Dad Bod Sculptors Podcast

Ep 39: Why You Need to Get Lean First (Before You Even Think About Bulking)

Episode Summary

In Episode 39 of the Dad Bod Sculptors podcast, Dane Palarino drops a no-BS truth bomb that most men over 35 need to hear: If you're sitting at 15–20% body fat, bulking is not the move. This episode dismantles the popular “eat big to get big” mindset that keeps guys stuck in the middle never lean, never jacked, just frustrated and spinning their wheels

Episode Notes

In Episode 39 of the Dad Bod Sculptors podcast, Dane Palarino drops a no-BS truth bomb that most men over 35 need to hear: If you're sitting at 15–20% body fat, bulking is not the move.

This episode dismantles the popular “eat big to get big” mindset that keeps guys stuck in the middle never lean, never jacked, just frustrated and spinning their wheels. Dane breaks down the science and strategy behind the Lean First, Build Second approach, a method that primes your body for serious muscle growth by optimizing insulin sensitivity, hormone levels, and recovery.

Here’s what you’ll learn:

• Why 15–20% body fat is the worst place to bulk from
• What the “Reverse Diet Anabolic Window” is and how to unlock it
• How to cut without losing muscle using a simple, proven structure
• The 4-phase cycle that actually delivers long-term gains
• Why building from a lean state creates 3x more muscle growth potential

If you’ve been stuck for years, trying to “bulk up” while secretly feeling fat, tired, and weak this is your wake-up call.

No more dirty bulks. No more panic cuts. No more wasting time.

Get lean. Then build. The right way.