Prep Brain Podcast

About Prep Brain Podcast

What actually goes on inside the brain - and behind the scenes - of competitive bodybuilding? The Prep Brain Podcast takes you inside the world of bodybuilding with industry-leading coach and bodybuilding judge Joey Cantlin and IFBB Pro Caitlin Arnold. From contest prep, training, nutrition and posing to judging criteria, show-day strategy, athlete psychology and the realities of competing internationally, we break down the things competitors actually want to know. We’ll also unpack what’s happening across the bodybuilding industry - from show results and judging decisions to industry news, athlete moves, emerging trends, controversies, competition formats and the conversations shaping the sport in Australia and internationally. We’ll talk about the wins, the losses, the questionable decisions, the lessons, the science behind prep and the things nobody tells you when you decide you want to step on stage. Expect education, debate, show breakdowns, industry updates, athlete stories, coach’s corner, insider perspectives and plenty of unfiltered conversation from inside the sport. The Prep Brain Podcast - because successful bodybuilding isn’t just built in the gym. It’s built in the brain.

Publisher

Caitlin Arnold & Joey Cantlin

Category

health & fitness

Language

en

Explicit

No

First episode

9 Oct 2026

Latest episode

13 Nov 2026

Latest episodes

7 episodes in the feed.

1. 

   13 Nov 2026

   EP 07 - Peak Week 101: Strategies Exposed & What Actually Works

   What actually happens during peak week - and how much of what you've heard about it is really necessary? In this episode of the Prep Brain Podcast, we break down Peak Week 101: what peak week is designed to achieve, the strategies coaches use to help athletes look their best on stage, and the common mistakes that can make the final days of prep more stressful than they need to be... plus the strategies we think need to be thrown in the bin. We unpack the science behind carbohydrate loading, muscle glycogen and fullness, the relationship between sodium, potassium and fluid balance, and why cutting water doesn't automatically make you look drier. We also discuss fibre, food choices, training, cardio, steps and pump-up routines - and what athletes under-estimate as the MOST important thing during a peak week. Whether you're preparing for your first bodybuilding show, you've competed for years, or just want to sharpen up know knowledge - this episode will help you better understand the final days before stepping on stage, separate evidence-based strategies from bodybuilding folklore, and approach your peak with more confidence and less unnecessary stress. If you enjoy the episode, like, subscribe and follow the Prep Brain Podcast so you don't miss the next episode. SOCIAL MEDIA Follow the Prep Brain Podcast: @prepbrainpodcast Follow Joey: @joeycantlinpt Follow Caitlin: @caitlin.l.arnold Caitlin's YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@CaitlinLArnold (https://www.youtube.com/@CaitlinLArnold) WORK WITH US Caitlin Coaching: https://plantphysique.org/ (https://plantphysique.org/) Caitlin Posing: https://theflowupposing.square.site/ (https://theflowupposing.square.site/) Joey Coaching: https://form.jotform.com/252661109740050 (https://form.jotform.com/252661109740050) DISCOUNT CODES VPA Australia (Supplements) https://www.vpa.com.au/ (https://www.vpa.com.au/) - CARNOLD Less Than One Percent (Activewear) https://lessthanonepercent.shop/ (https://lessthanonepercent.shop/) - CARNOLD

2. 

   6 Nov 2026

   EP 06 - Bikini Bulletin: Where Is Bikini Heading in 2027?

