The Revive Stronger Podcast

Latest Episodes:

482: Mastering the Art of Cutting: A Comprehensive Guide - Steve Hall Aug 23, 2025

Show notes

In this episode of the Revive Stronger podcast, host Steve Hall discusses the essential components of cutting and fat loss. Drawing from his extensive experience as a natural bodybuilder and coach, he emphasizes the importance of mental and physical preparation, understanding calorie deficits, setting appropriate macros, and the role of food composition and nutrient timing.

Steve also covers the significance of cardio, practical tips for successful dieting, and the psychological aspects of hunger and refeeds. This comprehensive guide aims to equip listeners with the knowledge and strategies needed for effective fat loss.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Cutting and Dieting

12:11 Understanding Calories and Rate of Loss

21:11 Macronutrients and Their Importance

36:09 Diet Philosophy: Flexible Dieting

44:46 Nutrient Timing and Its Role in Fat Loss

55:40 Understanding Cardio and Its Impact on Fat Loss

01:03:22 Practical Tips for Successful Fat Loss

01:11:32 The Role of Refeeds and Diet Breaks

Sponsor: https://onelink.to/mfrevivestronger

Thanks, please comment, like and subscribe! COACHING: https://revivestronger.com/online-coaching/ MINI CUT MOVEMENT: https://revivestronger.com/mini-cut-movement/ MEMBERSITE: https://revivestronger.com/team-revive-stronger/ INSTAGRAM: http://www.instagram.com/revivestronger NEWSLETTER: https://bit.ly/2rRONG5 __________________________________________________________________ Epic Workout Clothing (use code STRONGER): • US: https://www.raskolapparel.com • Europe: https://raskolapparel.eu/ • Canada: https://raskolapparel.ca/ __________________________________________________________________ Our Ebooks! Ultimate Guide To Contest Prep Ebook: • https://revivestronger.com/product/the-ultimate-guide-to-contest-prep/ __________________________________________________________________ Stay up to date with the latest research and educate yourself! MASS (Research Review): • https://www.massmember.com/a/2147994108/MxeV4T3M JPS Mentorship • https://jpseducation.mykajabi.com/offers/ab2q2QSo/checkout Muscle & Strength Pyramids • https://getdpd.com/cart/hoplink/25469?referrer=1uk0lvv6e1rqv __________________________________________________________________ When you're interested in online coaching, please go visit our website and follow the application form: https://www.revivestronger.com/online-coaching/

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481: The Worlds Strongest Bodybuilder - Stan Efferding Aug 16, 2025

Show notes

In this conversation, Stan Efferding shares his extensive experience in bodybuilding, powerlifting, and nutrition, emphasizing the importance of personal anecdotes alongside scientific evidence. He discusses the development of the Vertical Diet, the dangers of restrictive diets, and the significance of consistency and discipline in achieving fitness goals.

Stan also highlights the importance of surrounding oneself with knowledgeable individuals and the impact of coaching on performance. He reflects on his training experiences with Flex Wheeler and the lessons learned throughout his journey in the fitness industry.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction

01:46 The Journey of Experience and Evidence

14:05 Consistency and Discipline in Bodybuilding

22:00 Navigating Information in the Fitness Industry

38:10 Evaluating Nutrition Books and Resources

43:59 Shiny Object Syndrome in Fitness

59:55 The Value of Great Coaching and Environment

Sponsor: https://onelink.to/mfrevivestronger

Stan:

https://www.instagram.com/stanefferding/

https://stanefferding.com/

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480: The Great Muscle Length Debate - Bret Contreras Aug 09, 2025

Show notes

In this conversation, Bret and Steve delve into the evolving landscape of muscle length training and hypertrophy research. They discuss the emergence of two primary camps within the fitness community: those advocating for longer muscle lengths (the 'stretch cult') and those supporting a more nuanced approach (neuromechanical matching).

The dialogue highlights the importance of practical experience in training, the biases that can influence research interpretation, and the complexities surrounding muscle growth mechanisms. As they explore the implications of recent studies, they emphasize the need for further research, particularly focusing on advanced lifters, to better understand the dynamics of hypertrophy and performance.

In this conversation, Bret and Steve delve into various aspects of muscle growth, training philosophy, and the importance of exercise selection. They discuss the significance of understanding lengthened and partial movements, the necessity of variety in training, and the challenges posed by the digital landscape of fitness.

