The Storey StrengthCast

AJ Morris is one of the leading figures in modern Natural bodybuilding both as an athlete, coach and ambassador for the sport.In today’s chat we cover a wide range of topics from taking PEDs, the evolution of natural bodybuilding, drug testing & what AJ has changed his mind on across the last few years.Chapters00:00 The Allure of Natural Bodybuilding05:36 Coaching Dynamics in Bodybuilding08:32 The Decision to Stay Natural12:27 Navigating the Assisted vs. Natural Debate15:12 The Evolution of Natural Bodybuilding Shows20:15 The Role of Social Media in Bodybuilding24:43 Building Stories and Community in Bodybuilding29:01 The Future of Natural Bodybuilding34:22 Drug Testing Policies and Their Impact42:07 The Importance of Proper Drug Testing45:20 Transparency in Drug Testing and Federation Operations50:47 The Role of Committees in Bodybuilding Federations54:57 The Impact of Coaching and Running Shows59:40 Evolving Training Approaches in Bodybuilding01:04:35 Shifts in Nutritional Strategies for Bodybuilders01:10:57 The Ethics of Peptide Usage in Natural Bodybuilding01:16:37 Lessons Learned from Competitive BodybuildingWhere to find AJ:Natural Bodybuilding Worldwide: https://naturalbbworldwide.com/NBW show: https://events.naturalbbworldwide.com/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ajmorris_/To keep up with my progress, subscribe & follow me at the links below:1-1 Coaching: www.storeystrength.com Instagram: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠www.instagram.com/sstorey94⁠⁠Youtube: www.youtube.com/@sstorey94Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/4vuEGUqjwxZxiEkGMuUAItDownload 12 FREE Strength & Hypertrophy Programmes: https://mailchi.mp/storeystrength/eu1a1m8m0h

David O'Shaughnessy is a coach & natural bodybuilder from Tuam, Galway, who competed this year in his 3rd competitive season which was his best to date. David brought his best package to stage in the PCA Ireland, WNBF Ireland & WNBF Worlds, finishing the season with 1 Overall, 2 class wins & a 3rd place finish on the biggest stage in Natural bodybuilding.Chapters00:00 Post-Competition Reflections03:03 Training Philosophy and Enjoyment05:51 Strength Training Insights08:41 The Journey of Training11:43 Learning from Coaches and Influences29:06 The Journey of Self-Preparation32:08 Setting Goals and Timelines for Competition34:24 Choosing the Right Shows and Categories42:21 The Experience of Competing: WNBF Insights47:53 The Future of Natural Bodybuilding and Live Streaming49:58 Monitoring Progress and Adjusting Strategies55:03 Dieting Flexibility: The Role of Refeeds57:15 Understanding Refeeds and Their Impact59:51 The Role of Mindset in Bodybuilding Prep01:03:47 Training Performance During a Diet01:06:42 Navigating the Mental Challenges of Prep01:09:08 Building a Healthy Relationship with Food01:11:39 Learning Nutrition Fundamentals01:14:57 The Importance of Personalization in Dieting01:18:19 Focusing on Training Over Nutrition01:21:37 Dealing with Long Prep Periods01:26:47 Reflecting on the Journey and Growth01:31:04 Final Words of WisdomWhere to find David:Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/davidshaughnessypt/Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@davidshaughnessyptTo keep up with my progress, subscribe & follow me at the links below:1-1 Coaching: www.storeystrength.com Instagram: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠www.instagram.com/sstorey94⁠⁠Youtube: www.youtube.com/@sstorey94Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/4vuEGUqjwxZxiEkGMuUAItDownload 12 FREE Strength & Hypertrophy Programmes: https://mailchi.mp/storeystrength/eu1a1m8m0h

Chapters00:00 Understanding Behavior Change in Coaching02:51 The Importance of In-Person Coaching05:45 The Role of Client Motivation08:50 Navigating Client Expectations and Dissatisfaction11:38 The Impact of Dissatisfaction on Change14:40 Positive vs. Negative Motivators for Change17:54 Finding Joy in the Process20:32 Shifting Focus from Outcomes to Habits23:50 Overcoming Obstacles to Habit Formation26:44 Reducing Cognitive Load in Habit Formation29:30 The Role of Ultra-Processed Foods in Diets43:56 Navigating Ultra-Processed Foods51:51 The Reality of Transformation and Expectations59:56 Finding Enjoyment in Fitness01:01:29 Identifying Misinformation in Health01:12:18 Psychological Traps in Behavior Change01:23:41 The Role of Food in Enjoyment and AdherenceWhere to find Mike:Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/drmikethe2nd/My links:1-1 Coaching: www.storeystrength.com Instagram: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠www.instagram.com/sstorey94⁠⁠Youtube: www.youtube.com/@sstorey94Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/4vuEGUqjwxZxiEkGMuUAItDownload 12 FREE Strength & Hypertrophy Programmes: https://mailchi.mp/storeystrength/eu1a1m8m0h

