Savage Perspective Podcast

Robert Sikes
  • 4.7 (433)
  • Health & Fitness
  • Updated Semiweekly

The "Savage Perspective Podcast" is hosted by Robert Sikes, WNBF Pro Natural Bodybuilder. Robert has been deconstructing human performance and is willing to push the envelope to see what is possible. He's been following a ketogenic lifestyle for over a decade, is the founder and formulator of Keto Brick, and has a passion for helping others achieve their highest potential. In the show, he brings on guests to dive deeper into what has led to their successes and failures in all walks of life from fitness to business, relationships to spirituality so you can learn and take action!

  1. 1d ago

    The Work Podcast Episode 76 - Olympia & LC4BH

    In this episode, Greg and I recap Nick Walker's Olympia win and discuss the tradeoffs between competitive bodybuilding, health, and longevity. We also share highlights from the Low Carb for Better Health conference, where I challenged attendees to make strength training just as much of a priority as their nutrition. We talk about the importance of face-to-face connections within the keto community, upcoming conferences, and some exciting changes at Keto Brick, including a sneak peek at our newest product, Brick Batter. Lots happening behind the scenes, and plenty to look forward to! Greg Mahler is also a lifetime natural bodybuilder, and can be followed on Instagram https://www.instagram.com/ketogreg80/ Register For My FREE Masterclass: https://www.ketobodybuilding.com/registration-2 Get Keto Brick: https://www.ketobrick.com/ Subscribe to the podcast: https://open.spotify.com/show/42cjJssghqD01bdWBxRYEg?si=1XYKmPXmR4eKw2O9gGCEuQ

    The Work Podcast Episode 76 - Olympia & LC4BH

  2. 4d ago

    How Women Build Muscle Without Getting ‘Too Big’

    Book a free consultation call with Robert Sikes to break through your keto or low-carb plateau: https://www.ketobodybuilding.com/call Women do not build muscle by accident. In Episode 922 of Savage Perspective Podcast, Lilian Estafanous joins Robert Sikes to challenge the fear of getting too big from lifting weights. She shares how a knee injury led her into natural bodybuilding and why real muscle takes years of steady work. They discuss eating enough to grow, simple meal prep, and making time to train while raising a family. Lilian also opens up about harsh contest prep, post-show eating mistakes, and why she added carbs back after trying carnivore. From the gym to the dinner table, this conversation looks at the habits that support strength without letting a body shape or a diet become your whole identity. Follow Lilian on IG: https://www.instagram.com/lolifit_lifts/ Get Keto Brick: https://www.ketobrick.com/ Subscribe to the podcast: https://open.spotify.com/show/42cjJssghqD01bdWBxRYEg?si=1XYKmPXmR4eKw2O9gGCEuQ Chapters 0:00 - From a Knee Injury to Natural Bodybuilding 2:27 - Will Lifting Weights Make Women Too Big? 5:39 - Bodybuilding Beyond Looks 10:02 - Food Policy and Taking Charge of Your Health 17:06 - Raising Kids With Healthy Habits 26:19 - Building Strength Without Quick-Fix Promises 30:42 - Making Time for Training and Meal Prep 36:34 - Eating Enough to Build Muscle 39:34 - Contest Prep: More Than Cutting Calories 43:28 - Is Competing Right for You? 48:48 - Reverse Dieting and Post-Show Eating Mistakes 56:38 - Lilian's Carnivore Experiment 1:04:57 - Why She Added Carbs Back for Training 1:08:11 - Your Diet Is a Tool, Not Your Identity 1:10:25 - Discipline Beyond Motivation

    How Women Build Muscle Without Getting ‘Too Big’

