In this eye-opening episode of the DDT Method podcast, host Drew Donaldson interviews Dr. Todd Lee, a unique authority in performance enhancing drugs who brings both medical expertise as an MD and biochemist along with real-world experience as an IFBB pro bodybuilder. Dr. Lee delivers a no-holds-barred breakdown of PED protocols, challenging common misconceptions with evidence-based approaches.

From establishing proper hormone replacement therapy foundations to understanding the complex interplay between testosterone, growth hormone, and estrogen, this episode provides an educational deep dive into intelligent and safer approaches to performance enhancement.

CHAPTERS

Introduction to Dr. Todd Lee

Dr. Todd Lee shares his unique background as an IFBB pro bodybuilder, medical doctor, and biochemist, explaining how his direct experience and scientific knowledge provide him with an authoritative perspective on PEDs beyond anecdotal evidence.

The Importance of Blood Work

Learn why proper diagnostic testing is critical before starting any protocol, what specific markers to look for, and why common "liver enzymes" are often misunderstood in the bodybuilding community.

The Testosterone & Estrogen Connection

Dr. Lee breaks down the vital role estrogen plays in muscle building, why many people mistakenly suppress it, and how to find your optimal estrogen balance through careful titration and monitoring.

Growth Hormone Fundamentals

Discover why GH should be the second compound introduced after testosterone, its proper dosing strategy, the synergistic relationship between GH and estrogen, and why insulin is rarely necessary despite its popularity.

Masteron vs. Primo Debate

Dr. Lee provides a comprehensive biochemical explanation of why Masteron may be superior to Primobolan for most users, challenging conventional wisdom with scientific reasoning about mechanism of action and side effect profiles.

The 19-Nor Controversy

Why compounds like Nandrolone and Trenbolone should generally be avoided, with Dr. Lee comparing them to "grenades in a hostage situation" due to their unpredictable and potentially serious side effects.

Daily Injection Protocols

Learn about Dr. Lee's preferred method of daily micro-dosing with insulin syringes, why it's more stable and effective than traditional approaches, and his humorous take on "backloading" syringes.

Debunking Oral Steroid Myths

Dr. Lee explains why oral steroids are rarely justified outside of specific competition contexts, how they impact liver health, and why claims about their unique benefits are often exaggerated.

The Simple Approach to Complex Results

The episode concludes with practical recommendations for building an effective protocol that emphasizes simplicity, safety, and results over unnecessarily complex stacks and dangerous compounds.

If you want to learn more from Dr. Todd Lee, follow him on Instagram @ToddleeMD or check out his YouTube channel "Dr. Todd Lee's Anabolic University" for in-depth educational content. Remember that his Instagram reels are just previews of his full-length YouTube videos, which contain the complete context and nuance behind his statements. For those interested in personalized coaching or blood work analysis, visit his website at toddleemd.com.

For more evidence-based information on training, nutrition, and performance enhancement, subscribe to the DDT Method podcast and hit the notification bell so you never miss an episode with experts like Dr. Todd Lee who cut through the broscience with real scientific knowledge.

Alternative Performance Enhancement: The Science Behind Non-Androgenic PEDs

In this groundbreaking episode of the DDT Method podcast, host Drew Donaldson interviews Jake Benson, a performance coach who works with elite athletes across various disciplines. They dive deep into alternative performance-enhancing supplements that go beyond traditional anabolics, exploring how proper application of these compounds can dramatically improve body composition, performance, and recovery. Jake reveals how these supplements must be matched to specific training systems and energy pathways to be effective, offering insights that could completely transform how you approach your training and supplementation.

Understanding Energy Systems

Discover why most people misapply supplements by failing to understand their body's energy systems. Learn how to use tools like pulse oximeters to identify which energy pathways you're actually using during training, and why this knowledge is crucial for supplement effectiveness.

Injectable L-Carnitine: The Ultimate Multitool

Explore how injectable L-carnitine drives fatty acids into cells for energy, spares glycogen, and enhances recovery. Jake explains why this versatile compound benefits everyone from bodybuilders to endurance athletes, and how it can be used at different times of day for different effects.

