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1597: The Science of Extraordinary Athletic Performance With David Epstein

Mind Pump: Raw Fitness Truth

Release Date: 07/15/2021

2819: You’d Look Better With MORE Body Fat show art 2819: You’d Look Better With MORE Body Fat

Mind Pump: Raw Fitness Truth

Most people think getting leaner is always better… but that’s not true. In this episode, the guys break down why staying ultra-lean year-round can actually make you look worse, feel worse, and hurt your long-term health. From unrealistic body fat expectations to the pressure created by social media and fitness culture, they explain why the “ideal physique” is often misunderstood—and what actually looks better in real life. If you’ve been chasing lower body fat thinking it’s the answer… this might completely change your perspective.   The Spring Bundle: Symmetry ($187),...

info_outline 2818: Beyond the Scale: Rethinking Metrics for Fitness Success show art 2818: Beyond the Scale: Rethinking Metrics for Fitness Success

Mind Pump: Raw Fitness Truth

Why Daily Weigh-Ins Sabotage Progress + Drop Sets, VO2 Max, and Blue Collar Training . The hosts argue that frequent scale weigh-ins often sabotage progress because most people misinterpret weight fluctuations and let the number dictate mood, sharing client stories where the scale undermined visible body-composition improvements and reinforced unhealthy behavior. They discuss better metrics like performance, strength, sleep, and energy, and note how water retention, inflammation, and creatine can skew the scale and mirror. They also touch on “therians,” rising California gas prices,...

info_outline 2817: Should You Bulk or Cut First? (Most People Get This Wrong) show art 2817: Should You Bulk or Cut First? (Most People Get This Wrong)

Mind Pump: Raw Fitness Truth

Should you bulk, cut, or try to recomposition your body? In this episode of the Mind Pump Podcast, Sal, Adam, and Justin break down one of the most confusing decisions in fitness: when to bulk, when to cut, and when body recomposition actually makes sense. They explain why most people struggle with fat loss long term, why starting with a bulk or reverse diet can actually make fat loss easier, and how building muscle creates the metabolic “runway” needed for sustainable results. The guys discuss the psychological challenges of dieting, the mistakes many trainers make when cutting calories...

info_outline 2816 : Fat Burner Supplements Are a Scam (Here’s Why) show art 2816 : Fat Burner Supplements Are a Scam (Here’s Why)

Mind Pump: Raw Fitness Truth

In this episode of the Mind Pump Podcast, Sal, Adam, and Justin coach live callers on fitness, training, and nutrition strategies. They open the show discussing why fat burner supplements are mostly a waste of money, the science behind probiotics and gut health, and surprising research around PDE5 inhibitors (like Viagra) and cardiovascular health. They also debate supplements, discuss parenting and teaching kids financial habits, and explore emerging tech like Tesla tunnels in Las Vegas. Later, they coach listeners on training goals after 40, fat loss struggles, bulking vs cutting, and...

info_outline 2815: Mark Mastrov Sold a $1.7B Gym Empire… Then Bought It Back show art 2815: Mark Mastrov Sold a $1.7B Gym Empire… Then Bought It Back

Mind Pump: Raw Fitness Truth

info_outline 2814: If You Want A Lower Body Fat Percentage, Watch This ! show art 2814: If You Want A Lower Body Fat Percentage, Watch This !

Mind Pump: Raw Fitness Truth

In this episode of Mind Pump, Sal, Adam, and Justin break down why cutting body fat isn’t always the best strategy; especially for women already around 22% body fat, and explain why building muscle often produces a leaner, healthier physique. They discuss the physiological effects of dieting too lean, including hormonal disruptions, reduced metabolism, and performance declines. The conversation also explores strength gains, muscle memory, recovery, sleep optimization, and the surprising cognitive benefits of creatine. Later, the hosts highlight the impact of good coaching and education in...

info_outline 2813: Pilates for Aesthetics? What Actually Builds a Sculpted Body show art 2813: Pilates for Aesthetics? What Actually Builds a Sculpted Body

