Starting Strength Radio

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Starting Strength is the bestselling book on the most fundamental and effective approach to strength training ever written. Mark Rippetoe hosts Starting Strength Radio where he discusses topics of interest, primarily to him, but perhaps also to you.

Mark Rippetoe


    • May 30, 2025 LATEST EPISODE
    • weekly NEW EPISODES
    • 55m AVG DURATION
    • 586 EPISODES

    4.6 from 644 ratings Listeners of Starting Strength Radio that love the show mention: starting strength, mark rippetoe, reading to children, getting stronger, get strong, barbells, strength training, powerlifting, anatomy, flag, introduces, certified, ah, methods, eventually, buy, perhaps, approach, books, needs.


    Ivy Insights

    The Starting Strength Radio podcast, hosted by Mark Rippetoe, is a must-listen for anyone interested in strength training. Rippetoe's no-nonsense approach and deep understanding of human anatomy and biomechanics make him a truly original thinker in the field. The podcast offers valuable insights and practical advice on how to properly train with barbells and build strength.

    One of the best aspects of this podcast is Rippetoe's ability to simplify complex concepts. He breaks down strength training into common sense terms that are easy to understand and apply. His southern style of delivery adds a unique charm to the show and keeps listeners engaged. Rippetoe's extensive knowledge and expertise shine through in each episode, making it a valuable resource for both beginners and experienced lifters.

    However, one potential downside of the podcast is Rippetoe's strong opinions on ancillary topics and issues unrelated to strength training. While some may appreciate his perspectives, others may find his word choice and tone off-putting. It's important to separate his views on these topics from his valuable advice on strength training.

    In conclusion, The Starting Strength Radio podcast is a treasure for anyone interested in strength training. Although it may not be everyone's cup of tea due to Rippetoe's strong opinions, his wealth of knowledge and practical approach make it a worthwhile listen. Whether you're just starting out or looking to take your lifting game to the next level, this podcast provides valuable insights and guidance that can help you achieve your goals.



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    Latest episodes from Starting Strength Radio

    Q&A Episode - Caffeine, Maintenance, and Giving up | Starting Strength Radio #319

    Play Episode Listen Later May 30, 2025 70:08


    Rip answers questions from Starting Strength Network subscribers and fans.

    Prostate Health and Testosterone | Starting Strength Radio #318

    Play Episode Listen Later May 23, 2025 60:06


    Urologist Dr. Victoria Bird joins Rip to discuss prostate health, the protective benefits of testosterone, and treatment protocols for prostate cancer.

    Origin and Evolution of the Blue Book | Starting Strength Radio #317

    Play Episode Listen Later May 16, 2025 86:59


    Rip and stef talk about how the Blue Book - the third edition of Starting Strength - was developed.

    Q&A Episode - Zero G, Leg Length, and Analgesics | Starting Strength Radio #316

    Play Episode Listen Later May 9, 2025 37:18


    Rip answers questions from Starting Strength Network subscribers and fans.

    Peptides, Panels, and More with Dr. Mike Wittmer | Starting Strength Radio #315

    Play Episode Listen Later May 2, 2025 78:26


    Rip discusses peptide hormones and interpretation of lab panels with Dr. Mike Wittmer.

    Tariffs, Trade, and Tension with Karl Denninger | Starting Strength Radio #314

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 25, 2025 74:23


    Karl Denninger returns to the podcast to discuss the costs and benefits of current and past economic actions and their ramifications.

    The Foundations of the Program | Starting Strength Radio #313

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 18, 2025 76:43


    Rip discusses the foundations that Starting Strength model is built on to develop strength - movement patterns, stress, incremental loading.

    Q&A Episode - Media Hate, Most Important Lift, and the Perfect Burger | Starting Strength Radio #312

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 11, 2025 76:51


    Rip answers questions from Starting Strength Network subscribers and fans.

    Training Combat-Ready Soldiers, not Powerlifters | Starting Strength Radio #311

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 4, 2025 57:38


    Rip discusses how the those entering basic training are the demographic that most rapidly gets strong using the Starting Strength Novice Linear Progression and how a change in approach would prepare soldiers to operate effectively in the modern military environment.

