The Judd Lienhard Podcast

Judd Lienhard

The Judd Lienhard Podcast delivers raw, unfiltered conversations with elite athletes, military leaders, top coaches, and industry disruptors, diving deep into performance, mindset, and resilience. Hosted by Judd Lienhard, a former Army Ranger, college linebacker, and Strength & Performance Coach, this show explores the watershed moments that shaped high performers—from NFL vets and Special Forces operators to authors, trainers, and entrepreneurs. Each episode unpacks real-world lessons in leadership, training, and overcoming adversity, with candid discussions on physical and mental toughness, fitness strategies, and personal growth. Whether you're looking for actionable performance insights or inspiration from those who’ve pushed past limits, this podcast is built to help you level up. 🎧 Subscribe now and start your journey toward peak performance! Want more? Follow Judd on IG & YouTube: @juddlienhard 

  1. 18H AGO

    Gym Confidence, Smarter Training, and Real Strength Progress | Q&A #063

    Gym confidence and smarter training decisions are what separate real strength progress from staying average. In this Q&A episode, Judd Lienhard answers listener questions on how to train with confidence, structure workouts more effectively, and think like an athlete instead of chasing approval or trends. Judd shares practical coaching insight across training, nutrition, recovery, and mindset — including how to approach unconventional exercises in the gym, how to structure calories for performance and fat loss, what to eat after late-night workouts, and how to train around night shifts. This episode also covers: How to build gym confidence without second-guessing your trainingWhere heavy singles, doubles, and triples fit in strength and hypertrophy programsKettlebells vs dumbbells for athletic developmentShoes, foot health, and minimalist vs cushioned footwearTraining differences between men and womenMobility, joint health, yoga, and Pilates for long-term performanceIf you’re tired of guessing in the gym and want a smarter, more sustainable approach to training, you can train with Judd inside his Fitness App — designed for athletes who care about strength, durability, and long-term progress. Learn more and start training smarter: JuddLienhard.com Always be an athlete. This episode is brought to you by LMNT. Optimal hydration doesn’t just mean more fluids, it means getting the right electrolyte balance. Make your purchase through my link to receive a free LMNT Sample Pack featuring the most popular flavors: drinklmnt.com/judd The Judd Lienhard Podcast delivers unfiltered conversations with elite athletes, military leaders, and top coaches, exploring performance, mindset, and resilience. From NFL vets to Special Forces operators, each episode is packed with real-world lessons on training, leadership, and pushing limits. Enjoyed this conversation? Consider sharing it with a friend. Subscribe, Rate, & Review to help us bring you more epic conversations. ⭐️🎧🔥

    23 min
  2. 2D AGO

    Fitness Resets in 2026: Building Habits That Actually Stick (Q&A)

    Judd Lienhard breaks down how to approach a fitness reset in 2026 without burning out, quitting, or relying on short-term motivation. Rather than chasing perfect routines or “optimal” methods, Judd explains why lasting change is built on small, repeatable habits that support your goals over time. He shares how discipline is formed, why motivation is unreliable, and how to design your daily routines and environment so progress becomes easier instead of harder. The conversation also explores where fitness is heading in 2026, including a growing focus on health, recovery, athleticism, and long-term performance — not just aesthetics. Judd offers a grounded perspective on trends like recovery tools, breathing practices, cold exposure, and training for longevity, while pushing back against all-or-nothing thinking. If you’re looking for structured training that prioritizes strength, durability, and athleticism for real life, you can train directly with Judd inside his fitness app:  👉 Judd Lienhard Training App: Start Your FREE 7-day Trial Here Checkout Judd's latest merch available here:  👉 Always Be An Athlete Merch: Shop Here Topics include: Why most fitness resets failHow habits are built and sustainedDiscipline vs motivationTraining for health, longevity, and athleticismFitness trends shaping 2026How to simplify training without losing resultsThis episode is brought to you by LMNT. Optimal hydration doesn’t just mean more fluids, it means getting the right electrolyte balance. Make your purchase through my link to receive a free LMNT Sample Pack featuring the most popular flavors: drinklmnt.com/judd The Judd Lienhard Podcast delivers unfiltered conversations with elite athletes, military leaders, and top coaches, exploring performance, mindset, and resilience. From NFL vets to Special Forces operators, each episode is packed with real-world lessons on training, leadership, and pushing limits. Enjoyed this conversation? Consider sharing it with a friend. Subscribe, Rate, & Review to help us bring you more epic conversations. ⭐️🎧🔥

