Bodybuilding Legends Show

Jon Jon Park, son of 3x Mr. Universe Reg Park, is the guest on this episode of the Bodybuilding Legends Podcast. Jon Jon talks about meeting Arnold for the first time in 1967 when he was a guest of his father's in South Africa, the many business interests owned by Reg Park and his memories of his dad competing in the NABBA Mr. Universe contest. Links: Become a Patreon Member Bodybuilding Legends website John Hansen Fitness programs Bodybuilding History: The 1960's on Amazon.com Bodybuilding History: The 1970's on Amazon.com John on RX Muscle

Jon Jon Park, the son of Reg Park, is the guest on this episode of the Bodybuilding Legends Podcast. Jon Jon talks about growing up in England and South Africa with his father Reg Park and his mother Mareon. He also talks about when Arnold came to South Africa to train with his father after winning the 1967 NABBA Mr. Universe, how Reg met his wife Mareon and the many businesses that his father ran. Jon Jon also talks about losing his house in the California fires last year. Links: Become a Patreon Member John Hansen Fitness Programs Bodybuilding History: The 1970's on Amazon.com Bodybuilding History: The 1960's book on Amazon.com

Jerry Brainum is the guest on this episode of the Bodybuilding Legends Podcast to review the year 1965. Jerry and host John Hansen talk about the major competitions from this year including the AAU Mr. America, the NABBA Mr. Universe and the IFBB Mr. America, Mr. Universe and the first Mr. Olympia. At the end of the podcast, John reads an article from the February, 1966 issue of IronMan Magazine about the 1965 Mr. Olympia, Universe and America. Links - Jerry Brainum's Newsletter Bodybuilding History: The 1960's book on Amazon.com Bodybuilding History: The 1970's book on Amazon.com

Rick Valente is the guest on this episode of the Bodybuilding Legends Podcast. Rick is the author of his new book, My Life's Ride, and he talks about his life journey from growing up in Conneticut, moving to Florida and then finally relocating to Southern California. Rick also talks about training at Gold's Gym during the Golden Age of Bodybuilding and all the famous and influential people he met during this period of his life. At the end of the interview, host John Hansen reads the article "Rick Valente: Between Myth and Reality" written by Rick Wayne for the October, 1984 issue of Flex Magazine. Links: John Hansen Fitness Programs Rick Valente book on Amazon Become a Patreon Member Bodybuilding Legends website

Bob Birdsong, 1974 IFBB Mr. America winner, is the guest on this episode of the Bodybuilding Legends Podcast. Bob was one of the best bodybuilders during the Golden Age and he trained at the original Gold's Gym in the early 1970's alongside Arnold Schwarzenegger, Franco Columbu and Kent Kuehn. Bob made a comeback to competition in the early 1980's and placed very high in the IFBB professional competitions. Bob talks about how he started bodybuilding, competing in the AAU Mr. America in the early 1970's, switching over to the IFBB in the mid-1970's and competing against Lou Ferrigno, Sergio Oliva and others. At the end of the podcast, host John Hansen reads the article "Bob Birdsong's Pilgrimage to Mr. America" written by Armand Tanny from the June, 1975 issue of Muscle Builder/Power magazine. Time Stamps: 3:00 - Emails to the Podcast 11:24 - Start of interview with Bob Birdsong 12:00 - When Bob started bodybuilding 18:37 - Bob's early competitions 22:50 - Moving to California 24:00 - Training at the original Gold's Gym 31:00 - Competing in the IFBB 36:00 - Taking a different path 45:15 - The 1974 contest season 47:35 - Returning to competition 53:00 - Steroids in the Golden Age 1:08:15 - John Hansen reads the article "Bob Birdsong's Pilgrimage to Mr. America" written by Armand Tanny from the June, 1975 issue of Muscle Builder/Power magazine. Links: Become a Patreon Member John Hansen's Online Workout Diet Programs Bodybuilding Legends website Bodybuilding Legends YouTube Channel Bodybuilding Legends on Instagram

On this episode of the Bodybuilding Legends Podcast, author John Little talks about his new book Mike Mentzer: American Odysseus. In Part Two of his interview, John talks about Mike Mentzer's physique progress in regards to his genetics vs his Heavy Duty training style. John also talks about Mike's challenge of competing in the Frank Zane era, his weight for the 1980 Olympia Time Stamps: 2:23 - Emails to the Podcast 7:20 - Start of interview with John Little 12:00 - Mike Mentzer's Challenge of competing in the Zane Era 16:50 - Mike's weight for the 1980 Olympia 22:00 - 1980 Olympia coverage in the book 31:20 - Was Kal Szkalak the heir apparent to Arnold? 35:40 - Joe Weider vs Arthur Jones 39:37 - The lawsuit between Arnold and Joe Weider 44:00 - What if Arnold had guest posed at the 1980 Olympia? 50:35 - Host John Hansen reads the article "Rest Pause Training" written by Mike Mentzer from the June, 1979 issue of Muscle Builder Magazine. Links: Become a Patreon Member John Hansen Training and Nutrition Programs Bodybuilding Legends Website John's YouTube Channel

On this episode of the Bodybuilding Legends Podcast, author John Little talks about his new book Mike Mentzer: American Odysseus. In Part One of his interview, John talks about the reason he wanted to write a biography about his friend Mike Mentzer to fully explain his life and tragic ending. John also talks about Mike's early years in Bodybuilding including training as a teenager, his shoulder injury that almost ended his career and his many variations of the Heavy Duty system that he created from Arthur Jone's initial teachings. At the end of the podcast, host John Hansen reads the article "High Sets, Low Sets" which is an interview with Mike Mentzer conducted by writer Rick Wayne for the January, 1978 issue of Muscle Builder magazine. Time Stamps: 4:20 - John's Competitions this year 8:15 - Start of interview with John Little 11:00 - The decline of Mike Mentzer 12:30 - The current popularity of Mentzer 19:40 - Going against the grain 25:00 - Why John wrote this book 30:30 - Mike Mentzer's destiny to be a bodybuilder 37:00 - Mike Mentzer's shoulder injury 44:15 - Mike's need for knowledge 46:50 - Why Mike didn't train after he stopped competing 49:35 - John reads the article "High Sets, Low Sets" written by Rick Wayne for the January, 1978 issue of Muscle Builder magazine. Links: John's Online Training and Nutrition Programs Become a Bodybuilding Legends Member Bodybuilding Legends website John's YouTube Channel Mike Mentzer: American Odysseus on Amazon

Mike Sapp, who trained with Arnold Schwarzenegger during the summer of 1980 right before the Mr. Olympia contest, is the guest on this episode of the Bodybuilding Legends Podcast. Mike talks about when he started training, his time working out at Gold's Gym in the late 1970's and, of course, his time training with Arnold during the summer of 1980. At the end of the podcast, host John Hansen reads the article "My Olympia Comeback" written by Arnold Schwarzenegger for the February, 1981 issue of Muscle & Fitness Magazine. Time Stamps: 1:40 - John's Contest Prep 5:20 - Upcoming interviews for the Podcast 6:35 - Emails to the Podcast 9:05 - Contest Prep Video Series 9:54 - Interview with Mike Sapp 12:00 - Meeting Bill Pearl 16:30 - Training at Gold's Gym in the '70's 30:15 - Meeting Arnold 42:45 - Training at World's Gym in 1980 47:15 - Mike's collection of gym shirts 49:45 - Vince's Gym 51:30 - Breakfast with Arnold 57:50 - Working out with Reg Park 1:00:35 - Going to the first Arnold Classic 1:35:00 - John reads the article "My Olympia Comeback" written by Arnold Schwarzenegger for the February, 1981 issue of Muscle & Fitness magazine. Links: Become a Patreon Member John Hansen Workout and Diet Programs John's YouTube Channel Bodybuilding Legends website

On this episode of the Bodybuilding Legends Podcast, Carlos Cassana from the YouTube channel Golden Era Bookworm, is the guest. In Part Two of his interview, Carlos talks with John about a variety of topics including how the general public looks at Bodybuilding, how healthy is natural bodybuildiing, Carlos's opinion of bodybuilding, the longevity of bodybuilders from the different eras and when did steroid use begin. At the end of the podcast, host John Hansen reads two articles from Muscle Builder magazine including "Where Were You When Larry Scott Was King?" written by Jack Neary from the September, 1979 issue of Muscle Builder and "Vancouver Comes Up Diamonds" written by Bill Reynolds from the April, 1980 issue of Muscle Builder. Time Stamps: 2:00 - Pittsburgh and New York Pro Shows 5:20 - Emails to the Podcast 19:08 - Carlos Cassana Interview, Part Two 19:53 - How the general public views Bodybuilding 26:00 - Is Natural Bodybuilding healthy? 31:09 - Carlos's opinion of Bodybuilding 38:45 - The longevity of Bodybuilders 46:46 - When did steroid use begin? 59:58 - John reads the article "Where Were You When Larry Scott Was King?" written by Jack Neary from the September, 1979 issue of Muscle Builder Magazine. 1:14:09 - John reads the article "Vancouver Comes Up Diamonds" written by Bill Reynolds from the April, 1980 issue of Muscle Builder Magazine. Links: Become a Patreon Member Golden Era Bookworm YouTube Channel John Hansen Fitness website John Hansen YouTube Channel Bodybuilding Legends website

On this episode of the Bodybuilding Legends Podcast, Carlos Cassana, from the popular YouTube page Golden Era Bookworm, is the guest to talk about his passion for Bodybuilding. In Part One of his interview, Carlos talks about how he became interested in Bodybuilding as a young man, his fascination with the early bodybuilders from the Bronze and Silver Eras and why the Golden Era was the greatest period in Bodybuilding history. Carlos also talks about the effects of anabolic steroids on the body and how the drugs changed the sport of of bodybuilding from each era. At the end of the podcast, host John Hansen reads an excerpt from the book Bodybuilding: Tracing the Evolution of the Ultimate Physique written by Gordon LaVelle. Time Stamps: 3:14 - The Pittsburgh Pro Championship 4:17 - John's Contest Prep 5:30 - Start of interview with Carlos Cassana from the Golden Era Bookworm YouTube channel 6:10 - How Carlos became interested in bodybuilding 12:15 - Why Carlos started his YouTube channel 14:40 - The role of steroids in Bodybuilding 17:30 - Does blood work reveal the effects of steroids? 25:00 - What effects do growth hormone and steroids have on the body? 30:45 - The different eras of bodybuilding history 36:00 - The beginning of bodybuilding competitions 37:45 - Why the Golden Era of Bodybuilding is the best 47:10 - Host John Hansen reads an excerpt from the book Bodybuilding: Tracing the Evolution of the Ultimate Physique written by Gordon LaVelle. Links: Become a Patreon Member Golden Era Bookworm YouTube Channel John Hansen Fitness website John Hansen YouTube Bodybuilding Legends website

Jerry Brainum, former writer for Muscle & Fitness, Flex and IronMan Magazine, is the guest on this episode of the Bodybuilding Legends Podcast to discuss the 1994 Mr. Olympia contest. In Part Two of his interview, Jerry and host John Hansen talk about the results from the 1994 Mr. Olympia and the Grand Prix contests that took place in the weeks following the Olympia. At the end of the interview, John reads the article "Dorian the Devastator" written by Rosemary Hallum from the March, 1995 issue of MuscleMag International magazine. Time Stamps: 3:10 - Starting the diet 4:52 - John Little's book about Mike Mentzer 5:55 - Emails to the Podcast 7:55 - Bodybuilding: Tracing the Evolution of the Ultimate Physique book 15:30 - Start of interview with Jerry Brainum, Part Two 19:00 - Kevin Levrone at the 1994 Mr. Olympia 20:25 - Paul Dillett, 4th place at the 1994 Mr. Olympia 23:00 - Porter Cottrell, 5th place at the 1994 Mr. Olympia 23:30 - Chris Cormier in his first Mr. Olympia 24:20 - Nasser at the 1994 Mr. Olympia 26:00 - Charles Clairmonte at the 1994 Mr. Olympia 27:05 - The deep line-up at the 1994 Mr. Olympia 28:45 - The most overlooked bodybuilder at the 1994 Mr. Olympia 30:18 - The European Grand Prix contests 33:30 - Training the abs 40:30 - The danger of diuretics 41:50 - The movie "Magazine Dreams" 53:15 - The inspiration of Steve Reeves 1:01:40 - John reads the article "Dorian the Devastator" written by Rosemary Hallum for the March, 1995 issue of MuscleMag International magazine. Links: Jerry's newsletter Applied Metabolics Become a Patreon Member John Hansen's Workout and Nutrition Programs Bodybuilding Legends website

On this episode of the Bodybuilding Legends Podcast, Jerry Brainum is the guest to review the 1994 Mr. Olympia contest. In Part One of their interview, Jerry and host John Hansen first talk about the recent passings of bodybuilders Lloyd "Red" Lerille and Pat Neve. Jerry and John also begin their discussion of the 1994 Mr. Olympia contest in which Dorian Yates won his third title over Shawn Ray and Kevin Levrone. At the end of the interview, John reads two articles. The first article is the contest report of the 1960 AAU Mr. America won by Red Lerille. This article comes from the August, 1960 issue of IronMan Magazine. The second article Time Stamps: 3:44 - Emails to the podcast 6:00 - Start of the interview with Jerry Brainum 7:15 - Tribute to Lloyd "Red" Lerille, 1960 Mr. America 12:35 - Tribute to Pat Neve, 1974 Mr. USA 24:35 - Robby Robinson death rumors 27:30 - Jerry in "Death Race 2000" 33:00 - Review of the 1994 Mr. Olympia 51:55 - John reads the 1960 AAU Mr. America contest report written by Peary Rader from the August, 1960 issue of IronMan Magazine. 1:08:12 - John reads the article "How Pat Neve is Training for the Mr. America" written by Bill Reynolds from the July, 1976 issue of IronMan Magazine. Links: Jerry's Newsletter - Applied Metabolics Become a Patreon Member John Hansen Workout and Nutrition Programs Bodybuilding Legends website

Jack Neary, one of bodybuilding's greatest writers to cover the sport, joins the Bodybuilding Legends Podcast for Part Two of his interview. In this interview, Jack talks about when he was suspended from the IFBB for a contest article he wrote. He also talks more about Robby Robinson and Kal Szkalak and he gives his thoughts on why Arnold Schwarzenegger entered the 1980 Mr. Olympia contest. At the end of the interview, host John Hansen reads the article "The 1976 IFBB World Championships, Mr. Universe report" written by Jack Neary for the February, 1977 issue of Muscle Builder magazine. Time Stamps: 2:07 - John's review of the movie "Magazine Dreams" 4:40 - Bodybuilding: Tracing the Evolution of the Ultimate Physique 8:50 - Beginning of Jack Neary Interview, Part Two 9:00 - When Jack got banned by the IFBB 17:40 - Robby Robinson's personality 21:55 - When Jack first saw Lee Haney 23:10 - How hard did Robby train? 25:22 - Jack's impression of Kal Szkalak 35:30 - Why did Arnold enter the 1980 Mr. Olympia? 39:10 - Frank Zane's Mr. Olympia reign 41:45 - The Golden Age of Bodybuilding compared to today 48:40 - When Jack got deported from the United States 59:40 - John Hansen reads the article "1976 IFBB World Bodybuilding Championships Mr. Universe report" written by Jack Neary from the February, 1977 issue of Muscle Builder magazine. Links: Become a Patreon Member John's Online Workout and Nutrition Programs Bodybuilding Legends Website Bodybuilding Legends on Instagram Bodybuilding Legends on Facebook

