Friends & Enemies Podcast | Episode 9: Costs Are Up. Sales Are Up. Now What?

Friends & Enemies Podcast | Episode 10: Downloading the Arnold 2026

Just got back from the Arnold Sports Festival and there's a lot to unpack. In this episode of Friends & Enemies, we break down everything from the weekend — the meetings, the industry conversations, and how the event itself has evolved over the years. The Arnold has always been one of the biggest weekends in the fitness and supplement industry, but this year felt a little different. We talk about what stood out most at this year's event, including the rise of influencer-driven brands, massive booth builds, and the moment everyone was talking about when the YoungLA booth was shut down due to crowd control. It's a clear sign of how much the fitness industry has shifted toward social media, community-driven brands, and viral moments. We also take a step back and discuss how the Arnold has changed throughout the years — from the hardcore bodybuilding and supplement launches that once dominated the expo floor to the newer wave of lifestyle brands, content creators, and influencer culture. Most importantly, we break down the real value of attending the Arnold today. Is it still worth the massive investment for brands? What role do networking, relationships, and retail meetings play behind the scenes? And as the industry continues to evolve, will events like this remain a cornerstone for supplement brands? Finally, we discuss the big question: Will Axe & Sledge be back at the Arnold next year? As always, we wrap things up with questions from ambassadors and the community. Topics Covered: • What was new about this year's Arnold • How the event has changed over the years • The YoungLA booth shutdown and influencer culture • The real value of the Arnold for supplement brands • Is the Arnold still worth the investment? • Will Axe & Sledge be there next year? Let us know your thoughts in the comments — did you attend the Arnold this year, and how do you think the event is evolving? Subscribe for more episodes of Friends & Enemies, where we talk business, supplements, and the real stories behind the industry.

Friends & Enemies Podcast | Episode 9: Costs Are Up. Sales Are Up. Now What?

Friends & Enemies Podcast – The Truth About Protein Prices, Business Costs & Arnold 2026 Protein prices are up. Raw material costs are up. Freight is up. Labor is up. Packaging is up. The cost of doing business across the board is higher than it's ever been. And yet… Protein is still selling more than it ever has. In this episode of Friends & Enemies, we break down what's actually happening in the protein market — without the fluff and without the panic. We talk about: • Why whey and dairy costs continue to spike • The reality of freight, warehousing, and operating expenses • Why raising wholesale without adjusting MSRP crushes retailer margins • Why strong brands survive inflation cycles • Why consumers are still prioritizing protein — even at higher price points This isn't a complaint session. It's a real conversation about business, margins, positioning, and long-term brand strength. Health is no longer niche. Protein isn't a luxury. It's a staple. We also lay out our full game plan for the 2026 Arnold — where we'll be, what we're highlighting, athlete appearances, product focus, and why expos still matter in an increasingly digital world. And to close it out, we answer questions directly from our ambassadors about: • Will protein hit $60+ everywhere? • Are brands cutting quality? • Should consumers stock up? • What separates premium protein from cheap protein? • Is this temporary or the new normal? No spin. Just real talk about the market, the future, and how to navigate it the right way. If you're a retailer, brand owner, ambassador, or just someone who cares about the supplement space — this episode is for you. 👇 Drop your questions for the next episode in the comments. 👍 Like, subscribe, and share with someone in the industry. 📍 See you at the Arnold. #FriendsAndEnemies #ProteinMarket #SupplementIndustry #BusinessTalk #Arnold2026

Friends & Enemies Podcast | Episode 8: Austin Clare – Built Different

Welcome back to the Friends & Enemies Podcast, presented by Axe & Sledge! 🎙️ In Episode 8, we're joined by Austin Clare — diving deep into the real stories behind building momentum, embracing the hustle, and what it truly takes to grow both personally and professionally. In this episode, we break down: • Austin's journey and what shaped his mindset • The challenges, lessons, and breakthroughs he's experienced • How consistency, resilience, and relationships impact success • The unfiltered conversations that Friends & Enemies is all about Whether you're grinding in business, fitness, or life in general — this talk is packed with honest perspectives and practical takeaways. 👉 Comment below what resonated with you, like if you enjoyed it, and subscribe for more raw conversations from Friends & Enemies. #FriendsAndEnemies #Podcast #AxeAndSledge #AustinClare #HustleMindset #GrowthJourney

Friends & Enemies Podcast | Episode 7: Hustle Hard, Snack Harder

The Snack King himself… Dean Perrone is in the building. In this episode of Friends & Enemies, we sit down with one of the longest-tenured members of the Axe & Sledge family — athlete turned sales rep, entrepreneur, and full-time dad of four girls. Dean has been with the brand longer than almost anyone, and his journey is a real look at loyalty, growth, and what it actually means to build a life while building a career. We talk about: • The early days of Axe & Sledge • Transitioning from athlete to sales rep • What being on the road in sales is really like • Side hustles and creating multiple income streams • Being a father of four daughters • Balancing fitness with… loving food (Snack King status 👑) • Pressure, responsibility, and providing for your family • Real life lessons from years of experience This episode is funny, real, and honest — exactly what Friends & Enemies is about. Dean represents something a lot of people need to hear: You don't need to be perfect… you just need to keep showing up. If you're a dad, entrepreneur, sales rep, or just someone trying to figure life out — there's something in here for you. 👇 Drop a comment and let us know your biggest takeaway. 🎧 Listen on all platforms 📲 Follow Axe & Sledge 📲 Follow Dean Perrone The Snack King #FriendsAndEnemies #Podcast #Entrepreneur #Sales #Fatherhood #AxeAndSledge #FitnessLifestyle

Friends & Enemies Podcast | Episode 6: What really happens in a room.

This episode is all about real meetings and real negotiations — the ones that actually move the needle. We break down how conversations really happen behind the scenes in business… how deals actually get done… and why most people walk into meetings completely unprepared for what really matters. We talk through: • how to control the tone of a meeting without being the loudest person in the room • how to read the other side before numbers ever get discussed • and how to negotiate without burning relationships you still need long-term Like always, we go a little off the rails here and there — but that's because this is a real, unfiltered conversation. No scripts. No fake guru talk. Just how we actually operate in rooms with retailers, partners, and decision makers. If you're in sales, leadership, brand building, or trying to grow something bigger than yourself — this one will hit.