How I Gained 50 Pounds of Muscle in 18 Months #390

Episode Shownotes: Ben Pakulski opens the vault on his insane 18-month jump from 242 to 293 lbs of stage-ready muscle. He breaks down exactly how he trained (high-skill execution, targeted volume, real failure), how he ate (predictable “Groundhog Day” nutrition), and how he recovered to handle more work than most think possible. You’ll hear the mindset that fueled it, discipline, aggression in a safe container, and ruthless focus, and the biomechanics lessons that changed everything after a career-threatening knee issue. If you want a practical blueprint for serious size without guesswork, this is it. 5 Bullet Points: The 18-month strategy behind 50 lbs of muscle Why one perfect exercise beats five mediocre ones How to set volume by recovery, not ego Groundhog Day nutrition for predictable progress The mindset shift that multiplies training results Ready for the next level? Join 200,000 men in their prime, reading our weekly newsletter: http://muscleintelligence.com/newsletter   Unlock Your Full Muscle Building Potential With Our Complete Training Guides: https://go.muscleintelligence.com/bodypart/   Hypertrophy Execution Mastery: The most comprehensive MI40 muscle-building program EVER! https://hypertrophymastery.com/ About Ben Ben Pakulski is the Chief Performance Officer to elite executives, successful entrepreneurs, and top athletes.With over 25 years of experience, he coaches high achievers to build the physical, psychological, and metabolic resilience required to lead at the highest level. As the creator of the Muscle Intelligence framework, Ben specializes in aligning biology and behavior to drive sustained peak performance. His mission is to redefine what’s possible for people in their prime and push the boundaries of human potential.

In this episode of the Muscle Intelligence Podcast, Ben Pakulski sits down with Dr. Scott Sherr to uncover the hidden drivers of burnout, fatigue, and accelerated aging. Together they explore how trauma, sympathetic overdrive, and mitochondrial dysfunction silently undermine performance and recovery.   Dr. Sherr explains why 94% of adults have impaired mitochondrial health and how tools like methylene blue, metabolomic testing, and hyperbaric therapy can reset energy production at the cellular level. Whether you’re a high-performing executive or simply someone feeling stuck in stress mode, this conversation provides a blueprint for balancing your nervous system, reclaiming energy, and extending healthspan.   5 Bullet Points: How trauma traps your nervous system in overdrive The link between mitochondria and lasting energy Daily practices to reset stress physiology Methylene blue’s role in cellular performance Why longevity starts with cellular optimization   About Ben Ben Pakulski is the Chief Performance Officer to elite executives, successful entrepreneurs, and top athletes.With over 25 years of experience, he coaches high achievers to build the physical, psychological, and metabolic resilience required to lead at the highest level. As the creator of the Muscle Intelligence framework, Ben specializes in aligning biology and behavior to drive sustained peak performance. His mission is to redefine what’s possible for people in their prime and push the boundaries of human potential.   About Dr. Sherr Dr. Scott Sherr is an internationally recognized physician and pioneer in Health Optimization Medicine. With expertise in hyperbaric therapy and metabolomics, he helps high performers restore energy, recovery, and resilience at the cellular level. As co-founder of Health Optimization Medicine, he trains physicians in metabolomics, chronobiology, and epigenetics. He also leads at Troscriptions, developing tools like methylene blue to enhance mitochondrial function and nervous system balance. His mission: move people beyond decline to lasting performance and longevity, optimizing health from the cell up.   Dr.Scott Sherr's Website: https://drscottsherr.com/ Dr. Scott Sherr's Instagram: @drscottsherr

Podcasts are better with visuals! → Watch On YouTube Join 50,000+ men getting weekly strategies to build muscle, boost energy, and extend performance, delivered straight to your inbox. → Join the Newsletter We're here to help you build muscle. Download our FREE body part specializations below. → Free Resources Episode Description  In this powerful episode, Ben Pakulski sits down with Curt Mitchell, former Green Beret, Special Forces Operator, and intelligence professional to unpack the mindset, training, and readiness strategies of the world’s most elite warriors. Curt shares untold stories from decades in special operations, revealing how he maintained peak performance under extreme pressure and how those same principles now drive his approach to health, recovery, and longevity. From mission-essential task lists to mastering stress in high-stakes environments, you’ll discover practical frameworks to build resilience, maintain your edge, and lead with strength, whether in business, the gym, or life. Points To Watch Out For  How Special Forces define “readiness” across all domains Lessons in stress mastery from elite missions Building physical and mental resilience for decades The power of minimum effective dose training Translating battlefield discipline into daily lif About Ben Ben Pakulski is the Chief Performance Officer to elite executives, successful entrepreneurs, and top athletes. With over 25 years of experience, he coaches high achievers to build the physical, psychological, and metabolic resilience required to lead at the highest level. As the creator of the Muscle Intelligence framework, Ben specializes in aligning biology and behavior to drive sustained peak performance. His mission is to redefine what’s possible for people in their prime and push the boundaries of human potential.  About Curt Curt is a decorated U.S. Army veteran whose 20-year career spanned the Green Berets, Special Forces, and intelligence work with the CIA and DIA. Called a “real-life Jason Bourne,” he’s operated in the world’s toughest environments, from counterterrorism to training foreign militaries. Now, he helps high-achieving men apply elite military frameworks to health, longevity, and leadership, building resilience, mental clarity, and lasting vitality to thrive in any environment.  

