

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
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
Jan 10, 2025 • 1h 31min
Ep 790: RE-UP - Walk a Hero's Path w/ Rudy Reyes
Marine, motivator, and master of resilience Rudy Reyes is back in this powerful re-up episode. Dive into Rudy’s incredible journey as he shares raw stories of grit, sacrifice, and the pursuit of purpose. From the battlefield to everyday life, his insights will inspire you to face challenges head-on and walk your own Hero’s Path. Whether you’re seeking motivation, mental toughness, or a spark to ignite your inner fire, this episode delivers.Shownotes00:01:15 - Introduction and Overview00:07:06 - Show Spotlight and Cast00:14:07 - Military Training Elements00:24:17 - Female Participants’ Strength00:35:45 - Reflections on Entertainment Industry00:47:04 - Personal Growth and Challenges01:09:13 - Authenticity in Leadership01:20:45 - Reflections on Life PurposeCommit more. Get more: Sign up to a year of Power Athlete programming and we'll throw in FREE lifetime access to a personaized Nutrition plan & a FREE 1-on-1 game plan consult with one of our world class coaches - LIMITED TIME OFFER https://powerathletehq.com/training/Check out what we do:TrainingNutritionKnowledgeClick on the link to see the companies we use and support 👉 https://powerathletehq.com/partners/Follow Rudy on InstaAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy
Jan 3, 2025 • 48min
Ep 789: The Secret to Crushing Life’s Challenges
John sits down with Arash Soofiani, Power Athlete’s resident Dragon Slayer, to talk about how Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu builds unstoppable resilience, mental toughness, and grit. From the grind of daily rolls to life-changing lessons learned on the mat, Arash shares how Jiu-Jitsu shapes a healthier, stronger, and more disciplined life.Ready to level up? Tune in now.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
Dec 27, 2024 • 59min
Ep 788: Forged in Fire: The Journey to World Champion
A year ago, Felipe Costa and Arash Soofiani set an audacious goal: to become a world champion. This week, Felipe shares how he made it happen, from the relentless grind to the mindset shifts that fueled his victory. Together, they break down the blood, sweat, and tears behind the journey and how Power Athlete’s training philosophy and community played a pivotal role.Whether you’re chasing greatness or looking for the spark to ignite your own journey, this episode is packed with insights and inspiration you don’t want to miss.Shownotes00:00:27 - 2023 Goals00:08:26 - Weight Cuts and Mindset00:13:03 - Visualization00:16:08 - Winning Mentality00:22:12 - Personal Growth00:26:43 - Mindset00:30:41 - Preparation00:38:24 - Conditioning00:45:12 - Post win reflectionsAre 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 & Felipe on InstaAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy


