

Muscle Intelligence
Ben Pakulski
The Muscle Intelligence Podcast empowers men with the skills, habits, beliefs and processes to lead from the front. After spending more than 25 years in the health and fitness industry, Ben has done the research, coached, worked with or spoken to the best in class, and distilled it down into actionable items for you to take away and implement.
If you're an executive, entrepreneur or high-performer who wants to work smarter, not lose his edge as he ages, or just get the advice of someone who has been in the trenches for the last 25 years, this podcast is for you.
If you're an executive, entrepreneur or high-performer who wants to work smarter, not lose his edge as he ages, or just get the advice of someone who has been in the trenches for the last 25 years, this podcast is for you.
Episodes
Mentioned books

Nov 22, 2025 • 24min
28 Muscle Building Rules Every Man Must Follow
Join 200,000 men in their prime, reading our weekly newsletter: http://muscleintelligence.com/newsletter Unlock Your Full Muscle Building Potential With Our Complete Training Guides: https://go.muscleintelligence.com/bodypart/ Hypertrophy Execution Mastery: The most comprehensive MI40 muscle-building program EVER! https://hypertrophymastery.com/ In this solo masterclass, Ben Pakulski breaks down 28 essential principles every man must understand to build muscle efficiently and sustainably. After 30 years of elite training, from the Mr. Olympia stage to coaching top performers, Ben reveals the real science behind tension, stability, mobility, skill acquisition, and smart progression. If you've ever questioned whether your workouts are producing the results you deserve, this episode rewires how you think about training forever. Learn how to optimize every rep, avoid common mistakes, train with intelligent tension, and finally build the muscle you've been chasing. Whether you're 18 or 80, these rules will radically improve your workouts. 5 Bullet Points: Why tension, not load is the key to growth How internal focus improves muscle recruitment The role of mobility in true hypertrophy Why stability determines how much muscle you can build How to challenge muscles through full ranges Call To Actions: If you're interested in working with Ben. ben@muscleintelligence.com Whenever you're ready... here are 3 ways we can help you look, feel and perform at your best: 1. Grab a free copy of 1 of our BRAND NEW Peak Performance Protocols. This is for high performers looking to 10x their training and nutrition results by becoming 10x more effective. Click here - https://go.muscleintelligence.com/high-performance-executive-report/ 2. Join the Muscle Intelligence Community and connect with other men like you who want to uplevel their health and fitness. It's our new Facebook group where I coach members live, share what's working with my private clients and announce tickets to my upcoming trainings and events. Click here - https://www.muscleintelligence.com/community 3. Work with me 1-on-1 If you're a top performing executive or entrepreneur who wants a fully customized comprehensive health protocol and support from a team of world-class specialists, click here to speak with a member of my team to review all of your goals and options: https://www.muscleintelligence.com/apply?utm_campaign=YT About Ben Ben Pakulski is the Chief Performance Officer to elite executives, successful entrepreneurs, and top athletes.With over 25 years of experience, he coaches high achievers to build the physical, psychological, and metabolic resilience required to lead at the highest level. As the creator of the Muscle Intelligence framework, Ben specializes in aligning biology and behavior to drive sustained peak performance. His mission is to redefine what's possible for people in their prime and push the boundaries of human potential.

