The Kids Table

Welcome to Season 2 of The Kids Table! We’ve settled into our new space over at Gunnar’s Nashville HQ, and we couldn’t be more excited to bring you our first guest, Craig Susser! Craig pulls up a chair and proves that the restaurant business isn’t about food. It’s about people. From his early days getting humbled behind the bar at his first serving job to building Craig’s into one of the most talked-about rooms in LA and Nashville, Craig shares how relationships, loyalty, and emotional intelligence are what actually fill tables.He walks through the deal that almost happened, the pivot that forced him to start over, and the risky bet that turned into a packed dining room. Along the way, the crew dives into presence, reinvention, reading a room, and why you can’t take a night off when it’s someone else’s big night out. This one is about passion, perspective, and building something that lasts longer than a trend.Thank you to our sponsors for supporting the show! TRAINHEROIC: Trusted by top coaches since 2012. Plans start at just $10/month– And you get your first 14 days free. Head to trainheroic.com/thekidstable to start your free trial now. YETI: Whether it’s a post-hunt toast or you just landed another in the boat, go bottoms up with the YETI Shot Glasses. Designed to stack and pack in a portable carrying container, four shot glasses are ready to deploy anytime you need to knock one back. LETS GET SOCIAL:Gunnar:Instagram - (https://www.instagram.com/gunnarfitness)Facebook - (https://www.facebook.com/GunnarFitness)Website - www.gunnarpeterson.comJen:Insta - (https://www.instagram.com/jenwiderstrom)Facebook - (https://www.facebook.com/JenWiderstrom)Website - www.jenwiderstrom.comYoutube - @ironjennThe Kids Table:Insta - (https://www.instagram.com/kidstablepod)TikTok - (https://www.tiktok.com/@kidstablepod)Craig Susser: Insta - (https://www.instagram.com/craigsrestaurants)Tiktok - (https://www.tiktok.com/@craigsla)Website - (https://craigsnash.com/) About Craig Susser:Craig Susser is the founder and owner of Craig’s, the iconic West Hollywood restaurant that has become one of Los Angeles’ most recognizable dining destinations. Known for its classic American menu, warm hospitality, and loyal celebrity following, Craig’s has established itself as a staple of the LA dining scene since opening in 2011.Before launching Craig’s, Susser built decades of experience in the restaurant industry, working in management and operations at some of Los Angeles’ most prominent establishments. His deep understanding of service, consistency, and guest experience shaped Craig’s into more than just a restaurant—it became a cultural hotspot where Hollywood, business leaders, and longtime locals gather.Under Susser’s leadership, Craig’s is known for its elevated comfort food, vibrant atmosphere, and meticulous attention to detail, as well as its strong vegan offerings that have attracted a wide range of high-profile guests. His commitment to hospitality and relationship-building remains central to the restaurant’s enduring success.Produced and Edited by: The Cast Collective (Nashville, TN)YouTube – (‪@TheCastCollective‬)Instagram – (https://www.instagram.com/TheCastCollective)TikTok – (https://www.tiktok.com/@castcollective)

Part two with Brett Bartholomew leans into the messy middle of communication, the part that shows up in relationships, leadership, and the everyday moments where things either connect or quietly fall apart. The crew talks about why the idea of being “self-made” doesn’t really hold up, how vulnerability can be a strength for A-type personalities, and why so many conflicts aren’t about what’s being said at all, but about power, control, and the fear of accountability.The conversation moves between practical tools and personal stories, from Brett’s “keys to me” exercise to the marble jar metaphor that reframes how we think about time, priorities, and the people we keep close. There’s also a wider look at optimization culture and heroic standards, and why chasing perfection can pull you further away from being adaptable, grounded, and real. It’s thoughtful, funny, and quietly emotional in moments, the kind of episode that stays with you after the headphones come off and invites you to show up a little differently in the conversations that matter most.Thank you to our sponsors for supporting the show! YETI: Stay hydrated with the YETI Rambler + Chug Cap. Ice stays ice, water doesn’t leak, and it’s so light, yet still so durable. It’s the bottle that keeps up. Find it at YETI.com or hit up a YETI retail store near you.TRAINHEROIC: Trusted by top coaches since 2012. Plans start at just $10/month– And you get your first 14 days free. Head to trainheroic.com/thekidstable to start your free trial now. About Brett Bartholomew:Brett Bartholomew is a strength and conditioning coach, author, consultant, and Founder of Art of Coaching™. His experience includes working with athletes both in the team environment and private sector along with members of the United States Special Forces and members of Fortune 500 companies.Taken together, Brett has coached a diverse range of athletes from across 23 sports world-wide, at levels ranging from youth athletes to Olympians. He’s supported numerous Super Bowl and World Series Champions, along with several professional fighters in both professional boxing as well as the UFC.As an advisor/entrepreneur, Brett has proudly served as a teammate and supporting partner in the strategic growth of two separate performance companies. He is a highly sought-after consultant and mentor for many world-wide. His work and expertise has been featured in numerous media outlets such as ESPN, FOX Sports, Inc. Magazine and Outside Magazine.Produced and Edited by: The Cast Collective (Nashville, TN)YouTube – (‪@TheCastCollective‬)Instagram – (https://www.instagram.com/TheCastCollective)TikTok – (https://www.tiktok.com/@castcollective)

