The Beyond Condition Podcast

Send us Fan Mail

Hi, I'm Sarah Parker, your host of The Beyond Condition Podcast.

After attending the Tampa Pro to support Anastasia, I came home with far more than I expected. In this episode, I take you behind the scenes of one of the biggest IFBB Pro League bodybuilding shows of the season, sharing the conversations, highlights, and moments that reminded me why I started this podcast. From meeting incredible athletes to being recognised by Olympians and listeners alike, this weekend confirmed that Beyond Condition is making an impact across the global female bodybuilding community.

In this episode, I discuss:

• Paula's historic achievement – qualifying for the 2026 Olympia in both Women's Physique (WPD) and Women's Bodybuilding (WBB) during the same season.
• The Women's Physique vs Women's Bodybuilding debate – what Paula's success means for category standards and why, in my view, the judges' decision is ultimately what matters.
• The judging dilemma – why athletes are often told they need more size while also being encouraged to compete more frequently.
• A surreal personal milestone – being recognised by Olympians, IFBB Pros and top athletes who approached me to tell me they listen to and support The Beyond Condition Podcast.
• Community connections – catching up with Melanie Horton, David from the FBB Forum, Krissy, Elisabeth, and Romana, plus visiting Anastasia's gym where even more athletes and members recognised the podcast.
• What's next for Beyond Condition – new merchandise, exciting collaborations, and my commitment to bringing you authentic, in-depth conversations from the world of Women's Bodybuilding.

This weekend reminded me why I started The Beyond Condition Podcast. It's about telling the stories behind the physiques, creating meaningful conversations, and building a worldwide community that celebrates all of us, and the incredible athletes who dedicate their lives to the sport.

I hope you enjoy this recap of my weekend at the 2026 Tampa Pro, discussing Paula's unprecedented double Olympia qualification, exploring the ongoing debate surrounding Women's Physique and Women's Bodybuilding, examining the challenges athletes face balancing competition schedules with long-term muscle growth, and reflect on the incredible support The Beyond Condition Podcast received from Olympians, IFBB Pros and bodybuilding fans. If you're passionate about female bodybuilding, the IFBB Pro League, Olympia qualifications, and behind-the-scenes stories from the sport, this episode is for you.

Watch it here: https://youtu.be/viksm1zYTO8

🎙️ Beyond Condition brings you conversations with athletes, coaches, judges, researchers and industry experts exploring bodybuilding, performance, mindset, health and everything beyond the stage.

If this conversation resonates with you, subscribe to Beyond Condition, share the episode with a fellow athlete or coach, and let us know your thoughts in the comments.

Find Sarah on Instagram: @sarahparker_bb

THE ULTIMATE SHOW DAY GUIDE E-BOOK: Purchase here

Beyond Condition Coaching Application: Click here

Send us Fan Mail

Welcome Back to The Beyond Condition Podcast. I’m your host, Sarah Parker, and today we have an extraordinary guest, Sibel Osman, joining us.

In this episode, we delve deep into the world of Masters Competitive Bodybuilding. You’ll hear insights from Sibel Osman, a seasoned competitor in the Masters category, as we address several questions submitted by our community. We recorded a 2.5-hour discussion and have divided it into two parts; this is the second half of our in-person podcast, focusing on Masters.

Topics Covered:

• Fairness in Masters: Seasoned Against Amateurs

Masters stages welcome all competitors, regardless of experience. Sibel emphasises the vital point that, no matter your starting point, it’s essential to choose the appropriate stage and present the best version of yourself.

• Federations and Judges Feedback

Selecting the federation that aligns best with your physique is often overlooked. Your physique should be tailored to match the federation's criteria and category effectively. Judges' feedback serves as your roadmap to improvement. As competitive athletes, it's crucial to seek judges’ feedback, regardless of winning, placing, or not placing - feedback is key!

