In this episode of the Self Selecting Podcast, I sit down with IFBB Pro Stefanie Roth to discuss the realities of performance-enhancing drug (PED) use, the mindset and strategy behind building a pro physique, and the physical, mental, and hormonal consequences women face as they advance in the sport. Stefanie shares her full journey—from bikini to figure, early PED use, and the hard lessons learned from chasing size while balancing her nursing career and personal identity.This episode is a must-listen for female competitors, coaches, and anyone who wants a brutally honest look at the risk-reward equation in female bodybuilding.Timestamps:- [00:00 – 04:36] - Intro & Stefanie’s background: Nursing, coaching, and transition from bikini to figure - [04:36 – 07:37] - Off-season muscle building & the myth of “growing into a show” - [07:37 – 10:24] - PED use during prep vs. surplus & when to introduce compounds - [10:24 – 13:14] - First cycle strategy, low dosing, and avoiding unnecessary escalation - [13:14 – 15:34] - Compound switching myths & sourcing from clinics vs. underground labs - [15:34 – 19:13] - Dosage mistakes, testosterone vs. Anavar, and early side effects - [19:13 – 23:00] - Irreversible side effects & redefining femininity in bodybuilding - [23:00 – 27:14] - Navigating regret, coaching boundaries, and client education - [27:14 – 31:06] - Balancing physique goals with health and side effect management - [31:06 – 34:06] - Stefanie’s drug-free tools for growth & glute-building insights - [34:06 – 38:17] - Glute training breakdown: tempo, execution, and programming - [38:17 – 42:54] - Tracking off-season progress: visuals, digestion, strength - [42:54 – 46:53] - Alcohol, inconsistency, and PEDs: performance consequences - [46:53 – 51:10] - Coaching ethics, data accuracy, and knowing when to say no - [51:10 – 01:06:06] - Long-term vision, setting boundaries, and empowering women in fitness Links & Resources:Follow Stefanie on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/_therealdonutqueen_/Work With Stefanie: https://www.teamraw.net/https://coryfit.com/⁠Coaching: Let's Chat⁠https://calendly.com/coryfit-coaching/15min⁠Consults: Book a Call⁠https://calendly.com/coryfit-coaching/one-time-consultationFor more content, follow along:⁠Instagram⁠: https://www.instagram.com/cory_fit/⁠Patreon⁠: https://patreon.com/CoryFit?utm_medium=unknown&utm_source=join_link&utm_campaign=creatorshare_creator&utm_content=copyLink

In this episode of the Self Selecting Podcast, I break down everything you need to know about Anavar (Oxandrolone)—one of the most widely discussed performance-enhancing drugs in the female fitness space. This solo episode covers the who, what, when, how, and how much of Anavar use, especially for female athletes and competitors. I share first-hand experience, client observations, safety guidelines, and sourcing strategies, all while emphasizing risk tolerance, proper timing, and long-term physique planning. Whether you’re a bikini competitor, lifestyle athlete, or coach, this episode is packed with practical insights to help you make informed, responsible choices. Key Topics Covered: - Who Anavar is intended for and why it's often misused - Anavar for non-competitors: is it ever a good idea? - What Anavar actually does (and doesn’t do) - How competitors use Anavar in prep vs. offseason - Safe dosing ranges and how long you should run it - Risks of long-term or high-dose use (including virilization) - How to know when to stop using Anavar - How to source it safely and test your compound - Why bloodwork before, during, and after is essential - How many cycles it takes to build a pro-level physique (and the dangers of rushing it) Timestamps:- [00:00 – 03:00] - Intro – Recap of audience interest and Patreon bonus. - [03:00 – 06:14] - Question 1: “Who is Anavar for?” - [06:14 – 08:32] - Question 2: “Can I use Anavar if I’m not a competitor?” - [08:32 – 10:55] - Question 3: “What does Anavar do?” - [10:55 – 15:30] - Question 4: “When do competitors use Anavar?” - [15:30 – 19:50] - Question 5: “How much is safe to use?” - [19:50 – 24:33] - Question 6: “How long can you use Anavar for?” - [24:33 – 29:23] - Question 7: “What happens if you use too much for too long?” - [29:23 – 31:33] - Question 8: “How to know if I should stop Anavar?” - [31:33 – 33:27] - Question 9: “How do I get Anavar?” - [33:27 – 35:25] - Question 10: “Are some sources better than others?” - [35:25 – 38:07] - Question 11: “Do you need to get bloodwork done before, during or after use?” - [38:07 – 41:16] - Question 12: “How many Anavar cycles before a pro physique?” & Final thoughts Links & Resources:https://coryfit.com/⁠Coaching: Let's Chat⁠https://calendly.com/coryfit-coaching/15min⁠Consults: Book a Call⁠https://calendly.com/coryfit-coaching/one-time-consultationFor more content, follow along:⁠Instagram⁠: https://www.instagram.com/cory_fit/Patreon⁠: https://patreon.com/CoryFit?utm_medium=unknown&utm_source=join_link&utm_campaign=creatorshare_creator&utm_content=copyLink

