

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

Jul 25, 2025 • 1h 12min
2648: Nine Reasons Getting Stronger is the Best Physical Pursuit & More (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: 9 Reasons Getting Stronger is the Best Physical Pursuit. (1:58) The different stages of raising a child. (24:07) The ultimate nootropic, methylene blue. (42:27) Peeing outside. (48:16) Sauna/hot tub and sodium. (50:01) When your hormones are feeling REALLY good. (52:06) Kids say the darndest things. (56:00) #Quah question #1 – What are your thoughts on day-long workouts? I work from home most days, and I like to spread my workout throughout the day. (57:45) #Quah question #2 – How to break through plateaus? I've been stuck on preacher curls, among other exercises, for two months. (1:02:39) #Quah question #3 – I’m about as beginner as a beginner can get when it comes to lifting, to the point that I don’t know how to get started, and I have no clue what my baseline is. Do I just go to the weight bench and throw on some plates? What is the very first step for someone who has never lifted? (1:04:40) #Quah question #4 – You always mention going for a walk after a meal. Does going before eating have the same benefits or not? (1:09:09) Related Links/Products Mentioned Visit Troscriptions for the exclusive offer for Mind Pump listeners! **Promo code MINDPUMP for 10% off your first order. ** 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 July Special: MAPS Split or Anabolic Metabolism Bundle 50% off! ** Code JULY50 at checkout ** Association of Grip Strength With Risk of All-Cause Mortality, Cardiovascular Diseases, and Cancer in Community-Dwelling Populations: A Meta-analysis of Prospective Cohort Studies Muscular Strength as a Predictor of All-Cause Mortality in an Apparently Healthy Population: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Data From Approximately 2 Million Men and Women Exercise interventions for older adults: A systematic review of meta-analyses Association of Efficacy of Resistance Exercise Training With Depressive Symptoms: Meta-analysis and Meta-regression Analysis of Randomized Clinical Trials Adherence to Strength Training and Lower Rates of Sports Injury in Contact Sports: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis Parenting: Getting It Right Visit Paleovalley for an exclusive offer for Mind Pump listeners! ** Discount is now automatically applied at checkout: 15% off your first order! ** Mind Pump # 2552: From Plateau to PR… How to Break Through Strength Barriers Mind Pump # 2385: Five Reasons Why You Should Hire a Trainer Mind Pump Podcast – YouTube Mind Pump Free Resources People Mentioned LAUREN FITZ, M.D. (@drlaurenfitz) Instagram

Jul 24, 2025 • 23min
2647: Five Easy Steps to Lose 15 Pounds in 60 Days
5 Easy Steps to Lose 15 lbs. in 60 Days 5 Easy Steps to Lose 15 lbs. in 60 Days. (1:24) #1 - Only eat real food. (3:36) #2 - Eat target body weight in protein and eat it first. (6:30) #3 - Eat sitting, with no distractions. (10:42) #4 – Full-body strength training 2-3 days a week. (14:19) #5 - Walk 10 mins after every meal. (17:20) Related Links/Products Mentioned Unlock sharper focus and support long-term brain health with Ketone-IQ—clean brain fuel for deep work, mental clarity, and sustained energy with no crash. Get 30% off your subscription, plus a free gift with your second shipment at https://ketone.com/MINDPUMP July Special: MAPS Split or Anabolic Metabolism Bundle 50% off! ** Code JULY50 at checkout ** Mind Pump #2437: What Happens to Your Body When You Quit Ultra-Processed Foods for 30 Days Mind Pump #2602: The Top Meats, Fruits & Veggies for Muscle Gain & Fat Loss Mind Pump #2450: The Smartest Way to Use Protein to Burn Fat & Build Muscle 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 Dr. William Seeds (@williamseedsmd) Instagram

