Lessons Learned from Austin's 2026 Prep

In this episode, Austin shares his recent contest prep experience, including his new approach to peak week, training, and supplementation. He discusses lessons learned from multiple show seasons, peptide use, and insights into optimising physique and performance between seasons.

In this episode, Joe and Austin explore the neuroscience of anxiety, the role of supplements, and practical strategies for managing anxiety through neuroplasticity and acceptance.Chapters00:00 Introduction and Personal Reflections02:02 Understanding Anxiety and Supplementation06:00 Neuroplasticity and Its Role in Anxiety11:47 The Mechanisms of Exposure Therapy18:00 Practical Strategies for Managing Anxiety23:57 The Role of Acceptance in Anxiety Management31:18 Embracing Anxiety as a Tool for Growth34:47 Understanding Anxiety: Normal vs. Disorder38:23 The Role of Supplements in Managing Anxiety46:07 Awareness and Acceptance: Key to Overcoming Anxiety59:14 Gradual Exposure: The Path to Resilience

Join Joe and Austin as they discuss modern training strategies, the impact of AI on coaching, and practical insights for advanced bodybuilders. This episode offers deep dives into exercise selection, volume management, and the evolution of bodybuilding programming.Chapters00:00 Welcome Back and Podcast Dynamics01:54 Challenges of Coaching in Today's Environment04:14 The Evolution of Training Techniques05:38 Rethinking Equipment Use in Training11:13 Injury Prevention and Load Management17:06 Advanced Training Strategies and Volume Management19:31 Training Prioritization and Programming Flexibility22:57 Effective Reps and Training Volume Insights26:54 Deloading and Adaptation Cycles32:30 Exercise Selection and Neural Adaptation38:35 The Evolution of Training Trends and PracticesResourcesAustin Stout on Instagram - https://instagram.com/austinst8Joe's Instagram - https://instagram.com/joe_physiquecollective

SummaryIn this episode of the OPD podcast, Joe and Austin dive into a range of topics centered around stress & functional health. This leads to a broader conversation about the autonomic nervous system and its connection to functional health, where they explore how mindset and emotional states can impact physical well-being. Joe shares insights from his experiences at a meditation retreat, emphasizing the importance of regulation and the challenges of managing stress and anxiety in today's fast-paced world.As the conversation progresses, Joe and Austin delve into the concept of neuroplasticity, discussing how our brains adapt to stress and the importance of acceptance in the healing process. They highlight the paradox of seeking to fix symptoms while inadvertently reinforcing them through anxiety and fear. The duo also touches on the significance of mindfulness practices, such as meditation and being present in daily activities, as tools for fostering resilience and emotional regulation. The episode concludes with practical advice for listeners on how to cultivate awareness and acceptance in their lives, ultimately leading to a healthier relationship with their bodies and minds.Takeaways"The poison is in the dose.""You can't fix everything, nor should you try to.""Thinking about something doesn't make it work better.""What you resist persists.""Surrendering to discomfort is key for neuroplasticity.""Mindfulness is about being with whatever is.""Acceptance is the foundation of healing.""Every time you resist a thought, you rewire your brain.""Stress can manifest in many ways, but it often stems from the same root.""Neuroplasticity takes time and patience."Chapters00:00 Introduction and Illness Reflections02:29 Exploring the Autonomic Nervous System05:52 The Role of Mindset in Health11:20 Contemplation and Identity Crises in Bodybuilding16:04 The Stress Cycle and Health Anxiety21:28 Neuroplasticity and Acceptance in Healing30:33 The Journey to Autonomy in Bodybuilding38:55 Evolving Needs and Personal Growth40:50 Neurological Resilience and Discomfort44:27 Mindfulness and Observing Thoughts49:10 Surrendering to the Present Moment53:34 Meditation as a Tool for Awareness01:01:05 Intentional Delayed Gratification and Neuroplasticity

