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
Oct 14, 2025 • 12min
Women's Hormone Testing, Treatment, & Q&A
Register for the Live Q&A with Karen Martel taking place TODAY, October 14 at 12p ET / 9a PT, only in Physique University (replay available if you're listening to this later). Use code FREEPLAN to get a free custom nutrition plan when you join at physique.witsandweights.comGet hormone creams and oils without a prescription at witsandweights.com/karenmartel (use code WITSANDWEIGHTS for 10% off)--Enjoy this short replay (from Ep 135) with hormone specialist Karen Martel on how women should test testosterone, why SHBG changes your free hormone levels, and how fasting, carbs, and thyroid meds shape results. We share timing tips, key labs, the 5‑alpha pathway, and smarter steps before adding therapy.And what about intermittent fasting, keto, and carb cycling?Join us for today's Q&A with Karen Martel at 12pm ET / 9am PTSupport 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
Oct 13, 2025 • 42min
Body Positivity vs. Healthy Habits (You Can Have Both) | Ep 386
Track your nutrition without shame or judgment. MacroFactor learns your metabolism and adjusts to what's actually happening with your body with no guilt, no moral judgment, just data. Try it free with code WITSANDWEIGHTS: https://bit.ly/philipmacrofactor--Can you love your body and still want to change it?For years we've been caught between two extremes: the body positivity camp that says any discussion of weight is harmful, and the traditional fitness world that makes you feel guilty for not being lean enough.You want to respect yourself, but you also want to get stronger, healthier, maybe change your body composition.Learn why removing shame doesn't mean removing high standards, how fitness capacity matters more than the number on the scale, and the system for building health while respecting your body right now.Discover the framework of dignity-first performance engineering that lets you pursue measurable health improvements without moral judgment about your body.Main Takeaways:Self-acceptance and measurable health improvements are not in conflictStigma and shame actively make health worseFitness and strength predict health better than BMIUse behavior-based data, not moral judgmentCoach yourself with neutral observation instead of criticism and practice self-compassion to improve adherenceEpisode Resources:Review the podcast by October 15 for a chance to win 3 months free in Physique University Mastery Track ($261 value). Leave a review at Apple Podcasts... EVERYONE who leaves a review will get a gift from me :)Timestamps:0:01 - The false dichotomy: body positivity vs health goals 5:03 - Dignity-first performance engineering framework 9:06 - What the research actually shows 18:33 - Build your health dashboard 28:19 - Behavior-based nutrition approach 31:49 - Coaching yourself without shame 36:09 - Fit at any size (with caveats) 39:20 - Stop letting weight dominateSupport 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
Oct 12, 2025 • 9min
Can You Build Size AND Strength?
Can you train for both muscle size and strength at the same time, or do you have to choose one?In this bonus from the Facebook Group Monthly Q&A, I answer Mike's question about powerbuilding and whether it's possible to optimize for both goals simultaneously.To ask your own question or get the other 3 answers this month (on balancing running, lifting, and plyos when time is tight, the creatine/coffee debate, and de-bloating after indulging in fun foods), join the free Facebook group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/witsandweightsResources Mentioned:Episode: Strength vs. Hypertrophy (The 65% Threshold for Lifters Chasing PRs vs. Muscle Size) | Ep 297Join Physique University to get the IRONCLAD and RESOLUTE powerbuilding programs: witsandweights.com/physiqueGot Questions? Join the Wits & Weights Facebook community and drop your question for the next #AskPhilip!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
Oct 10, 2025 • 54min
Can You Be a Hybrid Athlete Without Losing Muscle? (Kris Gethin) | Ep 385
Download the Adaptive Cardio Workshop, cardio planning guide, training templates, and get a custom nutrition plan at live.witsandweights.com/adaptive-cardio—Can cardio really kill your gains? What if the truth is the exact opposite? Could you actually build muscle and endurance at the same time, without sacrificing either?I am joined by Kris Gethin, a pro bodybuilder, Ironman finisher, and endurance athlete, to destroy the myth that “cardio ruins muscle.” Kris shares how he transformed from a 220-pound bodybuilder to a full Ironman in six months without losing his physique. We unpack the real science of hybrid training, how to combine strength and cardio effectively, and why recovery, not training volume, is what really determines your success. Tune in to learn how cardio and lifting can finally work together, not against each other.Today, you’ll learn all about:2:24 – Kris’s asthma story and recovery breakthrough7:45 – How hybrid training changed the game14:28 – Building recovery into your lifestyle21:02 – Grounding, mindfulness, and HRV26:58 – Key running, cycling, and swimming tips32:26 – Why sprinting beats long slow cardio39:28 – Nutrition, fasting, and fueling for performance47:02 – Squats, balance, and hybrid strength51:04 – Hydration, sleep, and long-term healthEpisode resources:Instagram: @krisgethin Website: krisgethin.com Facebook: @krisjohngethin Youtube: @krisgethin 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
