2906: Should You Bulk or Cut First | The Answer That Actually Leads to Long Term Results

2906: Should You Bulk or Cut First | The Answer That Actually Leads to Long Term Results

Author: Sal Di Stefano, Adam Schafer, Justin Andrews, Doug Egge July 22, 2026 Duration: 2:02:37

 

In this episode the guys break down whether you should build or cut first — covering what each actually involves, why cutting first almost always fails long term, how building first boosts your metabolic rate by 700-800 calories a day, and why 95% of people who lose weight gain it all back. They also discuss Sal's prediction that probiotics will be the next major performance supplement, the ditto dating app taking over college campuses by using AI instead of swiping, the new short king shoe brand giving guys a few extra inches of height, 80s and 90s movie reviews that did not hold up, and Sal using Kion amino acids daily since going back to jiu jitsu. Then they coach live callers submitted through mplivecaller.com.

 

MAPS Upper Lower: https://mapsupperlower.com

Code: LAUNCH for 40% off. Four day split, male and female versions, workout videos and live coaching with Cole.

 

SPONSORS

 

Kion Aminos: https://getkion.com/mindpump

20% off automatically applied at checkout. 2000mg leucine per serving

 

Seed Daily Synbiotic: https://seed.com/mindpump

Code: 25MINDPUMP for 25% off your first month. 

 

Olipop: https://drinkolipop.com/MINDPUMP

Buy any two cans in store (any flavor, any retailer) and they will pay you back for one. Flavors: Classic Root Beer, Vintage Cola, Strawberry Vanilla, Orange Squeeze, Cherry Vanilla, Ginger Lemon, Classic Grape, Cream Soda.

 

LINKS

 

Submit a live caller question: https://mplivecaller.com

Mind Pump Store: https://mindpumpstore.com

Maps Fitness Products: https://mapsfitnessproducts.com

Instagram: @mindpumpmedia

 

0:00 - Intro

2:30 - Should you build or cut first — the full breakdown

8:17 - Why cutting first almost always fails and what your body does every single time

13:54 - Why building first boosts your metabolism by 700-800 calories a day

18:06 - Why the scale not moving during a build is the most common reason people quit too early

26:08 - Probiotics as the next performance supplement — Sal's five-year prediction

29:42 - The ditto dating app taking over college campuses using AI instead of swiping

36:27 - Why we had three TV channels and were not bored as kids

42:37 - The short king shoe brand giving guys extra height in regular-looking sneakers

45:32 - 80s and 90s movie nostalgia — Gremlins, Little Monsters and First Blood reviewed

1:01:39 - Caller: Riley (Mississippi) — exercise science degree, nursing student, wants resources for complex clients

1:14:04 - Caller: Jay (Texas) — lost 100 pounds, 6'4", 29% body fat, 3400 calories, gets MAPS Anabolic

1:35:37 - Caller: Linda (Massachusetts) — Boston marathoner, powerlifter, calf injury, gets MAPS 15 Performance

1:50:42 - Caller: Noah (Montana) — 21 years old, constant aches and pains, likely vitamin D deficiency


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: 50

Mind Pump: Raw Fitness Truth
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