Phil Daru joins Judd Lienhard for a deep conversation on elite performance, strength and conditioning, mental toughness, resilience, leadership, and the habits that create long-term success.

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As a former professional MMA fighter and three-time World MMA Awards Strength & Conditioning Coach of the Year, Phil has worked with UFC champions, elite athletes, executives, and high performers across multiple industries.

In this episode, Phil and Judd discuss:

•  The principles behind championship-level performance 
•  Why order and virtue matter in life and training 
•  Recovery, HRV, and fatigue management 
•  Building resilience through failure 
•  The importance of preparation 
•  Coaching psychology and communication 
•  Developing athletes and future leaders 
•  Parenting, purpose, and legacy 
•  Conditioning strategies for everyday people 
•  What separates great performers from everyone else 

Follow Phil:

https://www.instagram.com/darustrong/

This episode is packed with actionable lessons for athletes, coaches, entrepreneurs, executives, parents, and anyone pursuing excellence.

This episode is brought to you by David Protein

David Protein has the highest protein-to-calorie ratio of any leading bar in the market. David Protein Gold label has: 28g of protein, 150 calories, and 0g of sugar. And equally as important, this bar tastes delicious. Each bar features an indulgent, doughy texture, studded with satisfying chunks and airy crisps. Other bars are hard to choke down, but I often eat 2 David Protein bars in a sitting, they are that good. Try them for yourself.

Order here for free shipping on your first order: davidprotein.com/judd

This episode is brought to you by LMNT

Optimal hydration doesn’t just mean more fluids, it means getting the right electrolyte balance. Make your purchase through my link to receive a free LMNT Sample Pack featuring the most popular flavors: drinklmnt.com/judd

Enjoyed this conversation? Consider sharing it with a friend. Subscribe, Rate, & Review to help us bring you more epic conversations. ⭐️🎧🔥

In this Q&A episode, Judd answers listener questions about CrossFit, training to failure, stubborn belly fat, knee pain, rucking, posture correction, and smarter ways to build muscle without wrecking your body.

Judd explains what CrossFit got right, where modern fitness culture goes wrong, and why many lifters misunderstand concepts like intensity, functional training, and hypertrophy.

He also dives into:

• How to build quads with bad knees
• Why eccentric training matters
• The best exercises for desk workers
• Fixing posture and hip tightness
• Whether you should train while sick
• If rucking hurts strength gains
• How to eat high protein without living on chicken and rice

This episode is packed with practical training advice for lifters, athletes, and anyone trying to get stronger, leaner, and healthier long term.

Timestamps:

00:00 Intro
00:00:37 CrossFit criticism
00:06:09 Fixing posture from sitting all day
00:09:15 Training to failure explained
00:11:16 Building quads with bad knees
00:16:08 Belly fat, hormones & alcohol
00:18:18 Training while sick
00:19:57 Does rucking hurt gains?
00:21:34 Programming “weird” exercises
00:24:28 Protein sources for fat loss

This episode is brought to you by David Protein

David Protein has the highest protein-to-calorie ratio of any leading bar in the market. David Protein Gold label has: 28g of protein, 150 calories, and 0g of sugar. And equally as important, this bar tastes delicious. Each bar features an indulgent, doughy texture, studded with satisfying chunks and airy crisps. Other bars are hard to choke down, but I often eat 2 David Protein bars in a sitting, they are that good. Try them for yourself.

Order here for free shipping on your first order: davidprotein.com/judd

This episode is brought to you by LMNT

Optimal hydration doesn’t just mean more fluids, it means getting the right electrolyte balance. Make your purchase through my link to receive a free LMNT Sample Pack featuring the most popular flavors: drinklmnt.com/judd

Enjoyed this conversation? Consider sharing it with a friend. Subscribe, Rate, & Review to help us bring you more epic conversations. ⭐️🎧🔥

VO2 max has officially become the latest obsession in the fitness world — but are people completely misunderstanding what the science actually says?

In this solo episode, Judd breaks down the truth about VO2 max, longevity training, Norwegian 4x4 workouts, Zone 2 cardio, HIIT, and cardiovascular health. He explains why having a high VO2 max matters, but why constantly doing “VO2 max training” may not be the best solution for most people.

Judd dives into the physiology behind aerobic fitness and explains how lung capacity, heart function, red blood cell count, mitochondrial density, body composition, and general physical activity all contribute to longevity and overall health.

He also discusses why fitness influencers and social media gurus often take scientific studies out of context — turning nuanced research into oversimplified training advice that doesn’t work for the average person.