    The Military Needs Strength with Grunt Proof | Starting Strength Radio #310

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 28, 2025 67:57


    Randall of Grunt Proof joins Rip to discuss the importance of strength for the modern military and how to get it done.

    The World Needs Stronger Women | Starting Strength Radio #309

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 20, 2025 58:19


    Rip and team discuss the importance of strength training for women, common misconceptions that can block proper training, and why Starting Strength for women is... Starting Strength.

    Q&A Episode - Backs, Tendons, and Peak Male Existence

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 14, 2025 98:29


    Rip answers questions live from Starting Strength Network subscribers and fans.

    Perspective on Testosterone Therapy with Dr. Wittmer | Starting Strength Radio #307

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 6, 2025 60:39


    Dr. Wittmer returns to discuss factors in testosterone replacement therapy, synergy with lifting and diet, and the importance of taking charge of your own health rather than relying on the standard medical industry.

    Training Stages and Age | Starting Strength Radio #306

    Play Episode Listen Later Feb 27, 2025 59:46


    Rip discusses how programming changes as strength accumulates as a result of training and what aspects vary when trainees start at different ages.

    Q&A Episode - TRT, Cutting Weight, and Success | Starting Strength Radio #305

    Play Episode Listen Later Feb 21, 2025 76:16


    Rip answers questions from Starting Strength Network subscribers and fans.

    Fast Cars, New Cars, Favorite Cars with Bobby Campbell | Starting Strength Radio #304

    Play Episode Listen Later Feb 14, 2025 73:47


    Rip talks to his friend, master mechanic Bobby Campbell, about cars, cars, and more cars.

    What is a Lifter? | Starting Strength Radio #303

    Play Episode Listen Later Feb 7, 2025 47:14


    Rip talks about what types of people go to gyms and the differences between them - lifters, gym bros, personal training clients and so on.

    Having a Beer with Jim Steel | Starting Strength Radio #302

    Play Episode Listen Later Jan 31, 2025 91:21


    Jim Steel drops in at the studio for a drink, to exchange stories, and discuss various things related to training and life.

    A Fork in the Road with Glenn Reynolds | Starting Strength Radio #301

    Play Episode Listen Later Jan 24, 2025 46:52


    The Instapundit, Glenn Reynolds, joins Rip on Starting Strength Radio to discuss recent political events, training, and other goings on.

    Best of Comments from the Haters! | Starting Strength Radio #300

    Play Episode Listen Later Jan 17, 2025 42:29


    A glorious edition of Starting Strength Radio to commemorate episode 300, a compilation of the best of Comments from the Haters!

    Q&A Episode - Last Meals, Weight Gain, and Close Calls | Starting Strength Radio #299

    Play Episode Listen Later Jan 10, 2025 80:12


    Rip answers questions from Starting Strength Network subscribers and fans.

    How Programming Works | Starting Strength Radio #298

    Play Episode Listen Later Jan 3, 2025 67:09


    Rip discusses how effective and efficient programming is based on structuring progression based on how quickly the lifter can add weight to the bar. All lifters begin as novices, making the novice linear progression the universal program until diminishing capacity for adaptation forces slower progress and a shift to more complex program organization.

    How We Get Strong | Starting Strength Radio #297

    Play Episode Listen Later Dec 27, 2024 66:32


    Rip and company discuss how appropriate stress forces adaptation that drives phenotypic change. Progressive increases over time produce strength, size, and capability.

    Q&A Episode - Lagging Shoulder, 3 Questions, and Going Against Conventional Wisdom

    Play Episode Listen Later Dec 20, 2024 93:33


    Rip answers questions live from Starting Strength Network subscribers and fans.

    Training Past Your Prime | Starting Strength Radio #295

    Play Episode Listen Later Dec 13, 2024 91:15


    Rip discusses training by older lifters, covering how the process of gaining strength remains the same as for younger lifters, but differs in some important ways that must be considered to yield the best outcome.

