Épisodes

  • E 72 | Stop Setting Goals This Way | The Science of Goal Setting for Athletes & Coaches

    E 72 | Stop Setting Goals This Way | The Science of Goal Setting for Athletes & Coaches
    May 11 2026
    Episode SummaryAlmost everything you have been taught about goal setting is incomplete. And in a coaching context, incomplete is dangerous. In this episode we go deeper than the certification material and examine what the psychology and performance research actually say about how humans set and pursue goals.We cover the neuroscience of dopamine and goal pursuit, the limitations of the SMART goal framework, and why outcome-only goal setting consistently produces lower adherence and performance than a layered approach that integrates outcome, performance, and process goals.We also discuss the implementation intention, a research-backed planning tool that has been shown in meta-analysis to more than double the probability that a planned behavior actually occurs. And we go through the WOOP framework from researcher Gabriele Oettingen, which consistently outperforms standard positive visualization in controlled trials.WHAT WE COVER IN THIS EPISODEWhy SMART goals alone are not enough and what the research says is missingThe dopamine system and what it means for goal difficulty and athlete motivationThe three-layer goal architecture: outcome goals, performance goals, and process goalsHow to use implementation intentions to close the gap between intention and behaviorThe WOOP framework: Wish, Outcome, Obstacle, PlanHow to run a goal-setting conversation your athletes actually ownCommon goal-setting mistakes in the fitness industry and how to avoid themRESEARCH REFERENCEDKleingeld, van Mierlo, and Arends (2019). The Effect of Goal Setting on Group Performance. Journal of Applied Psychology.Deci and Ryan (2000). The What and Why of Goal Pursuits: Human Needs and the Self-Determination of Behavior. Psychological Inquiry.Gollwitzer and Sheeran (2006). Implementation Intentions and Goal Achievement: A Meta-Analysis of Effects and Processes. Advances in Experimental Social Psychology.Oettingen and Mayer (2002). The Motivating Function of Thinking About the Future. Journal of Personality and Social Psychology.Duda and Hall (2001). Achievement Goal Theory in Sport. Handbook of Sport Psychology.Burton and Naylor (2002). The Jekyll/Hyde Nature of Goals. Advances in Sport Psychology.Schultz, W. (2016). Dopamine Reward Prediction Error Coding. Dialogues in Clinical Neuroscience.DISCLAIMERThis podcast is for educational and informational purposes only and should not be considered medical, fitness, or professional advice. Always consult with qualified healthcare and fitness professionals before making changes to your training, supplementation, nutrition, or health practices. Individual results may vary. The host and producers are not responsible for any adverse effects or consequences resulting from the use of any information, suggestions, or procedures discussed in this podcast.Subscribe & Review:If this episode added value to your training knowledge, please subscribe and leave a 5-star review! Your feedback helps us reach more fitness enthusiasts, coaches, lifters, athletes or anyone who can benefit from quality training information.About Brandon SmitleyInstagram: @bsmitley @team.thirstSubscribe On YouTube!Website: THIRSTgym.comBrandon Smitley is a world renowned strength coach and athlete for over a decade. He and his wife, Adrian, own Terre Haute Intensity Resistance and Sports Training (THIRST) where they work with youth athletes and personal training clients of all ages. He earned his Bachelor’s degree from Purdue University in Health and Fitness, and his Master’s degree from Indiana State University in Physical Education and Coaching. Brandon has been awarded Personal Trainer of the Year Awards from Purdue University and Indiana State University as well is the 2020 Reader's Choice for Best Personal Trainer in Terre Haute, IN and the Wabash Valley.Brandon is a sponsored athlete with Elitefts and NutraBio where as a competitive powerlifter he currently holds the all-time world record squat in the 132 pound weight class, with a 567 pound squat. He also holds a 330 pound bench press, and 510 pound deadlift in that weight class, totaling 1377 pounds, ranking 4th all-time. He provides online coaching and programming around the world, and has personally worked with over 200 athletes in the US, UK, France, Italy, Mexico, Canada, and other countries. Brandon’s been published at Elitefts, Muscle and Performance, and Muscle and Fitness magazine.He holds his Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist (CSCS), Level One Sports Performance (USAW), Certified Personal Trainer (CPT) certifications, and is educated in PRI for Fitness and Performance.
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    44 min
  • E 71 | Strength Training's Entire History in 45 Minutes (And Where It's Going Next)

