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. 4d ago

    Q&A: Early Morning Workouts, Downhill Marathons, Muscle Knots & What is Dry Fasting? | #120

    In this Q&A episode, Judd answers listener questions covering everything from early morning workouts and hydration to sprint mechanics, programming strength training, athletic development, and why chasing every new fitness trend often distracts people from what actually matters. ⏱ TIMESTAMPS: 00:00:00 Introduction 00:00:21 Early Morning Workout Tips 00:02:08 Hydration Before Morning Training 00:02:42 Warm-Up Strategies That Work 00:04:17 Preparing for a Downhill Marathon 00:06:03 Thoughts on the GOATA Movement System 00:11:00 Using Landmine Exercises in Your Program 00:13:12 How Often Should You Rotate Exercises? 00:15:26 Preventing Muscle Knots and Improving Shoulder Mechanics 00:18:23 Podcast Name Discussion 00:19:21 Favorite Parenting Resources 00:21:02 Training Youth Athletes for Speed 00:26:26 Programming Athletes Who Train Once Per Week 00:29:01 Dry Fasting Explained 00:30:57 The Foundations of Becoming a Great Athlete 00:35:13 The Two-Pattern Protocol for Strength and Fitness 00:40:10 Closing Thoughts Follow Judd Lienhard: 📱 Instagram: @juddlienhard 🎧 Podcast: https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLR5yl3Ate9OVNzCZV3XznfvDzraerbYB2&si=gTkxiVxjyGiI-iIg 📺 YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@JuddLienhard 💪 Fitness App: Train Judd's MASS Method, Try it free for 7-days https://www.juddlienhard.com/ This episode is brought to you by David Protein David Protein has the highest protein-to-calorie ratio of any leading bar in the market. David Protein Gold label has: 28g of protein, 150 calories, and 0g of sugar. And equally as important, this bar tastes delicious. Each bar features an indulgent, doughy texture, studded with satisfying chunks and airy crisps. Other bars are hard to choke down, but I often eat 2 David Protein bars in a sitting, they are that good. Try them for yourself. Order here for free shipping on your first order: davidprotein.com/judd 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 Enjoyed this conversation? Consider sharing it with a friend. Subscribe, Rate, & Review to help us bring you more epic conversations. ⭐️🎧🔥

  2. 6d ago

    Two Pattern Protocol: Build Strength with LESS Training Volume | #119

    For years, Judd trained like someone chasing maximum performance: heavy lifting, sprinting, jumping, high training volume, and pushing through everything. Eventually, his body stopped cooperating. After years of intense training, combined with lifestyle factors, inflammation, injuries, and the realities of aging, Judd reached a point where training harder was no longer making him healthier. Instead of giving up strength, he completely rethought the way he trains. In this episode of the Judd Lienhard Podcast, Judd shares the personal story behind that transformation and introduces the Two Pattern Protocol: a straightforward training system designed for people who want to stay strong, muscular, athletic, and healthy without spending their entire lives in the gym. ⏱ TIMESTAMPS: 00:00:00 Why Judd Changed Everything 00:02:30 Health Wake-Up Call 00:07:45 Why High Volume Stopped Working 00:12:10 The Philosophy Behind the Two Pattern Protocol 00:18:40 The Four Essential Movement Patterns 00:25:30 Building Simple Strength Programs 00:31:45 Frequency, Volume & Intensity 00:38:15 Rotation, Carries & Athletic Training 00:44:30 Power Training Without Burnout 00:50:55 Why Isolation Exercises Still Matter 00:57:10 Cardio, Sprinting & Conditioning 01:03:45 The Best Way to Progress Your Lifts 01:09:20 Final Thoughts on Training for Life 📲 Try my training app with a FREE 7-day trial: 👉 https://www.juddlienhard.com/ Get immediate access to over a year’s worth of structured programming, including leg-focused, full body, bodyweight, minimal-equipment, and strength-focused workouts—built around the same principles you see in this video. 💪 Judd's resistance bands: https://www.juddlienhard.com/product/resistance-bands-4-band-multi-pack Follow Judd Lienhard: 📱 Instagram: @juddlienhard 🎧 Podcast: https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLR5yl3Ate9OVNzCZV3XznfvDzraerbYB2&si=gTkxiVxjyGiI-iIg 📺 YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@JuddLienhard 💪 Fitness App: Train Judd's MASS Method, Try it free for 7-days https://www.juddlienhard.com/ #strengthtraining #fitnessover40 #longevity #musclebuilding #athleticperformance #functionalfitness #minimaleffectivedose #hypertrophy #strengthcoach #workout #fitness #recovery #health #juddlienhard This episode is brought to you by David Protein David Protein has the highest protein-to-calorie ratio of any leading bar in the market. David Protein Gold label has: 28g of protein, 150 calories, and 0g of sugar. And equally as important, this bar tastes delicious. Each bar features an indulgent, doughy texture, studded with satisfying chunks and airy crisps. Other bars are hard to choke down, but I often eat 2 David Protein bars in a sitting, they are that good. Try them for yourself. Order here for free shipping on your first order: davidprotein.com/judd 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 Enjoyed this conversation? Consider sharing it with a friend. Subscribe, Rate, & Review to help us bring you more epic conversations. ⭐️🎧🔥

