Season One of the Macro Lounge is officially wrapped, and what a ride it has been. Twenty six episodes, countless sparkles, a few near cancellations, and a community that grew faster than Chris adds carbs in a reverse.
In this final episode of the season, Chris and Rachel look back on the highs, the lessons, the chaos, and the moments that shaped 2025. From insane prep stories and athlete breakthroughs to behind the scenes insights from the bikini business and guests who brought serious knowledge and hilarious honesty, this show has become something far bigger than we expected.
A huge thank you to every listener who tuned in, shared the episodes, sent messages, laughed with us, cried with us, and gave us the courage to keep showing up imperfectly but consistently. You built this community with us.
A special shout out to Valerie, Mrs B - producer, editor, thumbnail queen and the very patient third member of this podcast. Without Valerie, there would be no polished episodes, no Canva magic, no crisp audio and probably no YouTube at all. She keeps the chaos in line and the podcast alive.
Season Two lands late January or early February. Bigger topics, more guests, more honesty, more sparkles.
Thank you for making Season One unforgettable.
See you in 2026!!!
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PLEASE leave us a rating or review. It really does help! See you next year!
From PNBA World Champion to IFBB Pro League judge to founder of the Australian Posing School, Becc Gwilliam has shaped the posing game across Australia and beyond.
In Episode 25, she joins Chris and Rachel for a deep dive into bodybuilding, posing, judging and how APS became the global standard for stage presentation.
Becc shares how she went from investigative journalist to international posing coach, how APS grew from a solo idea into a worldwide team, and why posing remains the most underestimated part of competing. She also opens up about athlete transformation stories, backstage emotions, judging insights and the trends she hopes will disappear forever!
Expect wisdom, sass, storytelling and a lot of laugh out loud moments.
Find Becc here:
📱 Instagram: @becctheposer🏫 Australian Posing School: https://www.australianposingschool.com.au/
📸 APS Instagram: @australianposingschool
Find us here:
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📸 Instagram: @macro_lounge_podcast
📩 Email: hello@boldphysique.com
Dr Susan Baxter, PhD in movement science, award winning educator, former bikini competitor, global presenter and founder of the AHA Method, joins Chris and Rachel for a deep dive into the worlds of bodybuilding, coaching, business systems and longevity.
In this episode we cover:
👉 Susan’s wild origin story from Highlanders TV host to national stage winner
👉 How competing shaped her discipline, resilience and academic career
👉 Why so many PTs struggle with skill set and structure
👉 The rise of wellness and recovery and what gyms are getting wrong
👉 Identity loss after competing and how to transition without blowing up your life
👉 How bodybuilding systems can improve every part of your world
Susan also shares her best gym horror stories, her favourite movement pattern, and why she once ended up on a newspaper cover in a bikini she regretted immediately.
🎧 Subscribe for new episodes every Saturday
📸 Instagram at https://www.instagram.com/macro_lounge_podcast/
If you want to get in touch with Dr Susan Baxter PHD - find her links below! She'd love to hear from you.
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/drsuzbaxter/
Website: https://www.drsuzsquad.com/
This week, Chris and Rachel sit down with Cam - founder of UglyFace - the brutally honest supplement brand shaking up the industry with zero sugarcoating (and maybe a few paper bags).
From dodgy fat burners and “detox teas” to collagen hype and influencer fakery, nothing’s off-limits in this caffeine-fuelled deep dive into the realities of the supplement world.
💥 What you’ll hear:
The origins of UglyFace (spoiler: caffeine + chaos)
The worst supplement scams still selling
Why collagen protein is basically useless
What brands get wrong about transparency
Influencer horror stories and shady formulas
How small NZ brands can do it better
If you’ve ever felt lost reading a supplement label, this one’s your crash course in spotting the red flags.
Big thanks to Cam for his honesty on the subject and for giving up his valuable time to chat with us!
🎙️ New episodes every Saturday at 8am.
📸 Instagram: @macro_lounge_podcast
📩 Email: hello@boldphysique.com
You’ve nailed show day - now what? The hard part isn’t the prep, it’s the after.
This week, Chris and Rachel dive deep into reverse dieting – or as they call it, the recovery phase. They unpack what actually happens when the tan fades and hunger hits, and why this stage can make or break your next season.