Jack Neary, one of the best writers to ever write for Joe Weider's Muscle Builder magazine, is the guest on this episode of the Bodybuilding Legends Podcast. In Part One of his interview, Jack talks about his friendship with Mike Mentzer as well as his thoughts about the 1980 Mr. Olympia contest including the backstage argument with Mentzer and Arnold. Jack also talks about his relationship with Robby Robinson in the late 1970's. At the end of the interview, host John Hansen reads the article "The Heat is On" written by Jack Neary for the November, 1976 issue of Muscle Builder magazine. Time Stamps: 4:50 - Emails to the Podcast 8:10 - Start of interview with Jack Neary, Part One 9:25 - The popularity of Mike Mentzer 28:50 - The backstage meeting at the 1980 Olympia 34:45 - Jack's thoughts on the 1980 Mr. Olympia 49:15 - Franco winning the 1981 Olympia 52:15 - Jack's friendship with Robby Robinson 1:03:00 - John Hansen reads the article "The Heat Is On" written by Jack Neary for the November, 1976 issue of Muscle Builder magazine. Links: Become a Patreon Member John's Online Workout and Diet Programs Bodybuilding Legends Website Bodybuilding Legends on Instagram Bodybuilding Legends on Facebook

On. this episode of the Bodybuilding Legends Podcast, host John Hansen talks about the passing of Lloyd "Red" Lerille, 1960 AAU Mr. America, who passed away on March 14, 2025. John reads an article about Red when he won the 1960 Mr. America contest from IronMan Magazine. John also reads a series of articles written by Jack Neary, one of the best writers to work for Muscle Builder Magazine in the late 1970's. Time Stamps: 1:00 - The passing of Red Lerille 2:15 - The rumor of Robby Robinson's death 4:00 - Upcoming Jack Neary interview 8:00 - 2025 Arnold Classic review 9:05 - Emails to the Podcast 13:15 - John reads the article "How I Became a Mr. America" written by Peary Rader for the August, 1960 issue of IronMan Magazine. 23:10 - John reads the article "The 1976 American Bodybuilding Championship" written by Jack Neary for the January, 1977 issue of Muscle Builder magazine. 37:05 - John reads the article "In Two Years, I'll Reach the Top" written by Jack Neary for the December, 1976 issue of Muscle Builder magazine. 50:16 - John reads the article "The Thinking Man's Bodybuilder" written by Jack Neary for the October, 1979 issue of Muscle Builder magazine. 1:13:50 - John reads the article "He Paid His Dues, Now He's Being Paid Back" written by Jack Neary for the September, 1979 issue of Muscle Builder magazine. Links: Become a Patreon Member for the Podcast John Hansen Workout and Nutrition Programs Bodybuilding Legends Show website Bodybuilding Legends Podcast on Instagram Bodybuilding Legends Podcast on Facebook

Bodybuilding legends Kevin Levrone and Shawn Ray are the guests on this episode of the Bodybuilding Legends Podcast to review the 1994 Mr. Olympia contest. Shawn was in second place at the Mr. Olympia in 1994 while Kevin took third place that year. Both Kevin and Shawn talk about their condition at the contest, the controversial win by Dorian Yates who was competing with a torn bicep and how the contest was judged in the individual rounds. Kevin and Shawn also talk about the direction the sport of bodybuilding took in the 1990's when size was the major factor in winning the Mr. Olympia. At the end of the interview, host John Hansen reads the article "Shadow of a Doubt" written by Peter McGough for the January, 1995 issue of Flex Magazine. Time Stamps: 2:36 - Preview of the 2025 Arnold Classic 4:30 - Start of interview with Kevin Levrone and Shawn Ray 6:45 - Kevin talks about his Mr. Olympia prep for 1994 8:45 - Shawn talks about his prep for the 1994 Olympia 14:00 - Dorian's torn bicep in 1994 24:40 - "Dorian was the enemy" 27:00 - The Three Rounds of Prejudging 37:15 - How important is the Posing Round? 43:00 - Flex Wheeler's absence at the 1994 Olympia 45:00 - Kevin talks about his pec tear in 1993 50:45 - Was 1994 a pivotal year in Bodybuilding? 1:10:30 - John reads the article "A Shadow of a Doubt" written by Peter McGough for the January, 1995 issue of Flex Magazine. Links: Patreon Membership for the Podcast John Hansen Online Training and Nutrition Programs Kevin Levrone Supplements Bodybuilding Legends website

