Bodybuilding Down Under

169: THE DARK SIDE OF BODYBUILDING: BODY DYSMORPHIA, WEIGHT STALLS & INJURY PREVENTION

Welcome to episode 169 of the Bodybuilding Down Under podcast!
In this week’s episode, we wrap up DC’s 2024 competition season, including a full recap of his final showing in Malaysia. We break down his feedback, lessons learned, and give you a sneak peek at post-show plans and what’s in store for next season.
We also dive into some of the most important (and often overlooked) topics in bodybuilding:
🔹 What separates amateurs from pros – Mindset, execution, and the details that really matter🔹 Avoiding injuries long-term – Strategies for career longevity as a physique athlete🔹 When your weight won’t budge in prep – How to troubleshoot stubborn scale numbers🔹 Body dysmorphia in bodybuilding – The realities behind the stage-ready look
Whether you’re in your first season or chasing a pro card, this episode blends first-hand competition insight with actionable advice you can use right now.
If you enjoyed the episode, don’t forget to subscribe, leave a five-star review, and share it to your IG story so we can repost it.
Stay serious about it, and we’ll catch you in the next one!
Instagram Handles:
Bodybuilding Down Under: https://www.instagram.com/bodybuildingdownunder/
Jack: https://www.instagram.com/jack.radfordsmith/
Daniel C: https://www.instagram.com/daniel.chapelle/
Lawrence: https://www.instagram.com/general.muscle/
Daniel Y: https://www.instagram.com/dy.fit/

168: COMPETING OVERSEAS: DC’S PEAK WEEK ABROAD & NPC TAIWAN RECAP

Welcome to episode 168 of the Bodybuilding Down Under podcast!
This week, we’re joined once again by DC, who’s been on an international journey as he competes across Asia during his 2024 season. Fresh off the NPC Natural Taiwan show and just days out from stepping on stage at WNBF Malaysia, DC shares his experience balancing peak week, travel, and prep all while abroad.
We dive into:
🔹 DC’s recent show results and feedback🔹 The realities of prepping and competing overseas🔹 How to navigate peak week while travelling🔹 Lessons learned, adjustments made, and what’s next🔹 How different federations compare on the international stage
Whether you're planning to compete abroad or just curious about what international bodybuilding looks like from the inside, this episode is full of practical insights, honest reflections, and plenty of laughs.
Thanks for tuning in! Don’t forget to subscribe, leave a 5-star review, and share the episode to your IG story so we can repost it.
Stay serious about it, and we’ll catch you in the next one!
Instagram Handles:
Bodybuilding Down Under: https://www.instagram.com/bodybuildingdownunder/
Jack: https://www.instagram.com/jack.radfordsmith/
Daniel C: https://www.instagram.com/daniel.chapelle/
Lawrence: https://www.instagram.com/general.muscle/
Daniel Y: https://www.instagram.com/dy.fit/

167: CHEAT MEALS, PROTEIN OAT SECRETS & COACHING NON-NEGOTIABLES

Welcome to episode 167 of the Bodybuilding Down Under podcast!
This week’s episode is a mixed bag of insight, opinion, and laughs as we answer your listener-submitted questions, ranging from the weirdly specific to the surprisingly deep.
Here’s what we cover:
🔹 Protein powder in oats – Before or after cooking? Our go-to prep-friendly combos🔹 Signature gym fits – What is our go-to apparel of choice?🔹 If you could legalise one banned substance… – A lighthearted (but serious?) discussion on what we’d allow in natural feds🔹 30 plant types per week – Do we hit it? Why it matters and how to actually get there🔹 Vitamin supplement timing – What clashes, what works, and what we’ve learned🔹 Caffeine sensitivity in prep – Can less body weight = more side effects?🔹 Best books/resources for bodybuilding & nutrition🔹 Our non-negotiables as coaches – And how we navigate client challenges🔹 Go-to takeaway or cheat meals – Because we’re still human🔹 What we’ve changed our mind on recently – Training, food, mindset, you name it🔹 Does music change in prep? – From hardstyle to heartbreak
Whether you're in comp prep, coaching others, or just here for some practical insights (and entertainment), this episode has something for everyone.
Thanks for tuning in! Don’t forget to subscribe, leave a 5-star review, and share this to your IG story so we can repost it.
Stay serious about it, and we’ll catch you in the next one.
Instagram Handles:
Bodybuilding Down Under: https://www.instagram.com/bodybuildingdownunder/
Jack: https://www.instagram.com/jack.radfordsmith/
Daniel C: https://www.instagram.com/daniel.chapelle/
Lawrence: https://www.instagram.com/general.muscle/
Daniel Y: https://www.instagram.com/dy.fit/

