Today we get into what “training like an athlete” actually means: producing force, absorbing force, and reapplying it under time pressure, at weird angles, often on one leg. We break down reactive training (ball drops, unpredictable catches, changing stances), why people get hurt when everything is planned, and how open-skill work can build real-world durability.We also get into movement quality vs “just lifting,” fascia and flow training, foot and ankle strength, jump rope and pogo hops for low...
Feb 02, 2026•1 hr 13 min
Jump rope isn’t just “conditioning”, it’s a gateway drug to elasticity, sprinting, and better performance for jiu-jitsu and wrestling.In this episode, Fast Over 40 coach Cynthia Monteleone breaks down why long jogs don’t match the demands of combat sports, how to train speed endurance without getting hurt, and the biggest sprint cue most lifters miss: relaxation.We also get into warmups, tempo vs max-effort sprint days, hamstring pulls (and why “weak hamstrings” is usually the wrong diagnosis), ...
Jan 28, 2026•1 hr 20 min
In this episode, we talk to David Herrera to explore why biology, not motivation, determines follow-through, discipline, and health.We dive deep into how light exposure, dopamine, circadian rhythm, cold, and modern environments shape everything from energy levels and sleep to hormones, mood, addiction, and long-term disease risk. From blue light and melatonin to vitamin D myths, sunscreen, seed oils, and why kids spend less time outside than prisoners, this conversation challenges nearly everyth...
Jan 26, 2026•2 hr 15 min
Full episode drops Monday! Longevity experimenter Bryan Johnson famously avoids direct sunlight to prevent skin damage and photo-aging. But is avoiding the sun actually protective… or does it create a deeper biological problem?In this episode, David Herrera breaks down why sunburn, sunscreen, and modern diets are tightly linked, and why fear of sunlight may be doing more harm than good. We explore how chronic sunscreen use weakens the skin, how seed oils increase burn risk, and why DHA and gradu...
Jan 23, 2026•19 min
Full Episode Drops Monday, January 24th, 2026Sun avoidance has quietly become the default, and it’s doing real damage.In this clip, David Herrera breaks down why constant sunscreen use in low UV conditions can backfire, and why popping vitamin D pills isn’t the same as making vitamin D from sunlight.Follow David:@davidherrera1119Special perks for our listeners below!🥩 HIGH QUALITY PROTEIN! 🍖 ➢ https://goodlifeproteins.com/ Code POWER to save 20% off site wide, or code POWERPROJECT to save an a...
Jan 21, 2026•11 min
David Herrera returns to break down a controversial topic: electromagnetic fields and human performance. With injuries piling up in professional sports, especially the NFL, some are asking if stadiums, substations, and modern electrical environments are silently affecting recovery, hydration, and connective tissue.Is this just conspiracy talk, or is there real science behind it?We dig into EMF exposure at practice facilities, how electromagnetic fields interact with cellular water, why tendons a...
Jan 19, 2026•1 hr 19 min
In this episode, Mark unpacks one of the most important lessons in training and in life: just because you can do something doesn’t mean you should. He explains why always pushing harder isn’t always smarter, how “training smart” can sometimes become a disguise for avoiding discomfort, and where the real line is between growth and self-sabotage. Drawing from decades of powerlifting, coaching, sprinting, and personal experience, Mark breaks down how to think about risk, recovery, ego, intuition, a...
Jan 17, 2026•59 min
Cynthia Monteleone (@FastOver40) breaks down why sprinting is one of the highest ROI tools for longevity, body comp, and performance, plus how to start safely without wrecking your joints. We get into her dad starting sprinting at 82, competing 12 weeks after bypass surgery, her own comeback from a 1:30 400m to running faster than her college PR, and the training principles most people miss: recovery, intent, periodization, and neurological “signal quality.” We also hit nutrition strategy (eatin...
Jan 14, 2026•1 hr 19 min
In this episode, Shawn Wells gets real about his journey through depression, trauma, and the mindset that almost destroyed him, and how psychedelic-assisted work helped him rebuild his relationship with himself, with God, and with life.Guest: Shawn WellsInstagram: @shawnwellshttps://shawnwells.com/Special perks for our listeners below!🥩 HIGH QUALITY PROTEIN! 🍖 ➢ https://goodlifeproteins.com/ Code POWER to save 20% off site wide, or code POWERPROJECT to save an additional 5% off your Build a Bo...
Jan 12, 2026•49 min
Shawn Wells is one of the most experienced supplement formulators we’ve ever had on the podcast. He’s built products from concept to shelf, helped scale brands to massive exits, and has patented dozens of ingredients across the industry.In this episode we get into how Shawn got into supplementation, the wild early days of prohormones and sketchy products, what’s actually going on with Amazon supplement quality, and the ingredients he’s most excited about right now, including paraxanthine (the ca...
