• 1 hour 25 minutes
    Are Drop Sets an Effective Training Method? [New Research] - S2E14

    Work with Josh, Zac, or another DDS Coach: https://datadrivenstrength.com/coaching


    0:35 Introduction to the Study and Team

    2:33 Conceptual Rationale for Drop Sets

    6:50 Current State of the Literature

    12:55 Tonal Technology and Methodology

    22:21 Study Design and Participants

    26:50 Traditional vs. Drop Series Protocol

    34:21 Defining Practical Equivalence

    37:34 Hypertrophy Results and Findings

    42:14 Time Savings and Training Efficiency

    1:01:45 Practical Takeaways and Applications

    1:05:41 Future Research

    28 January 2026, 9:09 pm
  • 1 hour 24 minutes
    How I Lost 30 Pounds Without Losing Muscle | S2E13

    Work with Josh, Zac, or another DDS Coach: https://datadrivenstrength.com/coaching


    00:00⁠ Intro Teaser: 30 lbs Down

    ⁠00:31⁠ Podcast Intro & Topic Overview

    ⁠02:57⁠ The "Week 4 Effect"

    ⁠05:05⁠ Does Expertise Hurt Your Own Progress?

    ⁠06:35⁠ The Value of "Walking the Walk"

    ⁠10:52⁠ PART I: THE CONTEXT (From PL to Hypertrophy)

    ⁠18:40⁠ Why Josh Hired a Coach (Steve Hall)

    ⁠21:30⁠ The Stats: From 230lbs to 199lbs

    ⁠22:30⁠ PART II: TRAINING ARCHITECTURE

    ⁠25:00⁠ Strength Retention & Leverage Changes

    ⁠29:27⁠ Volume Talk: 6-12 Sets Per Week?

    ⁠32:08⁠ Rest Periods & Super-setting

    ⁠34:36⁠ Rituals & Meal Timing Structure

    ⁠37:50⁠ Decision Fatigue & Accountability

    ⁠43:00⁠ Work-Life Boundaries for Better Sessions

    ⁠46:45⁠ Nutrition Strategy Overview

    ⁠46:52⁠ PART III: NUTRITION STRATEGY

    ⁠51:40⁠ Implementing Refeeds & Diet Breaks

    ⁠54:45⁠ Dining Out Hacks: ChatGPT & Sharing

    ⁠59:34⁠ The Ninja Creami Recipe

    ⁠01:04:15⁠ "Eating Like an Adult" (Rebuilding Habits)

    ⁠01:07:50⁠ Mindset: Subjective Experience & Momentum

    ⁠01:07:57⁠ PART IV: KEY TAKEAWAYS & MINDSET

    ⁠01:15:30⁠ Protecting Your Training Priority


    9 December 2025, 11:19 am
  • 1 hour 35 minutes
    A New Philosophy for Training Data | S2E12

    Work with a DDS coach: https://datadrivenstrength.com/coaching/


    0:02:14 - Zac’s Work on Individual Response Variation (and his conclusion)

    0:08:35 - Key takeaway: programming around constraints, not different principles

    0:15:18 - New podcast approach: Building on their own work (Research & Coaching)

    0:19:03 - Experience vs weak Scientific Evidence

    0:29:17 - Coaching Systems Review: The 5 Core Values in the training process

    0:37:48 - The value of Training Skill for long-term success

    0:44:36 - Listener Question: How to interpret years of Training Data

    0:52:43 - Coaching as the Application of Principles within the athlete’s Constraints

    0:59:11 - Key Inputs and Outputs to evaluate Strength & Hypertrophy programming

    1:17:50 - The 3 Big Unanswered Questions in Training Science (Fatigue, Creatine, Growth Limit)

    5 November 2025, 11:46 am
  • 1 hour 20 minutes
    Structure vs. Flexibility, Bodybuilding vs. Powerlifting, and a Huge Announcement | S2E11

    Sign up for a 14-day free trial for the Evolve Training App: https://www.evolvetrainingapp.com

    Work with Josh or Zac: https://datadrivenstrength.com/coaching

    Free newsletter with exclusive content: https://datadrivenstrength.com


    00:00 - Introduction & Rocking Chair Discussion

    09:30 — Coaching Anecdotes

    14:10 — Structure vs. Flexibility in Training

    44:59 — What Bodybuilders Can Learn From Powerlifters (& Vice Versa)

    1:00:35 — Announcement: Evolve Training App



    31 July 2025, 6:03 pm
  • 2 hours 47 minutes
    New approach to RIR, Advanced Training Methods, Research Interpretation Errors, and More | S2E9

    Thanks for tuning in to the Data Driven Strength Podcast!

