
DDT Method Podcast
Step into the ring with Drew Donaldson, a 20-year veteran of the fitness industry and former WWE wrestler.
With a career built on physical prowess and peak performance, Drew now turns the spotlight on the advanced health and fitness modalities that have powered his journey and can transform yours too.
Each episode of The DDT Method Podcast is a deep dive into cutting-edge practices in fitness, health, and wellness. Drew explores innovative approaches to optimize physical and mental performance, sharing his personal experiments with biohacking, nutritional strategies, and mental conditioning.
Latest episodes

May 5, 2025 • 1h 20min
Peptide Timing Secrets: The Science of When Not What
In this groundbreaking episode, we dive deep into the cutting-edge world of cellular optimization with expert Anthony Castore. From mitochondrial function to peptide protocols, this conversation reveals the sophisticated science behind truly effective performance enhancement. Learn why understanding your body at the cellular level is the key to sustainable gains, optimal recovery, and long-term health. For athletes, bodybuilders, and health optimization enthusiasts, this episode provides actionable protocols that go beyond surface-level supplementation to create profound physiological improvements.Episode HighlightsThe Mitochondrial FoundationDiscover why mitochondria are far more than just "the powerhouse of the cell" and how these complex organelles control everything from energy production to hormone synthesis. Anthony explains the critical differences between glycolysis and oxidative phosphorylation and why metabolic flexibility is essential for both performance and longevity.Growth Hormone: Misunderstood and MisusedUncover the surprising truth about growth hormone and why conventional protocols might be undermining your results. Learn how the body produces over 100 different isoforms of growth hormone naturally and how to work with—rather than against—your body's intelligence.The Peptide Protocol ParadigmExplore the strategic implementation of peptides like Tesamorelin, Hexarelin, PEG-MGF, and IGF-1 LR3. Anthony reveals his timing protocols for maximum efficacy, explaining why the when and how matter as much as the what when it comes to peptide administration.Mitochondrial Peptides DemystifiedGain clarity on the distinct functions of mitochondrial peptides like SS31, MOT-C, SLU P332, and BAM15. Learn why taking these powerful compounds together can cancel out benefits and how to properly cycle them for optimal cellular adaptation.The NAD Optimization StrategyUnderstand the intelligent approach to NAD supplementation that avoids feeding senescent cells. Discover the synergistic stack of 5-Amino-1MQ, 1-MNA, and apigenin that creates cellular conditions for optimal NAD utilization.Methylene Blue: Friend or Foe?Get a balanced perspective on methylene blue's benefits and limitations, particularly regarding its impact on nitric oxide pathways. Learn appropriate dosing strategies and when this powerful compound is best utilized.Ready to transform your approach to performance enhancement? Follow Anthony Castore on Instagram @AnthonyCastore for more cutting-edge information and consider joining the SSRP (Seed Scientific Research Performance) community for access to groundbreaking discussions and research. For the ultimate deep dive, mark your calendar for the Peptide World Congress in Vegas this June, where Anthony will present his comprehensive framework for creating bespoke performance protocols.Don't forget to subscribe to our podcast for more content that bridges the gap between theoretical science and practical application, helping you optimize your health and performance through intelligent cellular support.

