
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

5 snips
Mar 13, 2023 • 36min
Raise Your Standards and Prevent Long-Term Decline #309
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. At some point most men start to make excuses, stop placing demands on themselves, and lower their standards. Before they know it, they're in a downward spiral, and it feels like there's no way out. But here's the thing: it doesn't have to be this way. You can raise your standards, demand more of yourself, and start making better decisions. Today I want to share an incredibly powerful episode in which I discuss how to raise your standards, and maximize your performance and effectiveness in the gym. You'll learn practical tips and strategies that you can use right away, to see better results and feel the difference in your workouts. Don't miss out on this opportunity to learn about: The Importance of Raising your Standard, and Simple Ways to Do it How to Set the Tone of Your Workout for MAXIMUM Performance The Role of Mobility Work and Activation Exercises for Muscle Building How to Get the MOST Out of Every Micro-Opportunity in your Daily Training The Best Pre-Workout Supplements to Incorporate into Your Plan And much more; get the full episode guide at muscleintelligence.com/learn. And don’t forget to get the best products for energy, relaxation, gut health, immune boost, brain performance, or any other benefit YOU need - click here to shop Organifi’s amazing products with 20% off. Muscle Intelligence has opened the doors temporarily for new members ready to start in January 2023. We train Champions. If you’re interested, click here to see if you qualify.

Mar 9, 2023 • 28min
Breath as a Performance Enhancer #308
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. When it comes to performance, health, fitness and movement optimization, the key is to find the first domino. The one that, when it falls, it brings all the other ones down with it. The same goes for your health. And similar to the single domino - it’s not always the BIG obvious thing. In fact, it’s usually the small, seemingly insignificant one that you may never have considered… I recorded this solocast to introduce you to the often overlooked lynchpin that will drastically improve your performance: the breath. The opportunity that exists here to change psychology, physiology, and stress modulation is enormous… And the performance-enhancing opportunity is on par with anabolic steroids. It will increase your effectiveness and performance in pretty much everything you do. You'll learn: The #1 Efficiency Lever that Most People Miss How to Use Breath as a Superpower Within Your Training An Optimal Breathwork Cadence and How to Access Specific States A Simple Exercise to IMMEDIATELY Calm Your Nervous System A Simple Test to See How You’re Performing… Right Now! Get the full episode guide at muscleintelligence.com/learn Muscle Intelligence has opened the doors temporarily for new members ready to start in January 2023. We train Champions. If you’re interested, click here to see if you qualify.

Mar 6, 2023 • 27min
How To Permanently Transform Your Body #307
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. Have you ever paid attention to how many guys train at the gym everyday, but look the same as they did when they started? I’m sure you know who I’m talking about. It’s not that they don’t put in the time or effort, but that they don’t put the time and effort into the RIGHT things. Because it’s actually pretty simple - what separates the goods from the Greats is the level of conscious awareness. It’s often HOW you do things that is far more important than WHAT you do. We get weaker by the day unless we become conscious of it and intentionally reverse it. Not through mindlessly putting in a bit of effort. That might work for some time, but if you want to change your body or something in your life permanently… It requires a shift in your identity, which is what I detailed out for you in today’s episode. You'll learn: A 3-Tiered Process for MAXIMUM Body Transformation in the Gym Why Most People Waste Time and Sacrifice Results, and How to Fix it A Mindset Shift to Help you Love the Discomfort of Learning New Skills Why External Coping Strategies DON’T Work and What to Do Instead A Tool to Optimize EVERY Single Rep of Every Exercise Get the full episode guide at muscleintelligence.com/learn Support our sponsors: Get Organifi green juice, red juice, gold adaptogenic drink powder, and more at organifi.com/muscle for 20% off with code MUSCLE Muscle Intelligence has opened the doors temporarily for new members ready to start in January 2023. We train Champions. If you’re interested, click here to see if you qualify.

