Iron Summit

This episode explores leadership, discipline, and the mental frameworks behind sustained success. We discuss servant leadership, building credibility through consistency, and the balance between high standards and burnout. The conversation also covers fear vs gratitude, discipline over motivation, and how fitness and life evolve through different seasons. Practical takeaways throughout make this a...

Two time NCAA All-American Michael “The Wild Man” DeAugustino joins the show to discuss the mental and physical demands of high-level wrestling. From weight cutting and competitive mindset to program culture at Northwestern and Michigan, this episode explores what it takes to perform under pressure and how those lessons carry into life after sport. The Iron Summit podcast provides general health a...

In this episode of Iron Summit , we’re joined by Greg Bulsak, former All-American wrestler turned bodybuilder to talk performance, physique, and long-term training balance. Greg breaks down lessons from wrestling conditioning, endurance events, and weight cutting, and how those experiences shaped his approach to bulking, cutting, and competing in bodybuilding. We dive into the mental side of train...

In this episode, Max and Ryan break down their personal fitness goals for 2026. What we're prioritizing, what we’re scaling back, and how we’re training differently this year. We talk through our approach to strength vs. hypertrophy, technique and biomechanics, effective training volume, body composition goals, and recovery. It’s an honest look at how we’re cutting through the noise and buildi...

In this episode, we break down practical ways to actually invest in your health , focusing on high-impact habits like better sleep, quality breathing, strength training, smarter nutrition choices, and stress management. We also cover how to avoid overhyped health gimmicks and stay focused on the fundamentals that deliver real results. Simple. Sustainable. High return. The Iron Summit podcast provi...

In this episode, we sit down with Michael Chernow to unpack his journey from chaos to clarity. Michael shares how commitment, structure, and a simple 24-hour plan helped him rebuild his life, navigate addiction and darkness, and ultimately create a purpose-driven brand in Creatures of Habit. We dive into the power of daily routines, the role fitness played in his transformation, and why authentici...

Are seed oils actually destroying your health—or is the truth far more nuanced? In this episode, we break down the science behind seed oils, omega-6 and omega-3 fatty acids, and why the ratio between fats matters far more than fear-based headlines. We dive into how cooking methods affect oil quality, why correlation often gets confused with causation in nutrition research, and what breast milk and...

Ryan and Max sit down with Pondering Pat for a powerful conversation on strength, masculinity, and the standards men hold themselves to today. They explore the mental side of fitness, the mind-body connection, generational health trends, and why purpose and discipline matter now more than ever. From the idea of a “Manhood Combine” to defining elite and average fitness benchmarks, this episode brea...

In this episode of Iron Summit, Ryan and Max break down practical holiday fitness tips to help you stay consistent through Thanksgiving and the winter season. They cover how to manage eating and drinking at holiday gatherings, strategies to stay active during busy travel weeks, simple routines to maintain strength, and mindset shifts that keep you on track without sacrificing tradition or fun. Whe...

In this episode, we sit down with nutrition coach Jon Heck to break down the truth about carbs, cutting, bulking, and fueling peak performance. He explains how wrestlers and strength athletes can manage weight without sacrificing muscle and how to read your body’s feedback for smarter training cycles. We also dive into micronutrients, seed oils, fructose, and what really matters for long-term heal...

In this episode we talk to Greg Bulsak, 2 x NCAA All- American who breaks down the full body-transformation journey—how wrestling shapes bodybuilding discipline, how to balance corporate life with serious training, and how to push intensity without sacrificing recovery or form. We dig into muscle-building nutrition, carb timing, digestion, cardio for bulking and cutting, core strength, lower-back...

In this episode of Iron Summit , Ryan and Max sit down with Cayden Henschel, wrestling social media expert, to talk about the rise of a new era in the sport. They dive into how RAF is reshaping wrestling’s image and professional wrestling options.  Through Cayden’s innovation in gear, design, and social media. From creating durable, stylish shoes to building a brand that speaks to the next generat...