Apr 28, 2025 • 58min
The Future of Bodybuilding: Mitochondrial Enhancement and the End of Brutal Preps
In this episode of the DDT Method podcast, host Drew Donaldson interviews Dr. Dean St. Mart, a PhD in synthetic chemistry specializing in drug design and pharmacology who has applied his knowledge to the fitness industry. Dr. St. Mart shares practical insights on recovery optimization through heart rate variability (HRV) tracking, magnesium supplementation, and sleep enhancement strategies. He discusses how growth hormone secretion can be optimized naturally and with peptides, and explains his work with mitochondrial peptides like MOT-C and SLU-P332. Dr. St. Mart reveals how these approaches helped him maintain exceptional leanness while eating substantially more calories than traditional bodybuilding protocols would recommend, ultimately winning a bodybuilding championship without extreme restrictions.Chapters:Understanding Recovery Metrics Dr. St. Mart breaks down how to properly interpret HRV data, explaining why your personal baseline matters more than comparing your numbers to others. Learn when to trust your body's subjective feelings over what fitness trackers tell you, and how to avoid getting trapped in the data.The Magnesium-Cortisol Connection Discover the "vicious cycle" between stress, cortisol production, and magnesium depletion, and why most athletes are deficient in this critical mineral. Dr. St. Mart explains how magnesium deficiency impacts mitochondrial function, energy production, and sleep quality, plus which forms of magnesium are most effective.Sleep Optimization Strategies Learn how to enhance sleep quality through tryptophan-serotonin-melatonin pathways and why relying solely on melatonin supplements may be causing your 2am wake-ups. Dr. St. Mart shares his evidence-based approach to deep, restorative sleep that powers recovery.Growth Hormone Enhancement: Beyond Basics Gain insider knowledge on optimizing both natural and exogenous growth hormone, including ideal timing for administration, the synergistic effects of GHRPs with GHRHs, and how to leverage natural secretion patterns for maximum benefit.Mitochondrial Peptides: The Future of Performance Dr. St. Mart explains his groundbreaking work with MOT-C and SLU-P332, mitochondrial peptides that increase energy production and fat burning capacity at the cellular level. Learn how these compounds helped him maintain 9-10% body fat while eating normally and ultimately win a bodybuilding championship without traditional restrictive protocols.The Bodybuilding Renaissance Explore how emerging technologies and compounds are changing the landscape of physique enhancement, making traditional brutal dieting potentially obsolete. Dr. St. Mart predicts how these innovations will transform preparation for competitions and general fitness in the coming years.Connect with Dr. Dean St. MartFollow Dr. Dean on Instagram @Dean.Stm and check out his educational platform at SN Education, where he offers over 500 lecture-style videos on PEDs, training, rehab, and more. Visit supplements.co.uk and use discount code Dr.Dean to save 10% on his recommended supplements.If you found value in today's episode, be sure to follow the DDT Method podcast on all platforms and share this episode with anyone serious about optimizing their physique and performance. Don't forget to follow Dr. Dean St. Mart for continuous education on cutting-edge fitness developments. The future of bodybuilding and performance enhancement is here—make sure you're not left behind using outdated methods!

Apr 21, 2025 • 1h 29min
Muscle Building Myths Destroyed: MD Reveals What Really Works (And What Doesn’t)
In this eye-opening episode of the DDT Method podcast, host Drew Donaldson interviews Dr. Todd Lee, a unique authority in performance enhancing drugs who brings both medical expertise as an MD and biochemist along with real-world experience as an IFBB pro bodybuilder. Dr. Lee delivers a no-holds-barred breakdown of PED protocols, challenging common misconceptions with evidence-based approaches. From establishing proper hormone replacement therapy foundations to understanding the complex interplay between testosterone, growth hormone, and estrogen, this episode provides an educational deep dive into intelligent and safer approaches to performance enhancement.CHAPTERSIntroduction to Dr. Todd LeeDr. Todd Lee shares his unique background as an IFBB pro bodybuilder, medical doctor, and biochemist, explaining how his direct experience and scientific knowledge provide him with an authoritative perspective on PEDs beyond anecdotal evidence.The Importance of Blood WorkLearn why proper diagnostic testing is critical before starting any protocol, what specific markers to look for, and why common "liver enzymes" are often misunderstood in the bodybuilding community.The Testosterone & Estrogen ConnectionDr. Lee breaks down the vital role estrogen plays in muscle building, why many people mistakenly suppress it, and how to find your optimal estrogen balance through careful titration and monitoring.Growth Hormone FundamentalsDiscover why GH should be the second compound introduced after testosterone, its proper dosing strategy, the synergistic relationship between GH and estrogen, and why insulin is rarely necessary despite its popularity.Masteron vs. Primo DebateDr. Lee provides a comprehensive biochemical explanation of why Masteron may be superior to Primobolan for most users, challenging conventional wisdom with scientific reasoning about mechanism of action and side effect profiles.The 19-Nor ControversyWhy compounds like Nandrolone and Trenbolone should generally be avoided, with Dr. Lee comparing them to "grenades in a hostage situation" due to their unpredictable and potentially serious side effects.Daily Injection ProtocolsLearn about Dr. Lee's preferred method of daily micro-dosing with insulin syringes, why it's more stable and effective than traditional approaches, and his humorous take on "backloading" syringes.Debunking Oral Steroid MythsDr. Lee explains why oral steroids are rarely justified outside of specific competition contexts, how they impact liver health, and why claims about their unique benefits are often exaggerated.The Simple Approach to Complex ResultsThe episode concludes with practical recommendations for building an effective protocol that emphasizes simplicity, safety, and results over unnecessarily complex stacks and dangerous compounds.If you want to learn more from Dr. Todd Lee, follow him on Instagram @ToddleeMD or check out his YouTube channel "Dr. Todd Lee's Anabolic University" for in-depth educational content. Remember that his Instagram reels are just previews of his full-length YouTube videos, which contain the complete context and nuance behind his statements. For those interested in personalized coaching or blood work analysis, visit his website at toddleemd.com.For more evidence-based information on training, nutrition, and performance enhancement, subscribe to the DDT Method podcast and hit the notification bell so you never miss an episode with experts like Dr. Todd Lee who cut through the broscience with real scientific knowledge.