SummaryIn this episode of the OPD podcast, Joe and Austin welcome Tom Shepherd, a performance coach and author, to discuss the importance of mindfulness in training and life. Tom shares his journey in the fitness industry, emphasizing the significance of quality over quantity in training, the role of suffering in personal growth, and the transformative power of meditation. The conversation explores how mindfulness can enhance performance in sports and daily activities, the flow state, and the importance of creating a culture of self-improvement. Tom also introduces his upcoming venture, Kaizen, focused on constant self-improvement.Takeaways- Mindfulness is about channeling attention to what we want in our lives.- Mindfulness can enhance performance in sports and daily activities.- Suffering can lead to personal growth and deeper meaning in life.- Meditation should focus on acceptance and stillness, not just relaxation.- Finding meaning in suffering can transform our perspective on life.- Athletic endeavours can provide a safe space to explore suffering and resilience.- The flow state is where effortless action occurs, enhancing performance.- Recognising moments of mindfulness can lead to greater fulfillment in life.- Creating a culture of self-improvement is essential for personal development.Chapters00:00 Introduction to Tom Shepherd and Mindfulness02:37 The Importance of Mindfulness in Performance04:32 Understanding Focus and Attention08:48 Quality Over Quantity in Training12:41 Practicing Mindfulness in Daily Life15:28 The Impact of Environment on Mindfulness20:14 Mindfulness in Martial Arts and Training23:58 Self-Reflection and Mindfulness in Work30:27 Finding Meaning in Activities37:33 The Relationship Between Fun and Meaning40:41 The Balance of Thrills and Meaning41:28 Mindfulness and the Search for Meaning42:15 Understanding Suffering and Its Role in Life43:38 Facing Inner Demons for Personal Growth45:35 Resilience Through Adversity46:19 Meditation: Beyond Relaxation48:53 Cultivating Focus and Mindfulness51:42 The Importance of Non-Goal-Oriented Meditation53:45 Finding Effortless Action in Life55:52 The Flow State and Meaningful Action58:43 Applying Mindfulness to Everyday Life01:00:58 Creating Meaning Through Responsibility01:04:10 The Necessity of Suffering for Fulfillment01:05:31 Strength Through Suffering01:06:17 The Future of Coaching and Self-Improvement

SummaryIn this episode of the OPD podcast, Joe and Austin delve into the complexities of functional health, discussing the impact of social media on health anxiety, the dangers of fear-based marketing, and the importance of understanding the root causes of symptoms. They explore how stress and anxiety can exacerbate health issues and emphasize the need for mindfulness and acceptance in managing health. The conversation also touches on the unique challenges faced by competitors in the fitness industry and the significance of education in navigating the functional health landscape.TakeawaysFunctional health is often misrepresented on social media.Symptoms can be exacerbated by health anxiety and stress.Fear-based marketing can lead to unnecessary health concerns.Mindfulness practices can help regulate the nervous system.Understanding the root causes of symptoms is crucial for healing.Many health issues are secondary to stress and anxiety.Competitors in fitness may face unique health challenges.It's important to avoid echo chambers in health discussions.Temporary symptom relief is not a long-term solution.Education and understanding are key in functional health.Chapters00:00 Introduction to the Podcast and Video Format02:04 Exploring Functional Health and Its Misconceptions03:28 The Role of Symptoms and Health Anxiety05:26 The Impact of Social Media on Health Perception07:52 The Complexity of Health Issues and Treatment Approaches12:01 Understanding the Feedback Loop of Symptoms and Stress14:53 The Importance of Systemic Thinking in Health18:33 The Dangers of Fear-Based Marketing in Health22:01 Navigating Health Information and Testing24:49 The Role of Diet and Lifestyle in Health Management27:55 Temporary Solutions vs. Long-Term Health Strategies31:04 Navigating Variability in Health34:15 Understanding Stress and Anxiety Responses38:16 The Role of Mindfulness and Acceptance42:04 Breaking Free from Reliance on Supplements46:04 The Impact of Marketing on Health Perception50:43 Trust Issues in Health Coaching54:46 Identifying Stress as a Core Issue57:07 Functional Health for Competitors vs. General Population

We are honoured to be joined today by the master of the neurosteroid and TRT-realm, Dave Lee, to dig into some of the more intricate discussion surrounding pregnenolone supplementation for mental health, sleep, quality of life & more.Check out Dave here:IG: @imdaveleeLinktr.ee/imdavelee

Back for another IG Q&A, today we run through Joe's experience of the Arnold's, autonomic nervous system interactions with chronic illness, and a bunch of listener questions.

In this episode, Austin runs us through his most recent prep in detail, how he added a significant amount of size, how he landed peeled, and how he feels about the placings.

A long-form, open discussion on how we like to handle peak week's for a variety of classes and criteria.