Protégé of the late John Meadows, Cris has spent over 18 years competing and coaching, helping bodybuilders and serious lifters achieve stage-ready physiques without compromising their joints, digestion, or overall well-being. He now carries the Mountain Dog legacy forward with Mary Meadows—keeping the principles sharp, practical, and brutally honest. Follow Cris:

Website: https://www.mountaindogdiet.com/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/cedmonds18/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@CrisEdmondsTV

Become an elitefts channel member for early access to Dave Tate's Table Talk podcast and other perks. @eliteftsofficial

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

Stuart Locke is a champion powerlifter, coach, and owner of Kodiak Barbell, which specializes in athlete mentoring, rehabilitation, and individualized programming. He's also the Director of Strength Sports at Pre-Script and a thought leader on sustainable performance coaching. Stuart's Info:

www.kodiakbarbell.com

Instagram @stu_kodiakbarbell.

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

Alex Viada is a coach, educator, and founder of Complete Human Performance (CHP). He's best known for pioneering the modern Hybrid Athlete methodology—training strength and endurance concurrently without tanking either. We dig into programming (MED, stress consolidation), durability for tactical/functional athletes, pain & injury re-learning, and what's inside his new book, The Ultimate Hybrid Athlete.

Alex Viada Links Website (CHP): https://www.completehumanperformance.com/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/alex.viada/ CHP Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/completehumanperformance/ Courses/Master Course: https://www.completehumanperformance.com/Courses Book (The Ultimate Hybrid Athlete, 2025 – Victory Belt): https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/the-ultimate-hybrid-athlete-alex-viada/1146553110 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... Programs & More -https://www.elitefts.com/shop/dave-ta... TYAO Application -https://www.elitefts.com/dave-tate-s-... Best-selling elitefts Products: Pro Resistance Training Bands: https://www.elitefts.com/shop/bands.html Specialty Barbells: https://www.elitefts.com/shop/bars-we... Wraps, Straps, Sleeves: https://www.elitefts.com/shop/power-g... 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 Get 10% OFF at Granite Nutrition (CODE TABLETALK): https://granitenutrition.com/ 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://rpstrength.com/pages/hypertrophy-app

John Ruoppo is an elite American powerlifter, coach, and gym owner based in Massachusetts. He's the All-Time World Record holder in the 308 lb single-ply squat (1,075 lbs) and has posted best competition lifts of 1,201.5 lb squat, 700 lb bench, and 804.7 lb deadlift, for a 2,560 lb total.

John co-owns Evolve Fitness & Training in West Boylston MA with his wife Stefanie—an ex-college soccer player and marathon runner. Together they've built a community gym that hosts IPA-sanctioned powerlifting meets and develops lifters of all levels.

Before coaching and gym ownership, John worked five years in corrections, a career that shaped the discipline and resilience behind his training philosophy. He's an ISSA-certified personal trainer, Massachusetts IPA Chairman, and a sponsored athlete with F8 Customs, helping test and promote next-generation powerlifting gear. Connect with John Ruoppo Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jruoppo Gym – Evolve Fitness & Training: https://www.instagram.com/evolve_ft Open Powerlifting Profile: https://www.openpowerlifting.org/u/johnruoppo

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... Programs & More -https://www.elitefts.com/shop/dave-ta... TYAO Application -https://www.elitefts.com/dave-tate-s-... Best-selling elitefts Products: Pro Resistance Training Bands: https://www.elitefts.com/shop/bands.html Specialty Barbells: https://www.elitefts.com/shop/bars-we... Wraps, Straps, Sleeves: https://www.elitefts.com/shop/power-g... 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 Get 10% OFF at Granite Nutrition (CODE TABLETALK): https://granitenutrition.com/ 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://rpstrength.com/pages/hypertrophy-app

John Welbourn is a former 10-year NFL veteran (Philadelphia Eagles, Kansas City Chiefs, New England Patriots) turned entrepreneur, strength coach, and performance educator. After retiring from professional football, he founded Power Athlete, a global leader in athletic performance programming, education, and community building. John is also the creator of CrossFit Football, one of the earliest sport-specific training programs to bridge traditional strength training with the CrossFit methodology.