This episode covers:

• What VO2 max actually measures
• Why VO2 max is strongly linked to longevity
• The problem with Norwegian 4x4 workouts for beginners
• Why low-intensity cardio still matters
• Zone 2 vs HIIT vs VO2 max training
• The role of body weight in cardiovascular health
• Why consistency beats intensity for most people
• How fitness studies get misinterpreted online
• Why balanced training is more important than trends
• Strength training, endurance training, and long-term health
• The difference between correlation and causation in exercise science

Whether you’re trying to improve your health, lose weight, build endurance, optimize performance, or simply live longer, this episode provides a practical and balanced perspective on cardiovascular fitness that cuts through the internet hype.

Get Judd’s strength training app FREE for 7 days:
https://juddlienhard.com

Timestamps:
00:00 – Why everyone is suddenly obsessed with VO2 max
02:10 – What VO2 max actually measures
05:08 – Why VO2 max training is misunderstood
08:15 – Lung capacity and breathing mechanics
11:22 – Oxygen delivery, red blood cells, and mitochondria
14:48 – Why body weight impacts VO2 max
18:05 – The problem with Norwegian 4x4 workouts
21:44 – Building sustainable exercise habits
25:10 – HIIT vs steady-state cardio
29:02 – Heart elasticity and aerobic conditioning
33:28 – Why balanced fitness matters
37:10 – Fitness guru culture and internet misinformation
41:55 – Strength training and cardiovascular health
45:40 – Correlation vs causation in exercise science
49:30 – Misinterpreted steroid studies and research
55:18 – What actually improves longevity
59:42 – Final thoughts on VO2 max training

This episode is brought to you by David Protein

David Protein has the highest protein-to-calorie ratio of any leading bar in the market. David Protein Gold label has: 28g of protein, 150 calories, and 0g of sugar. And equally as important, this bar tastes delicious. Each bar features an indulgent, doughy texture, studded with satisfying chunks and airy crisps. Other bars are hard to choke down, but I often eat 2 David Protein bars in a sitting, they are that good. Try them for yourself.

Order here for free shipping on your first order: davidprotein.com/judd

This episode is brought to you by LMNT

Optimal hydration doesn’t just mean more fluids, it means getting the right electrolyte balance. Make your purchase through my link to receive a free LMNT Sample Pack featuring the most popular flavors: drinklmnt.com/judd

Enjoyed this conversation? Consider sharing it with a friend. Subscribe, Rate, & Review to help us bring you more epic conversations. ⭐️🎧🔥

In this Q&A episode of the Judd Lienhard Podcast, Judd answers listener questions covering knee arthritis prevention, deadlift safety, CrossFit conditioning, martial arts programming, running-related foot pain, shoulder training, workout splits, deloading, and more.

Judd breaks down the biggest causes of long-term joint pain, why acute injuries often lead to arthritis later in life, and what you can actually do to train for longevity while still getting stronger, more athletic, and more resilient.

The conversation also dives into the risk vs reward of deadlifts, why many athletes misuse them, and how proper programming changes everything. Judd explains why deadlifts can be incredibly valuable for beginners while also discussing why elite athletes often evolve beyond heavy conventional pulling as their training advances.

Other topics include:

•  How to structure strength training when you only have 3 days per week 
•  The best ways to combine martial arts and lifting 
•  Transitioning from bodybuilding into CrossFit 
•  Improving conditioning without burning yourself out 
•  Fixing foot pain when getting back into running 
•  Why Judd uses bands for shoulder training 
•  Deloading correctly for recovery and performance 
•  Glute training with hip thrusts and Bulgarian split squats 
•  Coaches and mentors who shaped Judd’s philosophy 

Whether you're a lifter, athlete, runner, martial artist, CrossFit competitor, or just someone trying to stay healthy and strong for the long haul, this episode is packed with practical training advice you can apply immediately. 

This episode is brought to you by David Protein

David Protein has the highest protein-to-calorie ratio of any leading bar in the market. David Protein Gold label has: 28g of protein, 150 calories, and 0g of sugar. And equally as important, this bar tastes delicious. Each bar features an indulgent, doughy texture, studded with satisfying chunks and airy crisps. Other bars are hard to choke down, but I often eat 2 David Protein bars in a sitting, they are that good. Try them for yourself.

