Guest Professor Wim Derave challenges prevailing views on muscle fiber types. He discusses non-invasive methods of estimating muscle fiber type and the effects of antihistamines on training. The podcast also explores the coexistence and variations in muscle fiber types, power requirements in swimming, measuring muscle fiber type composition in athletes, and the relationship between muscle fiber types and the risk of hamstring strains. It delves into muscle fibers and training adaptation, sex differences and age-related changes in muscle fiber types, and the importance of preprints and evaluating author expertise.

Professor José Calbet, global leader in his field, discusses the limitations to VO2 max. Topics include factors determining VO2 max, effects of VO2 max on exercise performance, oxygen delivery as the main limiting factor, differences in VO2 max between males and females, pseudoanemia in endurance athletes, the role of genetics and exercise in VO2 max, blood flow restraint to maintain blood pressure, and VO2 max in masters athletes.

Professor Ylva Hellsten, an authority on the effect of exercise on blood flow and cardiovascular function, discusses heart rate before exercise, blood flow during and after exercise, the impact of physical activity and aging on the cardiovascular system, the protective effects of exercise training, and the importance of doing enjoyable physical activity.

Professor Erik Richter, renowned authority in glucose metabolism during exercise, discusses how exercise increases glucose uptake and insulin sensitivity in muscle. They explore topics such as glycogen breakdown, effects of exercise on insulin levels in diabetes, and the role of AMPK in glucose uptake. The complexity of exercise and insulin interactions, benefits of continuous glucose monitoring, and the importance of physical activity in our sedentary lifestyle are also discussed.

Dr Jeremy Loenneke, an expert on resistance training and blood flow restriction, discusses the benefits of low load resistance training with blood flow restriction on muscle hypertrophy and strength. He explores the dissociations between increases in strength and hypertrophy when undertaking resistance training. The podcast also covers the history and applications of blood flow restriction, as well as its potential for rehabilitation. Overall, an interesting conversation on innovative exercise techniques.

Dr David Wright, Professor at the University of British Columbia, Canada, discusses his research on the effects of exercise on muscle and adipose tissue. The topics explored include fat metabolism, mitochondria biogenesis, adipose tissue adaptations, brown adipose tissue, antipsychotics' impact on blood glucose, and the regulation of glucagon and glucose levels during exercise.

Professor Karyn Esser, an authority on circadian biology, discusses the interaction of exercise with muscle circadian clocks. They explore the effects of jet lag and shift work, the best time to exercise and eat, and how muscle clocks prepare the muscle. The podcast also touches on the timing of eating, the relationship between exercise performance and time of day, and the disruption of circadian rhythms in diabetes.

Dr David Bishop, Professor from Victoria University in Melbourne, discusses the relationship between exercise intensity, duration, and mitochondrial function. They explore the dissociation between mitochondrial volume and function, the importance of precise measurements in scientific studies, and the correlation between VO2 max, lactate threshold, and running performance. The podcast also delves into the impact of training on max heart rate and stroke volume, the value of interval training and recovery, and the importance of physiological testing in training. Additionally, they discuss carbohydrate use and hydration in exercise and suggest a combination of high volume, high-intensity interval, and sprint training for optimal mitochondrial adaptations.

Dr Russell Hepple, an expert on muscle mitochondria, discusses the importance of mitochondrial permeability in aging, ischemia-reperfusion injury, and muscle dystrophies. Topics include reactive oxygen species production during exercise, elevated calcium levels, and the role of cyclophilin D. The podcast also explores the impact of diabetes, cancer, and chemotherapy on mitochondrial function, and highlights the potential benefits of exercise in protecting muscle from damage.

Dr Orla O'Sullivan, a research expert on the gut microbiome, discusses the importance of a diverse gut microbiome. Topics include the impact of diet and exercise on the microbiome, the role of epigenetics, the effect of whey protein, the gut microbiome in rugby players, cyclists, and cricketers, and the importance of probiotics and fermentable fiber in maintaining a healthy gut.