As a pioneer in blending field-sport performance with strength and conditioning, John has spent decades coaching athletes of all levels—from youth sports to elite professionals—focusing on speed, power, and long-term athletic development. His work emphasizes physical preparation, mindset, nutrition, and recovery. Connect with John Website: https://www.powerathletehq.com Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/johnwelbourn Twitter/X: https://twitter.com/JohnWelbourn YouTube (Power Athlete): https://www.youtube.com/@PowerAthleteHQ Podcast (Power Athlete Radio): https://www.powerathletehq.com/podcast

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... Programs & More -https://www.elitefts.com/shop/dave-ta... TYAO Application -https://www.elitefts.com/dave-tate-s-... Best-selling elitefts Products: Pro Resistance Training Bands: https://www.elitefts.com/shop/bands.html Specialty Barbells: https://www.elitefts.com/shop/bars-we... Wraps, Straps, Sleeves: https://www.elitefts.com/shop/power-g... 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 this episode of Dave Tate's Table Talk, we're joined by Alex Kikel, also known as The Prep Coach—a leading figure in the world of human optimization, performance enhancement, and health restoration. With a Master's degree in Injury Prevention and Performance Enhancement and a background in Exercise Science, Alex brings a powerful blend of academic knowledge and real-world coaching experience to the table.

Alex launched The Prep Coach during his college years on bodybuilding forums and has since grown it into a respected coaching brand, working with a wide range of clients—from Olympians and professional athletes (NFL, NHL, NBA, MLB, MLS) to physique competitors, biohackers, longevity, enthusiasts, and individuals recovering from dysfunction and chronic illness.

Known for his deep understanding of peptides, nootropics, biomechanics, and pharmacokinetics, Alex's protocols are designed to enhance both physical and cognitive performance. Whether you're a high-level athlete or just looking to upgrade your healthspan, this conversation offers cutting-edge insights on what's possible through science-based training and recovery.

Connect with Alex: Website: www.theprepcoach.com Coaching Community: www.skool.com/tpcarmy Instagram: @theprepcoach 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... Programs & More -https://www.elitefts.com/shop/dave-ta... TYAO Application -https://www.elitefts.com/dave-tate-s-... Best-selling elitefts Products: Pro Resistance Training Bands: https://www.elitefts.com/shop/bands.html Specialty Barbells: https://www.elitefts.com/shop/bars-we... Wraps, Straps, Sleeves: https://www.elitefts.com/shop/power-g... 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 Get 10% OFF at Granite Nutrition (CODE TABLETALK): https://granitenutrition.com/ 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://rpstrength.com/pages/hypertrophy-app

Jared Maynard is a Canadian physiotherapist, strength coach, and competitive powerlifter who specializes in resilience through strength training. In January 2023, what began as a mild cold quickly escalated into Secondary Hemophagocytic Lymphohistiocytosis (HLH), a rare and deadly hyper-inflammatory disorder. Despite being strong and healthy, Jared rapidly suffered multi-organ failure, including liver and kidney failure, requiring him to be placed on life support in the ICU for five weeks. Facing fatality odds often described as worse than a coin flip, doctors prepared his family for the worst, but he made a miraculous turnaround, earning him the nickname "Miracle Man" from ICU staff.

Jared's survival was critically aided by his years of consistent strength training, with doctors confirming that the 40 pounds of muscle mass he lost served as a vital nutritional reserve during his illness. His harrowing recovery required him to relearn basic functions like walking, talking, and swallowing. Just over a year after leaving the hospital, Jared made a powerful return to the powerlifting platform on May 25, 2024, achieving a lifetime personal record deadlift of 501.5 lbs and a PR DOTS score. Jared continues to compete and uses his story—which includes facing the progressive genetic eye disease, Choroideremia (CHM)—to share the transformative power of strength and inspire others to persevere.

