Mark Bell's Power Project A Second Chance at Strength | Steve Gentili
Sep 14, 2026
Steve Gentili, a strength athlete, powerlifter, and Indianapolis gym owner, recounts the shocking kidney failure that ended his pursuit of a 2,000-pound total. He shares five years on dialysis, a life-changing kidney donation from his sister, and the struggle to rebuild his identity beyond lifting. The conversation explores family, faith, bloodwork, responsible hormone care, near-death experiences, and keeping a business alive through illness.
AI Snips
Chapters
Transcript
Episode notes
Kidney Failure Arrived Almost Overnight
- Steve Gentili went from feeling respiratory symptoms to discovering dangerously high blood pressure and complete organ failure within days.
- Doctors initially lacked an explanation, while he immediately understood that his competitive-strength chapter had ended.
The Hidden Warning Signs Of Kidney Disease
- Steve Gentili’s kidney failure came primarily from a rare genetic autoimmune condition, not a simple explanation involving performance-enhancing drugs.
- Lifelong foamy urine, cramping, electrolyte problems, and frequent injuries may have reflected kidney dysfunction that went undiagnosed.
Track Kidney Health Beyond Creatinine
- Monitor blood pressure and review kidney markers with a qualified professional, especially when using anabolic drugs or carrying substantial muscle mass.
- Steve Gentili highlighted BUN, GFR, creatinine, and cystatin C, noting creatinine can mislead larger lifters.