    Q&A Episode - Challenges, Giblet Gravy, and College | Starting Strength Radio #294

    Play Episode Listen Later Dec 6, 2024 68:28


    Rip answers questions from Starting Strength Network subscribers and fans.

    Globo Gyms vs. Training Gyms | Starting Strength Radio #293

    Play Episode Listen Later Nov 29, 2024 59:32


    Rip discusses the gym business, covering differences between commercial, sales-oriented Globo Gyms and productive, training-oriented gyms in terms of culture, equipment, and objectives.

    Q&A Episode - Rip's Legacy,Programming Change, and Slop | Starting Strength Radio #292

    Play Episode Listen Later Nov 22, 2024 76:18


    Rip answers questions live from Starting Strength Network subscribers and fans.

    Building Physical Capital with Stan Efferding | Starting Strength Radio #291

    Play Episode Listen Later Nov 15, 2024 73:05


    Rip welcomes Stan Efferding back on the show to discuss The Vertical Diet, the importance of combining "what" and "how" for success, strategies to manage fatigue, and how to train productively.

    Q&A Episode - Election Day, Bent Bars, and Deadlifts

    Play Episode Listen Later Nov 8, 2024 93:04


    Rip answers questions live from Starting Strength Network subscribers and fans.

    Process Over Payoff: Setting Realistic Training Goals | Starting Strength Radio #289

    Play Episode Listen Later Nov 1, 2024 80:21


    Rip discusses the pros and cons of using strength standard charts, explaining how these "standards" can shape training decisions and then addressing common misconceptions about achieving milestones. He covers the importance of setting realistic goals and focusing on the process over the end result for lasting progress.

    Q&A Episode - Rip's Worst Advice, Passing Out, and Nicotine | Starting Strength Radio #288

    Play Episode Listen Later Oct 25, 2024 77:14


    Rip answers questions from Starting Strength Network subscribers and fans.

    The Ineffective Fitness Industry | Starting Strength Radio #287

    Play Episode Listen Later Oct 18, 2024 66:58


    Rip discusses the core differences between Starting Strength and the rest of the fitness industry. He talks about why other methods fall short and how Starting Strength stands apart in delivering real, effective results.

    Q&A Episode - New Merch, Rip in High School, and Another Mask Rant | Starting Strength Radio #286

    Play Episode Listen Later Oct 11, 2024 98:46


    Rip answers questions live from Starting Strength Network subscribers and fans.

    Programming Misconceptions: Why They're Complete BS | Starting Strength Radio #285

    Play Episode Listen Later Oct 4, 2024 67:44


    Rip discusses common training misconceptions, explaining why they aren't optimal and how your time could be better spent.

    Gym Safety: Because Common Sense Isn't That Common | Starting Strength Radio #284

    Play Episode Listen Later Sep 27, 2024 74:46


    Rip discusses gym safety, the importance of using common sense, and what to avoid. He also talks about the most common sources of injury and how to prevent them.

    Q&A Episode - No Sponsors, Strong SSCs, and Rip's Blood Type | Starting Strength Radio #283

    Play Episode Listen Later Sep 20, 2024 87:08


    Rip answers questions from Starting Strength Network subscribers and fans.

    Controlling the Controllables: Stress, Recovery, Adaptation | Starting Strength Radio #282

    Play Episode Listen Later Sep 13, 2024 76:28


    Rip covers the variables you can control in your training, such as consistency, compliance, and recovery, and discusses factors beyond your control, like genetics. He also explores common reasons why your progress might be stalled and how to address them.

    Big Pharma, Weight Loss, and Testosterone with Dr. Wittmer | Starting Strength Radio #281

    Play Episode Listen Later Sep 6, 2024 68:56


    Rip talks with Dr. Mike Wittmer about the influence of government in telemedicine, the growing role of big pharmaceutical companies in weight loss treatments, and the rise of medications like Ozempic. Dr. Wittmer sheds light on the long-term impact of medication use and testosterone's effects on fertility.

    Q&A Episode - Abdominal Wall, Blood Meridian, and More | Starting Strength Radio #280

    Play Episode Listen Later Aug 30, 2024 90:11


    Rip answers questions live from Starting Strength Network subscribers and fans.

