The Judd Lienhard Podcast

• Judd Lienhard: Stop Chasing “Optimal” | Real Fitness Advice That Works

  A lot of people are chasing what’s “optimal.” The perfect split, the ideal routine, the magic exercise. But most of that doesn’t matter, especially if it doesn’t work for you in real life.In this episode, I answer the most common questions I get about training, coaching, and performance. I explain why I created MASS Method and how I approach athletic development after 15+ years in the fitness field as a coach.We talk about certifications vs. experience, why I don’t believe in forcing speed or complexity, and how to rebuild your athleticism, especially if you’re in your 30s, 40s, or beyond and want to train for the long haul.Topics Covered:The real meaning of MASS Method (Movement, Athleticism, Strength, Speed)Why “optimal” training isn’t always usefulThe difference between being certified and being capableHow to build athleticism back in midlifeLessons from coaching kids, college football, and the militaryWhat matters most in training: patience, angles, aggressionAdvice for athletes, coaches, and young men trying to figure it outIn this episode:“You have your whole life to be a bodybuilder. You only get a short window to be an athlete.”“Don’t stack performance on top of dysfunction.”“Slow is smooth. Smooth is fast.”🎯 Try MASS Method — FREE 7-day trial click HERE 📲 To connect with Judd Lienhard click HERESubscribe, leave a review, and share this with someone who trains with purpose.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. ⭐️🎧🔥

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• Paul de Gelder: Shark Attack Survivor on Pain, Resilience, and Mental Strength

  In this episode of The Judd Lienhard Podcast, I sit down with Paul de Gelder—shark attack survivor, former Australian Navy clearance diver, and one of the toughest men you’ll ever meet.Paul lost his hand and leg during a bull shark attack in Sydney Harbour. Most people would’ve quit. Paul didn’t. He rebuilt his body, rewired his mindset, and now lives a life of purpose—co-hosting Shark Week, speaking around the world, and training like a savage.We talk about trauma, recovery, and what it actually takes to build resilience and mental strength. Whether you're a dad, athlete, coach, or someone trying to push through hard times—you'll be glad you listened.🎯 You’ll learn:How to rebuild after life breaks youMental tools to train your mindset like a musclePaul’s approach to pain, rehab, and purposeWhy excuses don’t serve you—and what to do instead👊 Real adversity. Real lessons. Real strength.🔗 Connect with Paul de Gelder Instagram: @pauldegelder YouTube: @pauldegelder1 Watch him on Shark Week (Discovery / Max)🔗 Connect with Judd Lienhard Instagram: @juddlienhard YouTube: @juddlienhard Training & Programs: juddlienhard.com🎧 Subscribe for new episodes every Tuesday at 5a CST.Timestamps: 00:00 – Shark attack, trauma, and mindset 06:30 – Paul's early life, bullying, and direction 13:00 – Military transformation: from lost teen to elite diver 19:40 – The moment that changed everything 27:30 – Surviving a bull shark attack 36:15 – The recovery and decision to amputate 43:00 – Rebuilding his body and his purpose 50:00 – Training again: walking, lifting, moving 56:45 – How Paul avoids depression and victimhood 1:05:00 – Hosting Shark Week & working with Will Smith 1:13:00 – Grit, purpose, and staying on the edgeThe 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. ⭐️🎧🔥

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• Judd Lienhard: The Priorities Pyramid That Fixes Your Fitness

  Most guys don’t need a new program, a better supplement stack, or the “perfect” exercise they saw on Instagram. They need a reality check on their priorities.In this solo episode, I break down the Priorities Pyramid—a six-layer system I’ve used for 20+ years as a strength coach, Army Ranger, and athlete. This is the blueprint for getting strong, moving well, and staying in shape for life.If you’re the type of man who’s built a career, supports your family, and still holds yourself to a higher standard physically—this episode is for you.What You'll Learn:Safety – Why you're getting hurt and how to stop being dumb about itConsistency – The only “secret” worth talking aboutComprehensive Approach – Strength, cardio, mobility… quit skipping what mattersIntensity – How to push yourself without breaking downSpecialized Techniques – What to use after you’ve earned itSupplements & Hormones – The least important part (but most abused)Who This Is For:Former athletes who still expect more from themselvesMilitary & first respondersFathers, leaders, and hard workers who train like it mattersMen who value strength, discipline, and real resultsWhat This Isn’t:This isn’t a hype-up. It’s not a shortcut. It’s not about aesthetics. It’s about building a system that keeps you strong and capable—for decades.Hard Truths I Get Into:If fitness isn’t one of your top 3 priorities, don’t expect resultsIf you can spend $250 a month on booze but not a gym membership, your priorities are offIf you're still blaming genetics or age—look in the mirrorStop looking for hacks. Most people are spending 90% of their effort chasing 10% of the outcome. The work that matters is simple, boring, and hard.Do it anyway.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. ⭐️🎧🔥

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• John Welbourn RETURNS: How to Train Smarter, Recover Better & Boost Longevity

  In this wide-ranging episode, former NFL offensive lineman and Power Athlete founder John Welbourn returns to The Judd Lienhard Podcast for Part 2. John and Judd dive deep into what truly drives performance, recovery, and long-term health—challenging common fitness myths and exploring the science behind elite results.Topics covered include:Relative intensity vs. training volumeSaunas, cold plunges, and recovery physiologyThe sugar diet experiment and metabolic flexibilityGut health, microbiome science, and fecal transplantsMuscle as medicine: why strength matters for agingHormones, PEDs, and misunderstood performance toolsWhat ancient resilience teaches us about modern softnessWhether you're a coach, athlete, or lifelong learner, this conversation will reframe how you think about strength, recovery, and longevity.Connect with John Welbourn Instagram: @johnwelbourn | @powerathleteinc Website: powerathletehq.comConnect with Judd Lienhard Instagram: @juddlienhard YouTube: Judd Lienhard on YouTube Website & Coaching: juddlienhard.comListen and follow for new episodes every Tuesday.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. ⭐️🎧🔥

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• Judd Lienhard: 5 Military Tactics to Fix Your Training Plan

  Most people don’t fail in the gym because they’re lazy—they fail because they don’t have a real plan. In this episode, I break down 5 military tactics I learned as an Army Ranger and have used as a performance coach for 15+ years to help people train with purpose.Too many training programs fall apart because they lack strategy. In this episode, I’ll show you how to build a plan that fits your goals, supports your lifestyle, and holds up under pressure.What you’ll learn:How to set a clear mission for your trainingThe difference between your main effort and supporting effortsWhy shaping and sustaining operations matter in fitnessHow to run daily after-action reviews (AARs) to stay consistentWhy crossloading and redundancy help busy people train without missing workoutsThis isn’t about motivation. It’s about planning. If you’re serious about staying strong, fit, and adaptable—especially with a full plate—this is how you build a system that actually works.Follow for more episodes with athletes, veterans, and coaches who live it.📱 IG: @juddlienhard 💻 Fitness App, Resistance Band & more: juddlienhard.comThe 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. ⭐️🎧🔥

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