Wits & Weights | Fat Loss, Nutrition, & Strength Training for Lifters
Philip Pape, Evidence-Based Nutrition Coach & Fat Loss Expert
For skeptics of the fitness industry who want to work smarter and more efficiently to build muscle and lose fat. Wits & Weights is one of the best fitness podcasts for evidence-based nutrition and fitness strategies. We cut through the noise and deconstruct health and fitness with an engineering mindset to help you develop a strong, lean physique without wasting time.Evidence-based nutrition coach Philip Pape explores efficient strength training, nutrition, and lifestyle strategies to optimize your body recomp and metabolism. Whether you're focused on weight loss, muscle building, or both, you'll get simple, science-based, and sustainable info from an engineer turned lifter (that's why they call him the Physique Engineer). This show serves both women's fitness and men's health goals, with special attention to strength training over 40 and hormone health.From restrictive fad diets to ineffective workouts and hyped-up supplements, there's no shortage of confusing information out there. Getting in the best shape of your life doesn't have to be complicated or time-consuming! By using your WITS (mindset and systems!) and lifting weights efficiently, you can build muscle, lose stubborn fat, and achieve and maintain a lean physique through sustainable body recomp.We bring you smart and efficient strategies for movement, metabolism, muscle, and mindset. You'll learn:- Why fat loss is more important than weight loss for health and physique- Why all the macros (protein, fats, and yes even carbs) are critical to body composition- Why you don't need to spend more than 3 hours in the gym each week to get incredible results with proper hypertrophy training- Why muscle (not weight loss) is the key to medicine, obesity, and longevity- Why age and hormones (even in menopause) don't matter with the right lifestyle- How the "hidden" psychology of your mind can unlock more personal (and physical) growth than you ever thought possible, and how to tap into that mindsetIf you're ready to separate fact from fiction, learn what actually works with evidence-based training and nutrition, and put in the intelligent work, hit that "follow" button and let's engineer your best physique ever!Popular Guests Include: Mike Matthews (author of Bigger Leaner Stronger), Greg Nuckols (Stronger by Science), Alan Aragon (nutrition researcher), Eric Helms (3D Muscle Journey), Dr. Spencer Nadolsky (Doc Who Lifts), Eric Trexler (Stronger by Science), Bill Campbell (exercise science researcher), Jordan Feigenbaum (Barbell Medicine), Andy Morgan (Ripped Body), Karen Martel (hormone optimization expert), Steph Gaudreau (women's strength and nutrition), Bryan Boorstein (hypertrophy coach)Popular Topics Include: hormone health, metabolism optimization, hypertrophy training, longevity and healthy aging, body positivity, best protein powder selection, strength training over 40, women's fitness, men's health, muscle building, body recomp, macros and nutrition tracking
Episodes
Mentioned books
Dec 9, 2024 • 25min
10 Intermittent Fasting Myths That Need to Die | Ep 254
Download my free Nutrition for Body Composition guide to setup your nutrition for fat loss without intermittent fasting. Discover how to master your macros, optimize your workout nutrition, and develop sustainable habits. --Philip (@witsandweights) dives into the top 10 myths surrounding intermittent fasting (IF) that continue to dominate the fitness world. From the claims of fat-burning magic to boosting metabolism and enhancing cognitive function, Philip reveals what the science actually says.This isn’t about bashing IF—it is about helping you decide if fasting aligns with your goals or if there’s a better way to achieve sustainable progress. Philip also shares his personal experience with fasting and why he no longer follows rigid eating patterns.Today, you’ll learn all about:4:35 #1 - Fat burning and weight loss5:33 #2 - Metabolism7:25 #3 - Insulin sensitivity 8:35 #4 - Hormones 10:00 #5 - Autophagy 11:10 #6 - Longevity 12:30 #7 - Food choices 15:10 #8 - Detox 16:21 #9 - Cognitive and mental function 17:29 #10 - Universal solution 19:05 Bonus myth - Fasted training23:10 OutroEpisode resources:Download my free Nutrition for Body Composition guideMeta-analysis from 2024 showing no advantage for IF with weight loss OR long-term health vs. continuous calorie restrictionSupport the show📱 Get Fitness Lab - Philip’s science-based AI app for fat loss, muscle building, and strength training for people over 40. It adapts to your nutrition, recovery, and training to improve body composition without guesswork. 🎓 Try Physique University - Evidence-based nutrition coaching and strength training to help you lose fat, build muscle, and master your metabolism with support and accountability (free custom nutrition plan with code FREEPLAN). 👥 Join our Facebook community - Free fat loss, muscle building, and body recomposition strategies for adults over 40 who want practical, science-backed fitness guidance.👋 Ask a question or find Philip Pape on Instagram
