PAC Talk with Pieter Vodden

Pharos Echo Park
  • 5.0 (27)
  • Fitness
  • Updated Weekly

Welcome to the PAC Talk where we help you explore your capacity to move better, push further and achieve your limitless potential through fitness, nutrition, recovery, and lifestyle. I’m your host Pieter Vodden, co-owner of PHAROS Athletic Club in Echo Park. Thanks for tuning in and Welcome To The PAC!” Please make sure you subscribe wherever you are listening to this show and if you loved this show please leave us a 5 star review in the iTunes store. It is the currency of podcasts and it really goes along in helping us grow our show. If you are in Los Angeles swing by to our gym at 1316 Glendale Blvd in Echo Park. Check out our website here for class times and follow us Pharos and Piet on Instagram for more fitness related content. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

  1. 3h ago

    Peptides Explained: BPC-157, GLP-1s, NAD+ and the Wild West of Sourcing with Vincent Ronquillo

    Peptides are everywhere right now — BPC-157, the Wolverine Stack, GLP-1s, NAD+, MOTS-C, GHK-Cu. You've probably heard at least one of them by now. So what are they actually, what does the science support, and where does the hype get ahead of the evidence? In this conversation, Emylee + Pieter Vodden are joined by Coach Vincent to unpack the rapidly evolving world of peptide therapy — without trying to convince you to be pro- or anti-peptide. We talk about: → What peptides are and how they signal the body → The Core 4: energy, recovery, metabolism + hormone health → Why peptide medicine isn't actually new → Why human research is still limited for many popular compounds → BPC-157 + TB-500 and the "Wolverine Stack" → GLP-1s + the rapidly changing metabolic peptide space → Why sourcing matters — grey-market products vs. medically supervised care → Bloodwork, cycling + physician oversight → Where peptides may fit alongside training, nutrition, sleep + recovery The biggest takeaway? Emerging ≠ proven. But emerging ≠ worthless either. Our position at Pharos is simple: build the foundation first, stay curious, stay informed, and don't confuse hype with evidence. This conversation is educational and is not medical advice. Decisions about medications, compounded products or peptide therapies should be made with an appropriately licensed healthcare professional. Interested in peptide therapy through Pharos? Link in bio to connect with a licensed physician through our partner network. Interested in getting started with peptides through Pharos? We're launching in Palm Springs first with full medical guidance, doctor consultation and 503A compliant sourcing. Click the link for our bio-performance survey. 💪 Join the 7-Day Results Accelerator to build clarity, momentum, and sustainable joy in your routine. pharosathleticclub.com If you are in Southern California come train with us  Echo Park Redondo Beach Idyllwild Palm Springs Follow Pharos, Piet and Emylee on Instagram for more fitness related content. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

  2. 4d ago

    Preventing ACL Injuries, Raising the Next Generation & Balancing It All with Dr. Sofi, PT & Gym Owner

    Five years ago Dr. Sofi first joined Pac Talk. A lot has changed since — for her business, her body, and for Piet too. This episode is a full catch-up covering three big things: how to actually prevent ACL injuries in young athletes, why she's dedicating part of her career to training the next generation of physical therapists, and what it really looks like to balance being a business owner, physical therapist, gym owner, athlete, and wife all at once. Dr. Sofi runs Raw Performance in San Dimas, where roughly 60% of her caseload is kids. She breaks down what she's actually seeing in her clinic — the majority of ACL tears she treats come from soccer and flag football, roughly 75% in female athletes, driven by a combination of overtraining without recovery, inadequate strength training, and in some cases nutrition trends swinging back toward "skinny is better." She also gets into the research connecting hormonal fluctuations during ovulation to increased ligament laxity and ACL risk — an important, underdiscussed piece of the picture for parents of young female athletes. They tackle the biggest myth head-on: that lifting weights stunts a child's growth. It doesn't. Dr. Sofi trains kids as young as four, and the evidence is clear that properly supervised strength training builds resilient tendons, ligaments, and joints — the exact opposite of what old-school thinking assumed. Beyond the clinical side, this episode gets personal. Dr. Sofi opens up about teaching at Azusa Pacific to help train the next generation of PTs, training for the Chicago Marathon while running her own practice, learning to set boundaries with clients, and why choosing to do something that scares you — whether that's a marathon or standing in front of a room of grad students — is exactly what keeps you growing. This one's for parents of young athletes, for anyone juggling multiple roles and wondering how to do it without burning out, and for anyone who believes community and education are just as important as reps in the gym. Connect with Dr. Sofi Instagram 💪 Join the 7-Day Results Accelerator to build clarity, momentum, and sustainable joy in your routine. pharosathleticclub.com If you are in Southern California come train with us  Echo Park Redondo Beach Idyllwild Palm Springs Follow Pharos, Piet and Emylee on Instagram for more fitness related content. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

