Elitefts Table Talk Podcast

Get 10% OFF at elitefts (CODE: TABLE TALK): https://www.elitefts.com/  Shop Bands: https://www.elitefts.com/shop/bands.html   Chris Duffin is a world-class strength athlete, inventor, and entrepreneur known for pushing life to the extremes—performance, competence, and achievement. He is the founder of Kabuki Strength and advisor to companies like Bearfoot Shoes and LiftLab, blending engineering, biomechanics, and human performance into transformative products and education.   A record-holding powerlifter, Chris is the only person to squat and deadlift 1000+ lbs for reps and holds the Guinness World Record for the heaviest sumo deadlift. His innovations impact professional sports teams, military branches, and thousands of athletes worldwide.   Raised in extreme adversity, Chris overcame homelessness and a chaotic childhood to become a top student, engineer, and entrepreneur. He is also a sought-after keynote speaker, author, and thought leader in personal development. Father of three and husband to a Canadian

Get 10% OFF at elitefts (CODE: TABLE TALK): https://www.elitefts.com/  Shop Bands: https://www.elitefts.com/shop/bands.html   We welcome Chad Coy to this episode of Dave Tate's Table Talk Podcast!   Chad Coy is a veteran of the iron game and a true powerhouse in the world of strength sports. A 1991 graduate of Purdue University, Chad has spent decades building a legacy in strongman, coaching, and athletic development. His resume includes being the U.S. alternate for the World’s Strongest Man in 2001 and dominating the Masters divisions with multiple titles: 3x America’s Strongest Man (Masters, 2013, 2014, 2017), 2x runner-up at Masters World’s Strongest Man (2012, 2013), Masters 50+ America’s Strongest Man (2021), and a top-6 finish at the 2022 Masters 50+ World’s Strongest Man.   Beyond the platform, Chad has become a respected authority in athlete development. As a Master Coach and the Director of Business Development for the PARISI Speed School, he helps mold the next generation of elite athletes through s

Get 10% OFF at elitefts (CODE: TABLE TALK): https://www.elitefts.com/  Shop Bands: https://www.elitefts.com/shop/bands.html   We welcome Eric Helms to this episode of Dave Tate's Table Talk Podcast!   Eric Helms, PhD, CSCS, is a WNBF Pro Natural Bodybuilder and internationally respected coach, scientist, and educator in the strength and physique sport world. Since 2009, he has coached with 3D Muscle Journey, where he now serves as Chief Science Officer. His coaching résumé includes national champions and world team athletes from five countries—three of whom became IPF World Champions. Eric has coached for Team USA, New Zealand, and Canada at IPF Classic Worlds, the Commonwealth Championships, and the inaugural Sheffield meet.   In academia, Eric is a Senior Research Fellow and Strength & Conditioning Lab Manager at the Sports Performance Research Institute New Zealand (SPRINZ) at Auckland University of Technology (AUT). His research focuses on evidence-based practices for bodybuilding and powerlifting, br

Get 10% OFF at elitefts (CODE: TABLE TALK): https://www.elitefts.com/  Shop Bands: https://www.elitefts.com/shop/bands.html   We welcome Craig Foster to this episode of Dave Tate's Table Talk Podcast! Craig Foster is one of the most accomplished raw powerlifters in the world today. At just 36 years old, Craig has achieved a massive 2298-pound raw total, placing him among the elite ranks of the sport. With a current position as 4th all-time in the raw squat category, his strength and consistency are undeniable.   Craig has squatted over 1000 pounds 13 consecutive times, with 10 of those being in competition—a testament to both his durability and mental fortitude on the platform. His best squat in wraps is a staggering 1025 pounds, while his raw with sleeves performances have earned him a spot as 29th all-time globally.   Craig’s upper body lifts are equally elite: a 606-pound bench press in competition and a 694-pound deadlift round out his extraordinary total.    Craig's IG: https://www.instagram.com/craig_pa

Get 10% OFF at elitefts (CODE: TABLE TALK): https://www.elitefts.com/  Shop Bands: https://www.elitefts.com/shop/bands.html   Pete Rubish takes a seat in this 363rd podcast episode of Dave Tate's Table Talk. Welcome back, Pete!   Pete is a competitive 242-pound powerlifter with best lifts of 772 pounds on squat, 485 pounds on bench, and 920 pounds on deadlift. For the last ten years, he has been coaching and training lifters. His passion is helping others get stronger and realize just how much more capable they can be as they pursue their true potential – and their next PR. After being off PEDs for four years, Pete has found other competitive passions, such as running. He recently ran 66 miles in the Bighorn 100 and ran a half marathon in 1 hour and 38 minutes. Pete and his wife own Koa Strength and Fitness in Oak Ridge, Tennessee.   Koa Strength and Fitness: https://koastrengthandfitness.com/ Pete's IG: https://www.instagram.com/pete.rubish/?hl=en   THANK YOU TO OUR SPONSORS  Get 10% OFF Your Next Marek Hea

