Synopsis
Co-owners of VeganProteins.com, Giacomo Marchese and Dani Taylor talk about building muscle, burning fat, and reaching your fitness goals in a non-vegan world.
Episodes
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Episode 211: Ep 211 - The SkinnyFat Problem
17/03/2025 Duration: 40minIn this episode, Dani and Sawyer break down the slow but rewarding process of body recomposition. They discuss why strength progression is a key indicator of muscle growth, the importance of pushing yourself in the gym, and how to apply progressive overload effectively. Plus, they share insights on balancing good form with training intensity.Watch this episode on YouTube
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Episode 210: Ep 210 - How People Overcomplicate Nutrition
10/03/2025 Duration: 41minDani and Sawyer break down the essentials of nutrition and training, explaining why consistency matters more than chasing perfection. They discuss the benefits of tracking protein and calories, the pitfalls of fitness fads, and how to build sustainable habits for long-term success.
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Episode 209: Ep 209 - The Mental Hurdle of Plateaus
03/03/2025 Duration: 01h07minIn this episode, Alice and Giacomo dive into what it really takes to build muscle on a plant-based diet. They discuss realistic timelines for muscle gain, as well as realistic amounts of weight gain necessary for progress. They also touch on common plateaus, how to push past them, and the importance of staying patient with the process.
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Episode 208: Ep 208 - Balancing Macros For Performance
24/02/2025 Duration: 52minToday, Giacomo and Alice dive into the importance of balanced nutrition and protein intake, especially for those with fitness goals. They share practical tips on structuring macronutrients, making nutritious meals enjoyable, and gradually increasing protein intake to meet individual needs. The conversation also explores how social media and the fitness industry can shape our perceptions of health and nutrition—sometimes in misleading ways. Plus, they emphasize the 80/20 approach to eating, helping you stay on track while still enjoying your favorite foods.
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Episode 207: Ep 207 - How to Get Out of a Fitness Rut
17/02/2025 Duration: 51minIn this episode, Ben and Sawyer discuss the importance of understanding fitness principles and staying flexible in your training approach. They share their experiences with experimenting—whether it’s incorporating more cardio, trying intermittent fasting, or exploring new activities like Ultimate Frisbee. Sawyer emphasizes the value of stepping outside rigid routines and feeling confident in making adjustments. They also highlight the benefits of good coaching and how it can empower individuals to train smarter. Tune in for practical insights and a fresh perspective on keeping fitness fun and sustainable!
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Episode 206: Ep 206 - Health At Every Size
10/02/2025 Duration: 49minIn this episode, we dive into the complex and often sensitive topic of body weight, fitness, and societal perceptions. We discuss the realities of weight stigma, personal responsibility, and how different struggles—whether visible or not—impact our lives. With personal insights and an open conversation, we aim to navigate this subject with honesty and empathy. Join us as we explore what it means to be real with ourselves about health, lifestyle choices, and the effects they have on our well-being.
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Episode 205: Ep 205 - Why Tracking is KEY to Results
03/02/2025 Duration: 01h02minIn this episode, we dive into the importance of nutritional awareness and learning to listen to your body's signals in both diet and training. We discuss how tracking macros can be a valuable tool for understanding calorie density and satiety—but it’s not something you need to rely on forever. Plus, we break down the balance between progressive overload and knowing when to adjust your training based on recovery and readiness. Our goal as coaches is to help you build sustainable habits, develop autonomy in your fitness journey, and make these skills second nature.
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Episode 204: Ep 204 - Vegan Bodybuilders' Training Secrets
27/01/2025 Duration: 59minIn this episode of Muscles by Brussels Radio, Ben and John dive into the essentials of training and cardio for bodybuilders, athletes, and anyone aiming to improve their fitness. They discuss machine-based training for precision, the value of cardio for health and performance, and how to balance steps with intentional movement. Plus, they explore advanced techniques like lengthened partials and share practical tips for optimizing workouts based on personal goals. Whether you're a seasoned lifter or just starting out, this episode is packed with actionable insights to level up your routine!Follow Us:
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Episode 203: Ep 203 - Confidence Follows Competence
20/01/2025 Duration: 41minHow do you gain more confidence? In this episode, Ben & Giacomo explore the importance of finding intrinsic motivation, and how focusing on daily improvements rather than arbitrary goals can foster both competence and confidence.
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Episode 202: Ep 202 - Are You A Pusher Or A Slacker?
13/01/2025 Duration: 51minAre you a pusher or a slacker? You might be surprised to hear that we don’t think one is necessarily better than the other. Join Dani & Alice for a conversation on working with these opposing personality types.
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Episode 201: Ep 201 - Debunking Vegan Protein Myths
06/01/2025 Duration: 40minIn this episode we will debunk the most common vegan protein myths. Have you heard any others we didn’t cover? Let us know!
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Bonus Episode - Year In Review
30/12/2024 Duration: 37minWhat a year! Our team has grown and evolved, and our community is stronger than ever. In this episode we take some time to reflect on 2024 and look at future plans.
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Episode 199: Ep 199 - Bulking & Cutting
23/12/2024 Duration: 01h15minHow does a bodybuilder transition between the different phases of competition prep? Join Dani & Ben for a deep dive on cutting and bulking.
