DDT Method Podcast

Join the DDT Method community for exclusive deep dives on PEDs, peptides and biohacking protocols: https://www.skool.com/ddt-methodJosh Settlage is a strength and conditioning coach specializing in grappling and combat sports athletes. A protege of Mark Bell, Josh spent years learning at Super Training Gym before building The Strength Matrix -- his coaching practice dedicated to helping grapplers lift heavy and roll hard.In this episode, Drew and Josh break down why being "jacked in all areas of conditioning" matters the most to being a well rounded athlete. They cover the three energy systems you MUST train, why the "no cardio" flex is actually holding back your gains, how to apply conjugate training methods for any goal (not just powerlifting), the truth about HIIT misconceptions, and performance-enhancing compounds like DADA, BAM-15, L-carnitine, ITPP, and injectable glutathione for conditioning and recovery.Key Takeaways:Being conditioned across all energy systems (ATP-phosphocreatine, fast glycolysis, aerobic) is the mark of a complete athleteBuilding your aerobic base helps you recover faster between strength sessions and add more training volumeTrue HIIT uses a 1:3 work-to-rest ratio at 15-30 seconds of real intensity -- not 40 minutes of moderate effortThe VIP Method (Vision, Intention, Purpose) is the framework for breaking through training plateausDADA increases ATP yield from glucose (more performance); BAM-15 decreases ATP efficiency (more fat burning) -- never combine on the same dayCondensed conjugate (max effort + dynamic effort + repetition effort) in a 3-day split builds muscle without sacrificing explosiveness or conditioningInjectable L-carnitine is glycogen-sparing and helps sustain energy in long training sessionsInjectable glutathione used every 2-3 weeks acts as a "fire extinguisher" for accumulated oxidative stressWhen people say they follow their diet 80/20, it's really more like 50/50 -- push to 90/10 for 12 weeks and see what happensConnect with Josh Settlage:YouTube: @JoshSettlageInstagram: @JoshSettlageCoaching: https://thestrengthmatrix.comConnect with Drew Donaldson:YouTube: @DDTMethodInstagram: @DDTMethod

Join the DDT Method community → https://www.skool.com/ddtmethodMike White (@mike.ryan.white) is a PhD Candidate in Clinical Physiology, former D1 Strength & Conditioning Coach, and coach to enhanced athletes who believe health management should be as rigorous as training programming. In this episode, Mike breaks down the real ceiling on SLU-PP-332 dosing (he ran 500mg/day to find it), why telmisartan is more than a blood pressure drug, the GLP-1 debate that's splitting the coaching world, and why "chicken and rice coaching" is failing athletes when it matters most.Drew and Mike go deep on peptide periodization, mitochondrial health strategy, retatrutide's underrated fat loss mechanisms, the overlooked power of LL-37 for gut health, and how to use DNP responsibly on rest days. This is protocol-level conversation for athletes who are done guessing.Chapters:0:00 - The Craziest Cycles Ever Run3:35 - Who Is Mike White?9:06 - What Is a "Chicken and Rice Coach"?14:06 - Common Health Issues in Men & Women21:15 - Drew's Personal Health Stack22:54 - Optimizing Health on TRT Plus24:46 - Cardio Programming for Every Client26:22 - Training Philosophy: Low Volume vs. High Volume31:15 - SLU-PP-332: From 250mcg to 500mg36:13 - Understanding SS-31 & Mitochondrial Peptides39:07 - Biggest Peptide Mistakes People Make41:53 - GLP-1s Are Not Cheating49:53 - Underrated PEDs, Peptides & Supplements54:40 - Sodium, Potassium & Electrolyte Balance1:00:11 - Hidden Gems: LL-37 & DNP1:05:41 - Where to Find Mike WhiteKey Takeaways:SLU-PP-332 has an effective ceiling at ~100mg — at 500mg, Mike experienced DNP-like heat and metabolic dysfunction with no additional benefitTelmisartan up to 320mg/day offers benefits beyond blood pressure: PPAR gamma activation, brain health, cardiac remodeling, and renal protectionGLP-1s are not cheating — 1 in 8 adults is currently on one, with benefits including lipid oxidation, neural inflammation reduction, and insulin sensitizationRetatrutide is one of the few fat loss tools that enhances both lipolysis and beta oxidation simultaneouslyLL-37 for GI health is massively underutilized — gut dysfunction creates a bottleneck for muscle gain, fat loss, and cognitive functionDNP at low, intermittent doses (rest days only) is a legitimate tool when given the respect it requires"More is not better. Better is better." — applies to peptides, training, and every protocol decisionConnect with Mike White:Instagram: @mike.ryan.whiteCoaching Education Cohort: May 1st — DM Mike on InstagramGray Matter MD Clinic: Launching Q2 2026 — TRT & hormone optimization in all 50 statesConnect with Drew Donaldson:DDT Method Skool Group: https://www.skool.com/ddtmethodInstagram: @ddtmethod#peptides #SLU332 #GLP1 #telmisartan #retatrutide #DNP #bodybuilding #enhancedathlete #PEDs #mitochondrialhealth #DDTMethod #MikeWhite #bloodpressure #fatloss #musclegain #LL37 #biohacking