💬 What you’ll hear:
👉 Why “reverse dieting” isn’t magic – and what the science really says
👉 How fast to raise your calories without wrecking your headspace
👉 When to chill vs when to push for recovery goals
👉 How to handle body image shifts and post-show binges
👉 Why blood work and hormone health belong in every athlete’s plan
If you’re feeling lost, tired, or just “off” after comp season, this one’s your lifeline back to balance.
🎧 New episodes drop every Saturday
📸 Instagram: @macro_lounge_podcast
📩 Email: hello@boldphysique.com
If you are looking to get blood work done, Chris mentions Strom Sports in this podcast - you can find all the information on their website, here: https://stromsports.co.nz/pages/strom-athlete-blood-testing-nz
Drum roll please - our very first guest episode and who better than Allie Waddell to make her debut on The Macro Lounge stage? 👑
Allie is the founder of Spotlight Society, creator of the Stage Fairies, and one of the industry’s most sought-after posing coaches and stage glam experts. Based between Arizona and Vancouver, she helps athletes around the world master posing, mindset, and the sparkle factor that separates good from unforgettable.
In this episode, Allie joins Chris and Rachel to talk about:
✨ Turning nerves into confidence through mindset work
💃 Why posing is psychology and artistry
🧠 How NLP and mental awareness change your stage presence
👙 Building your “stage identity” vs copying your coach
💄 The biggest glam and posing mistakes competitors make (yes, we’re looking at you, matchy-matchy eyeshadow!)
🥇 What it really takes to stand out - without losing your authenticity
This one’s packed with golden advice for bikini, wellness, and figure athletes - or anyone who wants to bring more confidence to the stage and life beyond it.
A huge thank you to Allie Waddell for joining us as our first-ever guest - absolute queen energy. 🙌
If you want to work with Allie or learn more about Spotlight Society, check out:
🔗 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/alliewaddell/
🌐 Linktree for Allie
🎧 Subscribe for new episodes every Saturday!
📸 Instagram: @macro_lounge_podcast
📩 Email: hello@boldphysique.com
The final wrap-up of 2025 is here - and what a finish it was!
This week, Chris and Rachel dive into the ICN Oceania Championships in Christchurch and the NZIFBB Tournament of Champions in Palmerston North, wrapping up an epic season of sparkles, tiaras, and some seriously stacked lineups.
Inside this episode:
✨ Rachel’s Pro debut (and win!) at ICN Oceania🥇 Who earned new Pro Cards - Brooke, Taylor, Nicole, Maki, and more🎭 Why dress design and posing can make or break Runway
🤔 Judging trends, show formats, and a few controversies along the way
🏋️♀️ TOC highlights — Jamie vs Kate, pros bringing the heat
🍳 Post-show mindset & smart reverse dieting tips
😂 Behind the scenes — colour-matching suits, jewellery fails & “Team Dapper”
It’s our last comp recap of the year - and a huge celebration of everyone who stepped on stage this season.
🎧 New episodes every Saturday at 8AM (NZT)
📸 Instagram: @macro_lounge_podcast
📩 Email: hello@boldphysique.com
From Naturals to Nationals — we’re breaking down everything.
Chris was ringside, notebook in hand (and spelling names phonetically as always 🤭), while Rachel was in full sparkle analysis mode.
We cover:
✨ The new IFBB Pro Card winners — including Corrie, Chantal, Louise, Sian, Carolyn and Tayla.
👙 Trends in judging and conditioning — bigger delts, fuller looks, red bikinis everywhere.
🏆 What’s next heading into the TOC and Moe’s Muscle Pro Shows.
🎧 Listen now
📸 Instagram: @macro_lounge_podcast
📩 Email: hello@boldphysique.com
Taupō delivered! Rachel walked away from ICN 2025 Nationals with three overalls and two pro cards (hello, double pro). We break down bikini, wellness, figure, runway, and swimsuit, what judges rewarded, and how stage presentation & posing tipped decisions - including Chris literally shouting posing instructions from the audience .
What’s inside:
ICN Nationals 2025 recap: division-by-division highlights & honest judging takeaways
Bikini criteria now: balance, glute projection, soft but athletic conditioning
Runway & Swimsuit: why dress choice, cut, and walk mechanics matter
Wellness vs Bikini: conditioning, glute tie-ins, and stage flow
Prep reality: peaking for Nationals, maintaining condition, and backstage strategy
Rachel’s wins: strategy, posing cues, and that iconic purple bikini
Perfect for NZ natural bodybuilding athletes and coaches looking to understand ICN judging trends and how to present between callouts.
