DDT Method Podcast

Drew Donaldson

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.

  1. 2 HR AGO

    Why You Feel Destroyed Every Night (Even When You Didn't Do That Much)

    Join my elite biohacker community: https://www.skool.com/ddtmethod Jake Benson exposes the hidden cost of information overload and why the coaching industry is producing more cognitive decline than breakthroughs. This conversation reveals the neuroscience behind allostatic load, how to structure training for specific energy systems without accumulating physiological debt, and why your dopamine system is sabotaging your ability to learn. Discover the difference between creatine workouts and glycolytic training, how to identify physiological gatekeepers that block adaptation, and the framework for becoming anti-trickable in a world of biohacking noise. KEY TAKEAWAYS:• Why we have more information than ever but are getting dumber—and the dopamine saturation problem destroying your ability to consolidate knowledge• The COS compass framework that separates real educators from ChatGPT regurgitators posting sophisticated-sounding nonsense• How allostatic load determines whether your training session causes adaptation or just pushes you deeper into physiological debt• Why creatine workouts are the secret to expanding work capacity and protecting against cognitive decline (and how to program them correctly)• The specific pre-workout substrates and timing strategies for glycolytic vs explosive vs hypertrophy training that minimize recovery cost• Why blocking inflammatory signals with supplements is making your problems worse—and how to feed the signal instead ABOUT JAKE BENSON:Jake Benson is a performance neuroscience specialist and formulator who works with elite athletes across bodybuilding, strongman, powerlifting, and combat sports. He specializes in systems-based approaches to human optimization, focusing on allostatic load management, energy system specificity, and cognitive performance enhancement. Jake is the formulator behind Better Through Biology's product line including the Euphoria pre-workout, and is currently developing a physiological simulation app that uses pharmacodynamic modeling to predict individual responses to interventions and optimize training adaptations. EPISODE RESOURCES: Jake Benson's Social Media:Instagram: @jakeyb_43 Better Through Biology:Instagram: @betterthroughbiology

    1h 24m
  2. 10 FEB

    Why High Achievers Are Sympathetically Destroyed (And How to Fix It in 10 Minutes)

    Deep dive into the science → Join elite biohackers: https://www.skool.com/ddtmethod Most bodybuilders and high performers are unknowingly sabotaging their gains by staying locked in sympathetic overdrive. In this episode, coach Joe Jeffrey reveals why nervous system regulation—not another drug protocol or training split—might be the missing link in your physique development. Learn the meditation practices, breathwork techniques, and daily habits that elite competitors use to maximize muscle protein synthesis, improve nutrient partitioning, and build genuine stress tolerance without relying on supplements. CHAPTERS: 0:00:00 Introduction to Joe Jeffrey and Nervous System Optimization 0:03:04 Joe's Background and Career Evolution 0:08:36 The Most Overlooked Factor in Physique Development 0:13:03 Understanding Sympathetic vs Parasympathetic States 0:19:11 Competition Prep and Nervous System Sensitization 0:24:42 Glutamate, GABA, and the Anxiety Molecule Myth 0:31:04 Assessing Your Distress Tolerance and Autonomic Health 0:34:44 Meditation: The Most Important Practice for Bodybuilders 0:43:03 Implementing Meditation for Busy High Achievers 0:48:35 Breathwork Techniques and 4-7-8 Breathing 0:52:56 The Science (and Lack Thereof) Behind Grounding 0:59:38 Blue Light Blocking and Qigong Practices 1:04:44 The Power of Single-Tasking and Present Moment Awareness 1:09:17 When to Use Supplements and Peptides for Nervous System Support 1:14:14 Kratom, Kava, and Phenibut: Advanced Tools and Warnings 1:22:38 Eating Hygiene and Parasympathetic Nutrient Partitioning KEY TAKEAWAYS: Why top Olympians aren't doing anything different with drugs or training—but excel at one thing most competitors ignoreThe paradoxical reason why trying to "regulate your nervous system" can actually make anxiety worseHow glutamate is essential for building stress tolerance, and why blocking it prevents the adaptations you needThe uncomfortable practice that revolutionizes productivity and presence (hint: it's simpler than you think)Why your digestive issues might not be SIBO—and the eating ritual that fixes "intolerances" in weeksThe dangerous supplement that feels amazing but has withdrawals worse than opiates ABOUT JOE JEFFREY: Joe Jeffrey is an online coach with over 11 years of full-time experience specializing in bodybuilding competitors, physique optimization, and nervous system regulation. He's the co-founder of the Physique Collective app, which provides mass-scale education for bodybuilders and fitness enthusiasts. Known for his evidence-based approach combined with Eastern philosophy practices, Joe has shifted his focus from traditional prep coaching to helping clients optimize their autonomic nervous system, manage stress, and implement mindfulness practices for enhanced performance and recovery. Connect with Joe: Instagram: @joe_physiquecollective