In this episode of the Self Selecting Podcast, I take a deep dive into one of the most frustrating aspects of fat loss—weight fluctuations. Whether you’re stepping on the scale every morning and seeing unpredictable changes or wondering if your hormones are sabotaging your progress, this episode breaks down what’s actually happening inside your body. I explain the difference between normal weight fluctuations and true hormonal imbalances, how sodium, stress, food intake, and hydration play a role, and what you can do to avoid unnecessary panic when the scale jumps up overnight. If you’ve ever wondered, “Why is my weight up 3 lbs even though I followed my plan?”, this episode gives you a step-by-step guide to understanding and fixing weight fluctuations.Key Takeaways:- What Weight Fluctuations Actually Are & Why They Happen – It’s not always fat gain. - How Food Choices, Sodium, & Water Intake Affect Scale Readings – What really causes overnight weight spikes. - The Role of Stress & Poor Sleep in Holding Onto Water Weight – Why hormones like cortisol can impact the scale. - How Your Training Routine Can Cause Temporary Weight Gain – Why intense workouts lead to inflammation & water retention. - When to Worry About Hormonal Imbalances – How to know if your weight fluctuations are due to real health concerns. - The #1 Mistake People Make When Tracking Scale Weight – Why consistency in weigh-ins matters. - Why Female Hormones Affect Scale Weight & How to Track It Properly – Understanding the menstrual cycle’s impact on weight readings. - The Right Way to Take Progress Measurements Without Stressing Over the Scale – Alternatives to scale weight for tracking fat loss. Timestamps:- [00:00 – 02:10] - Why this episode is a must-listen for anyone tracking weight loss progress. - [02:11 – 05:30] - Understanding why the scale jumps up & down daily. - [05:31 – 08:45] - How Food Volume & Sodium Impact Scale Readings.- [08:46 – 12:00] - Why Eating Out & Misreporting Calories Can Cause Confusion.- [12:01 – 15:45] - Why carb cycling causes weight swings. - [15:46 – 19:30] - How cortisol & poor sleep affect fat loss progress. - [19:31 – 23:40] - How Training & Recovery Play a Role in Scale Weight.- [23:41 – 28:00] - How to Know If Your Weight Gain is Actually Fat Gain – Distinguishing normal fluctuations from true fat storage. - [28:01 – 32:45] - Understanding menstrual cycle-related weight changes. - [32:46 – 36:00] - The #1 Mistake People Make When Tracking Scale Weight.- [36:01 – 40:15] - How to Accurately Track Progress Without Freaking Out Over the Scale.- [40:16 – 44:30] - When to Worry About Hormonal Imbalances & When to Get Labs Done.- [44:31 – 47:59] - Final Thoughts: How to Stop Letting the Scale Control Your Mood & Mindset.Links & Resources:https://coryfit.com/⁠Coaching: Let's Chat⁠https://calendly.com/coryfit-coaching/15min⁠Consults: Book a Call⁠https://calendly.com/coryfit-coaching/one-time-consultationFor more content, follow along:⁠Instagram⁠: https://www.instagram.com/cory_fit/Patreon⁠: https://patreon.com/CoryFit?utm_medium=unknown&utm_source=join_link&utm_campaign=creatorshare_creator&utm_content=copyLink

