

Mind Pump: Raw Fitness Truth
Sal Di Stefano, Adam Schafer, Justin Andrews, Doug Egge
MindPump exposes the RAW TRUTH about health, fitness, nutrition and more... Hosts Sal Di Stefano, Adam Schafer & Justin Andrews pull back the curtain on the mythology, snake oil and pseudo-science that pervades the fitness industry and present science-backed solutions that result in increased muscular development and performance while simultaneously emphasizing health. No fitness institution or fitness "truth" is safe from their quick wit and over 40 years of combined experience in the fitness industry. Produced by Doug Egge. Find Mind Pump and the Mind Pump hosts on Instragram @mindpumpmedia, @mindpumpsal, @mindpumpadam, @mindpumpjustin & @mindpumpdoug and at mindpumppodcast.com. Get expertly programmed Mind Pump training protocols at mapsfitnessproducts.com
Episodes
Mentioned books

Oct 9, 2025 • 25min
2702: 5 Obstacles to Being a Strong Dad
5 Obstacles to Being a Strong Dad The challenges faced once becoming a dad. (1:11) 5 Obstacles to Being a Strong Dad #1 – Time. (5:17) #2 – Diet. (12:08) #3 – Sleep. (16:03) #4 – Pain. (20:45) #5 – White or Blue collar worker. (22:16) Related Links/Products Mentioned Visit PRx Performance for an exclusive offer for Mind Pump listeners! ** No code for 5% discount gets automatically applied at checkout. ** October Special: MAPS GLP-1 50% off! ** Code GLP50 at checkout. ** Mind Pump # 2684: Do ONLY These 8 Lifts to Achieve an Amazing Body Mind Pump #2572: Only 15 Minutes a Day to Build Muscle & Burn Fat Visit Brain.fm for an exclusive offer for Mind Pump listeners. ** Get 30 days of free access to science-backed music. ** Use the 3-2-1 Formula for Best Sleep Results | Cabral Concept 2526 Mind Pump #2402: The 5 Reasons Why Walking is King for Fat Loss (Burn More Fat than Running & How to Do it Correctly) Mind Pump Podcast – YouTube Mind Pump Free Resources People Mentioned Doug Bopst (@dougbopst) Instagram Alex Hormozi (@hormozi) Instagram

Oct 8, 2025 • 1h 45min
2701: Lifting Heavy vs. Lifting Light, Which Is better?
In this episode of Quah (Q & A), Sal, Adam & Justin coach four Pump Heads via Zoom. Mind Pump Fit Tip: What are the big differences between lifting heavy vs lighter? (2:35) Training your CNS for change. (21:46) The unliftable man. (28:24) Leverage. (29:47) Kids say the darndest things. (32:42) Coaching your son. (33:52) Learning how to lose. (35:45) The science behind Brain.fm. (37:34) Subliminal messaging. (42:58) Social media platforms as weapons. (45:07) The locus of control. (47:40) Correlation of eating grass-fed meat and inflammation. (49:56) #ListenerLive question #1 – How do I maintain a healthy relationship with food and fitness while dealing with SIBO? (55:13) #ListenerLive question #2 – Do you think the root issue here is overtraining, compromising recovery, or more likely a neurological/sensory driver of these asymmetries? (1:05:11) #ListenerLive question #3 – Should I increase calories even though I’ve been doing this for a year now and continue to bulk, or should I concentrate on cutting still to lose fat? (1:21:16) #ListenerLive question #4 – How much of an impact could HRT (specifically estrogen and testosterone) have on my life, especially body composition and training/lifting goals? (1:30:54) Related Links/Products Mentioned Ask a question to Mind Pump, live! Email: live@mindpumpmedia.com Visit Brain.fm for an exclusive offer for Mind Pump listeners. ** Get 30 days of free access to science-backed music. ** Visit Butcher Box for this month’s exclusive Mind Pump offer! ** Available for a limited time, a curated box pre-filled with Mind Pump’s favorite cuts — no guesswork! Butcher Box members who sign up through Mind Pump will receive: $20 OFF their first box, Free chicken breast, ground beef, OR salmon in every box for a whole year! ** October Special: MAPS GLP-1 50% off! ** Code GLP50 at checkout. ** Bret Contreras Tempo Hypertrophy IG Video Sal Di Stefano’s Journey in Faith & Fitness – Mind Pump TV Johnny Coulon - Wikipedia Attentional modulation of neural entrainment to sound streams in children with and without ADHD The brain in flow: A systematic review on the neural basis of the flow state Resting state fMRI-based brain information flow mapping Mind Pump #912: How to Change Your Mental State with Music Oracle, Silver Lake and MGX will be main investors in TikTok U.S., sources say Visit Seed for an exclusive offer for Mind Pump listeners! **Promo code 25MINDPUMP at checkout for 25% off your first month’s supply of Seed’s DS-01® Daily Synbiotic** MP Holistic Health Mind Pump #2690: The NEW DIET Everyone Is Using For Fat Loss Visit Transcend for this month’s exclusive Mind Pump offer! ** Telehealth Provider • Physician Directed GET YOUR PERSONALIZED TREATMENT PLAN! Hormone Replacement Therapy, Cognitive Function, Sleep & Fatigue, Athletic Performance and MORE! ** Muscle Mommy Movement Mind Pump Podcast – YouTube Mind Pump Free Resources People Mentioned Bret Contreras PhD (@bretcontreras1) Instagram Denis Roberts (@denis_kokushi) Instagram Jordan Shallow D.C (@the_muscle_doc) Instagram Justin Brink DC (@dr.justinbrink) Instagram LAUREN FITZ, M.D. (@drlaurenfitz) Instagram

