Best Pre Steroid Bodybuilding Podcasts (2025)

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010 Warming up - what does it really achieve? 1:13:55

5d ago1:13:55

1:13:55

In this episode of Hypertrophy: Past and Present, Jake Doleschal and Chris Beardsley unpack the very first York Barbell course, discussing its warm-up approach and how it compares to other silver era routines. The second half of the episode zooms out to explore warm-ups more broadly, what they actually do (and don’t do), whether they affect hypertr…

1
009 Work capacity - what it is and how to improve it 42:51

13d ago42:51

42:51

In this episode of Hypertrophy: Past and Present, Jake Doleschal and Chris Beardsley break down a pre-steroid bulking routine from Alan Stephen, an underrated Silver Era bodybuilder who trained with a pretty unique method. They explore how this high volume, low rep program makes sense with the stimulating reps model, and use it as a springboard to …

1
Nutrition & Training for New Parents | ETP#194 1:21:05

18d ago1:21:05

1:21:05

In episode #194, we discuss the challenges and adjustments that new and expecting parents may face regarding their nutrition, training, and recovery. We emphasize the importance of establishing routines, setting realistic goals, and maintaining positive communication between partners. The conversation covers practical strategies for meal prepping, …

1
008 Training Frequency - what to consider if you want to train every day 53:10

20d ago53:10

53:10

In this episode of Hypertrophy: Past and Present, Jake Doleschal and Chris Beardsley explore whether full body training can be done every day, and what that really looks like. Drawing inspiration from Bronze Era strongman George Hackenschmidt, they unpack creative strategies for making high frequency training work. Key Topics: How training every da…

1
007 Do all training programs maximise hypertrophy eventually? 59:40

27d ago59:40

59:40

In this episode of Hypertrophy: Past and Present, Jake Doleschal and Chris Beardsley return to Reg Park, but this time explore one of his most advanced programs. They compare this higher volume plan to Park’s earlier abbreviated routine before exploring whether all training programs eventually lead to the same outcome, and which variables actually …

1
June 2025 Instagram Q&A | ETP#193 1:25:02

1M ago1:25:02

1:25:02

In ETP193 we dive into a variety of topics from our Instagram followers for our June 2025 Instagram Q&A episode. We’ve got a 90 minute episode jam packed with 20 questions ranging from nutritional approaches, training specifics, to starting your own coaching brand. Advice if you were a coach working under an existing coach brand, but will be starti…

1
006 Strength - the mechanisms that increase strength, and why hypertrophy must make us stronger 1:14:25

1M ago1:14:25

1:14:25

In this episode of Hypertrophy: Past and Present, Jake Doleschal and Chris Beardsley discuss one of the strongest bodybuilders of the Silver Era, and the third man to ever bench 500 pounds, Marvin Eder's training routine. The second half of the episode takes a deep dive into the mechanisms of strength, why strength isn’t a single adaptation, and wh…

1
005 Training volume and post workout fatigue - how many sets are recoverable in 48 hours? 1:19:09

1M ago1:19:09

1:19:09

In this episode of Hypertrophy: Past and Present, Jake Doleschal and Chris Beardsley dissect Reg Park’s 1950s “Mr. Universe Bulk Course”. Unlike the high-variation, single-set approach of Steve Reeves discussed in the previous episdoe, Reg Park’s plan featured fewer exercises but high set volume, low reps, and heavy loads. The second half of the ep…

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Aaron Recaps His First Show Experience | ETP#192 1:01:33

2M ago1:01:33

1:01:33

In episode #192 of Eat Train Prosper, Aaron takes us behind the scenes of his first bodybuilding competition. He breaks down the stages of his first peak week—from the depletion protocol and final carb-up, to the psychological grind of show prep and the critical role of structure and execution. We dive into the finer points of show-day logistics: r…

1
004 Training splits and exercise selection - 3 sets of 1 exercise or 1 set of 3 exercises? 1:02:09

