Muscle Intelligence
Muscle Intelligence
Ben Pakulski
The Muscle Intelligence Podcast empowers men with the skills, habits, beliefs and processes to lead from the front. After spending more than 25 years in the health and fitness industry, Ben has done the research, coached, worked with or spoken to the best in class, and distilled it down into actionable items for you to take away and implement. If you’re an executive, entrepreneur or high-performer who wants to work smarter, not lose his edge as he ages, or just get the advice of someone who has been in the trenches for the last 25 years, this podcast is for you.
Demystifying Cholesterol and Cardiometabolic Health #376
The conversation around cholesterol has been clouded with misconceptions for years… Recently, however, a clearer narrative has emerged, shedding light on the importance of understanding cholesterol beyond the simplistic labels of "good" and "bad." In fact, cholesterol is absolutely vital for our body's functions. This often-victimized molecule plays a pivotal role in hormone production, bile acid synthesis, and cell membrane formation, highlighting its indispensable nature for our survival. Our latest Muscle Intelligence Podcast episode, "Demystifying Cholesterol and Cardiometabolic Health," brings on four experts in cardiology and human metabolism… These four leaders in medicine delve into the complex world of cholesterol, nitric oxide, and the gut microbiome - and break down the impact each has on cardiovascular health and longevity. Dr. Doreen Saltiel and Dr. Michael Twyman address the common myth surrounding "good" and "bad" cholesterol, emphasizing that cholesterol, in essence, is just cholesterol. The key lies in understanding how its accumulation in arterial walls can lead to health issues, and what exactly the cause of this accumulation is. You’ll also learn the role that nitric oxide plays in coronary artery disease with Dr. Nathan Bryan, and valuable insights into how to adopt a holistic approach to heart health - which includes the health of the gut microbiome, with Dr. William Davis. From dietary strategies to lifestyle modifications, this episode offers practical tips for maintaining a healthy balance. – About Muscle Intelligence – We are raising the standard of men in their prime by helping aspirational men optimize their health so they can live longer, lead from the front and perform at their best everyday. Learn more: muscleintelligence.com/mipapply Join the Mission: Private Email List: muscleintelligence.com/viplist Private Community: muscleintelligence.com/community Instagram: instagram.com/muscleintelligencecoaching YouTube: muscleintelligence.com/youtube
Feb 29
1 hr 15 min
Why Brain Health is Important for Hormone Optimization with Dr. Mark Gordon #375
A number of men experience, at some point in their lives, the downstream effects of mild brain trauma (often unbeknownst to them). And despite the word “mild” evoking an image of a condition easily treated and managed, the effects are too often detrimental… But there’s also the potential for brain inflammation due to poor lifestyle choices - and correcting the underlying causes for this inflammation is imperative… Plus, this inflammation is a MAJOR contributing factor to hormonal imbalance, and it’s too often commonly addressed with a “band aid” solution of some sort. That’s why I’m thrilled to share a long-anticipated, insightful podcast interview with Dr. Mark Gordon, a renowned expert in neuro regenerative medicine and the treatment of traumatic brain injuries. In this podcast, Dr. Gordon discusses his pioneering work in recognizing traumatic brain injuries as a cause of hormonal deficiencies. He emphasizes the importance of addressing brain trauma early, to prevent long-term challenges. – About Muscle Intelligence – We are raising the standard of men in their prime by helping aspirational men optimize their health so they can live longer, lead from the front and perform at their best everyday. Learn more: muscleintelligence.com/mipapply Support our Sponsors: Get 10% off all BiOptimizers products with code MUSCLE10 at checkout at bioptimizers.com Learn more from Dr. Mark Gordon: http://www.tbimedlegal.com/ https://millenniumhealthstore.com/ Join the Mission: Private Email List: muscleintelligence.com/viplist Private Community: muscleintelligence.com/community Instagram: instagram.com/muscleintelligencecoaching YouTube: muscleintelligence.com/youtube
Feb 26
1 hr 21 min
Mastering Performance, Nutrition, and Recovery with Gary Roberts #374
