Best Stimulating Reps Podcasts (2025)

1
017 Exercise Selection - How to pick the exercises needed to maximally develop a muscle 1:22:27

Play Pause

5d ago1:22:27

1:22:27

In this episode of Hypertrophy: Past and Present, Jake and Chris discuss Sig Klein’s extensive routine and use it as a springboard to tackle one of the biggest programming questions: how much exercise variety do you really need for maximal growth? Key topics include: How neuromechanical matching explains which motor units get recruited first Volunt…

1
016 Training Splits - Why upper/lower, torso/limbs, push/pull, and other split routines face the same problem 1:14:16

12d ago1:14:16

1:14:16

In this episode of Hypertrophy: Past and Present, Jake and Chris revisit Joe Weider’s early 1940 full-body program before breaking down the central problem that all split routines face: supraspinal CNS fatigue. Key topics include: • How calcium-ion–related fatigue and inflammation create global CNS fatigue • Why back-to-back training days reduce re…

1
015 Training Frequency - Why 3x per week beats 2x even if MYOPS is still elevated 1:12:15

19d ago1:12:15

1:12:15

In this episode of Hypertrophy: Past and Present, Jake and Chris explore Sig Klein’s early A/B full body routine from the pre-steroid bodybuilding era before examining the claim that elevated myofibrillar protein synthesis blunts the effectiveness of subsequent workouts. Key topics include: Sig Klein’s beginner routine The difference between myofib…

1
014 Training Frequency - What the long-term studies actually show 1:14:41

14d ago1:14:41

1:14:41

In this episode of Hypertrophy: Past and Present, Jake and Chris explore the lesser-known silver-era bodybuilder Floyd Page’s 1952 full-body routine before unpacking the topic of training frequency, long-term training studies, and physiological models. Key topics include: Floyd Page’s 1952 “favourite routine” and its historical context The non-line…

1
013 Neuromechanical Matching: Everything you need to know (but few do) 1:29:45

22d ago1:29:45

1:29:45

In this episode of Hypertrophy: Past and Present, Jake Doleschal and Chris Beardsley unpack one of Peary Rader’s Silver Era “advanced beginner” routines, before a deep dive into the principle of Neuromechanical Matching. Key topics include: What Rader’s “advanced beginner” (intermediate) plan looked like A deep dive into the neuromechanical matchin…

1
012 How to build muscle with isometric training 1:08:11

30d ago1:08:11

1:08:11

In this episode of Hypertrophy: Past and Present, Jake Doleschal and Chris Beardsley break down an isometric method from bodybuilding legend and first Mr Universe, John Grimek. They explore how maximal-effort isometrics can stimulate muscle growth and the key differences between overcoming and yielding isometrics. Key topics include: How isometrics…

1
011 Why the idea that a single exercise can train the whole muscle and “bias” a region is false 1:06:28

2M ago1:06:28

1:06:28

In this episode of Hypertrophy: Past and Present, Jake Doleschal and Chris Beardsley dive into a 1955 arm specialization routine from Peary Rader and use it as a launchpad to challenge one of the most common misconceptions in hypertrophy programming today. They explore whether exercises can “bias” specific muscle regions, and what the implications …

1
010 Warming up - what does it really achieve? 1:13:55

2M ago1:13:55

1:13:55

In this episode of Hypertrophy: Past and Present, Jake Doleschal and Chris Beardsley unpack the very first York Barbell course, discussing its warm-up approach and how it compares to other silver era routines. The second half of the episode zooms out to explore warm-ups more broadly, what they actually do (and don’t do), whether they affect hypertr…

1
009 Work capacity - what it is and how to improve it 42:51

2M ago42:51

42:51

In this episode of Hypertrophy: Past and Present, Jake Doleschal and Chris Beardsley break down a pre-steroid bulking routine from Alan Stephen, an underrated Silver Era bodybuilder who trained with a pretty unique method. They explore how this high volume, low rep program makes sense with the stimulating reps model, and use it as a springboard to …

1
008 Training Frequency - what to consider if you want to train every day 53:10

2M ago53:10

53:10

In this episode of Hypertrophy: Past and Present, Jake Doleschal and Chris Beardsley explore whether full body training can be done every day, and what that really looks like. Drawing inspiration from Bronze Era strongman George Hackenschmidt, they unpack creative strategies for making high frequency training work. Key Topics: How training every da…