    23 min
  3. JAN 8

    Conversations That Shaped Training, Performance & Athletic Life in 2025 | Best of 2025 (Part 2)

    Best Of 2025 (Part 2) is a curated highlight episode of The Judd Lienhard Podcast, featuring some of the most impactful conversations of the year on strength training, athletic performance, longevity, breathwork, leadership, and long-term athletic development. This episode brings together key moments and ideas from Judd’s conversations with Marcus Capone, Bert Sorin, Matt Johnson, Mark Bell, Jon Heck, Dr. Belisa Vranich, Clifton Harski, and Tim Riley—voices spanning elite training, business, military leadership, breath science, and real-world performance. Each segment reflects principles that continue to shape how Judd approaches coaching athletes, building durable strength, improving performance, and sustaining an athletic life long after competitive sport. Thank you to everyone who listened, shared episodes, and supported the show throughout 2025. The growth of The Judd Lienhard Podcast has been entirely community-driven, and that support matters. Featured Guests in This Episode Marcus Capone Bert Sorin Matt Johnson Mark Bell Jon Heck Dr. Belisa Vranich Clifton Harski Tim Riley Train with Judd Try Judd’s Fitness App with a free 7-day trial. The exclusive home of the MASS Method—programs for movement, athleticism, strength, speed, and longevity. Includes full-gym, limited-equipment, and bodyweight options, plus 14+ training blocks with new programs added regularly. 👉 https://www.juddlienhard.com Follow Judd Lienhard YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@JuddLienhard Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/juddlienhard/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/jlienhard This episode is brought to you by LMNT. Optimal hydration doesn’t just mean more fluids, it means getting the right electrolyte balance. Make your purchase through my link to receive a free LMNT Sample Pack featuring the most popular flavors: drinklmnt.com/judd The Judd Lienhard Podcast delivers unfiltered conversations with elite athletes, military leaders, and top coaches, exploring performance, mindset, and resilience. From NFL vets to Special Forces operators, each episode is packed with real-world lessons on training, leadership, and pushing limits. Enjoyed this conversation? Consider sharing it with a friend. Subscribe, Rate, & Review to help us bring you more epic conversations. ⭐️🎧🔥

    55 min
  4. JAN 6

    Conversations That Shaped Training, Performance & Athletic Life in 2025 | Best Of 2025 (Part 1)

    This is Best Of 2025 (Part 1) — a look back at some of the conversations and ideas that shaped how I thought about training, performance, and athletic development over the past year. This episode features selected clips from podcast conversations with Thomas DeLauer, Ben Patrick, John Welbourn, Brad Dunn, Adriell Mayes, Gabby Reece, Dr. Trevor Bachmeyer, and Daniel Back. Each of these discussions explored different angles of performance from strength and resilience to longevity, mindset, and the realities of long-term training. Thank you to everyone who listened, shared episodes, and supported the podcast throughout 2025. The show's growth has been entirely community-driven, and I don’t take that for granted. Part 1 focuses on several of the most impactful moments from the year, with more coming in Part 2. New Merch: juddlienhard.com/shop Judd's Training App: juddlienhard.com This episode is brought to you by LMNT. Optimal hydration doesn’t just mean more fluids, it means getting the right electrolyte balance. Make your purchase through my link to receive a free LMNT Sample Pack featuring the most popular flavors: drinklmnt.com/judd The Judd Lienhard Podcast delivers unfiltered conversations with elite athletes, military leaders, and top coaches, exploring performance, mindset, and resilience. From NFL vets to Special Forces operators, each episode is packed with real-world lessons on training, leadership, and pushing limits. Enjoyed this conversation? Consider sharing it with a friend. Subscribe, Rate, & Review to help us bring you more epic conversations. ⭐️🎧🔥

    30 min
  5. JAN 1

    Patience, Angles & Aggression: The 3-Part Playbook for Training and Life | Judd Lienhard Q&A