If you're a fan of professional hockey, you're likely familiar with the legendary Gary Roberts. With a career spanning over 20 years, including a Stanley Cup win, Gary's journey is nothing short of remarkable. After sustaining a severe injury and retiring, Roberts came back to play for 11 seasons - not only at a high level, but at maybe THE highest level he had ever played in his entire life. But his story doesn't end there. In today’s episode, I sat down with Gary to delve into his transition from player to coach, where he's been shaping incredible talents like Conor McDavid, widely regarded as the greatest hockey player today. Gary shares invaluable insights into harnessing McDavid and other young players’ phenomenal abilities, and discusses the methodologies that have led to his own sustained success, even in his fifties. What makes this episode truly special is that we recorded it live in Gary's home, right in his personal gym. Being welcomed into his family's space and witnessing where he hones his craft every day was a true privilege. Whether you're a high achieving athlete, a dedicated coach, or someone looking for inspiration and valuable insights into high-performance training and coaching, don’t miss this one! – About Muscle Intelligence – We are raising the standard of men in their prime by helping aspirational men optimize their health so they can live longer, lead from the front and perform at their best everyday. Learn more: muscleintelligence.com/mipapply Support our Sponsors: Get 10% off all BiOptimizers products with code MUSCLE10 at checkout at bioptimizers.com Learn more about Gary Roberts: https://www.garyrobertsperformance.com/ https://www.instagram.com/garyrobertshpt/ Join the Mission: Private Email List: muscleintelligence.com/viplist Private Community: muscleintelligence.com/community Instagram: instagram.com/muscleintelligencecoaching YouTube: muscleintelligence.com/youtube
Feb 22
1 hr 8 min
Nitric Oxide Benefits for Sexual Function, Cardiovascular Health & More with Dr. Nathan Bryan #373
Maybe you’ve learned a thing or two about nitric oxide over the years - particularly within the contexts of erectile function, or athletic performance… This gas plays a pivotal role in our overall well-being, and is produced in ALL of our cells to facilitate the dilation of blood vessels. The dilation of these vessels is fundamental to the proper functioning of EVERY cell in our bodies. Whether you're aiming to enhance cognitive function, maintain a healthy heart, optimize muscle performance, or ensure the vitality of your intimate relationships, understanding and sustaining nitric oxide production is paramount. This episode is your golden ticket to unlocking the secrets behind this essential gas. Joining me for this enlightening conversation is none other than Dr. Nathan S. Bryan, a globally recognized authority on nitric oxide production. In our conversation, we dive deep into the intricacies of nitric oxide, providing you with insights that are not only scientifically informative, but also highly actionable. You’ll discover some common habits that may be hindering your natural nitric oxide production, and why most pre-workout supplements are NOT effective for increasing nitric oxide. Dr. Bryan shares invaluable information that could potentially revolutionize the way you approach your health and well-being. Learn more from Dr. Nathan Bryan: Dr. Nathan Bryan YouTube https://drnathansbryan.com/
Feb 5
1 hr 15 min
Build Muscle, Live Long: The 2024 Longevity Protocol #372
A major focus for myself and the Muscle Intelligence team in 2024 is the fascinating realm of longevity - and how it intersects with muscle building. Longevity is a topic that has garnered tremendous interest in the ever-evolving landscape of health and wellness… And admittedly, I was once a skeptic, questioning the vagueness and lack of substantial evidence surrounding longevity. However, my perspective has undergone a significant shift over the past year… I'm now genuinely excited about this field, driven by the increasing wealth of human data that has become available. Longevity isn't just about extending life; it's about enhancing the quality of life, ensuring a robust and thriving 'health span.' Quality of life is paramount, and muscle building plays a crucial role in this journey. In today’s episode, I delve into my personal longevity protocol, and explore how to support a vibrant and fulfilling life with everything from training, to fasting (or not fasting - depending on your unique needs), to biohacks. You’ll learn the FULL program that my elite clients follow to optimize for longevity, the best 32 supplements to support an anti-aging regime, and my tried and tested tools for maintaining muscle even while clearing senescent (“zombie”) cells from your body. Plus, I share my experience of whether the latest cutting edge bio-hacks are worth the cost. Join the (free) Muscle Intelligence Community to access the complete Muscle Intelligence Longevity Supplement Protocol. – About Muscle Intelligence – We are raising the standard of men in their prime by helping aspirational men optimize their health so they can live longer, lead from the front and perform at their best everyday. Learn more: muscleintelligence.com/mipapply Support our Sponsors: Get a 10% discount on all BiOptimizers products at bioptimizers.com/muscle - use code MUSCLE10 Join the Mission: Private Email List: muscleintelligence.com/viplist Private Community: muscleintelligence.com/community Instagram: instagram.com/muscleintelligencecoaching YouTube: muscleintelligence.com/youtube
