
Muscle Intelligence
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.
Latest episodes

42 snips
Jun 8, 2023 • 45min
The Hero’s Journey: Conversation with Ben and Brian Johnson, Heroic Founder #329
If you’re a man over 35 looking for a simple, effective and personalized plan to help you look, feel and perform better than you did in your 20s, head to https://muscleintelligence.com/mipapply to learn more about our upcoming programs. I recently had the pleasure of being interviewed by my good friend and mentor, Brian Johnson. Brian is the founder of Heroic, which has been one of my top personal development resources for over 15 years. My interview with Brian contained some valuable insights about self mastery and growth, and he invited me to share it on the Muscle Intelligence Podcast. We discuss my personal journey and the concept of being a radiant exemplar, as well as how to become a positive influence on others and lead to change. Brian has spent years integrating the wisdom of our forefathers with the logic of modern behavioral science, and sharing it with others. His philosophy has been incredibly valuable to my own mission to empower men to first master their physical bodies and mindset, on the path to live an optimized life. If you’re someone who aims for personal growth and to be a leader in your community, this episode is one you won't want to miss. You'll learn: A Powerful Framework for Self Mastery How Physical Fitness can Develop your Virtues Why your Standard is SO Important to your Success Three Steps to Cultivate Confidence and Charisma High Impact Habits to be an Effective Leader Mentioned in this episode: The Heroic platform: muscleintelligence.com/heroic Three part video series: the 4 Areas of Resilience - where I share the four biggest challenges facing men over 35. Pre-order the new Heroic book: muscleintelligence.com/heroicbook

Jun 5, 2023 • 1h 10min
The Most Effective TRT Protocols for High Performing Men with Dr. Abraham Morgentaler #328
If you’re a man over 35 looking for a simple, effective and personalized plan to help you look, feel and perform better than you did in your 20s, head to https://muscleintelligence.com/mipapply to learn more about our upcoming programs. The medical landscape of testosterone replacement therapy is shrouded in mixed opinions and, much more seriously, in misconceptions… That’s why I sought out the man who is widely known and internationally respected as the “Father of Testosterone Therapy,” Dr. Abraham Morgentaler. Dr. Abraham Morgentaler is a board-certified urologist, renowned medical researcher, and entrepreneur most recognized for his role in elevating men’s health to an emerging clinical specialty of crucial importance. Dr. Morgentaler’s clinical and research findings boldly inverted the traditional urological medical community’s previous assumptions about testosterone levels. We cover it all in today’s episode - from the truth about whether TRT really causes prostate cancer, to the pros and cons of aromatase inhibitors, to the significant differences between free T and total T. If you’re a man who prioritizes your family, fitness, and business, this is one episode you will NOT want to miss. You'll learn: The Pros and Cons of Aromatase Inhibitors Differences Between Free T and Total T Levels Debunking the Myths of Testosterone Replacement Therapy How to Properly use hCG and Clomid Treatment The FIRST Intervention for Weight Loss and Hypogonadism Learn more from Dr. Morgentaler: https://drmorgentaler.com/ https://t4leducation.com/ Mentioned in this Episode: Full show notes from today's episode (+ sign up to get future show notes in your inbox!) Water and Wellness - get 10% off Quinton, AquaTru, and Active H2 at waterandwellness.com/muscleintelligence

Jun 1, 2023 • 47min
How to Optimize for Physical Performance #327
If you’re a man over 35 looking for a simple, effective and personalized plan to help you look, feel and perform better than you did in your 20s, head to https://muscleintelligence.com/mipapply to learn more about our upcoming programs. One of the biggest mistakes I see my incoming clients make is doing the same type of training day in, day out and thinking they’re going to get a different result… And maybe it worked for you once, but does that mean it’s going to work forever? No. Here's the reality: you have to learn how to vary the stimulus to your body. Your body needs to be subjected to a diverse number of things if you want to be able to do a diverse number of things. Boosting your physical capacity as you age requires not only strength, but also structural balance, stability, and cardiovascular fitness. I recorded today’s episode to teach you the first big lever within my new framework of building resilience and, ultimately, longevity. You'll learn: How to Design the Perfect Workout - Every Time The BIGGEST Training Mistake Most People Make How to Assess and Improve your Physical Capability The Solution to Your Modern Lifestyle’s Biggest Threats The Big Differences between Hypertrophy & Strength Training Mentioned in this Episode: Three part video series: the 4 Areas of Resilience - where I share the four biggest challenges facing men over 35. Body part guides Full show notes from today's episode (+ sign up to get future show notes in your inbox!) Interview with Francis Holway Organifi sells my favorite red, green, and gold superfood blends - get 20% off with code MUSCLE at organifi.com/muscle