Dr. Scott Stevenson, PhD, is an exercise physiologist, coach, author, and long-time competitive bodybuilder with over 30 years of experience in the industry. Holding a doctorate in applied exercise physiology, along with credentials from ACSM and NSCA, Scott blends scientific rigor with real-world coaching expertise. He’s the creator of Fortitude Training®, author of Be Your Own Bodybuilding Coach™, and a former national-level bodybuilding competitor, including winning the overall title at the 2009 NPC Mr. Arizona. Scott has taught at the university level, published peer-reviewed research, and coached countless physique athletes—making him uniquely qualified to break down evidence-based strategies for natural bodybuilding and peak-week preparation.Chapters00:00 Understanding Peak Week Misconceptions02:55 Key Variables in Peak Week Strategy06:02 The Importance of Posing During Peak Week08:54 Practice Peak Weeks: A Crucial Component12:01 The Role of Body Composition in Contest Prep14:50 Carb Loading vs. Drying Out: A Balancing Act18:03 The Psychological Aspects of Peak Week20:43 Learning from Experience: The Value of Self-Prep36:10 The Value of Difficulty in Bodybuilding41:17 Strategies for Self-Coaching During Peak Week45:36 Perspective and Gratitude in Bodybuilding50:33 The Intrinsic vs. Extrinsic Rewards of Bodybuilding57:17 Identity and Transition After Bodybuilding01:13:28 Facing Life's Unexpected Challenges01:16:20 Building Mental Resilience Through Bodybuilding01:18:26 Carbohydrate Loading Strategies for Bodybuilding01:29:39 The Science of Glycogen and Water Retention01:40:07 The Shitload Strategy: A Unique Approach to Carbing Up01:45:17 The Impact of Food Choices on Performance01:47:35 Hydration Strategies for Peak Performance01:54:22 Techniques for Effective Water Manipulation02:08:55 Final Preparations for Competition DayWhere to find Scott:Website: https://drscottstevenson.com/index.htmlInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/fortitude_training/E-Bay Signed Copy of BYOB Coach: https://ebay.us/m/ofS82CTo keep up with my progress, subscribe & follow me at the links below:1-1 Coaching: www.storeystrength.com Instagram: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠www.instagram.com/sstorey94⁠⁠Youtube: www.youtube.com/@sstorey94Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/4vuEGUqjwxZxiEkGMuUAItDownload 12 FREE Strength & Hypertrophy Programmes: https://mailchi.mp/storeystrength/eu1a1m8m0h

Chapters00:00 Introduction to Christmas Challenges02:57 Understanding the Impact of Christmas on Fitness Goals05:39 Setting Realistic Expectations for Christmas08:57 Personal Reflections on Christmas Choices11:45 Navigating Social Events During the Holidays14:34 Prioritizing Enjoyment and Discipline17:55 Strategies for Maintaining Fitness During Christmas20:49 Training Adjustments for the Holiday Season23:29 Conclusion and Key Takeaways35:09 Training Consistency During the Holidays35:49 Adjusting Training Goals for the Holiday Season37:19 Maintaining Training Volume and Routine38:41 Avoiding Detraining Over the Holidays40:07 Flexibility in Training Schedules43:28 Managing Training Blocks and Deloads46:21 Home Workouts and Gym Accessibility47:47 Recap and Transition to Nutrition Management50:06 Nutrition Strategies for Christmas Day53:00 Calorie Redistribution for Holiday Eating59:00 Enjoying Christmas Day Without Guilt01:07:12 Navigating Christmas Meals: Portion Control and Enjoyment01:13:01 Mindful Eating: The Importance of Food Hygiene01:14:14 Managing Snacking and Unaccounted Calories01:16:37 Structuring Christmas Day: Meals and Snacks01:20:32 Staying Active: The Role of Movement on Christmas Day01:25:09 Alcohol Awareness: Managing Intake During the Holidays01:38:53 Bouncing Back: Post-Christmas Strategies for SuccessTo keep up with my progress, subscribe & follow me at the links below:1-1 Coaching: www.storeystrength.com Instagram: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠www.instagram.com/sstorey94⁠⁠Youtube: www.youtube.com/@sstorey94Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/4vuEGUqjwxZxiEkGMuUAItDownload 12 FREE Strength & Hypertrophy Programmes: https://mailchi.mp/storeystrength/eu1a1m8m0h