Dave Tate's Bonus Table Talk

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We welcome Luka Hocevar to this episode of Dave Tate's Table Talk Podcast!

Born and raised in Ljubljana, Slovenia, Luka Hocevar credits basketball, fitness, and great coaches for steering him away from crime and onto a path that took him to the elite European Leagues and the NBA Summer Pro League. After hanging up his professional basketball jersey, Luka dedicated himself to transforming lives just like his coaches did for him.

With over 19 years of coaching experience, Luka has become a powerhouse in the world of physical and mental performance and body transformation. He's the founder and co-owner of Vigor Ground Gym in Ljubljana and the owner of Vigor Ground Fitness and Performance in Seattle—two facilities known as premier coaching destinations in Slovenia and the U.S. Combined, they've helped transform the lives of over 12,000 clients since 2006.

Luka has personally coached more than 4,000 athletes and clients, from top-tier pros in the NBA, NFL, UFC, MLB, and collegiate sports, to everyday people who want to look, feel, and perform at their best. He's also the mind behind the Vigor Ground Fitness and Business Summit, one of the industry's top events for fitness professionals and gym owners who want to level up.

His expertise and impact have been featured in Men's Health, T-Nation, STACK, Onnit Magazine, Entrepreneur, and on HBO Real Sports, CBS, FOX, USA Today, ABC, and KING5 New Day NW, where he's known as Seattle's go-to fitness expert.

Luka's IG: https://www.instagram.com/lukahocevar/

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We welcome Brian Kichton to this episode of Dave Tate's Table Talk Podcast!

After spending most of his life under the bar, Brian Kichton dove headfirst into strongman in mid-2021—and hasn't looked back since. With a rapid ascent through the ranks, Brian captured the 2023 Strongman Corp Amateur Nationals title, securing his coveted pro card and making his mark as a serious contender in the sport. After a strong showing at the Amateur Arnold, he's turned his focus to competing as a pro on the global stage through the Strongman Champions League, where he's pushing his limits against some of the world's best.

When he's not pressing logs or deadlifting cars, Brian balances the iron game with a career in finance—proving you can wear a suit by day and lift atlas stones by night. He recently relocated to Atlanta with his wife and two loyal pitbulls, embracing the grind of pro strongman while building a life off the platform.

Brian's IG: https://www.instagram.com/judas_peach/

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All profits from elitefts Limited Edition Apparel, Table Talk Coffee, and Team elitefts Workouts, Programs, and Training eBooks support Dave Tate's Table Talk Podcast.

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We welcome Shaun Kopplin to this episode of Dave Tate's Table Talk Podcast!

From the streets to the squat rack, Shaun Kopplin has transformed his life story into a mission of building better humans through strength. As the owner and operator of Mamba Furnishings, Cream City Clothing, and Wolfpack Barbell Club, Shaun wears many hats—entrepreneur, coach, community builder, and living proof that powerlifting can change lives.

A reformed criminal and recovered addict, Shaun knows firsthand what it means to hit rock bottom and crawl back up, barbell in hand. Through Wolfpack Barbell Club, he's created a safe haven for lifters to push past their limits, find discipline, and surround themselves with a pack that won't let them fail.

Outside the gym, Shaun channels the same relentless drive into Mamba Furnishings and Cream City Clothing, brands that represent hard work, hustle, and a commitment to giving back. His story is raw, real, and proof that anyone can rewrite their ending if they're willing to do the work.

Shaun's IG: https://www.instagram.com/the_heartbreakkid/

THANK YOU TO OUR SPONSORS

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All profits from elitefts Limited Edition Apparel, Table Talk Coffee, and Team elitefts Workouts, Programs, and Training eBooks support Dave Tate's Table Talk Podcast.

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Dave Tate argues the biggest lie in strength training is its supposed complexity, simplifying it by framing periodization as a journey across the "world map" of an 8-bit video game. Each training block is a new territory that you must successfully navigate and conquer. To travel through these territories, you must master fundamental techniques ("skill gates"), manage your recovery ("energy bar"), and gather resources like good nutrition and sleep ("coins"). Successfully navigating a territory is proven by defeating its "boss"—a metric-based test that determines if you are ready to advance to the next region. Ultimately, true progress comes from mastering the skills needed for this journey, not by seeking shortcuts or "power-ups" to bypass the essential work.

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All profits support Dave Tate's Table Talk Podcast. SUPPORT THE SHOW

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All profits from elitefts Limited Edition Apparel, Table Talk Coffee, and Team elitefts Workouts, Programs, and Training eBooks support Dave Tate's Table Talk Podcast.

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In this no-nonsense breakdown, Dave Tate dismantles the hype and overcomplication that dominate modern strength training. He dives into why lifters are obsessed with recovery hacks, peptides, RIR, and plastic water bottles—while forgetting the fundamentals that drive progress. From common gym mistakes and misguided programming to mindset and mental intensity, Dave uses humor, decades of experience, and real talk to remind lifters of what really matters: consistency, effort, basic lift mastery, and self-awareness. Whether you're a beginner, a coach, or a seasoned meathead, this video is a must-watch reset on what makes people stronger.

