The Aethix Approach

About The Aethix Approach

A series discussing all things vegan fitness and lifestyle related and chatting with inspiring vegans who are out there changing the game!

Publisher

Ryan Rakes

Category

news

Language

en

Explicit

Yes

First episode

13 Jul 2020

Latest episode

11 Feb 2025

Latest episodes

36 episodes in the feed.

1. 

   11 Feb 2025

   S3:E9 – TAA-S03Ep09 - VINNIE CRAPELLO on Crossfit to Powerlifting, Training Philosophies, Vegan Strength Culture, PED’s and Social Media, & Hypermasculinity

   Welcome back to The Aethix Approach podcast! This is Season 3, Episode 9, and today, we’ve got a guest who’s been throwing around heavy iron, breaking stereotypes and spreading the good word of our lord and savior Seitan for years—Vinnie Crapello! Vinnie competes in the 165 lb weight class as a drug-tested powerlifter and member of the PlantBuilt powerlifting team, with a 460 lb squat, 280 lb bench and 529 lb deadlift as his current best competition lifts. But he’s not just a powerlifter—he also has a background in CrossFit and wrestling, making him a well-rounded strength athlete that would make Macho Man Randy Savage proud. In this episode, we’re covering his athletic background, his experience at the 2024 Mr. America powerlifting competition, and his best lifts and training philosophy. We’ll also dive into the conjugate method, the difference between self-programming vs. having a coach, and what it’s like competing alongside other top vegan lifters. Of course, we’ll get into his vegan journey, his go-to plant-based foods (Boca, Beyond, or Gardein?), and even how the band Earth Crisis and other hardcore music played a role in his switch. Plus, we tackle vegan activism, how plant-based food culture has changed, and why the growth of veganism seems to be stagnant lately. And because this is The Aethix Approach, we’re diving into deeper topics too—hypermasculinity in fitness, PED use on social media, why tough guys are often the nicest, and what’s next for Vinnie. It’s a packed episode with plenty of real talk and insights, so grab your protein shake, get comfy, and let’s jump in to it with Vinnie Crapello! 🎧🔥 TIMESTAMPS: 00:00 - Episode preview with Vinnie 00:30 - Intro to Podcast 01:00 - Intro to Vinnie Crapello and overview of this episode 2:15 - Episode start - who is Vinnie? 6:30 - Vinnie's athletic background 11:00 - Plantbuilt and the 2024 Mr. America powerlifting competition results 15:00 - Vinnie's weight class, best numbers and programming 18:45 - General programming vs. having a coach 23:15 - Vinnie's experience with the conjugate method 30:15 - How's it been competing with Plantbuilt? 34:30 - Personalities of vegan lifters 40:30 - Why did Vinnie go vegan originally? 43:30 - Boca, Beyond and Gardein (mock meat) products, Grocery Outlet 45:45 - The band Earth Crisis and their vegan themes, setbacks in Vinnie's vegan journey originally, learning process 49:30 - Activism and being welcoming to new vegans or vegan curious 53:00 - Pointless animal based ingredients in otherwise vegan food 54:30 - difference in plant based foods and the vegan culture now vs back then 1:00:00 - Why is there a pullback in the growth of veganism lately? 1:04:00 - Impressionable youth and social media, PED use 1:08:30 - Hypermasculinity, veganism, wrestling 1:15:00 - Tough guys and big dudes who are super nice 1:17:00 - Nerds and getting jacked 1:21:30 - Vinnie's goals for the future 1:24:15 - The state of Philly, impoverished, drug use 01:27:00 - Where to find Vinnie on social media? 01:28:00 - Episode outro - COACHING: http://aethixfitness.com (http://aethixfitness.com) MERCH: http://www.aethixfitness.com/shop (http://www.aethixfitness.com/shop) TRAINING PROGRAMS: http://www.aethixfitness.com/training (http://www.aethixfitness.com/training) TRUE NUTRITION - My absolute favorite, affordable, customizable vegan protein powder! Use code "AETHIX" at checkout for 5% off anything you order! Using the code helps support me! http://www.truenutrition.com/ (http://www.truenutrition.com/) JACK AND FRIENDS VEGAN JERKY - Super tasty jackfruit based jerky and a great small business to support! Use code "AETHIX" at checkout for 10% off anything you order! https://www.jackandfriendsjerky.com/ (https://www.jackandfriendsjerky.com/) SOCIAL: YouTube: http://www.youtube.com/aethixfitness (http://www.youtube.com/aethixfitness) Instagram: http://www.instagram.com/tofustrong (http://www.instagram.com/tofustrong) Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/aethixfitness (http://www.facebook.com/aethixfitness) Twitter: https://twitter.com/aethixf (https://twitter.com/aethixf) TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@beeflessbros (https://www.tiktok.com/@beeflessbros) PODCAST: Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast (https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast)... Google Podcasts: https://podcasts.google.com/feed/aHR0 (https://podcasts.google.com/feed/aHR0)... Audible: https://www.amazon.com/The-Aethix-App (https://www.amazon.com/The-Aethix-App)... Stitcher: https://www.stitcher.com/show/the-aet (https://www.stitcher.com/show/the-aet)... Support The Aethix Approach by contributing to their tip jar: https://tips.pinecast.com/jar/the-aethix-approach (https://tips.pinecast.com/jar/the-aethix-approach)

2. 

