

The HyPaultrophy podcast
Paul Carter
I cover all things related to hypertrophy, physiology, and biomechanics.
Episodes
Mentioned books

20 snips
Aug 16, 2025 • 2h 21min
Why 200% more muscle growth doesn't mean anything
In this engaging discussion, Sam Buckner, who runs the USF Muscle Lab, dives into the intricacies of skeletal muscle growth research. He reveals how statistics can be manipulated to exaggerate results and emphasizes the importance of understanding practical significance over sensational figures. Sam critiques common misconceptions fueled by social media and stresses the need for robust scientific communication. The conversation encourages a critical approach to interpreting hypertrophy studies, highlighting the complexities of muscle growth versus strength.

17 snips
Jun 3, 2025 • 1h 15min
How MYOPS works with Zan Zupanic
Zan Zupanic, a dedicated PhD student in exercise physiology, dives deep into MYOPS and its essential role in training practices. He discusses the nuanced relationship between muscle protein synthesis and hypertrophy, revealing how workout intensity impacts growth. The conversation also highlights the challenges in muscle response research between trained and untrained individuals. Zan sheds light on recovery methods, scrutinizing their effects on muscle adaptation and the critical timing for maximizing protein synthesis. Excitement brews over an upcoming research study, showcasing his academic passion.

28 snips
Mar 29, 2025 • 2h 26min
Blood flow restriction and hypertrophy + why you need heavy loads for joints
Nick Ronick, a physical therapist and expert in blood flow restriction training, joins for a deep dive into the transformative effects of BFR on muscle growth and rehab. He explains how metabolic stress plays a crucial role in hypertrophy and critiques current research methodologies. The conversation also highlights the importance of heavy loads in therapy, particularly for tendinopathy, and discusses why a blend of high-intensity and BFR techniques can optimize training outcomes. Prepare for an insightful exploration of muscle mechanics and rehabilitation innovations!

21 snips
Mar 15, 2025 • 1h 50min
Cooking our detractors
The hosts dive into the crucial distinction between 'science' and 'evidence-based' approaches in fitness, arguing that the latter can often fall short. They humorously critique misunderstandings surrounding muscle growth and hypertrophy terminology. The discussion weaves through the historical context of sarcomerogenesis and the complexities of strength training while urging a nuanced understanding of scientific evidence. Misconceptions in fitness science and the challenges of clear communication are hilariously unpacked, promoting deeper scientific inquiry in the community.

28 snips
Mar 1, 2025 • 2h 48min
Why sleep loss isn't killing gains - Why high reps (probably) DON'T build the same amount of muscle
Dive into the surprising effects of sleep deprivation on muscle performance and discover why it may not be as detrimental as once thought. The hosts challenge traditional beliefs about high versus low rep training and the complexities behind muscle recovery, emphasizing smarter training methods. Learn about the nuances of peer review in fitness science and how recent studies on bicep training unveil the importance of shoulder position. Plus, explore the unique relationship between muscle mass, recovery, and heart rate for optimized training!

43 snips
Feb 16, 2025 • 3h 19min
The bulking debate - with Ella, TNF, and Alan Aragon
Joined by Alan Aragon, a nutrition and fitness expert, and Joel TNF, a specialist in athletic development, the discussion dives into the intricacies of bulking. They explore whether a caloric surplus is essential for muscle growth and tackle misconceptions around energy expenditure and protein synthesis. The guests also unpack the metabolic effects of dietary choices, emphasizing individualized nutrition strategies. Humorous anecdotes on seed oils provide levity, while they critique common fitness bias, advocating for respectful dialogue in the fitness community.

36 snips
Feb 1, 2025 • 2h 34min
Why hypertrophy gains HAVE to have strength gains and Q&A #1
Delve into the contentious relationship between strength and hypertrophy gains, as the hosts challenge prevailing fitness myths. They dissect the nuances of muscle growth, fatigue, and the critical role of heavy lifting. The conversation navigates through the science of muscle activation, neuromechanical matching, and the influence of diet and stress on training outcomes. With a blend of humor and insight, they address misconceptions about recovery and offer strategies for maximizing strength while avoiding injuries.

Jan 18, 2025 • 1h 51min
Why you still don't understand mechanical tension
Dive into the fascinating world of mechanical tension and its pivotal role in muscle growth. Discover how training frequency trumps sheer volume for optimal results and the nuances of motor unit recruitment. The discussion reveals the complexities of strength training dynamics, critiquing common myths and encouraging personal experimentation. Engage in debates about the latest hypertrophy research and the importance of accurate scientific models. Plus, explore the diversity of muscle fibers in elite sports and upcoming educational initiatives to clear up misconceptions.

28 snips
Dec 28, 2024 • 2h 45min
Upper Lower vs Full Body - The Final Word
Dive into the debate over workout splits, as the discussion contrasts full-body routines with upper/lower splits. Discover the critical role of recovery in hypertrophy versus Olympic weightlifting and the significance of muscle physiology. Learn about the complexities of muscle activation, particularly in pulling and pressing exercises. Tackle misconceptions surrounding fatigue and training frequency, all while addressing the psychological dynamics of fitness discussions in the age of social media. It's a thorough exploration that emphasizes individualized training strategies.

Dec 7, 2024 • 2h 13min
Why mechanisms > outcome data
Chris and I explain what the long term mechanistic data will always outweigh that of outcome data, and all the ridiculous examples of where outcome data has led people astray