Self-Selecting

Cory Hageman
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Dec 15, 2025 • 49min

E. 129 How to Build Muscle Faster

In this episode, I break down the truth about why you’re not growing, and how to finally start building muscle efficiently.I walk you through my full muscle-building framework, including why “just following the plan” doesn’t guarantee progress, how to train for adaptation, and the mindset shift required to go from reactive to proactive.I also share my own experience adding four inches to my glutes - what went wrong, what I fixed, and how you can do the same without overtraining, burning out, or relying on enhancements.Timestamps:- [00:00 – 03:35] – Intro- [03:36 – 06:45] – Why you’re not growing: eating, training, recovery, and environment factors.- [06:45 – 12:00] – “Doing the plan” doesn’t guarantee muscle growth.- [12:00 – 12:50] – Why loading more weight every week isn’t real progress.- [12:50 – 18:24] – The real secret: proactive training.- [18:24 – 22:22] – How to identify compensations and avoid injury.- [22:22 – 25:48] – You can’t manage what you don’t measure.- [25:48 – 31:43] – How to produce effort across sessions.- [31:43 – 33:37] – What separates those who grow from those who coast.- [33:37 – 36:03] – The importance of daily habits.- [36:03 – 37:26] – How to handle breaks in training without losing progress.- [37:26 – 41:49] – Hormones and stress: how chronic fatigue and poor sleep kill muscle growth.- [41:49 – 45:35] – The sleep deficit trap.- [45:35 – 49:28] – How “extra work” leads to burnout instead of gains.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
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Dec 12, 2025 • 1h 11min

E. 128 How to Rebuild Strength & Confidence Postpartum With Dr. Meghan Sak-Ocbina

In this episode, I sit down with Dr. Meghan Sak-Ocbina - physical therapist, strength coach, and new mom - to unpack the real conversation about postpartum health, strength, and identity.We dive deep into pelvic floor recovery, why “flat glutes” happen postpartum, and how to rebuild from the inside out - through movement, mindset, and breathwork. We also break down myths around waist trainers, incontinence, and how your breathing impacts glute growth and stability.Whether you’re a new mom, athlete, or simply learning to reconnect with your body, this episode will help you train smarter, not harder, and finally understand how your physiology and mindset work together.Timestamps:- [00:00 – 02:15] – Introduction- [02:15 – 05:13] – The postpartum physique journey.- [05:13 – 06:49] – Identity loss when physique goals take a back seat.- [06:49 – 11:40] – Postpartum dieting and calorie needs.- [11:40 – 14:51] – The truth about postpartum glute changes.- 14:51 – 17:33] – “Stubborn glutes” in competitors and understanding asymmetries in hip and glute development.- [17:33 – 20:45] – Pelvic guarding and trauma after IUDs.- [20:45 – 24:00] – How to identify if your pelvic floor is tight.- [24:00 – 34:00] – Incontinence, painful intercourse, and pelvic dysfunction.- [34:00 – 40:11] – Pelvic floor prognosis: assessing and improving tightness, breathing, and coordination.- [40:11 – 45:31] – Coaching cues: how to hinge properly, build glute connection, and manage pressure.- [45:31 – 49:09] – How mouth breathing, tension, and posture affect muscle loading.- [49:09 – 50:26] – How rib expansion and breathing mechanics improve stability and hypertrophy.- [50:26 – 52:16] – How stage habits harm performance in the gym.- [52:16 – 54:40] – The waist trainer myth - risks, misconceptions, and smarter alternatives.- [54:40 – 1:02:30] – Core function and waist control.- [1:02:30 – 1:06:29] – The power of priming sessions before training.- [1:06:29 – 1:11:22] – What most people miss in their training.Links & Resources:Follow Dr. Meghan Sak-Ocbina: https://www.instagram.com/dr.megsi.dpt/?hl=enWork With Dr. Meghan Sak-Ocbina: https://marketplace.trainheroic.com/brand/meghan-sak-ocbina?attrib=419239-ig&utm_source=ig&utm_medium=social&utm_content=link_in_bio&fbclid=PAZXh0bgNhZW0CMTEAc3J0YwZhcHBfaWQMMjU2MjgxMDQwNTU4AAGn-ZPTUhd2z9mq9myXto4g1TTUeBEJdrjqlr2PmV1z4WKPnDTZZ0vxhlSmHiY_aem_AWUwGOzYtz3qLsl12NQ_Wghttps://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
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Dec 8, 2025 • 54min

