#423 Melody Schoenfeld - Vegan Myth Busting

Ebenezer Samuel, Fitness Director of Men’s Health, joins me for a wide-ranging and insightful conversation on the current and future state of fitness media, where people learn about training, and how the landscape has shifted dramatically over the last decade.Ebenezer brings both industry-level perspective and hands-on coaching experience to explore how research, hypertrophy culture, entertainment-driven social media, and evolving technology are shaping what people believe about fitness.We dive into:• Why we can't evaluate training purely through the lens of muscle hypertrophy• Whether “science based lifting” has become overrated• Why the best approach blends research with lived training experience• How people consume fitness media today vs. ten years ago• Whether fitness social media is now dominated by entertainment over education• Whether people are genuinely learning useful skills from social platforms• Why trust and real relationships matter more than ever in a crowded content world• How generational differences are changing how fitness information spreads• The rise of gatekeepers, algorithmic influence, and AI in shaping the conversation• The future of in-person coaching vs. AI coaching systems• And much moreCHAPTERS01:05 The Problem with Hypertrophy Focus03:20 Science-Based Training Critique05:37 The Role of Research in Fitness12:03 Challenges of Social Media Fitness Content20:18 Evolution of Fitness Information Consumption21:51 RP Strength and Personal Training Insights26:48 Balancing Education and Entertainment in Fitness Content28:18 Generational Shifts in Fitness Media Consumption28:56 The Rise of Social Media and Its Impact on Fitness32:13 The Role of Gatekeepers in Fitness Media41:18 The Influence of AI on Fitness Content45:07 The Future of In-Person Training vs. AI50:40 Concluding Thoughts Support The ShowIf this episode helped you, you can help me by:• Subscribing and checking out more episodes• Sharing it on your social media (tag me - I'll respond)• Sending it to a friend who needs thisFollow Andrew CoatesInstagram: @andrewcoatesfitnesshttps://www.andrewcoatesfitness.comPartners and ResourcesRP Strength App (use code COATESRP)https://www.rpstrength.com/coatesJust Bite Me Meals (use code ANDREWCOATESFITNESS for 10% off)https://justbitememeals.com/MacrosFirst - FREE PREMIUM TRIALDownload MacrosFirst and during setup you’ll be asked “How did you hear about us?”Type in: ANDREWKNKG Bags (15% off)https://www.knkg.com/Andrew59676Versa Gripps (discount link)https://www.versagripps.com/andrewcoatesTRAINHEROIC - FREE 90-DAY TRIAL (2 steps)Go to https://www.trainheroic.com/liftfreeReply to the email you receive (or email [email protected]) and let them know I sent you

Melody Schoenfeld is an author, gym owner, nutrition coach, and holds a Master's in Health Psychology. She brings deep expertise, a sharp nonsense detector, and evidence-based nuance to one of the most polarizing topics in nutrition - vegan diets.In this episode, Melody and Andrew dive into the most persistent vegan myths, bad-faith arguments, and common misunderstandings from both sides of the vegan vs. non-vegan debate.Melody shares insight on:• Dispelling the myth - "There’s no such thing as a healthy vegan"• The most common arguments claiming vegan diets aren’t healthy• The problem with vegan dogma motives and navigating bad faith actors• Dispelling the myth - "You can get everything you need from food alone on a vegan diet"• What supplementation vegans actually need (and why)• Whether vegans struggle to get enough iron and calcium• Dispelling the myth - "All proteins are created equal"• The truth about needing a "complete protein profile" in each meal• The real story behind soy protein and soy fear-mongering• Whether veganism is more expensive than omnivorous eating• The benefits of moving more plant-based even if you don’t go fully vegan• When vegan diets become too restrictive• And much moreIG: @5ftoffury1CHAPTERS00:16 Catching Up with Melody Schoenfeld01:50 Debunking Vegan Myths03:20 Nutritional Considerations for Vegans09:57 