Joe DeFranco's Industrial Strength Show

This week, Joe sits down with Dr. Rhonda Patrick to discuss her research on heat stress, sauna use, and her "Core 4" supplement recommendations for improving performance and living longer. In this information-packed, 97-minute interview you will learn: The sauna's effect on mood, cognitive function and preventing muscle atrophy; Why you'll benefit more from the sauna if you stay in there until you feel "uncomfortable"; How exposing your body to heat can have a positive effect on cardiovascular health; How you can use the sauna to come back from an injury 30% faster; How you can activate "heat shock proteins" in your body (They are very good for preventing muscle damage); Why people who "sweat easily" are probably healthier than their "non-sweaty" counterparts; Dr. Rhonda Patrick's "Core 4" supplements that every athlete and "average Joe" should take; The importance of supplementing with a quality fish oil; Dr. Rhonda Patrick's most trusted fish oil brand (and how to test YOUR fish oil for purity); Why you should consume a vitamin D supplement that also has vitamin K2 in it; The dangers of taking too much vitamin D (more is NOT better); The best method for consuming your magnesium (Your stomach will thank you later); Why it's important to take an ACTIVATED B-Complex supplement; Dr. Rhonda Patrick's most trusted multi-vitamin and much, Much MORE!!

In this weeks episode, Joe addresses a topic that's long overdo - How to [properly] use chains in the weightroom! Contrary to what many Personal Trainers believe; the chains at your gym were NOT put there for you to throw over your shoulder and take douchebag Instagram selfies. They actually serve a greater purpose. In fact, they serve many greater purposes! During this podcast, Joe explains exactly how to set up the chains properly to "accommodate resistance". This leads to greater strength, hypertrophy and power gains! He also reveals how he's successfully used the chains to aid in his athlete's rehabilitation programs. Additionally, he talks about the little-known "suspended chain" set-up that he occasionally uses with his advanced athletes. This set-up provides a totally different training stimulus (compared to the traditional set-up) and should not be overlooked! Joe also discusses the difference between training with chains versus bands (and shares an invaluable personal experience.) All this plus much, Much MORE!

In this episode, Joe shines the spotlight on a neglected group of muscles that need a lot more attention than they receive. You may not be able to see the musculature of your upper back when looking in the mirror, but that doesn't mean you should ignore these super important muscles. Joe explains why so many athletes (regardless of sport) have pre-existing shoulder injuries when they come to him. The "anterior" dominance of sport and daily activities (driving, texting, typing, etc.) has created a society of shortened pecs, poor posture and weak upper backs. When you couple these issues with incompetent personal trainers and coaches (that don't know how to properly design programs), you have a recipe for disaster. Joe explains exactly how you should be training your upper back in order to correct/prevent shoulder problems and improve your posture - while simultaneously improving power output! He even reveals his Top 6 "Uncommon" Back Exercises that you rarely (if ever) see being performed at your local health club. (You NEED to incorporate these into your training.) After listening to this episode, you will undoubtedly have a new perspective on how to train this group of muscles, as well as a new-found respect for their importance.

In this episode, Joe sheds some light on how to train for rugby, MMA, soccer and other "mixed" energy system sports. During the first half of the episode, Joe discusses the different periodization models and the benefits of each. He then reveals how to train for power & aerobic endurance SIMULTANEOUSLY without causing interference or negative effects. HINT: It IS possible to improve your power and aerobic endurance....IF you know what you're doing! In this episode, Joe D. shows you how!!

This weeks episode is all about the psychology of training and mental toughness. Unlike the physical changes made in the gym (that are very measurable), the mental changes aren't as easy to quantify. Joe sits down with longtime "DeFranco disciple" Pat Cole to get an athlete's perspective on what it was like to "grow up" in DeFranco's Gym. Pat gives some incredible insight on how he went from a nervous 13-year-old kid to a confident scholarship athlete. He also won the World's Strongest Athlete competition in 2010 in what Joe referred to as "the most epic moment in DeFranco's Gym history." The insight and behind-the-scenes stories in this episode will give you a much better understanding as to why DeFranco's Gym is such a successful brand....(and it has nothing to do with bands, chains or getting athletes to faster.)

In this weeks episode, Joe sits down with the UFC's "Patron Saint of Cutting Weight" - Mike Dolce. Here are just a few of the things you will learn from their information-packed conversation: Why Mike considers himself a "longevity advocate" and not a performance coach; Mike's 4 Nutrition Principles that everyoneshould live by; Why the macronutrient profile of your food is NOT the most important factor when eating for health & longevity; Best strategies for keeping your calories low, but your nutrition high; Mike's world-renowned tips & tricks for cutting weight in ahealthy manner; Why you should replace your Gatorade with Mike's [easy-to-make] electrolyte drink; The Top 5 Superfoodseveryone should be eating; Living to be 120-years-old and much, Much MORE!