Jan 17
37 min
Why Modern Men are Losing Their Testosterone with Dr. Jim Meehan #371
I am thrilled to share with you an insightful and inspiring conversation I recently had with Dr. Jim Meehan, a distinguished physician with a focus on male optimization... ​​Over the course of his impressive 30-year career, Dr. Meehan has mastered the art of testosterone optimization, offering invaluable insights into becoming a better man.​​ Dr. Meehan and I dive into the intricacies of masculinity, and shed light on the profound impact testosterone has on our lives. We explored a wide range of topics, from the importance of lifestyle interventions to enhance the effectiveness of testosterone, to the intangible factors influencing natural testosterone production. ​​Whether you are considering exogenous testosterone or already incorporating it into your routine, Dr. Meehan provides actionable advice on optimizing your body's ability to utilize this vital hormone. – About Muscle Intelligence – We are raising the standard of men in their prime by helping aspirational men optimize their health so they can live longer, lead from the front and perform at their best everyday. Learn more: muscleintelligence.com/mipapply Support our Sponsors: Get a 10% discount on all BiOptimizers products at bioptimizers.com/muscle - use code MUSCLE10 Join the Mission: Private Email List: muscleintelligence.com/viplist Private Community: muscleintelligence.com/community Instagram: instagram.com/muscleintelligencecoaching YouTube: muscleintelligence.com/youtube
Jan 4
1 hr 5 min
Best of 2023: High Performance and Longevity #370
I’ve recapped some of our top episodes from 2023 on high performance and longevity… You’ll hear from Dr. Rob Kominiarek on the BIG levers for nutrition, training, and hormone optimization to support your vitality as you age; Adam Bornstein on what it takes to be TRULY successful in any space… And high performance coach and mindset expert Dr. Alex Auerbach will teach you how to spot the top performers, what you can glean from them, AND how to cultivate these qualities within yourself. Plus, I’ve included a clip from Joel Greene about the REAL science behind intermittent fasting, and the most efficacious way to do it. Last but not least, you’ll learn the nine TOP interventions for men dealing with low testosterone.  This is a list that I’ve cultivated based on years of clientele experience and research into clinical trials, as well as the insight I’ve gained from the world’s foremost experts on male hormonal health. In today’s episode, you’ll learn: How to Set Yourself Apart when Building a Brand The Framework to Eat in Tune with Nature’s Rhythms A Formula for Detoxification & How to Correctly Use Ozempic The Concept of Self Regulation and How to Cultivate it Nine Critical Interventions for Low Testosterone – About Muscle Intelligence – We are raising the standard of men in their prime by helping aspirational men optimize their health so they can live longer, lead from the front and perform at their best everyday. Learn more: muscleintelligence.com/mipapply Support our Sponsors: Get a 20% discount on all Organifi products at organifi.com/muscle Full episodes with Featured Guests: Testosterone Therapy for Men: Natural and Therapeutic Routes with Dr. Rob Kominiarek Habits that Will Make you Successful in Fitness and Business with Adam Bornstein Decoding the Gut Microbiome for Weight Loss and Longevity with Joel Greene Performance Mindset and Development for High-Achieving Leaders with Dr. Alex Auerbach Nine Critical Testosterone Interventions with Ben Pakulski Join the Mission: Private Email List: muscleintelligence.com/viplist Private Community: muscleintelligence.com/community Instagram: instagram.com/muscleintelligencecoaching YouTube: muscleintelligence.com/youtube
Dec 28, 2023
1 hr 17 min
How Testosterone Works and Hypogonadism in Males with Dr. Scott Howell #369
