Dave Tate's Table Talk

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Are you sick of "fitness influencers," training fads, and crappy advice that barely applies inside the gym or on the field? Then sit down with elitefts CEO Dave Tate as he interviews the strongest & smartest minds across the strength sports community to talk real, hardcore training, business, life, and more. If you're looking for real, applicable information on all things training, join the crew.

  1. 4H AGO

    #412 How Westside Training Saved Me From 4 Years of Cancer | Kalil Sherrod

    One heavy squat at 400 lbs was the only signal Kalil Sherrod needed to know the poison hadn't won yet. Seven weeks before recording this episode, Kalil walked into elitefts HQ to hit his first heavy milestone since a grueling cancer diagnosis—a moment that bridged the gap between his life as an elite performance coach and his reality as a survivor. Through two stem cell transplants and rounds of high-intensity chemo, he has refined a conjugate-based survival blueprint that proves muscle mass is the ultimate insurance policy for the human immune system. INSIDE THE EPISODE: The 93% Rule: Why maintaining a high performance floor is more critical than chasing a ceiling during a competitive season. Conjugate for the Court: How to apply Westside methodology to basketball players without sacrificing their vertical or shooting touch. Training Through the Storm: The specific adjustments Kalil made to his training split while undergoing "ICE" chemotherapy to preserve lean tissue. The Youth Developmental Gap: Why the loss of traditional PE and martial arts is creating a generation of fragile athletes and how to fix it. The IV Protocol: A critical, overlooked hydration tip for anyone navigating medical treatments that often gets ignored by hospital staff. MEET THE GUEST: Kalil Sherrod is a high-performance coach, author, and the founder of Revenants Coaching. A former DII basketball player, he currently serves as the Sports Performance Coach for the Thailand Titans professional basketball organization and coaches at The Spot Athletics. Kalil is the author of The Basketball Player's Training Guide and co-author of the elitefts eBook Mastering Conjugate Programming for Athletes. After surviving Hodgkin's Lymphoma, he has dedicated his work to helping athletes and fellow survivors use strength as a tool for radical resilience. CONNECT WITH KALIL SHERROD: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kalil_sherrod YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@kalilsherrod4882 Linktree: https://linktr.ee/kalilsherrod The Get Clean Podcast: https://spotify.com/0 The Spot Athletics: https://www.thespotathletics.com Revenants Coaching: https://linktr.ee/kalilsherro SUPPORT DAVE TATE'S TABLE TALK: FULL Crew Access: https://www.elitefts.com/join-the-crew Limited Edition Apparel: https://www.elitefts.com/shop/apparel/limited-edition.html Programs & More: https://www.elitefts.com/shop/dave-tate-s-table-talk-crew.html TYAO Application: https://www.elitefts.com/dave-tate-s-tyao-application ELITEFTS GEAR: Pro Resistance Training Bands: https://www.elitefts.com/shop/bands.html Specialty Barbells: https://www.elitefts.com/shop/bars-weights/specialty-bars.html Wraps, Straps, Sleeves: https://www.elitefts.com/shop/power-gear.html SPONSORS: elitefts: (CODE: TABLE TALK) https://www.elitefts.com/ Marek Health Labs: (CODE: TABLETALK) https://marekhealth.com/tabletalk LMNT: (Free Sample Pack) http://www.drinklmnt.com/tabletalk Massenomics: https://www.massenomics.com/ MASS Research Review: (CODE: ELITEFTS20) https://massresearchreview.com/ RP Hypertrophy App: (CODE: TABLE TALK) https://rpstrength.com/pages/hypertrophy-app