Welcome back to The Kids Table, where the conversation starts with fitness and quickly turns into something much bigger. In part one of this conversation, Brett Bartholomew pulls up a chair to talk about the part of coaching nobody puts on a whiteboard: communication. From locker rooms to living rooms, the crew digs into what it actually means to connect with people, build trust, and show up as a steady presence in a world that feels louder, faster, and more distracted by the day.They explore why great programs fall flat without great relationships, how first-principles thinking can change the way you lead, and why being “right” matters less than being received. Along the way, there are stories about misread body language, awkward feedback, love languages, and the fine line between passion and aggression. It’s part coaching clinic, part human behavior deep dive, and part group chat energy. Expect thoughtful insights, honest self-reflection, and the kind of conversation that sets the table for what’s coming in part two.Thank you to our sponsors for supporting the show! YETI: Stay hydrated with the YETI Rambler + Chug Cap. Ice stays ice, water doesn’t leak, and it’s so light, yet still so durable. It’s the bottle that keeps up. Find it at YETI.com or hit up a YETI retail store near you.About Brett Bartholomew:Brett Bartholomew is a strength and conditioning coach, author, consultant, and Founder of Art of Coaching™. His experience includes working with athletes both in the team environment and private sector along with members of the United States Special Forces and members of Fortune 500 companies.Taken together, Brett has coached a diverse range of athletes from across 23 sports world-wide, at levels ranging from youth athletes to Olympians. He’s supported numerous Super Bowl and World Series Champions, along with several professional fighters in both professional boxing as well as the UFC.As an advisor/entrepreneur, Brett has proudly served as a teammate and supporting partner in the strategic growth of two separate performance companies. He is a highly sought-after consultant and mentor for many world-wide. His work and expertise has been featured in numerous media outlets such as ESPN, FOX Sports, Inc. Magazine and Outside Magazine.Produced and Edited by: The Cast Collective (Nashville, TN)YouTube – (‪@TheCastCollective‬)Instagram – (https://www.instagram.com/TheCastCollective)TikTok – (https://www.tiktok.com/@castcollective)

To kick off 2026 at The Kids Table, we’ve pulled the moments from 2025 that still make us laugh, pause, and learn along side of. This compilation episode is a highlight reel of The Kids Table at its most unfiltered, pulling together the stories, side tangents, and conversations that stuck with us long after the mics were off.You’ll hear late-night honesty, ridiculous inside jokes, deep reflections on friendship, fatherhood, balance, and why success is usually closer than people think. There are reminders about community, doing the work, and not taking yourself too seriously, mixed with the chaos and chemistry that built this show in the first place. It’s not about one lesson or one takeaway. It’s about the moments that shaped the year and set the tone for what’s next. Welcome to 2026.Thank you to our sponsors for supporting the show! YETI: Whether it’s a post-hunt toast or you just landed another in the boat, go bottoms up with the YETI Shot Glasses. Designed to stack and pack in a portable carrying container, four shot glasses are ready to deploy anytime you need to knock one back. TRAINHEROIC: Trusted by top coaches since 2012. Plans start at just $10/month– And you get your first 14 days free. Head to https://www.trainheroic.com/thekidstable to start your free trial now. Produced and Edited by: The Cast Collective (Nashville, TN)YouTube – (‪https://www.youtube.com/@TheCastCollective)Instagram – (https://www.instagram.com/TheCastCollective)TikTok – (https://www.tiktok.com/@castcollective)

