Free Daily Podcast Summary
Flex Diet Podcast: Daily Summaries Delivered
by Dr. Mike T Nelson
Dr. Mike T Nelson gets geeky with the latest research and scientific findings in the fitness world.
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- 3 days ago1h 33m
Episode 387: Nathan T. Jenkins on Metabolic Flexibility, Aerobic Base, and First Principles
In this episode of the Flex Diet Podcast, I sit down with Dr. Nathan Jenkins to discuss how to improve performance, body composition, and long-term health through the lens of aerobic development and metabolic flexibility. Nathan shares his journey from exercise physiology and coaching CrossFit athletes to his new role teaching physiology at the University of Georgia School of Medicine. We discuss why metabolic flexibility is such a powerful framework for understanding everything from biochemistry and exercise performance to metabolic disease. We also dive into interpreting maximal exercise testing data, including VO₂ measurements, EKG analysis, and near-infrared spectroscopy (NIRS), along with how different energy systems work together during training and competition. Nathan explains why building an aerobic base is critical for repeated high-intensity performance, how pacing impacts outcomes, and why the ability to "suffer" is actually a trainable skill. To wrap up, we cover practical strategies you can apply right away, including prioritizing protein and carbohydrates, improving sleep quality, and addressing common micronutrient deficiencies through blood work, such as magnesium, vitamin D, and omega-3 status. Sponsors: Daily Fitness Insider Newsletter: https://flex-diet.kit.com/bfa1510fa8 Available now: Grab a copy of the Triphasic Training II book I co-wrote with Cal Deitz here. Episode chapters: 02:47 Meet Dr Nathan Jenkins 04:38 CrossFit Nutrition Reality Check 07:09 Leaving Tenure for Family 09:21 Back to Academia and Med Ed 11:29 Why Exercise Physiology Matters 14:36 Stress Tests Reveal Pathology 18:19 Max Testing and NIRS Setup 22:42 Raw Data Over Machine Outputs 24:18 Bohr Effect and Oxygen Delivery 28:09 Energy Systems in the Real World 33:05 Coaching Basics That Matter 35:40 Teaching Cardio From First Principles 36:36 Aerobic Base Reality Check 37:19 Cardio for Meatheads Pitch 39:13 CrossFit Endurance Breakthroughs 41:49 Fixing Time Domain Weakness 45:46 Pacing Like Froning Fraser 48:42 RAAM Gamesmanship Story 51:45 Pain Management Truths 53:23 VO2 Max Feels the Same 55:54 Suffering as a Skill 59:09 Cold Plunge Mindset Study 01:00:52 Caffeine Placebo and Belief 01:03:22 Heat Acclimation and 10K Prep 01:04:36 Metabolic Flexibility Lens 01:08:16 Teaching Diabetes Integration 01:10:56 Bloodwork Meets Flexibility 01:12:37 Where Fat Goes Wrong 01:15:07 Sustainable Deficit Strategy 01:16:34 Four Priorities Blueprint 01:17:21 Protein and Carb Targets 01:21:08 Sleep and Micronutrients 01:27:06 Omega-3 Testing Nuance 01:29:36 Wrap Up and Next Steps 01:31:52 Newsletter and Flex Diet Cert 01:33:20 Final Thanks and Subscribe Flex Diet Podcasts you may enjoy: Episode 344: Metabolic Adaptations, Lactate, and Training Smarter with Dr. Phil Batterson YouTube: https://youtu.be/PPZyO1nxSPA Episode 383: Body Composition, Strength Training, and Sustainable Habits with Martin Silva YouTube: https://youtu.be/p8oM0gW488U Connect with Dr. Jenkins: Website: https://www.drnathanjenkins.com/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/drnathanjenkins Get In Touch with Dr Mike: Instagram: <a href="https://www.instagram.com/drmiketnelson/" target="_blank" rel="noopen
- 1 weeks ago1h 53m
Episode 386: Nervous System Regulation, Somatics, and Stress Resilience with Tracy Holemeyer
