The Improvement Season Podcast

Revive Stronger
  • 4.7 (14)
  • Health & Fitness
  • Weekly

Welcome to the improvement Season Podcast! This is a sub-podcast from the Revive Stronger Podcast itself, where both Steve & Mike talk about their entire bodybuilding journey. Bodybuilding, nutrition, training, coaching, all of our experiences and knowledge around this is something we discuss on a weekly basis on the Improvement Season Podcast. Enjoy!

  1. 2d ago

    Survivorship Bias in Bodybuilding (And Why You Should Care) - Steve & Mike

    Hosts Steve Hall and Magic Mike blend personal updates with practical bodybuilding and coaching discussion. They explain survivorship bias in high-volume training, share how experience and presence can ease anxiety, and offer guidance on adjusting steps and calories when moving out of a cut. They answer listener questions on bodybuilding training, nutrition, injury management, and coaching. They also compare potential bodybuilding-friendly places to live and share podcast recommendations, offering practical guidance while emphasizing individual differences and consistency. Join the hypertrophic time chamber to ask questions: https://www.instagram.com/channel/AbazLhBRouBrMkCq/ Chapters 00:00 A Celine Dion-inspired Improvement Season intro 02:43 Halloween, social anxiety, and avoiding the phone 11:18 How experience makes consultations feel less stressful 17:22 Post-prep energy and training updates 26:45 Revive Stronger’s heavyweight embroidered hoodies 30:25 Survivorship bias and the risks of copying high-volume training 40:07 How to lower steps and adjust calories after a cut 46:41 Diet transition: use ballpark estimates, not scale stress 47:10 Bodybuilding-friendly cities: Sydney, Bali, Dubai and beyond 52:50 Warm-ups, high protein and weight changes after poor sleep 57:00 Barefoot gym shoes and keeping productive exercises 59:40 Drop sets, rest-pause and other intensity methods 01:03:49 Consultations: listen first, clarify coaching expectations 01:07:00 Assessing glute-ham discomfort and adjusting training 01:12:01 Their podcast picks and a discussion of willpower 01:18:48 Potassium consistency and peak-week food choices 01:21:49 Time-saving training, squat variations and intra-workout drinks 01:25:14 The McGill Big Three, tattoos and training around discomfort 01:30:04 Why knee discomfort may ease as you warm up Thanks, please comment, like and subscribe! COACHING: https://revivestronger.com/online-coaching/ INSTAGRAM: http://www.instagram.com/revivestronger NEWSLETTER: https://bit.ly/2rRONG5 __________________________________________________________________ Epic Workout Clothing (use code STRONGER): • US: https://www.raskolapparel.com?snowball=STRONGER • Europe: https://raskolapparel.eu/ • Canada: https://raskolapparel.ca/ __________________________________________________________________ Our Ebooks! Ultimate Guide To Contest Prep Ebook: • https://revivestronger.com/product/the-ultimate-guide-to-contest-prep/ __________________________________________________________________ Stay up to date with the latest research and educate yourself! MASS (Research Review): • https://www.massmember.com/a/2147994108/MxeV4T3M Muscle & Strength Pyramids • https://getdpd.com/cart/hoplink/25469?referrer=1uk0lvv6e1rqv __________________________________________________________________ When you're interested in online coaching, please go visit our website and follow the application form: https://www.revivestronger.com/online-coaching/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

