
Mind Pump: Raw Fitness Truth
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
Latest episodes

Jun 6, 2025 • 1h 52min
2614: The Top 5 Fitness Tips from Soviet-Era Scientists & 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 Top 5 Fitness Tips from Soviet-Era Scientists. (1:50) Thymosin Alpha is wild for the immune system. (25:31) This is yet another example of why grass-fed meat is superior to conventional meat. (32:30) Radical non-monogamy. (38:54) Perception drift. (47:35) The best way to use Brain.fm. (54:15) #ListenerLive question #1 – How can you tell the difference between a healthy and normal hunger, and your body trying to tell you it is time to up your calories? (56:22) #ListenerLive question #2 – How can you develop a thick skin as a trainer? (1:09:23) #ListenerLive question #3 – Why can I gain weight relatively easily but not lose it, even with what should be a deficit? (1:28:42) #ListenerLive question #4 – What’s your advice on how to know when to go all-in on one thing or another? (1:38:49) Related Links/Products Mentioned Ask a question to Mind Pump, live! Email: live@mindpumpmedia.com Visit Butcher Box for this month’s exclusive Mind Pump offer! ** For a limited time, new 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! A curated box pre-filled with Mind Pump’s favorite cuts — no guesswork, just great meat. ** Visit Brain.fm for an exclusive offer for Mind Pump listeners. ** Get 30 days of free access to science-backed music. ** June Special: Shredded Summer Bundle or Bikini Bundle 50% off! ** Code JUNE50 at checkout ** Mind Pump #1897: Why Phasing Your Workouts Is So Important & How to Properly Switch It Up Justin’s Road to 315 Push Press Mind Pump Group Coaching What is Thymosin Alpha 1 and How Does it Work? - Jay Campbell Visit Transcend for this month’s exclusive Mind Pump offer! Consumer Reports’ Tests: Conventional Ground Beef Twice As Likely To Contain Superbugs as Sustainable Beef Aubrey Marcus, "Radical Monogamy" and Spiritual Narcissism Excuse Me, What's This "Trap Botox" Trend on TikTok? Visit MASSZYMES by biOptimizers for an exclusive offer for Mind Pump listeners! **Code MINDPUMP10 at checkout for 10% off any order. ** Mind Pump #2312: Five Steps to Bounce Back From Overtraining Trainer Bonus Series Episode 1: The Successful Trainer Mindset Trainer Bonus Series Episode 2: Diet & Exercise Strategies That Work AND Clients Love Trainer Bonus Series Episode 3: Assessments That Sell Training Mind Pump Podcast – YouTube Mind Pump Free Resources People Mentioned Aubrey Marcus (@aubreymarcus) Instagram Dan Bilzerian (@danbilzerian) Instagram Dr. John Delony (@johndelony) Instagram

