

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

7 snips
Jul 27, 2023 • 1h 11min
The Metabolic Treatment for Cancer with Dr. Thomas Seyfried #343
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. As we age, the walls are closing in around us, and the actions you take and decisions you make TODAY are either speeding it up or slowing it down. So, I invited Dr. Thomas Seyfried onto the podcast to share a substantially researched and tested metabolic treatment for cancer that is both radically different from, but can also increase the efficacy of, the current standard of care. A professor of biology, genetics, and biochemistry at Boston College, Dr. Seyfried's research focuses on mechanisms of chronic diseases such as cancer, epilepsy, neurodegenerative lipid storage diseases, and caloric restriction diets. We discuss full treatment to prevention tactics - including how to use the Glucose-Ketone Index, steps for mitochondrial optimization of the entire human system, and how metabolic treatment can work in combination with more conventional cancer therapies. My team has also compiled the key findings and tools outlined by Dr. Seyfried, as well as links to the external resources we discussed, in this episode's free implementation guide. You'll learn: Why Cancer is a Disease of the Mitochondria How to Shift Cellular Energy Metabolism for Cancer Treatment How to Use the Glucose-Ketone Index for Metabolic Therapy Which Diet and Lifestyle Choices to Prioritize for Cancer Prevention Mentioned in this episode: BiOptimizers MagBreakthrough is the absolute BEST magnesium supplement on the market. I take it daily and even have my kids take it! Save 10% now at magbreakthrough.com/muscle GKI Monitor from Keto Mojo - mentioned by Dr. Seyfried to measure Glucose:Ketone Index. Foundation for Metabolic Cancer Therapies - this organization helps to fund Dr. Seyfried's reserach.** **The Foundation for Metabolic Cancer Therapies supports Dr. Seyfried's research. There is currently a protocol in development for metabolic cancer therapy, which will be widely available in the near future. Below is information on donating to the Foundation for Metabolic Cancer Therapies. The "Foundation for Metabolic Cancer Therapies", is dedicated to supporting Dr. Seyfried's studies using metabolic therapy for cancer management with 100% of the donated funds going directly to his research on metabolic therapy for cancer. The Foundation for Metabolic Cancer Therapies is a (501(c)(3) foundation (EIN # 46-4127870). The donation tag "donate" is on the top row of the foundation site (http://www.foundationformetaboliccancertherapies.com/). The Foundation address is 3213 West Main Street #256, Rapid City, SD 57702. The Foundation encourages donations through PayPal because they process the tax info by sending out receipts. The PayPal giving fund or a check is also an easy option for larger donations. No donation amount is too small or too large. Those interested in supporting Dr. Seyfried's research can do so by donating to this foundation.

Jul 24, 2023 • 1h 17min
How to Regulate Blood Sugar for Body Composition & Longevity with Dr. Casey Means #342
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. Today's guest, Casey Means, MD is a Stanford-trained physician, Chief Medical Officer and Co-founder of metabolic health company Levels, and Associate Editor of the International Journal of Disease Reversal and Prevention. Dr. Means's mission is to maximize human potential and reverse the epidemic of preventable chronic disease by empowering individuals with tech-enabled tools that can inform smart, personalized, and sustainable dietary and lifestyle choices. In today's episode, Dr. Means offers an incredible lesson into everything from how to most effectively use a continuous glucose monitor (CGM), to the five key lab tests for top metabolic insight, to her top tools for sustaining mitochondrial health long-term. My team has also compiled the key tools for using CGMs and managing metabolic health in this episode's implementation guide. You'll Learn: The #1 Tool for Real-Time Metabolic Health Insights How to Build Meals that Mitigate Glucose Spikes Five Important Metabolism Tests to Order from Your Doctor The Six BIGGEST Levers to Pull for Mitochondrial Health How to Avoid the #1 Cause of Chronic Disease & THRIVE Instead P.S. After listening to today's episode, if you're ready to take action on improving your metabolic health, head over to levels.link/MUSCLE for a special offer to our community.

Jul 20, 2023 • 1h 7min
Red Light Therapy for Healing and High Performance with Dr. Bjørn Ekeberg #341
Dr. Bjørn Ekeberg, co-founder and CEO of Recharge Health, discusses the performance benefits of red light therapy, practical daily applications of infrared devices, and the energetics behind light and human energy. They explore the most effective infrared wavelength for healing, using red light to treat injuries and increase performance, and a framework to sync up your circadian rhythm. They also touch on the limitations and uncertainties in cosmology and the benefits of infrared light therapy for sleep, recovery, and vasodilation. Additionally, they discuss the importance of heavy strength focus sessions for hypertrophy.

