StackedCast

What actually happens when we get fatigued?In this episode, we break down fatigue from the cellular level all the way to practical programming—covering central vs peripheral fatigue, localized vs systemic fatigue, productive vs disruptive fatigue, fatigue vs detraining, and how to recognize when fatigue is actually interfering with performance.We also discuss why fatigue exists, why not all fatigue is bad, the relationship between fatigue and fitness, and how coaches can manage fatigue without simply trying to eliminate it.Fatigue isn't the enemy of performance. Disruptive fatigue is.

In this episode, we're joined by one of the most respected physical therapists and coaches in powerlifting for a conversation that goes far beyond injury management.We dive into the system behind his approach—from what the patient experience actually looks like, to how he evaluates athletes, prioritizes problems, and makes clinical decisions. Rather than focusing on isolated techniques or exercises, we explore the principles and frameworks that drive consistent outcomes.We also discuss how coaches and clinicians can become better thinkers by developing robust systems for processing information, avoiding common reasoning traps, and making better decisions in complex situations.Whether you're a coach, clinician, or competitive lifter, this episode is packed with insights on critical thinking, problem solving, rehabilitation, and long-term athletic development.Topics Covered:His coaching and rehabilitation systemWhat athletes can expect throughout the patient experienceAssessment and decision-making frameworksProcessing information and avoiding common thinking trapsBuilding robust systems instead of relying on rigid protocolsCoaching philosophy and practical applications for powerliftersIf you enjoyed the episode, be sure to subscribe, leave a review, and share it with someone looking to become a better coach, clinician, or athlete.

In this Q&A episode, we answer listener questions on SBD variations, programming troubleshooting, leverage considerations, work capacity development, and more. We discuss how to select and implement exercise variations, identify and solve common programming issues, account for individual leverages in training, and build work capacity without compromising performance. Whether you're a lifter or coach, this episode is packed with practical insights to improve your decision-making and training outcomes.

In this episode, we sit down with Steve DeNovi @prs_performance break down one of the most misunderstood variables in strength training: frequency.Rather than viewing frequency as simply “training more,” we explore it as a way of distributing workload, fatigue, and movement exposure across time. Steve joins us to discuss why high frequency has developed a reputation for excessive fatigue, where that perception comes from, and why frequency can’t be separated from variables like volume, exercise selection, load, and RPE.We dive into concepts like:intra-session vs inter-session fatigueSRA curves and preparedness fluctuationsproductive work vs junk fatigueexposure timing and movement retentionlow frequency involution vs high frequency fatigue accumulationwhen increasing frequency actually improves performanceand when reducing frequency may be the better decisionThe episode also covers the practical realities of higher frequency training, including recovery management, mental fatigue, time demands, and exercise selection considerations.If you’ve ever wondered whether frequency is actually helping your training—or just adding fatigue—this episode provides a much deeper framework for thinking about it.

In this episode, we challenge the idea of the “golden microcycle” in powerlifting—the belief that there’s a perfect weekly training split for everyone. We break down why this concept is so appealing, and where it falls apart in real-world training.From individual recovery differences to lifestyle constraints and fatigue that doesn’t reset every seven days, we explore why rigid templates often miss the mark. Instead, we make the case for flexible programming, autoregulation, and focusing on principles over “perfect” structure.

In this episode, we sit down with Skyler Holt to break down one of the most misunderstood concepts in training: the difference between strength capacity and strength expression.We dive into what each actually represents, how they’re built through programming, and why confusing the two can limit long-term progress. Skyler outlines the key qualities that underpin true strength capacity—ranging from tissue tolerance and work capacity to skill and neuromuscular efficiency—and how they show up in performance.We also discuss the KPIs coaches should be tracking to assess these qualities, how to balance short-term performance with long-term development, and why many lifters over-prioritize expression at the expense of sustainable progress.If you’re a coach or athlete looking to build strength that lasts—not just display it—this episode gives you a clear framework for thinking about programming, adaptation, and performance.

