Episodes

Aug. 11, 2023

The most complicated part of owning a gym in 2023?

This week’s question comes from social media, and Mike gets it pretty often: “What’s the most complicated part of owning a gym?” Owning any business is complicated. Which complications are specific to gyms? Our own Avi Lieu join us for this...

Aug. 9, 2023

Shaun White: The Last Run --- A 50% Facts Review

Snowboard phenom Shaun White faces the end of his storied Olympic career in this Prime Video documentary series. We take a look at the first episode of this four-part series chronicling his start as a skateboarder and surfer and how his whole family...

Aug. 4, 2023

Are top powerlifters ever at 100% when then compete?

This week’s question from our Discord: ChrisAllDownHill asked, “How often are professional powerlifters competing at 100% (physical health)? I feel like I’m always battling some sort of strain, or injury, or discomfort so is it unrealistic to...

Aug. 2, 2023

“Quarterback” on Netflix: A 50% Facts Review

We took a look at the first episode or so of the 8-part Netflix doc series that follows Patrick Mahomes, Kirk Cousins and Marcus Mariota through the 2022 NFL season. Are these three athletes engaging enough to carry a series? Or a winning football...

July 29, 2023

Fitness apps: Do they help or hurt?

We were asked about this via Instagram rather than Discord this time. Tracking apps and “AI” style apps for nutrition and training are being used all over now. What’s our experience been? Do you need to pay for an app to have a good experience?...

July 26, 2023

Should PhDs call themselves “Doctor” when marketing themselves in fitness?

In some states, only specific medical professionals (physicians and surgeons) can use the title “Doctor.” California law is particularly strict about this. Are potential clients confused when other professionals with doctorate degrees use the title,...

July 21, 2023

Who will be the next great athlete who also succeeds in business, media, etc.? | One Good Question

This week’s question from our Discord: Chili72 asked, “Do you ever think there will be another athlete that rivals Shaq in terms of dominating their sport, then continuing to branch out across different areas on at a high level Examples: DJ Diesel,...

July 20, 2023

“Stone Cold” Steve Austin Documentary: A 50% Facts review

Just a couple of times have been able to watch a documentary about someone we’ve met in person and podcasted with. This time it’s Stone Cold Steve Austin. We checked out the Biography Channel documentary on his life and career, which became free on...

July 14, 2023

How to calculate a calorie deficit?

This week’s question from our Discord: Fluffy999 asked: “How should I calculate a caloric deficit? Been struggling to find the perfect amount of calories without starving myself.” Avi Lieu join us for this one. She’s on Instagram at...

July 12, 2023

Threads vs. Twitter, Zuck vs. Musk, over-the-counter tests vs. lab tests?

Suddenly we’ve got a new social media platform trying to take down Twitter. Does Threads (spun off of Instagram) have a real chance at making Elon’s bird app irrelevant? Is this a preview of the rumored Zuckerberg vs Musk match in the octagon?...

July 7, 2023

How many glizzies? | Topic Thunder rewind

In honor of the Fourth of July holiday week – and to make up for the fact that the traditional hot dog eating contest didn’t happen this year – we’re bringing back a classic Topic Thunder episode. We tackle the question, “How many glizzies could you...

July 5, 2023

Muscles and Mayhem – Unauthorized American Gladiators documentary series : A 50% Facts review?

In this episode, we review Netflix's new docu-series Muscles and Mayhem, which tells the story of the rise and fall of the iconic American Gladiators. We discuss the show's meteoric success, its behind-the-scenes drama, and its eventual downfall. ·...

June 30, 2023

Fake fast food meat?

This week’s One Good Question actually comes from some comments on Mike’s Instagram. Does a certain fast food restaurant use meat that’s not really meat? And is the occasional fast food meat not that big a deal? Avi Lieu joins us for this one. You...

June 28, 2023

“Arnold” docuseries: A 50% Facts Review

Love him or hate him, Arnold Schwarzenegger has been a phenomenon in bodybuilding, movies, and even politics. A new three-part Netflix documentary series explores his triumphs and challenges through multiple decades and careers. This series plays...

June 24, 2023

How do you change your workouts when you’re cutting?

This week’s question from our Discord: Yasssuke Da GOD asks: “I am currently contemplating switching my workout routine since I am trying to cut. And I am realizing I won’t be able to increase my numbers while also trying to increase activities...

June 21, 2023

Is responding to negative social media comments worth it?

We take a look at a few recent comments we’ve seen on social media – to our own stuff and that of others – and contemplate when it’s worth it even to respond. Even just to correct the record. What motivates people to become keyboard warriors? A few...

June 17, 2023

How do you keep a podcast (or any long-term project) going?

This week’s question from our Discord: Keith Honeycutt (https://www.instagram.com/keithhoneycutt73/) asked… "I recently started a podcast with some of my buddies. We are currently 4 episodes in and I think it’s going well. Any advice to keeping a...

June 14, 2023

Building a strength sports media empire with David Thomas Tao of Barbend.com

In this episode of the 50% Facts podcast, we sit down with David Thomas Tao, co-founder, former CEO, and now head of brand for Barbend.com. Barbend is a leading website for strength training and fitness that was recently acquired by Pillar4 Media. In...

Guest: David Thomas Tao

June 9, 2023

MacGregor Forever: A 50% Facts review

A day later than normal, but we're back. In this episode of 50% Facts, we review the Netflix documentary series "MacGregor Forever" about UFC fighter Conor McGregor. The series chronicles McGregor's rise to fame and fortune, as well as his subsequent...

May 31, 2023

Are you a douchebag? Take the quiz with us

Avi Lieu joins us to take an online quiz to determine whether any of us are actually douchebags. All of us can be douchebags once in a while. Sometimes accidentally. Sometimes on purpose. But what douchebag behavior makes you a full-time douchebag?...

May 26, 2023