14 snips
Apr 14, 2025 • 1h 4min
Outperform Everyone: The Alternative PEDs Elite Athletes Are Actually Using
Jake Benson, a performance coach for elite athletes, dives into groundbreaking alternative performance enhancers. He sheds light on the science behind non-androgenic PEDs, revealing how they can optimize body composition and recovery. Discover the underestimated power of injectable L-carnitine for fat burning and recovery, and learn how choline enhances muscle contraction. Benson emphasizes the importance of understanding energy systems and personalized supplementation to elevate athletic performance significantly.

18 snips
Apr 11, 2025 • 58min
The Cellular Performance Revolution: How Mitochondrial Support Is Changing the Game for Performance and Longevity
Alex Kikel, a leading expert in bodybuilding, biohacking, and longevity science, dives into the revolutionary world of mitochondrial supplementation. He explains how mitochondria do more than just generate energy, playing key roles in recovery and cellular communication. Kikel shares practical tips for enhancing mitochondrial health through accessible practices and supplements. He discusses advanced compounds, tailoring supplementation for individual needs, and the future of research that could redefine performance and longevity. A must-listen for health enthusiasts!

Apr 7, 2025 • 1h 12min
The Solar Athlete: Sunlight and the Optimization of Mitochondria
In this eye-opening episode, we're joined by elite powerlifter and emerging fitness educator David Herrera, who shares his revolutionary perspective on human physiology, mitochondrial function, and environmental optimization for peak performance.David breaks down how our bodies are essentially "complicated plants" that require proper nutrition, water, and also importantly, sunlight to function optimally. Discover how modern indoor lifestyles are creating hidden hypoxic states in our bodies and how simple practices like strategic sunlight exposure can transform your energy, recovery, and performance.Chapters:David's Background & Philosophy David shares his journey as an accomplished powerlifter who has totaled over 10x his bodyweight and explains his holistic approach to human physiology and energy systems.The Human Energy System Explained Learn how humans have developed sophisticated photosynthetic systems that allow us to gather energy from multiple sources including sunlight, cold exposure, and vibrational energies.The Modern Sunlight Deficiency Crisis Discover why most people are getting less than 30 minutes of outdoor time daily and how this impacts everything from body composition to recovery.Circadian Signaling & Energy Optimization David explains how proper morning and evening light exposure creates the signaling your body needs to regulate hormones, recovery, and energy production.Nutrition & Environmental Synergy Learn why eating outdoors and taking short walks after meals can dramatically improve digestion, nutrient absorption, and insulin sensitivity.Mitochondrial Supplements & Applications Explore cutting-edge compounds including L-carnitine, choline, methylene blue, and ITPP that can enhance mitochondrial function when properly implemented.Training for Mitochondrial Density David shares practical strategies for increasing mitochondrial density in specific muscle groups to break through plateaus and enhance performance.Follow David Herrera:Instagram: @davidherrera119 (personal) & @solarathlete (scientific content)Supplements: www.darrellstrength.comFor personalized coaching and consultations, visit either Instagram profile and check the link in bio

