Podcast
The Mind Muscle Connection
Hosted by Jeff Hoehn · EN
The Mind Muscle Connection is a show dedicated to educating you on applying science-based; training, nutrition, and mindset strategies to help you build a leaner, stronger, and more confident self. Grab some coffee and listen in!
18episodes
Episodes
Newest firstAll episodes
Does Cardio After Lifting Prevent Muscle Growth, Fat Loss Mistakes, 4 Week Training Cycles and More w. Brandon DaCruz | Ep 743
1w ago01:37:27Tap to summarizeWelcome to the Mind Muscle Connection Podcast!In this episode, I sit down with Brandon to dive deep into some of the most debated topics in evidence-based training: deloads, program structure, muscle maintenance, and whether frequent exercise changes are actually helping or hurting your progress. What starts as a simple Q&A quickly turns into a much bigger conversation about how muscle growth really happens over time and why so many lifters plateau despite training consistently.I break down why constantly switching programs every 4–6 weeks may prevent long-term hypertrophy, how neurological vs morphological adaptations actually work, and why true muscle growth requires longer periods of consistent overload than most people realize. Brandon adds his coaching perspective throughout, especially around how these concepts show up in real-world client programming, recovery management, and the balance between structure and flexibility in training. We also discuss cardio and lifting interference, common dieting mistakes that stall fat loss, how tracking errors quietly destroy progress, and whether you can maintain muscle without pushing progressive overload year-round.If you’ve ever felt stuck despite training hard, constantly changed programs hoping for better results, or questioned whether you’re overdoing or underdoing recovery, this episode will give you a much clearer framework from both a coach and applied practitioner perspective.Let’s talk about:Maintenance Training, Volume & Progressive OverloadWhy Intensity Matters More Than Volume in MaintenanceProgressive Overload During Maintenance PhasesTraining Harder With Less VolumeWhy Maintenance Training Can Still Improve PerformanceThe Real Meaning of “Training Intensity” for Muscle RetentionWhy Most People Misunderstand Maintenance Calories for TrainingProgram Switching Every 4–6 Weeks ProblemNeurological vs Hypertrophy Adaptations ExplainedWhy Early Strength Gains Aren’t Muscle GrowthThe Timeline of Real Muscle GrowthWhy Constant Program Changes Limit HypertrophyThe “Forever Beginner Gains” ProblemWhy Long-Term Program Stability MattersCoaching Perspective on 12–16 Week BlocksWhy Some People Never Look Like They LiftIllusion of Progress in Group Coaching ProgramsWhy Exercise Variety Can Stall ProgressThe Importance of Mastery in Lifts18:35 When Exercise Changes Actually Make SenseDeloads, Recovery Models & AutoregulationWhy Scheduled Deloads May Not Be NecessaryFatigue Management in Real TimeAutoregulation vs Fixed Recovery WeeksWhy Too Many Deloads Can Slow ProgressWhen a Deload Actually Is NeededReal Coaching Approach to Recovery ManagementFollow me on Instagram for more information and education:https://www.instagram.com/jeffhoehn_/?hl=enHow You Can Work With Me?: https://jhhealth.net/workwithme/Coaching application: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSfE-99wLDZRXlOOY1pWuAmkogdZOm-7ZvN_thbqNWLdNrj5bg/viewformBody Recomp Checklist 2.0: https://chipper-producer-6244.kit.com/26b5c9f94a
Transcribe →Can You Lose Fat At Maintenance? | Ep 742
1w ago00:28:48Tap to summarizeWelcome to the Mind Muscle Connection Podcast!A new study on body recomposition sparked a big conversation around maintenance calories, fat loss, and muscle gain. So in today’s episode, I break down what the study actually showed, where the conclusions may be getting overhyped, and why context matters when talking about body recomp.I also explain why estimated maintenance calories are rarely exact, how body recomp actually works in the real world, why training intensity matters so much, and why people can still lose fat while their scale weight barely changes. So if you’ve been trying to build muscle while losing fat, feel stuck obsessing over calorie numbers, or want a more practical understanding of body recomp, this episode is a must-listen.Let’s talk about:IntroductionNew