Jerry Brainum, former writer for Muscle & Fitness, Flex and IronMan Magazine, is the guest on this episode of the Bodybuilding Legends Podcast to continue the end of the year reviews for the year 1994 in Bodybuilding. In Part Two of their interview, Jerry and host John Hansen talk about the professional bodybuilding contests from 1994 including the Arnold Classic, Night of the Champions, IronMan Pro Invitational, San Jose Pro, Chicago Pro and others. At the end of the interview, John reads two articles from 1994 including "Bodybuilding's Blow Out - 1994 Arnold Classic report" written by Julian Schmidt for the July, 1994 issue of Flex Magazine and "Night of Champions XVI" written by Johnny Fitness for the October, 1994 issue of Muscle Mag International. Time Stamps: 4:34 - Emails to the Podcast 7:30 - Start of interview with Jerry Brainum 7:50 - 1994 Pro IronMan Invitational review 15:40 - 1994 Arnold Classic 37:30 - San Jose Pro Invitational 39:00 - German and French Pro Invitational 47:55 - Niagara Falls Pro 56:30 - Chicago Pro Invitational 1:00:45 - Night of the Champions 1:10:30 - John reads the article "Bodybuilding's Blow Out" written by Julian Schmidt for the July, 1994 issue of Flex Magazine. 1:22:15 - John reads the article "Night of Champions XVI" written by Johnny Fitness for the October, 1994 issue of Muscle Mag International. Links: Jerry's Applied Metabolics newsletter Become a Patreon Member John's Training and Nutrition Programs A History of Physical Culture and Bodybuilding Vol One

Jerry Brainum, former writer for Muscle & Fitness, Flex and IronMan Magazine, is the guest on this episode of the Bodybuilding Legends Podcast to continue their end of the year Reviews for the year 1994 in Bodybuilding. In Part One of their interview, Jerry and host John Hansen talk about the top amateur competitions from 1994 including the NPC USA which was won by Dennis Newman, the 1994 North American Championships won by Jeff Poulin and the 1994 NPC Nationals won by Paul DeMayo. At the end of the interview, John reads three articles from 1994 including the NPC USA contest report written by John Little from the December, 1994 issue of Flex Magazine, the 1994 NPC Nationals contest report written by Jason Mathus from the April, 1995 issue of Muscle Mag International magazine and an interview with Dennis Newman written by Don Ross for the March, 1995 issue of Muscular Development magazine. Time Stamps: 3:20 - Upcoming Arnold Classic 4:50 - Mom and Dad's 65th Anniversary 5:50 - Getting in shape for the New Year 7:15 - Start of interview with Jerry Brainum 8:20 - 1994 NPC USA 11:00 - Craig Titus losing it 19:00 - Phil Herndon 20:20 - Dennis Newman getting leukemia 31:15 - Other class winners at the 1994 USA 34:10 - 1994 North American Championships 38:00 - 1994 NPC Nationals 40:05 - Sad ending for Paul DeMayo 43:00 - Top 3 at the NPC Nationals 45:45 - Rory Leidelmeyer bombs at the Nationals 49:35 - Other class winners at the 1994 NPC Nationals 53:13 - John reads the 1994 NPC USA contest report written by John Little for the December, 1994 issue of Flex Magazine. 1:04:27 - John reads the 1994 NPC Nationals contest report written by Jason Mathus for the April, 1995 issue of Muscle Mag International magazine. 1:31:03 - John reads an interview with Dennis Newman written by Don Ross for the March, 1995 issue of Muscular Development magazine. Links: Subscribe to Jerry's Newsletter Become a Patreon Member for the Podcast Pro Physique Transformation Challenge John Hansen's Online Training Nutrition Programs