Swole Radio answers all of your questions on natural bodybuilding. I'm a medical doctor, natural men's physique athlete, and YouTuber based in Vancouver, Canada. I seek to promote science-based perspectives to help people lose fat and gain muscle. This will involve interviewing the top athletes, coaches, and scientists in bodybuilding. If that sounds like it will help you, join me by subscribing! - Bill Wong, MD (Dr. Swole)
Jeff Alberts, often called the “3DMJ Godfather,” is a respected figure in the natural bodybuilding community and a head coach at 3D Muscle Journey. He began lifting in 1986 and entered his first bodybuilding competition in 1993, eventually earning professional status after decades of dedication and competing in many shows.Known for his patience and persistence, Alberts trained and competed for over 20 years before finally achieving the milestone of earning his pro card. His journey highlights the importance of long-term consistency, learning, and resilience in bodybuilding. Beyond competing, he has coached hundreds of athletes and promotes an evidence-based, sustainable approach to training and nutrition within the natural bodybuilding community.Timestamps:0:21 his training 5:32 his am/pm workout split setup22:07 how Jeff approaches progressive overload28:44 changes in lifting performance over the years35:33 exercises Jeff has made substitutions for37:57 update on nutrition47:39 Jeff describes a regular full day of eatingSubscribe to transform your physique and your life: http://www.youtube.com/c/DrSwole?sub_confirmation=1My e-books: https://askdrswole.com/Take your knowledge to the next level with the MASS Research Review: https://www.massmember.com/a/2147986174/LwzhWs82(This is an affiliate link - I’ll receive a small commission when you use it)Dream Physique Nutrition Course: https://dr-swole.thinkific.com/courses/dream-physique-nutrition-------------------------------Find me on social media:INSTAGRAM: http://instagram.com/dr_swoleFACEBOOK GROUP: https://www.facebook.com/groups/drswoleTIKTOK: https://www.tiktok.com/@dr_swole/PODCAST (Swole Radio): https://open.spotify.com/show/5dDtoBhte20yAk7JsR7Q6W?si=d53fb88138eb4ed2-------------------------------About me: I'm a medical doctor and pro natural physique athlete based in Vancouver, Canada. I seek to help people improve their lives in the domains of health, wealth, and happiness.-------------------------------Disclaimers: Consider seeing a physician to assess your readiness before beginning any fitness program. Information presented here is to be applied intelligently in the individual context. I do not assume liability for any loss incurred by using information in this video. -------------------------------
I interviewed Eddie Saldana, who is the reigning WNBF overall bodybuilding champion. We talk about his contest prep training, nutrition, and contest season results. A great listen to find out how a world champion runs contest prep.
IG: @eddie__1995
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My e-books: https://askdrswole.com/
MASS Research Review: https://www.massmember.com/a/2147986175/LwzhWs82
(This is an affiliate link - I’ll receive a small commission when you use it)
Dream Physique Nutrition Course: https://dr-swole.thinkific.com/courses/dream-physique-nutrition
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Find me on social media:
YOUTUBE: https://www.youtube.com/@DrSwole
INSTAGRAM: http://instagram.com/dr_swole
FACEBOOK GROUP: https://www.facebook.com/groups/drswole
TIKTOK: https://www.tiktok.com/@dr_swole/
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About me: I'm a medical doctor and pro natural physique athlete based in Vancouver, Canada. I share evidence-based perspectives on natural bodybuilding, and see to help people achieve health, wealth, and happiness.
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Disclaimers: Consider seeing a physician to assess your readiness before beginning any fitness program. Information presented here is to be applied intelligently in the individual context. I do not assume liability for any loss incurred by using information presented here.
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#bodybuilding #wnbf #naturalbodybuilding
Eric Helms joins the podcast to break down exactly how he approached nutrition, training, and recovery during his 2025 contest season. Eric is a natural bodybuilder, coach, researcher, and co-founder of 3DMJ, known for applying evidence-based principles at the highest level of physique sport. In this episode, I have Eric walk step-by-step through how he structured his training blocks, adjusted calories and macros across the season, and managed fatigue while competing. We also dig into the key lessons he’s taking forward from his 2025 results. This is a value-packed discussion for lifters who care about long-term progress.