Choline & Neurotransmitters: The Mind-Muscle Connection

Understand how choline supplementation enhances muscle contractions, allowing you to push through lactic thresholds and increase training volume. Learn why stronger neural drive is crucial for hypertrophy and how products like "Nectar" combine carnitine and choline for synergistic effects.

Performance Stacks: The "Holy Trinity"

Delve into what Jake calls the "Holy Trinity" of performance enhancement: the combination of nectar (carnitine/choline), iridescence (phosphocreatine/ATP), and data (diisopropylamine dichloroacetate). Discover how these three products together can dramatically improve training capacity.

Oxygen Utilization & ITPP

Learn about ITPP and dimethylglycine in "Peak VO2" and how they change oxygen-hemoglobin affinity, enhancing oxygen delivery to tissues. Find out how this can benefit cognitive function, workout performance, and even improve your digestion.

Recovery Optimization: Glutathione & NAD+

Explore why injectable glutathione might be the most important recovery tool you're not using, and how NAD+ can eliminate chronic fatigue and enhance ATP production. Jake reveals why these two compounds are game-changers for anyone pushing their physical limits.

Fat Loss Without Stimulants

Discover Jake's ultimate fat loss stack that enhances metabolic function without relying on sympathetic stimulants like clenbuterol or ephedrine. Learn why this approach is both more sustainable and healthier in the long run.

Cognitive Enhancement & Anxiety Control

Understand how certain nootropics can enhance performance by controlling anxiety and improving neural function during high-pressure situations. Jake explains the brain mechanisms that limit performance and how to overcome them.

Take Your Performance To The Next Level

If you're serious about optimizing your performance, recovery, and body composition, follow Better Through Biology (@betterthroughbiology) on Instagram for more cutting-edge information from Jake and his team.

Subscribe to the DDT Method podcast for future episodes exploring these topics in even greater depth, and visit our website for links to resources mentioned in this episode.

Don't forget to like, share, and leave a review if you found this information valuable!

Today, Drew sits down with Alex Kikel, one of the smartest minds in bodybuilding, biohacking, and longevity science. In this eye-opening conversation, they dive deep into the emerging world of mitochondrial supplementation and how it's revolutionizing performance, recovery, and health. From basic supplements to cutting-edge peptides, learn how these compounds can help you get leaner, stronger, and potentially extend your lifespan substantially. Whether you're an elite athlete, fitness enthusiast, or simply interested in optimizing your health, this episode offers actionable information on mitochondrial support that you can implement immediately.

Chapters

Mitochondria: The Misunderstood Powerhouse 

Discover what mitochondria actually do beyond generating energy, including their crucial role in protein folding, anticipatory recovery, and cellular communication. Learn why understanding these cellular components is essential for anyone pushing physical or cognitive limits.

Foundation Building: Low-Hanging Fruit 

Explore accessible ways to enhance mitochondrial function through simple practices like grounding, sun exposure, and readily available supplements including spirulina, chlorella, glutathione, alpha-lipoic acid, and carbon 60. These foundational supports can benefit everyone regardless of fitness goals.

The Next Level: CoQ10, Urolithin A & PQQ 

Delve into intermediate mitochondrial support options that most people have heard of but don't fully understand, including how these supplements work differently to support energy production, mitochondrial recycling, and density.

The Elite Compounds: SS31 & MOT-C 

Understand how these cutting-edge mitochondrial peptides function at different sites within the mitochondria to repair, enhance, and protect these vital cellular components, potentially extending lifespan significantly while improving performance.

Fat Loss Accelerators: SLU & BAM15 

Learn about the mechanism behind today's most talked-about compounds for body composition—how SLU PP332 "supercharges the engine" while BAM15 strategically creates beneficial inefficiency to dramatically accelerate fat loss without compromising health.

Strategic Implementation: Personalizing Your Protocol 

Discover how to integrate mitochondrial support based on your specific goals, whether you're a competitive athlete, business professional, or focusing on longevity. Learn cycling strategies, dosing approaches, and how to avoid the pitfalls of overdriving your mitochondria.

