacement therapy (TRT).  It is more and more common to hear about males seeking out TRT for lifestyle and aesthetic reasons.  However, do they truly need to replace testosterone from a clinical standpoint, or ar...

It was time to bring back Charlie Weingroff for Episode 169 to talk about some serious stuff.  Charlie and Don had a private conversation a few weeks ago on the subject of scientific research in health, wellness and performance, and where it fits in the selection of protocols, exercises and other key ingredients for optimal performance and health.  While some practitioners are quick to support the...

Don and Derek reflect on the concept of incorporating running workouts as part of an overall aerobic training and conditioning program to improve overall body composition, health and wellness.  It is no surprise that obesity numbers are continuing to increase in the western world and individuals are struggling to incorporate regular exercise into their schedules, while also improving overall nutri...

We sit down once again with Brandon Marcello in Episode 167.  Brandon gives us some recent insight into all things related to sport and exercise science, as well as new technologies designed to monitor the status of athletes.  We talk about the efficacy and useability of wearable technology to monitor general health, sleep, cardiac output, recovery and many other key metrics.  We also discuss the...

In Episode 166, we have an in depth discussion on diet and health with Michelle Shapiro.  Working as a  Functional Dietician, Michelle tackles a wide range of issues related to personal health, wellness, fitness and nutrition.  We cover a wide range of topics related to diet and nutrition including the growing incidence of disease, challenges around weight loss, questions about modern food quality...

In Episode 165, Don and Derek share their stories about recent long-haul trips and the challenges they faced with everything from sleep to hydration to nutrition and workout facility accessibility.  While even short-haul travel can take a toll on your energy and overall health, longer trips over numerous time zones can present even greater challenges and stressful moments.    Sleep is always the m...

In Episode 164, we talk to Dr. Mike Israetel about both the benefits and perils of the wealth information on health, fitness, nutrition and performance available on social media and other accessible sources.  While it should not be difficult to find good, well-researched, common-sense information on these subjects, people still appear to be attracted to unproven trends, online gurus, charismatic i...

In Episode 163, we engage Ben Newman about his approach to coaching some of the top sports teams, business organizations and leaders over the last 20 years.  Ben gives us a breakdown of what motivates him to help push the top performers to greater heights, as well as keeping them at the top of their game for the long term.  Some of the most successful outcomes were the result of a combination of p...

In Episode 162, we discuss the close connection between physical training, personal fitness and overall health and fitness with Sean Pastuch.  A key concept covered in this interview is the process of identifying key traits in clients – including mind-set, commitment and focus – that will ensure that they are successful in their efforts to improve their physical abilities and, ultimately, their ov...

In Episode 161, we are joined by Dr. David Rabin to talk about his involvement in the creation of an innovative wearable device that helps individuals manage their nervous systems responses and encourage relaxation and calm through tactile vibration, similar to the sensation of touch. Through his research and work with Apollo Neuro, Dr. Rabin has developed an accessible wearable technology device...

In Episode 160, we are joined by Emily McDonald who engages us on the topic of neuroscience and its involvement in health and wellness. We start with a discussion on the nervous system and how it impacts anxiety, and then explore the negative effects of social media on brain function and overall mental health. Regular exercise can provide a more natural outlet for mental focus, but also help to re...

In Episode 159, we sit down with Lee Boyce. Lee begins by going into detail on how he got into the coaching and personal training field following his sport and athletic pursuits. One of the qualities that remained constant throughout Lee’s development as a coach, trainer and educator was the ability to communicate and connect with clients and other professionals. This ability to communicate extend...

In Episode 158, we discuss training with Ben Bruno. We discuss Ben’s training philosophy, as well as the time and effort that goes into providing the best training programs for both his individual one-on-one clients, as well as his virtual client base. He explains his basic business model and how his disciplined approach to working hard and serving his clients made him successful, relevant and res...

In Episode 157, we are fortunate to get some time speaking with Matt Wenning. Although Matt has tremendous experience in the sport of powerlifting and the physical preparation of athletes, he also has extensive experience in the restoration, repair and engineering of motor vehicles. We talk about his current automotive projects, as well as how he translates those skills and concepts to strength tr...

In Episode 156, we sit down with owner of Strong New York, Kenny Santucci, to learn more about his upcoming Fitness and Wellness Expo on November 18, 2023, as well as learn more about the mind behind ‘Strong New York.’ Kenny has built the Strong New York Fitness Expo in just a few years to become one of the most sought after events in the country. We talk about Kenny’s development in the business...

In Episode 154, Don and Derek discuss the simplicity and efficacy of running as a fitness modality. We have seen the shift to other forms of aerobic fitness training over the last few decades, with many options available to individuals looking to improve aerobic conditioning, improve body composition and manage stress in their lives. But few people know how to assemble a sound running program and...

In Episode 154, we talk with Jacqueline Kasen about her incredible pursuit of climbing the world’s highest mountains. We learn about her comprehensive fitness preparation for such an adventure, but also some of the setbacks she has endured as part of such a lofty goal. Jacqueline discusses all of the challenges she has faced with these types of expeditions including the thin air at altitude, the u...

Episode 153 is spent talking with Louisa Nicola to discuss various factors that influence our brain health. We cover all areas of health and performance as it relates to exercise, sleep and nutrition and the impact – both good and bad – on the brain. Louisa Nicola is a neurophysiologist and human performance coach, as well as the founder and head performance advisor of Neuro Athletics - a consulti...

In Episode 152, we sit down with Dr. Ralph Esposito to discuss various issues around human nutrition and how it impacts both our quality of life and longevity. We cover numerous areas of health and nutrition including daily protein requirements, micronutrient consumption, calorie counting, body composition, body-fat versus visceral fat, food costs and energy drinks. It was the kind of conversation...

In Episode 151, we talk with Geena Martinez about her foray into a golf influencer role, bringing very little previous experience to the table. A late adopter to the sport, Geena learned relatively quickly that golf was a valuable tool for cementing business relationships and broadening her corporate network. But she also grew to love everything about the sport to a point where she is now known as...

Episode 150, we get the opportunity to interview Dr. Ricardo Komotar in between his numerous appointments. Ricardo tells us that he always wanted to be a brain surgeon from a very early age. The brain has always fascinated him. He explains that assessments and imaging can be useful in identifying potential problems in the brain, but too much screening can also be problematic. We also discuss vario...