Self-Selecting

Cory Hageman

A podcast on everything under the umbrella of nutrition, training, PEDs, bodybuilding, and maybe the occasional non-fitness add-on with @cory_fit

  1. 26 Jun

    E. 170 IVF After Bodybuilding: Chanel Collette's Fertility & Pregnancy Journey

    In this episode, I sit down with Chanel Collette to discuss her journey through infertility, IVF, women's health, bodybuilding, and pregnancy. We explore the realities of trying to conceive after a long competitive career, misconceptions surrounding bodybuilding and fertility, the emotional and physical challenges of IVF, advocating for your health, and what it means to navigate pregnancy while building a business. Chanel shares her experience with hypothyroidism, elevated prolactin, a pituitary adenoma diagnosis, fertility treatments, IVF setbacks, and ultimately achieving a successful pregnancy. We also discuss the importance of finding the right healthcare providers, understanding fertility testing, and balancing health, career, and motherhood. Whether you're pursuing bodybuilding, navigating fertility challenges, considering IVF, or simply interested in women's health and family planning, this episode provides an honest look into the realities of the journey. Timestamps: - [00:00 – 02:26] - Chanel's Pregnancy Update, IVF Success & Entering Motherhood - [02:26 – 05:36] - What IVF Is, Fertility Basics & Family Planning After 35 - [05:36 – 10:47] - Does Bodybuilding Cause Infertility? Competing, PEDs & Reproductive Health - [10:47 – 16:15] - Fear, Fertility Awareness & The Emotional Reality of IVF - [16:15 – 19:04] - IVF Challenges, Medication Management & Advocating For Yourself - [19:04 – 24:04] - Hypothyroidism, Elevated Prolactin & Discovering A Pituitary Adenoma - [24:04 – 30:05] - Fertility Treatment, Surgery, IUI, IVF & Creating A Viable Embryo - [30:05 – 35:40] - IVF Results, Pituitary Tumors, Peptides & Women's Health Risks - [35:40 – 40:03] - Cabergoline, Dopamine Changes, Anxiety & Managing Prolactin - [40:03 – 44:40] - Pregnancy After IVF, Managing Risk & Remaining Hopeful - [44:40 – 48:11] - Finding The Right Medical Team & Self-Advocacy In Healthcare - [48:11 – 55:25] - IVF Transfer Process, Embryo Testing & Early Pregnancy Changes - [55:25 – 01:00:06] - Coaching, Business Ownership & Preparing For Motherhood - [01:00:06 – 01:05:14] - Birth Plans, Future Goals, Strong State Coaching & Final Reflections Links & Resources: Follow Chanel on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/chanelcollette/?hl=en Work With Chanel: https://linktr.ee/chanelcollette?utm_source=linktree_profile_share<sid=7f29d77a-e2e6-439e-b614-34395a58cf0f Purchase The Complete Fat Loss Guide: https://coryfit.com/product/the-complete-fat-loss-guide/ Purchase The Glute Building Blueprint: https://coryfit.com/product/the-complete-glute-building-program/ 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

    1hr 5min

  2. 17 Apr

    E. 155 How to Prevent Burnout in Bodybuilding Prep With Phoebe Hagan

    In this episode, I sit down with Phoebe Hagan to break down her journey through extreme bodybuilding burnout, how she rebuilt her relationship with the sport, and what’s fueled her comeback season. We dive into the real signs of burnout most athletes ignore, why taller bikini competitors need more muscle density, and how small training adjustments can completely change your physique. Phoebe shares how switching to macros improved her adherence, mindset, and longevity in prep, and why bodybuilding doesn’t have to be constant suffering to be successful. We also cover judge feedback, peak week strategy, and how giving yourself enough time to prep can make or break your results. Timestamps: - [00:00 – 02:00] – Phoebe Hagan intro + insane comeback season recap - [02:00 – 06:30] – Bodybuilding burnout story + losing passion for competing - [06:30 – 12:50] – Signs of burnout in bodybuilding (when to step away) - [12:50 – 16:50] – Why tall bikini competitors need more muscle density - [16:50 – 21:00] – Training strategies that created a competitive edge - [21:00 – 22:20] – Unilateral training, symmetry & injury prevention - [22:20 – 26:15] – Mid-prep training adjustments that changed her physique - [26:15 – 33:45] – This prep vs past preps (macros, flexibility, adherence) - [33:45 – 40:00] – Macros vs meal plans (avoid becoming a “robot” in prep) - [40:00 – 42:30] – Coaching mistakes: lack of communication & education - [42:30 – 46:30] – Does bodybuilding have to be suffering? (mindset shift) - [46:30 – 56:20] – Judge feedback, peak week strategy & physique refinement - [56:20 – 01:03:01] – Why giving yourself enough time to prep is critical Links & Resources: Follow Phoebe on Instagram: @phoebehagan_ Join The Posing Portal: https://theposingportal.com/home/ Purchase The Glute Building Blueprint: https://coryfit.com/product/the-complete-glute-building-program/ 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