  3. Aug 6

    Q&A: Efficient Exercises, Rucking, Recovery, Rehab & Deload Weeks | #118

    In this Q&A episode of the Judd Lienhard Podcast, Judd answers listener questions covering some of the biggest topics in strength training, recovery, exercise programming, healthy aging, conditioning, and fitness efficiency. ⏱ TIMESTAMPS: 00:00:00 Why smarter training beats recovery hacks 00:00:34 The one exercise that reveals long-term health 00:02:02 Why the Turkish get-up is so valuable 00:03:09 Best workouts when you only have 10–15 minutes 00:05:49 CrossFit, efficiency, and training trade-offs 00:07:40 Weighted vest vs backpack for rucking 00:09:16 Recovery myths and the minimal effective dose 00:12:34 Sauna, health, and recovery 00:13:40 How to properly structure deload weeks 00:19:23 Helping parents stay strong as they age 00:23:12 Why Judd won't answer rehab questions online 00:25:03 The coach who shaped Judd's training philosophy 00:29:50 Closing thoughts and listener questions 📲 Try my training app with a FREE 7-day trial: 👉 https://www.juddlienhard.com/ Get immediate access to over a year’s worth of structured programming, including leg-focused, full body, bodyweight, minimal-equipment, and strength-focused workouts—built around the same principles you see in this video. 💪 Judd's resistance bands: https://www.juddlienhard.com/product/resistance-bands-4-band-multi-pack Follow Judd Lienhard: 📱 Instagram: @juddlienhard 🎧 Podcast: https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLR5yl3Ate9OVNzCZV3XznfvDzraerbYB2&si=gTkxiVxjyGiI-iIg 📺 YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@JuddLienhard 💪 Fitness App: Train Judd's MASS Method, Try it free for 7-days https://www.juddlienhard.com/ This episode is brought to you by David Protein David Protein has the highest protein-to-calorie ratio of any leading bar in the market. David Protein Gold label has: 28g of protein, 150 calories, and 0g of sugar. And equally as important, this bar tastes delicious. Each bar features an indulgent, doughy texture, studded with satisfying chunks and airy crisps. Other bars are hard to choke down, but I often eat 2 David Protein bars in a sitting, they are that good. Try them for yourself. Order here for free shipping on your first order: davidprotein.com/judd 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 Enjoyed this conversation? Consider sharing it with a friend. Subscribe, Rate, & Review to help us bring you more epic conversations. ⭐️🎧🔥