Get 10% OFF at elitefts (CODE: TABLE TALK): https://www.elitefts.com/  Shop Bands: https://www.elitefts.com/shop/bands.html   Welcome Dan Goodman and Joe Riggio to the 362nd episode of Dave Tate's Table Talk podcast.    Dan Goodman and Joe Riggio are standout figures in the fitness industry, each bringing unique strengths to their partnership at Varsity House, a prominent gym brand they've developed together. Dan began his career at the front desk of Parisi Speed School at 16 and quickly ascended the ranks, eventually partnering with Joe in 2009 to establish Varsity House. Known for his strategic vision in business development and financial management, Dan has become a trusted advisor to gym owners globally through their consulting venture, The Business of Strength.   Joe Riggio started Varsity House in 2006 from an unused loading dock, driven by a lifelong passion for fitness that began when he was twelve. With a master’s degree in Biology and nearly two decades as an Adjunct Anatomy & Physiology Profess

Get 10% OFF at elitefts (CODE: TABLE TALK): https://www.elitefts.com/  Shop Bands: https://www.elitefts.com/shop/bands.html   We welcome Kyle Sheridan to this episode of Dave Tate's Table Talk Podcast!   Born and raised in Webster, NY, Kyle Sheridan has built a name for himself in the strength world through pure grit and community building. He’s the co-owner of Legends 24/7 Gym in Webster and runs his own coaching business, The Crew (formerly Sheridan Strength Crew), helping lifters push their limits together.   A former sprinter and track captain at Webster Thomas High School, Kyle’s love for lifting began after high school when he traded the stage as a guitarist in his rock band Falling Forward for the platform. Starting with natural bodybuilding, he quickly shifted to powerlifting in 2013, where he connected with icons like Rheta West, Bob Merkh, Paul O’Neid, and the late Paul Childress. With their guidance, he smashed his goals—deadlifting 800 and totaling 2,000 pounds at 242 in wraps by 2017.   In 2023,

PLOT TWIST: Special Guest Dave Tate features a mix of humor, philosophy, and deep discussion about powerlifting, with a central theme around the concept of intent—the idea that success in lifting comes not just from effort and discipline but from being mentally present and purposeful in execution. Dave emphasizes that most lifters lack true intent, even if they have all other elements like consistency and motivation. The conversation also explores topics like wrestling, training philosophies, ridiculous fitness advice, and hypothetical scenarios, often laced with humor and storytelling. Ultimately, Dave concludes that what separates great athletes is not just genetics or work ethic, but their mindset—specifically, their ability to embrace adversity and stay indifferent to distractions.    

Get 10% OFF at elitefts (CODE: TABLE TALK): https://www.elitefts.com/  Shop Bands: https://www.elitefts.com/shop/bands.html   We welcome Luka Hocevar to this episode of Dave Tate's Table Talk Podcast!   Born and raised in Ljubljana, Slovenia, Luka Hocevar credits basketball, fitness, and great coaches for steering him away from crime and onto a path that took him to the elite European Leagues and the NBA Summer Pro League. After hanging up his professional basketball jersey, Luka dedicated himself to transforming lives just like his coaches did for him.   With over 19 years of coaching experience, Luka has become a powerhouse in the world of physical and mental performance and body transformation. He’s the founder and co-owner of Vigor Ground Gym in Ljubljana and the owner of Vigor Ground Fitness and Performance in Seattle—two facilities known as premier coaching destinations in Slovenia and the U.S. Combined, they’ve helped transform the lives of over 12,000 clients since 2006.   Luka has personally coached

Get 10% OFF at elitefts (CODE: TABLE TALK): https://www.elitefts.com/  Shop Bands: https://www.elitefts.com/shop/bands.html   We welcome Brian Kichton to this episode of Dave Tate's Table Talk Podcast!   After spending most of his life under the bar, Brian Kichton dove headfirst into strongman in mid-2021—and hasn’t looked back since. With a rapid ascent through the ranks, Brian captured the 2023 Strongman Corp Amateur Nationals title, securing his coveted pro card and making his mark as a serious contender in the sport. After a strong showing at the Amateur Arnold, he’s turned his focus to competing as a pro on the global stage through the Strongman Champions League, where he’s pushing his limits against some of the world’s best.   When he’s not pressing logs or deadlifting cars, Brian balances the iron game with a career in finance—proving you can wear a suit by day and lift atlas stones by night. He recently relocated to Atlanta with his wife and two loyal pitbulls, embracing the grind of pro strongman whi

