Beyond The Muscle Podcast

Steve Hall is back on the show for another bodybuilding discussion. In this chat Steve and I discuss changing our minds when it comes to training and nutrition. Steve has a wealth of experience and I was keen to delve into some of the areas where he’s changed his mind, both with training and diet and how his training philosophy has changed over the years.Steve was great as always and I’m sure you’ll get a lot of value from this one!If you’re enjoying Beyond The Muscle give it a 5 star review on Spotify and make sure you’re following the YouTube channel too for podcasts and prep updates!

In this chat Josh, Dean and I discuss the use of a.i in the coaching space. If you want to learn about falling in love with ChatGPT, robots taking over the world and how old Josh really is then make sure you tune in!It was a lot of fun to delve into the topic of A.I in the coaching space as it becomes more and more difficult to ignore.If you’re enjoying Beyond The Muscle give me a 5 star review on Spotify, subscribe to the Youtube channel and make sure you’re following Josh and Dean too.For coaching enquiries send me a DM or check out the link in my bio.

In this episode Josh, Dean and I chat about the different dieting approaches one can take when bodybuilding.Which is better, flexible dieting or a more rigid meal plan approach? Or something in between.We explore all of that, as well as our own approaches to dieting.If you’re enjoying the podcast make sure you’re following on YouTube and Spotify and make sure you’re following Dean and Josh too!Enjoy.

In this episode I had the pleasure of chatting with online coach Faz from Fazlifts.He has over 3 decades of experience in the fitness industry, as a coach, powerlifter & bodybuilder.This was a very fun chat, I’m a big fan of Faz’s YouTube channel and it was great to pick his brain and delve into various topics.We chatted about his journey from the beginning, high volume vs low volume, goals and much more.This was a thoroughly enjoyable chat and I’m sure you’ll get some value from it.Make sure you’re following Faz’s YouTube, give him a follow and if you’re enjoying Beyond The muscle give me a 5 star rating on Spotify!For coaching inquire herehttps://forms.gle/v5vySxRWUu1TzAD3A

It’s been a couple of weeks longer than usual due to half term and other duties but we’re back with a fun episode!This was an interesting chat as Josh, Dean and I discussed identity and bodybuilding and why bodybuilding is more than just a physique goal.We discuss why athletes quit bodybuilding, our own personal journeys to the stage, the right and wrong reasons to compete and much more.Me sure you’re following Josh, Dean & Beyond The muscle on Spotify and give me a 5 star review if you’re enjoying the podcast.

In this chat, we discuss the traits that make a great bodybuilder. I’ve been fortunate enough to have spoke with many bodybuilders since starting the podcast and in this episode Josh, Dean and I discuss some common trends among the great bodybuilders and what it really takes to reach an elite level.We mostly discuss the mental attributes as well as some advice to help navigate the ever increasing online element of natural bodybuilding today.If you’re enjoying the show, give me a 5 star review on Spotify and make sure you’re following Josh and Dean too!Thanks.

Happy new year!The latest episode of Beyond The Muscle is live on YouTube, Spotify & Apple Podcasts.DSL was back on the podcast for a great chat. We discussed his 2025 season, his plans for next year, the landscape of natural bodybuilding and competing federations and more.I always love chatting to Darren and I’m sure you’ll find this chat a good one!If you’re enjoying Beyond The Muscle give it a 5 star review on Spotify, tag DSL and myself and make sure you’re subscribed to the channel.

In this chat Josh, Dean and I discuss relationships in prep and specifically how to best manage those relationships!Anyone who’s done a contest prep with a partner knows that it poses a unique challenge and we discuss some of the best ways to manage the process here.This was fun. Make sure you’re following Beyond The Muscle on Spotify and give a 5 star review if you enjoy the show.

Beyond the Muscle turns podcast turns 1 this month and I’ve been fortunate enough to have spent the year chatting to some of the best minds and athletes in the natural bodybuilding world.From coaches, judges, athletes and scientists, it’s been one helleva ride.This episode is a highlight reel of the year featuring some of the best insights from this years guests as well as a bit more of me talking about said guests!If you enjoy the show give me a 5 star review on Spotify and subscribe/follow the channel.

In this episode Josh, Dean and I discuss the topic of peak week.We chat about what peak week is (and isn’t) , some misconceptions surrounding peak week, mistakes we’ve made in the past (alcohol was indeed consumed 😂) carb and sodium and much more.Make sure you check it out and follow Beyond the Muscle on Spotify!