Jul 23, 2025 • 1h 37min
2646: Ten Signs You May Benefit From Hormone Therapy & More (Listener Live Coaching)
In this episode of Quah (Q & A), Sal, Adam & Justin coach four Pump Heads via Zoom. Mind Pump Fit Tip: 10 Signs You May Benefit from Hormone Therapy. (2:26) Justin’s NASCAR experience. (27:41) To share or not to share. (36:51) Incredible brain studies using Brain.fm. (41:52) This is not financial advice. (48:00) Cannabinoids and heart health. (51:13) #ListenerLive question #1 – How can I heal my relationship with food? (57:27) #ListenerLive question #2 – Is there any difference in strength results between a conventional back squat compared to using the safety squat bar? (1:12:42) #ListenerLive question #3 – What are the signs your calories are too low? (1:16:39) #ListenerLive question #4 – What program should I run after going through the RGB bundle? (1:30:09) 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 NED for an exclusive offer for Mind Pump listeners! ** Code MINDPUMP at checkout for 20% off ** July Special: MAPS Split or Anabolic Metabolism Bundle 50% off! ** Code JULY50 at checkout ** Mind Pump #2502: Hormone Therapy for Aesthetics With Dr. Lauren Fitzgerald Mind Pump #2447: The Keys to Visceral Fat Loss & Muscle Gain With Dr. Tyna Moore Low Testosterone and Brain Fog: Understanding the Link Algorithmic Music - brain.fm Science - Brain.fm Knowledge Base Study: Cannabigerol (CBG) Reduces Fat Accumulation and Improves Heart Cell Function Under Lipid Overload Visit Pre-Alcohol by ZBiotics for an exclusive offer for Mind Pump listeners! ** Promo code MINDPUMP25 for 15% off first-time purchasers on either one-time purchases, (3, 6, 12-packs) or subscriptions (6, 12-pack) ** Mind Pump #2210: Best Workouts for Bulking & Cutting Mind Pump #2312: Five Steps to Bounce Back From Overtraining 7-Day Overtraining Rescue Guide | Free by Mind Pump Media Mind Pump Podcast – YouTube Mind Pump Free Resources People Mentioned LAUREN FITZ, M.D. (@drlaurenfitz) Instagram

Jul 21, 2025 • 1h 29min
2645: Muscle Building & Fat Loss Shortcuts for the Over 40 Crowd With Stan Efferding
Over 40 Muscle Building & Fat Loss Shortcuts with Stan Efferding The impact of ‘island time’ on his overall health. (3:16) Shakes are for fakes, eat steaks! (11:55) Supplementation vs whole foods. (16:22) Busting cholesterol myths. (18:18) Energy intake versus energy expenditure with weight loss. (19:48) The components of lifting responsibly as you age. (25:14) Doing the least amount as possible to elicit the most amount of change. (39:08) The benefits of isometrics. (44:21) Eliminating junk volume. (53:19) The value trigger sessions. (58:03) His attitude toward sodium. (1:00:30) Peptide intervention: The good, the bad, and the ugly. (1:12:54) Related Links/Products Mentioned 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** July Special: MAPS Split or Anabolic Metabolism Bundle 50% off! ** Code JULY50 at checkout ** Vertical Diet | By Stan Efferding Whole Egg Vs. Egg White Ingestion During 12 weeks of Resistance Training in Trained Young Males: A Randomized Controlled Trial Comparison of once‐weekly and twice‐weekly strength training in older adults Get your free Sample Pack with any “drink mix” purchase! Find your favorite LMNT flavor, or share it with a friend. Try LMNT totally 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 Stan Efferding - YouTube LEVELEN™ | The Leader in Athlete Sweat Testing | Sweat Test Mind Pump #2597: Before You Take Ozempic, Wegovy, or Mounjaro Listen to This! Mind Pump Podcast – YouTube Mind Pump Free Resources Featured Guest/People Mentioned Stan “Rhino” Efferding (@stanefferding) Instagram Website Mark Bell (@marksmellybell) Instagram Jay Cutler (@jaycutler) Instagram Ronnie Coleman (@ronniecoleman8) Instagram Parrillo Performance (@parrilloperformance) Instagram Robb Wolf (@dasrobbwolf) Instagram Ben Carpenter (@bdccarpenter) Instagram Michael Israetel (@drmikeisraetel) Instagram Dr. William Seeds (@williamseedsmd) Instagram