For the science nerds → Advanced biohacking research: https://www.skool.com/ddtmethodIn this episode of the DDT Method Podcast, Drew Donaldson sits down with coach Paul Romczak to break down the GMT Method—a gut–mitochondria–training framework that fixes the broken foundations behind most peptide and PED abuse. They reveal why stomach acid, butyrate production, metabolic health, and carb cycling matter more for long‑term hypertrophy than stacking the latest GLP‑1 or mitochondrial peptide. If you’re a 29–45‑year‑old lifter on TRT who wants to be cartoon‑character jacked and live a long time, this is your roadmap.CHAPTERS:0:00 Why Peptides Aren’t Fixing Your Broken Foundations3:12 The GMT Method Explained: Gut → Mito → Training8:45 The “Skinny Biohacker vs. Bloated Bodybuilder” Problem14:20 Fixing Stomach Acid: The Fastest Gut Health Win19:40 Butyrate, Fiber, and What Leaky Gut Really Is26:05 Metabolic Health 101: Lose the Body Fat First32:30 Carb Cycling for Insulin Sensitivity and Performance38:50 SS‑31, SLU, and 5‑Amino‑1MQ: When Peptides Actually Make Sense46:10 Smart Use of GLP‑1s, Mito Peptides, and Breaks for Resensitization53:40 DNP, Uncouplers, and Why Paul Pushes Hard Early in Prep1:01:15 Clen, Yohimbine, and Old‑School Tools That Still Work

High-level biohacking intel: https://www.skool.com/ddtmethodJon Andersen went from being a bullied, overweight kid in special education to becoming an international pro strongman, New Japan Pro-Wrestling star, and IFBB pro bodybuilder -- all without ever holding a traditional job. In this episode of the DDT Method Podcast, Jon breaks down the "Deep Water" mentality that fueled his success across three sports, three seven-figure businesses, and his current approach to peptides, diet, and longevity at 54 years old.KEY TAKEAWAYS:- Why Jon Andersen credits being a "slow learner" as the single greatest gift that built his entire career across three professional sports- The unconventional protein-only diet approach Jon stumbled into 15 years before science validated it -- and why he still uses it today- How the "Deep Water" mentality of accepting failure before you start a set unlocks reps you never knew you had- The specific peptide stack Jon used to completely reverse nerve damage in his dominant arm and eliminate decades of scar tissue- Why Jon believes retatrutide is the one peptide he would choose above all others, and the unexpected mental health benefits he experienced- The two non-negotiable lifestyle habits Jon says matter more than any peptide or supplement protocolCHAPTERS:0:00 Introduction and Jon Andersen's Origin Story2:22 How Being a "Slow Learner" Became His Superpower5:40 The Accidental Protein Diet That Changed Everything9:02 From First Strongman Contest to International Pro13:02 Flipping Real Estate to Fund the Dream16:14 The Deep Water Mentality Explained19:15 Breaking Into Pro Wrestling with a Fake Resume27:44 Earning an IFBB Pro Card at 42 in Two Shows34:01 The 2008 Crash and Rebuilding Everything38:03 Training and Recovery Evolution at 5443:25 Detox Protocols: Glutathione to TUDCA48:34 Peptide Journey: Early Use to Current Stacks54:35 Retatrutide: The One Peptide He'd Pick Above All59:16 ARA-290, TB-500, and Reversing Decades of Damage1:04:17 Where to Find Jon Andersen OnlineEPISODE RESOURCES:Jon Andersen's Social Media:Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thejonandersenWebsite: https://japrotocols.comCellular Advantage Academy: https://cellularadvantageacademy.comDeep Water Program: https://www.jon-andersen.com/free-deep-water-ebook/