2M ago1:02:09

1:02:09

In this episode of Hypertrophy: Past and Present, Jake Doleschal and Chris Beardsley break down Steve Reeves’ favourite full-body routines from the early 1950s. They explore how Reeves trained each muscle with three different exercises, and why this multi-exercise, single-set approach might still be one of the most efficient ways to train if progra…

1
003 Training splits - what to consider when splitting full body workouts into upper / lower workouts 57:14

2M ago57:14

57:14

In this episode of Hypertrophy: Past and Present, Jake Doleschal and Chris Beardsley examine Clancy Ross’ 1940s split set routine - an early experiment in dividing upper and lower body training that predated modern training splits. They break down how Ross evolved his training by splitting full-body workouts into AM/PM upper/lower sessions and disc…

1
Pre Steroid-Era Training Protocols - Part Two #ETP191 1:11:08

2M ago1:11:08

1:11:08

In Part 2 of Pre Steroid-Era Training Protocols, we keep the pre-steroid era lens on but bring it forward—pulling lessons from the past into how you can fine-tune your “now.” Rep schemes, recovery, fatigue management, and why progression models likely still need a bit of human touch. Wrapping up with the introduction of Arthur Jones’ Nautilus machi…

1
002 How long does the growth stimulus last after a training session? 1:06:26

2M ago1:06:26

1:06:26

In this second episode, Jake Doleschal and Chris Beardsley break down the York Barbell Mr America Course, a program from 1951 that evolved from the earlier Milo Barbell plan. They explore what changed in the decades following the first mass-produced bodybuilding programs, including the introduction of sets, improved exercise selection, and targeted…

1
Pre Steroid-Era Training Protocols - Part One #ETP190 1:06:26

2M ago1:06:26

1:06:26

In part one of this two-part episode episode, we go deep on pre-steroid era training – how some of OGs like Sandow, Hackenschmidt, and Reeves built amazing physiques long before pharma entered the game. We cover the rise of full-body training, the birth of machines, old-school recovery, real food, and timeless work ethic. A look in the rearview mir…

1
001 Training frequency - why the diminishing returns of volume makes higher frequencies better 49:57

2M ago49:57

49:57

In this debut episode, Jake Doleschal and Chris Beardsley dissect the very first mass-produced bodybuilding program: the Milo Barbell Course. They explore how early bodybuilders trained before steroids existed and what their exercise choices reveal about muscle understanding. They then connect these historical methods to modern muscle physiology, f…

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Effective Meal Prep Strategies | ETP#189 1:03:22

3M ago1:03:22

1:03:22

In this episode, we dive into real-world meal prep strategies that make sticking to your diet easier. We talk about keeping things simple and flexible, finding the right balance between time and money, and how consistency drives results. We also share personal stories, tips on bulk cooking, handling family meals, and what to do when hunger hits dur…

1
Quality Volume | ETP#188 1:00:01

3M ago1:00:01

1:00:01

In episode 188, we delve into the concept of Quality Training Volume, discussing the balance between sufficient volume for progress and avoiding unproductive fatigue. We explore the transition from low to high volume training, and touch on individual variability and frequency in optimizing training outcomes. We highlight the nuances of training ada…

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April 2025 Instagram Q&A | ETP#187 1:15:13

3M ago1:15:13

1:15:13

It is time for the April 2025 Q&A episode. A few notable questions from this month’s episode include the changing perspectives on lengthened bias training, and the implications of GLP-1 medications for health. Timestamps: 00:10:08 - Have you ever had to refer a client for ECAL metabolic testing due to normal labs + you believe they were telling the…

1
When is enough, enough? | ETP#186 53:07

4M ago53:07

53:07

In Episode 186 we cover a question submitted from a woman asking the very complicated question of, “when is enough, enough?”When is the time to stop setting new goals in fitness/physique related pursuits. When you become advanced how do you continue to set new goals? How to know when it’s time to simply maintain what you’ve put the hard work in to …

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Glute Specialization 3x per Week | ETP#185 1:03:08

