Swole Radio

Jeff Alberts, often called the “3DMJ Godfather,” is a respected figure in the natural bodybuilding community and a head coach at 3D Muscle Journey. He began lifting in 1986 and entered his first bodybuilding competition in 1993, eventually earning professional status after decades of dedication and competing in many shows. Known for his patience and persistence, Alberts trained and competed for ov...

I interviewed Eddie Saldana, who is the reigning WNBF overall bodybuilding champion. We talk about his contest prep training, nutrition, and contest season results. A great listen to find out how a world champion runs contest prep. IG: @eddie__1995 ------------------------------- My e-books: https://askdrswole.com/ MASS Research Review: https://www.massmember.com/a/2147986175/LwzhWs82 (This is an...

Eric Helms joins the podcast to break down exactly how he approached nutrition, training, and recovery during his 2025 contest season. Eric is a natural bodybuilder, coach, researcher, and co-founder of 3DMJ, known for applying evidence-based principles at the highest level of physique sport. In this episode, I have Eric walk step-by-step through how he structured his training blocks, adjusted cal...

I had Jim Wendler (Creator of 531) back on the Swole Radio Podcast to discuss training for strength and size. We discuss: 0:25 Current model for training beginners for strength and size 21:00 How to address the first stalls as a beginner 27:24 Rep ranges and progression for assistance lifts 33:45 How many days per week do intermediates need to maximize progress? 38:44 Alternatives to the squat, be...

I had Alberto Nunez back on the Swole Radio Podcast to analyze his current training program. We discuss: 0:14 training split and layout 11:06 his main exercises for each muscle group 24:10 training volumes (sets per week) 30:23 his results training 3 days per week 40:08 intensity techniques: heavy singles, moo reps 50:55 nutrition, bulking and cutting vs. body recomposition  Alberto’s IG: @nunez3d...

I had Brad Schoenfeld back on the Swole Radio Podcast to discuss optimal training for hypertrophy. We cover some of his recent research and perspectives: 0:23 Without fail: muscular adaptations in single set resistance training performed to failure or with repetitions in reserve  4:18 is there an incremental benefit of training closer to failure? 7:39 Give it a rest: a systematic review with Bayes...

I had Dr. Eric Helms back on the Swole Radio Podcast where we discuss max efficiency training for hypertrophy - how to get the most out of your time. We cover: 0:52 outline of efficient training 6:36 developing cardiovascular abilities 10:19 how to implement supersets 15:58 rest pause vs. straight sets vs. drop sets 24:32 failure training for people short on time 28:09 optimal rest period length 3...

I had Dr. Eric Helms back on the Swole Radio Podcast to discuss myths and controversies about natural bodybuilding. 1:01 Is the natty limit real? 8:50 Realistic ranges of muscle gain per year, as a beginner, intermediate, advanced, bodybuilder 23:05 How long does it take to capture most of your gains as a natural? 33:56 At what age range are natural bodybuilders at their peak? 46:44 How should adv...

I had Dr. Eric Helms back on the Swole Radio Podcast to discuss his new pure bodybuilding approach. He has made some major changes to his programming with great results. We talk about: 0:32 Overview of how things have changed since contest prep 3:22 Current training split 14:53 Main movements 19:47 Supersets 31:48 Rest pause / drop sets 43:24 Tracking progress on drop sets 46:43 Updating on Eric’s...

I had the honour of having Dr. Eric Helms back on the Swole Radio Podcast to discuss fat loss: 1:10 Does eating clean matter for fat loss? 6:23 Fiber intake 13:17 Nutrient timing: distributing carbs 21:34 Post-workout nutrition 26:07 Protein timing 34:17 Bedtime nutrition 39:24 Refeeds & diet breaks 50:39 Adjusting macros Find Eric: https://3dmusclejourney.com/ IG: @helms3dmj -----------------...

I had Dr. Mike Israetel (co-founder of Renaissance Periodization and Team Full-ROM) back on the Swole Radio Podcast to discuss his current training set-up (during contest prep). We discuss: 1:10 training split 9:34 main movements, underrated exercises 29:11 training volume 38:45 intensity techniques 53:57 progression & mesocycle design ------------------------------- Take your knowledge to the...

Dr. Eric Helms is back on Swole Radio to recap his 2023 season, where he turned pro as a bodybuilder in the WNBF and competing in WNBF Worlds. We cover: 1:08 Thought process behind planning prep 6:50 Diet/macros in the off-season vs. prep 11:22 Meal structure 24:47 Rates of loss 34:44 Diet manipulations to make prep easier 43:38 Training for powerlifting & bodybuilding 51:11 Training periodiza...

I had Jeff Alberts (The Godfather) back on Swole Radio to discuss his 2023 prep and some natural bodybuilding wisdom. Find Jeff:  https://3dmusclejourney.com/ IG: @3dmj_godfather ------------------------------- Take your knowledge to the next level with the MASS Research Review: http://bit.ly/drswoleMASS (This is an affiliate link - I’ll receive a small commission when you use it) My e-books: http...

