I am hardly infallible (cue the sarcastic gasps of shock and horror).  I know, hard to believe right?  There have been PLENTY of times where I’ve failed as a coach and couldn’t do what I was hired to do.  I’ve built those failure out into 14 separate categories (!!!) with specific examples that I’m going to share with you today.

On a lighter and less self-incriminating note, let’s talk about exercise selection and auditing your training program.  Because following a program by the book without questioning it is what rookies do, and we aren’t rookies.  Right?!!?

Let’s hit it!

Yep you read that right – prep is underway for me yet again for 2 shows this year.  Let me bring you up to speed on what I’m doing, how I’m doing it, and…who I’m doing it with?

Also, clickbait.  Ragebait?   Just plain stupid content?  Allow me to vent for a minute about the state of our society at large and how you can be a part of the solution.

Wait, a coach that wants you to do LESS cardio?  Well…maybe.  Let’s talk about it, it’s complicated.  Also, should you hire a coach or can you just DIY this thing?  The pros and cons of it all and plenty more, hop in and let’s take a ride!

If I’ve said it once I’ve said it a thousand time, so one more time won’t hurt.  Your peak week should be the easiest week of your prep.  Let’s fix this once and for all.

And what level of blame do your genetics deserve for when you plateau or you think you’re underachieving as far as your potential goes?  Let’s dig in and talk about it.

Let’s hit it!

Call in and leave a voicemail with your question! 865-226-9284

Bikini Blueprint is available now at pre-launch pricing – get in while it’s hot! https://darinstarr.com/bikini-blueprint

Online coaching with Darin and a whole lot more (site updated recently!):

Five Starr Physique – Bodybuilding Coaching, Courses, and Programs

Check out my online course collection, available now! https://www.darinstarr.com/

Check me out on YouTube and subscribe to see what’s coming up next: https://www.youtube.com/@darin_starr

Check me out on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thedropsetpodcast

Let’s get a new streak going!  It was 3 episodes ago (aka 1 year in real time – oof) that I first talked about AI in bodybuilding so let’s hit it again with some crazy discoveries.  After that I dig into the top 5 signs that you’re not yet ready to compete – which is ok!!! – and, importantly, what to do about it.

Also how to go about running more readiness checks so you can ensure a smooth prep.

Let’s hit it!

Call in and leave a voicemail with your question! 865-226-9284

Bikini Blueprint is available now at pre-launch pricing – get in while it’s hot! https://darinstarr.com/bikini-blueprint

Online coaching with Darin and a whole lot more (site updated recently!):

Five Starr Physique – Bodybuilding Coaching, Courses, and Programs

Check out my online course collection, available now! https://www.darinstarr.com/

Check me out on YouTube and subscribe to see what’s coming up next: https://www.youtube.com/@darin_starr

Check me out on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thedropsetpodcast

We’re back!  A little catch-up to cover here but I dig straight in (more or less) to talk about the Arnold Classic and specific whether or not Sam Sulek made a big mistake in choosing this show.

After that, it’s worth talking about body image as it relates to social media because this is a problem that I only see growing bigger and bigger with every passing year.  It’s a good idea to take a few easy steps to innoculate yourself against any possible negative influence.

And finally I wrap up with a little TV/movie recap and some recommendations.  I also mentioned my wife’s print mail club which you can read about here:  https://www.deniakirk.com/shop/p/kindred-spirits

Call in and leave a voicemail with your question! 865-226-9284

Bikini Blueprint is available now at pre-launch pricing – get in while it’s hot! https://darinstarr.com/bikini-blueprint

Online coaching with Darin and a whole lot more (site updated recently!):

Five Starr Physique – Bodybuilding Coaching, Courses, and Programs

Check out my online course collection, available now! https://www.darinstarr.com/

Check me out on YouTube and subscribe to see what’s coming up next: https://www.youtube.com/@darin_starr

Check me out on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thedropsetpodcast

The IFBB just announced the return of the point system for Olympia Qualifications and it’s being met resoundingly positive feedback – except from me.  I think it’s a horrible idea for many reasons, which I’ll get into here.  Many say things like “well at least now only the real, true athletes will be at the O” as if the prior standard of winning a pro show was causing the Olympia stage to be flooded with mediocrity.  It’s an overly convoluted system that encourages more of everything that’s wrong with bodybuilding already.