Oct 6, 2025 • 27min
2700: Get Back on Track With the 24-Hour Reset HACK
Get Back on Track With the 24-Hour Reset HACK The fail rate on fitness: The number of people who gain weight after they lose it will ALARM you. (1:07) Two ways a small bump in the road can become a total disaster. (4:47) 4 Steps to Get Back on Track With the 24-Hour Reset HACK #1 - Pause, acknowledge, give grace. (14:18) #2 - Do something healthy for yourself. (20:52) #3 - Choose 1 ‘must do tomorrow’ and set an alarm. (22:18) #4 - Use a group or a friend. Confide in people you trust! (post RESET or communicate RESET for support). (23:05) Related Links/Products Mentioned Visit Legion Athletics for the exclusive offer for Mind Pump listeners! ** Code MINDPUMP for buy one, get one 50% off for new customers, and 20% cash back for returning customers! ** October Special: MAPS GLP-1 50% off! ** Code GLP50 at checkout. ** Muscle Mommy Movement Mind Pump #2542: Five Steps You Can Take To Get Back Into Shape Fast Mind Pump #2485: How to Make 2025 a Successful Year for Your Fitness Journey Mind Pump #2587: This is What a Great Trainer Looks Like With Ben Bruno Mind Pump Podcast – YouTube Mind Pump Free Resources People Mentioned Ben Bruno (@benbrunotraining) Instagram

Oct 4, 2025 • 1h 35min
2699: Is Protein Overrated? (Listener Live Coaching)
Is protein overrated? The hosts debate its crucial role in muscle growth and fat loss, challenging myths around processed protein snacks. They recount the daring life of polar explorer Peter Freuchen and share a quirky story about DIY fecal transplants affecting mood. Parenting takes a humorous twist as they discuss superpowers and strange animal strength comparisons. Dangers of snoring and sleep apnea are highlighted, along with practical listener questions on visceral fat, post-golf fitness, tactical training, and barbell squats.