Dec 7, 2024 • 57sec
Introducing: Nutrition Science Daily
Follow Nutrition Science Daily, our brand new 5-minute daily morning podcast delivering you the latest in nutrition, fat loss, and health science. Available every weekday by 6 a.m. ET.The first 5 episodes are already out!--Catch up on the first 5 episodes:Is maple syrup the ultimate sweetener?Can vitamin D and calcium lower blood pressure in older adults?Can omega-3 and omega-6 fats lower cancer risk?Why beans are the trendy new proteinDoes an 8 hour eating window (intermittent fasting) increase weight loss?Follow and listen to Nutrition Science Daily on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Amazon Music, or wherever you get your podcasts.Support the show📱 Get Fitness Lab - Philip’s science-based AI app for fat loss, muscle building, and strength training for people over 40. It adapts to your nutrition, recovery, and training to improve body composition without guesswork. 🎓 Try Physique University - Evidence-based nutrition coaching and strength training to help you lose fat, build muscle, and master your metabolism with support and accountability (free custom nutrition plan with code FREEPLAN). 👥 Join our Facebook community - Free fat loss, muscle building, and body recomposition strategies for adults over 40 who want practical, science-backed fitness guidance.👋 Ask a question or find Philip Pape on Instagram
Dec 6, 2024 • 49min
Modern TRT Is Broken (How to Fix Your Testosterone) with Ali Gilbert | Ep 253
Download my free Nutrition for Body Composition Guide to set up your calories and macros for fat loss, muscle gain, better health, improved workout nutrition, and recovery, and a sustainable approach to life (even if you have low T), or go to witsandweights.com/free—Are you sabotaging your hormones with a cookie-cutter testosterone protocol? Could blocking estrogen be harming your health instead of helping? Is low testosterone silently holding you back from being your best self?Philip (@witsandweights) teams up with Ali Gilbert, the "Queen of Men’s Health," to explore testosterone replacement therapy (TRT). Ali shares her expertise on optimizing men’s hormones, health, and performance, breaking down common TRT pitfalls, outdated beliefs, and the importance of personalized approaches. Together, they dive into estrogen’s vital role in male health and the transformative power of optimized testosterone. Learn how to optimize your testosterone and take charge of your health in ways you never thought possible.Ali Gilbert is a fitness expert and leading advocate for men’s health. Known as the "Queen of Men’s Health," she combines her exercise science and coaching background with deep hormone optimization expertise. Ali has helped thousands of men achieve better health, performance, and confidence by addressing the root causes of hormonal imbalances with an evidence-based, no-nonsense approach.Today, you’ll learn all about:2:51 The Wild West of TRT clinics and red flags to watch for6:30 Personalized protocols Vs. One-size-fits-all approaches14:39 How stress and under-eating sabotage testosterone18:37 Navigating difficult conversations with men24:03 Understanding estrogen in TRT28:39 Breaking the myth: TRT is not a shortcut to getting “jacked"32:11 Optimal testosterone levels and symptom resolution36:33 How TRT enhances confidence and decision-making41:08 Ali’s journey into men’s health and creating her unique niche48:28 OutroEpisode resources:Website: https://ali-gilbert.comInstagram: @thealigilbertFacebook: @thealigilbertYouTube: @queenofmenshealthSupport the show📱 Get Fitness Lab - Philip’s science-based AI app for fat loss, muscle building, and strength training for people over 40. It adapts to your nutrition, recovery, and training to improve body composition without guesswork. 🎓 Try Physique University - Evidence-based nutrition coaching and strength training to help you lose fat, build muscle, and master your metabolism with support and accountability (free custom nutrition plan with code FREEPLAN). 👥 Join our Facebook community - Free fat loss, muscle building, and body recomposition strategies for adults over 40 who want practical, science-backed fitness guidance.👋 Ask a question or find Philip Pape on Instagram