Health as Performance Enhancement 

Understand why focusing on mitochondrial health can be the ultimate performance hack, potentially solving problems that traditional approaches can't touch, while simultaneously extending athletic careers and quality of life.

Ready to revolutionize your approach to performance and longevity? Follow Alex Kikel on Instagram (@alex_kikel) and YouTube (AlexKikelTPC) for more in-depth content on mitochondrial optimization and beyond. Visit thepepcoach.com for consultation opportunities. For quality mitochondrial support supplements, check out Biolongevity Labs, where Alex consults on formulations. 

Don't forget to subscribe to the DDT Method Podcast for more conversations at the cutting edge of human performance.

In this eye-opening episode, we're joined by elite powerlifter and emerging fitness educator David Herrera, who shares his revolutionary perspective on human physiology, mitochondrial function, and environmental optimization for peak performance.

David breaks down how our bodies are essentially "complicated plants" that require proper nutrition, water, and also importantly, sunlight to function optimally. Discover how modern indoor lifestyles are creating hidden hypoxic states in our bodies and how simple practices like strategic sunlight exposure can transform your energy, recovery, and performance.

Chapters:

David's Background & Philosophy David shares his journey as an accomplished powerlifter who has totaled over 10x his bodyweight and explains his holistic approach to human physiology and energy systems.

The Human Energy System Explained Learn how humans have developed sophisticated photosynthetic systems that allow us to gather energy from multiple sources including sunlight, cold exposure, and vibrational energies.

The Modern Sunlight Deficiency Crisis Discover why most people are getting less than 30 minutes of outdoor time daily and how this impacts everything from body composition to recovery.

Circadian Signaling & Energy Optimization David explains how proper morning and evening light exposure creates the signaling your body needs to regulate hormones, recovery, and energy production.

Nutrition & Environmental Synergy Learn why eating outdoors and taking short walks after meals can dramatically improve digestion, nutrient absorption, and insulin sensitivity.

Mitochondrial Supplements & Applications Explore cutting-edge compounds including L-carnitine, choline, methylene blue, and ITPP that can enhance mitochondrial function when properly implemented.

Training for Mitochondrial Density David shares practical strategies for increasing mitochondrial density in specific muscle groups to break through plateaus and enhance performance.

Follow David Herrera:

• Instagram: @davidherrera119 (personal) & @solarathlete (scientific content)
• Supplements: www.darrellstrength.com
• For personalized coaching and consultations, visit either Instagram profile and check the link in bio

Join us for this eye-opening conversation with Dr. Dwayne Jackson, one of the most knowledgeable nutritionists in the fitness and bodybuilding industry.

With a PhD in neurovascular physiology and 16 years as a medical professor, Dr. Jackson brings both scientific expertise and real-world experience as a former competitive bodybuilder to this information-packed episode.

Topics

Dr. Jackson's Unique Background

Learn about Dr. Jackson's journey from professional motocross racer to medical professor at the University of Western Ontario, and how his own health challenges shaped his approach to performance nutrition.

The Kidney Transplant That Changed Everything

Dr. Jackson shares his personal health journey through kidney failure, dialysis, and transplant—and why this experience made him a better health specialist.

Blood Pressure: The Canary in the Coal Mine

Discover why blood pressure is the #1 health marker for bodybuilders and athletes, and how it acts as an early warning system for numerous health issues.

The Meditation Hack for Bodybuilders

Learn the simple breathing technique Dr. Jackson recommends to his clients to reduce stress, improve HRV, and normalize blood pressure in just minutes a day.

The Truth About Fad Diets

A critical analysis of carnivore, keto, and other restrictive diets, and why they often create more problems than they solve.

The Modified Mediterranean Approach

Dr. Jackson reveals his preferred nutritional philosophy that balances performance, physique goals, and long-term health.

Gut Health: The Foundation of Performance

Why your microbiome may be the key to better gym performance, recovery, and body composition.

Functional Foods vs. Processed Foods

How polyphenols, fiber, and nutrient density work synergistically to improve health and athletic performance.

FOLLOW DR. DWAYNE JACKSON

Instagram: @drdnjackson

pre-script.com

Dr. Jackson runs all nutrition classes for Prescript, a high-level continuing education platform. Keep an eye out for upcoming courses in nutrition and gut health.

