
Power Athlete Radio
Welcome to Power Athlete Radio. A podcast dedicated to empowering your performance every damn day.
Join former NFL pro and Power Athlete Founder John Welbourn as he dissects the greatest minds in strength & conditioning and more. Joining him is everyone’s favorite coach and hair model Chris a.k.a. “Tex” McQuilkin, Power Athlete’s Director of Performance.
So whether your goal is to Be The Hammer, Destroy Mediocrity or simply Move The Dirt, you’ve come to the right place.
Latest episodes

Apr 25, 2025 • 1h 47min
Ep 805: Kyle Ruth on How to Build Real Athletes
Strength is a skill, not a side quest. Former CrossFit Games athlete and coach at Training Think Tank, Kyle Ruth, joins John to break down how training has evolved (and gone soft), why Olympic lifting still matters, and what it really takes to build resilient athletes, especially when you're raising them yourself. If performance matters to you or your kids, don’t skip this one.ShownotesAre you new to training or returning to it after time away? Don’t bypass untapped potential, follow Bedrock and lay the foundation to build unparalleled strength, speed and power. START TODAYCheck out what we do:TrainingNutritionKnowledgeClick on the link to see the companies we use and support 👉 https://powerathletehq.com/partners/Follow Kyle on InstaAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

Apr 18, 2025 • 1h 29min
Ep 804: New Amsterdam Genomics. Rethinking DNA
Lauren Fritsch, founder of New Amsterdam Genomics, breaks down how real-time DNA updates are changing the game for performance, health, and longevity. We dive into John's own genetic data, the evolution of sequencing tech, and why your old DNA test is already outdated. If you’re serious about unlocking your full potential, tune in.ShownotesAre you looking for a flexible training program so you can balance training with life? Follow Grindstone and punch the clock in the face. START TODAYCheck out what we do:TrainingNutritionKnowledgeClick on the link to see the companies we use and support 👉 https://powerathletehq.com/partners/Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

Apr 11, 2025 • 57min
Ep 803: The Fight After 40 - Weight Gain And How to Fix It
You’re not 25 anymore, and the old tricks don’t work. Arash Soofiani is back to break down fat loss for men over 40: why the weight creeps in, where most guys fail, and what it really takes to reclaim strength, discipline, and testosterone-fueled dominance. No shortcuts. No BS. Just the hard truth and the tools to fight back.ShownotesAre you a fighter & grappler? Crafted to complement your existing combat training, max out your strength, skill and conditioning so you can master the mat, hit them so it hurts, and return home a hero. START TODAYCheck out what we do:TrainingNutritionKnowledgeClick on the link to see the companies we use and support 👉 https://powerathletehq.com/partners/Follow Arash on InstaAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

Apr 4, 2025 • 2h 14min
Ep 802: The Gut War w/ Dr. Sabine Hazan
Dr. Sabine Hazan is back and she’s not holding anything back. In this powerful conversation, she breaks down how the gut microbiome influences everything from immunity to mental health, why her research is turning heads, and how she plans to change the world. If you care about your health, this is one you won’t want to miss.ShownotesYou can't out-train a crappy diet. Three comprehensive nutrition programs crafted by NFL pro John Welbourn prescribing daily custom macros for your personal body goals. START TODAYCheck out what we do:TrainingNutritionKnowledgeClick on the link to see the companies we use and support 👉 https://powerathletehq.com/partners/Follow Dr. Hazan on InstaAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

Mar 28, 2025 • 1h 45min
Ep 801: Training Myths vs Mastery w/ Dr Ben Skutnik
Everyone’s yelling “show me the studies,” but no one’s actually reading them. Dr. Ben Skutnik joins John to unpack what doing your own research really means, how non-scientists should approach training studies, and why lifting heavy with a loose diet doesn’t make you healthy. We get into body comp, healthspan, and the blurry line between being curious and being clueless. If you think strength alone makes you bulletproof, listen up.ShownotesYou can't out-train a crappy diet. Three comprehensive nutrition programs crafted by NFL pro John Welbourn prescribing daily custom macros for your personal body goals. START TODAYCheck out what we do:TrainingNutritionKnowledgeClick on the link to see the companies we use and support 👉 https://powerathletehq.com/partners/Follow Ben on InstaAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

Mar 21, 2025 • 2h 18min
Ep 800: John McPhee - Train Like Your Life Depends on It
John McPhee, aka The Sheriff of Baghdad, joins us to expose the biggest myths in tactical training and the harsh realities of real-world combat. From mastering fundamentals to why most guys are training for a fantasy, McPhee breaks down what actually works when it matters most. If you want unfiltered insights from a Tier 1 operator who’s been there, done that, and trained the best, this episode is a must-listen.ShownotesAre you a war fighter or door kicker looking to increase your resilience and lethality? HAMR was created after working with Naval Special Warfare, the US Army, Marines and First Responders. START TODAYCheck out what we do:TrainingNutritionKnowledgeClick on the link to see the companies we use and support 👉 https://powerathletehq.com/partners/Follow John McPhee on InstaCheck out the TRT John McPhee recommends 👉 https://livethrive.co/SOBAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

