It's Sunday, and I'm still feeling shattered from the events in Minnesota recently. I alternate between periods of profound sadness, anger, helplessness, and then back to hope, and then the cycle starts all over again.

Thank you for all the kind notes everyone has sent in this difficult time. Thank you to all who purchased the Microlectures this past week. I've decided to personally match the amount raised and donate it to those affected in MN, providing them with food, water, diapers, and even helping cover their rent at times.

I’ve found it hard to write much as I feel like talking about fitness stuff is insignificant; however, all of us (myself included) need to keep ourselves going.

We must take care of ourselves now more than ever before, so I'll keep on keeping on and encourage you to do the same. Put on your oxygen mask first, then go make a difference in the world.

Here's what went down this week.

Newsletters:

• ​Dan said this to me: I explain why getting “smarter” often makes decisions harder and how learning to spot the single lever that matters right now creates clarity that compounds across everything you do.

Flex Diet Podcast:

• ​Episode 363: Hypertrophy Training That Actually Works with Ben Mayfield-Smith

Iron Radio:

• ​Dietary Guidelines Get Graded​

Article of the week:

• ​Creatine & Caffeine: The Power Duo to Unleash Your Inner Beast​

Instagram posts of the week:

• ​Brand-spanking massive review shows what we think we know about carbZ, may not be true!​
• ​Post about what's happening in MN​

Gym Tune of the Week: August Burns Red “The Narrative”

I am a huge fan of these guys, both as a metalhead and as a Christian. I’ve seen them live 8 times and even met them twice. I have a signed poster by all the guys in my living room.

Not only does this song rip, but the lyrics are also more profound today than ever. Big thanks to Fitness Insider Braden Ripley for reminding me of this tune

Prey on ideals
Feed on devotion just to get a rise and trigger our emotions
Deliver images that never should be shown
Everything is done with manipulation
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Put that spin on it
Get our feelings riding high
Share that take of it
Enrage the other side
A quiet protest forms a million furious loud voices (voices)
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They drown out what's important
Drop the blindfold
Your values are bought and sold
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These armies (are clashing)
These people (are listening)
They're all forming (our stories)
But are they worth our (attention?)
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Theories before proof, judgement before evidence
No justification for your speculation
Theories before proof, judgement before evidence
This method's been broken since its inception
Silver linings, laced with agendas
Your motives are concealed by camouflage
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Maybe it's time we turn to our brother
Settle our differences, and believe in one other
They want to breed division
We chose to resist their mission
We will bind this world we live in
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These armies (are clashing)
These people (are listening)
They're all forming (our stories)
But are they worth our (attention?)
​
We can't see the facts
They've been kidnapped
We'll hunt them down to set them free from their traps
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Dig a little deeper
Change what we inherited
Power to the people, or power to the narrative?
Dig a little deeper
Change what we inherited
Power to the people, or power to the narrative? - August Burns Red

Much love,
Dr Mike

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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 Ph.D. 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.

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