Bodybuilding Down Under

Welcome to episode 158 of the Bodybuilding Down Under podcast! This week, the crew catches up to talk all things mini-cuts, prep updates, and the current state of natural bodybuilding, plus a recap of the recent ICN Queensland show and a fresh take on one of the most debated training topics in the industry. Here’s what we cover: 🔹 Mini-cuts and prep updates – Where each of us is currently at. 🔹...

Welcome to episode 157 of the Bodybuilding Down Under podcast! In this week’s episode, we’re joined by friend of the show Joey Cantlin as we unpack a big week in bodybuilding, from the latest WNBF Australia show to the always-stacked IFBB Pittsburgh Pro. We also touch on the importance of staying focused between shows and announce something exciting for the BDU community! Here’s what we cover: 🔹...

Welcome to episode 156 of the Bodybuilding Down Under podcast! In this episode, we dive deep into optimising your push day training, breaking down the best approaches for chest and delt hypertrophy, and tackling some of the most debated questions around pressing and isolation work. Here’s what we cover: 🔹 Chest training fundamentals – Building a balanced and effective push session. 🔹 Pressing me...

Welcome to episode 155 of the Bodybuilding Down Under podcast! In this week’s episode, we cover a wide range of topics that blend science, strategy, and experience across both the prep and off-season phases of bodybuilding. Here’s what we dive into: 🔹 Skill point allocation for muscle growth, muscle architecture & leanness potential. If you had to “spend” points to maximise these traits, wher...

Welcome to episode 154 of the Bodybuilding Down Under podcast! In this week’s episode, the boys catch up for another roundtable chat, diving into all things comp prep and off-season updates. DC and DY share how their preps are progressing, Jack reveals his upcoming prep plans, and Lawrence gives insight into his current off-season approach. The team also wraps up the recent IFBB QLD show and share...

Welcome to episode 153 of the Bodybuilding Down Under podcast! In this special international edition, we’re joined by Lisa Blackburn, the Australian promoter for the OCB, and Sean “Sully” Sullivan, the long-time OCB promoter from the USA. Together, we dive deep into the origins, values, and global growth of the Organisation of Competitive Bodybuilders (OCB), an incredibly respected federation in t...

Welcome to episode 152 of the Bodybuilding Down Under podcast! This week, we turn our attention to back hypertrophy, breaking down what it really takes to build width, thickness, and detail across every region of the back. Whether you're trying to unlock the secret to wider lats, build a denser middle back, or figure out if shrugs are worth your time, this episode is packed with practical insights...

Welcome to episode 151 of the Bodybuilding Down Under podcast! In this week’s episode, your hosts dive into another listener Q&A, covering a wide range of topics such as following a meal plan in the off-season, favourite (and least favourite) forms of cardio during prep, and what makes someone a coachable athlete. They also touch on whether bodybuilding comp nutrition needs to be repetitive, h...

Welcome to episode 150 of the Bodybuilding Down Under podcast! We’re celebrating this special milestone with an incredible guest - Nathan Wallace, a celebrated pro natural bodybuilder and experienced coach in the industry. After a long hiatus from the stage, Nathan made his highly-anticipated return to the competitive scene, and we had the pleasure of diving deep into his journey. In this episode,...

Welcome to another episode of Bodybuilding Down Under! This week, we sit down with James Johnson from Natty News Daily and Stuart O'Brien & Scotty Morrell from NBA to discuss the Drug Free Bodybuilding Alliance (DFBA). We dive into key questions such as: ✅ The goals and mission behind the DFBA ✅ What competitors and federations can expect ✅ Regulations surrounding natural status ✅ Future c...

Welcome to episode 148 of the Bodybuilding Down Under Podcast! In this episode, we dive into the tough but rewarding journey of contest prep. From the physical and mental challenges of training and dieting, to dealing with food cravings and managing expectations from both yourself and others, we cover it all. We’ll also discuss the often-overlooked post-show phase—how to navigate the highs and low...

Welcome to episode 147 of the Bodybuilding Down Under Podcast! This week, your hosts are down to just three as Jack bravely fights Cyclone Alfred on the front line. What remains of the BDU crew dive into an Arnold recap, chat about the new rules for WNBF Classic Physique and they reveal the real reason why most people don't achieve true conditioning onstage... spoiler alert, it isn't because they...