Dec 4, 2024 • 15min
Why Women Over 50 NEED To Lift Heavy Weights in Menopause | Ep 252
Join our FREE Wits & Weights Facebook group for live Q&A, community, and more!—Surprise... it's our first dramatized mythbusting story! Thanks listeners for voting on this special format for today's episode.If you're a woman over 50 who's been told to stick to light weights, bodyweight, or resistance bands, you're being robbed of massive strength potential as you age.Learn how the story of Marlene, a retired accountant turned powerhouse, reveals three dangerous myths about menopause and strength training that are literally making women weaker. Like thousands of women, she discovered that heavy lifting isn't just safe after menopause... it's essential.Whether you're already lifting or just thinking about starting, understanding these myths will transform how you approach fitness forever.→ Join our FREE Wits & Weights Facebook groupMain Takeaways:Why light weights and high reps aren't enough for post-menopausal womenHow proper strength training can reverse THIS condition in women over 50Surprising evidence showing how fast women over 50 can gain strength compared to younger womenWhy avoiding heavy weights is more dangerous than lifting themRelated Episodes:Why Women Get Bigger, Leaner, and Sexier But Not "Bulky" From Lifting Heavy WeightsThe New Over 50 Roadmap to Lifelong Strength, Health, Muscle, and LongevityYour Very First Cut (Lose 10-30 Pounds of Fat)Support the show📱 Get Fitness Lab - Philip’s science-based AI app for fat loss, muscle building, and strength training for people over 40. It adapts to your nutrition, recovery, and training to improve body composition without guesswork. 🎓 Try Physique University - Evidence-based nutrition coaching and strength training to help you lose fat, build muscle, and master your metabolism with support and accountability (free custom nutrition plan with code FREEPLAN). 👥 Join our Facebook community - Free fat loss, muscle building, and body recomposition strategies for adults over 40 who want practical, science-backed fitness guidance.👋 Ask a question or find Philip Pape on Instagram
Dec 2, 2024 • 25min
Counting Calories for Weight Loss vs. Tracking What Matters for Fat Loss | Ep 251
Join Wits & Weights Physique University and get courses, coaching, community, and live masterclasses to build a sustainable system for your ideal physique (fat loss, muscle building, and metabolism)! Just $67 bi-weekly. Cancel anytime.–Have you been stuck in a loop of counting calories, tracking points, or relying on prepackaged diet plans, only to feel dissatisfied with your results? What if the numbers you’re obsessing over are holding you back? Could focusing on different metrics unlock the physique you’ve always wanted?Philip (@witsandweights) discusses the misconceptions around weight loss and fat loss. He explains why focusing purely on calories or the scale often leads to frustration and why body composition—not weight—is the real goal. Philip breaks down the flawed logic behind popular diet plans and offers a sustainable, intelligent approach to tracking progress that prioritizes muscle, strength, and longevity.Learn how to break free from rigid tracking systems and build a sustainable approach that transforms not just your body but your entire mindset.Today, you’ll learn all about:1:11 Why weight loss programs miss the mark3:03 The truth about numbers-based programs6:24 Understanding what actually changes your body10:15 The better way to track progress16:33 Building your new tracking system20:20 Developing intuitive habits for long-term success22:24 Wits and Weights Physique University: A system for real progress23:47 OutroRelated Episodes:Fat Loss vs. Weight LossWhy Weight Loss Always Fails (But Don't Ditch the Scale Yet)Support the show📱 Get Fitness Lab - Philip’s science-based AI app for fat loss, muscle building, and strength training for people over 40. It adapts to your nutrition, recovery, and training to improve body composition without guesswork. 🎓 Try Physique University - Evidence-based nutrition coaching and strength training to help you lose fat, build muscle, and master your metabolism with support and accountability (free custom nutrition plan with code FREEPLAN). 👥 Join our Facebook community - Free fat loss, muscle building, and body recomposition strategies for adults over 40 who want practical, science-backed fitness guidance.👋 Ask a question or find Philip Pape on Instagram
Dec 1, 2024 • 4min
Can THIS Natural Sweetener Reduce Belly Fat?
