Muscle Intelligence — Longevity, Training & Human Performance with Ben Pakulski

The time has come for us to change the world but first, we have to change ourselves by getting outside, getting uncomfortable, and finding our greatness. This is one of the deeper Q&As we've had on the show because today Ashley and Ben talk real with each other about the things that matter most and how to get back in alignment with them. Before all that, they kick off their discussion with some updates about Ben's camps with Milos and his new collaborations with some of the world's greatest chefs to create simple, quick, supremely healthy dishes.

Ben then gets into some of his thoughts on a neurotransmitter-based approach to mindset, or the idea that the state of the brain is caused by the chemicals that run through it. These chemicals are affected by our diets, sleep patterns, exercise, meditation, and other factors too, so achieving a healthy mindset can't be done through mere positive thought alone. We then hear a question from a distraught bodybuilder whose fitness obsession is ruining his life, and Ben gives one of the most moving pieces of advice about gratitude, the magic of our bodies, the gift of life we have heard on the show yet. Finally, we get into some great bits of advice for living in alignment with the values of the soul and how we should try to synch these as far as possible to achieve a state of peace and wellbeing, and live a life of the quality we deserve.

Timestamps

• Healthy, simple, high-fat cooking how-to videos Ben is working with chefs to develop. [0:17]
• How well the muscle camps are going and what a great trainer Milos is. [6:59]
• Living in the present, practicing, and not letting your age dictate your identity. [8:58]
• A view of mindset as being the result of neurotransmitters more than positive thought. [12:50]
• Optimizing neurotransmitters through positive habits like a good diet and exercise. [13:52]
• How we sometimes treat ourselves the worst out of everybody. [17:48]
• Seeing the positive in negative things to hijack our dopamine systems. [18:40]
• Keeping your kid's brain positive by being in nature and avoiding computer games. [19:54]
• Feedback loops where negative emotions cause negative neurotransmitters. [24:22]
• How the brain is wired through evolution to get rewarded from movement. [25:13]
• Using the 'breathe, walk, meditate' method to achieve healthy neurotransmitters. [25:40]
• How to meditate by being, not doing. [27:40]
• Advice for a bodybuilder whose life is falling apart because of a fitness obsession. [28:44]
• A tip: to be grateful and set reward-based, not punishment-based intentions. [30:25]
• Recognizing the magic of our own bodies as a way of staying grateful. [31:40]
• Another cause for anxiety: living out of alignment with your soul's values. [36:25]
• How to honor people you miss while traveling: crush every moment. [40:16]
• The possibility of fulfilling your soul's values even if they contradict each other. [41:16]
• Ben's plans to get his kids involved in his travels as soon as possible. [41:28]
• What makes Ben smile most: his family. [44:06]
• Lessons Ben teaches about holistic approaches to wellbeing at Muscle Intelligence. [47:21]

Why is it that while many of us know what activities we should be doing to live our best lives, we often end up doing the exact opposite ones? Rather than eating healthy food, getting good sleep, exercising, and spending time with those we love, so many of us live sedentary lives, glued to a screen of some kind, and practicing terrible eating habits. Today's guest is Dr. David Perlmutter and he has recently co-authored Brain Wash with his son Dr. Austin Perlmutter. In this episode, Dr. Perlmutter makes a compelling argument that life in a modern society constantly influences us into the position where we are making decisions using our amygdala rather than our prefrontal cortex. The availability of quick-fix solutions such as social media and fast food appeal to the human reward system making it hard not to make impulsive choices based on instant gratification rather than concerns for long term wellbeing.

Joining this conversation, you will hear Dr. Perlmutter speak at length about how the outcomes of these poor decisions create feed-forward cycles that serve to impede our decision-making abilities even further. Fortunately, we do have an escape route from it all in the form of neuroplasticity, our innate ability to rewire our brains and reconnect them to the prefrontal cortex, thus paving the way to a more balanced and wholesome existence.

This brilliant episode has been sponsored by BUBS Naturals, the supplier who makes the highest-in-class quality collagen protein powder and MCT oil Ben uses in his morning intelligence coffees. Go to bubsnatural.com and use the code MUSCLE to get 20% off your order.