Welcome to episode 146 of the Bodybuilding Down Under podcast! This week, we sit down with Ryan Fredericks, President of ICN Western Australia, to discuss the ICN Nationals for Season A - hosted in Perth for the first time ever! We dive into what this milestone means for the natural bodybuilding community, the challenges of organising a national-level event, and what athletes and spectators can ex...

Welcome to episode 145 of the Bodybuilding Down Under podcast! This week, your hosts dive into another packed episode, covering a range of exciting topics, including the impact of age on competition prep, whether the Olympia should introduce a cut round, and our dream first callouts across different eras of bodybuilding - both natural and enhanced. Plus, we discuss the latest in the bodybuilding s...

Welcome to episode 144 of the Bodybuilding Down Under podcast! This week, we take a deep dive into lower body training for hypertrophy, breaking down the most effective strategies for building quads, hamstrings, glutes, adductors, and calves. Whether you’re fine-tuning your squat pattern, debating leg press vs. squats, or wondering if direct adductor work is necessary, we’ve got you covered with p...

Welcome to episode 143 of the Bodybuilding Down Under podcast! This week, we bring you a mix of topics as we dive into the latest updates and some classic BDU fun. DC officially kicks off his prep, tune in to hear how he's approaching the journey, his goals, and the strategies he's implementing to bring his best package to the stage. We also shake things up with a "Would You Rather: Bodybuilding E...

Welcome to episode 142 of the Bodybuilding Down Under podcast! This week, your hosts dive into a lineup of topics that are sure to entertain and inform. We discuss creative ways to slightly inconvenience our bodybuilding victims as a "burglar," unpack the pros and cons of ICN ACT's first Classic Physique Gold Class, and break down the latest IFBB rule change regarding Pro Card membership lapses. W...

Welcome to episode 141 of the Bodybuilding Down Under podcast! This week, your hosts dive into a variety of engaging topics. We kick things off by reviewing the latest FroPro cheesecake, sharing our thoughts on its flavor, texture, anabolic predisposition and glycogen-filling potential. We then discuss the introduction of the classic physique category in the WNBF and what it means for the sport of...

Welcome to episode 140 of the Bodybuilding Down Under podcast! In this week’s episode, the hosts dive into the latest updates from ICN Australia, breaking down the recent announcements on rule changes and judging criteria. The conversation highlights the federation’s efforts to standardise posing requirements across all states, ensuring a more consistent and professional experience for competitors...

Welcome to episode 139 of the Bodybuilding Down Under podcast! In this week’s episode, your hosts take a deep dive into the critical strategies for peak week nutrition, breaking down the science behind the final adjustments that can make or break your stage-day physique. They explore essential topics such as carb loading protocols, sodium and water management, and optimising food choices to ensure...

Welcome to episode 138 of the Bodybuilding Down Under podcast! In this week’s episode, your hosts dive into the art of goal setting as they reflect on their 2025 resolutions. They share their personal experiences and discuss key topics such as how to refine your training approach, make smarter nutrition choices, and optimise recovery strategies for the year ahead. Tune in to hear the changes they'...

Welcome to episode 137 of the Bodybuilding Down Under podcast! In this week's episode, your hosts dive into key topics to help you level up your bodybuilding game. We explore the defining traits of successful pro bodybuilding athletes, common mistakes holding you back, and practical ways to improve your approach. You'll also get expert tips to manage appetite during a gaining phase and insights on...

Welcome to episode 136 of the Bodybuilding Down Under podcast! This week, we’re bringing you a festive Christmas special to close out the year in style! We answer a mix of Christmas-themed questions and some of your standard bodybuilding favourites, all with a sprinkle of holiday cheer. For those truly serious about it, we know you’ll be tuning in on Christmas Day. To top it all off, we’ve include...

Welcome to episode 135 of the Bodybuilding Down Under podcast! This week, we’re bringing you a special collaboration with Natty News Daily to recap an incredible year in natural bodybuilding for 2024. Joined by the regular Bodybuilding Down Under gents, we cover the highlights of the year, celebrate key athletes, and discuss the highs and lows that shaped the sport over the past 12 months. We also...

Welcome to episode 134 of the Bodybuilding Down Under podcast! This week we’re talking about the fundamentals of bodybuilding training. We cover how to structure a pull day and a push day, tips for designing an optimal training split, and dive into the topic of junk volume – what it is, and how to avoid wasting your time in the gym. We’ll also share some key recommendations to help you get the mos...