In this episode, I dive into something we all experience at some point: unsolicited, judgmental, or passive-aggressive comments, especially when you're doing something that challenges other people’s comfort zones. Whether it's in your fitness journey, personal growth, or any goal you're pursuing, people will have something to say.

I talk about the difference between hurtful vs. helpful feedback, how to tell when a comment comes from insecurity or misunderstanding, and how I personally choose to respond, not react. I walk you through the mental strategies that have worked for me, what I’ve learned about not needing to win every conversation, and the importance of protecting your emotional bandwidth, especially in close relationships.

This episode is your toolkit for handling comments with clarity and boundaries, without losing your cool, or your momentum.

Timestamps:

- [00:00 – 04:13] – Introduction: Why unsolicited comments hit harder when you're growing

- [04:13 – 08:37] – Hurtful comments often come from insecurity - here’s how to spot them

- [08:37 – 13:31] – You deserve a standard of respect, but it’s not always black and white

- [13:31 – 20:29] – Real examples of comments I’ve received - and when it’s okay to push back

- [20:29 – 22:02] – My favorite mental strategies to handle unsolicited opinions

- [22:02 – 25:42] – When they downplay your work? Go three steps further instead of arguing

- [25:42 – 29:03] – You don’t have to win the conversation to keep your peace

- [29:03 – 33:50] – Keep some goals private - not everyone is safe for full access

- [33:50 – 34:44] – Don’t overextend yourself to make others comfortable

- [34:44 – 40:19] – Navigating this in relationships: how to re-diffuse the conversation

- [40:19 – 45:35] – The longer you tolerate it, the more “normal” it becomes for them

- [45:35 – 47:33] – Passive-aggressive comments: read between the lines

- [47:33 – 53:12] – Final reflections: protect your energy, protect your progress

Links & Resources:

https://coryfit.com/

⁠Coaching: Let's Chat⁠https://calendly.com/coryfit-coaching/15min

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In this episode, I sit down with IFBB Wellness Pro Bri Edwards for a raw and real conversation on what it actually takes to grow into the Wellness division and the emotional, physical, and PED-related tradeoffs that come with it.

We talk about how she chose Wellness, how her mindset evolved during long off-seasons, and what it felt like navigating her first PED cycle and turning pro. Bri opens up about the pressure to grow, how strength and size don’t always correlate the way people think, and how PEDs aren’t magic - they’re multipliers.

We also dig into some tougher topics: coaches struggling with eating disorders, new competitors getting pushed into PEDs too early, and how social media distorts the entire process. If you’re a female competitor thinking about leveling up, or navigating PEDs, this one’s for you.

Timestamps:

- [00:00 – 02:54] – Intro

- [03:00 – 09:09] – When Bri decided on the Wellness division & building the look

- [09:09 – 13:13] – First national show experience & learning curve

- [13:13 – 15:55] – What it takes mentally to commit to a long off-season

- [15:55 – 17:30] – Brie’s first PED cycle: mindset, context, and guidance

- [17:30 – 21:28] – Turning pro: PED decisions, context, and risk vs reward

- [21:28 – 24:00] – PEDs as amplifiers: why the hardest workers benefit the most

- [24:00 – 25:06] – Post-cycle changes: weight gain vs retention

- [25:06 – 29:40] – High food intake struggles & nutrition as a growth limiter

- [29:40 – 34:00] – Strength ≠ growth: breaking common misconceptions

- [34:00 – 38:13] – What sacrifices are you truly willing to make for prep?

- [38:13 – 45:36] – Why you’re really doing the prep: validation vs fulfillment

- [45:36 – 55:45] – How the Wellness look has evolved

- [55:45 – 57:19] – Coaches with EDs hurting clients & coaching's low barrier to entry

- [57:19 – 1:03:02] – PED decisions as a new competitor & final thoughts from Bri

Links & Resources:

Follow Bri on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/wycked.b/

Work With Bri: https://www.teamsiegetraining.com/application

https://coryfit.com/

⁠Coaching: Let's Chat⁠https://calendly.com/coryfit-coaching/15min

Consults: Book a Call⁠https://calendly.com/coryfit-coaching/one-time-consultation

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⁠Patreon⁠: https://patreon.com/CoryFit?utm_medium=unknown&utm_source=join_link&utm_campaign=creatorshare_creator&utm_content=copyLink

In this episode, I break down some of the most dangerous and common dosing mistakes I see in TRT, peptides, and GH use, especially when clients self-administer without fully understanding concentration, syringe sizes, or math.