Oct 3, 2025 • 1h 10min
2698: Why Everyone Should Try Bulking (Even You!)
In this episode of Quah (Q & A), Sal, Adam & Justin answer four Pump Head questions drawn from last Sunday’s Quah post on the @mindpumpmedia Instagram page. Mind Pump Fit Tip: Everyone needs to try BULKING! (2:20) Feel healthier with Green Juice. (24:20) The Mind Pump dead hang challenge. (26:36) Hate losing or winning more? (30:05) Strongwoman showcase: Abbye "Pudgy" Stockton. (34:48) One of the greatest weightlifting legends of ALL-TIME! (37:22) The excitement surrounding the UFC White House card. (39:48) Cocaine shrimp. (44:31) Rock Recovery cares. (46:06) How exercise can open amazing paths of conversation. (47:55) Navigating the different stages of parenthood. (50:01) Unlocking the value of deep tissue massage. (55:38) #Quah question #1 – What should your training look like while on a cut? Heavy weight, low volume? Low weight, high volume? Slow down tempo, etc.? I know you don't build on a cut, but I want to do the best I can to maintain the muscle I already have. (58:41) #Quah question #2 – I want to do the top 8 exercises for 6 weeks. I have 5 days a week and 30 minutes a day. How would you go about programming it? (1:03:53) #Quah question #3 – Is it ok to exercise daily, as a 59-year-old woman, if I vary my workouts (different muscle groups for strength 4-5 days per week, and cardio 2-3 days per week)? (1:05:18) #Quah question #4 – How do you combat high hematocrit and high hemoglobin on TRT? (1:06:52) Related Links/Products Mentioned Visit Organifi for the exclusive offer for Mind Pump listeners! **Promo code MINDPUMP at checkout for 20% off** Visit Rock Recovery Center for the exclusive offer for Mind Pump listeners! ** Ben and Tom know firsthand the struggles of addiction and alcoholism. With years of experience helping thousands of individuals, they offer a free consultation call to discuss your situation. Whether you’re personally battling addiction or have a loved one in need of help, they’re here to guide you toward the support you need. By filling out the form and scheduling your call, you’ll also be entered for a chance to win a free 60-day scholarship at Rock Recovery Center, their premier treatment center in West Palm Beach, Florida. Don’t wait—take the first step today. ** October Special: MAPS GLP-1 50% off! ** Code GLP50 at checkout. ** Mind Pump #2690: The NEW DIET Everyone Is Using For Fat Loss Mind Pump #1565: Why Women Should Bulk Mind Pump #2385: Five Reasons Why You Should Hire a Trainer MP Dead Hang Test Dana White reveals UFC White House renderings for 'one-of-one incredible' event Cocaine Found In Every Shrimp Tested In England's Waterways Mind Pump #2695: How Family Members Enable Their Addict Loved Ones | Rock Recovery Center Sal Di Stefano’s Journey in Faith & Fitness – Mind Pump TV Parenting: Getting It Right Get your free Sample Pack with any “drink mix” purchase! Find your favorite LMNT flavor or share it with a friend. Try LMNT risk-free. If you don’t like it, give it away to a salty friend and we’ll give you your money back, no questions asked! Visit DrinkLMNT.com/MindPump Mind Pump #2210: Best Workouts for Bulking & Cutting Mind Pump # 2684: Do ONLY These 8 Lifts to Achieve an Amazing Body Mind Pump Podcast – YouTube Mind Pump Free Resources People Mentioned Layne Norton, Ph.D. (@biolayne) Instagram Thomas Conrad (@realrecoverytalktom) Instagram Ben Bueno (@realrecoverytalkben) Instagram Jay Cutler (@jaycutler) Instagram

Oct 2, 2025 • 27min
2697: 7 Lies Older People are Told About Fitness
7 Lies Older People are Told About Fitness What can happen if you exercise properly? Based on science! (1:15) 7 Lies Older People are Told About Fitness #1 - Cardio is the best form of exercise for the aging population. (5:12) #2 - Your body won’t get stronger or build muscle. (9:02) #3 - Exercise is too dangerous. (12:22) #4 - Exercise will make my pain worse or bad for my joints. (14:29) #5 - Exercise doesn’t help with mental health. (20:04) #6 - I’m already active. Why do I need more exercise? (21:03) #7 – I’m too old to exercise. (23:44) Related Links/Products Mentioned Visit Vuori Clothing for an exclusive offer for Mind Pump listeners! ** No code to receive 20% off your first order. ** October Special: MAPS GLP-1 50% off! ** Code GLP50 at checkout. ** Selection of Resistance Exercises for Older Individuals: The Forgotten Variable Resistance training-induced gains in knee extensor strength are related to increased neural cell adhesion molecule expression in older adults with knee osteoarthritis Mind Pump #2670: Pilates, Yoga, Running, CrossFit, & Strength Training Face Off! Muscle Mommy Movement Quiz Mind Pump #2657: The Over-50 Fitness & Health Plan Mind Pump #1835: Why Resistance Training Is the Best Form of Exercise for Fat Loss and Overall Health Mind Pump #2385: Five Reasons Why You Should Hire a Trainer Is exercise more effective than medication for depression and anxiety? New Study: One or Two Days of Exercise May Offer Similar Health Benefits As Daily Workouts Mind Pump Podcast – YouTube Mind Pump Free Resources

