
Lifting Nerds
Adrian Ma and Brandon Emslie share discussions and interviews with the fitness community's best science-based researchers and coaches.
Episodes
75 episodes
S3E16: Can AI help with Progressive Overload?
We explore the limitations of AI-generated workout programs and discuss when to make changes to your training regimen for optimal results.• AI-generated workout programs often prescribe excessive volume without understanding fatigue man...
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Season 3
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Episode 16
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42:15

S3E15: When You Chase Striations for 11 Months feat Sam Kaplan
Sam Kaplan shares his journey as a natural bodybuilder who has competed in seven shows and is currently preparing for his fifth competition season. He offers insights from years of experience that have shaped his approach to training, nutrition...
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Season 3
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Episode 15
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1:06:18

S3E14: Why Your Next Bodybuilding Offseason Could Make or Break Your Progress
Brandon and Adrian discuss their current offseason strategies, challenges in building muscle naturally, and optimal approaches for long-term physique development.• Brandon is currently at 180-183 lbs, aiming to reach 190 lbs by December...
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Season 3
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Episode 14
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43:44

S3E13 - Cheekbones for Days: Path to the Natural Pro Stage feat Eric Helms
Eric Helms shares his journey from amateur to WNBF Pro and his preparation for upcoming shows in Taiwan and Sacramento. He discusses how his approach to competition prep has evolved to create a sustainable bodybuilding lifestyle where the diffe...
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Season 3
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Episode 13
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1:32:54

S3E12: Are You Fighting Your Own DNA in the Gym?
Genetics significantly influence your bodybuilding potential, but understanding your limitations can help you maximize your physique through strategic training and posing techniques.• Brandon and Adrian analyze their own genetic structu...
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Season 3
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Episode 12
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1:04:18

S3E11: Managing Your Mind When Someone Stronger Steps on Stage
We explore the psychological aspects of bodybuilding competition, from managing expectations to building friendships with competitors, and share our personal journeys to achieving pro cards in the WNBF.• Managing comparison with other c...
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Season 3
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Episode 11
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52:13

S3E10: Navigating Recovery and Supplements in Bodybuilding
We explore post-competition recovery, supplement efficacy, and navigating the often confusing world of sports nutrition while debunking common misconceptions.• Gaining 6 pounds after a bodybuilding show can be normal with increased sodi...
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Season 3
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Episode 10
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36:59

S3E9: From Show Reports to Training Tips: Two Coaches Talk Shop
Kristen celebrates earning his WNBF pro card after 14 years of dedicated training, marking the culmination of his natural bodybuilding journey that brought both relief and peace in that moment of achievement.• Natural bodybuilding compe...
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Season 3
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Episode 9
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50:35

S3E8: Peak Performance on the Go
Bodybuilding competitions already demand meticulous planning, but competing away from home introduces a whole new level of challenge that requires strategic preparation and adaptability.• Planning meals for travel requires adapting to t...
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Season 3
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Episode 8
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45:49

S3E7: The Strong Mamas App: Breaking Fitness Stigmas During Pregnancy
Krysten Janzen, WNBF Bikini Pro and certified prenatal/postnatal coach, shares her personal pregnancy journey and evidence-based advice for strength training during pregnancy. She discusses launching her Strong Mamas app to combat misinformatio...
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Season 3
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Episode 7
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32:30

S3E6 - The Hidden Truth About Visual Progress
We examine the realities of physical transformation and share insights on how to accurately measure progress beyond what you see in the mirror. Drawing from our competition prep experience, we explore stubborn fat areas, transitioning from regu...
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Season 3
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Episode 6
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44:19

S3E5: The Relationship Survival Guide for Natural Bodybuilders
Navigating relationships while deep in bodybuilding prep presents unique challenges that extend beyond just physical training and diet restrictions. We share personal strategies for maintaining healthy partnerships when your significant other d...
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Season 3
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Episode 5
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45:39

