
Joe DeFranco's Industrial Strength Show
World-renowned strength & conditioning coach Joe DeFranco shares his thoughts on training for peak performance, mindset, and living your passion. As the founder and owner of DeFranco’s Gym, he also provides the business knowledge that helped him turn a 500-square-foot storage closet into a global brand.
Each week, Joe will educate, motivate and entertain his audience by answering their questions and/or conducting interviews with top athletes, fitness professionals, entrepreneurs, and other highly successful people.
Latest episodes

May 22, 2025 • 1h 29min
#523 Why All Protein Is NOT Created Equal, My Unpopular Opinion on Post-Workout Stretching & More!
Discover why some protein sources are more effective than others and whether the Protein Digestibility Corrected Amino Acid Score is overrated. Joe shares his thoughts on the pitfalls of post-workout stretching versus immediate cool-down routines. He provides insights into designing training programs for BJJ athletes and the risks associated with forced reps. Listeners will also learn about the effectiveness of mobility work, unique protein shake recipes, and the significance of personalized training strategies in building client loyalty.

May 15, 2025 • 1h 4min
#522 How To Safely Reintroduce Sprints into Your Program & My 2 "Failed Careers" Outside the Fitness Industry
The host shares amusing stories about two unusual careers before his fitness journey, including being a goosebuster and a bouncer. He then transitions to training advice, presenting a step-by-step method to safely reintroduce sprints into your workout routine. This guide emphasizes injury prevention, starting with strength-building exercises like sled pushes and progressing to faster sprints. Tips on technique, warm-ups, and recovery are also highlighted, making it a must-listen for fitness enthusiasts.

May 8, 2025 • 1h 11min
#521 Exposing the Bullsh*t in the Fitness Industry, The WORST Training Split & More w/ Dr. Mike Israetel
This week Joe welcomes Dr. Mike Israetel (world-renowned sport scientist and the co-founder/Chief Content Officer of RP Strength) to the Industrial Strength Show! Highlights from this information-packed episode include: What currently pisses Dr. Mike off most about the fitness industry; Gary Brecka's misinformation; The most important factors for building muscle; Dr. Mike's thoughts on "TRT dads"; How to train optimally when you're pressed for time; The brutally honest truth about muscle and longevity; How to maintain/develop power as we age; How to get the most strength/power carryover from your sled work; The 2 things that Dr. Mike believes are important for hypertrophy (but are NOT currently backed by research); Volume recommendations for the "average Joe" looking to build muscle; The best and WORST training splits; "Age-related" changes that Dr. Mike has made to his training...and Much MORE! *For a full list of Show Notes w/ Timestamps visit www.IndustrialStrengthShow.com. IMPORTANT LINKS Iron Business Weekend @ DeFranco's Gym! @drmikeisraetel Renaissance Periodization Youtube channel Magic Spoon

May 1, 2025 • 1h 7min
#520 How To Diagnose & Improve Insulin Resistance, The TRUTH About GLP-1 Drugs & More w/ Dr. Rand
Dr. Johanan Rand, founder of Healthy Aging Medical Centers, returns to share his insights from over two decades in functional medicine. He dives into overrated and underrated health metrics, offering practical ways to assess insulin resistance at home. Rand sheds light on the implications of GLP-1 drugs, emphasizing a balanced approach of lifestyle changes and medications. He critiques traditional health metrics like BMI and champions markers such as fasting insulin, making a compelling case for personalized and proactive health management.

11 snips
Apr 24, 2025 • 1h 40min
#519 Broken Planes, Hotel Gainz & Burglary: Full Vegas/Wrestlemania Recap!
Tune in for a wild recap of a Vegas trip filled with wrestling excitement and unexpected mishaps! From a disastrous spray tan experience to flight delays, the humor is non-stop. WrestleMania brings VIP moments, but a shocking hotel room theft adds drama to the adventure. Hear about health insights tied to vitamin D levels and discover new training programs launching soon. Amid chaotic travels and family antics, this journey delivers laughs and lessons for everyone!

11 snips
Apr 17, 2025 • 1h 26min
Industrial Strength REPLAY: Episode #55 w/ Paul “Triple H” Levesque!
This week’s guest is Paul “Triple H” Levesque, WWE legend and executive known for his incredible wrestling career. In this replay, he shares how he met Joe and the promise made during their first encounter. Triple H discusses his unconventional training methods, including warming up barefoot and switching from free squats to box squats for better knee health. He also reveals the surprising exercises he detests and the life lessons learned in the gym. A fun and insightful look into the world of wrestling and fitness from a true icon!

Apr 10, 2025 • 1h 44min
#518 How To Get The Most iNsAnE Pump of Your Life [Without Weights] in Just 8 Minutes... Plus Full Q&A!
Dive into the fitness world with key insights on warming up effectively for bench presses and avoiding common pitfalls trainers make with beginners. Discover underrated training variables for hypertrophy and Joe's best desk stretches for piriformis syndrome. Enjoy anecdotes from WrestleMania, his go-to hotel workouts, and push-up challenges. Plus, hear about balancing a long-term training partnership while managing life commitments and get a sneak peek into upcoming personal projects and courses!

Apr 3, 2025 • 1h 1min
#517 The Most Overrated Trend in the Fitness Industry Today! [Trigger Warning]
The host dissects Ashton Hall's viral morning routine, questioning its true impact on fitness. He argues that cold plunges and ice baths may be overrated, highlighting that one-size-fits-all solutions don't work for everyone. The discussion emphasizes authenticity among fitness influencers and urges listeners to focus on hard work over trendy rituals. New fitness programs are introduced, and the importance of practical nutrition is underscored, reinforcing that the fitness journey requires a balanced approach.

Mar 27, 2025 • 1h 22min
#516 REAL-WORLD Coaching Insight [and REAL-FUNNY Wrestler Impersonations] w/ Sean Hayes!
Sean Hayes, former head strength coach at the WWE Performance Center and now Director of Player Performance for the UFL, shares his journey and insights. He discusses the tech innovations in the UFL for tracking recovery and performance. Sean dives into the differences in training football linemen versus wrestlers and the integration of bodybuilding methods into athlete programs. He recounts hilarious weight room stories, including one featuring Brian Cushing, and delivers impressive wrestler impersonations, adding a delightful touch of humor to the conversation!

12 snips
Mar 20, 2025 • 1h 22min
#515 How I Retain Clients for DECADES When Most Trainer-Client Relationships Barely Last 6 Months!
Discover the secrets to long-term client retention in personal training! Effective communication is pivotal, as it helps forge genuine connections and simplifies complex ideas. The balance between meeting clients' true needs and desires is crucial for lasting relationships. With a focus on expertise and engaging strategies, trainers can enhance the overall client experience. Plus, learn about new training courses and hear real-life examples that showcase the importance of respect and meaningful connections in the fitness industry.