Oct 1, 2025 • 1h 34min
2696: 6 Ways You Are Destroying Testosterone (Listener Live Coaching)
In this episode of Quah (Q & A), Sal, Adam & Justin coach four Pump Heads via Zoom. Mind Pump Fit Tip: 6 Ways to Destroy Your Testosterone. (2:38) Classic bad dad mistake. (26:56) The dangers of daily plastic exposure for kids. (29:45) Net positive or negative with these GLP-1 weight-loss drugs. (35:13) The more you know. (38:40) Shout out to @mdmotivator on Instagram. (42:01) Stay hydrated out there! (44:06) Billionaire chat. (46:01) The grass-fed market is exploding! (51:23) #ListenerLive question #1 – Do you have any go-to methods or overlooked strategies for improving grip strength in the general population clients? (53:24) #ListenerLive question #2 – I am starting to get bored in the gym and want a new workout routine to switch things up. Can you point me in the direction of something that would challenge me and still be fun for me to do? (1:03:37) #ListenerLive question #3 – I’d love to follow up on your first round of advice and get your guidance on breaking through this plateau so I actually look different next year. (1:12:18) #ListenerLive question #4 – Any advice on how I should train when I’ve been dealing with a chronic injury? (1:23:01) Related Links/Products Mentioned Ask a question to Mind Pump, live! Email: live@mindpumpmedia.com Get your free Sample Pack with any “drink mix” purchase! Find your favorite LMNT flavor or share it with a friend. Try LMNT risk-free. If you don’t like it, give it away to a salty friend and we’ll give you your money back, no questions asked! Visit DrinkLMNT.com/MindPump Visit Butcher Box for this month’s exclusive Mind Pump offer! ** Available for a limited time, a curated box pre-filled with Mind Pump’s favorite cuts — no guesswork! Butcher Box members who sign up through Mind Pump will receive: $20 OFF their first box, Free chicken breast, ground beef, OR salmon in every box for a whole year! ** Flash Sale: MAPS Performance 50% off! ** Code ATHLETE50 at checkout. ** Mind Pump Store The Link Between Sleep and Testosterone Effect of partial and total sleep deprivation on serum testosterone in healthy males: a systematic review and meta-analysis Examining the effects of calorie restriction on testosterone concentrations in men: a systematic review and meta-analysis Mind Pump #2690: The NEW DIET Everyone Is Using For Fat Loss How a sedentary lifestyle reduces testosterone levels in men Correlation between serum zinc and testosterone Cortisol and testosterone dynamics following exhaustive endurance exercise Childhood plastic exposure could be fueling obesity, infertility, and asthma Lilly's oral GLP-1, orforglipron, demonstrated meaningful weight loss and cardiometabolic improvements in complete ATTAIN-1 results published in The New England Journal of Medicine Ozempic’s hidden pregnancy risk few women know about A Runner Shattered the Stroller Mile World Record Baby strollers for Rolls-Royce Cullinan In Memoriam: The 31 Billionaires Who Died Over The Past Year Visit Luminose by Entera for an exclusive offer for Mind Pump listeners! ** Promo code MPM at checkout for 10% off their order or 10% off their first month of a subscribe-and-save. ** Mind Pump #2659: Eight Ways to Build a Crushing Grip & Strong Forearms & More (Listener Live Coaching) MAPS Prime Pro Webinar Trainer Bonus Series Episode 3: Assessments That Sell Training Mind Pump Podcast – YouTube Mind Pump Free Resources People Mentioned 𝐙𝐚𝐜𝐡𝐞𝐫𝐲 𝐃𝐞𝐫𝐞𝐧𝐢𝐨𝐰𝐬𝐤𝐢 (@mdmotivator) Instagram