    E 71 | Strength Training's Entire History in 45 Minutes (And Where It's Going Next)
    May 4 2026
    Episode Summary

    Most of the cutting edge strength training methods being sold on social media right now were invented 30, 50, even 2,500 years ago. In this episode of the THIRST For More Podcast, Brandon traces the full evolution of strength training. From Milo of Croton carrying a bull in ancient Greece, to Eugen Sandow and Bob Hoffman building American strength culture, to Arthur Jones and the Nautilus HIT wars, to the Soviet sport science revolution, to the evidence based era led by Brad Schoenfeld and Eric Helms, and finally to where we are going: AI assisted programming, continuous biometric data, and genetically individualized training.

    If you are a strength coach, personal trainer, or gym owner who wants to stop chasing trends and start building real professional expertise, this is the historical framework you have been missing.

    WHAT WE COVER IN THIS EPISODE

    • The 2,500 year old origin of progressive overload
    • How Eugen Sandow invented the modern fitness industry in 1895
    • The HIT versus volume training war and what the research actually says
    • Why Eastern European sport science still underpins modern programming
    • The specific researchers and coaches defining the evidence based era
    • Four trends that will shape coaching over the next 10 years
    • The uncomfortable truth about why most gyms still train like it is 1985

    RESEARCHERS AND COACHES MENTIONED

    Brad Schoenfeld, Eric Helms, Mike Israetel, Greg Nuckols, Stuart Phillips, Vladimir Zatsiorsky, Mel Siff, Tudor Bompa, Leonid Matveyev, Yuri Verkhoshansky, Arthur Jones, Bob Hoffman, Eugen Sandow, Mike Mentzer, Dorian Yates, Ellington Darden, Joe and Ben Weider

    DISCLAIMER

    This podcast is for educational and informational purposes only and should not be considered medical, fitness, or professional advice. Always consult with qualified healthcare and fitness professionals before making changes to your training, supplementation, nutrition, or health practices. Individual results may vary. The host and producers are not responsible for any adverse effects or consequences resulting from the use of any information, suggestions, or procedures discussed in this podcast.

    Subscribe & Review:

    If this episode added value to your training knowledge, please subscribe and leave a 5-star review! Your feedback helps us reach more fitness enthusiasts, coaches, lifters, athletes or anyone who can benefit from quality training information.

    About Brandon Smitley

    Instagram: @bsmitley @team.thirst

    Subscribe On YouTube!

    Website: THIRSTgym.com

    Brandon Smitley is a world renowned strength coach and athlete for over a decade. He and his wife, Adrian, own Terre Haute Intensity Resistance and Sports Training (THIRST) where they work with youth athletes and personal training clients of all ages. He earned his Bachelor’s degree from Purdue University in Health and Fitness, and his Master’s degree from Indiana State University in Physical Education and Coaching. Brandon has been awarded Personal Trainer of the Year Awards from Purdue University and Indiana State University as well is the 2020 Reader's Choice for Best Personal Trainer in Terre Haute, IN and the Wabash Valley.

    Brandon is a sponsored athlete with Elitefts and NutraBio where as a competitive powerlifter he currently holds the all-time world record squat in the 132 pound weight class, with a 567 pound squat. He also holds a 330 pound bench press, and 510 pound deadlift in that weight class, totaling 1377 pounds, ranking 4th all-time. He provides online coaching and programming around the world, and has personally worked with over 200 athletes in the US, UK, France, Italy, Mexico, Canada, and other countries. Brandon’s been published at Elitefts, Muscle and Performance, and Muscle and Fitness magazine.

