Muscles by Brussels Radio

Dani Taylor

The ultimate podcast for vegan fitness enthusiasts! Hosted by vegan coaches of over 15 years, Dani Taylor and Giacomo Marchese, this show dives deep into the world of vegan bodybuilding, strength training, and nutrition. With expert advice, science-based insights, and real-life experiences, the Vegan Proteins Team helps you navigate your fitness journey while debunking myths and providing actionable tips. Whether you're a seasoned athlete or just starting out, Muscle by Brussels Radio is your go-to resource for achieving your best vegan physique. Tune in and transform your body and mind!

  1. 1d ago

    Can Radical Delusion Help You Reach Your Goals?

    Can a little radical delusion help you achieve things you never thought possible? Ben and Alice explore the balance between believing in your potential and maintaining realistic expectations, using their experiences in natural bodybuilding, coaching, and major life transitions to examine how confidence, self-doubt, and ambition shape our progress. They discuss why you don't need to feel like an accomplished athlete before you start acting like one, the value of competing and learning before you're fully ready, and how tying your self-worth to specific outcomes or timelines can undermine your enjoyment of the journey. They also explore the importance of process-oriented and mastery goals, finding ways to stay inspired, and focusing on consistent daily actions rather than waiting until you feel ready or believe you've achieved perfection. 🌱 Coaching Application Take your fitness and nutrition goals to the next level with one-on-one coaching: http://www.veganproteins.com/personal-training   📖 Free 7-Day High-Protein Meal Plan: https://bit.ly/4kab1Ll 💪 Muscles by Brussels Membership: Try it free for one month: https://www.veganproteins.com/muscles-by-brussels-membership-free-trial/   ✅ Membership Includes: 4 live coaching calls per month Monthly home or gym workouts 200+ high-protein vegan recipes Exclusive app features Habit challenges with cash prizes A supportive vegan athlete community 🔗 Follow Us Online: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/veganproteins/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/VeganProteins Website: https://www.veganproteins.com/ Apparel: Muscles by Brussels Tank Tops SCIENCE: MASS (Monthly Application In Strength Sport): MASS is one of our secret weapons and it continues to be an invaluable resource for us to keep up to date with the latest research. Don’t get swept up in fads or bogus info. Sign up and stay up to date with easy-to-consume journals and support the evidence-based fitness community. =================================

  2. Oct 26

    Bad Night of Sleep? Here's What to Do

    Sleep plays a huge role in recovery, muscle growth, hunger, and overall well-being, but getting consistently good rest isn't always easy. Alice and Giacomo discuss their own sleep struggles, from waking up in the middle of the night to navigating seasonal changes, competition prep, stress, and inconsistent schedules. They explore practical strategies for improving sleep, including establishing a consistent bedtime routine, getting natural sunlight in the morning, keeping the bedroom cool, reading before bed, and using relaxation techniques to quiet a racing mind. The conversation also dives into the connection between poor sleep, increased hunger, cravings, and difficulty sticking to nutrition goals. Alice shares strategies for managing appetite after a bad night's sleep, planning meals ahead of time, and navigating nighttime eating without shame. They discuss nutrition for shift workers, eating before bed, weighted blankets, caffeine naps, and the importance of recognizing when dieting or undereating may be contributing to persistent nighttime hunger. Finally, Alice and Giacomo tackle the often-overlooked impact of kids, pets, and partners on sleep quality. They discuss setting boundaries, creating separate sleeping arrangements when necessary, and challenging the stigma around couples sleeping apart. They also highlight the importance of seeking help for potential sleep disorders, including sleep apnea, and encourage listeners to prioritize sleep as a foundation for health, performance, and long-term progress. 🌱 Coaching Application Take your fitness and nutrition goals to the next level with one-on-one coaching: http://www.veganproteins.com/personal-training   📖 Free 7-Day High-Protein Meal Plan: https://bit.ly/4kab1Ll 💪 Muscles by Brussels Membership: Try it free for one month: https://www.veganproteins.com/muscles-by-brussels-membership-free-trial/   ✅ Membership Includes: 4 live coaching calls per month Monthly home or gym workouts 200+ high-protein vegan recipes Exclusive app features Habit challenges with cash prizes A supportive vegan athlete community 🔗 Follow Us Online: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/veganproteins/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/VeganProteins Website: https://www.veganproteins.com/ Apparel: Muscles by Brussels Tank Tops SCIENCE: MASS (Monthly Application In Strength Sport): MASS is one of our secret weapons and it continues to be an invaluable resource for us to keep up to date with the latest research. Don’t get swept up in fads or bogus info. Sign up and stay up to date with easy-to-consume journals and support the evidence-based fitness community. =================================

