Have you ever felt like you're stuck between conflicting fitness goals? Maybe you're trying to drop fat while increasing strength or lean out while building muscle. What if you didn't have to choose? Philip jumps into a real conversation with Jazz, a powerlifter just eight weeks from competition struggling to break through a scale weight barrier without sacrificing performance. They discuss setting realistic goals, prioritizing what really matters, and crafting a plan that lets Jazz chase multiple objectives simultaneously.

Are you pushing yourself to the limit in the gym, chasing PRs, but worried about the toll it's taking on your joints and tendons (knees, elbows, shoulders)? What if there was a way to keep making progress without risking nagging injuries? Discover how the engineering principle of Fatigue Failure can help you avoid injuries like tendonitis, bursitis, and tendon tears to keep you lifting for years to come.

Do you want to lose 10-30 pounds of fat without sacrificing muscle or energy? Do you know the common pitfalls that derail fat loss and how to avoid them? Are you ready to learn the smarter, more efficient approach to your first cut? Philip dives into a smarter and more efficient approach to help you achieve your first successful cut, losing 10 to 30 pounds of fat without drastic measures. He breaks down the process of cutting body fat, addressing common concerns such as calorie counting and training adjustments. Philip also outlines the frequent mistakes many make during their first cut, including unrealistic expectations. He shares essential principles and a step-by-step guide for sustainable fat loss.

Are those late-night cravings for ice cream sabotaging your fitness goals? Do you struggle to tell the difference between real hunger and emotional eating? Have you ever wondered if there's a way to manage cravings without relying on willpower alone? Philip sits down with Dr. Judson Brewer, a renowned neuroscientist from Brown University, to unlock the secrets of conquering food cravings and building healthier eating habits. Philip and Dr. Jud dive into real-life examples and actionable steps to help you transform your relationship with food. From distinguishing between true hunger and emotional cravings to embracing mindfulness and self-compassion, this episode is packed with valuable tools to support your fitness journey.

How can a small guy deadlift more than the big guy, or why does your smaller friend never seem to gain weight no matter how much they eat? And what does this mean for your lifting and calorie targets? Discover the science behind these phenomena as we delve into the fascinating world of scaling laws and their impact on fitness and body mechanics. We break down the principles governing strength, power output, metabolism, and nutrition to help you your training and nutrition.

Nutrition can be overwhelming: from calories and macros to saturated fats, fiber, micronutrients, and meal timing. But what if you ONLY tracked macros? Is that enough for a diet that supports your health and physique? Philip breaks down why tracking macros might be all you need to rebalance your diet and set the stage for long-term success. If you're ready to streamline your nutrition without the headache of overcomplicating things, this episode is for you.

What does it ACTUALLY take to achieve a lean, ripped, shredded physique? Philip welcomes Brittany and James Gatewood, the powerhouse couple behind the "Macros, Mindset, and Muscles" podcast, to explore the rigorous journey of bodybuilding and fitness competitions. From the meticulous planning and unwavering discipline to the significant lifestyle adjustments, they lay out the real costs of getting stage-ready. Brittany and James share their personal experiences, including the sacrifices, challenges, and ultimate rewards of pushing their bodies and minds to the limit. Together, they discuss the importance of having a solid lifting foundation and the impact of extreme fitness routines.

What if you could get FASTER results with your physique development by spending most of your time on something very few people put much energy into? What if spending less time goal-setting, researching, planning, and designing your training and nutrition routine could actually lead to BETTER results? Discover how focusing 70% of your time on THIS can lead to faster and more sustainable progress. We'll explain why traditional approaches often fall short and what to do instead, inspired by engineers who design complex systems.

Are you tired of endless yo-yo dieting or struggling to get through a fat-loss phase? What if there was a smarter way to get lean that works with your body and not against it? Philip shares his personal stair-step fat loss process, designed to help you achieve your goals while dealing with life’s challenges, like recovering from an injury or sluggish metabolism. This approach not only supports better recovery and flexibility but also makes the fat loss journey more enjoyable. Philip breaks down the science and psychology behind it, explaining how it helps maintain metabolism and sustain long-term results without constant dieting struggles.

Imagine transforming your health and confidence with simple yet powerful strength training techniques. Philip sits down with Pam Sherman, a fitness expert with nearly three decades of experience. Pam shares her wisdom on the transformative benefits of strength training for women over 50, dispelling myths about getting bulky and emphasizing the long-term rewards for overall health and vitality. She reveals how setting specific fitness goals and integrating exercise into your daily routine can lead to a tighter, more confident physique.

Imagine achieving 80% of your fitness goals with just 20% of your efforts. Today is the first Wednesday episode where we apply engineering frameworks to evidence-based fitness. After all, engineers have made it their craft to optimize results with as few resources as possible through simple, elegant, and effective solutions. One such framework is the Pareto principle, also known as the 80-20 rule (not to be confused with the 80% whole foods "rule" for nutrition). This rule is a way to rebalance all the important but time-consuming things in your life so you can free up time, reduce stress, and STILL get the results you want. This episode will guide you through identifying the most impactful actions you can take in areas like strength training, nutrition, sleep, and stress management, so you can break through plateaus and optimize your time effectively.