    1hr 3min

  3. 3 Apr

    E. 152 How to Fix Your Sleep, Manage Stress & Optimize Recovery for Performance (Dr. Andy Galpin)

    In this episode, I sat down with Dr. Andy Galpin to break down what actually drives performance—and why sleep is often the most overlooked limiter. We dive into how performance is always individualized, but sleep consistently shows up as the biggest bottleneck. We unpack common sleep misconceptions, how to improve it without unrealistic routines, and why behavior change—not more information—is the real solution. We also cover caffeine, nicotine, downregulation, and stress management, along with practical frameworks like the quadrant model and allostatic load, so you can better understand where your recovery is actually breaking down. Timestamps: - [00:00 – 02:30] – Andy’s background. - [02:31 – 05:08] – The biggest performance pillar. - [05:09 – 11:51] – Common sleep misconceptions. - [11:52 – 21:47] – How to assess poor sleep. - [21:48 – 23:30] – Managing caffeine intake: timing vs dosage. - [23:31 – 27:55] – Nicotine as a substitute for caffeine. - [27:56 – 30:49] – Learning to shift into a parasympathetic state. - [30:50 – 33:32] – Creating boundaries around sleep. - [33:33 – 36:14] – The quadrant model. - [36:15 – 39:38] – The rule of recovery vs training. - [39:39 – 48:09] – Allostatic load explained. - [48:10 – 52:25] – Managing sleep with kids, chaos, and unpredictable routines. - [52:26 – 56:47] – Sleep disruptions from partners and how to identify hidden issues like undiagnosed sleep disorders. - [56:48 – 01:02:22] – Travel and sleep. Links & Resources: Follow Dr. Andy Galpin on Instagram: @drandygalpin Connect With Dr. Andy Galpin: https://www.andygalpin.com/ Purchase The Glute Building Blueprint: https://coryfit.com/product/the-complete-glute-building-program/ 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

    1hr 2min

  4. 30 Mar

    E. 151 Bodybuilding Q&A: PEDs, Fat Loss Mistakes & Training Tips

    In this Q&A episode, I answer some of the most common questions around PED use, contest prep, hormones, fat loss, and training execution. I break down the nuance behind topics like GLP-1s, TRT, Fit Model vs Bikini, and how to actually assess progress without overcomplicating it. I also dive into real-world coaching scenarios—covering diet adherence, cravings, recomp myths, and training mistakes—to help you make better decisions whether you're a competitor or lifestyle client. This episode is a raw, practical look at how I think through complex topics in bodybuilding, performance, and long-term progress. Timestamps: - [00:00 – 04:44] – Spironolactone and muscle growth + thoughts on Fit Model vs Bikini and competing priorities. - [04:45 – 10:41] – PED considerations for Crohn’s, preserving hormones in prep, and managing stress, sleep, and recovery. - [10:42 – 17:11] – Low estrogen, PMDD risks, L-carnitine use, and why waist trainers don’t work. - [17:12 – 24:42] – Melanotan safety, coaching costs, and realistic expectations for investing in coaching. - [24:43 – 30:53] – Retatrutide timing in prep, becoming an IFBB pro, and long-term muscle building strategy. - [30:54 – 35:47] – Training for aesthetics vs modeling, reducing muscularity, and lifestyle vs competitor coaching. - [35:48 – 39:08] – Anavar, TRT, restoring hormones, and managing stress vs relying on HRT. - [39:09 – 43:27] – Fit Model vs Bikini after Japan Pro + how I assess when to adjust calories or training. - [43:28 – 47:49] – Recomp markers, strength progression, and what actually indicates progress. - [47:50 – 52:50] – Managing cravings, adherence strategies, and controlling impulsive eating behaviors. - [52:51 – 59:00] – Structuring growth → maintenance → fat loss phases and common misconceptions. - [59:01 – 01:04:33] – Training execution questions, core stability, adherence resources, and overcoming macro-related guilt. - [01:04:34 – 01:07:19] – Training program adjustments and how often to rotate based on progress. Links & Resources: Purchase The Glute Building Blueprint: https://coryfit.com/product/the-complete-glute-building-program/ 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