    He holds his Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist (CSCS), Level One Sports Performance (USAW), Certified Personal Trainer (CPT) certifications, and is educated in PRI for Fitness and Performance.
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    42 min
  • E 70 | Equipment Buying Guide: How to Build a High-Performance Training Space Without Getting Played by Marketing

    E 70 | Equipment Buying Guide: How to Build a High-Performance Training Space Without Getting Played by Marketing
    Apr 27 2026
    Episode SummaryThe fitness equipment industry is worth 14.7 billion dollars, and it has spent decades perfecting one message: better equipment produces better results. The peer-reviewed research says that is not how training adaptation works.In this solo episode, Brandon breaks down the evidence-based framework every fitness professional should be using to make equipment purchase decisions -- from the research on what actually drives strength and hypertrophy outcomes, to a practical Three-Tier Equipment Framework you can apply immediately, to real budget ranges and red flags for every vendor conversation you will ever have.WHETHER YOU ARE A STRENGTH COACH, PERSONAL TRAINER, OR GYM OWNER, this episode gives you the tools to stop buying based on marketing and start buying based on outcomes.WHAT WE COVER IN THIS EPISODEThe Three Vectors of Equipment Marketing Mythology -- how the industry uses outcome conflation, technology theater, and professional identity leverage to shape your purchasing decisions.The Three-Tier Equipment Framework: Tier 1 -- Non-Negotiables: The equipment that directly drives training outcomes and should be funded first. Tier 2 -- Outcome Enhancers: Equipment that expands programming scope and serves specific populations. Tier 3 -- Nice-to-Haves: The comfort and convenience layer that gets purchased last, not first.Category-by-Category Breakdown: Barbells -- What tensile strength, knurling, and sleeve specs actually matter and which ones are marketing noise. Plates -- When iron plates are sufficient, when bumpers are required, and when calibration precision is irrelevant. Power Racks -- The one category where spending for quality has a legitimate safety-based justification. Cardio Equipment -- Why a 2020 meta-analysis in Medicine and Science in Sports and Exercise should change how you think about cardio equipment spending. Specialty Equipment -- An honest, research-grounded assessment of functional trainers, vibration platforms, and AI-integrated smart gym equipment.Budget Frameworks by Gym Type -- real-world cost ranges for home gyms, personal training studios, boutique gyms, and commercial facilities across all three tiers.Red Flags and Green Flags -- a rapid-fire list of signals to evaluate in every equipment vendor relationship.RESEARCH REFERENCEDGrand View Research, Global Fitness Equipment Market Report (2022).Journal of Strength and Conditioning Research, technology-integrated resistance training review (2021).Sports Medicine, resistance training adaptations meta-analysis (multiple years cited).Journal of Human Kinetics, free weight vs. machine training systematic review (2019).Medicine and Science in Sports and Exercise, cardio modality meta-analysis (2020).Sports Medicine, whole-body vibration systematic review (2022).DISCLAIMERThis podcast is for educational and informational purposes only and should not be considered medical, fitness, or professional advice. Always consult with qualified healthcare and fitness professionals before making changes to your training, supplementation, nutrition, or health practices. Individual results may vary. The host and producers are not responsible for any adverse effects or consequences resulting from the use of any information, suggestions, or procedures discussed in this podcast.Subscribe & Review:If this episode added value to your training knowledge, please subscribe and leave a 5-star review! Your feedback helps us reach more fitness enthusiasts, coaches, lifters, athletes or anyone who can benefit from quality training information.About Brandon SmitleyInstagram: @bsmitley @team.thirstSubscribe On YouTube!Website: THIRSTgym.comBrandon Smitley is a world renowned strength coach and athlete for over a decade. He and his wife, Adrian, own Terre Haute Intensity Resistance and Sports Training (THIRST) where they work with youth athletes and personal training clients of all ages. He earned his Bachelor’s degree from Purdue University in Health and Fitness, and his Master’s degree from Indiana State University in Physical Education and Coaching. Brandon has been awarded Personal Trainer of the Year Awards from Purdue University and Indiana State University as well is the 2020 Reader's Choice for Best Personal Trainer in Terre Haute, IN and the Wabash Valley.Brandon is a sponsored athlete with Elitefts and NutraBio where as a competitive powerlifter he currently holds the all-time world record squat in the 132 pound weight class, with a 567 pound squat. He also holds a 330 pound bench press, and 510 pound deadlift in that weight class, totaling 1377 pounds, ranking 4th all-time. He provides online coaching and programming around the world, and has personally worked with over 200 athletes in the US, UK, France, Italy, Mexico, Canada, and other countries. Brandon’s been published at Elitefts, Muscle and Performance, and Muscle and Fitness magazine.He holds his Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist (CSCS), Level One Sports ...
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    52 min
  • E 69 | The Habits That Separate Elite Athletes From Everyone Else