E. 127 How to Recover After You Fall Off Your Diet: My 5 Step Framework

In this episode, I walk through a 5-step framework that will change how you recover after falling off your diet. If you’ve ever punished yourself after overeating, felt stuck in the shame cycle, or thought “I’ll start over Monday,” this episode is for you.I share personal stories from post-show binges, lessons from coaching thousands of clients, and actionable strategies to rebuild trust with yourself and get back on track faster - without guilt, restriction, or self-punishment.Timestamps:- [00:00 – 04:28] – Introduction- [04:28 – 16:31] – Number 1: Self-punishment isn’t discipline- [16:31 – 26:30] – Number 2: Breaking the shame cycle.- [26:30 – 29:59] – How self-sabotage disguises itself as truth and how to reframe those thoughts for progress.- [29:59 – 41:02] – Number 3: The protocol for getting back on track.- [41:02 – 46:11] – Number 4: Setting a time limit for guilt.- [46:11 – 47:23] – How to detach from that mindset and approach growth differently.- [47:23 – 54:01] – Number 5: Timing your food decisions.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
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Dec 1, 2025 • 45min

E. 126 Should You Use PEDs?

In this episode, I break down the reality of PED use — from what these drugs actually are, to how they affect your body and mind. I cover the real reasons people use performance-enhancing drugs, the misconceptions that lead to misuse, and the irreversible consequences, especially for women.I also share what responsible PED use looks like, the red flags to watch out for, and the deeper mindset questions you need to ask before ever deciding to take them. This isn’t fear-mongering — it’s about informed consent and long-term health.Timestamps:- [00:00 – 04:42] – Introduction- [04:42 – 07:09] – What are PEDs? Fat burners vs. muscle builders.- [07:09 – 09:14] – Why people use PEDs.- [09:14 – 10:45] – Can PEDs actually help? - [10:45 – 13:24] – Using PEDs to prevent muscle loss.- [13:24 – 15:41] – The real pros of PEDs.- [15:41 – 19:06] – The cons of PEDs.- [19:06 – 21:05] – Why women need to confirm low circulating androgens before starting PEDs.- [21:05 – 22:43] – Dependency and psychological risks.- [22:43 – 24:00] – Should you use PEDs? - [24:00 – 28:51] – The motivation problem.- [28:51 – 31:46] – What are PEDs actually helping with?- [31:46 – 36:33] – The illusion of influence and physical value.- [36:33 – 39:39] – The cost of performance.- [39:39 – 45:10] – Will irreversible effects negate the benefits?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
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Nov 28, 2025 • 52min

E. 125 How to Train Smarter: Building Strength Without Chasing Sensation With Jordan Jiunta

In this episode, I sit down with Jordan Jiunta — chiropractor, performance coach, and co-founder of Pre-Script — to talk about what it really takes to build muscle. We unpack biomechanics, stability, and the mindset behind muscle growth. I share my own experience of working with Jordan to rebuild my training foundation and reframe my approach to progression.We break down why “feeling the burn” doesn’t mean growth, how to fuel your workouts, and why stability is the missing link for most people trying to grow. We also discuss the emotional and psychological side of bulking — from body image to performance mindset — and how learning to auto-regulate gives you control over your progress.Timestamps:- [00:00 – 07:20] – Introducing Jordan Jiunta- [07:20 – 15:00] – Building muscle and biomechanics- [15:00 – 21:20] – Glute sensation vs. muscle growth- [21:20 – 24:29] – Fueling your performance- [24:29 – 31:00] – The mental aspect of gaining weight- [31:00 – 36:46] – Knowing when to push and when to rest- [36:46 – 39:32] – Using high-sensation exercises to improve stability, hip control, and training awareness.- [39:32 – 42:29] – Learning to listen to your body.- [42:29 – 45:00] – Redefining a “bad” workout.- [45:00 – 49:30] – Taking ownership of your training.- [49:30 – 52:03] – Closing thoughts and how to learn more through Jordan’s Pre-Script Level 1 education program.Links & Resources:Follow Jordan on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/redwiteandjordan/Enroll in Pre-Script's Level 1 Education Program: https://www.pre-script.com/psl1https://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
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Nov 24, 2025 • 1h 2min

