Men’s Health Strong Talk
What happens when science meets real strength? Each week, Men's Health fitness director Ebenezer Samuel and muscle scientist Dr. Pat Davidson sit down with actors, athletes, innovators, and other high performers who push human capabilities to their limits. From Hollywood transformations to elite sports prep, you'll hear candid stories, evidence-based insights, and the unfiltered truth about what it really takes to build strength for life. Men's Health's Strong Talk gives you the habits, tools, and mindsets to build strength that lasts a lifetime, whether you're chasing your first pullup, or fine-tuning yourself for peak performance.
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Episodes
5 days ago
5 days ago
48 min
Paul Rabil is one of the greatest lacrosse players ever—and he still trains like it even in retirement at age 40. In this episode, Rabil explains why lacrosse builds a rare mix of strength, speed, conditioning, coordination, and toughness, and why more guys may want to steal from the way lacrosse players train.
In this episode:
How Paul found lacrosse — and why the sport is still hard to access (00:01)
What makes lacrosse athletes different (13:25)
Why Paul calls lacrosse his best workout ever (16:08)
Why he stopped doing long, slow cardio (19:00)
How Paul trains after retirement (44:22)
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Strong Talk Resources:
Get our New Rules of Leg Day workout program: https://www.menshealth.com/fitness/a71411365/build-leg-muscle-training-program/
Sign up for our free weekly workout newsletter: https://www.menshealth.com/fitness/a69809602/mh-muscle-newsletter/
Join our Men's Health MVP membership program: https://membership.menshealth.com/mens-health-mvp-premium-membership-5999.html
Browse our training plan library: https://www.menshealth.com/fitness/a45082203/mvp-fitness-training-plans/
Download our workout app: https://www.menshealth.com/fitness/a69120934/all-out-studio-app/
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Sep 16, 2026
Sep 16, 2026
47 min
Colin Kaepernick says he is still training like an NFL quarterback—and believes he could jump back in the game right now.
In this episode, he shares the training plan that keeps him game-ready at 38, why he still wakes up at 4:30 a.m. to train, and how discipline, football, fatherhood, and unfinished business continue to influence his next chapter.
In this episode:
Colin’s relationship to sports growing up (00:00)
The lesson he learned at 8 that changed his approach to training (05:11)
His strategy for training hard when you want to quit (11:27)
The hell workout he used to build elite athleticism (13:49)
Why he thinks there’s no sport like football(15:45)
How Black quarterbacks changed the NFL (21:01)
Colin’s says he’s game-ready (23:06)
Colin’s training plan for getting back in the NFL (24:13)
His secret to never giving up (41:46)
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Strong Talk Resources:
Get our New Rules of Leg Day workout program: https://www.menshealth.com/fitness/a71411365/build-leg-muscle-training-program/
Sign up for our free weekly workout newsletter: https://www.menshealth.com/fitness/a69809602/mh-muscle-newsletter/
Join our Men's Health MVP membership program: https://membership.menshealth.com/mens-health-mvp-premium-membership-5999.html
Browse our training plan library: https://www.menshealth.com/fitness/a45082203/mvp-fitness-training-plans/
Download our workout app: https://www.menshealth.com/fitness/a69120934/all-out-studio-app/
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Sep 8, 2026
Sep 8, 2026
50 min
Drake Maye sits down with us for a rare look inside the habits behind his NFL rise as he enters one of the most important seasons of his career. The Patriots QB and new Men’s Health cover star opens up about the training, recovery, and lifestyle choices—from avoiding alcohol to early bedtimes— shaping the next phase of what he hopes to be a 15-year career.
In this episode:
His training nonnegotiables: How Maye is adding size, protecting his shoulder, and staying mobile (01:43)
Why he rarely drinks: The social pressure, family influence, and performance mindset behind his choice (19:27)
Going to bed by 10: How marriage changed his sleep, diet, routine, and recovery (24:34)
Why he skips barbell bench: Why Maye avoids the lift most guys chase—and what he does instead (32:56)
Sustaining Patriots success: Why Maye says doing it once is easier than doing it year after year (39:20)
Training for 15 years: How Maye is building habits now for a long NFL career (40:09)
Learning from Tom Brady: Maye's thoughts on the Patriots' longest-tenured quarterback (45:57)
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Strong Talk Resources:
Get our New Rules of Leg Day workout program: https://www.menshealth.com/fitness/a71411365/build-leg-muscle-training-program/
Sign up for our free weekly workout newsletter: https://www.menshealth.com/fitness/a69809602/mh-muscle-newsletter/
Join our Men's Health MVP membership program: https://membership.menshealth.com/mens-health-mvp-premium-membership-5999.html
Browse our training plan library: https://www.menshealth.com/fitness/a45082203/mvp-fitness-training-plans/
Download our workout app: https://www.menshealth.com/fitness/a69120934/all-out-studio-app/
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Sep 2, 2026
Sep 2, 2026
39 min
Mikal Bridges joins Strong Talk to break down the mindset, training habits, and recovery strategies that helped him stay durable through the Knicks’ championship run. He explains why he lifts after games, how he builds physical and mental resilience, and why simplicity is still at the core of his approach.