Order here for free shipping on your first order: davidprotein.com/judd

This episode is brought to you by LMNT

Optimal hydration doesn’t just mean more fluids, it means getting the right electrolyte balance. Make your purchase through my link to receive a free LMNT Sample Pack featuring the most popular flavors: drinklmnt.com/judd

Enjoyed this conversation? Consider sharing it with a friend. Subscribe, Rate, & Review to help us bring you more epic conversations. ⭐️🎧🔥

In this solo episode, Judd breaks down one of the most overlooked drivers of weight gain and stalled fat loss: chronic inflammation.

Most people approach fat loss with a simple mindset: eat less, move more. But if your body is under constant stress, that approach can backfire. Chronic inflammation changes how your body functions on a hormonal level, making it harder to lose fat, easier to store it, and nearly impossible to control hunger and recovery.

Judd explains how inflammation is not the enemy—in fact, it’s essential for healing and performance. The real issue is when inflammation becomes chronic due to lifestyle factors like poor sleep, excessive stress, processed foods, alcohol, and improper training. 

When that happens, your body enters a state where:

•  Cortisol stays elevated 
•  Blood sugar becomes harder to regulate 
•  Insulin resistance develops 
•  Hunger hormones increase 
•  Muscle breaks down more easily 
•  Fat storage becomes the priority 

This creates a vicious cycle where the harder you try to diet or train, the worse things can get.

Judd also challenges common fitness advice—especially the idea that more intense workouts and stricter dieting are always the answer. If your system is already inflamed, adding more stress can dig you into a deeper hole.

Instead, this episode focuses on fixing the root causes:

•  Improving sleep quality 
•  Reducing unnecessary stress 
•  Cleaning up your diet 
•  Limiting toxins like alcohol 
•  Training in a way that supports recovery 

If you feel stuck, constantly fatigued, or like your body isn’t responding the way it used to, this episode will give you a clearer understanding of what’s actually going on—and how to start fixing it.

What You’ll Learn

•  The difference between acute and chronic inflammation 
•  How stress from all areas of life adds up 
•  Why cortisol isn’t bad—but chronic elevation is 
•  How inflammation leads to insulin resistance 
•  Why you feel hungrier when you’re inflamed 
•  The real reason “eat less, move more” often fails 
•  How to structure your lifestyle for sustainable fat loss

This episode is brought to you by David Protein

David Protein has the highest protein-to-calorie ratio of any leading bar in the market. David Protein Gold label has: 28g of protein, 150 calories, and 0g of sugar. And equally as important, this bar tastes delicious. Each bar features an indulgent, doughy texture, studded with satisfying chunks and airy crisps. Other bars are hard to choke down, but I often eat 2 David Protein bars in a sitting, they are that good. Try them for yourself.

Order here for free shipping on your first order: davidprotein.com/judd

This episode is brought to you by LMNT

Optimal hydration doesn’t just mean more fluids, it means getting the right electrolyte balance. Make your purchase through my link to receive a free LMNT Sample Pack featuring the most popular flavors: drinklmnt.com/judd

Enjoyed this conversation? Consider sharing it with a friend. Subscribe, Rate, & Review to help us bring you more epic conversations. ⭐️🎧🔥

In this Q&A episode of the Judd Lienhard Podcast, Judd breaks down one of the most misunderstood concepts in fitness: why training less can actually produce better results.

If you’ve been grinding in the gym, struggling to stay consistent with a busy schedule, or feeling like your workouts aren’t delivering the same results as they used to, this episode will help you simplify and refocus your approach.

Judd answers 8 listener questions covering strength training, fat loss, mobility, and how to train effectively as you get older. He explains why advanced athletes need less volume, how to balance intensity and recovery, and what really matters when time is limited.

This episode is especially valuable for busy professionals, parents, and anyone trying to stay strong, lean, and healthy without spending hours in the gym.

What You’ll Learn in This Episode:

•  Why advanced lifters should train less, not more 
•  How to build a home gym (kettlebells vs dumbbells) 
•  The truth about mobility work and when it actually matters 
•  Whether knee sleeves are worth using 
•  Deadlifting after 40: what to adjust and why 
•  How to stay in shape with only 2–3 hours per week 
•  Why “eat less, move more” doesn’t work for fat loss 
•  The benefits of calorie cycling for energy and metabolism 
•  Seed oils, inflammation, and what actually matters

This episode is brought to you by David Protein

David Protein has the highest protein-to-calorie ratio of any leading bar in the market. David Protein Gold label has: 28g of protein, 150 calories, and 0g of sugar. And equally as important, this bar tastes delicious. Each bar features an indulgent, doughy texture, studded with satisfying chunks and airy crisps. Other bars are hard to choke down, but I often eat 2 David Protein bars in a sitting, they are that good. Try them for yourself.

