Episode 323: Natural vs. Enhanced Bodybuilding: An In-Depth Chat with Aaron Straker
In this episode of the Flex Diet Podcast, I sit down with Aaron Straker for a deep dive into his journey from natural bodybuilding to the enhanced side of the sport. We talk openly about the trade-offs, risks, and insights he's gained along the way—including the use of compounds like testosterone and growth hormone.We also get into the mental and physical shifts that come with that transition, and how Aaron approaches training, nutrition, and recovery with intention. He shares his thoughts on everything from sauna use to how he stays grounded while optimizing performance. Whether you're just curious or seriously considering the enhanced route, this episode offers a nuanced, no-BS perspective.Sponsors:Tecton Life Ketone drink! https://tectonlife.com/ DRMIKE to save 20%LMNT electrolyte drink mix: miketnelsonlmnt.comDaily Fitness Insider Newsletter: https://flex-diet.kit.com/bfa1510fa8Flex 4: Aaron's top 4 factors to consider before starting TRT or PEDsTriphasic 2 book now available!Go to https://triphasic2.com/Episode Chapters:06:01 Aaron's Life in Bali10:33 Natural vs Enhanced Bodybuilding17:13 Aaron's Journey and Training Insights34:40 Health Concerns and Blood Pressure Monitoring35:36 Mind-Muscle Connection and Nervous System Effects38:30 Diet and Macros During Training Phases42:07 Challenges of High-Calorie Diets43:29 PEDs and Their Impact on Training and Recovery51:51 Sauna Use and Recovery Protocols56:35 Individual Responses to PEDs59:14 Mental and Emotional Effects of PEDs01:04:37 Podcast Conclusion and Final ThoughtsFlex Diet Podcast Episodes You May Enjoy: Episode 216: Building a successful online fitness coaching business: An Interview with Aaron Straker Episode 185: Are more top bodybuilders dying early? Extreme bodybuilding methods – risks and rewards: a conversation w/ Dr Guillermo EscalanteConnect with Aaron: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/aaron_strakerPodcast: https://www.eattrainprosper.com/Website: https://strakernutritionco.com/coaching-services/Get In Touch with Dr Mike:Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/drmiketnelson/YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCn1aTbQqHglfNrENPm0GTpg
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Episode 322: BONUS Iron Radio Cold Water & MPS, Mind in Muscle
In this episode of Iron Radio, hosts Coach Phil Stevens, Dr. Mike Nelson, Coach Jerell, and Dr. Lonnie Lowery discuss recent studies on the impact of cold water immersion on muscle protein synthesis and recovery. Dr. Nelson shares insights from a study published in March 2025, examining how post-exercise cooling affects blood flow and amino acid incorporation into muscle tissue. The team debates the pros and cons of cold water immersion, particularly for muscle hypertrophy and recovery, and shares personal experiences and practical applications. Later, they delve into the mind-muscle connection, exploring its use in both bodybuilding and strength training, and how to effectively incorporate this technique into workouts. The conversation wraps up with a discussion on posing in bodybuilding and how internal and external cues affect performance.Episode Chapters:01:16 Muscle Protein Synthesis and Cold Water Immersion08:18 Practical Applications and Public Perception22:53 Iron Radio Updates and Announcements25:16 Mind-Muscle Connection: Bodybuilders vs. Athletes31:08 Effective Rowing Techniques31:48 The Importance of Slowing Down35:21 Mind-Muscle Connection39:11 Neural Reeducation Insights46:01 Practical Tips for Strength Athletes51:26 Posing and Performance in BodybuildingDonate to the show via PayPal HERE.You can also join Dr Mike's Insider Newsletter for more info on how to add muscle, improve your performance and body comp - all without destroying your health, go to www.ironradiodrmike.com Thank you!Phil, Jerrell, Mike T, and Lonnie
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Episode 321: Optimizing Fat Loss and Muscle with Dr. Mike Ormsbee
