In this episode, I sit down with my longtime friend and the man who unknowingly set PT³ in motion - John Thomas, better known online as The Bodybuilding Vegan. We dive deep into how he built serious muscle on a plant-based diet, the science behind optimizing performance without animal products, and the mindset it takes to stay disciplined in a world full of shortcuts. From undergrad memories to modern-day fitness philosophies, this one’s packed with stories, strategy, and straight-up inspiration.

Listen in if you’ve ever wondered:

• Can you actually build muscle on a vegan diet?

• What supplements matter most for plant-based lifters?

• How can you train with purpose and still enjoy life outside the gym?

  
  

Join the PT³ movement:
Website: www.ptcubed.com
Instagram: @ptcubed
Email: natekaram@ptcubed.com
Check out my coaching programs, grab your PT³ guidebooks, and tune into more episodes that bridge the gap between rehab and performance.
Join the PT³ Padawans and unlock your true potential.

When life gets loud, most people lose their focus. Not because they don’t care, but because they’ve never learned how to truly lock in.

In this episode, Dr. Nate breaks down the mindset and strategy behind what he calls The Great Lock-In. You’ll learn how to filter distractions, build tunnel vision for your goals, and create a routine that keeps you moving forward even when everything around you feels chaotic.

This episode is about more than fitness. It’s about clarity, consistency, and becoming the kind of person who follows through no matter what.

Connect with Nate:
🌐 Website: www.ptcubed.com
📧 Email: natekaram@ptcubed.com
📲 Instagram: @ptcubed

In this incredibly special guest episode of the PT³ Podcast, I sit down with Ryan Gardner, CEO and founder of Bucked Up, to unpack what it really takes to build a fitness brand from scratch and scale it into one of the most recognized supplement companies today. Ryan opens up about the entrepreneurial journey, the challenges of growth, and the vision that continues to drive Bucked Up forward.

We also dive deep into the clinically proven benefits of supplementation - from performance to recovery, and discuss why Bucked Up stands out as the best choice for all your gym supplement needs. Whether you’re an athlete, coach, or entrepreneur, you’ll walk away with valuable insights on business, training, and fueling your body for success.

👉 Follow along for more strength, rehab, and performance content on Instagram: @ptcubed
👉 Explore my coaching and resources at ptcubed.com
👉 Questions or collabs? Reach me at natekaram@ptcubed.com

Join the PT³ Padawans and unlock your true potential.

Check out Ryan's socials: @buckedupceo on IG and TikTok - use code CEO20 at checkout for 20% all Bucked Up products!

Something massive is on the way. In just two weeks, I’ll be dropping one of the biggest PT³ Podcast episodes yet - my interview with Ryan Gardner, founder of Bucked Up.

In this short teaser, I’ll share why this conversation matters, what you can expect, and how Ryan’s story connects to your own journey as a student, athlete, or professional. From building one of the fastest-growing supplement brands to lessons on mindset, resilience, and vision... this is an episode you won’t want to miss.

👉 Don’t miss future episodes - hit follow and leave a review on the PT³ Podcast.
👉 Prep smarter for any exam in any profession with Pocket Prep - use my link https://pocketprep.sjv.io/4GDDzo to sign up and begin studying!
👉 Fuel your training with Bucked Up - use code NBK32 for 20% off at checkout at buckedup.com.
👉 Join the PT³ Padawans and unlock your true potential at ptcubed.com.
👉 Follow me on Instagram @ptcubed for daily content on strength, rehab, and performance.

Protein isn’t just for bodybuilders - it’s the foundation of recovery, strength, hormones, immunity, and even healthy aging. In this episode, Dr. Nate Karam breaks down protein in simple, science-backed terms. You’ll learn:

• What protein actually does in your body (beyond muscle).

• How much protein you really need (and why nutrition labels mislead you).

• The role of branched-chain amino acids and why leucine is the MVP.

• How to choose a quality protein supplement and why Bucked Up Buck Feed Whey checks all the boxes.

• The truth about plant-based protein and how vegans can build muscle just as effectively.

• Common myths debunked (protein and kidneys, “too much protein,” and more).

• Practical food examples and takeaways for every lifestyle.

Stay tuned until the end for a preview of two huge upcoming episodes: Ryan Gardner, CEO of Bucked Up, and John the Bodybuilding Vegan.

Whether your goal is strength, performance, or longevity - this is your ultimate protein guide.

Connect with me:

• Instagram: @ptcubed

• Website: ptcubed.com

• Email: natekaram@ptcubed.com

Save 20% at Bucked Up with my code NBK32

From tingles to pump claims, pre-workout powders promise a lot - but do they actually deliver? In this episode, Dr. Nate breaks down the science behind five of the most common ingredients: caffeine, beta-alanine, citrulline malate, tyrosine, and arginine.

We’ll cover:

• Which ingredients actually improve strength or endurance

• Which ones only work with long-term use

• Which are mostly hype

• How to dose them for real results

No gimmicks, no fluff — just evidence-based answers so you know exactly what’s in your scoop.

Connect with me:
Instagram: @ptcubed
Website: ptcubed.com
Email: natekaram@ptcubed.com

Is 8–12 reps really the “hypertrophy zone”? Does strength only come from heavy weights? In this episode, Dr. Nate breaks down the clinical science behind rep ranges - and why effort, not just load, is the real driver of gains.

We dig into the evidence from Schoenfeld’s 2021 narrative review and 2017 meta-analysis to dissect the classic repetition continuum. Whether you’re training for strength, hypertrophy, or endurance, this episode gives you the why behind the how - no fluff, all muscle.

📚 Research Referenced

• Schoenfeld et al. (2021): Loading Recommendations for Strength, Hypertrophy, and Endurance

• Schoenfeld et al. (2017): Effects of Resistance Training with Different Loads on Muscle Hypertrophy and Strength

🔥 Ready to train smarter and harder?
Join the PT³ Padawans:
🔗 Website: ptcubed.com📩 Email: natekaram@ptcubed.com📱 Instagram: @ptcubed

In this quick but powerful episode, Dr. Nate Karam breaks down why creatine isn’t just a “gym bro” supplement - it’s one of the most well-researched tools for building strength, boosting cognitive performance, and aging like a beast.

Backed by three major systematic reviews, this episode covers:

• How creatine increases strength and muscle mass

• The underrated brain benefits for memory and focus

• Its role in protecting muscle and function as we age

• Practical tips on dosing, timing, and what type to buy

Whether you're lifting heavy, juggling a hectic schedule, or just trying to stay sharp and strong through the years - this episode gives you the full picture on creatine and how to use it right.