Jul 17, 2023 • 34min
Optimize Your Metabolism Through Breathing #340
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. If you're familiar with my philosophy, you may already know that I see breathwork as one of the biggest gaps AND one of the biggest opportunities for performance enhancement… So many men, even those at the top of their athletic game, breathe inefficiently, and often in a manner that negatively impacts everything from metabolic function, to digestion, to strength output… But, once you have the right breathing tools to move forward with, you can VERY quickly take yourself to the next level. Whether it's in your ability to focus in your business, perform at your peak in the gym, or lead your family with unparalleled calm and wisdom - breath is a superpower. In today's episode, I deconstruct the most effective breathing practices from the world's top masters in the science of breath. I also detail out what works best for myself and my clients, and how YOU can break these practices down into daily action steps. For full episode implementation notes, pick up our episode guide, where my team has detailed the key takeaways for you. You'll learn: How to Increase CO2 Tolerance to Enhance Performance The Breathing Mechanics for Optimal Movement How Breath can Help You Manage Stress and Anxiety The PIllars and Metabolic Benefits of Efficient Breathing The BEST Breathwork to Increase Athletic Capability Please support our sponsors: Get 20% off Organifi when you use code MUSCLE or visit organifi.com/muscle

Jul 13, 2023 • 1h 31min
Master Cognitive Agility and Performance with Dr. Drew Pierson #339
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 my belief that the pinnacle of health involves having complete control over your nervous system - the highest performers on earth (mentally and physically) can "flip the switch" at a moment's notice… When it's time for the gold medal-winning race, or the moment that could make or break your career, you want the ability to turn ON - lightning fast. But the ability to intentionally downregulate your nervous system is an art of equal importance. The masterful skill of brain training is something today's guest, Dr. Drew Pierson, has spent years studying. In fact, to put it most accurately, he's taken the field of brain enhancement to another dimension… Dr. Pierson has advanced the medicine of neurofeedback therapy from simply treating pathology (such as depression, ADD, and sleep disorders) to enhancing the intricate structures and functions of leadership, wisdom, and awakened consciousness. The depth that Dr. Pierson brings to today's interview is truly monumental, and if you're someone who operates as a leader in your family, business, or community, I know you'll enjoy it as much as I did. We cover everything from the intentional training of specific brain wave states for flow, focus, and creativity, to which specific neurofeedback methods can help strengthen relationships, teams, and organizations - and MUCH more. This one dives deep, and you'll want to take notes - or, pick up our episode guide at muscleintelligence.com/learn, where I've detailed the key takeaways for you. You'll learn: How to Use Brainwave Frequencies for High Performance The #1 Tool to Easily Enter the Flow State How to Use Neurofeedback to Enhance Brain Efficiency Effective Brain Training Techniques for Teams and Relationships How to Develop Healing through Cognitive Training Learn more from Dr. Drew Pierson: https://www.drdrewpierson.com/ Please support our sponsors: Get 10% off BiOptimizers Magnesium Breakthrough product at https://magbreakthrough.com/muscle

Jul 10, 2023 • 1h 26min
Recast: Understand How Your Brain Works with Dr. Andrew Huberman #338
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. Today on the Muscle Intelligence Podcast, I've released an episode that I originally recorded and published in 2019, but which holds just as much relevance in the present day… This interview is with a man who quickly rose to well-deserved fame in the health and wellness space, but who maintains the same humble intentions, high standards, and dedication to his work that he did on the first day I met him… Dr. Andrew Huberman joins me today on the podcast for one of our most knowledge-packed, actionable episodes of ALL time. This interview is akin to a particularly illuminating college lecture - the kind that has you on the edge of your seat, eager to learn more. Dr. Huberman has taken the field of neuroscience, and made the most effective resources and protocols accessible to EVERY human being… Andrew Huberman, Ph.D., is a neuroscientist and tenured professor in the department of neurobiology at Stanford School of Medicine. He has made numerous significant contributions to the fields of brain development, brain function and neural plasticity, which is the ability of our nervous system to rewire and learn new behaviors, skills and cognitive functioning. Dr. Huberman is also actively involved in developing tools now in use by the elite military in the U.S. and Canada, athletes, and technology industries to optimize performance in high stress environments, enhance neural plasticity, mitigate stress, and optimize sleep. Get the full implementation guide for today's episode at muscleintelligence.com/learn. You'll learn: The BEST Protocol for Deep Relaxation and Improved Sleep How to Control your Attention for High Mental Performance How to Use Eye Movements to Reduce Stress and Manage Trauma High-Impact Action Items to Optimize your Circadian Rhythm How to Take Ownership of Your Mental Health and Neuroplasticity Learn more from Dr. Huberman: https://hubermanlab.com/