May 30, 2023 • 1h 19min
Six-Pillar Series – Environment Optimization #326
If you’re a man over 35 looking for a simple, effective and personalized plan to help you look, feel and perform better than you did in your 20s, head to https://muscleintelligence.com/mipapply to learn more about our upcoming programs. In this Six-Pillar Series: Environment Optimization episode, I selected some of my favorite conversations about curating your environment and lifestyle to reduce stress, maintain (and improve) cellular health, and cultivate sovereignty in your decision making processes. This episode features Dr. David Perlmutter, Dr. Kyle Gillett, Dr. David Sinclair, and Paul Chek… Plus, a highly requested no-B.S. talk from yours truly. You'll learn: How to Escape the Modern-Day Trap of Mindless Consumerism Why Your Decisions Are Not Under Your Control (& How to Fix it) The #1 Thing Affecting Your Focus & How to Take Back Your Attention A New Lens to Evaluate Your Emotions, Happiness, and Movement How to Optimize Circadian and Cortisol Rhythms for Cellular Health Get the FREE guide with the top tips and tools from this episode at muscleintelligence.com/learn Please support our sponsors: Get 15% off your first order of PaleoValley products at paleovalley.com/muscle Get 10% off Collagenius at nootopia.com/musclegenius

May 18, 2023 • 1h 4min
Water Purification and Reverse Osmosis with Robert Slovak #325
Robert Slovak, an expert in water purification and reverse osmosis, discusses the dangerous chemicals in tap water, the importance of water quality for health, and the historical clash between germ theory and terrain theory in medicine. He also explores the significance of water and the extracellular matrix, as well as the discovery of molecular hydrogen as a potential solution. The podcast offers a discount code for purchasing water purification products.

May 15, 2023 • 1h 38min
How Our Biology Impacts Relationships and Desire with Alison Armstrong #324
If you’re a man over 35 looking for a simple, effective and personalized plan to help you look, feel and perform better than you did in your 20s, head to https://muscleintelligence.com/mipapply to learn more about our upcoming programs. The high performers I work with aim to not only optimize their lives around training, nutrition, and business, but also around their relationships. Our personal relationships play a huge role in quality of life, output, and ultimately, success. Today's interview with human behavior and relationship expert Alison Armstrong dives deep into how our biology influences decision making, the hormonal differences that manifest in behavior, and the MOST important things for men and women to be aware of in one another. Alison Armstrong is a sought-after speaker and thought-leader amongst people with the desire to live empowered lives. Her philosophy and approach are referenced and taught by other authors, speakers, business consultants and therapists. Alison’s exploration of human behavior began in 1991, with her decision to study men: “To find out how I was bringing out the worst in them. And hopefully, how to bring out the best.” Her success in understanding men naturally led to studying women’s behavior and making vital connections between the two. As her work has evolved, Alison now illuminates human characteristics that precede and express themselves regardless of gender, age and upbringing. You'll learn: How Human Biology Impacts your Decision Making Personal Development Tools to Strengthen Relationships The Hormonal Differences that Affect Behavior in Men & Women The MOST Important Awareness to have of the Opposite Sex How to Solve Common Relationship Frustrations & Issues Get the full episode guide for FREE at muscleintelligence.com/learn Learn more from Alison Armstrong: https://www.alisonarmstrong.com/ The Queen's Code audiobook LUX Online Course "Why You Can't Trust Men to Tell the Truth" Support our sponsors: Organifi green and red juice powders are a staple in my kitchen, and in my suitcase when I travel. These delicious, whole food drink blends are the perfect way to meet your micronutrient needs. Get 20% off with code MUSCLE at organifi.com/muscle