• Off-Season Deep Dive

We explore how dedication to your off-season is where significant improvements can be achieved. As physique competitors, we should take pride in the progress made during this phase. Sibel and I share our experiences, noting how off-seasons can yield greater benefits over time. Experience and longevity play crucial roles, and we discuss how multiple diet and growth phases can enhance your development as a competitive bodybuilder.

• Considerations for Masters Competitors

Whether you begin your journey early or later in life, several factors must be considered. Sibel shares insights on how age can influence your competitive path, reflecting on your personal journey.

• Opportunities for Masters, Including Pro Qualifiers

Sibel champions bodybuilding and advocates for increased opportunities for Masters competitors. We discuss the essential factors for enhancing visibility in the Masters divisions, including physique standards, federations, and gender differences in competition.

• Social Media Influence

Social media significantly impacts the promotion of bodybuilding, which we are incredibly grateful for. The ability to connect and support our community is invaluable. We also talk about the importance of attending shows to gain real-life experience as a competitive bodybuilder.

We hope you enjoy this episode.

Sarah and Sibel x

Find Sibel on Instagram @sopro1000

Watch the episode here: https://youtu.be/xA3PsVR_TiU

🎙️ Beyond Condition brings you conversations with athletes, coaches, judges, researchers and industry experts exploring bodybuilding, performance, mindset, health and everything beyond the stage.

If this conversation resonates with you, subscribe to Beyond Condition, share the episode with a fellow athlete or coach, and let us know your thoughts in the comments.

Find Sarah on Instagram: @sarahparker_bb

THE ULTIMATE SHOW DAY GUIDE E-BOOK: Purchase here

Beyond Condition Coaching Application: Click here

Send us Fan Mail

Welcome back to The Beyond Condition Podcast for an in-depth conversation with Romana Skotzen, IFBB Pro and Olympian.

Bodybuilding isn't just about building muscle - it's also about protecting your long-term health. In this in-depth conversation, we discuss the realities of performance-enhancing drugs, blood work, mental health, hormone management, and the challenges many athletes face behind the scenes.

In this episode we cover:

• The stigma surrounding anabolic steroids and testosterone
• Iron deficiency and how it can affect performance
• Romana’s cancer scare and the importance of proper medical assessment
• Private healthcare vs NHS referrals for bodybuilders
• Smart supplementation strategies
• Identity, purpose, and mental health after stepping away from competition
• Retirement - by choice or circumstance
• Why blood work can feel overwhelming
• Understanding prolactin and hormone health
• Thyroid function, medication, and common misconceptions
• Misdiagnosis and advocating for your health
• Anxiety, PTSD, and suicide awareness in the fitness community
• Working with your GP and specialist referrals
• How to interpret blood work without jumping to conclusions
• Kidney markers and common misconceptions
• Longevity and making bodybuilding sustainable
• Travelling while managing your health and performance
• Life and bodybuilding in Tampa

This conversation is designed to educate - not diagnose. If you're a bodybuilder, athlete, or fitness enthusiast, understanding your health markers and working with qualified healthcare professionals is just as important as your training.

Find Romana on Instagram @romana.skotzen_ifbbpro

Watch the episode here: https://youtu.be/o4RCkB1RjAo

🎙️ Beyond Condition brings you conversations with athletes, coaches, judges, researchers and industry experts exploring bodybuilding, performance, mindset, health and everything beyond the stage.

If this conversation resonates with you, subscribe to Beyond Condition, share the episode with a fellow athlete or coach, and let us know your thoughts in the comments.

Find Sarah on Instagram: @sarahparker_bb

THE ULTIMATE SHOW DAY GUIDE E-BOOK: Purchase here

Beyond Condition Coaching Application: Click here

Send us Fan Mail

Welcome Back to The Beyond Condition Podcast for a Mega Episode with Fellow Podcast Host Brandon DeCruz, the Host of Chasing Clarity Podcast.