To send 2025 out right, we grabbed our favorite listener questions of the year and stitched them into one big Kids Table hang. You will hear trainers asking how to turn a side hustle into a real career, new moms wondering how to juggle strength and cardio, and coaches trying to play nicely with high school programs while still doing their job.In between, the three of them unpack sleep, longevity, heavy lifting for women, body composition after forty, and what to do when imposter syndrome starts whispering in your ear. It is equal parts tough love, practical strategy, and the kind of honest perspective you rarely get in a perfectly filtered fitness world.Thank you to our sponsors for supporting the show!YETI: Whether it’s a post-hunt toast or you just landed another in the boat, go bottoms up with the YETI Shot Glasses. Designed to stack and pack in a portable carrying container, four shot glasses are ready to deploy anytime you need to knock one back. Produced and Edited by: The Cast Collective (Nashville, TN)YouTube – (‪@TheCastCollective‬)Instagram – (https://www.instagram.com/TheCastCollective)TikTok – (https://www.tiktok.com/@castcollective)

Garth Bouldin is proof you do not need a massive platform to be a massive presence. He is Gunnar’s next door neighbor, the owner of Gateway Tire, and the kind of guy who makes you believe customer service and character still matter.What starts as a funny story about Gunnar outbidding him for the property next door turns into a real conversation about trust, relationships, and why people come back for the person long after the sets and reps, or the tires and brakes, are handled. Garth breaks down how he thinks about time, follow through, and taking care of people without needing to be asked twice. The crew also gets into purpose, patience, and what happens when your identity is tied to having somewhere to go and something to work toward. It’s funny, grounded, unexpectedly thoughtful, and a reminder that the basics still work: show up, do what you said you would do, and take care of people.Thank you to our sponsors for supporting the show! YETI : Stay hydrated with the YETI Rambler + Chug Cap. Ice stays ice, water doesn’t leak, and it’s so light, yet still so durable. It’s the bottle that keeps up. Find it at YETI.com or hit up a YETI retail store near you.TRAINHEROIC: Trusted by top coaches since 2012. Plans start at just $10/month– And you get your first 14 days free. Head to trainheroic.com/thekidstable to start your free trial now. Garth Bouldin:Personal Instagram - (https://www.instagram.com/garthb12)Gateway Tire Instagram - (https://www.instagram.com/gatewayoffroad)Garth’s Radio Show!High School Power Hour:Airs every Friday Night from 9-11pm on 104.5 the ZoneDirect Link - (https://omny.fm/shows/high-school-power-hour)X - (https://x.com/HSpowerhour)Instagram - (https://www.instagram.com/hspowerhour/)About Garth: By day, Garth Bouldin is a mild-mannered executive, keeping Gateway Tire in Franklin humming with happy customers. But after that, he’s one of the staunchest supporters of high school athletics in Williamson County.Bouldin has combined his work and his passion. Gateway Tire, along with The Trophy House and WAKM-AM (950), sponsors a player of the week award in football and basketball, and follows that up with a player of the year award for county athletes. This will mark the sixth year for the awards.When he moved to Williamson County 24 years, the landscape was different, with far fewer schools and teams. Now the presentation of weekly awards allows Bouldin and his business to continue to recognize the entire county, even though it has grown.Bouldin himself has become a local celebrity of sorts in the process. He appears often on Terry Merrell’s Thursday sports-talk show on WAKM-AM radio during the football and basketball season, and on many Friday nights can be found helping Merrell and color analyst Stormy Mitchell fill up the football half-time periods with insightful observations and thoughts.Produced and Edited by: The Cast Collective (Nashville, TN)YouTube – (‪@TheCastCollective‬)Instagram – (https://www.instagram.com/TheCastCollective)TikTok – (https://www.tiktok.com/@castcollective)

Your questions, our hot seat. In this Q& A episode, we break down HIIT fatigue, why most people are under-recovering instead of overtraining, and how to cycle heavy lifts, isometrics, and bodyweight work when life gets busy. We debate the Smith machine, talk through real paths to “success” in the industry, and show how body composition can change at 40 and beyond with basic habits done well. Expect straight answers, training ideas you can steal, and the reminder that consistency and curiosity beat perfection every time.Thank you to our sponsors for supporting the show! YETI: Whether it’s a post-hunt toast or you just landed another in the boat, go bottoms up with the YETI Shot Glasses. Designed to stack and pack in a portable carrying container, four shot glasses are ready to deploy anytime you need to knock one back. Produced and Edited by: The Cast Collective (Nashville, TN)YouTube – (‪@TheCastCollective‬)Instagram – (https://www.instagram.com/TheCastCollective)TikTok – (https://www.tiktok.com/@castcollective)

