On this episode of David’s Saturday Night Sit Back, I’m joined by strength coach and performance expert James Mooney (@jamesmooneygc), a seasoned fitness professional who’s spent over a decade transforming lives—from college athletes to special forces operators. We dig into the mindset behind entrepreneurship, the discipline it takes to train tactical athletes, and how life’s setbacks can fuel your success.
A graduate of Southern Oregon University, James Mooney started his career as Head Strength & Conditioning Coach before building his own private practice. Today, he’s a Certified Strength & Conditioning Specialist (C.S.C.S), a USAW Level 1 Coach, and a Tactical Training Specialist through EXOS. James has trained elite performers across law enforcement, military, and sports, with a focus on strength, size, mobility, and resilience.
In this raw and honest conversation, James and I talk about:
- Breaking into the fitness and tactical training world
- Navigating career pivots and business launches
- Mental toughness when you're at rock bottom
- What motivates him now vs. back when he was homeless
- Why podcasting and supplements became part of his journey
👉 If you're into fitness, entrepreneurship, tactical performance, or just love a good comeback story—this one’s for you.
Don’t forget to follow the show on Spotify and Apple Podcasts, and subscribe on YouTube to catch every new drop.
⏱️ Timestamps:
(0:00) Why this episode matters + James introduces himself and shares one of his biggest life highs
(19:00) Choosing college degrees and reflecting on education after graduation
(27:30) How James started training first responders and military operators + creative ways to start working out
(39:30) James talks podcasting and navigating the supplement business
(49:30) Advice for aspiring entrepreneurs feeling stuck or unsure
(1:02:00) How James' motivation has evolved since being homeless
(1:16:00) What gives him hope for the future
📲 Follow & Connect:
Follow James Mooney on Instagram: @jamesmooneygc
Stay updated on all things DSNSB: Follow on Spotify & Apple Podcasts to fuel your weekend with real conversations about fitness, business, and culture.
#FitnessPodcast #StrengthCoach #EntrepreneurJourney #FirstResponderTraining #TacticalAthlete #MentalFortitude #DSNSB #JamesMooney #FitnessMotivation
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