1
007 Do all training programs maximise hypertrophy eventually? 59:40

3M ago59:40

59:40

In this episode of Hypertrophy: Past and Present, Jake Doleschal and Chris Beardsley return to Reg Park, but this time explore one of his most advanced programs. They compare this higher volume plan to Park’s earlier abbreviated routine before exploring whether all training programs eventually lead to the same outcome, and which variables actually …

1
006 Strength - the mechanisms that increase strength, and why hypertrophy must make us stronger 1:14:25

3M ago1:14:25

1:14:25

In this episode of Hypertrophy: Past and Present, Jake Doleschal and Chris Beardsley discuss one of the strongest bodybuilders of the Silver Era, and the third man to ever bench 500 pounds, Marvin Eder's training routine. The second half of the episode takes a deep dive into the mechanisms of strength, why strength isn’t a single adaptation, and wh…

1
005 Training volume and post workout fatigue - how many sets are recoverable in 48 hours? 1:19:09

3M ago1:19:09

1:19:09

In this episode of Hypertrophy: Past and Present, Jake Doleschal and Chris Beardsley dissect Reg Park’s 1950s “Mr. Universe Bulk Course”. Unlike the high-variation, single-set approach of Steve Reeves discussed in the previous episdoe, Reg Park’s plan featured fewer exercises but high set volume, low reps, and heavy loads. The second half of the ep…

1
004 Training splits and exercise selection - 3 sets of 1 exercise or 1 set of 3 exercises? 1:02:09

3M ago1:02:09

1:02:09

In this episode of Hypertrophy: Past and Present, Jake Doleschal and Chris Beardsley break down Steve Reeves’ favourite full-body routines from the early 1950s. They explore how Reeves trained each muscle with three different exercises, and why this multi-exercise, single-set approach might still be one of the most efficient ways to train if progra…

1
003 Training splits - what to consider when splitting full body workouts into upper / lower workouts 57:14

3M ago57:14

57:14

In this episode of Hypertrophy: Past and Present, Jake Doleschal and Chris Beardsley examine Clancy Ross’ 1940s split set routine - an early experiment in dividing upper and lower body training that predated modern training splits. They break down how Ross evolved his training by splitting full-body workouts into AM/PM upper/lower sessions and disc…

1
002 How long does the growth stimulus last after a training session? 1:06:26

4M ago1:06:26

1:06:26

In this second episode, Jake Doleschal and Chris Beardsley break down the York Barbell Mr America Course, a program from 1951 that evolved from the earlier Milo Barbell plan. They explore what changed in the decades following the first mass-produced bodybuilding programs, including the introduction of sets, improved exercise selection, and targeted…

1
001 Training frequency - why the diminishing returns of volume makes higher frequencies better 49:57

4M ago49:57

49:57

In this debut episode, Jake Doleschal and Chris Beardsley dissect the very first mass-produced bodybuilding program: the Milo Barbell Course. They explore how early bodybuilders trained before steroids existed and what their exercise choices reveal about muscle understanding. They then connect these historical methods to modern muscle physiology, f…

1
SBS Podcast Final Q&A 1:42:14

11M ago1:42:14

1:42:14

TIME STAMPS 00:05:58 - Question 01 - Strength & Longevity 00:25:23 - Question 02 - Progressive Overload and Bodyweight 00:34:40 - Question 03 - Resistance Curve vs. Range of Motion 00:41:43 - Question 04 - Bulking, Metabolism and Weight Gain 00:51:15 - Question 05 - Hypertrophy vs. Rest Times 01:03:15 - Question 06 - PEDs in Professional Sports 01:…

1
Everything you Need to Know About Basal Metabolic Rate 1:31:03

11M ago1:31:03

1:31:03

Email your questions to [email protected]! Note: The full list of sources and notes can be found on the episode page on strongerbyscience.com BMR article series: https://macrofactorapp.com/articles/bmr/ TIME STAMPS 0:00:32 – Important announcement 0:12:00 – Why discuss BMR? 0:16:00 – What is BMR (terminology)? 0:20:40 – Determinants of …