In this episode:
The mindset behind the Knicks’ championship run and staying calm when the game starts slipping away (00:43)
Mikal’s durability philosophy and how strength training became the foundation of his career (10:42)
Why he lifts after NBA games — and what his 30–40 minute postgame sessions actually look like (14:44)
His nutrition approach, Chipotle routine, and why he prefers simple training over flashy exercises (19:22)
Longevity, listening to your body, and how preparation creates confidence and flow (32:57)
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Strong Talk Resources:
Get our maingaining workout program: https://www.menshealth.com/fitness/a69739842/maingaining-workout-program/
Sign up for our free weekly workout newsletter: https://www.menshealth.com/fitness/a69809602/mh-muscle-newsletter/
Join our Men's Health MVP membership program: https://membership.menshealth.com/mens-health-mvp-premium-membership-5999.html
Browse our training plan library: https://www.menshealth.com/fitness/a45082203/mvp-fitness-training-plans/
Download our workout app: https://www.menshealth.com/fitness/a69120934/all-out-studio-app/
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Aug 26, 2026
Aug 26, 2026
37 min
You might think testosterone is the answer to low energy, slower recovery, stalled muscle growth, or losing your edge as you get older. But more testosterone isn’t always better.
In this episode, Layne Norton explains what men get wrong about TRT, muscle gain, longevity, masculinity, and when testosterone may—or may not—actually help.
In this episode:
How testosterone went mainstream (00:00)
Are men being prescribed TRT too easily? (08:26)
Is testosterone a measure of masculinity? (14:21)
Does testosterone really cause “roid rage”? (18:11)
Can higher testosterone help you live longer? (20:59)
Does more testosterone actually mean more muscle? (24:45)
Is TRT cheating for athletes? (26:56)
What men are getting right—and wrong—about TRT (33:46)
Why getting older doesn’t automatically mean you need testosterone (35:24)
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Strong Talk Resources:
Get our top workout plan for men over 50: https://www.menshealth.com/fitness/a60307445/max-muscle-at-50-bryan-krahn/
Sign up for our free weekly workout newsletter: https://www.menshealth.com/fitness/a69809602/mh-muscle-newsletter/
Join our Men's Health MVP membership program: https://membership.menshealth.com/mens-health-mvp-premium-membership-5999.html
Browse our training plan library: https://www.menshealth.com/fitness/a45082203/mvp-fitness-training-plans/
Download our workout app: https://www.menshealth.com/fitness/a69120934/all-out-studio-app/
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Aug 19, 2026
Aug 19, 2026
51 min
Sleep is essential for recovery—but when you cross time zones, getting more sleep isn’t necessarily enough to make you feel or perform your best. In this episode, circadian rhythm expert Mickey Beyer-Clausen breaks down how jet lag disrupts your circadian rhythm, why light and darkness are the most powerful tools for resetting your body clock, and how better timing can improve sleep, recovery, energy, and performance.
In this episode:
Why jet lag is more than just sleep deprivation
How light exposure and light avoidance help reset your body clock
Why sleeping more on a flight can sometimes make jet lag worse
How circadian timing affects training, alertness, recovery, and performance
What most people get wrong about melatonin, exercise, and common jet lag advice
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Strong Talk Resources:
Get our top workout plan for men over 50: https://www.menshealth.com/fitness/a60307445/max-muscle-at-50-bryan-krahn/
Sign up for our free weekly workout newsletter: https://www.menshealth.com/fitness/a69809602/mh-muscle-newsletter/
Join our Men's Health MVP membership program: https://membership.menshealth.com/mens-health-mvp-premium-membership-5999.html
Browse our training plan library: https://www.menshealth.com/fitness/a45082203/mvp-fitness-training-plans/
Download our workout app: https://www.menshealth.com/fitness/a69120934/all-out-studio-app/
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Aug 12, 2026
Aug 12, 2026
36 min
Before his retirement tease, Lane Johnson sat down with us for an honest conversation about the mental challenges he’s faced in his 13 seasons in the NFL. From perfectionism to performance anxiety and realizing football isn’t his entire identity, Johnson shares the truth about where he’s at right now as a pro football player.