Jul 19, 2025 • 1h 52min
2644: Eight Best Carbs for Bodybuilding & More (Listener Live Coaching)
In this episode of Quah (Q & A), Sal, Adam & Justin coach four Pump Heads via Zoom. Mind Pump Fit Tip: The 8 Best Carbs for Bodybuilding. (1:45) Will consuming a protein shake before bed disrupt your sleep? (17:51) Invest in your sleep! (22:37) Hyper-domesticated men. (27:17) The oldest mention of progressive resistance. (41:34) Wolverine stack for quick recovery. (44:31) Obscure combat sports. (53:56) #ListenerLive question #1 – Is there any way to make progress from strength training on 5-6 hours of sleep? (1:03:37) #ListenerLive question #2 – Is this what it looks like, or is there a way that I can get leaner? Or do I keep learning the lessons and the leanness will come? (1:16:53) #ListenerLive question #3 – Can you provide any insight on my recent forearm and shoulder pain before I see a physical therapist? (1:31:22) #ListenerLive question #4 – How should I train while doing a degree that includes quite a bit of sports and endurance too? (1:38:55) 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 Transcend for this month’s exclusive Mind Pump offer! ** 30% OFF ALL MEDICATIONS. Telehealth Provider • Physician Directed GET YOUR PERSONALIZED TREATMENT PLAN! Hormone Replacement Therapy, Cognitive Function, Sleep & Fatigue, Athletic Performance and MORE! ** July Special: MAPS Split or Anabolic Metabolism Bundle 50% off! ** Code JULY50 at checkout ** The Impact of Pre-sleep Protein Ingestion on the Skeletal Muscle Adaptive Response to Exercise in Humans: An Update Milo of Croton | Biography, Wrestling, & Facts | Britannica What is Slap Kabaddi? Lot of Slapping and Chaos! Watch It's in the Game: Madden NFL - Season 1 | Prime Video 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! ButcherBox 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! ** Sleep deprivation makes us less happy, more anxious Regular Napping Linked to Increased Brain Size – SciTechDaily MAPS Prime Pro Webinar Mind Pump Podcast – YouTube Mind Pump Free Resources People Mentioned Paul Saladino, MD (@paulsaladinomd) Instagram James Smith (@jamessmith) Instagram Jordan B. Peterson (@JordanBPeterson) / X Dr. John Delony (@johndelony) Instagram Arthur Brooks (@arthurcbrooks) Instagram Joe Rogan (@joerogan) Instagram Jay Campbell (@jaycampbell333) Instagram Justin Brink DC (@dr.justinbrink) Instagram Mind Pump Fitness Coaching (@mindpumptrainers) Instagram

Jul 18, 2025 • 1h 10min
2643: Six Data-Backed Reasons Why Becoming a Father is a Hack & More (Listener Coaching)
Mind Pump Fit Tip: 6 Data-Backed Reasons Why Becoming a Father is a Hack. (1:37) Tech addiction and the downstream effects on your brain. (28:47) 10 reasons why people go to rehab. (36:22) AI worship. (39:21) Kids say the darndest things. (43:53) Bullish on Bitcoin. (49:37) Hustles experienced. (51:57) Elite Trainer Academy Podcast. (53:29) #Quah question #1 – I keep seeing female fitness influencers show off their flat stomachs and basketball-sized booties while telling social media how this look is attainable. But is it really? I have always noticed with my own body that when my waist becomes more snatched, my glutes begin to shrink. So, how can I or anyone else achieve that basketball-sized booty while attaining a flat stomach at the same time? (56:31) #Quah question #2 – How often should I change my routine? Should it be a complete overhaul or a change to a specific exercise? (1:00:17) #Quah question #3 – Are belt squats as beneficial as barbell squats? (1:04:45) #Quah question #4 – Best workout plan for an overweight new dad? (1:06:53) Related Links/Products Mentioned 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. ** Elite Trainer Academy - Podcast July Special: MAPS Split or Anabolic Metabolism Bundle 50% off! ** Code JULY50 at checkout ** Transitioning to fatherhood: Prospective effects of wellbeing on future depression symptoms Parents live longer than their childless counterparts, study finds People with children live longer, study finds — but only this many kids First-time fathers show longitudinal gray matter cortical volume reductions: evidence from two international samples Exploring men’s alcohol consumption in the context of becoming a father: a scoping review Father Involvement and Father-Child Relationship Quality: An Intergenerational Perspective A Father’s Impact on Child Development ChatGPT's Impact On Our Brains According to an MIT Study | TIME 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 #1987: How to Burn Fat & Build Muscle at the Same Time How Phasing Your Workouts Leads to Consistent Plateau Free Workouts Mind Pump #2572: Only 15 Minutes a Day to Build Muscle & Burn Fat Mind Pump Podcast – YouTube Mind Pump Free Resources People Mentioned Stephen C. Meyer (@StephenCMeyer) / X Bishop Robert Barron (@bishopbarron) Instagram Kyle P (@mindpumpkyle) Instagram