    1hr 7min

  5. 23 Mar

    E. 150 How to Create the Perfect Fat Loss Deficit (Calories vs Cardio Explained)

    In this episode, I break down the framework I use to create an effective fat loss deficit without destroying recovery, training performance, or long-term adherence. I walk through why understanding your baseline maintenance intake and activity is essential before starting a diet, and how your available “runway” for adjustments determines whether calories or cardio should be manipulated first. Using four real-world scenarios, I explain the common mistakes people make when dieting—like relying too heavily on cardio, under-reporting food, or pushing a deficit too aggressively. The goal of fat loss shouldn’t be to apply the most pressure possible, but to create a strategic, sustainable deficit that preserves muscle, performance, and adherence. Timestamps: - [00:00 – 04:13] – Why fat loss requires a strategic deficit. - [04:14 – 06:25] – Finding your baseline maintenance intake and activity. - [06:26 – 09:39] – Defining your “runway.” - [09:40 – 12:19] – Deciding whether to increase cardio or decrease calories. - [12:20 – 13:48] – Why psychological calorie thresholds matter. - [13:49 – 16:58] – Scenario 1. - [16:59 – 20:00] – Scenario 2. - [20:01 – 24:24] – Scenario 3. - [24:25 – 27:34] – Scenario 4. - [27:35 – 29:24] – Why extremely low calorie targets often create unnecessary dietary fatigue. - [29:25 – 32:19] – When weight loss stalls. - [32:20 – 35:59] – How excessive deficits affect sleep, recovery, training performance, and muscle preservation during fat loss phases. - [36:00 – 39:14] – When it’s time to stop dieting and why pushing to get leaner isn’t always beneficial for physique or long-term progress. Links & Resources: Purchase The Glute Building Blueprint: https://coryfit.com/product/the-complete-glute-building-program/ 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

    39 min

  6. 20 Mar

    E. 149 Ashley Kaltwasser on Bikini Division Changes, Fit Model & What It Takes to Stay Competitive

    In this episode, I sit down with Ashley Kaltwasser to talk about what it really takes to stay competitive in today’s bikini division. We cover how the standard has evolved, why more upper body and overall density are now required, and how conditioning, judges’ feedback, and long-term patience all shape success at the pro level. We also get into the new Fit Model division, the bikini points system, competing soon after turning pro, post-show food decisions, and why staying closer to stage weight can make prep more productive. This is a great conversation for competitors, coaches, and athletes trying to understand the realities of bikini bodybuilding, improvement seasons, and pro-level longevity. Timestamps: - [00:00 – 02:54] – Intro to Ashley Kaltwasser. - [02:55 – 09:28] – When it became clear significant physique changes were needed to stay competitive. - [09:29 – 13:21] – The growth of upper body development, changing conditioning expectations, and how even small shifts matter at the top level. - [13:22 – 16:23] – Taking judges’ feedback without a negative attitude. - [16:24 – 22:20] – Ashley’s reaction to the Fit Model division. - [22:21 – 25:23] – Lessons from early Fit Model judging. - [25:24 – 30:57] – Thoughts on the bikini pro points system. - [30:58 – 36:10] – Why new pros should compete soon after earning their card, plus Ashley’s recent feedback and current areas of focus. - [36:11 – 39:01] – Shows Ashley has on her radar. - [39:02 – 42:31] – Common challenges Ashley sees in athletes she works with. - [42:32 – 48:58] – Her mentality around adherence outside of prep, intuitive eating, and maintaining structure without being overly rigid year-round. - [48:59 – 52:03] – Post-show meals and the cost of bingeing. - [52:04 – 56:29] – Weight gain between shows, muscle maturity, and why more bodyweight isn’t always the answer for bikini improvement. Links & Resources: Follow Ashley on Instagram: @ashleykfit Work With Ashley: https://teamelitephysique.com/ashley-kaltwasser Purchase The Glute Building Blueprint: https://coryfit.com/product/the-complete-glute-building-program/ 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

