

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

11 snips
Jun 2, 2022 • 35min
The Mindset for Exceptional Training #245
After decades of coaching high-achievers, I've seen that the people who succeed simply commit and follow through. It's not their skill level, talent, or predisposition for health and fitness. Instead it's their character and integrity. It's the whatever-it-takes attitude. These men are also the ones I find myself continually inspired by. That's why I just released a solocast on The Mindset for Exceptional Training - for these men and the ones who aspire to be like them. You'll learn: The most important thing to curate each day. The KEY step most people miss in the transformation process. How to balance rigidity and fluidity in your training. A framework for addressing and improving your weakest links. The ONE mistake you're making in your mobility work. Click here to get the full episode guide. If you're the type of friend who likes to inspire others to lead their best lives, please share this episode with at least one other person. ====== Thank you to today's show sponsor BiOptimizers! Get 10% off a Muscle Intelligence favorite, MassZymes, at masszymes.com/muscle with code MUSCLE10

4 snips
May 27, 2022 • 52min
Fat Loss Highlights #244
Today's episode is a culmination of all wisdom we learned from top experts in the fat loss field: a mastermind in human metabolism and insulin response, a fasting and longevity specialist, and two legends in the behavior change space. Plus... I added a bonus clip from one of my favorite coaching calls this Spring - my signature framework for consuming carbohydrates in the way that works best for your body. It's a simple but effective way to reach your goals. You'll learn: • How to eat carbohydrates for optimal body composition. • The KEY to maintaining insulin sensitivity and losing fat. • What fasting and macronutrient protocol to follow, according to age. • The ONE tool to help you conquer your biggest goals... and fears. Listen to the full episodes on fat loss, fasting, and behavior change: The Truth About Metabolism, Animal Protein, and Insulin with Dr. Ben Bikman Tools to Get Unstuck and Realize Your Greatest Potential with Dr. Phil Stutz and Dr. Barry Michels Upgraded Nutrition: Get the Benefits of Fasting without Restriction with Dr. Joseph Antoun If you're the type of high achiever who likes to inspire others to live their greatness, please share this episode with at least one other person. ====== Thank you to today's show sponsor, Ned Full Spectrum Hemp Oil! Muscle Intelligence listeners get 15% off with code MUSCLE at helloned.com/muscle. Ned's CBD is of the utmost highest quality. These products are science-backed, nature-based solutions that offer an alternative to prescription and over-the-counter drugs. Ned’s full spectrum hemp oil nourishes the body’s endocannabinoid system to offer functional support for stress, sleep, inflammation and balance. ====== Thank you to our show sponsor Organifi! Shop with code MUSCLE at organifi.com/muscle for 20% off! Organifi offers juice and adaptogenic blend powders, as well as supplements to support immunity, digestion, and detoxification. Everything is certified glyphosate residue free, 100% organic, and free of all major food allergens. ====== Thank you to today's show sponsor, Vuori! Get 20% off your first purchase at vuori.com/MUSCLE. Vuori makes premium performance apparel inspired by the active Coastal California lifestyle -- the perfect balance between workout wear, loungewear, and clothing that's nice enough to wear out. ====== Thank you to today's sponsor, BiOptimizers Kapex! Get 10% off at https://kenergize.com/muscle OR use code MUSCLE10 for 10% off EVERYTHING at https://bioptimizers.com Kapex boosts AMPK (an enzyme that promotes energy production) in muscles by 52% and fat cells by 300%. It also ups ATP in your liver by 22%, which makes the liver better at ketogenesis and detoxification. Kapex also works well to reduce "keto flu," activates anti-aging pathways, and can help with fat loss in tandem with diet and nutrition.