  2. Oct 26

    Should You Carb Cycle When Bulking or Cutting? - Steve & Mike

    In this episode, we explore fitness routines, clothing choices, mental health, and recent competitions, offering practical insights and personal stories. Steve Hall and Magic Mike discuss a wide range of topics from injury recovery and Marvel movies to exercise selection and motivation strategies. They share practical insights and personal experiences to help listeners optimize their training and mindset. Join the hypertrophic time chamber to ask questions: https://www.instagram.com/channel/AbazLhBRouBrMkCq/ Chapters 00:00 Introduction and episode overview 09:59 Upcoming fitness events and competitions 14:05 Merchandise updates and new product launches 18:13 Training updates and recent progress 27:59 Questions from listeners and expert advice 32:58 Mental health, motivation, and coping strategies 38:10 Training volume and muscle focus for advanced lifters 42:59 Research insights on muscle growth and training 44:14 Injury recovery tips for adductor strain 48:03 Favorite Marvel movies discussion 50:25 The underrated role of anatomy in exercise selection 52:28 Community and meetup plans 54:57 Upcoming bodybuilding events and travel destinations 55:57 Motivating clients and building confidence 01:01:45 Favorite gym items and equipment 01:02:26 Carb cycling for bulking and cutting 01:12:44 Traveling and tracking progress in gyms 01:19:11 Favorite anime and life lessons from anime 01:22:31 Traits of successful clients and competitors 01:26:44 Liposuction and natural bodybuilding ethics 01:30:23 Closing remarks and community engagement Thanks, please comment, like and subscribe! COACHING: https://revivestronger.com/online-coaching/ INSTAGRAM: http://www.instagram.com/revivestronger NEWSLETTER: https://bit.ly/2rRONG5 __________________________________________________________________ Epic Workout Clothing (use code STRONGER): • US: https://www.raskolapparel.com?snowball=STRONGER • Europe: https://raskolapparel.eu/ • Canada: https://raskolapparel.ca/ __________________________________________________________________ Our Ebooks! Ultimate Guide To Contest Prep Ebook: • https://revivestronger.com/product/the-ultimate-guide-to-contest-prep/ __________________________________________________________________ Stay up to date with the latest research and educate yourself! MASS (Research Review): • https://www.massmember.com/a/2147994108/MxeV4T3M Muscle & Strength Pyramids • https://getdpd.com/cart/hoplink/25469?referrer=1uk0lvv6e1rqv __________________________________________________________________ When you're interested in online coaching, please go visit our website and follow the application form: https://www.revivestronger.com/online-coaching/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

  3. Oct 19

    Do You Really Need to Track Your Training? - Steve & Mike

    Steve Hall and Magic Mike open with a light, personal catch-up before moving into a wide-ranging Q and A on contest prep, training, tracking, and coaching decisions. They also touch on current personal updates, recent body composition changes, and a few reflections on bodybuilding life, travel, and old prep memories. They cover practical lessons from dieting, how to judge fullness and conditioning, and when it may be time to step away from competing. They also answer listener questions on tracking, training setup, cardio, social norms, and the usefulness of limited equipment. Join the hypertrophic time chamber to ask questions: https://www.instagram.com/channel/AbazLhBRouBrMkCq/ Chapters 00:00 Backstreet Boys, Singing & Opening Banter 06:31 Steve's Training, Energy & Bodyweight Update 18:00 Mike's Update & why the diet went well 33:55 Digestion, Sweeteners & Stress Management 37:58 TV Shows, Anime & Personal Updates 44:32 Q&A Begins 45:13 How Long Should a Bodybuilding Season Last? 47:49 Which Muscle Would You Grow With a Six-Month Button? 49:25 Should You Coach People for Free? 53:33 Why Tracking Your Training Still Matters 58:04 How Far Can You Get With Basic Gym Equipment? 1:00:51 Is High-Intensity Cardio Useful for Bodybuilders? 1:02:22 When Should You Walk Away From Bodybuilding? 1:07:10 Societal Norms, Pain Culture & Alcohol 1:10:11 How Content Creation Has Changed 1:14:18 Has Natural Bodybuilding Reached a Higher Ceiling? 1:15:04 Macro-Friendly Brownies & Cookies 1:16:07 Which Programming Opinions Have Changed? 1:19:13 Getting More From Cable Crunches 1:21:44 How to Assess Fullness in a Bodybuilder 1:24:07 Are Nike Romaleos Worth Buying? 1:26:00 The Weirdest Foods We've Eaten to Hit Macros 1:27:23 Getting Out of Your Head About Stubborn Love Handles 1:29:50 Is 10–15k Steps Enough? 1:30:57 Does Prehab Improve Recruitment or Range of Motion? 1:32:17 Was Lockdown Training Actually Productive? 1:36:13 Closing Thoughts Thanks, please comment, like and subscribe! COACHING: https://revivestronger.com/online-coaching/ INSTAGRAM: http://www.instagram.com/revivestronger NEWSLETTER: https://bit.ly/2rRONG5 __________________________________________________________________ Epic Workout Clothing (use code STRONGER): • US: https://www.raskolapparel.com?snowball=STRONGER • Europe: https://raskolapparel.eu/ • Canada: https://raskolapparel.ca/ __________________________________________________________________ Our Ebooks! Ultimate Guide To Contest Prep Ebook: • https://revivestronger.com/product/the-ultimate-guide-to-contest-prep/ __________________________________________________________________ Stay up to date with the latest research and educate yourself! MASS (Research Review): • https://www.massmember.com/a/2147994108/MxeV4T3M Muscle & Strength Pyramids • https://getdpd.com/cart/hoplink/25469?referrer=1uk0lvv6e1rqv __________________________________________________________________ When you're interested in online coaching, please go visit our website and follow the application form: https://www.revivestronger.com/online-coaching/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

