
Muscle for Life with Mike Matthews
OVER 25,000,000 DOWNLOADS AND COUNTING!
If you want to know how to build muscle, lose fat, and be healthier, happier, and wiser...faster than you ever thought possible...then this podcast is for you. Hosted by the bestselling author and entrepreneur, Mike Matthews, each episode gives you simple, science-based know-how and inspiration that will help you build your best body and life ever.
Find out more at www.legionathletics.com
Latest episodes

9 snips
Oct 11, 2023 • 23min
Ep. #1118: Protein: How Low Can You Go Without Losing Muscle?
Discover the minimum protein intake needed to maintain muscle mass. Learn about the impact of resistance training on protein requirements. Explore optimal protein intake for strength training, cutting, or lean bulking. Understand the relationship between calorie deficit and muscle loss. Find out the benefits of using supplements in fitness and get a discount on Legion supplements. Uncover protein requirements for weightlifters during weight loss and maintenance.

Oct 4, 2023 • 32min
Ep. #1117: Q&A: Fixing a “Crashed” Metabolism, SI Joint Pain Fix, How to Bench 315, & More
In this episode of the podcast, the host answers questions about fixing a crashed metabolism, bulking on non-exercise days, and the effectiveness of resistance bands. He also discusses the benefits of training abs, the role of nuts in weight loss, and strategies for increasing bench press strength. If you're interested in back health, the podcast covers back rehabilitation, blood pressure diet, and back training routines. Additionally, there is a chapter on building strong lats and returning to training after a break, as well as one on double progression in fitness and switching programs. Finally, the hosts address SI joint issues and provide tips for alleviating pain.

Sep 27, 2023 • 60min
Ep. #1116: How Isho Lost 24 Pounds While Getting Stronger In His 40s
Isho, who lost 24 pounds and got stronger in his 40s, talks about transitioning from traditional diet myths to a holistic, evidence-based approach. Topics include his diet structure, managing cravings, strategies for indulging in treats, and mindset shifts required for lasting change.

Sep 20, 2023 • 43min
Ep. #1115: How to Reduce Muscle Size (Lose Muscle You Don’t Want)
Learn how to strategically reduce muscle size in targeted areas of the body, including the arms, legs, hamstrings, calves, glutes, back, shoulders, and pecs. The podcast discusses the drawbacks of losing muscle, holistic strategies for muscle reduction, and provides specific techniques for muscle downsizing. It also emphasizes the importance of maintaining overall muscle mass, following a low protein diet, and creating a calorie deficit for effective muscle loss. Find out how long it takes to lose muscle and how muscle memory plays a role in shrinking unwanted muscle.

Sep 13, 2023 • 34min
Ep. #1114: Q&A: AI in Coaching, NMN vs. Creatine, Overcoming Workout Pain, Jet Lag Remedies, & More
The podcast covers topics such as the role of AI in gym coaching, the comparison between NMN and creatine as supplements, the benefits of simple carbs after a workout, jet lag remedies, tips for managing pain and injuries during exercise, and strategies for enhancing sleep quality and caffeine consumption.

Sep 6, 2023 • 48min
Ep. #1113: Brad Stulberg on Becoming a “Master of Change”
Change is inevitable, but how we approach and adapt to it can make all the difference.
In his new book, Master of Change, Brad Stulberg explores the essence of change and how our mindset towards it can be our biggest asset or detriment.
In case you’re not familiar with Brad, he’s a researcher, writer, and coach on well-being and what it takes to succeed. As an author, he’s been featured in The New York Times, The Wall Street Journal, Washington Post, Los Angeles Times, New Yorker, Sports Illustrated, Outside Magazine, Forbes, and more. He helps executives, entrepreneurs, and athletes work on their mental game, improve their overall well-being, and achieve excellence.
He’s also the coauthor of Peak Performance, a book I did a Book Club episode on in 2017.
In our discussion, Brad and I chat about . . .
- The driving force that led him to write his latest book and the revelations that came with it.
- The concept of “rugged flexibility” and how our thoughts shape our approach to challenges and aspirations.
- How our expectations influence our perception and experience of change (and how altering this perspective can help you excel)
- Wisdom and practical tips on how to turn friction and resistance into momentum.
- 5 questions that can steer us towards acceptance and proactive action in the face of change.
This episode is full of deep insights, actionable advice, and a fresh perspective on a topic so inherent to our lives.
So, if you've ever felt overwhelmed by change or are looking for a better way to harness its power, this conversation with Brad Stulberg is one you won't want to miss.
Timestamps:
(0:00) - Please leave a review of the show wherever you listen to podcasts and make sure to subscribe!
(2:40) - What inspired Brad's "Master of Change"?
(6:01) - Deciphering the concept of "rugged thoughts."
(8:11) - Applying "rugged flexibility" to personal goals.
(26:26) - Legion VIP One-on-One Coaching: https://muscleforlife.show/vip
(28:07) - How do expectations influence our perception of change?
(30:36) - Practical applications of these concepts in everyday life.
(37:47) - Overcoming friction when aiming for positive change.
(39:57) - Brad's five pivotal questions for change.
(46:17) - How to engage further with Brad Stulberg's insights.
Mentioned on the Show:
Legion VIP One-on-One Coaching: https://muscleforlife.show/vip
Brad’s book Master of Change: https://www.amazon.com/Master-Change-Everything-Changing-Including/dp/006325316X/?tag=mflweb-20
Brad’s website: www.bradstulberg.com
Brad’s Twitter: https://twitter.com/BStulberg