  3. Oct 19

    How to Stop Being Afraid of Injuries

    In this episode of Muscles by Brussels Radio, Ben and Giacomo discuss the fear of injury and how our mindset can shape our experiences with pain, training, and recovery. They explore the biopsychosocial model of pain, why an injury doesn't necessarily mean something is permanently wrong, and how anxiety and catastrophizing can make setbacks feel more overwhelming. Through personal experiences and client stories, they highlight the importance of patience, reassurance, and building confidence over time. The conversation also covers practical ways to keep progressing when injuries happen, including modifying exercises, adjusting loads, and gradually rebuilding training capacity. Ben and Giacomo emphasize the value of focusing on what you can do rather than what you can't, while recognizing that people sometimes need to feel heard before they're ready to look for solutions. Whether you're a beginner who's nervous about getting hurt or an experienced lifter navigating setbacks, this episode offers a more empowering perspective on training, recovery, and long-term strength. 🌱 Coaching Application Take your fitness and nutrition goals to the next level with one-on-one coaching: http://www.veganproteins.com/personal-training   📖 Free 7-Day High-Protein Meal Plan: https://bit.ly/4kab1Ll 💪 Muscles by Brussels Membership: Try it free for one month: https://www.veganproteins.com/muscles-by-brussels-membership-free-trial/   ✅ Membership Includes: 4 live coaching calls per month Monthly home or gym workouts 200+ high-protein vegan recipes Exclusive app features Habit challenges with cash prizes A supportive vegan athlete community 🔗 Follow Us Online: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/veganproteins/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/VeganProteins Website: https://www.veganproteins.com/ Apparel: Muscles by Brussels Tank Tops SCIENCE: MASS (Monthly Application In Strength Sport): MASS is one of our secret weapons and it continues to be an invaluable resource for us to keep up to date with the latest research. Don’t get swept up in fads or bogus info. Sign up and stay up to date with easy-to-consume journals and support the evidence-based fitness community. =================================

  4. Oct 12

    What If Going Vegan Was Easier Than You Thought?

    Going vegan can feel overwhelming at first, but it doesn't have to mean changing everything overnight. Giacomo and Alice share practical advice for getting started, from simple food swaps and easy meal ideas to convenient vegan protein sources like tofu, soy curls, and seitan. They explain how to build confidence in the kitchen, find satisfying foods you enjoy, and avoid overcomplicating your nutrition. They also discuss navigating family gatherings, eating out, and making the transition more sustainable by taking it one step at a time. Whether you're considering going fully vegan or simply adding more plant-based meals to your routine, this episode offers approachable tips to help you get started without feeling overwhelmed. 🌱 Coaching Application Take your fitness and nutrition goals to the next level with one-on-one coaching: http://www.veganproteins.com/personal-training   📖 Free 7-Day High-Protein Meal Plan: https://bit.ly/4kab1Ll 💪 Muscles by Brussels Membership: Try it free for one month: https://www.veganproteins.com/muscles-by-brussels-membership-free-trial/   ✅ Membership Includes: 4 live coaching calls per month Monthly home or gym workouts 200+ high-protein vegan recipes Exclusive app features Habit challenges with cash prizes A supportive vegan athlete community 🔗 Follow Us Online: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/veganproteins/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/VeganProteins Website: https://www.veganproteins.com/ Apparel: Muscles by Brussels Tank Tops SCIENCE: MASS (Monthly Application In Strength Sport): MASS is one of our secret weapons and it continues to be an invaluable resource for us to keep up to date with the latest research. Don’t get swept up in fads or bogus info. Sign up and stay up to date with easy-to-consume journals and support the evidence-based fitness community. =================================