0:34 weight changes and diet throughout prep
19:34 Eric’s contest prep training program
35:44 competition results
1:23:48 lessons from the season
IG: @helms3dmj
https://www.3dmusclejourney.com/
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My e-books: https://askdrswole.com/
MASS Research Review: https://www.massmember.com/a/2147986175/LwzhWs82
(This is an affiliate link - I’ll receive a small commission when you use it)
Dream Physique Nutrition Course: https://dr-swole.thinkific.com/courses/dream-physique-nutrition
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Find me on social media:
YOUTUBE: https://www.youtube.com/@DrSwole
INSTAGRAM: http://instagram.com/dr_swole
FACEBOOK GROUP: https://www.facebook.com/groups/drswole
TIKTOK: https://www.tiktok.com/@dr_swole/
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About me: I'm a medical doctor and pro natural physique athlete based in Vancouver, Canada. I share evidence-based perspectives on natural bodybuilding, and see to help people achieve health, wealth, and happiness.
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Disclaimers: Consider seeing a physician to assess your readiness before beginning any fitness program. Information presented here is to be applied intelligently in the individual context. I do not assume liability for any loss incurred by using information presented here.
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I had Jim Wendler (Creator of 531) back on the Swole Radio Podcast to discuss training for strength and size. We discuss:
0:25 Current model for training beginners for strength and size
21:00 How to address the first stalls as a beginner
27:24 Rep ranges and progression for assistance lifts
33:45 How many days per week do intermediates need to maximize progress?
38:44 Alternatives to the squat, bench press, and deadlift
41:43 Minimalistic power building approach
52:20 Myths about steroids
Find Jim at:
https://www.jimwendler.com/
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My e-books: https://askdrswole.com/
MASS Research Review: https://www.massmember.com/a/2147986175/LwzhWs82
(This is an affiliate link - I’ll receive a small commission when you use it)
Dream Physique Nutrition Course: https://dr-swole.thinkific.com/courses/dream-physique-nutrition
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Find me on social media:
INSTAGRAM: http://instagram.com/dr_swole
FACEBOOK GROUP: https://www.facebook.com/groups/drswole
TIKTOK: https://www.tiktok.com/@dr_swole/
PODCAST (Swole Radio): https://open.spotify.com/show/5dDtoBh...
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About me: I'm a medical doctor and pro natural physique athlete based in Vancouver, Canada. I share evidence-based perspectives on natural bodybuilding, and see to help people achieve health, wealth, and happiness.
-------------------------------
Disclaimers: Consider seeing a physician to assess your readiness before beginning any fitness program. Information presented here is to be applied intelligently in the individual context. I do not assume liability for any loss incurred by using information presented here.
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#hypertrophy #MuscleGrowth #workout
I had Alberto Nunez back on the Swole Radio Podcast to analyze his current training program. We discuss:
0:14 training split and layout
11:06 his main exercises for each muscle group
24:10 training volumes (sets per week)
30:23 his results training 3 days per week
40:08 intensity techniques: heavy singles, moo reps
50:55 nutrition, bulking and cutting vs. body recomposition
Alberto’s IG: @nunez3dmj
3dmj: https://www.3dmusclejourney.com/
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My e-books: https://askdrswole.com/
MASS Research Review: https://www.massmember.com/a/2147986175/LwzhWs82
(This is an affiliate link - I’ll receive a small commission when you use it)
Dream Physique Nutrition Course: https://dr-swole.thinkific.com/courses/dream-physique-nutrition
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Find me on social media:
YOUTUBE: https://www.youtube.com/@DrSwole
INSTAGRAM: http://instagram.com/dr_swole
FACEBOOK GROUP: https://www.facebook.com/groups/drswole
TIKTOK: https://www.tiktok.com/@dr_swole/
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About me: I'm a medical doctor and pro natural physique athlete based in Vancouver, Canada. I share evidence-based perspectives on natural bodybuilding, and see to help people achieve health, wealth, and happiness.
-------------------------------
Disclaimers: Consider seeing a physician to assess your readiness before beginning any fitness program. Information presented here is to be applied intelligently in the individual context. I do not assume liability for any loss incurred by using information presented here.
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I had Brad Schoenfeld back on the Swole Radio Podcast to discuss optimal training for hypertrophy. We cover some of his recent research and perspectives:
0:23 Without fail: muscular adaptations in single set resistance training performed to failure or with repetitions in reserve
4:18 is there an incremental benefit of training closer to failure?
16:38 how to program rep ranges for hypertrophy
28:10 Optimizing resistance training technique to maximize muscle hypertrophy: a narrative review
32:08 how do you know if an exercise is good for you?
37:24 how should people find their optimal training volume?