Timestamps

• Dr. Perlmutter and his work about changing our relationships with the brain. [0:17]
• What BUBS supplements can do to increase your collagen intake. [2:38]
• Psychological manipulation techniques designed to keep us using technology. [4:57]
• How worrisome it is that people spend six hours a day in front of a screen. [6:35]
• Why its society's fault that people blame themselves for not keeping commitments. [9:07]
• Good vs bad decision making: the prefrontal cortex vs the amygdala. [9:29]
• Disconnection syndrome: society-induced disconnection from the prefrontal cortex. [11:30]
• The connection between inflammation and alienation from the prefrontal cortex. [12:42]
• Neuroplasticity and how to use it to empower yourself to rewire your brain. [14:06]
• Influences to impulsive decision making discussed at the beginning of Brain Wash. [15:04]
• Internet remedies to society-induced inferiority that lead to impulsive decisions. [17:20]
• The incoherence of the reward system and the treat-laden modern environment. [20:15]
• Modern social dietary customs compared to circadian eating and fasting. [23:46]
• Plus sides to tech: we can measure our health status easily. [27:57]
• How Western medicine has the wrong approach by treating symptoms. [30:28]
• Fight or flight moments where amygdala responses are necessary. [32:09]
• Moments which require more considered responses from the prefrontal cortex. [33:05]
• Getting past an 'it's too late to heal' mentality by understanding inflammation. [34:55]
• Using sleep and exercise to change dietary imbalances. [35:38]
• Long term rewards of better decision making such as superior health/relationships. [41:12]
• Increasing neuroplasticity through fish oil, turmeric, and exercise. [45:26]
• Dr. Perlmutter's eating habits: two vegetable-heavy meals a day. [46:43]
• Links between meat-eating and autophagy. [50:11]
• A debate about whether poor gut bacteria due to a meat-only diet is bad or not. [51:35]
• Getting past extreme dietary beliefs by considering personalized nutrition. [53:31]
• How the connection between omega fats and endocannabinoids is becoming clearer. [43:39]

Ben has recently landed in Dubai to kick off his latest Muscle Camp and today Ashleigh catches up with him to see how it has all been going. This year's Muscle Camps are being run by Ben and his good friend Miloš Šarčev, and together they are assembling a program designed to change not just bodies but lives. Milos will be heading up the muscle-building part of the workshop and Ben's contribution sets out to biohack the body's internal system to achieve better performance in the gym but also outside of it. Today he talks about the six pillars responsible for achieving this optimized state: movement, breath, sleep, diet, thought, and environment, and how he will be doubling down on them for this year's iterations of the camps. The skills that can be learned in workouts have the power to rewire the brain, and therefore augment new neural pathways to help people manage anxiety, fear, and many other challenges faced in daily life. We also hear Ben talk about being on stage today, and how familiarity with material plays into one's confidence levels, but what visualization can do to help manage stage fright. Our host gets into some of the healthy habits he has been practicing since landing in Dubai and gives a few teasers about what is in store at the next Muscle Camp in Australia too, so make sure you catch this one.

Today's episode was sponsored by BUBS Naturals, the best MCT and collagen supplement around. Go to bubsnaturals.com and use the code 'intelligence' to get 20% off while the deal is still in effect.

Timestamps

• Biohacking the body's internal environment using Ben's six pillars. [1:05]
• The six pillars: movement, breath, sleep, diet, thought, and environment. [3:03]
• Ben's experiences in Dubai, with Milos, and his aim to change lives in his camps. [5:00]
• Workout, diet, and sleep routines Ben practiced after landing in Dubai. [6:42]
• Public speaking nerves and Ben's presentation at the Health Optimization Summit. [10:19]
• Beating pre-performance nerves by imagining somebody watching feeling inspired. [13:17]
• Camp demographics and moving from workouts to a more holistic theme this year. [14:08]
• The idea that good form can increase workout effectiveness significantly. [16:39]
• Requirements around tailoring exercise to fit different body mechanics. [18:18]
• How one's strongest muscles cause exercises not to affect areas they mean to. [19:31]
• Using mindful exercise practices to achieve a more holistic state of being. [20:41]
• Recurring questions unrelated to fitness that crop up at Ben's camps. [22:50]
• How Ben uses workouts to train people to deal with anxiety, inadequacy, and more. [23:17]
• Exciting features in the upcoming Australia camp designed to change your life. [26:01]
• The secret ingredient in Ben's intelligence coffees: BUBS Naturals. [26:53]

