Muscle Intelligence

Ben Pakulski
  • 3.3 (3)
  • FITNESS
  • UPDATED WEEKLY

The Muscle Intelligence Podcast empowers men with the skills, habits, beliefs and processes to lead from the front. After spending more than 25 years in the health and fitness industry, Ben has done the research, coached, worked with or spoken to the best in class, and distilled it down into actionable items for you to take away and implement. If you're an executive, entrepreneur or high-performer who wants to work smarter, not lose his edge as he ages, or just get the advice of someone who has been in the trenches for the last 25 years, this podcast is for you.

  1. 12 HR AGO

    Why Elite Performers Still Self-Sabotage (And How to Stop)

    The proven system 1000+ men use to stay lean, strong, clear, and capable. https://www.muscleintelligence.com/apply/   What if your biggest performance problem isn't strategy, discipline, or effort, but subconscious resistance you can't see? In this episode, Ben sits down with high-performance coach and regression hypnotherapist Elliot Roe to break down how elite performers remove the "brakes" that keep them stuck below their potential. You'll learn how subconscious patterns form (often between ages 5–10), why talk therapy can miss the root programming, and how physical sensations like tightness, nausea, or dread can reveal the exact block that needs work. If you've ever known what to do but couldn't make yourself do it, this conversation will change how you see your mind.   5 Bullet Points: How subconscious "programs" drive self-sabotage Why fear is behind most performance blocks The cube-to-ball metaphor for elite optimization How to spot your blind spots fast A simple self-audit to reveal resistance Watch My Previous Episode with Elliot: Watch on YouTube Listen on Apple Podcasts Listen on Spotify Work With Elliot's Team https://elliotroe.com/ Get Started with Muscle Intelligence Whenever you're ready... 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.   Guest Bio Elliot Roe is a high-performance coach and regression-based hypnotherapist known for helping elite performers remove subconscious resistance and access consistent flow. He works with CEOs, professional athletes, traders, and other top-tier operators who are already successful but feel an invisible ceiling: hesitation, self-sabotage, anxiety, fear of failure, or fear of success. Elliot's approach blends deep meditative trance work with targeted emotional reframing to identify the root memories driving a pattern, then overwrite the emotional charge so the trigger no longer fires. He's also the founder of Prime Mind, an app offering guided hypnotherapy audios designed to improve performance, confidence, and emotional regulation.   Time Stamps: 00:00 - Mindset & Elliot Rowe 01:53 - Regression Therapy Explained 04:05 - How Hypnotherapy Works 05:53 - Childhood Roots of Belief 15:07 - Reaching Elite Performance 25:44 - From Self to Global Impact 28:31 - Parenting & Emotional Wiring 31:32 - Fear and Self-Sabotage 34:13 - Authenticity vs Imposter Syndrome 36:14 - Finding Subconscious Blocks 38:00 - Coaches vs Therapists 40:47 - What Makes a Great Therapist 42:00 - Mindset vs Life Coaching 45:29 - Defining True Freedom 47:39 - Resources & Where to Start

    49 min

  2. 1 FEB

    The 6 Physiological Triggers for 100% Predictable Transformation

    In this episode, Ben Pakulski breaks down the exact system he uses to create predictable, repeatable results for high-performing men over 40. You'll learn why most longevity and optimization protocols fail, how measuring inputs instead of outcomes keeps people stuck, and how Ben's Pro Performance & Longevity Diagnostic identifies the single biggest constraint holding your body back. From sleep and circadian rhythm to inflammation, genetics, mindset, and mitochondrial function, this episode lays out a complete performance framework built for long-term dominance.   5 Bullet Points: Why inputs feel productive but fail long-term The six levers that determine transformation How sleep and circadian rhythm control results Why genetics must guide training and nutrition How to stop guessing and start measuring Call To Actions: The proven system 1000+ men use to stay lean, strong, clear, and capable. https://www.muscleintelligence.com/apply/   If you're interested in working with Ben. ben@muscleintelligence.com   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/   Whenever you're ready... 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.   Time Stamps: 00:00 Low Body Fat "Cheat Code" 03:48 Genetics and Fitness 16:50 The Four Pillars of Resilience 19:44 Sleep for Peak Performance 25:08 Sleep and Long-Term Health 27:53 Stress and Self-Control 33:48 Building Strength and Skill 36:40 Gut Health Basics 39:17 Inflammation and Metabolic Health 40:27 Mindset and Commitment to the Process

