We welcome Ben Pauli to this episode of Dave Tate’s Table Talk Podcast!

As the Athletic Director of Rochester Performance Gym (RPG), co-founder of Coaching Revolution, and owner of Michigan BarBenders Barbell, Ben brings a unique blend of Conjugate methodology and data-driven auto-regulation to the strength world. A seasoned multi-ply powerlifter with best lifts of 1,107 lb squat, 810 lb bench, and 810 lb deadlift, his “strain as a skill” philosophy reflects a mindset built on grit, adaptability, and precision. From first-time lifters to UFC contenders, Ben’s ability to develop resilient, high-performing athletes has cemented his reputation as one of the most respected coaches in modern strength training.

CONNECT WITH BEN

- Instagram: @coach_p_strength

- Coaching Revolution: coaching-revolution.com

- Michigan BarBenders: michiganbarbenders.com

- Rochester Performance Gym: rpg-strength.com

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/ Get a free 8-count Sample Pack of LMNT’s most popular drink mix flavors: https://partners.drinklmnt.com/free-g... Get 10% OFF at Granite Nutrition (CODE TABLETALK): https://granitenutrition.com/?utm_sou... Support Massenomics! https://www.massenomics.com/ Save 20% on monthly, yearly, or lifetime MASS Research Review (CODE ELITEFTS20): https://massresearchreview.com/ Get 10% OFF RP Hypertrophy App (CODE: TABLE TALK): https://go.rpstrength.com/hypertrophy/

We welcome Thomas Lilley to this episode of Dave Tate’s Table Talk Podcast! Thomas is a 36-year-old Australian powerlifting coach, gym owner, and federation president who founded Zero Weakness, a powerhouse strength brand with 11 gyms across Australia, New Zealand, and the UK. He leads three major federations—APL, NZPU, and UKPU—with APL now Australia’s largest. Known for coaching lifters to multiple all-time world records, including the #1 total of 1200kg (wraps) and highest DOTs score ever (688.33), Thomas also holds the #1 equipped total and bench in Australia. Through ZeroW’s expansion into franchising, education, and equipment, and his work on the Peak Speak and ZeroW Podcasts, Thomas continues to shape global powerlifting culture. Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/tombro7/Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/ptcgoldcoast Zero W: https://www.zerowequipment.com/

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/

Get a free 8-count Sample Pack of LMNT’s most popular drink mix flavors: https://partners.drinklmnt.com/free-g...

Get 10% OFF at Granite Nutrition (CODE TABLETALK): https://granitenutrition.com/?utm_sou...

Support Massenomics! https://www.massenomics.com/

Save 20% on monthly, yearly, or lifetime MASS Research Review (CODE ELITEFTS20): https://massresearchreview.com/

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

In 2020, Cameron transitioned into the collegiate ranks, serving as Associate Director of Football Performance at the University of North Carolina at Charlotte before moving to Indiana University as an Athletic Performance Coach for football, where he remained through 2023. From there, he joined Auburn University as an Assistant Strength & Conditioning Coach, working with one of the most competitive programs in the SEC. Today, Cameron continues that trajectory at the highest level of the game as an Assistant Strength & Conditioning Coach for the Detroit Lions. A former defensive back at the University of Rhode Island, Cameron holds a bachelor’s degree in kinesiology, a master’s in exercise science from William Paterson University, and is currently a PhD candidate at Jean Monnet University in Saint-Etienne, France. His academic pursuits, paired with years of practical experience, shape a coaching philosophy that balances evidence-based performance science with the demands of real-world competition. Cameron’s ability to adapt programming across sports and athlete needs has made him a trusted resource in the world of strength and conditioning. Whether building a foundation for young athletes or optimizing peak performance for professionals on game day, his long-term approach centers on developing strength, speed, resilience, and durability that lasts throughout an athlete’s career. THANK YOU TO THIS EPISODE'S SPONSORS - Support Massenomics! https://www.massenomics.com/ - Use the discount code ELITEFTS20 to save 20% on your next monthly, yearly, or lifetime - MASS Research Review membership plan. The discount lasts FOREVER!  https://massresearchreview.com/

We welcome Aaron Williamson to this episode of Dave Tate's Table Talk Podcast!