Join my elite biohacker community: https://www.skool.com/ddtmethodJake Benson exposes the hidden cost of information overload and why the coaching industry is producing more cognitive decline than breakthroughs. This conversation reveals the neuroscience behind allostatic load, how to structure training for specific energy systems without accumulating physiological debt, and why your dopamine system is sabotaging your ability to learn. Discover the difference between creatine workouts and glycolytic training, how to identify physiological gatekeepers that block adaptation, and the framework for becoming anti-trickable in a world of biohacking noise.KEY TAKEAWAYS:• Why we have more information than ever but are getting dumber—and the dopamine saturation problem destroying your ability to consolidate knowledge• The COS compass framework that separates real educators from ChatGPT regurgitators posting sophisticated-sounding nonsense• How allostatic load determines whether your training session causes adaptation or just pushes you deeper into physiological debt• Why creatine workouts are the secret to expanding work capacity and protecting against cognitive decline (and how to program them correctly)• The specific pre-workout substrates and timing strategies for glycolytic vs explosive vs hypertrophy training that minimize recovery cost• Why blocking inflammatory signals with supplements is making your problems worse—and how to feed the signal insteadABOUT JAKE BENSON:Jake Benson is a performance neuroscience specialist and formulator who works with elite athletes across bodybuilding, strongman, powerlifting, and combat sports. He specializes in systems-based approaches to human optimization, focusing on allostatic load management, energy system specificity, and cognitive performance enhancement. Jake is the formulator behind Better Through Biology's product line including the Euphoria pre-workout, and is currently developing a physiological simulation app that uses pharmacodynamic modeling to predict individual responses to interventions and optimize training adaptations.EPISODE RESOURCES:Jake Benson's Social Media:Instagram: @jakeyb_43Better Through Biology:Instagram: @betterthroughbiology

Join My Biohacking Community | https://www.skool.com/ddtmethodDJ Madson breaks down the biggest mistakes in PED protocols, from lipid mismanagement to virilization risks in female athletes. This conversation covers advanced hormone optimization strategies, blood work interpretation beyond reference ranges, and why most coaches are deploying compounds irresponsibly. Learn the difference between short-term and long-term cardiovascular risk markers, proper estradiol management for men, and how to build female cycles that minimize side effects while maximizing results.DJ Madson's Social Media:Instagram: @coachdjvanillafaceTikTok: @coachdjvanillafaceYouTube: Coach DJ Vanilla Face

Deep dive into the science → Join elite biohackers: https://www.skool.com/ddtmethodMost bodybuilders and high performers are unknowingly sabotaging their gains by staying locked in sympathetic overdrive. In this episode, coach Joe Jeffrey reveals why nervous system regulation—not another drug protocol or training split—might be the missing link in your physique development. Learn the meditation practices, breathwork techniques, and daily habits that elite competitors use to maximize muscle protein synthesis, improve nutrient partitioning, and build genuine stress tolerance without relying on supplements.CHAPTERS:0:00:00 Introduction to Joe Jeffrey and Nervous System Optimization0:03:04 Joe's Background and Career Evolution0:08:36 The Most Overlooked Factor in Physique Development0:13:03 Understanding Sympathetic vs Parasympathetic States0:19:11 Competition Prep and Nervous System Sensitization0:24:42 Glutamate, GABA, and the Anxiety Molecule Myth0:31:04 Assessing Your Distress Tolerance and Autonomic Health0:34:44 Meditation: The Most Important Practice for Bodybuilders0:43:03 Implementing Meditation for Busy High Achievers0:48:35 Breathwork Techniques and 4-7-8 Breathing0:52:56 The Science (and Lack Thereof) Behind Grounding0:59:38 Blue Light Blocking and Qigong Practices1:04:44 The Power of Single-Tasking and Present Moment Awareness1:09:17 When to Use Supplements and Peptides for Nervous System Support1:14:14 Kratom, Kava, and Phenibut: Advanced Tools and Warnings1:22:38 Eating Hygiene and Parasympathetic Nutrient PartitioningKEY TAKEAWAYS:Why top Olympians aren't doing anything different with drugs or training—but excel at one thing most competitors ignoreThe paradoxical reason why trying to "regulate your nervous system" can actually make anxiety worseHow glutamate is essential for building stress tolerance, and why blocking it prevents the adaptations you needThe uncomfortable practice that revolutionizes productivity and presence (hint: it's simpler than you think)Why your digestive issues might not be SIBO—and the eating ritual that fixes "intolerances" in weeksThe dangerous supplement that feels amazing but has withdrawals worse than opiatesABOUT JOE JEFFREY:Joe Jeffrey is an online coach with over 11 years of full-time experience specializing in bodybuilding competitors, physique optimization, and nervous system regulation. He's the co-founder of the Physique Collective app, which provides mass-scale education for bodybuilders and fitness enthusiasts. Known for his evidence-based approach combined with Eastern philosophy practices, Joe has shifted his focus from traditional prep coaching to helping clients optimize their autonomic nervous system, manage stress, and implement mindfulness practices for enhanced performance and recovery.Connect with Joe:Instagram: @joe_physiquecollective