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Episode 198: Ep 198 - Men's Body Image
16/12/2024 Duration: 01h44sEpisode 198 of Vegan Proteins Muscles by Brussels Radio features Sawyer and Giacomo discussing body image struggles. Sawyer faced family pressure, while Giacomo's bodybuilding competition led to eating disorders. They emphasize community's role in recovery and share coaching strategies focusing on mental health and personalized fitness. Listeners are encouraged to share their stories. The episode highlights vulnerability and open communication's importance in fitness and body image. Giacomo's imposter syndrome and veganism's role in recovery are discussed. They explore social media's impact on body image and the importance of performance-focused fitness. The episode concludes with an invitation for listeners to reach out for support.
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Episode 197: Ep 197 - Why Going Viral on the Internet Made Me Hate The Internet
10/12/2024 Duration: 44minIn this episode, Dani Taylor and Ben Mitchell pull back the curtain on the dark side of going viral. Dani shares her personal experience with internet fame and how it changed her view of social media. Together, they explore the emotional toll of navigating a viral moment, the pressures of online presence, and how it affects mental health, authenticity, and community building.Whether you're a content creator, fitness enthusiast, or someone trying to find balance in a hyperconnected world, this conversation dives into the real impact of living life online.
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Episode 196: Ep 196 - Getting Through The Holidays
03/12/2024 Duration: 50minThis time of year is HARD. You realize that, right? Today we’re getting real about why you might not be feeling your best, and also sharing a few tips on how to take care of yourself.Grab our Black Friday deal while you still can! Watch this episode on YouTube Muscles By Brussels One Month Free Trial (Podcast Exclusive!)PRODUCTS: Apply For Coaching 12 Week Vegan Fat Loss Course Flexible Dieting for Vegans E-Book One Time Custom Macro Calculations Muscles by Brussels Tank Tops MASS (Monthly Application In Strength Sport): MASS is one of our secret weapons and it continues to be an invaluable resource for us to keep up to date with the latest research. Don’t get swept up in fads or bogus info. Sign up and stay up to date with easy-to-consume journals and support the evidence-based fitness community.
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Episode 195: Ep 195 - Post-Prep Lessons
26/11/2024 Duration: 01h53minThis might come as a surprise, but the hardest part of being a pro bodybuilder is actually AFTER the show. Join Alice & Ben for a deep dive into the physical and psychological demands of competition prep, as they become clearest in hindsight.Watch this episode on YouTube Follow Alice on Instagram Follow Ben on Instagram Muscles By Brussels One Month Free Trial (Podcast Exclusive!)PRODUCTS: Apply For Coaching 12 Week Vegan Fat Loss Course Flexible Dieting for Vegans E-Book One Time Custom Macro Calculations Muscles by Brussels Tank Tops MASS (Monthly Application In Strength Sport): MASS is one of our secret weapons and it continues to be an invaluable resource for us to keep up to date with the latest research. Don’t get swept up in fads or bogus info. Sign up and stay up to date with easy-to-consume journals and support the evidence-based fitness community.
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Episode 194: Ep 194 - Why Body Fat Measurement Methods Suck
19/11/2024 Duration: 45minLet’s talk about body fat. The “ideal” body fat looks different for everyone, depending on goals and lifestyle. There are many ways to determine the amount of body fat in an individual, but what do these numbers give us? Are they even accurate? Tune in with Ben & Giacomo today to get the skinny on fat! Watch this episode on YouTube Muscles By Brussels One Month Free Trial (Podcast Exclusive!)PRODUCTS: Apply For Coaching 12 Week Vegan Fat Loss Course Flexible Dieting for Vegans E-Book One Time Custom Macro Calculations Muscles by Brussels Tank Tops MASS (Monthly Application In Strength Sport): MASS is one of our secret weapons and it continues to be an invaluable resource for us to keep up to date with the latest research. Don’t get swept up in fads or bogus info. Sign up and stay up to date with easy-to-consume journals and support the evidence-based fitness community.
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Episode 193: Ep 193 - Stop Chasing The Mold with Coach Sawyer
12/11/2024 Duration: 45minWhere do your goals come from? How’s it going to feel once you achieve them? Join us for today’s inspiring conversation and get to know our newest Vegan Proteins coach, Sawyer Hofmann! Follow Sawyer on Instagram @soyboyfitnesscoaching Watch this episode on YouTube Muscles By Brussels One Month Free Trial (Podcast Exclusive!) PRODUCTS: Apply For Coaching 12 Week Vegan Fat Loss Course Flexible Dieting for Vegans E-Book One Time Custom Macro Calculations Muscles by Brussels Tank Tops MASS (Monthly Application In Strength Sport): MASS is one of our secret weapons and it continues to be an invaluable resource for us to keep up to date with the latest research. Don’t get swept up in fads or bogus info. Sign up and stay up to date with easy-to-consume journals and support the evidence-based fitness community.
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Episode 192: Ep 192 - Should You Take Steroids?
05/11/2024 Duration: 01h10minThe use of performance-enhancing drugs is a controversial topic whether you are vegan or not. But is there a time and place for steroids? Could they actually be right for you? Today we welcome John Thomas, better known as The Bodybuilding Vegan, to shed some light on the truths and challenges faced by vegan bodybuilders. Follow John on Instagram @thebodybuildingvegan www.thebodybuildingvegan.com Watch this episode on YouTube Muscles By Brussels One Month Free Trial (Podcast Exclusive!)PRODUCTS: Apply For Coaching 12 Week Vegan Fat Loss Course Flexible Dieting for Vegans E-Book One Time Custom Macro Calculations Muscles by Brussels Tank Tops