In this weeks episode, Joe reveals 6 changes that the 40+ crowd can incorporate into their workout in order to keep making gains well into their golden years. Topics of discussion include: The difference between "training to warm up" & "warming up to train"; Joe's 5-Step approach to a complete warm-up; How to replace your max-effort work with sub-maximal work without losing strength; Why you should reduce the amount of direct spinal loading in your program; Joe's favorite "joint-friendly" methods for gettin' JACKED; Why you need to plan your recovery just like you plan your workouts; Joe's new views on aerobic training and how it affects YOUR health and progress in the gym; The ONE question that EVERYONE should ask themselves before EVERY supplement purchase...and much Much MORE!

In this weeks episode, Joe D. speaks on 6 different training topics. These topics include: Practical examples of how both Unconventional and Traditional training methods contribute to a football players on-field success; Why he feels CrossFit is NOT an optimal training method for athletes; Advanced Vertical Jump training protocols...and some "Dirty Tricks"; Joe D's tried-and-true Progression for Improving Chin-up Strength; The safest and most effective way to incorporate Ballistic Stretching into your warm-up; Joe D's [extremely practical] prescription for Correcting Anterior Pelvic Tilt...and George DeFranco makes his return! (Apparently he's still PISSED :))

In this weeks episode, Joe gives a quick recap of his vacation then discusses a topic that has come up quite often since the opening of DeFranco's Gym at the Onnit Academy -- Unconventional Training Methods vs. Traditional Barbell Lifting. While most coaches and trainers waste time arguing about which method is "better", Joe feels they both have their place. In this episode, he teaches you how to organize each method into your training in order to get the most transfer to the athletic field or your everyday life!

You will really get to know Joe D. on a personal level while listening to this weeks episode of the Industrial Strength Show. Joe decides to take the week off from talking training and instead tackles the "off topic" emails that flood his inbox. You do NOT want to miss these NEVER-BEFORE-TOLD stories as Joe answers YOUR unique questions! Topics include: The origin of Joe's "sneaker fetish"; The "dinosaur" that Joe encountered during his first appointment at Triple H and Stephanie McMahon's house; The alternate career path Joe may have taken if he didn't open DeFranco's Gym; Joe's encounter with an a**hole doctor; Razor blade recommendations; Epic cheat meals, and lots more!

In this weeks episode, Joe interviews the president and co-founder of Cressey Sports Performance - Eric Cressey. Eric talks about his journey in the strength & conditioning industry and how he became THE "go-to" guy in baseball. He has worked with players from all 30 MLB teams and he currently has more than 100 professional players traveling to train with him each off-season. Other topics that were discussed during this interview include: Eric's opinion on "weighted ball" pitching velocity programs - Is it dangerous for pitchers to throw a ball heavier than a baseball or highly effective?... What does Eric's assessment consist of when a new client walks into his gym for the first time?... Where does strength fit into a baseball player's program?... Eric's favorite exercises and methods for developing baseball-specific power... Is aerobic training necessary for position players and/or pitchers?... Determining the fine line between a dysfunction and a "sports adaptation"... Eric's Top 3 tips for "making it" in the fitness industry...and much, Much MORE!

In this weeks episode, Joe D. discusses his favorite topic - STRENGTH! Specific areas of discussion include: Top 5 Reasons Most People Are Weak; The TRUE Definition of "Functional Training"; Improving a Young Female Volleyball Player's Vertical Jump; Biggest Mistake Females Make in the Weightroom; Joe D's 3-Step Assessment Process; Should Distance Runners Lift?; Fool-Proof Way of Teaching the Box Squat; The Importance of Strength Training for MMA Athletes. All this, plus a brand new "Stuff That Pisses George D. Off" segment and more!

Joe dedicates this weeks entire show to answering YOUR questions on Speed Development. He shares his 20,000 hours worth of experience and knowledge on the following topics: Overspeed Treadmills; Hill Sprints vs. Downhill Running; Popular Football Conditioning Tests; Two Ways to Drastically Reduce Your Potential of Pulling a Hamstring; Best Indicators of Sprinting Speed.

In this weeks episode, Joe interviews Jill Miller - creator of the corrective exercise format "Yoga Tune Up®" and "The Roll Model Method®". You will hear Jill's amazing "back story" of how she beat anorexia and bulimia before pioneering the Yoga world and helping people from across the globe "live better in their body". Jill explains how her version of Yoga also incorporates corrective exercise, self care techniques and proper breathing mechanics in order to help people ERASE PAIN, IMPROVE POSTURE and ENHANCE PERFORMANCE. Throughout the interview, Joe shares his personal experience with Jill's techniques as well. He also asks Jill to provide his audience with 3 practical "take-aways" that they can incorporate into their daily routine and improve their quality of life. If you're interested in erasing pain and enhancing your performance - without having to rely on anyone but YOURSELF - this episode is for you! [Jill Miller and her products have been featured in O Magazine, Self, Shape, FITNESS, Yoga Journal, Fit Pregnancy, Natural Health, Huffington Post, The Today Show, Good Morning America and FOX. She is also a guest expert for the LA Times and the Oprah Winfrey Network's OWN Show.]

In this weeks episode, Joe gives a behind-the-scenes peek at what an average day currently looks like for him. From his morning routine, to his rituals and habits (both good and bad); Joe lets you become a "fly on his wall" for a 24-hour period. He then concludes the show with some BONUS content in honor of Memorial Day weekend and the start of summer. Joe shares 3 Simple Tips that will enable all of his podcast listeners to MAINTAIN THEIR GAINZ during the summer months!