Jul 17, 2025 • 31min
2642: The Top 10 Posture Fixing Techniques
The Top 10 Posture Fixing Techniques Why it’s NECESSARY to strengthen good posture. (0:57) The Top 10 Posture Fixing Techniques #1 - Seated rows. (8:30) #2 - Prone cobra. (11:01) #3 - Static stretching of the pecs/delts. (12:17) #4 - Standing straight arm pulldown. (15:42) #5 - Farmer walks. (17:15) #6 - Planks with posterior tilt. (18:13) #7 - Physio ball crunches. (21:27) #8 - Thread the needle. (24:22) #9 - Hip bridge. (26:21) #10 - Child’s pose with reach. (28:22) Related Links/Products Mentioned Visit Vuori Clothing for an exclusive offer for Mind Pump listeners! ** No code to receive 20% off your first order. ** July Special: MAPS Split or Anabolic Metabolism Bundle 50% off! ** Code JULY50 at checkout ** Mind Pump TV - YouTube – Find all exercises listed above Ask Mind Pump Trainer Bonus Series Episode 3: Assessments That Sell Training How to do a PROPER Plank Mind Pump Podcast – YouTube Mind Pump Free Resources

Jul 16, 2025 • 1h 42min
2641: Five Ways Your Emotions Are Making You Fat and Unhealthy and How to Fix Them & More (Listener Live Coaching)
In this episode of Quah (Q & A), Sal, Adam & Justin coach four Pump Heads via Zoom. Mind Pump Fit Tip: 5 Ways Your Emotions Are Making You Fat and Unhealthy and How to Fix Them. (2:30) Is there zero need for billionaires? (26:23) Dead internet theory. (34:00) Stop it with the Epstein nonsense. (37:15) Fake vs. real creatine gummies. (38:57) Shock and awe. (43:53) The BEST home gym you can have. (52:40) Technique vs. strength. (54:25) #ListenerLive question #1 – If I were to switch my training over to a functional bodybuilding style approach, how would I go about trying to maintain as much muscle mass as I can that I’ve built over the past 8 years? (59:10) #ListenerLive question #2 – Any insight you all can provide on why I continuously pull/strain my calf muscles? (1:09:48) #ListenerLive question #3 – How can I get my efforts to match my results? (1:21:57) #ListenerLive question #4 – What did I do wrong when running MAPS Anabolic, and how did I manage to screw it up so badly? (1:32:20) Related Links/Products Mentioned Ask a question to Mind Pump, live! Email: live@mindpumpmedia.com Visit Organifi for the exclusive offer for Mind Pump listeners! ** 7/14 - 7/15: Creatine Gummies Free with any 2 products! You can stack our 20% off! Promo code MINDPUMP at checkout. ** Visit PRx Performance for an exclusive offer for Mind Pump listeners! ** No code for 5% discount gets automatically applied at checkout. ** July Special: MAPS Split or Anabolic Metabolism Bundle 50% off! ** Code JULY50 at checkout ** Obesity and cortisol: New perspectives on an old theme Stress and Eating Behaviors - PMC Mindfulness, depression, and emotional eating: The moderating role of nonjudging of inner experience Mindful Eating: The Art of Presence While You Eat - PMC Sleep Deprivation: Effects on Weight Loss and Weight Loss Maintenance Efficacy of exercise combined with standard treatment for depression compared to standard treatment alone: A systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials James Smith Fake Creatine Gummy - IG 28 Years Later | Rotten Tomatoes Watch The Secret of Skinwalker Ranch Full Episodes Visit MASSZYMES by biOptimizers for an exclusive offer for Mind Pump listeners! **Code MINDPUMP10 at checkout for 10% off any order. ** Strengthen Your Shins: Master the Tibialis Raise Today! Mind Pump #2560: How to Break Free from Destructive Body Image Issues Mind Pump #1297: 3 Ways to Know If Your Workout Is Not Right for You Mind Pump Podcast – YouTube Mind Pump Free Resources People Mentioned Arthur Brooks (@arthurcbrooks) Instagram James Smith (@jamessmith) Instagram Brian Shaw (@shawstrength) Instagram

