Stronger with Don Saladino

Stress, anxiety, and mental burnout affect your performance, focus, and physical health. In this episode of Stronger we are going to dive into what builds real resilience and mental strength, not just physical strength. Don Saladino sits down with author, meditation teacher, and hospice volunteer Elena Brower to break down how strength training, meditation, and breath work work together to regulat...

In this special solo episode of Stronger, Don shares a practical, no-nonsense approach to creating healthy habits and sustainable New Year’s resolutions for 2026. Drawing on nearly three decades of coaching experience, Don explains why 88% of resolutions fail within two weeks, and how to avoid becoming part of that statistic. Don introduces the concept of micro momentum, showing how small, repeata...

Psychiatrist and bestselling author Dr. Sue Varma joins Don Saladino for a conversation about emotional fitness, practical mental health tools, and the mindset shifts that help us live with greater purpose and optimism. Drawing from her clinical experience and her signature framework, Dr. Varma explains how small, science-backed habits can dramatically improve resilience, confidence, and day-to-da...

NHL performance coach Andy O’Brien joins Don Saladino to break down the truth about recovery, sleep, stress, and training the world’s best hockey players. Andy has coached legends like Sidney Crosby and Nathan MacKinnon, and in this conversation he explains how professional teams use sleep data to guide travel schedules, why circadian rhythm matters more than total hours slept, and how to personal...

Louisa Nicola explains why dementia is not just a disease of old age, but rather a disease of lifestyle. In this episode, Don sits down with renowned neurophysiologist and founder of the Neuro Experience podcast, Louisa Nicola, to discuss one of the most devastating conditions: Alzheimer’s disease. She reveals the staggering statistic that 95% of Alzheimer’s cases can be prevented and shares the e...

World-renowned dermatologist Dr. Gary Goldenberg joins Don Saladino to demystify skin health, what actually works, what’s a waste of money, and how to build habits that protect your skin for life. Dr. Goldenberg explains the difference between medical dermatology and cosmetic dermatology, why prevention beats correction, the daily routines that support long-term skin health, and how diet, sleep, a...

Matt Bomer joins Don Saladino for a conversation about resilience, family, and redefining strength. Matt opens up about facing fear, balancing career and fatherhood, and the importance of staying grounded through discipline, training, and community. Don and Matt also talk about physical and mental recovery tools like cold plunges, red-light therapy, and nutrition, plus how to keep perspective when...

TV host, podcaster, and former Rachael Ray Show regular Tommy DiDario to talk about his journey from the corporate world to becoming the creator and host of his top-ranked podcast I’ve Never Said This Before. Tommy opens up about his early days in New York as a model and running social media for major brands, the leap of faith that led him into entertainment, and how he built a loyal following by...

In this highly anticipated and unfiltered episode of the Stronger podcast, Don Saladino welcomes his longtime friend, client, and Marvel star, Sebastian Stan. With over 15 years of shared history, Don and Sebastian discuss the evolution of the actor’s career, from his early days preparing for his iconic role as the Winter Soldier and his physically demanding Broadway debut in Picnic. Sebastian ope...

Ever wonder how a career can be shaped by saying “yes” to the unexpected? On this episode of Stronger with Don Saladino, Peter Hurley shares how he went from a professional sailor unsure of his future to a world-renowned celebrity photographer in NYC. He opens up about the pivotal moments, mentorship, and mindset shifts that led him to finally discover his true calling behind the camera. Peter als...

Dr. Jordan Shallow returns to the Stronger with Don Saladino for part two of their conversation. In his first appearance, Dr. Shallow unpacked the science of pain; this time, they get into recovery. Together, Don and Jordan break down why some people feel worse on rest days, the difference between active recovery and complete rest, and how lifestyle factors like stress, nutrition, hydration, and s...

Integrative and functional dietitian Michelle Shapiro joins Don Saladino for a conversation about living in a highly sensitive body, and what happens when your nervous system, gut, and immune system are all turned up to eleven. Michelle breaks down the connection between histamine intolerance, gut health, and anxiety, explaining why some people are naturally more reactive to foods, environments, o...

The entire internet is talking about peptides—but what’s the truth? In this episode of Stronger with Don Saladino, we break down the science of peptides for weight loss, appetite regulation, and longevity. Don is joined by Dr. Dwayne Jackson, PhD researcher and performance coach, to explain how peptides can support fat loss, manage cravings, and preserve muscle. Together, they separate fact from h...

