Jason Khalipa Podcast

From the return of the Presidential Fitness Test to the surprising rise of nicotine as a pre-workout, Jason, Gabe, and MDV cover it all in this milestone 200th episode.Timestamps:0:00 There’s nuance to everything3:00 What really caused the obesity crisis?7:00 Triple H at the White House… and maybe Jason?9:30 Why school fitness tests aren’t the same as federal mandates11:28 Is nutrition more important than physical testing?13:00 Could forcing kids into it backfire?14:00 Kids spend 8 hours in chairs—something has to change16:40 Jason’s SAT prep class flashback18:13 Adults wouldn’t tolerate sitting all day—why should kids?19:03 What happens to the kids who “fail” the test?22:00 Schools moving away from letter grades25:00 How peer comparison builds resilience25:38 Could you beat a 17-year-old in the 1980s?30:13 Rumors of Jason heading to the White House30:40 Why having these conversations matters31:41 The best pre-workout in the world (hint: honey + coffee)35:40 Gabe’s love for the beta-alanine tingle36:50 Nicotine—what’s the deal?39:30 The most popular form and potential benefits41:20 Are Zyns the new dip?42:53 The reality: nicotine is addictive44:55 Jason’s experience trying nicotine pre-workout45:50 Nicotine as an appetite suppressant47:10 Caffeine vs. nicotine49:00 Old enough for the military but not cigarettes?51:00 Jason jokes about Zyn before the Burpee Test51:37 You can guess someone’s burpee score by their build53:09 Kaden Khalipa vs. Truett Hanes—who wins?56:30 Jason grapples with a 19-year-old wrestler58:50 UFC or BJJ?1:00:00 Celebrating 200 episodes!

This week, MDV and Gabe go deep on the current state of CrossFit—what’s working, what’s changing, and what’s getting heavy. From 570 lb. back squats at the Games to the debate over whether Tia is the GOAT (of all CrossFit, not just the women’s side), this episode covers it all. They also break down the stress of training for the leaderboard, the role of unpredictability in CrossFit, and how the TRAIN HARD App is taking a different approach—one that prioritizes long-term consistency, minimal stress, and training you actually enjoy.Episode Breakdown:0:00 Jason shows up at your job and makes you do burpees2:48 Why men and women are equally valued in the CrossFit Games universe5:00 Lowering the hoop in the WNBA?6:59 Is Tia the GOAT of CrossFit?12:05 “She’s not the nicest”—but were any GOATs there to make friends?15:25 Is CrossFit making a comeback?17:22 MDV’s apology and Instagram’s limited view of reality21:00 Colton Mertens back squats 570 lbs. at the CrossFit Games24:05 This is really “forging elite fitness”27:20 Is “the unknown and unknowable” helping or hurting?29:37 A test of fitness or a war of attrition?32:00 Should we remove some unpredictability from the sport?34:00 Ben Bergeron turns off the comments—are we all just doing CrossFit?37:01 The positive legacy of CrossFit38:11 Ben Bergeron’s “new way forward” and CompTrain rebrand41:00 CrossFit’s impact—both good and obsessive45:05 MDV’s NEW PROGRAM on the TRAIN HARD App47:40 The scoreboard and the clock created pressure50:00 How often should you train at 100% intensity? (maybe twice a month)56:07 TRAIN HARD = low pressure, high consistency1:01:45 If you don’t enjoy your training, it won’t workListen now on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or YouTube. #JKPFollow us on Instagram:⁠JK Podcast⁠⁠Jason⁠⁠Gabe⁠⁠MDV⁠⁠Dennis⁠⁠Train with us on the TRAIN HARD App⁠⁠Find your program⁠⁠Subscribe to our newsletter⁠

Is Anyone Watching the CrossFit Games? + The Burpee Test Results Are InThis week, the crew is fired up—and not just because Jason was late after pushing through the TRAIN HARD Burpee Test. The guys talk mindset, grit, and whether or not the sport of fitness has lost its spark. Is this the last year of the CrossFit Games? Is anyone even watching? And is the Burpee Test secretly one of the best fitness challenges of all time?IN THIS EPISODE:[0:00] Jason was late because... BURPEES.[1:57] Why the Burpee Test is all about mental toughness[3:25] A teaser on their test scores 👀[4:40] Wait—the CrossFit Games are happening?[8:20] Could this be the last year of the Games?[12:00] Why athlete storytelling needs more depth[15:25] Are professional athletes just unrelatable now?[16:30] Is Tia the GOAT?[18:09] Sponsors we’ve never heard of...[19:50] What MDV would do if he bought CrossFit[21:40] Is the sport of fitness dead?[24:09] It’s sad how little people care now... and affiliate numbers are down[29:34] TRAIN HARD BURPEE TEST RESULTS (and Jason’s excuses)[33:00] Jason’s mindset shift during the test[37:30] You’ve got to decide how bad you want to hurt[40:00] Standards: Single leg step-ups instead of jumps?[43:00] When your brain flips from “okay” to “this sucks”[47:00] Other fitness tests that challenge your soul[49:10] The gift and curse of repeating workouts[51:15] Jason is already planning to redo the test[55:00] Is this the best fitness test of all time?[59:40] Dennis catching strays (again)Never let momentum get to zero. Listen to the Jason Khalipa Podcast every Tuesday and Friday on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or YouTube. #JKPFollow us on Instagram:⁠JK Podcast⁠⁠Jason⁠⁠Gabe⁠⁠MDV⁠⁠Dennis⁠⁠Train with us on the TRAIN HARD App⁠⁠Find your program⁠⁠Subscribe to our newsletter⁠