Ben has recently landed in Dubai to kick off his latest Muscle Camp and today Ashleigh catches up with him to see how it has all been going. This year's Muscle Camps are being run by Ben and his good friend Miloš Šarčev, and together they are assembling a program designed to change not just bodies but lives. Milos will be heading up the muscle-building part of the workshop and Ben’s contribution sets out to biohack the body’s internal system to achieve better performance in the gym but also outside of it. Today he talks about the six pillars responsible for achieving this optimized state: movement, breath, sleep, diet, thought, and environment, and how he will be doubling down on them for this year’s iterations of the camps. The skills that can be learned in workouts have the power to rewire the brain, and therefore augment new neural pathways to help people manage anxiety, fear, and many other challenges faced in daily life. We also hear Ben talk about being on stage today, and how familiarity with material plays into one's confidence levels, but what visualization can do to help manage stage fright. Our host gets into some of the healthy habits he has been practicing since landing in Dubai and gives a few teasers about what is in store at the next Muscle Camp in Australia too, so make sure you catch this one.

Today’s episode was sponsored by BUBS Naturals, the best MCT and collagen supplement around. Go to bubsnaturals.com and use the code 'intelligence' to get 20% off while the deal is still in effect.

Timestamps

• Biohacking the body’s internal environment using Ben’s six pillars. [1:05]
• The six pillars: movement, breath, sleep, diet, thought, and environment. [3:03]
• Ben’s experiences in Dubai, with Milos, and his aim to change lives in his camps. [5:00]
• Workout, diet, and sleep routines Ben practiced after landing in Dubai. [6:42]
• Public speaking nerves and Ben’s presentation at the Health Optimization Summit. [10:19]
• Beating pre-performance nerves by imagining somebody watching feeling inspired. [13:17]
• Camp demographics and moving from workouts to a more holistic theme this year. [14:08]
• The idea that good form can increase workout effectiveness significantly. [16:39]
• Requirements around tailoring exercise to fit different body mechanics. [18:18]
• How one’s strongest muscles cause exercises not to affect areas they mean to. [19:31]
• Using mindful exercise practices to achieve a more holistic state of being. [20:41]
• Recurring questions unrelated to fitness that crop up at Ben’s camps. [22:50]
• How Ben uses workouts to train people to deal with anxiety, inadequacy, and more. [23:17]
• Exciting features in the upcoming Australia camp designed to change your life. [26:01]
• The secret ingredient in Ben’s intelligence coffees: BUBS Naturals. [26:53]

Today on the Muscle Intelligence Podcast we are joined by Dr. Harry Adelson from Docere Clinics in Salt Lake City. Dr. Adelson educates listeners on stem cells, from their function in the body to the procedures that leverage their healing capabilities. He explains the process of isolating stem cells and injecting them for optimization, emphasizing the role of the "superhuman" mesenchymal stem cells and the communicative function of exosomes. We take a deep dive into the full body stem cell makeover, with Dr. Adelson explaining who the procedure is designed for, the sedation options, what pain or discomfort patients can expect afterward, when they should start seeing results, and the costs involved. Tuning in to this episode, you will also learn more about keeping your stem cells healthy, the lifespan of stem cells in the body, the role of Wharton's jelly, and the difference between bone marrow and fat in terms of stem cell concentration.

Thanks again to our favorite olive oil company Fresh-Pressed for sponsoring the show. If you want to try a full-sized bottle of my favorite high quality, super fresh extra virgin olive oil for just $1, check out getfresh35.com!

Timestamps

• The inception of the idea of isolating stem cells and injecting them for optimization. [4:05]
• How stem cells are isolated and the superhuman abilities of mesenchymal stem cells. [8:04]
• The function of stem cells and how it is leveraged in stem cell therapy. [10:29]
• Fat and bone marrow stem cells and why exosomes are crucial in cellular communication. [14:32]
• Patient experience and sedation during the process of extracting bone marrow. [20:42]
• The process of a full body stem cell makeover and who this procedure is targeted at. [23:02]
• Thoughts on epidural and intrathecal injections and their connection to the brain. [28:21]
• What patients can expect following a "four hands" full body stem cell makeover. [30:29]
• Lifestyle choices for improving the general health of your stem cells. [32:36]
• Post-treatment feedback and when people can expect to see results. [36:12]
• The lifespan of stem cells in the body and the role of Wharton's jelly. [40:10]
• The difference between bone marrow and fat in terms of stem cell concentration. [42:44]
• What the future of stem cell medicine might look like in the field of tissue engineering. [45:47]
• A guideline of what patients can expect to pay for these procedures. [49:30]