Mar 2, 2023 • 1h 3min
Flow State Mastery with Steven Kotler #306
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. Ever had one of those moments when you were so focused on a business project or in the middle of a great workout and time seems to disappear? You’re completely absorbed by what you’re doing and your performance, both mental and physical, shoots through the roof? That’s what we know as the flow state – the optimal state of consciousness. What most people don’t know is that flow is very trainable. And mastering flow is an incredibly powerful skill to have because flow can significantly accelerate learning and skill acquisition by 240 – 500%. On today’s episode, the brilliant NY Times best-selling author, Executive Director of The Flow Research Collective and one of the world's leading experts on Human Performance and Flow State, Steven Kotler, teaches: The Flow State: How to Use it MOST Effectively, and Recover From It How to Predictably and Reliably Reproduce High Performance What you NEED to Thrive in the Second Half of your Life How to Gain New Levels of Cognitive Superpower in your 50s & Beyond The Challenge/Skills Balance Ratio to Optimize Flow Get your copy of the episode guide with the processes and steps outlined in this episode at muscleintelligence.com/learn Support our Sponsors: Get 10% off ALL BiOptimizers products at bioptimizers.com/muscle10 - I never leave home without MassZymes, MagBreakthrough, and SleepBreakthrough. Muscle Intelligence has opened the doors temporarily for new members ready to start in January 2023. We train Champions. If you’re interested, click here to see if you qualify.

28 snips
Feb 27, 2023 • 1h 16min
Six Pillar Series – Mindset Optimization #305
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 today’s episode, you’ll learn how to master your mindset from top level experts in the industry. Mindset is one of the 6 Pillars of Human Optimization - but this episode isn't your typical self-help advice. It’s a few of my favorite conversations with people who are well researched and heavily respected in their fields: Dr. John Demartini, Jonathan Rios, Dr. Phil Stutz and Dr. Barry Michels, Dr. Trevor Kashley, and Drew Manning. You’ll hear how to develop a depth of thought that will make you a more effective human, overcome the victim mentality, and the reason you should move towards pain. If you'd like to receive the added value of a full interview with any of today's featured guests, click on the links below: The Path to Mastery with Dr. Trevor Kashey Reclaim and Restore your Primal Virtues with Jonathan Rios From Super Fat to Super Fit: Secrets from a 60 lb Transformation with Drew Manning The Real Impact of Fulfillment on Your Physiology with Dr. John Demartini Tools to Get Unstuck and Realize your Greatest Potential with Dr. Phil Stutz and Dr. Barry Michels Get your copy of the episode guide at muscleintelligence.com/learn

Feb 23, 2023 • 29min
Six Principles of Optimized Nutrition #304
When it comes to nutrition there's a lot of room for improvement for most men. Not only to build the lean, healthy, and muscular body you desire… But also to maximize focus and energy, decrease inflammation, improve digestion, increase brain function, etc. That's why today I'll show you the 6 lenses through which you should make decisions around nutrition... To solve the nutritional part of the equation for a lean and muscular body, optimized energy and focus, and to move toward optimal health. You’ll learn: A Simple and Actionable Model for Ideal Human Nutrition The 6 MAJOR Factors for Better Nutrition Decision-Making How to Time Protein Consumption for Muscle Building & Longevity A High-Impact Mindset Shift to Stick to your Plan, 100% of the Time The MOST Important Things to Remove from your Diet for Optimal Health Don’t forget to check out some of my favorite products to fill in nutritional gaps at organifi.com/muscle (save 20% with code MUSCLE). Their incredible green and red powdered juices are a great, delicious way to ensure you're meeting your micronutrient needs. Get your copy of the episode guide at muscleintelligence.com/learn Muscle Intelligence has opened the doors temporarily for new members ready to start in January 2023. We train Champions. If you’re interested, click here to see if you qualify.

