The Training Arc

The Training Arc Podcast

We are Colby Sousa, PhD and Jake Remmert, PhD(c). Through the power of friendship we're combining our academic experience earning PhD's through some of the top researchers in the exercise science field with our years of experience coaching and helping people reach their muscle growth, fat loss, and strength goals, and our own experience as lifters ourselves - and the result is this podcast. We'll explore training and nutrition through research and hands-on experience with an emphasis on authenticity and transparency, and lots of fun anime and other nerdy references along the way.

  1. 09/22/2025

    Traveling and Nutrition: You Can Have Your Cake and Eat it Too - Episode 32

    *sniff, sniff* Do you smell that? Yup, smells like a masterpiece in the oven crafted only by the finest and highest quality ingredients. All of the flavors are getting to know each other in the oven which only enhances the aroma, desire, and inevitable delectable encounter that is about to ensue. Oh, wait, you though we were talking about cake? Or perhaps some other delicious food? Nope, sorry, but we are talking about none other but another podcast episode from The Training Arc! Not to worry though, if you were really looking forward to something tasty, I promise you, the content will satisfy the craving! Since we are on the topic of food, what better of a time to talk about how to navigate situations of traveling and food! A potential time of stress and uncertainty, not only because of the fear of travel but even worse, the fear of the unknown, not having your normal comfortable routine, food and the rest of your appliances. Instead of being consumed by that fear, we dive deep into the recipe for chewing through all the fat and focusing on delectable and tangible takeaways to fill not only your stomachs, but your brain too! Here are some of the meals we chef up: Understanding your goals and timeline; different strokes for different folks Dissecting what kind of trip it is: duration + density determines decisions Keepin’ it real: what can you realistically do? From here, we can make more appropriate decisions Incorporating flexibility in an effective manner; how flexible CAN and SHOULD you be? How to balance enjoyment and your goals; fail to plan, plan to fail (but how true is that really?) Tracking vs intuitive eating; adjusting the dial without going senile Post travel recovery period: getting back on track sans heart attack  How do you approach nutrition while traveling? Let us know in the comments below! If you want to expedite your training and nutrition goals while maximizing your knowledge and enjoyment of the process, reach out to either one of us to explore coaching options! Discord server link: https://discord.gg/c5HMDj4tX3 Jake Remmert, PhD(c): [social media]https://www.instagram.com/jake.remmert_coach/ ⁠[coaching] jakeremmert.com Colby Sousa, PhD: [social media]⁠ ⁠ ⁠instagram.com/colby.sousa⁠⁠ [coaching]⁠ Message IG/email or fill out this form: https://forms.gle/iBvnnE7NMUpV2f7E9

    50 min
  2. 08/20/2025

    Traversing Training While Traveling: You Can Still Get Far - Episode 31

    With Halloween just around the corner (wait... what... how is it actually that close? THAT is actually scary), we find it fitting to tackle our fears head on. A common fear that people tend to have is that they will lose all their gains when/if they have to do some traveling. The thought alone is indeed scary but, does is really need to be? Is this fear warranted? Or is it misplaced energy and can be accounted for with focusing on some tangible pieces of evidence from the literature as well as practical experience? Hop in the Mystery machine and join Scoob and the gang on this episode of The Training Arc where we unmask this villain once and for all! Here are some of the mysteries we uncover: Confronting the fear of traveling and training; will you simply wither away? Navigating emotional responses to training disruptions: equipping yourself with the right mindset Understanding what happens during training cessation: you can get away with a lot less than you think The spectrum of traveling and training: keeping things exactly the same or no training at all? Context, flexibility & principles The interplay between volume and intensity + how to apply this favorably in your situation Keep it simple silly: exercise selection and adaptation on the go The Chef vs Cook analogy: making a great recipe with the ingredients at hand  How do you approach training while traveling? Let us know in the comments below! If you want to expedite your training and nutrition goals while maximizing your knowledge and enjoyment of the process, reach out to either one of us to explore coaching options! Discord server link: https://discord.gg/c5HMDj4tX3 Jake Remmert, PhD(c): [social media]https://www.instagram.com/jake.remmert_coach/ ⁠[coaching] jakeremmert.com Colby Sousa, PhD: [social media]⁠ ⁠ ⁠instagram.com/colby.sousa⁠⁠ [coaching]⁠ Message IG/email or fill out this form: https://forms.gle/iBvnnE7NMUpV2f7E9