    More from DDS: https://data-drivenstrength.kit.com/profile


    00:00 - Introduction

    00:05:17 - Training Flexibility vs. Rigidity

    00:25:45 - New Rest-Pause Study

    00:43:55 - Recommendations: Rest-Pause & Drop Sets

    00:55:49 - How to Individualize Training

    01:27:32 - An Improved Approach to RIR

    01:40:34 - A Guide to Interpreting Research (Common Fallacies)

    7 July 2025, 8:48 pm
  • 3 hours 5 minutes
    Volume and Strength: New Science Explained | S2E10

    Thanks for tuning in to the Data Driven Strength Podcast!


    More from DDS: https://data-drivenstrength.kit.com/profile


    00:00- Podcast Introduction & Episode Focus

    06:05 - The Deceiving Nature of Scientific Data

    10:10 - Episode Outline and Goals

    16:15 - Acknowledging the Research Team

    18:20 - Historical Periodization Narratives

    24:25 - Contrasting Strength Training Approaches

    32:30 - Evolving Views on Training Volume

    38:35 - Prior Meta-Analyses on Volume and Strength

    54:50 - Limitations of Past Research

    01:03:00 - Novel Volume Quantification Methods

    01:13:10 - Examples of Indirect Exercises

    01:17:15 - Meta-Analysis Inclusion Criteria

    01:19:15 - Smallest Detectable Effect Size

    01:23:20 - Model Adjustments for Precision

    01:29:25 - Optimal Volume Approach & Total Studies

    01:33:30 - Understanding Within-Study Slopes & Shrinkage

    01:45:40 - Plateau & Precision of Estimates

    01:51:45 - Common Rep Ranges & Rest Periods

    01:55:50 - Specificity in Strength Assessments

    02:01:55 - Training Specificity and Volume

    02:08:00 - Volume Impact on Short-Term Strength Gains

    02:12:05 - Hypertrophy vs. Strength: Causal Questions

    02:22:15 - Qualitative Data Agreement

    02:30:25 - Analyzing Paired Matched Effects

    02:38:30 - Reliability vs. Agreement Plot Analysis

    02:44:35 - Muscle Size and Strength Compatibility


    30 June 2025, 8:59 pm
  • 3 hours 8 minutes
    Hypertrophy Tier List, Periodization for Hypertrophy, and More | S2E7

    More from DDS: https://data-drivenstrength.kit.com/profile

    00:00 Intro

    00:23 Introduction

    09:34 Hypertrophy variables tier list

    13:15 Detailing the tier list structure and criteria

    18:44 Tier list discussion begins: Rep Tempo (C-Tier) and Intensity Techniques (initially C, moved to B-Tier)

    31:08 Continuing tier list: Range of Motion (A-Tier) and Rest Periods (A-Tier)

    41:40 Further tier list variables: Sessions Per Week (C-Tier), Load/Rep Range (B-Tier), Exercise Order (B-Tier), and Splits (C-Tier)

    54:04 In-depth discussion and ranking of Volume (B-Tier, considered for A-Tier) and Deloads (B-Tier)

    1:09:18 Tier list continued: Logbooking (initially S-Tier, moved to A-Tier) and Exercise Selection & Execution (S-Tier)

    1:24:41 Discussing Muscle Specificity (B-Tier), Frequency (B-Tier), and Proximity to Failure (S-Tier)

    1:35:12 Ranking Novelty (C-Tier), then grouping Resensitization (C-Tier) and an extensive discussion on Periodization (B-Tier).

    2:03:26 Honorable mentions for the tier list: Cardio (considered B-Tier), Gym Kit (considered C-Tier), and Time-Saving Strategies like paired sets (considered A-Tier).

    2:11:51 Deep dive into periodization for hypertrophy

    2:42:10 Final tier list synopsis (relative importance of lifestyle, stimulus quality, dosage, and details)

    2 June 2025, 7:21 pm
  • 1 hour 45 minutes
    Beginner vs Advanced Training, Powerlifting Mistakes, and More (10k subscribers Q&A) | S2E8

    Thanks for tuning in to the Data Driven Strength Podcast!

