

Lift Free And Diet Hard with Andrew Coates
Andrew Coates
The Lift Free and Diet Hard Podcast dives deep into the science and practice of living a strong, healthy, and intentional life. Hosted by Andrew Coates, the show brings together inspiring guests to share insights, stories, and practical advice that empower listeners to build confidence, make informed choices, and stay resilient in their fitness and wellness journeys. Every episode encourages thoughtful exploration of what it means to lift free, diet hard, and live fully.
Episodes
Mentioned books

Aug 21, 2025 • 50min
#392 Dr. Katie Dabrowski - The Pathway Out of Pain
Dr. Katie Dabrowski, a Doctor of Physical Therapy and Strength Coach, discusses the fascinating intersection of psychology and strength training. She emphasizes overcoming the fear of pain when returning to lifting and reframes injuries as growth opportunities. Katie shares insights on psychological resilience, the importance of personalized rehab strategies, and why strength training is key to managing pain. She also debunks the myth that thinking alone can alleviate pain, advocating for a proactive and integrated approach to recovery.

Aug 19, 2025 • 50min
#391 Jordan Shallow - Fatigue Management (For Training and Social Media)
Jordan Shallow is a renaissance man of training philosophy and the co-founder of Pre-Script and the leading industry mind and educator on biomechanics and training anatomy. Jordan also travels the world to still train people hands on, from pro athletes to everyday people. Jordan joins to share his wisdom and philosophy on:-Is fatigue a boogeyman to be avoided-How do you manage fatigue in training?-The current nature of fitness social media divisiveness-Why he doesn’t get involved in callout video based “stitch” battles-And much more00:48 Newfoundland Connections02:45 Social Media and Fitness Industry Controversies03:02 Sponsor Message: Renaissance Periodization04:24 Debate on Science-Based vs. Evidence-Based Training14:07 Philosophical Insights on Social Media17:09 Fatigue and Training Capacity23:17 Reorienting Perception of Exercise Fatigue24:36 Teaching Deadlift and Overcoming Normative Values25:31 Changing Perception of Soreness and Pain27:37 Creating Psychological Safety in Training32:55 Load Management and Exercise Selection38:26 Scaling Intensity and Avoiding Injury44:46 Complexity in Training and Continuous LearningI’ve been putting a lot of time and effort into making these new episodes valuable for you. You can help me get these great guests and their knowledge in front of more people by:-Subscribing and checking out more episodes-Sharing on your social media (please tag me - I promise I’ll respond)-Sharing with the friend you think of who needs this episodeFollow Andrew Coates:Instagram:@andrewcoatesfitnessJoin My Email List:www.andrewcoatesfitness.comGet the RP App at www.rpstrength.com/coates - use the code COATESRPUse Code ANDREWCOATESFITNESS to save 10% off at https://justbitememeals.com/Use MacrosFirst for tracking nutrition https://www.macrosfirst.com/Go to www.knkg.com/Andrew59676 for 15% off your KNKG bag.

Aug 14, 2025 • 55min
#390 Stu Phillips - How Much Protein Do We Really Need?
Dr. Stu Phillips, a renowned researcher from McMaster University, shares invaluable insights on muscle health and aging. He explains sarcopenia, the age-related muscle loss, and stresses how proper protein intake can help combat it. Listeners learn about adjusting protein needs as we age, the significance of food timing, and the interplay between plant-based versus animal proteins. He also addresses common myths around women's training during menopause and the misleading claims associated with energy drinks and muscle repair.

Aug 12, 2025 • 52min
#389 Dave Tate - Elite Strength, Coaching, and Community
Dave Tate, the founder of EliteFTS and a powerhouse in the strength and coaching community, shares his insights on training and personal growth. He discusses his current training goals and the evolving nature of performance objectives as we age. Dave reflects on the sacrifices he made in pursuit of elite strength, while highlighting the critical role of community in today’s gyms. He also dives into the significance of adaptability in training, the value of long-form writing in the industry, and his passion for coaching that continues to drive him forward.

8 snips
Aug 7, 2025 • 58min
#388 Charlie Weingroff - Physical Therapy, Pain, Emotion, and MRIs
Charlie Weingroff, a legendary Physical Therapist and Strength Coach known for his work with pro athletes, dives into the complexities of pain and rehabilitation. He critiques commercial physical therapy, arguing for a personalized, proactive approach. The discussion reveals how pain is intertwined with emotions and the nervous system. Weingroff also shares insights on managing back pain, the limitations of MRIs, and the interference effect in training. His emphasis on empathy in patient communication underlines the holistic view needed for effective recovery.

Aug 5, 2025 • 45min
#387 Michael James Shaw - From The Walking Dead to Twisted Metal: Life, Art, and Fitness
Michael James Shaw, an actor known for roles in Marvel's Avengers and The Walking Dead, shares his fascinating journey merging fitness and artistry. He discusses how he physically prepares for roles, viewing his body as part of his character's costume. Michael dives into his dramatic transformation from powerlifter to versatile actor, emphasizing the role of yoga and Brazilian jiu-jitsu in his fitness routine. He also touches on balancing intense filming schedules with nutrition, creating personal workout plans, and the emotional connections with fans.

Jul 31, 2025 • 54min
#386 Dr. Matthew Nagra - Debunking Myths About Plant Based Nutrition
Dr. Matthew Nagra, a Naturopathic Doctor and Plant-Based Nutrition Educator, dives into the complex world of plant-based diets. He discusses the alarming rise of fraudulent AI marketing and its impact on public health perceptions. Matthew debunks myths surrounding vegan diets, highlighting the truth about saturated fats and protein sources. He sheds light on the misconceptions about anti-nutrients in plants and provides insights into energy drinks. With a balanced approach, he advocates for a flexible understanding of nutrition that moves past extremes.

Jul 29, 2025 • 47min
#385 Emma Storey Gordon - Change Your Story, Change Your Lifestyle Behaviour
Emma Storey Gordon, a behavior change and fat loss expert, shares her insights on improving energy levels and overall well-being through simple lifestyle adjustments. She discusses the significance of overcoming self-sabotage and the misconceptions around intuitive eating and hunger. Emma explores the connection between financial freedom and healthy habits, as well as the pitfalls of popular dietary supplements like collagen. Listeners will also gain valuable strategies for planning and navigating societal pressures tied to health goals.

Jul 24, 2025 • 49min
#384 Eve Guzman - How I Changed My Narratives, Lost 150 Pounds, And Kept It Off
Eve Guzman, a former clinical lab scientist and successful nutrition coach, shares her inspiring journey of losing 150 pounds and empowering other women. She discusses the importance of changing narratives that keep people stuck and highlights the psychological challenges of weight loss. Eve emphasizes the benefits of tracking nutrition, addressing fears of regaining weight, and battling societal pressures. She also touches on overcoming food noise and the complexity of embracing a new identity post-transformation.

Jul 22, 2025 • 53min
#383 Danny Matranga - Diet Tribalism and Unpleasant Truths About How Much You Can Eat and Stay Lean
Danny Matranga, a certified strength and conditioning coach known for his evidence-based insights, dives into the challenges of calorie tracking and the common pitfalls people face. He explains why extreme diets can be misleading and critiques dietary tribalism, urging for a more inclusive approach to nutrition. The discussion also addresses the unique struggles short and older women encounter in achieving a lean physique, while offering practical strategies for healthy eating and how social media influences dietary trends. It's a candid look at the complexities of modern nutrition.