Prep Brain Podcast

Caitlin Arnold & Joey Cantlin

What actually goes on inside the brain - and behind the scenes - of competitive bodybuilding? The Prep Brain Podcast takes you inside the world of bodybuilding with industry-leading coach and bodybuilding judge Joey Cantlin and IFBB Pro Caitlin Arnold. From contest prep, training, nutrition and posing to judging criteria, show-day strategy, athlete psychology and the realities of competing internationally, we break down the things competitors actually want to know. We’ll also unpack what’s happening across the bodybuilding industry - from show results and judging decisions to industry news, athlete moves, emerging trends, controversies, competition formats and the conversations shaping the sport in Australia and internationally. We’ll talk about the wins, the losses, the questionable decisions, the lessons, the science behind prep and the things nobody tells you when you decide you want to step on stage. Expect education, debate, show breakdowns, industry updates, athlete stories, coach’s corner, insider perspectives and plenty of unfiltered conversation from inside the sport. The Prep Brain Podcast - because successful bodybuilding isn’t just built in the gym. It’s built in the brain.

Episodes

  1. 6d ago

    EP 05 - Caitlin’s NZ Pro Show (Medical Emergencies, Cancelled Flights & Another Top 4?!)

    Medical emergencies, cancelled flights, last-minute bikini changes… and somehow, another TOP 4 finish?! 😂✈️ In this episode of The Prep Brain, we're wrapping up Caitlin's final Pro show of an absolutely unforgettable competitive season - the NZ Pro show. And while getting there was a story in itself, the show was genuinely incredible. From the organisation and event execution to the calibre of competitors on stage, it was an amazing experience and a fantastic way to close out the season. But before we could get to the stage, there was a LOT to deal with. 👀 We unpack the chaos behind the scenes, the unexpected curveballs, the last-minute changes and everything that went into getting Caitlin across the line for one final time this season. After making her international Pro debut in Korea and placing 4th, the NZ Pro show was another opportunity to see where she stood against the competition. And with another TOP 4 finish, Caitlin walked away with something that mattered just as much as the result itself: proving (mainly to herself... not to Joey though) that Korea wasn't a fluke. 💪 We break down how the show went, the changes we made going into the competition, the feedback from the judges, and what we can take away from another competitive outing on the Pro stage. Because while we're incredibly proud of another top-four finish, the goal isn't to keep turning up and repeating the same result. It's to keep improving. So, what's next? After a season that took Caitlin from regional amateur shows to winning her IFBB Pro Card at Nationals, making her international Pro debut in Korea, earning her first Olympia points, and also finishing with another top-four Pro placing in NZ, it's officially time to close the chapter on competition for now. We'll talk about the areas that need improvement, the feedback we're taking into the offseason, and what the plan looks like from here. The heels are coming off (for now!), the feedback is in, and it's time to BUILD. 🏗️ It's been one hell of a season, and this is the final debrief before the next chapter begins. If you enjoy the episode, make sure to LIKE, SUBSCRIBE and leave us a 5-star review! ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ It helps more people find the podcast, and we appreciate every bit of support. SOCIAL MEDIA Follow the Prep Brain Podcast: @prepbrainpodcastFollow Joey: @joeycantlinptFollow Caitlin: @caitlin.l.arnoldCaitlin's YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@CaitlinLArnoldWORK WITH US Caitlin Coaching: https://plantphysique.org/Caitlin Posing: https://theflowupposing.square.site/Joey Coaching: https://form.jotform.com/252661109740050DISCOUNT CODES VPA Australia (Supplements) https://www.vpa.com.au/ - CARNOLDLess Than One Percent (Activewear) https://lessthanonepercent.shop/ - CARNOLDGot a question you'd like us to cover on a future episode? Drop it in the comments! #PrepBrainPodcast #IFBBPro #BikiniPro #Bodybuilding #CompetitionPrep #OffSeason

    EP 05 - Caitlin’s NZ Pro Show (Medical Emergencies, Cancelled Flights & Another Top 4?!)
  2. Oct 23

    EP 04 – Prep 101: How The F*ck Do You Get Stage Ready? Your First Prep, Explained.

    Thinking about competing in bodybuilding for the first time? Or already planning your first prep and have absolutely no idea where to start? Or maybe you did a prep, but felt like everything went wrong? This one's for you. In this episode of The Prep Brain, we're going back to basics and breaking down EVERYTHING you need to know about getting stage ready for your first bodybuilding competition - from before prep even begins, right through to stepping on stage and what happens when it's all over. Because there's a LOT more to competing than just dieting, doing cardio and buying a bikini or pair of trunks 👀 We unpack what you should be thinking about before you commit to a show, how to choose the right coach and competition, what actually goes into a prep, and what you need to get right along the way. We cover the big stuff: training, nutrition, cardio, posing, peak week, stage day and all the things that first-time competitors often don't realise they're signing up for. We also talk about the mental side of prep, managing expectations, navigating the inevitable challenges, and why having a plan for AFTER the competition is just as important as getting there in the first place. And no, getting stage ready isn't just about getting as lean as possible. It's about understanding the process, preparing properly, and setting yourself up for a better experience both on and off the stage. Whether you're considering your first competition, already deep in the planning stage, or just want to understand what bodybuilding prep actually involves, consider this your Prep Brain 101. We're opening the files, asking the questions, and giving you the information we wish every first-time competitor understood before they started. 🧠💪 If you enjoy the episode, make sure to LIKE, SUBSCRIBE and leave us a 5-star review! ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ It helps more people find the podcast, and we'd love to have you along for the ride. SOCIAL MEDIA Follow the Prep Brain Podcast: @prepbrainpodcastFollow Joey: @joeycantlinptFollow Caitlin: @caitlin.l.arnoldCaitlin's YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@CaitlinLArnoldWORK WITH US Caitlin Coaching: https://plantphysique.org/Caitlin Posing: https://theflowupposing.square.site/Joey Coaching: https://form.jotform.com/252661109740050DISCOUNT CODES VPA Australia (Supplements) https://www.vpa.com.au/ - CARNOLDLess Than One Percent (Activewear) https://lessthanonepercent.shop/ - CARNOLD#PrepBrainPodcast #BodybuildingPrep #FirstTimeCompetitor #Bodybuilding101 #CompetitionPrep #IFBB