  4. Oct 12

    Why Placings Can Be So Unpredictable - Steve & Mike

    WMBF Supernaturals, judging takeaways, and listener Q&A Steve Hall and Magic Mike recap the WNBF Supernaturals weekend, discussing standout athletes, judging nuances, and the rising standard of UK bodybuilding. They also answer listener questions about nutrition, training, and mindset. Join the hypertrophic time chamber to ask questions: https://www.instagram.com/channel/AbazLhBRouBrMkCq/ Chapters 00:00 Intro & “Natty BB Boys” banter 01:41 Steve’s training update & RDL PR 05:06 Mike’s training update & calorie drop 12:50 WNBF Supernaturals recap 22:19 Standout athletes from the weekend 26:39 What separated the pro bodybuilding placings 44:48 Dragon Ball Z bodybuilding contest 48:18 Online pain-management consultations 49:27 Nutrition around Christmas & the holidays 58:43 Can the placebo effect improve muscle & strength? 1:02:02 Habits & traits we've improved 1:05:07 Maintenance calories vs maintaining body weight 1:08:29 Is there an optimal body-fat level for muscle gain? 1:14:18 Bulk/cut vs maintaining for longer 1:17:33 How Steve is doing & Pascal update 1:18:09 Food preferences & coriander 1:23:55 Training around low-back tightness 1:26:29 Gym focus, hat training & closing thoughts Thanks, please comment, like and subscribe! COACHING: https://revivestronger.com/online-coaching/ INSTAGRAM: http://www.instagram.com/revivestronger NEWSLETTER: https://bit.ly/2rRONG5 __________________________________________________________________ Epic Workout Clothing (use code STRONGER): • US: https://www.raskolapparel.com?snowball=STRONGER • Europe: https://raskolapparel.eu/ • Canada: https://raskolapparel.ca/ __________________________________________________________________ Our Ebooks! Ultimate Guide To Contest Prep Ebook: • https://revivestronger.com/product/the-ultimate-guide-to-contest-prep/ __________________________________________________________________ Stay up to date with the latest research and educate yourself! MASS (Research Review): • https://www.massmember.com/a/2147994108/MxeV4T3M Muscle & Strength Pyramids • https://getdpd.com/cart/hoplink/25469?referrer=1uk0lvv6e1rqv __________________________________________________________________ When you're interested in online coaching, please go visit our website and follow the application form: https://www.revivestronger.com/online-coaching/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

