In this episode the guys sit down with IFBB pro bodybuilder and science-driven performance coach Ben Pakulski for a wide-ranging conversation on peptides, performance, identity and the hard lessons of a 20-year bodybuilding career. Ben breaks down the peptide landscape — why he's optimistic about the science but deeply cautious about sourcing (90%+ of research peptides come from China with no quality guarantees), the most exciting peptides he's currently working with including SS-31 for mitochondrial repair, and myostatin inhibition and where the science actually stands. They also cover Ben's origin story — going from 160 pounds at 17 to 240 by 19 purely naturally, getting cut from a baseball team at 12 and how that shaped everything, the culture of his Toronto gym and what hard training actually looks like, the Arnold Classic story where he competed sick all night with vomiting and diarrhea and still got second. Ben shares how bodybuilding was never his identity — just something he did — and why leaving the sport felt like relief rather than loss. They also dig into GLP-1 use, the looming frailty epidemic, genetic testing for coaching, why the guys fixed their training plateaus through gut health and hormone optimization, and why Ben thinks the hard work of getting fit is the actual prize — not the physique. MAPS Upper Lower: https://mapsupperlower.com Code: LAUNCH for 40% off. Two days left on this offer. Four day split, male and female versions, workout videos and live coaching with Cole. SPONSORS Ketone IQ: https://ketone.com/MINDPUMP 30% off subscription orders plus a free gift with your second shipment. Also available at Target stores nationwide. GUEST LINKS Ben Pakulski: https://www.benpakulski.com Ben's Podcast — Muscle Intelligence: available on all major platforms Instagram: @bpakfitness LINKS Mind Pump Store: https://mindpumpstore.com Maps Fitness Products: https://mapsfitnessproducts.com Instagram: @mindpumpmedia 📚 Free Mind Pump Guides: Fat Loss Guide: https://www.mindpumpmedia.com/how-to-lose-fat?htrafficsource=youtube-organic&hcategory=MPSHOW&el=postID Hardgainer Guide: https://www.mindpumpmedia.com/hardgainer-guide?htrafficsource=youtube-organic&hcategory=MPSHOW&el=postID Squat Like a Pro: https://www.mindpumpmedia.com/how-to-squat-like-a-pro?htrafficsource=youtube-organic&hcategory=MPSHOW&el=postID Flat Tummy Guide: https://www.mindpumpmedia.com/flat-tummy-guide?htrafficsource=youtube-organic&hcategory=MPSHOW&el=postID More at: https://www.mindpumpmedia.com/free-resources?htrafficsource=youtube-organic&hcategory=MPSHOW&el=postID Take the guesswork out of your training and follow a proven program designed by Mind Pump. https://www.mindpumpmedia.com/maps-fitness-products?htrafficsource=youtube-organic&hcategory=MPSHOW&el=postID 📱 Other Channels: Mind Pump Clips: https://www.youtube.com/@MindPumpClips Mind Pump TV: https://www.youtube.com/@MindPumpTV Elite Trainer Academy: https://www.youtube.com/@EliteTrainerAcademy