

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

Oct 23, 2025 • 50min
#410 Marc Megna - Show Up And Do The Right Thing When No One Is Watching
Marc Megna, a former NFL player and co-founder of Anatomy Gyms, shares wisdom on discipline and integrity. He emphasizes the importance of maintaining physical fitness despite life's demands, which enhances his roles as a father and business owner. Marc stresses the need for personal responsibility to combat victim mentality and advocates for consistent, small actions over social media facades. He reflects on the influence of mentoring from his coach and how focusing on behind-the-scenes efforts can lead to true success.

Oct 21, 2025 • 56min
#409 Dr. Joey Munoz - Fat Loss and Long Term Health
Dr Joey Munoz is one of my favourite authorities and communicators about exercise science and nutrition. Joey joins me for a masterclass on fat loss, muscle, and health outcomes. Joey shares his expertise on:-Does losing body fat improve health outcomes independent of any other changes or behaviours?-What behaviours in addition to fat loss improve long term health outcomes-Can someone be truly healthy with higher body fat percentages long term-How does body fat influence metabolic health risks like cardiovascular disease, cancer, diabetes, and Alzheimer's-Are obese people really lower in muscle mass-The importance of muscle mass in long term health outcomes -What is “skinny fat” and why is it dangerous for long term health-The role of chronic inflammation in health, cause or effect(or both)-Non Alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease (NAFLD) -Red meat and its associated risks for prostate cancer-Nuance in discussing topics outside of someone’s area of education and expertise, and noticing this on social media -And much more00:54 The Impact of Fat Loss on Health02:12 Mechanisms Behind Fat Loss and Health05:25 Inflammation and Its Effects06:09 Adipose Tissue and Insulin Resistance09:35 Benefits of Fat Loss on Health Markers13:41 Healthy at Higher Body Fat Percentages?18:47 The Skinny Fat Phenomenon23:09 Muscle Mass and Health27:21 Understanding Non-Alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease (NAFLD)27:37 Lifestyle Factors Affecting Liver Health28:55 The Role of Inflammation in Chronic Diseases29:41 The Importance of Fiber in Nutrition29:56 Exercise and Stress Management for Liver Health30:32 Social Connections and Health31:14 Nutrition and Alzheimer's Disease Risk32:14 The Complexity of Nutritional Impact on Diseases36:43 Red Meat Consumption and Cancer Risk42:06 Muscle Mass, Bone Density, and Fall Prevention50:33 The Benefits of Plant-Based Foods54:10 Podcast and Social Media RecommendationsI’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.Get a discount on Versa Gripps at www.versagripps.com/andrewcoateswww.trainheroic.com/liftfree to start your 90 day free trial.

Oct 16, 2025 • 52min
#408 Christian Thibaudeau - How to Get Stronger
Christian Thibaudeau, a prominent strength and conditioning coach, shares invaluable insights into enhancing strength and power. He explains how quickly strength diminishes without training, focusing on the roles of muscle and the nervous system. The importance of training frequency for strength gains is highlighted, along with why we can't tap into our full strength potential. Christian also discusses safe power training progressions and the necessity of sport-specific practice for effective strength transfer. Plus, he previews upcoming performance supplements!

Oct 14, 2025 • 53min
#407 Sam Miller - GLP-1 Agonist Drugs, Reverse Dieting, and Ultra Processed Foods
In this engaging discussion, Sam Miller, founder of Metabolism School and author of Metabolism Made Simple, delves into the rising popularity of GLP-1 agonists and their nuanced applications beyond just weight loss. He highlights the importance of strength training for muscle preservation when using these medications. The conversation also explores the concept of reverse dieting, detailing when it may be beneficial or harmful. Additionally, Sam tackles the complex role of ultra-processed foods in health, emphasizing a balanced approach instead of a blanket condemnation.

Oct 9, 2025 • 56min
#406 Dr. John Rusin - Pain Free Performance
Dr John Rusin is back with details about his new book, Pain Free Performance. John joins me to share his expertise on:-How to approach your training and stay pain free-How to improve your odds of living pain free with other areas of your lifestyle -Why he doesn’t believe in aiming for “perfect form”-What he means by “zone of neutrality” -What are his 6 characteristics of lifelong health-Why men should train more like women-The importance of developing a health buffer zone-Nuance about not trying to do too much activity with too much intensity too soon-Are people getting hurt because of the popularity of pickleball-The importance of realizing that “middle age” is younger than you think-How it feels to codify his life’s work in his new book-And much more01:06 Understanding Pain-Free Performance02:31 Individualized Training Approaches03:17 Managing Pain and Movement Patterns11:05 The Role of Lifestyle in Pain Management18:56 Debunking Perfect Form Myths24:06 Training Like Women: A Balanced Approach30:03 Evolving Training Styles for Health and Longevity30:43 The Importance of a Well-Rounded Training Plan31:41 Personal Reflections on Training and Life Balance33:10 The Reality of Aging and Training Smart37:24 The Benefits and Risks of Sprinting and Explosive Movements42:46 The Rise of Pickleball and Associated Injuries48:41 Personal Anecdotes and Lessons from Coaching50:19 The Journey of Writing a Book on Pain-Free PerformanceI’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.Get a discount on Versa Gripps at www.versagripps.com/andrewcoates

Oct 7, 2025 • 54min
#405 JP Tremblay - Trailer Park Health, Fitness, and Nutrition
JP Tremblay, the beloved Canadian actor from Trailer Park Boys, shares his journey of balancing fame with fitness. He discusses the toll of writing, filming, and touring on his health, navigating serious health scares like blood clots, and embracing a healthier lifestyle. JP reveals insights into the show's creative process and reflects on the influence of alcohol in his life. He also talks about his family’s health, daily workout routines, and how better nutrition and training have transformed his well-being.