  5. Oct 6

    Top 5 Tips to Becoming a World Class Coach - Steve & Mike

    Magic Mike and Steve Hall kick off with podcast housekeeping, then dive into a wide-ranging conversation about the Olympia, WNBF results, coaching, recovery, and listener questions. The episode is especially useful for listeners who enjoy bodybuilding analysis with a practical coaching angle—and candid updates on training, fatigue, and life after a cut. They also discuss Rob’s prep for the WNBF Supernaturals, why consistency mattered at the Olympia, and how to think about stimulus, fatigue, and exercise selection without getting lost in the weeds. Join the hypertrophic time chamber to ask questions: https://www.instagram.com/channel/AbazLhBRouBrMkCq/ Chapters: 00:00 — No more intro vocals unless listeners demand it 05:37 — WNBF Supernaturals 09:44 — Olympia recap 20:49 — British competitors and inspiration for natural bodybuilding 28:39 — Steve’s bodyweight increase and why he isn’t panicking 36:08 — Post-cut physique changes and upper-body progress 36:33 — Ninja Creami trouble and an Attack on Titan rewatch 41:23 — Building a dream physique from other natural bodybuilders 48:43 — Protein powder versus sauces and seasonings 50:55 — The most underrated bodybuilding poses 53:16 — When to stop a set if reps drop too much 56:33 — Is there a benefit to repeating the same session twice a week? 1:00:25 — Post-cut advice 1:03:17 — Why enhanced bodybuilders can vary between prejudging and finals 1:04:35 — Five tips for becoming an excellent coach 1:11:14 — Structuring a four-day split around physique weak points 1:12:51 — Would they leave natural bodybuilding if steroids guaranteed an Olympia win? 1:14:53 — Filming form videos and choosing camera angles 1:16:18 — Protein timing: do you need to wait six hours? 1:17:22 — Mike’s dating life update 1:18:46 — Overcoming fear of movement after an injury 1:22:41 — Why Steve started the Revive Stronger podcast 1:25:00 — Do lengthened partials leave lower-lat gains on the table? 1:28:34 — Closing thoughts and joining the team Thanks, please comment, like and subscribe! COACHING: https://revivestronger.com/online-coaching/ INSTAGRAM: http://www.instagram.com/revivestronger NEWSLETTER: https://bit.ly/2rRONG5 __________________________________________________________________ Epic Workout Clothing (use code STRONGER): • US: https://www.raskolapparel.com?snowball=STRONGER • Europe: https://raskolapparel.eu/ • Canada: https://raskolapparel.ca/ __________________________________________________________________ Our Ebooks! Ultimate Guide To Contest Prep Ebook: • https://revivestronger.com/product/the-ultimate-guide-to-contest-prep/ __________________________________________________________________ Stay up to date with the latest research and educate yourself! MASS (Research Review): • https://www.massmember.com/a/2147994108/MxeV4T3M Muscle & Strength Pyramids • https://getdpd.com/cart/hoplink/25469?referrer=1uk0lvv6e1rqv __________________________________________________________________ When you're interested in online coaching, please go visit our website and follow the application form: https://www.revivestronger.com/online-coaching/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

  6. Sep 28

    When to Push, Hold & Back Off in Bodybuilding - Steve & Mike

    Mike and Steve catch up on physique updates, prep timing, judging, and a weekend of competition watchalongs. They also answer listener questions about knee pain, training progression, supplement safety, autoregulation, and bodybuilding at different ages. Mike shares his dieting progress, recent experience judging the NPA British Championships, and why he’s choosing to hold body weight rather than start a mini cut. Steve talks about Ada turning eight, a hike outside London, and why he’s likely to stay at maintenance before his next prep. Together, they discuss nutrition flexibility, coaching, and building a physique over the long term. Join the hypertrophic time chamber to ask questions: https://www.instagram.com/channel/AbazLhBRouBrMkCq/ Chapters 00:00 Physique updates, dieting progress & peri-workout nutrition 07:31 Ninja Creami, Ada turns eight & London hike 13:47 WNBF Dubai & Dirk’s class win 15:14 Why Steve is holding body weight instead of mini-cutting 18:12 RDL progress, knee health & longer training phases 20:59 Judging the NPA British Championships & athlete progression 31:25 Listener questions begin 33:08 Knee pain: tendonitis, tendinopathy & bursitis 41:24 Low appetite during a gaining phase 42:13 Should beginners add sets if they’re still progressing? 43:38 Protein powder quality & third-party testing 51:17 Why Steve doesn’t have an offseason coach 55:37 The podcast, MBW & continuing education 57:18 Would we restart bodybuilding with what we know now? 58:45 Multivitamins & greens powders: are they useful? 1:00:08 Favourite protein bars & Barebells advent calendars 1:03:25 Can you still build muscle in your 30s & 40s? 1:06:51 What hire could strengthen Revive Stronger? 1:11:54 Anime recommendations 1:14:11 Sport documentaries, Mark Cavendish & support teams 1:16:52 What happens after the final show of the season? 1:19:06 How to develop an eye for physique assessment 1:22:32 Autoregulation during prep 1:26:11 Training & eating around a 9-to-5 job 1:29:43 What can we learn from a 10,000-calorie binge? 1:32:25 What would we trade for more muscle? 1:34:49 Outro Thanks, please comment, like and subscribe! COACHING: https://revivestronger.com/online-coaching/ INSTAGRAM: http://www.instagram.com/revivestronger NEWSLETTER: https://bit.ly/2rRONG5 __________________________________________________________________ Epic Workout Clothing (use code STRONGER): • US: https://www.raskolapparel.com?snowball=STRONGER • Europe: https://raskolapparel.eu/ • Canada: https://raskolapparel.ca/ __________________________________________________________________ Our Ebooks! Ultimate Guide To Contest Prep Ebook: • https://revivestronger.com/product/the-ultimate-guide-to-contest-prep/ __________________________________________________________________ Stay up to date with the latest research and educate yourself! MASS (Research Review): • https://www.massmember.com/a/2147994108/MxeV4T3M Muscle & Strength Pyramids • https://getdpd.com/cart/hoplink/25469?referrer=1uk0lvv6e1rqv __________________________________________________________________ When you're interested in online coaching, please go visit our website and follow the application form: https://www.revivestronger.com/online-coaching/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

