Big Cat and Max Are Starting a New Peptide Journey | The Yak 2-26-26
Quick Read
Summary
Takeaways
- ❖Big Cat and Max are starting a peptide regimen, specifically 'Rhett,' a GLP-1 in Phase 3 FDA approval, for appetite suppression and muscle retention.
- ❖Sources for peptides include gym friends, contacts who 'run peptides,' and an 'Instagram doctor' found by a colleague.
- ❖Barstool is launching a new live call-in show and an in-office mini-golf Ryder Cup.
- ❖A new content idea involves rating sports games like movies, called 'The Mark Scale.'
- ❖The office combine features ongoing drama, including Nikki Smokes competing post-wisdom teeth surgery and Tate's struggle with bench pressing 135 lbs.
Insights
1Public Experimentation with Health Regimens
Big Cat and Max are publicly embarking on a peptide journey using 'Rhett,' a GLP-1 in Phase 3 FDA approval, aiming for appetite suppression and muscle building. Max's motivation is temporary weight loss for his wedding, with a stated willingness to regain weight afterward.
We're going to start doing peptides... I already ordered some... It's in the third stage of FDA approval... it suppresses your appetite, but it also like builds build it doesn't take away from your muscle... Max is on Ompic.
2Unverified Sourcing for Experimental Drugs
The hosts discuss sourcing peptides from various channels, including a gym friend, a contact who 'runs peptides,' and an 'Instagram doctor' found by a colleague, Zach, who 'looked at his Instagram. He is wearing doctor clothes.' This highlights a casual and potentially risky approach to health interventions.
I have like four different people being like, I am the king of peptides... Zach said he is in contact with a real doctor... Zach goes I looked at his Instagram. He is wearing doctor clothes.
3Barstool's Continuous Content Incubation Strategy
The podcast reveals several new content initiatives: a live call-in show with Mikey Betts, Deutsch, and Danny (with concerns about Deutsch as producer), an in-office mini-golf Ryder Cup, and Brandon's 'Mark Scale' for rating sports games like movies. This demonstrates a continuous, experimental approach to content creation.
Danny is part of a new show that's coming out. Um, it's Mikey Betts Deutsch and Danny... we are doing uh I think mini golf... I think one of my ideas I think we're going to do, we're going to do a uh old verse young Rder Cup... You should review games as if they're movies... What would you call it? Mark.
4Public Performance and Humiliation as Office Culture
The 'combine' event serves as a recurring theme, with individuals like Nikki Smokes (competing post-wisdom teeth surgery) and Tate (struggling with bench press) facing public scrutiny and potential humiliation. This is a core element of Barstool's entertainment value and internal dynamics.
Nikki Smokes... decided he needed emergency wisdom teeth surgery this morning... he has shown up... He's going to compete... Tate. He was nervous... How many did he do last year? None.
Bottom Line
The growing trend of individuals sourcing experimental health treatments like peptides from non-traditional, unverified online or social channels (e.g., 'Instagram doctors,' 'gym bros') rather than through established medical pathways.
This indicates a market for alternative health solutions driven by social proof and influencer culture, bypassing traditional healthcare gatekeepers. It also highlights potential risks and a lack of regulatory oversight in these emerging health trends.
Platforms or services that can credibly vet and connect individuals with legitimate, medically supervised access to emerging treatments, or educational content that demystifies these trends and warns against unverified sources.
Opportunities
Mobile Barber Service (Men's Mobile)
A van equipped with a barber's chair and TV that travels to clients for convenient, at-home or at-office haircuts, offering a premium on-demand service.
Sports Game Rating Platform ('The Mark Scale')
A content series or dedicated platform for reviewing and rating historical and current sports games like movies, using a five-star scale. This could include user submissions and niche categories like 'perfectly ref'd games' or 'tragedies.'
Hostess/Companion Bar Model for Socializing
A service, inspired by Japanese hostess bars, where individuals pay for companionship and conversation in a social setting without sexual expectations. This could be adapted for various demographics or interests (e.g., 'rent-a-dude' for watching games, filtered by fandom).
Lessons
- Vet health information critically: Be skeptical of health advice from unverified sources like 'gym bros' or 'Instagram doctors,' especially when considering experimental treatments. Consult with licensed medical professionals.
- Leverage public accountability for personal goals: If you struggle with motivation, publicly committing to a goal (like weight loss or a fitness challenge) within a supportive, or even humorously critical, community can provide a strong external push.
- Continuously experiment with content formats: For media companies, regularly launching new, low-cost content concepts (e.g., live call-in shows, niche review series, in-office events) allows for rapid iteration and discovery of audience engagement.
Notable Moments
Nikki Smokes competes post-wisdom teeth surgery
Nikki Smokes shows up for the combine despite having emergency wisdom teeth surgery that morning, unable to talk and with puffy cheeks, demonstrating the extreme, often humorous, dedication expected in Barstool's internal challenges, prioritizing content and participation over personal comfort or medical advice.
Kadic's FBI vs. Barstool career choice
Mike Kadic had job offers from both Barstool Sports and the FBI after college, choosing Barstool, which the hosts find both sweet and perplexing. This provides a humorous insight into the diverse career paths of Barstool employees and the unexpected choices individuals make early in their careers.
Max's cycling instructor public shaming
Max recounts being publicly called out by his cycling instructor for not attending classes regularly after promising to lose weight for his wedding. This is a relatable, embarrassing moment that underscores the challenges of personal fitness goals and the unexpected social pressures that can arise.
Quotes
"The withdrawal is amongst the worst of all drugs... it can give you dementia... it ruins your memory, um your cognition, it makes you dumber."
"I don't want to get thin. I just want to be less fat."
Q&A
Recent Questions
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