   Where is the bikini division heading in 2027? 👀 In Episode 06 of the Prep Brain Podcast, we're joined by IFBB Pro Lisa Cantlin, our Bikini Correspondent & Industry Analyst and one of Australia's most experienced female bodybuilding athletes, to unpack the current state of bikini and what we might see as the division evolves into the new season. From the significance of Jazzy's win, the ongoing conversation around the growing muscularity of the division, to seeing more consistent judging worldwide, we're looking beyond the placings to discuss what these results might tell us about the direction of the category. We're also making our predictions for 2027. Which athletes are rising up the ranks? Who might return to the stage? And how has the introduction of Fit Model influenced the bikini division? In this episode, listen in depth to our perspectives and analysis The current state of the bikini division What Jazzy's win tells us about the direction of the category Is the category continuing to change or is it refining itself Predictions for how bikini may shift heading into 2027 Athletes to watch and potential comebacks Whether Fit Model is changing the bikini landscape Whether you're a bikini competitor, coach, fan or just trying to understand what it takes to stand out on the IFBB stage, this is your Bikini Bulletin 🧠 because at the Prep Brain Podcast, we're breaking down the sport beyond the stage. Subscribe, follow along and join the conversation. What do YOU think bikini will look like in 2027? SOCIAL MEDIA Follow the Prep Brain Podcast: @prepbrainpodcast Follow Joey: @joeycantlinpt Follow Lisa: @lisajanereid Follow Caitlin: @caitlin.l.arnold Caitlin's YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@CaitlinLArnold (https://www.youtube.com/@CaitlinLArnold) WORK WITH US Caitlin Coaching: https://plantphysique.org/ (https://plantphysique.org/) Caitlin Posing: https://theflowupposing.square.site/ (https://theflowupposing.square.site/) Joey Coaching: https://form.jotform.com/252661109740050 (https://form.jotform.com/252661109740050) DISCOUNT CODES VPA Australia (Supplements) https://www.vpa.com.au/ (https://www.vpa.com.au/) - CARNOLD Less Than One Percent (Activewear) https://lessthanonepercent.shop/ (https://lessthanonepercent.shop/) - CARNOLD

3. 

   30 Oct 2026

   EP 05 - Caitlin’s NZ Pro Show (Medical Emergencies, Cancelled Flights & Another Top 4?!)

   Medical emergencies, cancelled flights, last-minute bikini changes… and somehow, another TOP 4 finish?! 😂✈️ In this episode of The Prep Brain, we're wrapping up Caitlin's final Pro show of an absolutely unforgettable competitive season - the NZ Pro show. And while getting there was a story in itself, the show was genuinely incredible. From the organisation and event execution to the calibre of competitors on stage, it was an amazing experience and a fantastic way to close out the season. But before we could get to the stage, there was a LOT to deal with. 👀 We unpack the chaos behind the scenes, the unexpected curveballs, the last-minute changes and everything that went into getting Caitlin across the line for one final time this season. After making her international Pro debut in Korea and placing 4th, the NZ Pro show was another opportunity to see where she stood against the competition. And with another TOP 4 finish, Caitlin walked away with something that mattered just as much as the result itself: proving (mainly to herself... not to Joey though) that Korea wasn't a fluke. 💪 We break down how the show went, the changes we made going into the competition, the feedback from the judges, and what we can take away from another competitive outing on the Pro stage. Because while we're incredibly proud of another top-four finish, the goal isn't to keep turning up and repeating the same result. It's to keep improving. So, what's next? After a season that took Caitlin from regional amateur shows to winning her IFBB Pro Card at Nationals, making her international Pro debut in Korea, earning her first Olympia points, and also finishing with another top-four Pro placing in NZ, it's officially time to close the chapter on competition for now. We'll talk about the areas that need improvement, the feedback we're taking into the offseason, and what the plan looks like from here. The heels are coming off (for now!), the feedback is in, and it's time to BUILD. 🏗️ It's been one hell of a season, and this is the final debrief before the next chapter begins. If you enjoy the episode, make sure to LIKE, SUBSCRIBE and leave us a 5-star review! ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ It helps more people find the podcast, and we appreciate every bit of support. SOCIAL MEDIA Follow the Prep Brain Podcast: @prepbrainpodcast Follow Joey: @joeycantlinpt Follow Caitlin: @caitlin.l.arnold Caitlin's YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@CaitlinLArnold (https://www.youtube.com/@CaitlinLArnold) WORK WITH US Caitlin Coaching: https://plantphysique.org/ (https://plantphysique.org/) Caitlin Posing: https://theflowupposing.square.site/ (https://theflowupposing.square.site/) Joey Coaching: https://form.jotform.com/252661109740050 (https://form.jotform.com/252661109740050) DISCOUNT CODES VPA Australia (Supplements) https://www.vpa.com.au/ (https://www.vpa.com.au/) - CARNOLD Less Than One Percent (Activewear) https://lessthanonepercent.shop/ (https://lessthanonepercent.shop/) - CARNOLD Got a question you'd like us to cover on a future episode? Drop it in the comments! #PrepBrainPodcast #IFBBPro #BikiniPro #Bodybuilding #CompetitionPrep #OffSeason

4. 