Challenges and Misconceptions of Veganism16:46 Mental Health and Veganism22:54 Athletic Performance on a Vegan Diet25:57 Navigating Vegan Nutrition - Learning What Your Body Needs26:31 Calcium and Bone Health for Vegans27:44 Understanding Vegan Protein Sources32:14 Debunking Soy Myths and Exploring Protein Options35:43 The Cost and Convenience of Vegan Nutrition37:30 Health Benefits of a Plant-Based Diet42:58 Challenges and Misconceptions of Vegan Diets45:12 Conclusion and Final ThoughtsSUPPORT THE SHOWIf this episode helped you, you can help me by:• Subscribing and checking out more episodes• Sharing it on your social media (tag me - I'll respond)• Sending it to a friend who needs thisFOLLOW ANDREW COATESInstagram: @andrewcoatesfitnesshttps://www.andrewcoatesfitness.comPARTNERS AND RESOURCESRP Strength App (use code COATESRP)https://www.rpstrength.com/coatesJust Bite Me Meals (use code ANDREWCOATESFITNESS for 10% off)https://justbitememeals.com/MacrosFirst - FREE PREMIUM TRIALDownload MacrosFirst and during setup you’ll be asked “How did you hear about us?”Type in: ANDREWKNKG Bags (15% off)https://www.knkg.com/Andrew59676Versa Gripps (discount link)https://www.versagripps.com/andrewcoatesTRAINHEROIC - FREE 90-DAY TRIAL (2 steps)Go to https://www.trainheroic.com/liftfreeReply to the email you receive (or email [email protected]) and let them know I sent you

Dr. Allan Bacon returns to break down one of the trickiest parts of health and fitness: fat loss plateaus.Allan blends evidence, coaching experience, and no-nonsense communication to clarify why plateaus happen, why most people misunderstand them, and what to actually do to overcome them.Allan and Andrew dive into:• How much of a plateau is physical vs. psychological• When a plateau becomes a socially acceptable narrative to quit• How to approach fat loss plateaus strategically• How often a plateau is really an adherence issue• The physiological factors working against you during a plateau• Why perceived restriction is such a major problem• Why your calorie needs are a moving target, not a fixed number• How much exercise actually contributes to calorie burn• Why cardio is a poor driver of fat loss, but a great driver of weight management• How many extra calories you really burn from adding muscle• Strategies to keep NEAT high when you're tired from training• And much moreIG: @drallanbaconCHAPTERS00:43 Understanding Plateaus - Physiological and Psychological Aspects02:06 Non-Scale Victories and Maintenance Phases05:20 The All or Nothing Mentality05:58 RP Strength and the RP Hypertrophy App07:24 New Year's Resolutions and Identity09:27 The 'I Don't Deserve It' Belief11:32 Dieting Seasons and Sustainable Eating15:09 Addressing Fat Loss Plateaus21:31 Calories In, Calories Out - The Debate32:01 Understanding Calorie Needs and Variability32:47 Setting Realistic Calorie Ranges for Fat Loss33:55 Weekly Calorie Averages and Potential Pitfalls37:23 Exercise and Calorie Burn - Myths and Realities39:28 The Role of NEAT in Fat Loss50:06 Building Sustainable Habits for Long-Term Success55:27 Practical Tips for Increasing Daily MovementSUPPORT THE SHOWIf this episode helped you, you can help me by:• Subscribing and checking out more episodes• Sharing it on your social media (tag me - I'll respond)• Sending it to a friend who needs thisFOLLOW ANDREW COATESInstagram: @andrewcoatesfitnesshttps://www.andrewcoatesfitness.comPARTNERS AND RESOURCESRP Strength App (use code COATESRP)https://www.rpstrength.com/coatesJust Bite Me Meals (use code ANDREWCOATESFITNESS for 10% off)https://justbitememeals.com/MacrosFirst - FREE PREMIUM TRIALDownload MacrosFirst and during setup you’ll be asked “How did you hear about us?”Type in: ANDREWKNKG Bags (15% off)https://www.knkg.com/Andrew59676Versa Gripps (discount link)https://www.versagripps.com/andrewcoatesTRAINHEROIC - FREE 90-DAY TRIAL (2 steps)Go to https://www.trainheroic.com/liftfreeReply to the email you receive (or email [email protected]) and let them know I sent you

