Philosophical Weightlifting Podcast

If you do the same style of training, but get coached by two very different people then what's the result? In this episode of the podcast, we dig into the concept of psychological fatigue and explore what it means from both a coach's and an athlete's perspective. Is it just a reduction in motivation to train? How can it be augmented to optimize performance? Does training and coaching style have a...

On this week’s episode of the podcast, I was joined by former weightlifter, current coach, founder of East Coast Gold, and lifelong student, Leo Totten. This was an incredible show and I have nothing but respect for Leo, including his commitment to being a world-class coach. Through his efforts, he's continued to elevate the sport, something made obvious by the development and proliferation of ECG...

This podcast will go down in the history books... I don't think I've recorded such a unique and comprehensive podcast about programming, particularly understanding proximity to failure, individual response to training, and communicating that information to a wider audience. Enjoy part two of the best damn programming podcast to date. Follow Zac: Zac Robinson, PhD(c) (@zac.datadrivenstrength) • Ins...

This podcast will go down in the history books... I don't think I've recorded such a unique and comprehensive podcast about programming, particularly understanding proximity to failure, individual response to training, and communicating that information to a wider audience. Enjoy part one of the best damn programming podcast to date. Follow Zac: Zac Robinson, PhD(c) (@zac.datadrivenstrength) • Ins...

Aaron has been on the podcast multiple times, discussing his research on barbell kinetics and kinematics in elite weightlifters to technology in sport. There aren't many people as experienced and qualified as Aaron, which makes his perspective incredibly insightful. Listen in as we discuss his journey through the weightlifting ranks to eventually becoming the director of applied sport science for...

Chris Taber, PhD in Sport Physiology, joins me yet again to tackle training questions through a science-informed lens. During this episode of the podcast, we discuss the potential benefit of accentuated eccentric loading (AEL) for developing maximal strength. Follow Chris: Chris Taber (@drchristaber) | Instagram Christopher Taber (researchgate.net) Buy our book: https://www.weightliftinghouse.com/...

Jacob Tsypkin is a man after my own heart. We share very similar interests, including philosophy, weightlifting, critical thinking, training theory, and plenty more. In this episode of the podcast, we discuss how he managed to center his life around training. Now the co-owner of Framework BJJ, he's found himself in the same position he's been in for decades, running a gym and eating/sleeping/breat...

223 episodes, 200,000 downloads, and six years later... There's no better person to have on this very special episode of the podcast than Max Aita. Max and I sat down in the new Weightlifting.ai office to discuss fast and slow thinking, having a meaningful impact on other people's lives, and the process of improving over time. Enjoy. Follow Max and get coaching! https://www.instagram.com/max_aita/...

Solfrid has seen an unheard-of rise to the top. From competing at Norweigan Nationals to becoming World Champion in two years, she's quickly solidifying herself as the best in the sport. In this episode of the podcast, we discuss her athletic background, what her journey in the sport has been like, and how she's managing the expectations resulting from her success. Enjoy. Follow Solfrid: Solfrid K...

We have finally done it. There is an episode discussing the role of strength training for endurance athletes. Although not the central focus, we primarily explored Dr. Ryan's athletic, coaching, and academic careers, there was an emphasis on the place of the weight room in sport. Enjoy the conversation with Dr. Ryan, a critical part of our Master's program at WVU. Be a part of the program: School...

In one of the most inspiring podcasts to date, I caught up with Dylan Suarez, a PhD from ETSU and a sport scientist for the San Francisco Giants. We cover a range of topics, looking at Dylan's time in academia, including research he's done on block periodization and how that changes a weightlifter's physiology. We then shifted focus, exploring his time interning at the UFC Performance Institute be...

Olivia Reeves can't be human. With a 210kg back squat at 71kg, she's arguably the strongest female American weightlifter. Surprisingly, this is Olivia's first podcast appearance, which made for a great episode. We get to know her, including her background in the sport, how she can make it to the Olympics, and what she plans on doing professionally after she graduates. Enjoy. Follow Olivia: Olivia...

Jo Ann Aita is back on the podcast! In this episode, she recounts her time at Worlds, discusses what it's like to be in strength sports for over two decades, and why Max's Gym moving locations is a BIG DEAL. Attend the Team Aita Seminar at Palm Beach Weightlifting: Max Aita Seminar Palm Beach Weightlifting, Oct 15th (pike13.com) Onyx: https://www.onyxstraps.com/ with code PHILWL for 10% off https:...

