THIRST For More Podcast

Episode Summary Your pre-workout might be destroying your long-term motivation. Here's why. Most lifters think they need MORE stimulation to stay motivated – stronger pre-workout, louder music, constant progress pics, social media validation. But this episode reveals the neuroscience showing you're actually KILLING your dopamine system and setting yourself up for burnout. In this deep dive, we bre...

Episode Summary Is the Max Effort Method the key to unlocking your absolute strength potential—or a dangerous path to injury and burnout? In this comprehensive episode, we break down everything you need to know about training with maximal loads (90% or more of your 1RM). Discover how max effort training rewires your nervous system, optimizes motor unit recruitment, and produces superior strength g...

Episode Summary In this episode, we sit down with Jeremy Hartman, one of America's premier strength and powerlifting coaches whose athletes have collectively shattered 9 world records, set over 70 American records, and earned more than 20 national titles. Jeremy shares the stories behind his most successful athletes, his coaching philosophy for long-term development, and the invaluable lessons lea...

Episode Description In this deeply personal episode, we're sharing the full story of our gym's forced relocation due to eminent domain. From the shocking initial notice to searching for a new space, we're opening up about the financial realities, emotional challenges, and unexpected silver linings of this journey. If you've ever wondered what happens when the government seizes private property for...

Episode Summary In this episode, we welcome Kalil Sherrod, a Sports Performance Coach who specializes in applying the conjugate method to basketball training. Kalil shares his expertise on how to adapt Westside Barbell principles for basketball athletes, discussing the nuances of programming, common weaknesses he sees in players, and practical strategies for developing explosive, resilient athlete...

Episode Summary 12% of Americans have tried GLP-1 drugs like Ozempic and Wegovy, but up to 65% discontinue within the first year. This comprehensive deep-dive examines the latest 2024-2025 research to uncover what's really happening with these medications - from remarkable cardiovascular and brain health benefits to the practical realities of side effects, costs, and discontinuation rates. Key Tak...

Episode Summary In this deep-dive episode, we examine what peer-reviewed scientific research actually says about energy drinks, separating marketing hype from evidence-based facts. From performance benefits to serious health risks, we break down everything you need to know about these increasingly popular beverages. Key Scientific Findings Performance Benefits: Energy drinks can improve endurance...

Episode Summary Think 75 Hard is just another fitness challenge? Think again. In this deep-dive episode, we explore why 75 Hard is actually the ultimate mental toughness training program and how it's quietly transforming lives beyond just physical appearance. Discover the psychology behind why it works, the real benefits that go far beyond fitness, and exactly how to approach it strategically if y...

Episode Summary What if the most popular exercise in fitness is actually one of the most dangerous? In this deep-dive episode, we examine the shocking scientific evidence about burpees - including warnings from the exercise's own creator that contradict how it's used today. Through injury surveillance data, biomechanical analysis, and expert opinions, we uncover why this "ultimate" exercise may be...

Episode Summary Stuck at the same squat weight for months? This episode breaks down the complete pause squat system that elite powerlifters and strength coaches use to destroy plateaus and build bulletproof bottom-position strength. We dive deep into the science, provide exact protocols, and give you a 4-week implementation plan to transform your squatting. Key Takeaways 70% of squat failures actu...

Episode Summary Discover the most underutilized exercise that could revolutionize your training routine! The Zercher squat isn't just another squat variation – it's a functional powerhouse that builds unmatched core stability, improves posture, and develops real-world strength like no other movement. In this comprehensive deep-dive, we explore the science-backed benefits of the Zercher squat, brea...

Episode Summary Discover why the squat, bench press, and deadlift remain the foundation of every serious strength training program. This episode breaks down the science behind compound movements, debunks common myths, and provides actionable advice for incorporating these lifts into your routine safely and effectively. Key Topics Covered The Foundation of Strength Why compound movements beat isola...

Episode Overview: This episode provides a foundational understanding of macronutrients and their roles in athletic performance and overall health. Brandon Smitley breaks down the three main macronutrients (protein, carbohydrates, and fats), explaining their functions, optimal timing, best sources, and practical implementation strategies. Detailed Show Notes: Introduction Episode focus: Macronutrie...