  4. Aug 4

    5 Rules For Getting Back Into Fitness | #117

    In this episode of the Judd Lienhard Podcast, Judd shares the five principles he uses with beginners and athletes returning after long layoffs. Rather than chasing exhaustion or trying to make up for lost time, these rules focus on building a foundation that allows you to stay consistent, recover properly, and make steady progress. TIMESTAMPS: 00:00:00 Introduction & Why Most People Return to Training the Wrong Way 00:02:15 Rule #1: Slow Eccentrics, Pause Reps & Isometrics 00:08:20 Rule #2: Leave Every Workout Feeling Better Than You Started 00:15:35 Why Beginners Don't Need High Volume Training 00:19:45 Rule #3: Frequency Beats Intensity 00:24:35 Rule #4: General Training Before Sport-Specific Training 00:31:20 Why Strength, Mobility & Tendon Health Come First 00:36:05 Rule #5: Prioritize Metabolic Conditioning 00:41:05 The Best Weekly Training Plan for Beginners 00:46:10 How to Progress Without Burning Out 00:49:20 Final Takeaways & Building Long-Term Success This episode is brought to you by David Protein David Protein has the highest protein-to-calorie ratio of any leading bar in the market. David Protein Gold label has: 28g of protein, 150 calories, and 0g of sugar. And equally as important, this bar tastes delicious. Each bar features an indulgent, doughy texture, studded with satisfying chunks and airy crisps. Other bars are hard to choke down, but I often eat 2 David Protein bars in a sitting, they are that good. Try them for yourself. Order here for free shipping on your first order: davidprotein.com/judd 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 Enjoyed this conversation? Consider sharing it with a friend. Subscribe, Rate, & Review to help us bring you more epic conversations. ⭐️🎧🔥

  5. Jul 30

    Q&A: Skinny Fat Fix, Build Muscle with Carbs, Soreness & Should You Learn a New Sport After 40? | #116

    In this Q&A episode, Judd answers another round of listener questions covering everything from fixing the "skinny fat" physique to learning a new sport later in life, how to structure sprint training, whether you should train while sore, and why carbohydrates may be one of the most underrated tools for building muscle. ⏱ TIMESTAMPS 00:00:00 Intro 00:00:27 How to Fix Being Skinny Fat 00:05:04 Should You Learn a New Sport After 40? 00:08:12 Should You Lift When You're Sore? 00:11:30 How to Maintain Muscle Without Getting Bigger 00:13:29 Do You Need Carbs to Build Muscle? 00:15:49 Why Do You Get Food Comas After Eating? 00:17:56 Are Finisher Exercises Worth It? 00:19:52 Where Should Balance Training Fit? 00:21:18 Sprint Before or After Leg Day? 00:25:11 Would You Rather: Sand in Your Shoes or an Itch You Can't Scratch? 00:26:02 Belt Squats vs. Back Squats for Old Back Injuries 00:31:00 Final Thoughts 📲 Try my training app with a FREE 7-day trial: 👉 https://www.juddlienhard.com/ Get immediate access to over a year’s worth of structured programming, including leg-focused, full body, bodyweight, minimal-equipment, and strength-focused workouts—built around the same principles you see in this video. 💪 Judd's resistance bands: https://www.juddlienhard.com/product/resistance-bands-4-band-multi-pack Follow Judd Lienhard: 📱 Instagram: @juddlienhard 🎧 Podcast: https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLR5yl3Ate9OVNzCZV3XznfvDzraerbYB2&si=gTkxiVxjyGiI-iIg 📺 YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@JuddLienhard 💪 Fitness App: Train Judd's MASS Method, Try it free for 7-days https://www.juddlienhard.com/ This episode is brought to you by David Protein David Protein has the highest protein-to-calorie ratio of any leading bar in the market. David Protein Gold label has: 28g of protein, 150 calories, and 0g of sugar. And equally as important, this bar tastes delicious. Each bar features an indulgent, doughy texture, studded with satisfying chunks and airy crisps. Other bars are hard to choke down, but I often eat 2 David Protein bars in a sitting, they are that good. Try them for yourself. Order here for free shipping on your first order: davidprotein.com/judd 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 Enjoyed this conversation? Consider sharing it with a friend. Subscribe, Rate, & Review to help us bring you more epic conversations. ⭐️🎧🔥

  6. Jul 28

    How to Build the PERFECT Weekly Workout Plan for Strength, Muscle, Cardio & Athleticism | #115