    2h 37m
  2. You Might Also Like: Transportation Nation

    5H AGO ·  BONUS

    You Might Also Like: Transportation Nation

    Introducing Bennett Presents: Legacy, Faith & Heavy Haul—David Davenport on "The Highway Knows Your Name" from Transportation Nation. Follow the show: Transportation Nation Step into the cab and buckle up—this episode of Transportation Nation unpacks a legacy of faith, family, and fearless trucking that’s bound to inspire anyone connected to life on the road. In this compelling conversation, we’re joined by Speaker A—author, preacher, and veteran heavy-haul operator—whose new book, The Highway Knows Your Name, weaves together generations of trucking know-how with life lessons and spiritual wisdom. Hear how Speaker A's family transformed from a small-town service station crew into a powerhouse in the heavy haul industry, leaning on teamwork, grit, and a steadfast faith at every turn. Discover what happens behind the scenes of massive, superload moves—where planning can take a year, details make all the difference, and “the devil’s in the details,” as passed down from Speaker A’s own father. You’ll hear why safety, prayer, and trust became non-negotiable parts of every job, and how a simple prayer tradition among rough-and-tumble truckers turned into a lifeline for crews stretched to their limits. Key highlights include: The wild story of a near disaster in a muddy Texas ditch, and how quick thinking—and a little divine intervention—kept the day from going off the rails 23:00.How writing down trucking tales and faith lessons, first for a church newsletter, blossomed into a book meant to preserve a family's legacy, cement trucker camaraderie, and invite new readers into a life-changing perspective 17:13.Why “boomers” (aka load binders) carry lessons that go far beyond rigging, revealing both the dangers and discipline of the trade.Perfect for anyone who loves true stories from the highway, values the legacy of family businesses, or seeks encouragement to blend faith and work. Whether you’re a seasoned driver, industry insider, or simply curious about the human side of trucking, you don’t want to miss this heartfelt episode. Subscribe for more conversations like this—where the stories of the road meet the lessons that last a lifetime. CHAPTERS:00:00 Preserving Family Legacy Through Trucking Stories01:26 Coming Full Circle: The Bennett Connection04:08 Becoming a Pastor & Truck Driver at 1905:25 Life Lessons Learned from Dad07:27 The Davenport Siblings’ Business Journey09:20 Blending Road Stories with Faith10:23 The Hidden Challenges of Heavy Haul Trucking12:38 Why the Book Was Written—Legacy & Faith14:11 The Boomer Story: Trucking Hazard & Humor16:08 Connecting Trucking Lessons to Scripture18:54 Prayer Practices in a Tough Trucking Crew22:01 Divine Help in Impossible Road Situations23:08 Hand Caught in Truck Door: A Harrowing Tale29:05 How to Get “The Highway Knows Your Name”30:20 Gratitude, Farewell, and Faith Forward DISCLAIMER: Please note, this is an independent podcast episode not affiliated with, endorsed by, or produced in conjunction with the host podcast feed or any of its media entities. The views and opinions expressed in this episode are solely those of the creators and guests. For any concerns, please reach out to team@podroll.fm.

  3. APR 27

    #411 How to Get Every Type of Jacked (Even With Zero Genetics) | Drew Donaldson

    You are likely sacrificing long-term health for short-term gains because you're following a "get bigger" blueprint designed for a body you don't actually want. After 21 years in the trenches—from wrestling on the WWE developmental circuit to coaching at the legendary MI40 gym—Drew Donaldson realized that the massive, 275lb version of himself was a high-performance engine running on the wrong fuel. He rebuilt his entire philosophy around the GMT Framework, proving that elite recovery and gut health are the only way to stay undeniable without burning out. INSIDE THE EPISODE: The WWE Developmental Trap: Why the "just get bigger" coaching advice is a career-ending mistake for 90% of athletes. The 275lb Awakening: A raw look at the health cost of extreme size and the specific metrics Drew used to downsize while staying elite. The GMT Framework: A deep dive into the three-pillar system of Gut health, Mitochondrial efficiency, and targeted Training. Metabolic Flexibility: Why traditional "bulking" kills your ability to utilize fuel and how to fix your internal machinery. The "Third Answer": Why both the bodybuilding and biohacking worlds are currently missing the middle ground of sustainable performance. MEET THE GUEST: Drew Donaldson is a Tampa-based high-performance coach and the founder of the DDT Method. With over 15,000 hours of in-person coaching experience, Drew's journey took him from the center of the professional wrestling world to becoming a leading educator in hybrid training and cellular optimization. Today, he helps elite performers and business executives build resilient, athletic physiques by focusing on the biology of recovery rather than just the intensity of the lift. FIND DREW: Website: DDTMethod.com Instagram: @ddtmethod YouTube: @ddtmethod DDT Method Podcast: Available on Apple, Spotify, and Amazon Music Skool Community: skool.com/ddtmethod SUPPORT DAVE TATE'S TABLE TALK: Become a Channel Member: Join @eliteftsofficial FULL Crew Access: elitefts.com/join-the-crew Limited Edition Apparel: Shop Limited Edition TYAO Application: Apply Here SPONSORS & DISCOUNTS: elitefts: Get an extra 10% OFF (CODE: TABLETALK) — elitefts.com Marek Health: Get 10% OFF Your Labs (CODE: TABLETALK) — marekhealth.com/tabletalk LMNT: Free 8-count Sample Pack — drinklmnt.com/tabletalk MASS Research Review: Save 20% (CODE: ELITEFTS20) — massresearchreview.com RP Hypertrophy App: Get 10% OFF (CODE: TABLETALK) — rpstrength.com

