Bodybuilding Down Under

Welcome to episode 166 of the Bodybuilding Down Under podcast! In this week’s episode, we kick things off with a full review of the recent IFBB Natural show in New South Wales, running through the standout winners, class results, critiques, and overall impressions of how the event unfolded. We also share our thoughts on the future of the IFBB Natural scene and what competitors and fans can expect...

Welcome to episode 165 of the Bodybuilding Down Under podcast! This week, we dive deep into one of the most anticipated (and often misunderstood) parts of comp prep: peak week. Whether you’re heading into your first show or refining your protocol as a seasoned competitor, this episode is packed with practical insight, real-world experience, and the small details that make a big difference when sta...

Welcome to episode 164 of the Bodybuilding Down Under podcast! In this week’s episode, we tackle a range of questions from listeners covering the mental and physical challenges of competing, recovering, and growing in the sport of bodybuilding. Here’s what we discuss: 🔹 Prepping twice in one year – Is it worth it, and how does the second prep feel physically and mentally? 🔹 Post-comp food obsess...

Welcome to episode 163 of the Bodybuilding Down Under podcast! In this episode, we start with a brief follow-up on GLP-1 agonists before diving into a larger discussion around emerging muscle-building pharmaceuticals such as Trevogrumab and Garetosmab. We explore how these new compounds differ from traditional anabolic steroids and SARMs, and what their development could mean for the future of nat...

Welcome to episode 162 of the Bodybuilding Down Under podcast! This week, all four of us jumped on for a full-team catch-up before diving into a deep, nuanced discussion around one of the most talked-about topics in the fitness and bodybuilding space right now: GLP-1 agonists. We break down their rising use, how they work, and the potential implications in the natural bodybuilding scene. Are they...

Welcome to episode 161 of the Bodybuilding Down Under podcast! This week, we unpack a big weekend in natural bodybuilding with multiple show recaps, including ICN Nationals and the OCB, alongside updates on upcoming events and a deeper conversation on one of the most critical (but often overlooked) parts of the process: the recovery phase. Here’s what we cover: 🔹 BDU shirt update – Latest drop in...

Welcome to episode 160 of the Bodybuilding Down Under podcast! This week, we’re joined by Kenny and Jen from ANB, one of Australia’s longest-standing natural bodybuilding federations. Whether you're a competitor, coach, or fan of the sport, this episode gives you a behind-the-scenes look into the philosophy, structure, and future of ANB, and what sets it apart in the world of natural bodybuilding....

Welcome to episode 159 of the Bodybuilding Down Under podcast! In this week’s episode, we tackle some of the big-picture questions and personal lessons from our time in the sport, from social media’s impact on natural bodybuilding to red flags in coaching, and the one myth we think needs to be buried for good. Here’s what we cover: 🔹 Instagram’s influence on natural bodybuilding – Has it helped t...

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...