Jun 6, 2025 • 1h 18min
2613: Five Common Fitness Lies That Are Holding You Back & More (Listener Coaching)
Mind Pump Fit Tip: 5 Common Fitness Lies That Are Holding You Back. (1:39) The importance of getting the optimal amount of Vitamin D. (38:20) Forever chemicals suck. (42:27) Idols that rule you. (45:10) Vuori goes above and beyond! (53:57) #Quah question #1 – Any tips to specifically target triceps during close-grip bench presses? (56:51) #Quah question #2 – How do I learn to rest and recover, when my greatest assets are hard work, grit, and overachieving? (1:02:21) #Quah question #3 – What are the long-term side effects of TRT? (1:05:02) #Quah question #4 – From what I read, programming seems deceivingly simple (picking movements that you connect to and changing them out periodically, changing rep ranges and rest times periodically, making sure to progressively overload with weight, form rep sets or rest times) What are some things to focus on when creating your own programming and to ensure its effectiveness? (1:09:00) Related Links/Products Mentioned Visit Our Place for an exclusive offer for Mind Pump listeners! **Promo code MINDPUMP at checkout to receive 10% off sitewide. Our Place offers a 100-day trial with free shipping and returns. ** Visit Vuori Clothing for an exclusive offer for Mind Pump listeners! ** No code to receive 20% off your first order. ** June Special: Shredded Summer Bundle or Bikini Bundle 50% off! ** Code JUNE50 at checkout ** 79 (PB-079) Poster - Effect of oral Vitamin D supplementation on response to neoadjuvant chemotherapy in patients with locally advanced breast cancer Weekly Training Frequency Effects on Strength Gain: A Meta-Analysis Vitamin D3 and marine ω-3 fatty acids supplementation and leukocyte telomere length: 4-year findings from the VITamin D and OmegA-3 TriaL (VITAL) randomized controlled trial Vitamin D supplementation and incident dementia: Effects of sex, APOE, and baseline cognitive status New study sheds light on vitamin D's role in cardiovascular health Tap water study detects PFAS 'forever chemicals' across the US Get your free Sample Pack with any “drink mix” purchase! Also, try the new LMNT Sparkling — a bold, 16-ounce can of sparkling electrolyte water: Visit DrinkLMNT.com/MindPump Incline VS. Flat - Close Grip Bench Press - YouTube Mind Pump #1612: Everything You Need to Know About Sets, Reps & Rest Periods Mind Pump #2477: Our 10 Favorite MAPS Programs Mind Pump Podcast – YouTube Mind Pump Free Resources

Jun 5, 2025 • 1h 15min
2612: How One Man Lost Over 300 Pounds Without Any Cardio
How One Man Lost Over 300 Pounds Without Any Cardio with Jamie Selzler Lessons learned. (2:02) What episode got him hooked? (3:23) His highest recorded weight. (4:30) Obesity is a disease. (6:21) Food became overpowering. (10:17) The moment he feared for his life. (11:58) Keeping promises to yourself. (16:01) How did the process change his relationship with himself? (19:53) Having the foot on the gas. (21:56) Consistency and discipline TRUMP motivation. (23:26) His #1 message to coaches and trainers. (27:38) The importance of having a team. (30:34) EVERYONE deserves love, respect, compassion, and empathy, NO MATTER their size. (32:48) Celebrate every win and success. (34:04) What would Mom have done? (40:27) Input goals ONLY, not output goals. (42:05) His GLP-1 experience. (48:02) A HUGE opportunity for trainers and coaches. (59:10) The importance of having a support system. (1:01:48) A parting message for those in his shoes. (1:10:46) 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. ** June Special: Shredded Summer Bundle or Bikini Bundle 50% off! ** Code JUNE50 at checkout ** Listener Live Podcast with Jamie – Mind Pump # 2574 – Question #4 Aspire Fitness KY DMAIC - The 5 Phases of Lean Six Sigma Mind Pump Podcast – YouTube Mind Pump Free Resources Featured Guest/People Mentioned Jamie Selzler (@jselzler) Instagram Jamie Selzler (@jamselz) TikTok Coach Josh Bowen (@buffgandhi) Instagram Mike Matthews (@muscleforlifefitness) Instagram Dr. William Seeds (@williamseedsmd) Instagram