   23 Jan 2025

   S3:E8 – TAA-S03Ep08 - Pushing Limits with CHARLIE ZIEGLER: Powerlifting to Bodybuilding, Vegan Diet for Gains, Training Methodologies, Natural Potential & More!

   In this episode of The Aethix Approach, I’m excited to welcome a guest who is a prime example of bridging the gap between strength and aesthetics on a plant based diet: Charlie Ziegler! We’ll dive into Charlie’s impressive athletic background and his journey into powerlifting, why he ultimately stepped away from the sport to pursue hypertrophy-focused training and whether he’d ever consider stepping onto a bodybuilding stage. But it doesn’t stop there—Charlie shares his insights into training with his high intensity approach, our thoughts on science-based lifting, trends in fitness culture and different styles of training. 🚀 Of course, we’ll explore Charlie’s vegan journey—why he made the switch, his approach to eating to optimize body composition, what it’s like following a plant-based diet in his home state of Wisconsin, and his practical advice for anyone looking to optimize their nutrition, macros, and protein sources. 🌎 Whether you’re curious about training philosophies like high-intensity, low-volume approaches, or wondering about topics like natural limits, TRT, and maingaining method vs bulking and cutting, Charlie brings a no-nonsense, educated and experienced approach to hypertrophy and strength training. And as always, we’ll cap it off with Charlie’s goals for the future, plus where you can connect with him for more inspiration and expertise. This episode is packed with tips, strategies, and real talk for anyone looking to live healthier and lift smarter. Without further ado, let’s jump in to it with Charlie Ziegler! 🎧 TIMESTAMPS: 00:00 - Episode preview with Charlie 00:30 - Intro to Podcast 01:00 - Intro to Charlie Ziegler and this episode 4:30 - Charlie's athletic background 8:00 - Lifting weights is not hardcore 9:15 - Charlie's powerlifting background 14:15 - Why Charlie stopped powerlifting 17:30 - Would Charlie compete in bodybuilding? 20:00 - Why did Charlie go vegan? 25:00 - What's it like being vegan in Wisconsin? 27:30 - Tips for going vegan and protein sources 31:30 - What's Charlie's approach to his diet, nutrition, macros, etc 36:30 - Science-based lifting - pros and cons 40:30 - Charlie's training methodology 44:00 - UK based lifters, high intensity low volume training 46:45 - Natural limits, genetic peak, age-related decline, pushing the limits 49:00 - TRT 52:00 - Maingain vs bulk/cut 57:15 - Future goals? 57:30 - Genetics and metabolism, how NEET reduces as you get very lean 01:03:00 - Where can people connect with Charlie? 01:04:15 - Episode outro FOR VEGAN FITNESS COACHING: https://aethixfitness.com (https://aethixfitness.com) MERCH: http://www.aethixfitness.com/shop (http://www.aethixfitness.com/shop) COMPLETELY FREE TRAINING PROGRAMS: http://www.aethixfitness.com/training (http://www.aethixfitness.com/training) MYPROTEIN (https://us.myprotein.com (https://us.myprotein.com)) - My absolute favorite, affordable, customizable vegan protein powder! Use code "AETHIX-R1" at checkout for $20 off anything you order! Using the code helps support me! I highly recommend the Soy or Pea Protein in Mocha or Vanilla Chai flavors :) SOCIAL: YouTube: www.youtube.com/aethixfitness (http://www.youtube.com/aethixfitness) Instagram: www.instagram.com/tofustrong (http://www.instagram.com/tofustrong) Facebook: www.facebook.com/aethixfitness (http://www.facebook.com/aethixfitness) TikTok: www.tiktok.com/@beeflessbros (http://www.tiktok.com/@beeflessbros) PODCAST (please leave me a review if you like the podcast, it helps a ton!) Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/3bvKpJgwWI12689a4LtHUn?si=c24cc81865ba4dd7 (https://open.spotify.com/show/3bvKpJgwWI12689a4LtHUn?si=c24cc81865ba4dd7) Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-aethix-approach/id1523507831 (https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-aethix-approach/id1523507831) Support The Aethix Approach by contributing to their tip jar: https://tips.pinecast.com/jar/the-aethix-approach (https://tips.pinecast.com/jar/the-aethix-approach)

3. 