In this episode, we sit down with a Doctor of Physical Therapy and powerlifting coach Keenan Dung to discuss the intersection of performance and rehabilitation. We dive into the rehab process, how to think about asymmetries, when they matter (and when they don’t), and how to create cohesive programming that supports both recovery and strength development.Rather than separating rehab and performance into two different worlds, this conversation explores how intelligent programming integrates both — allowing lifters to continue progressing while addressing limitations.

In this episode, we sit down with the winner of the Sheffield, Austin Perkins , and his coach Joe Stanek to unpack the realities behind elite-level preparation. We discuss the role of high-frequency squat, bench, and deadlift training, how productive work gets done even when conditions aren’t ideal, and the mindset required to stay consistent through chaos.We also dive into decision-making under fatigue, adapting training when life interferes, and what separates lifters who progress from those who stall. The conversation closes with a look at future competitive plans and what’s next after a major win.

In this episode, we break down the concept of the Golden Microcycle—where it came from, why it became popular, and what problem it was originally meant to solve. We discuss how and why it can work extremely well for certain lifters, where it falls short, and the common mistakes coaches make when applying it universally.Rather than treating programming templates as dogma, this conversation focuses on context, constraints, and individual response. We explore how training age, recovery capacity, skill demands, and workload tolerance determine whether the Golden Microcycle is a powerful tool—or the wrong solution entirely.If you’re a coach or lifter trying to move beyond one-size-fits-all programming, this episode will help you understand who the Golden Microcycle is actually for, and when to look elsewhere.

RPE has become one of the most common tools in powerlifting — and one of the most over-relied upon.In this episode, we explain why RPE as a primary programming tool is effectively dead, what has replaced it in modern coaching, and how experienced coaches now manage dosage, fatigue, and adaptation with less emphasis on RPE numbers.We break down:Why RPE is not a stimulusHow force output, velocity, and exposure timing matter more than labelsHow RPE fits inside a larger coaching model — not at the center of itThis episode is for coaches and lifters who want to move beyond RPE charts and start making better programming decisions.

In this episode, We sit down with the current strongest 93kg powerlifter to uncover what separates the best from the rest — and it’s not just numbers on the bar. We dive into his intuition-based decision making, how he maintains a “glass half full” perspective in training and competition, and the mindset shifts that fuel long-term progress. We also explore his future goals, what’s next for him in the sport, and the lessons any lifter or coach can take from his approach.

In this episode, we dive deep into the craft of gameday coaching with one of the most respected figures in powerlifting—Matt Gary. We unpack the full spectrum of what makes a great coach on the platform: from preparation and attempt selection to communication under pressure and leading with clarity and confidence.Matt shares insights from decades of coaching at the highest levels, revealing how elite-level preparation and emotional composure shape both athlete performance and team culture. Whether you’re a developing coach or a seasoned handler, this conversation will sharpen your approach to leadership, decision-making, and athlete trust when it matters most.

Why is there such a huge education gap in powerlifting? We’re tackling it head-on with our brand-new mentorship — listen to find out how it can change the way you coach and lift. 🎙️💪 #PowerliftingMentorship

What really separates strength and hypertrophy training — and where do they overlap? In this episode, we dive deep into the mechanisms of muscle adaptation, current research on force and size, and the training principles that tie it all together. We also explore programming dosage, how lifters should think about applying these concepts in practice, and where the future of programming might be heading.

Burnout is more common in powerlifting than most lifters realize. In this episode, we break down why it happens—training stress, recovery gaps, and mental fatigue—and share practical ways to prevent and overcome it. Learn how to spot the warning signs early and keep progressing without losing your drive under the bar.

