Self-Selecting

In this episode of the Self-Selecting Podcast, I sit down with Liz Brody to dive deep into the realities of bodybuilding, training intention, and navigating the fitness space as both an athlete and coach. Liz opens up about her experience prepping herself for a bodybuilding show, the mindset shifts around building muscle, and the importance of performance-based training over flashy Instagram worko...

In this episode, I share my personal strategies for navigating airports, family meals, and vacations without sabotaging fat loss or muscle goals. From managing time zone changes and travel macros to handling family comments about food, I walk you through exactly how I approached a recent trip to Pennsylvania while staying consistent with my fitness. You’ll learn: - How to handle time zone changes...

In this episode, I break down the six biggest reasons you’re not losing fat and why so many people stay stuck in the same cycle. From slashing calories too low, to letting the scale control your actions, to making the process harder than it needs to be, I walk you through the exact mindset and strategy mistakes that keep people from reaching their goals. I also cover why consistency beats perfecti...

What’s the real cost of competing? In this episode, I sit down with Kaylia Rhodes to dive into the truth about bikini competitions, PED use, post-show struggles, and the mental side of bodybuilding. We talk about: - Meeting athletes where they’re at with posing - Kaylia’s bikini competition journey & progression in muscle density - The mental toll of setting targets: scale weight, measurements...

In this episode, I break down the 20 biggest mistakes people make during a fat loss phase that completely derail progress. From weighing yourself only when you feel “light” to skipping check-ins, from overhauling your training unnecessarily to letting untracked meals snowball — I cover it all. I share how each of these mistakes impacts your fat loss, adherence, and mindset, and give you the exact...

In this episode of the Self-Selecting Podcast, I’m breaking down everything you’ve ever wanted to know about growth hormone (GH) — from myths and overhype to real-world applications, dosing, timing, stacking with other PEDs, and managing side effects. Whether you’re here for fat loss, muscle growth, recovery, or anti-aging, I cover the science, the risks, the real benefits, and practical use cases...

In this episode, I’m joined by IFBB Pro Jasmine Shier for a raw and insightful conversation about the realities of competing, turning pro, and navigating the risks that come with physique sports. We dive into the false expectations many athletes have about timelines, the pressures of staying lean year-round, and the role of PEDs — including how to know if enhancement is the right path for you. Jas...

In this episode, I dive deep into a topic that’s personal for many of us: hair thinning and hair loss, especially in the context of hormones, health, and lifestyle. This isn’t just about products or hacks — it’s about understanding the root causes of what's happening internally with our bodies. I break down the hair growth cycle, highlight key hormones like DHT, cortisol, thyroid, estrogen, an...

In this episode, I break down exactly what it takes to reduce body fat to 15% in a sustainable, science-backed way. Whether you're starting at 40% or 20%, your journey to 15% looks completely different—and I walk you through every phase. We cover how to measure body fat accurately, how long to diet, how aggressive you should be, and what sacrifices you’ll need to make depending on your startin...

In this episode I’m joined by IFBB Pro Maria Vegas for a deep dive into the realities of prep, athlete responsibility, emotional eating, and the intelligent use of supplementation in bodybuilding. Maria gets incredibly candid about her current prep for the Tampa Pro, her journey with emotional eating, and how she’s optimized her physique without compromising her mental or physical health. We talk...

In this solo episode of the Self Selecting Podcast, we’re diving deep into a topic that many of you have been asking for—hormonal health, menstrual cycles, and how they intersect with female athletes’ training, recovery, and performance. From understanding anovulation and amenorrhea to navigating perimenopause, menopause, and the impact of lifestyle and PEDs, I’m giving you a full breakdown of how...

In this episode of the Self Selecting podcast, I dive deep into the nuances of peak week, conditioning, and what it actually means to show up ready. It’s not just about how you want to look — it’s how you stack up next to others. I break down misunderstood feedback terms like “coming in full” vs. “coming in flat,” and explain how to actually interpret and apply this feedback to improve your showin...

