The Mind Muscle Connection

Welcome to the Mind Muscle Connection Podcast!In today’s episode, I sit with Brandon Cruz to deep dive about What Needs To Be Dialed In Before Fat Loss, Under Recovery, Training at Night and moreWe talked through metabolic health markers, fasting insulin, and what actually needs to be in place before starting a fat loss phase. We broke down the volume debate, recovery, soreness, late-night training, and how to take better progress photos. We also covered what separates high-quality supplements from flashy marketing.If you care about building muscle, improving performance, and doing this in a way that supports your long-term health, this episode is for you.Let’s talk about:IntroductionPersonal Training, Nutrition & LifeComprehensive Lab Panels & Metabolic HealthInsulin ResistanceGenetic Lipid MarkersJeff’s Current Training & RoutineNutrition Structure & Fasting WindowSleepVolumeEntering a Fat Loss Phase (Red & Green Flags)Late Night Training & Sleep OptimizationCheck-In Photos & Progress TrackingHow to Recover BetterSupplement QualityWhere to find BrandonFollow me on Instagram for more information and education: @jeffhoehn_FREE 30 Min Strategy Call: HEREBody Recomp Checklist 2.0 HERENutrition Periodization Masterclass: HEREHow You Can Work With Me?: HERECoaching application: HERE

Welcome to the Mind Muscle Connection Podcast!In this solo episode, I dive into Finding the Body Fat Range Where You Feel and Perform Your BestI walk through healthy body fat ranges for men and women, the real tradeoffs of getting very lean, and why staying shredded year-round can quietly hurt your recovery, hormones, and performance. We talk about how lifestyle, genetics, and training history all play a role in where you feel best. I also explain why building muscle and periodizing your nutrition is almost always the smarter long-term move.If you’ve ever wondered why you still aren’t happy after losing weight or you’re debating pushing leaner… this episode will help you make a smarter decision.Let’s talk about:IntroductionThe Problem With Chasing the Lowest Scale WeightBody Fat PercentagesGet Into a Healthy Body Fat RangeFertility & Body Fat ExtremesGetting Leaner Comes With TradeoffsHormonal & Metabolic Consequences of Being Too LeanYour Ideal Body Fat Is PersonalBuilding Muscle Improves Your Look at Almost Any Body FatFat Loss Needs to Be Done in PhasesThe Real Long-Term GoalWhat If You Lost Weight and Still Aren’t HappyPsychology & Body DysmorphiaFollow me on Instagram for more information and education: @jeffhoehn_FREE 30 Min Strategy Call: HEREBody Recomp Checklist 2.0 HERENutrition Periodization Masterclass: HEREHow You Can Work With Me?: HERECoaching application: HERE

Welcome to the Mind Muscle Connection Podcast!In this episode, I break down my thoughts on How Many Sets For Muscle Growth + What Impacts ThisI talk about how to define volume, why quality matters more than just piling on sets, and what the research says about high vs. low volume. I also explain why recovery, time, and training skill often matter more than chasing an arbitrary number of sets. If you’re over 30 with a busy life, this conversation will help you stop overthinking and start focusing on what actually moves the needle.Let’s talk about:IntroductionVolumeFractional SetsQuality over quantityWhy People Think They Need More VolumeHigh vs Low Volume DebatePump ≠ Muscle GrowthRushing Muscle GrowthRecovery and TimeMaximizing Muscle Growth vs Real LifeWhat Impacts How Much Volume You Can DoFollow me on Instagram for more information and education:  jeffhoehn_FREE 30 Min Strategy Call: HEREBody Recomp Masterclass: HERENutrition Periodization Masterclass: HEREHow You Can Work With Me?: HERECoaching application: HEREBody Recomp Checklist 2.0: https://chipper-producer-6244.kit.com/26b5c9f94a

Dr Mike T Nelson, a performance and recovery physiologist known for HRV and metabolic flexibility work. He explains applying progressive overload to cardio, why aerobic fitness affects muscle-building capacity, and what new carbohydrate research means. He also covers fasting strategies, metabolic flexibility, and his “human dynamic range” concept in short, practical takes.

Welcome to the Mind Muscle Connection Podcast!In this episode, I break down When Carbs Help With Recovery and When They Don’tI walk through how overall stress load impacts recovery first, then explain when adding carbs can genuinely lower stress on the body, like during prolonged dieting, low energy availability, or high training demands. I also cover the other side of it, including metabolic health, insulin resistance, lifestyle stress, and poor sleep, and how simply adding more carbs in those cases may create more problems.This is a very informative episode, so be sure to tune in!Let’s talk about:IntroductionCarbs and recoveryStress load on the bodyCalories still matterWhy carbs are the most variable macronutrientHow carbs lower stress hormonesCarbs before bed in lean dietersHigh training volume / under-fueled for demandTransition into when carbs don’t helpMetabolic syndrome markersFinal takeawayFollow me on Instagram for more information and education: @jeffhoehn_FREE 30 Min Strategy Call: HEREBody Recomp Checklist 2.0 HERENutrition Periodization Masterclass: HEREHow You Can Work With Me?: HERECoaching application: HERE

Welcome to the Mind Muscle Connection Podcast!In this episode, I’m diving into 45% of Active Women May Be Underfueled. Here’s the Real FixI talk through the real reasons so many active women feel run-down, struggle with performance, or can’t seem to recover even when calories look okay on paper. We cover how stress, micronutrient gaps, lifestyle load, and poor recovery habits can all play a role. And I share how I coach women through this without defaulting to “just eat more.”This is a very insightful episode, so be sure to tune in!Let’s talk about:IntroductionStudy on 109 womenBeing active increases underfueling riskLow Energy Availability (LEA)Signs you may be underfueled or under too much stressSymptoms to look forWhat to do about itCommon micronutrient gaps in womenFinal takeawaysFollow me on Instagram for more information and education: @jeffhoehn_FREE 30 Min Strategy Call: HEREBody Recomp Checklist 2.0 HERENutrition Periodization Masterclass: HEREHow You Can Work With Me?: HERECoaching application: HERE