    2h 37m

  4. APR 23

    #410 The Comical Truth About "Accidental" Muscle Growth | Pat Davidson

    Wealth and muscle follow the same law: if you're terrified of the extreme, you'll never master the baseline. From hauling fish on Cape Cod to earning a PhD while competing as a world-class strongman, Dr. Pat Davidson has spent a lifetime proving that obsession is the only path to clarity. He didn't just study exercise science—he weaponized it to survive a trajectory of self-destruction and transform into one of the most polarizing and brilliant minds in human performance. Inside the Episode: The Ground Spectrum: Why powerlifters and skateboarders live on opposite ends of physics Evolutionary Anatomy: How your body reverts to a "chimp-like" state under chronic stress Hypertrophy Myths: Why machines often out-muscle free weights for pure tissue growth The Addiction of the Climb: Why elite performers are addicted to the "claw back" from failure Meet the Guest: Dr. Pat Davidson is an exercise physiologist, author, and elite athlete who bridges the gap between brutal intensity and academic precision. After a career as a university professor and a top-10 finisher at the World Strongman Championships, he authored A Coach's Guide to Optimizing Movement and created the Rethinking the Big Patterns (RTBP) framework. Today, he consults for international defense teams and continues to push his own biological limits as a competitive bodybuilder. Follow Dr. Pat Davidson: Website: https://www.drpatdavidson.net/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dr.patdavidson Podcast: The Pat Davidson Podcast (Apple Podcasts / Podbean) Support Dave Tate's Table Talk: Join the Crew: https://www.elitefts.com/join-the-crew Limited Edition Apparel: https://www.elitefts.com/shop/apparel/limited-edition.html Programs & More: https://www.elitefts.com/shop/dave-tate-s-table-talk-crew.html TYAO Application: https://www.elitefts.com/dave-tate-s-tyao-application Become an elitefts channel member for early access and exclusive perks. Best-Selling elitefts Products: Pro Resistance Training Bands: https://www.elitefts.com/shop/bands.html Specialty Barbells: https://www.elitefts.com/shop/bars-weights/specialty-bars.html Wraps, Straps, Sleeves: https://www.elitefts.com/shop/power-gear.html Sponsors & Discounts: elitefts — 10% OFF (Code: TABLE TALK) https://www.elitefts.com/ Marek Health — 10% OFF Labs (Code: TABLETALK) https://marekhealth.com/tabletalk LMNT — Free 8-count Sample Pack http://www.drinklmnt.com/tabletalk Massenomics: https://www.massenomics.com/ MASS Research Review — 20% OFF (Code: ELITEFTS20) https://massresearchreview.com/ RP Hypertrophy App — 10% OFF (Code: TABLE TALK) https://rpstrength.com/pages/hypertrophy-app