    E 69 | The Habits That Separate Elite Athletes From Everyone Else
    Apr 20 2026
    Episode SummaryMost athletes train for years and never break through. Same program. Same coach. Same gym. Same plateau. In this episode, we break down the 7 behavioral habits backed by peer-reviewed research that consistently separate athletes who make major performance jumps from those who stagnate. This is not motivation content. This is evidence-based habit science applied to real athletic development.Whether you are a strength coach, personal trainer, or a competitive athlete yourself, this episode delivers a research-grounded framework you can start applying immediately.WHAT WE COVER IN THIS EPISODEHabit 1 - Identity-Based Goal Structure: Why athletes who build process identities outperform athletes with equal talent who are outcome-focused, and how Dweck's research explains this difference.Habit 2 - Deliberate Practice: What Ericsson's actual 1993 research in Psychological Review says about the quality and structure of practice that drives elite performance -- not just the volume.Habit 3 - Sleep as a Training Variable: Mah et al. (2011) showed a 9 percent improvement in sprint times and shooting accuracy in NCAA basketball players through sleep extension alone. We break down the mechanisms and what this means for your athletes.Habit 4 - Systematic Self-Monitoring: Research by Jonker and colleagues found that elite youth athletes engaged in more self-monitoring behaviors than sub-elite athletes of the same training age -- and those behaviors were better predictors of eventual elite status than physical test results.Habit 5 - Stress Inoculation and Adversity Reframing: Jamieson et al. (2010) demonstrated that teaching athletes to reframe pre-competition arousal as excitement rather than anxiety produced significantly better performance outcomes. No new physical training required.Habit 6 - Strategic Social Environment Curation: The science of training-room culture as a hard development variable, and why the competitive standard in your room directly affects every athlete in it.Habit 7 - Outcome Detachment with Process Obsession: Lochbaum et al.'s (2014) meta-analysis on achievement goal theory, and why mastery-oriented athletes outperform performance-oriented athletes over the long term.RESEARCH REFERENCEDEricsson, K. A., Krampe, R. T., and Tesch-Romer, C. (1993). The role of deliberate practice in the acquisition of expert performance. Psychological Review, 100(3), 363-406.Mah, C. D., et al. (2011). The effects of sleep extension on the athletic performance of collegiate basketball players. SLEEP, 34(7), 943-950.Gucciardi, D. F., et al. (2019). Mental toughness and self-regulatory capacity in sport. Journal of Sport and Exercise Psychology.Lochbaum, M., et al. (2014). Achievement goals and sport performance: A meta-analysis. Journal of Applied Sport Psychology.Lally, P., et al. (2010). How are habits formed: Modelling habit formation in the real world. European Journal of Social Psychology, 40(6), 998-1009.Jamieson, J. P., et al. (2010). Reappraising stress arousal improves performance and reduces evaluation anxiety. Journal of Experimental Psychology: General.Dweck, C. S. (1988). A social-cognitive approach to motivation and personality. Journal of Personality and Social Psychology.Jonker, L., et al. (2017). Self-monitoring behaviors among elite and sub-elite youth athletes. International Journal of Sport Psychology.DISCLAIMERThis podcast is for educational and informational purposes only and should not be considered medical, fitness, or professional advice. Always consult with qualified healthcare and fitness professionals before making changes to your training, supplementation, nutrition, or health practices. Individual results may vary. The host and producers are not responsible for any adverse effects or consequences resulting from the use of any information, suggestions, or procedures discussed in this podcast.Subscribe & Review:If this episode added value to your training knowledge, please subscribe and leave a 5-star review! Your feedback helps us reach more fitness enthusiasts, coaches, lifters, athletes or anyone who can benefit from quality training information.About Brandon SmitleyInstagram: @bsmitley @team.thirstSubscribe On YouTube!Website: THIRSTgym.comBrandon Smitley is a world renowned strength coach and athlete for over a decade. He and his wife, Adrian, own Terre Haute Intensity Resistance and Sports Training (THIRST) where they work with youth athletes and personal training clients of all ages. He earned his Bachelor’s degree from Purdue University in Health and Fitness, and his Master’s degree from Indiana State University in Physical Education and Coaching. Brandon has been awarded Personal Trainer of the Year Awards from Purdue University and Indiana State University as well is the 2020 Reader's Choice for Best Personal Trainer in Terre Haute, IN and the Wabash Valley.Brandon is a sponsored athlete with Elitefts and NutraBio where as a competitive powerlifter he currently...
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    1 h et 1 min
  • E 68 | Technology Tools Every Online Trainer Needs

