The Strenuous Life Podcast with Stephan Kesting

James Deirmendjian a strength and conditioning coach specialising in combat and tactical athletes who ALSO competes in BJJ, fighting against much younger opponents.  As such he was the perfect choice to finish our 4-part series on hybrid training and the science of developing strength and endurance at the same time. In this episode James and I touch on many topics, including… The most important aspects of fitness for winning matches in BJJ and how to develop it The difference between getting tired in a match vs not recovering between matches How to schedule weightlifting and cardio so they don’t interfere with each   How to recover more fully between workouts Training to maintain your cognitive abilities under stress And much more. Reach out to James on Instagram at @fight_fit_training And check out The Strenuous Life Podcast on YouTube here. And if you're interested in adventures and the mindset required to keep going against all odds check out my own book, Perseverance, Life and Death in the Subarctic: https://www.amazon.com/Perseverance-Death-Subarctic-Stephan-Kesting/dp/1639368612/

James Pieratt, founder of Runs Wild Hunt Conditioning and an ultramarathoner, shares insights from his incredible 802-mile run through California's indigenous sites. He discusses the synergy between ultrarunning and strength training, emphasizing how both enhance athletic performance. The conversation dives into the emotional trials of endurance athletes, the significance of training regimens, and the science behind optimal hybrid training. James also highlights the essential balance of strength and endurance for injury prevention and overall health.

Record-setting powerlifter and freak athlete Chris Duffin discusses the intricacies of hybrid training, focusing on the balance between strength and endurance. He shares his unique qualifications, including his experience with elite athletes and his world record feats. Chris breaks down the relative importance of skill, and the mechanical, neurological, and metabolic factors that influence power output, and the often-overlooked role of the diaphragm in performance. Duffin also provides insights on training for generalists, emphasizing the need for injury mitigation and effective training strategies. Check out Chris's site at https://www.chrisduffin.com/ and his LiftLab App that helps athletes optimize their training using tools that previously were out of range for most recreational athletes:  And check out my own book, Perseverance, Life and Death in the Subarctic, on Amazon or anywhere books, ebooks, and audiobooks are sold!  https://www.amazon.com/Perseverance-Death-Subarctic-Stephan-Kesting/dp/1639368612/ Thanks! Stephan Kesting

Mike McCastle smashed David Goggins' pullup record by doing 5,804 pull-ups in 24 hours while wearing a 30-pound backpack... and pulled an F-150 pickup truck 22 miles through Death Valley... and flipped a 250 lb tire for 13 miles... and climbed a rope for the equivalent distance of Mount Everest... and has trained MMA fighters, alpinists, and extreme adventurers like Colin O'Brady, the first man to cross Antarctica solo and unsupported.   As such, he's the perfect person to kick off our 4-part series on hybrid training, where we'll delve into the art and science of maximising strength AND endurance at the same time. Some key areas covered include: - How hybrid training is about giving yourself options - Why strength training builds durability in joints and tendons - How to achieve your goals by reverse engineering the outcome - How to build mental toughness through conscious choices - Exactly how training should be tailored to individual needs and goals - Why recovery is crucial for optimal performance. - How to include skill development within your sport into your training phases - The methods Mike has used to create chaos in training to prepare for unpredictability - How training often and testing rarely is key to success. Subscribe to this channel to be notified of new episodes in this series when they come out! Check out Mike's website at https://www.mikemccastle.com/ and his Instagram at https://www.instagram.com/mikemccastle/ And check out my own book, Perseverance, Life and Death in the Subarctic, on Amazon or anywhere books, ebooks, and audiobooks are sold!  https://www.amazon.com/Perseverance-Death-Subarctic-Stephan-Kesting/dp/1639368612/

