PT Cubed

Dr. Nate Karam, PT, DPT, CSCS
  • 5.0 (10)
  • FITNESS
  • UPDATED BIWEEKLY

Hosted by Dr. Nate Karam, PT, DPT, CSCS, the PT³ Podcast brings real talk from the front lines of rehab, strength, and sports performance. From injury recovery to chasing PRs, each episode delivers sharp, evidence-based insight with guest experts including physical therapists, athletic trainers, professors, athletes and other professionals in sports medicine. Whether you're a lifter, clinician, or just a human being with a moving body - I can guarantee that there's something here for you! 📸 IG: @ptcubed 🌐 ptcubed.com 📬 natekaram@ptcubed.com Strength. Rehab. Performance.

  1. 6D AGO

    Is 30 Grams the Limit? The Real Science of Protein Utilization | Ep. 23

    The claim that your body can only “use” 20–30 grams of protein per meal is one of the most repeated rules in fitness. It sounds scientific. It sounds precise. And it’s often misunderstood. In this episode of the PT³ Podcast, I break down what that claim actually refers to, what muscle protein synthesis really measures, what happens to protein above the so-called limit, and what actually matters if your goal is hypertrophy and performance. You’ll learn the difference between acute MPS and whole-body protein utilization, why oxidation does not mean wasted, how total daily intake compares to per-meal precision, and how to apply protein guidelines without turning nutrition into anxiety. This episode is designed to be evidence-based, practical, and immediately actionable whether you’re tracking macros, coaching clients, cutting, bulking, or just trying to build muscle intelligently. In this episode, we cover: • What muscle protein synthesis (MPS) actually measures• Why the “30 gram limit” is an oversimplification• The difference between MPS, whole-body protein turnover, and nitrogen balance• The evidence behind 0.3–0.5 g/kg per meal• What happens to protein above the MPS plateau• Why total daily protein intake drives hypertrophy• The evidence supporting 1.6–2.2 g/kg/day• How to distribute protein across 3–5 meals• Practical protein guidelines you can apply immediately Sponsors: This episode is sponsored by Pocket Prep. If you’re studying for the NPTE, CSCS, TSAC-F, or another board or certification exam, Pocket Prep’s question-based format helps reinforce mechanisms, not just memorization. Their platform is built around consistent exposure and active recall so you can build true retention over time. You can get started using my unique link here:👉 https://pocketprep.sjv.io/xLAPzk Use code PTCUBED10 where applicable for discounts or premium upgrades. This episode is also sponsored by Bucked Up. Whole food protein should be your foundation, but high-quality supplements can help support consistency when daily intake is difficult to hit through food alone. I regularly use Bucked Up’s protein, creatine, and performance supplements because they align with evidence-based dosing and quality standards. You can get 20% off your entire order with code ptcubed3 at checkout. Connect with me: Website: https://ptcubed.comInstagram: @ptcubedEmail: natekaram@ptcubed.com If this episode helped simplify protein and cut through the noise, share it with someone who’s overthinking macros and underthinking fundamentals, and make sure you’re subscribed so you don’t miss what’s coming next. Strength. Rehab. Performance.

    15 min

  2. FEB 12

    Are You Operating at Full Capacity? How to Build a Body That Can Handle More | Ep. 22

    Most training plateaus, injury flare-ups, and frustrating setbacks aren’t just a load problem. They’re often a capacity problem. In this episode of the PT³ Podcast, I break down what capacity actually is, far beyond just strength or fitness, and how it applies across training, rehab, and coaching. You’ll learn how your tissues, recovery, stress, and lifestyle all influence what your body can tolerate, why the same program works for one person and not another, and how to build capacity so progress becomes more sustainable. This episode is designed to be dense, practical, and immediately useful, whether you’re lifting, running, returning from injury, or just trying to feel stronger and more capable in your body. In this episode, we cover: ​What “capacity” really means in human performance​The difference between tissue, work, physiological, and psychological capacity​Why injuries often happen when capacity lags behind load​How sleep, nutrition, and stress directly impact your training capacity​Why avoiding movement can lower capacity​How graded exposure builds resilience​Practical rules for progressing volume and intensity​Actionable ways to build capacity starting this week Sponsors: This episode is sponsored by Pocket Prep, and they’re currently running a free 30-Day Study Challenge designed around one small, realistic action per day to build focus, consistency, and study capacity that actually lasts. The challenge runs February 16 - March 18. You can sign up for the free challenge using my unique link here:👉 https://pocketprep.sjv.io/xLAPzk If you want extra support, you can upgrade to the VIP experience, which includes a free month of Pocket Prep Premium, study groups, and a session with a subject-matter expert. Use code PTCUBED10 for $10 off the VIP experience. This episode is also sponsored by Bucked Up. I regularly use Bucked Up’s pre-workout, creatine, protein, protein sodas, and other supplements, and I recommend them to my entire audience because they support training and recovery without relying on hype or gimmicks. You can get 20% off your entire order with code ptcubed3 at checkout. Connect with me: Website: https://ptcubed.com Instagram: @ptcubed Email: natekaram@ptcubed.com If this episode helped you think differently about training or rehab, share it with someone who feels like they’re working hard but not progressing, and make sure you’re subscribed so you don’t miss what’s coming next.

    18 min

  3. JAN 29

    Get a Load of This: Why Progress Stalls and How to Fix It | Ep. 21

    Most training plateaus, injury flare-ups, and frustrating setbacks aren’t random, and they’re not because you’re unmotivated or broken. They’re often a load problem. In this Season 3 opener of the PT³ Podcast, I break down what load actually is, far beyond just weight on a bar, and how it applies across training, rehab, and coaching. You’ll learn how stress, recovery, and capacity interact, why progress stalls even when effort is high, and how to make smarter adjustments instead of guessing. This episode is designed to be dense, practical, and immediately useful, whether you’re lifting, running, returning from injury, or just trying to feel better and more capable in your body. In this episode, we cover: What “load” really means in the context of human performance The most common ways people mismanage load Why motivation often outpaces tissue capacity How load applies the same way in training, rehab, and coaching Practical frameworks to adjust load without overcorrecting How to use symptoms as information instead of instructions Sponsors This episode is sponsored by Pocket Prep, and they’re currently running a free 30-Day Study Challenge designed around one small, realistic action per day to build focus, consistency, and study habits that actually last. The challenge runs February 16 - March 18. You can sign up for the free challenge using my unique link here:👉 https://pocketprep.sjv.io/xLAPzk If you want extra support, you can upgrade to the VIP experience, which includes a free month of Pocket Prep Premium, study groups, and a session with a subject-matter expert.Use code PTCUBED10 for $10 off the VIP experience. This episode is also sponsored by Bucked Up. I regularly use Bucked Up’s pre-workout, creatine, protein, protein sodas, and other supplements, and I recommend them to my entire audience because they support training and recovery without relying on hype or gimmicks. You can get 20% off your entire order with code ptcubed3 at checkout. Connect with me Website: https://ptcubed.comInstagram: @ptcubedEmail: natekaram@ptcubed.com If this episode helped you think differently about training or rehab, share it with someone who feels stuck, and make sure you’re subscribed so you don’t miss what’s coming next.

    13 min

  4. 12/31/2025

    The Work You Don’t See | Ep. 20

    As the year comes to a close, this episode is a pause. No highlight reel. No hot takes. Just an honest reflection on the work that happened behind the scenes. The long days, the quiet discipline, and the pressure that shaped growth when nothing felt fast or flashy. In this solo episode, I reflect on what this year demanded mentally, physically, and professionally. We talk about patience, alignment, and what it really costs to build something meaningful when the progress isn’t always visible. I also share an important announcement about the future of the PT³ Podcast, including new sponsor partnerships heading into 2026. If you’re ending the year feeling tired, proud, uncertain, or somewhere in between, this episode is for you. Thanks for being here. Let’s close the year strong!

    24 min

  5. 10/28/2025

    Iron, Plants, and Purpose with The Bodybuilding Vegan John Thomas | Ep. 19

    In this episode, I sit down with my longtime friend and the man who unknowingly set PT³ in motion - John Thomas, better known online as The Bodybuilding Vegan. We dive deep into how he built serious muscle on a plant-based diet, the science behind optimizing performance without animal products, and the mindset it takes to stay disciplined in a world full of shortcuts. From undergrad memories to modern-day fitness philosophies, this one’s packed with stories, strategy, and straight-up inspiration. Listen in if you’ve ever wondered: Can you actually build muscle on a vegan diet? What supplements matter most for plant-based lifters? How can you train with purpose and still enjoy life outside the gym? Join the PT³ movement: Website: www.ptcubed.com Instagram: @ptcubed Email: natekaram@ptcubed.com Check out my coaching programs, grab your PT³ guidebooks, and tune into more episodes that bridge the gap between rehab and performance. Join the PT³ Padawans and unlock your true potential.

