Flex Diet Podcast

Episode 370: Hybrid Training Done Right: Building Strength & Endurance Without Killing Your Gains with Andreas Stobberup

In this episode of the Flex Diet Podcast, I sit down with Denmark-based coach and hybrid athlete Andreas Stobberup to talk about bridging serious strength training with high-level endurance performance. Andreas shares his journey from peaking around 250 lbs with a 405 bench and 600+ squat to dropping to 205 and completing a full Ironman in 9:52—while continuing to coach athletes across disciplines. We discuss the reality gap between amateur and elite performance, how influencer culture often strips context from training advice, and why fundamentals still win: training, nutrition, sleep, and measurable outputs. We break down common misunderstandings around Zone 2 training, why pros don’t train the way social media says they do, and how strength athletes can intelligently add conditioning without compromising lifting. We also cover VO₂ max development, microdosing cardio, output-based tracking (times, power, lactate), and how to think about HRV and wearable data in context. If you’re interested in hybrid training, improving conditioning without sacrificing muscle, or understanding how to measure what actually matters, this one is packed with practical insight. Sponsors: Daily Fitness Insider Newsletter: https://flex-diet.kit.com/bfa1510fa8 Available now: Grab a copy of the Triphasic Training II book I co-wrote with Cal Deitz here. Episode Chapters: 03:14 Andreas’ Early Training Roots: Bodybuilding DVDs, Intensity, and Science 05:55 Powerlifting Peak + Coaching on the Gym Floor (and Genetic Outliers) 08:22 From 250 lbs to Ironman: Switching Gears During COVID 10:45 Influencer Culture vs Real Performance: Respecting the Elite Gap 21:10 Basics First: Exercise Beats Gadgets (Ice Baths, Red Light, Peptides) 22:22 Beginners to Pros: Why the Pendulum Swings Back to Volume, Food, Sleep 27:54 Zone 2 Confusion: What Pros Actually Do and Why Amateurs Misapply It 31:34 Measure Outputs, Not Hype: Testing, VO2 Claims, and What Really Changes 36:56 Individual Response & Coaching Art: Genetics, “Me-search,” and Iteration 43:18 Consistency, Habits, and Coaching Boundaries: Saying No and Referring Out 51:34 Elite Athletes, Blind Spots & the ‘Just Follow the Plan’ Problem 53:53 Endurance vs Strength: Train Your Limiting Factor (and What the Research Really Shows) 56:54 Smarter Strength Work for Runners & Cyclists: ROM, Structure, and Staying Healthy 01:01:19 Cardio for Lifters: VO₂max Intervals, Microdosing, and Building Buy-In 01:09:53 Why Aerobic Fitness Pays Off Fast: HR Recovery, HRV, and 3–6 Month Blocks 01:20:05 Fueling Extremes: High-Carb Intake, Gut Training, and What’s Actually Happening 01:29:51 Metabolic Flexibility & The Next Wave of Endurance ‘Mad Science’ 01:33:52 Where to Find Andreas + Podcast Wrap-Up & Disclaimers Connect with Andreas: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/andreasstobberup Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/andreas.stobberup Get In Touch with Dr Mike: Instagram: Drmiketnelson YouTube: @flexdietcert Email: Miketnelson.com/contact-us

Episode 369: Stop “Thinking Positive”: Nervous System, Pressure, and Performance with Vince Malts

