Behind Bodybuilding

Emilia (Mila) Arutunian is the team leader of the firm’s employment and labor team and a partner at Gomez Trial Attorneys. Prior to joining Gomez Trial Attorneys, Mila spent her career litigating cases on the defense side, including defending California businesses against claims and lawsuits involving workplace harassment, discrimination and retaliation.

After being exposed to the overwhelming challenges employees suffered in the modern workplace, Mila left the defense world to utilize her skill set and pursue her passion in representing the people in bringing lawsuits to help employees who have been wronged by their employers and suffered emotional or financial losses as a result of the same.

Her specialty is representing women who have been sexually harassed or assaulted in the workplace. Mila has been named Best Lawyers, Ones to Watch in Labor and Employment Litigation in 2021, 2022, 2023 and 2024 and was selected as a Finalist for the San Diego Business Journal’s Leaders in the Law Awards in 2021. She was California Attorney Journal’s Attorney of the Month in March 2023. 

In this episode, Mila talks about how her discipline at work translates to her discipline at home as well as the gym. As a mom of 3, Mila is a true example of a badass babe!

Mila:  Email: [email protected]  Instagram: http://www.instagram.com/your_employment_lawyer 

After a few weeks, Derek has returned! In this episode, Derek and Danielle get caught up on everything that's been happening in their own lives, then go into the importance of eating right, and training hard (and what that actually means).

In this episode, we take a few steps back from our "gear" episodes, and talk about the foundation any bodybuilder or lifestyle client needs to succeed.

Danielle:  Instagram: http://www.instagram.com/ifbbpro_daniellePetze  eMail: [email protected]  - Derek: http://www.instagram.com/derekLifts  - Behind Bodybuilding on IG: https://www.instagram.com/behind_bodybuilding/  - Discounts: Amino Asylum (Discount Code Danielle) https://aminoasylum.shop  - Chimera Compounds (Code: Danielle): https://chimeracompounds.com/?ref=1w8htunu  - True Nutrition (Discount applied with link): Http://www.Truenutrition.com/discount/vegandanielle  - Directional Force (Code: Danielle, 15% off plus free shipping): http://www.directionalforce.com  - Upside: Cash back on gas and other errands! Click to get an extra 15¢/gal bonus the first time you make a purchase: https://upside.app.link/DANIELLE452952  - Nutrex (Code: Danielle): https://www.nutrex.com/?aff=2091  - Alpen Organics (Discount Applied with Link): http://alpenorganics.com/?ref=zxbybckj  - Mega Fit Meals (Discount Applied with Link): https://megafitmeals.rfrl.co/64p89 

Taylor Woody is a competitive powerlifter and the owner of research chemical company, Chimera Compounds. 

Chimera Compounds is your one-stop-shop for research chemicals; including SARMs and peptides. Chimera Compounds also does 3rd party testing on their products.

In this episode, Taylor tells a little of his story on how he got into the business, along with some of the potential applications of certain compounds. We talk about Semaglutide, Tirz, BPC-157, TB-500 (transdermal and injectable), Ipamorelin, CJC, MK-677, S4, Cardarine, Melanotan, and other various peptides, SARMs and nootropics.

Disclaimer: Chimera Compounds sells products for research purposes only. They are not intended for human consumption. You must be 21 or older to purchase. Please review all terms and conditions before purchasing. Terms and conditions are located here: https://chimeracompounds.com/terms-and-conditions/ 

For discounts on the Chimera Compounds site, please visit https://chimeracompounds.com/?ref=1w8htunu and use coupon code "Danielle". - Taylor Woody: https://www.instagram.com/hoodywood68_92  - Chimera Compounds: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/chimera.compounds/  Website: https://chimeracompounds.com/  - Danielle:  Instagram: http://www.instagram.com/ifbbpro_daniellePetze  eMail: [email protected]  - Derek: http://www.instagram.com/derekLifts  - Behind Bodybuilding on IG: https://www.instagram.com/behind_bodybuilding/  - Discounts: Chimera Compounds (Code: Danielle): https://chimeracompounds.com/?ref=1w8htunu  - True Nutrition (Discount applied with link): Http://www.Truenutrition.com/discount/vegandanielle  - Directional Force (Code: Danielle, 15% off plus free shipping): http://www.directionalforce.com  - Upside: Cash back on gas and other errands! Click to get an extra 15¢/gal bonus the first time you make a purchase: https://upside.app.link/DANIELLE452952  - Nutrex (Code: Danielle): https://www.nutrex.com/?aff=2091  - Alpen Organics (Discount Applied with Link): http://alpenorganics.com/?ref=zxbybckj  - Mega Fit Meals (Discount Applied with Link): https://megafitmeals.rfrl.co/64p89 