In this inspiring episode of the Self Selecting Podcast, I sit down with IFBB Pro Bikini competitor and Amore Athletics founder, Liana Giannamore. Liana shares her journey from turning pro in bodybuilding during the 2020 lockdown to balancing competition, coaching, and personal growth. The conversation dives into building stage presence, handling setbacks in competition, learning when to push versus when to rest, and transitioning from athlete to business owner. Liana opens up about mental resilience, overcoming post-show struggles, stress management, and why setting boundaries has been a game-changer for her health, career, and happiness.Whether you're a competitor, coach, entrepreneur, or someone striving for self-improvement, this episode is filled with valuable insights on discipline, confidence, and balance in fitness and life. Key Takeaways:- The Importance of Confidence & Stage Presence in Bikini Bodybuilding.- How to Handle Setbacks in Competition & Use Them to Your Advantage.- Understanding the Mental Toll of a Long Competition Season.- Why Post-Show Transitions Are Harder Than People Think.- The Reality of Extreme Dieting & Stress on the Body.- The Importance of Boundaries & Self-Care in Fitness & Business.- Why Investing in Mental Health & Emotional Growth is Just as Important as Physical Training. Timestamps:- [00:00 – 02:10] - Introduction & Meet Liana Giannamore – Background & journey into bodybuilding. - [02:11 – 05:30] - Turning Pro During the 2020 Lockdown – Training at home, adapting, and earning her IFBB pro card. - [05:31 – 08:45] - The Importance of Confidence & Stage Presence – How Liana developed her signature posing style. - [08:46 – 15:45] - Placing 15th at Her First Pro Show & Bouncing Back.- [15:46 – 19:30] Hitting Burnout & Knowing When to Take a Break.- [19:31 – 23:40] - The Post-Show Struggles No One Talks About – Dealing with identity loss & self-doubt. .- [23:41 – 28:00] - How Stress Wreaks Havoc on Your Body- [28:01 – 32:45] - Why Setting Boundaries Was a Game-Changer for Her Health.- [32:46 – 36:00] - Making the Hard Decision to Take a Full Year Off in 2025.- [36:01 – 40:15] - Building a Business While Competing – The evolution of Amore Athletics & her coaching philosophy. - [40:16 – 44:30] - How stress management changed her life. - [44:31 – 48:50] - Why Many Competitors Struggle With Identity After the Stage.- [48:51 – 52:10] - What She Wishes She Knew When She Started Competing.- [52:11 – 56:30] - Liana’s Advice for Athletes, Coaches & Entrepreneurs.- [56:31 – 59:40] - Final Thoughts & Where to Follow Liana.Links & Resources:Follow Liana on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lianagianna_ifbbpro/?hl=enWork With Liana: https://form.jotform.com/242771414209050?fbclid=PAZXh0bgNhZW0CMTEAAabufkQ95FLdg6AKCrRxmif0uCrCoN8SPPO4VCwUIT-NMThaofa69eLMmh0_aem_y7zAseoJ6UTjmUIkD5EsNQhttps://coryfit.com/⁠Coaching: Let's Chat⁠https://calendly.com/coryfit-coaching/15min⁠Consults: Book a Call⁠https://calendly.com/coryfit-coaching/one-time-consultationFor more content, follow along:⁠Instagram⁠: https://www.instagram.com/cory_fit/⁠Patreon⁠: https://patreon.com/CoryFit?utm_medium=unknown&utm_source=join_link&utm_campaign=creatorshare_creator&utm_content=copyLink