Nov 14, 2025 • 16min
The 3-Step Method for Choosing A Perfect Exercise
Whenever you're ready... here are 3 ways we can help you look, feel and perform at your best: 1. Grab a free copy of 1 of our BRAND NEW Peak Performance Protocols. This is for high performers looking to 10x their training and nutrition results by becoming 10x more effective. Click here - https://go.muscleintelligence.com/high-performance-executive-report/ 2. Join the Muscle Intelligence Community and connect with other men like you who want to uplevel their health and fitness. It's our new Facebook group where I coach members live, share what's working with my private clients and announce tickets to my upcoming trainings and events. Click here - https://www.muscleintelligence.com/community 3. Work with me 1-on-1 If you're a top performing executive or entrepreneur who wants a fully customized comprehensive health protocol and support from a team of world-class specialists, click here to speak with a member of my team to review all of your goals and options: https://www.muscleintelligence.com/apply?utm_campaign=YT Episode Shownotes: In this episode, Ben Pakulski breaks down the real reason most men don't get results in the gym, your exercise selection is wrong before you even touch a dumbbell. Ben reveals the exact framework he uses with world-class athletes, celebrities, and high-performing men over 40 to maximize every rep, every set, and every workout. You'll learn why compound exercises aren't always "better," how to match exercises to your unique structure, and the two variables, path and profile, that make or break effectiveness. If you've ever wondered why your effort isn't translating into progress, this episode gives you the precision-based blueprint to finally train intelligently and efficiently. This is your playbook for pain-free progress, longevity, and peak performance. 5 Bullet Points: Why most men choose exercises that don't fit their body The path/profile framework for perfect exercise selection How to create maximum output with fewer exercises Why compound lifts aren't always the best choice How to prevent injuries while improving performance Work with Us: The proven system 1000+ men use to stay lean, strong, clear, and capable. https://www.muscleintelligence.com/apply/ If you're interested in working with Ben. ben@muscleintelligence.com Join 200,000 men in their prime, reading our weekly newsletter: http://muscleintelligence.com/newsletter Unlock Your Full Muscle Building Potential With Our Complete Training Guides: https://go.muscleintelligence.com/bodypart/ Hypertrophy Execution Mastery: The most comprehensive MI40 muscle-building program EVER! https://hypertrophymastery.com/ About Ben Ben Pakulski is the Chief Performance Officer to elite executives, successful entrepreneurs, and top athletes. With over 25 years of experience, he coaches high achievers to build the physical, psychological, and metabolic resilience required to lead at the highest level. As the creator of the Muscle Intelligence framework, Ben specializes in aligning biology and behavior to drive sustained peak performance. His mission is to redefine what's possible for people in their prime and push the boundaries of human potential.

Nov 10, 2025 • 36min
The Hidden Genetics Keeping You Fat
Discover how genetics play a crucial role in fat loss and stress responses. Ben unpacks the impact of childhood environments on coping mechanisms and overeating. He illustrates the difference between high and low adrenaline profiles in fat loss challenges. Learn why immediate relief from food or substances complicates healthy choices and the importance of building positive coping strategies. Finally, he emphasizes transforming mornings to enhance emotional control and behavior change for sustainable health.

Oct 27, 2025 • 1h 25min
Why 99% of Training Programs Fail After 12 Weeks #397
ATTENTION COACHES! The Muscle Expert Certification is LIVE. If you are a personal trainer or online coach looking to scale your business with proven systems and frameworks this for you. In Person Coach's Trainings Toronto, ON: November 14th-16th (Sold Out) Burnaby, BC: November 21st-23rd Calgary, AB: November 28th-30th Spots are limited: https://www.muscleexpert.com Learn from Muscle Intelligence Whenever you're ready... here are 3 ways we can help you look, feel and perform at your best: 1. Grab a free copy of 1 of our BRAND NEW Peak Performance Protocols. This is for high performers looking to 10x their training and nutrition results by becoming 10x more effective. Click here - https://go.muscleintelligence.com/high-performance-executive-report/ 2. Join the Muscle Intelligence Community and connect with other men like you who want to uplevel their health and fitness. It's our new Facebook group where I coach members live, share what's working with my private clients and announce tickets to my upcoming trainings and events. Click here - https://www.muscleintelligence.com/community 3. Work with me 1-on-1 If you're a top performing executive or entrepreneur who wants a fully customized comprehensive health protocol and support from a team of world-class specialists, click here to speak with a member of my team to review all of your goals and options: https://www.muscleintelligence.com/apply?utm_campaign=YT Episode Summary In this episode of the Muscle Intelligence Podcast, Ben Pakulski sits down with Stephane Cazeault and Pauric O'Rourke of KILO Strength Society to break down the science of intelligent programming. Together, they reveal how to build strength that lasts, create systems that evolve over decades, and avoid the common mistakes that limit progress. From Olympic-style periodization to practical applications for everyday athletes, this episode bridges elite theory and real-world execution. Whether you're a coach, athlete, or driven executive looking to optimize your training and longevity, this conversation will redefine how you think about programming for performance. 5 Key Takeaways: The missing link between strength, hypertrophy, and longevity Why most programming fails after the first 12 weeks How to assess and progress clients for long-term results The difference between intermuscular and intramuscular coordination Building adaptable systems for athletes and gen pop Connect with Kilo Learn More About The Kilo Strength Society https://trainkilo.com/ Follow Stephane on Instagram Follow Pauric on Instagram Follow Kilo on Instagram Pauric and Stephane on the Between Two Racks Podcast