17 snips
May 10, 2022 • 1h 17min
The Truth About Metabolism, Animal Protein, and Insulin | Dr. Ben Bikman #243
It's Dr. Ben Bikman's third time on the Muscle Intelligence Podcast, and with good reason: Dr. Bikman's knowledge of human metabolism is matched by few. He is among the world’s foremost scientists on metabolic health and insulin resistance. Much of Dr. Bikman's recent lab work is focused on the pathogenicity of chronically elevated insulin. On today's interview, Dr. Bikman breaks down the mechanisms behind optimizing the process of fat loss, debunks macronutrient myths, and reveals the truth about aging well. You'll learn: The MOST IMPORTANT fuel for the brain (and how to produce it in your body). Where the calories in/calories out model of weight loss can be invoked. The macronutrient you should prioritize at every meal, to optimize body composition. A simple, immediate lever you can pull to manage insulin levels. The ultimate longevity myths and the KEY to supporting your health as you age. Learn more from Dr. Bikman: Why We Get Sick Dr. Bikman's HLTH Code supplements: getHLTH.com - use code MUSCLE for 15% off Instagram @benbikmanphd Insulin vs Glucagon: The Relevance of Dietary Protein with Dr. Ben Bikman Get the episode guide for full details of the knowledge shared in this episode. If you're the type of person who enjoys helping others live happy, healthy lives, share this episode with at least one person. ====== Thank you to today's show sponsor, Ned Full Spectrum Hemp Oil! Muscle Intelligence listeners get 15% off with code MUSCLE at helloned.com/muscle. Ned's CBD is of the utmost highest quality. These products are science-backed, nature-based solutions that offer an alternative to prescription and over-the-counter drugs. Ned’s full spectrum hemp oil nourishes the body’s endocannabinoid system to offer functional support for stress, sleep, inflammation and balance. ====== Thank you to today's sponsor, BiOptimizers Kapex! Get 10% off at https://kenergize.com/muscle OR use code MUSCLE10 for 10% off EVERYTHING at https://bioptimizers.com Kapex boosts AMPK (an enzyme that promotes energy production) in muscles by 52% and fat cells by 300%. It also ups ATP in your liver by 22%, which makes the liver better at ketogenesis and detoxification. Kapex also works well to reduce "keto flu," activates anti-aging pathways, and can help with fat loss in tandem with diet and nutrition.

37 snips
May 6, 2022 • 1h 5min
Tools to Get Unstuck and Realize Your Greatest Potential | Dr. Barry Michels and Dr. Phil Stutz #242
Is changing your behavior as easy as changing your mindset? Today's guests hold the stance that true behavior change takes more than just a mindset shift (and I agree). Dr. Phil Stutz and Dr. Barry Michels are absolute legends in the personal development and self-mastery spaces, and have both been in the private practice of psychotherapy for over 30 years. I sought Drs. Stutz and Michels out to catalogue their tried-and-true techniques for facing fear and challenge, developing clarity around your deepest desires, and cultivating authentic connection in today's world. You'll learn: The KEY tactic to help you stop avoidant behavior, and tackle challenges head on. A surprising path to awareness that allows for deep self-expression. Why discipline and self-restraint are spiritual practices. A framework to cultivate stronger connections and relationships. The MOST IMPORTANT transformative skill to cultivate in your life. Learn more about Dr. Michels and Dr. Stutz: thetoolsbook.com https://instagram.com/thetoolsbook Get the episode guide for full details of the Tools and knowledge shared in this episode. If you're the type of person who enjoys helping others become the best version of themselves, share this episode with at least one person. ====== Today's episode is sponsored by Heroic! Head to muscleintelligence.com/heroic and use code muscle to get 20% off your first year of this incredibly valuable app! Imagine showing up to everything in life the same way you do to physical challenges: with the courage, commitment, and confidence to go over, around, under, and through them. That’s exactly what Heroic is all about. It’s a social training platform built to help you be the best, most Heroic version of yourself — in Energy, Work, and Love — and it was created by my friend Brian Johnson. The app will help you become more energized, productive, and connected with its 3-minute Commit + Hit practice, and it will also make you positively addicted to ACTUALLY doing all of the things that you KNOW are best for you. Check it out and commit at www.heroic.us. Use the code "MUSCLE" to get 20% off your membership today.