Podcasts are better with visuals! → Watch On YouTube In this powerful episode of the Muscle Intelligence Podcast, Ben Pakulski reveals why most men over 40 fail to build muscle despite training hard. Drawing on decades as an elite bodybuilder and coach to top athletes and entrepreneurs, Ben breaks down the “3 Ps” of posture, position, and path, the hidden keys to unlocking real growth. Discover why bad form is killing your gains, how to direct tension exactly where you want it, and why not all reps are created equal. Whether you want to build lasting strength, recover faster, or train pain-free for decades, this episode gives you a proven blueprint.   5 Bullet Points to Watch Out For: Why most workouts fail men over 40 The 3 Ps: posture, position, path How to direct tension for real growth The hidden dangers of speed training Building muscle that lasts decades   Ready For The Next Level?   Here are 3 ways we can help you look, feel and perform at your best:   1. Grab a free copy of 1 of our BRAND NEW Peak Performance Protocols. This is for high performers looking to 10x their training and nutrition results by becoming 10x more effective. Click here - https://go.muscleintelligence.com/high-performance-executive-report/   2. Join the Muscle Intelligence Community and connect with other men like you who want to uplevel their health and fitness. It’s our new Facebook group where I coach members live, share what’s working with my private clients and announce tickets to my upcoming trainings and events. Click here - https://www.muscleintelligence.com/community   3. Work with me 1-on-1 If you’re a top performing executive or entrepreneur who wants a fully customized comprehensive health protocol and support from a team of world-class specialists, click here to speak with a member of my team to review all of your goals and options: https://www.muscleintelligence.com/apply?utm_campaign=YT   About Ben Ben Pakulski is the Chief Performance Officer to elite executives, successful entrepreneurs, and top athletes. With over 25 years of experience, he coaches high achievers to build the physical, psychological, and metabolic resilience required to lead at the highest level. As the creator of the Muscle Intelligence framework, Ben specializes in aligning biology and behavior to drive sustained peak performance. His mission is to redefine what’s possible for people in their prime and push the boundaries of human potential.

Podcasts are better with visuals! → Watch On YouTube Join 50,000+ men getting weekly strategies to build muscle, boost energy, and extend performance, delivered straight to your inbox. → Join the Newsletter We're here to help you build muscle. Download our FREE body part specializations below. → Free Resources In this powerful episode, Ben Pakulski sits down with Curt Mitchell, former Green Beret, Delta Force operator, and intelligence professional to unpack the mindset, training, and readiness strategies of the world’s most elite warriors. Curt shares untold stories from decades in special operations, revealing how he maintained peak performance under extreme pressure and how those same principles now drive his approach to health, recovery, and longevity. From mission-essential task lists to mastering stress in high-stakes environments, you’ll discover practical frameworks to build resilience, maintain your edge, and lead with strength, whether in business, the gym, or life. Points To Watch Out For  How Special Forces define “readiness” across all domains Lessons in stress mastery from elite missions Building physical and mental resilience for decades The power of minimum effective dose training Translating battlefield discipline into daily life Join 50,000+ men getting weekly strategies to build muscle, boost energy, and extend performance, delivered straight to your inbox. → [Join the Newsletter] About Ben Ben Pakulski is the Chief Performance Officer to elite executives, successful entrepreneurs, and top athletes. With over 25 years of experience, he coaches high achievers to build the physical, psychological, and metabolic resilience required to lead at the highest level. As the creator of the Muscle Intelligence framework, Ben specializes in aligning biology and behavior to drive sustained peak performance. His mission is to redefine what’s possible for people in their prime and push the boundaries of human potential.   About Curt: Curt is a decorated U.S. Army veteran whose 20-year career spanned the Green Berets, Delta Force, and intelligence work with the CIA and DIA. Called a “real-life Jason Bourne,” he’s operated in the world’s toughest environments, from counterterrorism to training foreign militaries. Now, he helps high-achieving men apply elite military frameworks to health, longevity, and leadership, building resilience, mental clarity, and lasting vitality to thrive in any environment.  