Sep 29, 2025 • 1h 26min
2695: How Family Members Enable Their Addict Loved Ones | Rock Recovery Center
Are You Enabling an Addict? … How to break the Cycle The MP x Rock Recovery Center partnership. (2:32) Accepting the truth that something needs to change. (5:53) Compassion fatigue. (9:25) You can love your addict to death. (11:42) Don’t act on emotion. (19:57) Being the best manipulator in the room. (24:17) Enabling loved ones. (28:24) Where does their drive come from? (33:41) Don’t ever try to figure this out on your own! (39:52) Their take on marijuana. (44:25) Is kratom becoming an issue? (49:04) Perception. (1:02:09) Don’t kick the can down the road. (1:04:57) Can you logic an addict into recovery? (1:12:53) Homework items. (1:21:36) Related Links/Products Mentioned Visit Rock Recovery Center for the exclusive offer for Mind Pump listeners! ** By filling out the form and scheduling your call, you’ll also be entered for a chance to win a free 60-day scholarship at Rock Recovery Center, their premier treatment center in West Palm Beach, Florida. Don’t wait—take the first step today. ** Visit Seed for an exclusive offer for Mind Pump listeners! **Promo code 25MINDPUMP at checkout for 25% off your first month’s supply of Seed’s DS-01® Daily Synbiotic** Flash Sale: MAPS Performance 50% off! ** Code ATHLETE50 at checkout. ** Mind Pump Store Real Recovery Talk RRT Podcast: Firefighter Told He’d Never Ride Again… Alcohol Nearly Killed Him Mind Pump #2392: Steps to Overcoming Addiction with Tom Conrad & Ben Bueno Cannabis and Mood Disorders: Use at Your Own Risk A LEAF OF FAITH (2018) KRATOM DOCUMENTARY - YouTube The Region Beta Paradox – Chris Williamson The Haven Detox Family Reconnect Mind Pump Podcast – YouTube Mind Pump Free Resources Featured Guest(s)/People Mentioned Thomas Conrad (@realrecoverytalktom) Instagram Ben Bueno (@realrecoverytalkben) Instagram Chris "Boar" Bell (@bigstrongfast) Instagram Chris Williamson (@chriswillx) Instagram

Sep 27, 2025 • 1h 35min
2694: Why Focusing on Performance Transforms Your Body (Listener Live Coaching)
Mind Pump Fit Tip: What is better to track, looks or performance? (2:13) PSA: The constant news cycle WILL decrease your quality of life. (27:08) Perception drift. (37:24) Shout out to Eight Sleep! (40:31) One daily habit could help prevent chronic back pain. (44:32) Improving skin health with Caldera Lab. (47:45) What the data shows about happiness. (52:33) #ListenerLive question #1 – Any advice on designing a personalized workout routine that supports my recovery, helps rebuild my strength, improves balance, mobility, and respects the constraints that come with idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF) and stroke recovery? (56:05) #ListenerLive question #2 – I know a lot about health and fitness in theory, but I’m overwhelmed and unsure where to start. Any advice? (1:09:46) #ListenerLive question #3 – Any help or advice on why I am getting cramps in the bottom of my feet after working out? (1:20:00) #ListenerLive question #4 – What’s going on with fat distribution during perimenopause? What can I realistically do to maintain a strong and confident sense of body image? (1:26:01) Related Links/Products Mentioned Ask a question to Mind Pump, live! Email: live@mindpumpmedia.com Visit Eight Sleep for an exclusive offer for Mind Pump Listeners! ** Use the code MINDPUMP to get $350 off your very own Pod 5 Ultra. The best part is that you still get 30 days to try it at home and return it if you don’t like it – – Shipping to many countries worldwide. ** Visit Caldera Lab for an exclusive offer for Mind Pump listeners! **Code MINDPUMP20 for 20% off your first order of their best products. ** Flash Sale: MAPS Performance 50% off! ** Code ATHLETE50 at checkout. ** Mind Pump Store Building Muscle with Adam Schafer – Mind Pump TV Mind Pump #2692: Want to Look Better? The Secret to a Sculpted Body Mind Pump #2667: The Truth About New “Magical” Muscle Building Drugs & More With Dr. William Seeds Eight Sleep Adds $100M for AI, Medical Tech One daily habit could save you from chronic back pain Mind Pump #2402: The 5 Reasons Why Walking is King for Fat Loss (Burn More Fat than Running & How to Do it Correctly) Visit MASSZYMES by biOptimizers for an exclusive offer for Mind Pump listeners! **Code MINDPUMP10 at checkout for 10% off any order. ** MP Holistic Health Muscle Mommy Movement Quiz Mind Pump #2690: The NEW DIET Everyone Is Using For Fat Loss Mind Pump Podcast – YouTube Mind Pump Free Resources People Mentioned Dr. William Seeds (@williamseedsmd) Instagram