Jul 6, 2023 • 1h 24min
Muscle Activation Techniques for Strength & Neuromuscular Function with Greg Roskopf #337
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. Today's guest developed a system of neuromuscular therapy that is one of the most pivotal healing and strengthening modalities I experienced during my bodybuilding career. In fact, I routinely flew out to Colorado to work with this man, who is an absolute legend in the exercise physiology space… Greg Roskopf, the founder of Muscle Activation Techniques, joins me today on the Muscle Intelligence Podcast. Greg not only developed the MAT modality, but also created a curriculum for this technique that has been taught to students all across the globe. Greg has over two decades of experience applying MAT to his clients and professional athletes, including the Denver Broncos, San Francisco 49ers, and Utah Jazz. You'll learn: How to Address Muscle Weakness for Increased Range of Motion How to Raise Physical Stress Tolerance Levels for Better Health Why Focusing on Muscle Strength Decreases Inflammation When to Avoid Deep Tissue Massage, and Whether Stretching is Effective How to Enhance Neuromuscular Function for Recovery and Stress Management Learn more from Greg Roskopf: Begin your journey toward becoming an MAT Practitioner by starting with our Jumpstart Lower Body Course. Ben's podcast listeners receive 25% off! Learn more here: https://muscleactivation.com/jumpstart-bpak/ Muscle Activation Techniques: www.muscleactivation.com Greg's site: www.gregroskopf.com Please support our sponsors: Get 20% off, plus get hooked up with a FREE 30 ct pack of Pure neuro-support product when you buy Organifi's Sunrise to Sunset Kit at organifi.com/muscle (or use code MUSCLE for 20% off their entire product line!)

Jul 3, 2023 • 43min
Recast: Ben's 44 Success Principles for an Optimized Body and Relentless Mind #336
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've been blessed to learn from some of the brightest, most successful people in the world - individuals whom I view as having a very well-rounded life, and a similarly balanced mind… Throughout this learning process, I've identified a number of common principles that rise to the surface… Principles which, when applied to life consistently, will guide you in the direction of fulfillment in body, mind, and spirit. I compiled a list of 44 Principles of Success that I aspire to live my own life by, and which I encourage both those within my inner circle, as well as my broader community, to live by as well. These are the commonalities you'll find amongst the world's greatest human beings. If you demand excellence of yourself (as you should), and you're the type of person who aspires for lifelong growth, you will find these principles to be a succinct guide for an optimized body and a relentless mind. I've also turned these 44 Success Principles into a guide that you can easily reference. Get your free copy of the guide now at muscleintelligence.com/learn You'll learn: Guiding Principles from the World's Most Successful People How to Create a Life of Purpose, Fulfillment, and Greatness A Process for Defining and Achieving your Biggest Goals The Attitude that Will Push you Toward your Peak Fitness High-Impact Meditation, Journaling, and Lifestyle Habits

6 snips
Jun 29, 2023 • 1h 14min
Six-Pillar Series – Breath Optimization #335
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. You may have heard me say that I view breath as the greatest performance opportunity that exists… But most high achievers aren't taking advantage of it - and the only reason why is simply because they don't know how to use it… Today on the Muscle Intelligence Podcast, I've compiled some of the most highly actionable advice from leading experts on breathwork, performance, and nervous system function. Dr. Justin Feinstein, Juliet and Kelly Starret, and Erwan le Corre join me today for a masterclass on efficient breathing for metabolism, energy production, and stress management. I've also included a short segment from a training I delivered to a group of top-performing executives. You'll learn techniques to optimize your breathing for maximal performance AND simple tricks to make breath practice more accessible in daily life. You'll learn: How to Breathe to Optimize Energy Levels The MOST Common Breathing Problem and How to Fix it How to Use Deliberate Breath Holds for Performance The BIGGEST Levers to Control your Nervous System Tools to Access the Prefrontal Cortex for Better Decision-Making Please support our sponsors: Water and Wellness – get 10% off Quinton, AquaTru, and Active H2 at waterandwellness.com/muscleintelligence PaleoValley – head to paleovalley.com/muscle to get 15% off your first order

Jun 26, 2023 • 16min
8 Critical Growth Opportunities for Men over 40 #334
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. As the world becomes more convenient, you have to purposefully deviate away from comfort - the preferred choice of many modern men… However, the greatest challenges also offer the greatest opportunity for reward. And the men in our Muscle Intelligence ecosystem KNOW that daily discomforts and disciplines are NECESSARY for personal growth. So, I recorded a straight-to-the-point training for you on the eight critical growth opportunities that are available to EVERY man over 35. These focal points should be top of mind for men who want to thrive in health, wealth, and relationships. You'll learn: The 8 Areas to Optimize for Energy and Success Why You MUST Embrace the Biggest Challenges Where to Place your Focus for Personal Growth The Importance of the Having High Standards How to Balance Performance and Recovery Potential Mentioned in this episode: Phase One video series Apply for Muscle Intelligence Coaching Muscle Intelligence Community P.S. One of the quickest ways to improve the efficacy of your nutrition is to improve the QUALITY of your food. That's why I'm a big fan of PaleoValley, who strictly focus on nutrient density and optimal quality in their 100% grass fed, grass finished beef products. Get 15% off your first order at paleovalley.com/muscle


