Sports Science Dudes

GLP-1 drugs are changing the weight loss landscape fast, but the most important questions aren’t about hype, they’re about outcomes. We sit down with Dr. Brittany Johnson, a registered dietitian-nutritionist and PhD scientist, to explain what GLP-1 medications actually do in the body: appetite suppression, slower gastric emptying, and improved blood sugar control, plus why people often talk about...

We skewer extreme New Year’s resolutions and swap them for simple, sustainable habits that actually build fitness. From 75 Hard to detoxes and no-days-off myths, we cut through noise and focus on recovery, progression, and realistic goals. • Why 75 Hard and streaks fail on sustainability and purpose • Why coffee and moderate caffeine can support health and training • how to build from 5K consisten...

Ever wonder how a legal buffer can shave nearly a minute off a 40K time trial? We sit down with freshly minted PhD Eli Shannon to unpack the science and the tactics behind sodium bicarbonate, from the lab to the start line. Eli explains why an hour-long ride is anything but steady state and how surges, climbs, and late-race kicks amplify the value of buffering hydrogen ions when it matters most. W...

We talk with physiologist Elliot Jenkins about how passive heat acclimation boosts VO2 max, hemoglobin mass, and cardiac function in trained runners without adding mechanical training load. Practical protocols, safety tips, and open research questions round out a clear, actionable guide to using heat wisely. • Elliot’s path from Otago to a PhD in the UK • Why passive heat instead of exercising in...

Strong opinions, stronger evidence. We take the much-quoted “women are not small men” and separate what’s useful from what’s been hijacked by marketing, then rebuild it with training principles that actually deliver results. With Dr. Alyssa Parten and Dr. Antonella Schwartz, we get honest about where women’s physiology matters, where it doesn’t. We dive into the truth behind “lift heavy.” Heavy is...

Dr. Blaine Lints shares his extraordinary journey from teenage ultra-endurance athlete to Navy SEAL to exercise science PhD, offering unique insights on human performance optimization and resilience. His remarkable background includes completing 100 miles in 18 hours at age 16, surviving the grueling SEAL Hell Week, breaking the SEAL deadlift record, and conducting groundbreaking research on keton...

Alyssa Parten, PhD, CSCS, is a Clinical Assistant Professor of Kinesiology at The University of Alabama. Her research centers on resistance training and female physiology, with a focus on strategies to enhance female exercise performance and how resistance training may impact female long-term health. Dr. Alyssa Parten shares her expertise on female physiology and resistance training, challenging c...

BIO: Andy Sparks, PhD, was an academic in the UK for ~25 years and is now the Research Innovations Manager for Maurten AB, Sweden, and an Honorary Visiting Research Fellow at Liverpool John Moores University, UK. His research focuses on nutritional interventions to enhance sports performance, particularly the use of sodium bicarbonate. He has published extensively on a range of topics in exercise...

Kristy Storschuk, PhD candidate in muscle physiology at Queen's University, discusses the science behind Zone 2 training and fasting, challenging popular myths about their benefits for mitochondrial health and metabolic flexibility. • Zone 2 training may not provide the unique benefits often attributed to it on social media • Research suggests exercise intensity is a more powerful driver of m...

Dr. Arny Ferrando shares groundbreaking research on essential amino acids, muscle protein synthesis, and emerging cognitive benefits of targeted amino acid supplementation. • Essential amino acids (EAAs) produce greater anabolic response than whole proteins due to requiring no digestion and producing higher blood concentrations • Free-form EAAs need only 15 grams for maximal response compared to 4...

Dr. Dean St Mark, a pharmacologist and product formulator for UK-based brand called Supplement Needs, brings his expertise on testosterone, PEDs, and their health implications to the podcast. • TRT usage has shifted from older men to being prescribed for men in their mid-20s with hypogonadism • Many users push beyond replacement therapy (800 ng/dL) into enhancement territory (1200+ ng/dL)  • Andro...

Dr. Matt Frakes shares his experience as Director of Performance Nutrition for the New York Giants, focusing on optimizing player performance through individualized nutrition strategies and building trusting relationships with athletes. • Breaking into sports nutrition careers requires networking, professionalism, and willingness to do grunt work before showcasing talent • College and pro settings...