This is an early release of Episode 1 of Nutrition Science Daily, a brand new 5-minute daily morning podcast from Wits & Weights delivering you the latest in nutrition, fat loss, and health science. Available every weekday by 6 a.m. ET.Follow now to get the first 5 episodes THIS WEEK! --Is maple syrup the ultimate sweetener? New research suggests that swapping refined sugar for pure maple syrup may lower blood sugar, reduce abdominal fat, improve gut health, and even support heart health.In this episode, Philip (@witsandweights) explores what the science says, how to use maple syrup in a balanced diet, and what to keep in mind about natural sweeteners. Later this week:Can vitamin D and calcium lower blood pressure in older adults?Can omega-3 and omega-6 fats lower cancer risk?Why beans are the trendy new proteinDoes an 8 hour eating window (intermittent fasting) increase weight loss?Follow and listen to Nutrition Science Daily on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Amazon Music, or wherever you get your podcasts.Support the show📱 Get Fitness Lab - Philip’s science-based AI app for fat loss, muscle building, and strength training for people over 40. It adapts to your nutrition, recovery, and training to improve body composition without guesswork. 🎓 Try Physique University - Evidence-based nutrition coaching and strength training to help you lose fat, build muscle, and master your metabolism with support and accountability (free custom nutrition plan with code FREEPLAN). 👥 Join our Facebook community - Free fat loss, muscle building, and body recomposition strategies for adults over 40 who want practical, science-backed fitness guidance.👋 Ask a question or find Philip Pape on Instagram
Nov 30, 2024 • 9min
3 Simple Ways to Beat Holiday Season Weight Gain Without Giving Up Your Favorite Foods | Bonus
Take control of your fitness, nutrition, and fat loss before the New Year with our Black Friday / Cyber Monday bundle! Get 6 months of 1:1 coaching (+1 bonus month for 7 months total), custom workouts, and exclusive bonuses for 75% off, but only until Monday December 2 at midnight Eastern with code BF50:https://www.witsandweights.com/black-friday-bundleJoin the free Wits & Weights Facebook group for community support, live Q&As, and exlusive content--You've probably heard that the average person gains 5-10 pounds between Thanksgiving and New Year's... but research shows the real number is much lower.Today, I'm sharing three simple strategies my most successful clients use to maintain (or even improve) their fitness through the holidays without giving up traditions or social events.To take control of your fitness journey before the New Year with personalized coaching, join my Black Friday bundle at 50% off through Monday with code BF50:https://www.witsandweights.com/black-friday-bundleSupport the show📱 Get Fitness Lab - Philip’s science-based AI app for fat loss, muscle building, and strength training for people over 40. It adapts to your nutrition, recovery, and training to improve body composition without guesswork. 🎓 Try Physique University - Evidence-based nutrition coaching and strength training to help you lose fat, build muscle, and master your metabolism with support and accountability (free custom nutrition plan with code FREEPLAN). 👥 Join our Facebook community - Free fat loss, muscle building, and body recomposition strategies for adults over 40 who want practical, science-backed fitness guidance.👋 Ask a question or find Philip Pape on Instagram
Nov 29, 2024 • 53min
Your Macros and Training Plan Mean Nothing Without THIS (Kevin Palmieri) | Ep 250
Ready to match your effort to your physique goals? Get evidence-based strategies that work by joining my FREE email list at witsandweights.com/email—Are you training hard but feel like you're getting nowhere? Wondering why your effort isn’t translating into results? What does it take to get to level 10 in fitness or life?Philip (@witsandweights) connects with Kevin Palmieri, co-host of the globally-ranked Next Level University podcast with over 1,900 episodes. Kevin opens up about his journey from the stage as a bodybuilder to balancing fitness with business and life. They dive into why even evidence-based plans fail without matching effort to goals and how to bridge that gap through mindset, sustainability, and strategy. Learn the power of starting small, the truth about elite fitness goals, and how flexibility, communication, and consistency can transform your journey.Kevin Palmieri is the co-founder and co-host of Next Level University, a top-rated self-improvement podcast. His insights on mindset, fitness, and personal development are backed by years of experience and dedication to helping others optimize their lives.Today, you’ll