Muscles By Brussels Radio!

In this episode, Giacomo shares his full journey from a shy, non-athletic kid to a competitive bodybuilder and coach. He opens up about discovering confidence through fitness, how bodybuilding became a lifelong pursuit, and the lessons he’s learned over 15+ years in the gym.The conversation dives deep into the psychology of coaching, the importance of community, and why having support can be a game changer. Giacomo also reflects on his vegan journey, the evolution of Vegan Proteins, and how purpose, discipline, and self-awareness continue to shape his path today.

In this episode, Ben shares his full journey into bodybuilding and coaching, from early insecurities and extreme dieting to developing a more balanced, sustainable approach to fitness.He talks about how his mindset evolved, why relationships and lifestyle flexibility now play a bigger role in his approach, and how those lessons shape the way he coaches clients today.The conversation dives into the psychology of behavior change, the challenges of coaching different personalities, and why long-term success in bodybuilding requires more than just discipline...it requires adaptability and self-awareness.

In this episode of Muscles by Brussels Radio, Dani sits down with Randall and Robin to explore the nuanced relationship between body positivity and weight loss. They share their personal journeys through long-term struggles with body image, food, and fitness, including major weight loss transformations.The conversation dives into food noise, the reality of yo-yo dieting, and how building routines (not relying on motivation) became the key to sustainable change. They also unpack the benefits and limitations of the body positivity movement, challenging the idea that health and self-acceptance are mutually exclusive.This episode offers an honest, balanced look at how you can pursue better health while still respecting and valuing your body.Randall: @knishofdeathRobin: @tofunestfitness

In this episode, Ben sits down with Coach Sawyer to kick off a new series highlighting the personal stories behind the Vegan Proteins coaching team. Sawyer shares his evolution from a sports-loving kid with performance anxiety to a dedicated lifter navigating body image struggles, extreme bulking phases, and ultimately finding balance in his fitness journey.They dive into the mental and emotional side of bodybuilding, including chasing validation, overcoming insecurity, and learning to let go of extremes in pursuit of a more sustainable physique. Sawyer also opens up about his transition to veganism, how it reshaped his values and worldview, and the unexpected health and emotional benefits he’s experienced over the past decade.This episode is a deep, honest look at what it really takes to build not just muscle—but a healthier relationship with fitness, identity, and long-term goals.

In this episode, Dani and Alice break down how to stay on track with your fitness goals while traveling, without making your life miserable.They cover realistic expectations for different types of trips, how to approach workouts on the road, and creative ways to hit protein targets as a vegan.From packing strategies and grocery hacks to gym alternatives and travel-friendly tools, this episode is packed with practical advice for maintaining (or at least not losing) progress while away from home.

In this episode, Giacomo and Sawyer tackle a challenge nearly every lifter eventually faces: getting injured. They discuss the mental side of dealing with setbacks, how to adjust your training without completely losing momentum, and the importance of patience during recovery.The conversation covers practical strategies like modifying exercises, managing training volume and intensity, and focusing on what you can still train. They also talk about long-term thinking in bodybuilding: why pushing through injuries can often do more harm than good, and how smart adjustments can keep you progressing while healing.If you’ve ever wondered how to stay productive in the gym while recovering from an injury, this episode provides a realistic and thoughtful approach to navigating setbacks.

In this episode of Muscles by Brussels Radio, Alice and Sawyer break down one of the biggest challenges of dieting: managing hunger during a fat-loss phase. They discuss what people should realistically expect when entering a calorie deficit and why dieting shouldn’t feel like constant suffering.The coaches dive into the concept of calorie density and how choosing the right foods can dramatically impact satiety. They explore the difference between foods that provide stomach volume versus true fullness, and how high-volume foods like fruits and vegetables can help stretch the stomach and reduce hunger while keeping calories low.They also talk about practical strategies for structuring meals, choosing satiating foods, and maintaining routines when dieting gets tough. Whether you're preparing for a bodybuilding cut or simply trying to lose fat sustainably, this episode offers actionable tips to make dieting far more manageable.

In this episode of Muscles by Brussels Radio, Ben and Dani break down how to spot scam artists in the fitness and wellness space. They discuss common red flags like speaking in absolutes, fear-mongering about foods and training methods, overpromising results, expert creep, manipulative sales tactics, and parasocial marketing.The conversation also explores the difference between ethical coaching and predatory practices, how to evaluate online content critically, and why nuance, transparency, and accountability matter when choosing who to trust with your health and fitness goals.

Should you cut, bulk, or recomp? In this episode of Muscles by Brussels Radio, Ben and Giacomo break down how to decide which phase is right for you based on your training age, body fat level, goals, and mindset.They discuss why most people start with fat loss, why recomping is underrated, when a surplus is actually necessary, and the psychological challenges that come after reaching your goal physique. If you’ve ever wondered “what now?” after a cut, this episode is for you.