Alex Allen is one of the most skilled coaches in the industry at communicating nuance around training, lifestyle, and nutrition. She brings deep compassion and lived experience to the conversation - including weight gain, weight loss, PCOS, relationships, identity, and self-worth.Alex and Andrew dive into:• Why you’ll never hate yourself into a body you love• How people misjudge your journey when they only see your current physique• Alex’s experiences of being treated differently at various points of her weight changes• Navigating unintentional weight loss• How PCOS has shaped Alex’s personal and coaching journey• How PCOS can enable a victim mindset if left unexamined• What Alex means when she says:“Don’t sacrifice your own needs for the sake of others. Compromise and be thoughtful, but don’t neglect yourself in the process. Doesn’t make you difficult or unkind.”• And much moreCHAPTERS01:17 Alex's Fitness Journey03:15 The Importance of Self-Love04:45 Navigating Negative Emotions12:14 Dealing with Imposter Syndrome20:18 Unintentional Weight Loss26:43 Navigating Compliments and Self-Perception27:42 Shifting Dynamics in Relationships28:48 Balancing Physical Appearance and Personal Value31:08 Living with PCOS - Challenges and Misconceptions34:53 The Importance of Setting Boundaries42:21 Authenticity on Social Media49:01 Final Thoughts and Future PlansSUPPORT THE SHOW If this episode helped you, you can help me by:• Subscribing and checking out more episodes• Sharing it on your social media (tag me - I'll respond)• Sending it to a friend who needs thisFOLLOW ANDREW COATESInstagram: @andrewcoatesfitnesshttps://www.andrewcoatesfitness.comPARTNERS AND RESOURCESRP Strength App (use code COATESRP)https://www.rpstrength.com/coatesJust Bite Me Meals (use code ANDREWCOATESFITNESS for 10% off)https://justbitememeals.com/MacrosFirst - FREE PREMIUM TRIALDownload MacrosFirst and during setup you’ll be asked “How did you hear about us?”Type in the code: ANDREWKNKG Bags (15% off)https://www.knkg.com/Andrew59676Versa Gripps (discount link)https://www.versagripps.com/andrewcoatesTRAINHEROIC - FREE 90-DAY TRIAL (2 steps)Go to https://www.trainheroic.com/liftfreeReply to the email you receive (or email [email protected]) and let them know I sent you

Chris Duffin is an iconic strength athlete, entrepreneur, inventor, author, and educator known for engineering both world-class feats of strength and world-class systems of mindset.In this episode, Chris opens up about how his unconventional and turbulent upbringing forged his resilience and shaped his approach to life, leadership, and legacy.Chris and Andrew explore:• How growing up with homelessness and instability shaped his resilience• Mindset and daily practice around developing resilience in career and life• How to see opportunity in the middle of adversity• Why Chris believes in being purposeful in how you approach life• How dealing with adversity builds real confidence through experience• Stories from Chris’s childhood in an unconventional environment• Navigating the ups and downs of entrepreneurship and business• The choice between generating proof that you can win vs. believing you lack autonomy• The tradeoffs and sacrifices behind legendary feats of strength• And much moreCHAPTERS00:16 Meet Chris Duffin: The Mad Scientist of Fitness01:03 Chris Duffin's Resilient Journey03:44 Lessons from the Rattlesnake08:09 The Six Ps Framework10:34 Embracing Life's Challenges11:53 The Importance of Resilience17:52 Sponsor Break: Train Heroic19:12 Navigating Dark Times27:50 A Sudden Job Loss28:51 Facing Financial Ruin29:25 Turning Fear into Opportunity31:51 A Career in Fitness32:41 Embracing New Opportunities34:54 The Importance of Resilience36:51 Balancing Fear and Challenge39:09 Personal and Organizational Change47:52 The Role of Luck and Resilience53:05 Optimizing Performance and Health55:01 Conclusion and Final ThoughtsSUPPORT THE SHOWIf this episode helped you, you can help me by:• Subscribing and checking out more episodes• Sharing it on your social media (tag me - I'll respond)• Sending it to a friend who needs thisFOLLOW ANDREW COATESInstagram: @andrewcoatesfitnesshttps://www.andrewcoatesfitness.comPARTNERS AND RESOUCESRP Strength App (use code COATESRP)https://www.rpstrength.com/coatesJust Bite Me Meals (use code ANDREWCOATESFITNESS for 10% off)https://justbitememeals.com/MacrosFirst (nutrition tracking)https://www.macrosfirst.com/KNKG Bags (15% off)https://www.knkg.com/Andrew59676Versa Gripps (discount link)https://www.versagripps.com/andrewcoatesTRAINHEROIC - FREE 90-DAY TRIAL (2 steps)Go to https://www.trainheroic.com/liftfreeReply to the email you receive (or email [email protected]) and let them know I sent you

