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!
39episodes
Episodes
Newest firstAll episodes
Why Women Are More Likely To Body Recomp with Brandon DaCruz | Ep 763
4d ago01:37:55Tap to summarizeWelcome to the Mind Muscle Connection Podcast!Body recomposition is possible for everyone, but women are generally in a better position to pull it off than men. That doesn't mean it's simple, or that you should stay in a recomp phase forever.In this episode, Brandon Dacruz and I break down the physiological and practical reasons why women recomp so well, from body fat levels to estrogen's role in muscle recovery. I also explain how to find your "fighting weight," how long to stay in a small deficit, and what signs tell you it's time to transition out of a recomp phase.If you've ever wondered why recomp seems to work better for some people than others or how long you should actually stay in a deficit, this episode will help you understand why it works and what to do with that. Let's talk about: 00:00 Introduction and Coaching Updates02:22 Recap of Part One and What's Coming Today03:43 Why Body Recomp Research Is Picking Up07:07 Finding Your Fighting Weight13:44 What Bodybuilders Get Right (and Wrong) for Lifestyle Clients15:43 The Dimmer Dial vs. the On/Off Switch17:28 Training Updates and Auto Regulation19:04 Supplements for Sleep Deprivation and Cognition22:39 Brandon's Current Fat Loss Phase and Tracking Systems25:52 Coaching High Performers and Minimizing Decision Fatigue26:43 Coach Con Keynote and Coaching Women in Perimenopause29:28 Client Spotlight: Wes Patterson's IFBB Pro Card32:42 Stubborn Fat Loss and Spot Reduction34:38 Why Women May Be Built to Recomp37:31 Physiological Reason #1: Higher Body Fat Percentage38:09 Physiological Reason #2: Women Lose Less Muscle in a Deficit39:33 Physiological Reason #3: Estrogen's Role in Recovery and Partitioning41:29 Physiological Reason #4: Fuel Substrate Utilization44:19 Does Starting Muscle Mass Matter?46:48 The Practical Reasons Women Recomp49:53 The Perfect Storm: Training, Nutrition, and Mindset52:23 Micronutrients, Bottlenecks, and Metabolic Upregulation57:53 Stress Physiology and Energy Availability in Women1:00:34 Cortisol, Cravings, and the Chocolate Cake Study1:03:03 Phentermine, Cardio Only Programming, and Old Diet Culture1:14:17 How Long to Stay in a Small Deficit1:20:36 Signs It's Time to Transition Out of Recomp1:26:37 Case Study: Knowing When to Pull the Plug1:33:04 Why Periodization Beats Staying in One Phase Forever1:35:58 Wrap Up and What's Coming in Part ThreeFollow Brandon DaCruz on Instagram:https://www.instagram.com/brandondacruz_/Body Recomp Workshop Replay: HEREFollow me on Instagram for more information and education: jeffhoehn_How You Can Work With Me?: HERECoaching application: HERE
Transcribe →Benefits and Trade Offs Of Each Nutrition Phase | Ep 762
1w ago00:43:36Tap to summarizeWelcome to the Mind Muscle Connection Podcast!Body recomposition is possible, but that doesn't mean you should stay in the same nutrition phase forever. Whether you're in a fat loss phase or a building phase, each has a purpose and each comes with trade-offs if you stay there too long.In this episode, I break down the benefits, goals, and common mistakes of fat loss phases and building phases. I also explain why nutrition periodization matters, how to know when it's time to transition, and what can happen if you stay in a calorie deficit or maintenance phase longer than your body needs.If you've ever wondered whether you should be dieting, maintaining, or focusing on building muscle, this episode will help you better understand when each phase makes sense and how to get the most out of it.Let's talk about:One-on-One CoachingWhy Nutrition Phases MatterThe Different Ways Body Recomposition HappensThe Goal of a Fat Loss PhaseBenefits of a Fat Loss PhaseCommon Fat Loss MistakesWhat Happens When You Stay in a Deficit Too LongMetabolic Adaptation and Lower Maintenance CaloriesAppetite Changes During Long DietsPerformance, Recovery, and Muscle GrowthNutrient Deficiencies and Bone HealthLifestyle Flexibility During Fat LossThe Purpose of a Building PhaseBenefits of Maintenance and Building PhasesCommon Building Phase MistakesDownsides of Staying in a Building Phase Too LongNutrition Periodization ExplainedChoosing the Right Nutrition PhaseKey Takeaways and Final ThoughtsBody Recomp Workshop Replay:https://chipper-producer-6244.kit.com/791129889cFollow 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 →Women Often Have a Larger Stress Response to Calorie Deficits | Ep 761