  3. 6d ago

    GLP-1s Don’t Just Change Your Appetite

    Book a free consultation call with Robert Sikes to break through your keto or low-carb plateau: https://www.ketobodybuilding.com/call GLP-1s can change more than hunger. In Episode 921 of Savage Perspective Podcast, Robert Sikes and Susan Peirce Thompson explore food cravings, dopamine, and the pull of rewards beyond food. Susan shares her view on why these drugs can ease some compulsive habits while changing drive for some users. They discuss muscle loss, protein, lifting, and why eating less is not the same as eating well. The conversation then turns to food addiction, the debate over moderation, and how processed foods can shape eating habits. Susan also explains Bright Line Eating and shares how stress and travel led to her own relapses. Hear a candid look at appetite, habits, and what the scale cannot tell you. Buy Susan's books: https://www.brightlineeating.com/books Get Keto Brick: https://www.ketobrick.com/ Subscribe to the podcast: https://open.spotify.com/show/42cjJssghqD01bdWBxRYEg?si=1XYKmPXmR4eKw2O9gGCEuQ Chapters: 0:00 - Stopping GLP-1s: Appetite and Weight Regain 2:27 - GLP-1 Muscle Loss: Drugs or Habits? 5:43 - Why GLP-1 Effects Vary Between People 7:58 - Dopamine, Cravings, and Changes Beyond Food 10:57 - Eating Less vs. Fueling Your Body 15:37 - Can GLP-1s Address Food Addiction? 20:20 - Robert's 1000 Calorie Brick 21:02 - Robert’s Eating Struggles and Addiction Risk 26:21 - A Bad Habit or an Addiction? 32:07 - A World Built to Pull You Back In 34:01 - The Debate Over Eating in Moderation 38:49 - Food Quality, Calories, and Eating Guilt 43:35 - The NOVA Scale and Processed Food Confusion 49:02 - Why Individual Nutrition Matters 51:49 - Bright Line Eating in the GLP-1 Era 53:31 - How Bright Line Eating Works 56:09 - Food Tracking: Structure or Obsession? 57:31 - Why Susan Relapsed After Years on Track 1:00:43 - Travel Habits That Helped Susan 1:03:13 - Find Susan and Her Books

    GLP-1s Don’t Just Change Your Appetite

  4. Sep 25

    The Work Podcast Episode 75 - Natural State Savages

    Greg and I are fresh off the second annual Natural State Savage, and this year was a massive step forward. We break down what worked, what we improved from last year, and why creating an athlete-first experience matters so much to us. We also get into the realities of running a truly natural bodybuilding show, the responsibility that comes with competing drug-free, and why the standards have to mean something. Huge shoutout to every competitor, judge, volunteer, sponsor, and everyone else who helped make this thing happen. Year two is in the books, and we’re already fired up for what comes next. Greg Mahler is also a lifetime natural bodybuilder, and can be followed on Instagram https://www.instagram.com/ketogreg80/ Register For My FREE Masterclass: https://www.ketobodybuilding.com/registration-2 Get Keto Brick: https://www.ketobrick.com/ Subscribe to the podcast: https://open.spotify.com/show/42cjJssghqD01bdWBxRYEg?si=1XYKmPXmR4eKw2O9gGCEuQ

    The Work Podcast Episode 75 - Natural State Savages

  5. Sep 23

    Is "Gaintaining" KILLING Your Gains? (Possibly, And Here's Why)

    Book a free consultation call with Robert Sikes to break your keto or low-carb plateau: https://www.ketobodybuilding.com/call Gaintaining can come at the cost of muscle growth. In Episode 920 of Savage Perspective Podcast, Robert Sikes and Brandon Kempter explore why staying shredded year-round may hold you back. Brandon shares how he plans long off seasons and finds a body weight that supports hard training. They explain why sleep, strength, energy, and recovery can tell you more than the scale. The talk also covers recovery diets, reverse dieting, pro cards, and the pressure to keep your abs for social media. Robert and Brandon compare their keto and higher-carb approaches without turning food into a rule book. Learn how to judge progress beyond the mirror and give your next growth phase a fair shot. Follow Brandon on IG: https://www.instagram.com/brandonkempter/ Get Keto Brick: https://www.ketobrick.com/ Subscribe to the podcast: https://open.spotify.com/show/42cjJssghqD01bdWBxRYEg?si=1XYKmPXmR4eKw2O9gGCEuQ Chapters: 0:00 - Is Staying Shredded Holding Back Your Gains? 2:09 - How Lean Should You Stay in the Offseason? 5:48 - Recovery Diet vs. Reverse Diet After a Show 8:40 - Chase Performance, Not the Scale 10:26 - Brandon’s Approach to Training and Nutrition 14:29 - What Makes a Training Split Work? 16:13 - Recovery: Get the Big Things Right First 19:35 - Why Stay Natural When You Could Get Bigger? 23:48 - Can Your Physique Keep Improving With Age? 25:36 - TRT, Peptides and the Future of Natural Bodybuilding 29:52 - HRT for Women: Where Should Federations Draw the Line? 31:52 - What’s a Keto Brick? 32:48 - Brandon’s Pro Card Journey 34:45 - Is a Bodybuilding Pro Card Overrated? 39:58 - Brandon’s Concerns About IFBB Natural Drug Testing 44:27 - Navigating the Banned Substance List 45:23 - Inside the Bali Natural Bodybuilding Retreat 51:40 - What Training With Different Coaches Can Teach You 55:28 - Inside Bali’s Undefeated Gym 58:50 - Brandon’s Next Competition and Where to Follow Him