Sep 26, 2025 • 1h 10min
2693: The Fastest Gains You’ll Ever See (Listener Coaching)
In this episode of Quah (Q & A), Sal, Adam & Justin answer four Pump Head questions drawn from last Sunday’s Quah post on the @mindpumpmedia Instagram page. Mind Pump Fit Tip: Eight Ways Isometrics Will Give You the Fastest Gains You’ve Ever Seen. (2:00) New partner alert! Crisp Power. (26:12) Being too thin can be deadlier than being overweight. (30:46) Mini Sal. (38:52) The welcoming lacrosse community. (42:25) Melatonin, pre-workout? (46:58) Phantom Ferrari driver. (48:58) Ashwagandha to mitigate stress. (53:29) #Quah question #1 – When limited for time in the gym, should I prioritize more sets, less rest (per exercise), or fewer sets, more rest to maximize muscle growth? (55:52) #Quah question #2 – What's your advice for overcoming injuries? The mental and physical side. I recently tore my Achilles and had a great recovery, but the mental side was harder than the physical! (58:12) #Quah question #3 – What's the best way to get back into working out after a surgery that put you down for 2+ months? (1:02:41) #Quah question #4 – How can I grow an online nutrition and fitness business if I hate doing social media? Help! (1:04:23) Related Links/Products Mentioned Visit Crisp Power for an exclusive offer for Mind Pump listeners! ** Code MINDPUMP10 for 10% OFF. Give your snack game a serious upgrade. Crisp Power Protein Pretzels deliver super crunchy and delicious snacks that are up to 28g of protein, low carb, zero sugar and high in fiber! ** Visit Organifi for the exclusive offer for Mind Pump listeners! **Promo code MINDPUMP at checkout for 20% off** Flash Sale: MAPS Performance 50% off! ** Code ATHLETE50 at checkout. ** Mind Pump Store Muscle Building Secrets of Isometrics - Mind Pump Media Lunges, Squats and Holds for Stronger Tendons and Ligaments Being too thin can be deadlier than being overweight, Danish study reveals Sal Di Stefano’s Journey in Faith & Fitness – Mind Pump TV Impact of Melatonin Supplementation on Sports Performance and Circulating Biomarkers in Highly Trained Athletes: A Systematic Review of Randomized Controlled Trials Mysterious driver of phantom Formula 1 car who has been 'fleeing police for six years' is caught... wearing full racing gear Can Ashwaghanda Help Your Anxiety? Science Weighs In Visit Seed for an exclusive offer for Mind Pump listeners! **Promo code 25MINDPUMP at checkout for 25% off your first month’s supply of Seed’s DS-01® Daily Synbiotic** Trainer Bonus Series Episode 1: The Successful Trainer Mindset Mind Pump Podcast – YouTube Mind Pump Free Resources People Mentioned Mind Pump Fitness Coaching (@mindpumppersonaltraining) Instagram