#400 The Strength Athlete's B-Plan: How to Pivot | Anthony Diehl & Aaron Chappel
In this episode, Anthony Diehl and Aaron Chappel from MODUS pull back the curtain on the "Longevity Arc" of elite strength. From World's Strongest Man stages to the life-changing reality of metabolic health, we break down why the "Meathead Identity" is dead and how to build a B-Plan that actually saves lives. We discuss the transition from "Big and Fat" powerlifting to a "Metabolism-First" approach, proving that muscle is more than just for show—it is your primary defense against chronic disease. MEET THE GUESTS Anthony Diehl (Founder, MODUS): A pro-level strongman and coach who transformed from an overweight teenager into a high-level strength athlete. Anthony's trajectory was profoundly shaped by his son's autism diagnosis, leading him down a "rabbit hole" to become an expert in gut health, cellular inflammation, and metabolic optimization. While his pro strongman days are behind him, he continues to push limits through bodybuilding, Jiu-Jitsu, and ultra-endurance challenges. Aaron Chappel (Masters World Record Holder): A top all-time powerlifter across multiple weight classes and a veteran health educator with over 15 years of experience. Aaron blends technical precision with the heart of a mentor, specializing in movement quality and individualized programming. Outside the gym, he is a dedicated father, church leader, high school swim coach, and an NCAA water polo official. TIMESTAMPS 00:00 Turning Failure into Opportunity: The Pivot Strategy 01:59 The Strength Identity Crisis: Why Lifters "Just Get Fat" 02:51 Autism, Inflammation, and the Gut Health Rabbit Hole 06:50 Cellular Health Secrets: The Performance "Unlock" 07:42 The Longevity Arc: TRT, Optimization, and Executive Health 17:10 Identity as an Idol: The Mental Cost of Elite Sports 28:55 Steroids & Longevity: The Back-End Price of Performance 45:02 Body Weight vs. Heart Health: The Hard Truth 1:06:10 Muscle as Metabolic Armor: Reversing Type 2 Diabetes 2:05:44 The Future of Coaching: AI vs. Human Connection CONNECT WITH THE GUESTS Anthony Diehl * Website: https://www.movewithmodus.com Socials: @meatheadprofessor Aaron Chapple * Coach Page: https://www.movewithmodus.com/coaches/aaron-chapple Instagram: @big_daddy_chap YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@aaronchapple28 SUPPORT THE SHOW Become an elitefts channel member for early access to Dave Tate's Table Talk podcast and other perks: https://www.youtube.com/@eliteftsofficial Elitefts Resources: 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 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 Labs: Get 10% OFF (CODE: TABLETALK): https://marekhealth.com/tabletalk LMNT: Get a free 8-count Sample Pack: http://www.drinklmnt.com/tabletalk Massenomics: 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
#399 Powerlifting Rivalry 2026: This Pro Athlete is Making a Massive Mistake | Zachary Zeus Smith
Zachary "Zeus" Smith is the owner of Flex Gym (Virginia Beach) and a veteran Powerlifting Coach who has spent a lifetime in Rugby and Combat Sports learning exactly which "investments" actually bear fruit. Whether he's building high-performance athletes through elite gym culture or "generously" using Joe Jackson's horoscope to predict his rival's inevitable downfall, Zeus's coaching is rooted in high standards and higher stakes. He specializes in developing lifters who perform when it counts, proving that while horoscopes might be a joke, the Legacy he's building is anything but. Website: https://flexgymva.com/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thevoodooviking_zeus Become an elitefts channel member for early access to Dave Tate's Table Talk podcast and other perks. @eliteftsofficial 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 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: Get an extra 10% OFF at elitefts (CODE: TABLE TALK): https://www.elitefts.com/ Get 10% OFF Your Next Marek Health Labs (CODE: TABLETALK): https://marekhealth.com/tabletalk Get a free 8-count Sample Pack of LMNT's most popular drink mix flavors: http://www.drinklmnt.com/tabletalk Support Massenomics! https://www.massenomics.com Save 20% on monthly, yearly, or lifetime - MASS Research Review (CODE ELITEFTS20): https://massresearchreview.com RP Hypertrophy App (CODE: TABLE TALK) https://rpstrength.com/pages/hypertrophy-app