Mind Pump: Raw Fitness Truth

The hosts discuss the growing popularity of Pilates and explain why it can improve movement and stability but isn’t the best tool for building a sculpted physique compared to strength training. They also share stories from family life before diving into a conversation about the risks of people using AI chatbots for companionship and therapy. In the listener Q&A portion, the hosts explain Hyrox competitions, how to adjust training volume when cutting, considerations for training after breast augmentation, and simple strategies for improving pull-ups. The episode blends fitness education,...

info_outline 2812: The Most Overlooked Way to Burn Fat show art 2812: The Most Overlooked Way to Burn Fat

Mind Pump: Raw Fitness Truth

Walking might be the most underrated fat loss tool. In this episode, the hosts break down five reasons why simple daily walking can be more effective and sustainable than many traditional cardio methods. If you're trying to lose fat without overcomplicating your routine, this episode explains why walking should be part of your strategy. How to lose fat in 3 steps: This episode is brought to you by HUEL ! Use code MINDPUMP For MP exclusive offer of 15% OFF . New Customers Only.   00:00 Intro: Why Walking Is an Underrated Fat Loss Tool 00:35 Free Fat Loss Guide + Sponsor Mention 01:38...

info_outline 2811: This Food Item IS NOT As Healthy as You Think show art 2811: This Food Item IS NOT As Healthy as You Think

Mind Pump: Raw Fitness Truth

Blended fruit smoothies are often marketed as healthy, but the hosts explain why they can actually sabotage fat loss by spiking blood sugar, reducing satiety, and making it easy to overconsume calories. The conversation shifts into humorous cultural trends, including animal fashion, historical wigs, and strange beauty customs. The hosts also share personal updates, including struggles balancing cardio and lifting, upcoming DEXA results while increasing calories, and intense DIY yard work projects. In the coaching segment, trainers guide callers on choosing the right MAPS programs between...

info_outline 2810: Why January Fitness Resolutions Fail show art 2810: Why January Fitness Resolutions Fail

Mind Pump: Raw Fitness Truth

 Why Most January Transformations Fail Success isn’t losing weight; it’s keeping it off for the rest of your life. (1:56) 5 Reasons Why Most January Transformations Fail 1. People set the wrong goal. (5:09) 2. People will start in an unsustainable way. (10:48) 3. No plan. (17:13) 4. They adopt a “diet.” (19:03) 5. They don’t focus on building strength first. (22:54) Related Links/Products Mentioned MAPS Transformation Diet Guide – Visit:   Visit  for the exclusive offer for Mind Pump listeners! **Promo code MINDPUMP for 10% off your first...

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More Episodes

In this episode, Sal, Adam & Justin speak with investigative journalist and New York Times best selling author David Epstein about, nature, nurture, and athletic performance.

  • The Sports Gene: A story of tragedy sparked by an interest in genetics. (1:51)
  • Why are certain populations over misrepresented in sports? (3:37)
  • Why he was more backwards than getting it right researching for his new book. (6:21)
  • The generalization of skills. (9:38)
  • When is the perfect time for specialization? (14:28)
  • How would he mold his perfect athlete? (17:10)
  • Why he believes athletes now are at a drug disadvantage. (22:36)
  • How technological innovations have made a HUGE impact on the elite level in sports. (24:14)
  • The democratization of sports. (28:13)
  • How much of a role do steroids play in professional sports? (30:59)
  • Comparing the impact of anabolic steroids, human growth hormone, and erythropoietin (EPO). (36:10)
  • The story behind his breakout investigation of Alex Rodriguez testing positive for steroids. (39:40)
  • His personal beliefs on athletes using performance-enhancing drugs. (43:50)
  • Should transgender athletes be allowed to compete or not? (49:45)
  • The current research he finds interesting. (52:40)
  • Are we jumping the gun on new drugs? (55:07)
  • What will be the next big technological leap in sports? (59:47)
  • Has his attitude changed towards blood doping in sports? (1:06:07)

Featured Guest/People Mentioned

Related Links/Products Mentioned