4M ago1:03:08

1:03:08

In episode 185, we follow up our previous Chest Specialization episode with another body part specialization. This time for the glutes. We detail a few very effective and practical approaches to training the glutes 3x weekly or per rotation taking in all the numerous considerations that go into designing a proper specialization. We walk through our…

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Chest Specialization | ETP#184 1:09:47

5M ago1:09:47

1:09:47

In ETP184, Bryan presents a Masterclass on how to design a chest specialization phase, exploring the various considerations to take into account, and the current lack of depth in using AI for training programming. This episode emphasizes the importance of exercise order, volume, and frequency in optimizing for hypertrophy, intricacies of exercise s…

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February 2025 Instagram Q&A | ETP#183 1:15:37

5M ago1:15:37

1:15:37

00:00:23 Who was the better CrossFitter? Bryan or Aaron? 00:01:47 What are the prime muscle-building years, and how precipitous is the drop off as you age? 00:05:12 What’s your average maintenance diet look like? Can you walk through a typical grocery haul for a week. 00:11:32 What do you think about RFK? 00:16:23 Do you think whey protein powders …

1
Bridging Mental Health & Fitness | ETP#182 57:05

5M ago57:05

57:05

In ETP 182, we explore the deep connection between mental health and fitness, sharing our own experiences with movement and how it’s shaped our well-being. We talk about why exercise is more than just self-care—it’s essential for a strong mind. We break down the science behind movement, and its role in the dopamine reward system, and how some resea…

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Cheat Meals vs Free Meals | ETP#181 1:02:42

6M ago1:02:42

1:02:42

In episode 181, we talk about the differences between cheat meals and free meals, emphasizing the importance of intent and context. We then explore how these concepts fit into different nutritional periodization phases, covering the significance of meal planning and the psychological aspects of your choices in each phase. Then we wrap up with the i…

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January 2025 Instagram Q&A | ETP#180 1:03:47

6M ago1:03:47

1:03:47

In episode 180 we cover our January 2025 Instagram Q&A. Per usual we kick off with some personal updates from ourselves. Then we dive into our Q&A. Topics this month range from training weaknesses, frequency, chest development, to defining a lean physique. Some lesser frequently discussed topics include fat loss strategies with insulin resistance, …

1
Mind Pump and The Big 5 | ETP#179 1:03:24

6M ago1:03:24

1:03:24

In ETP179 we dive into The Big Five strength movements and how they stack up when it comes to hypertrophy. This is a follow up to a question we were asked in episode #153 that stirred up a small controversy. So we’ve made an entire episode around it. The majority of the episode covers why exercise selection should always be based on individual goal…

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Resolutions, 75-Hard, Making Lasting Change | ETP#178 1:01:57

7M ago1:01:57

1:01:57

In this episode, we’re kicking off the New Year with some reflections, personal updates, and a deep dive into the 75 Hard challenge. We talk about how identity plays a huge role in making real, lasting changes and how peripheral elements like your environment shape your behavior. We shift into the challenges of sticking to your word—especially when…

1
December 2024 Instagram Q&A | ETP#177 1:19:14

7M ago1:19:14

1:19:14

The final Eat Train Prosper of 2024. Our December Instagram Q&A. Packed with 27 questions to help propel you into a motivated January putting your best foot forward. A BIG THANK YOU to our listeners who’ve supported our ETP project for 4 YEARS NOW. Crazy. Timestamps: 00:00 Introduction and Year-End Reflections 00:04:53 How much do you have to force…

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Identifying Your Goal and Achieving it | ETP#176 1:02:04

8M ago1:02:04

1:02:04

In this episode, we talk about the importance of identifying your underlying fitness or body composition goals, especially as the new year approaches. We explore common falsehoods promoted in the fitness industry, the challenges of navigating between bulking and cutting, and the significance of understanding your goals. The conversation emphasizes …

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November 2024 Instagram Q&A | ETP#175 1:15:30

8M ago1:15:30

1:15:30

Once again it’s time for our Monthly Instagram Q&A for November 2024.This month we are talking Heart Rate Recovery, a bit more on abbreviated training, calf training, we talk a little bit of shit on deli meats, home gym Zone 2 training and more. Always a big thank you to the Eat Train Prosper community for providing us help in crafting these Q&A ep…

