Episode #36: Do meatheads really need cardio?

Episode #36: Do meatheads really need cardio?

Author: Hannah Wright & Victoria LaFont July 21, 2025 Duration: 1:14:56
Influenced to Death
HealthHealth & FitnessComedyFitness

In this episode, Victoria is joined by all-time favorite guest Dr. Mike T Nelson to discuss the deep physiology of meathead cardio…don’t resistance exercises like kettlebell swings and front squats get our heart rate high enough?

You might remember Dr. Mike from episode #6: KETO-MANIA!

We broke the traditional Influenced to Death format in this episode and had an open-format nerd-fest conversation with Dr. Mike (Hannah was on vacation, so no one was here to make Victoria follow the rules 😬).

They discuss:

* Dr. Mike’s super interesting history, including his work with DARPA (no, we’re not kidding…learn more about him here)

* If resistance athletes need cardio outside of resistance exercises that increase their heart rate

* Specific recommendations for aerobic and anaerobic exercise for optimal health

* The exercise and diet regimens that are actually needed for long-term health

* Tabata exercise: Is it legit?

* The health benefits of increasing VO2 max and what VO2 max actually is (you can test your VO2 max!)

* The million-dollar question: Do women need different training recommendations than men?

* What truly moves the needle on health (teaser…it doesn’t come in a pill, lotion, potion, or fancy protocol)

If you’d like to learn more from Dr. Mike, we highly recommend his classes! (We don’t make a dime off these recommendations, we just love Dr. Mike.)

He’s currently offering Flexible Meathead Cardio: Level 1, Flexible Meathead Cardio: Level 2, and the Flex Diet Online Mentorship.

You can learn more by signing up for his newsletter and letting him know you’re interested.



This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit influencedtodeath.substack.com

Navigating the endless scroll of wellness advice can feel like a full-time job, and a dangerous one at that. Influenced to Death, hosted by Hannah Wright and Victoria LaFont, is your critical companion in the chaotic landscape of health trends and social media gurus. This podcast digs into the often-absurd, sometimes alarming world of wellness influencing with a sharp comedic lens, because sometimes you have to laugh to keep from crying over a $100 "detox" tea. Each episode unpacks the latest fads, questionable supplements, and pervasive myths peddled online, blending researched health commentary with relatable humor. You'll hear them dissect the language of influencers, separate fleeting trends from actual science, and share their own misadventures in trying to keep up. It’s a health and fitness podcast that acknowledges the comedy in our collective pursuit of better living, while seriously questioning the forces trying to sell it to us. Tune in for a dose of reality that’s far more refreshing than any juice cleanse. Find more from the podcast naturally on their Substack.
Author: Language: English Episodes: 50

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