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Artwork for The Strenuous Life Podcast with Stephan Kesting

The Strenuous Life Podcast with Stephan Kesting

Stephan Kesting
Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu
Training Methodology
Cognitive Sciences
Procedural Memory
Learning Strategies
Biomechanics
Motor Skills
Everest
Sparring Techniques
Zero-Sum Game
Historical European Martial Arts
Jiu-Jitsu
MMA
Solo Climbing
Mountaineering
Eco-Adjacent Training
Avalanche
Winter Climbing
Bareknuckle Boxing
Injury Prevention

What is it that allows some people to push themselves beyond their limitations? Why can some people survive situations others do not? On this podcast we try to find out the answers. Stephan Kesting, is a lifelong martial artist, BJJ black belt, career firefighter, and outdoorsman. Join us as he talks to fighters, adventurers, competitors, coaches, firefighters, trainers and other people living the... more

PublishesTwice monthlyEpisodes433Founded16 years ago
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Artwork for The Strenuous Life Podcast with Stephan Kesting

Latest Episodes

Alicia Reitz and I dive deep into how BJJ can be used to develop a strong sense of self confidence for everyone, and how that self confidence can then be put to good use in self defense and the the rest of your life.  We also digress a little into sp... more

James Deirmendjian a strength and conditioning coach specialising in combat and tactical athletes who ALSO competes in BJJ, fighting against much younger opponents.  As such he was the perfect choice to finish our 4-part series on hybrid training and... more

James Pieratt from Wild Hunt Conditioning joins us to share what he learned on an expedition in which he ran 802 miles through nearly the entire state of California.  James is unique in the ultrarunning community because he also lifts heavy weights a... more

Record-setting powerlifter and freak athlete Chris Duffin discusses the intricacies of hybrid training, focusing on the balance between strength and endurance. He shares his unique qualifications, including his experience with elite athletes and his ... more

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Recent Guests

Chris Duffin
World record-breaking powerlifter and expert in hybrid training.
Kabuki Strength
Episode: 430 - Hybrid Training 2: The Science of Strength, Power and Endurance with Chris Duffin
Mike McCastle
A renowned strength and endurance athlete, world record holder
Episode: 429 - Hybrid Training 1: Peaking for Power, Endurance, and Mental Strength with Mike McCastle
Tom Callos
Veteran martial artist and influential figure in martial arts business.
Episode: 428 - Tom Callos, A Black Belt and Gentleman
Dr. Haley Perlis
A sports psychologist and coach who helps athletes overcome performance anxiety.
Episode: 427 - Overcoming Doubt and Anxiety in Competition, with Sports Psychologist Haley Perlis
Rob Biernacki
BJJ practitioner and instructor
Island Top Team, BJJ Concepts
Episode: 425 - Optimal BJJ Competition Mindset, with Rob Biernacki
Bryan Rumble
Clinical epidemiologist and Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu instructor
Rumble Academy
Episode: 423 - BJJ, Science, and D&D with Bryan Rumble
James Deirmendjian
Jiu-Jitsu world medalist and fitness expert
Fit Fight Training
Episode: 421 - BJJ Training and Conditioning Myths, with James Deirmendjian from Fit Fight Training
Frank Wolf
A famous outdoor adventurer known for his extreme journeys and insights into interpersonal dynamics
Episode: 420 - Braving Polar Bears, Facing Off Against the Columbian Military, and Team Dynamics with Frank Wolf
Jeff Nelson
A Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu black belt and author
Episode: 418 - Spartans, Samurai and Ninja with BJJ Black Belt Jeff Nelson

Host

Stephan Kesting
Lifelong martial artist and Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu black belt, career firefighter, and outdoorsman. He shares insights on resilience, training, and personal growth through conversations with diverse guests.

Reviews

4.8 out of 5 stars from 679 ratings
  • Great oldtimer

    I really like Stephan! I’ve been watching his videos for an eternity, since doing karate and dabbling in BJJ (now only BJJ). He has great long term perspective.

    I also really like his other topics, as I’m also an outdoor person.

    At soon 40 there’s more to life than BJJ, family first, strength training to hold up and backpacking for the mind.

