

the Progressive Overload project
Danny Matranga + More
The Progressive Overload Project dives into the latest in evidence-based fitness, nutrition, and wellness—while also exploring culture, sports, and politics through a millennial lens. Hosted by coaches with decades of real-world experience in training and relationships, it blends sharp insights with banter and fun. This isn’t your average “bro fitness podcast”—it’s smarter, fresher, and built for listeners who want more. The podcast was launched in 2020 and has a library of hundreds of episodes. It expanded to include more hosts and guests in 2025 after achieving nearly 1,000,000 downloads.
Episodes
Mentioned books

Apr 22, 2020 • 53min
20 - Susy Natal: Psychology, Routine, and Creating Resilience
In this episode, Danny sits down with Susy Natal. Susy is one of Australia's top coaches and fitness writers. She specializes in integrating her background in psychology with her knowledge of training, anatomy, and physiology. Suzy shares eye-opening insights and tips as to how to integrate everything from routine to community into your life to improve your health, fitness, and mood (especially during these trying times). She also shares some impactful ways young coaches can make a name for themselves in the fitness space. Susy offers direct 1-on-1 online fitness coaching as well as a mindset coaching. Enjoy! Keep up with Susy on INSTAGRAMSupport the show

Apr 20, 2020 • 1h 34min
19 - Lyle Mcdonald: PCOS, Birth Control and How Women are Not Just Little Men
In this episode, Danny sits down with the fitness industry icon Lyle McDonald. Lyle is one of the industries most prolific authors and has written books on everything from protein to women's physiology. Lyle has been in the industry for decades and has become one of the most sought after intellects in the space. Find Lyle's Work Here: Follow Lyle on INSTAGRAM: Visit Lyle's Website bodyrecomposition.comSupport the show

Apr 16, 2020 • 39min
18 - The Things That Hold Most People Back, Should You Hire a Coach, and 5 Things ALL Coaches Should Have!
In this episode, Danny talks about all things coaching. He outlines the pros and cons of working with a coach/trainer, who is BEST suited to do so, and what you should look for in a trainer or a coach.There is also discussion on;How to turn around your internal dialogue for improved results.What should coaches do to be more valuable to clients?The problem with "influencer"And more!Support the show

Apr 12, 2020 • 1h 9min
17 - Dr. Gabrielle Fundaro PhD: "Gut Health", Antibiotics, Probiotics, and Artificial Sweeteners.
In today's episode, we sit down with Gabrielle Fundaro PhD to talk all things microbiome and "gut health." Dr. Gabrielle Fundaro, CISSN, CHC, is a Renaissance Periodization consultant, Monash low-FODMAP certified and ISSN-certified sports nutritionist, an ACE-certified health coach. Dr. Fundaro combines her knowledge of nutrition and motivational interviewing techniques to promote intrinsic motivation and behavior change in clients to facilitate long-term weight management and healthy lifestyles. Dr. Fundaro is a former Assistant Professor of Exercise Science at Georgia Gwinnett College and holds a PhD in Human Nutrition, Foods, and Exercise from Virginia Tech as well as a BS in Exercise, Sport, and Health Education from Radford University. She is currently completing requirements towards the Registered Dietitian credential as a participant in the Individualized Supervised Practice Pathway of the Dietetic Internship Program of the University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center. In her free time, she enjoys hiking, reading, spending time with her dogs, and training for powerlifting.You can find out more about Dr. Fundaro and what she is working on below:Follow Dr. Fundaro on Instagram HERE:Follow Dr. Fundaro on Twitter HERE:Check out Her website HERE:Support the show

Apr 12, 2020 • 28min
16 - Three Underrated Fitness Tools, Bodyweight Training, Building Muscle on a Budget
In this episode, Danny outlines the three most underrated fitness tools that you may still be able to get your hands during COVID-19. We also talk about all things building muscle on a budget, including:Supplements REALLY worth takingMaximizing micronutrient intake on a budgetTraveling where gym access is limitedAnd more!Check out the new micro HOME and LIMITED EQUIPMENT home programs from Coach Danny Here!Support the show

Apr 10, 2020 • 47min
15 - Amy Bender PhD: Sleep, Performance, and How to Take the PERFECT Nap.
In today's episode, I sit down with Amy Bender Ph.D. and we talk all things sleep science. Dr. Bender is a Senior Research Scientist at Calgary Counselling Centre and an Adjunct Assistant Professor of Kinesiology at the University of Calgary. She received her Ph.D. and Master of Science degrees in Experimental Psychology from Washington State University specializing in sleep EEG. She has helped develop the only validated sleep screening tool for athletes and has implemented sleep optimization strategies for numerous Canadian Olympic and professional teams. Her current interests focus on how sleep and exercise interventions can improve mental health outcomes.To get more from Dr. Bender:Follow Her on Instagram HEREFollow Her on Twitter HERESupport the show

Apr 8, 2020 • 1h 13min
14 - Eric Trexler PhD: Metabolism, Weight Loss, and The Pros/Cons of Getting Lean
In this episode, we sit down with Eric Trexler, PhD and discuss all things metabolism, including:Can you really have a "fast" or "slow" metabolism?The impact of age, gender, and weight on metabolism.How much each organ contributes to energy expenditure.Can a metabolism break, and if so, can it be remedied?The role evolution plays in weight loss/gain.And MUCH more!For more information from Eric, check out the links below:Follow Eric on InstagramCheck Out M.A.S.S. Here (I really recommend this for coaches who want to level up).Check out Stronger by Science Here (also see Eric's podcast of the same name).To read Eric's recent study "Nutritional Recommendations for Physique Athletes" Click HERESupport the show

Apr 4, 2020 • 1h 5min
13 - Austin Current: Pragmatism, Muscle Memory, Proximity to Failure and Staying Afloat.
In this episode, I sit down with Austin Current (@austincurrent_). We talk about a variety of things, including, but not limited to:Things to be positive about during these uncertain times.Muscle memory, myonuclei, and how your past training will help you bounce back faster.How to make gains with bands, sprints, and training closer to failure.Nutritional tweaks you can make to preserve and build on what you have.Lifestyle adjustments for staying fit and healthy.What should trainers be focusing on RIGHT NOW.You can out more about Austin and the many projects he is involved with below:To learn about COFIT-19, click HERETo work with Austin and the Physique Development Team, click HERESupport the show

Apr 2, 2020 • 34min
12 - Foam Rolling, Stretching, Circuits and Keeping the Stone Wheel Rolling"
In this episode Danny talks about the mentality he and his clients are working on forging during the COVID-19 pandemic, we also explore:Is there a benefit to circuits in place of straight sets.Static Stretching vs. Foam Rolling, How do each work, how do they differ.How to get Your first pistol squat.Support the show

Mar 31, 2020 • 27min
11 - Q+A, Total Body Every Day, Home Workouts, Garage Gyms, Cutting During Covid-19 + MORE
In this episode Danny talks all things garage gym as well as touching on:The benefits of high frequency, whole-body training.How to create home equipment for cheap.How to get back on the wagon.Does Joe Exotic (Tiger King) deserve a retrial?Want your question to be featured on the dynamic dialogues podcast? Send an email to danny@coachdannymatranga.com with the subject "podcast question".Support the show