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The Masters Athlete Survival Guide

John Katalinas and Scott Fike

We explore thriving as an athlete after 40. Each episode, we’ll dive into tips, hacks, and inspiring stories from seasoned athletes and our personal experience. Whether you’re a weekend warrior or a competitive pro, this podcast is your playbook for staying fit, strong, and motivated

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  • 21 episodes
  • fortnightly
  • Avg 33 min
  • English
Counted on this page — what you have heard stays on this device, so it is not something the list can be paged by.
  • Thursday · 1 hr 14 min

    Grit After 60 with Ed Shore III

    Send us Fan Mail We sit down with 60-plus strongman Ed Shore to talk about the mix of technique, conditioning, and stubborn grit that keeps him competing at a high level. We trade stories on multi-sport athletic development, adapting when events change, and why masters athletes often outshine younger lifters on mindset and community. • Ed’s athletic family background and how he defines his own edge through motor, technique, and analysis • Why multi-sport training builds better balance, agility, and long-term durability than early specialization • How youth sports economics pushes year-round play and what parents can do instead • Coaching methods that keep kids moving, learning skills, and building confidence without quitting • Old-school toughness stories that shape standards for effort and follow-through • Coming back from serious injuries including Achilles rupture and shoulder damage through rehab and prehab • Competition tactics for stones, sandbag carries, breathing, bracing, and fast resets under pressure • Training for failure points like heat, equipment changes, no-tacky rules, and forgotten gear • Why we keep competing after 40 and 60 for fun, memories, and the people around the platform If you enjoyed this episode and you'd like to help support the podcast, please share it with others, post it on your social media, or leave a review. To catch all the latest from us, you can follow us on Instagram at Masters Athlete Survival Guide. @masters_athlete_survival_guide on IG New podcast episodes come out every other Thursday! Masters Mindset Minutes should be your new performance habit every Sunday night

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  • #60
    August 21 · 44 min

    How To Run A Safe Sports Competition After 40

    Send us Fan Mail We break down what it really takes to run a competition that feels fun, tight, and safe, using our strongman charity event as the template. We talk through the decisions we make as athletic directors so athletes, volunteers, sponsors, and spectators all leave wanting to come back. • treating safety as the first job, not a footnote • choosing controllable events and building in physical safeguards • managing crowds, kids, and spectator flow in a small space • using cleanliness and layout as part of risk reduction • building a reputation that grows entries without begging • recruiting and organizing volunteers so the day runs smoothly • planning for costs, seed money, weather pivots, and delays • using insurance and registration platforms to protect the event • delivering sponsor value and thinking about ROI • showing where charity dollars go through grants and community support • creating community connections that keep rippling outward Please comment. Comment below. Donate to the LovelikeBen9.com. If you enjoyed this episode and you'd like to help support the podcast, please share it with others, post it on your social media, or leave a review. To catch all the latest from us, you can follow us on Instagram at Masters Athlete Survival Guide. @masters_athlete_survival_guide on IG New podcast episodes come out every other Thursday! Masters Mindset Minutes should be your new performance habit every Sunday night

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  • #59
    August 7 · 1 hr 9 min

    Athletic Legacy: What Do You Want to Be Proud of in 20 Years?

    Send us Fan Mail We ask what masters athletes should chase as they age, then realize the proudest moments often have nothing to do with medals. We lay out how we pick competitions that fit our bodies, build community, and keep the sport fun for the long haul. • redefining pride as a memory and a milestone • why masters athletes compete for benchmarks, learning and joy • experiences versus medals as the main driver after 40 • choosing events that match your body and recovery • why cherry-picking easy wins poisons the culture • local competitions as the fastest way to build community • travel, time zones, money and schedule as real filters • competing for camaraderie and shared venues like the Arnold • avoiding poorly run meets and managing long competition days • volunteering and helping as a shortcut to belonging • lightning-round preferences on PRs, max distance and bucket-list venues • what “hard” means with overhead, joints, health and aging reality If you enjoyed this episode and you'd like to help support the podcast, please share it with others, post it on your social media, or leave a review. To catch all the latest from us, you can follow us on Instagram at Masters Athlete Survival Guide. @masters_athlete_survival_guide on IG New podcast episodes come out every other Thursday! Masters Mindset Minutes should be your new performance habit every Sunday night