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Support the channel for only $2.99 For only $4.99 a month, get EVERY NEW podcast episode EARLY and AD-FREE.

As a member, you'll have access to guest AMAs to get your questions answered. Enjoy the cool elitefts badge next to your profile name as well.

THANK YOU TO OUR SPONSORS

Get Started with Your AG1 Starter Kit: https://drinkag1.com/DAVETATE

Get 10% OFF Your Next Marek Health Labs (CODE: TABLETALK): https://marekhealth.com/tabletalk

Get a FREE LMNT Sample Pack: https://partners.drinklmnt.com/free-gift-with-purchase?utm_campaign=agwp&am

Get 10% OFF Troponin Supplements (CODE: TABLETALK): https://troponinsupplements.com/

Save Up to $315 at Sleepme: https://sleep.me/tabletalk

Get 10% OFF RP Hypertrophy App (CODE: TABLE TALK) :https://go.rpstrength.com/hypertrophy-app

elitefts Offers a wide range of gym equipment and apparel.

Get 10% OFF at elitefts (CODE: TABLE TALK): https://www.elitefts.com/

Support the show: https://www.elitefts.com/content/table-talk/

Save 10% with code TABLETALK. CODE: TABLETALK

All profits support Dave Tate's Table Talk Podcast. SUPPORT THE SHOW

Support and help the Podcast grow by Joining The Crew: https://www.elitefts.com/join-the-crew

All profits from elitefts Limited Edition Apparel, Table Talk Coffee, and Team elitefts Workouts, Programs, and Training eBooks support Dave Tate's Table Talk Podcast.

Shop these elitefts items: https://www.elitefts.com/ elitefts Shop: https://www.elitefts.com/ elitefts IG: https://www.instagram.com/elitefts/ elitefts Limited Edition Apparel: https://www.elitefts.com/shop/apparel/limited-edition.html

In this episode of Dave Tate's Table Talk podcast, Eric Bugenhagen joins us. From a Wisconsin wrestling champion to a WWE entertainer and YouTube fitness influencer, Bugenhagen has carved a diverse and impactful career. He started as a standout wrestler and captain for the University of Wisconsin, later coaching there and at other prestigious athletic facilities like NX Level. Despite a serious injury of his pateller tendon in WWE, he pivoted to creating popular fitness content on YouTube, gaining a large following with his unique combination of strength, thick as frick humor, and horsecock strong intensity. Eric is the co-owner of Psycho Pharma.

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All profits from elitefts Limited Edition Apparel, Table Talk Coffee, and Team elitefts Workouts, Programs, and Training eBooks support Dave Tate's Table Talk Podcast.

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In this episode of Table Talk, we sit down with @imdavelee Dave Lee, a health coach specializing in neuroendocrinology, to dive deep into the connection between hormones, mental health, and personal transformation. We tackle the misconceptions around SSRIs, the dopamine-serotonin balance, and how environmental factors may be silently sabotaging men's health. This conversation isn't just about testosterone—it's about reclaiming control, building resilience, and understanding the architecture of our brains. Whether you're battling mental health challenges or looking to optimize your performance, this episode cuts through the noise and gets real about what it takes to thrive.

Welcome Nick Forte to episode 327th of Dave Tate's Table Talk podcast.

Nick Forte, 31, is a powerlifter, father, husband, Pennsylvania State Corrections Officer, and a man of God. At 275, his personal bests raw is a 2138.4 total with a 782.6 squat, 540 bench, and 821.2 deadlift. His best wrapped squat is 805.

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Dr. Mike Israetel joins us again for another Dave Tate's Table Talk Podcast in episode #326. In this episode, sports periodization for athletes and coaches is discussed — starting off with needs analysis.

Dr. Mike Israetel is a Ph.D. in Sport Physiology and a professor at Lehman College (the only Bronx senior college of the City University of New York). He is the co-founder of Renaissance Periodization—a scientifically sound and reliable diet and training consultation service for anyone who wants to use it to achieve results. Mike has a BJJ purple belt and a jiu jitsu brown belt and is an author and an NPC bodybuilder.

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Renaissance Periodization

Welcome Paul Gagné to this episode of Dave Tate's Table Talk.

Paul Gagné is a Montreal-based posturologist and strength coach with nearly 40 years of experience, specializing in posture, athletic performance, and rehabilitation. His training philosophy, influenced by mentors like Charles Poliquin and Paul Chek, integrates neuromuscular, fascial, and postural elements to enhance athletic efficiency and prevent injuries. Notably active in the NHL, Gagné advocates for a holistic approach to training that includes high-velocity eccentric overload using the Desmotec Training System. He is also dedicated to teaching and mentoring in the practical applications of posturology.

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