17 snips
Mar 31, 2025 • 35min
The RAW Truth About PEDs, Health and Longevity with Dr. Dwayne Jackson
Dr. Dwayne Jackson, a nutritionist with a PhD in neurovascular physiology and a former competitive bodybuilder, shares his compelling journey from motocross to health advocate. He discusses his life-altering experience with kidney failure and its impact on his professional focus. Dr. Jackson highlights blood pressure as a key health marker for athletes and critiques popular fad diets. He also presents a forgotten meditation technique for stress management, and promotes a modified Mediterranean diet for balanced health and performance.

Mar 24, 2025 • 59min
The Cerebral Bodybuilder: Inside Terence Ruffin's Approach
In this episode of the DDT Method podcast, we sit down with IFBB Pro Olympian Terence Ruffin, one of the most cerebral competitors in the classic physique division. Terence shares his journey from a 120-pound military hopeful to a two-time Arnold Classic champion and Mr. Olympia runner-up, revealing the intelligent approach that's kept him continuously improving throughout his 11-year professional career.EPISODE CHAPTERS:Introduction & Background Meet Terence Ruffin, the IFBB Pro with a decade-plus competitive career who's known for his methodical, science-based approach to bodybuilding.The Path to Professional Bodybuilding Terence shares how his journey began in the Air Force when he couldn't make Special Forces due to being underweight, leading him to discover bodybuilding while trying to build muscle.Overcoming Injuries & Setbacks Learn how Terence navigated serious elbow issues using various treatment approaches and his stoic mindset toward recovery, including stem cell therapy and physical therapy.Training Philosophy & Evolution Discover how Terence's partnership with renowned coach Joe Bennett transformed his training approach from high-volume to progressive, precise training with impeccable form.The Importance of Tracking Progress Terence explains why the logbook was "the most important aspect of training" in his development and how it helped him grow more in one year than the several previous years combined.Training Split Strategies Explore different training split approaches, from upper/lower to specialized body part frequency, and why most bodybuilders focus too much on volume instead of frequency.48:10-54:30 Nutritional Approach Learn about Terence's simplified nutritional strategy influenced by John Meadows, emphasizing consistency over complexity, especially when approaching competitions.Recovery & Stress Management Terence shares his stoic approach to managing recovery, identifying overtraining, and handling the mental aspects of competitive bodybuilding.Iron Eden & Future Plans Get details about Terence's coaching company, his upcoming competition at the Pittsburgh Pro, and his outlook on possibly winning the Olympia.If you're looking to improve your physique, optimize your training, or simply learn from one of the most intelligent competitors in bodybuilding today, this episode delivers actionable insights that work for athletes at any level. Terence breaks down why frequency often trumps volume, why tracking your progress is non-negotiable, and how a focused, educated approach leads to consistent improvement.Follow Terence on Instagram and YouTube @RuffDiesel.