In this episode of Iron Summit , Ryan and Max break down everything you need to know about building muscle the right way —from training and nutrition to recovery and mindset. They cover how to set up a proper caloric surplus, why food quality matters, and the practical steps to make clean eating sustainable. The conversation dives deep into hypertrophy training , emphasizing smart programming, vol...

In this episode, the team breaks down one of the most sought-after fitness goals—getting abs. They uncover what it really takes to build a visible, functional core, exploring the balance between diet and training, the impact of stress, sleep, and hydration, and how to train your abs effectively. The discussion also separates aesthetic goals from functional strength and emphasizes the real key to l...

In this dynamic episode, the hosts celebrate key milestones in their journey before diving into an engaging mix of health, fitness, and financial insights. They break down the hierarchy of health, from calories and macronutrients to sleep, recovery, and training quality — offering practical strategies for optimizing performance and longevity. The conversation also explores the fascinating overlap...

In this episode of Iron Summit , Ryan and Max sit down with Garrett Salem to explore the intersection of fitness, health, and authenticity in the modern world. Garrett shares his insights on the evolution of social media, how to stay genuine in a world driven by comparison, and the importance of building habits that create lasting results. The conversation dives deep into men’s health, covering nu...

In this episode, Max Wessell and Ryan Deakin dive into the many sides of competition. Its ability to drive growth, sharpen performance, and build culture, as well as the risks of comparison and toxicity. They share strategies for setting tangible goals, balancing rest with intensity, and using competition as a motivational tool both in training and in life. The conversation also explores how to al...

In this episode, we explore what it takes to build a healthy, sustainable lifestyle that lasts. From lessons learned in Costa Rica to practical strategies you can apply today, we break down the habits, sacrifices, and small wins that add up to long-term success. Topics include the impact of daily lifestyle choices on health, creating consistency with exercise and nutrition, the importance of meal...

In this episode, Cooper Napoli joins the show to share his adventures and break down the art and science of strength training, performance, and bodybuilding. From the role of diet in hypertrophy to the differences between athlete and bodybuilder training, we explore how to balance recovery, mobility, and targeted modalities for optimal results. Whether you’re chasing muscle, performance, or both,...

In this episode, we sit down with Alex Kanellis, founder of Landmine University, to explore his journey from college football and wrestling to becoming a strength coach and innovator in training. Alex shares how wrestling shaped his approach to building physicality for football, the origins of Landmine University, and why rotational strength is critical for athletes. We dive into balancing traditi...

In this episode, Ryan Deakin and Max Wessell break down the powerful life lessons wrestling teaches, from accountability and discipline to resilience and courage. They share how the sport shapes character, turns failure into growth, and prepares you to take on life’s toughest challenges with confidence and perspective. The Iron Summit podcast provides general health and fitness information for edu...

In this Iron Summit episode, we cut through the noise of fitness myths and social media hype. From genetics vs. epigenetics to nutrition, supplements, weightlifting, and individualized training, we break down what really drives results—and what doesn’t. Tune in to rethink what you know about fitness and build an approach that actually works. The Iron Summit podcast provides general health and fitn...

In this episode, Tyler Neely takes us inside the world of bodybuilding, sharing his journey from sports to the stage. He breaks down his training methodologies, nutrition strategies, and recovery routines, while highlighting the role of genetics and discipline in achieving success. From bulking and cutting phases to competition prep, Tyler offers valuable insights into the dedication, structure, a...

In this episode, we break down the science and strategy of cutting weight for wrestling and combat sports. From water loading and nutrition hacks to mindset shifts and recovery tactics, they share the tools to cut smart, keep strength, and show up ready to dominate on competition day. The Iron Summit podcast provides general health and fitness information for educational purposes only. It is not a...

In this episode, we dive deep into the fundamentals of health and nutrition—cutting through the noise to focus on what actually matters. We cover practical strategies for cutting weight, managing caffeine and energy, and dialing in cardio and daily movement. Then we tackle big topics like organic vs non-organic foods, microplastics, toxins, GMOs, EMFs, and the truth about lab-grown foods. Whether...