In this episode of the Flex Diet Podcast, I sit down with my friend Tracy Holemeyer (Uncontrollably Me, host of the Other Way to See It podcast) to talk about healing and performance through nervous system flexibility, somatics, and self-awareness, especially with how much stress people are carrying right now. We dig into practical tools like orienting, grounding, the “starfish” drill, pendulation, and Tracy’s “core four” (soft eyes, relaxing the tongue, breath pacing for coherence, and soft knees), plus how posture and unconscious habits can shape mood and behavior. We also explore the value of community and coaching, how movement and sound (including humming, voo breath, and growling) can help regulate, and we finish with a thoughtful discussion on psychedelics, integration, and why support and discernment matter. Sponsors: Daily Fitness Insider Newsletter: https://flex-diet.kit.com/bfa1510fa8 Available now: Grab a copy of the Triphasic Training II book I co-wrote with Cal Deitz here. Episode Chapters: 02:59 Meet Tracy and Catch Up 04:46 Micro Breaks and Orienting 08:46 Starfish and Body Awareness 10:44 Joints Posture and Anxiety 17:37 Strategies Become Identity 21:00 Awareness Coaching in Practice 26:02 Coaching Community and Support 32:44 Social Media Validation Trap 36:13 Integrity and Business Alignment 39:39 Trauma Weight and Safety 41:57 Referrals Over Scarcity 43:07 Abundance Through Uncertainty 47:09 Money Purpose and Access 52:57 Capacity and Ongoing Stress 57:15 Pendulation and Core Four 01:03:00 Movement Urgency and Sound 01:08:55 Growling Music and Release 01:15:23 Healing as Defiance 01:16:59 Flow States and Community 01:18:23 Recreation With Real Stakes 01:20:13 Choosing Controlled Hardship 01:21:09 Healthy Stress Builds Capacity 01:23:34 Rewriting Trauma Responses 01:25:28 Psychedelics And Integration 01:34:07 Avoiding The Healing Shortcut 01:37:10 Where Memories Live 01:42:45 Four Tools For Stress 01:46:19 Finding Tracy And Closing 01:49:45 Podcast Wrap And Disclaimer Flex Diet Podcasts you may enjoy: Episode 354: How Shiftwave Reboots Your Nervous System w/ Dr. Jeff Rouse YouTube: https://youtu.be/XTPwIb3ZMxQ Episode 345: Sleep Like a Beast: Lessons from Jay Wiles and Jeffrey Durmer YouTube: https://youtu.be/8mVvceWn-Yw Connect with Tracy: Website: https://www.uncontrollablyme.com/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/embodiedsomatics Get In Touch with Dr Mike: Instagram: Drmiketnelson YouTube: @flexdietcert Email: Miketnelson.com/contact-us
- 2 weeks ago1h 33m
Episode 385: Rob Wilson on BJJ Performance Frameworks, Grip Training, Recovery Tech & The Check Engine Light Book
In this episode of the Flex Diet Podcast, I sit down with human performance specialist and coach Rob Wilson for a wide-ranging conversation that spans music, coach education, and what it really means to train for performance longevity. We dig into Rob’s new book, The Check Engine Light: Tune In Your Body and Mind to Achieve Performance Longevity, and his work educating coaches through ALTIS and with special operations communities. Rob also shares why jiu-jitsu strength and conditioning still lacks clear performance standards and proposes building sport-specific frameworks (like lower-body clinching demands) before jumping to exercise selection. We talk grip strength vs endurance, avoiding redundancy and tendon issues, contra-specific training for durability, and why “recovery” isn’t the goal—adaptation is—especially in elite sport. Sponsors: Daily Fitness Insider Newsletter: https://flex-diet.kit.com/bfa1510fa8 Available now: Grab a copy of the Triphasic Training II book I co-wrote with Cal Deitz here. Episode Chapters: 02:41 Nineties Music Nostalgia 05:08 Seasonal Listening Habits 11:17 Teaching and ALTIS Work 13:25 Building BJJ Performance Frameworks 22:55 Grip Strength and Tendon Tradeoffs 26:51 Grip Training Hacks and Extensions 37:34 Transfer, Gait, and Fuzzy Sports 46:13 Compensation in Athletes and Aging 51:50 Warrior Fitness Reset 53:00 Check Engine Light System 54:27 Spiderweb Symptoms Explained 56:12 Eyes Unlock Performance 57:53 Stuck in Your Box 01:02:47 Logistics and Stakeholders 01:06:08 Effects Over Modalities 01:08:55 Recovery vs Adaptation 01:15:50 Wearables Need Context 01:19:41 Effort When Tired 01:25:50 Cold Plunge Mindset 01:30:14 Book Links and Wrap Up 01:31:07 Final Thanks and Disclaimer Flex Diet Podcasts you may enjoy: Episode 275: Mastering Combat Sports Conditioning Using Advanced Training Techniques with Coach James Tognarini YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=t9Hc-VrsY4k&t=1s Connect with Rob: Book: https://www.thecheckenginelightbook.com/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thecheckenginelight Website: https://www.wilsonhealthandperformance.com/ Get In Touch with Dr Mike: Instagram: Drmiketnelson YouTube: @flexdietcert Email: Miketnelson.com/contact-us
