Dave Tate's Table Talk

Get 10% OFF at elitefts (CODE: TABLE TALK): https://www.elitefts.com/  Shop Bands: https://www.elitefts.com/shop/bands.html   We welcome Mike Niklos to this episode of Dave Tate's Table Talk Podcast!   Since 2008, Mike Niklos has worked with athletes at every stage—from young athletes just beginning their journey to the highest-caliber professionals in the world. With nearly two decades of coaching experience, Mike has designed and implemented long-term athletic development programs for youth ages 8–18, as well as elite-level, high-performance training for professional, collegiate, and Olympic athletes.   His resume reads like a roll call of global sports organizations. Mike has trained and developed athletes competing in the NFL, CFL, XFL, NBA, MLB, MLS, USWNT, NWSL, UEFA, BBL, and Rugby Union. His ability to adapt programming to the demands of each sport—and the specific needs of each athlete—has made him a sought-after resource in the world of strength and conditioning.   Mike’s coaching philosophy blends science-based performance principles with practical, real-world experience. He understands that building a dominant athlete requires more than just raw strength; it’s about developing speed, agility, power, durability, and mental toughness over time. His long-term approach to youth training lays a foundation that not only improves performance in the short term but sustains it throughout an athlete’s career. For professionals, his programming is dialed in to optimize peak performance when it matters most—on game day.   https://www.instagram.com/niklos11/   THANK YOU TO OUR SPONSORS  Get 10% OFF Your Next Marek Health Labs (CODE: TABLETALK): https://marekhealth.com/ Get a free 8-count Sample Pack of LMNT’s most popular drink mix flavors with any purchase: https://partners.drinklmnt.com/free-gift-with-purchase?utm_campaign=agwp&am…   Save Up to 20% at Sleepme (CODE: TABLE TALK): https://sleep.me/tabletalk Get 10% OFF RP Hypertrophy App (CODE: TABLE TALK) :https://go.rpstrength.com/hypertrophy-app/  Get 10% OFF at elitefts (CODE: TABLE TALK): https://www.elitefts.com/  Get 10% OFF at Granite Nutrition (CODE TABLETALK): https://granitenutrition.com/?utm_source=podcast&utm_medium=audio&utm_campaign=Dave_Tate Support Massenomics! https://www.massenomics.com/ Use the discount code ELITEFTS20 to save 20% on your next monthly, yearly, or lifetime MASS Research Review membership plan. The discount lasts FOREVER!  https://massresearchreview.com/     SUPPORT THE SHOW    All profits from elitefts Limited Edition Apparel, Table Talk Coffee, and Team elitefts Workouts, Programs, and Training eBooks support Dave Tate's Table Talk Podcast.    elitefts Shop: https://www.elitefts.com/  elitefts IG: https://www.instagram.com/elitefts/    elitefts  Limited Edition Apparel: https://www.elitefts.com/shop/apparel/limited-edition.html

John Quint, a neuromuscular therapist and strength coach with deep roots in Westside Barbell, shares invaluable insights on bridging therapy with strength training. He discusses the evolution of training methodologies, emphasizing the role of hydration and innovative recovery techniques. Quint also highlights the importance of isometric exercises and personalized assessments in enhancing athletic performance. Unique anecdotes illustrate the complexities of training high school linemen while stressing the significance of joint health and nervous system activation for optimal results.