    51 min
  3. 07/29/2025

    Why Do Bodybuilders Willingly Choose to Suffer?: Episode 30

    Okay, maybe suffering is too strong of a word, or for some, not strong enough. That ambiguity is exactly why we decided to talk about this interesting topic essentially exploring "why people do hard things", from the lens of bodybuilding. When you take an honest look at bodybuilding, its brutal; however, once you peel back the layers and examine just how much you can gain from such a transformative experience, you may understand why it is an endeavor people choose and often, fully embrace as a lifestyle. Of course, bodybuilding is more on the extreme end of the resistance training spectrum; but, even those along any level who embrace the iron lifestyle can resonate with these notions so please do not feel that this is only for bodybuilders to listen to! We can all gain insight into mindset, delayed gratification, loving the journey and much more from this so we look forward to hearing what you think! 😊 Here are some of the topics we cover: Discussing the nature of suffering in bodybuilding Colby’s reflection on his recent trip which posed a challenge to the bodybuilding journey; thus, invoking this notion of whether or not to continue an inherently difficult endeavor The choice to embrace hardship; why anyone would ever consider such a thing The journey of self discovery; not exclusive to bodybuilding but, perhaps nothing else quite like it Discussing the pivotal role that anime plays in teaching valuable lessons similar to bodybuilding and how we use this as an advantageous tool Intentionality in bodybuilding; delayed gratification at the highest degree Authentic bodybuilding; not just a tag line, but a VALUE we hold dear to us and how discussing topics like this are more important than ever   Why do you actively choose to do hard things and why is that important to you? Let us know in the comments below! If you want to expedite your training and nutrition goals while maximizing your knowledge and enjoyment of the process, reach out to either one of us to explore coaching options! Discord server link: https://discord.gg/c5HMDj4tX3 Jake Remmert, PhD(c): [social media]https://www.instagram.com/jake.remmert_coach/ ⁠[coaching] jakeremmert.com Colby Sousa, PhD: [social media]⁠ ⁠ ⁠instagram.com/colby.sousa⁠⁠ [coaching]⁠ Message IG/email or fill out this form: https://forms.gle/iBvnnE7NMUpV2f7E9

    48 min
  4. 07/11/2025

    All Things Cardio; A Bodybuilding Perspective: Episode 29

    I can't believe it, we are actually talking about the "C" word on a podcast episode... Yup, all lifters sworn enemy, cardio *audible gasps fill the air* 😱 All jokes aside, while the memes may be strong with cardio, it is still a vital piece to the overall health and fitness journey. In this episode, we discuss our views on cardio, how we implement it in our own/clients training and much more as seen below! Here are some of the topics we cover: Defining cardio; operational definitions and why we would even consider something other than pumping iron The interference effect: what is it and why it is not as scary as some make it out to be (i.e. does cardio actually ruin your gains?) A few goalposts to keep in mind to make integrating cardio easily into your lifestyle Cardio is NOT the enemy and it can actually be fun; it’s all in the approach Personal preferences matter; pick a modality you enjoy, you don’t need to suffer Pairing cardio with other fun activities/habits/people; anime + cardio = the secret 😉 A potentially “hot take” on fasted cardio and the importance of fostering a positive relationship with exercise  How do YOU incorporate cardio into your lifestyle/routine? Let us know in the comments below! If you want to expedite your training and nutrition goals while maximizing your knowledge and enjoyment of the process, reach out to either one of us to explore coaching options! Discord server link: https://discord.gg/c5HMDj4tX3 Jake Remmert, PhD(c): [social media]https://www.instagram.com/jake.remmert_coach/ ⁠[coaching] jakeremmert.com Colby Sousa, PhD: [social media]⁠ ⁠ ⁠instagram.com/colby.sousa⁠⁠ [coaching]⁠ Message IG/email or fill out this form: https://forms.gle/iBvnnE7NMUpV2f7E9

    54 min
  5. 06/26/2025

    Just Ask; Endless Possibilities Are Waiting: Episode 28

    In this episode, we talk about the simple gesture of "just ask". Whether it be a question, being curious about opportunities, seeking direction or simply just sparking conversation, so many great things can come from such a simple action. We talk about some general ideas of this concept and then go into depth of our own journeys and how great things have stemmed from asking. Here are some of the topics we cover: The power of asking questions; yes, sometimes it is that simple Why is something so simple so complex? How to navigate this conundrum Overcoming self-doubt and the fear of rejection - it is not as scary as you may think, we promise! Building confidence through experience: sharing our journeys of self discovery; all stemmed from asking The butterfly effect of opportunities: just jump right in and build momentum, worry about the specifics later Mentorship and learning from others: having the right team in your corner makes all the difference, choose wisely Nobody has it all figured out, no matter how much they might try to make you believe so online; just keep going, embrace the journey and have FUN along the way 🙂   What is a question you have always wanted to ask us? How can we best help YOU? Let us know in the comments below!   If you want to expedite your training and nutrition goals while maximizing your knowledge and enjoyment of the process, reach out to either one of us to explore coaching options! Discord server link: https://discord.gg/c5HMDj4tX3 Jake Remmert, PhD(c): [social media]https://www.instagram.com/jake.remmert_coach/ ⁠[coaching] jakeremmert.com Colby Sousa, PhD: [social media]⁠ ⁠ ⁠instagram.com/colby.sousa⁠⁠ [coaching]⁠ Message IG/email or fill out this form: https://forms.gle/iBvnnE7NMUpV2f7E9