As someone with a background in nursing and years of experience in this space, I’ve seen even the smartest and most experienced clients make errors in units, decimals, or conversion that result in adverse effects, visual changes, or major setbacks.

I also dive into the differences between subcutaneous vs. intramuscular injections, lab work non-negotiables, how to interpret serum levels, and why it’s critical to be humble when it comes to this stuff, because even small mistakes can lead to irreversible outcomes.

This is not a dosing tutorial - it’s a wake-up call for anyone using performance-enhancing drugs, HRT, or peptides without truly knowing what they’re doing.

Timestamps:

- [00:00 – 02:20] – Why med math matters: real risks with TRT, GH, and peptides

- [02:20 – 04:23] – Overconfidence and real client examples of accidental overdosing

- [04:23 – 06:46] – Switching concentrations? How simple math mistakes happen

- [06:46 – 07:17] – Setting the record straight: this is not a how-to tutorial

- [07:17 – 10:45] – Pre-mixed vs. reconstituted drugs and the impact on concentration

- [10:45 – 14:14] – The dangers of decimal mistakes: units vs mLs vs mg

- [14:14 – 17:37] – Real-life TRT dosing mistakes: drawing 10x more than intended

- [17:37 – 19:43] – What 10mg/mL *really* means and avoiding

concentration confusion

- [19:43 – 21:02] – Why labs are non-negotiable for accurate TRT monitoring

- [21:02 – 25:24] – Adverse effects, visualization, and risks of overdosing

- [25:24 – 30:16] – Injection techniques: subQ vs IM, needle trauma, and long-term skin health

- [30:16 – 31:07] – Why you need confidence that your injections are worth it

- [31:07 – 33:04] – Starting doses, concentration, and why 300mg/mL may be a problem

- [33:04 – 34:26] – Why creams and other forms of TRT lack accuracy & consistency

- [34:26 – 37:29] – Interpreting labs: peak vs trough serum levels and real risk

- [37:29 – 40:17] – Understanding IUs vs. units with GH, peptides, and more

- [40:17 – 42:01] – Smart people still make dosing mistakes: how to prevent yours

- [42:01 – 43:49] – Final PSA: be clear on syringe, concentration, needle size, and units

Links & Resources:

https://coryfit.com/

⁠Coaching: Let's Chat⁠https://calendly.com/coryfit-coaching/15min

⁠Consults: Book a Call⁠https://calendly.com/coryfit-coaching/one-time-consultation

For more content, follow along:⁠Instagram⁠: https://www.instagram.com/cory_fit/

⁠Patreon⁠: https://patreon.com/CoryFit?utm_medium=unknown&utm_source=join_link&utm_campaign=creatorshare_creator&utm_content=copyLink

In this episode, I break down 10 non-negotiable fat loss rules that will keep you moving forward, even if you're starting from square one. Whether you're totally new to dieting or someone who’s been stuck in a cycle of inconsistency and second-guessing, these principles are here to cut through the noise.

We’re talking real strategies, not perfectionism. I share what I've learned coaching women through sustainable fat loss, muscle building, and how to keep progress once the diet ends. These are the conversations I wish someone had with me years ago.

Timestamps:

- [00:00 – 04:30] - Introduction

- [04:30 – 08:30] – Number 1: Consistency Beats Perfection

- [08:30 – 11:00] – Number 2: Fat Loss Gives You Clarity

- [11:00 – 15:50] – Number 3: Expect Slow Changes and Measure Anyway

- [15:50 – 18:54] – Number 4: Build Proof You Can Do Hard Things

- [18:54 – 23:55] – Number 5: Crawl, Walk, Run – Dieting is a Skill

- [23:55 – 29:02] – Number 6: Using Self-Hate as Fuel Doesn’t Work

- [29:02 – 31:55] – Number 7: Pride is Expensive

- [31:55 – 34:08] – Number 8: Stop Counting Other People’s Calories

- [34:08 – 38:03] – Number 9: You Can’t Manage What You Don’t Measure

- [38:03 – 42:54] – Number 10: Tackle Your Biggest Bottleneck

Links & Resources:

https://coryfit.com/

⁠Coaching: Let's Chat⁠https://calendly.com/coryfit-coaching/15min

⁠Consults: Book a Call⁠https://calendly.com/coryfit-coaching/one-time-consultation

For more content, follow along:⁠Instagram⁠: https://www.instagram.com/cory_fit/

⁠Patreon⁠: https://patreon.com/CoryFit?utm_medium=unknown&utm_source=join_link&utm_campaign=creatorshare_creator&utm_content=copyLink

In this episode, I sit down with Melissa Valliere for a deeply personal and brutally honest conversation around PED use, identity, bodybuilding culture, and the emotional cost of competing.