2w ago00:34:11Tap to summarizeWelcome to the Mind Muscle Connection Podcast!Fat loss always comes down to being in a calorie deficit, but that doesn't mean everyone responds to dieting the same way.In this episode, I explain why women often have a larger stress response to calorie deficits and what that can look like during a fat loss phase. I’ll also cover why pushing harder isn’t always the answer and how your starting point, recovery, training, and nutrition can all play a role in your results.If you've ever felt like fat loss gets harder the longer you diet or wondered why the same approach works for some people but not others, this episode will help you understand what’s happening and what you can do differently.Let's talk about:Body Recomp Workshop ReplayWhy Women Have a Larger Stress Response to Calorie DeficitsWhy Traditional Dieting Can Backfire Signs Your Body Is Under Too Much Stress During Fat LossWhy Larger Calorie Deficits Aren't Always BetterWhy Body Fat Levels Matter During Fat LossWhy Spending Less Time Dieting Can Improve ResultsLifestyle Habits That Help Reduce StressWhy Weight Fluctuations Happen During Fat LossWhy Diet Quality Matters During a DeficitManaging Training Volume and IntensityHow Fat Loss Differs Between Men and WomenKey Takeaways and Final Thoughts Body Recomp Workshop Replay:https://chipper-producer-6244.kit.com/791129889cFollow 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 →The Three Biggest Factors That Determine Your Maintenance Calories | Ep 760
2w ago00:23:31Tap to summarizeWelcome to the Mind Muscle Connection Podcast!Many people want to increase their maintenance calories, but only a few factors actually make a meaningful difference.In this episode, I break down what determines your maintenance calories and what actually influences how high they can get. Body size, muscle mass, activity levels, dieting history, and genetics all play a role, along with why metabolic adaptation isn't permanent and what you can realistically do to increase your maintenance calories. If you've ever felt like your maintenance calories are lower than they should be or wondered what you can do to improve them, this episode will help you understand the biggest levers you can actually control. Let's talk about:Body Recomp Workshop ReplayWhat Determines Your Maintenance CaloriesUnderstanding Total Daily Energy Expenditure (TDEE)Why Body Size and Muscle Mass Matter MostHow Activity Levels Increase Maintenance CaloriesHow Dieting History Affects Your Maintenance Calories The Role of GeneticsOther Factors That Influence Energy ExpenditureWhy There's a Ceiling to Maintenance CaloriesWhy You Can't Force Higher Calories ForeverWhat Maintenance Calories Should Most People Reach?Key Takeaways and Final ThoughtsBody Recomp Replay: https://chipper-producer-6244.kit.com/791129889cFollow 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 →The Stress Bucket Explained: How Stress Affects Fat Loss, Muscle Gain And Health | Ep 759
3w ago00:34:59Tap to summarizeWelcome to the Mind Muscle Connection Podcast.We all deal with stress, but most people underestimate how much it affects their progress in the gym and their overall health.In this episode, I explain my stress bucket analogy and how it can help you understand why progress can become harder when your total stress load gets too high. I also cover what you can do to better manage stress so your body is in a better position to recover, adapt, and make progress. If you're having a hard time or wondering why your body isn't responding the way you expect, this episode will give you a different way to look at the problem.Let's talk about:Free Body Recomp Workshop ReminderThe Stress Bucket AnalogyWhy an Overloaded Stress Bucket Causes ProblemsWhat Happens When Your Bucket OverflowsCortisol and Stress RegulationThe Different Sources of StressPsychological and Emotional StressPhysical Stress and TrainingBody Composition as a StressorNutrition and Blood SugarGut Health and InflammationSleep and Circadian RhythmEnvironmental StressorsSigns Your Stress Bucket Is Too FullHow to Reduce Your Stress LoadHow to Build a Bigger Stress BucketWhy Cardio Improves Stress ToleranceMuscle, Recovery, and SleepNutrition, Mindset, and ResilienceFinal ThoughtsBody Recomp Replay: https://chipper-producer-6244.kit.com/791129889cFollow 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 →15-10-5 Lifting Protocol, Resting Heart Rate, HRV, Muscle Growth and More with Bryan Boorstein | Ep 758