Disagree?  Of course you do – let me know!

Call in and leave a voicemail with your question! 865-226-9284

Bikini Blueprint is available now at pre-launch pricing – get in while it’s hot! https://darinstarr.com/bikini-blueprint

Online coaching with Darin and a whole lot more (site updated recently!):

Check out my online course collection, available now! https://www.darinstarr.com/

Check me out on YouTube and subscribe to see what’s coming up next: https://www.youtube.com/@darin_starr

Check me out on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thedropsetpodcast

LISTEN ON SPOTIFY | LISTEN ON APPLE

Show of hands – who is sick to DEATH of seeing AI talked about for everything?  Are you inundated all day long with ads in your social media pushing AI tools, or is it just me?  I’m over it, BUT…when it comes to bodybuilding, there are some smart applications.  As a coach, am I worried about it taking over my job?  Based on the responses I’ve seen from it, absolutely not.  But used intelligently it can actually facilitate a more productive experience working with your coach as well, and I dig in to some specific examples and break down some Chat GPT responses here in real time later in the episode.

Before that, even though I don’t want to talk about it I do have some thoughts on Sam Sulek so we’ll dive into that too.

Call in and leave a voicemail with your question! 865-226-9284

Bikini Blueprint is available now at pre-launch pricing – get in while it’s hot! https://darinstarr.com/bikini-blueprint

Online coaching with Darin and a whole lot more (site updated recently!):

Check out my online course collection, available now! https://www.darinstarr.com/

Check me out on YouTube and subscribe to see what’s coming up next: https://www.youtube.com/@darin_starr

Check me out on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thedropsetpodcast

Has competing gotten more expensive lately?  If so, what can you do about it?  Where are some places where you can cut a few budgetary corners without totally hosing yourself, and where is it smart to still spend a little money?  Let’s dive in on that today.

But first…ever notice how people tend to make a big deal when they “retire” from bodybuilding?  Setting aside how many people then ceremoniously “unretire” later, why is this a big deal?  I have some thoughts (I know you’re shocked).

Call in and leave a voicemail with your question! 865-226-9284

Bikini Blueprint is available now at pre-launch pricing – get in while it’s hot! https://darinstarr.com/bikini-blueprint

Online coaching with Darin and a whole lot more (site updated recently!):

Five Starr Physique – Contest Prep and Lifestyle Coaching

Check out my online course collection, available now! https://www.darinstarr.com/

Check me out on YouTube and subscribe to see what’s coming up next: https://www.youtube.com/@darin_starr

Check me out on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thedropsetpodcast

How bad am I at responding to text messages?  Bad enough that I actually find it easier to respond to a text with a podcast episode, THAT bad.  I know, I know.  But you see, I’m *beyond* help.  I’ve tried.

My friend Melony texted me asking – more or less – about intermittent fasting so let’s dig in here with the LONG version of that answer, and some thoughts on scientific studies as they relate to bodybuilding (very broadly).  I’m also happy to announce that my course Bikini Blueprint is OFFICIALLY in pre-launch status, you can check out details and snag it for a 40% pre-launch discount at the link below.  Women only, sorry guys – your chance is coming soon!

https://darinstarr.com/bikini-blueprint

Call in and leave a voicemail with your question! 865-226-9284

Vote in the new poll! https://fivestarrphysique.com/the-drop-set/

Online coaching with Darin and a whole lot more (site updated recently!):

Five Starr Physique – Contest Prep and Lifestyle Coaching

Check out my online course collection, available now! https://www.darinstarr.com/

Check me out on YouTube and subscribe to see what’s coming up next: https://www.youtube.com/@darin_starr

Check me out on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thedropsetpodcast