Jul 14, 2025 • 40min
2640: Ten Lessons for the Fitness Entrepreneur
Ten Lessons for the Fitness Entrepreneur Ten Lessons for the Fitness Entrepreneur #1 - Embrace Failure as a Teacher. (1:21) #2 - Focus on Customer Needs. (4:52) #3 Start Small, Scale Smart. (7:20) #4 - Build a Strong Team. (11:08) #5 - Cash Flow is King. (14:02) #6 - Adapt to Change. (18:55) #7 - Network Relentlessly. (23:49) #8 - Prioritize Time Management. (28:09) #9 - Stay Resilient. (33:07) #10 - Keep Learning. (37:10) Related Links/Products Mentioned Visit Legion Athletics for the exclusive offer for Mind Pump listeners! ** Code MINDPUMP for 20% off your first order (new customers) and double rewards points for existing customers. ** July Special: MAPS Split or Anabolic Metabolism Bundle 50% off! ** Code JULY50 at checkout ** Mind Pump #1595: Your Ideas Suck… How to be an Entrepreneur With Netflix Co-Founder Marc Randolph Mind Pump Podcast – YouTube Mind Pump Free Resources People Mentioned Marc Randolph (@MarcRandolph) Instagram

Jul 12, 2025 • 1h 39min
2639: The 5 Reasons Why People Can’t Stop Fasting & More (Listener Live Coaching)
In this episode of Quah (Q & A), Sal, Adam & Justin coach four Pump Heads via Zoom. Mind Pump Fit Tip: The 5 Reasons Why People Can’t Stop Fasting. (1:51) Why Sal doesn’t want to do his upcoming YouTube series. (21:47) The MOST powerful skin regeneration protocol. (32:22) Hidden gems in animated films. (35:44) What a terrible accident. (38:41) The pressures of teen dating and the delicate tackling of it as a parent. (41:00) The neuropsychology of raising children. (49:38) Guess Who? (55:52) Zbiotics customer testimonials. (57:33) #ListenerLive question #1 – How would I go about correcting rib flare? (1:03:28) #ListenerLive question #2 – Is diet the thing that is holding me back from building muscle more than the programming? (1:08:33) #ListenerLive question #3 – What's the best way to figure out how much weight to lift when in a deficit? Finally, if I only use MAPS 15 for the rest of my life, will I receive all the benefits I need, or do I need to switch up my programs? (1:18:23) #ListenerLive question #4 – UPDATE: My thoughts on MAPS Aesthetic as a 67-year-old man. (1:26:00) Related Links/Products Mentioned Ask a question to Mind Pump, live! Email: live@mindpumpmedia.com Visit Joovv for an exclusive offer for Mind Pump listeners! ** Code MINDPUMP to get $50 off your first purchase. ** Visit Pre-Alcohol by ZBiotics for an exclusive offer for Mind Pump listeners! ** Promo code MINDPUMP25 for 15% off first-time purchasers on either one-time purchases, (3, 6, 12-packs) or subscriptions (6, 12-pack) ** July Special: MAPS Split or Anabolic Metabolism Bundle 50% off! ** Code JULY50 at checkout ** Mind Pump #2405: The 5 Intermittent Fasting Mistakes Causing Weight Gain Building Businesses for Strangers – Alex Hormozi New Zealand trucker 'blown up like balloon' by air hose Diary of a CEO - DEBATE: Has Modern Feminism Gone TOO FAR?! The John Delony Show - An Honest Take On Parenting Today (With Dr. Becky Kennedy) Becky Kennedy: The single most important parenting strategy | Ted Talk GUESS WHO Disney Star Wars Memory Matching Game by Hasbro Visit Hiya for an exclusive offer for Mind Pump listeners! ** Receive 50% off your first order ** How to Perform a PROPER Dumbbell Pullover Mind Pump #2210: Best Workouts for Bulking & Cutting Mind Pump Podcast – YouTube Mind Pump Free Resources People Mentioned Mikhaila Peterson (@mikhailapeterson) Instagram IFBB PRO Johnny Sebastian (@_johnnysebastian) Instagram Alex Hormozi (@hormozi) Instagram Erica Komisar, LCSW (@ericakomisar) Instagram Dr. John Delony (@johndelony) Instagram Dr. Becky Kennedy | Parenting (@drbeckyatgoodinside) Instagram