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The Truth About Effort | ETP#174 1:06:36

9M ago1:06:36

1:06:36

In this episode, we share some personal updates — Aaron’s recent trip home, dealing with family loss, and balancing that with staying consistent at the gym. We then dive into how gym equipment may impact overall training quality and how/why fitness advice is often oversimplified. We chat about the importance of effort in reaching fitness goals, the…

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Passion to Profession: Becoming a Coach | ETP#173 1:07:49

9M ago1:07:49

1:07:49

In episode 173 we detail how they first started in the coaching industry, how we got past the starting out phase to gain momentum, we share our "Do or Die moments, reflect upon what success means and how those goal posts get moved, and finally highlight some memorable moments in our careers thus far. Timestamps: 00:00:00 - Introduction and Updates …

1
October 2024 Q&A | ETP#172 1:23:31

9M ago1:23:31

1:23:31

It’s time for the Monthly Instagram Q&A. October 2024 edition. Notable questions our opinion on the volume and frequency recommendations, whether additional cardiovascular work can be beneficial to hypertrophy, and how to provide nutrition coaching for an entire 30 athlete football team. As always, a big thank you to the ETP community for providing…

1
365 Days to Your Best Physique | ETP#171 59:50

9M ago59:50

59:50

In episode 171, we propose the idea of spending an entire year dedicated to building your best physique possible (thus far.) We talk about intelligently structuring your training and nutrition phases, from building muscle to calorie deficits, and share some personal and professional anecdotes along the way. We cover key topics like dieting, mainten…

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Recovery Strategies + Motivation | ETP#170 1:08:44

10M ago1:08:44

1:08:44

In episode 170, we chat about the connection between recovery and motivation in training. We provide updates on how our training is going, talk about different ways to measure recovery, and share some tips on using recovery tools. We highlight the importance of knowing your own stress triggers, the role of a positive mindset, and using methods like…

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September 2024 Instagram Q&A | ETP#169 1:22:57

10M ago1:22:57

1:22:57

It is once again time for our Monthly Instagram Q&A episode. September 2024 edition. This month we cover 18 questions. Notable highlights are a protein bar that might actually be worth giving your macros, and combating overwhelm from all the new content constantly released from the evidence based community. Thanks for listening! Published research …

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The New Hype: Hybrid Training | ETP#168 1:20:03

11M ago1:20:03

1:20:03

In this episode, we dive into hybrid training, which is all the rave right now. We point out that hybrid training doesn’t have to mean running, and that your goals should guide your approach. Bryan shares how cutting back on both cardio and lifting volume has worked wonders for him. We also talk about picking the right modality for you and the bene…

1
Personalizing Your Training Volume | ETP#167 1:05:32

11M ago1:05:32

1:05:32

In episode 167, we discuss how to personalize training volume, covering key considerations like progression, training age, effort, and schedule demands. We emphasize the need to find the right balance between volume and effort, and the importance of individualizing volume for different muscle groups. We also highlight the impact of non-gym factors,…

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Current Topics in the Evidence-Based Scene | ETP#166 1:17:13

11M ago1:17:13

1:17:13

In ETP166, we dive into common discussions in evidence-based training. We cover training volume across different training ages, maintenance volume, training to failure, and rep performance. We also discuss how exercise selection impacts volume and why individual factors matter for muscle growth and maintenance. While failure isn’t always necessary …

1
Abs & Calves Training | ETP#165 57:12

12M ago57:12

57:12

In part eight of this series, we wrap up our Training series with a focus on abs and calves. We discuss different movement patterns for abs, like flexion and rotation, we emphasize using full range of motion - just like any other movement pattern. We also cover training our preferred frequency, volumes, and share our favorite exercises. Then we div…

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August 2024 Instagram Q&A | ETP#164 1:22:19