    1h 26m
  3. 3 FEB

    The GI Map Protocol: How I Fix Guts In 20 Days (My Fastest Record)

    Deep dive into the science → Join elite biohackers: https://www.skool.com/ddtmethod David Demesquita breaks down the most overlooked aspects of human optimization—from gut health and circadian rhythm to training execution and performance enhancement. This conversation covers actionable strategies for fixing digestive issues, optimizing sleep architecture, improving nutrient partitioning, and building a better physique through proper form and intensity. Whether you're prepping for a show or just trying to feel better, this episode delivers practical insights you can implement immediately. CHAPTERS: 0:00 Introduction to David Demesquita 1:49 David's Journey from Soccer to Bodybuilding 4:00 Discovering Gut Health Issues 8:00 Most Common Digestive Issues in Bodybuilders 12:00 Understanding Leaky Gut and Zonulin Levels 14:15 Biofilms and Why They Matter 18:00 The Oil of Oregano Problem 22:00 Dietary Strategies for Gut Health 28:00 Supplement Strategies: Enzymes, HCL, and Bile Support 36:00 Training: Form vs Intensity 42:00 The Importance of Circadian Rhythm 50:00 Sleep as the Most Anabolic Substance 56:00 Light Exposure and Circadian Optimization 59:00 Cold Exposure and Vagus Nerve Stimulation 63:00 Sympathetic vs Parasympathetic Balance 66:00 The Running Protocol That Fixed David's Heart Rate KEY TAKEAWAYS: Why most bodybuilders are unknowingly destroying their gut health with common "clean" foods and supplementsThe shocking connection between leaky gut and depression that no one talks about—and how to measure itDavid's unconventional running protocol that dropped his resting heart rate by 40+ BPM in just three daysWhy your training program matters less than you think—and what actually builds elite physiquesThe simple breathing technique that can reset your circadian rhythm in under 60 secondsHow proper parasympathetic tone can help bikini competitors eat more food than open bodybuilders while getting leaner

    1h 10m
  4. 27 JAN

    I Competed at the Olympia Level - Here's What It Cost My Kidneys

    For the science nerds → Advanced biohacking research: https://www.skool.com/ddtmethod For the action-takers → Done for you protocols: https://www.realprimalhuman.com/website Former competitive bodybuilder DT Roth sits down to discuss the reality of performance enhancement, HRT optimization, and the mistakes that are costing athletes their health. From navigating kidney issues caused by years of pushing limits to breaking down which peptides actually work versus which ones are overhyped, this conversation pulls no punches. DT shares his journey from blasting gear to running a nationwide HRT clinic, revealing the blood markers most people ignore, why estrogen management is completely misunderstood, and his brutally honest answer to what he'd do differently if he could start over. CHAPTERS: 0:00 Introduction: The Bodybuilding & Longevity Expert 2:12 From Fat Kid to Competitive Bodybuilder 5:43 Creating Bio XL: HRT for the Hardcore Community 9:18 The Estrogen Problem Everyone Gets Wrong 14:32 What Actually Defines an HRT Dose? 18:45 Hematocrit Management & Blood Donation Myths 25:30 Blood Work Frequency: How Often Is Enough? 28:15 The Overlooked Kidney Markers That Saved His Life 35:42 Protein in Urine: The Silent Kidney Damage 42:18 White Coat Syndrome & Getting Preventative Medications 48:35 Navigating Bad Information in the Peptide Era 54:20 AI Is Influencing Bad Coaches (And Vice Versa) 58:47 Who to Actually Listen To in This Industry 1:03:25 The Best Peptides for Health & Performance 1:09:40 BPC-157, TB-500 & Kidney Health Benefits 1:12:15 SGLT2 Inhibitors for CKD Prevention 1:16:30 Overblown Peptides: What's Not Worth the Hype 1:20:45 The SLU-PP-332 Debate: 400mg vs 1mg 1:25:10 Retatrutide Reality Check 1:28:35 The One-Year Freak Transformation Question 1:32:20 The Most Mature Answer: You Don't Do It 1:34:50 If You Had to Get Shredded: The Smart Protocol 1:38:15 Why We'll See More Deaths in the Next 10 Years 1:41:30 Where to Find DT Roth & Bio XL

