50% Facts

50% Facts

Author: Jim McDonald Language: English Episodes: 500
Ever notice how a movie scene about training or a social media trend about nutrition can feel a bit off, like the reality got lost in translation? That’s the space where 50% Facts lives. Hosted by veteran podcaster and gym owner Jim McDonald, this series digs into the wide gap between how popular culture depicts our well-being and how things actually work. Each episode takes a closer look at the portrayals of health, fitness, mental health, and more in films, TV, and online media, questioning where the truth ends and the distortion begins. Jim brings his perspective from running Third Street Barbell in Sacramento to conversations with a diverse range of guests, from fitness experts and athletes to voices from entertainment. The discussions are grounded, often surprising, and focused on separating Hollywood flair from actionable knowledge. Tune in for a podcast that doesn’t just review media but investigates the stories we’re told about our own bodies and minds, all through Jim’s straightforward and experienced lens.
Episodes
AMRAPS for Powerlifting? [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 7:21
We ganked this week’s question from the /Powerlifting sub-Reddit: “Is there a cut off range for AMRAPS?”\What does AMRAP mean, and does it have a place in powerlifting training? And as to the original question, how many…
Housekiping! [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 40:31
Time for a housekeeping episode. We announce our next USAPL meet, a new sponsor, our 3-year anniversary sale, and discuss the WRPF American open. Support for this episode was provided by Legion Athletics. Use our code “g…
What do you want to be remembered for? [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 14:26
This week’s question from one of our Discord members is another deep one: Keith Honeycutt asked “What would you like your family and friends to think or say about you once you are dead and gone? (What do you want to be r…
Do we have free will? What if all our decisions are foregone conclusions? [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 42:25
We’ve got no free will. Stop attributing stuff to us that isn’t there. — Stanford neurobiologist Robert Sapolsky When a Stanford neurobiologist states that free will largely doesn’t exist, and he’s joined in this thought…
Good habits that stuck? [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 12:20
This week’s One Good Question from a member of our Discord: Dom Oviedo asked, “What’s a habit/Lift that was necessary for a certain diet/program that has just lingered and become your preference? Example: I started drink…
Could any fitness influencer ever become a movie/TV star? [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:00:06
A few influencers that have come to the attention of mainstream media in the past few years. Social media presence has even become one factor in casting actors in big projects. Are there any fitness influences who could…
Trap bar dead only if you don’t compete in powerlifting? [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 8:41
This week’s question comes from…us. If you’re not competing in powerlifting, are there any good reasons to deadlift with a straight bar rather than at trap bar? What would you be giving up, and what would you be gaining?…
Snacks and Powerlifting: US vs UK | Guest Oliver Munby [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:15:36
Think of this as a little compare and contrast essay we put together with our friend and visitor from the other side of the pond, Oliver Munby. Are powerlifting gyms the same? How do American snacks like Mega Stuff Oreos…
How do you balance being a competitive powerlifter and a runner? [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 11:54
How do you balance being a competitive powerlifter and a runner? Next Wednesday’s guest, Oliver Munby, helps out with this week’s question from our Discord.Yasssuke Da GOD asks, “I know there’s a lot out there about hybr…
What are your best and worst traits as a lifter? [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 52:54
Avi Lieu joins us for an open discussion on how our personality traits – things we don’t have a ton of control over – impact our performance as lifters. Look for Avi on Instagram @avi.lieu.Have a question for one of our…