Uploaded January 2026 | Updated September 2026, 2 weeks ago
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.
5 Bullet Points:
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
The proven system 1000+ men use to stay lean, strong, clear, and capable.
muscleintelligence.com/apply
If you're interested in working with Ben.
ben@muscleintelligence.com
Join 200,000 men in their prime, reading our weekly newsletter:
muscleintelligence.com/newsletter
Unlock Your Full Muscle Building Potential With Our Complete Training Guides:
go.muscleintelligence.com/bodypart
Hypertrophy Execution Mastery:
The most comprehensive MI40 muscle-building program EVER!
hypertrophymastery.com
Whenever you're ready... here are 3 ways we can help you look, feel and perform at your best:
1. Grab a free copy of 1 of our BRAND NEW Peak Performance Protocols.
This is for high performers looking to 10x their training and nutrition results by becoming 10x more effective.
Click here - go.muscleintelligence.com/high-performance-executive-report
2. Join the Muscle Intelligence Community and connect with other men like you who want to uplevel their health and fitness.
It’s our new Facebook group where I coach members live, share what’s working with my private clients and announce tickets to my upcoming trainings and events.
Click here - muscleintelligence.com/community
3. Work with me 1-on-1
If you’re a top performing executive or entrepreneur who wants a fully customized comprehensive health protocol and support from a team of world-class specialists, click here to speak with a member of my team to review all of your goals and options: muscleintelligence.com/apply?utm_campaign=YT
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.
Guest Bio
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.
Time Stamps:
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
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.
5 Bullet Points:
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
The proven system 1000+ men use to stay lean, strong, clear, and capable.
muscleintelligence.com/apply
If you're interested in working with Ben.
ben@muscleintelligence.com
Join 200,000 men in their prime, reading our weekly newsletter:
muscleintelligence.com/newsletter
Unlock Your Full Muscle Building Potential With Our Complete Training Guides:
go.muscleintelligence.com/bodypart
Hypertrophy Execution Mastery:
The most comprehensive MI40 muscle-building program EVER!
hypertrophymastery.com
Whenever you're ready... here are 3 ways we can help you look, feel and perform at your best:
1. Grab a free copy of 1 of our BRAND NEW Peak Performance Protocols.
This is for high performers looking to 10x their training and nutrition results by becoming 10x more effective.
Click here - go.muscleintelligence.com/high-performance-executive-report
2. Join the Muscle Intelligence Community and connect with other men like you who want to uplevel their health and fitness.
It’s our new Facebook group where I coach members live, share what’s working with my private clients and announce tickets to my upcoming trainings and events.
Click here - muscleintelligence.com/community
3. Work with me 1-on-1
If you’re a top performing executive or entrepreneur who wants a fully customized comprehensive health protocol and support from a team of world-class specialists, click here to speak with a member of my team to review all of your goals and options: muscleintelligence.com/apply?utm_campaign=YT
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.
Guest Bio
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.
Time Stamps:
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
