

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

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.

Feb 6, 2023 • 30min
A Commitment to Confidence and Character #299
Building a lean, healthy and muscular body isn't hard. Nor is becoming a better man, husband, dad and leader. What's hard for most men is committing to things for a long period of time. Relationships, workout programs, diets, jobs, businesses… We're surrounded by shiny objects and our culture has made it easy and acceptable to change directions all the time, without penalty. So I recorded this solocast to guide you through the process I use with my clients to build confidence and character through commitment. You'll also learn: A Leader vs. Failure Approach to Commitment The Negativity Diet to Hack your System and Balance your Mind How to Turn Rage from a Curse into a Gift to Fuel your Success A Reverse-Engineering Process for Goal Attainment 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.

Feb 2, 2023 • 32min
Tailored Nutrition for Elite Performers #298
Want a chance to take a LIVE class with me? Apply for a ticket to the FREE Muscle Intelligence Training on February 4th, to 10x upgrade your nutrition plan effectiveness, at muscleintelligence.com/tickets - seats are limited, so act now! [**See more information at the bottom of the show notes] As high-achievers, we know that nutrition, like pursuing any goal at a high level, is nuanced. So it won't be surprising to hear that the ideal nutrition plan doesn't exist, or at least not an ongoing plan. Your nutrition plan is only optimal in as much as it matches your current circumstance and goal… So an ideal nutrition plan is an adaptive process. As your stress, sleep, workouts, even the seasons, or anything else changes... you should adapt your nutrition based on what your body needs at that moment. It sounds complicated… but it's easier than you probably think. And I explain it all in today's podcast. You'll learn: How to Assess Your Body's Daily Nutritional Needs The Key to Optimal and Maximum Absorption The Two MOST Important Things to Invest in Nutritionally Minimizing Inflammation: Which Foods to Avoid The TOP Brain Foods to Improve Cognitive Function Get the full-length episode guide at muscleintelligence.com/learn ** More information on February 4th's Masterclass: Because we only have a few tickets to give out, we have to be quite selective to ensure we're represented well in this session. Here's a description of who will be in the room, and ultimately for us - a great addition to this group: Established executive men 35+ who are hard working, financially secure (and generous), results oriented, and serious about investing the time and resources into improving their current training and nutrition protocols. They have all committed to a specific health, fitness or longevity goal in the next 90 days, and value learning from a world-class expert with 25+ years of experience and over 1000+ hours of conversations logged with experts in the health industry. If that's you, here's the link to grab a ticket. We'll start right on time at 10am EST and ask that you put your video on so we can get started with intros right from the start.