The dialogue emphasizes the balance between scientific understanding and practical application in training, highlighting the need for a flexible and enjoyable approach to fitness.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction

02:41 Introduction and Context of Muscle Length Training

05:47 The Debate: Lengthened vs. Shortened Muscle Training

08:35 The Role of Neuromechanical Matching in Muscle Growth

11:30 Critique of Current Research and Industry Biases

14:44 The Evolution of Research in Strength Training

17:40 Understanding Hypertrophy: Complexity and Nuance

20:52 The Importance of Torque and Muscle Activation

23:38 Future Directions in Muscle Research

26:40 Conclusion and Final Thoughts

42:14 Exploring Glute Activation and Performance

45:26 Hip Thrusts vs. Squats: A Performance Perspective

53:23 Hypertrophy vs. Performance: The Muscle Growth Debate

58:43 The Importance of Exercise Variation for Longevity

01:08:56 Length and Partials: A New Approach to Training

01:24:18 Innovative Training Techniques for Muscle Growth

01:30:54 Understanding Lengthened Partial Training

01:38:33 The Balance Between Optimization and Enjoyment in Training

01:46:23 The Impact of Social Media on Fitness Science

Sponsor: https://onelink.to/mfrevivestronger

Bret:

https://www.instagram.com/bretcontreras1/

https://www.youtube.com/ ⁨@bretcontreras1⁩

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479: Everything You Need To Know About Training Volume & Hypertrophy - Greg Nuckols Aug 02, 2025

Show notes

In this conversation, Steve Hall and Greg Nuckols delve into the complexities of training volume, its impact on hypertrophy and strength, and the nuances of scientific research in exercise science.

They discuss the definitions of training volume, the importance of understanding the differences between muscle growth types, and the implications of recent meta-analyses. The conversation also touches on the philosophical aspects of science, particularly the tension between rationalism and empiricism, and how this affects interpretations of research findings in the fitness industry. In this conversation, Greg Nuckols discusses the complexities of biological systems and the limitations of deductive reasoning in fitness science and much more!

Chapters

00:00 Introduction

02:19 The Journey of Writing on Training Volume

05:08 Understanding Training Volume: Definitions and Importance

08:23 The Shift from Volume Load to Sets: A New Perspective

11:24 The Role of Hard Sets in Training Volume

14:33 Causation vs. Correlation: The Debate on Volume and Hypertrophy

17:13 The Misconception of Muscle Growth and Strength

20:15 Meta-Analyses: Strength vs. Hypertrophy Research

23:13 The Complexity of Causation in Strength Training

26:30 The Implications of Volume on Strength Gains

29:07 The Role of Proximity to Failure in Training Effectiveness

32:25 The Importance of Context in Training Research

47:39 Training Intensity and Volume: A Critical Analysis

01:00:11 Rationalism vs. Empiricism in Science

01:29:15 Strength Gains and Hypertrophy: Understanding the Connection

01:33:27 Ongoing Research on Hypertrophy and Strength Gains

01:37:20 Establishing Causation: Hypertrophy vs. Strength Gains

01:43:01 Understanding the Context of Research Studies

01:46:30 Extrapolating Short-Term Results to Long-Term Outcomes

01:53:50 Logarithmic Growth: Understanding Muscle Gains Over Time

02:06:00 Practical Recommendations for Training Volume

Sponsor: https://onelink.to/mfrevivestronger

References:

- Article: https://www.strongerbyscience.com/volume/\

- Logarithmic strength increases across a PL career: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/38060089/

- Hypertrophy as a causal contributor to strength gains point/counterpoint –

- Hypertrophy IS a contributor: https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s40279-019-01107-8- Hypertrophy is NOT a contributor: https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s40279-019-01106-9

- Classic Hubal paper: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/15947721

- Continuation providing fairly strong evidence for causality: https://www.biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2025.01.13.632853v1.full

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478: When Theory Fails: The Power of Real-World Experience - Alec Blenis Jul 26, 2025

Show notes

In this episode of the Revive Stronger podcast, host Steve Hall interviews Alec Blenis, a competitive athlete and strength coach. They discuss Alec's diverse athletic background, his transition from physics to fitness coaching, and the evolution of training methodologies.

The conversation delves into the interference effect in training, the balance between strength and endurance, and the importance of nutrition. Alec shares insights on managing caloric intake, the significance of calf training for runners, and challenges conventional exercise wisdom.

The episode emphasizes the need for individualization in training and the value of consistency over perfection.

Timestamps:

00:00 Introduction to Athletic Journeys

07:53 Alec's Athletic Background and Achievements

13:31 Transition from Physics to Fitness Coaching

23:29 Training for a Marathon: Balancing Strength and Endurance

30:37 Nutrition Strategies for Hybrid Athletes

39:56 Fueling for Performance: The Importance of Nutrition

44:55 Understanding the Importance of Calf Training

01:12:49 Shifting Perspectives: The Value of Consistency in Training

https://www.instagram.com/alecblenis/

Thanks, please comment, like and subscribe!

