Here’s a super-popular episode from the archives, and definitely one of our most listenable of all time. Jordan Syatt is a record-setting powerlifter and content producer who’s best known to many as Gary Vaynerchuk’s personal trainer. We sit down to talk about sacrificing everything to reach lifting goals, the psychological components of fitness, and the number one thing everyone in fitness can do to improve their communication skills. Jordan also shares a personal story of how Westside Barbell kept him from dropping out of college.
In this episode of The BarBend Podcast, guest Jordan Syatt and host David Thomas Tao discuss:
- Jordan’s background in powerlifting (3:15)
- Conventional vs. Sumo deadlifting (and the “cheating” haters) (5:50)
- Failing biology and how Westside Barbell saved Jordan’s academic career (9:30)
- Working to the 4x bodyweight deadlift (13:00)
- Sacrificing everything to reach lifting goals, and why it’s just not sustainable (15:30)
- Achieving balance after a decade of specialization (19:40)
- Becoming Gary Vaynerchuk’s personal trainer (22:00)
- The great calorie debate — and how to make messaging stick for everyone (27:09)
- Why the ideas of “good” and “bad” foods are disingenuous (29:00)
- When adherence is more important than optimization (34:54)
- “Motivation is fleeting” (37:50)
Relevant links and further reading:
- Visit Jordan’s website
- Follow along with Jordan on YouTube, Twitter, and Instagram!
- Subscribe to Jordan’s podcast