Mar 17, 2025 • 1h 12min
Training Optimization: A Deep Dive with Hypertrophy Coach Joe Bennett
In this information-packed episode of the DDT Method podcast, we sit down with Joe Bennett, known to most as "The Hypertrophy Coach" - one of the most respected and knowledgeable figures in the “Optimal Training” movement. Joe shares his journey from self-described "meathead" to becoming a coach who has trained 10+ different Olympia champions across all categories.Whether you're a fitness professional looking to enhance your coaching skills or someone serious about optimizing your training, Joe breaks down complex concepts into practical wisdom about exercise selection, training volume, frequency, and the biomechanics that drive real results.CHAPTER HIGHLIGHTS:Joe's Journey in Fitness Joe shares his background from being a young lifter obsessed with Arnold's Encyclopedia, through his college years, to eventually managing training departments and working with elite bodybuilders and athletes.Education & Influences Joe discusses his biggest educational influences including Charles Poliquin and Tom Purvis, and how these mentors shaped his evidence-based yet practical approach to training.The Value of In-Person Coaching Experience A deep dive into why real-world coaching experience is critical for understanding how to apply training principles with actual human beings, not just theory.Form, Execution & Movement Quality Joe emphasizes how movement execution trumps exercise selection and program design for most trainees, and why focusing on "perfect reps" delivers better results than chasing numbers.Understanding Joint Torque & Resistance Profiles A fascinating breakdown of biomechanics concepts that explain why exercises feel harder at certain points in the range of motion and how this affects muscle development.Exercise Selection & Training Volume Joe explains his philosophy of "as little as possible to produce maximal results" and why progressive overload matters more than arbitrary volume recommendations.Training Frequency & Split Design The discussion covers how to optimize training frequency based on individual preferences and schedule, with practical insights on why splitting volume across sessions can be beneficial.Final Thoughts & Where to Find Joe Joe shares information about his app, coaching services, and Hypertrophy Coach University for fitness professionals wanting to learn more.If you're tired of cookie-cutter training programs and want to understand the deeper principles that drive muscle growth, this episode delivers actionable insights from one of the industry's top minds. Joe's balanced approach combines scientific understanding with practical application, perfect for serious lifters and coaches alike.Follow Joe on Instagram and YouTube @hypertrophycoach, and check out his app and educational platform for trainers at Hypertrophy Coach University.

Mar 10, 2025 • 52min
Structure Dictates Function: “The Muscle Doc” Jordan Shallow on Breaking the “Optimal” Paradigm
In this eye-opening episode, we dive deep with Dr. Jordan Shallow, aka "The Muscle Doc" - founder of Prescript, chiropractor, strength coach, and advisor to elite athletes across the NFL, MLB, and NHL. Jordan shares his unique journey from Apple's corporate wellness center to becoming one of the most respected biomechanics educators in the fitness industry.Whether you're a fitness professional looking to elevate your coaching or someone passionate about optimizing your own training, this episode reveals how understanding structure and function can revolutionize your approach to movement and muscle development.EPISODE CHAPTERS:0:00 - 15:30: Jordan's Unconventional Path Jordan shares his journey from chiropractor at Apple to strength coach at Stanford, opening practices, and eventually selling everything to travel the world teaching biomechanics. Learn how his "homeless vagabond" period led to developing Prescript and working with pro athletes.15:31 - 25:45: The Value of Multiple Perspectives Discover how Jordan broke free from conventional training biases by approaching powerlifting as a chiropractor, chiropractic as a strength coach, and coaching as a powerlifter - creating a unique kaleidoscope of insights missing in traditional education.25:46 - 37:20: What's Missing in the Fitness Industry Jordan discusses the problem with one-size-fits-all approaches and the importance of exclusion criteria - understanding who specific training approaches are and aren't designed for. Learn why critical thinking and discernment are crucial skills for both coaches and clients.37:21 - 47:15: What is Prescript and Who It's For A detailed breakdown of Prescript's education platform, who it serves (from personal trainers to orthopedic surgeons), and why its applied biomechanics approach fills critical gaps in fitness education across multiple disciplines.47:16 - 1:02:30: Structure Dictates Function: Chest Development Using chest training as an example, Jordan explains how rib cage structure, sternum angle, and shoulder joint function determine optimal exercise selection - moving beyond the traditional "hit it from all angles" approach to targeted training based on individual anatomy.1:02:31 - 1:09:45: The Glute Development Revelation Learn why glute training is commonly misunderstood and how pelvic orientation, hip function, and voluntary control are the keys to development - not just position. Jordan explains why "how you grow a muscle is not how you show a muscle."1:09:46 - End: Continuing Education and Future Directions Jordan discusses Prescript's expanding curriculum, upcoming textbooks with QR-linked mini-lectures, accreditation plans, and their focus on communication and refinement rather than just expansion.If you're ready to move beyond cookie-cutter approaches and understand how your unique structure should dictate your training, this episode is your roadmap to more effective, individualized fitness.Subscribe for more deep dives into optimizing human performance, and visit pre-script.com to learn more about their education programs!#Biomechanics #FitnessEducation #StrengthTraining #PersonalTraining #MovementScience #Prescript #TheMuscleDoc #JordanShallow #AthleticPerformance #FitnessCoaching
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