E101 - Fix These 4 areas to Unlock Your Full Potential | Ben Pakulski

Listen to this episode from First Things THRST on Spotify. » Produced by Hack You Media: pioneering a new category of content at the intersection of health performance, entrepreneurship & cognitive optimisation.Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/hackyoumedia/Website: https://hackyou.media/Ben Pakulski is widely known for his success in bodybuilding, but what sets him apart is how he thinks. In this episode, Ben breaks down the mental frameworks, lifestyle protocols, and deep internal work that drive high performance – physically and mentally.We go beyond muscle and talk about how to build a system for self-mastery. From testosterone optimisation and training efficiency to breath work, fatherhood, and identity, Ben lays out a sharp, structured take on what it means to grow with intention.00:00 Reuniting with Ben01:40 Reflecting on brutal past workouts04:09 How bodybuilding became therapy07:56 The tension training revolution11:27 Building MI40 from necessity15:41 Four pillars that limit fitness progress19:14 Why energy crashes and motivation dies21:05 Travel routines and staying consistent23:44 Making training sustainable for life27:38 Training beyond just looking good31:13 The psychological warfare of bodybuilding33:23 Learning to embrace discomfort37:37 Shoulder mechanics and coaching philosophy40:07 High-performance habit optimisation44:15 Why people unconsciously abandon goals47:13 How trauma shaped Ben's character50:19 Healing through psychedelics and therapy55:08 Balancing ambition with inner peace58:34 Finding fulfilment versus chasing happiness1:04:35 Business evolution and future gym plans1:08:04 Training for athletic longevity1:11:31 Personalised health through supplements1:13:36 Using genetics and blood work for peak health» Escape the 9-5 & build your dream life – https://www.digitalplaybook.net/» Transform your physique – https://www.thrstapp.com/» My clothing brand, THRST – https://thrstofficial.com» Custom Bioniq supplements: https://www.bioniq.com/mikethurston• 40% off your first month of Bioniq GO• 20% off your first month of Bioniq PRO» Join our newsletter for actionable insights from every episode: https://thrst-letter.beehiiv.com/» Join Whoop and get your first month for free – join.whoop.com/FirstThingsThrst» Follow Ben«Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bpakfitness/Website: https://www.benpakulski.com/