Aaron Williamson is a Marine veteran, celebrity trainer, and fitness professional with 27+ years of experience. He’s trained Hollywood’s biggest names—Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson, Sylvester Stallone, Zac Efron, JK Simmons, Josh Brolin, Jamie Foxx, Emilia Clarke, and more—while also carving out roles on screen in Terminator: Genisys and American Heist.

Aaron’s story is one of resilience. After serving in Iraq, he faced PTSD, job loss, and homelessness before rebuilding his life through fitness. That journey shaped his philosophy: real transformation isn’t about quick fixes—it’s about mindset, health, and longevity.

Today, his programs combine military discipline, decades of training experience, and proven results at the highest level. On this episode, Aaron and Dave dive into his Marine background, rise in Hollywood, and his approach to building strength for life.

THANK YOU TO OUR SPONSORS 

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

Get a free 8-count Sample Pack of LMNT’s most popular drink mix flavors with any purchase: https://partners.drinklmnt.com/free-gift-with-purchase?utm_campaign=agwp&am…  

Save Up to 20% at Sleepme (CODE: TABLE TALK): https://sleep.me/tabletalk

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

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

Get 10% OFF at Granite Nutrition (CODE TABLETALK): https://granitenutrition.com/?utm_source=podcast&utm_medium=audio&utm_campaign=Dave_Tate

Support Massenomics! https://www.massenomics.com/

Use the discount code ELITEFTS20 to save 20% on your next monthly, yearly, or lifetime MASS Research Review membership plan. The discount lasts FOREVER!  https://massresearchreview.com/

SUPPORT THE SHOW 

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. 

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

We welcome Josh Thigpen to this episode of Dave Tate's Table Talk Podcast!

Josh Thigpen is a professional strongman from Houston, Texas, whose incredible 20-year career has taken him to over 60 contests in 30 countries. A four-time World’s Strongest Man competitor, Josh has earned 12 international podium finishes, held multiple world records, and achieved the legendary feat of holding the most weight ever by a human—600 pounds in each hand. At his peak, standing 6’5” and weighing 320 pounds, Josh was a dominant force in the sport. Today, he maintains a powerful 275-pound frame while continuing to inspire athletes worldwide.

Beyond the competition platform, Josh has made a major impact as an author, penning 13 bestselling eBooks that have become essential resources for strength athletes. His works include The Cube Method for Strongman, The Grip Guide, Training Camp, The Complete Guide to Strongman, and Adventures of a Pro Strongman. These guides blend his deep competitive experience with practical, no-nonsense training strategies, making them a staple for anyone serious about strongman or strength training.

Since transitioning from full-time competition, Josh has shifted his creative energy to the film industry. He is the creator, writer, actor, director, and producer of the indie fantasy web series Sword of Alentius—a passion project that merges epic storytelling with his larger-than-life presence. In addition to his own productions, Josh is acting in other film projects, further showcasing his versatility and creative drive.

https://www.instagram.com/josh_thigpen/

THANK YOU TO OUR SPONSORS Get 10% OFF Your Next Marek Health Labs (CODE: TABLETALK): https://marekhealth.com/

Get a free 8-count Sample Pack of LMNT’s most popular drink mix flavors with any purchase: https://partners.drinklmnt.com/free-gift-with-purchase?utm_campaign=agwp&am…  

Save Up to 20% at Sleepme (CODE: TABLE TALK): https://sleep.me/tabletalk

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

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

Get 10% OFF at Granite Nutrition (CODE TABLETALK): https://granitenutrition.com/?utm_source=podcast&utm_medium=audio&utm_campaign=Dave_Tate

Support Massenomics! https://www.massenomics.com/

MASS Research Review - Use the discount code ELITEFTS20 to save 20% on your next monthly, yearly, or lifetime MASS Research Review membership plan. The discount lasts FOREVER!  https://massresearchreview.com/

SUPPORT THE SHOW 

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. 

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

We welcome Mike Niklos to this episode of Dave Tate's Table Talk Podcast!

Since 2008, Mike Niklos has worked with athletes at every stage—from young athletes just beginning their journey to the highest-caliber professionals in the world. With nearly two decades of coaching experience, Mike has designed and implemented long-term athletic development programs for youth ages 8–18, as well as elite-level, high-performance training for professional, collegiate, and Olympic athletes.