    E 68 | Technology Tools Every Online Trainer Needs
    Apr 13 2026
    Episode SummaryMost online trainers are paying for tools they don't need, skipping tools they do, and wondering why their business feels chaotic. In this episode, Brandon breaks down the exact technology stack an online coaching business actually needs — organized by tier, with direct recommendations grounded in business research and consumer psychology.No affiliate recommendations. No fluff. Just a clear-eyed breakdown of what moves the needle in your business and what's quietly draining your bank account.TOPICS COVERED IN THIS EPISODEWhy most coaches approach technology completely backwards and what it costs themProgramming and client management platforms — TrueCoach, TrainHeroic, and Trainerize comparedWhy Google Sheets is hurting your perceived value (and the research that backs this up)The one-channel communication rule that protects your time and your sanityVideo analysis as a non-negotiable for performance and technique coachesWhy Venmo is not a payment system — and what to use insteadContracts, scheduling tools, and the baseline business infrastructure most coaches skipThe CRM problem — the tool most coaches are ignoring that's costing them referrals and revenueContent tool over-investment — why most coaches are spending too much here too earlyThe full tech stack summary organized by Essential, Growth, and Advanced tiersTOOLS MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODEProgramming Platforms: TrueCoach, TrainHeroic, TrainerizeCommunication and Check-In: Voxer, Google Forms, Typeform, JotformVideo Analysis: Coaches Eye, Hudl TechniquePayment Processing: Stripe, Square, ThriveCartContracts: Dropbox Sign, DocuSignScheduling: CalendlyEmail Marketing: Kit (formerly ConvertKit), Mailchimp, FlodeskWebsite Platforms: Squarespace, Showit, WordPress, KajabiCRM: HubSpot, Notion, AirtableContent Editing: Descript, CapCut, Adobe PremiereAccounting: Wave, QuickBooks Self-EmployedRESEARCH REFERENCEDFinances Online (2022) — Small business software usage dataGrand View Research — Global fitness technology market projectionsParasuraman, Zeithaml, and Berry — SERVQUAL model and perceived service qualityHubSpot Sales Report (2023) — Sales follow-up frequency and conversion ratesDISCLAIMERThis podcast is for educational and informational purposes only and should not be considered medical, fitness, or professional advice. Always consult with qualified healthcare and fitness professionals before making changes to your training, supplementation, nutrition, or health practices. Individual results may vary. The host and producers are not responsible for any adverse effects or consequences resulting from the use of any information, suggestions, or procedures discussed in this podcast.Subscribe & Review:If this episode added value to your training knowledge, please subscribe and leave a 5-star review! Your feedback helps us reach more fitness enthusiasts, coaches, lifters, athletes or anyone who can benefit from quality training information.About Brandon SmitleyInstagram: @bsmitley @team.thirstSubscribe On YouTube!Website: THIRSTgym.comBrandon Smitley is a world renowned strength coach and athlete for over a decade. He and his wife, Adrian, own Terre Haute Intensity Resistance and Sports Training (THIRST) where they work with youth athletes and personal training clients of all ages. He earned his Bachelor’s degree from Purdue University in Health and Fitness, and his Master’s degree from Indiana State University in Physical Education and Coaching. Brandon has been awarded Personal Trainer of the Year Awards from Purdue University and Indiana State University as well is the 2020 Reader's Choice for Best Personal Trainer in Terre Haute, IN and the Wabash Valley.Brandon is a sponsored athlete with Elitefts and NutraBio where as a competitive powerlifter he currently holds the all-time world record squat in the 132 pound weight class, with a 567 pound squat. He also holds a 330 pound bench press, and 510 pound deadlift in that weight class, totaling 1377 pounds, ranking 4th all-time. He provides online coaching and programming around the world, and has personally worked with over 200 athletes in the US, UK, France, Italy, Mexico, Canada, and other countries. Brandon’s been published at Elitefts, Muscle and Performance, and Muscle and Fitness magazine.He holds his Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist (CSCS), Level One Sports Performance (USAW), Certified Personal Trainer (CPT) certifications, and is educated in PRI for Fitness and Performance.
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    42 min
  • E 67 | THE SCIENCE OF PRICING: Why Fitness Pros Undercharge (And How to Fix It)