In this episode, I sat down with Brianny Terry to discuss performance-enhancing drug (PED) use in the bodybuilding space—especially in women’s divisions. We got candid about dosage, risks, and the unspoken sacrifices that come with elite physique development. From the idea of preserving femininity to the reality of internal health concerns, we unpack what it really means to walk the fine line of p...

In this episode, I talk through critical issues around hormone therapy and lab testing, especially for women navigating TRT (testosterone replacement therapy). I break down common pitfalls in provider care, how symptomology is often overlooked, and why proper lab work is a non-negotiable. If you're confused about DHEA, TRT, or the impact of low-fat diets on hormone production, this one’s for y...

In this episode of the Self Selecting Podcast, I take a deep dive into Anavar, one of the most commonly discussed and misunderstood oral anabolic steroids in physique sports. Drawing from real experience, we break down the misconceptions, physiological effects, and potential long-term consequences of using Anavar — especially for bikini competitors. I talk about why "Anavar is harmless"...

In this episode, I sit down with bikini competitor Elisabet Vang to discuss what it truly takes to isolate and develop the glutes, train with intensity during prep, and avoid common programming mistakes in the bikini division. We dig into why blindly following a plan won’t get you the physique you’re after, how to adjust your training mindset, and what role performance-enhancing drugs (PEDs) actua...

In this episode, I dive into a comprehensive comparison of the Bikini, Wellness, and Figure divisions, breaking down exactly what makes each category unique. Whether you’re deciding which division to pursue or reevaluating your current path, this episode will help you understand the judging criteria, common misconceptions, and how to assess your own physique realistically. Timestamps: - [00:00 – 0...

In this episode of the Self Selecting podcast, I dive deep into a question many physique-focused individuals face: How much does body fat percentage really matter? From DEXA scans and calipers to at-home smart scales, I break down the science, the myths, and the practicality of various body fat measurement tools. I also discuss what truly impacts scan results—like sodium, hydration, and the time o...

In this episode of the Self Selecting podcast, I sit down with Nick Ridpath to unpack common myths, mistakes, and overcomplications around glute training. From misunderstood exercise programming to improper warm-ups and misguided attachment to weight, we discuss what really matters in developing strong, functional glutes. We also break down common errors in RDLs, share thoughts on hip thrusts, and...

In this episode, I take a deep dive into evaluating whether the Fit Model division is the right fit for you. From physique structure and muscle mass to fat loss capability and PED stance, I walk you through the exact criteria I use to help competitors make informed decisions. We discuss how your ability to maintain conditioning, previous stage experience, and rate of muscle gain all impact divisio...

In this episode, I walk you through the full checklist I use with clients to determine if they’re ready to use PEDs. This isn’t just about physical progress—it’s about mindset, consistency, labs, recovery, and long-term health. We talk about the real risks of PEDs, including androgenic side effects, fertility complications, and long-term suppression of your hormonal axis. I explain why “maxing out...

In this episode of the "Self Selecting" podcast, I had the honor of sitting down with Allison Testu, a top-tier bikini pro whose name has been on my vision board since I got back into competing in 2020. In this conversation, Allison and I talk about the evolution of her physique, navigating the expectations of the bikini division, and the emotional and strategic challenges that come with...

In this episode, I walk you through exactly what it takes to get truly shredded—and why so many people miss the mark. Whether you're aiming for visible abs, striated shoulders, or that next-level lean physique, there’s a lot more to it than just lowering calories and adding cardio. From setting the right goal, to understanding your body’s fat storage patterns, to creating a plan that actually...

In this solo episode, I walk you through the three kinds of people who should strongly consider stopping their diet—and why doing so could drastically improve your physique, hormonal health, and overall quality of life. I share real experiences from my own journey and client transformations where conditioning became a crutch, not a solution, and where adherence and lifestyle realities need to be f...

In this episode of Self Selecting, I’m joined by IFBB pro and coach Stephanie Sequeira to unpack the myths and challenges of long-term physique development, hormonal health, and navigating the nuances of competitive bodybuilding as a female athlete. We dive deep into the cost of maintaining a stage-ready look year-round, recovering menstrual cycles, the mental toll of staying lean, and the reality...