  7. Sep 21

    The Most Underrated Factor in Muscle Growth - Steve & Mike

    In this episode, Steve and Mike discuss the importance of sleep, training volume, and progress tracking for muscle growth and performance. They share personal insights, recent competition updates, and answer listener questions about supplements, training, and nutrition. Discussing a wide range of topics including coaching stories, social media management, training strategies, and personal experiences with fitness and nutrition. They share valuable insights for both aspiring and experienced fitness enthusiasts. Join the hypertrophic time chamber to ask questions: https://www.instagram.com/channel/AbazLhBRouBrMkCq/ Chapters 00:00 Introduction and episode overview 02:36 Coaching stories: Aaron’s transformation and client progress 03:04 Steve's new apparel and gym wear insights 04:50 The underrated value of sleep for recovery 09:41 Rob's competition prep and recent results 10:23 Social media habits: managing overwhelm and doomscrolling 14:15 Reflections on bodybuilding judging and pro cards 18:02 Rob and Chris's progress and future plans 19:57 Training strategies: unilateral vs bilateral movements 21:31 Personal updates and training reflections 23:18 The importance of patience and consistency in bodybuilding 27:40 Upcoming competitions and athlete updates 29:18 Listener questions on training volume and supplements 30:45 Nutrition tips: increasing carbs and liquid calories 45:03 Skincare and hair removal for stage prep 55:36 Favorite anime shows and recent watches 01:10:07 Reflections on influence of podcast guests 01:20:07 Final thoughts and episode wrap-up Thanks, please comment, like and subscribe! COACHING: https://revivestronger.com/online-coaching/ INSTAGRAM: http://www.instagram.com/revivestronger NEWSLETTER: https://bit.ly/2rRONG5 __________________________________________________________________ Epic Workout Clothing (use code STRONGER): • US: https://www.raskolapparel.com?snowball=STRONGER • Europe: https://raskolapparel.eu/ • Canada: https://raskolapparel.ca/ __________________________________________________________________ Our Ebooks! Ultimate Guide To Contest Prep Ebook: • https://revivestronger.com/product/the-ultimate-guide-to-contest-prep/ __________________________________________________________________ Stay up to date with the latest research and educate yourself! MASS (Research Review): • https://www.massmember.com/a/2147994108/MxeV4T3M Muscle & Strength Pyramids • https://getdpd.com/cart/hoplink/25469?referrer=1uk0lvv6e1rqv __________________________________________________________________ When you're interested in online coaching, please go visit our website and follow the application form: https://www.revivestronger.com/online-coaching/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

  8. Sep 15

    You Don't Need More Sets | Training Hard, Failure & Earning Volume - Steve & Mike