43:20 how to run deloads
Brad’s IG: @bradschoenfeldphd
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My e-books: https://askdrswole.com/
MASS Research Review: https://www.massmember.com/a/2147986175/LwzhWs82
(This is an affiliate link - I’ll receive a small commission when you use it)
Dream Physique Nutrition Course: https://dr-swole.thinkific.com/courses/dream-physique-nutrition
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Find me on social media:
YOUTUBE: https://www.youtube.com/@DrSwole
INSTAGRAM: http://instagram.com/dr_swole
FACEBOOK GROUP: https://www.facebook.com/groups/drswole
TIKTOK: https://www.tiktok.com/@dr_swole/
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About me: I'm a medical doctor and pro natural physique athlete based in Vancouver, Canada. I share evidence-based perspectives on natural bodybuilding, and see to help people achieve health, wealth, and happiness.
-------------------------------
Disclaimers: Consider seeing a physician to assess your readiness before beginning any fitness program. Information presented here is to be applied intelligently in the individual context. I do not assume liability for any loss incurred by using information presented here.
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I had Dr. Eric Helms back on the Swole Radio Podcast where we discuss max efficiency training for hypertrophy - how to get the most out of your time. We cover:
0:52 outline of efficient training
6:36 developing cardiovascular abilities
10:19 how to implement supersets
15:58 rest pause vs. straight sets vs. drop sets
24:32 failure training for people short on time
28:09 optimal rest period length
36:51 program examples for 2 x 1h, 2 x 30 min, and 2 x 15 min weekly workouts
56:25 update on Eric’s training and contest prep
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My e-books: https://askdrswole.com/
MASS Research Review: https://www.massmember.com/a/2147986175/LwzhWs82
(This is an affiliate link - I’ll receive a small commission when you use it)
Dream Physique Nutrition Course: https://dr-swole.thinkific.com/courses/dream-physique-nutrition
-------------------------------
Find me on social media:
INSTAGRAM: http://instagram.com/dr_swole
FACEBOOK GROUP: https://www.facebook.com/groups/drswole
TIKTOK: https://www.tiktok.com/@dr_swole/
PODCAST (Swole Radio): https://open.spotify.com/show/5dDtoBh...
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About me: I'm a medical doctor and pro natural physique athlete based in Vancouver, Canada. I share evidence-based perspectives on natural bodybuilding, and see to help people achieve health, wealth, and happiness.
-------------------------------
Disclaimers: Consider seeing a physician to assess your readiness before beginning any fitness program. Information presented here is to be applied intelligently in the individual context. I do not assume liability for any loss incurred by using information presented here.
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#MuscleGrowth#Bodybuilding#bulking#PushPullLegs#UpperLowerSplit#Squat#deadlift#chestworkout#backworkout#shoulderworkout#armworkout#legday
I had Dr. Eric Helms back on the Swole Radio Podcast to discuss myths and controversies about natural bodybuilding.
1:01 Is the natty limit real?
8:50 Realistic ranges of muscle gain per year, as a beginner, intermediate, advanced, bodybuilder
23:05 How long does it take to capture most of your gains as a natural?
33:56 At what age range are natural bodybuilders at their peak?
46:44 How should advanced naturals track progress over long time scales?
55:01 Comment on these statements: “You can’t get big without getting strong as a natural”
1:00:43 “Natural supplements are useless for muscle growth”. What % edge can you get with natural supplements? Eg. Creatine
1:05:55 How far can people get with the “gaintaining” approach?
Find Eric:
IG: @helms3dmj
https://3dmusclejourney.com/
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My e-books: https://askdrswole.com/
MASS Research Review: http://bit.ly/drswoleMASS
(This is an affiliate link - I’ll receive a small commission when you use it)
Dream Physique Nutrition Course: https://dr-swole.thinkific.com/courses/dream-physique-nutrition
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Find me on social media:
INSTAGRAM: http://instagram.com/dr_swole
FACEBOOK GROUP: https://www.facebook.com/groups/drswole
TIKTOK: https://www.tiktok.com/@dr_swole/
PODCAST (Swole Radio): https://open.spotify.com/show/5dDtoBh...
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About me: I'm a medical doctor and pro natural physique athlete based in Vancouver, Canada. I share evidence-based perspectives on natural bodybuilding, and see to help people achieve health, wealth, and happiness.
-------------------------------
Disclaimers: Consider seeing a physician to assess your readiness before beginning any fitness program. Information presented here is to be applied intelligently in the individual context. I do not assume liability for any loss incurred by using information presented here.