59 snips
Feb 20, 2023 • 1h 18min
Biohacking and Human Optimization with Matt Gallant #303
Most men I talk to are obsessed with high-impact output. They always want the best results possible for their body, business, and family. They want to do the right things (effectiveness), do those in the right way (efficiency), and do it with intensity (the multiplier of the output). And if you value these things… you MUST check out this interview I did with Matt Gallant. Matt is one of those people that begins where everyone ends. He's a true optimizer, brilliant biohacker, leader of his tribe, and one of my favorite people of all time. We'll go really in-depth into human optimization as we discuss: What to Optimize for from Morning to Night, for Maximum Effectiveness Meal Timing for Fat Loss, Athletic Performance, and Quality Sleep How Just 10 Grams of THIS Food Can Stop Middle-of-the Night Wake-Ups A Simple Evening Trick to Prevent Morning Sleepiness and Fatigue The ONE Genetic Variation that Might be Causing Sleep Issues Don’t forget to check out the amazing product we discuss at sleepbreakthrough.com/muscle (save with code MUSCLE10). This incredible product helps you get your deepest sleep ever by targeting five different sleep pathways. Get your copy of the episode guide at muscleintelligence.com/learn Muscle Intelligence has opened the doors temporarily for new members ready to start in January 2023. We train Champions. If you’re interested, click here to see if you qualify.

Feb 16, 2023 • 40min
The 16 Essential Health Targets for Men #302
Most men who come to me for guidance don't have huge bodybuilding goals. They’re usually successful, well established men seeking new levels of potential and performance; wanting more fulfillment and purpose out of life. Building an impenetrable body, even if it's not to compete on stage, allows you to live your greatest life. Not just for yourself, but to lead your family, team and community. Just like your finances, little deposits into your health compound over time - so knowing what these high-impact levers are could give you back 10, 20 or even 30 good years. If you want to optimize your health, performance and longevity, today’s episode is exactly what you need. You'll learn: The MOST Important Targets to Hit on Your High Performance Journey How to Lay the Foundation for Future Health in the Next 3-6 Months Top Proven Ways to Optimize Testosterone, Brain & Cardiac Function How to Control Appetite, Blood Sugar, and Body Composition The #1 Organ to Focus on for Longevity (This One Might Surprise you!) Invest just a little time now, and learn the skills to improve your training, nutrition, lifestyle and mindset for years to come. Don't forget to pick up your copy of the episode guide at muscleintelligence.com/learn Support our sponsors: Organifi - get 20% off ALL products with code MUSCLE at organifi.com/muscle Muscle Intelligence has opened the doors temporarily for new members ready to start in January 2023. We train Champions. If you’re interested, click here to see if you qualify.

Feb 13, 2023 • 20min
How to Regulate your Nervous System #301
If you ever find yourself running out of energy by the end of the day, unable to quiet your racing mind, having a hard time getting and staying focused before a meeting or workout… I recorded this quick episode to teach you the Three Primary Intervention Techniques to regulate the nervous system. This is one of the most important tools I teach my clients, because it’s imperative for ambitious men like us to master. I share my secret breathing, visual, and muscular practices that work better than any pre-workout, and the tools I’ve learned to help improve your focus, boost your energy, and relieve anxiety. You’ll also learn: The Three Primary Points of Nervous System Regulation How Just Six Breaths Can Completely Change your Body Breathing, Visual Practices that Work Better than any Pre-Workout How to Immediately Improve Focus, Boost your Energy, and Relieve Anxiety And much more. Enjoy! Don't forget to pick up your copy of the episode guide at muscleintelligence.com/learn. Muscle Intelligence has opened the doors temporarily for new members ready to start in January 2023. We train Champions. If you’re interested, click here to see if you qualify.

Feb 9, 2023 • 32min
Master this 3-Phase Training Framework #300
I recently simplified our training framework into just three, easy-to-follow steps. If you’re looking to upgrade your programming or execution, you’ll want to take notes. I share the limitations, symptoms and how you can succeed in each phase to become more effective. In this episode, you’ll learn: The #1 Thing you MUST Eliminate for Optimal Health Top High-Impact Habits to Burn Fat and Build Muscle Six Ways to Overcome the Most Common Transformation Roadblocks The ONE Marker to Track when Increasing Physical Endurance How to Alter your Routine to Avoid Progress-Killing Mistakes Don’t forget - the more wins you stack up, the easier it is to believe in yourself and the more confident you become as a result. Get the full episode guide at muscleintelligence.com/learn Muscle Intelligence has opened the doors temporarily for new members ready to start in January 2023. We train Champions. If you’re interested, click here to see if you qualify.