This week’s episode starts with fake sick days and somehow ends up in breakups, burnout, and why trainers should stop pretending they have perfect balance. Gunnar, Luke, and Jen talk through the messy, funny, very human moments that actually shape a healthy life. If you have ever faked an illness, questioned a relationship, or wondered why your kid can outsmart you, this feels like the right table to sit at.From travel fatigue to emotional resets to the expectations people place on fitness professionals, nothing is off-limits. The crew also revisits the late-night hangs, family dynamics, and early friendships that built the foundation for this show. Honest, warm, and full of the kind of perspective you only get from real life, this one captures exactly what The Kids Table does best.Thank you to our sponsors for supporting the show! YETI: Stay hydrated with the YETI Rambler + Chug Cap. Ice stays ice, water doesn’t leak, and it’s so light, yet still so durable. It’s the bottle that keeps up. Find it at YETI.com or hit up a YETI retail store near you.TRAINHEROIC: Trusted by top coaches since 2012. Plans start at just $10/month– And you get your first 14 days free. Head to trainheroic.com/thekidstable to start your free trial now. Produced and Edited by: The Cast Collective (Nashville, TN)YouTube – (‪@TheCastCollective‬)Instagram – (https://www.instagram.com/TheCastCollective)TikTok – (https://www.tiktok.com/@castcollective)

This week, The Kids Table takes a step back into the early days of lockdown: the makeshift gyms, the six-foot sticks, the CPR tests, and the cul-de-sac friendships that kept everyone afloat when the world shut down. Gunnar, Luke, and Jen break down how they trained, coped, and kept people moving with zero equipment, no certainty, and a whole lot of chaos swirling around them. They revisit the strange blend of humor, fear, and unexpected community that shaped that year.They also get honest about the work side: how trainers scrambled when gyms closed, what shifted permanently in fitness culture, and why cheering for your friends carries more weight than cheering for pro athletes. Between stories of masked-up workouts, neighborly antics, and the odd celebrity drop-in, they land on the same truth: people need people. This episode is equal parts nostalgia, humanity, and the reminder that showing up for each other matters long after the world goes back to normal. Oh and it’s also a reminder that you maybe shouldn’t hand the phone to Dolph Lundgren with your drunk dad on the other line.Thank you to our sponsors for supporting the show! YETI: Stay hydrated with the YETI Rambler + Chug Cap. Ice stays ice, water doesn’t leak, and it’s so light, yet still so durable. It’s the bottle that keeps up. Find it at YETI.com or hit up a YETI retail store near you.Produced and Edited by: The Cast Collective (Nashville, TN)YouTube – (‪@TheCastCollective‬)Instagram – (https://www.instagram.com/TheCastCollective)TikTok – (https://www.tiktok.com/@castcollective)

This one is for anyone who wants the truth behind transformation. Jen brings on Sarah Gilbert to revisit their season of The Biggest Loser, recap the recent documentary, and talk through what it got right, what was missed, and what the cameras never showed. They unpack how the show worked, where it went wrong, and how a real relationship can protect people inside a machine built for ratings. Sarah talks about losing over 100 pounds, going home without cameras, finding her footing again, and redefining success as a parent and a human. The crew breaks down key claims from the film around aftercare, safety, and the scale, then share tools that last, accountability you can actually keep, and the freedom of not letting a number run your life. This episode is for the Biggest Loser lovers and its skeptics.Thank you to our sponsors for supporting the show! YETI: Stay hydrated with the YETI Rambler + Chug Cap. Ice stays ice, water doesn’t leak, and it’s so light, yet still so durable. It’s the bottle that keeps up. Find it at YETI.com or hit up a YETI retail store near you.TRAINHEROIC: Trusted by top coaches since 2012. Plans start at just $10/month– And you get your first 14 days free. Head to trainheroic.com/thekidstable to start your free trial now. Produced and Edited by: The Cast Collective (Nashville, TN)YouTube – (‪@TheCastCollective‬)Instagram – (https://www.instagram.com/TheCastCollective)TikTok – (https://www.tiktok.com/@castcollective)