In this episode, we dive into the role of movement variability and how it affects technique in powerlifting. Is movement inconsistency a flaw — or part of how the body adapts under load? We unpack the difference between self organization and true technique breakdown, and what lifters should actually be focusing on when chasing consistent performance.Whether you're a competitive lifter, coach, or just passionate about strength training, this episode brings a fresh perspective on how technique evolves under stress — and why rigid perfection might not be the goal after all.What we cover:What is movement variability — and should you be concerned?When does variability become technique degradation?How fatigue reshapes motor patterns under heavy loads🎧 Hit play to explore the complexity of movement and technique in real-world lifting.👉 Subscribe, drop a review, and follow us on [insert handle] for more strength-focused episodes.Thx ChatGPT for the description

In this episode, we break down the soft skills that separate good powerlifting coaches from truly great ones. We’re talking emotional intelligence, psychology, communication, and all the subtle things that don’t show up in your program spreadsheet—but absolutely shape your results.Topics include:How to build real trust with your athletesUnderstanding the mental game behind strengthWhy soft skills aren’t optional—they’re your edgeWhat makes you different from every other coach out thereWhether you're a coach trying to level up or a lifter looking for deeper insight, this one’s about the stuff that really moves the needle.

In this episode we dive deep into the principles of picking up heavy barbells and putting them down.We go into the actual stimulus of a rep and how it differs from one rep to the other, some metrics to track the stimulus and how to pick the right reps with the right execution to bias towards the fitness qualities you're looking to drive.You don't want to miss this one.Leave us a 5 star rating and give us a follow bye bye

In this episode, we break down the essential components of an effective onboarding process, from assessing skill levels to setting realistic goals. Plus, we discuss how to choose the perfect coach—what to look for, the red flags to avoid, and how to find someone who will guide you on the path to success. Whether you're a beginner or looking to refine your training, this episode is packed with valuable tips to help you build a solid foundation in powerlifting.

In this episode, we’re joined by the one and only Mike Tuchscherer, a pioneer in the world of strength training and coaching. We dive deep into effective programming, how to select the right exercises, and the often-overlooked mental aspect of lifting. Whether you're a seasoned lifter or just getting started, Mike’s insights will help you optimize your training and take your performance to the next level. Enjoy

In this episode, we break down the current state of powerlifting programming and highlight the issues we've noticed in modern approaches. We compare them to older, more traditional methods, exploring what worked back then and what might be missing today. Whether you're a seasoned lifter or just getting started, this episode offers valuable insights into how programming has evolved — and where it might be falling short.

In this episode, we dive deep into the 4 most common powerlifting block transition strategies: pivots, deloads, waveloading, and backend deloads. We’ll break down the pros and cons of each, and help you figure out which one is best for you. Are you using the right strategy for your needs? Tune in to find out how to make smoother, more effective transitions between blocks and maintain momentum in your powerlifting journey. If you found this episode helpful, don’t forget to rate and review! And make sure to follow the podcast so you never miss an episode!

In this episode, Dr. Sean Harris, a seasoned physical therapist, professor and owner of Rise Gym, shares his expertise on creating the perfect rehab experience for powerlifters. We dive into the essential steps of the rehab process, focusing on personalized approaches that meet the unique demands of strength athletes. Dr. Harris also highlights common mistakes PTs make when working with powerlifters and how to avoid them for better outcomes. Whether you're a lifter recovering from an injury or a PT seeking to enhance your practice, this episode provides actionable insights to optimize both rehab and performance. If you enjoyed this episode, don’t forget to follow us for more expert advice and discussions. And if you found value in what you heard, please take a moment to rate and review the podcast – your feedback helps us grow and continue bringing you top-tier content! 😘😘😘

In this episode, we break down how to craft the perfect primer session for powerlifters. A well-structured primer isn't just about physical prep—it's about sharpening your skill, optimizing your strength, and timing your lifts for maximum performance. We’ll explore how to sequence movements, focus on key strength-building techniques, and enhance your body awareness so you can execute with precision. Learn how to prime your body and mind to hit your top numbers, every time. EVERY SESSION IS A PRIMER SESSION -Thanks ChatGPT for the description

In this episode we dive deep into FITNESS in powerlifting context, the term fitness is commonly used by lifters and coaches but we think it's misunderstood. We break down the four contributing qualities to fitness and how we can manipulate them to fill the gaps in your training. we offer a different perspective on how to view the outcome and cost of a rep giving our listeners a framework to use when trying to figure out their training dosage, we give you the recipe and LET YOU COOK. Leave us a comment and a 5 star rating :) and don't forget to gives a follow for more content.