    2h 16m

  5. APR 20

    #409 How to Accurately Hit 100% of Your Maxes | Dr. Dwayne Jackson

    Stop looking for the magic pill and start fixing the foundation that's actually killing your progress. Yale-trained neurovascular physiologist Dr. Dwayne Jackson returns to expose why your high-tech peptide stack and "science-based" training mean nothing if you haven't mastered the internal metrics of auto-regulation. From surviving stage four kidney failure to walking away from the Ivy League "iron curtain," Jackson breaks down what it actually takes to perform at an elite level—without destroying your health in the process. INSIDE THE EPISODE: The Auto-Regulation Blueprint Learn how to bridge the gap between perceived effort and physiological reality—and avoid the ego-lifting plateau. Peptide Truth Bombs A deep dive into BPC-157, CJC-1295, and why most "mitochondria activation" content is hype. The Kidney Crisis Dr. Jackson shares his transplant story and the hidden health markers strength athletes ignore. The Anabolic Rebound Why healthier bodies build more muscle—and how lowering your dose can improve your physique. Psychological Compartmentalization Using the gym to build resilience without turning it into an escape mechanism. MEET THE GUEST: Dr. Dwayne N. Jackson, PhD, is a rare breed in the performance world: a Yale-trained medical scientist with 30 years of competitive bodybuilding and professional motocross under his belt. After retiring as a tenured professor of Medical Biophysics to escape the "iron curtain" of academia, he now serves as the Nutrition Director at Pre-Script and a leading consultant and coach for elite athletes navigating complex health crises. A kidney transplant recipient himself, Jackson specializes in reconciling high-performance output with long-term survival and metabolic health. Connect with Dr. Dwayne Jackson: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/drdnjackson Website: https://drdwaynejackson.com/   SUPPORT THE SHOW: Become an elitefts channel member for early access and exclusive perks: ➡️ @eliteftsofficial FULL Crew Access: https://www.elitefts.com/join-the-crew Limited Edition Apparel: https://www.elitefts.com/shop/apparel/limited-edition.html Programs & More: https://www.elitefts.com/shop/dave-tate-s-table-talk-crew.html TYAO Application: https://www.elitefts.com/dave-tate-s-tyao-application BEST-SELLING ELITEFTS PRODUCTS: Pro Resistance Bands: https://www.elitefts.com/shop/bands.html Specialty Barbells: https://www.elitefts.com/shop/bars-weights/specialty-bars.html Wraps, Straps, Sleeves: https://www.elitefts.com/shop/power-gear.html SPONSORS: elitefts (Code: TABLE TALK – 10% OFF): https://www.elitefts.com/ Marek Health Labs (Code: TABLETALK – 10% OFF): https://marekhealth.com/tabletalk LMNT (Free Sample Pack): http://www.drinklmnt.com/tabletalk Massenomics: https://www.massenomics.com/ MASS Research Review (Code: ELITEFTS20 – 20% OFF): https://massresearchreview.com/ RP Hypertrophy App (Code: TABLE TALK – 10% OFF): https://rpstrength.com/pages/hypertrophy-app

