Ah yes, macro tracking apps.  We all use something like MyFitnessPal at some point, right?  Well, maybe some of us don’t but it’s nonetheless super common.  The problem is, that app is hot garbage and there are WAY better options out there.  In episode 255 I explore 10 of the most popular apps and put them into 2 categories – the bin, and the contender pile.  My favorite?  Well, I saved the best one for last. And after that I dive in on what I’m doing for my upcoming trip to make sure my...

In episode 254 of The Drop Set, I’m going to talk about steroids – specifcally, the risks involved in taking anabolic compounds as they relate to bodybuilding. I’ll differentiate between “TRT” and what is more widely considered to be ‘common use’ in the landscape of competitive bodybuilding, break down exactly what the risks are, what might be overblows, and talk about things a prospective user could do in order to give themselves the best chance of minimizing their risk. In the 2nd and...

Welcome to episode 253! Today, we’re diving into the whole bulk or cut dilemma in bodybuilding. The key? Knowing what your body needs — more muscle or less fat. It’s not just a short-term thing; we’re talking long-haul commitment here…think years, not just weeks or months. This process can’t be about quick fixes; we’re in it for the long run. Next, we dive deep into the crucial aspect of training volume. Understanding the right training volume for you is the key to progressing over time....

In episode 252 of The Drop Set, I delve into the nuanced concept of stage readiness, exploring the subjective nature of preparation for competition. We examine the importance of early competition as a means to gain valuable experience and establish personal benchmarks. I also discuss the essential prerequisites for competing, including discipline, commitment, and a positive mindset throughout the preparation process. Next, I dive deep into understanding food fixation, cravings, and appetite....

0:00 – Intro 0:40 – Getting Started 3:47 – Supplements: Worth It or Waste It? 26:49 – Adapting to Sickness, Missing Gym Time 43:05 – What Actually Happens on Show Day? In the opening segment of Episode 251, we dive into the world of supplements – starting with the age-old debate: Is creatine worth it? What about BCAA’s? Glutamine? Pre-workouts can be effective but often contain too many ingredients, risking adverse reactions. Testosterone boosters like DHEA may slightly elevate levels...

Welcome to episode TWO HUNDRED AND FIFTY! In the first segment, I dive deep into strategies for busting through growth plateaus in bodybuilding. First, I emphasize the importance of consistency and dedication during the off-season or growth phases. I discuss assessing whether you’re truly at a plateau and stress the need to attack growth seasons with the same intensity as prep. I also go over a bunch of actionable steps to keep things moving, and touch on the potential role of...

In this episode, we dig in on the finer points of having a successful cut, whether it’s for a contest or just a personal transformation. The final point I make here is possibly the most important: remember to have fun with it all – it’s a challenging journey, but it should still be enjoyable overall. Next, I dive into bodybuilding and its suitability for everyone. Reflecting on my experiences and conversations with clients, I explore why some people quit bodybuilding, citing reasons like...

In episode 248 of The Drop Set, I delve into the intricate journey to becoming a professional bodybuilder in the USA, breaking down the processes of various amateur organizations like NPC, OCB, INBA, and INBF. From earning qualifications to competing at national levels, the road to obtaining a pro card is filled with complexities and nuances. While the quest for pro status may seem enticing, the reality of financial rewards and the influence of social media are also discussed, highlighting...

(3:15) In this episode of The Drop Set podcast, I can’t help but unravel the aftermath of the Arnold Classic with a heavy dose of frustration. I find myself questioning the show’s BEYOND curious choices, particularly in excluding categories like women’s physique, figure, and 212 men’s bodybuilding. With a healthy dose of skepticism, I delve into the prize money distribution, underscoring the glaring gap between the earnings of male and female competitors. Amidst my…colorful…commentary, I call...

I’ve had a lot of coaches myself over the past 20 years and I’ve spent the last 15 years being a coach myself, so I’ve seen every argument there is on the topic of meal plans vs. macro plans. Let’s put this to rest once and for all. Also some training and hormone management discussion! 0:00 – Intro 0:57 – Necessary evils 2:44 – Maximizing “easy on paper” workouts 17:55 – Nuking E2 on TRT 26:07 – Meal plan vs. macros – the final word! As mentioned in the macro discussion, a link to...

Episode 245 marks the PERMANENT return of The Drop Set to YouTube – so if video is your thing, check it out there as well going forward.  All episodes will be geared towards an audio only format so listeners here, you won’t be missing anything.  No sweat! 0:00 – Intro/story time 1:57 – Technical difficulties? 5:48 – Seeking out photo comparisons of others 7:53 – Sleep dysfunction on prep 10:57 – “Advocate” coaches 14:48 – Can I compete if ______? 20:30 – Novelty as it applies to...