Danny Lennon is one of the most respected and longest-tenured evidence based nutrition authorities in the world. It’s an honour to welcome him back for an incredibly nuanced and level-headed conversation on one of the most contentious topics in all of nutrition - seed oils.In a landscape filled with loud, sensational nutrition claims, Danny brings clarity, evidence, and calm to a discussion that desperately needs it.We talk about:• Whether seed oils are truly harmful or unfairly demonized• The impact of seed oils on cardiovascular health and LDL cholesterol• Whether seed oils are responsible for modern obesity or metabolic dysfunction• How to think about nuance and scientific honesty in an era of nutrition fear-mongering• The importance of Omega 3 and Omega 6 intake• Whether the Omega 3 to 6 ratio actually matters• The differences between fresh caught and farmed salmon for Omega intake• What the evidence says about high LDL cholesterol and health risks• How to effectively and realistically lower LDL cholesterol• And much moreCHAPTERS01:25 The Role of Evidence-Based Nutrition05:16 Sponsorship Message: Just Bite Me Meals06:46 Debunking Seed Oil Myths11:29 Understanding Seed Oils and Health28:05 Omega Fatty Acids - Benefits and Misconceptions29:03 The Benefits of Omega-3 Fatty Acids30:34 Omega-3 Supplementation - Mixed Results and Nuances34:59 Practical Omega-3 Intake Recommendations38:42 Debunking Omega-6 Myths43:04 Farmed vs. Wild Salmon - Nutritional Differences45:01 Lowering LDL Cholesterol - Evidence and Recommendations53:54 Conclusion and Additional ResourcesSUPPORT THE SHOWIf this episode helped you, you can help me by:• Subscribing and checking out more episodes• Sharing it on your social media (tag me - I'll respond)• Sending it to a friend who needs thisFOLLOW ANDREW COATESInstagram: @andrewcoatesfitnesshttps://www.andrewcoatesfitness.comPARTNERS AND RESOURCESRP Strength App (use code COATESRP)https://www.rpstrength.com/coatesJust Bite Me Meals (use code ANDREWCOATESFITNESS for 10% off)https://justbitememeals.com/MacrosFirst (nutrition tracking)https://www.macrosfirst.com/KNKG Bags (15% off)https://www.knkg.com/Andrew59676Versa Gripps (discount link)https://www.versagripps.com/andrewcoatesTRAINHEROIC - FREE 90-DAY TRIAL (2 steps)Go to https://www.trainheroic.com/liftfreeReply to the email you receive (or email [email protected]) and let them know I sent you

Jaime Filer is the founder of Filer Fitness and a respected speaker and educator in the fitness industry.In this episode, Jaime brings a mix of humor, vulnerability, and hard-earned wisdom to help unpack the very real ways anxiety impacts fitness, health, relationships, and identity.Jaime and Andrew dive into:• How dealing with anxiety has a massive impact on your fitness efforts and outcomes• The subtle and not-so-subtle ways anxiety interferes with progress• How anxiety often masks perfectionism• How anxiety robs you of your potential happiness• The power of being more selfish in seasons where you need it• Unique considerations when coaching lesbians with anxiety• Balancing shifting seasons of priorities between work and social connection• The importance of having a supportive partner• How your relationship might be “making you fat”• And much moreCHAPTERS01:25 Discussing Anxiety and Fitness Goals01:52 Anxiety's Impact on Performance and Recovery04:02 Coping Mechanisms and Anxiety06:21 Perfectionism and Anxiety in Clients11:16 Social Media and Anxiety17:23 Family Dynamics and Boundaries20:41 Anxiety and Potential Happiness23:52 Identity and Mental Health Labels28:22 Inclusivity in Marketing28:36 Identity