  3. Aug 24

    Boxing, Bodybuilding and evolution in the Pharosphere with Graham Jenkins

    Seven years ago, Graham Jenkins walked into Pharos Echo Park a month before COVID hit. Today he's the head boxing coach, about to step into a head coach role at the club — and about to take on the biggest physical challenge of his life. In this episode, Piet sits down with Graham to talk about seven years of growth, what actually makes a great coach, and why experience will always beat certification. They dig into why boxing might be one of the most complete fitness disciplines that exists — building explosive power, coordination, cardiovascular health, and confidence all at once — and why so much of boxing conditioning is still stuck using outdated methods while combat sports as a whole have evolved dramatically over the last decade, largely thanks to the UFC's influence on strength and conditioning. Graham opens up about his own boxing journey starting at age five, thirty-one years of training built entirely around power and explosiveness, and the genetic wildcards that separate fighters like Tyson, Fury, and Mayweather. Then the conversation shifts into new territory: Graham's decision to step into natural bodybuilding for the first time in his life, working with coach Tyler Bowman to completely restructure his training and nutrition — including pushing his calories up to 3,500 a day and learning, for the first time, how to eat enough instead of doing too much. They also get into the real conversation nobody has enough — the mental side of a body recomposition journey, protecting your relationship with food during a diet phase, and why "everything works but nothing works forever" when it comes to training adaptation. This one covers coaching philosophy, the business side of running a gym, and why human connection and community will always matter more than any app or AI ever could. Pharos Redondo turns 3 this weekend — come celebrate with a beach party. Reach out to schedule a consultation and discover whether our programs are the right fit for you. Connect with Graham Instagram 💪 Join the 7-Day Results Accelerator to build clarity, momentum, and sustainable joy in your routine. pharosathleticclub.com If you are in Southern California come train with us  Echo Park Redondo Beach Idyllwild Palm Springs Follow Pharos, Piet and Emylee on Instagram for more fitness related content. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

  4. Aug 12

    One Week After ACL Reconstruction: The Unfiltered Recovery Report

    One Week After ACL Reconstruction: The Unfiltered Recovery Report | PAC Talk Podcast with Pieter Vodden No script. No filter. Just an honest breakdown of what week one after ACL reconstruction actually looks like. Piet's ACL was completely detached. He opted for a patella tendon graft — the gold standard, the strongest option, and also the most painful with the longest recovery. His reasoning was simple: he's not going to stop doing dumb shit, so it needed to be as strong as possible. In this update he walks through everything: the surgery at USC with Dr. Weber, the first physio session with Dr. Sophie at Pharos Echo Park, hitting 80% knee flexion within 24 hours, heel slides, electric stim, the Game Ready ice machine, red light therapy, and the peptide protocol he's running. He also gets into the parts nobody talks about — how hard it is to sleep, the paranoia that you've re-torn something every time it feels good, the muscle loss you can see in the mirror, the calorie adjustment when you go from active to sedentary overnight, and the mental side that's been far harder than the physical. He's been in the gym every single day. Push, pull, single leg, core. Because as he puts it — if you have surgery and then do nothing, that's an excuse. There's always something you can do. The goal at the end of all this: the Austin Half Marathon in February. If you're going through injury or surgery right now, this one's for you. Nothing here is special or unique — it's all completely doable. Get a good doctor, a good physio, and a good gym. Interested in learning more about our coach-led, medically guided approach to health optimization? Reach out to schedule a consultation and discover whether our programs are the right fit for you. 💪 Join the 7-Day Results Accelerator to build clarity, momentum, and sustainable joy in your routine. pharosathleticclub.com If you are in Southern California come train with us  Echo Park Redondo Beach Idyllwild Palm Springs Follow Pharos, Piet and Emylee on Instagram for more fitness related content. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

  5. Aug 7

    Strava World Records, Rebirth in an Avalanche and leadership in the Pharosphere with Josh Phillips

    Piet sits down with Josh Phillips — GM of Pharos Idyllwild and Pharos Palm Springs — for one of the most wide-ranging conversations in Pac Talk history. Five years in the making and worth every minute. Josh grew up in Idyllwild, got hooked on weightlifting at 14, spent years as a trail runner and rock climber, and somewhere along the way survived an avalanche at 21 that changed how he looks at everything. He and his climbing partner both thought they were going to die on a snow-covered mountain in their own backyard. What came out of it wasn't fear — it was gratitude, hunger and a decision to live a richer life. From there, Josh found Pharos. Got his ass kicked. Kept showing up. Became a coach, then a manager, then helped build Pharos Palm Springs from the ground up — driving equipment down the mountain, laying floors, running on empty during a bodybuilding prep and never once complaining. They get into what it actually takes to run a gym — the spreadsheets nobody warned you about, the thin margins in California fitness, the difference between being a great coach and being a great manager, and why everything you see on Instagram about overnight gym success is complete nonsense. They also break down the 6x6 training method they did before recording — high volume, lower weight, short rest, great pump. A protocol you can do anywhere. This one is honest, real and genuinely inspiring. Interested in learning more about our coach-led, medically guided approach to health optimization? Reach out to schedule a consultation and discover whether our programs are the right fit for you. 💪 Join the 7-Day Results Accelerator to build clarity, momentum, and sustainable joy in your routine. pharosathleticclub.com If you are in Southern California come train with us  Echo Park Redondo Beach Idyllwild Palm Springs Follow Pharos, Piet and Emylee on Instagram for more fitness related content. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