1
Warming-Up to Build Muscle 1:11:22

12M ago1:11:22

1:11:22

In this episode, Pak and Milo break down the research around how to warm-up for maximum muscle growth and strength. What should your warm-up strategy be? Finally, they cover some questions asked by listeners. TIME STAMPS Note: The full list of sources and notes can be found on the episode page on strongerbyscience.com/podcast-episode-142 here 00:15…

1
Warm-Ups, Stretching, and Injuries 2:00:01

1y ago2:00:01

2:00:01

In this episode, Greg, Pak, and Milo cover the research on warming-up. Does warming-up reduce injury risk? Does stretching help you stay healthy? How solid is the evidence for warming up? TIME STAMPS Note: The full list of sources and notes can be found on the episode page on strongerbyscience.com/podcast-episode-141 00:06:30 - Personal Experience …

1
Weak Muscle Growth Beliefs 1:27:18

1y ago1:27:18

1:27:18

TIME STAMPS Note: The full list of sources and notes can be found on the episode page on https://www.strongerbyscience.com/podcast-episode-140 00:10:26 - Forcing Advanced Periodization 00:38:42 - High Reps for Hypertrophy 00:49:00 - Getting Strong to Get Big 01:01:17 - All You Need Is A Few Exercises 01:07:18 - Audience Q&A Want to get your questio…

1
Battle Royale 2 2:09:59

1y ago2:09:59

2:09:59

In this episode, Pak, Greg, and Milo gear up for another round of Battle Royale debates. They cover aggressive fat loss, cheat reps vs strict reps, whether studies in beginners should apply to advanced lifters, exercise stability for building muscle, optimal doesn't exist, experimenting for best progress, science vs broscience, the pump, and the ov…

1
Is Bulking Necessary for Muscle Gain? 1:50:10

1y ago1:50:10

1:50:10

In this episode, Greg, Pak & Milo go over the current literature on bulking and whether you actually need to bulk to maximize muscle growth. Note: The full list of sources and notes can be found on the episode page on strongerbyscience.com/podcast-episode-138 TIME STAMPS 00:03:47 - Personal Experiences with Bulking 00:12:42 - Most relevant studies …

1
Time-Efficient Training for Hypertrophy and Strength 1:38:56

1y ago1:38:56

1:38:56

In this episode, Pak and Milo discuss time-efficient training strategies for hypertrophy and strength, debunking the myth that you need to spend countless hours in the gym to see significant gains. TIME STAMPS 00:07:40 - Why is Time Efficiency Important? 00:14:21 - Antagonistic Paired Supersets 00:30:42 - Drop Sets 00:43:03 - Additional Tips 01:07:…

1
How to Powerbuild 1:48:14

1y ago1:48:14

1:48:14

In this episode, Pak and Milo break down some of the research surrounding how to powerbuild. Can you grow muscle and get stronger simultaneously? How can you best do both? What are the differences between hypertrophy training and strength training? TIME STAMPS Note: The full list of sources and notes can be found on the episode page on strongerbysc…

1
How To Train The Back 3:04:06

1+ y ago3:04:06

3:04:06

From back training anecdotes to practical recommendations, this episode has got your....back when it comes to back training (apologies for the pun). In this podcast episode, the SBS team goes over back training, including why the current literature directly examining changes in the back musculature is so limited. Note: The full list of sources and …

1
SBS Battle Royale 2:43:45

1+ y ago2:43:45

2:43:45

In this podcast episode, Greg, Pak, and Milo enter the impromptu-debate arena for the first SBS Battle Royale. Mental gymnastics, science, drama, and the signature SBS banter you all know and love are all packed into a pilot episode that will either be remembered forever or forgotten in a few weeks. TIME STAMPS: 00:22:03 - Topic 01 - Are the "big 3…

1
Does Lifting Really Improve Mental Health? 2:26:18

1+ y ago2:26:18

2:26:18

Greg, Pak, and Milo review the literature on lifting for mental health. Does exercising improve your mood? How long does this last? What about lifting? Can we improve our long-term mental health through physical activity and lifting weights? TIME STAMPS Note: The full list of sources and notes can be found on the episode page on strongerbyscience.c…

1
Is Stretch-Mediated Hypertrophy Overhyped? 3:24:09

1+ y ago3:24:09

3:24:09

In this episode, Milo, Greg, and Pak sit down to discuss the concept of stretch-mediated hypertrophy, from the foundational animal studies, to human stretching studies, to present day hype around stretch-mediated hypertrophy and lengthened partials. They also discuss how they're currently implementing lengthened training into their workout routines…

