What Drives Muscle Growth & What Doesn't | Dr. Mike Roberts

In this episode, I sit down with Dr. Mike Roberts, Professor in the School of Kinesiology at Auburn University, and one of the most respected muscle physiologists, to explain how muscle actually grows. Mike shares that mechanical tension—not hormones, metabolic byproducts, or muscle damage—is the primary driver of hypertrophy. We cover why testosterone and androgen receptors don't necessarily predict muscle growth, what separates high responders from low responders, and how these “low responders” should train to best get results. We also work through training volume, load versus reps, lengthened partials, aging and anabolic resistance, and the interference effect between strength and endurance training. If you want to understand the real science of building muscle, this conversation is for you. Sponsors Momentous: https://livemomentous.com/galpin LMNT: https://drinklmnt.com/perform Trumed: https://truemed.com/perform Chapters 00:00:00 Introduction 00:03:15 How Muscle Grows 00:17:39 What Drives Growth: Tension, Stress & Damage 00:24:08 Responders vs. Non-Responders 00:29:54 Hormones, Receptors & Genetics 00:48:01 Cell Signaling, mTOR & Myostatin 00:56:32 Can Some People Not Grow Muscle? 01:01:34 Training Volume for Hypertrophy 01:08:34 Loads, Reps & Stretch Under Load 01:17:13 Range of Motion, Partials & Hyperplasia 01:31:31 Injury, Unloading & Muscle Banking 01:39:32 Muscle Memory: Detraining & Retraining 01:47:42 Aging, Menopause & Anabolic Resistance 02:01:21 Concurrent Training & the Interference Effect 02:08:54 How to Combine Strength & Cardio 02:24:03 Strength Training & Mitochondria 02:25:21 Closing Thoughts #andygalpin #exercise #science #musclegrowth Disclaimer & Disclosures: https://www.performpodcast.com/discla...