Ep 92 Going Pro in The IFBB w/ Darragh Mac Namara

Ep 93 The Road Not Taken: From Balbriggan to Oz Playing Pro Rugby w/ Ronan Michael

Join us on the Storey StrengthCast as Ronan Michael shares his inspiring journey from Ireland to Australia, navigating the highs and lows of professional rugby league. Discover insights into mindset, training, facing adversity, and building a life beyond playing. Main Topics: * Transition from rugby union to rugby league and moving from Ireland to Australia * The mental and physical demands of professional rugby * The importance of mindset, resilience, and controlling what you can * Training routines: off-season, in-season, and game preparation * The influence of genetics, hard work, and self-awareness in athletic development * Documenting the journey: authenticity, growth, and overcoming self-doubt Chapters 00:00 Life in Australia: A New Beginning 02:56 Career Crossroads: Transitioning from Bradford to Australia 05:56 From Union to League: A Journey of Discovery 12:01 Understanding the Differences: Rugby Union vs. Rugby League 19:48 Training Regimens: Balancing Strength and Performance 24:46 Off-Season Training: Control and Structure 29:49 The Importance of Hard Work in Training Culture 35:29 The Pursuit of Effortless Gains 37:54 The Hard Work Dilemma in Sports 42:34 The Genetic Lottery in Rugby 46:28 Mindset: The Key to Professionalism 57:19 Embracing the Process of Growth 01:09:24 Future Aspirations and New Ventures Where to find Ronan: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ronanmichael/ Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@ronanmichael Podcast: https://open.spotify.com/show/49zf6kIygYfOKEB7MVrkRN?si=bf8eaf2ba38c4f06 To keep up with my progress, subscribe & follow me at the links below: 1-1 Coaching: www.storeystrength.com  Instagram: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠www.instagram.com/sstorey94⁠⁠ Youtube: www.youtube.com/@sstorey94 Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/4vuEGUqjwxZxiEkGMuUAIt Download 12 FREE Strength & Hypertrophy Programmes: https://mailchi.mp/storeystrength/eu1a1m8m0h [https://mailchi.mp/storeystrength/eu1a1m8m0h] FREE Fat Loss guide: https://v0-fatlossguide.vercel.app/ [https://v0-fatlossguide.vercel.app/] Download “The Pragmatic Guide To Building Muscle” FREE: https://www.storeystrength.com/pragmatic-muscle-building-guide [https://www.storeystrength.com/pragmatic-muscle-building-guide] Free Bulking Calculator: https://musclegain-fldjsx4m.manus.space MyCoreSupplements Discount Code: Storey10 https://www.mycoresupplements.ie/ J3U Discount Code: SHANE5 https://j3university.com/

Ep 92 Going Pro in The IFBB w/ Darragh Mac Namara

Shane Storey sits down with Darragh Mac Namara, fresh off a huge bodybuilding weekend that included redemption, a pro card win, and a major mindset shift. Darragh opens up about the emotional rollercoaster of competition, the pressure of living up to expectations, and what it really takes to stay in the game long enough to succeed. From bodybuilding prep and nutrition to alcohol abstinence, content creation, and building a business as an online coach, this conversation goes far beyond the stage. It’s a brutally honest look at discipline, identity, burnout, and what happens after you hit a goal you’ve spent years chasing. Episode Highlights * How Darragh bounced back after losing the regional overall and went on to win the pro qualifier * What it felt like to finally earn IFBB pro status * Why stress, not effort, was the biggest challenge in prep * How bodybuilding became autopilot after years of repetition * Why he believes flexibility and balance are now essential for long-term progress * His perspective on food, diet adherence, and why “disordered” doesn’t always mean unhealthy * Why he quit alcohol and how that decision changed his life * The reality of growing a coaching business while competing at a high level * Why authenticity is the key to successful content creation * How long-term consistency beats short-term hype in bodybuilding and business Chapters 00:00 The Comeback Story 03:06 Mental Resilience in Bodybuilding 05:53 The Cost of Competing 08:59 Pressure and Expectations 12:07 The Evolution of Bodybuilding in Ireland 14:44 Promoting Irish Bodybuilding 23:24 The Evolution of Bodybuilding Competitions 24:58 Shifting Perspectives on Bodybuilding 29:10 Finding Balance in Bodybuilding 32:41 Enjoying the Journey of Bodybuilding 40:34 The Future of a Pro Bodybuilder 48:59 The Importance of Consistency in Nutrition 50:17 Understanding Disordered Eating in Bodybuilding 55:25 The Impact of Alcohol on Personal Control 01:00:23 The Journey of Sobriety and Self-Discovery 01:04:22 The Relentless Pursuit of Goals 01:10:57 Authenticity in Content Creation 01:16:01 The Journey to Confidence and Experience 01:18:33 The Reality of Building a Coaching Business 01:24:16 Scaling and Team Expansion 01:29:35 Keeping Content Interesting and Engaging Where to find Darragh: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/darraghmac_coach Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@darragh_mac Podcast: https://open.spotify.com/show/5XLberww3jFrxjp0kfDOMg To keep up with my progress, subscribe & follow me at the links below: 1-1 Coaching: www.storeystrength.com  Instagram: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠www.instagram.com/sstorey94⁠⁠ Youtube: www.youtube.com/@sstorey94 Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/4vuEGUqjwxZxiEkGMuUAIt Download 12 FREE Strength & Hypertrophy Programmes: https://mailchi.mp/storeystrength/eu1a1m8m0h [https://mailchi.mp/storeystrength/eu1a1m8m0h] FREE Fat Loss guide: https://v0-fatlossguide.vercel.app/ [https://v0-fatlossguide.vercel.app/] Download “The Pragmatic Guide To Building Muscle” FREE: https://www.storeystrength.com/pragmatic-muscle-building-guide [https://www.storeystrength.com/pragmatic-muscle-building-guide] Free Bulking Calculator: https://musclegain-fldjsx4m.manus.space MyCoreSupplements Discount Code: Storey10 https://www.mycoresupplements.ie/ J3U Discount Code: SHANE5 https://j3university.com/

