Woodgym with Petrone

On a cool fall night in East Tennessee, Charlie pulled up a few chairs out back with Knoxville locals Kat and David for one of the most honest conversations we’ve had on the pod.

Kat is a mom, a triathlete, and a recovering alcoholic, and she doesn’t shy away from any of it. Together, she and David walk through the hardest chapters of their story: what addiction looked like inside their home, the moment things had to change, and what it took from both of them to rebuild. This isn’t just her story or his. I...

Dr. James Choo first joined us to lay out the science of sleep — why it's non-negotiable, what it costs you when you get it wrong, and the habits that protect it. It was convincing stuff. What he didn't tell us then was how hard he was personally struggling to follow his own advice.

In this long-awaited return, Dr. Choo gets candid. He opens up about the gap between knowing what good sleep requires and actually doing it — and how bad things had quietly gotten for him. But this isn't a story about failure. It's a story about usin...

In this special episode, the mic gets flipped. Charlie's friend James Choo steps in as host to uncover the story behind the person who's usually asking the questions.

From starting work at 12 years old to training alongside his dad, Charlie opens up about a childhood shaped by early responsibility and complicated support systems. They dig into the struggles at school, the tough love at home, and the moments that forced him to grow up faster than most.

But this isn't just about survival—it's about discovery. At 13, Charlie wrote his first workout program, channeling everything he...

Reese and Charlie took a break from training and holiday celebrations to chop it up in the Woodgym office like the old days. The two catch up on Reese's whereabouts and achievements since his last pod appearance in 2019, including his current assignment in Germany! They dive into training philosophy, life overseas, and what's changed (and what hasn't) over the past five years. A laid-back conversation between old friends—grab a seat and tune in.

Charles welcomes back the legendary Tony Vitello for his second time on the show -- and what a ride it's been since his last visit! Fresh off an unprecedented move from Knoxville to the big leagues, Coach V sits down to discuss his historic jump from Tennessee baseball to becoming the San Francisco Giants' skipper. This fiery competitor breaks down his championship season with the Vols (that 2024 College World Series title still hits different!), the whirlwind decision to become the first college coach to go straight to MLB manager, and what he's learned about building winning cultures from the...

This is a re-run of the OG Tony episode from September, 2019. 

“This weeks show is with my dude, fellow Italian Tony Vitello, talking about passion. This kid has it. He’s the University of Tennessee head baseball coach and frequently visits the Woodgym to twist steel and get his dose of PetrONE. After his training session he sat down with me to talk baseball, life, and his own personal journey. Give it a listen!!!” - Charles

Well folks, it's yet again time for an Out Back at Petrone's episode. We realized the first panel was all college peeps, so Charlie diversified by bringing Ross on to school us on some reasons to stick to street-smart studies. 

Did everyone get too drunk on this one, causing us to cut the episode short? Who knows! Enjoy, and don't forget to leave a 5 star review! 

Charlie and the gang break down one of the biggest questions facing young people today. From student debt to real-world job opportunities, they explore whether traditional degrees still translate into success, how the value of education has shifted, and what the future of college might look like for the next generation.

Lincoln returns to share what it was like living with Charlie for two weeks immersed in the Woodgym world. From early mornings to intense training sessions, Lincoln gives an unfiltered look at the daily rhythm, lessons learned, and the mindset that defines life around Charlie Petrone. Glimpse into what happens when discipline, purpose, and mentorship collide under one roof. 

Charlie chops it up with his Jersey bestie Chris and his wife Jamie the day after her first UT football game at Neyland Stadium! They relay the game day including the tailgating, entering the stadium, the energy of the competition, and finding their way home (thanks for the ride, Ross). Is SEC football on a different level of spectacle? 

Top amateur motocross rider Lincoln Bartholomew is living with Charlie for two weeks to sharpen his mind and body and make a push for the pro level. Catch their first conversation out back at Petrone's place!

Backyard vibes again at the Woodgym pod! Petrone sits down with former Yankee Jeff Christensen for a wide-open talk on baseball, training, and life beyond the game. There's cigars, there's wine, there's tequila! Pull up a chair and hang out with the crew in East Tennessee.

The final cook-out episode with the production crew and it happens to be Charlie's birthday too! 

There's no better gift than 5 stars and a review...

In this episode of The Wood Gym with Petrone, Charlie sits down with sports videographer CJ Newton for a conversation about capturing athletes in their element. From the challenges of filming at high speed to telling stories through the lens, CJ shares his journey into sports media and what it takes to stand out in a competitive field. Together, he and Charlie dive into the parallels between training and creative work, the discipline behind both, and the moments that make all the long hours worth it.

In this episode of Wood Gym with Petrone, Charlie and the crew dive into the hard truths of relationships — when to set boundaries, when to prune, and how to keep communication sharp and honest. It’s a conversation about protecting your energy, surrounding yourself with the right people, and saying the tough things that need to be said.

On the back patio, the crew dives into the hard stuff—choices that shape your future, boundaries that protect your peace, and ultimatums that demand clarity. They talk through the uncomfortable process of pruning relationships and mindsets that no longer serve the mission. It’s real talk, no fluff—drawing the line and standing firm.

Chaz rounds up the production team again for food, drinks, and discussion! More on choices, boundaries, ultimatums and responding to the feedback from part 1.

We did it -- outdoor podcast! 

This episode is about choices -- the ones that build you, break you, and define your path.

Charles gets out of the sweat lodge conditions at the Woodgym and takes a break from the star athletes to chop it up with the Woodgym production crew in his tranquil backyard. 

Charlie sits down with West High footballer JP Peace to discuss his recent commitment to Tennessee and more.