Dr. Katie Vasenina shares her journey from standout tennis player to sports scientist, offering unique insights on sport-specific training methodologies and nutritional interventions for athletes. Her research challenges conventional wisdom about asymmetrical training, collagen supplementation effectiveness, and dietary approaches for optimal recovery and performance. • Former Division I tennis pl...

Lauren Colenso-Semple is a muscle physiology researcher, science communicator, and co-owner of the MASS Research Review. Her research primarily focuses on female physiology and endocrinology and the response to resistance exercise. Lauren has a PhD in Integrative Physiology, MS in Exercise Science, and BA in Psychology. She is also an expert fitness professional with years of practical experience...

Melanie Sulaver (MS, RD, CDN, CISSN) is the founder and small (but mighty) business owner of Nutrition by Mel. She is a registered dietitian working to bridge the gap between women’s health and performance nutrition. As speaker, counselor, and coach, Mel works with women in sport, educating on disordered eating, low energy availability, relative energy deficiency in sport, menstrual health, fertil...

Antonella Schwarz is an Assistant Professor of Exercise Science at Barry University in Miami, specializing in skeletal muscle physiology and strength training. With a PhD in Exercise Science, her research focuses on innovative resistance training methods and sports nutrition to enhance performance and recovery. She brings a unique blend of academic rigor and practical application to studying human...

  About Dan Turner PhD He has worked with many of the world’s most renowned and extraordinary humans for 15+ years. He is on a mission to equip humans in pursuit of ambitious goals in work and life with the tools and skills they need to optimize their mind and body.  He has coached over 310 world champion athletes and Olympians, NYCs top neurosurgeons, and 1000+ other professionals including surge...

Eric Hillman is the Co-Founder of Europa Sports, Headquarters in Charlotte, NC and is the world’s industry-leading distributor of nutritional and sports supplements, sports drinks, and accessories with more than 6,000 products representing 300 plus of the industry’s best brands. Eric was the CEO of MusclePharm Inc founded in 2005 from Sept 2022 until March 2024.  Eric partnered in his first Fitnes...

Jeff Young, MS (Exercise and Sport Science), doctoral student (EdD, Kinesiology), Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist (CSCS), ACSM-EIM works primarily in medical fitness, and has worked at world-class facilities such as Duke University, UCLA, and Beth Israel Medical Centers, and as the founding fitness coordinator and faculty practice provider at Mount Sinai Medical Center’s Center for...

Unlock the secrets of sports nutrition with Dr. Jennifer Kurtz from Appalachian State University, as she takes us on a journey into the world of quercetin, a powerful plant pigment. Discover how quercetin found in everyday foods like citrus fruits, elderberries, and onions, can potentially enhance athletic performance by managing inflammation and oxidative stress. About our guest: Dr. Kurtz holds...

Unlock the secrets to maximizing your protein intake as Jeff Young, a certified strength and conditioning specialist, delves into a riveting conversation with Dr. Jose Antonio, a leading authority on protein research. Gain clarity on the roles of essential and non-essential amino acids and discover a clever mnemonic device, "PVT TIM haLL," that will help you remember all the essential am...

NBA performance coach Ben Kenyon reveals the secrets behind his incredible 20-year journey in professional sports, working with teams like the Philadelphia 76ers and Portland Trailblazers. From embracing endurance sports to aspiring for a full Ironman, Ben shares how running became a passion and purpose-driven motivation a guiding force. Tune in to uncover how a clear purpose can transform commitm...

Ever wondered how a holistic approach can redefine sports medicine and athlete care? This episode features the insightful Dr. Marieta Buse, a naturopathic doctor and Certified Sports Nutritionist (CISSN), who shares her journey and extensive knowledge on treating and preventing injuries through naturopathy. Dr. Buse offers a compelling contrast between the training required to become a naturopathi...

Join us for an enlightening conversation with Dr. Roman Fomin, the Senior Director of Performance Science at UFC Performance Institute. With a fascinating journey from Moscow's neuromuscular physiology labs to the cutting-edge technology at the UFC PI, Dr. Foman shares his revolutionary "Windows of Trainability" concept. Special Guest: Roman N. Fomin, PhD Title: Senior Director of P...

Ever wondered what it takes to transition from a background in jujitsu and judo to becoming a top-tier strength and conditioning coach at American Top Team? Join us as we sit down with Everton Oliveira, who shares his incredible journey from Brazil to the U.S., navigating the intricacies of professional athletics and training. Everton recounts the evolution of mixed martial arts, reflecting on how...