The Discover Strength Podcast

Discover Strength CEO and exercise physiologist Luke Carlson takes you behind the scenes of Project Discover—our ongoing effort to advance the science of strength training and lead the movement in evidence-based exercise.

In this episode, Luke shares: 

• The history of Discover Strength’s published research and collaborations with Dr. James Fisher and Dr. James Steele. 
• Why our supervised, high-quality training environment...

In this powerful solo episode, Luke Carlson—CEO of Discover Strength shares 20 hard-earned lessons from completing 30 marathons over the past two decades. Blending cutting-edge exercise science with personal experimentation, Luke explores the real factors that drive performance: running economy, durability, strength training, progressive overload, nutrition, body composition, mental fortitude, and more.

Listeners will learn:

• Why ...

Fitness content is everywhere—but how do you separate science from sound bites?

In this episode of the Discover Strength Podcast, CEO and exercise physiologist Luke Carlson shares four expert-backed filters for determining whether fitness information is credible. Learn why flashy confidence is a red flag, why you shouldn’t blindly follow the fittest person in the room, and how real experts lean into scientific nuance—not oversimplif...

For years, we've been told that losing weight is the key to better health. But what if everything you thought you knew about fitness and fatness is wrong? In this episode, Discover Strength CEO and exercise physiologist Luke Carlson unpacks the science behind the Fit and Fat Paradox — revealing why being aerobically fit and strong matters far more than the number on the scale.

You’ll learn:

• Why fitness (VO2 Max and strength)...

In this episode of the Discover Strength Podcast, CEO and exercise physiologist Luke Carlson breaks down three powerful "here and now" techniques to immediately improve the quality of your next strength training workout. From eliminating momentum at the start of each rep, to applying maximum effort with proper intent, and maintaining perfect form regardless of how many reps you did last time—these science-backed strategie...

On this episode of the Discover Strength Podcast, CEO Luke Carlson is joined by Dr. Lauren Colenso-Semple, a leading researcher at McMaster University, to bust the top myths about strength training for women, especially during menopause. They unpack the truth about lifting heavy, the role of estrogen, cortisol misconceptions, and the science behind “cycle syncing.” Dr. Colenso-Semple also shares practical, research-backed guideline...

In this episode of the Discover Strength Podcast, CEO Luke Carlson is joined by esteemed strength training researcher Dr. James Fisher for a special “10 Questions” conversation. With over 130 scientific publications to his name, Dr. Fisher dives deep into some of the most pressing topics in resistance training today—from the science behind training at long muscle lengths and the most common myths about women and strength training, ...

n this episode, CEO Luke Carlson recaps six powerful insights from the 2025 Discover Strength Summit in Dallas. From expert perspectives on pain management and resistance training for older adults, to hospitality-driven leadership lessons and the fight against health misinformation—this episode is packed with actionable takeaways for fitness professionals and clients alike.

Discover Strength offers free Introductory Workouts at any ...

In this episode of the Discover Strength Podcast, CEO and exercise physiologist Luke Carlson dives into groundbreaking new research on how strength training enhances running economy and durability for long-distance runners. Fresh off the Boston Marathon, Luke shares key findings from a study published in Medicine & Science in Sports & Exercise, explaining why strength training isn't just beneficial—it's essential ...

On this episode of the Discover Strength Podcast, CEO and exercise physiologist Luke Carlson is joined by Dr. Alyssa Larish, academic obstetrician, researcher at the Mayo Clinic, and competitive athlete. They dive into the latest evidence around exercise and pregnancy, the benefits of resistance training for maternal and fetal health, common myths, safe training guidelines, and how to optimize postpartum recovery. Dr. Larrish also ...

In this episode of the Discover Strength Podcast, CEO and exercise physiologist Luke Carlson challenges one of the biggest myths in fitness — that more is better when it comes to strength training. Luke unpacks the history behind the popular "3 sets of 10" approach, shares insights from his time with the Minnesota Vikings, and breaks down decades of research supporting single-set training. Learn why doing less can actuall...

In this episode of the Discover Strength Podcast, CEO and exercise physiologist Luke Carlson breaks down the latest research on protein and how it can amplify the benefits of your strength training. Luke shares a practical 5-point protein action plan, covering everything from how much protein you need, when to consume it, and why it's especially important as you age or aim to improve body composition. 

Discover Strength offers ...

In this episode, Luke Carlson dives into groundbreaking new research on the effects of strength training for women across different stages of menopause. Published in Medicine & Science in Sports & Exercise, this study examines how hormonal changes impact strength gains, balance, and muscle adaptation.

Discover Strength offers free Introductory Workouts at any location across the United States. You can schedule your free Intr...

In this episode, Discover Strength CEO and exercise physiologist Luke Carlson shares the ten books that have had the greatest impact on his leadership, business philosophy, and the foundation of Discover Strength. Dividing them into three categories—business, leadership, and biographies—Luke discusses why these books matter and how their insights can shape the way you think about work, leadership, and building a successful company....

In this episode of the Discover Strength Podcast, Luke Carlson explores the growing popularity of strength training and the critical role that machines play in maximizing results. With the fitness industry shifting towards resistance training, Luke debunks common myths surrounding free weights and highlights seven key benefits of using strength training machines.

Discover Strength offers free Introductory Workouts at any location ac...

Join Luke Carlson, CEO of Discover Strength, as he dives into the science behind improving body composition and the evolution of the Body Comp Challenge, a program that has helped clients build muscle and lose fat for over 16 years. Luke shares the origins of the challenge, the latest research on strength training, protein intake, and fat loss, and what Discover Strength has learned along the way.

Discover Strength offers free Intro...