    EP 04 – Prep 101: How The F*ck Do You Get Stage Ready? Your First Prep, Explained.
  3. Oct 16

    EP 03 - Pro Card to Pro Stage (What Changed For the Pro Debut)

    What happens when you win your IFBB Pro Card… and almost immediately have to get ready for your first Pro show? In this episode of The Prep Brain, we open the Athlete Files and follow Caitlin’s whirlwind transition from winning the Australian Pro Card to making her international Pro debut in Korea — with barely 24 hours at home in between. We break down what happened behind the scenes: getting home from Nationals, packing, pivoting the plan, flying to Korea and stepping onto an international Pro stage almost immediately, and placing within the top 5 (plus earning her first ever points towards the Olympia) But this episode is about more than the timeline. What actually changes when you move from amateur to pro? Joey explains the changes he made to Caitlin’s preparation for the Pro stage, how and why we had to pivot the plan, and what the jump to the Pro ranks really means from a coaching and competitive perspective. We also unpack the differences between amateur and Pro competitors, what changes on the Pro stage, what Caitlin learned from her debut, and what needs to happen next to build a physique that can be more competitive at the highest level. From winning the Pro Card to figuring out what it takes to compete as a Pro, this is the reality of making the jump. If you enjoy the episode, like, subscribe and follow The Prep Brain so you don't miss the next episode. SOCIAL MEDIA Follow the Prep Brain Podcast: @prepbrainpodcastFollow Joey: @joeycantlinptFollow Caitlin: @caitlin.l.arnoldCaitlin's YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@CaitlinLArnoldWORK WITH US Caitlin Coaching: https://plantphysique.org/Caitlin Posing: https://theflowupposing.square.site/Joey Coaching: https://form.jotform.com/252661109740050DISCOUNT CODES VPA Australia (Supplements) https://www.vpa.com.au/ - CARNOLDLess Than One Percent (Activewear) https://lessthanonepercent.shop/ - CARNOLD

    EP 03 - Pro Card to Pro Stage (What Changed For the Pro Debut)
  4. Oct 9

    EP 02 - Four Shows, One Pro Card - Caitlin's Road to Pro (The Prep Everything Changed)

    In this episode of The Prep Brain, we open the Athlete Files and take you behind the scenes of Caitlin’s journey to becoming an IFBB Pro — a prep where everything changed. We go right back to where it started: what Caitlin wanted, what went wrong in previous preps, and what needed to change for this season to be different. We unpack the mental shift, the foundations that were built before stepping on stage, and how Caitlin learned to approach prep with a completely different mindset. Then came the Australian season: four shows in four weeks, chasing feedback, making adjustments and learning to treat every show as another opportunity to improve. It was an under dog season, full of near misses, at least 4 different front poses, and constant changes. Joey and Caitlin break down the feedback received throughout the season, the changes made from show to show, and the decisions that ultimately led to Caitlin winning the IFBB Pro Card. And finally — what does it actually feel like to achieve the goal you've spent months fighting for? This is the story behind the stage photos, the trophies and the Pro Card — the setbacks, the feedback, the mindset and everything that happened in between. If you enjoy the episode, like, subscribe and follow The Prep Brain so you don't miss what's coming next. SOCIAL MEDIA Follow the Prep Brain Podcast: @prepbrainpodcastFollow Joey: @joeycantlinptFollow Caitlin: @caitlin.l.arnoldCaitlin's YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@CaitlinLArnoldWORK WITH US Caitlin Coaching: https://plantphysique.org/Caitlin Posing: https://theflowupposing.square.site/Joey Coaching: https://form.jotform.com/252661109740050DISCOUNT CODES VPA Australia (Supplements) https://www.vpa.com.au/ - CARNOLDLess Than One Percent (Activewear) https://lessthanonepercent.shop/ - CARNOLD

    EP 02 - Four Shows, One Pro Card - Caitlin's Road to Pro (The Prep Everything Changed)

About

What actually goes on inside the brain - and behind the scenes - of competitive bodybuilding? The Prep Brain Podcast takes you inside the world of bodybuilding with industry-leading coach and bodybuilding judge Joey Cantlin and IFBB Pro Caitlin Arnold. From contest prep, training, nutrition and posing to judging criteria, show-day strategy, athlete psychology and the realities of competing internationally, we break down the things competitors actually want to know. We’ll also unpack what’s happening across the bodybuilding industry - from show results and judging decisions to industry news, athlete moves, emerging trends, controversies, competition formats and the conversations shaping the sport in Australia and internationally. We’ll talk about the wins, the losses, the questionable decisions, the lessons, the science behind prep and the things nobody tells you when you decide you want to step on stage. Expect education, debate, show breakdowns, industry updates, athlete stories, coach’s corner, insider perspectives and plenty of unfiltered conversation from inside the sport. The Prep Brain Podcast - because successful bodybuilding isn’t just built in the gym. It’s built in the brain.

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