The Strenuous Life Podcast with Stephan Kesting cover art

The Strenuous Life Podcast with Stephan Kesting

The Strenuous Life Podcast with Stephan Kesting

By: Stephan Kesting
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About this listen

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 strenuous life. Stephan also runs Grapplearts.com, where he has published many hundreds of martial arts videos, articles and tutorials. His free guide to learning Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, A Roadmap for BJJ, has been downloaded more than 10,000 times and has become a foundational text for the art. Combat Sports & Self-Defense Wrestling
Episodes
  • 432 - Hybrid Training 4: Optimal Conditioning for Winning BJJ Tournaments, with James Deirmendjian
    Sep 9 2025

    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 the science of developing strength and endurance at the same time.

    In this episode James and I touch on many topics, including…

    • The most important aspects of fitness for winning matches in BJJ and how to develop it
    • The difference between getting tired in a match vs not recovering between matches
    • How to schedule weightlifting and cardio so they don’t interfere with each
    • How to recover more fully between workouts
    • Training to maintain your cognitive abilities under stress
    • And much more.

    Reach out to James on Instagram at @fight_fit_training

    And check out The Strenuous Life Podcast on YouTube here.

    And if you're interested in adventures and the mindset required to keep going against all odds check out my own book, Perseverance, Life and Death in the Subarctic: https://www.amazon.com/Perseverance-Death-Subarctic-Stephan-Kesting/dp/1639368612/

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    58 mins
  • 431 - Hybrid Training 3: Mixing Ultramarathon and Strength Training with James Pieratt
    Sep 1 2025

    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 and trains in BJJ.

    We looked at the mindset and philosophy required for ultrarunning, the emotional journey of endurance athletes, and the importance of strength training for overall health and performance. We also covered training regimens, the science behind strength and endurance training, and shared insights for athletes looking to enhance their performance.

    Check out James' training programs at https://wildhuntconditioning.com/ and follow him on Instagram at @wildhuntconditioning

    And if you're interested in adventures and the mindset required to keep going against all odds check out my own book, Perseverance, Life and Death in the Subarctic: https://www.amazon.com/Perseverance-Death-Subarctic-Stephan-Kesting/dp/1639368612/

    Thanks!
    Stephan Kesting

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    54 mins
  • 430 - Hybrid Training 2: The Science of Strength, Power and Endurance with Chris Duffin
    Aug 18 2025

    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 world record feats.

    Chris breaks down the relative importance of skill, and the mechanical, neurological, and metabolic factors that influence power output, and the often-overlooked role of the diaphragm in performance. Duffin also provides insights on training for generalists, emphasizing the need for injury mitigation and effective training strategies.

    Check out Chris's site at https://www.chrisduffin.com/ and his LiftLab App that helps athletes optimize their training using tools that previously were out of range for most recreational athletes:

    And check out my own book, Perseverance, Life and Death in the Subarctic, on Amazon or anywhere books, ebooks, and audiobooks are sold! https://www.amazon.com/Perseverance-Death-Subarctic-Stephan-Kesting/dp/1639368612/

    Thanks!

    Stephan Kesting

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    1 hr and 2 mins
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