The Endurance Science Podcast with Matt Carpenter

For years, rapamycin has been hailed as the closest thing we have to a real longevity drug, taken by biohackers, prescribed by telehealth clinics, and promoted across the wellness internet. The first proper randomised controlled trial combining it with exercise in older adults just dropped, and the results are a wake-up call about how we treat supplement hype.

In this episode, i discuss a major topic of my PhD, exognoeus ketones. Is the hype worth it? What does the research say? Do ketones really replicate altitude training? All are discussed in this episode. References: https://journals.physiology.org/doi/full/10.1152/ajpendo.00264.2022 https://physoc.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/full/10.1113/JP284346

In this episode, I dives deep into the science of caffeine, revealing how understanding its mechanisms, dosing, and timing can help endurance athletes maximise their performance safely and effectively. Main topics: The science behind how caffeine enhances endurance performance Optimal caffeine dosing strategies (3-6 mg/kg) and the effect of individual differences Timing of caffeine intake before a...

For as long as I can remember, I was told that lactate was the enemy, the toxic waste product that made my legs burn and forced me to slow down. It turns out almost everything I believed about it was wrong. In this episode, I trace the remarkable story of how lactate went from metabolic villain to one of the most important molecules in exercise physiology. I start with George Brooks, the UC Berkel...

Get equipped with essential tools to critically read and evaluate research claims, especially in the world of sports science and endurance performance. This episode unpacks the pitfalls of predatory publishing, how to spot misleading studies, and the importance of understanding the broader body of evidence to make informed decisions. In this episode: The importance of not relying on single studies...

In this episode I answer questions that you've sent in, covering nomio, beetroot juice, bicarb, collagen and training-based questions, as well as a big announcement towards the end! Please leave a rating if you're enjoying the podcast! Q&A's will be monthly, let me know any questions you'd like covered. See you next week.

In this episode I dive into a topic I've been studying for the past 10 years - the impact of ketogenic diets on endurance performance. I talk about both the theory, research findings and social media commentary, as well as my own journey of 'belief' regarding keto. Twitter thread mentioned: https://x.com/louisemburke/status/1289505145479294976?lang=en

Ever wondered why your muscles burn during a hard effort and whether you can do anything about it? In this episode, I break down the science of buffering agents: supplements designed to combat the acid build-up that contributes to fatigue during intense exercise. Starting with the basics of why our muscles produce hydrogen ions and how our body's natural buffering systems work, I walk through...

In this episode of the Endurance Science Podcast, I discuss the critical role of fat oxidation in endurance exercise. I discuss how fat burning works during exercise, its importance in various event durations, and the methods to enhance fat oxidation. The discussion highlights recent research findings, practical strategies for athletes, and the significance of dietary modifications to improve perf...

In this episode of the Endurance Science podcast, I dig deep into the complex role of carbohydrates in enhancing endurance performance. We discuss how carbohydrates are stored in the body, the physiological mechanisms behind their utilization during exercise, and the varying recommendations for carbohydrate intake based on exercise duration and intensity. The conversation highlights the importance...

Most supplements don't work, but this episode explores supplements that do have scientific evidence, exploring what supplements may improve performance, and the context surrounding each supplement. Though we can't cover every supplement that you may have heard of, this episode focused on 8 supplements that may be used to improve performance, all with varying degrees of evidence.

Electrolytes: Understanding the Controversy and Misconceptions Electrolytes are everywhere in the world of endurance. In this podcast I explain why electrolytes exist in the endurance space, what their function is, who should use them, and importantly, who doesn't need them. Takeaways Electrolyte supplements are not necessary for most people Daily electrolyte consumption can have negative health i...

It's time to start a podcast! This podcast aims to be informative and entertaining, with me deep diving into topics, interviewing experts and people working in the field, and running regular q&a's. Let's bring evidence to the world of endurance exercise.