- 3 weeks ago1h 14m
Episode 384: Building Strength & Muscle After 50 (Without Getting Hurt) with Chad Landers
In this episode of the Flex Diet Podcast, I talk with my good buddy Chad Landers, veteran trainer, strength coach, and author of Building Strength and Muscle After 50, about how to keep gaining strength and muscle as you get older without falling off the “injury cliff.” We dig into why consistency matters most, how progress often drops in steps after injuries, and why smart modifications beat worshipping any single lift. Chad shares lessons from coaching clients for decades, including balancing pressing with back work, using better technique (like pause benching), and building conditioning with tools like the fan bike, rower, and step mill. We also cover practical programming, tracking PRs beyond 1RM, and why it’s never “too late” to start training—especially after 50. Sponsors: Daily Fitness Insider Newsletter: https://flex-diet.kit.com/bfa1510fa8 Available now: Grab a copy of the Triphasic Training II book I co-wrote with Cal Deitz here. Episode Chapters: 03:31 Book and Aging Strong 05:21 Consistency and Injury Cliff 08:52 Modify Training for Joints 16:11 Bench Press Progress 18:29 Bench Tips and Ego 23:34 Back Work and Ratios 28:38 Programming and Cardio Intervals 32:17 Accountability and Habits 35:59 Cardio Gear Picks 37:19 Best Cardio Machines 38:44 Elliptical And Zone Two 39:33 Fan Bike Reality Check 41:04 Cheap Bike Trainer Setup 42:05 Interval Training Blueprint 44:28 StepMill For Drummers 46:09 Performers And Conditioning 49:49 Consistency Over Supplements 56:03 Why Write The Book 59:56 Tracking PRs With Logs 01:03:34 Coaching Hacks And Rehab 01:06:39 Where To Buy The Book 01:11:07 Podcast Wrap Up Disclaimer Flex Diet Podcasts you may enjoy: Episode 342: Balancing Nutrition and Social Life with David Page YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ojBnb3o3OrM&t=1s Episode 355: The Stimulated Mind: Dr. Tommy Wood on Building a Better Brain Through Training, Tech & Physiology YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BeEEbTdZVNc Connect with Chad: Building Strength and Muscle After 50: https://us.humankinetics.com/products/building-strength-and-muscle-after-50 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/chadlanders/ Website: https://pushprivatefitness.com/ Get In Touch with Dr Mike: Instagram: Drmiketnelson YouTube: @flexdietcert Email: Miketnelson.com/contact-us
- May 5, 202655 min
Episode 383: Body Composition, Strength Training, and Sustainable Habits with Martin Silva
In this episode of the Flex Diet Podcast, I’m on the road and sit down with strength coach Martin Silva to talk about how to improve body composition, performance, and long-term health, especially for high-achieving clients in the 35–60 range. We get into unlearning a lot of the nutrition beliefs people bring in, why I still like keeping nutrition simple, higher protein, fewer ultra-processed foods, and how short-term tracking can build awareness without becoming a crutch. Martin also walks through how he structures coaching check-ins, his own background going from bodybuilding and restriction to a more health and strength-focused approach, and what actually works in the real world. We also cover programming, including full body vs upper/lower splits, single-leg work, squat and deadlift variations (I’m a fan of the trap/hex bar here), mobility priming, and how to monitor technique even when coaching online. Plus, we dig into stress, sleep, managing distractions (your phone is probably not helping), and a few rapid-fire tips—including “never miss twice.” Sponsors: Daily Fitness Insider Newsletter: https://flex-diet.kit.com/bfa1510fa8 