vs. Choice29:58 Sponsorship Message31:03 Lesbian Specific Exercises?33:39 Balancing Work and Life38:31 Relationship Dynamics and Support45:13 Impact of Relationships on Health51:29 Concluding ThoughtsSUPPORT THE SHOWIf this episode helped you, you can help me by:• Subscribing and checking out more episodes• Sharing it on your social media (tag me - I'll respond)• Sending it to a friend who needs thisFOLLOW ANDREW COATESInstagram: @andrewcoatesfitnesshttps://www.andrewcoatesfitness.comPARTNERS AND RESOURCESRP Strength App (use code COATESRP)https://www.rpstrength.com/coatesJust Bite Me Meals (use code ANDREWCOATESFITNESS for 10% off)https://justbitememeals.com/MacrosFirst (nutrition tracking)https://www.macrosfirst.com/KNKG Bags (15% off)https://www.knkg.com/Andrew59676Versa Gripps (discount link)https://www.versagripps.com/andrewcoatesTRAINHEROIC - FREE 90-DAY TRIAL (2 steps)Go to https://www.trainheroic.com/liftfreeReply to the email you receive (or email [email protected]) and let them know I sent you

Austin Current, author of The Science of Strength Training, joins me for a deep dive into what “optimal” really means - and doesn’t mean - in training, coaching, and everyday life.We explore how perfectionism, online debates, and unrealistic standards can derail people who simply want to train well, feel good, and live a sustainable lifestyle.Austin shares insight on:• Why keeping promises to yourself builds self-belief• Why it’s better to view your effort like a dial, not an on/off switch• What he means by a Goldilocks zone in training and life• The messy online war over what is “optimal”• Why “good enough” is truly enough for most people’s exercise technique• How to think about fatigue, form, and technique without overcomplicating training• Whether two-a-day sessions are useful or unnecessary• And much moreCHAPTERS00:45 The Importance of Self-Belief and Keeping Promises03:39 Balancing Professional and Personal Life08:51 The Concept of 'Good Enough' in Fitness and Life18:10 RP Strength and Personal Training Insights22:03 Form, Technique, and Injury Prevention in Training30:55 Training to Failure - Observations and Beliefs32:33 Client Progress and Adaptation34:07 Technique vs. Form - A Deeper Dive35:40 Pattern Recognition in Training37:14 Effective Coaching Cues43:37 Two-a-Day Training Sessions - Pros and Cons50:19 Final Thoughts and RecommendationsSUPPORT THE SHOWIf this episode helped you, you can help me by:• Subscribing and checking out more episodes• Sharing it on your social media (tag me - I'll respond)• Sending it to a friend who needs thisFOLLOW ANDREW COATESInstagram: @andrewcoatesfitnesshttps://www.andrewcoatesfitness.comPARTNERS AND RESOURCESRP Strength App (use code COATESRP)https://www.rpstrength.com/coatesJust Bite Me Meals (use code ANDREWCOATESFITNESS for 10% off)https://justbitememeals.com/MacrosFirst (nutrition tracking)https://www.macrosfirst.com/KNKG Bags (15% off)https://www.knkg.com/Andrew59676Versa Gripps (discount link)https://www.versagripps.com/andrewcoatesTRAINHEROIC - FREE 90-DAY TRIAL (2 steps)Go to https://www.trainheroic.com/liftfreeReply to the email you receive (or email [email protected]) and let them know I sent you

Dr. Tony Boutagy, PhD in Exercise and Sports Science, joins me for a myth-busting conversation about the surge of influencer claims surrounding peri-menopausal and post-menopausal women’s strength training.Tony brings clarity, scientific context, and decades of applied expertise to help cut through misinformation and fear-driven content targeted at women in midlife.He breaks down:• Debunking the claim that Zone 2 cardio isn’t as effective for women as it is for men• Debunking the claim that women shouldn’t ever train fasted• Debunking the claim that women have a short “anabolic window” for post-workout nutrition• Debunking the claim that women should only strength train in sets of 3–5 reps• How influencers misuse rodent data to make unsupported claims about women’s training• Why the claim that there’s “no research on women” is false• How entire brands get built around misleading or exaggerated ideas• How