The crew kicks back to answer your questions. Everything from imposter syndrome to cold plunges and creatine. It’s part fitness, part therapy, and part group chat you didn’t know you needed. They get real about motivation dips, burnout, and why sometimes stepping away from your goals is the best way to find them again. With plenty of laughs, stories, and strong opinions along the way, this one feels like catching up with your training partners after a long week.Thank you to our sponsors for supporting the show!YETI: Stay hydrated with the YETI Rambler + Chug Cap. Ice stays ice, water doesn’t leak, and it’s so light, yet still so durable. It’s the bottle that keeps up. Find it at YETI.com or hit up a YETI retail store near you.Produced and Edited by: The Cast Collective (Nashville, TN)YouTube – (‪@TheCastCollective‬)Instagram – (https://www.instagram.com/TheCastCollective)TikTok – (https://www.tiktok.com/@castcollective)

If you’ve been told surgery is your only option, Dr. Ethan Kellum is here to challenge that narrative. The Nashville orthopedic surgeon joins Gunnar, Luke, and Jen to break down how regenerative medicine is shifting what’s possible for injured joints, aging athletes, and anyone trying to stay active without constant setbacks. They talk Platelet-Rich Plasma (PRP) vs stem cells, when to get a second opinion, and how simple changes in food, sleep, and strength can rewind the wear-and-tear clock. The crew also goes there on concussions, peptides, and the messy gap between “standard of care” and what actually works. Smart, hopeful, and packed with tools you can use now. It’s part science class, part coaching session, and full permission to push for better answers about your own body.Thank you to our sponsors for supporting the show! YETI: Stay hydrated with the YETI Rambler + Chug Cap. Ice stays ice, water doesn’t leak, and it’s so light, yet still so durable. It’s the bottle that keeps up. Find it at YETI.com or hit up a YETI retail store near you.TRAINHEROIC: Trusted by top coaches since 2012. Plans start at just $10/month– And you get your first 14 days free. Head to trainheroic.com/thekidstable to start your free trial now. About Dr. Ethan Kellum:Dr. Ethan Kellum is a fellowship-trained orthopedic surgeon specializing in sports medicine, shoulder surgery, and advanced arthroscopic techniques. With a distinguished career caring for elite athletes, he currently serves as a Team Physician for the NFL’s Tennessee Titans and USA Basketball, and he is a former Assistant Team Physician for the NBA’s Boston Celtics, as well as Harvard and Tufts University Athletics.A graduate of the University of Tennessee Health Science Center College of Medicine, Dr. Kellum completed his residency in orthopedic surgery at the Medical College of Georgia, followed by advanced fellowship training in sports medicine at New England Baptist Hospital and Boston Children’s Hospital. He is an elected member of the Alpha Omega Alpha Medical Honor Society.Widely published and a sought-after speaker, Dr. Kellum has contributed to leading orthopedic journals, book chapters, and national conferences, with a focus on innovative treatments that restore function and optimize recovery. He combines cutting-edge biologic therapies with orthopedic expertise to help patients achieve long-term healing without unnecessary surgery.With a passion for helping patients - from professional athletes to active individuals - Dr. Kellum is committed to providing compassionate, personalized care rooted in the latest advancements in sports medicine and orthopedics.Dr. Kellum recommended Gelatin!(https://www.perfectsupplements.com/Perfect-Bovine-Gelatin-p/ps-gelatin.htm?searchid=0&search_query=Perfect+bovine+gelatin+)Produced and Edited by: The Cast Collective (Nashville, TN)YouTube – (‪@TheCastCollective‬)Instagram – (https://www.instagram.com/TheCastCollective)TikTok – (https://www.tiktok.com/@castcollective)

The crew takes questions straight from the comments in this listener Q&A episode of The Kids Table. From sleep hacks and heavy lifting to finding your way out of a training rut, Gunnar Peterson, Luke Milton, and Jen Widerstrom get candid about what’s actually working for them right now. They break down why “heavy” isn’t a number, how to train smart over 40, and why sleep is the real flex.You’ll hear stories about late-night training sessions, crash diets, and what happens when you try to wake up at 3:30 a.m. for 30 years. Plus: the truth about machine workouts, travel training, ab myths, and how to build momentum when you’ve lost motivation. Expect plenty of laughs, a few tangents, and enough practical takeaways to reignite your own routine.Thank you to our sponsors for supporting the show!YETI: Stay hydrated with the YETI Rambler + Chug Cap. Ice stays ice, water doesn’t leak, and it’s so light, yet still so durable. It’s the bottle that keeps up. Find it at YETI.com or hit up a YETI retail store near you.Produced and Edited by: The Cast Collective (Nashville, TN)YouTube – (‪@TheCastCollective‬)Instagram – (https://www.instagram.com/TheCastCollective)TikTok – (https://www.tiktok.com/@castcollective)