Jun 4, 2025 • 1h 46min
2611: Ways to Modify Your Workout Program for Maximum Gains & 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 to modify your program for maximum gains and why. (2:36) The AMAZING effects of saffron on depression and anxiety. (21:04) Failure training for hypertrophy. (26:46) Early predictions for the Enhanced Games. (30:19) Highlighting the difference between men and women. (41:46) The faith resurgence pendulum. (44:31) Consumer beware. (55:03) #ListenerLive question #1 – Is it ok to program hop even if I don’t complete a program from start to finish? (57:14) #ListenerLive question #2 – What are the big lessons you learned with your spouses as you began your lives together? (1:05:14) #ListenerLive question #3 – Am I wrong for aiming to be a functional athlete? Still being able to do heavy lifts, but still able to run an 8-minute mile? (1:18:07) #ListenerLive question #4 – I am at a complete loss right now as I am struggling to navigate my training around these injuries, and I am putting in all the hard work and battling to see the results. Any advice? (1:31:46) Related Links/Products Mentioned Ask a question to Mind Pump, live! Email: live@mindpumpmedia.com Mind Pump Group Coaching Visit Organifi for the exclusive offer for Mind Pump listeners! **Promo code MINDPUMP at checkout for 20% off** 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. ** June Special: Shredded Summer Bundle or Bikini Bundle 50% off! ** Code JUNE50 at checkout ** Mind Pump #2312: Five Steps to Bounce Back From Overtraining Mind Pump #2552: From Plateau to PR… How to Break Through Strength Barriers Saffron effectively complements antidepressant medications Effects of resistance training performed to repetition failure or non-failure on muscular strength and hypertrophy: A systematic review and meta-analysis Enhanced Games Visit Transcend for this month’s exclusive Mind Pump offer! Are athletes really getting faster, better, stronger? | David Epstein Welcome to Hot Girl Walk® 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** The 5 Love Languages: The Secret to Love that Lasts Mind Pump #2320: Throw Away the Scale! Mind Pump Podcast – YouTube Mind Pump Free Resources

Jun 2, 2025 • 28min
2610: How to Look & Get Lean Faster for Summer
Get ready for summer with smart nutrition hacks that won't derail your progress at social events. Embrace low-carb diets and high protein intake while enjoying early dinners to curb snacking. Stay hydrated to enhance your appearance, and wisely choose foods that won’t upset your digestion. Tailor your workout routines to match your fitness level, from beginners to advanced training techniques. This is your guide to looking leaner faster, just in time for summer fun!

May 31, 2025 • 1h 43min
2609: Five Times It’s Better to NOT Add Weight to the Bar & 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 times it’s better to NOT add weight to the bar. (2:03) The cognitive benefits of taking a break from smartphones. (17:24) A promising new trend for touring bands. (32:07) Effect of polyphenols on cognitive function. (33:44) Digital Drew. (35:04) Shout out to Mind Pump Josh! (44:17) The PB&J divide. (45:19) Kids say the darndest things. (48:40) Letting your kid win. (51:23) Good vibes at Mind Pump HQ. (54:47) #ListenerLive question #1 – What is the key to long-term success, stick to powerlifting year-round or upgrade every part of the “car?” (56:36) #ListenerLive question #2 – What is your take on this EMS studio trend? (1:10:48) #ListenerLive question #3 – What order and how frequently should I be using tools to maximize recovery? (1:19:40) #ListenerLive question #4 – How does one know when they’re ready to ramp up training volume? (1:29:24) 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! ** Promo code MINDPUMP at checkout for 20% off ** Mind Pump Group Coaching Train the Trainer Webinar Series May Special: MAPS 15 Performance or RGB Bundle 50% off! ** Code MAY50 at checkout ** Why Your Tempo Matters When You Workout! – Mind Pump TV Mind Pump #1932: Lifting Heavy Vs. Lifting Light Blocking mobile internet on smartphones improves sustained attention, mental health, and subjective well-being Irresistible: The Rise of Addictive Technology and the Business of Keeping Us Hooked – Book by Adam Alter All-American Rejects crashing house parties around the US. Where to next? Daily fruit and vegetable extracts may boost brain power Cold Case: The Tylenol Murders Zygomatic Spot It! Classic Card Game (2024 Refresh) - Pocket Eco Edition, 5-in-1 Visual Perception Game for Quick Reflexes and Family Fun, Ages 6+, 2-8 Players, 10 Minute Playtime, Made Visit Paleovalley for an exclusive offer for Mind Pump listeners! ** Discount is now automatically applied at checkout: 15% off your first order! ** Mind Pump Podcast – YouTube Mind Pump Free Resources People Mentioned Jim Kwik (@jimkwik) Instagram Drew Canole (@drewcanole) Instagram Josh Nickerson (@mindpumpjosh) Instagram Ed Coan (@eddycoan) Instagram Ben Pollack, Ph.D. (@phdeadlift) Instagram Layne Norton, Ph.D. (@biolayne) Instagram