In this episode of the DDT Method podcast, we sit down with IFBB Pro Olympian Terence Ruffin, one of the most cerebral competitors in the classic physique division. Terence shares his journey from a 120-pound military hopeful to a two-time Arnold Classic champion and Mr. Olympia runner-up, revealing the intelligent approach that's kept him continuously improving throughout his 11-year professional career.

EPISODE CHAPTERS:

Introduction & Background Meet Terence Ruffin, the IFBB Pro with a decade-plus competitive career who's known for his methodical, science-based approach to bodybuilding.

The Path to Professional Bodybuilding Terence shares how his journey began in the Air Force when he couldn't make Special Forces due to being underweight, leading him to discover bodybuilding while trying to build muscle.

Overcoming Injuries & Setbacks Learn how Terence navigated serious elbow issues using various treatment approaches and his stoic mindset toward recovery, including stem cell therapy and physical therapy.

Training Philosophy & Evolution Discover how Terence's partnership with renowned coach Joe Bennett transformed his training approach from high-volume to progressive, precise training with impeccable form.

The Importance of Tracking Progress Terence explains why the logbook was "the most important aspect of training" in his development and how it helped him grow more in one year than the several previous years combined.

Training Split Strategies Explore different training split approaches, from upper/lower to specialized body part frequency, and why most bodybuilders focus too much on volume instead of frequency.

48:10-54:30 Nutritional Approach Learn about Terence's simplified nutritional strategy influenced by John Meadows, emphasizing consistency over complexity, especially when approaching competitions.

Recovery & Stress Management Terence shares his stoic approach to managing recovery, identifying overtraining, and handling the mental aspects of competitive bodybuilding.

Iron Eden & Future Plans Get details about Terence's coaching company, his upcoming competition at the Pittsburgh Pro, and his outlook on possibly winning the Olympia.

If you're looking to improve your physique, optimize your training, or simply learn from one of the most intelligent competitors in bodybuilding today, this episode delivers actionable insights that work for athletes at any level. Terence breaks down why frequency often trumps volume, why tracking your progress is non-negotiable, and how a focused, educated approach leads to consistent improvement.

Follow Terence on Instagram and YouTube @RuffDiesel.

In this information-packed episode of the DDT Method podcast, we sit down with Joe Bennett, known to most as "The Hypertrophy Coach" - one of the most respected and knowledgeable figures in the “Optimal Training” movement. Joe shares his journey from self-described "meathead" to becoming a coach who has trained 10+ different Olympia champions across all categories.

Whether you're a fitness professional looking to enhance your coaching skills or someone serious about optimizing your training, Joe breaks down complex concepts into practical wisdom about exercise selection, training volume, frequency, and the biomechanics that drive real results.

CHAPTER HIGHLIGHTS:

Joe's Journey in Fitness Joe shares his background from being a young lifter obsessed with Arnold's Encyclopedia, through his college years, to eventually managing training departments and working with elite bodybuilders and athletes.

Education & Influences Joe discusses his biggest educational influences including Charles Poliquin and Tom Purvis, and how these mentors shaped his evidence-based yet practical approach to training.

The Value of In-Person Coaching Experience A deep dive into why real-world coaching experience is critical for understanding how to apply training principles with actual human beings, not just theory.

Form, Execution & Movement Quality Joe emphasizes how movement execution trumps exercise selection and program design for most trainees, and why focusing on "perfect reps" delivers better results than chasing numbers.

Understanding Joint Torque & Resistance Profiles A fascinating breakdown of biomechanics concepts that explain why exercises feel harder at certain points in the range of motion and how this affects muscle development.

Exercise Selection & Training Volume Joe explains his philosophy of "as little as possible to produce maximal results" and why progressive overload matters more than arbitrary volume recommendations.

Training Frequency & Split Design The discussion covers how to optimize training frequency based on individual preferences and schedule, with practical insights on why splitting volume across sessions can be beneficial.

Final Thoughts & Where to Find Joe Joe shares information about his app, coaching services, and Hypertrophy Coach University for fitness professionals wanting to learn more.

