Muscle Intelligence

Ben Pakulski
  • 4.3 (3)
  • FITNESS
  • UPDATED SEMIWEEKLY

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. 1D AGO

    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

  2. JAN 19

    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

  3. JAN 12

    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

  4. JAN 5

    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

  5. 12/29/2025

    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

  6. 12/19/2025

    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

  7. 12/15/2025

    These 5 Men Will Change Your Life

    In this powerful episode, Ben Pakulski opens up about the five men who have shaped his life, leadership, and personal evolution in 2025. From soul-level mentorship to financial mastery, emotional resilience, and world-class personal standards, these role models have each played a pivotal role in Ben's transformation as a father, husband, leader, and man. Ben shares never-before-told stories, the exact lessons that changed him, and why every man needs voices like these guiding their path. If you're hungry to grow, lead, and deepen your impact, this episode is a roadmap to the men worth following and the traits worth embodying.   5 Bullet Points: Why every man needs the right mentors The 5 leaders who shaped Ben's evolution Personal stories that sparked transformation How to choose real role models vs. noise Lessons for becoming your strongest self Men Mentioned: Mike Desanti: Instagram Brian Johnson: Instagram Dr. John Demartini: Instagram Justin Donald: Instagram Alex Hormozi:  Instagram 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 – Why This Year Changed Everything 01:11 – Achievement & Money 01:52 – Role Model #1: Mike Danti 03:52 – The Standard Mike Held Me To 05:09 – Role Model #2: 08:14 – Living With Discipline, Purpose & Integrity 08:51 – Role Model #3 11:11 – Transforming Identity 11:45 – Role Model #4 13:53 – Role Model #5 16:43 – Honorable Mentions: 22:30 – Standard for My Life

    23 min

  8. 12/08/2025

    Hard Truths Every Man Needs To Hear

    ***The 2026 Muscle Intelligence Coaching Cohort is closing*** If you are ready to take the next step, visit https://www.muscleintelligence.com/apply/     In this powerful solo episode, Ben Pakulski reveals the real reason most men feel stuck, soft, or overwhelmed, and exactly how to rebuild the clarity, capability, and commitment required to thrive. Ben breaks down the four master skills every man must develop, how to build real physical and mental resilience, why comfort is killing your potential, and how to identify the "limiters" that quietly shrink your confidence and capacity. With vulnerable stories, practical frameworks, and a step-by-step path forward, this episode gives you the blueprint to go all in on yourself and create the strength, discipline, and purpose you know you're capable of. If you're ready to stop playing defense and take control of your life, this episode is essential.   5 Bullet Points: Why comfort makes men fragile How physical challenges create mental resilience The four master skills every man must build How to remove daily burdens draining your capacity A step-by-step system to increase capability 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.

    35 min
See All (415)

Ratings & Reviews

4.3
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
    2021 - 2026
  • Episodes
    415
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    © Muscle Intelligence 2025
  • Show Website
    Muscle Intelligence

You Might Also Like