2853: How to Build 5 Pounds of Muscle in 30 Days (Step by Step)

2853: How to Build 5 Pounds of Muscle in 30 Days (Step by Step)

Author: Sal Di Stefano, Adam Schafer, Justin Andrews, Doug Egge May 8, 2026 Duration: 1:17:38

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In this episode the guys break down exactly how to build 5 pounds of muscle in 30 days. They also get into the "boring diet" trend taking over social media, a wild dehydration study, and what the data actually says about mental health and community. Then they answer questions from our Instagram page covering deadlifting frequency, gym training for blue collar workers, intermittent fasting for fat loss, and whether part-time personal training is a realistic career move.

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0:00 - Intro & sponsors

0:13 - How to build 5 pounds of muscle in 30 days — the exact steps

18:38 - Water gun challenge — diaper, potato & baseball story

22:23 - Prison inventions rabbit hole — Post-it notes, pruno & toilet communication

25:05 - The "boring diet" trend going viral — does it actually work?

36:36 - Dehydration study: 1.36% dehydration makes tasks feel 58% harder

46:23 - Political party & mental health rates — what the data actually shows

52:10 - Jonathan Haidt: Church community is the #1 protector against teen depression

58:42 - Are kids going back outside? Risk-taking, camping & helicopter parenting

1:03:55 - Q&A: How often do the guys actually deadlift?

1:08:24 - Q&A: Gym training for blue collar workers

1:10:44 - Q&A: Can intermittent fasting be used to stay in a calorie deficit?

1:13:04 - Q&A: Is part-time personal training realistic?


Tired of fitness fads and conflicting advice that leaves you more confused than when you started? Mind Pump: Raw Fitness Truth cuts through the noise with a no-nonsense approach you can actually trust. Hosts Sal Di Stefano, Adam Schafer, Justin Andrews, and Doug Egge bring their combined expertise to every conversation, dismantling popular myths and calling out the pervasive snake oil in the wellness world. Instead of hype, they focus on practical, science-backed strategies for building muscle, enhancing performance, and-most importantly-sustaining long-term health. Their discussions are grounded in reality, often challenging even the most sacred institutions in the industry with a blend of sharp insight and relatable humor. Each episode of this podcast feels like an honest talk with knowledgeable friends who aren’t afraid to question everything. You’ll find clarity on nutrition, training paradigms, and lifestyle choices, all delivered without an agenda other than giving you the unfiltered facts. For anyone exhausted by the constant churn of gimmicks and seeking a sustainable path to feeling and looking better, this is an essential listen. The raw truth isn’t always pretty, but with this team guiding you, it’s undeniably effective.
Author: Language: English Episodes: 100

Mind Pump: Raw Fitness Truth
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