COACHING: https://revivestronger.com/online-coaching/

MINI CUT MOVEMENT: https://revivestronger.com/mini-cut-movement/

MEMBERSITE: https://revivestronger.com/team-revive-stronger/

INSTAGRAM: http://www.instagram.com/revivestronger

NEWSLETTER: https://bit.ly/2rRONG5__

________________________________________________________________

Epic Workout Clothing (use code STRONGER):

• US: https://www.raskolapparel.com

• Europe: https://raskolapparel.eu/

• Canada: https://raskolapparel.ca

/__________________________________________________________________

Our Ebooks!Ultimate Guide To Contest Prep Ebook:• https://revivestronger.com/product/the-ultimate-guide-to-contest-prep

/__________________________________________________________________

Stay up to date with the latest research and educate yourself!

MASS (Research Review):

• https://www.massmember.com/a/2147994108/MxeV4T3MJPS Mentorship

• https://jpseducation.mykajabi.com/offers/ab2q2QSo/checkoutMuscle & Strength Pyramids

• https://getdpd.com/cart/hoplink/25469?referrer=1uk0lvv6e1rqv

__________________________________________________________________

When you're interested in online coaching, please go visit our website and follow the application form:https://www.revivestronger.com/online-coaching/

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477: The Ethics of Coaching in Bodybuilding - Paul Revelia Jul 19, 2025

Show notes

In this conversation, Steve Hall and Paul Revelia delve into the intricacies of coaching in the bodybuilding world, reflecting on Paul's 15-year journey as a coach. They discuss the importance of client-coach alignment, share horror stories from the prep world, and highlight the red flags to look for when choosing a coach.

Paul emphasizes the need for personal connection and the evolution of coaching practices over the years, while also addressing the challenges of recognizing when a client is ready to compete. In this conversation, Steve Hall and Paul Revelia delve into the complexities of coaching in bodybuilding, discussing the ethical responsibilities of coaches, the importance of understanding client expectations, and the nuances of flexible dieting.

They emphasize the significance of communication and building trust with clients, as well as the need for education in coaching practices. The discussion also touches on the challenges of navigating judges' feedback in competitions and the psychological aspects of coaching competitors.

Timestamps:

00:00 The Journey of Coaching: A 15-Year Reflection

02:29 Horror Stories from the Prep World

07:30 The Importance of Client-Coach Alignment

13:14 Red Flags in Coaching: What to Look For

15:13 Learning from Mistakes: Evolving as a Coach

21:13 Recognizing Readiness: When to Say No to Prep

22:23 The Ethics of Coaching23:32 Understanding Client Expectations

24:44 The Approach to Bodybuilding

25:56 Mindset and Flexibility in Dieting

27:08 Recognizing Signs of Distress in Clients

29:15 Communication and Client Relationships

31:31 Building Trust and Confidence

33:40 The Importance of Education in Coaching

36:49 Navigating Judges Feedback

39:32 Understanding Judging Nuances

https://www.instagram.com/paulrevelia/

https://www.prophysique.com/

https://www.youtube.com/@PaulRevelia

Thanks, please comment, like and subscribe!

COACHING: https://revivestronger.com/online-coaching/

MINI CUT MOVEMENT: https://revivestronger.com/mini-cut-movement/

MEMBERSITE: https://revivestronger.com/team-revive-stronger/

INSTAGRAM: http://www.instagram.com/revivestronger

NEWSLETTER: https://bit.ly/2rRONG5__

________________________________________________________________

Epic Workout Clothing (use code STRONGER):

• US: https://www.raskolapparel.com

• Europe: https://raskolapparel.eu/

• Canada: https://raskolapparel.ca

/__________________________________________________________________

Our Ebooks!Ultimate Guide To Contest Prep Ebook:• https://revivestronger.com/product/the-ultimate-guide-to-contest-prep

/__________________________________________________________________

Stay up to date with the latest research and educate yourself!