Actor Drew Powell (known for Gotham, The Unbreakable Boy, The Pitt) joins longtime friend Don Saladino on the Stronger Podcast to talk fitness, acting, and life balance. Drew shares behind-the-scenes stories from his time on Gotham as Solomon Grundy, hilarious moments training with Don and the “Gym Mafia” alongside Sebastian Stan in New York City, and tips for balancing a busy Hollywood career wit...

What does it take to discover a new passion later in life, and then chase it all the way to ultra marathons? In this episode of Stronger, Don Saladino sits down with Fleur to have an inspiring conversation about taking control of your health and turning it into a journey of resilience, discipline, and personal growth. Fleur is a member of The Challengers, Don’s online coaching group, and shares ho...

Is pain holding you back from training or reaching your fitness goals? Chiropractor and strength coach Dr. Jordan Shallow (The Muscle Doc) joins Don Saladino on the Stronger Podcast to break down the truth about pain, mobility, strength, and performance. If you want to eliminate pain, improve movement, and learn what it takes to train smarter for long-term results this episode is for you. --------...

Stand-up comedian and impressionist Matt Friend joins Don Saladino on Stronger to share his journey from viral TikTok fame to the stand-up comedy stage. Known for his spot-on celebrity impressions, Matt opens up about the grind behind building a career in comedy, handling failure, and staying consistent in the face of setbacks. Don, who also coaches Matt in the gym, connects Matt’s growth on stage...

Parents: Worried about the college admissions process? Learn expert tips on writing admissions essays, which extracurriculars to choose, how to stand out, and how to get into top schools with higher education expert Jeannine Henvey (Co-founder of The College RX) and Don Saladino. Together they reveal what students and parents really need to know about the college admissions process. In this episod...

Can you actually reverse your biological age? Don sits down with health scientist Dr. Dwayne Jackson to unpack the real science of longevity, mitochondria, fitness, and nutrition. From busting biohacking myths to explaining how movement, food, and recovery truly keep you young, this episode is packed with practical strategies to help you feel stronger and live longer. Dr. Dwayne Jackson joins Don...

 Liev Schreiber, Tony Award–winning actor known for Ray Donovan, Spotlight, and his unforgettable role as Victor Creed (Sabretooth) in X-Men Origins: Wolverine, sits down for an interview with the man who helped him physically prepare for those roles, Don Saladino. Don and Liev discuss how their training prepared him for the physical and mental demands of portraying Wolverine’s nemesis, as well as...

Don Saladino sits down with NYC trainer Kenny Santucci. Kenny is a fitness entrepreneur, founder of The Strength Club NYC, and creator of the annual Strong New York, taking place in Manhattan on September 27, 2025. Kenny and Don talk about building a life and business rooted in passion, community, and resilience. Kenny opens up about his journey from television to the fitness world, the challenges...

Evy Poumpouras is a former Secret Service agent, interrogation expert, author, and speaker. Evy opens up with host Don Saladino about what it takes to thrive in high-stakes environments, the psychology behind empathy and influence, and why real power often comes from listening more than speaking. From barely passing her first physical exam to protecting presidents and interrogating terrorists, Evy...

Don sits down with Chip and Joanna Gaines to talk about what it really means to get stronger physically, mentally, and emotionally. From working out together for the first time in their 22-year marriage to how Jo overcame injury myths and Chip’s all-or-nothing approach to fitness and turning 50. They also take live questions from callers, including one about comparing yourself to your younger self...

What does it take to survive being wounded in combat, and come back stronger? Former Navy SEAL and decorated wounded warrior Jason Redman joins Don Saladino to share his story of survival, endurance, and resilience. Jason opens up about his journey from a kid obsessed with G.I. Joe to enduring the most grueling training in the military, and eventually surviving a near-fatal ambush in Iraq. He shar...

In this powerful Billy Crudup interview, Billy sits down with longtime friend Don Saladino to explore fitness over 50, exercising for stress management, and the impact training has had on his mental health. Billy Crudup is one of the most respected actors in Hollywood, known for his work on both stage and screen, from Almost Famous to The Morning Show. In this episode of Stronger, Billy and Don di...