  5. Oct 5

    How to Talk to Non-Vegans Without Losing Your Mind

    How do you talk about veganism with people who don't share your perspective? Ben and Giacomo discuss the idea of calling non-vegans "pre-vegans," the importance of meeting people where they are, and how their own approaches to vegan advocacy have evolved over time. They talk about the pressure to have all the answers, recognizing when someone is genuinely curious versus simply looking for an argument, and why sometimes the best approach is simply to listen. The conversation also explores navigating veganism within families and relationships, introducing people to plant-based foods, and showing that veganism can fit into everyday life without isolation. Ben and Giacomo share their experiences with family members, social situations, difficult hypotheticals, and hostile social media comments, while discussing harm reduction, humor, and leading by example as alternative approaches to confrontation. They wrap up by talking about the value of making incremental changes rather than approaching veganism with an all-or-nothing mindset, and why you don't have to be an activist to live according to your own values. 🌱 Coaching Application Take your fitness and nutrition goals to the next level with one-on-one coaching: http://www.veganproteins.com/personal-training   📖 Free 7-Day High-Protein Meal Plan: https://bit.ly/4kab1Ll 💪 Muscles by Brussels Membership: Try it free for one month: https://www.veganproteins.com/muscles-by-brussels-membership-free-trial/   ✅ Membership Includes: 4 live coaching calls per month Monthly home or gym workouts 200+ high-protein vegan recipes Exclusive app features Habit challenges with cash prizes A supportive vegan athlete community 🔗 Follow Us Online: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/veganproteins/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/VeganProteins Website: https://www.veganproteins.com/ Apparel: Muscles by Brussels Tank Tops SCIENCE: MASS (Monthly Application In Strength Sport): MASS is one of our secret weapons and it continues to be an invaluable resource for us to keep up to date with the latest research. Don’t get swept up in fads or bogus info. Sign up and stay up to date with easy-to-consume journals and support the evidence-based fitness community. =================================

  6. Sep 28

    Coaches Catch Up September 2026

    The five Vegan Proteins coaches sit down for the first "Coaches Catch Up" to talk about what’s happening in their training, competition prep, and lives outside the gym. Ben shares the story behind his surprise competition prep and his approach to classic physique, while Alice talks about her evolving competition goals and the possibility of moving toward women’s physique. Giacomo discusses his renewed focus on training, technique, and recovery, including the differences between bodybuilding-style movement and the more efficient movement used in Olympic lifting and CrossFit. Dani shares some of her recent CrossFit experiences, including becoming more focused on technique and learning to be more coachable as she prepares to potentially compete. Sawyer talks about his music and the creative projects he’s been working on, while the group also gets into the fun of spending time together outside of training: from concerts and late nights to the possibility of a future Vegan Proteins retreat. Along the way, the coaches discuss the realities of getting extremely lean, sustainable habits, sleep, coaching, competition goals, and how fitness can influence much more than just your physique. They also invite listeners to submit questions for the next all-coach Q&A episode. 🌱 Coaching Application Take your fitness and nutrition goals to the next level with one-on-one coaching: http://www.veganproteins.com/personal-training   📖 Free 7-Day High-Protein Meal Plan: https://bit.ly/4kab1Ll 💪 Muscles by Brussels Membership: Try it free for one month: https://www.veganproteins.com/muscles-by-brussels-membership-free-trial/   ✅ Membership Includes: 4 live coaching calls per month Monthly home or gym workouts 200+ high-protein vegan recipes Exclusive app features Habit challenges with cash prizes A supportive vegan athlete community 🔗 Follow Us Online: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/veganproteins/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/VeganProteins Website: https://www.veganproteins.com/ Apparel: Muscles by Brussels Tank Tops SCIENCE: MASS (Monthly Application In Strength Sport): MASS is one of our secret weapons and it continues to be an invaluable resource for us to keep up to date with the latest research. Don’t get swept up in fads or bogus info. Sign up and stay up to date with easy-to-consume journals and support the evidence-based fitness community. =================================