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 chef, he balances family life with building businesses, mentoring others, and pursuing his love of adventure.   https://www.chrisduffin.com/   THANK YOU TO OUR SPONSORS  Get 10% OFF Your Next Marek Health Labs (CODE: TABLETALK): https://marekhealth.com/ Get a free 8-count Sample Pack of LMNT’s most popular drink mix flavors with any purchase: https://partners.drinklmnt.com/free-gift-with-purchase?utm_campaign=agwp&am…   Save Up to 20% at Sleepme (CODE: TABLE TALK): https://sleep.me/tabletalk Get 10% OFF RP Hypertrophy App (CODE: TABLE TALK) :https://go.rpstrength.com/hypertrophy-app/  Get 10% OFF at elitefts (CODE: TABLE TALK): https://www.elitefts.com/  Get 10% OFF at Granite Nutrition (CODE TABLETALK): https://granitenutrition.com/?utm_source=podcast&utm_medium=audio&utm_campaign=Dave_Tate Save $250 at the Business of Strength Retreat 2025 (CODE: Elite250): https://bosretreat.com/ Support Massenomics! https://www.massenomics.com/     SUPPORT THE SHOW    All profits from elitefts Limited Edition Apparel, Table Talk Coffee, and Team elitefts Workouts, Programs, and Training eBooks support Dave Tate's Table Talk Podcast.    elitefts Shop: https://www.elitefts.com/  elitefts IG: https://www.instagram.com/elitefts/    elitefts  Limited Edition Apparel: https://www.elitefts.com/shop/apparel/limited-edition.html

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 speed, strength, and performance training. His passion for coaching is matched by his real-world experience under the bar and on the field.   Chad's IG: https://www.instagram.com/chadcoy55/   THANK YOU TO OUR SPONSORS  Get 10% OFF Your Next Marek Health Labs (CODE: TABLETALK): https://marekhealth.com/ Get a free 8-count Sample Pack of LMNT’s most popular drink mix flavors with any purchase: https://partners.drinklmnt.com/free-gift-with-purchase?utm_campaign=agwp&am…   Save Up to 20% at Sleepme (CODE: TABLE TALK): https://sleep.me/tabletalk Get 10% OFF RP Hypertrophy App (CODE: TABLE TALK) :https://go.rpstrength.com/hypertrophy-app/  Get 10% OFF at elitefts (CODE: TABLE TALK): https://www.elitefts.com/  Get 10% OFF at Granite Nutrition (CODE TABLETALK): https://granitenutrition.com/?utm_source=podcast&utm_medium=audio&utm_campaign=Dave_Tate Save $250 at the Business of Strength Retreat 2025 (CODE: Elite250): https://bosretreat.com/ Support Massenomics! https://www.massenomics.com/     SUPPORT THE SHOW    All profits from elitefts Limited Edition Apparel, Table Talk Coffee, and Team elitefts Workouts, Programs, and Training eBooks support Dave Tate's Table Talk Podcast.    elitefts Shop: https://www.elitefts.com/  elitefts IG: https://www.instagram.com/elitefts/    elitefts  Limited Edition Apparel: https://www.elitefts.com/shop/apparel/limited-edition.html

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, bridging the gap between science and real-world performance.   Eric is also a prolific communicator of science. He co-hosts the popular Iron Culture Podcast, co-authors The MASS Research Review with Greg Nuckols and Eric Trexler, and has written foundational books on bodybuilding and powerlifting programming and nutrition.   Eric's IG: https://www.instagram.com/helms3dmj/   THANK YOU TO OUR SPONSORS  Get 10% OFF Your Next Marek Health Labs (CODE: TABLETALK): https://marekhealth.com/ Get a free 8-count Sample Pack of LMNT’s most popular drink mix flavors with any purchase: https://partners.drinklmnt.com/free-gift-with-purchase?utm_campaign=agwp&am…   Save Up to 20% at Sleepme (CODE: TABLE TALK): https://sleep.me/tabletalk Get 10% OFF RP Hypertrophy App (CODE: TABLE TALK) :https://go.rpstrength.com/hypertrophy-app/  Get 10% OFF at elitefts (CODE: TABLE TALK): https://www.elitefts.com/  Get 10% OFF at Granite Nutrition (CODE TABLETALK): https://granitenutrition.com/?utm_source=podcast&utm_medium=audio&utm_campaign=Dave_Tate Save $250 at the Business of Strength Retreat 2025 (CODE: Elite250): https://bosretreat.com/ Support Massenomics! https://www.massenomics.com/     SUPPORT THE SHOW    All profits from elitefts Limited Edition Apparel, Table Talk Coffee, and Team elitefts Workouts, Programs, and Training eBooks support Dave Tate's Table Talk Podcast.    elitefts Shop: https://www.elitefts.com/  elitefts IG: https://www.instagram.com/elitefts/    elitefts  Limited Edition Apparel: https://www.elitefts.com/shop/apparel/limited-edition.html

