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
Episode Summary
Most diet advice fails high-performing men because it ignores the only thing that matters: outcomes. In this episode, Ben breaks down how to build a simple, repeatable nutrition protocol using calories, protein, carbs, and fats as controllable levers, then personalizes it to your digestion, lifestyle, and genetics. You'll learn Ben's 5-day "whole foods" calibration method, why weekly calories matter more than daily perfection, how to set protein targets without wrecking your gut, and when fasting helps or harms men over 40. If you want fat loss, muscle, and energy without living in food confusion, this is your blueprint.
ResourcesMasszymes.com (code Muscle)
Calculate your Macros: Mifflin-St JeorAbout 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 - Build Your Nutrition Blueprint 01:36 - The 5-Day Whole Foods Calibration Method 03:05 - Weekly Calories vs Daily Perfection 07:22 - Protein Targets + Digestion Rules 10:34 - Carbs Based on Metabolic Health 13:19 - Genetics: Carb vs Fat Tolerance 15:19 - Stop Chasing Inputs, Measure Outcomes 17:43 - Fiber, Gut Health & Food Quality 22:30 - Water Timing for Energy & Sleep 26:33 - Supplements: Foundational vs Situational 31:50 - Calorie Cycling & Fueling Performance
Watch My Previous Episode with Elliot:
Work With Elliot's Team https://elliotroe.com/ Get Started with Muscle Intelligence 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.Guest Bio Elliot Roe is a high-performance coach and regression-based hypnotherapist known for helping elite performers remove subconscious resistance and access consistent flow. He works with CEOs, professional athletes, traders, and other top-tier operators who are already successful but feel an invisible ceiling: hesitation, self-sabotage, anxiety, fear of failure, or fear of success. Elliot's approach blends deep meditative trance work with targeted emotional reframing to identify the root memories driving a pattern, then overwrite the emotional charge so the trigger no longer fires. He's also the founder of Prime Mind, an app offering guided hypnotherapy audios designed to improve performance, confidence, and emotional regulation.
Time Stamps: 00:00 - Mindset & Elliot Rowe 01:53 - Regression Therapy Explained 04:05 - How Hypnotherapy Works 05:53 - Childhood Roots of Belief 15:07 - Reaching Elite Performance 25:44 - From Self to Global Impact 28:31 - Parenting & Emotional Wiring 31:32 - Fear and Self-Sabotage 34:13 - Authenticity vs Imposter Syndrome 36:14 - Finding Subconscious Blocks 38:00 - Coaches vs Therapists 40:47 - What Makes a Great Therapist 42:00 - Mindset vs Life Coaching 45:29 - Defining True Freedom 47:39 - Resources & Where to Start
5 Bullet Points:
If you're interested in working with Ben. [email protected]
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 Low Body Fat "Cheat Code" 03:48 Genetics and Fitness 16:50 The Four Pillars of Resilience 19:44 Sleep for Peak Performance 25:08 Sleep and Long-Term Health 27:53 Stress and Self-Control 33:48 Building Strength and Skill 36:40 Gut Health Basics 39:17 Inflammation and Metabolic Health 40:27 Mindset and Commitment to the Process
5 Bullet Points:
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
5 Bullet Points:
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
5 Bullet Points:
If you're interested in working with Ben. [email protected]
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
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
5 Bullet Points:
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
If you're interested in working with Ben. [email protected]
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
5 Bullet Points:
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. [email protected]
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
5 Bullet Points:
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.