

Power Athlete Radio
Power Athlete
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. So whether your goal is to Be The Hammer, Destroy Mediocrity or simply Move The Dirt, you’ve come to the right place.
Episodes
Mentioned books

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

Feb 14, 2025 • 31min
Ep 795: Hard Truths & Tactics for Muscle Growth & Fat Loss
Most people are wasting time in the gym and wondering why they’re not getting bigger, stronger, or leaner. John answers your biggest questions about muscle growth, fat loss, and the real work it takes to build a legit physique. No fluff—just straight talk and actionable tactics.Hit play, get smarter, and start training like you mean it.Shownotes00:01:15 - Diet and Nutrition00:07:48 - Strength and Fat Loss Myth00:15:39 - Nutrition for Muscle Gain00:21:03 - Protein Strategy00:25:11 - Calories for GoalsAre 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 7, 2025 • 1h 10min
Ep 794: Big Hits, Big Egos: The Reality of NFL w/ Jesse on Fire
We bring in Jesse on Fire to break down the Super Bowl matchup with the hottest, most unfiltered takes you won’t hear anywhere else. No ESPN fluff. No corporate-approved analysis. Just real football talk from guys who know what it takes to win.We’re calling out the frauds, breaking down the game behind the game, and giving you the real scoop on who’s built for the moment—and who’s about to fold like a cheap lawn chair.If you want safe, vanilla predictions, go somewhere else. If you want raw, no-BS football talk, hit play.ShownotesAre 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 Jesse on InstaAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

Jan 31, 2025 • 39min
Ep 793: Best of Power Athlete Radio: Strength Edition
We're bringing you a ‘best of’ episode featuring top moments from past interviews with Louie Simmons, Jim Wendler, and Mark Rippetoe. Hear the most hard-hitting insights on GPP, progressive overload, and mastering the basics—all pulled from our most popular episodes. No gimmicks, just raw, proven strength knowledge. Tune in and level up!Shownotes00:02:11 - Jim Wendler00:17:15 - Louie Simmons00:28:51 - Mark RippetoeAre 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 Mark Rippetoe, Jim Wendler and Westside Barbell on InstaAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

Jan 24, 2025 • 2h 2min
Ep 792: The Miseducation of Society w/ Ben Skutnik
Certified Power Athlete Coach Ben Skutnik joins John to discuss the impact of education on mindset, the challenges of being a college athlete, and why critical thinking is more important than ever in a world full of misinformation. Tune in for powerful insights and no-nonsense truth!Shownotes00:01:15 - Education Background Insights00:05:07 - Academia vs. Online Education00:10:28 - College Experience vs. Sports00:16:47 - University Influence on Thinking00:19:13 - Social Media's Influence on Education00:25:42 - The Shift in Education00:35:40 - Critique of Information Consumption00:45:02 - Authenticity in Modern Thought00:50:22 - Educational Tools in Action01:02:14 - Closing Thoughts on Education01:04:04 - Thoughts on Higher Learning and Development01:29:07 - Evolution of Coaching01:35:40 - Integrating Non-Traditional Methods01:45:02 - The Role of Experience01:54:30 - Technology and TeachingAre 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 Ben on InstaAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

Jan 17, 2025 • 1h 41min
Ep 791: RE-UP: Diet FACTS vs FADS w/ Robb Wolf
In this re-run episode, Robb Wolf—NY Times bestselling author and health rebel—joins us for a no-holds-barred discussion on ditching diet fads and wellness gimmicks. Get the cold-hard facts on nutrition, sodium, and how to fast from the BS. Tune in for a truth-packed episode that will help you reshape your approach to health and wellness.Shownotes00:09:05 - Health and Performance00:11:31 - Cardiovascular and Fitness00:20:30 - Training Strategies00:25:05 - Nutrition and Recovery00:30:12 - Dietary Practices00:35:30 - Supplements and Health00:40:20 - Strength Training00:45:04 - Health Insights00:50:13 - Fitness in Real Life00:55:28 - Mental Health Focus01:00:15 - Body Composition01:05:07 - Training for Life01:10:22 - Building Endurance01:15:19 - Recovery and Nutrition01:20:08 - Improving Health01:25:01 - Reaching Goals01:30:14 - Lifestyle Adjustments01:35:28 - Sleep and RecoveryAre you looking to amplify your physique and build thick sidewalk splitting slabs of muscle? Follow with the same tried-and-true training that John Welbourn followed to walk into training camp at 308 lbs & 8% body fat. Jacked Street. START TODAYCheck out what we do:TrainingNutritionKnowledgeClick on the link to see the companies we use and support 👉 https://powerathletehq.com/partners/Follow Robb Wolf on InstaAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy