Wits & Weights Podcast

All Episodes

Interviews Philip Pape Interviews Philip Pape

The DNA-Based Diet That Uses Epigenetics to Personalize Your Health (Dr. Matt Dawson) | Ep 268

Are you making health decisions based on guesswork? In this episode, Dr. Matt Dawson reveals how your DNA and lifestyle data can unlock a personalized roadmap for better health, fat loss, and performance. Discover how epigenetics and AI-driven insights are revolutionizing nutrition and training to optimize your results—no more cookie-cutter plans. Listen now to learn how to work smarter, not harder, on your health goals!

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How Tinsel the Elf Defeated Doubt with Perfect Form (A Holiday Tale of Strength vs Shadows) | Ep 258

Something sinister lurks in the woods around Strong Point, draining elves of their strength, energy, and most terrifyingly... their ability to train close to failure. When a mysterious Shadow Wraith begins targeting the village's most dedicated lifters, making them doubt their form and forget their 1RM, Tinsel must face his greatest challenge yet. Can perfect technique triumph over supernatural doubt? Join us for this special holiday episode as we return to the magical village of Strong Point, where we discover that true strength isn't just about moving weight - it's about moving it with purpose, even when facing your darkest fears.

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Does YOUR Doctor Lift Weights? (Dr. Spencer Nadolsky) | Ep 256

Does your doctor understand your fitness goals, or are you stuck with outdated advice like “just do more cardio”? In this episode, Dr. Spencer Nadolsky shares how weightlifting doctors are reshaping healthcare, why traditional medical advice often falls short, and what you can do to bridge the gap between your fitness journey and your doctor’s office. Learn how to advocate for your health and find professionals who truly get it.

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My Experiment with Peptides (BPC-157) for Shoulder Recovery (Confounding Variables) | Ep 255

Curious about BPC-157 peptides and whether they’re worth the hype for recovery? In this episode, I share my personal experiment with these synthetic peptides for shoulder recovery after rotator cuff surgery. Along the way, I uncover the hidden traps of confounding variables—those sneaky factors that make self-experimentation messy but oh-so-real. If you’ve ever wondered how to track your progress or evaluate whether a supplement is working, check this out!

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10 Intermittent Fasting Myths That Need to Die | Ep 254

Intermittent fasting gets a lot of hype, but are the claims really backed by science? In this episode, I break down 10 pervasive myths about fasting, reveal what truly drives fat loss and metabolic health, and share actionable tips to help you achieve results without restrictive eating windows. If you’ve ever wondered if fasting is right for you, this one’s a must-listen!

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Modern TRT Is Broken (How to Fix Your Testosterone) with Ali Gilbert | Ep 253

If you’re on testosterone replacement therapy or thinking about starting, you might be shocked to learn that many protocols are setting men up for failure. In this episode, Philip talks with Ali Gilbert, the queen of men’s health, to reveal the surprising truth about why most TRT treatments don’t work. Discover how to fix your protocol, the role of lifestyle in optimizing hormones, and why blocking estrogen could be harming your health. Click through to learn what every man needs to know about TRT!

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Why Women Over 50 NEED To Lift Heavy Weights in Menopause | Ep 252

"Be careful with weights at your age." As a strength coach, I hear this advice given to post-menopausal women constantly. Not only is this guidance wrong, it's actively harmful – stealing women's strength when they need it most. Let me show you why the science supports exactly the opposite approach, and how women over 50 can gain strength at the same rate as younger adults when training properly.

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Counting Calories for Weight Loss vs. Tracking What Matters for Fat Loss | Ep 251

Ever feel like you’re playing a numbers game with your diet—tracking calories, points, or macros—only to stay stuck in the same place? That’s because most tracking methods miss what truly drives fat loss: preserving muscle, improving gym performance, and using feedback from your body to adjust your strategy. Learn how to ditch the rigid rules, embrace a smarter approach, and finally achieve the lean, strong physique you want.

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Your Macros and Training Plan Mean Nothing Without THIS (Kevin Palmieri) | Ep 250

Think you need the perfect training plan to get results? Think again. In my conversation with Kevin Palmieri, we uncover why even evidence-based programs fail without the right execution - and how to finally bridge the gap between knowing what to do and actually doing it consistently. Learn the three keys to sustainable progress and why starting with "embarrassingly small" goals might be exactly what you need to finally break through your plateau.

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The #1 Reason to Eat More Carbs (Material Elasticity) | Ep 249

Think protein is all you need to protect your gains? Think again. Using engineering principles, I'll show you why carbs might be your most powerful weapon against muscle breakdown. This isn't about energy or performance - it's about understanding the hidden anti-catabolic effects that make carbs crucial for anyone serious about building and maintaining muscle mass. If you've been afraid of carbs or considering a low-carb approach, this article will transform how you think about nutrition for muscle preservation.

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How Social Media and TikTok Are Putting Your Health At Risk | Ep 248

Think your social media habit is just wasting time? Think again. New research reveals how platforms like TikTok and Instagram are actively working against your fitness goals in ways that go far beyond procrastination. From disrupted sleep chemistry to compromised training performance, your scrolling habit might be the hidden factor holding back your progress. But here's the good news – you don't have to give up your phone to get back on track. Learn how to transform your technology from a fitness saboteur into your strongest ally.

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The New Smart Lifting App Every Science-Based Lifter NEEDS (Michael Liu) | Ep 247

Tired of program hopping and mediocre results? In this episode, I sit down with Michael Liu, founder of Boost Camp, to unpack how this game-changing app is making evidence-based training programs actually usable in the real world. From partnering with elite coaches like Eric Helms and Alex Bromley to leveraging user data for better program design, discover why proper programming and progress tracking could be the missing link in your training success. If you're ready to ditch the spreadsheets and take your gains to the next level, this is one you won't want to miss.

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Not Another Thanksgiving Fat Loss Podcast! (Entropy from the Holiday Chaos) | Ep 246

Traditional holiday nutrition advice tells you to fight against chaos with rigid control. But as an engineer, I know that's like trying to build an earthquake-proof building by making it completely rigid - it's going to shatter. Learn how understanding entropy can transform your approach to holiday eating and actually make your nutrition system stronger, not weaker, during times of chaos.

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Osteoporosis and Barbells (How Lifting Weights Prevents Bone Loss) | Ep 245

Forget everything you think you know about preventing osteoporosis. While doctors push calcium supplements and light exercise, they're missing the most powerful tool we have for building strong bones: strength training. The science is clear - your bones can actually get stronger at any age, but only if you give them the right stimulus. In this article, I'll show you why traditional approaches fall short and how lifting weights could be the key to maintaining your independence as you age. The best part? It's never too late to start.

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Why Training Too Much Is Killing Your Muscle Gains (Natural Bodybuilder Jeff Alberts) | Ep 244

If you've been killing yourself in the gym but your gains have stalled, you might be training too hard. In this episode with natural bodybuilding legend Jeff Alberts, we dive deep into why pushing every set to failure could be sabotaging your progress. You'll discover how to train smarter (not just harder), manage fatigue like a pro, and create sustainable progress that keeps you growing without burning out. Whether you're an experienced lifter or just getting started, this conversation will change how you think about training intensity.

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7 Sleep Quality Metrics You NEED to Track for Faster Gains and Fat Loss (Root Cause Analysis) | Ep 243

Tired of waking up exhausted despite your sleep tracker showing "good" numbers? As a physique coach who uses engineering principles to optimize results, I've identified the 7 specific sleep metrics that actually matter for muscle growth and fat loss. Forget generic sleep scores – learn how to decode your sleep data and systematically fix what's holding back your gains.

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You Can Build Muscle FASTER Than We Thought (Without More Fat Gain) | Ep 242

Think you need to gain weight super slowly to build muscle without getting fat? New research suggests we've been too conservative. Recent studies show you can gain muscle faster than previously thought – without the dreaded fat gain we all fear. I've completely updated my recommendations based on this game-changing evidence, and it might revolutionize how you approach building your dream physique. Find out the new optimal rates of gain and why being too conservative might actually be holding back your progress.

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Eat More of THESE Mood-Boosting Foods for Everyday Happiness with Dr. Sarah Ballantyne | Ep 241

Ever notice how certain foods can instantly boost your mood? While that chocolate bar might give you temporary pleasure, there's fascinating science showing how specific nutrients can create lasting improvements in mental well-being - equivalent to landing your dream job. In this deep dive, we explore the surprising connection between nutrient-dense foods and genuine happiness, backed by compelling research and practical strategies you can start using today. Forget restrictive diets; learn how adding certain foods could be your key to both physical and psychological well-being.

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Stop Switching Exercises Until Changing THIS First (Tolerance Analysis) | Ep 240

If you’re struggling with an exercise that just doesn’t feel right—whether it’s a bench press that hurts your shoulders or a squat that feels unstable—don’t abandon it just yet. In this episode, we dive into a unique engineering approach called tolerance analysis, revealing how small, precise adjustments can transform your experience with challenging lifts. Discover the power of targeted tweaks to keep your workouts effective, comfortable, and injury-free, so you can make real progress without ditching the exercises you thought you couldn’t do.

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