    58 min
  6. 06/16/2025

    All Things Autoregulation: Episode 27

    In this episode, we go over the topic of autoregulation and how to practically apply it to your own circumstances in a simple and effective manner. Here are some of the topics we cover: What exactly is autoregulation; embracing uncertainty in life and training The importance of monitoring not only performance, but all aspects that may influence outcomes: nutrition, sleep, stress, excitement, etc.; but, without over complicating it How to utilize feedback in dictating adjustments to training; navigating noise and prioritizing trends The role of autonomy in coaching; embracing a collaborative approach Don’t just focus on what goes wrong! Celebrate the positives; important data is there and fosters enjoyment + longevity Being proactive vs reactive; a time and place for both + how to execute A flexible foundation gets you most of the way; but, don’t abuse that power  How do YOU incorporate autoregulation in your own training, nutrition, and/or life? Let us know in the comments below!   If you want to expedite your training and nutrition goals while maximizing your knowledge and enjoyment of the process, reach out to either one of us to explore coaching options! Discord server link: https://discord.gg/c5HMDj4tX3 Jake Remmert, PhD(c): [social media]https://www.instagram.com/jake.remmert_coach/ ⁠[coaching] jakeremmert.com Colby Sousa, PhD: [social media]⁠ ⁠ ⁠instagram.com/colby.sousa⁠⁠ [coaching]⁠ Message IG/email or fill out this form: https://forms.gle/iBvnnE7NMUpV2f7E9

    1h 1m
  7. 06/02/2025

    How to Measure Your Progress: Episode 26

    In this episode, we give some tips and guidance on how to actually measure your progress. Knowing what to do is important, but making sure you are on the right path and actually making change is important too! Here are some of the topics we cover: Understanding progress in training: what are we actually trying to measure; what is the end goal? Embrace the process, yes, but increase chances of success via collecting data; the end goal/progress does still matter How to measure strength effectively; including the mental game of strength focused athletes Measuring progress for hypertrophy; the careful balancing act of delayed gratification and ensuring you are on the right path Nutrition is a big part of the equation: keep it simple yet effective Emphasising the role that patience plays when measuring progress A solid support system goes a LONG way; coaching and the power of friendship  How do YOU currently measure your progress? Is there anything we can help you with? Let us know in the comments below!    If you want to expedite your training and nutrition goals while maximizing your knowledge and enjoyment of the process, reach out to either one of us to explore coaching options! Discord server link: https://discord.gg/c5HMDj4tX3 Jake Remmert, PhD(c): [social media]https://www.instagram.com/jake.remmert_coach/ ⁠[coaching] jakeremmert.com Colby Sousa, PhD: [social media]⁠ ⁠ ⁠instagram.com/colby.sousa⁠⁠ [coaching]⁠ Message IG/email or fill out this form: https://forms.gle/iBvnnE7NMUpV2f7E9

    58 min
  8. 05/16/2025

    Post & Pre Prep Insights: Episode 25

    In this episode, we give an update on how our own journeys are going; specifically, related to post and pre bodybuilding prep. Here are some of the topics we cover: Jake gives an update on how his post show improvement season is going ~5 months after competing for the first time; specifically, navigating weight regain, nutrition, and training Discussion on having the right mindset is coming off a competition season and practical advice on what that looks like What the future holds for Jake; power lifting? Another bodybuilding show? Hyrox athlete? Colby talks about his first ~5 weeks of prep; specifically, starting with a good foundation, dealing with some curve balls like getting sick The importance of a strong coach/athlete relationship Embracing being a student again; n00b at posing, but loving it How we use Anime to give us strength during our own training arcs And much more!  How are YOU doing with your training and nutrition goals? Is there anything we can help you with? Let us know in the comments below!   If you want to expedite your training and nutrition goals while maximizing your knowledge and enjoyment of the process, reach out to either one of us to explore coaching options! Discord server link: https://discord.gg/c5HMDj4tX3 Jake Remmert, PhD(c): [social media]https://www.instagram.com/jake.remmert_coach/ ⁠[coaching] jakeremmert.com Colby Sousa, PhD: [social media]⁠ ⁠ ⁠instagram.com/colby.sousa⁠⁠ [coaching]⁠ Message on IG or Email: colby@strongerbyscience.com

    1h 8m

About

We are Colby Sousa, PhD and Jake Remmert, PhD(c). Through the power of friendship we're combining our academic experience earning PhD's through some of the top researchers in the exercise science field with our years of experience coaching and helping people reach their muscle growth, fat loss, and strength goals, and our own experience as lifters ourselves - and the result is this podcast. We'll explore training and nutrition through research and hands-on experience with an emphasis on authenticity and transparency, and lots of fun anime and other nerdy references along the way.