Mara Ruckman is an IFBB Pro in the Women's Physique category. She has a background in competitive powerlifting, which ultimately led to her competing in a bodybuilding show. Mara is also a single mom who dealt with some pretty heavy traumas, but instead of letting everything bring her down, she picked herself up and was able to conquer some of her biggest goals.

In this episode, Mara talks about getting surprised with a divorce all while she was planning on stepping away from her full-time job and pursuing her passion in competing. Obviously this news created a massive challenge in her goal to step on stage again.

Mara went through some major depressions during the divorce, but was thankfully able to rely on her belief in God to get her through everything. 

Today, Mara has a goal in inspiring others, especially single moms, to keep going for their passions, regardless of what life throws at you!

Mara: Instagram: http://www.instagram.com/ifbbpro_mara 

Danielle:  Instagram: http://www.instagram.com/ifbbpro_daniellePetze  eMail: [email protected]  - Derek: http://www.instagram.com/derekLifts  - Behind Bodybuilding on IG: https://www.instagram.com/behind_bodybuilding/  - Discounts: Amino Asylum (Discount Code “Danielle”) https://aminoasylum.shop  - True Nutrition (Discount applied with link): Http://www.Truenutrition.com/discount/vegandanielle  - Directional Force (Code: Danielle, 15% off plus free shipping): http://www.directionalforce.com  - Upside: Cash back on gas and other errands! Click to get an extra 15¢/gal bonus the first time you make a purchase: https://upside.app.link/DANIELLE452952  - Nutrex (Code: Danielle): https://www.nutrex.com/?aff=2091  - Alpen Organics (Discount Applied with Link): http://alpenorganics.com/?ref=zxbybckj  - Mega Fit Meals (Discount Applied with Link): https://megafitmeals.rfrl.co/64p89 

Kayla Finch is a Nationally-Qualified Women's Physique competitor. Kayla has a background in team sports and other forms of athletics, but didn't begin competing until June of 2024, where I had the priveledge of competing against her.

Kayla was also in the Navy, which provided some extra discipline and a winner's mindset. However, before competing Kayla (and me as well), only had the goal of "getting skinny"; bodybuilding wasn't something she considered until after a few other friends and an ex-boyfriend showed her a little glimpse of the industry.

In this episode, Kayla describes how getting 2nd place at her first show inspired her to work harder, which led to her to take 1st at her next show. Kayla and I also talk about the difference between athletes at the NPC level versus the Pro level.

Kayla and I also talked about some of the similarities in bodybuilders with needing structure and a plan in order to succeed.

Kayla: https://www.instagram.com/kayla_finch/ 

Danielle:  Instagram: http://www.instagram.com/ifbbpro_daniellePetze  eMail: [email protected]  - Derek: http://www.instagram.com/derekLifts  - Behind Bodybuilding on IG: https://www.instagram.com/behind_bodybuilding/  - Discounts: True Nutrition (Discount applied with link): Http://www.Truenutrition.com/discount/vegandanielle  - Directional Force (Code: Danielle, 15% off plus free shipping): http://www.directionalforce.com  - Upside: Cash back on gas and other errands! Click to get an extra 15¢/gal bonus the first time you make a purchase: https://upside.app.link/DANIELLE452952  - Nutrex (Code: Danielle): https://www.nutrex.com/?aff=2091  - Alpen Organics (Discount Applied with Link): http://alpenorganics.com/?ref=zxbybckj  - Mega Fit Meals (Discount Applied with Link): https://megafitmeals.rfrl.co/64p89  - Amino Asylum (Discount Code “Danielle”) https://aminoasylum.shop 

Sean Nelson is a professional photographer who specializes in fitness photography. In High School, Sean realized he made a lot of people smile when he began editing fun videos from friends' paeties. A few years later, he moved from Philadelphia to Las Vegas to focus on video production. Shortly after, his focus switched to fitness photography.