    1h 2m

  6. 10/15/2025

    The Great Lock-In: How to Focus When Life Gets Loud | Ep. 18

    When life gets loud, most people lose their focus. Not because they don’t care, but because they’ve never learned how to truly lock in. In this episode, Dr. Nate breaks down the mindset and strategy behind what he calls The Great Lock-In. You’ll learn how to filter distractions, build tunnel vision for your goals, and create a routine that keeps you moving forward even when everything around you feels chaotic. This episode is about more than fitness. It’s about clarity, consistency, and becoming the kind of person who follows through no matter what. Connect with Nate: 🌐 Website: www.ptcubed.com 📧 Email: natekaram@ptcubed.com 📲 Instagram: @ptcubed

    15 min

  7. 09/30/2025

    From Startup to Supplement Empire: Ryan Gardner on Building Bucked Up | Ep. 17

    In this incredibly special guest episode of the PT³ Podcast, I sit down with Ryan Gardner, CEO and founder of Bucked Up, to unpack what it really takes to build a fitness brand from scratch and scale it into one of the most recognized supplement companies today. Ryan opens up about the entrepreneurial journey, the challenges of growth, and the vision that continues to drive Bucked Up forward. We also dive deep into the clinically proven benefits of supplementation - from performance to recovery, and discuss why Bucked Up stands out as the best choice for all your gym supplement needs. Whether you’re an athlete, coach, or entrepreneur, you’ll walk away with valuable insights on business, training, and fueling your body for success. 👉 Follow along for more strength, rehab, and performance content on Instagram: @ptcubed 👉 Explore my coaching and resources at ptcubed.com 👉 Questions or collabs? Reach me at natekaram@ptcubed.com Join the PT³ Padawans and unlock your true potential. Check out Ryan's socials: @buckedupceo on IG and TikTok - use code CEO20 at checkout for 20% all Bucked Up products!

    42 min

  8. 09/17/2025

    The Biggest PT³ Episode Yet: Ryan Gardner - CEO of Bucked Up | Ep. 16

    Something massive is on the way. In just two weeks, I’ll be dropping one of the biggest PT³ Podcast episodes yet - my interview with Ryan Gardner, founder of Bucked Up. In this short teaser, I’ll share why this conversation matters, what you can expect, and how Ryan’s story connects to your own journey as a student, athlete, or professional. From building one of the fastest-growing supplement brands to lessons on mindset, resilience, and vision... this is an episode you won’t want to miss. 👉 Don’t miss future episodes - hit follow and leave a review on the PT³ Podcast. 👉 Prep smarter for any exam in any profession with Pocket Prep - use my link https://pocketprep.sjv.io/4GDDzo to sign up and begin studying! 👉 Fuel your training with Bucked Up - use code NBK32 for 20% off at checkout at buckedup.com. 👉 Join the PT³ Padawans and unlock your true potential at ptcubed.com. 👉 Follow me on Instagram @ptcubed for daily content on strength, rehab, and performance.

    8 min
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5
out of 5
10 Ratings

About

Hosted by Dr. Nate Karam, PT, DPT, CSCS, the PT³ Podcast brings real talk from the front lines of rehab, strength, and sports performance. From injury recovery to chasing PRs, each episode delivers sharp, evidence-based insight with guest experts including physical therapists, athletic trainers, professors, athletes and other professionals in sports medicine. Whether you're a lifter, clinician, or just a human being with a moving body - I can guarantee that there's something here for you! 📸 IG: @ptcubed 🌐 ptcubed.com 📬 natekaram@ptcubed.com Strength. Rehab. Performance.

Information

  • Creator
    Dr. Nate Karam, PT, DPT, CSCS
  • Years Active
    2024 - 2026
  • Episodes
    23
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    © Dr. Nate Karam, PT, DPT, CSCS
  • Show Website
    PT Cubed