Welcome to Episode 191 of the Bodybuilding Down Under Podcast!

In the first episode of 2026, the boys kick things off with a wide-ranging Q&A discussion covering the realities of contest prep, natural bodybuilding, and where the sport may be heading this year.

We open with a deep dive into a question many competitors quietly ask after their first show: how many people actually come back to compete again  and what factors influence whether someone returns for a second or third prep. From lifestyle demands and expectations to placings, enjoyment of the process, and long-term goals, we unpack why contest prep tends to be a make-or-break experience.

The conversation then shifts to natural bodybuilding integrity, including discussion around emerging peptides, appetite-modulating drugs, and where the line sits between recovery tools, unfair advantage, and the spirit of drug-tested sport. We also explore supplement quality, third-party testing, and the realities of contamination risk for natural athletes.

To wrap up, the boys reflect on major fitness and bodybuilding trends from 2025, make some early predictions for 2026, and discuss individual training priorities, exercise selection, and performance goals moving into the new year. Enjoy!