Jan 07, 2026•1 hr 5 min
In this episode, biochemist and formulator Sean Wells joins us for a deep dive into the rapidly evolving world of peptides, metabolism, nootropics, gut health, fat loss, sleep, and longevity.Guest: Sean WellsInstagram: @seanwellsBook: The Energy FormulaSpecial perks for our listeners below!🥩 HIGH QUALITY PROTEIN! 🍖 ➢ https://goodlifeproteins.com/ Code POWER to save 20% off site wide, or code POWERPROJECT to save an additional 5% off your Build a Box Subscription!🩸 Get your BLOODWORK/TRT/PEPTI...
Jan 05, 2026•54 min
In this episode, we’re joined by Dr. Dom to talk about the side of dentistry most people never hear about: how your oral microbiome, airway, tongue posture, and old dental work may connect to things like sleep quality, posture, inflammation, and performance.Follow Dr. Dom:Instagram: @dr.dom1 / @dr.domofficial (as mentioned in the episode)Special perks for our listeners below!🥩 HIGH QUALITY PROTEIN! 🍖 ➢ https://goodlifeproteins.com/ Code POWER to save 20% off site wide, or code POWERPROJECT to ...
Dec 29, 2025•1 hr 18 min
Anger feels powerful, but it’s usually expensive. In this episode, we break down why rage pulls people in the wrong direction, how “comment anger” and road rage sneak into everyday life, and why staying at baseline is a real skill you can train.We talk about how anger becomes a habit, how it quietly eats away at your focus and relationships, and why trying to reason with irrational behavior often makes things worse instead of better. We also explore equanimity, the idea of staying at baseline, a...
Dec 27, 2025•51 min
Everyone talks about clean eating like it’s the holy grail for performance.But is it actually costing athletes strength, power, and durability?In this episode, we break down:1. Why extreme leanness can kill strength2. The difference between performance fuel vs. physique dieting3. Bodybuilding prep vs. real-world athletics4. Why some elite athletes thrive on “dirty” foods5. Ocho Cinco’s viral take on nutrition and performance6. When calories matter more than food purityFrom NFL players and bodybu...
Dec 24, 2025•34 min
What if you treated your body like a high performance vehicle… and actually ran a function check before things break?In this episode, Rob Wilson (author of Check Engine Light) breaks down how movement quality, strength, conditioning, and recovery actually fit together, especially for athletes who train hard and want to stay in the game. We get into yoga (the real version 😅), why “perfect symmetry” is a myth, how to use simple daily movement as a monitoring system, and why the truth in training ...
Dec 22, 2025•1 hr 43 min
Most people train in two lanes: cardio machines and lifting weights. In this episode, we zoom out and talk about the “full adult athlete”, the overlooked skills that keep you capable, coordinated, and feeling young.We get into:1. Why you don’t need a perfect program once you’ve trained long enough2. “Capacities” beyond force production: coordination, reflexes, balance, finesse, and control3. Jump rope and hopping for tendon strength, rhythm, and athletic bounce4. Rope flow, juggling, and micro-d...
Dec 17, 2025•1 hr 1 min
In this episode, Rob Wilson breaks down how breathing, stress, and performance are actually connected and why breathwork isn’t a shortcut around hard work, but a way to make hard work more sustainable.We talk about CO₂ tolerance, why panic is usually carbon dioxide and not lack of oxygen, and how high-performing athletes, fighters, and military operators can recover faster between efforts by changing how they breathe under stress.Rob explains why breathwork isn’t a one-size-fits-all solution, wh...
Dec 15, 2025•1 hr 30 min
In this episode, Mark Bell and Nsima Inyang sit down with movement coach Marshall Davis Jones to explore a different kind of strength — one that’s built through awareness, control, and connection, not just heavy lifting.Marshall breaks down why lighter loads can actually unlock deeper levels of stability, coordination, and fluid power. Using the Berserker Bar and light clubs, he shows how small, deliberate movements can reawaken the body’s stabilizers, improve shoulder health, and connect the gl...
Dec 13, 2025•1 hr 19 min
In today’s Saturday School, Mark Bell breaks down one of the most important lessons in training and in life:You’re going to look awkward before you ever get good.You’re going to feel insecure. You’re going to try new things and suck at them.And that’s exactly how progress works.From nasal breathing and weighted vests to rope flow, maces, dead hangs, lunges and everything in between — Mark shares why staying open-minded is the ONLY way to keep improving, stay athletic, and break out of the stiffn...
Dec 10, 2025•1 hr 8 min
Marshall Jones joins us to break down the psychology of communication — tone, body language, truth-telling, influence, and why “How are you?” is the first invitation to lie. If you want to understand people better (and be understood), this episode will change how you talk and how you listen.CHAPTERS:00:00 - Intro00:53 - How to Connect Emotionally04:04 - Identifying Challenges07:32 - Time Under Tension Explained13:36 - Moving People Emotionally17:58 - Knowledge vs. Knowing18:48 - Emotional Langua...
Dec 08, 2025•1 hr 59 min
Experience a rare, long-form movement lesson with Ido Portal, one of the most influential thinkers in human movement, coordination, and physical practice.CHAPTERS:00:00 - Introduction01:12 - Exercise 1: Right Side10:43 - Exercise 2: Left Side16:29 - Post-Exercise Discussion21:43 - How to Train Movement25:24 - Two Archetypes of Movers26:36 - Ipsilateral and Contralateral Training31:23 - Ipsilateral and Contralateral Game33:58 - Movement Intelligence Techniques38:20 - Variance and Control in Movem...