In this episode of the Flex Diet Podcast, I sit down with my good buddy Vince Maltz, a high-performance mindset coach who works with NHL players, Division I athletes, and elite performers. We dig into what “mindset training” actually looks like in real life, beyond the clichés, and why it’s inseparable from physiology, recovery, and nervous system regulation. We also get into the modern performance environment: fake expertise, too many voices in the kitchen, and why big organizations adapt slowly. Vince breaks down centralized vs. decentralized leadership, how athletes can learn to think for themselves inside a system, and why being a “nerd” at your sport is becoming a competitive advantage.  From there, we hit practical tools: how athletes move from conscious competence to unconscious competence faster, why distributed cognition matters in team sports, and what individuals can do today to improve performance through breathing, cold exposure, communication, and environment. Sponsors: Shiftwave: https://shiftwave.co/drmiketnelson - Save $300 with the link above. Note: This is an affiliate link. Daily Fitness Insider Newsletter: https://flex-diet.kit.com/bfa1510fa8 Available now: Grab a copy of the Triphasic Training II book I co-wrote with Cal Deitz here. Episode Chapters: 06:53 Why Mindset Matters: From ‘Fringe’ to (Mostly) Accepted in Pro Sports 08:28 Pressure, Public Failure & Emotional Imprints: When One Mistake Snowballs 13:04 The Dream vs the Job: Nervous System Load of Going Pro 16:22 Social Media, Doomscrolling & the Rise of ‘Fake Experts’ 19:55 Too Many Voices: Entourages, Specialists & Who’s Actually in Control? 22:39 Centralized vs Decentralized Leadership: Letting Athletes Think for Themselves 26:09 Big Organizations Adapt Slow: Communication, Small Groups & Real Dialogue 31:15 Being a ‘Nerd’ at Your Sport: Building Game IQ Through Learning & Desire 36:40 Thoughtfulness, Accountability & Why Systems Make Change Real 37:32 Why Veterans Still Win: Reading the Game on a Deeper Level 37:51 The 4 Stages of Learning (and the Push Toward Unconscious Competence) 40:25 Can You Speed It Up? Pressure, Playfulness & Staying in Stage 3 42:17 Identify–Direct–Own: A Framework to Accelerate Game Adaptability 44:58 Distributed Cognition: The Team ‘Cheat Code’ for Game Speed 48:31 Game Theory in Sports: Rules, Referees & Playing the Real Game 50:15 System Reliability, Utility Players & Coaching Under Constraints 56:09 State Before Skills: 4 Practical Tools (Breathing, Cold, Communication, Environment) 01:05:03 Wrap-Up, Where to Find Vince, and Podcast Outro + Disclaimers Flex Diet Podcast Episodes You May Enjoy: Episode 328: Grit Gains: Building Mental Toughness and Resilience in Training with Ben Mayfield Smith YouTube: https://youtu.be/SsgZ1Tg_gro Episode 294: Mental Fitness & Performance: A Talk with Contemplate CEO Tarun Gulati YouTube: https://youtu.be/WWhtGjdWiNA Connect with Vance: Bloodline Hockey: https://bloodlinehockey.com/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/coachvinnymalts Get In Touch with Dr Mike: Instagram: Drmiketnelson YouTube: @flexdietcert Email: Miketnelson.com/contact-us

Episode 368: Why NEAT (Step Count) Might Be the Missing Key to Fat Loss, Recovery, and Performance & Flex Diet Cert Closes Tonight

In this solo episode of the Flex Diet Podcast, I break down why NEAT (non-exercise activity thermogenesis), and a simple step count, is one of the most overlooked levers for improving body composition, recovery, and performance. I explain how NEAT often drops when calories are reduced, why that can stall fat loss even when you think you’re in a deficit, and how using wearables (or even basic tracking) can make subconscious movement visible and easier to improve. I also share how the Flex Diet Cert is built as a complete system for nutrition and recovery, covering interventions from macros (protein, fats, carbs) to NEAT, sleep, micronutrition, intermittent fasting, and more — designed for everyone from general population clients to high-level athletes. I also remind listeners that enrollment for the Flex Diet Cert closes Monday, February 16th, 2026, at midnight Pacific.Sponsors:Fitness Insider Newsletter: https://miketnelson.com/Enroll in the Flex Diet Certification by midnight PST on Monday, Feb. 16.https://miket.me/fdcAvailable now:Grab a copy of the Triphasic Training II book I co-wrote with Cal Deitz here.Episode Chapters:00:30 Flex Diet Cert Closing Tonight (Enrollment Reminder)01:52 Why NEAT Matters: The Underrated Fat-Loss & Recovery Lever02:25 Calories Drop, NEAT Drops: The Hidden Metabolic Adaptation03:10 Modern Life vs. Cave People: Why We Move Less Now03:40 Track Steps to Override It (Wearables, Pedometers & Hawthorne Effect)04:36 When Dieting ‘Stops Working’: Step Count Falls Without You Noticing06:03 Make It Practical: Step Targets, Accessibility, and Real-World Tips07:16 NEAT for Recovery & Performance (More Training, More Muscle)07:33 Wrap-Up + Last Call to Enroll + Upcoming InterviewsGet In Touch with Dr Mike:Instagram: DrmiketnelsonYouTube: @flexdietcertEmail: Miketnelson.com/contact-us