    35 min

  3. 27 JAN

    Mike O'Hearn: Why I Ignored The Judges (And Built a Legacy)

    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   What happens after you reach the goal you thought would fulfill you? In this episode, Ben Pakulski sits down with Mike O'Hearn for a raw, honest conversation about masculinity, discipline, bodybuilding, and purpose. They explore why chasing titles, fame, or approval often leaves men empty and how the real transformation happens in the process, not the podium. From training for longevity and being an athlete at 80, to raising resilient kids and rebuilding the brotherhood in fitness, this episode challenges everything modern culture gets wrong about success. If you care about strength, legacy, and becoming a complete man, this conversation will hit hard.   5 Bullet Points: Why chasing outcomes destroys fulfillment The second mountain every man faces Training for life, not trophies Discipline creates identity, not fame Raising resilient, capable humans   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.   Guest Bio Mike O'Hearn is a legendary American athlete, bodybuilder, actor, and lifelong advocate for physical culture done right. With a career spanning powerlifting, bodybuilding, television, film, and elite athletic performance, Mike is best known for blending strength, longevity, and character. A former Mr. Universe, American Gladiator icon, and competitive lifter across multiple disciplines, he has remained competitive and athletic for decades by prioritizing movement, discipline, and purpose over shortcuts. Beyond the physique, Mike is deeply respected for his integrity, mentorship, and commitment to family values. He represents an old-school standard of excellence: earn your place, respect the process, and build a body that serves your life, not the other way around.   Time Stamps: 00:00 - Intro & Dosing Stories 00:46 - Dark Side of Bodybuilding 02:25 - Life Lessons & Mentorship 06:20 - Bodybuilding Journey 11:10 - Process Over Outcome 31:42 - Parenting & Childhood Influences 32:44 - Trauma & Success 36:31 - Brotherhood in Bodybuilding & Jiu-Jitsu 39:52 - Teaching Habits to Kids 44:08 - Balance in All Areas of Life 01:01:25 - Behavior vs. Nutrition 01:02:08 - Training Challenges on the Road 01:03:31 - Athleticism vs. Bodybuilding 01:14:00 - Raising Authentic Children 01:23:46 - Frameworks for Success

    1h 34m

  4. 19 JAN

    Lee Priest – What 40 Years of Bodybuilding Taught Me About Training and Steroids

    The proven system 1000+ men use to stay lean, strong, clear, and capable. https://www.muscleintelligence.com/apply   Join 200,000 men in their prime, reading our weekly newsletter: http://muscleintelligence.com/newsletter   What happens when you combine a legendary physique with total honesty? In this episode, I sit down with the one and only Lee Priest at the iconic Gold's Gym in Venice California, to unpack the real foundations of bodybuilding: hard training, simple nutrition, and ruthless consistency. Lee shares what his actual contest prep looked like (including the cycles people still argue about), why modern bodybuilding often looks "softer," and the intensity mindset most lifters have lost. We also go deeper on focus, distraction, and why phones are quietly destroying training quality, and even life quality. If you're serious about building muscle, staying powerful as you age, and cutting through the noise, this one delivers.   5 Bullet Points: Lee's real contest-prep cycle, explained simply Why "more gear" often makes you worse Old school training principles that still win The intensity mindset most lifters avoid Phones, distraction, and lost training quality   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.   Guest Bio Lee Priest is a legendary Australian IFBB professional bodybuilder known for world-class proportions, freaky density, and a brutally honest voice in the sport. Rising through the ranks as a teenage standout, Lee earned his pro card in the early 1990s and became one of bodybuilding's most iconic physiques through the late-90s and 2000s. He's respected not just for how he looked on stage, but for how he trained: hard, simple, consistent, and focused on execution over ego. Today, Lee remains a fan-favorite for his unfiltered opinions on modern bodybuilding culture, drugs, training intensity, and what it actually takes to build an elite body.   Time Stamps: 00:00 - Meeting Lee Priest: A Bodybuilding Legend 01:45 - Lee Priest's Early Career and Challenges 03:28 - Training at Gold's Gym: Memories and Changes 07:53 - Competing and Training Philosophy 11:18 - Reflections on Bodybuilding and Life 32:58 - Commonwealth Connections and Prime Ministers 33:13 - First Exposure to Olympia 33:35 - Comparing Bodybuilders: Then and Now 34:18 - Training Techniques and Intensity 42:06 - The Role of Technology in Training 46:23 - The Importance of Family Values 47:06 - The Influence of Social Media 48:15 - Longevity and Health Concerns 53:37 - The Impact of Modern Lifestyle on Kids 56:02 - Concluding Thoughts and Future Plans 57:31 - Personal Reflections on Training and Health 01:00:16 - The Evolution of Training Methods