In this episode, we truly go "behind bodybuilding" as Sean talks about what it takes to be a good photographer, and how to capture the right looks. He also shares some of his personal stories and how he fell in love with the bodybuilding industry.

Sean Nelson: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/seannelsonphoto/  YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@Seannelsonphoto  Website: www.sean-nelson.com 

Danielle:  Instagram: http://www.instagram.com/ifbbpro_daniellePetze  eMail: [email protected]  - Derek: http://www.instagram.com/derekLifts  - Behind Bodybuilding on IG: https://www.instagram.com/behind_bodybuilding/  - Discounts: True Nutrition (Discount applied with link): Http://www.Truenutrition.com/discount/vegandanielle  - Directional Force (Code: Danielle, 15% off plus free shipping): http://www.directionalforce.com  - Upside: Cash back on gas and other errands! Click to get an extra 15¢/gal bonus the first time you make a purchase: https://upside.app.link/DANIELLE452952  - Nutrex (Code: Danielle): https://www.nutrex.com/?aff=2091  - Alpen Organics (Discount Applied with Link): http://alpenorganics.com/?ref=zxbybckj  - Mega Fit Meals (Discount Applied with Link): https://megafitmeals.rfrl.co/64p89  - Amino Asylum (Discount Code “Danielle”) https://aminoasylum.shop 

Oscar Gastelum is a seasoned professional with over 27 years of expertise in Mortgage banking and a commanding presence in Private Money Lending across the country. Oscar's leadership goes beyond accolades; he is a recipient of numerous top producer and service awards, solidifying his status as an industry luminary. His philosophy blends old-fashioned banking principles with a contemporary tech edge, enabling him to offer unparalleled personal service. 

Oscar is also a Nationally Qualified athlete in the Men's Physique category. With his shown dedication to both fitness and finance, he is a true representative of the phrase "How you do something, is how you do everything".

In this episode, Oscar explains his role in Private Money Lending, and describes some of the parallels between competing in a bodybuilding competition and being successful in life. - Oscar:  Instagram: http://www.instagram.com/all_in_withog  LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/oscar-a-gastelum-99354330/  - Danielle:  Instagram: http://www.instagram.com/ifbbpro_daniellePetze  eMail: [email protected]  - Derek: http://www.instagram.com/derekLifts  - Behind Bodybuilding on IG: https://www.instagram.com/behind_bodybuilding/  - Discounts: True Nutrition (Discount applied with link): Http://www.Truenutrition.com/discount/vegandanielle  - Directional Force (Code: Danielle, 15% off plus free shipping): http://www.directionalforce.com  -  Upside: Cash back on gas and other errands! Click to get an extra 15¢/gal bonus the first time you make a purchase: https://upside.app.link/DANIELLE452952  - Nutrex (Code: Danielle): https://www.nutrex.com/?aff=2091  - Alpen Organics (Discount Applied with Link): http://alpenorganics.com/?ref=zxbybckj  - Mega Fit Meals (Discount Applied with Link): https://megafitmeals.rfrl.co/64p89  - Amino Asylum (Discount Code “Danielle”) https://aminoasylum.shop  - 01:15 How Oscar started competing 03:12 How Oscar got into finance 04:50 What is Private Money Lending? 08:25 Having the mindset and discipline can make you go far in any field 11:15 Why building a team is important 13:10 Making a plan with the end in mind and "The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People": https://a.co/d/2SYt8iD  22:22 "Take the right action steps and the results wiill follow" 23:01 Disecting the action steps in a fitness or business goal 25:00 Maintaining mental health before physical health 27:45 Being a role model for your children 28:47 Being smart with WHO you invest your time with, to create balance in life 31:57 Putting yourself in check 33:25 "I don't come from money" 36:22 How perceived negative situations can build your character 38:45 Turning fear to fuel 41:45 "Rich Dad, Poor Dad": https://a.co/d/aaqauxH  43:05 "I was meant for something greater" - learning to change a lacking mindset, to one of success 51:30 Raising strong kids who will take risks 57:20 Recovering after a "big mistake" 58:25 Continuing in the face of no results, then analyze, then make changes

John Thomas has been lifting weights for fifteen years. He did his first bodybuilding show in 2014 and has been an online fitness coach who was worked with over 200 individuals with highly customized plans.

