The Revive Stronger Podcast

In this episode, I sit down with Dr. Colby Sousa—sport scientist, coach, and lifter—to discuss his journey from being an overweight kid to pursuing a PhD in hypertrophy research under Eric Helms. We cover his biggest takeaways from working with top researchers like Helms & Zourdos. Surprising insights from studies on energy surpluses & reps in reserve accuracy. His approach to training & nutrition as he preps for his first bodybuilding show. How anime has influenced his mindset & approach to lifting If you want science-backed muscle-building advice with a mix of anime wisdom, you won’t want to miss this one! Listen now!

In this conversation, Steve Hall and Dr. Scott Stevenson delve into the implications of AI on our lives, particularly in the context of coaching and bodybuilding. They discuss the importance of 'clean thinking' as a mental nourishment akin to clean eating, and the dangers of over-reliance on technology, which can lead to cognitive decline, or 'digital dementia.' The discussion emphasizes the value of struggle, hard work, and the role of coaching in personal development, while also highlighting the need for self-reliance and the importance of mental challenges in achieving growth. They explore how technology can both aid and hinder our cognitive abilities, and the necessity of maintaining a balance between using technology and developing our own skills. The conversation wraps up with reflections on the future of bodybuilding and coaching, and the importance of community and shared experiences in overcoming challenges.

Astrid Naranjo joins the podcast to share her journey through her first competitive season. We discuss what finally made her step on stage, how she handled the highs and lows of prep, and the key lessons she learned. She also opens up about her past eating disorder and whether competing triggered any challenges, plus her unique approach to post-show recovery. Finally, we look at her future plans in the IFBB Wellness division. A must-listen for anyone interested in bodybuilding, mindset, and the realities of stepping on stage!

Dr. Eric Helms is back on the podcast for an in-depth discussion on his latest training and nutrition insights. We revisit his uni-corn offseason gains, how his recent mini cut set him up for prep, and why he’s able to handle close to 30 sets per week for multiple muscle groups. We also break down his latest research on protein intake when dieting, including key takeaways from his recent paper with Martin Refalo and Eric Trexler. Plus, we dive into the ongoing protein debate between Menno Henselmans and Milo Wolf. To wrap up, we tackle a big issue in the evidence-based space—science communication. With new studies frequently challenging existing ideas, many lifters feel lost in a whirlwind of conflicting information. Eric shares his perspective on how to navigate it all. This one is packed with insights to help you train smarter—don’t miss it!

In this episode of the Revive Stronger podcast, we dive into how training studies are actually conducted with insights from Eric Helms, Dr. Eduardo de Souza, Chris Barakat, Jake Remmert, Martin Refalo, and Dr. Pak. We cover common misconceptions, RIR accuracy, training intensity, music’s impact, and guiding participants in research. If you rely on studies for your training, this episode will help you better interpret research and clear up misconceptions. A must-listen for evidence-based lifters and coaches!