Playing Small Destroys Your Future (2026 Wake Up Call) with Kenny Santucci #407

Share
Tweet
Post
Pin


Podcasts are better with visuals! → Watch On YouTube

The proven system 1000+ men use to stay lean, strong, clear, and capable

Genetically Optimize Your Health & Fitness

Join 200,000 men in their prime, reading our weekly newsletter

Unlock Your Full Muscle Building Potential With Our Complete Training Guides

Naturally maximize testosterone to build muscle, shred fat, and get your edge back

Hypertrophy Execution Mastery: The most comprehensive MI40 muscle-building program EVER!

Show Notes/Description:

In this episode, Ben sits down with Kenny Santucci, founder of Strong New York, to talk about what actually moves the needle in health, confidence, and life direction. They get into why “health is the one thing that upgrades everything,” how overcommitting quietly destroys performance, and why the right coach tells you the truth, even when it stings.

Kenny shares his mindset on building value, earning respect, and creating a life you don’t want to escape from. They also touch on TRT, longevity examples that’ll reframe your standards, and how genetics can explain behaviors like cravings, stress, and food choices.

Points To Watch Out For:

  • Health is the ultimate force multiplier
  • Overcommitting ruins performance fast
  • Be so good they can’t ignore you
  • Direction beats endless options
  • Genetics guide choices, not destiny.

Timestamps:

00:00 – The Importance of Health
03:51 – Overcoming Self-Doubt
07:57 – Neutral Thinking and Emotional Balance
10:46 – Building Value and Authenticity
25:08 – The Power of Collaboration
28:48 – Curating Events for Beginners
29:52 – The Power of Community and Inspiration
31:01 – Building a Successful Fitness Event
34:09 – Highlighting Key Speakers
36:13 – The Importance of Friendships and Networking
38:48 – The Value of Expertise and Experience
53:06 – The Role of Direction and Focus
57:36 – The Importance of Self-Image
58:52 – Client Success Story: Transforming Lives
01:01:40 – The Power of Exercise and Movement
01:02:22 – Exploring the Benefits of Testosterone and Peptides
01:09:15 – Genetics and Longevity
01:16:24 – Building a Fitness Brand
01:22:24 – Strong New York: Vision and Goals.

About Kenny Santucci:

Kenny Santucci is the founder of Strong New York and The Strength Club, a coach and community builder who’s spent 15+ years “in the trenches” training real people, not just talking theory. Known for his no-fluff, execution-first approach, Kenny helps everyday New Yorkers and high performers build strength, confidence, and resilience through consistent training and better decisions. He also hosts the Strong New York Podcast and runs the Strong New York event, bringing together top coaches, brands, and everyday athletes to make fitness a culture, not a trend. Kenny’s message is simple: get stronger, build value, and live a bigger life.

About Ben:

Ben Pakulski is the Chief Performance Officer to elite executives, successful entrepreneurs, and top athletes.With over 25 years of experience, he coaches high achievers to build the physical, psychological, and metabolic resilience required to lead at the highest level. As the creator of the Muscle Intelligence framework, Ben specializes in aligning biology and behavior to drive sustained peak performance. His mission is to redefine what’s possible for people in their prime and push the boundaries of human potential.

Learn more: muscleintelligence.com/mipapply

Join the Mission:

Share
Twitter
LinkedIn
Pin
Picture of Ben Pakulski

Ben Pakulski

Since first lifting weights as a teenager, Ben has been on a mission to do whatever it takes… …to become the most muscular man on the planet! On the eve of The Arnold Classic, he confronts the dark realities of bodybuilding… And his own future! Follow him on his journey…

Leave a Comment

More From The Podcast

Subscribe

About The Podcast

Formerly the Muscle Expert Podcast. The world’s top authority on intelligent muscle building and fat loss gives us a simple to understand deep dive into the complex world of building a body you love, and living your greatness. Weekly interviews with leading experts in a vast number of scientific fields focusing on health optimization (nutrition, sleep, hormones, mindfulness and mind set), strength, (both physical and mental), and muscle hypertrophy. Learn proven strategies for optimum life performance, whether it be in the gym, the board room or the bedroom; this is the blueprint for becoming the upgraded modern man. Ladies, this podcast is for you too. The topics, tips, and life hacks covered are essential for every individual who wants to upgrade themselves mentally and physically.

JOIN US ON FACEBOOK

Join the Smartest Muscle Building Community Online