On Point with Meghna Chakrabarti The might and magic of human muscles
8 snips
Mar 26, 2026 
Bonnie Tsui, author and journalist who explores physical culture and human performance. She talks about tiny muscles that give us goosebumps, muscles as endocrine organs that talk to our brain and metabolism, differences in muscle types and fibers, the power of strength training at any age, and the cultural shift around women’s strength inspired by pioneers like Jan Todd.
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Goosebump Muscles Are Emotional Sensors
- Erector pili muscles cause goosebumps and act as a collective sensor for cold and strong emotions.
- Bonnie Tsui describes voluntary control of these tiny muscles and their role in fear, awe, and emotional response.
Make Me A Muscle Shaped Her Relationship With Strength
- Bonnie Tsui credits her father, an artist and martial artist, for early physical training like karate, runs, and playful strength games.
- He'd say "make me a muscle," a phrase that shaped her view of muscle as both physical and character expression.
Muscles Talk To The Whole Body
- Skeletal muscle functions as an endocrine organ, releasing myokines that influence brain, metabolism, immunity, and mood.
- Bonnie Tsui emphasizes that these biochemical signals make strength training impactful across cognitive and physical health.