learn all about:3:25 Understanding results vs. effort5:25 The importance of sustainability in fitness10:18 Honest conversations about priorities and effort12:51 The sustainability-consistency-improvement framework19:52 The power of flexibility and fundamentals in fitness24:30 Discussion about fitness influencers, life priorities, and circumstances34:16 The uncomfortable truths about extreme fitness goals39:52 Turning discomfort into confidence through bulking44:46 Building belief in your ability to control body composition48:37 The power of commitment devices for consistency51:47 OutroEpisode resources:Email: kevin@nextleveluniverse.comWebsite: nextleveluniverse.comInstagram: @neverquitkidSupport the show📱 Get Fitness Lab - Philip’s science-based AI app for fat loss, muscle building, and strength training for people over 40. It adapts to your nutrition, recovery, and training to improve body composition without guesswork. 🎓 Try Physique University - Evidence-based nutrition coaching and strength training to help you lose fat, build muscle, and master your metabolism with support and accountability (free custom nutrition plan with code FREEPLAN). 👥 Join our Facebook community - Free fat loss, muscle building, and body recomposition strategies for adults over 40 who want practical, science-backed fitness guidance.👋 Ask a question or find Philip Pape on Instagram
Nov 27, 2024 • 15min
The #1 Reason to Eat More Carbs (Material Elasticity) | Ep 249
Download my free muscle-Building Nutrition Blueprint (free and newly updated) to optimize your carb intake for maximum muscle growth—If you've been told that protein is all you need to protect your hard-earned muscle mass, you're missing a crucial piece of the muscle-building puzzle.Learn how the engineering concept of Material Elasticity reveals the hidden superpower of carbs! The often-vilified carbohydrate macro has a superpower that prevents muscle breakdown, especially during fat loss.Whether you're building muscle or trying to get lean, understanding this overlooked benefit of carbs will transform your nutrition approach forever.Main Takeaways:How carbs protect muscle mass (like the Robin to protein's Batman)Why you WANT spikes in insulin if you lift weightsWhen to eat carbs to maximize their effects for muscleThe true effects of low-carb and keto diets on muscleSupport the show📱 Get Fitness Lab - Philip’s science-based AI app for fat loss, muscle building, and strength training for people over 40. It adapts to your nutrition, recovery, and training to improve body composition without guesswork. 🎓 Try Physique University - Evidence-based nutrition coaching and strength training to help you lose fat, build muscle, and master your metabolism with support and accountability (free custom nutrition plan with code FREEPLAN). 👥 Join our Facebook community - Free fat loss, muscle building, and body recomposition strategies for adults over 40 who want practical, science-backed fitness guidance.👋 Ask a question or find Philip Pape on Instagram
Nov 26, 2024 • 9min
Weird Q&A - Turkey Tryptophan Sleepiness, Weight Gain from Food Smells, Pumpkin Pie Pre-Workout
Take control of your fitness, nutrition, and fat loss before the New Year with our Black Friday / Cyber Monday bundle! Get 6 months of 1:1 coaching (+1 bonus month for 7 months total), custom workouts, and exclusive bonuses for 75% off, but only until Monday December 2 at midnight Eastern with code BF50:https://www.witsandweights.com/black-friday-bundle--Welcome to a special Thanksgiving edition of Weird Q&A, where I answer three offbeat questions about health and fitness, covering nutrition, training, and mindset. Have a weird question you'd like answered? Send me a text message, and I'll tackle it on the show!Today's questions:Does eating turkey on Thanksgiving really make you sleepy because of the tryptophan?Can you gain weight just by smelling delicious Thanksgiving food all day?Is pumpkin pie a good pre-workout food because of its carbohydrate content and spices?Mentioned in episode:1st Phorm Pumpkin Spice Level-1 protein barSupport the show📱 Get Fitness Lab - Philip’s science-based AI app for fat loss, muscle building, and strength training for people over 40. It adapts to your nutrition, recovery, and training to improve body composition without guesswork. 🎓 Try Physique University - Evidence-based nutrition coaching and strength training to help you lose fat, build muscle, and master your metabolism with support and accountability (free custom nutrition plan with code FREEPLAN). 👥 Join our Facebook community - Free fat loss, muscle building, and body recomposition strategies for adults over 40 who want practical, science-backed fitness guidance.👋 Ask a question or find Philip Pape on Instagram