    In this rapid-fire Q&A episode, Judd Lienhard shares the best lesson he took from football—a simple framework that applies to lifting, rehab, performance, and life: Patience. Angles. Aggression. Be patient and let the play develop, take the right angle with a smart plan, then finish with relentless execution. From there, Judd and Mia rip through listener questions on periodization (why consistency beats random exercise hopping), shoulder injuries and training modifications, herniated discs and spine-friendly strategies, stress fractures and maintaining conditioning without impact, and the best ways to improve ankle mobility without wrecking your squat pattern. They also hit Bulgarian split squat loading (contralateral vs ipsilateral), fueling vs “fasted” training (and why glycogen matters), what actually makes a pre-workout work (hint: hydration + salt + carbs), sprint progressions for adults, hack squats that blow up your back (and the fix), peptides like BPC-157/TB-500, IT band flare-ups, knee-friendly lower body strength for older lifters, and how Judd programs loaded carries for real-world performance. Try Judd’s training app (7-day free trial) for strength, speed, and performance programs: juddlienhard.com Topics covered: Patience, angles, aggression: Judd’s football-to-life frameworkPeriodization: why focusing for weeks/months beats random rotationShoulder pain: range, force profile, stability demands, grip changesHerniated discs: compression vs distraction + extension/flexion considerationsStress fractures/shin pain: keep fitness with non-impact conditioningAnkle mobility fixes + when to use lifting shoes/heel elevationPre-workout fundamentals: salt, hydration, carbs > stimulantsSprint programming: progressions before full-speed effortsHack squat back pain: bracing + rib position + pad contactKnee arthritis: slow/light full ROM + heavy partials + sled workLoaded carries: offsets, rack, overhead, cradle/Zercher This episode is brought to you by LMNT. Optimal hydration doesn’t just mean more fluids, it means getting the right electrolyte balance. Make your purchase through my link to receive a free LMNT Sample Pack featuring the most popular flavors: drinklmnt.com/judd The Judd Lienhard Podcast delivers unfiltered conversations with elite athletes, military leaders, and top coaches, exploring performance, mindset, and resilience. From NFL vets to Special Forces operators, each episode is packed with real-world lessons on training, leadership, and pushing limits. Enjoyed this conversation? Consider sharing it with a friend. Subscribe, Rate, & Review to help us bring you more epic conversations. ⭐️🎧🔥

    36 min
  6. 12/30/2025

    How Gym Machines Build Strength, Muscle & Performance | Judd Lienhard Podcast

    Are gym machines “non-functional”? No. They’re a tool, and if you’re avoiding them out of dogma, you’re limiting your results. In this episode, Judd Lienhard breaks down why gym machines build real strength, muscle, and performance, and why the idea that machines are inferior to free weights doesn’t hold up under basic biomechanics, force production, or real-world coaching. Judd explains when free weights make sense, when machines are the better choice, and how smart athletes and coaches use both to build stronger, more durable bodies. Topics covered: What “functional training” actually meansMachines vs free weights for strength and athletic performanceStability, force output, and mechanical tensionTraining around injuries and mobility limitationsWhy isolation exercises matter for full muscle developmentHow machines improve efficiency, volume, and progressionFree weights are a great foundation — but they aren’t the only tool that works. Machines aren’t useless, and they aren’t non-functional. They’re part of intelligent training. Train smarter with Judd’s programs: JuddLienhard.com This episode is brought to you by LMNT. Optimal hydration doesn’t just mean more fluids, it means getting the right electrolyte balance. Make your purchase through my link to receive a free LMNT Sample Pack featuring the most popular flavors: drinklmnt.com/judd The Judd Lienhard Podcast delivers unfiltered conversations with elite athletes, military leaders, and top coaches, exploring performance, mindset, and resilience. From NFL vets to Special Forces operators, each episode is packed with real-world lessons on training, leadership, and pushing limits. Enjoyed this conversation? Consider sharing it with a friend. Subscribe, Rate, & Review to help us bring you more epic conversations. ⭐️🎧🔥