    E 67 | THE SCIENCE OF PRICING: Why Fitness Pros Undercharge (And How to Fix It)
    Apr 6 2026
    Episode SummaryYour price is not just a number. It is a positioning decision, a sustainability strategy, and a direct signal to the market about the quality of your work. In this episode, we break down why fitness professionals -- trainers, strength coaches, and gym owners -- are systematically undercharging, what the research and industry data actually reveal about trainer compensation, and the practical frameworks you can use to rebuild your pricing with confidence.No generic business advice. No fluff. Evidence-based analysis and actionable tools.WHAT YOU WILL LEARNThe psychology behind underpricing: imposter syndrome, the passion penalty, and the fear of rejectionIndustry data on what trainers earn vs. what the market will actually bearWhy undercharging is a direct driver of burnout and early career exitHow to calculate your Minimum Viable Rate before your next client consultationThe difference between hourly and value-based pricing -- and why it mattersThe three-tier pricing model and how price anchoring works in your favorWord-for-word scripts for handling the three most common price objectionsRESEARCH REFERENCEDIDEA Health and Fitness Association Salary and Compensation Report, 2022U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Fitness Trainers and Instructors, Occupational Outlook Handbook, 2023Grand View Research, Online Fitness Coaching Market Report, 2023Rao, A.R. and Monroe, K.B. (1989). The Effect of Price, Brand Name, and Store Name on Buyers' Perceptions of Product Quality. Journal of Consumer Research, 16(2), 351-357.Kim, J.Y., Campbell, T.H., Shepherd, S., and Kay, A.C. (2020). Understanding Contemporary Forms of Exploitation: Attributions of Passion Reduce Perceived Exploitation of Workers. Journal of Personality and Social Psychology, 118(1), 109-123.Simonson, I. and Tversky, A. (1992). Choice in Context: Tradeoff Contrast and Extremeness Aversion. Journal of Consumer Research, 29(3), 281-295.Ariely, D., Loewenstein, G., and Prelec, D. (2008). Tom Sawyer and the construction of value. Journal of Economic Behavior and Organization.DISCLAIMERThis podcast is for educational and informational purposes only and should not be considered medical, fitness, or professional advice. Always consult with qualified healthcare and fitness professionals before making changes to your training, supplementation, nutrition, or health practices. Individual results may vary. The host and producers are not responsible for any adverse effects or consequences resulting from the use of any information, suggestions, or procedures discussed in this podcast.Subscribe & Review:If this episode added value to your training knowledge, please subscribe and leave a 5-star review! Your feedback helps us reach more fitness enthusiasts, coaches, lifters, athletes or anyone who can benefit from quality training information.About Brandon SmitleyInstagram: @bsmitley @team.thirstSubscribe On YouTube!Website: THIRSTgym.comBrandon Smitley is a world renowned strength coach and athlete for over a decade. He and his wife, Adrian, own Terre Haute Intensity Resistance and Sports Training (THIRST) where they work with youth athletes and personal training clients of all ages. He earned his Bachelor’s degree from Purdue University in Health and Fitness, and his Master’s degree from Indiana State University in Physical Education and Coaching. Brandon has been awarded Personal Trainer of the Year Awards from Purdue University and Indiana State University as well is the 2020 Reader's Choice for Best Personal Trainer in Terre Haute, IN and the Wabash Valley.Brandon is a sponsored athlete with Elitefts and NutraBio where as a competitive powerlifter he currently holds the all-time world record squat in the 132 pound weight class, with a 567 pound squat. He also holds a 330 pound bench press, and 510 pound deadlift in that weight class, totaling 1377 pounds, ranking 4th all-time. He provides online coaching and programming around the world, and has personally worked with over 200 athletes in the US, UK, France, Italy, Mexico, Canada, and other countries. Brandon’s been published at Elitefts, Muscle and Performance, and Muscle and Fitness magazine.He holds his Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist (CSCS), Level One Sports Performance (USAW), Certified Personal Trainer (CPT) certifications, and is educated in PRI for Fitness and Performance.
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    1 h et 1 min
  • E 66 | Joel Seedman Is the Fitness Industry's Most Dangerous Influencer — Here's the Evidence