I had Max Coleman on to speak about some new studies out of Brad Schoenfeld’s group. We cover these studies (and more): Muscular adaptations in drop set vs. traditional training: a meta-analysis Progressive overload without progressing load? The effects of load or repetition progression on muscular adaptations The effects of a one-week deload period during supervised resistance training on muscula...

I had Dr. Eric Helms back on the Swole Radio Podcast to discuss optimal calories and macros for fat loss. We discuss: 0:35 Muscle and strength pyramids 7:19 How do you find maintenance calories? 15:06 Choosing a calorie deficit 26:00 For more advanced bodybuilders, how fast can you lose fat without losing muscle? 29:03 How will you know you’re losing muscle? 32:04 Protein for fat loss 37:53 Protei...

A great episode with Dr. Pak Androulakis-Korakakis - PhD, coach at Stronger by Science, and chief editor of the REPS Research Review. We talk about some new research on minimalist training, changes that happen in contest prep, and deloading.  Find Dr. Pak : https://linktr.ee/drpak On IG: @dr__pak ------------------------------- Take your knowledge to the next level with the MASS Research Review: h...

Milo Wolf is a PHD candidate, online coach, as well as natural bodybuilder and powerlifter. Here we discuss training at long muscle lengths for hypertrophy. We discuss: What’s unique about training in the lengthened position How he’s training with lengthened partials and his experience How to incorporate this type of training for each muscle group Lengthened supersets and other techniques to try N...

------------------------------- Take your knowledge to the next level with the MASS Research Review: http://bit.ly/drswoleMASS (This is an affiliate link - I’ll receive a small commission when you use it) My e-books: https://askdrswole.com/ ------------------------------- Follow me on social media: YOUTUBE: www.youtube.com/c/ DrSwole INSTAGRAM: http://instagram.com/dr_swole FACEBOOK GROUP: https:/...

I had Big Ron Partlow (IFBB Pro Bodybuilder) on the Swole Radio Podcast. Ron Partlow has a great deal of experience, having travelled all over the world checking out gyms in his Mutant On A Mission series, and as cofounder of the West Coast Iron Gym in Port Coquitlam (Canada). We discuss:  His competition history Training styles over the years What he learned from visiting so many gyms Most underr...

I had Jim Wendler back on Swole Radio to discuss beginner, intermediate, and advanced training differences for building strength and muscle: 0:28 Training beginners for strength and hypertrophy 16:33 How does training change for the intermediate? 30:06 How to progress as an advanced lifter 43:22 Periodization for powerbuilding Find Jim: https://www.jimwendler.com/ IG: @jimwendler -----------------...

I had Dr. Eric Helms back on the Swole Radio Podcast to discuss optimal training for leg hypertrophy. We discuss: 0:52 quads - including discussion on squats, lunges, leg presses, smith machine squats, and hack squats 26:46 hamstrings - deadlifts, RDLs, good mornings, hamstring curls 40:42 glutes - necessity of hip thrusts and abduction work. Squat, hip hinge patterns. 49:31 calves - seated vs. st...

I had Jeff Alberts (the Godfather) back on Swole Radio for an update on his 2023 prep. We discuss: His 2022 prep 2023 prep update Current training setup How his prep strategy, macros, and training have changed over the years How to preserve muscle during contest prep Tips for sustainability Find Jeff: @3dmj_godfather ------------------------------- Take your knowledge to the next level with the MA...

I had Dr. Eric Helms back on Swole Radio to discuss the squat, bench press, and deadlift for hypertrophy. We discuss: 1:14 bench press - how good is it for hypertrophy? 4:18 powerlifting bench modifications & impact on hypertrophy 9:27 optimal bench grip width 17:36 bench press assistance exercises 22:34 how good is the squat for muscle growth? 28:30 high bar vs. low bar vs. front squat 35:05...

I had Menno Henselmans back on the Swole Radio Podcast to discuss ways to lose fat more easily, and the science of self control. We cover: 1:19 How to set up your first fat loss phase 4:44 Meal plan vs. IIFYM 8:33 How to deal with hunger in a diet 15:29 Dealing with cravings 18:10 Snacking 28:39 Self control 32:22 Can discipline be trained? 38:17 How to change eating habits 41:11 How to eat out 49...

@helms3dmj is back on the Swole Radio Podcast to discuss optimal training for the upper body! We cover chest, back, arms, shoulders, traps, and abs . Stay tuned for part II when we cover the lower body 👌🏼 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . #backworkout #backtraining #backday #lats #mensphysiquepro #promensphysique #drswole #swolenation #igbodybuilding #fitnation #fitfam #bodybuilder #fitnessmotivation...