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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 using the tools available to him in a surprisingly modern way: pairing data from his WHOOP with an LLM to audit his own patterns, identify what was actually working, and build back his confidence that the fundamentals he'd always preached were still the answer — he just had to live them. It's part confession, part case study, and a genuinely fascinating look at how AI and wearable data can do more than track your metrics — they can help you hold yourself accountable when your own conviction starts to slip. If you've ever known exactly what you should be doing and still struggled to do it, this one's for you.

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 was learning into something tangible. Years later, in college, he'd rediscover that same spark and skill, setting the foundation for everything that followed. This is Charlie unfiltered—the hard parts, the turning points, and the origins of what would become the Woodgym. If you've ever wondered what drives the person behind the workouts, this is the conversation you've been waiting for. A note on audio: This episode was recorded back in 2019 and was originally shelved. After the higher fidelity files were lost, we salvaged what we could from the iPhone video backup. The audio isn't perfect, but the story was too important not to share.

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 SEC to the Show. Hear about the recruiting battles, the philosophy behind letting players "color outside the lines," and why Buster Posey took a chance on a guy who's never called a pitch from an MLB dugout. Don't forget to drop us a 5 star review and smash that "Subscribe" button -- Coach V might just have to come back for a part 3 when the Giants win it all!

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.