We talk about how easy it is to use prep as a distraction, especially when you’re going through something emotionally heavy. Melissa shares her own experience with that and what it took for her to step back, get curious, and reclaim her health and identity.

We also go deep on PED use in figure, how the culture has evolved, the virilization risks people don’t talk enough about, and why some coaches are crossing the line in pushing PEDs on athletes. Melissa drops real-world advice for women navigating decisions around enhancement, competing, and how to protect your mental and physical future.

Timestamps:

- [00:00 – 00:56] – Intro & what today’s episode is really about

- [00:56 – 08:50] – Melissa’s history with prep, identity, and emotional detachment

- [08:50 – 19:44] – Using prep to avoid emotions & the bandaid effect of competing

- [19:44 – 26:19] – The moment Melissa realized she had to dig herself out

- [26:19 – 28:34] – Why curiosity is the most powerful mindset for healing

- [28:34 – 31:50] – Has the figure division changed over time?

- [31:50 – 35:13] – PED culture in figure: Then vs. Now

- [35:13 – 40:14] – PED use across divisions: what’s normalized & what’s expected

- [40:14 – 42:16] – The under-discussed risks of virilization

- [42:16 – 45:49] – Coaches pushing PEDs: red flags & ethical concerns

- [45:49 – 52:45] – Making PED decisions: what you should actually consider

- [52:45 – 58:36] – Why it's okay to compete for reasons other than winning

Links & Resources:

Follow Melissa on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/melissabum/

https://coryfit.com/

⁠Coaching: Let's Chat⁠https://calendly.com/coryfit-coaching/15min

⁠Consults: Book a Call⁠https://calendly.com/coryfit-coaching/one-time-consultation

For more content, follow along:⁠Instagram⁠: https://www.instagram.com/cory_fit/

⁠Patreon⁠: https://patreon.com/CoryFit?utm_medium=unknown&utm_source=join_link&utm_campaign=creatorshare_creator&utm_content=copyLink

In this episode, I break down how to strategically plan your year for real, lasting results. Whether you’re trying to lose fat, build muscle, or simply maintain your physique, I walk you through the process of setting up your 2026 goals with intention - not chaos.

We’ll cover how to map out your dieting and building phases, plan around real-life interruptions like travel or sickness, and identify the best time of year to push for results versus when to hold steady. I also share my personal strategies for managing fatigue, avoiding burnout, and knowing when to pivot based on your body’s feedback.

This is the roadmap for anyone serious about finally achieving their physique goals without losing their sanity.

Timestamps:

- [00:00 – 03:36] – Why planning your fitness year is critical.

- [03:36 – 06:35] – Question 1: Do you want to be leaner?

- [06:35 – 10:04] – When you want to add more muscle — realistic timelines for growth.

- [10:04 – 11:43] – What to expect if you want to build up to 5 lbs of muscle.

- [11:43 – 13:00] – If you need to build more than 10 lbs — long-term expectations.

- [13:00 – 16:43] – Assessing your current body composition and where to start.

- [16:43 – 19:54] – When do you want to be your leanest?

- [19:54 – 21:32] – What to avoid at all costs: burnout and unrealistic dieting timelines.

- [21:32 – 23:57] – Accounting for travel, sickness, and life events.

- [23:57 – 24:42] – Planning for setbacks.

- [24:42 – 27:55] – The maximum amount of time you should stay in a dieting phase.

- [27:55 – 29:36] – When and how to plan your maintenance phases effectively.

- [29:36 – 31:21] – Setting realistic expectations around progress.

- [31:21 – 35:00] – How to approach your 6–9 months outside of dieting.

- [35:00 – 37:40] – How to run a productive build phase (without gaining unnecessary fat).

- [37:40 – 39:39] – Why I rarely encourage building through the holidays.

- [39:39 – 42:51] – How to plan your year strategically and find peace in your progress.