Order here for free shipping on your first order: davidprotein.com/judd

This episode is brought to you by LMNT

Optimal hydration doesn’t just mean more fluids, it means getting the right electrolyte balance. Make your purchase through my link to receive a free LMNT Sample Pack featuring the most popular flavors: drinklmnt.com/judd

Enjoyed this conversation? Consider sharing it with a friend. Subscribe, Rate, & Review to help us bring you more epic conversations. ⭐️🎧🔥

In this episode of the Judd Lienhard Podcast, Judd sits down with kettlebell expert Clifton Harski to unpack how to build real-world strength, power, and mobility without needing to train like a professional athlete.

Clifton breaks down why kettlebells are one of the most effective—and misunderstood—tools in fitness. From their unique design to their ability to train power in multiple directions, kettlebells offer a level of versatility that traditional barbells and machines often can’t match. 

The conversation dives into the concept of “training for life,” where the goal isn’t just lifting heavier weights, but improving how your body moves and performs in everyday situations. Whether it’s picking up your kids, loading heavy objects, or simply staying injury-free, Judd and Clifton explain how to create more “margin” in your physical capabilities so daily tasks feel easier and safer.

They also challenge common fitness industry beliefs—like the obsession with one-rep max strength—and explore why training for power and movement quality may be more important for most people. Clifton shares how multi-directional training can help prevent injuries, especially for people who haven’t moved outside of straight lines in years.

If you’re someone with limited time, space, or equipment, this episode is especially valuable. Clifton outlines how to build an effective home gym with minimal tools, how to progress your workouts without constantly adding weight, and how to blend kettlebells with other training methods.

This episode is packed with practical advice for anyone looking to get stronger, move better, and train smarter—whether you’re a beginner or an experienced lifter.

What You’ll Learn:

•  Why kettlebells are ideal for real-life strength and movement 
•  How to build power without heavy barbells 
•  The importance of multi-directional training 
•  What “functional strength” really means 
•  How to train athleticism without playing sports 
•  Simple home gym essentials that actually work 
•  How to progress without relying on heavier weights 
•  Why most people misunderstand strength and power 

Connect with Clifton Harski

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/cliftonharski

This episode is brought to you by David Protein

David Protein has the highest protein-to-calorie ratio of any leading bar in the market. David Protein Gold label has: 28g of protein, 150 calories, and 0g of sugar. And equally as important, this bar tastes delicious. Each bar features an indulgent, doughy texture, studded with satisfying chunks and airy crisps. Other bars are hard to choke down, but I often eat 2 David Protein bars in a sitting, they are that good. Try them for yourself.

Order here for free shipping on your first order: davidprotein.com/judd

This episode is brought to you by LMNT

Optimal hydration doesn’t just mean more fluids, it means getting the right electrolyte balance. Make your purchase through my link to receive a free LMNT Sample Pack featuring the most popular flavors: drinklmnt.com/judd

Enjoyed this conversation? Consider sharing it with a friend. Subscribe, Rate, & Review to help us bring you more epic conversations. ⭐️🎧🔥

To be considered for personal training, fill out my survey or email [email protected]

https://us21.list-manage.com/survey?u=83e092c07ea55de8a86df56ea&id=957c823a5f&attribution=false&utm_source=ig&utm_medium=social&utm_content=link_in_bio

In this Q&A episode, Judd Lienhard answers listener questions on strength training, endurance, and performance optimization.

Topics include:

•  The best workout splits for building muscle and strength 
•  How to maintain size while training for a marathon 
•  Programming for older adults and improving longevity 
•  Speed training fundamentals and injury prevention 
•  Kettlebell training and athletic performance 
•  Strength strategies for fighters 

This episode is packed with practical advice to help you train smarter, stay consistent, and get better results.

This episode is brought to you by David Protein

David Protein has the highest protein-to-calorie ratio of any leading bar in the market. David Protein Gold label has: 28g of protein, 150 calories, and 0g of sugar. And equally as important, this bar tastes delicious. Each bar features an indulgent, doughy texture, studded with satisfying chunks and airy crisps. Other bars are hard to choke down, but I often eat 2 David Protein bars in a sitting, they are that good. Try them for yourself.

