In this continuation of our conversation with natural vegan bodybuilder Joe Vijay, we delve even deeper into the nuanced world of bodybuilding, veganism, and ethics. 🌱💪

This episode picks up where we left off, exploring Joe’s recent competitive season as a vegan bodybuilder and then diving into our opinions on enhanced bodybuilding and steroid use as a vegan. Could there one day be a Vegan Mr. Olympia? We examine the ethics and legality of steroids in the sport and the unique challenges Joe faces as a natural vegan athlete navigating this landscape. Joe shares his experiences of how people react to his vegan lifestyle, including some surprising responses to his vegan themed gym attire. We also touch on Joe’s personal approach to vegan activism, shedding light on different strategies for inspiring change. The conversation takes a thoughtful turn as we discuss societal health trends, the potential of lab-grown meat to accelerate veganism, and the reasons why more people haven’t embraced plant-based living. Joe also unpacks the health aspects of veganism, from bloodwork to maintaining peak fitness on a plant-based diet. 🌎

If you’ve ever wondered what it takes to prep for a bodybuilding competition as a vegan, Joe breaks it all down—manipulating food, cardio, and training to achieve peak conditioning. We discuss the role genetics and metabolism play in bodybuilding, the impact of extreme leanness on overall health, and how NEAT (non-exercise activity thermogenesis) changes during prep. Finally, we explore the importance of having a supportive partner during such an intense journey and how relationships can play a crucial role in achieving competitive goals. This episode is packed with eye-opening discussions and actionable advice, whether you’re an aspiring bodybuilder, vegan advocate, or someone looking to better understand the connections between ethics and fitness.

Without further ado, let’s dive back in with the inspiring Joe Vijay! 🎙️

TIMESTAMPS: 00:00 - Episode preview with John 00:30 - Intro to Podcast 01:00 - Intro to Joe Vijay and this episode 2:30 - Podcast episode start and intro 3:00 - Joe's recent competitive season as a vegan bodybuilder 6:00 - Vegan Mr. Olympia? Enhanced bodybuilding as a vegan 11:45 - Is enhanced bodybuilding ethical? Legality of steroids 15:45 - What do people say when they find out Joe is vegan? 18:00 - Does Joe wear any vegan merch to the gym? 21:00 - Talking about being vegan in the gym 25:00 - Different strategies for vegan activism 31:00 - It's probably healthier to be skinnier than most humans are 33:15 - Why aren't more people vegan? 37:00 - Cell-based / lab grown meat and what will grow veganism more 41:15 - Vegan health and fitness and bloodwork 49:30 - How Joe prepped for his bodybuilding show as a vegan, manipulating food, cardio, training 57:30 - Genetics and metabolism, how NEET reduces as you get very lean 01:00:00 - Side effects of being extremely lean that we've experienced 1:03:00 - Having your partner being on board and supporting bodybuilding prep 01:06:00 - Where to find Joe on social media, closing 01:08:45 - Episode outro

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