This conversation is not your average discussion about testosterone; it's a journey into the physiological pathways, the intricacies of testosterone replacement therapy, and the crucial question of who should and shouldn't explore this avenue. Scott Howell, Ph.D., is the research director and primary investigator of Tier 1 Center for Clinical Research. He is an epidemiologist and exercise physiologist with research interests in the long-term safety of therapeutic androgen use, endocrine disrupting chemicals exposure, and preventative medicine. His work has been frequently published in notable peer-review journals including the American Journal of Physiology-Endocrinology and Metabolism and the Yale Journal of Biology and Medicine. Our discussion touches on making informed decisions about aromatase inhibitors and finasteride – the estrogen and DHT blockers, respectively. Dr. Howell also sheds light on the potential negative pathways of testosterone and offers valuable insights into navigating these aspects. Plus… we reveal some shocking facts about endocrine disruptors and their impact on the hormonal health of our species. – About Muscle Intelligence – We are raising the standard of men in their prime by helping aspirational men optimize their health so they can live longer, lead from the front and perform at their best everyday. Learn more: muscleintelligence.com/mipapply Support our Sponsors: Get a 10% discount on all BiOptimizers products at bioptimizers.com/muscle - use code MUSCLE10 Learn more from Dr. Scott Howell https://optimizeucenters.com/ https://www.researchgate.net/profile/Scott-Howell-2 Join the Mission: Private Email List: muscleintelligence.com/viplist Private Community: muscleintelligence.com/community Instagram: instagram.com/muscleintelligencecoaching YouTube: muscleintelligence.com/youtube
Dec 21, 2023
1 hr 27 min
Personal Development is a Lifelong Process with Brian Johnson of Heroic #368
I'm thrilled to share something special with you—a live interview that took place in Toronto, with the incredible Brian Johnson; he's a good friend, and someone whom I consider one of my mentors. Brian Johnson is the Founder & CEO of Heroic Public Benefit Corporation. He’s 50% Philosopher + 50% CEO and 101% committed to helping create a world in which 51% of humanity is flourishing by the year 2051. As a Founder/CEO he’s made crowdfunding history and built and sold two social platforms. As a Philosopher/teacher, he’s helped millions of people from around the world, trained 10,000+ Heroic Coaches from 100+ countries and created a protocol that science says changes lives. He lives in the country outside Austin, Texas, with his wife, Alexandra, and their two kids, Emerson and Eleanor. What makes Brian truly exceptional is his ability to distill the complexities of personal growth down to a few key principles. He masterfully conveys his knowledge in a concise and impactful way, making it simple to integrate these insights into your own journey. If you're seeking inspiration, actionable strategies, and a roadmap to a life filled with joy, energy, and abundance, this podcast episode is a must-listen. – About Muscle Intelligence – We are raising the standard of men in their prime by helping aspirational men optimize their health so they can live longer, lead from the front and perform at their best everyday. Learn more: muscleintelligence.com/mipapply Support our Sponsors: Get 15% off all Natural Stacks products with code MUSCLE15 at naturalstacks.com/muscle Learn more about Brian Johnson and Heroic: Brian’s book, Arete: heroic.us/arete (Amazon order page) YouTube: youtube.com/@HeroicBrian Linkedin: www.linkedin.com/in/heroicbrian Instagram: www.instagram.com/heroicbrian Facebook: www.facebook.com/heroicbrian X: twitter.com/heroicbrian Brian’s Podcast Join the Mission: Private Email List: muscleintelligence.com/viplist Private Community: muscleintelligence.com/community Instagram: instagram.com/muscleintelligencecoaching YouTube: muscleintelligence.com/youtube
Dec 14, 2023
1 hr 15 min
Calling All Men: Conversation with Michael Skye of VisionForce #367
I was recently invited to speak at a summit that seeks to unite tens of thousands of men from around the world, to confront the many crises we face.. ...and it's one of the most personal interviews I've ever done. To reach more men, I asked Calling All Men Summit host Michael Skye if I could share this interview with the Muscle Intelligence Community. Plus, if you register at callingallmensummit.com, you can access the entire Summit for a free encore weekend, December 16th-17th, 2023. – About Muscle Intelligence – We are raising the standard of men in their prime by helping aspirational men optimize their health so they can live longer, lead from the front and perform at their best everyday. Learn more: muscleintelligence.com/mipapply Access the full Calling all Men Summit, put on by Michael Skye: https://callingallmensummit.com Join the Mission: Private Email List: muscleintelligence.com/viplist Private Community: muscleintelligence.com/community Instagram: instagram.com/muscleintelligencecoaching YouTube: muscleintelligence.com/youtube
Dec 11, 2023
53 min
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