Have you ever dreamed of running a marathon but felt it was impossible due to your weight or fitness level? Or that lots of cardio will kill your muscle and gains? Discover how Ben went from 280 pounds to qualifying for the Boston Marathon at 55 without losing muscle mass. In this episode, Philip interviews Ben Lewis, who began his fitness journey at 52, weighing over 280 pounds. Now, at 55, Ben has transformed his life, shedding over 100 pounds and improving his cardiovascular health while building muscle. Ben's remarkable story includes qualifying for the Boston Marathon, showcasing the potential of combining weight loss with muscle gain.

Are you over 40, juggling a demanding career, family responsibilities, and struggling to stay fit? Meet Jerry Bonanno, a 50-something family man who shed 36 pounds of fat and 5 inches off his waist without losing his hard-earned muscle or strength. Philip talks with Jerry about being over 40 and struggling to balance a demanding job, family commitments, and staying fit. Maybe you've been hitting the gym for years but still have difficulty nailing your nutrition, or the daily grind has taken a toll on your physical health. You're eager to reclaim your health, lose fat, and feel strong again, but the challenges seem overwhelming. Jerry reveals how he transformed his physique and reclaimed his health despite a hectic lifestyle. Tune in to hear his inspiring journey and practical tips that YOU can use to do the same.

In this episode, Philip throws out the traditional calorie counting approach and dives into nonlinear dieting for fat loss. He argues that the stress of daily calorie restriction backfires, slowing your metabolism and making it challenging to stick with your diet. Nonlinear dieting offers a more flexible approach, allowing you to vary your calorie intake throughout the week or month. This can keep things interesting, prevent metabolic slowdown, and make fat loss more sustainable. Philip also discusses the benefits of nonlinear dieting. He shares three specific strategies you can use and emphasizes that these are just starting points. The key is to find a nonlinear dieting approach that works for you. So ditch the calculator and get ready to experiment with a more enjoyable path to your fat loss goals.

Phi ipwelcomes Adam Poehlmann, host of The Poehlmann Fitness Show and a dedicated health, fitness, and nutrition coach at Poehlmann Fitness, to discuss how your inner voice can unlock physical achievements. This episode tackles the often-overlooked aspect of fitness: your mindset. Adam dives deep into the internal locus of control concept, empowering you to take ownership of your health journey. He also gets personal, sharing his fitness struggles and triumphs, from overcoming the temptation of alcohol to setting a positive example.

Is rapid weight loss worth the risk? Can you really build muscle while losing fat? How important is nutrition tracking for your fitness journey? Philip welcomes back Jeff Hoehn for another co-hosted Q&A episode. This time, they discuss aggressive fat loss strategies, the benefits of higher protein intake, and overcoming menopause-related hurdles. They dive into the controversial topic of rapid weight loss, the importance of structured diet breaks, and the real deal about slow metabolism. Philip and Jeff also compare powerlifting and bodybuilding during fat loss phases, emphasizing the role of heavy compound lifts and hypertrophy training. They also talk about nutrition tracking, low-calorie, nutrient-dense foods, and fiber intake.

Diet myths got you stuck? Struggling to lose weight NO MATTER WHAT you try? GLP-1 drugs: Magic bullet or risky business? Today, Philip brings on Amy Wilson, a Board Certified Geriatric Pharmacist, a certified fitness professional, and a certified nutrition coach, for an engaging conversion on GLP-1 weight loss drugs. They explore the root causes of obesity and weight gain, as well as the origins and current use of GLP-1 drugs like Ozempic, Wegovy, Mounjaro, and others for diabetes and weight loss. Learn about the pros and cons of these drugs and discover practical lifestyle perspectives for managing these conditions.

Is your meal plan optimized for your fitness goals? Are you struggling to follow your diet plan because it is too restrictive? Are you looking to maximize your muscle growth and boost your energy? Philip provides an evidence-based, comprehensive guide that cuts through conflicting information about meal planning and macro setting. He shares a blueprint that covers the essential aspects of setting up your meal plan for success. By following his recommendations, you will recover faster from your workouts, see changes in the mirror and on the scale, and optimize fat loss, muscle gain, performance, and overall health. Whether you are cutting, bulking, or maintaining, this episode will equip you with the necessary knowledge to structure your nutrition and achieve your fitness goals.

Are you struggling with body image? Are you tired of extreme diets? Wondering how to break free from skinny-fat struggles? Join Philip and fitness expert Adrian McDonnell as they discuss body image, fitness goals, and industry complexities. Adrian shares insights into common challenges like body dysmorphia and extreme dieting, emphasizing the importance of setting performance-based goals and a balanced approach to fitness. He breaks down the real reasons behind body struggles and offers practical advice for achieving a lean, well-muscled physique. Adrian also opens up about his journey with body dysmorphia, providing strategies for a healthier self-image.

Are you over 50 and wondering how to keep your muscles strong as you age? Are you curious about how your eating habits affect your health? Want to discover the secret to living a vibrant life in your 50s and beyond? In this episode, Philip provides a practical guide to optimizing health and strength for individuals over 50. He highlights strength training as a key strategy in preventing muscle loss and increasing longevity. Philip also talks about nutrition and gut health, including the recommended protein intake and suggested protein sources, as well as the benefit of consuming a variety of fiber-rich and fermented foods. He also touches on how having a positive mindset and staying connected with others are keys to aging well, highlighting the role of support networks in helping you stay on track.