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_pawgking_foster/   THANK YOU TO OUR SPONSORS  Get 10% OFF Your Next Marek Health Labs (CODE: TABLETALK): https://marekhealth.com/ Get a free 8-count Sample Pack of LMNT’s most popular drink mix flavors with any purchase: https://partners.drinklmnt.com/free-gift-with-purchase?utm_campaign=agwp&am…   Save Up to 20% at Sleepme (CODE: TABLE TALK): https://sleep.me/tabletalk Get 10% OFF RP Hypertrophy App (CODE: TABLE TALK) :https://go.rpstrength.com/hypertrophy-app/  Get 10% OFF at elitefts (CODE: TABLE TALK): https://www.elitefts.com/  Get 10% OFF at Granite Nutrition (CODE TABLETALK): https://granitenutrition.com/?utm_source=podcast&utm_medium=audio&utm_campaign=Dave_Tate Save $250 at the Business of Strength Retreat 2025 (CODE: Elite250): https://bosretreat.com/ Support Massenomics! https://www.massenomics.com/ WPO Updates: https://www.worldpowerliftingorganization.com/     SUPPORT THE SHOW    All profits from elitefts Limited Edition Apparel, Table Talk Coffee, and Team elitefts Workouts, Programs, and Training eBooks support Dave Tate's Table Talk Podcast.    elitefts Shop: https://www.elitefts.com/  elitefts IG: https://www.instagram.com/elitefts/    elitefts  Limited Edition Apparel: https://www.elitefts.com/shop/apparel/limited-edition.html

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 Health Labs (CODE: TABLETALK): https://marekhealth.com/ Get a free 8-count Sample Pack of LMNT’s most popular drink mix flavors with any purchase: https://partners.drinklmnt.com/free-gift-with-purchase?utm_campaign=agwp&am…   Save Up to 20% at Sleepme (CODE: TABLE TALK): https://sleep.me/tabletalk Get 10% OFF RP Hypertrophy App (CODE: TABLE TALK) :https://go.rpstrength.com/hypertrophy-app/  Get 10% OFF at elitefts (CODE: TABLE TALK): https://www.elitefts.com/  Get 10% OFF at Granite Nutrition (CODE TABLETALK): https://granitenutrition.com/?utm_source=podcast&utm_medium=audio&utm_campaign=Dave_Tate Save $250 at the Business of Strength Retreat 2025 (CODE: Elite250): https://bosretreat.com/ Support Massenomics! https://www.massenomics.com/     SUPPORT THE SHOW    All profits from elitefts Limited Edition Apparel, Table Talk Coffee, and Team elitefts Workouts, Programs, and Training eBooks support Dave Tate's Table Talk Podcast.    elitefts Shop: https://www.elitefts.com/  elitefts IG: https://www.instagram.com/elitefts/    elitefts  Limited Edition Apparel: https://www.elitefts.com/shop/apparel/limited-edition.html