Ed Streit drops by (literally out of the pantry) for a birthday surprise and a masterclass on culture. In this episode of The Kids Table, former Lakers strength coach Ed Streit reunites with mentor Gunnar Peterson to relive a whirlwind championship season: the China trip chaos, the shock of Kobe’s passing, the COVID shutdown, and the Zoom-era weight room. Ed shares with Jen and Luke how his “interview” with Gunnar went from ACL protocols to “can we actually hang on the road?”, why culture beats clipboards, and how equipment drops to every player’s house kept the squad moving when facilities were closed. There’s locker-room humor (and a jump-scare reveal), but also the real stuff.From there, the crew zooms out: what it means to chase community after you’ve already stood on the mountaintop, why you can’t recreate lightning without the right people, and how to build environments players (or clients) want to enter. Ed talks about stepping away from the NBA and what’s next for him. Expect inside stories, practical coaching takeaways, and a reminder that the best programs start with culture and end with results.Thank you to our sponsors for supporting the show!YETI: Stay hydrated with the YETI Rambler + Chug Cap. Ice stays ice, water doesn’t leak, and it’s so light, yet still so durable. It’s the bottle that keeps up. Find it at YETI.com or hit up a YETI retail store near you.TRAINHEROIC: Trusted by top coaches since 2012. Plans start at just $10/month– And you get your first 14 days free. Head to trainheroic.com/thekidstable to start your free trial now. About Ed Streit:After six seasons as Head Strength & Conditioning Coach for the Los Angeles Lakers (10 seasons in the NBA), Ed Streit launched a private performance practice based in Los Angeles, working with elite professional athletes, entertainers, and high-net-worth individuals. His focus is on delivering championship-caliber training in a private, results-driven setting: Designing tailored performance programs for athletes, leading high-touch return-to-play strategies in collaboration with medical teams, agents, and performance staff, supporting entertainers and executives seeking to train at a world-class level, and consulting with collegiate and professional organizations to modernize strength & conditioning and performance systems.Produced and Edited by: The Cast Collective (Nashville, TN)YouTube – (‪@TheCastCollective‬)Instagram – (https://www.instagram.com/TheCastCollective)TikTok – (https://www.tiktok.com/@castcollective)

Pirates, eyepatches, and oxygen masks—just another day at The Kids Table. In this solo-meets-call-in episode, Gunnar Peterson, Luke Milton, and Jen Widerstrom riff on camaraderie (old rugby reunions and Biggest Loser catch-ups), the myth of “balance,” and why starting now beats waiting for Monday. There’s a rapid-fire “Don’t Not Do It” segment reacting to gym TikToks, a spirited debate on discipline vs. circumstance, and a reminder that the body stays coachable at any age if you just start.Then the phones light up: Mackenzie Parkes (Training Mate Dallas) asks how to turn training into a career while prepping for Hyrox, cue the crew’s playbook on white-belt curiosity, “industry of poaching”, authenticity, scheduling your own workouts like client appointments, and sharing competition prep without alienating clients. Amanda Casillo (Fit By Amanda) calls in about launching a sold-out Women’s Lift Club without burning out, so the team gets tactical: plan in short cycles, align with your partner, protect home base, and build sustainably. Expect laughs, straight talk, and practical coaching takeaways you can use today.Thank you to our sponsors for supporting the show! YETI: Stay hydrated with the YETI Rambler + Chug Cap. Ice stays ice, water doesn’t leak, and it’s so light, yet still so durable. It’s the bottle that keeps up. Find it at YETI.com or hit up a YETI retail store near you.Callers: Mackenzie Parkes:Insta - (https://www.instagram.com/mackenzieparkes_)Amanda Casillo:Insta - (https://www.instagram.com/fitbyamanda.az)Website - (https://www.fitbyamanda.com)Produced and Edited by: The Cast Collective (Nashville, TN)YouTube – (‪@TheCastCollective‬)Instagram – (https://www.instagram.com/TheCastCollective)TikTok – (https://www.tiktok.com/@castcollective)