    Is "Gaintaining" KILLING Your Gains? (Possibly, And Here's Why)

  6. Sep 21

    How Health Insurance Is Failing You: A Doctor Explains

    Book a free consultation call with Robert Sikes to break through your keto or low-carb plateau: https://www.ketobodybuilding.com/call Health insurance can leave you paying more and feeling unheard. In Episode 919 of Savage Perspective Podcast, Robert Sikes talks with Dr. Russell Van Maele about cash-pay care, rushed visits and the cost of blood tests. Dr. Russ explains why he takes fewer patients and shares a lab test that costs his practice $7. They discuss paying cash for routine care while keeping coverage for emergencies. Learn why one lab result can miss the bigger picture and why AI cannot supply every piece of context. The conversation also covers GLP-1s, muscle loss, hormones and the daily work of staying healthy. It ends with fatherhood, faith and why being strong matters beyond the gym. Follow Dr. Russ on IG:https://www.instagram.com/the_farmers_doctor/ Get Keto Brick: https://www.ketobrick.com/ Subscribe to the podcast: https://open.spotify.com/show/42cjJssghqD01bdWBxRYEg?si=1XYKmPXmR4eKw2O9gGCEuQ Chapters: 0:00 - Why Your Doctor Has So Little Time 4:11 - Why Robert Left His Health Insurance 5:30 - Cash Pay vs. Catastrophic Coverage 6:48 - How a $7 Blood Test Gets Marked Up 7:32 - Ordering Your Own Blood Tests 8:57 - Can AI Replace Your Doctor? 12:19 - Why Workouts Can Skew Your Blood Tests 16:18 - When More Lab Tests Create More Problems 18:53 - High Cholesterol but No Plaque? 22:18 - DEXA and VO2 Max: Beyond the Scale 26:39 - TRT and Hormone Replacement Explained 27:59 - What GLP-1s Cannot Fix 29:37 - Weight Loss at the Cost of Muscle? 32:52 - 1,000 calorie bar? 33:44 - Natural vs. Conventional Medicine: Pick a Side? 36:30 - Do Healthy People Need Hormones and Peptides? 40:22 - Menopause: When Should You Intervene? 44:06 - The Cholesterol and Hormone Connection 47:29 - What Do We Know About Long-Term GLP-1 Use? 49:08 - Retatrutide: Can You Go Too Far? 50:33 - Visceral Fat You Might Be Missing 52:38 - Normal Blood Work Does Not Tell the Whole Story 56:00 - The Family Behind Black Sheep Health 57:40 - Is Neglecting Your Health Selfish? 1:00:53 - Protecting Your Non-Negotiables as a Parent 1:02:45 - Why Men Need Hard Things 1:05:05 - Are You Fit Enough to Hunt? 1:07:01 - Hunting, Respect and the Food You Eat 1:11:38 - Faith and Silence in the Woods 1:14:06 - Can a Better Bow Make You a Better Hunter? 1:17:08 - Where to Find Dr. Russ

    How Health Insurance Is Failing You: A Doctor Explains

  7. Sep 18

    The Work Podcast Episode 74 - It’s Peak Week!