self-selection bias influences women’s training preferences• Whether training should change for women seeking improved bone health• And much moreCHAPTERS01:02 Debunking Myths: Zone Two Cardio for Women06:18 Sponsorship Message: Macros First07:30 Fasted Training: Myths and Realities18:56 Debunking Myths: Anabolic Window for Women26:37 Training Recommendations: Heavy Lifting for Women30:01 Effective Rep Ranges for Different Exercises30:50 Practical Implications of Coaching31:24 Science vs. Online Advice33:31 Evaluating Credibility in Health Advice34:42 The Role of Conferences in Scientific Claims36:46 Challenges in Public Perception of Science46:44 Misconceptions in Female Training50:58 Training for Bone Health in Aging56:04 Final Thoughts and RecommendationsSUPPORT THE SHOWIf this episode helped you, you can help me by:• Subscribing and checking out more episodes• Sharing it on your social media (tag me - I'll respond)• Sending it to a friend who needs thisFOLLOW ANDREW COATESInstagram: @andrewcoatesfitnesshttps://www.andrewcoatesfitness.comPARTNERS AND RESOURCESRP Strength App (use code COATESRP)https://www.rpstrength.com/coatesJust Bite Me Meals (use code ANDREWCOATESFITNESS for 10% off)https://justbitememeals.com/MacrosFirst (nutrition tracking)https://www.macrosfirst.com/KNKG Bags (15% off)https://www.knkg.com/Andrew59676Versa Gripps (discount link)https://www.versagripps.com/andrewcoatesTRAINHEROIC - FREE 90-DAY TRIAL (2 steps)Go to https://www.trainheroic.com/liftfreeReply to the email you receive (or email [email protected]) and let them know I sent you

Kris Gethin is one of the most recognizable figures in the global fitness industry, known for his role as the longtime Editor-in-Chief of Bodybuilding.com, his transformation programs, and his relentless commitment to physical and mental growth.In this conversation, Kris shares his philosophy and experience around personal transformation - physically, mentally, and emotionally.He dives into:• Why some corners of the industry resist the idea of “transformations”• How real transformations start in the mind before the body• Why being selfish can actually make you a better person• The power of surrounding yourself with the right people• The character traits that predict lasting success in fitness and life• When and why you might need to change your environment - or even your relationships - to sustain growth• Lessons from decades in bodybuilding and endurance sports• How Kris approaches hybrid training for longevity and performance• Whether something like Bodybuilding.com could ever happen again in today’s social media era• Why we should all do more hard things• And much moreCHAPTERS00:00 Introduction and Welcome00:16 Meet Kris Gethin: Fitness Legend01:12 The Importance of Transformations03:27 Sustaining Weight Loss and Healthy Habits10:40 The Role of Technology in Fitness13:22 Selfishness vs. Selflessness in Fitness17:52 The Rise and Influence of Bodybuilding.com23:12 The Shift Towards Longevity and Biohacking25:39 The Importance of Purpose and Longevity27:44 The Impact of Social Media Algorithms29:46 Embracing Hardship for Growth35:26 Balancing Hybrid Training42:19 The Power of Digital Detox and Meditation45:27 Seasonal Training and Personal Fulfillment47:39 Final Thoughts and ResourcesSUPPORT THE SHOWIf this episode helped you, you can help me by:• Subscribing and checking out more episodes• Sharing it on your social media (tag me - I'll respond)• Sending it to a friend who needs thisFOLLOW ANDREW COATESInstagram: @andrewcoatesfitnessWebsite: https://www.andrewcoatesfitness.comPARTNERS & RESOURCESRP Strength App (use code COATESRP)https://www.rpstrength.com/coatesJust Bite Me Meals (use code ANDREWCOATESFITNESS for 10% off)https://justbitememeals.com/MacrosFirst (nutrition tracking)https://www.macrosfirst.com/KNKG Bags (15% off)https://www.knkg.com/Andrew59676Versa Gripps (discount link)https://www.versagripps.com/andrewcoatesTRAINHEROIC - FREE 90-DAY TRIAL (2 steps)Go to https://www.trainheroic.com/liftfreeReply to the email you receive (or email [email protected]) and let them know I sent you