#398 How to Stop Wasting Force: The Power of Globalized Core Training | Josh Miller
Josh Miller, founder of NTBFW Training Systems and UNC Chapel Hill Exercise Science alumnus, is a strength coach and powerlifter specializing in globalized core training and force transfer. This episode explores building a 'coordinated unit' to manage spinal stenosis and herniated discs while utilizing conjugate principles and block-style organization. Miller also breaks down his 'Other 22 Hours' performance system and the use of natural ergogenic aids to ensure long-term progress for advanced lifters without getting 'lost in the weeds.' Josh Miller: Website: https://www.ntbfwtrainingsystems.org/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/joshmillerstrengthcoach/ Become an elitefts channel member for early access to Dave Tate's Table Talk podcast and other perks. @eliteftsofficial 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 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: Get an extra 10% OFF at elitefts (CODE: TABLE TALK): https://www.elitefts.com/ Get 10% OFF Your Next Marek Health Labs (CODE: TABLETALK): https://marekhealth.com/tabletalk Get a free 8-count Sample Pack of LMNT's most popular drink mix flavors: http://www.drinklmnt.com/tabletalk Support Massenomics! https://www.massenomics.com Save 20% on monthly, yearly, or lifetime - MASS Research Review (CODE ELITEFTS20): https://massresearchreview.com RP Hypertrophy App (CODE: TABLE TALK) https://rpstrength.com/pages/hypertrophy-app
#397 In-Season Strength Training: How 100% of Our Team Hit PRs | Michael Brinson
Michael Brinson is the Head Strength & Conditioning Coach for Jackson Academy athletics and a competitive powerlifter with a 2155 raw total. He's coached performance at every level, from collegiate football programs (Southern Miss, Kansas, Liberty, Missouri) to Fort Bragg with the 82nd Airborne bringing a no-BS approach to building strong, fast, resilient athletes. Follow Michael: Instagram: @brinson_strength X: @Coach_Brinson_ Coaching Inquiry + Links: linktr.ee/brinsonmichael7 Become an elitefts channel member for early access to Dave Tate's Table Talk podcast and other perks. @eliteftsofficial 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 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: Get an extra 10% OFF at elitefts (CODE: TABLE TALK): https://www.elitefts.com/ Get 10% OFF Your Next Marek Health Labs (CODE: TABLETALK): https://marekhealth.com/tabletalk Get a free 8-count Sample Pack of LMNT's most popular drink mix flavors: http://www.drinklmnt.com/tabletalk Support Massenomics! https://www.massenomics.com Save 20% on monthly, yearly, or lifetime - MASS Research Review (CODE ELITEFTS20): https://massresearchreview.com RP Hypertrophy App (CODE: TABLE TALK) https://rpstrength.com/pages/hypertrophy-app
#396 Fixing the "Unfixable" Athlete: Non-Surgical Chronic Pain Solutions | Chris Stepien
Dr. Chris Stepien — founder of Barefoot Rehabilitation Clinic (Denville, NJ) and developer of Adhesion Release Methods. Dr. Chris specializes in helping chronic pain sufferers, especially 30–60 year olds who've had pain for 6+ months and have already seen multiple doctors or therapists without real relief. He's also training high-level manual therapists and clinicians to diagnose and treat adhesion and nerve-entrapment patterns so more people can finally get their lives back. Website: https://www.barefootrehab.com Find a provider: https://www.findanadhesionprovider.com Instagram: @barefootrehab | @adhesionreleasemethods YouTube: @drchrisstepienclips LinkedIn: Dr. Christopher M. Stepien Become an elitefts channel member for early access to Dave Tate's Table Talk podcast and other perks. @eliteftsofficial 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 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: Get an extra 10% OFF at elitefts (CODE: TABLE TALK): https://www.elitefts.com/ Get 10% OFF Your Next Marek Health Labs (CODE: TABLETALK): https://marekhealth.com/tabletalk Get a free 8-count Sample Pack of LMNT's most popular drink mix flavors: http://www.drinklmnt.com/tabletalk Support Massenomics! https://www.massenomics.com Save 20% on monthly, yearly, or lifetime - MASS Research Review (CODE ELITEFTS20): https://massresearchreview.com RP Hypertrophy App (CODE: TABLE TALK) https://rpstrength.com/pages/hypertrophy-app