5 snips
Oct 2, 2025 • 1h 14min
#404 Dr. Susan Kleiner - Women’s Performance Nutrition Masterclass
Dr Susan Kleiner is a PhD of Nutrition and Human Performance and a Registered Dietician who’s worked with the highest level athletes in sports. Susan guests in this masterclass on performance nutrition to share her expertise on:-Fuelling for athletic performance -Do female athletes face more pressure than men to appear lean-Tactics for short term leanness while not losing training effectiveness-Long term tactics to manage performance and aesthetic goals-The criticism female athletes like Serena Williams have traditionally faced, plus some nuanced thoughts on Serena’s current use of GLP-1 agonist medications-Fasted cardio-Leanness and injury risk-Creating client autonomy for adherence-Signs you’re potentially under-fuelling-Common micronutrient deficiencies in active people-And much more01:06 Pressure on Female Athletes04:21 Media Influence on Athlete Image08:27 Nutrition and Performance in Female Athletes12:57 Sponsorship and Media Demands15:53 GLP-1 Agonists and Athlete Health22:04 Fueling Strategies for Athletes32:42 Seasonal Nutrition Management38:45 Injury Risks and Body Composition40:02 The Ice Cream Boy: A Case Study45:42 Identifying Under-Fueling in Athletes52:52 The Female Athlete Triad01:04:23 Micronutrient Deficiencies in Athletes01:09:01 The Role of Dietitians in Sports NutritionI’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.

Sep 30, 2025 • 52min
#403 Sharelle Grant - Using Your Weekend to Get Ahead Not Fall Behind
Sharelle Grant is a nurse turned online coach and founder of the Women’s Health Movement. Sharelle joins me to share her philosophy on success in fitness, health, and life including:-Setting and maintaining boundaries -Why weekends are your cheat code to get ahead-Not taking personally or reacting to everything you see online-Not being emotionally reactive and the power of pause-The risks of osteoporosis and serious osteoporosis fracture injuries and how to reduce risk-Nuanced thoughts on the use and misuse of GLP-1 agonist medications -Thoughts on the Biggest Loser documentary and why shame, fear, and extreme approaches to fat loss don’t work-And much more01:05 The Importance of Setting Boundaries05:14 Navigating Social Pressures and Boundaries12:54 Using Weekends to Get Ahead17:47 The Power of Structure and Routine19:15 Handling Online Opinions and Arguments25:13 Understanding Human Behavior and Reactions25:29 Creating Space Between Input and Output26:35 Mindful Eating and Emotional Triggers27:53 The Power of Data in Decision Making31:13 Charlie's Mental Model of Inversion32:37 Prioritizing Goals and Making Strategic Decisions34:17 Women's Health and Fitness Misconceptions37:05 The Role of GLP-1 Agonists in Weight Management47:44 The Importance of Support and AccountabilityI’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.

Sep 25, 2025 • 56min
#402 Jaclyn Phillips - The Unseen Mental Health Battle
In this insightful discussion, Jaclyn (Jackie O) Phillips, Head Coach of Team Strong Girls and mental health advocate, shares her journey through anxiety and the transformative power of fitness. She candidly explores the pressure to maintain a happy facade, the loneliness often felt behind closed doors, and how movement became her lifeline. Jaclyn also delves into the balance between vulnerability and professional boundaries, critiques misleading fitness messaging, and underscores the importance of authenticity in the fitness community.

Sep 23, 2025 • 1h 2min
#401 Abby Langer - Scorched Earth On Nutritional Pseudoscience
Abby Langer is one of the best resources for combatting the lunacy we see online and backs it up as a dietician with years of experience. Abby joins me to share her thoughts on:-the negative reaction to Serena Williams using and endorsing GLP-1 agonist medication-the negative media and comments about the appearance of famous women like Nelly Furtado, Jessica Simpson, and Jennifer Love-Hewett-How moms can avoid perpetuating harmful handed down cultural and media beliefs about dieting and personal value to their children -Soulless grifters who do things like make videos buying up a table full of girl guide cookies while lecturing the kids about how bad the cookies are-Influencers who film themselves walking through Costco while demonizing random foods-The Biggest Loser Documentary -Home cortisol testers-Advice for the confused, overwhelmed, and desperate person who just wants to feel better-And much more as Abby goes scorched earth on influencers who peddle pseudoscience00:47 Discussing Serena Williams and GLP-1 Agonists04:16 The Pressure on Women in Society07:43 Hollywood's Double Standards on Aging09:32 The Influence of Mothers on Body Image11:16 The Role of Beauty in Women's Lives14:17 Combating Negative Self-Talk16:52 GLP-1 Agonists: A Balanced Perspective20:10 The Rise of Nutrition Misinformation23:47 Critiquing Popular Nutrition Influencers27:42 The Problem with Fear-Mongering in Nutrition32:51 The Decline of Critical Thinking34:17 The Biggest Loser Documentary Controversy37:31 Fragmented Media Consumption40:41 Navigating Misinformation in Health and Nutrition46:33 The Basics of Healthy Living49:21 The Cortisol Testing Scam52:19 The Rise of GLP-1 Agonists55:08 Protein Powders and Heavy Metals57:26 The Grift of Fearmongering in NutritionI’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.