studyTakeaway from the studyHow Researchers Estimated Maintenance CaloriesWhy Body Weight Staying Stable Can Still Mean Fat LossHow Deficit Size Impacts Fat LossBuilding Muscle in a DeficitNutrition PeriodizationYou Cannot Recomp ForeverWhy Exercise Creates Unique Body Comp EffectsOverfocusing on CaloriesFollow me on Instagram for more information and education:https://www.instagram.com/jeffhoehn_/?hl=enHow You Can Work With Me?: https://jhhealth.net/workwithme/Coaching application: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSfE-99wLDZRXlOOY1pWuAmkogdZOm-7ZvN_thbqNWLdNrj5bg/viewformBody Recomp Checklist 2.0: https://chipper-producer-6244.kit.com/26b5c9f94a
Transcribe →My Case For Periodizing Your Nutrition | EP 741
2w ago00:34:18Tap to summarizeWelcome to the Mind Muscle Connection Podcast!A lot of people spend years trying to find the “perfect” calorie target and then stay there forever. The problem is your body adapts over time, and what works in one phase of the year may stop working in another.In this episode, I break down My Case For Periodizing Your Nutrition. I also dive into metabolic adaptation, stress load, body recomp, muscle growth, fat loss phases, carb intake, and how to know when it’s time to push calories up or pull them back.If fat loss has stalled, your energy is low, or you feel stuck trying to maintain progress year round, this episode is a must-listen.Let’s talk about:00:28 Introduction01:25 Why Eating the Same Calories All Year May Not Work02:10 Nutrition Periodization03:44 Metabolic Adaptation in a Deficit06:18 Surplus09:30 Why Nutrition Periodization Helps Manage Stress12:02 Why Muscle and Bone Need Fuel16:09 Performance and recovery18:48 Stressful periods20:18 Why The Body Needs Both Building and Breakdown Phases27:12 How Long Someone Should Stay in One PhaseFollow me on Instagram for more information and education:https://www.instagram.com/jeffhoehn_/?hl=enHow You Can Work With Me?: https://jhhealth.net/workwithme/Coaching application: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSfE-99wLDZRXlOOY1pWuAmkogdZOm-7ZvN_thbqNWLdNrj5bg/viewformBody Recomp Checklist 2.0: https://chipper-producer-6244.kit.com/26b5c9f94a
Transcribe →Body Comp 101: How to Actually Improve Body Composition | Ep 740
2w ago00:48:18Tap to summarizeWelcome to the Mind Muscle Connection Podcast!In this episode, I sit down with coach Bruno Araujo Silva, a coach based in Belgium, to break down a real client case study and walk through Body Comp 101: How To Actually Improve Body CompositionWe also dive into why biofeedback matters more than exact calorie numbers, how body fat percentage changes the strategy, and why most people stay stuck in endless bulk-and-cut cycles. If you coach clients, are trying to improve your own body composition, or want a more sustainable approach to fat loss and muscle building, this episode is a must-listen.Let’s talk about:Introduction to Bruno ArroyoWhy Body Fat Percentage Changes the Calorie Increase StrategyHow Long Someone Can Stay in a DeficitRate of lossBiofeedbackClient’s weight lossWhen to Transition Out of a Fat Loss PhaseCalories During a Maintenance/Building PhaseProtein & CaloriesFear of carbsTraining structure during building phaseWhat To Do If Weight Gain Happens Too FastMaintenance phaseWho Actually Needs a SurplusHow Long Fat Loss Phases Should LastWhy Hard Training + Low Calories BackfiresResourcesFollow me on Instagram for more information and education:https://www.instagram.com/jeffhoehn_/?hl=enHow You Can Work With Me?: https://jhhealth.net/workwithme/Coaching application: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSfE-99wLDZRXlOOY1pWuAmkogdZOm-7ZvN_thbqNWLdNrj5bg/viewformBody Recomp Checklist 2.0: https://chipper-producer-6244.kit.com/26b5c9f94a
Transcribe →5 Most Common High Stress Load Avatars | Ep 739