No guest, plenty of honesty. In this solo recap of the Cal Dietz two-parter, Gunnar Peterson, Luke Milton, and Jen Widerstrom unpack the firestorm in their comments and turn it into a real conversation about coaching, curiosity, and manners on the internet. They talk trolls, “post and ghost,” and why disagreement is healthy when it comes with respect. You’ll hear how a missing word in a caption sparked a pile-on, why experiential learning makes Cal’s ideas click, and how community beats clout when it comes to raising the bar in strength and conditioning.They also get honest about ego, accountability, and the courage to be vulnerable in public. From injury-prevention nuance to cancel-culture hot takes, the crew keeps it candid and constructive, inviting coaches and athletes alike to ask better questions, listen harder, and keep showing up. Thank you to our sponsors for supporting the show! YETI: Stay hydrated with the YETI Rambler + Chug Cap. Ice stays ice, water doesn’t leak, and it’s so light, yet still so durable. It’s the bottle that keeps up. Find it at YETI.com or hit up a YETI retail store near you.TRAINHEROIC: Trusted by top coaches since 2012. Plans start at just $10/month– And you get your first 14 days free. Head to trainheroic.com/thekidstable to start your free trial now. Produced and Edited by: The Cast Collective (Nashville, TN)YouTube – (‪@TheCastCollective‬)Instagram – (https://www.instagram.com/TheCastCollective)TikTok – (https://www.tiktok.com/@castcollective)

Part two with Cal Dietz takes on a new dynamic as Nashville’s Justin Todd, Houston’s Dose Khan, and MLB strength & conditioning coach Stephanie Mock Grubbs call in with their biggest coaching questions. In this episode of The Kids Table, Gunnar Peterson, Luke Milton, and Jen Widerstrom hand the floor to three fellow coaches dialing in from afar, turning the conversation into a candid Q&A with one of the most innovative minds in strength and conditioning.Cal tackles their questions head-on: how to build collaboration instead of competition among coaches, why addressing weak links like the foot can unlock athletic potential, and how two decades of trial and error shaped his Triphasic approach. The crew also unpacks the tougher realities of the job—navigating online criticism, balancing the explosion of social media trainers, and rethinking injury prevention from ACLs to Achilles tears.It’s equal parts mentorship and roundtable, packed with practical wisdom, plenty of laughs, and the kind of straight answers only Cal Dietz is willing to give.Thank you to our sponsors for supporting the show! YETI: Check out YETI’s new Easy Access Ranchero™ Backpack, the Ranchero’s TuffSkin™ Nylon shell and smart internal layout keep your laptop dry, your shoes separate, and your stuff organized. Check it out at YETI.com or hit up a YETI retail store near you.About Cal Dietz:Cal Dietz, M.Ed., is the Head Olympic Strength Coach at the University of Minnesota and also serves as the Strength/Performance Coach for the USA Women’s Hockey National/Olympic Team. With over two decades of experience, Cal Dietz has been an Olympic Sports Strength and Conditioning coach since 2000. Throughout his career, he has trained athletes who have achieved 540+ All-American honors, trained teams to win 11 NCAA Team National Championships, and coached teams that have won 37 Big Ten/WCHA championships, along with 36 Big Ten/WCHA Conference tournaments. Cal Dietz has been an instrumental figure in guiding teams to 22 NCAA Final Four appearances. Additionally, he has provided his expertise to Olympic and World Champions in various sports, as well as professional athletes in the NHL, NFL, NBA, MLB, MMA, and Professional Boxing.Produced and Edited by: The Cast Collective (Nashville, TN)YouTube – (‪@TheCastCollective‬)Instagram – (https://www.instagram.com/TheCastCollective)TikTok – (https://www.tiktok.com/@castcollective)