    E 66 | Joel Seedman Is the Fitness Industry's Most Dangerous Influencer — Here's the Evidence
    Mar 30 2026
    Episode SummaryIs Joel Seedman the most dangerous influencer in the fitness industry? In this episode of the THIRST For More Podcast, we put his most prominent claims under the microscope -- including his 90-degree joint angle rule, his chaos training methodology, and the business model behind his Advanced Human Performance brand.This is not a rant. This is evidence-based analysis built for fitness professionals who need to know how to evaluate information, push back on pseudoscience with clients, and protect their coaching reputation.WHAT WE COVERWho is Joel Seedman and why his content matters to fitness professionalsThe 90-degree joint angle rule and what decades of research actually show about range of motionChaos training and instability protocols: evidence vs. marketingHow credentials and scientific language get used to sell ideas the research does not supportThe five training principles that are consistently backed by peer-reviewed researchWhat all of this means for your coaching career, your clients, and your professional reputationRESEARCH REFERENCEDBloomquist et al. (2013) - Effect of range of motion in heavy load squatting on muscle and tendon adaptations - European Journal of Applied PhysiologySchoenfeld (2010) - Squatting kinematics and kinetics and their application to exercise performance - Journal of Strength and Conditioning ResearchHartmann et al. (2013) - Analysis of the load on the knee joint and vertebral column with changes in squatting depth and weight load - Sports MedicineBehm and Colado (2012) - The effectiveness of resistance training using unstable surfaces and devices - Journal of Human KineticsBehm et al. (2010) - The use of instability to train the core musculature - Applied Physiology Nutrition and MetabolismRatamess et al. (2009) - NSCA Position Statement on Progression Models in Resistance Training - Medicine and Science in Sports and ExerciseSchoenfeld and Grgic (2020) - Effects of range of motion on muscle development during resistance training - Journal of Human KineticsDISCLAIMERThis podcast is for educational and informational purposes only and should not be considered medical, fitness, or professional advice. Always consult with qualified healthcare and fitness professionals before making changes to your training, supplementation, nutrition, or health practices. Individual results may vary. The host and producers are not responsible for any adverse effects or consequences resulting from the use of any information, suggestions, or procedures discussed in this podcast.Subscribe & Review:If this episode added value to your training knowledge, please subscribe and leave a 5-star review! Your feedback helps us reach more fitness enthusiasts, coaches, lifters, athletes or anyone who can benefit from quality training information.About Brandon SmitleyInstagram: @bsmitley @team.thirstSubscribe On YouTube!Website: THIRSTgym.comBrandon Smitley is a world renowned strength coach and athlete for over a decade. He and his wife, Adrian, own Terre Haute Intensity Resistance and Sports Training (THIRST) where they work with youth athletes and personal training clients of all ages. He earned his Bachelor’s degree from Purdue University in Health and Fitness, and his Master’s degree from Indiana State University in Physical Education and Coaching. Brandon has been awarded Personal Trainer of the Year Awards from Purdue University and Indiana State University as well is the 2020 Reader's Choice for Best Personal Trainer in Terre Haute, IN and the Wabash Valley.Brandon is a sponsored athlete with Elitefts and NutraBio where as a competitive powerlifter he currently holds the all-time world record squat in the 132 pound weight class, with a 567 pound squat. He also holds a 330 pound bench press, and 510 pound deadlift in that weight class, totaling 1377 pounds, ranking 4th all-time. He provides online coaching and programming around the world, and has personally worked with over 200 athletes in the US, UK, France, Italy, Mexico, Canada, and other countries. Brandon’s been published at Elitefts, Muscle and Performance, and Muscle and Fitness magazine.He holds his Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist (CSCS), Level One Sports Performance (USAW), Certified Personal Trainer (CPT) certifications, and is educated in PRI for Fitness and Performance.
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    57 min
  • E 65 | The Science of Reactive Strength: Plyometrics That Actually Transfer to Sport Performance