Today on the Muscle Intelligence Podcast we are joined by Dr. Harry Adelson from Docere Clinics in Salt Lake City. Dr. Adelson educates listeners on stem cells, from their function in the body to the procedures that leverage their healing capabilities. He explains the process of isolating stem cells and injecting them for optimization, emphasizing the role of the “superhuman” mesenchymal stem cells and the communicative function of exosomes. We take a deep dive into the full body stem cell makeover, with Dr. Adelson explaining who the procedure is designed for, the sedation options, what pain or discomfort patients can expect afterward, when they should start seeing results, and the costs involved. Tuning in to this episode, you will also learn more about keeping your stem cells healthy, the lifespan of stem cells in the body, the role of Wharton’s jelly, and the difference between bone marrow and fat in terms of stem cell concentration.

Thanks again to our favorite olive oil company Fresh-Pressed for sponsoring the show. If you want to try a full-sized bottle of my favorite high quality, super fresh extra virgin olive oil for just $1, check out getfresh35.com!

Timestamps

• The inception of the idea of isolating stem cells and injecting them for optimization. [4:05]
• How stem cells are isolated and the superhuman abilities of mesenchymal stem cells. [8:04]
• The function of stem cells and how it is leveraged in stem cell therapy. [10:29]
• Fat and bone marrow stem cells and why exosomes are crucial in cellular communication. [14:32]
• Patient experience and sedation during the process of extracting bone marrow. [20:42]
• The process of a full body stem cell makeover and who this procedure is targeted at. [23:02]
• Thoughts on epidural and intrathecal injections and their connection to the brain. [28:21]
• What patients can expect following a “four hands” full body stem cell makeover. [30:29]
• Lifestyle choices for improving the general health of your stem cells. [32:36] 
• Post-treatment feedback and when people can expect to see results. [36:12]
• The lifespan of stem cells in the body and the role of Wharton’s jelly. [40:10]
• The difference between bone marrow and fat in terms of stem cell concentration. [42:44]
• What the future of stem cell medicine might look like in the field of tissue engineering. [45:47] 
• A guideline of what patients can expect to pay for these procedures. [49:30]

Welcome back to another Q&A session with Ben and Ash! Today they are tackling the topics of social conditioning, negative anchors, the opportunities provided by large hurdles, teenage inflammation and circadian rhythms, and the benefits of journaling! We start off the episode reflecting on Ben's recent trip to LA and the great new things that his time there has led to. From there, Ben takes some time to unpack the ideas of the book, Brain Wash by Dr. Perlmutter, a read that he highly recommends. The conversation then turns to negative associations and anchors and Ben shares a personal story around his difficulties with speaking growing up and how this related to nervousness around his father. We then get into a strong argument for disciplined and structured life for children and teenagers in order to achieve good nutrition and sleep in a potentially tricky period, before Ben explains our susceptibility to cookies and social media!

Remember to check out our great show sponsors, BUBS, at https://www.bubsnaturals.com/ and use the code 'intelligence' for an amazing discount on the best MCT and collagen on the market!

Timestamps

• Ben's recent trip to LA and some exciting things on the horizon. [3:47]
• Dr. Perlmutter's new book Brain Wash and the conditioning that we all face. [7:31]
• Negative responses and getting away from these negative anchors in our evolution. [11:25]
• Ben's early difficulties with speech and how this relates to his father. [15:19]
• The biggest obstacles provide the biggest opportunities for success! [21:26]
• Working around the teenage schedule and their particular circadian rhythms. [25:48]
• Benefits of journaling for reflecting, learning, progress and clarity. [31:27]
• The manipulations of social media and materialism and training the brain. [34:48]

Welcome back to another Q&A session with Ben and Ash! Today they are tackling the topics of social conditioning, negative anchors, the opportunities provided by large hurdles, teenage inflammation and circadian rhythms, and the benefits of journaling! We start off the episode reflecting on Ben's recent trip to LA and the great new things that his time there has led to. From there, Ben takes some time to unpack the ideas of the book, Brain Wash by Dr. Perlmutter, a read that he highly recommends. The conversation then turns to negative associations and anchors and Ben shares a personal story around his difficulties with speaking growing up and how this related to nervousness around his father. We then get into a strong argument for disciplined and structured life for children and teenagers in order to achieve good nutrition and sleep in a potentially tricky period, before Ben explains our susceptibility to cookies and social media!

