61| Joe Defranco: How to train over 40, the perfect fitness routine and training WWE superstars
05/19/23 • 73 min
My guest today is someone I’ve been looking up to and admiring for nearly twenty years. A training and fitness legend, Joe DeFranco is the founder and the owner of DeFranco’s Gym where he trains high-caliber athletes. He joins me today with his nearly three decades worth of experience and wisdom to touch upon his Agile 8 approach, reflecting on the important lessons learned over the last twenty-six years of his training career.
Joe also walks us through his career and how his mindset about certain things has shifted and changed. He explains how he has become more open-minded over the years about using machines to exercise and train, explains how training pro wrestlers is different than other types of pro athletes such as football players, reflects on whether or not he has found balance between his professional life and personal life, and so, so much more!
It was truly an honor having Joe whom I’ve admired for so long on the show, and I had so much fun chatting with him. If you enjoy this conversation with him, please be sure to subscribe on your favorite podcast app if you aren’t subscribed already. I would also really appreciate it if you would share the podcast with at least one other person you know who might also enjoy it and if you would leave me a five-star review! That really helps the show out!
Time Stamps
1:43 - Has Joe ever trained any celebrities?
4:19 - Joe touches upon the polarizing opinions within this industry.
7:06 - Joe encourages us to do research into experts to see if they’re actually experts.
9:49 - Hear about The Agile 8 and what Joe’s current Agile 8 is.
12:08 - Joe points out that one mobility drill won’t work for everyone.
14:59 - What is usually going on when you have tightness in your lower back?
18:16 - Joe reflects on one of the biggest lessons learned over the last few decades.
19:51 - How is Joe’s current training different than it was when he was in his 20s and 30s?
23:02 - Never train through serious pain.
26:35 - Joe gives insight into using machines to exercise.
31:06 - Joe makes a case for what machines are best for.
33:51 - How does training differ between different classes of athletes?
38:19 - Joe tells a funny story that happened at Triple H’s and Stephanie McMahon’s house.
45:08 - Joe reflects on his history on YouTube.
48:31 - Joe has upheld standards at his gym.
51:35 - How does Joe find balance between all of his responsibilities?
57:57 - Joe describes a good template for the average person who wants to train.
58:30 - Warm up to train; don’t train to warm up.
1:02:40 - Joe emphasizes low technical skill, high output.
1:05:40 - Joe uses box-breathing to bring his body back down.
1:08:40 - What sneaker would Joe bring to an island if he could only bring one?
1:11:20 - Where can people follow Joe?
Resources
My guest today is someone I’ve been looking up to and admiring for nearly twenty years. A training and fitness legend, Joe DeFranco is the founder and the owner of DeFranco’s Gym where he trains high-caliber athletes. He joins me today with his nearly three decades worth of experience and wisdom to touch upon his Agile 8 approach, reflecting on the important lessons learned over the last twenty-six years of his training career.
Joe also walks us through his career and how his mindset about certain things has shifted and changed. He explains how he has become more open-minded over the years about using machines to exercise and train, explains how training pro wrestlers is different than other types of pro athletes such as football players, reflects on whether or not he has found balance between his professional life and personal life, and so, so much more!
It was truly an honor having Joe whom I’ve admired for so long on the show, and I had so much fun chatting with him. If you enjoy this conversation with him, please be sure to subscribe on your favorite podcast app if you aren’t subscribed already. I would also really appreciate it if you would share the podcast with at least one other person you know who might also enjoy it and if you would leave me a five-star review! That really helps the show out!
Time Stamps
1:43 - Has Joe ever trained any celebrities?
4:19 - Joe touches upon the polarizing opinions within this industry.
7:06 - Joe encourages us to do research into experts to see if they’re actually experts.
9:49 - Hear about The Agile 8 and what Joe’s current Agile 8 is.
12:08 - Joe points out that one mobility drill won’t work for everyone.
14:59 - What is usually going on when you have tightness in your lower back?
18:16 - Joe reflects on one of the biggest lessons learned over the last few decades.
19:51 - How is Joe’s current training different than it was when he was in his 20s and 30s?
23:02 - Never train through serious pain.
26:35 - Joe gives insight into using machines to exercise.
31:06 - Joe makes a case for what machines are best for.
33:51 - How does training differ between different classes of athletes?
38:19 - Joe tells a funny story that happened at Triple H’s and Stephanie McMahon’s house.
45:08 - Joe reflects on his history on YouTube.
48:31 - Joe has upheld standards at his gym.
51:35 - How does Joe find balance between all of his responsibilities?
57:57 - Joe describes a good template for the average person who wants to train.
58:30 - Warm up to train; don’t train to warm up.
1:02:40 - Joe emphasizes low technical skill, high output.
1:05:40 - Joe uses box-breathing to bring his body back down.
1:08:40 - What sneaker would Joe bring to an island if he could only bring one?
1:11:20 - Where can people follow Joe?
Resources
Previous Episode
60| Robert Greene - Thoughts on AI, modern living and how he approaches his health after having a stroke
Today’s guest Robert Greene is the author of numerous motivational books such as The 48 Laws of Power and Mastery, and The 33 Strategies of War (just to name a few), and he joins me to discuss various topics such as basketball coach Phil Jackson’s legacy, how he approaches meditation, the new book that he is writing about the sublime, the process behind writing his first book, his thoughts about current artificial intelligence such as ChatGPT, and so much more.