In this episode of Muscles by Brussels Radio, Ben sits down with Dr. Minil Patel (aka @DrIronJunkie), UK-based GP and lifestyle medicine physician, to unpack one of the most controversial topics in nutrition right now: are ultra-processed foods actually unhealthy...and where do plant-based meats fit in?They dive into Dr. Patel’s journey from heavy meat-eater (including wild game and keto-style eating) to ethical vegan, and discuss the science behind plant-based meat alternatives, LDL cholesterol, saturated fat, and cardiometabolic risk. The conversation explores the NOVA food classification system, common misconceptions about “processed” foods, and why comparing foods to what they replace matters more than labeling them as simply “natural” or “ultra-processed.”They also tackle current U.S. dietary guidelines, protein recommendations, vegan nutrient concerns, and whether plant protein intake should be limited. This episode blends ethics, evidence-based nutrition, and practical application for athletes and ever

In this episode, Ben and Alice dive into the increasingly popular world of recovery tools and break down what actually helps versus what’s mostly hype. They discuss heat and cold therapies like sauna use, hot showers, cold plunges, and ice baths, and how each affects the nervous system, inflammation, and long-term muscle growth.The conversation also covers injury management, joint and connective tissue recovery, stretching and foam rolling, massage, hydration, sleep, and the importance of solid training programming before relying on recovery “hacks.”Throughout the episode, they emphasize practical, low-cost strategies vegan lifters can use to recover smarter, train consistently, and stay healthy for the long haul.

What if staying fit didn’t mean forcing yourself through workouts you hate?In this episode, Dani and Sawyer talk honestly about exercise burnout, why so many people struggle to stay consistent, and how redefining “fitness” can change everything.They break down practical ways to build strength and improve cardio without running, burpees, or rigid gym rules, and explain why enjoyment, curiosity, and sustainability matter more than doing the “hardest” option.If you’ve ever felt like exercise is just something you should do (but secretly dread), this episode will help you find a more realistic, livable approach to fitness.

Is there really a “best” training split? In this episode, Ben and Sawyer break down the most popular workout splits: bro splits, push-pull-legs, upper/lower, and full-body training, and explain how to choose the right one based on your goals, recovery, schedule, and lifestyle.They share personal experiences, common mistakes lifters make when chasing “optimal,” and why flexibility, sustainability, and long-term planning matter more than any single program. Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced lifter, this episode will help you train smarter, not just harder.

In this episode, Giacomo and Sawyer explore why coaches need coaches, even at the highest levels of fitness and bodybuilding.They dive into the emotional side of coaching, accountability, mindset, and how having the right support can unlock long-term progress.Through personal stories and coaching experiences, they explain why great coaching goes far beyond training programs and nutrition, and how the right coach helps athletes think better and not just train harder.

In this episode, Alice and Giacomo take a deep dive into vegan protein powders: past, present, and future.They break down the history of plant-based proteins, compare blends vs isolates, address common concerns around amino acid profiles, digestion, heavy metals, sweeteners, and cost, and explain why perfection isn’t necessary to meet protein goals.The conversation also explores emerging yeast-based “vegan whey” proteins, flavoring strategies, baking and cooking applications, and how to choose a protein powder that fits your goals, budget, and preferences, without fear or misinformation.

 In this episode of Vegan Proteins' Muscles by Brussels Radio, Giacomo and Dani dive into what it really means to find and ask for support on a fitness journey.From navigating family dynamics and romantic relationships to handling food environments, training schedules, and social pressure, they explore practical strategies for getting support without creating conflict.They also discuss the role of community, why hyper-independence can be limiting, and how shared fitness spaces can dramatically improve motivation, adherence, and overall well-being, especially for vegan athletes.

In this episode of Vegan Proteins: Muscles by Brussels Radio, Alice and Sawyer unpack the complex relationship between weight gain, weight loss, muscle building, and modern culture.They explore how lifestyle structure, calorie density, and societal norms make long-term weight management difficult, and why many people are unknowingly under-muscled rather than “overweight.”The conversation breaks down common myths around metabolism, dieting, and body trends, emphasizing that sustainable fitness often requires gaining weight to increase muscle, metabolism, and long-term health.Alice and Sawyer also discuss realistic timelines for muscle growth, the importance of resistance training, the dangers of extreme body ideals, and why patience, balance, and self-compassion are critical for lasting results, especially for beginners navigating fitness in a culture built around convenience and excess.

In this episode, Ben and Alice explore what competitive bodybuilders and lifestyle athletes can learn from each other. They discuss stress management, consistency, expectations, training intensity, nutrition structure, and balance, highlighting how blending discipline with flexibility can lead to better long-term fitness, health, and sustainability.

In this inspiring episode, we sit down with Melanie, a vegan powerlifter whose past year has been marked by massive life changes, personal growth, and record-setting strength.She opens up about navigating divorce, rebuilding her life, discovering the power of community, and transforming her approach to training and mindset.With coaching insights from Sawyer and thoughtful questions from Giacomo, Melanie shares how she learned to trust herself, adapt through adversity, and ultimately achieve regional records in USA Powerlifting.This conversation dives deep into resilience, vulnerability, and the unexpected joy that comes from embracing challenge.

In this episode, Ben and Sawyer break down the art of time efficient training. They explore how to get the most muscle building stimulus with the least time investment by dialing in exercise selection, intensity, and smart programming.You’ll learn the difference between maintenance and growth volume, how to strategically use supersets, circuits, myo-reps, and drop sets, and when pre-exhaust techniques can actually save your workout.They also discuss how to prioritize muscle groups, manage fatigue, and keep training enjoyable, even with a busy schedule. This one’s packed with practical takeaways for anyone looking to train smarter, not longer.