Welcome back to the Flex Diet Podcast. I’m Dr. Mike T. Nelson, and today I’m joined by my good friend and colleague, Dr. Mike Ormsbee. We’re digging deep into how to optimize metabolism using strategies from the Flex Diet Certification, as well as why both aerobic and resistance training are crucial for long-term success.We also delve into some advanced topics, such as how growth hormone and lipolysis contribute to effective fat utilization, and how cutting-edge techniques like microdialysis enable us to study metabolism at a local level. Along the way, we hit on key concepts like fat metabolism, body composition changes, and even how evening eating affects the process.We’ll share insights from some of the studies we’re working on now, and why combining resistance training with smart nutrition could be the game-changer you’re looking for. Hope you enjoy this deep dive into the science (and practice) of fitness and health!Sponsors:Tecton Life Ketone drink! https://tectonlife.com/ DRMIKE to save 20%LMNT electrolyte drink mix: miketnelsonlmnt.comDaily Fitness Insider Newsletter: https://flex-diet.kit.com/bfa1510fa8Flex 4: Dr Ormsbee's top four things to do to maximize fat lossTriphasic 2 book now available!Go to https://triphasic2.com/Episode Chapters:03:07 Informal Conversation Kickoff05:22 Academia and Personal Branding07:08 Cardio for Meatheads09:01 Resistance Training and Fat Metabolism17:26 Body Composition Studies27:02 Obesity and Exercise Response29:04 Exploring Alpha Receptors and Him Buying29:32 Resistance Training and Obesity30:33 Growth Hormone and Insulin Responses31:23 Body Fat and Athletic Performance32:00 Triathletes and Body Fat Analysis32:52 Resistance Training vs. Aerobic Training33:07 NIH Grant and Current Study33:28 Lipolysis and Fat Loss Mechanisms35:43 Muscle and Fat Tissue Communication37:35 Resistance Training and Fat Loss43:11 Eating in the Evening: Myths and Facts46:23 Protein Intake and Sleep51:00 Future Research Directions52:45 Conclusion and Final Thoughts.Flex Diet Podcast Episodes You May Enjoy: Episode 209: How to achieve your fat loss goals while not overly restrictive: an interview with the author of “You Can’t Screw This Up,” Adam BornsteinEpisode 173: High-Level Nutrition and Programming for Fat Loss: Dr. Pat Davidson with Dr. Mike T NelsonConnect with Dr. Ormsbee: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mikeormsbeeCourse: https://www.thegreatcoursesplus.com/changing-body-composition-through-diet-and-exerciseInstitute of Sports Science and Medicine: https://annescollege.fsu.edu/resources/institute-sports-sciences-and-medicineGet In Touch with Dr Mike:Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/drmiketnelson/YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCn1aTbQqHglfNrENPm0GTpgEmail: https://miketnelson.com/contact-us/
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Episode 320: Unlocking Mitochondrial Secrets with Dr. Hemal Patel
Welcome back to the Flex Diet Podcast! I’m Dr. Mike T. Nelson, and in this episode, I sit down with Dr. Hemal Patel, Chief Scientific Advisor to Discovery and the brilliant mind behind the ME screen blood test for mitochondrial function.We dive into Dr. Patel’s fascinating journey into the world of mitochondrial research, how mitochondria impact everything from metabolism to resilience, and why he developed a personalized blood test to better understand mitochondrial health. We also get into some really cool topics like how heat and cold exposure affect your mitochondria, the intersection of meditation and cellular health, and even the emerging role psychedelics might play in this space.Dr. Patel also shares his top tips for optimizing mitochondrial function and explains the science behind this cutting-edge testing method. If you're curious about performance, longevity, or just want to geek out on mitochondria with two scientists, this episode is for you. Let’s dig in.Sponsors:Tecton Life Ketone drink! https://tectonlife.com/ DRMIKE to save 20%LMNT electrolyte drink mix: miketnelsonlmnt.comDaily Fitness Insider Newsletter: https://flex-diet.kit.com/bfa1510fa8Flex 4: Dr. Patel's top 4 recommendations to improve mitochondriaTriphasic 2 book now available!Go to https://triphasic2.com/Episode Chapters:05:51 Dr. Patel's Journey into Mitochondrial Research08:34 Heat and Cold Stress in Mitochondrial Function12:18 Mitochondrial Function and Health19:50 Innovative Mitochondrial Testing31:05 Understanding