World-renowned strength & conditioning coach Joe DeFranco shares his thoughts on training for peak performance, mindset, and living your passion. As the founder and owner of DeFranco's Gym, he also provides the business knowledge that helped him turn a 500-square-foot storage closet into a global brand.
Each week, Joe will educate, motivate and entertain his audience by answering their questions and/or conducting interviews with top athletes, fitness professionals, entrepreneurs, and other highly successful people.
#594 If I Woke Up Fat & Bloated Tomorrow Here's What I'd Do...
What would Joe DeFranco do if he woke up tomorrow, looked in the mirror, and "Bloated Joe D" was staring back at him?! In this episode, Joe answers a listener's hypothetical question by revealing the first 5 things he'd do to get his lean physique back—at age 51.
Before outlining his plan, Joe shares the lessons learned from two very different transformations: his first diet at 21, which got him to single-digit body fat but ended with him regaining all the weight plus an additional 18 pounds, and the 40+ pound weight loss he began around age 40—and has maintained ever since.
Drawing on those experiences, Joe explains why his approach today would prioritize sustainable habits over a dramatic short-term transformation. He breaks down:
A simple starting point for establishing a slight calorie deficit.
How he'd set his protein target and distribute it throughout the day.
Why he'd aim for at least 25 grams of fiber daily.
His practical daily water-intake target.
How he'd combine low-volume strength training with 8-10k daily steps.
Plus, Joe adds a bonus habit that deserves a place in any fat-loss plan! He discusses its role in recovery, performance, and managing food cravings.
To wrap things up, Joe explains how listeners can get FREE access to his Busy Bastard strength training program and shares details about a four-day email promotion giving Lean Bastard customers 20% off their next DeFranco program.
If you're tired of losing weight only to gain it back, this episode lays out Joe's practical approach to building a leaner physique—and maintaining it forever.
8 Oct 2026
#593 Why I NEVER Program Forced Reps + Squatober After 40 [Q&A]
In this week's episode, Joe answers four listener questions covering smarter training, career growth, and better breathing. He explains why he never programs forced reps—including an overlooked problem—and shares his take on Squatober after the age of 40. Can you embrace the challenge without burying your recovery? Joe also reveals the best question a former intern ever asked him and explains how focusing on ONE THING laid the foundation for his business success. Finally, he shares two unique breathing cues that will enable you to become a "better breather", plus practical ways to practice them. Expect straightforward advice, personal stories, and coaching insights you can put to use immediately! *For a full list of Show Notes with Timestamps visit www.IndustrialStrengthShow.com.
IMPORTANT LINKS
Iron Business Mastermind Weekend
Team Forever Strong [1-Week Free Trial]
1 Oct 2026
#592 - Grit or Disrespect (The HYROX Incident), My Skin Cancer Scare & a Totally Random Q&A!
Joe takes a break from the typical training Q&A for a fun, unique episode featuring 10 totally random listener questions! He opens up about his recent skin cancer scare and weighs in on the controversial HYROX incident in Beijing: Was continuing the race a display of grit—or disrespect? Other topics include Nicolas Cage playing John Madden, getting help on the first rep of heavy dumbbell bench presses, Clubber Lang vs. Ivan Drago, and Joe's favorite running back after Walter Payton. He also discusses incline walking vs. daily steps, his two best exercises for improving 225-pound bench press rep endurance, and what he'd change about his past approach to training athletes. Finally, Joe imagines his ultimate restaurant—from the food and music to the behavior that would get a customer permanently banned! *For a full list of Show Notes with Timestamps visit www.IndustrialStrengthShow.com.
IMPORTANT LINKS
DeFranco's Nutritional Supplements
Mass Confusion [NEW program!]
Who has been a guest on Joe DeFranco's Industrial Strength Show
Names identified in recent episode analyses. Showing up to five guests.
Derek Medeiros
Chris Tutela
Ben Bruno
Beth Feraco
Reach and audience
Public platform figures. Ratings count people who left a rating, not total listeners.
YouTube views
35,265,407
Score snapshot 15 Sept 2025
Apple Podcasts (US)
5.0 / 5
15 ratings
Podcast Authority Score: 88 / 100
A composite of feed quality, social presence, YouTube performance and engagement. Read the methodology.
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