May 3, 2022 • 55min
Upgraded Nutrition: Get the Benefits of Fasting without Restriction with Dr. Joseph Antoun #241
I hear (and see) a lot of repetitive nutrition advice in the health and fitness space. Many coaches, trainers, and fitness-focused individuals tend to regurgitate the same sound bites which makes our guest on the podcast this week stand out above the rest. Dr. Joseph Antoun is a physician and the CEO of the cutting-edge nutrition technology company, L-Nutra. He has dedicated the last 10+ years to determining key longevity markers, the optimal diet to extend our healthspans, and how to decrease many chronic disease symptoms. This episode is particularly relevant and important for those in the 35-60 year old age category. Dr. Antoun outlines action items to help you assess an appropriate diet according to your age and lifestyle. In this episode, you'll learn: The most advanced intermittent fasting strategies for longevity, and for weight loss. The KEY to autophagy and cellular rejuvenation (hint: it's not what you think). Five integral health pillars that determine how well you will age. The ONE protocol that mimics the benefits of fasting without restricting or not eating. How to determine your individual optimal protein intake, based on age. Learn more about Dr. Antoun and Prolon: https://prolonfast.com - code BEN15 for 15% off Linkedin @josephantoun https://prolonreset.com/ Get the episode guide for full details of Dr. Antoun's knowledge shared in this episode. If you're the type of person who enjoys educating others and sharing quality information, share this episode with at least one person. ====== Thank you to today's show sponsor, Vuori! Get 20% off your first purchase at vuori.com/MUSCLE. Vuori makes premium performance apparel inspired by the active Coastal California lifestyle -- the perfect balance between workout wear, loungewear, and clothing that's nice enough to wear out. ====== Thank you to our show sponsor Organifi! Shop with code MUSCLE at organifi.com/muscle for 20% off! Organifi offers juice and adaptogenic blend powders, as well as supplements to support immunity, digestion, and detoxification. Everything is certified glyphosate residue free, 100% organic, and free of all major food allergens.

Apr 29, 2022 • 56min
Muscle Building and Nutrition Highlights #240
The last two months of the Muscle Intelligence Podcast incorporated a few of my favorite subjects: • Muscle Building: From intentionality to load progression. • Nutrition: Tips for longevity AND metabolic health. • Effective behavior change patterns to help you implement a plan. I've picked a handful of listener favorite episodes to highlight in our March-April recap. This episode features incredibly valuable pieces from interviews with some of the world's brightest and most innovative thinkers in the health and fitness spaces. In addition, I've added a clip from one of my solocasts to help you connect with the Muscle Intelligence philosophy. Listen to the full episodes: The Fastest Way to Build and Sustain Muscle Growth To Build Muscle, Start with Posture: Part 2 with Annette Verpillot The Training Mistake You're Probably Making with Tom Purvis The One Thing Limiting Your Performance with Dr. Andy Galpin Using Real-Time Data to Improve Metabolic Health with Kara Collier Aging Backwards with Mark Sisson The Path to Mastery with Dr. Trevor Kashey ====== Thank you to today's show sponsor, Ned Full Spectrum Hemp Oil! Muscle Intelligence listeners get 15% off with code MUSCLE at helloned.com/muscle. Ned's CBD is of the utmost highest quality. These products are science-backed, nature-based solutions that offer an alternative to prescription and over-the-counter drugs. Ned’s full spectrum hemp oil nourishes the body’s endocannabinoid system to offer functional support for stress, sleep, inflammation and balance. ====== Thank you to our show sponsor Organifi! Shop with code MUSCLE at organifi.com/muscle for 20% off! Organifi offers juice and adaptogenic blend powders, as well as supplements to support immunity, digestion, and detoxification. Everything is certified glyphosate residue free, 100% organic, and free of all major food allergens. ====== Thank you to today's sponsor, BiOptimizers Kapex! Get 10% off at https://kenergize.com/muscle OR use code MUSCLE10 for 10% off EVERYTHING at https://bioptimizers.com Kapex boosts AMPK (an enzyme that promotes energy production) in muscles by 52% and fat cells by 300%. It also ups ATP in your liver by 22%, which makes the liver better at ketogenesis and detoxification. Kapex also works well to reduce "keto flu," activates anti-aging pathways, and can help with fat loss in tandem with diet and nutrition.