Podcasts are better with visuals! → Watch On YouTube Join 50,000+ men getting weekly strategies to build muscle, boost energy, and extend performance, delivered straight to your inbox. → Join the Newsletter We're here to help you build muscle. Download our FREE body part specializations below. → Free Resources Show Notes/Description What happens when you combine obsessive consistency, pain-free movement, and training intensity with surgical precision? Eric Janicki joins Ben Pakulski on the Muscle Intelligence Podcast, for a powerful deep dive into the evolution of his training philosophy, from early football grit and aesthetic modeling to intelligent bodybuilding and elite physique coaching. Eric shares the personal journey that shaped his mindset, why full range of motion changed his physique, and how intentional training helped him eliminate chronic joint pain. They explore nuanced programming, the psychology of progression, and the future of fitness tech and coaching. Whether you're an aging athlete, bodybuilder, or everyday lifter, this episode will change how you train forever. Points To Watch Out For How deep-range training fixed chronic knee and back pain Why most lifters never fully activate their muscles The truth about joint health and full range of motion How Eric gained 85 lbs of muscle post-30 Building a business around passion and purpose   Connect with Eric YouTube Channel Instagram Momentus Clothing Sculptd Training App HTLT Supplements About Ben Ben Pakulski is the Chief Performance Officer to elite executives, successful entrepreneurs, and top athletes. With over 25 years of experience, he coaches high achievers to build the physical, psychological, and metabolic resilience required to lead at the highest level. As the creator of the Muscle Intelligence framework, Ben specializes in aligning biology and behavior to drive sustained peak performance. His mission is to redefine what’s possible for people in their prime and push the boundaries of human potential.  

Podcasts are better with visuals! → Watch On YouTube Join 50,000+ men getting weekly strategies to build muscle, boost energy, and extend performance, delivered straight to your inbox. → Join the Newsletter We're here to help you build muscle. Download our FREE body part specializations below. → Free Resources   Show Notes How do you actually measure muscle growth? In this episode of Muscle Intelligence, Ben Pakulski sits down with Dr. Eduardo De Souza, one of the top hypertrophy researchers in the world, to break down the real science behind building muscle. They unpack why most studies don’t use the gold standard (MRI), how ultrasound stacks up, and whether training volume, exercise selection, or rep schemes truly matter. They explore the myths around sarcoplasmic hypertrophy, how aging affects muscle quality, and what actually determines growth after 40. Whether you’re a coach, athlete, or lifelong lifter, this is essential knowledge for training smarter, not just harder. Get ready for a deep, clear, and evidence-backed conversation on hypertrophy like you’ve never heard before.   Points To Watch Out For  MRI is still the gold standard for hypertrophy Ultrasound can be a valid, cheaper alternative Aging muscle shows more fibrous, non-contractile tissue High volume ≠ always better gains, individual response matters Effective Reps Model lacks peer-reviewed validation About Ben Ben Pakulski is the Chief Performance Officer to elite executives, successful entrepreneurs, and top athletes. With over 25 years of experience, he coaches high achievers to build the physical, psychological, and metabolic resilience required to lead at the highest level. As the creator of the Muscle Intelligence framework, Ben specializes in aligning biology and behavior to drive sustained peak performance. His mission is to redefine what’s possible for people in their prime and push the boundaries of human potential.    

Podcasts are better with visuals! → Watch On YouTube Join 50,000+ men getting weekly strategies to build muscle, boost energy, and extend performance, delivered straight to your inbox. → Join the Newsletter We're here to help you build muscle. Download our FREE body part specializations below. → Free Resources   Show Notes/Description In this groundbreaking episode, Ben Pakulski sits down with Dr. Dominic D’Agostino to unpack a revolutionary approach to fighting cancer using metabolic therapy, ketosis, and fasting protocols. Dr. D’Agostino shares over 15 years of cutting-edge research on how ketones, calorie restriction, and metabolic biomarkers can suppress tumor growth, reduce treatment side effects, and potentially prevent cancer altogether. You’ll learn how to personalize your glucose-ketone index, why metabolic health is the key to longevity, and what fasting protocols may optimize immunity and resilience. Whether you’re focused on performance, prevention, or recovery, this episode is packed with actionable insights that challenge the status quo of modern medicine. Points To Watch Out For How ketones suppress cancer cell growth The glucose-ketone index you should track Fasting as a cancer prevention strategy Why metabolic health is your first defense How ketone therapy boosts immune response About Ben Ben Pakulski is the Chief Performance Officer to elite executives, successful entrepreneurs, and top athletes. With over 25 years of experience, he coaches high achievers to build the physical, psychological, and metabolic resilience required to lead at the highest level. As the creator of the Muscle Intelligence framework, Ben specializes in aligning biology and behavior to drive sustained peak performance. His mission is to redefine what’s possible for people in their prime and push the boundaries of human potential. Connect with Dominic Audacious Nutrition Instagram Website

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

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