In this episode, I'm pleasured to chat with 2023 Lightweight Pro World Champion Dirk Emmerich. The majority of our conversation revolves around how Dirk evolved as a bodybuilder and how you could too, and, to focus on the more important variables. It is very easy to find yourself lost in the nuances of bodybuilder even though it is extremely simple.

Dirk shares is origins and the journey that will lead him up to his 2026 competitive bodybuilding season.

Where to find Dirk Emmerich or Jacob - https://instagram.com/dirk_emmerich
https://www.instagram.com/jacobherrmann_

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Dirk Emmerich

01:00 Upcoming Competitions and Preparation Plans

02:49 The Importance of Competition Readiness

05:03 Coaching Dynamics and Personal Growth

08:53 Nutrition Strategies and Learning from Experience

11:53 Transitioning to a Balanced Approach to Nutrition

14:06 Managing Post-Prep Challenges

15:59 Current Weight and Contest Prep Strategy

17:57 Peak Week Strategies and Their Impact

19:59 Natural vs. Enhanced Competitions

22:01 Reflections on Competitive Landscape and Future Goals

26:15 Behind the Scenes of Bodybuilding Competitions

30:02 Training Philosophy and Techniques

34:55 Nutrition Strategies During Contest Prep

50:00 Goals and Mindset in Bodybuilding

01:00:03 Personal Growth and Life Beyond Bodybuilding

resources

Steve is a highly accomplished WBNF Pro Bodybuilder and holds extensive knowledge gained through experience and education. Well known for the Revive Stronger Podcast and some of his classic round tables. Steve checks out on all fronts: great bloke, loves a chat, knowledgeable and accomplished bodybuilder.

Where to find Steve or Jacob:

Steve's Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/revivestronger/

Jacob's Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/jacobherrmann_/

Josh is a natural bodybuilder and has an impressive set of accolades with titles across British, European and World shows. He had an extremely successful teen season to say the least. He is also a coach with Natural Physique Coaching. We discuss coaching, future plans and what it was like to prepare and compete as a teen. Overall a good chat.

Josh - https://www.instagram.com/josh_naturalphysique/

Jacob - https://www.instagram.com/jacobherrmann_

Join us on episode 1 of The Jacky and Chan Show, where we discuss whether the extreme of a bodybuilding show and contest preparation is something you should be looking for.

Jacob - https://www.instagram.com/jacobherrmann_
Henry - https://www.instagram.com/nutritionbyhenry/

Ux is someone I met in Thailand on a training camp. I soon came to realise he holds very similar principles around bodybuilding and is a great person! We discuss the importance of execution once training intensity is in check. Future plans for Ux since moving to the enhanced realm and why the fundamentals of bodybuilding haven't changed.

Uxshan Daruwalla
Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/coach_ux/

Pete aka. Rippon Fitness holds a wealth of knowledge and experience. From natural bodybuilding to his late career change into the fitness industry. We talk about what it takes to be a successful competitor, current attitudes towards bodybuilding, and discover that Pete's a filthy Pepsi lover. We all love Pete, so I can forgive him for that.

Peter Mapagu

Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/rippon.fitness/

Dr. Martin Refalo is someone I truly admire. He's an academic, coach, and athlete. In my eyes, this creates an all-encompassing perspective to understand what the research says and how we can or cannot apply information.

So sit back and listen in to all things training intensity, the new WNBF President role, and even a chat on protein intakes.

Dr. Martin Refalo
Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/mrfitness__/

Ben Broughton is an IFBB PRO, gym owner, coach, and equipment enthusiast. He's competed numerous times and holds an immense amount of knowledge. He's renowned for being a critical thinker and creating thought processes that would commonly be termed as 'outside the box thinking'.

Ben Broughton - https://www.instagram.com/ben851/?hl=en

Josh is an up-and-coming IFBB competitor and someone who has been in my bodybuilding journey from pretty early on. We talk about effective coach-athlete relationships, Josh's progress and plans, and more!

Josh Calleja | CBJ Bodybuilding Radio | EP.2

Josh Calleja - https://www.instagram.com/joshua.ca/?hl=en

Henry Lin is an infamous Natural Bodybuilder and a Professional across multiple federations. With a chest thick enough to sleep on, what's not to like?

Henry Lin | CBJ Bodybuilding Radio | EP.1

Henry Lin - https://www.instagram.com/nutritionbyhenry/

Jack Radford-Smith, a Pro bodybuilder, dietitian and funnily enough runs The Bodybuilding Dietitian's. We catch up and explore nutrition, training, gut health, and the journey of bodybuilding.

Where to find Jack or Jacob:

Jack's Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/revivestronger/

Jacob's Instagram - Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/jacobherrmann_