Brandon and Sarah discuss their experiences starting and maintaining podcasts in the health and fitness space. Both explaining how they began podcasting to serve their clients and provide educational content, with Brandon starting in 2020 during the pandemic and Sarah launching "Beyond Condition" after feeling overwhelmed by existing fitness content. They share similar challenges including pre-recording anxiety and technical issues, with both choosing to record authentic content to maintain honesty and integrity. The conversation highlights their commitment to intellectual integrity and responsible content creation, with both emphasising how podcasting allows them to connect with audiences worldwide while maintaining genuine educational value.

Public Speaking Anxiety Discussion

Brandon discusses his experience with public speaking anxiety, explaining that it stems from his desire to provide accurate information and deliver high-quality content rather than from imposter syndrome. He describes how he stays within his domain of expertise and carefully prepares for episodes, particularly research-based content, to ensure he doesn't disappoint guests or mislead his audience. Brandon notes that while the anxiety persists to some degree, he has learned that the benefits of sharing his knowledge outweigh the discomfort.

Authenticity in Professional Presentations

Sarah discusses the importance of vulnerability and authenticity in podcast presentations, particularly highlighting how male guests sharing emotional experiences helps normalise human vulnerability across genders. Brandon shares his experience about the value of genuine human connection at industry events, describing a meaningful dinner with colleagues Scott and Alan where they discussed their career journeys beyond their professional roles. The conversation focuses on the difference between authentic presentation and performative online personas, with both speakers emphasising the significance of being true to oneself in professional settings.

Authenticity in Fitness Coaching

Brandon shares his experience coaching a female client who lost her menstrual cycle during a competitive bikini preparation process. He explains how the client's coach at the time dismissed her concerns, leading to a delayed diagnosis and treatment approach. Brandon emphasises the importance of authenticity and integrity in podcasting, describing how he carefully selects guests who align with his principles and values, particularly after witnessing disingenuous behaviour from other practitioners in the space.

Podcast Guest Selection Strategy

Brandon discusses his approach to podcast guest selection, explaining how he initially built his platform for his clientele without seeking wide audience growth. He shares a specific example of meeting a business coach in person who had previously reached out to him, highlighting the importance of building genuine relationships before inviting guests onto his show. Brandon emphasises being selective about guests and maintaining the integrity of his platform, sharing that he had declined to publish two episodes due to concerns about the guests' content and approach. He also describes his preference for meeting potential guests in person at conferences before inviting them on his show, noting that this method has led to deeper connections and more authentic conversations.

Podcasting Approach and Guest Connections

Brandon discusses his approach to podcasting, explaining that he views it as an opportunity to platform experts in specific areas rather than just sharing his own knowledge. He shares examples of meaningful podcast conversations he's had with guests like Alan Aragon and Scott Stevenson, describing how these interactions have evolved from purely intellectual exchanges to deep personal connections that have led to lasting friendships. Brandon emphasises that the key to successful podcasting is genuine interest in the guest and asking questions that stimulate meaningful discussion, noting how these conversations have helped him connect with like-minded individuals and grow as an entrepreneur.

Podcasting Impact and Community Connections

Brandon and Sarah discuss the impact and reciprocal nature of their podcasting work, emphasising how it has empowered them and allowed them to serve their community while building meaningful connections with listeners. Brandon shares his personal journey from a corporate career to full-time coaching and podcasting, highlighting how the podcast has enhanced his ability to connect with clients and share personal experiences. The conversation concluded with Brandon asking Sarah about key lessons learned from her podcast guests.

Staying in Your Podcast Lane

Sarah and Brandon discuss the importance of staying in their lane as podcast hosts and not overwhelming themselves by trying to match the expertise level of their guests. They emphasise the value of authentic collaboration, intellectual humility, and learning from failures in their podcasting journeys. Both highlight how podcasting has helped them grow personally and professionally while connecting with like-minded individuals in the industry. They share their gratitude for the opportunities podcasting has provided and encouraged listeners to follow their work on social media and their respective podcast platforms.

Find Brandon on Instagram @brandondecruz_

Find Chasing Clarity Podcast by Searching on All Major Podcast Platforms.