3w ago00:54:46Tap to summarizeWelcome to the Mind Muscle Connection Podcast!In this episode, Bryan Boorstein is back on the podcast for another great conversation about training, recovery, cardio and hypertrophy. We discuss how Bryan uses recovery metrics like resting heart rate and HRV to monitor readiness and why long-term trends matter more than focusing on any single data point. We also get into his current training approach, including his transition away from full-body training, the upper/lower split he is using, and the 15-10-5 protocol that allows him to create a strong training stimulus while managing fatigue. If you want to train more efficiently and better balance lifting, cardio, and recovery, this episode is a must-listen. Let’s talk about:00:00 Introduction02:16 Catching Up With Bryan04:24 Using HRV and Resting Heart Rate to Track Recovery10:50 How to Look at HRV Data14:46 Bryan’s Current Training Approach16:57 The 15-10-5 Training Protocol20:08 Making Training More Efficient21:00 Mechanical Tension and Exercise Execution23:28 Pyramid vs. Reverse Pyramid Training24:54 How Bryan Progresses the 15-10-5 Method27:09 How Rep Ranges Change Exercise Execution31:33 Bryan’s Cardio Training Approach34:24 Why Cardio Progression Is Different Than Weight Training37:29 Training in the Heat38:38 Bryan’s TRT Update44:20 Changes in Resting Heart Rate After TRT45:40 Exercise Selection and Stimulus-to-Fatigue Ratio46:35 Why More Range of Motion Isn’t Always Better49:09 The 45-Degree Hip Extension52:29 Where to Find Bryan and His Current ProjectsFollow Bryan on Instagram:https://www.instagram.com/bryanboorstein/Follow 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 →What Determines How Lean You Can Get And Stay? | Ep 757
4w ago00:37:16Tap to summarizeWelcome to the Mind Muscle Connection Podcast.Getting lean is about much more than willpower. In this episode, I go into what actually determines how lean you can get and what it really takes to maintain it. I look at how genetics, muscle mass, activity levels, nutrition, stress, sleep, and your body fat history all shape the range your body can realistically sustain.I also look at why forcing yourself to stay extremely lean tends to backfire over time and how your sustainable body fat range can shift as your habits improve. On top of that, I get into what it really means to balance how you look with how you perform, recover, and feel day to day.If you have ever wondered why staying lean feels easy for some people and much harder for others, this episode will make that a lot clearer.Let’s talk about:Free Body Recomp WorkshopWhy Willpower Isn’t the Biggest FactorWhat Actually Determines How Lean You Can GetWhy Your Sustainable Body Fat Range Changes Over TimeWhen Being Too Lean Starts to Hurt Your HealthHow Gender Affects Body Fat Levels The Role of GeneticsWhy More Muscle Helps You Stay LeanerHow Activity Levels Affect Body CompositionNutrition Skills and Proper FuelingFinding a Body Fat Level You Can MaintainManaging Stress for Better Results Why Sleep MattersHow Your Body Fat History Impacts ProgressKey TakeawaysFree Body Recomp live workshop, Thursday, July 9th at 1:00 PM Central Time. Sign up here to get access: https://chipper-producer-6244.kit.com/e0ad63a2b2 Follow 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 →Workouts Beating You Up Or Not Building Muscle As You’d Like? | Ep 756