🔔 New episodes every Saturday. Follow & rate to help other athletes find the show.
📸 Instagram: @macro_lounge_podcast
📩 Email: hello@boldphysique.com
The 2025 Olympia results are in - and we’ve got thoughts.
Chris and Rachel break down the big shifts in judging trends, why bikini went softer this year, and what it means for athletes heading into 2026. Expect honest takes, sparkly suit talk, and the usual dose of chaos.
Oh - and yes, Producer Bubsickle aka Chris's wife Valerie really did save Chris’s life this week (literally). Ice cream was involved. 🍦
Listen now and don’t forget to hit Follow or leave a comment so you never miss an episode.
Email us here: hello@boldphysique.com
Follow us on Insta here: https://www.instagram.com/macro_lounge_podcast/
So you’ve smashed (or survived) your regional bodybuilding show… now what?
In this episode of The Macro Lounge Podcast, Chris and Rachel dive into the critical weeks between regionals and nationals where small tweaks can make or break your stage look.
We cover:
👉 How to assess whether you’re ready for nationals
👉 The “1% fixes” that add up fast (posing, tan, presentation, mindset)
👉 Why you shouldn’t reinvent the wheel after regionals
👉 How to handle nerves, comparison, and post-show blues
👉 Travel tips, backstage hacks, and avoiding peak-week chaos
Whether you’re chasing a national title, a pro card, or just want to bring your best package yet — this episode gives you the reality check and game plan you need.
📩 Got questions or episode ideas? Email us: hello@boldphysique.com
📱 Follow us on Instagram: @macro_lounge_podcast
Blue skies, closed tunnels, and a whole lot of sparkles. Chris flew solo on the ground while prep-brained Rachel brought the glitter. We break down the Wellington double-headliner: the NZIFBB Joe Ulberg Classic Natural and the Open Regional in Wellington 2025.
In this episode:
🎧 New episodes every Saturday
📸 Instagram: @macro_lounge_podcast
📩 Email: hello@boldphysique.com
Disclaimer: We don’t receive promotional consideration, endorsement, or compensation from NZIFBB (or any federation). Opinions are our own.
Double the shows, double the sparkles. ✨
In this week’s episode, Chris and Rachel break down the first IFBB shows of the season: the NZIFBB Auckland Open Regional Championships and the NZIFBB Auckland Natural Championships.
From front-row judging insights to standout physiques, here’s what you’ll hear:
Key differences between the Natural and Open lineups
Conditioning trends the judges rewarded (and what they didn’t)
Standout athletes across figure, wellness, bikini, and fit model
The return of familiar faces (and mums making a strong comeback)
Which athletes are already front-runners heading into Nationals
It’s the ultimate wrap-up to kick off the NZIFBB season.
🎧 Subscribe for new episodes every Saturday!
📸 Instagram: @macro_lounge_podcast
📩 Email: hello@boldphysique.com
Disclaimer note: We don’t receive any endorsement, promotional consideration, or compensation from the NZIFBB (or any federation, for that matter). Everything we share here is purely our own opinions and observations from inside the sport.
From flight delays and midnight tanning in Christchurch, to runway gowns, posing critiques, and the stars of the show - this episode covers it all.
Chris and Rachel share their unfiltered recap of the ICN South Island Classic, including:
👉 Backstage drama (and why camping stretchers might be the new prep essential)
👉 Rachel’s perspective competing in swimsuit, runway, and bikini
👉 Which athletes stood out across figure, wellness, sports model, fitness, and bikini
👉 The posing trends that worked and the ones that didn’t
👉 Honest takes on judging, class sizes, and what Nationals could look like
It’s equal parts competitor insight, coach perspective, and a little bit of chaos, just how we like it.
🎧 Subscribe for new episodes every Saturday!
📸 Instagram: @macro_lounge_podcast
📩 Email: hello@boldphysique.com
Motivation gets you started. Discipline keeps you going.
