Episode 41 - Rick Collins Esq. - Redefining Testosterone: From Sports to Society

Get ready to shatter stereotypes as we journey through the controversial domain of testosterone and steroids in sports with our high-profile guest, Rick Collins Esq., an internationally recognized legal authority on everything from sports nutrition and bodybuilding supplements to performance-enhancing substances. Tune in for an enlightening discussion that promises to challenge preconceived notions, bringing you face to face with the surprising reality that 80% of non-medical steroid users are not athletes but individuals seeking physical enhancements for purely cosmetic purposes. 

Timeline:
0:00 – Introduction – the 1996 publication on Androgens – it’s not as harmful as folks make it out to be in otherwise healthy males.
4:43 – Remember 100-meter sprinter Ben Johnson? Why is testosterone maligned? What are the socio-cultural aspects of this?
7:14 – Testosterone as a metaphor for masculinity; traditional masculinity is maligned.
7:39 - American Psychological Association in 2019 – Traditional masculinity is toxic
9:05 – Does bodybuilding contribute to the stigma of anabolic steroids?
9:20 – Rick was the only lawyer that lifted weights when he was in law school. C’mon lawyers, lift some weights!
12:21 - Who actually uses anabolic steroids and why? Cyclists? Pro Athletes? Not so fast…80% of users in a non-medical context are using it for cosmetic purposes. 
18:00 – T helps body composition but is frowned upon; juxtapose that with cosmetic procedures that women routinely take that likely carry greater risk. A double standard?
23:47 – Rick covers the legality of the possession and sale of androgens.
28:28 – ACSM promoted total BS about androgens back in the 70s and 80s.
32:57 – Gender dysphoria (DSM-5) and muscle dysmorphia (bigorexia nervosa). An interesting analogy, as Rick opines.
41:15 – Bodybuilders and Transgender individuals – what do they have in common?
46:18 – Can testosterone turn Democrats red?

Rick Collins, Esq. is an internationally recognized legal authority in the field of sports nutrition, bodybuilding supplements, and performance-enhancing substances. He is a partner in the law firm of Collins Gann McCloskey & Barry PLLC in New York, and currently serves as the President of the Nassau County Bar Association.
• General Counsel to the International Society of Sports Nutrition
• Monthly columnist for nationally circulated Muscular Development magazine and has served for years as a member of their Advisory Board
• Author of "Legal Muscle: Anabolics in America"
• Co-author of Alpha Male Challenge (Rodale Press, Sept 2009)

About the Show
We cover all things related to sports science, nutrition, and performance. The Sports Science Dudes represent the opinions of the hosts and guests and are not the official opinions of the International Society of Sports Nutrition (ISSN), the Society for Sports Neuroscience, or Nova Southeastern University. The advice provided on this show should not be construed as medical advice and is purely an educational forum.

Hosted by Jose Antonio PhD
Dr. Antonio is the co-founder and CEO of the International Society of Sports Nutrition, as well as the co-founder of the Society for Sports Neuroscience, www.issn.net. Dr. Antonio has over 120 peer-reviewed publications, 16 books, and is Professor at Nova Southeastern University, Davie Florida in the Department of Health, and Human Performance.

Twitter: @JoseAntonioPhD
Instagram: the_issn and supphd

Co-host Anthony Ricci EdD
Dr Ricci is an expert on Fight Sports and is currently an Assistant Professor at Nova Southeastern University in Davie Florida in the Department of Health and Human Performance.

Instagram: sportpsy_sci_doc and fightshape_ricci