David Thomas Tao

David Thomas Tao

Author: Jim McDonald September 3, 2025 Duration: 1:00:15
David Tao returns to the show to take us inside the world of theater production and spirits (not the BOO!) kind. Following up his role as the successful CEO of Barbend.com, David has taken on two new roles he’s passionate about: producing theater in New York, and writing about spirits – primarily whiskey and bourbon. He discusses the role of a producer and gives us an inside view of the process of selecting and developing a show for the stage. He also gives tips on how to find out spirits you enjoy, and how to develop a discerning palate (and have fun while doing it).

You can find David on Instagram @davidthomastao https://www.instagram.com/davidthomastao and on X @d-tao https://x.com/d_tao. Give him a follow. He's got great content every day. 

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Check out our gym (Third Street Barbell) at ThirdStreetBarbell.com https://www.thirdstreetbarbell.com/!

50% Facts is a Spreaker Prime podcast on OCN – the Obscure Celebrity Network.

Check out our podcast website: 50percentfacts.com https://www.50percentfacts.com/

____   Hosted by Mike Farr (@silentmikke) https://www.instagram.com/silentmikke/ and Jim McDonald (@thejimmcd). https://www.instagram.com/thejimmcd/ Produced by Jim McDonald Production assistance by Sam McDonald and Sebastian Brambila. Theme by Aaron Moore. Show art by Joseph Manzo (@jmanzo523)



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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.
Author: Language: English Episodes: 500

50% Facts
Podcast Episodes
Real talk: Are you too injured to lift in your meet? [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 37:17
So many lifters get banged up in the course of meet prep and find themselves wondering if it’s even worth doing the meet they had planned. Should they just heal up and wait for the next one? If you can’t PR. If you can’t…
What’s your gym fit inspiration? [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 16:07
This week’s question from our Discord member, msoli: “You have talked extensively about how style or fashion has come from the hip hop community, the skateboarding community, and the basketball community. Where do you se…
The most complicated part of owning a gym in 2023? [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 14:45
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 L…
Shaun White: The Last Run --- A 50% Facts Review [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 57:12
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 su…
Are top powerlifters ever at 100% when they compete? [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 13:16
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 s…
“Quarterback” on Netflix: A 50% Facts Review [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 45:03
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 se…
Fitness apps: Do they help or hurt? [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 14:38
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…