The Doctor Who Prescribes Deadlifts, Not Drugs with Dr. Jordan Metzl

In this episode of The Strong New York Podcast, host Kenny Santucci sits down with Dr. Jordan Metzl, world-renowned sports medicine physician at the Hospital for Special Surgery. With over 20,000 patients treated and decades of experience guiding athletes back to peak performance, Dr. Metzl has become one of New York’s most trusted voices in sports medicine, movement, and long-term health.

Beyond the clinic, Dr. Metzl is a bestselling author, Triathlete Magazine columnist, and frequent guest on major media outlets including The Today Show, Good Morning America, and The New York Times. He also serves as the sports medicine consultant for the Radio City Rockettes and is a lifelong athlete himself—30 marathons, 10 Ironmans, and a former collegiate soccer player.

Kenny and Dr. Metzl dive into the evolution of fitness in modern medicine, why strength training is essential for everyone, and how community plays a critical role in long-term health. Dr. Metzl also talks about his upcoming book, Push, which explores the science behind motivation and sustaining health over a lifetime.

Tune in for expert insights, practical takeaways, and a powerful reminder that fitness isn’t optional—it’s the foundation for a resilient, high-performing, and fulfilling life.

00:00 Introduction and Sponsor Shoutout

00:21 Introducing Dr. Jordan Metzel

03:06 Dr. Metzel's Background and Journey

04:14 The Intersection of Medicine and Fitness

06:58 The Impact of COVID-19 on Fitness and Medicine

08:14 The Rise of Virtual Fitness and Biohacking

14:54 Building a Fitness Community: Iron Strength

27:49 Reflecting on Informative Slides

28:05 The Importance of Strength Training

28:30 Dealing with Knee Issues and Arthritis

29:46 Understanding Common Diagnoses

31:38 The Role of PRP in Tendon Repair

32:27 Marathon Experiences and Motivation

33:24 The Science of Motivation

35:27 Promoting Fitness and Community

37:28 The New Book: Push

41:50 Bridging Medical and Fitness Industries

49:35 Concluding Thoughts and Future Plans