May 30, 2025 • 1h 7min
2608: The 4 Most Common Nutrient Deficiencies, the Symptoms & What to Eat to Solve Them & 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: The 4 Most Common Nutrient Deficiencies, the Symptoms & What to Eat to Solve Them. (1:42) Craved food and meal balance. (22:43) Fueling your movement. (28:18) How about a heads-up next time? (37:28) Mind Pump Group Coaching: Fat Loss and Muscle-Building. (42:35) Life wisdom. (44:26) Soviet Union contributions to fitness. (48:07) Fun Facts with Justin: Hookworms. (52:15) #Quah question #1 – What's the best way to set up the width of your grips for bench and shoulder press? (55:24) #Quah question #2 – What is the best way to detox/cleanse after a weekend of drinking? (59:11) #Quah question #3 – Is it best to run a small deficit when running MAPS Symmetry? (1:01:39) #Quah question #4 – When I squat heavy, my right leg (IT Band) becomes constantly sore and stiff. Is this a form or mobility issue? What can I do to fix this? (1:02:31) Related Links/Products Mentioned Train the Trainer Webinar Series Visit NED for an exclusive offer for Mind Pump listeners! ** Code MINDPUMP at checkout for 20% off ** Mind Pump Group Coaching May Special: MAPS 15 Performance or RGB Bundle 50% off! ** Code MAY50 at checkout ** Eating craved foods with meals lessens cravings, boosts weight loss Walking 8,000 steps just 1-2 days a week linked to significant health benefits Justin’s Road to 315 Push Press Mind Pump #2600: Mike O’Hearn Secrets to Soviet Strength Training Helminthic Treatment for Crohn’s Disease Visit Butcher Box for this month’s exclusive Mind Pump offer! ** For a limited time, new 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! A curated box pre-filled with Mind Pump’s favorite cuts — no guesswork, just great meat. ** Visit Transcend for this month’s exclusive Mind Pump offer! ** 25% off all GLP-1s – This includes the GLP-1 probiotic which people can order through their specialist. ** MAPS Prime Pro Webinar Mind Pump Podcast – YouTube Mind Pump Free Resources People Mentioned Layne Norton, Ph.D. (@biolayne) Instagram Tony Robbins (@tonyrobbins) Instagram

May 29, 2025 • 41min
2607: The Ultimate Fat Loss and Muscle Gain Cheat Sheet
Discover the surprising connection between fat loss and muscle gain in this insightful discussion. Learn why a caloric deficit or surplus is crucial for your fitness goals. Delve into the importance of weight lifting and how it affects your body composition. Understand how quality sleep impacts your progress and can curb unhealthy cravings. The benefits of proper hydration are highlighted too, alongside tips for optimizing recovery and overall health. Plus, explore the role of supplements in achieving your desired results.