     

    More from Data Driven Strength:

    https://data-drivenstrength.kit.com/profile


    00:00 Intro

    07:13 Q&A Start: Sets to Failure vs. Reps in Reserve (Hypertrophy)

    14:01 Sets to Failure vs. Reps in Reserve (Strength)

    19:07 The "Fatigue Boogeyman" in Hypertrophy Training

    24:51 Fatigue Management in Strength Training

    31:23 Autoregulation in Training

    36:27 Hypertrophy for Lifters with 10+ Years of Experience

    53:11 Specificity of Hypertrophy Work for Powerlifting

    1:06:40 Fringe Extrapolations in Evidence-Based Fitness

    1:26:13 Using Velocity to Avoid Overshooting

    1:30:59 Concentric vs. Eccentric for Hypertrophy

    1:37:40 Improving Grip Strength for Deadlifts

    27 May 2025, 1:00 pm
  • 1 hour 35 minutes
    Strength and Hypertrophy Lessons from 2024 (Q&A) | S2E6

    Thanks for tuning in to the Data Driven Strength Podcast!


    More from Data Driven Strength:

    https://data-drivenstrength.kit.com/profile


    Timestamps:


    00:00 Introduction

    04:04 Exploring AI in Strength Training

    28:04 Personal Learnings and PhD Insights

    31:18 Understanding Training Protocols and Individual Responses

    37:24 The Role of Environmental Factors in Training Outcomes

    43:31 Individualization in Training: Beyond the Basics

    52:56 Reflections on Exercise Selection and Range of Motion

    01:02:51 Training on Vacation: Balancing Consistency and Enjoyment

    01:17:15 Proportion of Hypertrophy vs. Strength Blocks

    01:24:43 Periodization and Individualization in Training

    Music by Artlist - https://artlist.io

    6 February 2025, 1:00 pm
  • 2 hours 45 minutes
    Frequency and Strength: New Science Explained | S2E5

    Thanks for tuning in to the Data Driven Strength Podcast! 


    https://sportrxiv.org/index.php/server/preprint/view/460


    Timestamps:

    00:00 Introduction

    02:51 The Mystery of the Norwegian Frequency Project

    09:14 Understanding Between-Study Variability in Research

    11:49 The Impact of New Research on Training Practices

    18:03 The Role of Social Media in Science Communication

    20:54 Reflections on Research Interpretation and Community Response

    46:43 The Shift in Frequency Training Perspectives

    52:44 Coaching Insights on Frequency and Strength

    58:25 Defining Frequency

    01:04:07 Methodology of the Meta-Analysis

    01:12:30 Understanding the Data: Strength Training Variables

    01:27:06 Analyzing Dose-Response Relationships

    01:31:07 Exploring Secondary Analyses and Their Implications

    01:39:15 Training Status

    01:46:31 Upper vs Lower Body

    01:51:39 Repetition Range

    01:56:06 Concluding Thoughts on Frequency and Volume in Strength Training

    02:04:03 Strength Development and Long-Term Training Strategies

    02:09:45 Key Training Variables and Their Impact

    02:19:12 Load vs. Frequency: Finding the Balance

    02:24:45 Maximal Performance and Training Frequency

    02:31:01 Long-Term Development vs. Short-Term Strength Goals


    All our stuff - https://data-drivenstrength.ck.page/profile


    Links:

    More detailed discussion of the methods from the previous episode - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yKRAVrf-798&t=4380s


    Music by Artlist - https://artlist.io

    8 January 2025, 1:04 pm
  • 1 hour 45 minutes
    Volume and Muscle Growth, Are There Really Doubts? Ft. Dr. Sam Buckner | S2E4

    Thanks for tuning in to the Data Driven Strength Podcast!


    Follow Sam: https://www.instagram.com/samuelbuckner?utm_source=ig_web_button_share_sheet&igsh=ZDNlZDc0MzIxNw==


    Timestamps:

    00:00 Introduction

    03:10 Sam's Background and Research Focus

    06:06 Understanding Muscle Growth and Measurement Techniques

    12:04 The Complexity of Hypertrophy Research

    19:05 High Volume Training and Its Implications

    22:02 Long-Term Muscle Growth Trends

    30:16 Optimistic Perspectives on Training Outcomes

    35:26 Exploring Better Training Protocols

    41:10 Understanding the Chill Point in Training

    47:35 The Role of Volume and Exercise Variety

    53:27 Navigating Research Limitations

    01:01:56 The Limitations of Measuring Hypertrophy

    01:10:30 Diving Deep into Data Interpretation

    01:12:24 Understanding Volume and Its Implications

    01:15:44 The Role of Meta-Analysis in Research

    01:18:35 Exploring Training Volumes and Their Effects

    01:21:27 Swelling in Strength Training

    01:25:20 Navigating the Science Communication

    01:29:43 The Relationship Between Hypertrophy and Strength

    01:35:00 Challenging Conventional Wisdom on Muscle Growth

    01:41:56 Wrap Up

    All our stuff - https://data-drivenstrength.ck.page/profile

    Music by Artlist - https://artlist.io

    20 December 2024, 1:43 pm
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