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  • #58
    July 23 · 1 hr 26 min

    Peptide Therapy Explained for Masters Athletes with Dr. Ink Young

    Send us Fan Mail We bring Dr. Ink Young on to cut through peptide hype and talk about what peptides are, where they may help, and why chasing a shortcut can backfire. We also lay out the foundational habits that actually drive healthspan so any advanced tool sits on a solid base. • defining peptides as signaling tools and why supervision matters • setting a clear goal before choosing any peptide • treating peptides as a tool in a toolbox rather than a replacement for basics • seven foundational habits that support healthspan: community, nutrition, smart supplementation, hydration, movement, daily silence, sleep • why daily silence improves stress, focus, and creativity • how poor sleep drives cravings and derails body composition goals • cycling on and off peptides and tracking outcomes with a provider • research-grade peptides versus provider-supervised peptide therapy • why 503A compounding pharmacy standards change the safety picture • cost ranges, possible HSA coverage, and why cheapest is not safest • GLP-1 weight loss benefits alongside muscle and bone concerns • real-world examples including BPC-157, sermorelin, and NAD+ If you enjoyed this episode and you'd like to help support the podcast, please share it with others, post it on your social media, or leave a review. To catch all the latest from us, you can follow us on Instagram at Masters Athlete Survival Guide. @masters_athlete_survival_guide on IG New podcast episodes come out every other Thursday! Masters Mindset Minutes should be your new performance habit every Sunday night

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  • #57
    July 9 · 42 min

    What We Would Tell our 15-Year-Old Self About Training and Life After 40

    Send us Fan Mail We start with a disgusting Instagram ad and somehow end up in a real conversation about the advice we wish we could give our 15-year-old selves. We talk mindset, training basics, smart risks, and why we might not change a thing even after plenty of mistakes. • there is no time, start today and let consistency compound • letting the small stuff go, caring less about what people think • mastering basics that carry over into sport, work, and health • choosing the harder path on purpose and taking smart risks early • slowing down, resting, and balancing intensity with recovery • finding motivation through other people’s stories and building your tribe • regret, identity, and why your messy path still makes you you • upcoming strongman and Love Like Ben Foundation events If you enjoyed this episode and you'd like to help support the podcast, please share it with others, post it on your social media, or leave a review. To catch all the latest from us, you can follow us on Instagram at Masters Athlete Survival Guide. @masters_athlete_survival_guide on IG New podcast episodes come out every other Thursday! Masters Mindset Minutes should be your new performance habit every Sunday night

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  • #56
    June 25 · 1 hr 5 min

    What If Your “Type 2” Diagnosis Is Wrong? LADA with Ginger Vieira The Diabetes Nerd

    Send us Fan Mail We sit down with Ginger Vieira "The Diabetes Nerd" to unpack why “Type 2” can be the wrong diabetes label for active adults and how understanding LADA may change what works for you. We leave with concrete tests, training insights, and mindset shifts that make diabetes management feel less like guessing and more like coaching ourselves with better data. • LADA defined as latent autoimmune diabetes in adults and why it’s type 1 • Adult-onset type 1 facts and why misdiagnosis is common • C-peptide testing and what it reveals about insulin production • Autoantibody testing, stages of type 1, and why screening matters • How to advocate for yourself when appointments are short • Caffeine and liver glucose release as a cause of “mystery” spikes • Artificial sweeteners and sugar alcohol concerns plus real-world tradeoffs • Building a sustainable diet with room for treats and smart insulin timing • Medication stigma, metformin basics, and what GLP-1 drugs can do • Overprescribing risks, dose escalation pressure, and insurance incentives • Why anaerobic exercise and adrenaline can raise blood sugar • Basal insulin clues and how CGMs can expose patterns Follow The Diabetes Nerd @diabetes_nerd on IG If you enjoyed this episode and you'd like to help support the podcast, please share it with others, post it on your social media, or leave a review. To catch all the latest from us, you can follow us on Instagram at Masters Athlete Survival Guide. @masters_athlete_survival_guide on IG New podcast episodes come out every other Thursday! Masters Mindset Minutes should be your new performance habit every Sunday night