E. 124 60 Questions in 60 Minutes Part 2

In this episode, I answer over 60 listener-submitted questions covering everything from yohimbine and GH use to PED comparisons, hormone optimization, and training for women. I dive into what’s overhyped, what’s dangerous, and what actually delivers results — all from years of experience coaching enhanced and natural female athletes.We cover PED safety, prep strategy, T3/T4 balance, meal timing, and the real truth behind “fat loss hacks.” If you’re serious about understanding the physiology behind female enhancement and performance, this one is for you.Timestamps:- [00:00 – 01:10] – Intro + Episode overview — 60 questions, unfiltered answers.- [01:10 – 02:45] – Is yohimbine a PED? When to use (and not use) it for fat loss.- [02:45 – 03:45] – Building muscle in a deficit — when it’s possible and when it’s a waste.- [03:45 – 04:24] – Why “no two preps are the same” applies to fat loss too.- [04:24 – 06:47] – Fit model vs. natural NPC bikini — competing drug-free vs. enhanced.- [06:47 – 07:27] – Optimal daily electrolytes.- [07:27 – 08:27] – Growth hormone for women — dosage guidance and fat loss truth.- [08:27 – 09:40] – Why you get hungry after eating.- [09:40 – 10:47] – Comparing female PEDs.- [10:47 – 13:18] – Thoughts on peptides beyond GLP-1s.- [13:18 – 13:54] – RDLs or hip thrusts?- [13:54 – 15:48] – DB vs. BB RDLs + training failure for muscle growth.- [15:48 – 18:41] – Women, aging & PEDs — finding safe compounds for longevity.- [18:41 – 21:54] – Test + Anavar cycles & T3/T4 effects pre- and post-prep.- [21:54 – 24:05] – Coaching men + Cory’s favorite makeup for filming.- [24:05 – 28:22] – GH cycling off periods, gut health, and vacuum training explained.- [28:22 – 30:51] – BPC-157 vs. TB-500 for recovery + Cory’s coaching rates.- [30:51 – 35:50] – Glute fold measurement, post-cut rebound, and heavy hip thrust myths.- [35:50 – 40:35] – Cory’s current training, recovery, fasted cardio, and carb ranges.- [40:35 – 42:37] – Relationships & bodybuilding — balancing lifestyle differences.- [42:37 – 46:56] – Meal timing, four meals a day, and optimal lower-body volume.- [46:56 – 53:23] – Deficit setups, self-coaching, estrogen replacement, and TRT effects.- [53:23 – 56:57] – Finding the right coach + protein goals + understanding plateaus.- [56:57 – 1:00:00] – PED stack critiques — GH, T3, Clen, Anavar, TRT, and Ozempic.- [1:00:00 – 1:01:44] – Final audience question: balancing T3/T4/Clen protocols safely.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
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Nov 17, 2025 • 16min

E. 123 6 Reasons Doctors Misdiagnose Women’s Hormonal Issues

In this episode, I uncover the six biggest reasons women’s hormones are still misunderstood — from outdated medical research and bias to the lack of continuing education in women’s health. I explain how historical exclusion from studies, undertraining in medical schools, and systemic healthcare issues have created a gap that continues to harm women today.If you’ve ever been told your labs are “normal” or handed birth control as a fix-all, this episode will help you understand the truth behind why it happens — and how to advocate for your health.Timestamps:- [00:00 – 00:44] – Introduction: Why women’s hormonal health is still misunderstood - [00:45 – 01:51] – Reason #1: Historical lack of research- [01:52 – 04:40] – Reason #2: Medical training and outdated textbooks- [04:41 – 06:07] – The menstrual cycle isn’t just about periods- [06:08 – 09:57] – Reason #3: Poor understanding of TRT, birth control, and hormonal timing- [09:58 – 10:40] – Reason #4: Bias and dismissal in medicine- [10:41 – 12:18] – Reason #5: Lack of continuing education- [12:19 – 13:24] – Reason #6: Systemic and structural barriers- [13:25 – 14:56] – Synthetic vs. bioidentical hormones- [14:57 – 16:03] – Final thoughtsLinks & 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
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Nov 14, 2025 • 1h 3min