Oct 19, 2025 • 36min
How Fitness Coaches Can Stay Relevant in the Age of AI #396
Explore how AI is revolutionizing the fitness coaching landscape. Learn why coaches must evolve from basic trainers to high-level performance advisors. Discover the importance of practical experience over mere knowledge, as well as the value of specializing in specific client niches. Uncover the three essential pillars that make coaches irreplaceable and how to cultivate a 'Star Player' mindset for authentic results. Finally, find out how to leverage AI as a tool while emphasizing the wisdom gained from real-world experience.

Oct 13, 2025 • 2h 2min
Ultimate Self-Mastery for High-Performing Men - Paul Attia #395
In a captivating discussion, Paul Attia, a performance advisor renowned for guiding elite families, reveals his journey of self-mastery. He talks about the influence of his immigrant parents on his ambition and character. Paul shares practical frameworks for emotional and personal mastery, emphasizing the need for daily reflection and the importance of surrounding oneself with honest individuals. He also addresses the delicate balance of providing for family while fostering genuine connections, ultimately redefining what success truly means.

21 snips
Oct 6, 2025 • 1h 31min
How to Fix Back Pain and Prevent Injuries with Dr. Stuart McGill #394
Dr. Stuart McGill, a world-renowned spine scientist and spine health expert, shares invaluable insights on back pain management. He discusses the importance of accurately subcategorizing back pain to tailor treatment effectively. Dr. McGill highlights how elite athletes build resilient spines through specific training strategies, and he debunks common myths surrounding back pain. Additionally, he explores the crucial connection between hip power and spine protection, emphasizing that poor training choices often lead to injury.

Sep 29, 2025 • 1h 1min
The Science Behind Genetically-Optimized Performance Protocols #393
In this engaging discussion, Sam and Alex from Fitness Genes explore how genetic insights can revolutionize fitness and health. Sam, a CEO with a background in evolutionary biology, reveals how DNA plays a critical role in muscle growth, recovery, and even health risks like cholesterol. Alex, the science lead, dives into the implications of genetic variants, detailing how personalized training protocols stem from an understanding of our DNA. They also uncover surprising insights, like how your genetics can predict your stress response and dietary needs.

Sep 22, 2025 • 1h 22min
The Hidden Link Between Stress and Muscle Growth (Revealed) #392
In this enlightening conversation, transformation coaches Dan Smith and Gavin Attorre share their innovative approaches to fitness. They discuss how genetics influence not just physical results but personality traits. The duo emphasizes the significance of stress resilience and the psychology behind successful life changes, while exploring trauma's impact on identity. They delve into the future of coaching, highlighting that AI may enhance programming but will never match the depth of human connection and tailored assessments.

20 snips
Sep 15, 2025 • 51min
Why Fat Loss Fails After 40 (And How to Actually Lose 20 Pounds) #391
Discover effective strategies for men over 40 to shed 20 pounds without starvation or crash diets. Explore the six limiters that hinder fat loss and learn why food quality and training intensity are crucial. Get a practical 90-day blueprint with daily targets that boost your progress. Understand the importance of resilience, mindset, and personal motivation in achieving lasting results. Embrace holistic health practices, from stress management to mindful movement, for a leaner body and vibrant energy.