When your favorite strength coach sounds brilliant, there’s a good chance they’ve borrowed from Cal Dietz. In this episode of The Kids Table, the longtime University of Minnesota Olympic strength and conditioning coach — and the mind behind the groundbreaking Triphasic Training system — joins Gunnar Peterson, Luke Milton, and Jen Widerstrom for a conversation that’s equal parts nerdy, rowdy, and wildly insightful. With over 25 years coaching elite athletes across every major sport, Cal brings science, curiosity, and eye-opening solutions to the table.They dig into the origins of Triphasic Training, the importance of culture in building buy-in, and how Cal’s obsession with asking “why” reshaped performance coaching worldwide. The crew also explores the fine line between injury prevention and internet criticism, as Cal demonstrates his innovative non-contact ACL solution and the real dynamics behind keeping athletes healthy. Expect candid stories, unexpected laughs, and game-changing takeaways from one of the most influential minds in modern strength and conditioning.Thank you to our sponsors for supporting the show! YETI: Check out YETI’s new Easy Access Ranchero™ Backpack, the Ranchero’s TuffSkin™ Nylon shell and smart internal layout keep your laptop dry, your shoes separate, and your stuff organized. Check it out at YETI.com or hit up a YETI retail store near you.TRAINHEROIC: Trusted by top coaches since 2012. Plans start at just $10/month– And you get your first 14 days free. Head to trainheroic.com/thekidstable to start your free trial now. About Cal Dietz:Cal Dietz, M.Ed., is the Head Olympic Strength Coach at the University of Minnesota and also serves as the Strength/Performance Coach for the USA Women’s Hockey National/Olympic Team. With over two decades of experience, Cal Dietz has been an Olympic Sports Strength and Conditioning coach since 2000. Throughout his career, he has trained athletes who have achieved 540+ All-American honors, trained teams to win 11 NCAA Team National Championships, and coached teams that have won 37 Big Ten/WCHA championships, along with 36 Big Ten/WCHA Conference tournaments. Cal Dietz has been an instrumental figure in guiding teams to 22 NCAA Final Four appearances. Additionally, he has provided his expertise to Olympic and World Champions in various sports, as well as professional athletes in the NHL, NFL, NBA, MLB, MMA, and Professional Boxing.Produced and Edited by: The Cast Collective (Nashville, TN)YouTube – (‪@TheCastCollective‬)Instagram – (https://www.instagram.com/TheCastCollective)TikTok – (https://www.tiktok.com/@castcollective)

In this episode of The Kids Table, Gunnar Peterson, Luke Milton, and Jen Widerstrom dive into the wild, winding world of fitness and a few stories they probably weren’t supposed to tell. Between Jen’s upcoming strongman competition, Gunnar’s secret past as “Conrad Black,” and Luke’s theories on the future of group training, this one’s part industry roundtable and part comedy show.They explore the comeback of competitive-style training like Strongman and Hyrox, the power of community in building consistency, and how gyms are quietly becoming the new “college teams” for everyday athletes. You’ll hear candid reflections on overtraining, belonging, and why finding your people might just be the key to finding your purpose. Plus a glimpse at Gunnar’s massive new gym build-out and the gear graveyard lurking outside of it. Expect sharp insights, plenty of laughs, and a reminder that everyone starts somewhere… even if it’s faking an assistant.Thank you to our sponsors for supporting the show! YETI: Check out YETI’s new Easy Access Ranchero™ Backpack, the Ranchero’s TuffSkin™ Nylon shell and smart internal layout keep your laptop dry, your shoes separate, and your stuff organized. Check it out at YETI.com or hit up a YETI retail store near you.Power Athlete w/ Dr. Robert Clancy: (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ji78AKM6mgs)Produced and Edited by: The Cast Collective (Nashville, TN)YouTube – (‪@TheCastCollective‬)Instagram – (https://www.instagram.com/TheCastCollective)TikTok – (https://www.tiktok.com/@castcollective)

What happens when Gunnar Peterson, Luke Milton, and Jen Widerstrom roll into the final day of Summer Strong on less than four hours of sleep and with a giddiness that only comes with being surrounded by the best of the best in Strength and Conditioning? You get conversations that start with testicular health, spiral into microplastics, and land on Lee Haney’s legendary wisdom. In this episode of The Kids Table, the crew recaps their weekend at one of the most iconic gatherings in fitness. It’s equal parts classroom, family reunion, and deadlift party.They cover the highlights of the event, from the inspiration of eight-time Mr. Olympia Lee Haney to unexpected takeaways on tech, training, and community. You’ll hear candid reflections on what makes Summer Strong unlike any other event in the industry, plus the kind of unfiltered banter only this trio can deliver. Expect big laughs, plenty of truth bombs, and a reminder that sometimes just showing up is the most important rep of all.Thank you to our sponsors for supporting the show! YETI: Check out YETI’s new Easy Access Ranchero™ Backpack, the Ranchero’s TuffSkin™ Nylon shell and smart internal layout keep your laptop dry, your shoes separate, and your stuff organized. Check it out at YETI.com or hit up a YETI retail store near you.TRAINHEROIC: Trusted by top coaches since 2012. Plans start at just $10/month – And you get your first 14 days free. Head to trainheroic.com/thekidstable to start your free trial now. Edited by: The Cast Collective (Nashville, TN)YouTube – (‪@TheCastCollective‬)Instagram – (https://www.instagram.com/TheCastCollective)TikTok – (https://www.tiktok.com/@castcollective)