E. 122 Tempo, Tension & Glute Training Myths With Eric Bugera

In this episode, I’m joined by Eric Bugera to break down the truth about tempo training, glute growth, and biomechanics. We cover how tempo improves control and awareness, why you don’t need to fear fatigue, and how to fix common mistakes that hold back progress. From understanding contralateral vs. ipsilateral loading to avoiding hybridized movements, this is a masterclass in lifting with intent.Timestamps:- [00:00 – 04:44] – Intro- [04:45 – 11:34] – What tempo training really is and why we use it- [11:35 – 18:44] – When clients benefit most from tempo- [18:45 – 19:56] – Eliminating the “fatigue fear”- [19:57 – 23:59] – Adaptability in training- [24:00 – 27:15] – The problem with just following the program- [27:16 – 28:55] – Building a mind-muscle connection- [28:56 – 31:51] – Target rep ranges and progression- [31:52 – 38:39] – The truth about machine abductions and “upper outer glute” training- [38:40 – 46:51] – Glute bands don’t grow glutes- [46:52 – 53:02] – Ipsilateral vs. contralateral RDL loading- [53:03 – 57:39] – The rise of hybrid movements- [57:40 – 01:03:00] – Closing thoughtsLinks & Resources:Follow Eric on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ericbugera/?hl=enWork With Eric: https://ebugera.com/services/customized-monthly-programminghttps://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
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Nov 10, 2025 • 43min

E. 121 Anavar Misuse: The 6 Biggest Mistakes People Make

In this episode, I break down the six biggest misconceptions about Anavar use in female bodybuilding. From the belief that it prevents muscle loss to the false safety of low doses, I explain what’s really happening physiologically — and why most people misuse this drug. If you’re a competitor or coach looking for clarity, this episode will help you separate facts from fear and make smarter decisions about performance enhancement.Timestamps:- [00:00 – 03:46] – Introduction and background- [03:47 – 09:46] – Misconception #1: “Without Anavar, you’ll lose muscle.”- [09:47 – 13:36] – Misconception #2: “5mg of Anavar isn’t effective.”- [13:37 – 19:39] – Misconception #3: “Liquid Anavar is better than pills.”- [19:40 – 27:13] – Misconception #4: “Orals are safer than injectables.”- [27:14 – 34:39] – Misconception #5: “Anavar is risk-free.”- [34:40 – 40:50] – Misconception #6: “Low dose = longer safe use.”- [40:51 – 42:43] – Final thoughtsLinks & 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
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Nov 3, 2025 • 51min

E. 120 Why You Overeat (and How to Stop)

In this episode, I break down why you overeat — not just from a willpower perspective, but from the deeper layers of biology, psychology, and environment that drive your food decisions.We cover everything from ghrelin, leptin, and insulin to dopamine addiction, emotional eating, childhood conditioning, and identity collapse. You’ll learn how to recognize the patterns that lead to overeating and how to build real autonomy with food — without guilt or restriction.If you’ve ever said, “I know what to do, I just can’t seem to do it,” this one’s for you.Timestamps:- [00:00 – 03:04] – Intro and today’s topic: Why we overeat- [03:04 – 05:05] – Defining overeating and why it’s not just lack of discipline- [05:05 – 09:57] – Physiology of Overeating: Ghrelin, leptin, insulin, and stress hormones- [09:57 – 11:33] – Food, dopamine, and addiction: how hyper-palatable foods hijack the brain- [11:33 – 17:25] – Why We Use Food as a Coping Mechanism- [17:25 – 21:00] – Impaired self-control: when food becomes the only pleasure in your life- [21:00 – 24:37] – Restriction, “willpower,” and the wrong mindset toward goals- [24:37 – 28:42] – How your environment sets you up to fail — and what to change first- [28:42 – 31:29] – Fasting and “earning your food” — the biggest trigger for binge cycles- [31:29 – 35:10] – Identity collapse: when your behavior doesn’t match your self-image- [35:10 – 36:48] – Reflective work: what are you actually seeking from food?- [36:48 – 39:53] – Recognizing the moment before you go off track and your rationalizations- [39:53 – 43:29] – Guilt after overeating and redefining indulgence with awareness- [43:29 – 49:22] – The “intentional indulgence” exercise: how to eat with mindfulness- [49:22 – 50:53] – Final takeawaysLinks & 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

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