    2h 36m

  6. APR 13

    #408 "You Can't Out-Lift Being An A**hole." | Bob Merkh

    The strongest man in the classroom returns to the table. Bob Merkh is back to discuss one of the most unique careers in strength history—highlighted by a sanctioned 1,100 lb squat and 1,100 lb bench press. From the high-stakes platforms of the WPO to a 7th-grade social studies classroom, Merkh has evolved from a "weaponized" athlete into a mentor who understands that true strength is knowing when to walk away. This episode explores the "Sword and the Ball" philosophy—the tension between chasing elite performance and embracing the grounded responsibilities of being a father, teacher, and leader. Inside the Episode Holy Wars & The Final Meet A look inside Bob's last full power competition, the 10x bodyweight total, and choosing to retire on his own terms. The 1,100 lb Bench Miracle The true story of how a Special Olympics athlete's belief helped push Bob to a world-record lift he wasn't prepared for. The WPO Return Why Bob is stepping back onto the platform for a bench-only showdown with AJ Roberts this October. The Practice of Excellence Translating elite strength principles into a Stoic framework for teenagers and the next generation. Identity After the Platform Navigating the "quicksand" of powerlifting and redefining yourself after your best numbers are behind you. Meet the Guest Bob Merkh is a legendary multi-ply powerlifter, 7th-grade social studies teacher, and founder of Atlantic City Barbell. 45+ competitions Multiple world records The only person to squat and bench over 1,100 lbs He is also a two-time published author and a leading voice for Special Olympics powerlifting in New Jersey. Books: Moderation Is For Cowards — https://a.co/d/cttWqqe The Practice of Excellence — Available on Amazon Instagram: @merkh1776 Support & Links Join the elitefts Crew: https://www.elitefts.com/join-the-crew Limited Edition Apparel: https://www.elitefts.com/shop/apparel/limited-edition.html Programs & More: https://www.elitefts.com/shop/dave-tate-s-table-talk-crew.html TYAO Application: https://www.elitefts.com/dave-tate-s-tyao-application Best-Selling elitefts Products Pro Resistance Bands: https://www.elitefts.com/shop/bands.html Specialty Barbells: https://www.elitefts.com/shop/bars-weights/specialty-bars.html Wraps, Straps, Sleeves: https://www.elitefts.com/shop/power-gear.html Sponsors elitefts — 10% OFF (CODE: TABLE TALK) https://www.elitefts.com/ Marek Health — 10% OFF Labs (CODE: TABLETALK) https://marekhealth.com/tabletalk LMNT — Free Sample Pack http://www.drinklmnt.com/tabletalk Massenomics https://www.massenomics.com/ MASS Research Review — 20% OFF (CODE: ELITEFTS20) https://massresearchreview.com/ RP Hypertrophy App — 10% OFF (CODE: TABLE TALK) https://rpstrength.com/pages/hypertrophy-app

    2h 13m

  7. APR 9

    #407 The #1 Reason Your Off-Season Is Failing | Tim Walsh

    Alcohol is a biological detergent that systematically strips away the healthy gut microbiota required for elite performance and recovery. Tim Walsh, famously known as "The Vanilla Gorilla," transitioned from a 338-pound teenager to a national-level bodybuilder before becoming the secret weapon for Canada's strongest powerlifters. He revolutionized his coaching career by proving that mastering internal health is the only way to break through a genetic plateau. INSIDE THE EPISODE: The Alcohol Trap: Why off-season drinking is a "cheat code" for systemic inflammation and stalled progress The Magnesium Math: Why most athletes are accidentally under-dosing their most critical recovery mineral by 85% Gut Health Architecture: Using the "Lawn Analogy" to balance probiotics and fiber for maximum nutrient absorption The 120-Pound Jump: How Tim coached Justin Zottl to the highest active lifter total in Canada in just 9 weeks Lessons from the White Walrus: Authentic stories of training with the legendary John Meadows at elitefts MEET THE GUEST: Tim "Vanilla Gorilla" Walsh is an elite performance coach and founder of Vanilla Gorilla Athletics. A disciple of the late John Meadows and Dr. Dwayne Jackson, Tim specializes in the intersection of gut health, micronutrient optimization, and strength. He made his name in powerlifting after coaching Justin Zottl to the highest active lifter total in Canada in 2022, adding 120 lbs to his total in just 9 weeks by focusing on the "boring" basics of internal physiology. Connect with Tim Walsh: Website: https://www.vanillagorillacrew.ca Personal Instagram: https://instagram.com/realvanillagorilla Business Instagram: https://instagram.com/vanillagorillacrew YouTube: https://youtube.com/VanillaGorillaAthletics TikTok: https://tiktok.com/@realvanillagorilla Business Email: vanillagorillacrew@gmail.com Support Dave Tate's Table Talk: Become an elitefts channel member: https://www.youtube.com/@eliteftsofficial/join FULL Crew Access: https://www.elitefts.com/join-the-crew Limited Edition Apparel: https://www.elitefts.com/shop/apparel/limited-edition.html Programs & More: https://www.elitefts.com/shop/dave-tate-s-table-talk-crew.html TYAO Application: https://www.elitefts.com/dave-tate-s-tyao-application Best-selling elitefts Products: Pro Resistance Training Bands: https://www.elitefts.com/shop/bands.html Specialty Barbells: https://www.elitefts.com/shop/bars-weights/specialty-bars.html Wraps, Straps, Sleeves: https://www.elitefts.com/shop/power-gear.html Sponsors: elitefts: Get an extra 10% OFF (CODE: TABLE TALK) — https://www.elitefts.com/ Marek Health: Get 10% OFF Your Next Labs (CODE: TABLETALK) — https://marekhealth.com/tabletalk LMNT: Get a free 8-count Sample Pack — http://www.drinklmnt.com/tabletalk Massenomics: Support the show — https://www.massenomics.com/ MASS Research Review: Save 20% (CODE: ELITEFTS20) — https://massresearchreview.com/ RP Hypertrophy App: Get 10% OFF (CODE: TABLE TALK) — https://rpstrength.com/pages/hypertrophy-app