I had Dr. Eric Helms back on the Swole Radio Podcast to discuss his new pure bodybuilding approach. He has made some major changes to his programming with great results. We talk about:
0:32 Overview of how things have changed since contest prep
3:22 Current training split
14:53 Main movements
19:47 Supersets
31:48 Rest pause / drop sets
43:24 Tracking progress on drop sets
46:43 Updating on Eric’s nutrition
48:34 Rate of weight gain and calorie intake for bulking
51:15 Body composition tests
57:25 Variables that made the most difference
Find Eric:
IG: @helms3dmj
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Take your knowledge to the next level with the MASS Research Review: http://bit.ly/drswoleMASS
(This is an affiliate link - I’ll receive a small commission when you use it)
My e-books: https://askdrswole.com/
Dream Physique Nutrition Course: https://dr-swole.thinkific.com/courses/dream-physique-nutrition
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Follow me on social media:
YOUTUBE: www.youtube.com/c/DrSwole
INSTAGRAM: http://instagram.com/dr_swole
FACEBOOK GROUP: https://www.facebook.com/groups/drswole
TIKTOK: https://www.tiktok.com/@dr_swole/
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About me: I'm a medical doctor and pro natural physique athlete based in Vancouver, Canada. I share evidence-based perspectives on natural bodybuilding, and see to help people achieve health, wealth, and happiness.
-------------------------------
Disclaimers: Opinions captured in these videos do not necessarily reflect the views of the creators. Consider seeing a physician to assess your readiness before beginning any fitness program. Information presented here is to be applied intelligently in the individual context. I do not assume liability for any loss incurred by using information in this video.
I had the honour of having Dr. Eric Helms back on the Swole Radio Podcast to discuss fat loss:
1:10 Does eating clean matter for fat loss?
6:23 Fiber intake
13:17 Nutrient timing: distributing carbs
21:34 Post-workout nutrition
26:07 Protein timing
34:17 Bedtime nutrition
39:24 Refeeds & diet breaks
50:39 Adjusting macros
Find Eric:
IG: @helms3dmj
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Take your knowledge to the next level with the MASS Research Review: http://bit.ly/drswoleMASS
(This is an affiliate link - I’ll receive a small commission when you use it)
My e-books: https://askdrswole.com/
Dream Physique Nutrition Course: https://dr-swole.thinkific.com/courses/dream-physique-nutrition
-------------------------------
Follow me on social media:
YOUTUBE: www.youtube.com/c/DrSwole
INSTAGRAM: http://instagram.com/dr_swole
FACEBOOK GROUP: https://www.facebook.com/groups/drswole
TIKTOK: https://www.tiktok.com/@dr_swole/
-------------------------------
About me: I'm a medical doctor and pro natural physique athlete based in Vancouver, Canada. I share evidence-based perspectives on natural bodybuilding, and see to help people achieve health, wealth, and happiness.
-------------------------------
Disclaimers: Opinions captured in these videos do not necessarily reflect the views of the creators. Consider seeing a physician to assess your readiness before beginning any fitness program. Information presented here is to be applied intelligently in the individual context. I do not assume liability for any loss incurred by using information in this video.
I had Dr. Mike Israetel (co-founder of Renaissance Periodization and Team Full-ROM) back on the Swole Radio Podcast to discuss his current training set-up (during contest prep). We discuss:
1:10 training split
9:34 main movements, underrated exercises
29:11 training volume
38:45 intensity techniques
53:57 progression & mesocycle design
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Take your knowledge to the next level with the MASS Research Review: http://bit.ly/drswoleMASS
(This is an affiliate link - I’ll receive a small commission when you use it)
My e-books: https://askdrswole.com/
Dream Physique Nutrition Course: https://dr-swole.thinkific.com/courses/dream-physique-nutrition
-------------------------------
Follow me on social media:
YOUTUBE: www.youtube.com/c/DrSwole
INSTAGRAM: http://instagram.com/dr_swole
FACEBOOK GROUP: https://www.facebook.com/groups/drswole
TIKTOK: https://www.tiktok.com/@dr_swole/
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About me: I'm a medical doctor and pro natural physique athlete based in Vancouver, Canada. I seek to share the female perspective on dating and relationships, and to inspire men to chase excellence and transform their lives.
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Disclaimers: Opinions captured in these videos do not necessarily reflect the views of the creators. Consider seeing a physician to assess your readiness before beginning any fitness program. Information presented here is to be applied intelligently in the individual context. I do not assume liability for any loss incurred by using information in this video.