4w ago00:21:23Tap to summarizeWelcome to the Mind Muscle Connection Podcast!If you leave the gym feeling beat up or you're not building muscle the way you expected, this episode is for you. Today, I break down some of the biggest progression mistakes I see and explain why training harder isn't always the answer. Sometimes the way you progress your training is what holds you back.I also go over a few simple changes you can make to your training that can help you recover better and keep making progress. I explain why you don't need to chase a new PR every workout, how to think about rep ranges, and when it actually makes sense to increase the weight. If your workouts have been leaving you feeling more beat up than stronger, this episode will help you train in a way that's more productive over the long term.Let's talk about:00:00 Introduction00:26 Coaching and App Updates01:57 The Most Important Part of Building Muscle03:42 Why You Don't Need to Progress Every Workout07:11 Make Smaller Progressions10:14 Lower Body vs Upper Body Progression12:16 Using Small Weight Increases on Machines and Cables13:37 Don't Let Rep Ranges Hold You Back15:42 You Don't Have to Match Last Week's Reps17:00 Stop Chasing the Top of the Rep Range18:00 Recap and Final TakeawaysI'm hosting a FREE Body Recomp Live Workshop next Thursday, July 9Register Here: https://chipper-producer-6244.kit.com/e0ad63a2b2Follow 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 →A Better Approach to Phases Outside of Fat Loss | Ep 755
Jun 2900:30:32Tap to summarizeWelcome to the Mind Muscle Connection PodcastIn today’s episode, I break down a better way to run a building phase. A lot of people come out of fat loss and either stay too conservative with calories or keep pushing body weight up the entire time thinking that’s what they need to do to build muscle. Both approaches tend to backfire in different ways.I go through how I now set up building phases for myself and clients, the common mistakes I see, and why most people would benefit from letting body weight come up a bit, then stabilizing instead of constantly chasing scale weight. The goal here is to improve body composition long term without unnecessary fat gain or staying stuck in a low energy state.Let’s talk about:Coaching updates and working with clientsDopamine habits, phone checking, and awareness around distractionsWhat a better approach to building phases looks likeMistake 1 keeping calories too low after fat lossMistake 2 constantly pushing body weight up during a bulkHow much weight to gain before stabilizingWhat “feeling your best” actually meansEnergy, recovery, digestion, and performance markersBlood work and additional health markersWho typically gets stuck in these patternsWhy this approach works better long termTraining quality matters more than constantly increasing caloriesWhy this limits unnecessary fat gainStaying in healthier body fat rangesWhat actually drives progress in a building phaseSleep, stress, and recovery considerationsWhat to do when body weight stabilizesAdjusting calories up or down after stabilizationWhy scale weight does not need to be perfectly stableFollow 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 →Why You Should Run a Fat Loss Diet Every So Often + How Long a Fat Loss Phase Should Be | Ep 754
Jun 2600:41:28Tap to summarizeWelcome to the Mind Muscle Connection Podcast!Most people think the only reason to get into a calorie deficit is to lose body fat, but there can be benefits beyond just getting leaner. In this episode, I break down five reasons why spending time in a fat loss phase every so often can be valuable, including metabolic health, hunger management, nutrition habits, and long-term body composition.I also discuss how often fat loss phases may make sense, when smaller energy stressors can be useful, what determines how long a fat loss phase should last, and the signs it may be time to return to maintenance calories. So if you’re not sure how often you should run a fat loss phase, this episode is a must listen. Let's talk about:Why You Should Run a Fat Loss Phase Every So OftenFat Loss, Health & Body CompositionMetabolic Health & Metabolic FlexibilityLearning Hunger ManagementA Psychological ResetBuilding Physiological ResilienceSmall Energy Stressors vs Full Fat Loss PhasesHow Often Should You Run a Fat Loss Phase?How Long Should a Fat Loss Phase Last?Signs It's Time to End a Fat Loss PhaseFinal Takeaways Follow 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 →