Robert takes the time to answer a few questions that were sent in from listeners on Twitter, including who some of his go-tos are for philosophical mentors, what his take is on health and fitness, how he goes about operating against his biases when researching and writing, etc. He also talks about his love of cats and describes some of the cats that he has had over the course of his lifetime.
It was such an honor having Robert on the podcast because his books have definitely changed my life. If you enjoy this conversation with Robert Greene, please be sure to subscribe on your favorite podcast app if you aren’t subscribed already! I would also really appreciate it if you would share the podcast with at least one other person you know who might also enjoy it and if you would leave me a five-star review! That really helps the show out!
Time Stamps
0:41 - Welcome to the show, Robert Greene!
2:49 - Robert talks about Phil Jackson.
5:53 - Robert meditates for about forty minutes every morning.
6:30 - How does Robert approach meditation?
9:21 - Robert discusses his stroke several years ago and why it changed his plan for a book.
10:38 - How did Robert’s stroke affect his relationship with the sublime?
11:28 - Robert shares a near-death experience that he had.
14:53 - What does Robert do to put himself in the shoes of his writing subjects?
18:35 - Learn about Robert’s religious journey.
20:59 - Robert talks a bit about Buddhism.
25:29 - Robert explains what his inner voice was saying when he wrote his first book.
28:34 - The stakes were so high for Robert’s first book.
32:14 - How does Robert feel about cancel culture?
36:51 - What are Robert’s thoughts on artificial intelligence?
39:49 - Robert argues that our culture is growing into a fear of humanity.
42:56 - Robert shares his thoughts on using ChatGPT for research.
47:43 - Robert read and loved the book The Peregrine by J.A. Baker.
49:06 - Who are some of Robert’s philosophical mentors?
51:21 - Hear Robert’s take on health and fitness.
55:00 - Robert sometimes has to pull back because he pushes himself too hard.
57:11 - How does Robert go about curating his research when writing?
1:01:25 - Why did Robert name his cat Brutus?
1:04:25 - Learn about Robert’s current two cats.
1:07:33 - Robert reveals that he is about halfway through writing his new book on the sublime.
Resources
Next Episode
62| Dr. David Spiegel: How Hypnosis Can Help You Unlock Your Performance
I am so excited about today's guest, Dr. David Spiegel, because I have been using his Reveri app myself for some time, and it has made a tremendous impact on my life. The ease of accessibility and profound yet simple changes the app provides has truly transformed my perspective.
Dr. Spiegel discusses hypnosis and the essential differences between the actual psychological therapeutic process and stage hypnosis, emphasizing the importance of focusing on what you want, treating your body with respect, and feeling good from the moment you start. Reveri helps reconnect you with your childlike ability to learn and absorb information, and ultimately, by shifting your cognitive flexibility, entirely new perspectives become possible. Weight loss, better sleep, and even curbing addictions suddenly become much more attainable through hypnosis.
Dr. Spiegel also shares his dream for the future - that millions more people will gain access to this life-changing tool through his app. As he mentions, the idea is to help as many people as possible live better, healthier lives and be kinder to themselves.
I am truly grateful that Dr. Spiegel has made hypnosis accessible through technology for all of us to benefit, and I really appreciate his time coming on to the show. This was such a fun conversation, and I can't wait to have him back on. If you enjoy this conversation with Dr. Siegel, I encourage you to go to your app store and download Reveri! Please be sure to also subscribe on your favorite podcast app if you aren’t subscribed already, and if you would share the podcast with at least one other person you know who might also enjoy it and leave me a five-star review, that really helps the show out!
Time Stamps
1:26 - Welcome to the show, Dr. David Siegel!
2:42 - What got Dr. Siegel into hypnotherapy in the first place?
8:18 - Pain involves both signals from injuries and the brain's interpretation of them.
10:20 - Stage hypnosis misunderstands hypnosis as losing control.
13:56 - Less focus on pain improves one's quality of life, even if the pain persists.
16:43 - Hypnosis poses no risk, so it's worth a try even if it doesn't work.
18:49 - What happens to the brain during hypnosis?
25:17 - Dr. Siegel encourages us to cherish childhood.
26:39 - Talking to children like children instead of adults preserves the magic of childhood.
28:58 - Dr. Siegel says that talking with children allows adults to interact with their inner child.
31:24 - Reveri is very accessible, although seeing a licensed professional is still a good idea.
35:10 - Hear some stories of success for improved sleep, pain control, and smoking cessation.
37:15 - Dan shares how he accidentally stopped drinking as a result of the app.
40:34 - Dan and Dr. Siegel discuss positive reinforcement rather than focusing on what to avoid.
42:01 - What protocol would Dr. Siegel suggest for acute problems such as smoking or weight?
44:42 - Dr. Siegel recommends self-hypnosis every 1 to 2 hours.
47:04 - Dr. Siegel shares his feelings about Milton Erickson.
49:26 - Legitimizing hypnosis wasn't easy for Dr. Siegel but has absolutely been worth it.
51:34 - Is there anything about hypnosis that hasn’t been proven that Dr. Siegel believes true?
53:44 - Dr. Siegel explains how hypnosis allows for new experiences, thoughts, and identities.
56:35 - Dr. Siegel touches upon how hypnosis could amplify business success.
58:54 - Learn about the protocol in the app called Find Your Focus.
59:41 - Dr. Siegel shares his hope that the app will become accessible to more people.
Resources
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