In this episode I had the pleasure of chatting with IFBB Wellness Pro Maddy Daniel.We chatted about what got Maddy into lifting, how she approaches leg training, the different categories in female bodybuilding and much more.This was a very fun conversation, Maddy was great and I’m sure you’ll get some value from this episode.Make sure you’re following Beyond The Muscle on Spotify, follow Maddy for some cool insights into her training, tag us and give Beyond the Muscle a 5 star review on Spotify if you enjoy the podcast.Thanks!

In this episode I had the pleasure of chatting with fellow Anthony and natural bodybuilder Anthony Stickings.Anthony is a 2 x overall champion who made his return to stage this year with some great showings.We had this chat after he became 2 x Mr Scotland and before the BNBF British Finals.We chatted about Anthony’s training philosophy , his golden era inspirations, his mentality when it comes to competing and much more.This was a really enjoyable chat and one with some great take home points. Anthony’s love for training really shine through here.Make sure you’re following Beyond The Muscle on Spotify & YouTube and let us know if you’re enjoying the chats!

In this episode I had the pleasure of chatting with natural bodybuilder and coach Dean Nolan.Dean has a wealth of experience competing in natural bodybuilding with a decade of experience in the sport and he had some brilliant insights in this chat. It was a lot of fun.We chat about what got Dean started in bodybuilding, some of his biggest lessons, what it was like competing in 6 different countries last year and much more.Make sure you’re following Dean, give us a like and a tag if you enjoyed the episode and follow Beyond The Muscle on Spotify/Youtube!

In this episode I had the pleasure of chatting with 3DMJ and Mass Research Review co founder, Pro bodybuilder Dr. Eric Helms.3DMJ were fundamental in my initial journey to the stage in bodybuilding and their pragmatic approach to bodybuilding is very much needed in this space in my opinion.In this chat we discuss Eric’s muscle growth in his late 30’s and beyond, genetics in bodybuilding, training volume and much more.Make sure you’re following Eric and 3DMJ, give Beyond The Muscle a 5 star review on Spotify and make sure you’re following the podcast! Thanks!

In this episode I had the pleasure of chatting with DFAC Pro Figure world champion Monique Collman.This was a great chat and one I’m sure you’ll get some value from.We chatted about her incredible 2024 season, what got Monique into lifting, her views on the negativity of social media, her views on natural federations vs natural shows and much more. If you enjoyed the episode, give me a 5 star review on Spotify and subscribe to the channel! Thanks.

Joshua Conde is back for this one as we review the 2025 BNBF Southern qualifier.It was great to be back at Leatherhead for this show, I have some great memories from competing there last year!Josh and I talk through all the classes we saw in this competitive qualifier. We missed some of the classes as we were helping out backstage so apologies for not covering all the classes thoroughly.There were some incredible athletes at this show and I’m excited to see how the BNBF season unfolds!Feel free to share this link if you know someone who competed here and If you enjoyed this, give me a 5 star review on Spotify & sub to the YouTube channel!Thanks.

In this episode I had the pleasure of chatting with fitness writer and coach Geoffrey Verity Schofield.Geoffrey puts out some great practical content on his YouTube channel that will almost certainly be of use to any natural athlete or aspiring competitor.He’s not afraid to say it like it is and this chat we had was a ton of fun! We discuss balancing cardio with resistance work, the rise of “optimal” training and its pitfalls as well as the impact RP have had on the industry, training volume and much more.I’m sure you’ll find this chat very valuable, I certainly did and enjoyed the discussion thoroughly.Make sure you’re following Geoff on YouTube, follow Beyond The Muscle on Spotify and tag us!Thanks!

It’s a solo one this time as I chat about the topic of reaching true stage condition.When shouldn’t you be aiming for elite condition? What does it take to reach this level of conditioning and what does it feel like. This was a fun topic to delve a bit deeper into. I’ve never really struggled with getting very lean but that doesn’t mean it’s an easy ride for me to get there! Hopefully this will provide some value to any competitor who’s either new to the sport or has struggled unlocking that next level of leanness!Make sure you’re following Beyond The Muscle on Spotify, give me a 5 star review if you’re enjoying the show. Thank you!

Dan Sutcliffe is back on the podcast, this time to chat leg training!Dan has some of the best legs in the game and I was keen to get him back on and delve deeper into the topic of leg training.We chat about Dan’s mindset when it comes to training lower body, how his leg training has evolved over the years, some mistakes he’s made and much more.We also do a q and at the end which was fun.Give Beyond The Muscle a 5 star review on Spotify if you’re enjoying the show, tag us and make sure you’re following Dan too.Thanks!