Massage Therapy and Bodybuilding with James Wheeler
Manual therapy plays an essential role in enhancing athletic performance and recovery. James Wheeler shares valuable insights into how identifying and treating underlying issues can prevent injuries and improve well-being for athletes at all le...
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Season 3
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Episode 4
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43:51

S3E3 - Secrets to Conquering Competition Challenges
Bodybuilding competition preparation requires commitment, knowledge, and a proper understanding of one’s body. Aspiring competitors often underestimate the timeline and the body fat levels necessary to achieve stage readiness, leading to common...
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Season 3
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Episode 3
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48:59

S3E2: Leo King conquering the Stage in Natural Bodybuilding and the Rise of the Classic Physique Division
Natural bodybuilding is on the rise, and Leo King, a key figure in the community, shares his insights from a stunning 2024 season. From detailed preparation techniques to the mental challenges faced by athletes, Leo emphasizes the importance of...
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Season 3
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Episode 2
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47:40

S3E1 - Return of the Lifting Nerds: Brandon's Transformative Journey in Bodybuilding
This episode marks the exciting return of the Lifting Nerds podcast after a two-year hiatus. We share personal growth stories, updates on our lives, and discuss new goals for the upcoming 2025 competition season, emphasizing the significance of...
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Season 3
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Episode 1
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50:24

S2E11 - Strength Programming for Bodybuilders vs Powerlifters, Fatigue Management, Prepping for meets vs Recreational lifters feat. Brian Minor
With Sheffield coming to a close, powerlifting has been a major sport in the lifting community.The host speak with one of their OG guest Brian Minor.Is a competitive natural bodybuilder but also a raw powerlifter in the...
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Season 2
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Episode 11
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1:02:52

S2E10 - HYPERTROPHY VARIABLES feat. DR. ERIC HELMS
Meeting our fitness hero.The host speak with Eric helms, I mean DOCTOR Eric Helms. The GOAT. Where he speaks about different variations in lifting.Understanding muscle hypertrophy on what recent data has suggested as we...
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Season 2
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Episode 10
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1:06:38

HOW TO PREP FOR MULTIPLE SHOWS (feat. Jeff Alberts)
Another big monster episode has we have the godfather! With all his wisdom and long experience he shares with us practical ways on how to prep for multiple shows and planning out your competition year.And much more..Fo...
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Season 2
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Episode 8
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54:14

S2E7 - How to deal with Body Dysmorphia
A big monster episode, the host talk about what this disorder is, also called BDD. They will also talk about their personal experience on body dysmorphia. However, the most important aspect to this is identifying yourself if it's goal oriented ...
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Season 2
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Episode 7
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34:28

S2E6 - Periodizing Nutrition
A lot of folks out there have already got a good idea how to set your training through a macrocycle, but a lot of people get lost with the eating. The eating will take a big part of your fitness journey, to make your progress even faster. The h...
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Season 2
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Episode 6
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36:07

S2E5 - Feeling Hungry?
If you are on a caloric deficit, does mean we reduce the amount of food you intake.Here the host talk about the actual practical solutions on how to deal with hunger levels within a fat loss phase and also when you are a competitive bodybui...
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Season 2
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Episode 5
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33:19

S2E4 - Hip Thrust cannot grow your glutes
Here the host speak about how the barbell glute bridge was an overrated glute exercise and now there have been studies that it may not be the answer to growing your booty. They dig deep into the glute anatomy to identify what the function of th...
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Season 2
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Episode 4
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46:35

S2E3 - Natural Or Not
Here the host talk about a sensitive matter but yet not enough people talk about it, they talk about natural bodybuilding and enhanced bodybuilding. There has been different perspectives in how people look at enhanced bodybuilders. However, the...
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Season 2
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Episode 3
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46:06

S2E2 - You're Training Too Much
Here the host talk about a lot of mistakes people make. By training too much! The host dig deep into what is volume and what is within it. Some things on common volume mistakes and also what is a much efficient approach to training volume for m...
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Season 2
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Episode 2
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24:57