Get 10% OFF at elitefts (CODE: TABLE TALK): https://www.elitefts.com/  Shop Bands: https://www.elitefts.com/shop/bands.html   We welcome Shaun Kopplin to this episode of Dave Tate's Table Talk Podcast!   From the streets to the squat rack, Shaun Kopplin has transformed his life story into a mission of building better humans through strength. As the owner and operator of Mamba Furnishings, Cream City Clothing, and Wolfpack Barbell Club, Shaun wears many hats—entrepreneur, coach, community builder, and living proof that powerlifting can change lives.   A reformed criminal and recovered addict, Shaun knows firsthand what it means to hit rock bottom and crawl back up, barbell in hand. Through Wolfpack Barbell Club, he’s created a safe haven for lifters to push past their limits, find discipline, and surround themselves with a pack that won’t let them fail.   Outside the gym, Shaun channels the same relentless drive into Mamba Furnishings and Cream City Clothing, brands that represent hard work, hustle, and a comm

Get 10% OFF at elitefts (CODE: TABLE TALK): https://www.elitefts.com/  Shop Bands: https://www.elitefts.com/shop/bands.html   We welcome Chris Vachio to this episode of Dave Tate's Table Talk Podcast!   Chris Vachio has been training with purpose for over 40 years. A true veteran of the iron game, Chris started lifting in the early ‘80s and hasn’t let up since. He first made his mark in the 1990s, dabbling in both bodybuilding and powerlifting, but it was Strongman that ultimately became his long-term passion.   For the past 16 years, Chris has dedicated himself to competing in and promoting Strongman events across the country. As a competitor, he’s known for his grit, consistency, and old-school training mindset. As a promoter, Chris has earned widespread respect for running top-tier contests that are both lifter-focused and well-organized—helping grow the sport from the grassroots level up.   Check out his Adaptive Strongman competition this October: America’s Strongest Athlete with Disabilities 2025 https

Get 10% OFF at elitefts (CODE: TABLE TALK): https://www.elitefts.com/  Shop Bands: https://www.elitefts.com/shop/bands.html   We welcome Matt Wiedemer to this episode of Dave Tate's Table Talk Podcast!   Matt Wiedemer brings a powerhouse resume to the table, blending elite-level coaching, entrepreneurship, and lifting experience. With over two decades in the strength and conditioning game, Matt is best known as the co-owner of Beat Fitness—a facility he's owned and operated for 20 years. His gym became a training ground for champions, including UFC legends Jon Jones and Henry Cejudo, along with numerous other professional fighters.   Matt's career began under the mentorship of one of the greats, Buddy Morris, working alongside him at both the University of Pittsburgh and with the Cleveland Browns. This foundation laid the groundwork for Matt’s philosophy of high-performance training that bridges athleticism with real-world application.   In addition to his coaching pedigree, Matt is a decorated powerlifter, h

We welcome Jedd Johnson to this episode of Dave Tate's Table Talk Podcast!   Jedd Johnson is a pioneer in the world of Grip Sport and an influential figure in strength training. Competing in Grip Sport since 2003, Jedd has not only dominated the competitive scene—claiming multiple U.S. and North American Grip Championships—but also held numerous world records in events like the Two Hands Pinch, Silver Bullet, Pickaxe Lift, and more. His hands-on experience and technical mastery have made him one of the most respected names in grip strength.   Since 2005, Jedd has produced a vast library of educational content focused on grip strength, feats of strength, muscle building, and overall athletic development. Whether you're looking to crush grippers, bend steel, or simply build a stronger body, Jedd’s resources have guided thousands of lifters worldwide.   Jedd is also a co-founder of the Diesel Crew, a movement that emerged in the early 2000s and helped revolutionize underground strength training. The Diesel Crew

We welcome John Mouser to this episode of Dave Tate's Table Talk Podcast!   John Mouser is a performing Oldetime Strongman, veteran strength athlete, and seasoned coach with over two decades of experience in the world of strength sports. With a background as diverse as it is impressive, John has competed in nearly every major strength discipline contested in the U.S.—from Strongman and Arm Wrestling to Sumo Wrestling, Mas Wrestling, Steel Bending, Grip Sport, Traditional Stone Lifting, and Armlifting.   A true embodiment of functional and show-stopping strength, John blends old-school feats of power with modern athletic grit. His performances as an Oldetime Strongman pay homage to the golden era of strength, combining the theatrical with the awe-inspiring—making him a standout figure in today’s strength community.   John holds a degree in Athletic Coaching Education from West Virginia University, equipping him with both the academic foundation and real-world experience to coach athletes across a variety of st

