
Brains and Gains with Dr. David Maconi
On the Brains and Gains podcast, Dr. David Maconi discusses all things exercise science, nutrition, health, and personal development. Every week, Dr. Maconi invites health experts and thought leaders to share their expertise. Each episode ends with a charity donation to the charity of the guest's choice.
Latest episodes

Dec 28, 2024 • 56min
AtlasPowerShrugged - TRT Being Pushed, Influencers Shilling Products, Core Work and Calisthenics
0:00- Intro1:00- TRT being pushed in the fitness industry 12:00- Industry “experts” shilling products and other influencers21:30- Misconceptions about true TRT25:30- Belt squat donkey calf raises32:00- Core work / thick abs / Calisthenics44:30- Muscle ups and impressiveness52:00- What Atlas plans to do moving forward

5 snips
Dec 21, 2024 • 1h 31min
AtlasPowerShrugged - "Evidence-Based Nonsense", Height Insecurity, Fasting
Dive into the intriguing world of unique lifting techniques and how they resonate with modern fitness. Explore the deep-rooted issues of height insecurity in the fitness community, revealing societal pressures and personal anecdotes. Discover the complexities of genetics versus training in bodybuilding. Unpack the challenges and benefits of fasting, and hear how indulgence and mental clarity can intertwine. This lively discussion challenges conventional wisdom and encourages a shift towards more nuanced fitness practices.

Dec 7, 2024 • 1h 42min
Geoffrey Schofield + Mario Tomic - TRT Bandwagon, Natty or Not, Training Logs
Geoffrey Schofield and Mario Tomic, natural bodybuilding advocates, delve into current trends in fitness, particularly the surge in testosterone replacement therapy among younger enthusiasts. They address the misconceptions surrounding natural vs. enhanced physiques and the ethical dilemmas of peer pressure in fitness culture. The duo also critiques the obsession with training logs, highlighting the balance between tracking progress and maintaining workout variety. They emphasize realistic fitness goals, disputing the exaggerated standards often showcased on social media.

Nov 23, 2024 • 1h 26min
Q&A 15 (Ft. Abel Csabai) - Jeff Nippard Assault, Bro Splits, Exercise Variation
In this discussion, exercise science expert Abel Csabai shares insights on some hot fitness topics. He critiques the recent controversy surrounding Jeff Nippard, exploring social media's impact on influencers. Csabai delves into the effectiveness of bro splits versus more balanced workout routines and how personal enjoyment matters in training. He also tackles dietary changes for cholesterol management, emphasizing lifestyle over medication and reflects on the differences in strength levels and body image perceptions in the fitness community.

Oct 25, 2024 • 1h 3min
Andrew Jones - Fitness Before And After Heart Transplant
0:00- Intro 0:30- Andrew’s story 15:00- LVAD 19:00- Heart transplant 52:00- Andrew’s training 57:00- Movie talk

Oct 12, 2024 • 1h 5min
Dr. Pak - Lengthened Partials vs Stretch-Mediated Hypertrophy, Stronger By Science, Echo Chambers
0:00- Intro 1:00- Pak’s background and strength 8:00- Bodybuilding versus other endeavors 10:30- New lengthened partials research 17:30- Stretch mediated hypertrophy vs lengthened partials 22:00- Lengthened partials 35:00- Advanced trainees and genetic elites 51:00- Stronger By Science 1:00:00- Appealing to the masses 1:04:00- Where to find Dr. Pak

4 snips
Sep 29, 2024 • 1h 44min
Alex Leonidas - Energy Flux, Calisthenics, Best Curls, Vegan Gains
In this episode, health and fitness expert Alex Leonidas dives into the intriguing concept of G-Flux, explaining how energy balance influences performance. He discusses the challenges of maintaining strength while cutting and shares valuable tips for calisthenics. Alex also explores the nuances of a vegan diet, shedding light on common mistakes and the importance of balanced nutrition. He critiques partial reps in weightlifting, advocating for full range motion to maximize results, and revisits the evolution of bicep training, combining science with personal anecdotes.

Sep 20, 2024 • 55min
Nicolas Verhoeven (Part 2) - Rancid Fish Oil, Xylitol Dangers, Medical Innovation
0:00- Intro 0:45- Fish oil and oxidation 18:50- Xylitol and Erythritol 28:00- Controlling for multiple variables 34:30- Rhodiola and stress 40:10- The future of medical innovation

Sep 13, 2024 • 53min
Nicolas Verhoeven (Part 1) - Saturated Fat, LDL and ApoB, Statins and PCSK9 Inhibitors
0:00- Intro 0:30- PhD process 8:00- Repetitiveness in expertise 14:40- Saturated fat, LDL, and ApoB 41:00- Statins, PCSK9 inhibitors 47:00- Human equivalent doses

Aug 31, 2024 • 1h 11min
Vigorous Steve - Finasteride, Fertility, Health Markers
0:00- Intro 1:00- Taking gear for events 4:00- Having enhanced guests on the podcast 10:00- Testing health markers while on a cycle 15:40- Finasteride 37:20- Fertility struggles 46:00- Adoption 51:30- Leo and Longevity update 56:30- the future of medicine