Ep 91 Peptides: Hype or Helpful?

In this episode of the Storey StrengthCast, Shane Storey breaks down one of the hottest topics in the fitness and health world right now: peptides. From GLP-1 medications like semaglutide (Ozempic) and tirzepatide (Mounjaro) to newer compounds such as retatrutide, Shane explores what these substances are, how they work, and why they’ve become so popular in both the media and the fitness industry.But this isn’t just a hype-driven breakdown. Shane digs into the evidence, dosing, safety, and ethics behind these compounds, explaining where they may genuinely help and where the conversation gets murky. He also looks at how peptides may affect natural bodybuilding, coaching practices, and the long-term sustainability of fat loss when habits and structure aren’t in place. Key Topics Covered * What peptides are and how they differ from proteins * The role of GLP-1 receptor agonists in appetite regulation and weight loss * The differences between semaglutide, tirzepatide, and retatrutide * Why research-backed dosing matters * The risks of using BPC-157, TB-500, SLU-PP-332, and other grey-market compounds * How peptide marketing is shaped by social media hype * The impact of weight-loss drugs on natural bodybuilding * Why coaching still matters even when drugs reduce appetite * The danger of relying on “quick fixes” without building habits * Concerns about product quality, contamination, and misleading labels in unregulated markets Q&A form: https://forms.gle/gYGmfuU91kDdWfFF7 00:00 Peptides Hype And Concerns 00:50 What Peptides Actually Are 02:29 GLP Drugs Explained 04:26 Trials Dosing And Safety 06:34 Using GLPs The Right Way 07:34 Bodybuilding Prep Applications 11:51 Lifestyle Risks And Crutch 14:01 Habits To Pair With GLPs 15:56 Coaching Trust And Disclosure 20:44 Training Still Matters Most 25:17 Natural Bodybuilding And Testing 28:52 WADA Bans And Gray Areas 30:46 Rodent Data And SLU-PP332 35:05 BPC-157 Evidence And Placebo 41:05 Gray Market Quality Risks 46:19 Wrap Up And Next Steps To keep up with my progress, subscribe & follow me at the links below: 1-1 Coaching: www.storeystrength.com  Instagram: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠www.instagram.com/sstorey94⁠⁠ Youtube: www.youtube.com/@sstorey94 Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/4vuEGUqjwxZxiEkGMuUAIt Download 12 FREE Strength & Hypertrophy Programmes: ⁠⁠https://mailchi.mp/storeystrength/eu1a1m8m0h⁠⁠ [https://mailchi.mp/storeystrength/eu1a1m8m0h] FREE Fat Loss guide: ⁠⁠https://v0-fatlossguide.vercel.app/⁠⁠ [https://v0-fatlossguide.vercel.app/] Download “The Pragmatic Guide To Building Muscle” FREE: ⁠⁠https://www.storeystrength.com/pragmatic-muscle-building-guide⁠⁠ [https://www.storeystrength.com/pragmatic-muscle-building-guide] Free Bulking Calculator:https://musclegain-fldjsx4m.manus.space MyCoreSupplements Discount Code: Storey10 https://www.mycoresupplements.ie/ J3U Discount Code: SHANE5 https://j3university.com/