If you're tired of cookie-cutter training programs and want to understand the deeper principles that drive muscle growth, this episode delivers actionable insights from one of the industry's top minds. Joe's balanced approach combines scientific understanding with practical application, perfect for serious lifters and coaches alike.

Follow Joe on Instagram and YouTube @hypertrophycoach, and check out his app and educational platform for trainers at Hypertrophy Coach University.

In this eye-opening episode, we dive deep with Dr. Jordan Shallow, aka "The Muscle Doc" - founder of Prescript, chiropractor, strength coach, and advisor to elite athletes across the NFL, MLB, and NHL. Jordan shares his unique journey from Apple's corporate wellness center to becoming one of the most respected biomechanics educators in the fitness industry.

Whether you're a fitness professional looking to elevate your coaching or someone passionate about optimizing your own training, this episode reveals how understanding structure and function can revolutionize your approach to movement and muscle development.

EPISODE CHAPTERS:

0:00 - 15:30: Jordan's Unconventional Path Jordan shares his journey from chiropractor at Apple to strength coach at Stanford, opening practices, and eventually selling everything to travel the world teaching biomechanics. Learn how his "homeless vagabond" period led to developing Prescript and working with pro athletes.

15:31 - 25:45: The Value of Multiple Perspectives Discover how Jordan broke free from conventional training biases by approaching powerlifting as a chiropractor, chiropractic as a strength coach, and coaching as a powerlifter - creating a unique kaleidoscope of insights missing in traditional education.

25:46 - 37:20: What's Missing in the Fitness Industry Jordan discusses the problem with one-size-fits-all approaches and the importance of exclusion criteria - understanding who specific training approaches are and aren't designed for. Learn why critical thinking and discernment are crucial skills for both coaches and clients.

37:21 - 47:15: What is Prescript and Who It's For A detailed breakdown of Prescript's education platform, who it serves (from personal trainers to orthopedic surgeons), and why its applied biomechanics approach fills critical gaps in fitness education across multiple disciplines.

47:16 - 1:02:30: Structure Dictates Function: Chest Development Using chest training as an example, Jordan explains how rib cage structure, sternum angle, and shoulder joint function determine optimal exercise selection - moving beyond the traditional "hit it from all angles" approach to targeted training based on individual anatomy.

1:02:31 - 1:09:45: The Glute Development Revelation Learn why glute training is commonly misunderstood and how pelvic orientation, hip function, and voluntary control are the keys to development - not just position. Jordan explains why "how you grow a muscle is not how you show a muscle."

1:09:46 - End: Continuing Education and Future Directions Jordan discusses Prescript's expanding curriculum, upcoming textbooks with QR-linked mini-lectures, accreditation plans, and their focus on communication and refinement rather than just expansion.

If you're ready to move beyond cookie-cutter approaches and understand how your unique structure should dictate your training, this episode is your roadmap to more effective, individualized fitness.

Subscribe for more deep dives into optimizing human performance, and visit pre-script.com to learn more about their education programs!

#Biomechanics #FitnessEducation #StrengthTraining #PersonalTraining #MovementScience #Prescript #TheMuscleDoc #JordanShallow #AthleticPerformance #FitnessCoaching

Join us for Part 3 of our N1 Education Podcasts with Coach Adam Miller an elite strength and conditioning coach, power lifter and body building coach.

Drew and Adam discuss the nuances of programming and what levers you can pull to dial in your training based on goals and lifestyle.

Connect with Adam

Follow Adam on Instagram

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N1 Website

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Every day, the fitness industry bombards us with a staggering array of information, ranging from diet tips and workout plans to supplements and equipment. But how much of this truly will work for you, and how much is just clever marketing? Cody Moxley of N1 Education shares his strategies for identifying trustworthy sources and filtering out the noise.

Cody explains the importance of skepticism and critical thinking when evaluating new fitness claims. He discusses the red flags that often indicate questionable advice and highlights the green flags of credible, valuable fitness guidance.

Connect with Cody

Follow Cody on Instagram

Follow N1 on Instagram

N1 Education Website