Available now: Grab a copy of the Triphasic Training II book I co-wrote with Cal Deitz here. Episode Chapters: 02:21 Body Comp Framework 04:00 Nutrition Basics Protein 07:01 Adherence Tracking Habits 10:21 Check Ins Coaching System 13:28 Mindset Lessons Reverse Diet 15:01 Bodybuilding Backstory Shift 18:14 Performance First Training 20:47 Programming Frequency Splits 25:15 Mastering Compound Lifts 27:25 Squat Alternatives Single Leg 28:47 Deadlift Hinge Progressions 29:54 Hip Thrust Debate 30:42 Hip Thrusts for Athletes 31:30 Front Loaded Squat Options 33:09 Single Leg Strength Focus 34:18 Z Press and Pressing Variations 36:05 Mobility and Priming 37:57 Trap Bar Deadlift Preference 39:27 Stress and Sleep Routines 43:03 Phone Distraction Strategies 46:48 Four Tips for Body Comp 51:52 Mindset Never Miss Twice 52:43 Where to Find Martin 53:26 Wrap Up and Disclaimers Flex Diet Podcasts you may enjoy: Episode 365: Carb Cycling for Performance and Body Comp with Jon Heck YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=19VSFiYWhVw Episode 358: Navigating Body Composition, Weight Loss & Real-World Coaching with Aram Grigorian YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=f5NryXdButk&t=1s Connect with Martin: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/martinsilvafitness/ Website: https://optimiseyourbody.transistor.fm/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@Martinsilvafitness Get In Touch with Dr Mike: Instagram: Drmiketnelson YouTube: @flexdietcert Email: Miketnelson.com/contact-us
- Apr 29, 202652 min
Episode 382: Creatine for Muscle, Bone, Brain & Longevity (Plus Caffeine, Dosing, and Safety) with Dr. Darren Candow
In this episode of the Flex Diet Podcast, I sit down with creatine researcher Dr. Darren Candow from the University of Regina to break down what the research actually says about creatine for muscle, performance, and body composition—plus the newer interest in brain health, aging, and longevity. We dig into practical dosing (including higher-dose ideas for bone and brain), why timing probably doesn’t matter much, and what the data shows on safety, side effects, and common myths like hair loss. We also talk about creatine in special contexts like sleep deprivation, jet lag, concussion/TBI potential, and vegan or low-creatine diets, along with how caffeine might (or might not) interfere. If you want an evidence-based, real-world guide to creatine, this one’s for you. Sponsors: Daily Fitness Insider Newsletter: https://flex-diet.kit.com/bfa1510fa8 Available now: Grab a copy of the Triphasic Training II book I co-wrote with Cal Deitz here. Episode Chapters: 04:00 How Candow Started Creatine 06:10 Glutamine Reality Check 07:17 Top Supplements Today 08:23 NAD Hype vs Evidence 11:36 Creatine Dosing and Timing 15:06 Brain Uptake and Sleep Loss 18:17 Safety Diet and Essentiality 21:49 Harris Studies and Dose Ranges 24:30 Creatine for Concussion Prevention 26:31 High Dose Game Prep 27:12 Creatine Beyond Sports 29:16 Soccer Cognition Hits 31:38 Caffeine Creatine Myth 35:11 Caffeine Dosing Timing 37:32 Creatine Bone Findings 39:22 Bone Research Reality 43:39 Heart Health Potential 44:20 Creatine Forms Hype 46:30 Future Creatine Research 47:51 Wrap Up Resources 48:37 Conference Manual Plug 51:29 Medical Disclaimer Outro Flex Diet Podcasts you may enjoy: Episode 351: Brain Rehab that Works: Tools for Concussions and Migraines with Dr. Ayla Wolf YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DUcFEjpj8mA Episode 318: Could GAA be the Next Creatine with Dr. Guillermo Escalante YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MTlU7RLnEhg Connect with Dr Candow: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dr.darrencandow Website: https://creatineforhealth.com/prof-darren-candow-phd Get In Touch with Dr Mike: Instagram: Drmiketnelson YouTube: @flexdietcert Email: Miketnelson.com/contact-us
- Apr 27, 202616 min
Episode 381: PhysFlex Cert Closing Tonight: Eustress vs Distress, the 4 Pillars, and Applying Recovery Tools the Right Way