We welcome Brad Bechel to this episode of Dave Tate's Table Talk Podcast!   Brad Bechel is the Head Coach of the McKendree University Powerlifting Team and a cornerstone in the collegiate powerlifting scene. With a lifting career dating back to the early 2000s, Brad has worn many hats in the strength world—athlete, coach, gym owner, physical therapist assistant, and Army veteran. His well-rounded background and relentless work ethic have fueled one of the most consistently successful collegiate programs in the country.   Since taking over as head coach in 2021, Brad has led McKendree University to multiple top-five national finishes at Collegiate Nationals and helped produce standout athletes, including two collegiate national champions and two IPL world champions. His team also secured an IPL North American Team Championship under his guidance. Prior to that, he served as the team’s assistant coach from 2019 to 2021, helping to lay the groundwork for their current dominance.   Brad’s coaching philosophy cent

We welcome Connor Karwowski to this episode of Dave Tate's Table Talk Podcast!   Connor Karwowski is a multiply powerlifter and the founder of Conjugate Strong, an online training business built on the proven principles of the Conjugate Method. With a best total of 2518 lbs in the 308 lb class—including a 1040 squat, 766 bench, and 775 deadlift—Connor has carved out a name for himself in the world of equipped powerlifting as both a fierce competitor and an accomplished coach.   Since launching Conjugate Strong in 2018, Connor has helped lifters across the country optimize their performance with strategic, high-intensity training rooted in the Westside Barbell system. He holds a CSCS and is Westside Barbell Special Strengths certified, combining his academic foundation with real-world success under the bar.   Connor is also the head strength and conditioning coach at Whitefish Bay High School in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, where he oversees athletic development and fosters a culture of strength from the ground up. W

We welcome Dan Green to this episode of Dave Tate's Table Talk Podcast!   Dan Green is a powerlifting icon and the owner of Boss Barbell Club in Mountain View, California. A 10-time world record-setting powerlifter, Dan has been a dominant force in the sport for over a decade. Known for his raw strength, technical precision, and commanding platform presence, he has etched his name into the history of powerlifting with standout lifts across multiple weight classes.   Since 2012, Dan has represented ANIMAL as one of their elite athletes, turning heads at the Arnold Sports Festival’s Animal Cage with jaw-dropping performances—including his legendary 900 lb beltless conventional deadlift that became an instant classic in strength sports media. Off the platform, Dan is a sought-after strength coach, having personally guided hundreds of athletes from beginner lifters to elite competitors. His expertise has taken him around the globe, leading over 100 seminars and sharing the principles behind his success. Dan’s coa

We welcome Austin Andrade, Nicholas Guardione, and Tim Ingram to this episode of Dave Tate's Table Talk Podcast!   Get ready for a powerhouse episode as Dave Tate sits down with two of the strongest rising stars in the sport—Austin "SMASH" Andrade and Nicholas Guardione—alongside their elite coach, Tim Ingram, owner of Heavy Metal Fitness in San Antonio, TX, widely regarded as one of the strongest gyms in America.   At 31 years old and weighing 390 lbs, Austin Andrade has made a massive impact on the Strongman scene. In 2024, he placed 7th at World’s Strongest Man and 5th at Strongest Man on Earth, building on wins at the 2023 Shaw Classic and World’s Strongest Latino. His highlight reel includes a 1,000 lb deadlift at Giants Live 2024. Proud of his Mexican heritage, Austin is driven to represent both Mexico and the USA on the world stage. Outside the gym, he shares life with his wife, Maisy, and their two dogs, Bruno and Baya. Follow him on Instagram @smash__andrade and YouTube via TheTexasBoys11.   Nicholas

Join MEMBERS ONLY for Early and Ad-Free Podcasts: https://www.elitefts.com/join-the-crew   We welcome Tanner Shuck to this episode of Dave Tate's Table Talk Podcast!   Tanner Shuck is a Dubai-based fitness champion, online coach, and content creator known for his intense, no-BS training style. A former collegiate football player and CrossFit athlete, Tanner blends strength, conditioning, and tactical grit into a hybrid training philosophy that has earned him a massive global following—254K on Instagram and 271K on YouTube.   From sand dune sprints to brutal barbell sessions, Tanner leads by example and delivers results. In this episode, he breaks down his training approach, life in Dubai, and how he built a thriving online brand without selling out. Whether you're a serious lifter, coach, or content creator, you'll get real insight, raw motivation, and no-fluff advice from one of the most respected voices in the game.   Tanner's IG: https://www.instagram.com/tanner_shuck/   THANK YOU TO OUR SPONSORS  Get Sta