His resume reads like a roll call of global sports organizations. Mike has trained and developed athletes competing in the NFL, CFL, XFL, NBA, MLB, MLS, USWNT, NWSL, UEFA, BBL, and Rugby Union. His ability to adapt programming to the demands of each sport—and the specific needs of each athlete—has made him a sought-after resource in the world of strength and conditioning.

Mike’s coaching philosophy blends science-based performance principles with practical, real-world experience. He understands that building a dominant athlete requires more than just raw strength; it’s about developing speed, agility, power, durability, and mental toughness over time. His long-term approach to youth training lays a foundation that not only improves performance in the short term but sustains it throughout an athlete’s career. For professionals, his programming is dialed in to optimize peak performance when it matters most—on game day.

https://www.instagram.com/niklos11/

THANK YOU TO OUR SPONSORS 

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

Get a free 8-count Sample Pack of LMNT’s most popular drink mix flavors with any purchase: https://partners.drinklmnt.com/free-gift-with-purchase?utm_campaign=agwp&am…  

Save Up to 20% at Sleepme (CODE: TABLE TALK): https://sleep.me/tabletalk

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

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

Get 10% OFF at Granite Nutrition (CODE TABLETALK): https://granitenutrition.com/?utm_source=podcast&utm_medium=audio&utm_campaign=Dave_Tate

Support Massenomics! https://www.massenomics.com/

Use the discount code ELITEFTS20 to save 20% on your next monthly, yearly, or lifetime MASS Research Review membership plan. The discount lasts FOREVER!  https://massresearchreview.com/

SUPPORT THE SHOW 

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. 

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

We welcome John Quint to this episode of Dave Tate's Table Talk Podcast! John Quint holds a Bachelors of Health and Promotion Fitness with a minor in Coaching from Otterbein University. He graduated from the American Institution of Alternative Medicine in Neuromuscular Therapy. He is a Functional Range Systems Instructor and travels throughout the world teaching and lecturing. In addition to maintaining a private practice located in Columbus, Ohio, he co-owns/maintains a virtual internal strength training platform: Gain Acces, and activity programs the training process of physical capacity for skill acquisition for multiple professional and amateur athletes. He also has an extensive competitive career in bodybuilding and has worked for and trained at The Westside Barbell Club since 2011. 

www.johnquintnmt.com [schedule here]

www.gainacces.com

www.linemanspecialstrength.com

Absolute: The Art and Science of Human Performance 

This one dives into the specifics of the Louie Simmons hip joint treatment case we briefly discussed:

Louie Simmons Expand Capsular Space Case

THANK YOU TO OUR SPONSORS 

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

Get a free 8-count Sample Pack of LMNT’s most popular drink mix flavors with any purchase: https://partners.drinklmnt.com/free-gift-with-purchase?utm_campaign=agwp&am…  

Save Up to 20% at Sleepme (CODE: TABLE TALK): https://sleep.me/tabletalk

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

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

Get 10% OFF at Granite Nutrition (CODE TABLETALK): https://granitenutrition.com/?utm_source=podcast&utm_medium=audio&utm_campaign=Dave_Tate

Support Massenomics! https://www.massenomics.com/

SUPPORT THE SHOW 

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. 

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

Chris Duffin is a world-class strength athlete, inventor, and entrepreneur known for pushing life to the extremes—performance, competence, and achievement. He is the founder of Kabuki Strength and advisor to companies like Bearfoot Shoes and LiftLab, blending engineering, biomechanics, and human performance into transformative products and education.

A record-holding powerlifter, Chris is the only person to squat and deadlift 1000+ lbs for reps and holds the Guinness World Record for the heaviest sumo deadlift. His innovations impact professional sports teams, military branches, and thousands of athletes worldwide.