May 28, 2025 • 1h 56min
2606: 5 Ways to Become More Fit Without Exercise & 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 to Become More Fit Without Exercise. (2:24) The role of the microbiome of the face for skin health. (27:57) Undercover nerds. (30:08) Making the case against living next to a golf course. (34:50) The classic combination to fight against Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s disease. (37:15) Will a fit body be rarer than a Rolex in 5 years? (41:25) The prison of inauthenticity. (46:19) The future of the gym industry. (55:53) #ListenerLive question #1 – What program would you suggest I run to improve my speed and agility? (1:01:28) #ListenerLive question #2 – How do I effectively incorporate cardio while still following your programs? (1:11:00) #ListenerLive question #3 – How can you change your negative body image? (1:27:14) #ListenerLive question #4 – How can I get past the mental aspect of reverse dieting? I’ve made good progress, but I want to continue seeing the weight go down. (1:36:34) Related Links/Products Mentioned Ask a question to Mind Pump, live! Email: live@mindpumpmedia.com Train the Trainer Webinar Series Visit Caldera Lab for an exclusive offer for Mind Pump listeners! **Code MINDPUMP20 for 20% off your first order of their best products. ** Visit PRx Performance for an exclusive offer for Mind Pump listeners! ** No Code for 5% Discount gets automatically applied at checkout. ** May Special: MAPS 15 Performance or RGB Bundle 50% off! ** Code MAY50 at checkout ** Long-Lasting Stretching Induces Muscle Hypertrophy: A Meta-Analysis of Animal Studies A scoping review of the effect of chronic stretch training on sleep quality in people with sleep disorders Effect of post-exercise sauna bathing on the endurance performance of competitive male runners Sauna use linked to longer life, fewer fatal heart problems Mind Pump #1822: Wim Hof on How to Control Your Immune System With Breathwork Controversial New Study Links Parkinson's With Living Near a Golf Course Beneficial effects of nicotine Watch Untold: The Liver King | Netflix Official Site The Primal Connection: Follow Your Genetic Blueprint to Health and Happiness – Book by Mark Sisson Mind Pump Group Coaching Fitt Insider Gym/Studio Post Get your free Sample Pack with any “drink mix” purchase! Also, try the new LMNT Sparkling — a bold, 16-ounce can of sparkling electrolyte water: Visit DrinkLMNT.com/MindPump Mind Pump #2585: How to Become the Ultimate Hybrid Athlete Mind Pump #2432: The Truth About Essential Amino Acids with Angelo Keely Mind Pump #2287: Bodybuilding 101- How to Bulk and Cut Shrink Your Waist with Stomach Vacuums | MIND PUMP Hip Flexor Deactivators- Do these first to maximize your Ab development Visit Transcend for this month’s exclusive Mind Pump offer! ** 25% off all GLP-1s – This includes the GLP-1 probiotic which people can order through their specialist. ** Mind Pump #2601: How to Eat and Exercise for Different Body Types & More (Listener Live Coaching) Mind Pump Podcast – YouTube Mind Pump Free Resources People Mentioned Wim Hof (@iceman_hof) Instagram Max Lugavere (@maxlugavere) Instagram Liver King (@liverking) Instagram Dr. Gabrielle Lyon (@drgabriellelyon) Instagram

May 26, 2025 • 1h 17min
2605: Navigating AI With Tom Bilyeu
Tom Bilyeu The trigger that spun him out to make the content he is covering now. (1:13) Understanding that we live in an economic system that was constructed. (4:06) Debt jubilee. (10:51) How forward progress does NOT care about any given generation. (12:57) The existential crisis of having no meaning or purpose. (17:40) How long will we remain human? (19:47) The fast takeoff. (22:08) Humans doing bad vs. AI doing bad. (25:31) AI and the impact on his sci-fi writer brain. (28:45) Are we in the Matrix? (32:52) How does he remain an atheist going down this rabbit hole? (35:59) Thucydides Trap. (42:32) US/China AI race. (43:39) Experts vs arguments. (45:11) Happiness is a choice. (47:18) His decision not to have children. (50:27) We have a technology problem, not a population problem. (57:39) Shared memory document. (1:02:05) The biggest learning lessons from being in the media. (1:07:54) His mis map of NFTs. (1:11:29) Related Links/Products Mentioned 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. ** May Special: MAPS 15 Performance or RGB Bundle 50% off! ** Code MAY50 at checkout ** The Creature from Jekyll Island: A Second Look at the Federal Reserve Money Printing and Inflation Thucydides Trap - Wikipedia Neon Future Comic Series | Volume 1 Graphic Novel by Impact Theory Lights On: How Understanding Consciousness Helps Us Understand the Universe Joe Rogan Experience #2303 - Dave Smith & Douglas Murray 1493: Uncovering the New World Columbus Created Mind Pump Podcast – YouTube Mind Pump Free Resources Featured Guest/People Mentioned Tom Bilyeu (@tombilyeu) Instagram Website YouTube Ray Dalio (@raydalio) X/Twitter Annaka Harris (@annakaharrisprojects) Instagram