12M ago1:22:19

1:22:19

In our August 2024 Q&A episode we answer 26 different questions ranging of course from training, to nutrition, and even some personal questions. As always, a big thank you to those who help us provide this content! 00:00 Introduction and Updates 09:58 I’ve been in a surplus for about a year now. Eating 4500 calories, but no longer gaining. Any thou…

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What It Takes to Get Very Lean | ETP#163 1:11:00

1y ago1:11:00

1:11:00

In this episode, we dive deep into the discussion of what it takes to get very lean. We'll cover essential considerations like your starting point, personal value system, and indirect factors impacting your progress. We'll also talk about some of the tradeoffs and expectations you may face in your journey to achieve a very lean physique. TIMESTAMPS…

1
Kyle Baxter | ETP#162 1:04:31

1y ago1:04:31

1:04:31

This week on the podcast we have Kyle Baxter. “Bax” is a physio by trade but with some unconventional approaches to his work which is why we wanted to bring him on. I can almost guarantee you will hear some refreshing perspectives on common lifting injuries and what you can do to reduce the likelihood of these issues presenting themselves in your f…

1
Training Around Injuries | ETP#161 1:26:04

1y ago1:26:04

1:26:04

This week on Episode 162 we discuss what types of injuries and limitations we’ve personally dealt with over the years and how we’ve worked through them or around them. TIMESTAMPS 0:00 - Life/episode updates 19:52 - Disclaimer: WE ARE NOT DOCTORS 26:50 - Knees/Quads 39:02 - Feet/Ankles 44:47 - Hamstrings 48:59 - Low Back/SI/QL 57:21 - Elbows 1:08:05…

1
June Instagram Q&A | ETP#160 1:18:21

1y ago1:18:21

1:18:21

We are back with our Monthly Instagram Q&A episode for June 2024. Today we cover 13 questions almost exclusively on resistance training. A bit about cardio, and one nutrition question about successfully evaluating plateaus in clients pursuing fat loss. Thanks for listening! TIMESTAMPS 0:00 - Life/episode updates 14:42 - Now that you’ve used the Pri…

1
Biceps Training | ETP#159 1:13:05

1y ago1:13:05

1:13:05

In part seven of our Training Series, we are covering the Biceps. Bryan covers some of the anatomy associated with bicep training. Then we provide our top exercise picks and our reasons for effective training of the short and long heads of the biceps. Then we break this down into our three equipment availability tiers, a commercial gym setup, a gar…

1
Triceps Training | ETP#158 1:04:37

1y ago1:04:37

1:04:37

Part six of our series of episodes named the “Design Series.” So far we have covered the Upper Back, Lats, Shoulders, Quads, Chest, and Hamstrings. Today we are talking Triceps! Bryan guides us through best approaching program design for effectively training the medial, lateral, and long heads of the triceps broken down from three equipment availab…

1
Hamstring Training | ETP#157 1:02:22

1y ago1:02:22

1:02:22

Part five of our series of episodes named the “Design Series.” So far we have covered the Upper Back and Lats, Shoulders, Quads, and Chest. In today’s episode we are covering the Hamstrings. Bryan comprehensively walks us through how to best approach intelligent program design for effectively training the hamstrings based on three equipment availab…

1
May 24 Instagram Q&A | ETP#156 1:10:37

1y ago1:10:37

1:10:37

Episode 156 is our monthly Instagram Q&A episode for May 2024. As always, this is one of our favorite episodes we get to do. And we encourage listeners to submit contextual questions so that we can help you get the most out of your personal eating and training endeavors. Catch you next month! TIMESTAMPS 0:00 - Life/episode updates 12:24 - Tips for …

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Our Current Goals and Training | ETP#155 59:39

1y ago59:39

59:39

Join us as we delve into some of our current goals; in regards to training and other tangential goals. Aaron discusses his much anticipated Men’s Physique prep, while Bryan discusses his updated training approach for bike season, and a new project on Instagram. Bryan has started a new page that is autobiographical in nature, following his lifting j…

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Pre Steroid Bodybuilding Podcasts

Podcasts Worth a Listen

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