Simplifying Advanced Programming | Stronger is Better Podcast #1

Welcome to Episode 1 of the Stronger is Better Podcast, brought to you by Starting Strength Gyms and hosted by Nick Delgadillo. In this kickoff episode, Nick lays out a comprehensive roadmap for barbell programming — from the simple and powerful Novice Linear Progression all the way to advanced programming strategies used by experienced lifters and coaches. You’ll learn the first principles behind effective programming, how to progress as a lifter, and how to systematically plan your training to keep getting stronger over time. This episode includes: • Key programming concepts and first principles • How to measure progress intelligently • The truth about volume and the value of heavy singles • A sample 4-day advanced training split • Influences from Starting Strength, Practical Programming, and Conjugate-style templates 📘 Referenced Resources: • Starting Strength Books: https://startingstrength.com/get-star... • Baker Barbell: https://www.andybaker.com/blog/ 🎧 Have a question or topic suggestion? Email us at [email protected] 00:00 - Introduction to the Stronger is Better Podcast 00:43 - Podcast Focus: Principles and Process 01:22 - Today's Topic: Advanced Programming 02:32 - Foundational Texts and Why They Matter 07:07 - Defining First Principles in Training 09:00 - General Adaptation Syndrome and SAID Principle 11:19 - Simple to Complex: Systems Thinking in Training 14:16 - Barbell Training as a Hard Physical Endeavor 17:04 - Defining Strength: Force Production 20:22 - Barbell Training Efficiency vs. Other Methods 24:25 - Force Production Across the Athletic Spectrum 26:00 - Training Efficiency and Optimization 29:28 - Novice Linear Progression: Foundation of Programming 35:59 - When Novice Progression Ends: What’s Next? 38:30 - Transitioning to Intermediate Programming 43:30 - Measuring Progress with Key Lifts 46:05 - Texas Method Clarified 49:23 - Intermediate vs. Advanced: Variables and Volume 50:26 - Advanced Programming: Heavier More Often 52:00 - Programming the Bench Press with Variations 58:31 - Influence of Conjugate Method and Andy Baker 1:04:45 - Upper Body Split: Press and Assistance Work 1:05:20 - Lower Body Programming: Rotating Squat and Deadlift 1:14:00 - Dynamic Effort Day Explained 1:17:05 - Weekly Structure Recap 1:20:42 - Wrap Up: Personalization and Systematic Thinking 🔗 Subscribe for future episodes on strength training, business building, and first-principles thinking. Connect With #startingstrengthgyms   / startingstrengthgyms     / startingstrengthgyms     / starting-strength-gyms   🔗 Book your free 30-min session: https://www.startingstrengthgyms.com/... 🔗 Own a Gym: https://www.startingstrengthgyms.com/... 🔗 Train at a gym: https://www.startingstrengthgyms.com/... 🔗 Coach at a gym: https://www.startingstrengthgyms.com/... 🔗 Shop for apparel: https://store.startingstrengthgyms.co... #startingstrengthgyms #startingstrength #strengthtraining #fitness