Big milestone as we just reached episode 400 of the Flex Diet Podcast!

I could not have done it without out, thank you!

In this one I sit down with Dr. Dwayne Jackson, a PhD researcher in neurovascular physiology, exercise and human physiology, medicine, and nutritional biochemistry.

We discuss why mitochondrial peptides such as MOTS-c and SS-31 may be promising tools, but cannot replace the aerobic base that makes their effects meaningful.

We also dig into AMPK and mTOR signaling, conditioning as a rate limiter for strength athletes, and why training, nutrition, recovery, and performance data should come before any experimental compound. If you choose to run an N-of-1 experiment, the goal is to make it more useful—not to substitute a peptide for the work that builds fitness.

​Listen to the full episode here​

Episode Timestamps:

01:53 — Mitochondrial peptides and the aerobic-training foundation
03:19 — Peptides as training amplifiers, not replacements
04:22 — AMPK, mTOR and mitochondrial signaling
05:50 — Why aerobic fitness supports strength and Strongman training
08:12 — Conditioning, lactate clearance and the rate limiter for strength athletes
10:58 — Wingate tests and overlapping energy systems
15:12 — Kidney disease, mitochondrial dysfunction and aerobic collapse
21:22 — Hypertensive crisis, dialysis and recognizing a major fitness decline
24:48 — Kidney transplant recovery and rebuilding aerobic capacity
28:27 — The evidence and limitations behind mitochondrial peptides
34:55 — MOTS-c, AMPK activation and anecdotal HIIT performance
39:59 — SS-31, cardiolipin and mitochondrial efficiency
48:32 — Why training, nutrition and recovery come before peptides
58:40 — Using performance data to make an N-of-1 experiment more useful
1:01:22 — SS-31 before training, AMPK timing and recovery trade-offs
1:06:07 — SLU-PP-332, exercise mimetics and the gap in human data
1:09:17 — Peptide sourcing, COAs and third-party testing
1:12:02 — Genetics, response variability and sustainable performance

If you prefer to watch the podcast, check it out below:

​Watch the episode on YouTube​

Much love,

Dr. Mike
PS- I would love any and all feedback on this one, so hit reply.

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Mike T Nelson CISSN, CSCS, MSME, PhD
Associate Professor, Carrick Institute
Owner, Extreme Human Performance, LLC
Editorial Board Member, STRONG Fitness Mag

Mike T Nelson is a PhD and not a physician or registered dietitian. The contents of this email should not be taken as medical advice. It is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any health problem - nor is it intended to replace the advice of a physician. Always consult your physician or qualified health professional on any matters regarding your health.