Ep 90 Wedding Celebrations, Training Frequency & Protein Bars

In this episode of The Storey StrengthCast, hear Shane's candid take on balancing life's celebrations with fitness goals, overcoming setbacks, and optimizing training routines. Whether you're dealing with post-party recovery or seeking effective ab development strategies, this episode offers practical insights with a relaxed, honest tone. Key Topics: * Shane recounts his wedding celebrations and how they impacted his training and body composition. * The importance of long-term perspective in bodybuilding and lifestyle choices. * Practical tips for getting back into routine after indulgence or break periods. * How alcohol and social events influence body composition and recovery. * The value of prioritizing experiences over perfect adherence. * Detailed analysis of protein sources, especially protein bars vs. whole foods. * Differences in training frequency: 4 vs. 6 days per week and individual recovery considerations. * The approach to cycle length and body weight targets during cut and bulk phases. * Addressing common misconceptions about metabolic adaptation and starvation mode. * Effective strategies for developing abdominal muscles and making them pop. Q&A form: https://forms.gle/gYGmfuU91kDdWfFF7 Chapters 00:00 Welcome Back and Wedding Reflections 09:27 Balancing Life and Bodybuilding 22:12 Protein Sources: Bars vs. Whole Foods 23:46 Training Frequency: 4 vs. 6 Days a Week 27:10 Training Frequency and Recovery 30:06 Cutting and Bulking Strategies 32:58 Understanding Metabolic Adaptation 42:16 Developing Abs Effectively To keep up with my progress, subscribe & follow me at the links below: 1-1 Coaching: www.storeystrength.com  Instagram: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠www.instagram.com/sstorey94⁠⁠ Youtube: www.youtube.com/@sstorey94 Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/4vuEGUqjwxZxiEkGMuUAIt Download 12 FREE Strength & Hypertrophy Programmes: ⁠https://mailchi.mp/storeystrength/eu1a1m8m0h⁠ [https://mailchi.mp/storeystrength/eu1a1m8m0h] FREE Fat Loss guide: ⁠https://v0-fatlossguide.vercel.app/⁠ [https://v0-fatlossguide.vercel.app/] Download “The Pragmatic Guide To Building Muscle” FREE: ⁠https://www.storeystrength.com/pragmatic-muscle-building-guide⁠ [https://www.storeystrength.com/pragmatic-muscle-building-guide] Free Bulking Calculator:https://musclegain-fldjsx4m.manus.space MyCoreSupplements Discount Code: Storey10 https://www.mycoresupplements.ie/ J3U Discount Code: SHANE5 https://j3university.com/

Ep 89 How To Stop Going Through The Motions, Pre Workout Nutrition, Back Pain While Squatting

In this episode of the Story Strengthcast, Shane Storey shares a wide-ranging Q&A focused on practical coaching advice for physique athletes and lifters. He opens with a personal reflection on paying off wedding vendors and connects that experience to training, business, and long-term goal setting: small, consistent actions compound over time, whether you’re saving for a wedding, building muscle, or growing a coaching business. The episode then moves into listener and client questions covering training motivation, lower back pain during squats, rest-pause style reps, pre-workout nutrition, and dealing with unsolicited advice from non-lifters. Shane’s answers reinforce a common theme throughout the episode: progress is driven by consistency, realistic expectations, and intelligent adjustments based on readiness, recovery, and your actual goals. Key Topics Covered 1. Why long-term consistency beats quick fixes 2. What to do when training feels like you’re “going through the motions” 3. How to improve training enjoyment without losing progress 4. Lower back pain during squats: weakness, form, or load management? 5. How to think about pain, stiffness, and training around minor setback? 6. Rest-pause-style reps vs standardized reps 7. Pre-workout nutrition: when it matters most 8. How to respond to unsolicited advice about training and eating 00:00 Welcome and Wedding Countdown 00:54 Long Term Mindset Lessons 03:29 Q and A Format Explained 05:09 Motivation vs Discipline 07:32 Fixing Training Boredom 11:39 Lower Back Pain in Squats 13:16 Readiness and Load Management 15:36 Form Breakdown and Injury Risk 21:08 Breathing Pauses Between Reps 24:56 Pre Workout Nutrition Basics 29:05 Morning Training Fuel and Hydration 34:13 Handling Unsolicited Advice To keep up with my progress, subscribe & follow me at the links below: 1-1 Coaching: www.storeystrength.com  Instagram: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠www.instagram.com/sstorey94⁠⁠ Youtube: www.youtube.com/@sstorey94 Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/4vuEGUqjwxZxiEkGMuUAIt Download 12 FREE Strength & Hypertrophy Programmes: https://mailchi.mp/storeystrength/eu1a1m8m0h [https://mailchi.mp/storeystrength/eu1a1m8m0h] FREE Fat Loss guide: https://v0-fatlossguide.vercel.app/ [https://v0-fatlossguide.vercel.app/] Download “The Pragmatic Guide To Building Muscle” FREE: https://www.storeystrength.com/pragmatic-muscle-building-guide [https://www.storeystrength.com/pragmatic-muscle-building-guide] Free Bulking Calculator: https://musclegain-fldjsx4m.manus.space MyCoreSupplements Discount Code: Storey10 https://www.mycoresupplements.ie/ J3U Discount Code: SHANE5 https://j3university.com/