Utti Hietala is back for part 2 and I wanted to take a deeper dive into bodybuilding training specifically this time around.We chat about Utti’s specialisation training routine and how he utilises this to extract as much from his training as possible, his use of lengthened partials, rest periods and our differing takes on this and much more.It was a tremendously insightful chat and one I’m sure you’ll get some real value from.Make sure you’re following Beyond The Muscle on Spotify, tag us and follow Utti too for some great training related content.

In this episode I had the pleasure of sitting down and chatting with DFAC pro figure athlete, BNBF judge, NBW athlete and vet Dr Zena Al Kelaby.This was a really fun chat and there’s a ton to take away here.We chatted about some key insights from behind the judges table, how Zena manages to balance bodybuilding with a busy career and coaching business, how her training has changed over the years and much more.Make sure you’re following Beyond The Muscle on Spotify, give me a 5 star rating if you’re enjoying the podcast, tag us and follow Zena too to get an insight into her training and bodybuilding journey.

In this episode I sat down and chatted with natural bodybuilder Zack Moore.Zack is currently prepping for his first ever show and he’s quite the impact already this year!Not only does he have a crazy physique but he’s also a type 1 diabetic and has done a tremendous amount to raise awareness and help others in this area, both in the work he does as a counsellor and with type 1 charities.We chat about Zack’s prep, his bodybuilding journey so far, purpose, the challenges he’s faced with type 1, fake natty accusations and more.This was a really insightful chat and one that was a little different.If you’re enjoying the podcast, give me a 5 star rating on Spotify, follow the channel and make sure you’re following Zack too, it’s going to be exciting to follow his progress this year.Thanks!https://www.memoriesmadekids.org/

It’s a short solo one this week as I discuss the topic of making progress into my 40’s.I’ve made some great progress later in my lifting career and in this episode I explore some of the areas which have helped me do so.If you’re enjoying the podcast give me a 5 star review on Spotify and make sure you’re following the channel! Thanks 🙏🏼

In this episode I had the pleasure of chatting with junior world champion Charlie Cuthbert.Charlie had a great second season in bodybuilding last year becoming junior World Champion with DFAC.We chat about his season, some valuable lessons he’s learned, how to approach the post show phase, having an effective off season and much more.If you enjoyed the episode give Beyond The Muscle a 5 star review, make sure you’re following the podcast and give Charlie a follow and also check out his own podcast, search for The Improvement Podcast on Spotify!Thanks!

In this episode I had a great chat with 3 x Finnish champ, INBA masters champion & IFBB classic Nordic champion Utti Hietala.Utti has been involved with bodybuilding since the early 2000’s and has a wealth of experience, both as an athlete and a coach.This one was very fun, we’ll definitely have to do another episode at some point and delve deeper into some more topics.In this episode we chat about Utti’s background and how he got into lifting, his 24 season where we met and competed together, his training style, mistakes he’s made along the way and much more.Make sure you’re following Uttis page, he puts out some great training content. Tag us, follow Beyond The Muscle on Spotify and YouTube and give me a 5 star review if you enjoyed the episode!Thanks!

This time I had the pleasure of sitting down and chatting with WNBF & PCA Pro natural bodybuilder James Melville.James had some great insights having competed in natural shows and as a natural in untested events and manages to excel in both arenas.In this episode we chat about James 2024 season, the interesting story of his first show, some of the differences between tested and untested, rates of weight gain and much more.James’ experience really shine and he had some really useful insights. Give me a 5 star review if you enjoyed the chat, follow Beyond The Muscle on Spotify & YouTube, tag us both and follow James’ page too.Thanks!

In this episode I had the pleasure of sitting down and chatting with WNBF Pro natural bodybuilder Oscar Moscat.Oscar has, without doubt one of the craziest natural physiques to ever grace a bodybuilding stage but beyond that, he’s a very deep thinker which is one of the reasons I was so keen to chat to him.This was a highly enjoyable conversation and I’m sure you’ll find it valuable.We chat about the evolution of Oscar’s physique, his mindset, how he got into bodybuilding, how he approaches training and much more. Make sure you’re subscribed on Spotify, give me a 5 star review if you enjoyed the episode and tag us over on instagram.Thanks!

