Friends & Enemies

Axe and Sledge

An Axe and Sledge Supplements Podcast with Shane Healey and David Dodrill. If you're into supplements, business, brand building, or just want an inside look at Axe & Sledge, this one's for you.

Episodes

  1. Friends & Enemies Podcast | Episode 10: Downloading the Arnold 2026

    MAR 12

    Friends & Enemies Podcast | Episode 10: Downloading the Arnold 2026

    Just got back from the Arnold Sports Festival and there's a lot to unpack. In this episode of Friends & Enemies, we break down everything from the weekend — the meetings, the industry conversations, and how the event itself has evolved over the years. The Arnold has always been one of the biggest weekends in the fitness and supplement industry, but this year felt a little different. We talk about what stood out most at this year's event, including the rise of influencer-driven brands, massive booth builds, and the moment everyone was talking about when the YoungLA booth was shut down due to crowd control. It's a clear sign of how much the fitness industry has shifted toward social media, community-driven brands, and viral moments. We also take a step back and discuss how the Arnold has changed throughout the years — from the hardcore bodybuilding and supplement launches that once dominated the expo floor to the newer wave of lifestyle brands, content creators, and influencer culture. Most importantly, we break down the real value of attending the Arnold today. Is it still worth the massive investment for brands? What role do networking, relationships, and retail meetings play behind the scenes? And as the industry continues to evolve, will events like this remain a cornerstone for supplement brands? Finally, we discuss the big question: Will Axe & Sledge be back at the Arnold next year? As always, we wrap things up with questions from ambassadors and the community. Topics Covered: • What was new about this year's Arnold • How the event has changed over the years • The YoungLA booth shutdown and influencer culture • The real value of the Arnold for supplement brands • Is the Arnold still worth the investment? • Will Axe & Sledge be there next year? Let us know your thoughts in the comments — did you attend the Arnold this year, and how do you think the event is evolving? Subscribe for more episodes of Friends & Enemies, where we talk business, supplements, and the real stories behind the industry.

    34 min
  2. Friends & Enemies Podcast | Episode 9: Costs Are Up. Sales Are Up. Now What?

    MAR 3

    Friends & Enemies Podcast | Episode 9: Costs Are Up. Sales Are Up. Now What?

    Friends & Enemies Podcast – The Truth About Protein Prices, Business Costs & Arnold 2026 Protein prices are up. Raw material costs are up. Freight is up. Labor is up. Packaging is up. The cost of doing business across the board is higher than it's ever been. And yet… Protein is still selling more than it ever has. In this episode of Friends & Enemies, we break down what's actually happening in the protein market — without the fluff and without the panic. We talk about: • Why whey and dairy costs continue to spike • The reality of freight, warehousing, and operating expenses • Why raising wholesale without adjusting MSRP crushes retailer margins • Why strong brands survive inflation cycles • Why consumers are still prioritizing protein — even at higher price points This isn't a complaint session. It's a real conversation about business, margins, positioning, and long-term brand strength. Health is no longer niche. Protein isn't a luxury. It's a staple. We also lay out our full game plan for the 2026 Arnold — where we'll be, what we're highlighting, athlete appearances, product focus, and why expos still matter in an increasingly digital world. And to close it out, we answer questions directly from our ambassadors about: • Will protein hit $60+ everywhere? • Are brands cutting quality? • Should consumers stock up? • What separates premium protein from cheap protein? • Is this temporary or the new normal? No spin. Just real talk about the market, the future, and how to navigate it the right way. If you're a retailer, brand owner, ambassador, or just someone who cares about the supplement space — this episode is for you. 👇 Drop your questions for the next episode in the comments. 👍 Like, subscribe, and share with someone in the industry. 📍 See you at the Arnold. #FriendsAndEnemies #ProteinMarket #SupplementIndustry #BusinessTalk #Arnold2026

    45 min

About

An Axe and Sledge Supplements Podcast with Shane Healey and David Dodrill. If you're into supplements, business, brand building, or just want an inside look at Axe & Sledge, this one's for you.

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