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  • June 11 · 1 hr 5 min

    Perimenopause GLP-1s and the Real Work of Primary Care with Meghan Fox, DNP, AGPCNP-BC

    Send us Fan Mail We sit down with Meghan Fox, DNP, AGPCNP-BC, to get a clear view of what primary care actually looks like for active adults, and why honest health history beats “winging it” at 40, 50, and beyond. We dig into hormones, diabetes, GLP-1 meds, supplements, and the small medical details that can quietly shape performance and long-term health. • gerontology versus geriatrics and what adult health really covers • what “doctor” means in clinical versus academic settings • nurse practitioner scope of practice and collaborating physician realities • perimenopause symptoms, sleep disruption, and quality of life impact • lifestyle levers that can help before meds, including training, sleep, and diet • why carbs matter in diabetes, plus food diaries and nutrition referrals • GLP-1 medications, side effects, titration, and surgery timing risks • peptide hype, supplement interactions, and why providers need your full list • blood pressure as a silent risk and why labs can catch problems early • vitamin D testing, why multivitamins can be risky, and what to disclose Thanks for listening if you enjoyed this episode and you'd like to help support the podcast please share it with others post it on your social media or leave a review to catch all the latest from us you can follow us on Instagram at Masters Athlete Survival Guide. @masters_athlete_survival_guide on IG New podcast episodes come out every other Thursday! Masters Mindset Minutes should be your new performance habit every Sunday night

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  • S77 · E10
    June 7 · 1 min

    Use Cold Plunge to Find Your Fearless Self

    Send us Fan Mail @masters_athlete_survival_guide on IG New podcast episodes come out every other Thursday! Masters Mindset Minutes should be your new performance habit every Sunday night

  • #54
    May 28 · 1 hr 9 min

    Training For Heavy Stone Carries After 40 with John "Rockman" Johnson

    Send us Fan Mail We chase the Husafell stone dream and admit why a 39 meter carry feels terrifying when the weight is awkward and your lungs get crushed. We swap real stone stories, debate technique, and build a smarter training approach that respects strength after 40 while still pushing a big stretch goal. • committing to Husafell Summer 2027 and why long timelines help masters athletes • the wrong stone story and how conditions change everything • pick mechanics, lap position, and why stone geometry beats you up • Atlas sandbag carries, diaphragm pressure, and carry conditioning • natural stone faux pas, cultural respect, and why damaged stones get hidden • finding liftable rocks in parks and parking lots and why it turns into an obsession • Dinnie style lifting and how rings and uneven loads punish your hands • unconventional training ideas like misloaded barbells, Zercher work, and gorilla rows If you enjoyed this episode and you'd like to help support the podcast, please share it with others, post it on your social media, or leave a review. To catch all the latest from us, you can follow us on Instagram at Masters Athlete Survival Guide. @masters_athlete_survival_guide on IG New podcast episodes come out every other Thursday! Masters Mindset Minutes should be your new performance habit every Sunday night

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  • May 25 · 1 min

    Change Outclassed to a Learning Opportunity

    Send us Fan Mail @masters_athlete_survival_guide on IG New podcast episodes come out every other Thursday! Masters Mindset Minutes should be your new performance habit every Sunday night

  • May 17 · 41 sec

    Work Directly with Bruce Young, Mindset Coach

    Send us Fan Mail Contact Bruce at beyoungcoach on IG @masters_athlete_survival_guide on IG New podcast episodes come out every other Thursday! Masters Mindset Minutes should be your new performance habit every Sunday night

