Self-Selecting

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...

In this episode, I break down the five biggest lessons I learned while building bigger, deeper glutes — without relying on gimmicky training programs or endless high-volume work. I talk about why intensity matters more than just doing a ton of sets, how to pick the right weight, and why you absolutely must commit to monotonous, foundational lifts if you want real progress. I also dive deep into pe...

In this episode, I break down the truth about body recomposition—that elusive idea that you can build muscle and lose fat at the same time. While it's possible under very specific circumstances, most people are chasing an outcome that isn’t as realistic as social media makes it seem. I cover who body recomp can work for, why it’s so appealing, and the four types of individuals I’ve actually se...

In this episode, I sat down with IFBB Bikini Pro Ariana Brothers to break down the critical posing mistakes, physique tweaks, and mental blocks that cost competitors their edge on stage. We started with posing—how overcorrecting or over-practicing can actually ruin your flow and how we each built our own routines. We got into the difference between fat and density, the small details competitors fo...

In this episode of the Self Selecting Podcast, I break down the four biggest PED mistakes that can lead to permanent voice changes in female athletes. As someone who’s worked with a wide range of women—from first-time users to national-level competitors—I’ve seen firsthand how androgenic compounds can affect not just your physique but your identity. I explain how the vocal folds change, why those...

In this episode, I break down the specific training, nutrition, and mindset shifts I made between my 2023 and 2024 building phases—and how those changes led to more muscle growth, especially in my glutes. I cover how to track effective progress during a surplus, why you need to mentally detach from scale anxiety, how to train smarter (not harder), and why being uncomfortable in a build is part of...

In this episode, I'm joined by functional health specialist and coach Austin Stout to talk through the real-life nuances of high-level coaching, physique development, and the evolving landscape of functional health. From the danger of overprescribing protocols to the growing popularity of GLP-1s for fat loss, Austin shares his philosophy on what it takes to create sustainable results—mentally...

In this solo episode, I unpack one of the most commonly asked fat loss questions: “How many calories should I eat?” Instead of giving a blanket answer, I walk you through the step-by-step process of determining your ideal intake, based on your goal (fat loss vs. muscle gain), BMR, daily activity, training intensity, cardio strategy, and—most importantly—your ability to stay consistent. I share how...

In this episode of the Self Selecting Podcast, host I break down the 3 biggest cardio mistakes that are quietly ruining your results. Whether you're prepping for a show or just trying to lean out, chances are you’re either doing too much, too little, or the wrong type of cardio—and it’s costing you muscle, recovery, and long-term progress. In this episode, I dive into: - Why doing cardio befor...

In this episode of the Self Selecting Podcast, I sit down with IFBB Pro Stefanie Roth to discuss the realities of performance-enhancing drug (PED) use, the mindset and strategy behind building a pro physique, and the physical, mental, and hormonal consequences women face as they advance in the sport. Stefanie shares her full journey—from bikini to figure, early PED use, and the hard lessons learne...