    Apple Podcasts
    5
    SandstromDJ
    Finland3 months ago
  • Big fan boy of Kesting

    Good find and enjoying this podcast concerning BJJ, FMA, comic books, martial

    Arts. Great guests, topics and insights. Entertaining, educational. Non political, informative, interesting and lively. Going thru list from oldest to newest. Thank you, Stephan.

    Apple Podcasts
    5
    Apollo Kidlat
    United Statesa year ago
  • Koral- worthy

    Stephan deserves high praise for producing really great content, making it available to all, and being well informed on public health and science. Plus he’s a rugged outdoorsman who doesn’t shill supplements!

    Apple Podcasts
    5
    DMillstein
    United Statesa year ago
  • Intelligent and Thoughtful

    One of my favourite podcasts as a BJJ and a scientist. The host is intelligent and is able to articulate concepts and ideas easily, so that they make sense without any visual content. We are spoilt with good BJJ podcasts. It’s a golden age. But Strenuous Life is one of the best. Highly recommended

    Apple Podcasts
    5
    FreeBornAde
    United Kingdom2 years ago
  • Talk about a diverse portfolio!

    Came for the bjj content stayed for the outdoor adventure, medical, and conspiracy busting interviews.

    A must listen when the episodes pop.

    Apple Podcasts
    5
    ktc sd van
    United States2 years ago

Listeners Say

Key themes from listener reviews, highlighting what works and what could be improved about the show.

Listeners appreciate the balance of martial arts and broader life lessons.
A few critics express concern over political commentary, preferring focus on training and technique.
Engaging conversations covering a variety of personal development topics.
High-quality guests and insightful content worth recommending.

Chart Rankings

How this podcast ranks in the Apple Podcasts, Spotify and YouTube charts.

Talking Points

Recent interactions between the hosts and their guests.

430 - Hybrid Training 2: The Science of Strength, Power and Endurance with Chris Duffin
Q: Which do you do first, weight training or cardio?
It's okay to do either, but I prefer to do strength training first for better adaptation.
427 - Overcoming Doubt and Anxiety in Competition, with Sports Psychologist Haley Perlis
Q: Can you distinguish between eustress and distress?
Distress is debilitating stress that makes you want to flee, while eustress is good stress that helps you thrive.
427 - Overcoming Doubt and Anxiety in Competition, with Sports Psychologist Haley Perlis
Q: Can you give me an example of how those values can help bring them out of that funk?
Values help us focus on our strengths and actions that align with them, pulling us out of negative spirals.
421 - BJJ Training and Conditioning Myths, with James Deirmendjian from Fit Fight Training
Q: What are some inefficient training methodologies you see?
Prioritizing roadwork or running excessively instead of incorporating strength training and cross-training can lead to injuries.
421 - BJJ Training and Conditioning Myths, with James Deirmendjian from Fit Fight Training
Q: What are some of the biggest myths you see in the Jiu-Jitsu space?
Many Jiu-Jitsu practitioners fall prey to popular diets like carnivore, which can overlook the benefits of a balanced diet with plant-based foods.

Audience Metrics

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Frequently Asked Questions About This Podcast

What is This Podcast about and what kind of topics does it cover?

A wide-ranging exploration of personal development, physical challenges, and mental resilience, this show connects listeners with the stories of fighters, adventurers, coaches, and other remarkable individuals who embody the philosophy of living a strenuous life. Conversations delve deeply into the realms of martial arts, particularly Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, alongside themes of outdoor adventure, self-improvement, and the science of training. The dynamic blend of topics attracts a diverse audience, with each episode being rich in insights and practical advice, making it a well-rounded resource for anyone interested in martial arts or overcoming obstacles in life.

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Which podcasts are similar to this podcast?

These podcasts share a similar audience with this podcast:

1. BJJ Mental Models
2. The BJJ Fanatics Podcast
3. The Chewjitsu Podcast
4. Bulletproof For BJJ Podcast
5. The Simple Man Podcast

How many episodes of this podcast are there?

this podcast launched 16 years ago and published 433 episodes to date. You can find more information about this podcast including rankings, audience demographics and engagement in our podcast database.

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What guests have appeared on this podcast?

Recent guests on this podcast include:

1. Chris Duffin
2. Mike McCastle
3. Tom Callos
4. Dr. Haley Perlis
5. Rob Biernacki
6. Bryan Rumble
7. James Deirmendjian
8. Frank Wolf

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