   23 Oct 2026

   EP 04 – Prep 101: How The F*ck Do You Get Stage Ready? Your First Prep, Explained.

   Thinking about competing in bodybuilding for the first time? Or already planning your first prep and have absolutely no idea where to start? Or maybe you did a prep, but felt like everything went wrong? This one's for you. In this episode of The Prep Brain, we're going back to basics and breaking down EVERYTHING you need to know about getting stage ready for your first bodybuilding competition - from before prep even begins, right through to stepping on stage and what happens when it's all over. Because there's a LOT more to competing than just dieting, doing cardio and buying a bikini or pair of trunks 👀 We unpack what you should be thinking about before you commit to a show, how to choose the right coach and competition, what actually goes into a prep, and what you need to get right along the way. We cover the big stuff: training, nutrition, cardio, posing, peak week, stage day and all the things that first-time competitors often don't realise they're signing up for. We also talk about the mental side of prep, managing expectations, navigating the inevitable challenges, and why having a plan for AFTER the competition is just as important as getting there in the first place. And no, getting stage ready isn't just about getting as lean as possible. It's about understanding the process, preparing properly, and setting yourself up for a better experience both on and off the stage. Whether you're considering your first competition, already deep in the planning stage, or just want to understand what bodybuilding prep actually involves, consider this your Prep Brain 101. We're opening the files, asking the questions, and giving you the information we wish every first-time competitor understood before they started. 🧠💪 If you enjoy the episode, make sure to LIKE, SUBSCRIBE and leave us a 5-star review! ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ It helps more people find the podcast, and we'd love to have you along for the ride. SOCIAL MEDIA Follow the Prep Brain Podcast: @prepbrainpodcast Follow Joey: @joeycantlinpt Follow Caitlin: @caitlin.l.arnold Caitlin's YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@CaitlinLArnold (https://www.youtube.com/@CaitlinLArnold) WORK WITH US Caitlin Coaching: https://plantphysique.org/ (https://plantphysique.org/) Caitlin Posing: https://theflowupposing.square.site/ (https://theflowupposing.square.site/) Joey Coaching: https://form.jotform.com/252661109740050 (https://form.jotform.com/252661109740050) DISCOUNT CODES VPA Australia (Supplements) https://www.vpa.com.au/ (https://www.vpa.com.au/) - CARNOLD Less Than One Percent (Activewear) https://lessthanonepercent.shop/ (https://lessthanonepercent.shop/) - CARNOLD #PrepBrainPodcast #BodybuildingPrep #FirstTimeCompetitor #Bodybuilding101 #CompetitionPrep #IFBB

5. 

   16 Oct 2026

   EP 03 - Pro Card to Pro Stage (What Changed For the Pro Debut)

   What happens when you win your IFBB Pro Card… and almost immediately have to get ready for your first Pro show? In this episode of The Prep Brain, we open the Athlete Files and follow Caitlin’s whirlwind transition from winning the Australian Pro Card to making her international Pro debut in Korea — with barely 24 hours at home in between. We break down what happened behind the scenes: getting home from Nationals, packing, pivoting the plan, flying to Korea and stepping onto an international Pro stage almost immediately, and placing within the top 5 (plus earning her first ever points towards the Olympia) But this episode is about more than the timeline. What actually changes when you move from amateur to pro? Joey explains the changes he made to Caitlin’s preparation for the Pro stage, how and why we had to pivot the plan, and what the jump to the Pro ranks really means from a coaching and competitive perspective. We also unpack the differences between amateur and Pro competitors, what changes on the Pro stage, what Caitlin learned from her debut, and what needs to happen next to build a physique that can be more competitive at the highest level. From winning the Pro Card to figuring out what it takes to compete as a Pro, this is the reality of making the jump. If you enjoy the episode, like, subscribe and follow The Prep Brain so you don't miss the next episode. SOCIAL MEDIA Follow the Prep Brain Podcast: @prepbrainpodcast Follow Joey: @joeycantlinpt Follow Caitlin: @caitlin.l.arnold Caitlin's YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@CaitlinLArnold (https://www.youtube.com/@CaitlinLArnold) WORK WITH US Caitlin Coaching: https://plantphysique.org/ (https://plantphysique.org/) Caitlin Posing: https://theflowupposing.square.site/ (https://theflowupposing.square.site/) Joey Coaching: https://form.jotform.com/252661109740050 (https://form.jotform.com/252661109740050) DISCOUNT CODES VPA Australia (Supplements) https://www.vpa.com.au/ (https://www.vpa.com.au/) - CARNOLD Less Than One Percent (Activewear) https://lessthanonepercent.shop/ (https://lessthanonepercent.shop/) - CARNOLD

6. 