  7. Sep 21

    Ben Coaches Sawyer in Real Time

    Ben and Sawyer sit down for an in-depth look at what coaching actually looks like in practice. They revisit Sawyer's successful cut from the upper 170s to the mid-160s, the challenges of hunger and fear of muscle loss, and how slowing down the transition out of a cut helped him maintain his results.They also discuss the impact of adding steps and cardio, adjusting training frequency and volume, managing joint health, and using autoregulation. Finally, they map out Sawyer's return to coaching as he begins a gradual muscle-building phase focused on making progress without rushing the process or getting caught up in second-guessing every decision.🌱 Coaching Application Take your fitness and nutrition goals to the next level with one-on-one coaching: http://www.veganproteins.com/personal-training   📖 Free 7-Day High-Protein Meal Plan: https://bit.ly/4kab1Ll 💪 Muscles by Brussels Membership: Try it free for one month: https://www.veganproteins.com/muscles-by-brussels-membership-free-trial/   ✅ Membership Includes: 4 live coaching calls per month Monthly home or gym workouts 200+ high-protein vegan recipes Exclusive app features Habit challenges with cash prizes A supportive vegan athlete community 🔗 Follow Us Online: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/veganproteins/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/VeganProteins Website: https://www.veganproteins.com/ Apparel: Muscles by Brussels Tank Tops SCIENCE: MASS (Monthly Application In Strength Sport): MASS is one of our secret weapons and it continues to be an invaluable resource for us to keep up to date with the latest research. Don’t get swept up in fads or bogus info. Sign up and stay up to date with easy-to-consume journals and support the evidence-based fitness community. =================================

  8. Sep 14

    Becoming a Champion Vegan Bodybuilder with Alex Payne

    Alex Payne joins Ben on Muscles by Brussels Radio to discuss his journey from athletics and years of lifting on his own to becoming a competitive vegan bodybuilder and completing two bodybuilding seasons. Alex shares how becoming vegan gave him a deeper sense of purpose for bodybuilding, motivating him to show what could be accomplished on a plant-based diet. The conversation covers the importance of spending time building before beginning a contest prep, including Alex’s year-plus working with Dani to develop his physique and establish a strong coach-athlete relationship. They discuss the lessons Alex learned about recovery, consistency, training, nutrition, posing, and trusting the process, as well as the differences between his first and second competition seasons. Alex also opens up about the realities of contest prep and the often-overlooked post-show period, including changes in appetite, bodyweight, body composition, energy, and day-to-day life. He explains how setting a new goal (in his case, moving toward powerlifting) helped him transition away from chasing an onstage physique and embrace the next stage of his athletic journey. 🌱 Coaching Application Take your fitness and nutrition goals to the next level with one-on-one coaching: http://www.veganproteins.com/personal-training   📖 Free 7-Day High-Protein Meal Plan: https://bit.ly/4kab1Ll 💪 Muscles by Brussels Membership: Try it free for one month: https://www.veganproteins.com/muscles-by-brussels-membership-free-trial/   ✅ Membership Includes: 4 live coaching calls per month Monthly home or gym workouts 200+ high-protein vegan recipes Exclusive app features Habit challenges with cash prizes A supportive vegan athlete community 🔗 Follow Us Online: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/veganproteins/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/VeganProteins Website: https://www.veganproteins.com/ Apparel: Muscles by Brussels Tank Tops SCIENCE: MASS (Monthly Application In Strength Sport): MASS is one of our secret weapons and it continues to be an invaluable resource for us to keep up to date with the latest research. Don’t get swept up in fads or bogus info. Sign up and stay up to date with easy-to-consume journals and support the evidence-based fitness community. =================================

4.8
out of 5
129 Ratings

About

The ultimate podcast for vegan fitness enthusiasts! Hosted by vegan coaches of over 15 years, Dani Taylor and Giacomo Marchese, this show dives deep into the world of vegan bodybuilding, strength training, and nutrition. With expert advice, science-based insights, and real-life experiences, the Vegan Proteins Team helps you navigate your fitness journey while debunking myths and providing actionable tips. Whether you're a seasoned athlete or just starting out, Muscle by Brussels Radio is your go-to resource for achieving your best vegan physique. Tune in and transform your body and mind!

You Might Also Like