One of the absolute most common questions I get is “when will I be ready for a show”, or “I’m 14 weeks out, will I be ready?” or some variation on the theme.  My usual answer is “well, it’s complicated….” and this episode seeks to finish that sentence in 30,000 words or less. Call in and leave a question! Drop me a voicemail at 865-518-6569 Check me out on YouTube and subscribe to see what’s coming up next: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC-qrfkpe5PYMPHhTFQMK69g Check me out on Instagram:...

Hey Darin, can you be rambling and borderline incoherent for 40 minutes?  CHALLENGE ACCEPTED.  The real question:  drunk or sober?  Sadly, the latter.  Yes, this is sober me and I still behave like this. Prep is underway, let’s talk about how it started.  Also, how to mess up your macros in one easy step.  Also also, the TOP SIX things you need for your kitchen RIGHT NOW. Call in and leave a question! Drop me a voicemail at 865-518-5659 Check me out on YouTube and subscribe to see what’s...

Autumn Cleveland has been around for a bit – with a competition history of 20+ years and a couple Olympia appearances to show for it. She has also positioned herself as an authority on posing, offering courses, direct coaching, seminars and more to help competitors more accurately present themselves on stage. And as we discuss here, she’s still always learning and aiming to step up her game and keep pace with trends and staying up on what judges are looking for TODAY. Follow Autumn on...

What makes for a good and productive growth season?  Conversely, what makes for a bad one?  How do we define whether it’s good or bad?  What should your goals be?  How much balance is too much balance?  Today we dig in to all of those questions and more so let’s hit it! Call in and leave a question! Drop me a voicemail at 865-518-5659 Check me out on YouTube and subscribe to see what’s coming up next: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC-qrfkpe5PYMPHhTFQMK69g Check me out on Instagram:...

A little random pre-Christmas catch up on some stuff, and thankfully MUCH lighter fare than last week – and then we dive in to a topic suggested by my former client Jessica who wanted to get my take on semaglutide.  I’ve talked about this before, and recently, but I wanted to dig in a bit deeper here and, in real time, kind of develop and flesh out my philosophy on how I’d recommend (or not) people use this in prep going forward.  Is it useful?  Harmful?  Both?  Is it kinda dumb, cheating, or...

Rest in peace to my friend and coach Krissy Lia, you will be missed.

Lots of ground to cover today.  Michelle called in with some solid questions concerning peptides and deloads (separate questions…not a weird combination of deloading peptides), and I ramble on for a bit about trying to find the right mix of what is OPTIMAL versus what is often the most PRACTICAL path forward as it relates to training, diet, and everything else.  Also, let’s talk about scale fluctuations a bit, why they matter (if they do at all) and how to make sense of them. Call in and...

Throwback episode!  No not a ‘greatest hits’ release but just going back to the old formatting.  Call me an optimist but I think after 237 episodes I’m starting to get the hang of this podcast thing.  A few “confessions” to go over today which is really just exposing my ridiculous OCD, but also an update on what I’ve been up to and also some common client issues that seem to be on repeat of late.  Let’s dig in! Call in and leave a question!  Drop me a voicemail at 865-518-5659 Check me out...

Future generations will look back and see Episode 236 of The Drop Set as a watershed moment for humanity.  Maybe.  Ok, maybe not so much.  But let it be known I’m trying some different stuff here, so as always let me know what you think. This is a solo episode published as audio-only AND video (on YouTube), and does incorporate a little video into the mix so the audio listeners WILL be a little in the dark – apologies!  Going forward I might break that segment out into it’s own YouTube...

Hannah Hussein and I have one thing in common (well, we probably all do) – we both did dumb shit in our 20’s. The difference is that today, she’s here on the hot seat to talk about hers while mine will continue to go unreported (at least for awhile). Hannah won her IFBB pro card in women’s bodybuilding earlier in September at North Americans, and she sat down for a lengthy interview with me where we covered her extensive history in bodybuilding and got in depth about what’s next for her as...

I recently had the chance to have an extended conversation with IFBB Pro women’s bodybuilder Sherry Priami. Sherry turned pro in women’s physique in 2018 and quickly turned in a string of steadily improving placements before taking a year off and making the plunge into women’s bodybuilding – a decision that has, so far, paid off well. She’ll be competing this upcoming weekend at the Rising Phoenix and will also be on the Olympia stage a few short weeks later. Check out Sherry on Instagram...

In episode 233 of The Drop Set I had the chance to sit down with Paige Sandgren following her narrow miss at an IFBB Pro card at North Americans. We talk about that experience, what’s next, and cover a lot of coaching-related topics including binge eating behavior, one of her specialties. Follow Paige on Instagram here: https://www.instagram.com/beefnuggette/ Watch the full video interview on YouTube:

In episode 232 of The Drop Set I am super excited to have the opportunity to chat with former Olympia competitor Dani Reardon – now OUT of bodybuilding for about 6 years and exploring entirely new areas of her life. We talk about her competitive days, why she got out, how she feels about it looking back, if she has any regrets, and of course dig in on what she’s doing now – including her current gym routine (might surprise you). Follow Dani on Instagram...