  6. Aug 5

    Your Diagnosis Doesn't Define You — It Just Changes the Plan with Emylee Vodden

    Your Diagnosis Doesn't Define You — It Just Changes the Plan Have you ever been told to “just rest” after an injury… only to feel like you were being asked to stop being yourself? In this Shorty episode Emylee jumps in to give an update after Pieter’s ACL reconstruction surgery and being a high achiever forced to modify. It’s about identity, adapting when life forces you to slow down, and why the right strategy and support system can help you keep chasing what you love.  Whether you’re recovering from surgery, dealing with arthritis, staring at an MRI report, or simply trying to get back to doing what you love, I hope this conversation reminds you that there’s almost always a way to keep moving forward. Interested in learning more about our coach-led, medically guided approach to health optimization? Reach out to schedule a consultation and discover whether our programs are the right fit for you. 💪 Join the 7-Day Results Accelerator to build clarity, momentum, and sustainable joy in your routine. pharosathleticclub.com If you are in Southern California come train with us  Echo Park Redondo Beach Idyllwild Palm Springs Follow Pharos, Piet and Emylee on Instagram for more fitness related content. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

  7. Jun 30

    Don’t Set Yourself Up to Fail. Listen to This First with Emylee Vodden

    Have you ever left an appointment, seminar, or coaching session completely inspired… only to find yourself slipping back into old habits within days? This week, I share a simple story that completely changed how I think about behavior change. You’ll learn why motivation isn’t enough, how your environment quietly shapes your decisions, and one practical framework you can use today to stop setting yourself up to fail and start building habits that actually last.Connect with PAC BioPerformance Interested in learning more about our coach-led, medically guided approach to health optimization? Reach out to schedule a consultation and discover whether our programs are the right fit for you. 💪 Join the 7-Day Results Accelerator to build clarity, momentum, and sustainable joy in your routine. pharosathleticclub.com If you are in Southern California come train with us  Echo Park Redondo Beach Idyllwild Palm Springs Follow Pharos, Piet and Emylee on Instagram for more fitness related content. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

  8. Jun 16

    Why You're Working Harder But Not Seeing Results: The Built to Last Webinar Recap YOU Need to Watch

    If you've ever thought: "I don't feel like myself." "I shouldn't be this tired." "Why am I working so hard for so little return?" this episode is for you. In this webinar replay, Emylee and Pieter from PAC BioPerformance explore the Core 4 systems that influence how you feel, recover, perform, and adapt to the demands of everyday life: Energy & Cellular Health Recovery & Tissue Repair Metabolism & Body Composition Hormone Health & Regenerative Signaling You'll learn why more discipline isn't always the answer, how to identify potential bottlenecks limiting your progress, and the framework PAC has used through thousands of transformations to help people achieve results that last. We also dive into medically guided wellness strategies, including peptide therapy, discussing what peptides are, who may benefit, common misconceptions, and the potential risks and considerations—even when everything is done right. Whether you're looking to improve energy, optimize recovery, enhance performance, or simply better understand your options, this episode will help you take a more informed approach to your health. Because getting results isn't just about working harder. It's about building a body that can keep up. Connect with PAC BioPerformance Interested in learning more about our coach-led, medically guided approach to health optimization? Reach out to schedule a consultation and discover whether our programs are the right fit for you. 💪 Join the 7-Day Results Accelerator to build clarity, momentum, and sustainable joy in your routine. pharosathleticclub.com If you are in Southern California come train with us  Echo Park Redondo Beach Idyllwild Palm Springs Follow Pharos, Piet and Emylee on Instagram for more fitness related content. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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5
out of 5
27 Ratings

About

Welcome to the PAC Talk where we help you explore your capacity to move better, push further and achieve your limitless potential through fitness, nutrition, recovery, and lifestyle. I’m your host Pieter Vodden, co-owner of PHAROS Athletic Club in Echo Park. Thanks for tuning in and Welcome To The PAC!” Please make sure you subscribe wherever you are listening to this show and if you loved this show please leave us a 5 star review in the iTunes store. It is the currency of podcasts and it really goes along in helping us grow our show. If you are in Los Angeles swing by to our gym at 1316 Glendale Blvd in Echo Park. Check out our website here for class times and follow us Pharos and Piet on Instagram for more fitness related content. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Information

  • Creator
    Pharos Echo Park
  • Years Active
    2019 - 2026
  • Episodes
    188
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    © Pharos Echo Park
  • Show Website
    PAC Talk with Pieter Vodden

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