Oct 8, 2025 • 33min
Build Muscle WITHOUT Bulking if You Want "Lean Gains" | Ep 384
Join Physique University for our new IGNITE 🔥 training template (4-day upper/lower time-saving split) - use code FREEPLAN for a free custom nutrition plan when you join: https://witsandweights.com/physique--You MUST "bulk" to build muscle... right?Eat more, gain weight, accept getting fluffy, then cut it all off later with a fat loss phase... right?Not necessarily.What if bulking is inefficient for YOUR goals? What if you could build muscle while staying lean year-round?Learn why you might NOT need a calorie surplus to build muscle and a unique approach called aggressive maintenance where you can skip bulking entirely while getting the strong, lean, aesthetic body you're going for.Main Takeaways:Traditional bulking optimizes for throughput (total muscle gain), while aggressive maintenance optimizes for efficiency (muscle gain per unit of input)You CAN build muscle at maintenance calories when 3 things are dialed inCertain individuals partition nutrients more efficiently toward muscle vs. fat and are better candidates for skipping the bulkThere are "hidden" but powerful factors that enable muscle growth without bulkingEpisode Resources:Review the podcast by October 15 for a chance to win 3 months free in Physique University Mastery Track ($261 value). Leave a review at Apple Podcasts... EVERYONE who leaves a review will get a gift from me :)Timestamps:0:00 - Rethinking the bulking dogma 2:06 - Speed vs. efficiency in muscle gain 7:00 - Throughput vs. true efficiency explained 10:15 - MPS limits and surplus reality 12:20 - Age, partitioning, and staying lean 14:10 - How muscle grows at maintenance 16:20 - Energy partitioning and activity 18:10 - The aggressive maintenance protocol 21:00 - Protein, training, and carb strategy 24:30 - Glycogen, neural gains, and energy flux 26:40 - Who should skip the bulk 29:10 - Pitfalls, expectations, and precision 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
Oct 6, 2025 • 25min
13 Overhyped Fitness & Recovery Hacks That Waste Your Time and Money | Ep 383
Review the podcast by October 15 for a chance to win 3 months free in Physique University Mastery Track ($261 value). Leave a review at Apple Podcasts... EVERYONE who leaves a review will get a gift from me :)Get 20% off Cozy Earth temperature-cooling sheets (with code WITSANDWEIGHTS) at witsandweights.com/cozyearth--Confused about which fitness and recovery tools actually work?Ice baths, red light therapy, massage guns, collagen supplements, and more! The marketing makes them all sound like you NEED THEM NOW.Learn about 13 overhyped tools ranked from least to most overhyped based on what the science actually says, when they might help in specific situations, and how to avoid wasting money on gadgets that don't move the needle.1 recovery tool that DOES actually work:Cozy Earth temperature-cooling sheets. Go to witsandweights.com/cozyearth and use code WITSANDWEIGHTS for 20% offTimestamps:0:00 - The hype problem in fitness 4:34 - Ranking framework: evidence, context, and ROI 5:24 - #13-11: Ice baths, cryotherapy, and compression garments 8:16 - #10-9: Massage therapy, foam rolling, and percussion guns 11:16 - #8-7: Tart cherry juice and sauna 14:25 - #6-5: Dry needling and red light therapy 17:18 - #4-3: BCAAs, EAAs, and collagen supplements 20:02 - #2-1: Electrical stimulation and glutamine 22:09 - The real priorities for fitness and recovery 24:03 - 3 questions to ask before buying any tooSupport 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
Oct 5, 2025 • 4min
The 2-Minute Metabolism Test
We challenge the myth of a “broken metabolism” and show how results improve when your plan matches your current physiology, lifestyle, and recovery.Take the 2-minute quiz that identifies whether you’re facing metabolic adaptation, lower insulin sensitivity, or a recovery mismatch along with a 15-page personalized fat loss blueprint with macros, movement, and recipe recommendations: witsandweights.com/quiz--Tired of blaming a “slow metabolism” for stalled fat loss or flat training?Let’s fix the real issue: the mismatch between your plan and where your body stands today. Learn about the most common roadblocks to fat loss and how to turn each into a clear path forward.Go to witsandweights.com/quiz to take the free 2-minute metabolism quizSupport 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
Oct 3, 2025 • 1h 10min
The Metabolic Storm of Menopause and HRT Timing for Fat Loss & Muscle (Karen Martel) | Ep 382