Raised in extreme adversity, Chris overcame homelessness and a chaotic childhood to become a top student, engineer, and entrepreneur. He is also a sought-after keynote speaker, author, and thought leader in personal development. Father of three and husband to a Canadian chef, he balances family life with building businesses, mentoring others, and pursuing his love of adventure.

https://www.chrisduffin.com/

THANK YOU TO OUR SPONSORS 

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

Get a free 8-count Sample Pack of LMNT’s most popular drink mix flavors with any purchase: https://partners.drinklmnt.com/free-gift-with-purchase?utm_campaign=agwp&am…  

Save Up to 20% at Sleepme (CODE: TABLE TALK): https://sleep.me/tabletalk

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

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

Get 10% OFF at Granite Nutrition (CODE TABLETALK): https://granitenutrition.com/?utm_source=podcast&utm_medium=audio&utm_campaign=Dave_Tate

Save $250 at the Business of Strength Retreat 2025 (CODE: Elite250): https://bosretreat.com/

Support Massenomics! https://www.massenomics.com/

SUPPORT THE SHOW 

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. 

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

We welcome Chad Coy to this episode of Dave Tate's Table Talk Podcast!

Chad Coy is a veteran of the iron game and a true powerhouse in the world of strength sports. A 1991 graduate of Purdue University, Chad has spent decades building a legacy in strongman, coaching, and athletic development. His resume includes being the U.S. alternate for the World’s Strongest Man in 2001 and dominating the Masters divisions with multiple titles: 3x America’s Strongest Man (Masters, 2013, 2014, 2017), 2x runner-up at Masters World’s Strongest Man (2012, 2013), Masters 50+ America’s Strongest Man (2021), and a top-6 finish at the 2022 Masters 50+ World’s Strongest Man.

Beyond the platform, Chad has become a respected authority in athlete development. As a Master Coach and the Director of Business Development for the PARISI Speed School, he helps mold the next generation of elite athletes through speed, strength, and performance training. His passion for coaching is matched by his real-world experience under the bar and on the field.

Chad's IG: https://www.instagram.com/chadcoy55/

THANK YOU TO OUR SPONSORS 

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

Get a free 8-count Sample Pack of LMNT’s most popular drink mix flavors with any purchase: https://partners.drinklmnt.com/free-gift-with-purchase?utm_campaign=agwp&am…  

Save Up to 20% at Sleepme (CODE: TABLE TALK): https://sleep.me/tabletalk

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

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

Get 10% OFF at Granite Nutrition (CODE TABLETALK): https://granitenutrition.com/?utm_source=podcast&utm_medium=audio&utm_campaign=Dave_Tate

Save $250 at the Business of Strength Retreat 2025 (CODE: Elite250): https://bosretreat.com/

Support Massenomics! https://www.massenomics.com/

SUPPORT THE SHOW 

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. 

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

We welcome Eric Helms to this episode of Dave Tate's Table Talk Podcast!

Eric Helms, PhD, CSCS, is a WNBF Pro Natural Bodybuilder and internationally respected coach, scientist, and educator in the strength and physique sport world. Since 2009, he has coached with 3D Muscle Journey, where he now serves as Chief Science Officer. His coaching résumé includes national champions and world team athletes from five countries—three of whom became IPF World Champions. Eric has coached for Team USA, New Zealand, and Canada at IPF Classic Worlds, the Commonwealth Championships, and the inaugural Sheffield meet.

In academia, Eric is a Senior Research Fellow and Strength & Conditioning Lab Manager at the Sports Performance Research Institute New Zealand (SPRINZ) at Auckland University of Technology (AUT). His research focuses on evidence-based practices for bodybuilding and powerlifting, bridging the gap between science and real-world performance.

Eric is also a prolific communicator of science. He co-hosts the popular Iron Culture Podcast, co-authors The MASS Research Review with Greg Nuckols and Eric Trexler, and has written foundational books on bodybuilding and powerlifting programming and nutrition.

Eric's IG: https://www.instagram.com/helms3dmj/

THANK YOU TO OUR SPONSORS 

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

Get a free 8-count Sample Pack of LMNT’s most popular drink mix flavors with any purchase: https://partners.drinklmnt.com/free-gift-with-purchase?utm_campaign=agwp&am…  

Save Up to 20% at Sleepme (CODE: TABLE TALK): https://sleep.me/tabletalk

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

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

Get 10% OFF at Granite Nutrition (CODE TABLETALK): https://granitenutrition.com/?utm_source=podcast&utm_medium=audio&utm_campaign=Dave_Tate

Save $250 at the Business of Strength Retreat 2025 (CODE: Elite250): https://bosretreat.com/

Support Massenomics! https://www.massenomics.com/

SUPPORT THE SHOW 

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. 

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