    1h 1m

  5. 12 JAN

    Playing Small Destroys Your Future (2026 Wake Up Call) with Kenny Santucci

    The proven system 1000+ men use to stay lean, strong, clear, and capable. https://www.muscleintelligence.com/apply/   If you're interested in working with Ben. ben@muscleintelligence.com   Join 200,000 men in their prime, reading our weekly newsletter: http://muscleintelligence.com/newsletter   In this episode, Ben sits down with Kenny Santucci, founder of Strong New York, to talk about what actually moves the needle in health, confidence, and life direction. They get into why "health is the one thing that upgrades everything," how overcommitting quietly destroys performance, and why the right coach tells you the truth, even when it stings. Kenny shares his mindset on building value, earning respect, and creating a life you don't want to escape from. They also touch on TRT, longevity examples that'll reframe your standards, and how genetics can explain behaviors like cravings, stress, and food choices.   5 Bullet Points: Health is the ultimate force multiplier Overcommitting ruins performance fast Be so good they can't ignore you Direction beats endless options Genetics guide choices, not destiny The proven system 1000+ men use to stay lean, strong, clear, and capable. https://www.muscleintelligence.com/apply/   If you're interested in working with Ben. ben@muscleintelligence.com   Join 200,000 men in their prime, reading our weekly newsletter: http://muscleintelligence.com/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 Kenny Santucci Kenny Santucci is the founder of Strong New York and The Strength Club, a coach and community builder who's spent 15+ years "in the trenches" training real people, not just talking theory. Known for his no-fluff, execution-first approach, Kenny helps everyday New Yorkers and high performers build strength, confidence, and resilience through consistent training and better decisions. He also hosts the Strong New York Podcast and runs the Strong New York event, bringing together top coaches, brands, and everyday athletes to make fitness a culture, not a trend. Kenny's message is simple: get stronger, build value, and live a bigger life.   Time Stamps: 00:00 The Importance of Health 03:51 Overcoming Self-Doubt 07:57 Neutral Thinking and Emotional Balance 10:46 Building Value and Authenticity 25:08 The Power of Collaboration 28:48 Curating Events for Beginners 29:52 The Power of Community and Inspiration 31:01 Building a Successful Fitness Event 34:09 Highlighting Key Speakers 36:13 The Importance of Friendships and Networking 38:48 The Value of Expertise and Experience 53:06 The Role of Direction and Focus 57:36 The Importance of Self-Image 58:52 Client Success Story: Transforming Lives 01:01:40 The Power of Exercise and Movement 01:02:22 Exploring the Benefits of Testosterone and Peptides 01:09:15 Genetics and Longevity 01:16:24 Building a Fitness Brand 01:22:24 Strong New York: Vision and Goals

    1h 27m

  6. 5 JAN

    How To Get Ahead of 98% of People (12 Power Moves)

