Always Adaptive

In this episode, I sit down with Dr. Sean Pastuch to explore what it really takes to be an effective coach in today’s fitness landscape. Sean breaks down why most trainers aren’t equipped to truly help people, especially when pain and movement limitations are involved. We talk about the importance of thinking like a problem solver instead of just counting reps and why understanding pain as a threat to someone’s way of life, not jus...

00:00 Introduction
01:07 The Gut-Brain Axis
04:30 Serotonin and the Gut
07:05 Blood Sugar Roller Coaster
13:20 Nutritional Deficiencies
17:20 Tips for Food to Improve Mood

Can food really change how you feel?

In this episode, I dive deep into the science behind how nutrition affects your mood, and I’m not just talking about sugar crashes. From the gut-brain axis to blood sugar swings, inflammation, and n...

In this video, I break down the ongoing debate between functional movement and traditional resistance training. The fitness industry loves to polarize everything, and this is one of the clearest examples. I talk about how that false certainty holds people back and why it’s more important to understand the principles behind each training method.

We dive into the SAID principle, general physical preparedness, and specific ph...

Every spring, millions of people start sneezing, sniffling, and feeling miserable, and most of them have no idea why it’s happening or what they can actually do about it.

In this episode, I break down the real reasons behind seasonal allergies, and it’s not just about pollen. We dive into histamine, chronic inflammation, and how stress, poor sleep, and even your gut health can make your immune system overreact to things th...

You’ve may have heard sucralose is harmful. But what does the science actually say?

This week, I break down four major concerns around sucralose: glucose impairment, gut microbiome disruption, potential weight gain, and mutagenicity.  

Some studies show negative effects. Others show nothing. The truth lies in the nuance, and that's exactly what I unpack.

If you're consuming sucralose for weight ...

00:00 Introduction to Seed Oils Debate
03:33 Arguments Against Seed Oils
06:13 Arguments for Seed Oils
11:30 Deep Dive into Mechanisms
17:07 Hexane and Its Implications
21:53 Essential Fatty Acids and Dietary Needs
23:40 Understanding Linoleic Acid and Cardiovascular Health
26:17 Arachidonic Acid: Implications for Heart Disease
28:29 Omega-3 and Omega-6: Impacts on Diabetes
30:00 Seed Oils: Oxida...

In this episode of the Always Adaptive Podcast, I sit down with Dan Pope, a Doctor of Physical Therapy, Strength Coach, and host of Fitness Pain Free to dive into his journey in fitness, the importance of evidence-based training, and the complexities of pain management. We get into his transition from personal trainer to physical therapist, how that shift shaped his coaching philosophy, and the practical takeaways from his new book...

In episode 17 of the Always Adaptive Podcast, I dive into the animal protein vs. plant protein debate and break down what really matters for protein synthesis, muscle mass, and overall health. I analyze the latest meta-analysis by Brad Schoenfeld and explain why amino acids, bioavailability, and dietary protein quality make a difference—especially for strength training.

Are plant proteins enough for muscle growth, or does ...

In this episode of the Always Adaptive Podcast, I break down Jordan Peterson’s interview with Dr. Ben Bikman, a well-known ketogenic diet advocate. Their conversation pushes the usual narrative—carbohydrates are bad, fats are good, and insulin is the enemy. But as always, the truth is more complicated than that.  

I take a critical look at their claims, explaining why nutrition isn’t a black-and-white debate. The way we pr...

For far too long has the body building community been debating whether or not cardio is a good or bad thing. It's an unfortunate reality when you ponder just how many people have lost their lives due to cardiovascular complications in this community. You could chalk most of that up to performance enhancing drugs and poor diet, but I cannot help but wonder what would happen if these people had stellar cardiovascular health.

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In this episode of the Always Adaptive Podcast, I dive into why strength training is essential for anyone over 40. I break down what the studies say about progress for older people vs younger people and the myth that it’s too late to start building muscle and getting stronger—because the truth is, gain...

In this episode of the Always Adaptive Podcast, I take a deep dive into the ongoing debate between ketogenic and carnivore diets versus more traditional carbohydrate-rich approaches. With so much conflicting information circulating in the health and fitness space, I break down the science behind these dietary strategies and how they impact key performance metrics such as strength gains, power output, endurance, and body composition...

In this episode of the Always Adaptive Podcast, I sit down with Nicholas Verhoeven, a PhD in molecular medicine and the creator of  @Physionic   on YouTube, to break down the science behind supplements. We dive into the research on creatine, omega-3, collagen, NAD, and NMN, exploring their health benefits and potential risks. Nicholas explains why study design is crucial for understanding supplement research, how rodent studies tra...

In this episode of the Always Adaptive Podcast, I sit down with health coach Margot Shute, who specializes in helping women over 50 navigate the challenges of menopause. Margot shares her journey into holistic health coaching, the importance of understanding menopause, and the need for more research on women's health. We discuss the Women's Health Initiative and its impact on hormone therapy, as well as lifestyle interven...

In this episode, Randall James discusses the significant impact of exercise on the mental health. He emphasizes the importance of exercise as a treatment for depression and explores the health risks associated with food dyes and the role of omega-6 and omega-3 fatty acids in nutrition. The conversation highlights the need for nuanced discussions around health and nutrition, urging listeners to critically evaluate scientific claims ...

In this video, I take a deep dive into the relationship between physical therapy, resistance training, and overall wellness, offering insights into how these elements work together to improve both health and performance. I challenge common misconceptions about bodybuilding, emphasizing that fitness is more than just aesthetics—it's about functionality and longevity. I also break down why quality physical therapy is critical fo...

In this conversation, I break down a podcast featuring Dr. Mike Varshavsky and Dr. Mike Israetel, focusing on the connection between conscientiousness and obesity. I dive into how personality traits impact health outcomes, highlight the importance of self-discipline, and share practical strategies for building positive habits. Throughout the discussion, I emphasize personal responsibility and empowerment as key factors in the journ...

In this episode of the Always Adaptive podcast, host Randall James discusses the intersection of AI and fitness, emphasizing the importance of metabolic health over mere weight loss. He explores the effectiveness of intermittent fasting compared to daily energy restriction, shares personal experiences regarding gym etiquette, and delves into the concept of autophagy. Randall also critiques popular diet trends, urging listeners to c...

In this bonus segment of the Always Adaptive podcast, host Randall James discusses a recent Jubilee episode that debates the topic of natural athletes versus those who use steroids. He shares his strong stance against steroid use, emphasizing the dangers and long-term health risks associated with them. Randall draws from personal experiences and research to highlight the normalization of steroids in fitness culture and the responsi...