In this episode of the Self Selecting Podcast, I dive into 9 foods that could be ruining your fat loss progress without you even realizing it. These foods are commonly marketed as "healthy" or "diet-friendly", but they often lead to tracking errors, poor satiety, and unintentional overeating.I share real-life client examples and my own experiences in both fat loss phases and contest prep, highlighting how small miscalculations in food tracking can stall progress. If you’ve been meticulously tracking your diet but aren’t seeing results, this episode is for you.Key Takeaways:- Why Some "Healthy" Foods Are Easy to Overeat – Foods like granola, nut butter, and seeds add hidden calories. - How Cooking Methods Affect Caloric Intake – Rice, potatoes, and red meat can have tracking errors based on how they're prepared. - Why Liquid Calories Can Wreck Your Deficit – Oat milk, full-fat dairy, and coffee additives add up quickly. - How Restaurant Portion Sizes Make Fat Loss Harder – Eating out makes it harder to estimate portion sizes accurately. - The Biggest Mistakes in Food Logging & Tracking – Why most people unknowingly underreport their intake. - How to Choose More Satiating, Diet-Friendly Alternatives – Swap low-volume foods for higher-volume, more filling options.Timestamps:- [00:00 – 02:10] - Introduction & Podcast Updates – Why this episode is essential for anyone in a fat loss phase. - [02:11 – 05:16] - The Biggest Tracking Mistake Most People Make.- [05:17 – 07:33] - Food #1: Rice & Why It’s Easy to Overeat – Portion control, cooking variations, and tracking mistakes. - [07:34 – 10:10] - Food #2: Potatoes – The Best & Worst Cooking Methods for Fat Loss. - [10:11 – 12:45] - Food #3: Chia & Flax Seeds – Tiny but Calorie-Dense. - [12:46 – 15:20] - Food #4: Red Meat – The Fat Variability You’re Not Accounting For. - [15:21 – 18:30] - Food #5: Salmon – Lean vs. Fatty Cuts & How Cooking Changes Calories. - [18:31 – 21:40] - Food #6: Nut Butter – The High-Calorie Trap That’s Easy to Overeat. - [21:41 – 24:50] - Food #7: Chocolate – Why It Might Be Hurting Your Diet More Than You Think. - [24:51 – 28:10] - Food #8: Liquid Calories – Oat Milk, Full-Fat Dairy & Coffee Additives. - [28:11 – 31:42] - Food #9: Granola – The “Healthy” Food That’s Really a Sugar & Fat Bomb. - [31:43 – 35:30] - Why Restaurant Portions Are a Major Fat Loss Obstacle – How to avoid tracking mistakes when eating out. - [35:31 – 40:00] - How to Make Smarter Food Choices for Fat Loss & Adherence. - [40:01 – 45:00] - How Clients Have Made Simple Changes & Seen Immediate Results. - [45:01 – 51:14] - How to tighten up food tracking & improve adherence. Links & Resources:https://coryfit.com/Coaching: Let's Chat⁠https://calendly.com/coryfit-coaching/15minConsults: Book a Call⁠https://calendly.com/coryfit-coaching/one-time-consultationFor more content, follow along:⁠Instagram⁠: https://www.instagram.com/cory_fit/⁠Patreon⁠: https://patreon.com/CoryFit?utm_medium=unknown&utm_source=join_link&utm_campaign=creatorshare_creator&utm_content=copyLink

Dive into the world of dieting as key terms like caloric deficit and macronutrients are simplified. Discover how meal timing and food choices can enhance satiety and aid in effective fat loss. Explore the significance of adherence and long-term habits in dieting success. The discussion also sheds light on the hidden calories that can derail your efforts, how hormones play a role in cravings, and the benefits of strategic overfeeding. This is a treasure trove of actionable strategies for anyone on a fat loss journey.

Kerry Sexton, an IFBB Pro Bikini Competitor who gained her pro status in 2019, shares her compelling journey in the world of bodybuilding. She discusses the evolution of her training techniques and the crucial importance of proper form in building muscle. Kerry opens up about her experience with PMDD, detailing its effects on training and mindset. The conversation also dives into the ethics of coaching, the significance of individualized health management, and the importance of establishing a solid fitness foundation before pursuing enhancements.

Dive into the world of training as complex terms like hypertrophy and strength training are demystified! Discover why the mind-muscle connection may not be as crucial as you think. Learn how to measure progress effectively and the significance of training volume. Uncover the nuances of load, reps, and the real essence of progressive overload for maximizing gains. With personal anecdotes and practical advice, get set to enhance your workouts while avoiding common pitfalls!

Dive into the hidden risks of seven widely used supplements that might be sabotaging your health. Discover how overusing hormonal support can disrupt your metabolism and hormones. Learn the true effects of compounds like DHEA and the misconceptions surrounding estrogen detox supplements. Find out why fitness influencers often promote products without grasping their long-term consequences. Equip yourself with science-backed insights for responsible supplementation and boost your fitness journey with confidence.

Cody McBroom, the founder of Tailored Coaching Method, transforms lives through fitness and nutrition coaching. In this conversation, he reflects on his rise from an overweight teenager to a successful entrepreneur. Cody emphasizes the power of choosing difficult paths for long-term growth and the importance of mental toughness. He shares personal challenges, including overcoming a near-death experience and self-sabotage. Listeners will gain insights on building discipline, accountability, and managing the balance between ambition and personal relationships.