Dec 03, 2025•1 hr 23 min
Ido Portal joins the show for the first time — delivering one of the most profound conversations we’ve ever had on movement, strength, injury, longevity, curiosity, self-education, and what it truly means to evolve as a human being.In this episode, Ido breaks down why “mastery” is a myth, why safe training is useless, and why real progress only happens when you’re willing to explore, fail, investigate, and live inside the question.We dive deep into the squat challenge, the hanging challenge, spi...
Dec 01, 2025•2 hr 20 min
Welcome to Saturday School. Mark “Smelly” Bell breaks down a hard truth: the people you spend time with are shaping your finances, your mindset, and your future. If you’re feeling burned out on lifting culture—or you’ve outgrown the same conversations—this episode is your permission to level up your circle without apology.CHAPTERS:00:00 - Intro00:50 - How to Avoid Burnout Strategies03:18 - Influence of Your Inner Circle10:15 - Impact of Words on Relationships11:57 - Personal Development Insights...
Nov 28, 2025•58 min
Bryan Callen is roasting cold plungers, calling everyone “inflamed” and “swollen,” and clowning on the sauna-cold plunge obsession… so we had to respond. 😂❄️🔥In this episode, Mark Bell and Nsima Inyang react to Bryan Callen’s bit (and clips from Louis CK & Joe Rogan) and ask the real question:Are we actually crazy with all this health stuff… or is this what it takes to feel good for the long haul?CHAPTERS:00:00 - Intro00:38 - Reacting to Bryan Callen's Cold Plunge and Sauna Clip03:41 - Ide...
Nov 27, 2025•1 hr 14 min
Dr. Pat Davidson joins Mark Bell to break down the real science behind volume, load management, genetics, movement, and what it actually takes to build muscle for life. From sprinting and plyometrics to bodybuilding and injury prevention, Pat explains how to train forever without breaking down.Follow Pat Davidson:@dr.patdavidsonhttps://www.drpatdavidson.net/CHAPTERS:00:00 - Intro00:40 - Interview Begins06:39 - Maximize Performance10:55 - Individual Training Outcomes15:58 - Contextual Fitness Con...
Nov 26, 2025•1 hr 53 min
From wild DMT stories to UFO sightings and Hollywood secrets, Danny Jones brings his best theories and strangest experiences to the Power Project table. If you’re into conspiracies, underground characters, and behind-the-scenes stories from TV, film, and YouTube, this one is pure gold.Follow Danny: @dannyjones @DannyJonesClips CHAPTERS:00:00 - Intro00:58 - Gavin Newsom Politics02:20 - Kratom Benefits06:25 - Parenting Insights08:13 - Starting My Podcast Journey10:48 - Reality TV Beginnings15:35 -...
Nov 25, 2025•2 hr 16 min
Dr. Mariza Snyder joins Mark and Nsima for one of the most important conversations we’ve ever had about women’s health. Most people think menopause just “happens” at 50 — but the real transition starts years earlier, and it affects the brain, mood, metabolism, recovery, sleep, stress tolerance, and relationships.FOLLOW:https://www.instagram.com/drmariza/https://drmariza.com/Special perks for our listeners below!🥩 HIGH QUALITY PROTEIN! 🍖 ➢ https://goodlifeproteins.com/ Code POWER to save 20% of...
Nov 24, 2025•1 hr 7 min
In this episode, Mark Bell, Nsima, and guest Marshall Jones unpack a spicy claim making the rounds: “When you’re a good athlete and you’re Black, that’s your birthright.” We push past hot-takes to ask what really shapes performance—genetics, culture, environment, reps, or all of the above? Along the way we hit stereotype threat, why “raw talent” can be a backhanded compliment, how music/rhythm cultures translate to movement, and why focusing on work you can do beats obsessing over gifts you can’...
Nov 24, 2025•1 hr 12 min
On this episode of Mark Bell’s Power Project Podcast, hosts Mark Bell and Nsima Inyang talk with former NFL coach and nutrition expert John Heck. They share simple but powerful training tips for building grip strength, improving conditioning with loaded carries, and using fat bars for safer pressing. John also details how he programs nutrition and recovery for some of the world's strongest athletes, showing you how to get stronger and last longer. Special perks for our listeners below! 🥩 HIGH Q...
Nov 03, 2025•1 hr 51 min•Ep. 1168
Discover the workout and diet secrets Jon Jones’ coach uses to build incredible strength, muscle, and endurance. Learn why running might be the worst thing for athletes over 200 lbs and what you should do instead for superior conditioning. On this episode of Mark Bell’s Power Project Podcast, hosts Mark Bell and Nsima Inyang talk with Jordan Chavez, the strength coach for MMA legend Jon Jones. Jordan shares the story of how he began training the champion and reveals the exact training methods he...
Oct 20, 2025•2 hr 20 min•Ep. 1167