In this short Flex Diet Podcast episode, I share a reminder that the PhysFlex Surge enrollment closes Monday, April 27, 2026 at midnight PST, and I give more context on what’s inside the PhysFlex Certification. I explain how Level 1 (Flex Diet Cert) covers nutrition and recovery basics, while Level 2 (Physiologic Flexibility) focuses on becoming more robust and resilient by improving the four pillars of homeostatic regulation: temperature, pH, fuels (including ketones), and air (managing oxygen and CO2). I walk through my eustress vs distress model, why most interventions work better with lower intensity and higher frequency, and how misapplying tools like cold immersion, sauna, or breathing methods can backfire without the right context. Episode Sponsor: Physiologic Flexibility Certification: https://physiologic.miketnelson.com/sales Available now: Grab a copy of the Triphasic Training II book I co-wrote with Cal Deitz here. Episode Chapters: 00:17 PhysFlex Surge Deadline 01:10 Who the Cert Is For 01:55 Four Pillars Overview 02:31 Time Cost and Zone 2 03:16 Sauna and Cold Progression 04:16 Eustress Versus Distress 05:01 Training Frequency Principles 07:43 Course Structure Breakdown 08:30 Research Meets Application 09:29 Context Matters Example 12:32 When Interventions Backfire 14:29 Wrap Up and Reminder 15:12 Medical Disclaimer Get In Touch with Dr Mike: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/drmiketnelson/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@flexdietcert Email: Miketnelson.com/contact-us
- Apr 24, 20261h 4m
Episode 380: Breathing, CO2 Regulation, and Performance: Deep Dive with Respiratory & Sleep Scientist Martin McPhilimey
In this episode, I sit down with respiratory and sleep scientist Martin McPhilimey to take a deep dive into breathing, CO₂ regulation, and how they actually impact performance, stress, and sleep. We get into why respiratory physiology is way more complex than most people think, how his clinical and research background shaped his approach, and why breathwork exploded during COVID with names like Wim Hof and James Nestor. From there, we dig into allostatic load and why piling on high-stress practices—like aggressive hyperventilation or cold exposure—can backfire if you’re already running hot. We also talk about the difference between actually relaxing your system versus just dissociating from it. We cover how inspiratory muscle training can improve performance and recovery, why respiratory rate is one of the most sensitive markers of stress, and question some common ideas, such as “CO₂ tolerance.” We also touch on the risks and limited data around inhaled CO₂ therapies and what actually makes sense to apply in the real world. Sponsors: Daily Fitness Insider Newsletter: https://flex-diet.kit.com/bfa1510fa8 Available now: Grab a copy of the Triphasic Training II book I co-wrote with Cal Deitz here. Episode Chapters: 04:22 Why Breathing Is Complex 07:52 Martin’s Origin Story 11:20 From Clinics to Online 14:57 Breathwork Goes Mainstream 20:13 Wim Hof Risks and Load 24:06 When Intense Breathwork Fits 29:18 Relaxation vs Dissociation 31:30 Respiratory Muscle Training 35:12 Who Should Train Breathing 36:35 Simple Device Protocol 37:35 Why Teams Ignore Breathing 38:27 Respiratory Rate as Stress 39:52 Feedforward Breathing Control 42:22 Rethinking CO2 Tolerance 46:03 Nasal Breathing Tradeoffs 48:28 Testing Limits and HRV 50:48 Overnight Rate and Calm 54:07 CO2 Inhalation and Risks 56:45 State Encoding and Fear 01:00:35 Wrap Up and Disclaimers Flex Diet Podcasts you may enjoy: Episode 326: Row Hard, Breathe Easy: Boosting Aerobic Capacity with Dr. Kenneth Jay YouTube: https://youtu.be/hpvKokMBRv4 Episode 215: Breathing, Heart Rate, and HRV: An Interview with Dr. Scotty Butcher, The Strength Jedi YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nyVEmi7VHbg Connect with Martin: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/martinmcphilimey/ Website: https://martinmcphilimey.com/ Get In Touch with Dr Mike: Instagram: Drmiketnelson YouTube: @flexdietcert Email: Miketnelson.com/contact-us
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