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 Professor at Montclair State University, Joe's scientific approach has not only propelled Varsity House to a 20,000 sq/ft facility but also helped numerous athletes and local adults enhance their fitness. As a dedicated family man and avid outdoorsman residing in River Vale, New Jersey, Joe is passionate about expanding their brand and assisting other gym owners in achieving business success through innovative training and business strategies. Together, Dan and Joe are steering Varsity House towards a future of expansion, aiming to open ten new semi-private training facilities in the next five years.   Varsity House Gym IG: https://www.instagram.com/varsityhouse/ Save $250 at the Business of Strength Retreat 2025 (CODE: Elite250): https://bosretreat.com/   THANK YOU TO OUR SPONSORS  Get 10% OFF Your Next Marek Health Labs (CODE: TABLETALK): https://marekhealth.com/ Get a free 8-count Sample Pack of LMNT’s most popular drink mix flavors with any purchase: https://partners.drinklmnt.com/free-gift-with-purchase?utm_campaign=agwp&am…   Save Up to 20% at Sleepme (CODE: TABLE TALK): https://sleep.me/tabletalk Get 10% OFF RP Hypertrophy App (CODE: TABLE TALK) :https://go.rpstrength.com/hypertrophy-app/  Get 10% OFF at elitefts (CODE: TABLE TALK): https://www.elitefts.com/  Get 10% OFF at Granite Nutrition (CODE TABLETALK): https://granitenutrition.com/?utm_source=podcast&utm_medium=audio&utm_campaign=Dave_Tate Save $250 at the Business of Strength Retreat 2025 (CODE: Elite250): https://bosretreat.com/ Support Massenomics! https://www.massenomics.com/     SUPPORT THE SHOW    All profits from elitefts Limited Edition Apparel, Table Talk Coffee, and Team elitefts Workouts, Programs, and Training eBooks support Dave Tate's Table Talk Podcast.    elitefts Shop: https://www.elitefts.com/  elitefts IG: https://www.instagram.com/elitefts/    elitefts  Limited Edition Apparel: https://www.elitefts.com/shop/apparel/limited-edition.html

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, under Paul Childress’ coaching, Kyle tackled multiply lifting, squatting 900 and totaling 2,150 at 242—just 14 weeks after stepping back into competition. Now, he’s chasing a 1,000-pound squat in Paul’s honor. In 2022, when Kyle and his business partner Dave Heisinger suddenly lost their first gym space, they opened Legends in just 3.5 weeks—proving their dedication to keeping a community alive. The gym quickly outgrew its first spot, moving to a larger location in May 2024. Legends is now home to local USPA meets and a hub for lifters of all levels in the Rochester area.   When he’s not coaching or growing Legends, Kyle works full time as a security supervisor at Ginna Nuclear Power Plant. His mission is to bridge the gap between raw and multiply lifting, build Rochester’s strength community, and show lifters that anything is possible when you commit.   Kyle's IG: https://www.instagram.com/sheridanstrength/   THANK YOU TO OUR SPONSORS  Get 10% OFF Your Next Marek Health Labs (CODE: TABLETALK): https://marekhealth.com/ Get a free 8-count Sample Pack of LMNT’s most popular drink mix flavors with any purchase: https://partners.drinklmnt.com/free-gift-with-purchase?utm_campaign=agwp&am…   Save Up to 20% at Sleepme (CODE: TABLE TALK): https://sleep.me/tabletalk Get 10% OFF RP Hypertrophy App (CODE: TABLE TALK) :https://go.rpstrength.com/hypertrophy-app/  Get 10% OFF at elitefts (CODE: TABLE TALK): https://www.elitefts.com/  Get 10% OFF at Granite Nutrition (CODE TABLETALK): https://granitenutrition.com/?utm_source=podcast&utm_medium=audio&utm_campaign=Dave_Tate Save $250 at the Business of Strength Retreat 2025 (CODE: Elite250): https://bosretreat.com/ Support Massenomics! https://www.massenomics.com/     SUPPORT THE SHOW    All profits from elitefts Limited Edition Apparel, Table Talk Coffee, and Team elitefts Workouts, Programs, and Training eBooks support Dave Tate's Table Talk Podcast.    elitefts Shop: https://www.elitefts.com/  elitefts IG: https://www.instagram.com/elitefts/    elitefts  Limited Edition Apparel: https://www.elitefts.com/shop/apparel/limited-edition.html

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.