Watch the episode here: https://youtu.be/FqjJBHfhuU8

🎙️ Beyond Condition brings you conversations with athletes, coaches, judges, researchers and industry experts exploring bodybuilding, performance, mindset, health and everything beyond the stage.

If this conversation resonates with you, subscribe to Beyond Condition, share the episode with a fellow athlete or coach, and let us know your thoughts in the comments.

Find Sarah on Instagram: @sarahparker_bb

THE ULTIMATE SHOW DAY GUIDE E-BOOK: Purchase here

Beyond Condition Coaching Application: Click here

Send us Fan Mail

Welcome Back to The Beyond Condition Podcast for a Special Bonus Episode.

Today, I’m excited to share a sneak peek of a podcast recorded in person with Sibel Osman. Sibel is a foundational figure in female bodybuilding, and it was a true honor to capture this conversation face-to-face.

We chose to divide our 2.5-hour discussion into two parts, and we present the first segment as a bonus episode.

Topics Covered:

• Finding Your Community

Discovering positive role models and like-minded individuals in the bodybuilding world is essential. Understanding your boundaries and respecting your personal space is crucial, as bodybuilding can be a solo journey best shared with the right people.

• Bodybuilding History

We delve into Sibel’s extensive experience in the sport and how she remains grounded as an accomplished competitor. We express our gratitude for the influential figures in our lives and the respect earned through years of dedication to bodybuilding.

• Coaching Deep Dive

The coaching relationship can be immensely significant. It's crucial to build trust and find the right coach for your needs. We discuss the importance of staying in your lane as a coach and ensuring you have the appropriate training to support your athletes.

We hope you enjoy this episode.

Sarah and Sibel x

Find Sibel on Instagram @sopro1000

Watch the episode here: https://youtu.be/01nhfnY49G4

🎙️ Beyond Condition brings you conversations with athletes, coaches, judges, researchers and industry experts exploring bodybuilding, performance, mindset, health and everything beyond the stage.

If this conversation resonates with you, subscribe to Beyond Condition, share the episode with a fellow athlete or coach, and let us know your thoughts in the comments.

Find Sarah on Instagram: @sarahparker_bb

THE ULTIMATE SHOW DAY GUIDE E-BOOK: Purchase here

Beyond Condition Coaching Application: Click here

Send us Fan Mail

Welcome back to The Beyond Condition Podcast. I'm your host, Sarah Parker, and today we have a special guest, Brit Offers, joining us.

What happens when elite bodybuilding meets mental health expertise?

In this episode of The Beyond Condition Podcast, IFBB Pro and Psychiatric Nurse Brit Offers joins us to explore the psychological side of bodybuilding. We discuss emotional eating, building a healthier relationship with food, the mental demands of contest prep and the off-season, and why disordered eating patterns can develop in physique sports.

Brit also shares her perspective on common problems within the coaching industry, including red flags athletes should be aware of and how coaches can better support their clients beyond training and nutrition.

Whether you're a competitive bodybuilder, coach, or passionate about improving your mindset around food and performance, this episode offers practical insights to help you pursue your goals while protecting your mental wellbeing.

Topics covered:

• Managing Emotions: Balancing our human experience while pursuing physique goals. 
• Athlete Mindset: Emphasising self-reflection and tracking progress. 
• Support Network: The importance of building and maintaining relationships as a bodybuilder. 
• Physiological Effects of Bodybuilding Preps: Understanding the effects such as increased fatigue, mood fluctuations, and decreased libido. 
• Suppression and Reflection: Utilising mindset tools like journaling for self-awareness. 
• Relationship with Food: Examining food pathologies, past experiences, and coping mechanisms. 
• Post-Show Emotions: Addressing feelings that may lead to binge eating, restriction, and feelings of overwhelm. 
• Coach-Client Dynamics: Establishing a strong relationship and recognising coaching red flags. 
• Body Dysmorphia: Embracing all phases of the bodybuilding journey. 
• Healing Relationships: Working on your relationship with food and self, exploring vulnerability.
• Social Media Impact: Navigating comparisons with others in the digital space. 
• Female Empowerment: Celebrating strength and confidence in the bodybuilding community. 
• Foundational Benefits: Recognising the advantages derived from bodybuilding principles.
• Off Season Mindset: Respecting yourself and your body as you build your physique.