MASS (Research Review):

• https://www.massmember.com/a/2147994108/MxeV4T3MJPS Mentorship

• https://jpseducation.mykajabi.com/offers/ab2q2QSo/checkoutMuscle & Strength Pyramids

• https://getdpd.com/cart/hoplink/25469?referrer=1uk0lvv6e1rqv

__________________________________________________________________

When you're interested in online coaching, please go visit our website and follow the application form:https://www.revivestronger.com/online-coaching/

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476: How To Become a Black Belt in Bodybuilding - Jeff Alberts Jul 12, 2025

Show notes

In this engaging conversation, Steve Hall and Jeff Alberts reflect on the past year in bodybuilding, discussing the evolution of mindset from competition-focused to enjoyment-driven. They explore the importance of fun in the contest prep process, the impact of social media on expectations, and the necessity of adapting training as one ages. Jeff shares insights on recovery, learning from other sports, and the significance of mastering the fundamentals in bodybuilding. The discussion emphasizes the value of experience, the challenges of navigating the competitive landscape, and the importance of staying true to oneself amidst industry pressures. Timestamps 00:00 Introduction and Reflections on Past Competitions 05:41 The Journey of Consistency and Mastery in Bodybuilding 10:35 The Mental Challenges of Contest Prep 17:57 Finding Purpose and Enjoyment in Bodybuilding 24:54 The Evolution of Competitive Mindset 30:08 Exploring the Classic Division and Future Competitions 34:12 The Muscle Mayhem Showdown 35:29 Support and Friendship in Bodybuilding 36:49 Adapting Training to Physical Limitations 39:29 The Importance of Rep Cadence 42:07 Aging and Training Adjustments 44:02 Respecting Science and Personal Experience 46:53 Navigating Social Media and Content Creation 56:35 Learning from Other Sports 01:01:09 The Value of Fundamentals in Bodybuilding 01:04:24 Looking Ahead to Competition Thanks, please comment, like and subscribe! Find Jeff: https://www.instagram.com/3dmj_godfather/ https://www.youtube.com/user/Team3DMJ COACHING: https://revivestronger.com/online-coaching/ MINI CUT MOVEMENT: https://revivestronger.com/mini-cut-movement/ MEMBERSITE: https://revivestronger.com/team-revive-stronger/ INSTAGRAM: http://www.instagram.com/revivestronger NEWSLETTER: https://bit.ly/2rRONG5 __________________________________________________________________ Epic Workout Clothing (use code STRONGER): • US: https://www.raskolapparel.com • Europe: https://raskolapparel.eu/ • Canada: https://raskolapparel.ca/ __________________________________________________________________ Our Ebooks! Ultimate Guide To Contest Prep Ebook: • https://revivestronger.com/product/the-ultimate-guide-to-contest-prep/ __________________________________________________________________ Stay up to date with the latest research and educate yourself! MASS (Research Review): • https://www.massmember.com/a/2147994108/MxeV4T3M JPS Mentorship • https://jpseducation.mykajabi.com/offers/ab2q2QSo/checkout Muscle & Strength Pyramids • https://getdpd.com/cart/hoplink/25469?referrer=1uk0lvv6e1rqv __________________________________________________________________ When you're interested in online coaching, please go visit our website and follow the application form: https://www.revivestronger.com/online-coaching/

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475: Being a Natural IFBB Pro Bikini Competitor - Holly Baxter Jul 05, 2025

Show notes

In this conversation, Holly Baxter shares her journey from amateur to professional bodybuilder, discussing the challenges of self-coaching, the competitive landscape of bikini competitions, and the importance of flexibility in training and nutrition.

She emphasizes the need for dietary variety to prevent deficiencies and shares insights on body composition measurements and the limitations of DEXA scans.

Holly also discusses her approach to supplements and her goals for upcoming competitions, including her aspirations to qualify for the Olympia.

Timestamps:

00:00 Introduction and Competitive Journey

02:53 Self-Coaching and Its Challenges

05:48 Balancing Business and Competition

09:00 Transitioning to Pro Competitions

12:04 Training Adjustments for Bikini Competitions

14:54 Hormonal Health and Natural Competitiveness

17:58 Measuring Progress and Training Effectiveness

26:52 Muscle Growth and Maintenance Strategies

30:17 Research on Lean Athletic Populations

32:57 The Limitations of DEXA Scans

39:07 Tracking Body Composition Changes

48:05 The Role of Cardio in Contest Prep

54:44 Balancing Recovery and Expenditure

55:58 Understanding Caloric Floors and Nutritional Balance

57:49 The Importance of Social Life in Bodybuilding

01:00:10 Transitioning from Tracking to Mindful Eating

01:05:06 Supplementation Insights and Myths

01:10:47 The Role of Dietary Fats and Food Variety

01:18:06 Training Volume and Individual Adaptations

Find Holly:

https://www.instagram.com/hollytbaxter/

https://www.youtube.com/@HollyTBaxter/videos

https://bia-body.com/

COACHING: https://revivestronger.com/online-coaching/ MINI CUT MOVEMENT: https://revivestronger.com/mini-cut-movement/ MEMBERSITE: https://revivestronger.com/team-revive-stronger/ INSTAGRAM: http://www.instagram.com/revivestronger NEWSLETTER: https://bit.ly/2rRONG5 __________________________________________________________________ Epic Workout Clothing (use code STRONGER): • US: https://www.raskolapparel.com • Europe: https://raskolapparel.eu/ • Canada: https://raskolapparel.ca/ __________________________________________________________________ Our Ebooks! Ultimate Guide To Contest Prep Ebook: • https://revivestronger.com/product/the-ultimate-guide-to-contest-prep/ __________________________________________________________________ Stay up to date with the latest research and educate yourself! MASS (Research Review): • https://www.massmember.com/a/2147994108/MxeV4T3M JPS Mentorship • https://jpseducation.mykajabi.com/offers/ab2q2QSo/checkout Muscle & Strength Pyramids • https://getdpd.com/cart/hoplink/25469?referrer=1uk0lvv6e1rqv __________________________________________________________________ When you're interested in online coaching, please go visit our website and follow the application form: https://www.revivestronger.com/online-coaching/

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474: Overcoached & Undertrained: The Risk of Misusing Models - Kassem Hanson Jun 28, 2025

Show notes

In this episode of the Revive Stronger podcast, host Steve Hall and coach Kassem Hanson discuss the evolving landscape of fitness, particularly focusing on the impact of social media on training methodologies.

They explore the importance of understanding fatigue, the role of experience in coaching, and the necessity of individualization in training programs. Kassem shares insights from his own journey, including lessons learned about intention in training and the significance of biomechanics.

The conversation also touches on the future of fitness technology and the development of Kassem's new app, which aims to enhance training through data-driven insights.

Chapters

00:00 The Evolution of Fitness Trends

05:58 Navigating the Nuances of Online Coaching

12:04 The Role of Experience in Coaching

17:48 The Importance of Practical Experience in Fitness

23:54 The Reality of Genetic Advantages in Bodybuilding

30:10 The Balance of Training Volume and Recovery

37:39 The Importance of Patience in Bodybuilding

45:44 The Role of Models in Biomechanics

56:55 Chest Training: Techniques and Considerations

01:10:56 Lessons Learned: The Shift from Intention to Mechanics

https://www.instagram.com/coach_kassem/

https://n1.training/app-membership

https://n1.education/

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473: The Truth About Volume, Frequency & Intensity for Muscle Growth - Zac, Josh & Jake Jun 21, 2025

Show notes

This conversation delves into the intricacies of training volume, intensity, and their effects on hypertrophy and strength.

The speakers discuss the methodologies of meta-analyses, the importance of dose-response relationships, and the practical applications of research findings. They explore the differences between training for hypertrophy and strength, the limitations of current research, and the significance of understanding individual responses to training variables. The discussion emphasizes the need for a balanced approach to training, considering both volume and intensity, while also acknowledging the complexities of applying research to real-world scenarios.

Practical recommendations for training volume and frequency are provided, along with insights into the environment of training stimulus and how to navigate it effectively.

Timestamps:

00:00 Introduction to Meta-Analyses in Strength Training

09:42 Understanding the Methods of Meta-Analyses

17:29 Key Findings on Volume and Frequency

26:40 Proximity to Failure and Its Implications

33:39 Strength vs. Hypertrophy: Diverging Paths

40:45 Limitations and Future Directions

41:19 Understanding Dose-Response Relationships

46:23 The Complexity of Training Variables

52:33 Practical Implications of Research Findings

01:01:00 Navigating Individual Differences in Training

01:06:41 The Art of Coaching and Programming

01:25:41 Strength vs. Hypertrophy: Understanding the Differences

01:31:16 The Role of Fatigue Management in Training

01:36:29 Simplifying the Concept of Stimulus in Training

01:43:25 Practical Recommendations for Volume and Intensity

02:00:51 Navigating Training Adjustments and Personalization

Their Podcasts: https://www.youtube.com/ ⁨@datadrivenstrength⁩ https://www.youtube.com/@TheTrainingArcPodcast

Their Socials:https://www.instagram.com/jake.remmert_coach/https://www.instagram.com/josh.datadrivenstrength/https://www.instagram.com/zac.datadrivenstrength/

Their papers:

- Proximity to failure: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/38970765/

- Weekly volume & frequency: https://www.researchgate.net/publication/384628335_The_Resistance_Training_Dose-Response_Meta-Regressions_Exploring_the_Effects_of_Weekly_Volume_and_Frequency_on_Muscle_Hypertrophy_and_Strength_Gain

- Single session volume: https://sportrxiv.org/index.php/server/preprint/view/537

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