    2h 27m

  8. APR 6

    #406 Any Idiot Can Make You Tired (The Professionalism Crisis) | Jack Lovett

    The industry says you need more certifications, but the truth is you just need to be undeniable. Jack Lovett walked away from a stable government career and flew to New Jersey with no winter coat and an empty bank account because he knew that "good enough" coaching was a death sentence for a dream. From training Tier 1 special forces to building the UK's premier warehouse gym, his journey is a masterclass in why high standards and results-based strength are the only true currencies in a saturated market. Inside the Episode: The Spartan Credo: Why "with it or on it" is the operating system for elite performance and business longevity. The Pro-Coach Evolution: Moving beyond "annihilating" clients to the sophisticated art of problem-solving and joint-friendly gains. Warehouse Gym Genesis: How to build a "Bucket List Gym" from scratch when the local culture doesn't even know what a kettlebell is. The Culture of Excellence: How to hire for personality, train for skill, and build a team that makes the founder obsolete. Meet the Guest: Jack Lovett is the founder of Spartan Performance, recognized by Men's Fitness as one of the UK's top "Bucket List Gyms." A two-time Britain's Strongest Natural Man champion and author of Spartan Strength, Jack has spent over 20 years coaching more than 2,000 clients—ranging from UFC fighters and Special Forces operators to the World's Strongest Woman. By blending gritty strongman work ethic with high-level athletic programming, he has redefined the professional strength coach for the modern era. Support Dave Tate's Table Talk: Elitefts Channel Membership: Get early access and perks ➡️ youtube.com/@eliteftsofficial FULL Crew Access: elitefts.com/join-the-crew Limited Edition Apparel: elitefts.com/shop/apparel TYAO Application: elitefts.com/dave-tate-s-tyao-application Best-Selling elitefts Products: Pro Resistance Training Bands: Shop Bands Specialty Barbells: Shop Bars Wraps, Straps, Sleeves: Shop Power Gear Sponsors: elitefts: Get an extra 10% OFF (CODE: TABLE TALK) ➡️ elitefts.com Marek Health: Get 10% OFF your next labs (CODE: TABLETALK) ➡️ marekhealth.com/tabletalk LMNT: Get a FREE 8-count Sample Pack ➡️ drinklmnt.com/tabletalk Massenomics: Support the show ➡️ massenomics.com MASS Research Review: Save 20% on monthly, yearly, or lifetime (CODE: ELITEFTS20) ➡️ massresearchreview.com RP Hypertrophy App: Get 10% OFF (CODE: TABLE TALK) ➡️ rpstrength.com/hypertrophy-app

    2h 37m
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Are you sick of "fitness influencers," training fads, and crappy advice that barely applies inside the gym or on the field? Then sit down with elitefts CEO Dave Tate as he interviews the strongest & smartest minds across the strength sports community to talk real, hardcore training, business, life, and more. If you're looking for real, applicable information on all things training, join the crew.

Information

  • Creator
    elitefts.com
  • Years Active
    2019 - 2026
  • Episodes
    301
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    Copyright © 2024 elitefts
  • Show Website
    Dave Tate's Table Talk

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