    In this episode, Judd answers one of the biggest questions in fitness: If your goal is simply to become as fit, athletic, healthy, and capable as possible, what should your week actually look like? Rather than chasing trends or specializing in one physical quality, Judd lays out a practical blueprint that balances strength, hypertrophy, power, metabolic conditioning, aerobic fitness, mobility, and recovery into one sustainable weekly program. The goal isn't to maximize one attribute while sacrificing everything else, it's to build a body that performs well across the board while fitting into a realistic lifestyle. 00:00:00 Why most people train inefficiently 00:02:45 The goal: optimizing overall fitness instead of specializing 00:08:15 The ideal amount of weekly strength training 00:17:05 Building muscle without unnecessary volume 00:25:42 Why power training matters for everyone 00:36:18 Dead-stop lifts, jumps & explosive training methods 00:45:10 Structuring the perfect strength workout 00:57:20 The ideal two-day weekly lifting program 01:04:30 Why bodybuilding isn't the best path for overall fitness 01:08:12 Zone 2 cardio explained 01:16:45 Tempo intervals vs steady-state cardio 01:22:10 VO₂ max training and lactate threshold 01:31:40 HIIT vs Speed Interval Training (SIT) 01:39:18 Agility, mobility, and recovery 01:46:20 Putting the complete weekly training plan together 01:52:35 Periodization vs doing the same workouts every week 01:57:05 Final recommendations for optimizing your fitness This episode is brought to you by David Protein David Protein has the highest protein-to-calorie ratio of any leading bar in the market. David Protein Gold label has: 28g of protein, 150 calories, and 0g of sugar. And equally as important, this bar tastes delicious. Each bar features an indulgent, doughy texture, studded with satisfying chunks and airy crisps. Other bars are hard to choke down, but I often eat 2 David Protein bars in a sitting, they are that good. Try them for yourself. Order here for free shipping on your first order: davidprotein.com/judd 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 Enjoyed this conversation? Consider sharing it with a friend. Subscribe, Rate, & Review to help us bring you more epic conversations. ⭐️🎧🔥

  7. Jul 23

    Fitness Q&A: Knee Pain, Wrestling & Volleyball Workouts, Neck Stiffness & Fragile Tendons | #114

    Should athletes train specifically for their sport—or should they build the physical qualities that make them better athletes? In this Q&A episode of the Judd Lienhard Podcast, Judd answers that question while diving into testosterone replacement therapy (TRT), wrestling strength training, volleyball programming, tendon health, ACL injuries, knee pain during squats, sandbag training, and much more. 📲 Try my training app with a FREE 7-day trial: 👉 https://www.juddlienhard.com/ Get immediate access to over a year’s worth of structured programming, including leg-focused, full body, bodyweight, minimal-equipment, and strength-focused workouts—built around the same principles you see in this video. ⏱ TIMESTAMPS 00:00:00 Intro 00:01:20 If Judd started sports again today 00:03:34 Best foundational sports for young athletes 00:03:52 Best strength training for wrestlers 00:05:11 Why kettlebells are ideal for wrestling 00:05:52 Should strength training be sport specific? 00:08:05 Should you start TRT with normal testosterone? 00:11:20 Sprinting safely after gaining muscle on TRT 00:13:12 Building stronger tendons & preventing injuries 00:14:56 Squatting and deadlifting without an ACL 00:17:05 Neck stiffness and possible solutions 00:18:37 TV show recommendations 00:19:19 Favorite places to visit in Canada 00:19:50 Knee pain during squats: best alternatives 00:21:35 Why sandbag training is so effective Follow Judd Lienhard: 📱 Instagram: @juddlienhard 🎧 Podcast: https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLR5yl3Ate9OVNzCZV3XznfvDzraerbYB2&si=gTkxiVxjyGiI-iIg 📺 YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@JuddLienhard 💪 Fitness App: Train Judd's MASS Method, Try it free for 7-days https://www.juddlienhard.com/ This episode is brought to you by David Protein David Protein has the highest protein-to-calorie ratio of any leading bar in the market. David Protein Gold label has: 28g of protein, 150 calories, and 0g of sugar. And equally as important, this bar tastes delicious. Each bar features an indulgent, doughy texture, studded with satisfying chunks and airy crisps. Other bars are hard to choke down, but I often eat 2 David Protein bars in a sitting, they are that good. Try them for yourself. Order here for free shipping on your first order: davidprotein.com/judd 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 Enjoyed this conversation? Consider sharing it with a friend. Subscribe, Rate, & Review to help us bring you more epic conversations. ⭐️🎧🔥

