Bodybuilding Down Under

Welcome to episode 153 of the Bodybuilding Down Under podcast! In this special international edition, we’re joined by Lisa Blackburn, the Australian promoter for the OCB, and Sean “Sully” Sullivan, the long-time OCB promoter from the USA.

Together, we dive deep into the origins, values, and global growth of the Organisation of Competitive Bodybuilders (OCB), an incredibly respected federation in the natural bodybuilding scene. Sull...

Welcome to episode 152 of the Bodybuilding Down Under podcast!

This week, we turn our attention to back hypertrophy, breaking down what it really takes to build width, thickness, and detail across every region of the back. Whether you're trying to unlock the secret to wider lats, build a denser middle back, or figure out if shrugs are worth your time, this episode is packed with practical insights.

Here’s what we cover in today’s e...

Welcome to episode 151 of the Bodybuilding Down Under podcast! In this week’s episode, your hosts dive into another listener Q&A, covering a wide range of topics such as following a meal plan in the off-season, favourite (and least favourite) forms of cardio during prep, and what makes someone a coachable athlete.

They also touch on whether bodybuilding comp nutrition needs to be repetitive, how to tell if you're ahead of sched...

Welcome to episode 150 of the Bodybuilding Down Under podcast!

We’re celebrating this special milestone with an incredible guest - Nathan Wallace, a celebrated pro natural bodybuilder and experienced coach in the industry. After a long hiatus from the stage, Nathan made his highly-anticipated return to the competitive scene, and we had the pleasure of diving deep into his journey.

In this episode, we cover:

• What motivated Nath...

Welcome to another episode of Bodybuilding Down Under! This week, we sit down with James Johnson from Natty News Daily and Stuart O'Brien & Scotty Morrell from NBA to discuss the Drug Free Bodybuilding Alliance (DFBA).

We dive into key questions such as: ✅ The goals and mission behind the DFBA ✅ What competitors and federations can expect ✅ Regulations surrounding natural status ✅ Future competition plans for the DFBA

If you're...

Welcome to episode 148 of the Bodybuilding Down Under Podcast!

In this episode, we dive into the tough but rewarding journey of contest prep. From the physical and mental challenges of training and dieting, to dealing with food cravings and managing expectations from both yourself and others, we cover it all. We’ll also discuss the often-overlooked post-show phase—how to navigate the highs and lows after stepping off stage and the ...

Welcome to episode 147 of the Bodybuilding Down Under Podcast!

This week, your hosts are down to just three as Jack bravely fights Cyclone Alfred on the front line. What remains of the BDU crew dive into an Arnold recap, chat about the new rules for WNBF Classic Physique and they reveal the real reason why most people don't achieve true conditioning onstage... spoiler alert, it isn't because they aren't lean enough!

As always, than...

Welcome to episode 146 of the Bodybuilding Down Under podcast!

This week, we sit down with Ryan Fredericks, President of ICN Western Australia, to discuss the ICN Nationals for Season A - hosted in Perth for the first time ever! We dive into what this milestone means for the natural bodybuilding community, the challenges of organising a national-level event, and what athletes and spectators can expect.

Here’s what we cover in today...

Welcome to episode 145 of the Bodybuilding Down Under podcast!

This week, your hosts dive into another packed episode, covering a range of exciting topics, including the impact of age on competition prep, whether the Olympia should introduce a cut round, and our dream first callouts across different eras of bodybuilding - both natural and enhanced. Plus, we discuss the latest in the bodybuilding scene, updates on our own journeys, ...

Welcome to episode 144 of the Bodybuilding Down Under podcast!

This week, we take a deep dive into lower body training for hypertrophy, breaking down the most effective strategies for building quads, hamstrings, glutes, adductors, and calves. Whether you’re fine-tuning your squat pattern, debating leg press vs. squats, or wondering if direct adductor work is necessary, we’ve got you covered with practical insights to maximize your ...

Welcome to episode 143 of the Bodybuilding Down Under podcast!

This week, we bring you a mix of topics as we dive into the latest updates and some classic BDU fun. DC officially kicks off his prep, tune in to hear how he's approaching the journey, his goals, and the strategies he's implementing to bring his best package to the stage.

We also shake things up with a "Would You Rather: Bodybuilding Edition", throwing around some thoug...

Welcome to episode 142 of the Bodybuilding Down Under podcast! This week, your hosts dive into a lineup of topics that are sure to entertain and inform. We discuss creative ways to slightly inconvenience our bodybuilding victims as a "burglar," unpack the pros and cons of ICN ACT's first Classic Physique Gold Class, and break down the latest IFBB rule change regarding Pro Card membership lapses.

We also take a trip down memory lane...

Welcome to episode 141 of the Bodybuilding Down Under podcast! This week, your hosts dive into a variety of engaging topics. We kick things off by reviewing the latest FroPro cheesecake, sharing our thoughts on its flavor, texture, anabolic predisposition and glycogen-filling potential. We then discuss the introduction of the classic physique category in the WNBF and what it means for the sport of natural bodybuilding.

Next, we tac...

Welcome to episode 140 of the Bodybuilding Down Under podcast!

In this week’s episode, the hosts dive into the latest updates from ICN Australia, breaking down the recent announcements on rule changes and judging criteria. The conversation highlights the federation’s efforts to standardise posing requirements across all states, ensuring a more consistent and professional experience for competitors. The episode also covers stricter ...

Welcome to episode 139 of the Bodybuilding Down Under podcast! In this week’s episode, your hosts take a deep dive into the critical strategies for peak week nutrition, breaking down the science behind the final adjustments that can make or break your stage-day physique.

They explore essential topics such as carb loading protocols, sodium and water management, and optimising food choices to ensure digestive ease and muscle fullness...

Welcome to episode 138 of the Bodybuilding Down Under podcast! In this week’s episode, your hosts dive into the art of goal setting as they reflect on their 2025 resolutions. They share their personal experiences and discuss key topics such as how to refine your training approach, make smarter nutrition choices, and optimise recovery strategies for the year ahead.

Tune in to hear the changes they'd make to crush their own goals in ...

Welcome to episode 137 of the Bodybuilding Down Under podcast! In this week's episode, your hosts dive into key topics to help you level up your bodybuilding game. We explore the defining traits of successful pro bodybuilding athletes, common mistakes holding you back, and practical ways to improve your approach. You'll also get expert tips to manage appetite during a gaining phase and insights on whether hiring a bodybuilding posi...

Welcome to episode 136 of the Bodybuilding Down Under podcast!

This week, we’re bringing you a festive Christmas special to close out the year in style! We answer a mix of Christmas-themed questions and some of your standard bodybuilding favourites, all with a sprinkle of holiday cheer. For those truly serious about it, we know you’ll be tuning in on Christmas Day. To top it all off, we’ve included an anabolic Christmas carol at th...

Welcome to episode 135 of the Bodybuilding Down Under podcast!

This week, we’re bringing you a special collaboration with Natty News Daily to recap an incredible year in natural bodybuilding for 2024. Joined by the regular Bodybuilding Down Under gents, we cover the highlights of the year, celebrate key athletes, and discuss the highs and lows that shaped the sport over the past 12 months.

We also dive into the future of natural bo...