   9 Jan 2025

   S3:E7 – TAA-S03Ep07 - Continuing the Journey with JOE VIJAY: Natural Vegan Bodybuilding, PED Ethics, Activism, Lab-Grown Meat, and Peak Competition Prep

   In this continuation of our conversation with natural vegan bodybuilder Joe Vijay, we delve even deeper into the nuanced world of bodybuilding, veganism, and ethics. 🌱💪 This episode picks up where we left off, exploring Joe’s recent competitive season as a vegan bodybuilder and then diving into our opinions on enhanced bodybuilding and steroid use as a vegan. Could there one day be a Vegan Mr. Olympia? We examine the ethics and legality of steroids in the sport and the unique challenges Joe faces as a natural vegan athlete navigating this landscape. Joe shares his experiences of how people react to his vegan lifestyle, including some surprising responses to his vegan themed gym attire. We also touch on Joe’s personal approach to vegan activism, shedding light on different strategies for inspiring change. The conversation takes a thoughtful turn as we discuss societal health trends, the potential of lab-grown meat to accelerate veganism, and the reasons why more people haven’t embraced plant-based living. Joe also unpacks the health aspects of veganism, from bloodwork to maintaining peak fitness on a plant-based diet. 🌎 If you’ve ever wondered what it takes to prep for a bodybuilding competition as a vegan, Joe breaks it all down—manipulating food, cardio, and training to achieve peak conditioning. We discuss the role genetics and metabolism play in bodybuilding, the impact of extreme leanness on overall health, and how NEAT (non-exercise activity thermogenesis) changes during prep. Finally, we explore the importance of having a supportive partner during such an intense journey and how relationships can play a crucial role in achieving competitive goals. This episode is packed with eye-opening discussions and actionable advice, whether you’re an aspiring bodybuilder, vegan advocate, or someone looking to better understand the connections between ethics and fitness. Without further ado, let’s dive back in with the inspiring Joe Vijay! 🎙️ TIMESTAMPS: 00:00 - Episode preview with John 00:30 - Intro to Podcast 01:00 - Intro to Joe Vijay and this episode 2:30 - Podcast episode start and intro 3:00 - Joe's recent competitive season as a vegan bodybuilder 6:00 - Vegan Mr. Olympia? Enhanced bodybuilding as a vegan 11:45 - Is enhanced bodybuilding ethical? Legality of steroids 15:45 - What do people say when they find out Joe is vegan? 18:00 - Does Joe wear any vegan merch to the gym? 21:00 - Talking about being vegan in the gym 25:00 - Different strategies for vegan activism 31:00 - It's probably healthier to be skinnier than most humans are 33:15 - Why aren't more people vegan? 37:00 - Cell-based / lab grown meat and what will grow veganism more 41:15 - Vegan health and fitness and bloodwork 49:30 - How Joe prepped for his bodybuilding show as a vegan, manipulating food, cardio, training 57:30 - Genetics and metabolism, how NEET reduces as you get very lean 01:00:00 - Side effects of being extremely lean that we've experienced 1:03:00 - Having your partner being on board and supporting bodybuilding prep 01:06:00 - Where to find Joe on social media, closing 01:08:45 - Episode outro FOR VEGAN FITNESS COACHING: https://aethixfitness.com (https://aethixfitness.com) MERCH: http://www.aethixfitness.com/shop (http://www.aethixfitness.com/shop) COMPLETELY FREE TRAINING PROGRAMS: http://www.aethixfitness.com/training (http://www.aethixfitness.com/training) MYPROTEIN (https://us.myprotein.com (https://us.myprotein.com)) - My absolute favorite, affordable, customizable vegan protein powder! Use code "AETHIX-R1" at checkout for $20 off anything you order! Using the code helps support me! I highly recommend the Soy or Pea Protein in Mocha or Vanilla Chai flavors :) SOCIAL: YouTube: www.youtube.com/aethixfitness (http://www.youtube.com/aethixfitness) Instagram: www.instagram.com/tofustrong (http://www.instagram.com/tofustrong) Facebook: www.facebook.com/aethixfitness (http://www.facebook.com/aethixfitness) TikTok: www.tiktok.com/@beeflessbros (http://www.tiktok.com/@beeflessbros) PODCAST (please leave me a review if you like the podcast, it helps a ton!) Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/3bvKpJgwWI12689a4LtHUn?si=c24cc81865ba4dd7 (https://open.spotify.com/show/3bvKpJgwWI12689a4LtHUn?si=c24cc81865ba4dd7) Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-aethix-approach/id1523507831 (https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-aethix-approach/id1523507831) Support The Aethix Approach by contributing to their tip jar: https://tips.pinecast.com/jar/the-aethix-approach (https://tips.pinecast.com/jar/the-aethix-approach)

Reach and audience

Public platform figures. Ratings count people who left a rating, not total listeners.

YouTube views

111,380

Score snapshot 15 Sept 2025

Apple Podcasts (US)

5.0 / 5

4 ratings

Podcast Authority Score: 54 / 100

A composite of feed quality, social presence, YouTube performance and engagement. Read the methodology.

Quality

44

Social presence

94

YouTube

82

Engagement

32