    Join the All In Mastermind: 100 Men, committed to their goals - https://www.muscleintelligence.com/apply/   Truth is, 98% of people set goals… and end the year in the same place. In this solo episode, Ben breaks down the 12 "Power Moves" framework he uses with elite founders, executives, and high performers to create repeatable wins in 2026. You'll learn why measuring inputs is a trap, how to build an outcomes-based scorecard for your body and life, and the real definition of success: intelligence + agency. Ben also explains the Mission–Map–Mentor model, the 4 resiliencies that determine follow-through (body, mind, stress, energy), and the 12 power moves that created exponential change in his own life. If you want a year that actually moves the needle, start here. 5 Bullet Points: Why "more information" can keep you stuck The scorecard that turns goals into outcomes Intelligence vs agency: the real success equation The 4 resiliencies that predict follow-through 12 Power Moves to build momentum fast   Whenever you're ready... 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. Read the Newsletter Join 200,000 men in their prime, reading our weekly newsletter: http://muscleintelligence.com/newsletter   Time Stamps: 00:00 Introduction to Power Moves 01:25 Curating Inputs and Outputs 02:17 Scorecards for Body, Health, and Wealth 06:13 Understanding Agency and Intelligence 20:12 The Importance of Strong Humans 22:17 Taking Personal Responsibility 22:36 Power Moves for Success 24:29 Creating a Scoreboard 27:33 Mastering Your Environment 28:35 Mastering Your Morning 30:32 Nurturing Family and Marriage 31:54 Connecting to a Higher Purpose 34:15 Becoming an A Player 37:48 Final Thoughts and Mentorship Invitation

    40 min

  7. 29/12/2025

    Future Ready: Master These 4 Skills Before It's Too Late

    The future is getting faster, stranger, and more uncertain and most men are not ready for it. In this solo episode, Ben Pakulski lays out the four master skills every man must build to thrive in 2026 and beyond: Mastering your body, your finances, your communication, and your emotions. Ben breaks down why AI acceleration, financial instability, and rising stress demand a different kind of preparation and why discipline, resilience, and internal structure matter more than ever. If you feel capable mentally but limited physically, financially, or emotionally, this episode is a blueprint to become a man who doesn't fear the future… he's training for it.   5 Bullet Points: The 4 master skills that future-proof your life Why AI makes mastery more important, not less How to quiet the mind by living in the body The discipline rule: 100% commitment wins Weekly planning rituals to shorten feedback loops   Whenever you're ready... 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.   Time Stamps: 00:00 - Navigating Uncertainty 00:32 - The Power of Community 01:23 - Why Change Is Accelerating 03:20 - The Four Master Skills 03:58 - Mastering Your Body 05:59 - Mastering Your Money 09:06 - Mastering Communication 14:43 - Mastering Emotions 18:02 - Why Commitment Wins 19:36 - The Muscle Intelligence Mission 25:18 - Preparing for 2026

    32 min

  8. 19/12/2025

    The 8 Foundational Exercises You Must Master

    In this episode, Ben Pakulski explains why exercise isn't about effort, sweat, or chasing heavier weight. It's about creating a stimulus worthy of adaptation. Ben breaks down how biomechanics, tension over time, and precise muscle contraction dictate whether your body grows stronger or breaks down. You'll learn why slowing down accelerates results, how control beats intensity, and why breathing and walking are foundational skills most lifters ignore. If you want muscle growth, pain-free training, and predictable progress, this episode will change how you train forever.   5 Bullet Points: Why biomechanics matter more than appearances How tension over time drives adaptation Why control beats heavier weight How muscles actually learn movement 8 exercises you must master   The proven system 1000+ men use to stay lean, strong, clear, and capable. https://www.muscleintelligence.com/apply/   If you're interested in working with Ben. ben@muscleintelligence.com   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/   Whenever you're ready... 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.   Time Stamps: 00:00 - Why Most Training Fails 02:10 - Biomechanics Explained 05:00 - Control Builds Muscle 08:20 - Heavier Isn't Better 12:10 - How Muscle Adapts 16:40 - Progression That Works 22:30 - Strength vs Muscle 26:45 - The Big 8 Exercises 32:40 - Breathing & Walking First

    24 min
See All (417)

Hosts & Guests

Ratings & Reviews

3.3
out of 5
3 Ratings

About

The Muscle Intelligence Podcast empowers men with the skills, habits, beliefs and processes to lead from the front. After spending more than 25 years in the health and fitness industry, Ben has done the research, coached, worked with or spoken to the best in class, and distilled it down into actionable items for you to take away and implement. If you're an executive, entrepreneur or high-performer who wants to work smarter, not lose his edge as he ages, or just get the advice of someone who has been in the trenches for the last 25 years, this podcast is for you.

Information

  • Creator
    Ben Pakulski
  • Years Active
    2019 - 2026
  • Episodes
    417
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    © Muscle Intelligence 2025
  • Show Website
    Muscle Intelligence

You Might Also Like