    Villain Empathy, Pediatric Vaccines, and Changing Your Fate | Starting Strength Radio #279

    Play Episode Listen Later Aug 23, 2024 78:20


    Rip answers questions from Starting Strength Network subscribers and fans.

    The Market Ticker Chronicles: 4 Years of American Turmoil with Karl Denninger | SSR #278

    Play Episode Listen Later Aug 16, 2024 115:53


    Rip and Karl Denninger reflect over the last four years of American history, discussing key issues covered on Karl's blog, The Market Ticker. They talk about topics ranging from government incompetence and mounting debt to the climate crisis, the challenges of transitioning to an all-electric infrastructure, and the potential downfall of Western civilization. The conversation also touches on AI, inflation, and the ongoing conflict in Ukraine.

    The Olympics, Prison, and Trap Bar | Starting Strength Radio #277

    Play Episode Listen Later Aug 9, 2024 70:49


    Rip and Rusty discuss the controversy surrounding transgender athletes competing in the Olympics. They also talk about an inmate whose ordered “Blue Book” was confiscated due to claims of it being “too violent.” Lastly, Rip explains why the trap bar deadlift is more akin to a squat than a traditional deadlift.

    At the Movies with Rip | Starting Strength Radio #276

    Play Episode Listen Later Aug 2, 2024 79:42


    Rip talks about movies live with Starting Strength Network subscribers and fans.

    Training vs. CrossFit with Tanner Shuck | Starting Strength Radio #275

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 26, 2024 73:16


    Rip discusses Tanner Shuck's journey from football player to CrossFit athlete to coach. They delve into the issues with high-intensity workouts focused on speed and maximum reps, highlighting how these practices often lead to injuries and why they don't qualify as effective training.

    Training Hard for When Hard Times Get Harder | Starting Strength Radio #274

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 19, 2024 53:21


    Rip discusses how strength training not only makes you more resilient but also enhances your ability to endure hard things. You become self-sufficient and better equipped to handle the difficult situations life throws at you.

    Q&A Episode - Taking Statins, Monolift Bench, and Music | Starting Strength Radio #273

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 12, 2024 80:22


    Rip answers questions from Starting Strength Network subscribers and fans. 03:34 Rip explains how a Q&A works 05:33 Comments from the Haters! 22:33 Wife told to take statins 35:15 Should I get “The Barbell Prescription”? 38:54 More presses, fewer Tommy John surgeries 44:23 Music episode 46:31 Bodybuilding programming 51:23 Monolift bench 54:08 How to use lifting straps 57:35 Training for an older demographic 1:01:16 You need to gain weight, man 1:03:46 4-day split 1:07:55 Training a 14-year-old 1:11:59 Squat heavier than deadlift

    The Total State with Auron MacIntyre | Starting Strength Radio #272

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 5, 2024 87:24


    Rip talks with author Auron MacIntyre about his book, “The Total State.” The discussion delves into the manipulation of news events, media bias, and the shifting powers within the government. MacIntyre, drawing from his experiences as a journalist, sheds light on the relentless assault on truth and the erosion of individual liberties. Rip and MacIntyre explore the critical questions raised in the book, such as the role of democracy in expanding government power and the effectiveness of the Constitution in restraining it.

    Q&A Episode - Stop Worrying About Your Weight, Star Wars, and More | Starting Strength Radio #271

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 28, 2024 98:23


    Rip answers questions live from Starting Strength Network subscribers and fans.

    Deal With Your Back Pain | Starting Strength Radio #270

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 21, 2024 77:23


    Rip talks to Dr. Travis Jewett about his book Deal With Your Back Pain. They discuss the inevitability of back pain in everyone's life and the importance of understanding the difference between back pain that can be managed through strength training and when to seek medical intervention.

    Evolution of Military Fitness Training with Grunt Proof | Starting Strength Radio #269

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 14, 2024 73:25


    Rip talks to Grunt Proof about the evolution of military fitness training and how to best achieve combat preparedness through strength training. They emphasize the importance of strengthening normal movement patterns and explain how traditional endurance exercises like running can lead to injury and breakdown.

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