    It’s peak week, bruh! This week Greg and I break down what peak week actually looks like for a natural ketogenic bodybuilder, why crazy water cuts and last-minute manipulations can do more harm than good, and what we’re doing to get ready for Natural State Savages. We also talk about the chaos that always seems to show up right before a big event, what’s happening behind the scenes with the competition, and tease a brand-new Keto Brick product that’s getting very close to launch.  Greg Mahler is also a lifetime natural bodybuilder, and can be followed on Instagram https://www.instagram.com/ketogreg80/ Register For My FREE Masterclass: https://www.ketobodybuilding.com/registration-2 Get Keto Brick: https://www.ketobrick.com/ Subscribe to the podcast: https://open.spotify.com/show/42cjJssghqD01bdWBxRYEg?si=1XYKmPXmR4eKw2O9gGCEuQ

    The Work Podcast Episode 74 - It’s Peak Week!

  8. Sep 16

    Muscular at 69: Inside His 34-Year Keto Lifestyle

    Book a free consultation call with Robert Sikes to get past your keto or low-carb plateau: https://www.ketobodybuilding.com/call John Arnold is still muscular at 69 after 34 years with keto as his base diet. In Episode 918 of Savage Perspective Podcast, he joins Robert Sikes to share how he eats and trains for the long haul. A loss of libido during a low-fat contest diet pushed him to rethink his food. He explains why keto stuck, how he handles off-plan meals, and why he feels his best physique came after 45. John also shares his own testosterone and cholesterol results, plus the lessons he has learned from decades in natural bodybuilding. They discuss drug testing, the cost of competing, and why a pro card is no quick path to success. Hear what he has kept, changed, and questioned along the way. Contact John: https://www.naturalbuildfitness.com/contact.php Get Keto Brick: https://www.ketobrick.com/ Subscribe to the podcast: https://open.spotify.com/show/42cjJssghqD01bdWBxRYEg?si=1XYKmPXmR4eKw2O9gGCEuQ Chapters 0:00 - John Arnold and the Onstage Proposal 1:39 - The Injury That Led to Natural Bodybuilding 5:32 - How John Became a Show Promoter 11:15 - Natural Federations, Drug Testing, and Fairness 19:07 - What a Bodybuilding Pro Card Really Changes 20:02 - Why Natural Shows Are Losing Competitors 22:55 - Making Bodybuilding More Affordable 26:35 - Classic Physique: Symmetry vs. Extreme Leanness 31:22 - What It Takes to Compete at Worlds 36:44 - How Bodybuilding Judges Make the Call 41:15 - Can Electronic Judging Reduce Errors? 45:36 - Peptides, GLP-1s, and Natural Competition 51:20 - John's 34 Years with Keto as His Base Diet 53:48 - John's Cholesterol, Testosterone, and Heart Scan 57:56 - Leaner on Keto with Higher Testosterone? 59:27 - Robert's Keto Contest Prep and Hormone Drop 1:00:46 - Cardio Without Sacrificing Training 1:03:45 - The Libido Scare That Changed John's Diet 1:08:53 - Why John Says His Best Physique Came After 45 1:10:24 - Upcoming Shows and a Lifelong Bodybuilding Mindset 1:13:32 - Where to Find John Arnold and His Shows

    Muscular at 69: Inside His 34-Year Keto Lifestyle
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4.7
out of 5
433 Ratings

About

The "Savage Perspective Podcast" is hosted by Robert Sikes, WNBF Pro Natural Bodybuilder. Robert has been deconstructing human performance and is willing to push the envelope to see what is possible. He's been following a ketogenic lifestyle for over a decade, is the founder and formulator of Keto Brick, and has a passion for helping others achieve their highest potential. In the show, he brings on guests to dive deeper into what has led to their successes and failures in all walks of life from fitness to business, relationships to spirituality so you can learn and take action!

Information

  • Creator
    Robert Sikes
  • Years Active
    2016 - 2026
  • Episodes
    998
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    © Robert Sikes
  • Show Website
    Savage Perspective Podcast

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