Register for the Live Q&A with Karen Martel on Tuesday October 14, only in Physique University (replay included). Use code FREEPLAN to get a free custom nutrition plan when you join ($97 value) at physique.witsandweights.comGet hormone creams and oils without a prescription at witsandweights.com/karenmartel (use code WITSANDWEIGHTS for 10% off)—What if waiting too long for hormone therapy meant more than hot flashes? What if it set you up for stubborn weight gain, bone loss, and low energy?I talk with hormone specialist Karen Martel about why timing matters for HRT, how hormone shifts impact metabolism, muscle, and mood, and why lifestyle alone isn’t always enough. We cover genetics, trauma, and the latest tools, from HRT to GLP-1s—that can help women reclaim vitality in midlife and beyond. Karen Martel is the host of The Hormone Solution Podcast, where she helps women thrive through perimenopause and menopause with practical, science-backed solutions. Today, you’ll learn all about:6:35 – How hormones trigger a metabolic storm12:56 – The rise of belly fat and insulin resistance19:11 – Muscle, bone, and recovery challenges23:51 – Life without hormone therapy28:55 – Key tests to watch in your 40s44:12 – GLP-1s as a new tool59:17 – A positive future for women’s healthEpisode resources:Karen’s Bioidentical Hormone Products (Creams & Oils) - use code WITSANDWEIGHTS for 10% offKaren’s group hormone coachingSupport 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
Oct 1, 2025 • 50min
Is Personalized Health a Luxury or a Necessity? (Fishbone Diagram) | Ep 381
Take our free 2-minute Metabolic Quiz and get a 15-page assessment and body recomposition road map Book your Performance Bloodwork Analysis at witsandweights.com/bloodwork to identify your biggest constraints and get a personalized plan based on your hormone levels and metabolic markers. Podcast listeners get 20% off with code VITALITY20.--We've been conditioned to think that spending money directly on coaching, guidance, accountability, and taking ownership of our own healthcare is indulgent, while spending on products, equipment, and supplements feels responsible.The average American spends $13,000 annually treating preventable conditions, while personalizing your health might cost $2,000.Learn how an engineering tool called the Fishbone Diagram helps you prioritize where your resources (time, money, effort) should best be spent.Investing in your health isn't selfish. When you have more energy, you show up better for your family. When you're strong and confident, you're more effective at work. When you feel good in your body, you're more present in relationships. Taking care of yourself doesn't take away from others, it's what allows you to give more.Main Takeaways:5 high-ROI interventions that actually move the needle for personalized healthHow to separate evidence-based health optimization from expensive wellness theaterInvesting in your health isn't selfish, it's foundational for showing up for othersEpisode Mentioned:How Performance Bloodwork Reveals What's Really Blocking Your Fat Loss (Constraint Theory)Timestamps:0:00 - The personal spending paradox 5:13 - The privilege narrative 8:03 - Wellness "theater" vs. what works 11:50 - What personalized health actually means 17:23 - The real cost of prevention vs. treatment 22:22 - Permission to invest in yourself 23:37 - What is the Fishbone Diagram? 28:34 - 5 high-ROI health interventions 41:03 - Addressing the "selfish investment" mindset 44:29 - Accessibility doesn't mean compromiseSupport 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
Sep 29, 2025 • 45min
Drop Belly Fat Without Dieting or Ab Exercises (7 Root Causes and Solutions) | Ep 380
Book your Performance Bloodwork Analysis at witsandweights.com/bloodwork to identify your biggest constraints and get a personalized plan based on your hormone levels and metabolic markers. Podcast listeners get 20% off with code VITALITY20.Get 20% off Cozy Earth temperature-cooling sheets (with code WITSANDWEIGHTS) at witsandweights.com/cozyearth--Are you gaining belly fat with age and frustrated that restricting calories and ab exercises aren't working any more (if they ever did)?Discover the 7 root causes of midlife belly fat, most having nothing to do with what you're eating or how you're training. Understanding these physiological mechanisms helps create targeted solutions that address the real reasons fat is being stored around your midsection rather than simply doing more of the same.Main Takeaways:Root cause #1 tells your body to store fat centrally, even in a calorie deficitRoot cause #2 disrupts hunger hormones and directly raises insulin resistanceRoot cause #3 shifts fat distribution to the abdomen with ageRoot cause #4 promotes belly fat storage, especially liver and visceral fatRoot cause #5 suppresses fat-burning enzymes independent of exerciseRoot cause #6 slows metabolism and favors central fat storageRoot cause #7 suppresses fat oxidation while raising cortisol and lowering testosteroneEpisode Resources:Get 20% off Cozy Earth bamboo-derived sheets (use code WITSANDWEIGHTS) at witsandweights.com/cozyearthGet 20% off a Performance Bloodwork Analysis (use code VITALITY20) at witsandweights.com/bloodworkTimestamps:0:00 - Why you gain more belly fat with age 5:06 - The 7 root causes 41:13 - Why belly fat responds fastest when you fix the right things 42:17 - How to get deeper answers about the 7 root causesSupport 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