    1h 8m
  5. 5 JAN

    If I Could Only Tell You One Thing About Training, It Would Be This

    Description Deep dive into the science → Join elite biohackers: https://www.skool.com/ddtmethod** Ready-to-use protocols & guides → Start optimizing today: https://www.realprimalhuman.com/website Tom Sheppard breaks down the science of training optimization, peptide protocols, and performance enhancement for the modern biohacker. From hybrid training approaches that build strength and hypertrophy simultaneously to the most effective peptides for recovery and longevity, this episode delivers actionable strategies for maximizing human performance without compromising health. KEY TAKEAWAYS: • Why the "superhuman" biohacker needs to master multiple training modalities instead of specializing in just one • The surprising truth about how slow real strength gains actually are (even for competitive powerlifters) • Tom's exact framework for fitting power, strength, hypertrophy, and cardio into minimal weekly training time • The peptide stack that addresses mitochondrial decline, inflammation, and hormone optimization as you age • Why most people fail with over-the-counter testosterone boosters (and when they actually work) • The injectable peptide combination that amplifies growth hormone effects without the side effects of higher doses CHAPTERS: 0:00 Introduction to Tom Sheppard 1:17 Tom's Journey from Biology to Strength Coaching 4:07 The Modern Biohacker's Training Philosophy 9:12 Power Development and Plyometric Training 12:35 The Power Building Zone: 75-85% Training 16:00 Real Progress is Painfully Slow 21:55 Cardiovascular Training Simplified 26:04 Why All Training Methods Work 29:18 Programming for the Busy Professional 36:09 Movement Mastery and Technical Proficiency 43:05 Peptides and Performance Enhancement Fundamentals 47:03 Growth Hormone and Thymic Health 50:04 The Best Healing Peptides Explained 53:54 Where to Find Tom Sheppard ABOUT TOM SHEPPARD: Tom Sheppard is a strength and conditioning coach with a biology degree background who specializes in evidence-based training, nutrition, and peptide optimization. With over 16 years of coaching experience, he works with Elite FTS and co-hosts their Table Talk podcast. Tom combines scientific research with practical application to help athletes and biohackers achieve optimal performance through hybrid training approaches and strategic peptide protocols. EPISODE RESOURCES: Tom Sheppard's Social Media: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/tom_kaizen Instagram (Train Kaizen): https://www.instagram.com/train_kaizen Tom's Platforms: Elite FTS YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@EliteFTS Train Kaizen Website: https://trainkaizen.com/

    55 min
  6. 29/12/2025

    7 Brutal Truths About Volume That Destroyed My Clients' Gains

    Deep dive into the science → Join elite biohackers: https://www.skool.com/ddtmethod Ready-to-use protocols & guides → Start optimizing today: https://www.realprimalhuman.com/website Dr. Scott Stevenson breaks down his revolutionary Fortitude Training system, revealing why higher frequency training with autoregulation produces superior hypertrophy results compared to traditional bro splits. This episode covers advanced training periodization, the science of muscle rounds and cluster sets, intra-workout nutrition strategies, and the surprising power of placebo effects on performance. Whether you're a competitive bodybuilder or optimizing for longevity, Scott's evidence-based approach to progressive overload across multiple rep ranges will transform how you think about building muscle. KEY TAKEAWAYS: • Why training each muscle group 3-4 times per week with adjusted volume outperforms traditional once-weekly splits for most lifters • The autoregulation strategy that lets you maximize effective reps while avoiding overtraining—without rigid programming • How muscle rounds (cluster sets) allow you to accumulate more high-quality reps at challenging loads than straight sets • The metabolic reason intra-workout carbohydrates can preserve performance during high-volume training, especially when dieting • Why open-label placebos work even when you know you're taking a placebo—and how to leverage this for training performance • The surprising research showing that mouth-rinsing with sweet substances improves strength output through central nervous system effects ABOUT DR. SCOTT STEVENSON: Dr. Scott Stevenson is a former college professor, licensed acupuncturist, and competitive bodybuilder with over 30 years of coaching experience. He's the creator of the Fortitude Training system and author of "Be Your Own Bodybuilding Coach." Scott has coached numerous competitive bodybuilders including IFBB Pro Dave Henry for 15 years, helping athletes achieve pro cards and stage success worldwide. His evidence-based approach combines exercise science, autoregulation principles, and practical coaching experience. CHAPTERS: 0:00:00 Introduction to Dr. Scott Stevenson 0:01:47 Scott's Background and Career Journey 0:04:18 What is Fortitude Training? 0:08:02 Higher Frequency Training Principles 0:12:00 Individual Response to Training Volume 0:15:05 Autoregulation and Listening to Your Body 0:19:09 The Three Set Types in Fortitude Training 0:22:50 Why Variety Matters for Hypertrophy 0:25:46 Breaking Down Muscle Rounds (Cluster Sets) 0:32:02 How to Execute a Muscle Round Properly 0:39:57 Adjusting Training Based on Carbohydrate Intake 0:45:32 Intra-Workout Nutrition: Carbs and Protein Timing 0:52:32 The Science of Recovery and Nutrient Timing

    1h 2m

About

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.

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