   9 Oct 2026

   EP 01 - Welcome to The Prep Brain

   EP 01 — Welcome to The Prep Brain. In our first episode, hosts Caitlin Arnold, IFBB Pro and former bodybuilding judge, and Joey Cantlin, bodybuilding coach and judge, introduce themselves, share their backgrounds in the sport, their journey so far, and explain how they ended up behind judging table — and eventually behind the microphone together. We’ll talk about why The Prep Brain exists, what we think is missing from conversations around bodybuilding, and what you can expect from the podcast. From contest prep, training and nutrition to posing, judging, show strategy, athlete psychology and the realities of competing at an elite level, we’re going beyond the stage to unpack what actually goes into becoming a better competitor. Welcome to The Prep Brain. SOCIAL MEDIA Follow the Prep Brain Podcast: @prepbrainpodcast Follow Joey: @joeycantlinpt Follow Caitlin: @caitlin.l.arnold Caitlin's YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@CaitlinLArnold (https://www.youtube.com/@CaitlinLArnold) WORK WITH US Caitlin Coaching: https://plantphysique.org/ (https://plantphysique.org/) Caitlin Posing: https://theflowupposing.square.site/ (https://theflowupposing.square.site/) Joey Coaching: https://form.jotform.com/252661109740050 (https://form.jotform.com/252661109740050) DISCOUNT CODES VPA Australia (Supplements) https://www.vpa.com.au/ (https://www.vpa.com.au/) - CARNOLD Less Than One Percent (Activewear) https://lessthanonepercent.shop/ (https://lessthanonepercent.shop/) - CARNOLD

7. 

   9 Oct 2026

   EP 02 - Four Shows, One Pro Card - Caitlin's Road to Pro (The Prep Everything Changed)

   In this episode of The Prep Brain, we open the Athlete Files and take you behind the scenes of Caitlin’s journey to becoming an IFBB Pro — a prep where everything changed. We go right back to where it started: what Caitlin wanted, what went wrong in previous preps, and what needed to change for this season to be different. We unpack the mental shift, the foundations that were built before stepping on stage, and how Caitlin learned to approach prep with a completely different mindset. Then came the Australian season: four shows in four weeks, chasing feedback, making adjustments and learning to treat every show as another opportunity to improve. It was an under dog season, full of near misses, at least 4 different front poses, and constant changes. Joey and Caitlin break down the feedback received throughout the season, the changes made from show to show, and the decisions that ultimately led to Caitlin winning the IFBB Pro Card. And finally — what does it actually feel like to achieve the goal you've spent months fighting for? This is the story behind the stage photos, the trophies and the Pro Card — the setbacks, the feedback, the mindset and everything that happened in between. If you enjoy the episode, like, subscribe and follow The Prep Brain so you don't miss what's coming next. SOCIAL MEDIA Follow the Prep Brain Podcast: @prepbrainpodcast Follow Joey: @joeycantlinpt Follow Caitlin: @caitlin.l.arnold Caitlin's YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@CaitlinLArnold (https://www.youtube.com/@CaitlinLArnold) WORK WITH US Caitlin Coaching: https://plantphysique.org/ (https://plantphysique.org/) Caitlin Posing: https://theflowupposing.square.site/ (https://theflowupposing.square.site/) Joey Coaching: https://form.jotform.com/252661109740050 (https://form.jotform.com/252661109740050) DISCOUNT CODES VPA Australia (Supplements) https://www.vpa.com.au/ (https://www.vpa.com.au/) - CARNOLD Less Than One Percent (Activewear) https://lessthanonepercent.shop/ (https://lessthanonepercent.shop/) - CARNOLD

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