The smoke has started to settle from the 2023 World Championships. In the aftermath, Wil Fleming has started to rethink his coaching approach. In this episode of the podcast, Wil discusses what he's changed as a coach, observations made at worlds, and why he's no longer in the sports performance industry. Follow Wil: Wil Fleming (@wilfleming) • Instagram photos and videos Buy something: wilfleming...

What happens when two pracademics (coach + scientist) chat about weightlifting? An EPIC podcast. In this episode, Shyam and I discuss weightlifting in a variety of contexts, including sports performance, the use of lift ratios, how force development at different positions in the pull can change programming needs, and more! Athletes, coaches, researchers, and weightlifting nerds -- this one is for...

In this podcast episode, Dr. Mike Israetel and I dive deep into critical thinking, academia and teaching, and how to become a successful content creator. Follow Dr. Mike & RP: Michael Israetel (@drmikeisraetel) • Instagram photos and videos Renaissance Periodization - YouTube Onyx: https://www.onyxstraps.com/ with code PHILWL for 10% off https://www.instagram.com/onyx_straps/ Buy our book: htt...

In this episode of the podcast, Seb and I discuss the three most influential people in our lives. Each person played a tremendous role in helping us get to where we are today. As we really are standing on the shoulders of giants. Follow Seb: Seb Ostrowicz (@seb_ostrowicz) • Instagram photos and videos Watch Worlds with Seb and Max commentating: Weightlifting House TV | Catalog Onyx: https://www.on...

In this episode of the podcast we discuss the role of trial and error, why coaches need long-term athlete retention, and how programs can evolve over time. Follow Max and get coaching! https://www.instagram.com/max_aita/ Home (teamaita.com) Save 10% on all Virus products using the code PHILWL VIRUS // Performance - Official Online Store (virusintl.com) Onyx: https://www.onyxstraps.com/ with code P...

Aaron Williams is currently flying undert the radar, but not for long... Days after snatching 182kg/400lbs and cleaning 223kg/490lbs, we welcome him onto the podcast to discuss his backstory, bringing attention to his unbelievable abilities. He started, like most kids, playing high school sports with enough talent to make it to the next level. But after finishing his collegiate football career, hi...

Keiser Witte is living proof that swimmers can be dominant strength athletes. What started with years and years in the pool, became the same time and dedication on the platform. Since his time at Arizona State, he's worked closely with Alex Lee and Shahin Nasarinia to become an unmatched powerhouse. His most recent performance at USA Weightlifting Nationals, culminating in a 192kg snatch and a clo...

What started as an honest question about coaching turned into one of the most fruitful coach-athlete relationships I've had. Dani and I have been working together for ~3.5 years, along the way she's qualified for her first Nationals (placing 7th), set a USAPL Ohio state record, and is now in position to podium in September at USAPL Raw Nationals. Listen in as we discuss her background, why she got...

Sean Waxman has been flying under the radar since shutting down his gym in Los Angeles and moving to the mountains of Utah. Now, you can find him running the strength and conditioning program for the football team at Bingham High School. In this episode of the podcast, we discuss his time in strength and conditioning 32 years ago, including why he wanted to get into the profession. We also talk ab...

This was one of my favorite podcasts in recent memory. David Puder is an M.D., working in psychiatry as his area of specialty. Dr. Puder was also a rower, and loves strength training. In the episode we cover many topics, most of them being psychologically minded. From the qualities that make great relationships to stoicism to micro expressions, we navigated a lot of ground. Enjoy this deep dive on...

In this episode of the podcast I sit down with 4-time world team member, 4-time Pan Am team member, and 2010 University World Champion, Alex Lee. We dicuss Alex's background, the struggles he faces as a coach and business owner, and how he's been influenced by all of the coaches and Nationals teams he has trained with. Follow Alex: Alex Lee (@alee_weightlifting) | Instagram Alee Athletics (@alee_a...

You'll have to excuse the audio quality. This was recorded on my end in a coffee shop, so there's a bit of background noise In this episode of the podcast we discuss the coach's journey, why training strategies vary from place to place, and hypothetically, if everything could be known, would we get an optimal program for an athlete... Follow Max and get coaching! https://www.instagram.com/max_aita...