7 snips
Apr 26, 2022 • 57min
Using Real-Time Data to Improve Metabolic Health with Kara Collier #239
Today on the podcast, I've asked Kara Collier, Registered Dietitian, to join me in a discussion about revolutionizing preventative healthcare. It's her mission to empower people with the knowledge to effectively monitor, optimize, and sustain their own metabolic health. Today's episode will give you tools to help you understand how to eat -- how to manage your nutrition, and how to tailor it precisely to fuel your performance. Kara is the leading authority at NurtiSense on the use of continuous glucose monitoring (CGM) technology, particularly in non-diabetics for the purposes of health optimization, disease prevention, and reversing metabolic dysfunction. Kara oversees the NutriSense health team and product development and has personally interpreted thousands of complex glucose datasets. You'll learn: - Key indicators of deteriorating metabolic health. - How to calculate your ideal fasted blood glucose level. - Two KEY supplements to balance blood sugar. - The surprising truth about how protein affects insulin levels. - Best practices for improving insulin sensitivity. Learn more about Kara and NutriSense: https://www.nutrisense.io/ https://instagram.com/karacollier1 Click here to get the episode guide, for a full index of the numbers, tools, and supplements discussed in this episode. And if you're the type of person who enjoys empowering others, share this episode with at least one person. ====== Thank you to our show sponsor Organifi! Shop with code MUSCLE at organifi.com/muscle for 20% off! Organifi offers juice and adaptogenic blend powders, as well as supplements to support immunity, digestion, and detoxification. Everything is certified glyphosate residue free, 100% organic, and free of all major food allergens. ====== Thank you to today's sponsor, BiOptimizers Kapex! Get 10% off at https://kenergize.com/muscle OR use code MUSCLE10 for 10% off EVERYTHING at https://bioptimizers.com Kapex boosts AMPK (an enzyme that promotes energy production) in muscles by 52% and fat cells by 300%. It also ups ATP in your liver by 22%, which makes the liver better at ketogenesis and detoxification. Kapex also works well to reduce "keto flu," activates anti-aging pathways, and can help with fat loss in tandem with diet and nutrition. ====== Thank you to today's show sponsor, Vuori! Get 20% off your first purchase at vuori.com/MUSCLE. Vuori makes premium performance apparel inspired by the active Coastal California lifestyle -- the perfect balance between workout wear, loungewear, and clothing that's nice enough to wear out.

Apr 15, 2022 • 60min
Aging Backwards with Mark Sisson #238
At age 68, Mark Sisson looks 35. I want what he's having. Mark is the EPITOME of health and wellness, and has mastered the art of aging backwards. I invited Mark onto the podcast to deconstruct his habits, knowledge and lifestyle, so that YOU can implement the processes that he shares immediately. You'll get some key insights into Mark's secrets for maintaining an incredibly high level of fitness for decades, including his recommendation on taking the "fourth macronutrient." You'll learn: The two KEY components of optimal longevity. How to build a truly resilient body and sustain it for life. The ONE source of protein you're probably missing. Why the primal lifestyle is the ultimate path to a healthy body and mind. How to train for athleticism in and out of the gym. Learn more about Mark and his work: marksdailyapple.com books by Mark What Mark eats in a day Click here to get the episode guide (full show notes!) on the longevity protocols included in this episode. And, if you're the type of person who enjoys helping those around you live their best life, please share this episode with a friend or loved one. Get VIP access to every event and offer we've got coming up for Muscle Intelligence Nutrition Month by joining our private community. ====== Thank you to today's show sponsor, Ned Full Spectrum Hemp Oil! Ned's CBD is of the utmost highest quality. These products are science-backed, nature-based solutions that offer an alternative to prescription and over-the-counter drugs. Ned’s full spectrum hemp oil nourishes the body’s endocannabinoid system to offer functional support for stress, sleep, inflammation and balance. Muscle Intelligence listeners get 15% off with code MUSCLE at helloned.com/muscle.