In this episode, John and Derek talk about their personal experience with TRT and other compounds, as well as a proper Post Cycle Therapy.

Disclaimer: This podcast discusses topics that may be sensitive for some listeners. We also dive into subjects that may be illegal in your area. This podcast is intended for entertainment purposes only and should NOT be used as medical advice. Always consult with your doctor and research the laws in your area before starting any sort of regimine. - John:  Instagram: http://www.instagram.com/thebodybuildingvegan  Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/john.thomas.5473894?mibextid=LQQJ4d  Website: https://thebodybuildingvegan.com/  Shrooms (Discount Code: BodybuildingVegan): https://goldeneuphorics.org/shop/ols/products/golden-teacher-capsules  LinkTree: https://linktr.ee/thebodybuildingvegan  - Danielle:  Instagram: http://www.instagram.com/ifbbpro_daniellePetze  eMail: [email protected]  - Derek: http://www.instagram.com/derekLifts  - Behind Bodybuilding on IG: https://www.instagram.com/behind_bodybuilding/  - Discounts: True Nutrition (Discount applied with link): Http://www.Truenutrition.com/discount/vegandanielle  - Directional Force (Code: Danielle, 15% off plus free shipping): http://www.directionalforce.com  - Upside: Cash back on gas and other errands! Click to get an extra 15¢/gal bonus the first time you make a purchase: https://upside.app.link/DANIELLE452952  - Nutrex (Code: Danielle): https://www.nutrex.com/?aff=2091  - Alpen Organics (Discount Applied with Link): http://alpenorganics.com/?ref=zxbybckj  - Mega Fit Meals (Discount Applied with Link): https://megafitmeals.rfrl.co/64p89  - Amino Asylum (Discount Code “Danielle”) https://aminoasylum.shop  - 00:16 Directional Force - Use code "Danielle" at http://www.directionalforce.com  00:48 Intro 02:00 Post-show blues 02:32 Feedback from John's last show 06:00 John's experience with having a coach vs not having a coach 09:30 "You gotta do everything!" 11:01 What does post-show therapy look like? 20:01 The importance of cardio, year-round 21:20 How to add extra carbs or calories to your day 29:02 When to do bloodwork 30:47 Other medical tests to consider as an athlete 32:25 Bodybuilding isn't healthy, but how can we combat some of the negative effects? 33:10 Natural vitamins and supplements that encourage health 47:50 Leveraging health while on gear 57:18 Contest Prep catered to each client, individually 1:04:10 You can do things "smarter" 1:09:03 Steroids are vegan 1:09:20 Pharmacy-grade vs UGL

Brooke Sellers, AKA "Miss Meatless Muscle" started her online coaching  business in 2020, and was able to quit her 9-5 job within three months of starting! She has now helped over 400 women achieve their fitness goals since starting her business.

Brooke has been vegan for over 6 years now, and has won two 1st Place medals at her first show, and has fallen in love with the sport ever since. Her goal is to show people what vegans can do, while also not shoving it down people’s throats. Her goal is to represent veganism in a positive, uplifting way. 

In this episode, Brooke talks about navigating Prep for her shows, while staying on a vegan diet. We also talk about the health implications of bodybuilding (both mental, and physical), including hormone imbalances and gut issues such as SIBO.

Brooke: Instagram: http://www.instagram.com/missmeatlessmuscle  YouTube: @missmeatlessmuscle  Website: https://www.meatlessmuscle.net/ 