What would you do in an active shooter situation? Following a recent tragedy in NYC, Jason, Gabe, and MDV discuss how to prepare for moments of crisis—mentally and physically. From trusting your gut to keeping your head on a swivel, this episode dives into the importance of situational awareness, training, and why capability matters.They also explore the role of men in creating safer communities, the biological realities of size and strength, and why women need men who train hard and show up when it counts. Plus: the official TRAIN HARD burpee test is here (yes, MDV is calling everyone out), and Producer Liz drops a HOT TAKE on how women really feel when it comes to safety.If you care about being prepared, being capable, and protecting the people you love—this one’s for you.Timestamps:0:00 Jason doesn’t know how to wear a hat1:48 Tragedy in NYC: Active shooter situation5:20 Situational awareness is more important than ever9:00 Recommended books: The Gift of Fear and Left of Bang11:20 How men and women experience danger differently13:22 Teaching kids awareness and trusting your instincts14:33 Don’t be afraid to be “rude” when your gut says something’s off15:40 How proximity to danger shapes your response18:50 “Women need good men”—and why that’s not controversial23:15 Strength and size trump all else in dangerous moments26:07 HOT TAKE from Liz: the woman’s POV28:20 When men train hard, women feel safer30:00 Why making eye contact with threats matters32:08 Be the most capable guy in the room33:20 The BURPEE TEST challenge: MDV vs. the world44:30 Burpee test standards—let’s see it, Joe Rogan46:18 Is nicotine performance-enhancing?51:48 Very, very, very important news🎧 Listen to the Jason Khalipa Podcast every Monday, Wednesday, and Friday on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or YouTube.Follow us on Instagram:⁠JK Podcast⁠⁠Jason⁠⁠Gabe⁠⁠MDV⁠⁠Dennis⁠⁠Train with us on the TRAIN HARD App⁠⁠Find your program⁠⁠Subscribe to our newsletter⁠

Traveling can pose fitness challenges, but the hosts share practical tips for staying on track while enjoying treats. One member humorously recounts gaining 7 pounds in two days, leading to a discussion on temporary setbacks not derailing progress. They debate when it's okay to indulge and the connection between fitness and self-confidence. A highlight includes the ultimate burpee test that pushes physical limits. From shirtless podcasting to emotional sports trades, this conversation is packed with relatable insights for anyone looking to maintain balance on the road.

Delve into the surprising claim that exercise might not be key for weight loss. The hosts tackle metabolism and the significant role of nutrition, revealing how our bodies adapt to exercise. Discover the impact of non-exercise activity on energy balance and why diet often trumps workouts in shedding pounds. The discussion also touches on youth sports, personal growth through training with skilled peers, and lighthearted anecdotes like an awkward moment at a Coldplay concert. Expect humor alongside enlightening insights!

The podcast dives into the controversial case of a CrossFit athlete banned for using BPC-157. The hosts debate whether this peptide should really be classified as a performance-enhancer, weighing fairness against safety. They explore the challenges of detection and personal accountability among athletes. The conversation also highlights how modern athletes can earn more on social media than in competitions. Amidst this serious discussion, there are lighthearted moments, including a friendly push-up challenge and insight into the strong community ties in fitness.

Frank Schwartz, known as “Dark Helmet,” is from F3 Nation, a dynamic grassroots initiative focused on fitness, fellowship, and faith. He discusses the origins of F3 and its mission to enhance male leadership while combatting loneliness. The movement fosters community through accessible workouts and supportive relationships. Frank emphasizes the importance of personal responsibility and how F3 helps men reconnect with their purpose. He shares insights on the unique culture, including earned nicknames, and the transformative impact of group engagement.

Online sports betting is rising as a potential addiction crisis, especially among young men. The hosts dissect alarming statistics and the easy accessibility of gambling apps. They debate accountability between users and the industry, stressing that addiction can stem from a single interaction. Mentorship and connection are presented as antidotes to this growing epidemic. As sports media pivots towards promoting betting for profit, the conversation calls for awareness and responsibility in navigating these enticing but treacherous waters.

Listen in as MMA legend Daniel Cormier takes on the transformative 45-Day Challenge while sharing insights on competing in two weight classes. Discover how natural disasters impacted Texas, emphasizing community resilience. Jason reveals his ambitious goal of ice climbing and explores the psychology behind fitness and discipline post-career. Dive into the importance of consistency and patience in mastering skills, and enjoy a lively Q&A that covers active lifestyles and the benefits of grounding.