
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

Nov 15, 2024 • 1h 20min
Ep 782: Life on the ice & recovering from head hits
Former pro hockey player Brandon Cullen joins Power Athlete Radio to share his story of resilience and reinvention. From battling head injuries and brain trauma to finding recovery through nutrition and movement, Brandon opens up about the toll of the game and the journey back.We also dive into MADabolic, the fitness concept he created to revolutionize group training. Discover why it stands out from the crowd and how Brandon’s athletic mindset shaped its success. This episode is packed with insights on grit, recovery, and building something extraordinary.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 MADbolic on InstaAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

Nov 8, 2024 • 1h 15min
Ep 781: Powerlifters, you NEED to hear this
John sits down with the man, the myth, the legend—Ed Coan. The dude who doesn’t just lift, he redefines what’s possible under a barbell. Ed breaks down his insane technique, the grind that got him to the top, and how his mindset turned record-breaking lifts into a walk in the park. If you think lifting heavy is about muscle, think again. It’s about precision, focus, and a will that doesn’t quit. Hit play and get schooled by the powerlifting GOAT himself.ShownotesAre 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 308l bs & 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 Ed Coan on InstaAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

Nov 1, 2024 • 1h 43min
Ep 780: Is emotional health linked to your fitness?
Crushing it in the gym is one thing, but handling the weight of life? That’s a whole new PR. This week, the legendary Sean Waxman drops knowledge bombs on confidence, depression, and why getting strong is more than just reps and sets—it's emotional survival. Tune in, get fired up, and learn how discipline under the bar makes you a warrior in life. Don’t miss this one.Shownotes00:00:27 - Coaching High School Football00:12:56 - Coaching High School Football00:18:44 - Styles of Training00:37:49 - Mindsets00:59:46 - Generational Diets01:13:07 - Changes in BehaviorAre 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 Sean Waxman on InstaAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

Oct 25, 2024 • 2h 3min
Ep 779: What makes Special Ops so special?
Tune in as John sits down with Delta operator John McPhee, aka “The Sheriff of Baghdad", and ex-Navy SEAL Mike Sarraille. We’re diving deep into the war on terror—think hunting down bad guys and wild tales from Saddam’s gold-plated palaces. These guys will break down the evolution of Special Forces and what it takes to push the limits in training, both in the field and post-service. If you want to learn how elite warriors stay sharp and perform at the highest level, you can’t afford to miss this one.Shownotes00:00:27 - Mcphee Before Military00:10:36 - Special Forces Selection00:15:14 - Mindset of Special Forces00:36:48 - Iraq vs Afghanistan00:52:46 - Evolution of Military Tactics01:19:13 - Peak Human Performance01:28:26 - Sheriff of Baghdad Story01:32:24 - Training TechniquesAre 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/Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

Oct 18, 2024 • 1h 25min
Ep 778: Classic re-up: Wendler's Wisdom
Missed it the first time? Here’s your shot at redemption. Jim Wendler’s back, and this time he’s shaping the next generation of football savages as a high school strength coach. No studies, no fluff—just blood, scars, and 5/3/1 grit. Tune in as we reboot one of our all-time favorite episodes, where Wendler proves the game may have softened, but real strength never dies.Shownotes00:00:27 - Jim Wendler Origin00:08:15 - 00:13:20 Football and Violence00:13:55 - Evolution of Linemen00:18:15 - College Roster Depth00:22:16 - Coaching Youth Football00:34:34 - College Recruiting00:45:52 - Football Mentality01:01:55 - Training for FootballAre 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 Jim on InstaAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

4 snips
Oct 11, 2024 • 2h 1min
Ep 777: Are you really a leader? Here's what it takes
Mike Sarraille, an Ex-Navy SEAL and leadership expert, dives into the essence of leading under pressure. He emphasizes that true leadership is forged through adversity, sharing insights on stress management and emotional intelligence. The conversation touches on the importance of mentorship and the complex dynamics within high-performing teams, drawing parallels between military experiences and sports. Sarraille also critiques the war on drugs and discusses the psychological toll of leadership roles, offering practical strategies for resilience and effective decision-making.

5 snips
Oct 4, 2024 • 1h 26min
776: The Future of Entrepreneurship
Ben Crookston, CEO of the strength training app TrainHeroic, shares his journey through entrepreneurship and the importance of resilience. He discusses how AI is reshaping business while stressing the need for personal skills and authentic creativity. The conversation dives into the balance between fear and courage in decision-making, redefines the concept of retirement as a pursuit of purpose, and emphasizes maintaining flexibility in the chaotic world of entrepreneurship. Discover how setbacks can foster growth and the importance of a supportive team in this enlightening discussion.

Sep 27, 2024 • 24min
Ep 775: Picked the best coaches for your kids?
Arash Soofiani is back, and we're rolling deep on how to set your kids up for success in jiu-jitsu—spoiler alert: it’s not about raising the next UFC champ. It’s about giving your kid a space to grow, have fun, and make mistakes (without you shouting ‘Game 7’ vibes from the sideline). Tune in for the blueprint on finding the right gym, the right coach, and how to be the parent your kid actually needs. This one's a tap-in for anyone looking to raise resilient, confident little humans!Shownotes00:01:17 - Coaching Kids in BJJ00:07:15 - Parental Mindset00:11:25 - Finding the Right DojoAre 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

Sep 20, 2024 • 29min
Ep 774: How Arash Lost 100 lbs: his secrets revealed
Our very own Dragon Slayer, Arash Soofiani, takes us down the rabbit hole as he breaks down his journey from 350 lbs to 250, talking the real reasons behind the weight gain and the toughest battles he fought to drop that weight.Arash doesn’t sugarcoat the mindset shift it took to lose 100 lbs—this is about more than just the gym.Plus, we dive into GLP-1s and how the world should really view these so-called miracle drugs.Shownotes: https://pahq.co/Ep77400:01:23 - Weight Loss Journey00:14:52 - GLP1’s00:18:23 - Overweight LifestyleAre 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 TODAY - https://powerathletehq.com/bedrock/Check out what we do:Training - https://powerathletehq.com/trainingNutrition - https://powerathletehq.com/nutritionKnowledge - https://academy.powerathletehq.comClick on the link to see the companies we use and support 👉 https://powerathletehq.com/partners/Follow Aash on Insta https://www.instagram.com/arash_soofiani/Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

Sep 13, 2024 • 2h 20min
Ep 773: The SPECIFICS of Strength Training
Dane Miller from Peak Strength, a leader in Olympic strength training is here to dive into how Olympians build elite power, the evolution of strength training for female athletes, and the future of women’s strength sports. Coaches, athletes, and anyone looking to level up—tune in and discover how to up your game.Shownotes00:01:27 - How Austin has Changed00:09:17 - The Microbiome00:16:56 - Weight Lose00:26:30 - Body Building Trends00:36:04 - Women’s Training in the olympics00:42:56 - Strength Training Methods01:15:57 - Different Types of AthletesAre 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 Peak Strength on InstaAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy