
Philosophical Weightlifting Podcast
Join me as I explore the minds of elite athletes, coaches, and experts in strength, power, and human performance. During these conversations, I often look for the intersection of philosophy, psychology, and well-being; a combination you've never seen before and will never hear again!
Latest episodes

Jul 28, 2022 • 49min
Ep. 166: Training Talks w/Max Aita (The Technique Triad & Westside vs Sheiko)
In this episode of the Training Talks segment, Max and I discuss the process of detraining and gaining back fitness, how Max conceptualized the Technique Triad, and where Westside & Sheiko differ.Onyx:https://www.onyxstraps.com/ with code PHILWL for 10% offhttps://www.instagram.com/onyx_straps/Weightlifting House:https://www.weightliftinghouse.com/ with code PHILWL for 10% offCheck out the AI:https://weightlifting.ai/Follow Max and get coaching!https://www.instagram.com/max_aita/Follow me:https://www.instagram.com/josh_philwl/

Jul 22, 2022 • 1h 3min
Ep. 165: The History of Weightlifting | Conor Heffernan & Max Aita
In this episode of the podcast, we had on Conor Heffernan. Conor is Assistant Professor of Physical Culture and Sport Studies at the University of Texas at Austin. We talk the development of weightlifting, from its first appearance in the Olympics to potential changes in the sport and its format. Sign up for the best programming available: https://weightlifting.ai/Follow Conor:https://physicalculturestudy.com/author/heffercp/Onyx:https://www.onyxstraps.com/ with code PHILWL for 10% offhttps://www.instagram.com/onyx_straps/Weightlifting House:https://www.weightliftinghouse.com/ with code PHILWL for 10% offCheck out the AI:https://weightlifting.ai/Follow Max and get coaching!https://www.instagram.com/max_aita/Follow me:https://www.instagram.com/josh_philwl/

Jul 14, 2022 • 47min
Ep. 164: Training Talks w/Max Aita | Obscure exercises, 90% lifts, & minimums
Training Talks is a new segment on the Philosophical Weightlifting podcast. I will be joined by the majestic Max Aita.In this episode of the podcast, Max and I discuss obscure training lifts that have a positive impact on results, how often you should take 90% lifts, and what it means to raise your minimums.Onyx:https://www.onyxstraps.com/ with code PHILWL for 10% offhttps://www.instagram.com/onyx_straps/Weightlifting House:https://www.weightliftinghouse.com/ with code PHILWL for 10% offCheck out the AI:https://weightlifting.ai/Follow Max and get coaching!https://www.instagram.com/max_aita/Follow me:https://www.instagram.com/josh_philwl/

Jul 8, 2022 • 1h 7min
Ep. 163: All Things Programming | Max Aita & Seb Ostrowicz
In this episode of the podcast, Max Aita and Seb Ostrowicz join me to discuss programming, specifically training cycle and phase length.Onyx:https://www.onyxstraps.com/ with code PHILWL for 10% offhttps://www.instagram.com/onyx_straps/Check out the AI:https://weightlifting.ai/Follow Max and get coaching!https://www.instagram.com/max_aita/Follow Seb:https://www.instagram.com/seb_ostrowicz/Follow me:https://www.instagram.com/josh_philwl/

Jun 24, 2022 • 1h 13min
Ep. 162: The Science of Accentuated Eccentric Loading | Chris Taber, PhD
It's been a while since we've had Chris Taber on the show. Chris received his PhD in Sport Physiology from ETSU. He's also been involved in weightlifting, competing and coaching for a number of years. He currently teaches at Sacred Heart University, where he was recently promoted to associate professor.In this episode, we deep dive into three projects Chris is currently working on. The first includes testing the muscle snatch as a readiness assessment tool. The second looks at accentuated eccentric loading and its effect on force, power, and RFD. The third is a study examining the role AI can play in managing injury risk in collegiate basketball players.Also, this show is sponsored by Onyx Weightlifting Co., so you can support the podcast by purchasing ANY of their products, using the code PHILWL at checkout to save 10% off of your total.Onyx:https://www.onyxstraps.com/https://www.instagram.com/onyx_straps/Follow Chris:https://twitter.com/taber85kghttps://www.instagram.com/drchristaber/https://www.instagram.com/ctaber23/Follow me:https://www.instagram.com/josh_philwl/