Chef's table special! This week Charlie sat down with Chef Bruce Bogartz, a true Knoxville legend. Tune in to hear about his journey as a local chef, his challenges and victories in serving Knoxville, and what drives him to continue to lead with passion and purpose. Don't miss this inspiring conversation that gives you an inside look at what it means to be a pillar of the community! 

The guys gather once again in the office (but without the Woodgym's resident Burt Reynolds this time) for part 2 of Charlie's dive into the 10 steps he recommends when cutting away the crap and focusing on what matters!

Griff recounts the herculean efforts by locals and volunteers from around the country to coordinate relief in the Appalachian mountains after a cataclysmic storm devastated isolated East TN and NC dwellers. 

Charlie is at it again with the meditation, the mountain bike rides, the journaling -- ya'll know what that means it's time for another SOLO DOLO episode of the show! 

How would you live if you knew you only had a day or a week left? What fades away, and what becomes paramount? Charlie has tips to help you sort it all out. 

In this solo dolo episode, Charlie tries to define the mindset of a champion, drawing from his 30 years of experience working with elite athletes and successful entrepreneurs. He talks about how the best stay consistent and don't let mistakes (or success) throw them off. Petrone shares practical tips on building mental toughness and staying focused, whether you're on the field or in the boardroom.

Charlie addresses the gym and imparts some wisdom from the Woodgym office desk in a short, sweet, solo episode. 

Even though Theo Benedet had been to Tennessee before to train at the Woodgym, he wasn't prepared for what was in store the last 7 weeks. For one, Charlie still couldn't say his last name (although they got that sorted, finally). 

Listen as these two recap some of the hardest training of this dedicated footballer's career, how they got Theo sorted to play in the league, and the one piece of advice from Charles that grew to redefine how Theo saw working out. 

Charlie sits down with Ohio State football commit and Woodgymer Max to discuss his path from Montreal to Tennessee and the continuation of the Canadian Pipeline. 

The Canadian football savant is back for a second round of live-in training down south, and he and Charlie have dove into the deep end this time for 7 straight weeks. "Don't surrender to down days" has been a mantra in the gym, and it seems to be an expression that describes the cadence of these two's mad training regiment in the lead-up to the NFL combine this year. 

Charles and Theo sit down and talk about setting goals, and what it means to aim high and follow through at the highest levels of athletic performance. Wondering where t...

Charles sits down for a stirring discussion with Dr. Sprouse to talk everything from diet, training, genetics, blood work, and their new favorite pastime -- pickleball! 

This humble brainiac preaches performance knowledge gained from his time studying emergency and performance medicine (and his own time as a triathlon athlete), as well as his vast experience with elite cyclists and others who compete at the highest levels in their respective fields. 

Be sure to drop the pod a 5 star review and hit the "Subscribe" button: we might even get the Doc on for a part 2! 

Long time Woodgym-er and world-class opera singer Farrar Strum lends his powerful pipes to the show. He shares how he started singing, how he started training with Charlie, and what it's like navigating mental health challenges and repeated affirmations throughout his life and career. 

The man, the myth, the legend, The Fort! A true Woodgym OG returns to the show to chop it up with Charlie about the past, the present, and what they are aiming for in 2024. 

Charles sits down with a performance peer and partner (and new friend) to hear a real American success story. Eddie Reymond recounts one of the coolest, most winding adventures we've heard on the pod. From Switzerland, to the States, attending college in Knoxville, selling concert tickets and then baseball cards around the country, and finally diving deep into nutrition and the Health Shoppe: he shares his amazing journey with Chaz and the Woodgym fam. It's truly an inspiring tale and a rare authentic behind the scenes entrepreneurial insight. 

Check out his ZenEvo Chocolate products, and give Eddie's H...

This is a special one. Strap in and tag along as Charlie and the man, the myth, the Woodgym legend from way back, Brian DeBusk talk early days of Petrone Training. 

They dig in deep: business, healthcare, technology, Brian’s fascinating education at Vanderbilt and Emory, his current place in education at LMU, oh and they talk about training too! 

Charlie sits down with the former star Austin Peay RB and current pro footballer to get perspective on how athletes have fared through the fallout of the pandemic. They also talk training and what it takes to prepare for pro ball in the off-season. 

The Harvard DB and Charles took a break from off-season training to delve into his challenges and growth in Cambridge and the Woodgym after his first two years studying and playing Crimson football. 

The two talk training and the need for energetic discipline (all about the #vibes) and active focus on self-love in order to perform at the highest level. 

Another Emory Eagle joins the show as Claire tells Charlie about a fateful fall, how she fit in at the Woodgym, and how she plans to put an exclamation point on her basketball career while looking forward to what awaits after. 

Charlie addresses us listeners directly with a 'State of the Woodgym' address and a lesson from the heart. Quit waiting on someone else to change or meet their full potential. 

Charlie finally sits down with his childhood pal from Jersey, and they totally pick up where they left off. Rare opportunity to hear from a friend that pre-dates the training and the Woodgym!They get entrepreneurial -- Fautz walks us through his remarkable winding career and leaving a law practice to flourish in real estate. Spoiler: they talk training too. 

If you love the show, consider leaving us a 5 star review wherever you're listening (otherwise Charlie will be mad at you)

One of the latest live-in Woodgym-ers joins Charlie all the way from Miami, FL.  Listen along as Andres shares his story of finding Charlie and entrusting the Woodgym with his off-season development. Finally, Charlie unpacks some light ailurophobia (fear of cats) for us all. 

Jacob sits down and reflects on a grueling pro-day transformation and fine-tuning preparations with Charles and Griff. Find out what brought the ETSU RB from Jasper, TN out to the Woodgym. With over 1300 yds and 15 touchdowns last season, Jacob is a proven asset on offense, and showed up hungry to train and earn a chance to play on Sundays.