Remember to check out our great show sponsors, BUBS, at https://www.bubsnaturals.com/ and use the code 'intelligence' for an amazing discount on the best MCT and collagen on the market!

Timestamps

• Ben's recent trip to LA and some exciting things on the horizon. [3:47]
• Dr. Perlmutter's new book Brain Wash and the conditioning that we all face. [7:31]
• Negative responses and getting away from these negative anchors in our evolution. [11:25]
• Ben's early difficulties with speech and how this relates to his father. [15:19]
• The biggest obstacles provide the biggest opportunities for success! [21:26]
• Working around the teenage schedule and their particular circadian rhythms. [25:48]
• Benefits of journaling for reflecting, learning, progress and clarity. [31:27]
• The manipulations of social media and materialism and training the brain. [34:48]

Our guest on the Muscle Intelligence Podcast today is Dr. Stephen Hussey and he is here to tell you everything you need to know about heart health! He gives great insight into the topic and shares a bunch of helpful information, action items, mistakes, misnomers and common things that we need to do to optimize heart health. We discuss cholesterol and just how misunderstood it has been, the carnivore diet, plant toxins and the dangers of charred animal products. Dr. Hussey underlines the harmful effects of sugar and how some of these have been traditionally attributed to saturated fats. We finish off our chat with Dr. Hussey talking about the 'three imbalances' and how we can set ourselves up for the best life by addressing these.

Remember to go check out the best blue light blocking glasses on the market at blublox.com/muscleintelligence. Use the code 'muscle' at checkout for a wonderful 15% discount!

Timestamps

• Current approaches to heart disease and the three categories that are recognized. [4:49]
• Understanding the role of structured water in our arteries and exclusion zones. [6:14]
• Correlations between dental health and heart health; heavy metals and endotoxemia. [13:36]
• A clarification on the role of cholesterol and how it has been misunderstood. [16:56]
• Small practices can impact heart health over the long term. [18:32]
• The negative effect of eating vegetables on our heart and its functions. [21:54]
• Impacts of overcooking animal products and the damaging effects of charred meat. [27:18]
• Best dietary practices for optimum heart health and long life! [28:56]
• The benefits of CoQ10 and cholesterol on our general health and diabetes resistance. [35:07]
• Misconceptions about the effects of saturated fats and how sugar is actually to blame. [38:36]
• Dr. Hussey's 'three imbalances' and addressing all of our evolutionary needs. [43:00]

Our guest on the Muscle Intelligence Podcast today is Dr. Stephen Hussey and he is here to tell you everything you need to know about heart health! He gives great insight into the topic and shares a bunch of helpful information, action items, mistakes, misnomers and common things that we need to do to optimize heart health. We discuss cholesterol and just how misunderstood it has been, the carnivore diet, plant toxins and the dangers of charred animal products. Dr. Hussey underlines the harmful effects of sugar and how some of these have been traditionally attributed to saturated fats. We finish off our chat with Dr. Hussey talking about the 'three imbalances' and how we can set ourselves up for the best life by addressing these.

Remember to go check out the best blue light blocking glasses on the market at blublox.com/muscleintelligence. Use the code 'muscle' at checkout for a wonderful 15% discount!

Timestamps

• Current approaches to heart disease and the three categories that are recognized. [4:49]
• Understanding the role of structured water in our arteries and exclusion zones. [6:14]
• Correlations between dental health and heart health; heavy metals and endotoxemia. [13:36]
• A clarification on the role of cholesterol and how it has been misunderstood. [16:56]
• Small practices can impact heart health over the long term. [18:32]
• The negative effect of eating vegetables on our heart and its functions. [21:54]
• Impacts of overcooking animal products and the damaging effects of charred meat. [27:18]
• Best dietary practices for optimum heart health and long life! [28:56]
• The benefits of CoQ10 and cholesterol on our general health and diabetes resistance. [35:07]
• Misconceptions about the effects of saturated fats and how sugar is actually to blame. [38:36]
• Dr. Hussey's 'three imbalances' and addressing all of our evolutionary needs. [43:00]