Episode Overview: This episode provides a detailed exploration of carb cycling, a nutritional strategy that involves alternating between high and low carbohydrate days based on activity levels. Brandon Smitley breaks down the fundamentals, benefits, and practical implementation of carb cycling for various fitness goals. Key Discussion Points and Timestamps: Introduction - Brief overview of the Thi...

In the 40th episode of the THIRST For More Podcast, Brandon sits down on a solo episode and YouTube Masterclass on counting calories. He helps you determine your BMR, TDEE, benefits and pitfalls of counting calories, tip and tricks to get the best results you can from counting calories, and ultimately building long-term sustainability with your nutritional approaches. About Brandon Smitley Instagr...

In the 39th episode of the THIRST For More Podcast, Brandon sits down with Chad Aichs of Courage Barbell. Chad was one of the top multiply powerlifters of all-time. Brandon and Chad discuss conjugate training, the mentality of lifting and training, mental health, and the value of sleep. Chad is one of the top powerlifters in history. Chad has put up numerous world record lifts in drug free (amateu...

In the 38th episode of the THIRST For More Podcast, Brandon sits down on a solo episode and discusses 1 Rep Max Testing for athletes. Is 1RM testing worth it? How should you layout your testing? What are the pro's and con's of 1RM testing? Brandon goes into a deep dive of everything to help you decide if this data is valuable for you as a coach and/or program. About Brandon Smitley Instagram: @bsm...

In this month's Q&A and live stream, Brandon Smitley goes over the 2023 year for him and his facility. In this episode of the THIRST For More Podcast Live, we answer your questions regarding strength, conditioning, and performance. We also discuss how 2023 went, and what to expect for 2024. About Brandon Smitley Instagram: @bsmitley @team.thirst Subscribe On YouTube! Website: THIRSTgym.com Bra...

In the 36th episode of the THIRST For More Podcast, Brandon sits down with Jim Jarvis of Jarvis Performance. They discuss how Jim got involved with strength and conditioning, training for the hockey population, as well as his route into multi-ply powerlifting. Jim uses ideas from the conjugate system to develop his athletes, and they discuss how he goes about that with that particular subset of at...

In the 35th episode of the THIRST For More Podcast, Brandon sits down with Kevin Cann of Precision Powerlifting Systems. they discuss how Kevin got involved with powerlifting and coaching. Kevin has been influenced by Louie Simmons and Boris Sheiko. Brandon and Kevin discuss everything conjugate, programming design, powerlifting issues and hot topics, and overall development of strength sport athl...

In this month's Q&A and live stream, Brandon Smitley breaks down how improve your bench press by addressing weak points specifically where you're having troubles. In this episode of the THIRST For More Podcast Live, we answer your questions regarding strength, conditioning, and performance. We also will be discussing the bench press and addressing weak points within that lift. Building The Raw...

In the 33rd episode of the THIRST For More Podcast, Brandon sits down with Jim Beebe of Unbreakable Athletics Academy. They discuss how Jim took an unique approach to joining the strength and conditioning space from the financial world, CrossFit, and overall athletic development. Jim discusses his plan to also help athletes on the mental approach to playing collegiate sports and beyond. Jim Beebe...

In this episode, host Brandon Smitley holds the third monthly Q&A live that is held over on YouTube. These Q&A's are held the first Sunday of each month at 1pm EDT. On top of answering your questions, Brandon will be providing a lecture based series as well to help provide continuing education on a variety of topics on performance, strength and conditioning, and powerlifting. In this month...

In the 31st episode of the THIRST For More Podcast, Brandon sits down with Alycia Israel of Alycia's Barbell. They discuss everything regarding women's health, hormones, the menstrual cycle, and everything to help women optimize their training, health, and nutrition. Alycia Israel has been in the fitness industry for almost 15 years competing in bodybuilding/bikini & powerlifting, while acquir...

In the 30th episode of the THIRST For More Podcast, Brandon sits down with Jason Nunn White of Mooresville High School from Mooresville, In. Hey discuss how to operate your high school strength and conditioning program, how to get buy-in from the administration, and discuss strength and conditioning for the racing athlete when Jason was at Chip Ganassi Racing. Jason Nunn is currently the strength...