Danielle:  Instagram: http://www.instagram.com/ifbbpro_daniellePetze  eMail: [email protected]  - Behind Bodybuilding on IG: https://www.instagram.com/behind_bodybuilding/  - Discounts: True Nutrition (Discount applied with link): Http://www.Truenutrition.com/discount/vegandanielle  - Directional Force (Code: Danielle, 15% off plus free shipping): http://www.directionalforce.com  - Upside: Cash back on gas and other errands! Click to get an extra 15¢/gal bonus the first time you make a purchase: https://upside.app.link/DANIELLE452952  - Nutrex (Code: Danielle): https://www.nutrex.com/?aff=2091  - Alpen Organics (Discount Applied with Link): http://alpenorganics.com/?ref=zxbybckj  - Mega Fit Meals (Discount Applied with Link): https://megafitmeals.rfrl.co/64p89  - Amino Asylum (Discount Code “Danielle”) https://aminoasylum.shop  - 00:16 Amino Asylum 00:36 Intro 01:15 How Brooke got started, and what her childhood looked like 01:55 Growing up in the South, and the bad habits she developed 06:14 What got you into competing? 07:04 Emotional stress and competition motivation 09:15 What it's like backstage 11:05 Why did you go vegan? 12:30 The disadvantages of being vegan as a bodybuilder 13:24 Finding vegan proteins with little to no carbohydrates 14:30 What Brooke's Southern diet looked like, prior to going vegan 16:11 Eating too little calories can lead to resisting fat loss 18:30 Testosterone, hormones, and Optimal Reference Ranges 20:35 Brooke's coaching 22:04 Why Danielle enjoys coaching competitors 24:23 What are some of the biggest misconceptions of a vegan diet? 27:07 Morinaga Tofu: https://morinaganutrition.com  27:55 Navigating food allergies while being vegan 30:05 True Nutrition Pea Protein Isolate (discount with link above) 31:32 Gut issues as a bodybuilder 34:42 SIBO - Small Intestine Bacterial Overgrowth 36:40 Organic, non-GMO foods, and FODMAPs 44:40 Getting bloodwork, and the unfortunate response of most doctors 47:48 The medical industry is a business 49:24 CSID - Congenital Sucrase/Isomaltase Defficiency 51:34 When's your next show? 56:00 What should a potential client have prepared before starting coaching? 56:50 Getting a hold of Brooke

Aggie Garcia of "Illusions by Aggie" makes custom competition and posing suits from start to finish. She has been in business since 1990 doing costuming, and has been making suits since 2007. Aggie not only designs and creates suits from scratch, but she allows competitors to create their own designs as well as choose their fabric, rhinestone color, connectors, and more!

She works with competitors of any budget; from simple "Starter Suits", to complex Olympia Suits, Aggie can create a design for any budget!

Aggie: Instagram: http://www.instagram.com/illusionsbyaggie  Website: http://www.IllusionSuits.com  Cell Phone: 858-735-6962

Danielle:  Instagram: http://www.instagram.com/ifbbpro_daniellePetze  eMail: [email protected]  - Derek: http://www.instagram.com/derekLifts  - Behind Bodybuilding on IG: https://www.instagram.com/behind_bodybuilding/  - Discounts: True Nutrition (Discount applied with link): Http://www.Truenutrition.com/discount/vegandanielle  - Directional Force (Code: Danielle, 15% off plus free shipping): http://www.directionalforce.com  - Upside: Cash back on gas and other errands! Click to get an extra 15¢/gal bonus the first time you make a purchase: https://upside.app.link/DANIELLE452952  - Nutrex (Code: Danielle): https://www.nutrex.com/?aff=2091  - Alpen Organics (Discount Applied with Link): http://alpenorganics.com/?ref=zxbybckj  - Mega Fit Meals (Discount Applied with Link): https://megafitmeals.rfrl.co/64p89  - Amino Asylum (Discount Code “Danielle”) https://aminoasylum.shop  - 01:15 My first suit by Aggie 02:30 How Aggie started 05:45 How many suits have you made? 06:20 Custom designs and intricate patterns 07:15 The process of creating a suit, start to finish 11:01 Is there a difference in the cuts between the different divisions? 12:12 Making alterations after a suit is done 13:50 More about the differences between divisions 14:30 How suit styles have changed over the years 14:52 Why the cut is important 16:00 What's a "practice suit" and why should someone get one? 18:35 Putting one stone on at a time, and picking the colors of the stones 21:01 Working with your budget 22:09 The cost of suits depending on what goes into it 24:19 How soon before a show should someone place an order? 25:43 Other big corporate brands, and how they differ 28:17 Top quality Austrian crystals (we can't legally name drop) 34:01 "When I do it myself, I'm accountable." 34:31 How to order, or get a hold of Aggie 37:10 "You've got a whole team behind you!"