3w ago00:41:51Tap to summarizeWelcome to the Mind Muscle Connection Podcast!Most people are trying to do the right things, but they are applying them at the wrong time. So in this solo episode, I deep dive into the 5 Most Common High Stress Load AvatarsI break down the most common high stress load avatars I see and how they impact fat loss, muscle gain, and overall health. I walk through the different types of stress your body is dealing with, the signs your system is overwhelmed, and how to adjust training, nutrition, and lifestyle based on your situation.If progress has felt harder than it should or things have stopped working, this episode will help you understand what is actually going on and what to change.Let’s talk about:IntroductionWhy Stress Load Matters7 Types of Stress on the BodySigns Your Stress Load Is Too High5 Stress Avatars#1 Busy / High-Stress Lifestyle#2 High Training Output#3 Higher Body Fat Levels#4 Lean / Very Low Body Fat#5 Yo-Yo / Chronic DieterHow to Actually Apply ThisFollow me on Instagram for more information and education:https://www.instagram.com/jeffhoehn_/?hl=enHow You Can Work With Me?: https://jhhealth.net/workwithme/Coaching application: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSfE-99wLDZRXlOOY1pWuAmkogdZOm-7ZvN_thbqNWLdNrj5bg/viewformBody Recomp Checklist 2.0: https://chipper-producer-6244.kit.com/26b5c9f94a
Transcribe →Hyrox Training, Zone 2 Cardio, Fats In a Deficit, Calorie Cycling, and more | Ep 738
3w ago00:38:04Tap to summarizeWelcome to the Mind Muscle Connection Podcast!This episode is a Q&A episode where I go through a bunch of questions I’ve been getting from clients and listeners… Hyrox Training, Zone 2 Cardio, Fats in a Deficit, Calorie Cycling, and moreI break down Hyrox and how it fits into your goals, reverse dieting and why you don’t need to overthink small calorie changes, and what a healthy resting heart rate actually looks like. I also get into cardio structure, fats in a deficit, low carb days during a build, and how to think about calorie and carb cycling without overcomplicating things.If you’re trying to improve body composition, structure your training better, or just want a clearer way to think about fat loss and performance, this episode will give you a lot to work with.Let’s talk about:IntroductionHyroxReverse dietingHealthy resting heart rateFats in deficitLow carb day in a building phaseCarb and calorie cyclingFat loss phases, maintenance, and body fat rangesFollow me on Instagram for more information and education:https://www.instagram.com/jeffhoehn_/?hl=enHow You Can Work With Me?: https://jhhealth.net/workwithme/Coaching application: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSfE-99wLDZRXlOOY1pWuAmkogdZOm-7ZvN_thbqNWLdNrj5bg/viewformBody Recomp Checklist 2.0: https://chipper-producer-6244.kit.com/26b5c9f94a
Transcribe →Fat Loss Habits, Hunger, Optimal Body Fat Range and much more w/ Brandon DaCruz | Ep 737
4w ago01:20:01Tap to summarizeWelcome to the Mind Muscle Connection Podcast!This episode is a collab episode with with Brandon DeCruz, and you can also find this one over on his podcast, Chasing Clarity. Brandon is a long-time coach with a full roster of clients, strong research background, and someone who stays deep in the education side of this space. We talk about Fat Loss Habits, Hunger, Optimal Body Fat Range and much moreWe get into training and lifestyle updates, the phases we are both currently in, and how cognitive load can impact performance in the gym. We also break down body fat ranges, how to approach building phases, and the habits that actually set you up for a successful fat loss phase. On top of that, we cover hunger, eating behavior, and what is really going on with scale weight fluctuations.If you want to clean up your approach to training, fat loss, and overall structure without overcomplicating things, this episode is for you!Let’s talk about:IntroductionBrandon’s podcastJeff’s training & lifestyle updateSleepBrandon’s current phaseMental fatigueBody fatFat loss habitsHungerKevin Hall’s studyNon-training health routinesSensory deprivation tankFactors that influence scale weight fluctuationsTraining loads in new phaseOvertrainingWhere to find BrandonFollow me on Instagram for more information and education:https://www.instagram.com/jeffhoehn_/?hl=enHow You Can Work With Me?: https://jhhealth.net/workwithme/Coaching application: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSfE-99wLDZRXlOOY1pWuAmkogdZOm-7ZvN_thbqNWLdNrj5bg/viewform
Transcribe →7 Reasons Youre Working Hard But Not Seeing Change In Your Body Comp | Ep 736