Aug 30, 2023 • 15min
Ep. #1112: How Big of an Advantage Do Steroid Users Have in the Gym? Science Answers
We often hear claims from steroid users that performance-enhancing drugs only give them a slight advantage, emphasizing their dedication and hard work.
But is this reality or just a smokescreen?
This episode unpacks a study from The University of Sydney comparing 147 natural bodybuilders with 40 steroid users. We'll delve into training volumes, rest intervals, cardio habits, supplementation choices, and their actual results.
If you've ever wondered about the tangible advantages of steroids and how natural bodybuilders' methods contrast with their "enhanced" counterparts, this episode offers clear insights.
From volume and intensity to supplement choices that highlight the health concerns of steroid use, this podcast sheds light on what truly sets apart the natural from the enhanced.
Timestamps:
(0:00) - Please leave a review of the show wherever you listen to podcasts and make sure to subscribe!
(1:08) - How do training and supplementation practices differ between steroid users and natural bodybuilders?
(10:13) - What are the actual outcomes of using steroids versus pursuing natural bodybuilding?
Mentioned on the Show:
Legion VIP One-on-One Coaching for personalized fitness guidance: https://muscleforlife.show/vip

Aug 23, 2023 • 54min
Ep. #1111: Bret Contreras on Squats vs. Hip Thrusts for Glute Gains
Dr. Bret Contreras, 'The Glute Guy', discusses a scientific study comparing hip thrusts and squats for glute gains. They explore surprising results, critique a potentially fabricated study, and examine training the glutes at varied muscle lengths. They also discuss the relationship between EMG studies and muscle hypertrophy, technique in compound movements, and the importance of conducting future research on glute training.

Aug 21, 2023 • 11min
Ep. #1110: Book Club: My 10 Key Takeaways from “How to Raise Successful People” by Esther Wojcick
Raising successful individuals is a challenge that every parent grapples with. How do we instill independence, resilience, and success in our children?
Esther Wojcicki's How to Raise Successful People offers a set of principles that have not only been proven by her experiences as a seasoned educator but also as the mother of three exceptionally successful women.
In this podcast, I’m sharing my top 10 insights from the book.
“Can you recommend a book for…?”
“What are you reading right now?”
“What are your favorite books?”
I get asked those types of questions a lot and, as an avid reader and all-around bibliophile, I’m always happy to oblige.
I also like to encourage people to read as much as possible because knowledge benefits you much like compound interest. The more you learn, the more you know; the more you know, the more you can do; the more you can do, the more opportunities you have to succeed.
On the flip side, I also believe there’s little hope for people who aren’t perpetual learners. Life is overwhelmingly complex and chaotic, and it slowly suffocates and devours the lazy and ignorant.
So, if you’re a bookworm on the lookout for good reads, or if you’d like to get into the habit of reading, this book club for you.
The idea here is simple: Every month, I’ll share a book that I’ve particularly liked, why I liked it, and several of my key takeaways from it.
I’ll also keep things short and sweet so you can quickly decide whether the book is likely to be up your alley or not.
Alright, let’s get to the takeaways.
Timestamps:
(0:00) - Please leave a review of the show wherever you listen to podcasts and make sure to subscribe and leave a comment!
(3:40) Why is Overprotecting Our Children Detrimental to Their Growth? The fatal flaw of helicopter parenting
(4:05) - How Does Respecting a Child's Development Foster Their True Self?
(4:40) - How Do Our Reactions to Mistakes Influence Our Children’s Learning?
(4:48) - Why Should Educators Answer the "Why" Question in Classrooms?
(5:07) - How Does the Education System Impact Creative Thinking from Childhood to Adulthood?
(5:34) - What Role Do Positive Family Experiences Play in a Child's Development?
(5:47) - Why are Functional Relationships Crucial in Modeling Behavior for Our Children?
(6:07) - What Does Research Say About the Effects of Maintaining Marriage on Children’s Well-being?
(6:44) - How Can We Teach Children About the Importance of Purpose and Meaning in Life?
(7:29) - Why Does Parenting Shape the Future of Our World?
(7:40) - Try Pulse today! Go to https://buylegion.com/pulse and use coupon code MUSCLE to save 20% or get double reward points!
Mentioned on the Show:
Try Pulse today! Go to https://buylegion.com/pulse and use coupon code MUSCLE to save 20% or get double reward points!
How to Raise Successful People: https://www.amazon.com/How-Raise-Successful-People-Lessons/dp/1328974863/?tag=mflweb-20

Aug 18, 2023 • 24min
Ep. #1109: Q&A: Restarting Training After a Break, Bicep Strength Imbalances, Gym Shaming, & More
In this Q&A podcast, the host addresses topics like restarting training after a break, bicep strength imbalances, gym shaming, and more. The podcast also includes discussions on political choices, correcting muscle imbalances, favorite hamstring exercises for a garage gym, and the carnivore diet. The hosts also talk about their original plans before founding Legion, interests in different genres, and the relationship between muscle mass and cancer survival.