If you enjoyed this episode, follow The Beyond Condition Podcast and leave a rating or review to help more people discover the show. 

Find Brit on Instagram @offsb.ifbbpro

Watch the episode here: https://youtu.be/Msakvm6GIC8

🎙️ Beyond Condition brings you conversations with athletes, coaches, judges, researchers and industry experts exploring bodybuilding, performance, mindset, health and everything beyond the stage.

If this conversation resonates with you, subscribe to Beyond Condition, share the episode with a fellow athlete or coach, and let us know your thoughts in the comments.

Find Sarah on Instagram: @sarahparker_bb

THE ULTIMATE SHOW DAY GUIDE E-BOOK: Purchase here

Beyond Condition Coaching Application: Click here

Send us Fan Mail

Welcome Back to The Beyond Condition Podcast for a Solo Episode.

The bodybuilding off season is where the most progress is made - but it's also where many athletes struggle the most mentally.

If you've ever battled negative body image, compared yourself to your stage physique, hated seeing the scale go up, or felt like you're "losing progress" during a growth phase, this episode is for you.

In this podcast, I discuss how to improve your off season mindset, overcome negative self-talk, and build a healthier relationship with every phase of bodybuilding. Developing muscle isn't just about training and nutrition - it's about creating a mindset that allows you to stay consistent through both the improvement season and contest prep.

In this episode, I cover:

• How to stop negative self-talk during the off season
• Improving body image as a bodybuilder
• The impact of social media and comparison to others
• Separating self-worth from your physique
• The psychology of bodybuilding and long-term success
• How to stay motivated throughout your improvement season
• Building confidence outside of contest prep

Whether you're a competitive bodybuilder, physique athlete, or simply looking to build muscle while maintaining a healthy mindset, this episode will help you approach the off season with more confidence and purpose.

Watch the episode here: 

🎙️ Beyond Condition brings you conversations with athletes, coaches, judges, researchers and industry experts exploring bodybuilding, performance, mindset, health and everything beyond the stage.

If this conversation resonates with you, subscribe to Beyond Condition, share the episode with a fellow athlete or coach, and let us know your thoughts in the comments.

Find Sarah on Instagram: @sarahparker_bb

THE ULTIMATE SHOW DAY GUIDE E-BOOK: Purchase here

Beyond Condition Coaching Application: Click here

Send us Fan Mail

Welcome back to The Beyond Condition Podcast. I'm your host, Sarah Parker, and today we have a special guest, Roy “The Adonis” Evans IFBB Pro, joining us.

In this episode, Roy shares his insights gained from his journey as a competitive bodybuilder. We dive into what it truly takes to become a champion, explore the opportunities that arise within the world of competitive bodybuilding, and discuss some of the controversies that may emerge along the way.

Roy shares his extensive experience in this episode as a competitive bodybuilder, Navy veteran, and devoted husband. You will discover how he dedicates himself to showcasing his best physique at every competition while remaining focused on his goal of winning The Olympia.

Discussions Include:

• Finding your people in the competitive bodybuilding world
• The power of mindset
• Dedicating your life to competitive bodybuilding
• Juggling life with bodybuilding
• Dealing with placings
• Support network
• Identity
• Genetics and realistic expectations
• Creative art through bodybuilding
• Lifestyle bodybuilding and competitive bodybuilding
• Pressure around professional bodybuilding
• Sportsmanship and rivalry
• Social media
• IFBB Pro League and sponsorship deals
• Finding the right coach including communication
• Gratitude and acknowledgment of success

Find Roy on Instagram @royevans360

Watch the episode here: https://youtu.be/bBDkZsqth_4

🎙️ Beyond Condition brings you conversations with athletes, coaches, judges, researchers and industry experts exploring bodybuilding, performance, mindset, health and everything beyond the stage.