In this episode I had the pleasure of chatting with pro lightweight World champion Dirk Emmerich.This was a very insightful chat. Dirk is not only a world class athlete, but also someone who thinks deeply about the process and I’m sure you’ll get a lot of value from this one.We chat about Dirk’s 24 season, some misconceptions of doing back to back seasons as a natural, his style of training and much more.Make sure you’re following Beyond The Muscle on Spotify, give me a 5 star review if you liked the episode, give us a tag and make sure you’re following Dirk too if you’re not already, he puts out some great content.

The latest episode of Beyond The Muscle is now up on YouTube & Spotify.It’s a chatting to myself episode this time!Easter holidays mean time is more limited for me to bring anyone on…I do however have some great guests lined up over the next few weeks so keep your eyes peeled.In this episode I chat about my very first contest prep and some of the most valuable lessons I learned from it.It was fun to revisit this first prep, it was a pretty crazy first season I had and there were so many valuable takeaways from it.If you’re enjoying the podcast, feel free to give me a 5 star review and subscribe on Spotify and YouTube!

I had a really fun chat with returning guest and coach, athlete and judge Joshua Conde.We had a little catch up as Josh chats about his season from a coach’s perspective, a bit of Mike Sommerfeld controversy and then we get into the real meat and potatoes of the conversation as we discuss and try to figure out who the greatest male natty bodybuilders of all time are.This was a great chat. Josh’s experience as a coach and judge gives him a unique take on this topic and more than anything, he’s a huge fan of natural bodybuilding…he loves this and his knowledge and expertise really shine through here.If you’re listening on Spotify make sure you’re following and give me a 5 star review if you’re enjoying the episodes.

In this episode I had the pleasure of chatting with 3DMJ coach and pro natural bodybuilder Alberto Núñez.3DMJ were responsible for teaching me about natural bodybuilding way back in 2013/14 so it was an honour to sit down and chat bodybuilding with one of the sports legends.On a side note, the muscle & strength and nutrition pyramids on Youtube are probably still the most valuable resource for any bodybuilder/lifter in my opinion. I thoroughly enjoyed this chat and I’m sure you guys will too. We chatted about Alberto’s journey to the stage, his decision to stay natural, methods for effectively gaining in the off season, making improvements into your 40’s and more.It was an honour to have this chat and I hope you all enjoy it as much as I did.

In this episode I had the pleasure of sitting down and chatting with natural pro bodybuilder Theo Golaub.Theo had an incredible 2024, taking 2 pro cards and making his pro debut.We chat about Theo’s rise the top of natural bodybuilding, his 2024 season, mistakes he’s made, how his relaxed demeanour helps him on stage and much more.This was both fun and insightful and I’m sure you’ll get a lot of value out of this one.

In the episode I had the pleasure of chatting with pro bodybuilder, bodybuilding researcher, contest prep coach, judge & my old posing coach, Dr. Andrew Chappell.Due to his background in bodybuilding research, Andy had some truly unique insights that I’m sure you’ll find incredibly valuable. It certainly made me look at things from a different perspective.In this episode we chat in depth about the personality traits that lead to success in bodybuilding (a topic I’m very much drawn to at the moment), we also chat about body dysmorphia, contest prep and peak week, classic physique and much more.Make sure you check this one out, I’m sure you’ll find it very valuable! And give me a follow on Spotify and make sure you’re following Andy too.

In the episode I had the pleasure of sitting down and chatting bodybuilding with 3 x champ Ru Khera.Ru had an incredible debut season in bodybuilding, dominating his first show then becoming British champion with the BNBF & WNBF.Ru had some very interesting insights and was very humble and reflective about his season.We chat about his 2024, winning everything straight away, his thoughts about worlds, fake natty accusations, how he trains, posing & much more.There’s a lot of useful information here, make sure you check it out.And don’t forget to give me a like, subscribe on Spotify and follow Ru’s page.

In this episode I sat down and chatted with rising star Julian Cheung. Julian was great and had a ton of useful insights to share, this was a very enjoyable chat!In this chat we discuss his 2024 season, his decision to stay natural, fake natty accusations, his crazy post show eating experience and much more!Newcomers and experienced bodybuilders alike will find this a very enjoyable watch/listen. Check it out and subscribe on Spotify/Youtube!Enjoy!

In this episode I had the pleasure of sitting down and chatting with James Durham.James is a masters bodybuilder who I shared the stage with last season and he’s without doubt, one of the most conditioned bodybuilders I’ve seen in person!We chat about his season, how he balanced a contest prep with being a family man, his training and much more.This was a lot of fun and it was great to catch up with James again after our 24 season.