166: DID IFBB AUS GET NATURAL BODYBUILDING RIGHT? + PEAK WEEK TIPS YOU NEED TO HEAR

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 in the years ahead.
Building on last week’s discussion around peak week nutrition, we shift focus to training, skin prep, and stress management during peak week. From adjusting volume and intensity to overlooked details like tanning, posing, and backstage readiness, we cover the small things that can make a big difference when it matters most.
Here’s what we cover:
🔹 Full recap of the IFBB NSW Natural show🔹 Winners, standout physiques & judging reflections🔹 The future of IFBB Natural in Australia🔹 Peak week training strategies🔹 Skin preparation, tanning tips & presentation hacks🔹 Reducing stress & improving outcomes during show week
Whether you’re an athlete, coach, or fan of the sport, this episode combines practical insight with real-world feedback on what’s working, and what still needs improvement.
As always, thanks for tuning in! Don’t forget to subscribe, leave a five-star review, and share the episode to your IG story so we can repost it.
Stay serious about it, and we’ll catch you in the next one!
Instagram Handles:
Bodybuilding Down Under: https://www.instagram.com/bodybuildingdownunder/
Jack: https://www.instagram.com/jack.radfordsmith/
Daniel C: https://www.instagram.com/daniel.chapelle/
Lawrence: https://www.instagram.com/general.muscle/
Daniel Y: https://www.instagram.com/dy.fit/

165: NAILING PEAK WEEK: HOW TO LOOK YOUR BEST ON STAGE

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 stage day arrives.
Here’s what we cover:
🔹 What is the real goal of peak week?🔹 Carb loading 101 – Why, when, and how to do it right🔹 Different peak week strategies – From front loads to back loads to moderate approaches🔹 Backstage food antics – What really happens behind the curtain🔹 Fibre and food volume – Why the day before the show matters more than you think🔹 Training and fatigue management – How to arrive peeled without being flat🔹 Common mistakes to avoid – What we’ve seen go wrong (and how to prevent it)
Whether you're an athlete, coach, or fan of physique sports, this episode offers a clear look into the science, structure, and chaos of peak week.
If you’re enjoying the podcast, be sure to subscribe, leave a five-star review, and share the episode to your IG story so we can repost.
Stay serious about it, and we’ll catch you in the next one!
Instagram Handles:
Bodybuilding Down Under: https://www.instagram.com/bodybuildingdownunder/
Jack: https://www.instagram.com/jack.radfordsmith/
Daniel C: https://www.instagram.com/daniel.chapelle/
Lawrence: https://www.instagram.com/general.muscle/
Daniel Y: https://www.instagram.com/dy.fit/

164: ARE YOU GAINING THE RIGHT WAY? FAT VS CARBS, CAFFEINE SENSITIVITY & MORE

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 obsession – What to do when your brain won’t stop thinking about food, even when you’re full.🔹 Sleep supplementation – What actually helps when your sleep hygiene is already on point? We discuss melatonin, magnesium, l-theanine, ashwagandha, and 5-HTP.🔹 Gaining phase macros – When and how to know whether to increase carbs, fats, or both.🔹 Caffeine sensitivity in prep – Can lower body weight make you more sensitive? We share our personal experiences with caffeine intake during comp prep.🔹 Goals in and out of the gym – What we’re aiming for both personally and professionally right now.
As always, thanks for tuning in. If you’re enjoying the podcast, don’t forget to subscribe, leave a five-star review, and share it to your IG story so we can repost it.
Stay serious about it, and we’ll catch you in the next one!
Instagram Handles:
Bodybuilding Down Under: https://www.instagram.com/bodybuildingdownunder/
Jack: https://www.instagram.com/jack.radfordsmith/
Daniel C: https://www.instagram.com/daniel.chapelle/
Lawrence: https://www.instagram.com/general.muscle/
Daniel Y: https://www.instagram.com/dy.fit/

163: RATING BODYBUILDING FOOD COMBOS, OFF-SEASON STRATEGIES & THE END OF TRADITIONAL PEDS?