Contact Links for Jared Maynard

Instagram: @jared.rebuild_stronger

Website: https://www.rebuildstrongeronline.com/

Podcast: Rebuild Stronger Podcast

Prior Instagram Handle (Now redirecting): @jared.unbreakable_strength

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... Programs & More -https://www.elitefts.com/shop/dave-ta... TYAO Application -https://www.elitefts.com/dave-tate-s-... Best-selling elitefts Products: Pro Resistance Training Bands: https://www.elitefts.com/shop/bands.html Specialty Barbells: https://www.elitefts.com/shop/bars-we... Wraps, Straps, Sleeves: https://www.elitefts.com/shop/power-g... 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 Get 10% OFF at Granite Nutrition (CODE TABLETALK): https://granitenutrition.com/ 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://rpstrength.com/pages/hypertrophy-app

We welcome Tanner Baird and Tommy DeFea from Massenomics back to episode #379 of Dave Tate's Table Talk Podcast!

Massenomics is known for its lighthearted approach to the strength and fitness industry. Their motto of "Lift Hard. Live Easy." summarizes how they like to take the lifting journey seriously but still have as much fun as possible. It was started by Tommy DeFea and Tanner Baird in Western North East South Dakota, and they have developed a diehard community of supporters and enthusiasts...online and otherwise.

One of the things they are best known for is their podcast, where they chat about all things related to getting strong. It's not just about lifting weights but also about the culture and lifestyle around it. They sprinkle a lot of Midwest culture into everything they do. Tommy and Tanner have published 499 episodes of their podcast and interviewed hundreds of guests in the strength world. The Massenomics YouTube channel features a playlist of home gym tours to inspire you. They sell apparel and merchandise on their website (https://www.massenomics.com) related to the gym culture and have owned and operated a strength training gym for Ten years.

Previous Episode: https://youtu.be/dv3tHC62GtE

Website: https://www.massenomics.com Follow Massenomics: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/massenomics Gym Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/massenomicsgym Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Massenomics YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/massenomics 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... Programs & More -https://www.elitefts.com/shop/dave-ta... TYAO Application -https://www.elitefts.com/dave-tate-s-... Best-selling elitefts Products: Pro Resistance Training Bands: https://www.elitefts.com/shop/bands.html Specialty Barbells: https://www.elitefts.com/shop/bars-we... Wraps, Straps, Sleeves: https://www.elitefts.com/shop/power-g... 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 Get 10% OFF at Granite Nutrition (CODE TABLETALK): https://granitenutrition.com/ 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://rpstrength.com/pages/hypertrophy-app

Eugene "Big Gene" Bazemore is a 32-year-old Army veteran-turned-super-heavyweight powerlifter who clawed his way from orphan shelters in Hampton Roads, VA to a 2,050-lb raw total and an XPC Arnold Worlds title in barely three seasons on the platform. After military service left a competitive void, Eugene discovered powerlifting through Westside vs The World, self-coached his first meet in 2022, and has been stacking 2K-plus totals—and life lessons—ever since. In this conversation with Dave, Gene breaks down the realities of untested lifting, balancing an elite training schedule with day-to-day life in Marietta, nutrition that fuels 800-lb deadlifts, and why the barbell became the lifeline that kept him out of prison. Connect with Gene: LinkInstagramhttps://www.instagram.com/not_big_gene/ Instagram Alt. IG (legacy handle)https://www.instagram.com/halfnattygene/ Instagram Facebookhttps://www.facebook.com/eugene.bazemore.9 facebook.com Meet resultshttps://openpowerlifting.org/u/eugenebazemore Open Powerlifting 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... Programs & More -https://www.elitefts.com/shop/dave-ta... TYAO Application -https://www.elitefts.com/dave-tate-s-... Best-selling elitefts Products: Pro Resistance Training Bands: https://www.elitefts.com/shop/bands.html Specialty Barbells: https://www.elitefts.com/shop/bars-we... Wraps, Straps, Sleeves: https://www.elitefts.com/shop/power-g... 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 Get 10% OFF at Granite Nutrition (CODE TABLETALK): https://granitenutrition.com/ 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://rpstrength.com/pages/hypertrophy-app