Apr 2400:38:30Tap to summarizeWelcome to the Mind Muscle Connection Podcast!In this solo episode, I deep dived into the 7 Reasons You’re Working Hard But Not Seeing Change In Your Body CompI walk through the most common reasons I see with clients who are putting in the work but not seeing results. From training intensity and poor programming to nutrition mistakes, stress, sleep, and even daily movement, these are the gaps that tend to hold people back. The goal here is to give you a checklist so you can figure out what needs to be dialed in.If progress has stalled and nothing seems to be working, this episode will help you take a step back and actually troubleshoot what is missing so you can start seeing change again.Let’s talk about:Introduction7 reasons you’re not seeing resultsNot creating enough stimulus for muscle growthPoor execution & lack of intensityToo much randomness in trainingPoor programming and exercise selectionOver-focusing on caloriesCircadian rhythmHigh stress loadLow movement outside the gymWeak conditioning baseBiofeedbackFollow me on Instagram for more information and education:https://www.instagram.com/jeffhoehn_/?hl=enHow You Can Work With Me?: https://jhhealth.net/workwithme/Coaching application: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSfE-99wLDZRXlOOY1pWuAmkogdZOm-7ZvN_thbqNWLdNrj5bg/viewform
Transcribe →Warm Up Sets, Exercise Selection, Rep Range, Cardio Recovery, etc. w/ Bryan Boorstein & Jordan Lips | Ep 735
Apr 2001:14:27Tap to summarizeWelcome to the Mind Muscle Connection Podcast!In today’s episode, I have Bryan Boorstein and Jordan Lips back on for another roundtable to talk about Warm Up Sets, Exercise Selection, Rep Ranges, Cardio Recovery and moreWe got into parenting and how that’s shifted priorities, training adjustments with real life constraints, and a deep dive into exercise selection, home gym setups, and rep ranges. Plus, a discussion about warming up, metabolic phases, cardio metrics, and what actually matters versus what people tend to overcomplicate.If you’re trying to balance training with real life, figure out what actually moves the needle, and cut through some of the noise around programming and cardio, this episode is a must listen.Let’s talk about:IntroductionUpdate on Jordan LipsWork adjustmentsSleep and recoveryJordan’s trainingBrian Borstein’s equipment limitations in home gymsSingle Leg Training BenefitsBulgarian Split Squats (Smith Machine Focus)Calf Training ChallengesRep Ranges PreferenceWarming upCardio vs High Rep Training OverlapMetabolic PhasesCardio Recovery MetricCardio Programming & IntervalsBrian & Jordan’s cardioNutritionWhere to find Brian and JordanFollow me on Instagram for more information and education:https://www.instagram.com/jeffhoehn_/?hl=enHow You Can Work With Me?: https://jhhealth.net/workwithme/Coaching application: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSfE-99wLDZRXlOOY1pWuAmkogdZOm-7ZvN_thbqNWLdNrj5bg/viewform
Transcribe →If Youre Above These Body Fat Ranges, You Don't Need a Surplus to Build Muscle or "Reset" Metabolism | Ep 734
Apr 1700:25:03Tap to summarizeWelcome to the Mind Muscle Connection Podcast!In this solo episode, I talk about If You’re Above These Body Fat Ranges You Don’t Need A Surplus To Build Muscle or “Reset” Your MetabolismI break down why that approach usually backfires, what actually happens to your body when you keep pushing calories up, and how this can impact your health, performance, and body composition over time. I also go through the most common beliefs I hear from clients and explain what’s really going on behind the scenes.If fat loss has felt confusing or you feel stuck despite trying to “eat more,” this episode will help you understand what to focus on instead and how to move forward with a smarter plan!Let’s talk about:IntroductionWhy You Don’t Need a Surplus at Higher Body FatHormones and Fat DistributionCut off thresholdsCommon Belief #1: “I Need to Reverse Diet First”Common Belief #2: “I Need a Surplus to Rebuild Muscle”Common Belief #3: “I Need to Get Calories as High as Possible”Common Belief #4: “My Metabolism is Broken”Common Belief #5: “I Need to Hit X Calories Before Dieting”Why Low Calories FailHealth Risks of High Body Fat and SurplusWhen Increasing Calories DOES Make SenseFollow me on Instagram for more information and education:https://www.instagram.com/jeffhoehn_/?hl=enHow You Can Work With Me?: https://jhhealth.net/workwithme/Coaching application: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSfE-99wLDZRXlOOY1pWuAmkogdZOm-7ZvN_thbqNWLdNrj5bg/viewform
Transcribe →