Links & Resources:

https://coryfit.com/

⁠Coaching: Let's Chat⁠https://calendly.com/coryfit-coaching/15min

⁠Consults: Book a Call⁠https://calendly.com/coryfit-coaching/one-time-consultation

For more content, follow along:⁠Instagram⁠: https://www.instagram.com/cory_fit/

⁠Patreon⁠: https://patreon.com/CoryFit?utm_medium=unknown&utm_source=join_link&utm_campaign=creatorshare_creator&utm_content=copyLink

In this episode, I break down the truth about why you’re not growing, and how to finally start building muscle efficiently.I walk you through my full muscle-building framework, including why “just following the plan” doesn’t guarantee progress, how to train for adaptation, and the mindset shift required to go from reactive to proactive.

I also share my own experience adding four inches to my glutes - what went wrong, what I fixed, and how you can do the same without overtraining, burning out, or relying on enhancements.

Timestamps:

- [00:00 – 03:35] – Intro

- [03:36 – 06:45] – Why you’re not growing: eating, training, recovery, and environment factors.

- [06:45 – 12:00] – “Doing the plan” doesn’t guarantee muscle growth.

- [12:00 – 12:50] – Why loading more weight every week isn’t real progress.

- [12:50 – 18:24] – The real secret: proactive training.

- [18:24 – 22:22] – How to identify compensations and avoid injury.

- [22:22 – 25:48] – You can’t manage what you don’t measure.

- [25:48 – 31:43] – How to produce effort across sessions.

- [31:43 – 33:37] – What separates those who grow from those who coast.

- [33:37 – 36:03] – The importance of daily habits.

- [36:03 – 37:26] – How to handle breaks in training without losing progress.

- [37:26 – 41:49] – Hormones and stress: how chronic fatigue and poor sleep kill muscle growth.

- [41:49 – 45:35] – The sleep deficit trap.

- [45:35 – 49:28] – How “extra work” leads to burnout instead of gains.

Links & Resources:

https://coryfit.com/

Coaching: Let's Chat⁠https://calendly.com/coryfit-coaching/15min

Consults: Book a Call⁠https://calendly.com/coryfit-coaching/one-time-consultation

For more content, follow along:⁠Instagram⁠: https://www.instagram.com/cory_fit/

Patreon⁠: https://patreon.com/CoryFit?utm_medium=unknown&utm_source=join_link&utm_campaign=creatorshare_creator&utm_content=copyLink

In this episode, I sit down with Dr. Meghan Sak-Ocbina - physical therapist, strength coach, and new mom - to unpack the real conversation about postpartum health, strength, and identity.

We dive deep into pelvic floor recovery, why “flat glutes” happen postpartum, and how to rebuild from the inside out - through movement, mindset, and breathwork. We also break down myths around waist trainers, incontinence, and how your breathing impacts glute growth and stability.

Whether you’re a new mom, athlete, or simply learning to reconnect with your body, this episode will help you train smarter, not harder, and finally understand how your physiology and mindset work together.

Timestamps:

- [00:00 – 02:15] – Introduction

- [02:15 – 05:13] – The postpartum physique journey.

- [05:13 – 06:49] – Identity loss when physique goals take a back seat.

- [06:49 – 11:40] – Postpartum dieting and calorie needs.

- [11:40 – 14:51] – The truth about postpartum glute changes.

- 14:51 – 17:33] – “Stubborn glutes” in competitors and understanding asymmetries in hip and glute development.

- [17:33 – 20:45] – Pelvic guarding and trauma after IUDs.

- [20:45 – 24:00] – How to identify if your pelvic floor is tight.

- [24:00 – 34:00] – Incontinence, painful intercourse, and pelvic dysfunction.

- [34:00 – 40:11] – Pelvic floor prognosis: assessing and improving tightness, breathing, and coordination.

- [40:11 – 45:31] – Coaching cues: how to hinge properly, build glute connection, and manage pressure.

- [45:31 – 49:09] – How mouth breathing, tension, and posture affect muscle loading.

- [49:09 – 50:26] – How rib expansion and breathing mechanics improve stability and hypertrophy.

- [50:26 – 52:16] – How stage habits harm performance in the gym.

- [52:16 – 54:40] – The waist trainer myth - risks, misconceptions, and smarter alternatives.

- [54:40 – 1:02:30] – Core function and waist control.

- [1:02:30 – 1:06:29] – The power of priming sessions before training.

- [1:06:29 – 1:11:22] – What most people miss in their training.