1
All About Sleep (Part 2) 2:37:09

1+ y ago2:37:09

2:37:09

In this episode, Greg, Pak, and Milo delve into research on sleep's impact on lifting and sports performance, recount sleep-related anecdotes from their college days, and explore strategies to counteract poor sleep when enhancing sleep quality is not feasible. Note: The full list of sources and notes can be found on the episode page on strongerbysc…

1
All About Sleep (Part 1) 2:36:40

1+ y ago2:36:40

2:36:40

In this episode, Greg, Pak, and Milo take a deep dive in the research around sleep and health, from sleep duration to the latest data on sleep regularity and shift work. 00:00:00 - Intro & Plugs 00:20:48 - Sleep duration and all-cause mortality 00:42:58 - Sleep regularity and all-cause mortality 01:15:13 - Shift work & sleeping irregular hours 01:2…

1
Is Body Fat Spot Reduction Really a Myth? 2:03:50

1+ y ago2:03:50

2:03:50

In this episode, Greg, Pak, and Milo tackle the research around body fat spot reduction. First, they tackle the research on various ointments, creams, garments, and whole body vibration. Following this, they discuss the evidence for spot reduction as an adaptation to different exercise types such as endurance and resistance training. TIME STAMPS No…

1
Extreme Volumes, Extreme Gains? (Part 2) 4:39:22

1+ y ago4:39:22

4:39:22

In the second and final part of the extreme volume for hypertrophy series, Greg, Pak, and Milo delve into the research on volume for hypertrophy. They review the remainder of the evidence and practical concerns, then answer audience questions. TIME STAMPS Note: The full list of sources and notes can be found on the episode page on strongerbyscience…

1
Extreme Volumes, Extreme Gains? (Part 1) 2:29:01

1+ y ago2:29:01

2:29:01

In this episode, the SBS team begins their deep dive into the data around really high training volumes and hypertrophy, going over the history of training volume practices and research while also taking an in-depth look at the latest high volume study by Enes et al. Most of the research discussed in this episode can be found here: https://pubmed.nc…

1
Q&A: Insulin resistance and hypertrophy, stimulant metabolism, and BMR variability 2:21:53

1+ y ago2:21:53

2:21:53

In this Q&A episode of the podcast, Greg and Lyndsey answer questions about how to research a new subject, the effect of diabetes or insulin resistance on hypertrophy, how a pump might affect moment arms in movements, how much is too much isolation work, and more. They also give an update on the future of the podcast and announce that Dr Pak and Dr…

1
Long Muscle Length Training with Dr. Milo Wolf 3:19:48

1+ y ago3:19:48

3:19:48

In this episode, Greg sits down with Dr. Milo Wolf to discuss long muscle length training. Long-length partials are a hot topic, and Dr. Wolf is one of the folks doing research in this area, and popularizing long-length partials as a training method to increase muscle growth. Enjoy! TIME STAMPS AND NOTES Most of the research discussed in this episo…

1
Exercise Technique and Minimum Effective Dose Training with Dr. Pak 2:33:01

1+ y ago2:33:01

2:33:01

In this episode, Greg is joined by Dr. Patroklos Androulakis-Korakakis (Dr. Pak) to discuss his research on minimum effective dose training, and his recent narrative review on optimizing exercise technique for muscle growth. While this episode does dig into the research, the lads tried to keep a clear focus on actionable takeaways to help you impro…

1
Does the Evidence Now Support Effective Reps? (From the Data Driven Strength Podcast) 4:03:00

1+ y ago4:03:00

4:03:00

Greg was recently on the Data Driven Strength Podcast to chat about their meta-regression on proximity to failure and hypertrophy. In the episode, Greg, Zac, and Josh discuss what we know about the mechanisms underpinning muscle growth and the weaknesses of the "effective reps" model. We think it's a conversation worth sharing, so we're re-releasin…

1
Busting Myths about Cortisol with Beth Skwarecki 2:29:59

2y ago2:29:59

2:29:59

In this episode, Greg and Lyndsey sit down for a discussion about cortisol with Beth Skwarecki, the senior health editor at Lifehacker. The dangers of high cortisol are a persistent topic of content on social media content, so the discussion focuses on the types of claims that are being made, the dubious methods of self-diagnosis and “treatment” be…