Welcome to the Mind Muscle Connection Podcast!In this episode, I’m joined once again by Brian Boorstein for a deep dive into Bro Splits, TRT, Tracking Blood Glucose and MoreWe talk about Brian’s return to a bro split and why it’s working for him right now, including how he’s programming around recovery, cardio, and training intensity. He also shares updates on his experience with TRT specifically how it’s impacted his HRV, glucose tracking, and sleep quality. We wrap up with some great insights on fasting, metabolic flexibility, and how to adapt your habits as you get older.If you’re navigating midlife training, performance plateaus, or just want to hear what it looks like to evolve your strategy without losing progress, this one’s a must-listen.Let’s talk about:IntroductionCaffeine habits and individual toleranceLate-night training, circadian rhythm, and recoveryWhy Brian is doing a bro split + structure & volumeRIR & failure training strategyCardioTRT sleep effectsMeal timing, metabolic health, and intermittent fastingFollow me on Instagram for more information and education:  jeffhoehn_FREE 30 Min Strategy Call: HEREBody Recomp Masterclass: HERENutrition Periodization Masterclass: HEREHow You Can Work With Me?: HERECoaching application: HEREBody Recomp Checklist 2.0: https://chipper-producer-6244.kit.com/26b5c9f94a

Welcome to the Mind Muscle Connection Podcast!In this solo episode, I’m walking you through Circadian Rhythms 101 for Body Comp, Health and Performance.We’ll cover the basics of how your circadian system works, why things like morning sunlight and consistent sleep-wake times matter, and what actually happens to recovery, performance, and even appetite regulation when this system is out of sync. I also go over the biggest mistakes I see with clients and how to correct them without trying to be perfect.If you’ve been training hard, tracking macros, and still feel off, this episode is for you!Let’s talk about:IntroductionCircadian RhythmsInsulin SensitivityModern Lifestyle DisruptorsRecovery, Muscle Building & Immune Function3 Types of Circadian DysregulationCircadian Rhythm MistakesWhat If You’re a Night Owl?Why Circadian Rhythm Is Your BaselineFollow me on Instagram for more information and education: @jeffhoehn_FREE 30 Min Strategy Call: HEREBody Recomp Checklist 2.0 HERENutrition Periodization Masterclass: HEREHow You Can Work With Me?: HERECoaching application: HERE

Welcome to the Mind Muscle Connection Podcast!In this solo episode, I talk about Artificially Low Maintenance Cals + How To Increase Your Maintenance CalsI cover what actually can happen when you’re at maintenance (spoiler: it’s more than just maintaining your weight), and what likely won’t happen no matter how dialed in you think your calories are. I also walk through the top factors that impact your total daily energy expenditure (TDEE), why some people unintentionally under-eat, and what to do if your maintenance calories feel way lower than expected.If you’ve been feeling stuck in your fat loss or muscle-building progress and aren’t sure if you’re really eating enough or too much this episode is a must-listen.Let’s talk about:IntroductionMaintenance caloriesTotal Daily Energy Expenditure (TDEE)Artificially Low Maintenance CaloriesSymptoms of Low Maintenance CaloriesRisks of Staying at Low MaintenanceHow to Raise Maintenance CaloriesThe Paradox of Eating MoreLimits of Increasing MaintenanceHow to Actually Find Your MaintenanceFollow me on Instagram for more information and education: @jeffhoehn_FREE 30 Min Strategy Call: HEREBody Recomp Checklist 2.0 HERENutrition Periodization Masterclass: HEREHow You Can Work With Me?: HERECoaching application: HERE

Welcome to the Mind Muscle Connection Podcast!In this episode titled “Circadian Rhythms Explained: Light, Food Timing, and Metabolism,” I’m joined by Dr. Alan Flanagan, a postdoctoral research fellow and the founder of Alinea Nutrition. Dr. Alan’s work centers on circadian rhythms and chrono-nutrition, and he’s also a frequent contributor to the Sigma Nutrition podcast.We cover a wide range of practical topics like meal timing, how light exposure affects sleep and metabolism, what recent research says about energy balance, and why your internal clock might be throwing off your fat loss efforts. Alan also breaks down what bright light therapy actually does, how to navigate jet lag smarter, and what changes as we age.If you’ve ever wondered how your body’s rhythms tie into hunger, cravings, and performance… you won’t want to miss this conversationLet’s talk about:IntroductionCircadian rhythm studyMelatonin, Energy Deficit & Meal Timing StudyJet Lag and practical hacksCircadian Rhythm 101Light exposureTotal Daily Energy Expenditure & Meal TimingAppetite Regulation, Hunger & Circadian DisruptionChronotype & AgingBest practicesFinal takeawaysWhere to find Dr AlanAlan Flanagan's Instagram: thenutritionaladvocateAlan Flanagan's Website: https://alineanutrition.com/Follow me on Instagram for more information and education:  jeffhoehn_FREE 30 Min Strategy Call: HEREBody Recomp Masterclass: HERENutrition Periodization Masterclass: HEREHow You Can Work With Me?: HERECoaching application: HEREBody Recomp Checklist 2.0: https://chipper-producer-6244.kit.com/26b5c9f94a