Mar 14, 2025 • 2h 8min
Ep 799: Judd Lienhard: Strength Science vs. Bro Science
Most people train like morons. Random workouts, zero plan, chasing soreness instead of strength. Judd Lienhard joins John to cut through the nonsense and break down what ACTUALLY makes you stronger, what’s killing your gains, and why most training advice is garbage.They dive into programming mistakes, the science behind real strength, and the myths still floating around gyms like a bad fart. If you want to stop spinning your wheels and start getting stronger, tune in now.Shownotes00:01:35 - Training Adaptations00:10:28 - Athletic Development00:24:10 - CrossFit Influence & Misconceptions00:32:55 - Training Philosophies & Periodization00:41:30 - Bodybuilding vs. Functional Strength00:50:18 - Performance vs. Aesthetic Training00:58:45 - Coaching Methods & Athlete Development01:07:30 - The Evolution of Strength Sports01:16:05 - Political Landscape & Fitness Industry01:24:45 - The Role of Social Media in Training01:33:22 - Traditional vs. Modern Training Methods01:42:15 - Tactical Training & Military Influence01:51:08 - Future of Fitness & Strength CoachingAre you looking to dominate the leaderboard and take your inner athlete to the next level? Expose yourself to the advanced training techniques that contributed to John Welbourn's 10 year NFL career. START TODAYCheck out what we do:TrainingNutritionKnowledgeClick on the link to see the companies we use and support 👉 https://powerathletehq.com/partners/Follow Justin Lienhard on InstaAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

Mar 7, 2025 • 1h 19min
Ep 798: Welbourn vs CrossFit - The Smackdown
The internet thrives on drama, but true strength isn't just about lifting, it's about cutting through the noise.In this exclusive Q&A, John Welbourn and Arash Soofiani set the record straight on athletic performance. Does CrossFit's work capacity model actually translate to sports? Where do most athletes go wrong with General Physical Preparedness (GPP) vs. sport-specific training? And why is training in a straight line holding you back?If you're done with keyboard coaches and want raw, unfiltered insights from an NFL veteran and elite coach, this episode is for you. Tune in now.Shownotes00:01:10 - Online Drama00:13:36 - Strength & Conditioning for Fighters00:30:31 - Internet Coaching vs. Real Coaching00:38:13 - CrossFit & Sport-Specific Training00:45:55 - Coaching Elite Athletes & Mentorship00:53:03 - Jiu-Jitsu Culture & Strength Training01:00:58 - The Role of Competition in Training01:09:28 - Final Thoughts & Future of TrainingAre you a fighter & grappler? Crafted to complement your existing combat training, max out your strength, skill and conditioning so you can master the mat, hit them so it hurts, and return home a hero. START TODAYCheck out what we do:TrainingNutritionKnowledgeClick on the link to see the companies we use and support 👉 https://powerathletehq.com/partners/Follow Arash on InstaAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

Feb 28, 2025 • 2h 10min
Ep 797: Xande Ribeiro: Jiu-Jitsu Mastery & Brotherhood
Xande Ribeiro isn’t just a world champion, he’s a legend who’s seen it all in jiu-jitsu. In this episode, we break down the grind, the brotherhood, and the relentless discipline it takes to dominate across generations. From his roots in Manaus to shaping the next wave of Six Blades athletes, Xande shares what it truly takes to leave a legacy. This isn’t just about jiu-jitsu, it’s about building the mentality to be great in anything. Listen up, because this conversation is packed with lessons that go way beyond the mats.Shownotes00:01:24 - 00:08:03 Xande’s Origin00:08:38 - 00:10:57 Training in Brazil00:11:32 - 00:23:18 Early Influences00:23:18 - 00:31:45 Competing Across Generations00:31:45 - 00:39:22 Strength & Conditioning00:39:22 - 00:47:10 Teaching Methods00:47:10 - 00:55:33 Evolution of Competition00:55:33 - 01:03:56 Mentorship01:03:56 - 01:12:24 Jiu-Jitsu Culture01:12:24 - 01:20:17 Growth of Grappling01:20:17 - 01:28:42 Coaching01:28:42 - 01:37:08 Classic vs. Modern01:37:08 - 01:45:21 Adaptability01:45:21 - 01:54:35 Grappling Trends01:54:35 - 02:08:58 Final ThoughtsAre you a fighter & grappler? Crafted to complement your existing combat training, max out your strength, skill and conditioning so you can master the mat, hit them so it hurts, and return home a hero. START TODAYCheck out what we do:TrainingNutritionKnowledgeClick on the link to see the companies we use and support 👉 https://powerathletehq.com/partners/Follow Xande Ribeiro on InstaAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

Feb 21, 2025 • 34min
Ep 796: Exercise Selection - What Works & What’s BS
Most people waste time in the gym doing exercises that don’t move the needle. In this episode, I sit down with Arash Soofiani to answer your questions on exercise selection; what works, what’s BS, and how to train smarter. We’re calling out the most overrated movement in modern programs, breaking down the lifts you need for an unbreakable back, and showing you how to get results without living in the gym. If you’re tired of spinning your wheels, listen up.Shownotes00:01:15 - Overrated Exercises00:08:53 - Training Glutes00:15:54 - Movement Quality00:20:38 - Recovery00:25:53 - Training to Maximize00:30:40 - ConclusionAre you looking for a flexible training program so you can balance training with life? Follow Grindstone and punch the clock in the face. START TODAYCheck out what we do:TrainingNutritionKnowledgeClick on the link to see the companies we use and support 👉 https://powerathletehq.com/partners/Follow Arash on InstaAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy
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