1
Q&A: Muscle size and strength, advice for minimalistic workout routines, and training to failure 1:40:19

2y ago1:40:19

1:40:19

In this Q&A episode, Greg and Lyndsey answer listener questions about how close you should be to your macro targets, the relationship between muscle size and muscle strength, advice for minimalistic workout routines, training to failure, and the benefits of CrossFit. To submit your question for a future episode, email a 30- to 60-second voice memo …

1
Which Micronutrients Are Worth Monitoring? 2:37:26

2y ago2:37:26

2:37:26

In the final episode of our micronutrient series, Greg and Lyndsey discuss which micronutrients are most worth monitoring and good food sources for the micronutrients you may be under-consuming. Then, we talk more broadly about why you shouldn’t allow a focus on micronutrients specifically to detract from the pursuit of a generally healthy diet. Wa…

1
Understanding Micronutrient Targets: What Do They Mean, and Where Do They Come From? 2:51:13

2y ago2:51:13

2:51:13

In this episode (which is Part 2 of our micronutrient series), Greg and Lyndsey discuss nutrient targets: where they come from, what they mean, and how to think about them. They also talk about the relative imprecision of micronutrient tracking, why micronutrient content can differ so much within a single food, and why it can be challenging to trac…

1
Micronutrients Deserve More Attention 2:42:27

2y ago2:42:27

2:42:27

Micronutrients deserve more attention. There's very little content about micronutrients, and the content that *is* out there is often full of fear-mongering or wild claims about wonder drugs and super foods. In this episode, we aim to provide a solid foundation for building a better understanding of micronutrients. Along the way, Greg also shares s…

1
Sleep and Nutrition: Pre-Sleep Snacks, and How Your Diet Impacts Your Sleep 2:29:19

2y ago2:29:19

2:29:19

The industry for pre-sleep supplements, foods, and products is booming. But what actually works, and how much does our diet actually impact our sleep quality and quantity? Greg and Lyndsey talk about how pre-sleep products are marketed, break down the science behind popular sleep supplements (like melatonin, magnesium, lavender, and more), and disc…

1
Creatine Myths: Hair Loss, Bloating, Dosing, and More 3:02:45

2y ago3:02:45

3:02:45

Does creatine cause hair loss? What about bloating? In this episode, Greg and Lyndsey bust myths and misconceptions about creatine, one of the most popular supplements on the market. Greg also explains how creatine actually works to increase muscle growth and discusses myths related to creatine dosing (is 5g per day enough?). Then, they play a few …

1
Aspartame: The Surprisingly Interesting Science and History 5:43:57

2y ago5:43:57

5:43:57

Greg and Lyndsey dive into the history, conspiracies, science, and media coverage of aspartame to present a thorough overview of the recent WHO reports linking aspartame and cancer risk. Is this one of the longest "podcast episodes" ever? Probably. But it's packed with fascinating history, relevant research breakdowns and media criticism, and takea…

1
Vibration plates, lifting during pregnancy, and a new era for the SBS podcast 2:22:19

2y ago2:22:19

2:22:19

The Stronger By Science podcast is back, and it's the start of a new era for the show! We've got a new hosting line-up, new segments, new cover art, new music, and new way for you to get your questions answered. But a lot remains unchanged: We're still aiming to break down the latest health and fitness research and trends in a way that's easily und…

1
Fireside Chat with Greg Nuckols and Lyndsey Nuckols 1:08:09

2+ y ago1:08:09

1:08:09

Fireside chats are a collection of conversational, off-topic episodes hosted by Greg Nuckols. In this Fireside Chat, Greg sits down with a special guest: his business partner and wife Lyndsey Nuckols. They discuss who's a better cook, their most underwhelming talents, trolley problems, their recent foray into reality TV, and their experiences trans…

1
Weight Loss Plateaus, Tough Love, and Energy Audits (Replay of Episode 77) 1:14:00

2+ y ago1:14:00

1:14:00

While we continue preparing to get our next season up and running, we’re replaying Episode 77, which is all about troubleshooting weight loss plateaus. In this episode from the SBSPOD archive, Eric and Greg discuss topics including metabolic adaptation, energy compensation, and a long list of factors that may lead us to overestimate energy expendit…