#177 - The Psychology of Getting Super Shredded - Joe Connolly

In this episode, I sit down with a previous guest of the Podcast—Joe Connolly, the Head Coach for Sports Performance Arizona State University Football.

Joe is a Master Strength and Conditioning Coach (MSCC) who has revolutionized ASU’s sports performance program by implementing individualized, cutting-edge training systems, incorporating advanced technology, and cultivating a dynamic team across nutrition, sports science, and performance. Under his guidance, ASU athletes have achieved notable NFL success, including first-round draft picks Brandon Aiyuk (2020) and N’Keal Harry (2019), as well as other professional players.
Prior to ASU, Joe served as Head Strength and Conditioning Coach at UMass, where he developed standout athletes, including Denver Broncos offensive lineman Elijah Wilkinson and All-American tight end Adam Breneman. Earlier in his career, Joe spent seven years at the University of South Carolina under Hall of Fame coach Steve Spurrier, contributing to six consecutive bowl appearances and coaching 45 NFL draft picks, including 2014 No. 1 overall pick Jadeveon Clowney. He began his career at Harvard, supporting 41 sports programs, and earned advanced degrees in strength and conditioning while competing in weightlifting and strongman events.
A native of Barnstable, Mass., Connolly resides in Tempe with his wife, Shalona, and their two children, Cali and Cade.

We discussed:
02:30 - Motivation to Get Super Lean: Seeking Difficult Challenges
05:03 - Understanding the Strain of Aggressive Fat Loss on Life
08:03 - Joe's Pre-Diet Eating Habits: 100-200g Fat Daily
12:46 - Shock of Eating Carbs & Losing Weight
13:30 - Converting to Tracking: "I'll Never Not Track Again"
16:35 - Birthday Cake Incident: Balancing Goals with Fatherhood
23:12 - Implementing High-Low Training Day Protocol
27:45 - Massive Visceral Fat Drop & Health Improvements
39:42 - Decision to Push Past Sub-10%: "Fuck That, We're Going Eight"
42:08 - People Asking If Joe Was Okay: Identity Shift Struggles
48:47 - "Not as Hard as I Thought It Would Be"
51:00 - Accountability: Getting Up at 3:45 AM Because They Need You
51:52 - Discipline vs. Identity: Who You Are Determines Execution
57:43 - Joe's Goals for Reverse Diet & Looking Forward

Find Joe
Website: http://thesundevils.com/
Instagram: @coachjoeconnolly
X: @Coach_Joe28
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Paul's singular goal is to raise the bar for coaching. He is committed to being the signal through the static of the fitness and health industry. 

If you're a coach looking to take their education to the next level, make sure to visit www.coachescorneru.com. 

If you're interested in coaching from Paul and his team, please visit www.masterathletic.com 

Find him on Instagram: @pauloneid, @coachescorneru, @masterathleticperformance
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Who am I and why should you listen to me?
Paul is a Coach, Educator, Mentor, and Athlete with a single goal - to raise the bar for online coaching. He holds Master of Science Degrees in both Exercise Science and Sports Management. He is a Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist, Certified Exercise Physiologist, and Certified Olympic Weightlifting Coach with 15 years of experience as a Strength and Conditioning Coach in varying capacities from youth to professional athletics.

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