Episode 367: Rebroadcast: Creatine for Brain Health and Performance with Dr. Eric Rawson

Welcome back to the Flex Diet Podcast! In this episode, I chat with Dr. Eric Rawson about the fascinating world of creatine, not just for muscle growth and performance, but also for brain health. We review the latest research on how creatine supplementation may affect brain function, support concussion recovery, and more. Dr. Rawson shares insights from his extensive research, highlights the amazing safety profile of creatine monohydrate, and offers practical advice on supplementation for athletes and those at high risk of traumatic brain injuries. Tune in for an in-depth look at the science and practical applications of this powerful supplement! Don’t forget to subscribe and share with friends. Enjoy!Sponsors:Fitness Insider Newsletter: https://miketnelson.com/Enroll in the Flex Diet Certification by midnight PST on Monday, Feb. 16.https://miket.me/fdcAvailable now:Grab a copy of the Triphasic Training II book I co-wrote with Cal Deitz here.Episode Chapters:01:25 Creatine's Evolution and Its New Applications02:37 Creatine and Cognitive Function04:29 Podcast Logistics and Listener Engagement05:31 Rebroadcast: Dr. Eric Rawson on Creatine and Brain Health07:34 Dr. Rawson's Background and Research Focus17:21 Challenges in Measuring Brain Creatine26:53 Animal Models vs. Human Data34:18 Challenges in Brain Function Research36:14 Political and Reporting Issues in Concussion Studies37:40 Open-Label Trials and Self-Report Surveys39:56 Creatine's Potential in Brain Injury Recovery42:25 Parental Concerns and Misconceptions about Creatine44:45 The Safety and Efficacy of Creatine47:09 Future Directions in Creatine Research48:53 Comparing Brain and Muscle Creatine Levels52:53 The Need for Human Studies Over Animal Models55:33 The Broad Appeal of Creatine58:57 Conclusion and Final ThoughtsGet In Touch with Dr Mike:Instagram: DrmiketnelsonYouTube: @flexdietcertEmail: Miketnelson.com/contact-us

Episode 366: Coaching Leverage for Optimal Fitness Results & Flex Diet Cert Now Open

Welcome back to the Flex Diet Podcast! In this solo episode, I dive into the concept of coaching leverage, a key aspect of the Flex Diet Certification. Learn how to maximize muscle growth, improve performance, and enhance body composition through eight essential interventions, including protein intake, sleep, and more. I discuss the practical application of metabolic flexibility and flexible dieting principles to help you and your clients achieve sustainable results. Don't miss this opportunity to gain insights and tips that you can apply right away. Flex Diet Certification is open from February 9th to 16th, 2026. Sign up now and start your transformation!Enroll now: https://miket.me/fdcSponsors:Fitness Insider Newsletter: https://miketnelson.com/Available now:Grab a copy of the Triphasic Training II book I co-wrote with Cal Deitz here.Episode Chapters:00:17 Overview of the Flex Diet Certification00:57 Details of the Flex Diet Certification03:09 Enrollment Information and Bonuses05:10 Introduction to Coaching Leverage05:45 Physiology and Psychology in Coaching07:03 Importance of Sleep in Coaching10:22 Protein as a Key Intervention11:56 Ranking Interventions by Coaching Leverage14:04 Conclusion and Final Thoughts17:10 Disclaimer and Legal InformationGet In Touch with Dr Mike:Instagram: DrmiketnelsonYouTube: @flexdietcertEmail: Miketnelson.com/contact-us