Hola from Black Sunshine rolling towards Austin, TX today as we departed the sun-soaked sands of South Padre Island, TX.

Here's what went down this week: much more is coming from the road.

Newsletters:

• ​Does Your Supplement Cabinet Need Adult Supervision?: Most supplements only move the needle a few percent, but when you understand “coaching leverage,” you’ll see why simple, consistent tools like creatine can still deliver real results.
• ​The HCL Tax: Creatine HCl might sound fancy, but the data shows plain monohydrate is just as effective (or better) at a fraction of the cost, so you can stop paying the “HCl tax” and get real results.

Flex Diet Podcast:

• ​Episode 382: Creatine for Muscle, Bone, Brain & Longevity (Plus Caffeine, Dosing, and Safety) with Dr. Darren Candow

Iron Radio:

• ​Evaluating Health Claims​
• ​Phil's Family Meet 2026​

Instagram posts of the week:

• ​Attention lifting meatheads​
• ​Do You Use AI as a Fitness Coach?​
• ​Epic last day of Kiteboarding here in South Padre Island TX​

Gym Tune of the Week: SLAYER “Angel of Death”

I saw the other day that it has been over 13 years since Jeff Hanneman's passing in Slayer. Hard to believe. He was the guy who made thrash feel dangerous. Not just fast… unsettling. History, horror, and riffs that sounded like they were dragged out of a war zone.

More than a decade later, that sound still hits like a hammer to the skull. Unpolished on purpose. No compromise. Just violence, precision, and atmosphere. Jeff wrote many amazing songs, but if I had to pick just one, this is my pick. Crank it and crush PRs. RIP Jeff. You are still missed.

Much love,
Dr Mike

_____________________

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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