Martial arts pioneer Tom Callos came onto The Strenuous Life Podcast to discuss the California martial arts scene in the wake of Bruce Lee, the importance of taking your training out of the dojo and into the world, how your students can become your school's most effective advertising, being BJ Penn's first BJJ instructor, and his thoughts about BJ's current struggles. Tom has owned several martial arts schools, worked as a business and curriculum consultant to the international martial arts community, competed regionally, nationally, and internationally, and was a member of an internationally renowned demonstration team.   Follow Tom on Instagram @tomcallos. And check out my best-selling book "Perseverance, Life and Death in the Subarctic", available everywhere including Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/Perseverance-Death-Subarctic-Stephan-Kesting/dp/1639368612/   Cheers! Stephan Kesting  

In this engaging discussion, sports psychologist Haley Perlis dives into the competition mindset and the vital role of core values in sports performance. She shares insights on transforming anxiety into motivation and the emotional challenges athletes face when transitioning out of their sports. The conversation highlights the balance between persistence and knowing when to pivot, as well as the importance of collaboration with coaches to overcome training slumps. Perlis emphasizes mental resilience and the cognitive benefits of tackling new challenges.

Join Chris Jessulat, a wrestler, jiu-jitsuka, and author of 'The Wrong Side of 35', as he shares insights on staying active in jiu-jitsu after 35. He discusses strategies for adapting training to physical changes, focusing on mobility, and breaking through plateaus. Chris highlights the psychological journey of transitioning from competitive grappling to a more recreational approach. The importance of a supportive community and proactive recovery strategies is emphasized, making it clear that age brings unique challenges but also rich experiences in martial arts.

Rob Biernacki has some very impressive competition victories, including black belt masters gold at both No Gi Worlds and ADCC. In this podcast episode he reveals... Why people sometimes just don't perform up to their potential and how to fix it, How to reframe tournament nerves, The optimal state of arousal for competition, Building and executing on gameplans, Why some people just shouldn't compete, His best advice for first-time competitors And more. If you compete (or are thinking about competing), then this is a must listen! Resources referred to in this video include: Gripfighting and Kuzushi with Rob Biernacki: https://www.grapplearts.com/gripfighting Omoplata 2.0 with Stephan Kesting: https://www.grapplearts.com/omoplata/ Perseverance, Life and Death in the Subarctic, by Stephan Kesting https://www.amazon.com/Perseverance-Death-Subarctic-Stephan-Kesting/dp/1639368612/ BJJ Concepts by Rob Biernacki: https://www.bjjconcepts.net Please pass this episode on to someone you think would like it - that really helps us grow! Thanks, Stephan Kesting

It started as an April Fool's joke and then morphed into a BEAST of a book complete with 967 illustrations called "Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, the Ultimate Illustrated Guidebook".  In episode 424 I chat with renowned BJJ black belt, illustrator and designer Seymour Yang (better known as Meerkatsu) and his partner in crime Graham Barlow (the creator of the Tai Chi Notebook) about the core techniques of BJJ, modern vs traditional jiu-jitsu, and the process of bringing a new book into the world. Check out the book here: https://www.meerkatsu.com/product/brazilian-jiu-jitsu-the-ultimate-illustrated-guidebook/ Cheers, Stephan P.S. And while we're on the topic of books check out Perseverance, Life and Death in the Subarctic.  While this isn't a BJJ book specifically, it does contain many of the lessons I learned about endurance, perseverance, and grit on the toughest expedition of my life.   Available on Amazon or wherever books are sold: https://www.amazon.com/Perseverance-Death-Subarctic-Stephan-Kesting/dp/1639368612/  

Join Bryan Rumble, a 2nd degree BJJ black belt and scientist, as he dives into the fascinating connections between Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu and the scientific method. He discusses the traditions and camaraderie within BJJ, emphasizing how techniques evolve much like languages. The conversation shifts gears to Dungeons & Dragons, exploring how martial arts training mirrors character development in gaming. With engaging storytelling, Bryan draws parallels between the two worlds, showcasing the depth of both disciplines.