In this week’s episode, Chris and Rachel pull back the curtain on one of the hardest parts of bodybuilding: staying consistent when the spark fades. From prep brain to comparison traps, kitten cuddles to cardio, they get real about:
Why motivation is fleeting (even for pros)
The systems and habits that keep athletes on track
Warning signs you’re burning out (and what to do about it)
How to reconnect with your why when prep feels impossible
If you’ve ever thought “just one missed session won’t matter” or felt guilty for snapping at your partner mid-prep… this one’s for you.
🎧 Subscribe for new episodes every Saturday!
📸 Instagram: @macro_lounge_podcast
📩 Email: hello@boldphysique.com
Prep isn’t just “dieting harder.” It’s the months-long process of getting ready for stage — physically, mentally, and emotionally. In this episode, Rachel and Chris break down everything first-timers (and even seasoned athletes) need to know about prep: timelines, readiness, common mistakes, and why sparkles won’t save you if you’re not conditioned.
They also cover:
How long prep really takes (hint: it’s not 12 weeks for most)
Signs you’re ready — and not ready — to start
The mental grind of brain fog, cardio, and hanger
How to balance honesty with your coach and discipline with flexibility
Whether you’re about to start your first prep or just curious about what it involves, this is a no-BS walkthrough of what to expect when you sign up for the journey.
🎧 Subscribe for new episodes every Saturday!
📸 Instagram: @macro_lounge_podcast
📩 Email: hello@boldphysique.com
From world champions to first-timers, imposter syndrome doesn’t discriminate. In this episode, Chris (coach & former judge) and Rachel (world champ & sparkle queen) unpack the mental side of bodybuilding — the self-doubt, comparison, and those “I don’t belong here” thoughts every athlete knows too well.
We cover:
Why bodybuilding is the perfect breeding ground for imposter feelings
How social media fuels the comparison trap
The three types of comparison (upward, lateral, downward) and which one actually helps
The common signs of imposter syndrome (and how to spot them in yourself)
Tools to reframe, refocus, and stop moving the goalposts
Chris also gives a shoutout to Jess Stuart, whose books and courses on imposter syndrome are brilliant resources. You can check her work here: jessstuart.co.nz/imposter-syndrome
📩 Got questions or a topic you want us to cover?
Email us: hello@boldphysique.com
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Macro Lounge Podcast
🎙️ New episodes every Saturday.
Subscribe for your weekly hit of real talk, rhinestones, and raising the bar.
Stepping on stage for the first time? Or maybe you’ve competed before but still feel like backstage is total chaos?
This episode is your ultimate show day walkthrough.
Rachel and Chris cover everything from tanning disasters (yes, seatbelt streaks and green armpits are a thing) to what to wear, how athlete briefings actually work, what to pack backstage, and why pumping up too early will ruin your look.
They also share tips on hair, makeup, toilet logistics (you’ll never look at a funnel the same way), and the little things that can make or break your stage presence.
Whether you’re a first-timer or a seasoned athlete looking for fewer stress lines in your tan, this episode will get you show-day ready.
Dont forget to share, like and subscribe so other people can find us!
📩 Email us: hello@boldphysique.com
📱 Follow us on Instagram: @macro_lounge_podcast
Think competing is just about the sparkles and stage lights? Think again.
In Episode 8 of The Macro Lounge, Rach and Chris break down the real cost of bodybuilding - from coaching and bikinis to flights, food, and the tan that can make or break your look.
Warning: contains rhinestones, sass, and maybe a little post-show bakery shame.
Chris even put together a free Competing Cost Budget Tool so you can work out exactly what you’ll be spending before you start prep. Download it here: www.boldphysique.com (Free Downloads section).
Whether you’re planning your first show or eyeing up a full season, this is the episode that’ll save you from nasty surprises on your credit card bill.
New episodes every Saturday - subscribe to us on Spotify so you never miss one.
📩 Email us: hello@boldphysique.com
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We couldn’t wait until Saturday for this one! Join us for a full recap of the ICN Hawkes Bay Show on 2 August where we talk about everything from perfectly executed posing to show-stopping physiques that lit up the stage.
We cover:
As always, it’s honest, a bit cheeky, and full of insight from two people who live and breathe this sport.
Not affiliated or associated with ICN New Zealand. Just our take.
📩 Email us: hello@boldphysique.com
📱 Follow us on Instagram: The Macro Lounge Podcast