Links & Resources:

Follow Dr. Meghan Sak-Ocbina: https://www.instagram.com/dr.megsi.dpt/?hl=en

Work With Dr. Meghan Sak-Ocbina: https://marketplace.trainheroic.com/brand/meghan-sak-ocbina?attrib=419239-ig&utm_source=ig&utm_medium=social&utm_content=link_in_bio&fbclid=PAZXh0bgNhZW0CMTEAc3J0YwZhcHBfaWQMMjU2MjgxMDQwNTU4AAGn-ZPTUhd2z9mq9myXto4g1TTUeBEJdrjqlr2PmV1z4WKPnDTZZ0vxhlSmHiY_aem_AWUwGOzYtz3qLsl12NQ_Wg

https://coryfit.com/

⁠Coaching: Let's Chat⁠https://calendly.com/coryfit-coaching/15min

⁠Consults: Book a Call⁠https://calendly.com/coryfit-coaching/one-time-consultation

For more content, follow along:⁠Instagram⁠: https://www.instagram.com/cory_fit/

⁠Patreon⁠: https://patreon.com/CoryFit?utm_medium=unknown&utm_source=join_link&utm_campaign=creatorshare_creator&utm_content=copyLink

In this episode, I walk through a 5-step framework that will change how you recover after falling off your diet. If you’ve ever punished yourself after overeating, felt stuck in the shame cycle, or thought “I’ll start over Monday,” this episode is for you.I share personal stories from post-show binges, lessons from coaching thousands of clients, and actionable strategies to rebuild trust with yourself and get back on track faster - without guilt, restriction, or self-punishment.

Timestamps:

- [00:00 – 04:28] – Introduction

- [04:28 – 16:31] – Number 1: Self-punishment isn’t discipline

- [16:31 – 26:30] – Number 2: Breaking the shame cycle.

- [26:30 – 29:59] – How self-sabotage disguises itself as truth and how to reframe those thoughts for progress.

- [29:59 – 41:02] – Number 3: The protocol for getting back on track.

- [41:02 – 46:11] – Number 4: Setting a time limit for guilt.

- [46:11 – 47:23] – How to detach from that mindset and approach growth differently.

- [47:23 – 54:01] – Number 5: Timing your food decisions.

Links & Resources:

https://coryfit.com/

⁠Coaching: Let's Chat⁠https://calendly.com/coryfit-coaching/15min

Consults: Book a Call⁠https://calendly.com/coryfit-coaching/one-time-consultation

For more content, follow along:⁠Instagram⁠: https://www.instagram.com/cory_fit/

⁠Patreon⁠: https://patreon.com/CoryFit?utm_medium=unknown&utm_source=join_link&utm_campaign=creatorshare_creator&utm_content=copyLink

In this episode, I break down the reality of PED use — from what these drugs actually are, to how they affect your body and mind. I cover the real reasons people use performance-enhancing drugs, the misconceptions that lead to misuse, and the irreversible consequences, especially for women.

I also share what responsible PED use looks like, the red flags to watch out for, and the deeper mindset questions you need to ask before ever deciding to take them. This isn’t fear-mongering — it’s about informed consent and long-term health.

Timestamps:

- [00:00 – 04:42] – Introduction

- [04:42 – 07:09] – What are PEDs? Fat burners vs. muscle builders.

- [07:09 – 09:14] – Why people use PEDs.

- [09:14 – 10:45] – Can PEDs actually help?

- [10:45 – 13:24] – Using PEDs to prevent muscle loss.

- [13:24 – 15:41] – The real pros of PEDs.

- [15:41 – 19:06] – The cons of PEDs.

- [19:06 – 21:05] – Why women need to confirm low circulating androgens before starting PEDs.

- [21:05 – 22:43] – Dependency and psychological risks.

- [22:43 – 24:00] – Should you use PEDs?

- [24:00 – 28:51] – The motivation problem.

- [28:51 – 31:46] – What are PEDs actually helping with?

- [31:46 – 36:33] – The illusion of influence and physical value.

- [36:33 – 39:39] – The cost of performance.

- [39:39 – 45:10] – Will irreversible effects negate the benefits?

Links & Resources:

https://coryfit.com/

⁠Coaching: Let's Chat⁠https://calendly.com/coryfit-coaching/15min

Consults: Book a Call⁠https://calendly.com/coryfit-coaching/one-time-consultation

For more content, follow along:⁠Instagram⁠: https://www.instagram.com/cory_fit/

⁠Patreon⁠: https://patreon.com/CoryFit?utm_medium=unknown&utm_source=join_link&utm_campaign=creatorshare_creator&utm_content=copyLink