27 snips
Apr 7, 2022 • 1h 25min
The Path to Mastery with Dr. Trevor Kashey #237
Some people know WHAT they want or what their goal is. Few people know WHY they want it. And a fraction of those people actually know HOW to achieve the results... and not just getting the results, but making it SUSTAINABLE for the long-term. That's why I brought my good friend, Dr. Trevor Kashey, onto the podcast this week: To teach us HOW to transform our thought patterns, learn new language tools, and ultimately to create the life we've always wanted. It's one of the best, most influential conversations I've had in a while. Dr. Trevor Kashey completed the requirements for his PhD in biochemistry at the age of 22. He now spends every waking moment working with his kickstart program graduates and iterating his positive, present-tense, action-oriented philosophy which hides, in plain sight, the secret to having the best life possible... Becoming the person it takes to get it. You'll learn: The ONE sustainable action to truly change your habits. Easily implementable tools to manage stress and emotions. How to use a problem orientation vs goal orientation to design your life. The KEY to find meaning in your life, and be a more effective human. Learn more about Dr. Kashey: trevorkasheynutrition.com @drkashey The Best Nutrition Group Ever Click here to get the episode guide (full show notes!) on the HUGE amount of wisdom and tools provided in this episode. Plus... if you're not signed up for nutrition month yet, head to our private MI community to get VIP access to ALL of April's nutrition month. ====== Thank you to today's show sponsors, Vuori and Heroic! Vuori makes premium performance apparel inspired by the active Coastal California lifestyle -- the perfect balance between workout wear, loungewear, and clothing that's nice enough to wear out. Listeners, get 20% off your first purchase! Get yourself some of the most comfortable and versatile clothing on the planet at vuori.com/MUSCLE. Get 50% off of the Heroic App FOREVER when you sign up before April 15, 2022 (it's still a great deal thereafter!). If you haven’t yet heard of Heroic, here’s the rundown: Brian Johnson has collected all of his wisdom, tools, and steps to mastery and placed it into an app. Heroic is a new app that helps you train to be the change you want to see —it's a new social training platform built to change the world by helping you be the best, most Heroic version of yourself. Head to muscleintelligence.com/heroic today to learn more and get hooked up!

70 snips
Mar 31, 2022 • 1h 16min
The Training Mistake You're Probably Making with Tom Purvis #236
Muscle Building Month wouldn't be complete without hearing from one of my longtime mentors and friends, Tom Purvis. I call him "The Yoda of Resistance Training," and you'll know why by the end of this episode. Tom Purvis has been teaching personal trainers around the world for over 30 years. A primary focus of Tom’s work has been Exercise Mechanics since 1986 when he began researching & teaching. Tom also exhibits a quality that I have found to be hugely important within my own journeys of fitness, coaching, and personal development: the ability to question your beliefs, and to challenge your thinking. In today's episode you'll learn: How to truly challenge muscles, not just lift weights. What it takes to master skills, before working hard. A framework for addressing progression. Why improper mechanics are so commonplace. Plus...the ONE thing you might just be missing in your own training, or as a coach. Learn more about Tom: rts123.com - Live classes with Tom exerciseprofessional.com - Tom's video course platform https://www.tompurvis.com/ Click here to get access to the free training individualization and progression guide for this episode. ====== Thank you to our show sponsor Organifi! Shop with code MUSCLE at organifi.com/muscle for 20% off! Organifi offers juice and adaptogenic blend powders, as well as supplements to support immunity, digestion, and detoxification. Everything is certified glyphosate residue free, 100% organic, and free of all major food allergens. The RED is my recommendation to enhance nitric oxide production, blood flow, and men's sexual function. The GREEN is a fantastic nutritional catch-all to balance your energy and detoxify your body. The GOLD is my favorite nighttime blend; with adaptogenic mushrooms and turmeric to combat inflammation and promote rest (it also tastes phenomenal!). Head over to organifi.com/muscle and shop with code MUSCLE to get 20% off now!