Order here for free shipping on your first order: davidprotein.com/judd

This episode is brought to you by LMNT

Optimal hydration doesn’t just mean more fluids, it means getting the right electrolyte balance. Make your purchase through my link to receive a free LMNT Sample Pack featuring the most popular flavors: drinklmnt.com/judd

Enjoyed this conversation? Consider sharing it with a friend. Subscribe, Rate, & Review to help us bring you more epic conversations. ⭐️🎧🔥

In this episode, Judd sits down with Ben Barker to talk about what it really takes to stay disciplined, fit, and present as a dad in today’s world.

Ben has built a following by helping busy fathers train at home, stay athletic, and simplify fitness without letting it take over their lives. This conversation goes far beyond workouts—it’s about how discipline in one area of life carries into everything else.

They break down why so many men fall out of shape in their 30s and 40s, how comfort and convenience are working against us, and why building strength and athleticism is about more than just aesthetics.

You’ll also hear practical insights on sprint training, full-body workouts, balancing family life, and how to involve your kids in your fitness journey instead of letting it compete with your time.

Toward the end, the conversation shifts into something deeper—how fitness connects to faith, stewardship, and being physically capable enough to show up for your family and community when it matters most.

In this episode:

•  Why discipline matters more than motivation 
•  The biggest reasons men get out of shape in their 30s and 40s 
•  How modern life makes staying fit harder than ever 
•  Sprint training and why it’s one of the most powerful tools for performance 
•  Full-body workouts vs traditional “bro splits” 
•  Training at home with kids and making fitness part of family life 
•  The importance of daily movement (walking, rucking, staying active) 
•  Balancing fitness goals with being a present husband and father 
•  Fitness as a form of stewardship and service 

Connect with Ben Barker

Instagram: https://instagram.com/benbarkerfitness

This episode is brought to you by David Protein

David Protein has the highest protein-to-calorie ratio of any leading bar in the market. David Protein Gold label has: 28g of protein, 150 calories, and 0g of sugar. And equally as important, this bar tastes delicious. Each bar features an indulgent, doughy texture, studded with satisfying chunks and airy crisps. Other bars are hard to choke down, but I often eat 2 David Protein bars in a sitting, they are that good. Try them for yourself.

Order here for free shipping on your first order: davidprotein.com/judd

This episode is brought to you by LMNT

Optimal hydration doesn’t just mean more fluids, it means getting the right electrolyte balance. Make your purchase through my link to receive a free LMNT Sample Pack featuring the most popular flavors: drinklmnt.com/judd

Enjoyed this conversation? Consider sharing it with a friend. Subscribe, Rate, & Review to help us bring you more epic conversations. ⭐️🎧🔥

To be considered for personal training, fill out my survey or email [email protected]

https://us21.list-manage.com/survey?u=83e092c07ea55de8a86df56ea&id=957c823a5f&attribution=false&utm_source=ig&utm_medium=social&utm_content=link_in_bio

In this Q&A episode, I answer some of the most common (and misunderstood) questions around training, nutrition, and real-world performance.

We cover everything from protein intake and fat loss to how to structure your workouts, prevent injuries, and why athleticism actually matters in everyday life—not just sports.

If you’ve ever been confused about how much protein you really need, how to split up your leg training, or how to train in a way that actually translates outside the gym, this episode will give you clarity.

Topics include:

•  How much protein you actually need (and why it might be less than you think) 
•  The impact of resistance training on protein requirements 
•  How to structure leg workouts (quads vs hamstrings vs full leg) 
•  How to start rucking safely and progress without injury 
•  Advice for people dealing with ACL injuries 
•  Why athleticism matters for real-life performance 
•  Calorie deficit vs hitting your protein goal for fat loss 

I also share some insights from my time in the military and how that shaped my approach to training, movement, and physical preparedness.

This episode is brought to you by David Protein

David Protein has the highest protein-to-calorie ratio of any leading bar in the market. David Protein Gold label has: 28g of protein, 150 calories, and 0g of sugar. And equally as important, this bar tastes delicious. Each bar features an indulgent, doughy texture, studded with satisfying chunks and airy crisps. Other bars are hard to choke down, but I often eat 2 David Protein bars in a sitting, they are that good. Try them for yourself.

Order here for free shipping on your first order: davidprotein.com/judd

This episode is brought to you by LMNT

Optimal hydration doesn’t just mean more fluids, it means getting the right electrolyte balance. Make your purchase through my link to receive a free LMNT Sample Pack featuring the most popular flavors: drinklmnt.com/judd

Enjoyed this conversation? Consider sharing it with a friend. Subscribe, Rate, & Review to help us bring you more epic conversations. ⭐️🎧🔥