  • #53
    May 14 · 54 min

    What To Ask Your Doctor As An Athlete Over 40

    Send us Fan Mail We talk about why masters athletes over 40 need real medical baselines instead of guessing, especially when training hard can hide early warning signs. We share the questions we bring to annual physicals so we can advocate for ourselves, track trends, and keep doing what we love for decades. • why men often avoid the doctor and why that backfires • what to ask at an annual physical and how to think about screenings • how bad measurements happen and why cuff size matters for blood pressure • building baselines so a single lab result does not drive big decisions • overtraining versus overexertion and the role of recovery • cardiac health questions and signs that mean slow down • supplement hype versus what blood work can actually tell you • hormones beyond testosterone including thyroid and cortisol balance • lung function, skin checks, and broader cancer screening awareness • blood tests to discuss with your doctor including CBC, iron, thyroid, ApoB, IGF-1, and hormone ratios If you enjoyed this episode and you'd like to help support the podcast, please share it with others, post it on your social media, or leave a review. To catch all the latest from us, you can follow us on Instagram at Masters Athlete Survival Guide. @masters_athlete_survival_guide on IG New podcast episodes come out every other Thursday! Masters Mindset Minutes should be your new performance habit every Sunday night

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  • #52
    April 30 · 1 hr 13 min

    Old Men With Microphones

    Send us Fan Mail We record from the Arnold Sports Festival and use open-ended questions to get honest about meaning, friendship, and what we want our lives to add up to. The talk goes from jokes to real “old man wisdom” on leadership, legacy, aging, and staying in the game as masters athletes. • moments we look back on and smile, from family milestones to shared stories with friends • “meaningless” activities reframed as recovery, connection, and stress relief • traits of leaders we admire, especially humility and empowering others • the legacy we want to leave through service, caring, and showing up • what we will not regret, including risks taken and sport-driven community • family histories that shape scarcity mindset, resilience, and survival • energy, self-belief, and how humility can help or hinder us • desire as a window into priorities, from travel dreams to pain-free training • staying authentic to goals through accountability, flexibility, and returning after setbacks • lessons learned about mortality, time, and refusing to give up on ourselves If you enjoyed this episode and you'd like to help support the podcast, please share with others, post it on your social media, or leave a review. To catch all the latest from us, you can follow us on Instagram at Masters Athlete Survival Guide. Now get off our lawn, you damn kids. @masters_athlete_survival_guide on IG New podcast episodes come out every other Thursday! Masters Mindset Minutes should be your new performance habit every Sunday night

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  • S77 · E5
    April 26 · 1 min

    Masters Mindset Minute: Consider What You Can Control

    Send us Fan Mail A one minute reset to start your week off right! @masters_athlete_survival_guide on IG New podcast episodes come out every other Thursday! Masters Mindset Minutes should be your new performance habit every Sunday night

  • S77 · E4
    April 18 · 1 min

    Masters Mindset Minute: When Things Don't Go As Planned

    Send us Fan Mail A one minute reset to start your week off right! @masters_athlete_survival_guide on IG New podcast episodes come out every other Thursday! Masters Mindset Minutes should be your new performance habit every Sunday night

  • #51
    April 16 · 46 min

    Bruce Young on Normalizing Success, Practicing Failure, and Mindset Mastery

    Send us Fan Mail We sit down with Bruce Young, a 62-year-old, four-time CrossFit Games athlete, to unpack the mindset, coaching, and habits that keep masters athletes sharp and improving. From GNAT to PAT, process over results, and training failure states, we map a clear way to compete stronger at any age. • finding the sport you love and committing • building a tribe that normalises success • separating results goals from process goals • replacing negative automatic thoughts with positive ones • writing the target number before the lift • pre-competition centering and gratitude rituals • practicing failure states to handle chaos • coaching that confronts habits and expands ceilings • heat, humidity, and environmental prep as an edge • applying athletic mindset to parenting, music, and work If you enjoyed this episode and you'd like to help support the podcast, please share it with others, post it on your social media, or leave a review To catch all the latest from us, you can follow us on Instagram at Masters Athlete Survival Guide Now get off our lawn, you damn kids @masters_athlete_survival_guide on IG New podcast episodes come out every other Thursday! Masters Mindset Minutes should be your new performance habit every Sunday night

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Showing 1–20 of 21 episodes