    37 min
  7. 12/25/2025

    Training Through Back Pain, Sciatica & Burnout | Judd Lienhard Q&A

    In this Q&A episode, Judd addresses common training questions using the same principles he applies with athletes and clients. Topics include how to get back into training after time off, how to build a strong hinge with back pain, and what to consider when dealing with sciatica. Judd also breaks down push/pull/legs programming, how long to run a training block, and how to think about volume, recovery, and consistency without burning out or getting injured. You’ll also hear Judd’s perspective on training athletes (including soccer players), simple mobility and maintenance work for active people, and advice for those interested in becoming a strength coach. In this episode: Getting back into training after a breakBack pain–friendly hinge and deadlift strategiesSciatica considerations: what helps and what to avoidPush/Pull/Legs splits and weekly programming optionsTraining blocks, progression timelines, and recoveryMobility and maintenance for long-term durabilityHow to start a career in strength coaching📲 Try Judd’s Fitness App (Free 7-Day Trial): Train the MASS Method — programs for movement, athleticism, strength, and speed, with full-gym, limited-equipment, and bodyweight options. 👉 juddlienhard.com Follow Judd Lienhard:  Instagram: @juddlienhard YouTube: Judd Lienhard Podcast: The Judd Lienhard Podcast #StrengthTraining #BackPain #Sciatica #Mobility #WorkoutProgramming #FitnessPodcast #JuddLienhard #AthleticTraining #QandA This episode is brought to you by LMNT. Optimal hydration doesn’t just mean more fluids, it means getting the right electrolyte balance. Make your purchase through my link to receive a free LMNT Sample Pack featuring the most popular flavors: drinklmnt.com/judd The Judd Lienhard Podcast delivers unfiltered conversations with elite athletes, military leaders, and top coaches, exploring performance, mindset, and resilience. From NFL vets to Special Forces operators, each episode is packed with real-world lessons on training, leadership, and pushing limits. Enjoyed this conversation? Consider sharing it with a friend. Subscribe, Rate, & Review to help us bring you more epic conversations. ⭐️🎧🔥

    33 min
  8. 12/23/2025

    Full Range of Motion vs Partial Reps: Strength, Hypertrophy & Performance | Judd Lienhard

    Is full range of motion always better? Or is that just dogmatic gym culture pretending context doesn’t matter? In this solo episode, Judd Lienhard—former Army Ranger, college linebacker, and strength & performance coach with 15+ years of experience—breaks down the full range of motion vs partial range of motion debate without the internet nonsense. Train smarter with Judd’s performance-based programs. Get access to Judd Lienhard’s full training app—strength, athletic development, mobility, and conditioning built for real bodies, not dogma. Start your FREE 7-day trial now: JuddLienhard.com This episode covers: Why “full range of motion” is a misleading, context-dependent termWhen partial reps actually build MORE strength and powerHow injuries, limb length, joint structure, and mobility change what “optimal” looks likeWhy elite athletes and top strength coaches intentionally limit range of motionThe role of hypertrophy vs strength vs athletic performanceHow fatigue, CNS load, and season timing should influence exercise selectionWhen accommodating resistance (bands & chains) makes more sense than dogmaIf your goal is athletic performance, long-term strength, or injury-resilient training, this episode will challenge the idea that deeper is always better—and explain why smart training adapts to the athlete, not ideology. 🎧 Whether you’re a strength coach, athlete, lifter, or serious gym-goer, this episode will change how you think about reps, depth, and performance. Listen, subscribe, and leave a review to support the show. New episodes drop weekly. This episode is brought to you by LMNT. Optimal hydration doesn’t just mean more fluids, it means getting the right electrolyte balance. Make your purchase through my link to receive a free LMNT Sample Pack featuring the most popular flavors: drinklmnt.com/judd The Judd Lienhard Podcast delivers unfiltered conversations with elite athletes, military leaders, and top coaches, exploring performance, mindset, and resilience. From NFL vets to Special Forces operators, each episode is packed with real-world lessons on training, leadership, and pushing limits. Enjoyed this conversation? Consider sharing it with a friend. Subscribe, Rate, & Review to help us bring you more epic conversations. ⭐️🎧🔥

    33 min
4.9
out of 5
60 Ratings

About

The Judd Lienhard Podcast delivers raw, unfiltered conversations with elite athletes, military leaders, top coaches, and industry disruptors, diving deep into performance, mindset, and resilience. Hosted by Judd Lienhard, a former Army Ranger, college linebacker, and Strength & Performance Coach, this show explores the watershed moments that shaped high performers—from NFL vets and Special Forces operators to authors, trainers, and entrepreneurs. Each episode unpacks real-world lessons in leadership, training, and overcoming adversity, with candid discussions on physical and mental toughness, fitness strategies, and personal growth. Whether you're looking for actionable performance insights or inspiration from those who’ve pushed past limits, this podcast is built to help you level up. 🎧 Subscribe now and start your journey toward peak performance! Want more? Follow Judd on IG & YouTube: @juddlienhard 

You Might Also Like