In this episode we had on the young legend Joe Borenstein, we reveal the secret behind his rapid progress (not steroids). We discuss lifter intuition and how he developed his lifter IQ, which has been a key to problem solving to maximize his progress in the sport. Do we have any gamers in the house? because Joe is the biggest 'powerlifting' gamer, he will put on his sweatpants, lean forward and out-game all of you noobs. We also talk about how he gains a competitive advantage over his competitors then we finish off the episode answering YOUR questions. Enjoy, Leave us a 5 star review Love y'all

In this episode we talk to the underground powerlifting coach Brad Couillard, in pursuit of the secret to his good looks and charm. We briefly touch on a few coaching topics like technique, programming, communication, and more. That's all I got here, why are you reading a podcast description anyway, bro? just go listen to the damn thing. ENJOY!!!!!

In this episode we had on team TSP (@tsp_andy @tsp_devan @tsp_chris) we lose ourselves, our palms get sweaty, talking about Devan's knees, mom's spaghetti. We do get back on track to discuss what we think are the essential skills a powerlifting coach should have and how to grow YOUR coaching business, I know you offer coaching in your bio you will love this episode. We go into unconventional decision making and fight over how to find those hidden gems as fast as possible then we finish it off with some more movement talk because we are obsessed with the topic. Enjoy, leave us a 5 star review.

on this episode we had on a new up-and-coming coach out of DFW. Theswoleprofessor talks about his coaching framework, problem solving process, soft skills, principles he adheres to, his coaching Dots, how to communicate with clients and more. Anas aka 'full time Swolefessor hater' fails to accomplish his main objective behind the visit which was to sabotage Marcellus' training after seeing him PR his squat the week prior, While David consumes 600mg of caffeine that day.

In this episode we had on David Woolson from Brazos Valley Strength. We go into injury management and the different approaches utilized depending on the severity of the case, David W. talks about how he overcame past major injuries and what kept him committed to his goals. We talk about the correlation between a big deadlift and podcast invitations. Are you experiencing burnout and lack of motivation? well, we also cover that. Tune in to claim the secret to a 400kg deadlift and infinite podcast invites.

In this episode we had Jamie Smith on from Strength Culture out of Melbourne. we discussed a variety of topics including education for a new coach, where to start and how to filter out the narrative to develop an objective coaching model built on top of rock solid principles. Did someone say left AIC right BC narrow ISA? No, we did not...we won't feed you that wide BS. Jamie also goes over a framework to problem solve performance inhibiting movement patterns and talks about how to get out of them if the person is a strong powerlifter like all of our listeners.

In this episode we discuss rate of progress and how to manage it when layered on top of movement, psychology and programming. We discuss how momentum is a slippery slope in that it is extremely important and valuable but once we have it and don't do a good enough job to monitor or control it, training can become unpredictable and can even lead to larger issues.

Block structure, personal experiences, and how to set yourself up with secret exercises in order to achieve your powerlifting potential! Anas and David take another deep dive into how to troubleshoot training resources and how to see trends in movement and how to get the most out of your training blocks. They also compare past methods seen in their experiences and how programs now address modern problems. 

In this episode of StackedCast! Anas and David talk about problem solving and movement as it relates to powerlifting as well as how one can find issues in their own training to be able to make progress. As Anas and David delve deeper into movement constraints and issues they also give personal examples as to what they've seen as coaches and what problems they've encountered with powerlifting athletes.