May 11, 2023 • 1h 4min
The Metabolic Link to Brain Optimization with Dr. Chris Palmer #323
If you’re a man over 35 looking for a simple, effective and personalized plan to help you look, feel and perform better than you did in your 20s, head to https://muscleintelligence.com/mipapply to learn more about our upcoming programs. In this day and age, the majority of us have either experienced first-hand a mental health issue such as depression or anxiety, or known someone who has. While mental health is a less popular topic in the health and fitness world than training or nutrition might be, it has just as much value… Today’s guest on the Muscle Intelligence Podcast, Dr. Chris Palmer, is working at the interface of metabolism and what we call mental disorders, and is dedicated to improving the lives of people suffering from mental illness. Dr. Christopher Palmer is a Harvard Medical School Physician, Researcher, Consultant, and Educator. He has extensive experience and expertise in psychopharmacology, psychotherapy, and complementary and alternative treatments for psychiatric disorders. Dr. Palmer is also pioneering the use of the ketogenic diet and other lifestyle mediations as a treatment for psychiatric disorders, and is working with researchers from around the world to assess the effectiveness of these treatments in real people. You'll learn: How Mitochondrial Malfunction Causes Mental Illness The Effects of Stress on Your Human Metabolism Adolescent Mental Health: The Risk Factors to be Aware of Dietary and Lifestyle Interventions to Treat Metabolic Dysfunction Pick up the FREE episode guide at https://muscleintelligence.com/learn Learn more from Dr. Chris Palmer https://brainenergy.com/ https://www.chrispalmermd.com/ Please support our sponsors: Shop 15% off of one of my favorite high protein snacks - grass fed, grass finished beef sticks from PaleoValley. Head to https://paleovalley.com/muscle to redeem this deal and use code MUSCLE on PaleoValley's full product line!

May 5, 2023 • 1h 5min
Breathing as the Gateway to Consciousness & Performance with Erwan le Corre #322
Guest Erwan le Corre, expert in breath practice and performance enhancement, discusses the importance of efficient breathing patterns and the impact on stress, performance, and overall health. Topics include conscious hyperventilation approaches, returning to our true nature through breath, optimizing oxygen uptake, negative effects of hyperventilation, and the significance of breath on well-being. Resources for learning natural movement and breathwork are shared.

4 snips
May 1, 2023 • 50min
Best Upgrades for Better Energy, Focus, and Decision Making #321
If you’re a man over 35 looking for a simple, effective and personalized plan to help you look, feel and perform better than you did in your 20s, head to https://muscleintelligence.com/mipapply to learn more about our upcoming programs. I know that every high achiever out there aims to be the best version of themselves on a daily basis… And assuming you get about eight hours of sleep, that leaves 16 hours of the day to optimize your life, and move toward your current goals. Life is won and lost in our microdecisions, but these decisions are often driven by our human subconscious… The problem is - if you’re a goal achiever who wants to be successful in life, you NEED to be in charge of your own decision making processes, and be able to focus on your highest leverage tasks on any given day. Today’s training teaches you how to optimize the state of your body and mind, so that you can both perform at a peak state AND reach new levels of calm. If you aim to be effective in your decision making processes, sustained in motivation and attention, and ultimately, to crush your goals… You won’t want to miss this one. You'll learn: The ONE Thing that Sets High Performers Apart How to Know the Levers that Will Move you Toward Your Goals A Two-Fold Process to Consistently STAY Motivated The Foundation for Understanding Your Health How to Manage Your Energy and Rest Effectively

Apr 27, 2023 • 1h 9min
Six-Pillar Series – Training Optimization #320
If you’re a man over 35 looking for a simple, effective and personalized plan to help you look, feel and perform better than you did in your 20s, head to https://muscleintelligence.com/mipapply to learn more about our upcoming programs. It’s no secret that I find training and the science of muscle building absolutely fascinating. From mobility, to progressive overload, to recovery and the optimization of the nervous system… I’ve picked a handful of my favorite Muscle Intelligence Podcast episodes that take a deep dive into training - both the nuanced science behind it AND the immediately actionable advice. Join me for today’s Six-Pillar Series: Training Optimization episode, featuring Killian Hamilton of PreScript, world champion coach Joel Jamieson, professional powerlifter Mark Bell, and sports physiologist Dr. Mike Israetel. You’ll learn: How to Scale your Recovery for High Performance The MOST Important Muscle Building Mistakes to Avoid A Simple Training Framework for Athletes AND Coaches How to Assess Movement Patterns and Program for Skill Acquisition The Mental Aspects of Training with a HUGE Impact on Progress Please support our sponsors: Get 20% off ALL Organifi products at organifi.com/muscle