    E 65 | The Science of Reactive Strength: Plyometrics That Actually Transfer to Sport Performance
    Mar 9 2026
    Episode SummaryPlyometric training is everywhere. Box jumps, depth drops, bounding — almost every athlete program includes them. But here's the inconvenient truth: most plyometric training produces gym results that never show up on the field, court, or track. In this episode, we dig into why that transfer gap exists and how to close it.The problem isn't that plyometrics don't work — the research is clear that they do. The problem is that most programs confuse explosive output with reactive ability, ignore the role of contact time, and apply general methods without accounting for sport demands. By the end of this episode, you'll have a framework that changes how you think about and program plyometrics entirely.WHAT WE COVERThe neuromuscular basis of the gym-to-sport transfer problemReactive strength vs. explosive strength — understanding the differenceThe three phases of the stretch-shortening cycle and which phase coaches most often neglectThe Reactive Strength Index (RSI) as a practical training and monitoring toolThe most common plyometric programming mistakes (volume, variation, and zero specificity)A specificity spectrum model — from general GPP jumps to sport-replicated movementsHow to periodize plyometrics within a larger training blockSport-specific case studies for sprinting, soccer, basketball, and change-of-direction sportsRESEARCH REFERENCEDChimera et al. (2004) — Plyometric training effects on SSC and muscle activation patternsFlanagan & Comyns (2008) — RSI as a measurement tool for change of direction readinessMarkovic & Mikulic (2010) — Neuro-muscular and morphological adaptations following plyometric trainingMeylan & Malatesta (2009) — Effects of in-season plyometric training in youth soccerLloyd et al. (2012) — Long-term athletic development considerations for plyometric trainingSuchomel, Nimphius & Stone (2016) — Importance of muscular strength in athletic performanceTurner & Jeffreys (2010) — The stretch-shortening cycle: proposed mechanisms and methods for enhancementDISCLAIMERThis podcast is for educational and informational purposes only and should not be considered medical, fitness, or professional advice. Always consult with qualified healthcare and fitness professionals before making changes to your training, supplementation, nutrition, or health practices. Individual results may vary. The host and producers are not responsible for any adverse effects or consequences resulting from the use of any information, suggestions, or procedures discussed in this podcast.Subscribe & Review:If this episode added value to your training knowledge, please subscribe and leave a 5-star review! Your feedback helps us reach more fitness enthusiasts, coaches, lifters, athletes or anyone who can benefit from quality training information.About Brandon SmitleyInstagram: @bsmitley @team.thirstSubscribe On YouTube!Website: THIRSTgym.comBrandon Smitley is a world renowned strength coach and athlete for over a decade. He and his wife, Adrian, own Terre Haute Intensity Resistance and Sports Training (THIRST) where they work with youth athletes and personal training clients of all ages. He earned his Bachelor’s degree from Purdue University in Health and Fitness, and his Master’s degree from Indiana State University in Physical Education and Coaching. Brandon has been awarded Personal Trainer of the Year Awards from Purdue University and Indiana State University as well is the 2020 Reader's Choice for Best Personal Trainer in Terre Haute, IN and the Wabash Valley.Brandon is a sponsored athlete with Elitefts and NutraBio where as a competitive powerlifter he currently holds the all-time world record squat in the 132 pound weight class, with a 567 pound squat. He also holds a 330 pound bench press, and 510 pound deadlift in that weight class, totaling 1377 pounds, ranking 4th all-time. He provides online coaching and programming around the world, and has personally worked with over 200 athletes in the US, UK, France, Italy, Mexico, Canada, and other countries. Brandon’s been published at Elitefts, Muscle and Performance, and Muscle and Fitness magazine.He holds his Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist (CSCS), Level One Sports Performance (USAW), Certified Personal Trainer (CPT) certifications, and is educated in PRI for Fitness and Performance.
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