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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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
Our annual fitness trends episode…with a twist! [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:19:30
Every December for the past few years, we’ve chosen an article from mainstream media that attempts to predict the next year’s fitness trends. Then, we discuss which one’s actually have a chance of happening, and which ar…
The biggest animal you could take out by yourself? [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 9:23
This week’s question came from Avi’s social media. It went a little off the rails, but we had fun with it. You can find Avi on Instagram @avi.lieu. ____Have a question for one of our Friday “One Good Question” episodes?…
The Liver King & The Public Persona Trap [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:04:58
Riffing on the YouTube expose by More Plates More Dates (which can be found here -- and our own view of the industry -- we cover some of the reasons why we never bought “Liver King” Brian Johnson’s “natty” claims in the…
Planes, Trains, & Automobiles: The only Thanksgiving movie? [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:08:12
We called our own 20-somethings, Sebastian and Avi, in to help us look at the most iconic Thanksgiving movie ever. Steve Martin and John Candy starred 1987’s Planes, Trains, and Automobiles. The film was written and dire…
Glute activation warm ups for squat and deadlift? | One Good Question [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 12:59
This week’s question from our Discord:SilentKilr asks “How important are glute activation warmups prior to squatting and/or deadlifting?”Do you need them? Is your ass really asleep?____Have a question for one of our Frid…
Why does the holiday season suck? [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 56:25
Some people really struggle at this time of year. Why is it so difficult, and what specific things do experts recommend to help make things a little more tolerable? If you’re gripped by depression and experience suicidal…
Tradeoffs when you trade in your 9-5? | One Good Question [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 17:04
From 3SB Discord member msoli7:For Jim more so: As someone that pivoted from a traditional career into fitness/gym ownership/content creation what were the tradeoffs? Is there a best time in your life to do it or anythin…
Stan Efferding [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 55:52
The Rhino himself, Stan Efferding, joins us to talk about weight training for kids, the simplicity of good diet, and the 10-year anniversary of the Backyard Meet of the Century. Was that meet the “ribbon cutting” on the…
Converse Weapons, killer wasps, and morning planks on the toilet [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:23:02
The audio for this episode is a bit rougher than normal. Check the opening note for explanation. We’re joined by Dean Saddoris and Kyle Castro to discuss…well…stuff. We review a high-top shoe commercial from 1986 and tal…
What little things make your day better? | One Good Question [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 19:58
This week only, One Good Question and our main episode are switching places. A deep-ish question from our Discord: Keith Honeycutt asked, “What are some small things that make your day better?”Kyle Castro helped us out w…