In this episode I had the pleasure of sitting down and chatting with Steve Hall from Revive Stronger . Steve has a wealth of experience with training, competing and coaching and and it was an honour to chat bodybuilding with him.If I had to think of someone who has done everything to truly maximise their potential, Steve would be right at the top of that list!I’m this episode we chat about his training journey, self doubt, his experience in judging and much more.He makes some great actionable points and I’m sure you’ll find this extremely valuable.Give me a thumbs up on YouTube and a 5 star review on Spotify if you enjoyed the episode

In this episode I sat down and chatted with Becky Starr . Becky had an incredible 2024 in women’s bodybuilding, becoming British Champion with 2 federations on her debut season!We chat about Becky’s first season, self belief and self doubt, her training, her favourite exercises and much more.I thoroughly enjoyed this chat and I’m sure you guys will too. Becky has some great insights and her introspective nature really make it a great listen/watch. There’s a lot to take from this one. Enjoy!

In this episode I sat down and chatted all things bodybuilding with coach, athlete and 2 x classic bodybuilding champion Marc Willetts.I thoroughly enjoyed this chat with Marc. He’s been doing this whole bodybuilding thing a while and his years of experience translate into some fantastic insights and valuable takeaways!We discuss Marc’s 2024 season, classic bodybuilding and its popularity, posing, Marc’s background and much more.Make sure you give it a listen and leave a review/5 star rating on Spotify.

In this episode I sit down and chat with athlete, contest prep coach and my old friend from when I last did this whole bodybuilding thing, AJ Morris.It’s been 9 years since we last did one of these and it’s been great to reconnect with AJ.AJ has a depth of wisdom far beyond his years which makes him such a valuable voice in the natural bodybuilding community. He’s been coaching since he was a teen and his knowledge really shines here.In this episode we chat about some of the most overlooked aspects of prep, some things that athletes place too much emphasis on, the kind of individuals that are drawn to bodybuilding and much more.There’s a lot of great information to be taken from this episode, you won’t want to miss this one!

It was a pleasure to sit down and chat with Pro World Champion, p.t/coach and my old contest prep client Ben Lloyd.This episode felt very much like sitting down with an old friend! I knew Ben before he rose to the very top of natural bodybuilding and he’s as humble and down to earth now as he was then. It’s very refreshing to see. In this episode we chat about our time together as coach & client, his training and how it’s evolved over the years, his fantastic 2024 season as well as his future plans.He shares a wealth of great information here, you won’t want to miss this one!

The latest episode of Beyond The Muscle is up on YouTube and Spotify.In this episode I sit down and chat bodybuilding with 2 x world champion Dan Sutcliffe.Dan has a wealth of experience in training and bodybuilding and we chat about some great stuff here…How his physique has evolved over the years of training, the biggest lessons he’s learned from the year, self doubt, mindset, how he got his crazy legs, and more!Dan was brilliant, make sure you give this one a listen.

The latest episode of Beyond The Muscle is now live.It’s a mini episode this time as I reflect on my 2024 bodybuilding season.It was fun to review the season a couple of months after the fact. The feelings you feel in the moment take on a different flavour when not in the heat of the moment. I review the package we brought to each show as well as things I learned along the way, mistakes I made and things I need to work on in the future.Check out the channel for interviews with natural bodybuilding’s top coaches, athletes & judges.

It was an absolute pleasure to sit down and chat with Darren Shepherd-Loxton.Darren has been involved with bodybuilding for almost 2 decades, both as a competitor and a contest prep and posing coach.We chat about various topics in this episode. From posing, contest prep, mindset and training, Darren’s knowledge, experience and passion really shine and he makes some incredibly valuable points. I could’ve sat down with him for hours chatting bodybuilding!

It was great to sit down and chat with WNBF judge and NPA Midlands overall champion Kristian Kerr.Kristian is known for his stellar conditioning and we discuss that in this episode and the strategies he uses to achieve that look.We also reflect on his 2024 season having been away from the sport for 6 years as well as how his training has changed over the years.We touch on his experience as a judge and how bodybuilding has grown since he last stepped on stage.There’s a lot of great info in this one, make sure you check it out.

First guest is coach, natural bodybuilder & WNBF judge Joshua Conde.Josh is a great guest and provides some brilliant actionable points for any competitor who wants to get the most out of what they have.We talk about genetics, how much one should be concerned with genetics as an athlete and how to get the most out of what we’ve been given from the genetic lottery!We also discuss our our own journey to the stage as well as some mistakes we made along the way.