Flex Diet Podcast

In this episode of the Flex Diet Podcast, I sit down with my good friend John Gorman to unpack the current “wild west” of peptides, TRT, GLP medications, and performance-driven bloodwork. We dig into how John’s telemedicine clinic approaches comprehensive lab testing — and why running a full panel (including markers like reverse T3) matters far more than cherry-picking a few numbers. If you’ve been dieting hard, training consistently, and still feeling stuck, we break down how chronic stress, poor recovery, and subtle hormone disruptions can quietly crush metabolism and make fat loss feel like a white-knuckle grind. We also cover testosterone replacement therapy (TRT) — the real pros and cons, common oversimplifications in the industry, and what most clinics fail to discuss. From there, we dive into GLP-1 medications and tirzepatide, what we currently know, what we don’t know about long-term use, and how to think critically about risk versus reward. John shares practical guidance on legitimate peptide sourcing, red flags to watch for, and how to think about “periphery” tools like methylene blue and injectable carnitine without getting sucked into hype. If you’re interested in optimizing performance, improving body composition, or simply making smarter decisions in a rapidly changing medical landscape, this episode will help you separate signal from noise.

In this episode of the Flex Diet Podcast, I sit down with Denmark-based coach and hybrid athlete Andreas Stobberup to talk about bridging serious strength training with high-level endurance performance. Andreas shares his journey from peaking around 250 lbs with a 405 bench and 600+ squat to dropping to 205 and completing a full Ironman in 9:52—while continuing to coach athletes across disciplines. We discuss the reality gap between amateur and elite performance, how influencer culture often strips context from training advice, and why fundamentals still win: training, nutrition, sleep, and measurable outputs. We break down common misunderstandings around Zone 2 training, why pros don’t train the way social media says they do, and how strength athletes can intelligently add conditioning without compromising lifting. We also cover VO₂ max development, microdosing cardio, output-based tracking (times, power, lactate), and how to think about HRV and wearable data in context. If you’re interested in hybrid training, improving conditioning without sacrificing muscle, or understanding how to measure what actually matters, this one is packed with practical insight. Sponsors: Daily Fitness Insider Newsletter: https://flex-diet.kit.com/bfa1510fa8

In this episode of the Flex Diet Podcast, I sit down with my good buddy Vince Maltz, a high-performance mindset coach who works with NHL players, Division I athletes, and elite performers. We dig into what “mindset training” actually looks like in real life, beyond the clichés, and why it’s inseparable from physiology, recovery, and nervous system regulation. We also get into the modern performance environment: fake expertise, too many voices in the kitchen, and why big organizations adapt slowly. Vince breaks down centralized vs. decentralized leadership, how athletes can learn to think for themselves inside a system, and why being a “nerd” at your sport is becoming a competitive advantage. From there, we hit practical tools: how athletes move from conscious competence to unconscious competence faster, why distributed cognition matters in team sports, and what individuals can do today to improve performance through breathing, cold exposure, communication, and environment. Sponsors: Shiftwave: https://shiftwave.co/drmiketnelson - Save $300 with the link above. Note: This is an affiliate link. Daily Fitness Insider Newsletter: https://flex-diet.kit.com/bfa1510fa8

In this solo episode of the Flex Diet Podcast, I break down why NEAT (non-exercise activity thermogenesis), and a simple step count, is one of the most overlooked levers for improving body composition, recovery, and performance. I explain how NEAT often drops when calories are reduced, why that can stall fat loss even when you think you’re in a deficit, and how using wearables (or even basic tracking) can make subconscious movement visible and easier to improve. I also share how the Flex Diet Cert is built as a complete system for nutrition and recovery, covering interventions from macros (protein, fats, carbs) to NEAT, sleep, micronutrition, intermittent fasting, and more — designed for everyone from general population clients to high-level athletes. I also remind listeners that enrollment for the Flex Diet Cert closes Monday, February 16th, 2026, at midnight Pacific. Sponsors: Fitness Insider Newsletter: https://miketnelson.com/

Welcome back to the Flex Diet Podcast! In this episode, I chat with Dr. Eric Rawson about the fascinating world of creatine, not just for muscle growth and performance, but also for brain health. We review the latest research on how creatine supplementation may affect brain function, support concussion recovery, and more. Dr. Rawson shares insights from his extensive research, highlights the amazing safety profile of creatine monohydrate, and offers practical advice on supplementation for athletes and those at high risk of traumatic brain injuries. Tune in for an in-depth look at the science and practical applications of this powerful supplement! Don’t forget to subscribe and share with friends. Enjoy! Sponsors: Fitness Insider Newsletter: https://miketnelson.com/ Enroll in the Flex Diet Certification by midnight PST on Monday, Feb. 16. https://miket.me/fdc