Mitochondrial Respiration31:20 Testing Mitochondrial Efficiency31:51 Energy Production Pathways32:24 Free Radical Generation and Stress Testing32:58 Exercise Physiology and Mitochondria33:50 Personalized Mitochondrial Health Recommendations33:59 The Complexity of Mitochondrial Adaptation37:28 The Role of Membranes in Mitochondrial Health38:49 Oxygen's Dual Role in Life and Aging41:05 Preconditioning and Cardiovascular Health43:07 Hypoxic Training and Breath Work43:50 Meditation and Mitochondrial Function48:03 Psychedelics and Mitochondrial Changes54:33 Practical Tips for Mitochondrial Health56:12 Conclusion and Final ThoughtsFlex Diet Podcast Episodes You May Enjoy: Episode 164: How to use diagnostic testing to improve your metabolic health: An Interview with Sam MillerEpisode 190: Let’s Get Woo Woo – From Physics To Scientific Testing To Exercise Performance with Ian Mitchell of Wizard SciencesConnect with Dr. Patel: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/hemalpatelphd/Website: https://mescreen.com/Enter code DRMIKE to save $100 - I don't make a dime off it. I would love to hear what you find, so hit me up if you try it!Get In Touch with Dr Mike:Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/drmiketnelson/YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCn1aTbQqHglfNrENPm0GTpgEmail: https://miketnelson.com/contact-us/
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Episode 319: Exploring the World of Peptides with Anthony Castore
Join me, Dr. Mike T. Nelson, on this episode of the Flex Diet Podcast as I sit down with peptide expert Anthony Castore for a deep dive into the world of peptides and performance. We cover everything from what peptides actually are to how they may support recovery, muscle growth, and immune function. We also explore the difference between standard peptides and bioregulators—plus how I’ve personally used compounds like BPC-157, Thymosin Beta-4, and ketone esters (including brands like Teton and KetoneAid) in my own routines.Anthony brings some fantastic insights on sourcing quality peptides, proper hydration protocols, and the latest in supplement strategies to enhance your health and performance.If you’re curious about the science behind these compounds and how to potentially integrate them into your training and recovery toolkit, you won’t want to miss this one.Sponsors:Tecton Life Ketone drink! https://tectonlife.com/ DRMIKE to save 20%LMNT electrolyte drink mix: miketnelsonlmnt.comDaily Fitness Insider Newsletter: https://flex-diet.kit.com/bfa1510fa8Triphasic 2 book now available!Go to https://triphasic2.com/Episode Chapters:05:40 Welcoming Anthony Castore to the Podcast05:50 Understanding Peptides and Their Applications08:52 Bio Regulators and Epigenetics15:23 Peptides for Joint Health and Aging22:03 Thymosin Alpha One and Immune Surveillance24:25 Ketone Esters and Their Benefits27:12 NAD Supplements and Alternatives31:10 Understanding the Benefits of ENOS Pathway and Nitric Oxide31:34 Comparing 5-Amino-1MQ and 1MNA for Athletes32:25 Resveratrol and Antioxidants: Benefits and Misconceptions34:02 The Role of Inflammation and Antioxidants in Exercise35:14 Exploring Astaxanthin and Its Benefits36:09 Ketone Supplements: Dosage and Effects44:51 Mercury Poisoning: A Personal Experience52:31 The Importance of Hydration and Peptide Efficacy01:03:15 Final Thoughts and Upcoming EventsFlex Diet Podcast Episodes You May Enjoy: Episode 144: Peptides – Bleeding Edge Performance, Muscle, and Recovery with Dr. Andy Galpin & Dr. Ryan GreeneEpisode 152: Testosterone, Muscle Mass, Cortisol, Collagen for Soft Tissue Repair an Interview with Dr Keith BaarConnect with Anthony: Castoremethod: https://www.castoremethod.com/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/anthonycastoreGet In Touch with Dr Mike:Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/drmiketnelson/YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCn1aTbQqHglfNrENPm0GTpgEmail: https://miketnelson.com/contact-us/
Dr. Mike T Nelson gets geeky with the latest research and scientific findings in the fitness world. Visit www.flexdiet.com to get Flex Diet Certified and www.miketnelson.com for more geeky goodness.
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