Jun 16, 2022 • 1h 9min
Ep. 161: Max Aita Special (Powerlifting America & EWC Commentary)
While Max and I were in Vegas, we managed to catch up and record a great in-person podcast. We chat the USAPL split from the IPF, commentating Europeans, and more.Note: Because of the setting, you'll have to excuse the differences in audio levels. Also, this show is sponsored by Onyx Weightlifting Co., so you can support the podcast by purchasing ANY of their products, using the code PHILWL at checkout to save 10% off of your total.Onyx:https://www.onyxstraps.com/https://www.instagram.com/onyx_straps/Follow Max:https://www.instagram.com/max_aita/https://www.teamaita.com/Follow me:https://www.instagram.com/josh_philwl/https://www.philosophicalweightlifting.com/

Jun 9, 2022 • 1h 15min
Ep. 160: Building De Novo, and other life lessons | Ben Esgro, RD, MS
I had the pleasure of once again being joined by Ben Esgro. Ben has two master's degrees, one in pharmaceutical chemistry and the other in sport nutrition and exercise science. He was the founder of De Novo Nutrition, and is currently the co-founder of Elemental Formulations.Join us as we deep dive into a lot of philosophy, social psychology, business, and strength sports. Also, this show is sponsored by Onyx Weightlifting Co., so you can support the podcast by purchasing ANY of their products, using the code PHILWL at checkout to save 10% off of your total.Onyx:https://www.onyxstraps.com/https://www.instagram.com/onyx_straps/Follow Ben:https://www.instagram.com/benesgro/https://www.instagram.com/elementalformulations/Follow me:https://www.instagram.com/josh_philwl/

Jun 3, 2022 • 1h 26min
Ep. 159: How to Develop Emotional Agility | Todd Kashdan, PhD
In this very special episode of the podcast, I am joined by Todd Kashdan. Todd has a PhD in clinical psychology, is the founder of the Well-Being Lab at George Mason University, and a leading educator to the public.Join us as we discuss psychological flexibility, how to find our values, and what it requires to be creative.Also, this show is sponsored by Onyx Weightlifting Co., so you can support the podcast by purchasing ANY of their products, using the code PHILWL at checkout to save 10% off of your total.Onyx:https://www.onyxstraps.com/https://www.instagram.com/onyx_straps/Follow Todd:https://toddkashdan.com/https://twitter.com/toddkashdan

May 27, 2022 • 1h 22min
Ep. 158: From Sport Science to Practice | Chris Amenta & Antonio Squillante
It was an honor having Chris and Antonio back on the podcast for another chat. We covered a lot of ground but kept the focus specific to sport science and how we can bridge theory with practice.From muscle hypertrophy to jump testing to how a weightlifting club can stock and use sport science tech, this show provides you with answers to all of your pressing training questions.Also, this show is sponsored by Onyx Weightlifting Co., so you can support the podcast by purchasing ANY of their products, using the code PHILWL at checkout to save 10% off of your total.Onyx:https://www.onyxstraps.com/https://www.instagram.com/onyx_straps/Chris:https://www.instagram.com/socalwlc/Antonio:https://www.instagram.com/antonio_squillantecscs/Me:https://www.instagram.com/josh_philwl/

May 19, 2022 • 1h
Ep. 157: The War in the Ukraine | Sergei Putsov, PhD
We interrupt your regularly scheduled podcasts about programming and technique, to shed light on such an unfortunate situation taking place in Eastern Europe.Sergei Putsov is Ukrainian through and through, having trained on the Ukrainian national team and completed his PhD at the National University of Ukraine. In the episode of the podcast, we explore the war in the Ukraine, including why it started in the first place, what that looks like from the inside out, and how this will change Eastern Europe's landscape forever. Support the cause:https://torokhtiy.com/blogs/warm-body-cold-mind/help-ukraine