

Brains and Gains with Dr. David Maconi
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.
Episodes
Mentioned books

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

7 snips
Aug 23, 2024 • 1h 6min
Brian DeCosta - Elite Genetics, High Volumes, What Motivates Top Athletes
Brian DeCosta, a natural bodybuilder and online coach, dives into the world of genetics and motivation in athletics. He discusses the contrast between natural bodybuilders and those who use performance enhancers, emphasizing hard work and mentorship. Brian shares insights on high-volume training, recovery strategies, and psychological challenges athletes face. He also addresses the importance of managing screen time in a fitness lifestyle and reflects on the aging athlete's journey, showcasing adaptability and personal growth in training.

Aug 10, 2024 • 1h 42min
Q&A 14 (Ft. Abel Csabai) - Wasting Newbie Gains, Importance of Carbs, Extending Intensity Sets
In this episode, fitness expert Abel Csabai shares his insights on effective training techniques and nutrition. He discusses the nuances of myo-reps and rest-pause sets, addressing how to push your limits safely. Abel emphasizes the critical role of carbohydrates in muscle growth and explores the potential for wasting newbie gains if training isn't optimized. He also touches on the importance of dental health and how fitness influences romantic attraction, revealing that personality often outweighs physical appearance.

Jul 26, 2024 • 1h 43min
Eric Helms + Steve Hall - Leaner Gains, Individual Fatigue, Supersetting
Eric Helms, a PhD in strength and conditioning and competitive bodybuilder, teams up with Steve Hall, a fellow natural bodybuilder and coach, to dive into effective training strategies. They discuss the surprising impacts of untrained muscles on growth and the importance of workout tracking. The duo shares insights on bulking, fatigue management, and the use of supersets versus traditional sets for better gains. With a humorous twist, they also touch on personal experiences with cardio and even some surprising bathroom habits while bulking.

10 snips
Jul 13, 2024 • 1h 16min
Pete Rubish - Regaining Muscle Drug Free, Ultra Running, Health Above All
Pete Rubish, a former powerlifter turned ultra runner, shares his transformative journey from strength sports to ultra running after stepping away from performance-enhancing drugs. He candidly discusses the physical and mental challenges of training for a grueling 100-mile race, including hydration issues and preparation mistakes. Rubish also delves into his health struggles with kidney stones and adjusts his lifestyle through diet and supplements. Listeners will gain insights into balancing strength with health while navigating the complexities of endurance training.

Jul 6, 2024 • 1h 6min
Basement Bodybuilding - Breaking Arm Plateaus, Backing Off Leg Training, Home Gyms
0:00- Intro 0:30- Hitting 18in arms 10:45- Progressive overload 12:20- What was done specifically to get to 18in arms 26:00- Exercise and rep selection 36:30- Should you train legs as hard as upper body? 46:00- Home gymsBasement Bodybuilding Channel: / @basementbodybuilding Basement Bodybuilding Instagram: / basement.bodybuilding Website and Coaching: https://brainsandgainspodcast.com/Instagram: / dave_maconi / @brainsandgainspodcast -For those looking to support the channel and our donations to various charities, please consider the above link to become a member and have the opportunity to appear on the channel!Jacked Up home gym equipment: https://jackedupbrands.com/pages/_go_...

May 18, 2024 • 1h 28min
Abel Q&A 13 (Ft. Abel Csabai) - Bulking on Fewer Meals, Exercise Frequency, Ab Progression
In this discussion, fitness content creator Abel Csabai shares his insights on bulking with fewer meals, arguing it's feasible with proper protein management. He dives into the intricacies of exercise frequency and variability, emphasizing the balance needed for strength gains. Abel also discusses the emotional impact of water retention in weight loss and critiques common training volume myths. Personal anecdotes reveal the challenges of muscle growth, especially for stubborn areas, while offering practical advice on rest-pause techniques for effective workouts.