In this episode:
The mental challenges he's faced in the NFL
The physical impact of his pre-game anxiety that was "like a mini panic attack"
How he sees his identity shifting from football to family
Why there's still part of him that wants to push his limits and play until his 40s
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Strong Talk Resources:
Get our maingaining workout program: https://www.menshealth.com/fitness/a69739842/maingaining-workout-program/
Sign up for our free weekly workout newsletter: https://www.menshealth.com/fitness/a69809602/mh-muscle-newsletter/
Join our Men's Health MVP membership program: https://membership.menshealth.com/mens-health-mvp-premium-membership-5999.html
Browse our training plan library: https://www.menshealth.com/fitness/a45082203/mvp-fitness-training-plans/
Download our workout app: https://www.menshealth.com/fitness/a69120934/all-out-studio-app/
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Aug 5, 2026
Aug 5, 2026
49 min
NFL star Laremy Tunsil is incredibly strong. He recently maxed out his bench press at 515 pounds and is unstoppable on the football field. In today's episode he breaks down the surprising habits behind his explosive strength, from Pilates and Olympic lifting to supplements, recovery, and smarter training. He shares how he stays strong, mobile, and durable at 320 pounds—and what everyday guys can do to build more strength without sacrificing mobility.
In this episode:
Laremy Tunsil's workout routine for peak NFL performance
Why he does Pilates 4 times a week all off-season
His 3 training nonnegotiables for peak strength
The recovery habits that keep him durable
How his training regimen has changed after 11 years in the NFL
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Strong Talk Resources:
Get our maingaining workout program: https://www.menshealth.com/fitness/a69739842/maingaining-workout-program/
Sign up for our free weekly workout newsletter: https://www.menshealth.com/fitness/a69809602/mh-muscle-newsletter/
Join our Men's Health MVP membership program: https://membership.menshealth.com/mens-health-mvp-premium-membership-5999.html
Browse our training plan library: https://www.menshealth.com/fitness/a45082203/mvp-fitness-training-plans/
Download our workout app: https://www.menshealth.com/fitness/a69120934/all-out-studio-app/
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Jul 29, 2026
Jul 29, 2026
54 min
Six-time Olympic champion Johannes Klaebo joins Men's Health Fitness Director Ebenezer Samuel and Health Director Marty Munson and talks why chasing VO₂ max and fitness trends won't make you a better athlete. Learn the long-term training philosophy, recovery habits, and endurance mindset behind one of the greatest champions ever.
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Strong Talk Resources:
Get our Ultimate Athlete workout plan: https://www.menshealth.com/fitness/a67948993/ultimate-athlete-8-week-training-program/
Sign up for our free weekly workout newsletter: https://www.menshealth.com/fitness/a69809602/mh-muscle-newsletter/
Join our Men's Health MVP membership program: https://membership.menshealth.com/mens-health-mvp-premium-membership-5999.html
Browse our training plan library: https://www.menshealth.com/fitness/a45082203/mvp-fitness-training-plans/
Download our workout app: https://www.menshealth.com/fitness/a69120934/all-out-studio-app/
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Jul 22, 2026
Jul 22, 2026
47 min
Actor Patrick Wilson, 53, has been in shape for decades—but he’s made major changes to his workout routine over the years to stay that way. In this episode, he shares the fitness protocols he’s adopted—and dropped—to stay strong, maintain muscle, and minimize injury risk into his 50s.
Whether you're training for Hyrox, considering CrossFit, or just looking for the smartest way to stay fit after 50, this conversation is packed with practical takeaways.
In this episode:
Exercises Patrick Wilson swears by for longevity after 50—and what he skips
Why he left CrossFit for Hyrox
The workout he used to pack on major muscle for Aquaman
His philosophy on fitness after 50 and training for longevity
The story behind the viral Cape Fear power clean scene
The one fitness practice he’s maintained over the last 30 years
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Strong Talk Resources:
Get our top workout plan for men over 50: https://www.menshealth.com/fitness/a60307445/max-muscle-at-50-bryan-krahn/
Sign up for our free weekly workout newsletter: https://www.menshealth.com/fitness/a69809602/mh-muscle-newsletter/
Join our Men's Health MVP membership program: https://membership.menshealth.com/mens-health-mvp-premium-membership-5999.html
Browse our training plan library: https://www.menshealth.com/fitness/a45082203/mvp-fitness-training-plans/
Download our workout app: https://www.menshealth.com/fitness/a69120934/all-out-studio-app/
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