    Steve Hall and Magic Mike open with a candid catch-up on training, recovery, and the realities of bodybuilding prep. They also break down a weekend of show support for Rob and Anthony, including posing tweaks, show-day nerves, judging differences, and how to stay grounded when placings do not match expectations. Plus a long Q&A covers recreational clients, elbow-friendly arm training, adductor work, stiff-leg deadlift mechanics, photos in the off season, prep fatigue red flags, cutting calories, refeed use, peak week foods, biceps tendinitis, and show-day nerves Join the hypertrophic time chamber to ask questions: https://www.instagram.com/channel/AbazLhBRouBrMkCq/ Chapters 00:00 Opening Catch-Up & Training Week Check-In 14:23 Mike's Weekend With His Dad & Nutrition Reflections 23:22 Rob's Show Weekend & Supporting Athletes in Person 38:35 Anthony's Show in Cyprus & the Value of Live Support 47:13 Q&A Begins + Coaching & Lead Generation 48:08 How Much of the Client Roster Is Recreational Lifters? 51:48 Pec "Dancing" – Can Either Host Do It? 53:01 Are Direct Adductor Exercises Necessary? 54:21 0 RIR vs 2 RIR: Why the Full Program Matters More 57:15 What Determines Maintenance Calories Over Time? 57:46 What the Hosts Think the Other Could Improve On 1:01:04 How a Book on Self-Esteem Is Helping Mike 1:01:51 Stiff-Leg Deadlifts: Knee Bend, Pauses & Digestion 1:03:53 Progress Photo Frequency for Off-Season Clients 1:06:35 Elbow-Friendly Ways to Train Biceps & Triceps 1:08:36 How to Know When Prep Is Going Too Far 1:11:25 Where to Cut Calories First When Starting a Diet 1:13:36 Managing Lower-Back Flare-Ups on Leg Movements 1:14:45 Losing Definition While Gaining: The Psychological Challenge 1:17:38 When Is a Refeed Actually Needed? 1:19:15 What Science Doesn't Clearly State — But May Still Help Bodybuilding 1:21:23 Do Pump Workouts & Carb Loads Work During Peak Week? 1:23:11 How to Manage Biceps Tendinitis 1:26:00 Steve's Coaching Process & Client Check-Ins 1:29:49 Feeling Suboptimal in Prep & What Recovery Scores Mean 1:30:42 Skills Each Host Would Love to Learn From Another Coach 1:34:17 Food Tracking, Bodybuilding Eating & MyFitnessPal Confusion 1:35:25 How Rest-Pause & Drop Sets Fit Into Training 1:36:39 Best Peak Week Foods: Easy Digestion & Low Volume 1:38:14 Backstage Nerves & Show-Day Comparisons 1:41:00 Closing Thoughts + Coaching Applications & Questions Thanks, please comment, like and subscribe! COACHING: https://revivestronger.com/online-coaching/ INSTAGRAM: http://www.instagram.com/revivestronger NEWSLETTER: https://bit.ly/2rRONG5 __________________________________________________________________ Epic Workout Clothing (use code STRONGER): • US: https://www.raskolapparel.com?snowball=STRONGER • Europe: https://raskolapparel.eu/ • Canada: https://raskolapparel.ca/ __________________________________________________________________ Our Ebooks! Ultimate Guide To Contest Prep Ebook: • https://revivestronger.com/product/the-ultimate-guide-to-contest-prep/ __________________________________________________________________ Stay up to date with the latest research and educate yourself! MASS (Research Review): • https://www.massmember.com/a/2147994108/MxeV4T3M Muscle & Strength Pyramids • https://getdpd.com/cart/hoplink/25469?referrer=1uk0lvv6e1rqv __________________________________________________________________ When you're interested in online coaching, please go visit our website and follow the application form: https://www.revivestronger.com/online-coaching/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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4.7
out of 5
14 Ratings

About

Welcome to the improvement Season Podcast! This is a sub-podcast from the Revive Stronger Podcast itself, where both Steve & Mike talk about their entire bodybuilding journey. Bodybuilding, nutrition, training, coaching, all of our experiences and knowledge around this is something we discuss on a weekly basis on the Improvement Season Podcast. Enjoy!

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