The man commonly referred to as "the most innovative coach in the fitness industry" sits down with Joe D. and shares his thoughts on Living Your Passion, Facing Your Fears and Getting Sh*t Done! He also speaks candidly about his very first meeting with Joe D. and how/why they started collaborating on their many different projects - including their CPPS certification course, DeFrancoInsider.com membership site, and their Total Athletic Development DVD series. Smitty doesn't only share the "good stuff", he even reveals what he HATES about working with Joe D.! (True story.) You don't want to miss this information-packed interview with one of the most highly-respected individuals in the fitness industry today!

Joe starts this weeks show by sharing his Top 5 "Personal Trainer Pet Peeves" with a young listener who's looking to get into the industry. His mom then joins the show and they discuss everything from Joe's childhood shyness to Lucy's 25-year battle with Multiple Sclerosis. By the end of this interview, you will understand why both Joe and George call Lucy the "strongest" member of the DeFranco family.

In this weeks episode, Joe's wife Ashley joins the show to ask Joe 20 questions that YOU wanted answered! Joe candidly speaks about everything from Conjugate Periodization to his biggest eureka moment...and even rumors regarding his eyebrows! Other topics of discussion include: The freakiest athletes Joe has ever coached; The legacy Joe wants to leave behind; The next major advancement in training; Three people Joe would like to have dinner with; Tips on training firefighters; Biggest business mistakes; Quickest ways to build up your hamstrings and glutes; Lessons Joe learned from his parents; cRaZy gym stories, and Much MUCH MORE!

This is the most powerful and inspirational Industrial Strength Show to date. In this weeks episode - Joe interviews former Rutgers football player Eric LeGrand - who suffered a severe spinal cord injury in 2010 during a game against the Army Black Knights, making him a quadriplegic. Eric was put on a respirator immediately after the injury and doctors told his mother he would need the aid of the machine to continue breathing for the rest of his life. Five weeks later, Eric was independently breathing without the help of the machine. That miraculous recovery speaks volumes about Eric's faith, work ethic, and his incredibly positive outlook on life. Doctor's have given Eric only a 0-5% chance of ever walking again. Yet, after listening to Eric on this podcast, you have no choice but to bELieve Eric WILL WALK AGAIN. Turn the volume up on your speakers because you don't want to miss a word of what this incredible human being has to say!

NY Times best-selling author Kelly Starrett joins Joe D. to discuss a wide variety of topics which include: The importance of being a "transparent" coach; Record-setting sprint times; Evaluating athletes; What it means to "build your training into your day"; Addressing the joint capsule when stretching for improved mobility; The negative effects of sitting; Why you should replace your cushioned, air-filled sneakers for flat shoes; Kelly's non-traditional approach to Physical Therapy...and much, Much MORE!

The original poster child of DeFranco's Gym (Brian Cushing) sits down with Joe to discuss his off-season surgeries, changes in his training, rituals and habits that contribute to his success, nutrition, the psychology behind the famous "Gun Show" and much, MUCH more!

Joe sits down with his 13-year client & friend - 2X Superbowl champ & former NY Giants All-Pro offensive lineman Dave Diehl. Dave shares a plethora of life lessons that have led to his success both on and off the field. Topics include: Behind-the-scenes insight from Joe & Dave's very first meeting; The importance of writing down your goals and having a routine; The #1 thing that separates the Pro athletes that "make it" vs. the Pro athletes that don't; How Dave made a seamless transition to his post-football career and what other athletes can learn from it; The worst exercise Dave ever did at DeFranco's, as well as the most beneficial exercise that contributed to his on-field performance...and much Much MORE!!

Joe starts this podcast with an in-depth explanation of the guidelines that must be followed when training young athletes. George DeFranco then stops by to discuss what's pissing him off this week. The show concludes with Joe revealing the many benefits of training with thick-handeled barbells and dumbbells.

For the first time ever, Joe sits down and interviews his dad. Known for speaking his mind, George DeFranco gives a very candid interview, covering an array of topics that include: How training and being strong impacted his career as a NJ State Trooper, the top 3 things that piss him off, arm wrestling stories, training a 12-year-old Joe DeFranco, and most importantly...RESPECT.

In this episode, Joe D. discusses the biggest obstacle he had to overcome when opening his original storage closet "gym". This leads to an epic rant about his first encounter with "Mrs. Jones". Joe then spends the rest of the show answering questions on a variety of topics which include: In-season training, the importance of having "Indicator exercises" in your program, and the most efficient ways to develop both aerobic and anaerobic capacity...plus much, much more.

In this episode, Joe D. discusses his vision for the podcast and explains the "Industrial Strength" lifestyle. He concludes the show with a 40-minute Q&A where he answers YOUR questions on a wide range of training topics. Topics include his Top 5 lifts for building the bench, squat and deadlift, as well as optimal base-stealing technique for baseball players, and he even reveals his secret (stimulant-free) pre-workout supplement stack...and much, much more!