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 natural bodybuilding.
We also introduce a fun new segment where we rate listener-submitted food combinations, and finish with a Q&A covering fat gain in the off-season, long-term motivation, and our early experiences with bodybuilding.
Topics covered include:
🔹 GLP-1 agonist update🔹 Ethical implications of using new pharmaceuticals in natural competition🔹 Weird food combinations – rated from 1 to 10🔹 How much fat gain is acceptable in a gaining phase🔹 Staying motivated during long off-seasons🔹 Our first exposure to bodybuilding
As always, thank you for listening. If you’re enjoying the podcast, don’t forget to subscribe, leave a five-star review, and share it to your IG story so we can repost it.
Stay serious about it, and we’ll catch you in the next one.
Instagram Handles:
Bodybuilding Down Under: https://www.instagram.com/bodybuildingdownunder/
Jack: https://www.instagram.com/jack.radfordsmith/
Daniel C: https://www.instagram.com/daniel.chapelle/
Lawrence: https://www.instagram.com/general.muscle/
Daniel Y: https://www.instagram.com/dy.fit/

162: GLP-1 AGONISTS IN NATURAL BODYBUILDING - SHOULD THEY BE BANNED?

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 performance-enhancing? Are they ethical? And should they be banned?
Here’s what we cover:
🔹 Team updates – Where each of us is currently at with training and life.🔹 What are GLP-1 agonists? – A brief rundown on their mechanism and original purpose.🔹 Their role in physique sports – Are they being misused for fat loss in bodybuilding?🔹 Should they be banned in natural federations? – The moral, practical, and competitive implications.🔹 WADA's stance – Why they’re on the monitoring list and what that means for the future.🔹 Our take – Where each of us lands on the issue, and whether their use aligns with the spirit of natural competition.
If you’ve seen GLP-1s popping up in your feed and want an informed, grounded conversation on how they’re being used (and abused) in the sport, this episode is a must-listen.
As always, thanks for tuning in! Be sure to subscribe, leave a five-star review, and share the episode to your IG story so we can repost.
Stay serious about it, and we’ll catch you in the next one!
Instagram Handles:
Bodybuilding Down Under: https://www.instagram.com/bodybuildingdownunder/
Jack: https://www.instagram.com/jack.radfordsmith/
Daniel C: https://www.instagram.com/daniel.chapelle/
Lawrence: https://www.instagram.com/general.muscle/
Daniel Y: https://www.instagram.com/dy.fit/

161: POST-SHOW REALITIES & DEEP DIVE INTO THE RECOVERY PHASE

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 info and what’s coming next.🔹 ICN Nationals recap – Highlights, standout athletes, and what we took away from the show.🔹 ICN Season C date change – What this means for competitors planning their 2025.🔹 OCB show recap🔹 All things recovery phase – What it really takes to transition post-show physically and mentally, how to set up success, and common mistakes we see.
If you’ve just come off stage or are heading into a reverse diet, this is an essential episode to ground your expectations and strategy for post-comp life.
Thanks for tuning in! Don’t forget to subscribe, leave a five-star review, and share the episode to your IG story so we can repost.
Stay serious about it, and we’ll catch you in the next one!
Instagram Handles:
Bodybuilding Down Under: https://www.instagram.com/bodybuildingdownunder/
Jack: https://www.instagram.com/jack.radfordsmith/
Daniel C: https://www.instagram.com/daniel.chapelle/
Lawrence: https://www.instagram.com/general.muscle/
Daniel Y: https://www.instagram.com/dy.fit/

160: STAYING TRUE TO NATURAL BODYBUILDING FT. ANB AUSTRALIA

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.
Here’s what we cover:
🔹 Kenny & Jen’s backgrounds – How they got involved in the sport and with ANB.🔹 History of ANB – From its roots to its evolution into a leading natty federation.🔹 Divisions offered – A breakdown of men’s and women’s categories.🔹 International competition – Can ANB athletes compete overseas?🔹 Pathway to DFAC Worlds – What it takes to qualify and represent Australia.🔹 What makes ANB different – From show day experience to athlete support.🔹 Drug testing protocols – A transparent look at ANB’s anti-doping policy.🔹 Upcoming shows for 2025 – Key dates and events to mark in your calendar.
If you're considering stepping on stage or just want to learn more about Australia's competitive natural bodybuilding scene, this is a must-listen episode.
Thanks again for tuning in! Don’t forget to subscribe, leave a five-star review, and share it to your IG story so we can repost.
Stay serious about it, and we’ll catch you in the next one!
Instagram Handles:
Bodybuilding Down Under: https://www.instagram.com/bodybuildingdownunder/
Jack: https://www.instagram.com/jack.radfordsmith/
Daniel C: https://www.instagram.com/daniel.chapelle/
Lawrence: https://www.instagram.com/general.muscle/
Daniel Y: https://www.instagram.com/dy.fit/