For the science nerds → Advanced biohacking research: https://www.skool.com/ddtmethodDavid Deasquita returns to break down the most controversial topics in performance enhancement—from building intelligent steroid protocols to navigating the peptide space with actual understanding. This conversation dives deep into hormone optimization, the proper application of compounds like nandrolone and equipoise, the truth about mitochondrial peptides, and why most people are using GLP-1s completely wrong. David shares his framework for selecting anabolics, explains why certain "outdated" compounds deserve reconsideration, and reveals the massive gaps in knowledge plaguing the peptide industry right now.

Deep dive into the science → Join elite biohackers: https://www.skool.com/ddtmethodDavid Demesquita breaks down the most overlooked aspects of human optimization—from gut health and circadian rhythm to training execution and performance enhancement. This conversation covers actionable strategies for fixing digestive issues, optimizing sleep architecture, improving nutrient partitioning, and building a better physique through proper form and intensity. Whether you're prepping for a show or just trying to feel better, this episode delivers practical insights you can implement immediately.CHAPTERS:0:00 Introduction to David Demesquita1:49 David's Journey from Soccer to Bodybuilding4:00 Discovering Gut Health Issues8:00 Most Common Digestive Issues in Bodybuilders12:00 Understanding Leaky Gut and Zonulin Levels14:15 Biofilms and Why They Matter18:00 The Oil of Oregano Problem22:00 Dietary Strategies for Gut Health28:00 Supplement Strategies: Enzymes, HCL, and Bile Support36:00 Training: Form vs Intensity42:00 The Importance of Circadian Rhythm50:00 Sleep as the Most Anabolic Substance56:00 Light Exposure and Circadian Optimization59:00 Cold Exposure and Vagus Nerve Stimulation63:00 Sympathetic vs Parasympathetic Balance66:00 The Running Protocol That Fixed David's Heart RateKEY TAKEAWAYS:Why most bodybuilders are unknowingly destroying their gut health with common "clean" foods and supplementsThe shocking connection between leaky gut and depression that no one talks about—and how to measure itDavid's unconventional running protocol that dropped his resting heart rate by 40+ BPM in just three daysWhy your training program matters less than you think—and what actually builds elite physiquesThe simple breathing technique that can reset your circadian rhythm in under 60 secondsHow proper parasympathetic tone can help bikini competitors eat more food than open bodybuilders while getting leaner

For the science nerds → Advanced biohacking research: https://www.skool.com/ddtmethodFor the action-takers → Done for you protocols: https://www.realprimalhuman.com/websiteFormer competitive bodybuilder DT Roth sits down to discuss the reality of performance enhancement, HRT optimization, and the mistakes that are costing athletes their health. From navigating kidney issues caused by years of pushing limits to breaking down which peptides actually work versus which ones are overhyped, this conversation pulls no punches. DT shares his journey from blasting gear to running a nationwide HRT clinic, revealing the blood markers most people ignore, why estrogen management is completely misunderstood, and his brutally honest answer to what he'd do differently if he could start over.CHAPTERS:0:00 Introduction: The Bodybuilding & Longevity Expert2:12 From Fat Kid to Competitive Bodybuilder5:43 Creating Bio XL: HRT for the Hardcore Community9:18 The Estrogen Problem Everyone Gets Wrong14:32 What Actually Defines an HRT Dose?18:45 Hematocrit Management & Blood Donation Myths25:30 Blood Work Frequency: How Often Is Enough?28:15 The Overlooked Kidney Markers That Saved His Life35:42 Protein in Urine: The Silent Kidney Damage42:18 White Coat Syndrome & Getting Preventative Medications48:35 Navigating Bad Information in the Peptide Era54:20 AI Is Influencing Bad Coaches (And Vice Versa)58:47 Who to Actually Listen To in This Industry1:03:25 The Best Peptides for Health & Performance1:09:40 BPC-157, TB-500 & Kidney Health Benefits1:12:15 SGLT2 Inhibitors for CKD Prevention1:16:30 Overblown Peptides: What's Not Worth the Hype1:20:45 The SLU-PP-332 Debate: 400mg vs 1mg1:25:10 Retatrutide Reality Check1:28:35 The One-Year Freak Transformation Question1:32:20 The Most Mature Answer: You Don't Do It1:34:50 If You Had to Get Shredded: The Smart Protocol1:38:15 Why We'll See More Deaths in the Next 10 Years1:41:30 Where to Find DT Roth & Bio XL