    56 min

  7. 6 Mar

    E. 146 Building a Pro Bikini Physique | Heavy Training, PEDs & Mindset with Hope Castelli

    In this episode, I sat down with IFBB Bikini Pro Hope Castelli to unpack what it really takes to grow in this sport — physically, mentally, and strategically. We talked about her journey from gymnast to powerlifter to IFBB Pro, the hard lessons around stress and sleep, outgrowing coaches, building real muscle as a female athlete, and navigating PED conversations in an untested federation. We also dive into the evolving landscape of bikini, the new Olympia qualification system, heavy training, mindset shifts, and why some pros are transitioning to Fit Model. Whether you’re a competitor, coach, or serious lifter trying to build a pro-level physique, this episode pulls back the curtain on what actually matters. Timestamps: - [00:00 – 04:29] – From gymnast to IFBB Pro: Hope’s first competing experience - [04:30 – 10:12] – Stress, sleep & outgrowing your coach - [10:13 – 13:59] – What to look for in a coach as you level up - 14:00 – 19:58] – Fixing sleep, managing stress & unlocking growth - [19:59 – 24:39] – Heavy training, muscle density & female physiology - [24:40 – 29:42] – Are you actually training hard enough? - [29:43 – 32:02] – PED reality in bikini: honest conversations with athletes - [32:03 – 36:28] – Natural vs enhanced competitors: managing expectations - [36:29 – 39:59] – Progressive overload & elite-level training strategy - [40:00 – 43:42] – Olympia qualification changes & pro strategy - [43:43 – 46:04] – Bikini vs Fit Model: is the sport shifting? - [46:05 – 49:42] – Long-term sustainability, femininity & competing with intention Links & Resources: Purchase The Glute Building Blueprint: https://coryfit.com/product/the-complete-glute-building-program/ Follow Hope on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/hopes_fit_ifbbpro/?hl=en 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

    50 min

  8. 2 Mar

    E. 145 10 Reasons Your Diet Failed (Even If You “Did Everything Right”)

    In this episode, I break down the real reasons your last diet didn’t work — and it’s probably not what you think. If you’ve ever felt like you were “doing everything right” but the scale wouldn’t move… or you lost weight only to gain it all back… this is for you. I walk through the most common fat loss mistakes I see as a coach — from not actually being in a calorie deficit, to weekend overeating, to inconsistent activity, to poor post-diet transitions. We also dive into recomposition, diet timelines, and the harsh truth about unrealistic expectations. Most diets don’t fail because your metabolism is broken. They fail because of execution gaps, emotional decision-making, or poor exit strategies. If fat loss has felt confusing, frustrating, or inconsistent — this episode will give you clarity and a practical framework to fix it. Timestamps: - [00:00 – 01:42] – Why most diets fail (it’s not your metabolism) - [01:43 – 06:43] – Reason 1: You weren’t actually in a calorie deficit - [06:44 – 11:12] – Reason 2: Extra bites, licks & untracked calories add up - [11:13 – 17:46] – Reason 3: Weekly cheat meals sabotaging fat loss - [17:47 – 22:02] – Reason 4: Not weighing yourself often enough - [22:03 – 24:59] – Reason 5: Recomposition (losing fat while building muscle) - [25:00 – 28:34] – Reason 6: Inconsistent steps, cardio & daily activity - [28:35 – 32:34] – Reason 7: Too many food swaps & eating out inaccuracies - [32:35 – 35:24] – Reason 8: You didn’t diet long enough - [35:25 – 39:16] – Reason 9: The diet worked — you just expected more - [39:17 – 44:04] – Reason 10: The post-diet rebound (poor exit strategy) Links & Resources: Purchase The Glute Building Blueprint: https://coryfit.com/product/the-complete-glute-building-program/ 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

    44 min
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About

A podcast on everything under the umbrella of nutrition, training, PEDs, bodybuilding, and maybe the occasional non-fitness add-on with @cory_fit

Information

  • Creator
    Cory Hageman
  • Years Active
    2024 - 2026
  • Episodes
    171
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © Cory Hageman
  • Show Website
    Self-Selecting

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