  8. Jul 21

    5 Biggest Hypertrophy Mistakes that Slow Muscle Growth | #113

    Judd’s MASS METHOD program combines strength, hypertrophy, conditioning, and recovery into a complete system designed to help you build muscle, stay athletic, and continue performing for decades. Start your free trial today: https://my.playbookapp.io/judd-lienhard/checkout?utm_source=creator_judd&utm_medium=instagram&utm_campaign=50k_challenge_heatwave&utm_content=judd&sessionId=_fbc%3Dfb.1.1783283185339.PAcGRvZgJleHRuA2FlbQIxMABzcnRjBmFwcF9pZA8xMjQwMjQ1NzQyODc0MTQAAacJnJmBvVgpY9CVv0wr1zSwtKjnufCK0nOq5loJDP6pg8Pv7xprAOdPuTiP5w_aem_DbZTLSvxdNs9eWd3YqacRg%3B+_fbp%3Dfb.1.1779723650902.106372543479819711%3B+createdAt%3D2026-07-21T01%3A40%3A36.155Z%3B+utmSource%3Dcreator_judd&creatorId=11715&productId=subscription In this episode, Judd breaks down the five biggest mistakes people make when training for hypertrophy and explains why so much of today's bodybuilding advice misses the bigger picture. Rather than obsessing over "optimal" exercises, perfect rep schemes, or hitting every muscle from every angle, Judd explains how focusing on the right training principles will consistently produce better results. ⏱ TIMESTAMPS: 00:00:00 Introduction: The Biggest Hypertrophy Myths 00:03:20 Why Muscle Size Is a Characteristic, Not a Capability 00:08:45 Mistake #1: Prioritizing Volume Over Intensity 00:20:15 Finding the Right Training Volume for You 00:29:35 Mistake #2: Obsessing Over Exercise Selection 00:42:40 Why No Exercise Is Irreplaceable 00:49:05 Mistake #3: Overthinking Rep Ranges 01:03:10 Mistake #4: Trying to Hit Every Muscle From Every Angle 01:17:30 Mistake #5: Believing There's Only One Way to Build Muscle 01:28:45 Free Weights vs Machines for Hypertrophy 01:35:20 Full Range of Motion vs Partial Reps 01:41:10 Adapting Training Around Pain and Injuries 01:47:30 Practical Guidelines for Long-Term Muscle Growth 01:50:15 Final Takeaways: Stop Being Dogmatic and Keep Progressing Follow Judd Lienhard: 📱 Instagram: @juddlienhard 🎧 Podcast: https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLR5yl3Ate9OVNzCZV3XznfvDzraerbYB2&si=gTkxiVxjyGiI-iIg 📺 YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@JuddLienhard 💪 Fitness App: Train Judd's MASS Method, Try it free for 7-days https://www.juddlienhard.com/ This episode is brought to you by David Protein David Protein has the highest protein-to-calorie ratio of any leading bar in the market. David Protein Gold label has: 28g of protein, 150 calories, and 0g of sugar. And equally as important, this bar tastes delicious. Each bar features an indulgent, doughy texture, studded with satisfying chunks and airy crisps. Other bars are hard to choke down, but I often eat 2 David Protein bars in a sitting, they are that good. Try them for yourself. Order here for free shipping on your first order: davidprotein.com/judd 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 Enjoyed this conversation? Consider sharing it with a friend. Subscribe, Rate, & Review to help us bring you more epic conversations. ⭐️🎧🔥

4.9
out of 5
72 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 

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