If this conversation resonates with you, subscribe to Beyond Condition, share the episode with a fellow athlete or coach, and let us know your thoughts in the comments.

Find Sarah on Instagram: @sarahparker_bb

THE ULTIMATE SHOW DAY GUIDE E-BOOK: Purchase here

Beyond Condition Coaching Application: Click here

Send us Fan Mail

In this episode of The Beyond Condition Podcast, we're joined by Carly Thornton-Davies, IFBB Pro, for a thoughtful discussion on the current state and future of UK bodybuilding.

Drawing on more than 20 years of experience in the sport, Carly shares her perspective on the level of support available to UK bodybuilders and the challenges athletes face in building their profiles and keeping fans engaged throughout the season. She reflects on how the bodybuilding landscape has evolved over the years, highlights areas where she believes improvements could be made, and discusses ideas that could help promote the sport and increase opportunities for competitors across the UK.

This conversation explores the importance of athlete visibility, community engagement, media coverage, and collaboration, while considering practical ways to help UK bodybuilding continue to grow. The discussion represents Carly's personal views and experiences, offering insight into the opportunities and challenges facing the sport today.

Whether you're a competitive bodybuilder, coach, promoter, or passionate fan of the sport, this episode provides an engaging discussion about where UK bodybuilding is today - and where it could go in the future.

Topics covered:
• Athlete support and visibility
• Keeping fans engaged throughout the season
• How the sport has evolved over the past 20 years, including the female side of competitive bodybuilding
• Ideas for promoting and growing UK bodybuilding
• Building your own mindset and self awareness
• Dealing with conflict constructively
• Building a stronger bodybuilding community

If you enjoyed this episode, follow The Beyond Condition Podcast and leave a rating or review to help more people discover the show.

Find Carly on Instagram @carlythorntonifbbpro

Watch the episode here: https://youtu.be/KTC4g3J3ahc

🎙️ Beyond Condition brings you conversations with athletes, coaches, judges, researchers and industry experts exploring bodybuilding, performance, mindset, health and everything beyond the stage.

If this conversation resonates with you, subscribe to Beyond Condition, share the episode with a fellow athlete or coach, and let us know your thoughts in the comments.

Find Sarah on Instagram: @sarahparker_bb

THE ULTIMATE SHOW DAY GUIDE E-BOOK: Purchase here

Beyond Condition Coaching Application: Click here

Send us Fan Mail

Welcome Back to The Beyond Condition Podcast for a Solo Episode.

What a couple of weeks it has been! Today I bring you an episode sharing a wild time, the result of needing to pull back to push forward.

I decided to create this episode to delve into the feelings you may encounter when heading towards overreach.

Topics Covered:

• Noticing Signs of Overreach

Learning from experience is key to evolving as a competitive bodybuilder. I want to share my experience to help you understand more about your own journey.

• The Benefits of Deloading

Deloads are unique to us all. It’s important to understand how to time deloads appropriately and how that helps you with continuous progression.

• Dealing with Fatigue

As competitive bodybuilders, fatigue is part of this journey, so how do we know when it’s fatigue that actually requires pulling back?

• Internal Conflict

I’m sure I’m not alone when I say we can keep pushing. We can start to make excuses in our own minds to keep going. I hope that by sharing my thoughts, we can learn together.

I hope you enjoy this episode.

S x

Watch the episode here: https://youtu.be/JD435qqGib8

🎙️ Beyond Condition brings you conversations with athletes, coaches, judges, researchers and industry experts exploring bodybuilding, performance, mindset, health and everything beyond the stage.

If this conversation resonates with you, subscribe to Beyond Condition, share the episode with a fellow athlete or coach, and let us know your thoughts in the comments.

Find Sarah on Instagram: @sarahparker_bb

THE ULTIMATE SHOW DAY GUIDE E-BOOK: Purchase here

Beyond Condition Coaching Application: Click here