Kai Greene dives into the world of bulking and binge eating for bodybuilding – including a very expensive IHOP story.
Bodybuilding legend Kai Greene returned with another insightful episode of The Kai Greene Effect, where he tackled fan questions, gave his in-depth analysis for the upcoming Pittsburgh Pro, and shared his views on the evolving culture of the sport. In an interesting anacdote, Kai Greene also recounts the time he ate over $150 worth of IHOP as part of his bulking diet.
Here’s a brief overview of the topics discussed in this week’s episode of The Kai Greene Effect:
- Kai Greene’s experiences running his own bodybuilding competition.
- Does Kai still have something to prove in bodybuilding?
- Kai’s epic $150 binge meal at IHOP.
- Nick Walker vs Michal Krizo: comparing two mutant mass monster physiques ahead of the Pittsburgh Pro.
- Kai’s Pittsburgh Pro predictions and philosophy behind bodybuilding predictions in general.
- The open discussion of steroids online: does it cause more harm than good?
You can watch the latest podcast episode above. Keep reading for a more detailed breakdown of the topics below. Let’s dive in!
Fan Question Lightning Round
Q1: Have you ever considered starting your own bodybuilding competition?
Kai Greene revealed that he did more than just consider it — he actually started his own bodybuilding show called the Kai Greene Classic. Though the event is no longer active, he described it as a rewarding and labor-intensive experience.
Organizing and sponsoring a bodybuilding competition required a significant investment of time, energy, and passion. Kai reflected fondly on the endeavor and expressed interest in remaining active in the bodybuilding scene by judging future competitions. He emphasized the value in supporting and recognizing the next generation of athletes.
Q2: Do you think you still have something more to win in bodybuilding? What happened to Dynamik Muscle?
Kai Greene explained that bodybuilding is an endless journey of personal growth. Every competition teaches something new, and that lesson is a win in itself. Even today, if he were to compete, he believes he would emerge with valuable new insights.
But what is most important, according to Kai, is having the passion and the belief system ready before you start heading into prep for a bodybuilding competition. You won’t achieve anything, personally or professionally, by competing in a bodybuilding show when your heart is not it in.
For Kai – part of what has taken him so long to lock in specifics of a bodybuilding comeback lie in the “heart” behind his choice. He knows he still has something he can prove in bodybuilding. But he needs the timing to be right for him to truly get something out of it.
Q3: Have you ever gone on an eating binge, as Dexter Jackson claimed?
Addressing the legendary IHOP story, Kai Greene confirmed that he was, indeed, a massive eater during his prime competitive years. He stressed that success in bodybuilding required dedication to the diet, without excuses.
Whether it was financial constraints or a busy schedule, Kai believed a true passion for the sport meant finding a way to get all meals in, consistently. Good bodybuilders, he said, are “good eaters” — and he made it a mission early on to master that.
Nick Walker and Michal Krizo: Kai Greene’s Reaction
As the Pittsburgh Pro approaches, Nick Walker and Michal Krizo have been dropping impressive physique updates. Kai Greene shared his thoughts:
- Michal Krizo: Kai compared Krizo to a “next-level X-Men mutant” with an “ungodly amount of muscle.” He noted that Krizo brings significant pro experience, having transitioned from the IFBB Elite Pro to the IFBB Pro League.
- Nick Walker: Kai was particularly touched by Nick’s transformation. Having met Nick as a young fan years ago, Kai finds it humbling to see him become one of the sport’s massive and most promising athletes. Nick’s size and quality are pushing the sport to new heights.
When asked who he thinks will win the Pittsburgh Pro, Kai declined to name a favorite. He believes the winner will be “the man who wants it most,” highlighting how unpredictable bodybuilding competitions can be.
Kai cited his own underdog victory at the Arnold Classic over Victor Martinez as a reason never to count anyone out. He feels that, to some extent, bodybuilding predictions can discourage up-and-coming bodybuilders from thinking they can change the reigning regimes of the sport.
When Kai defeated Victor Martinez at the 2009 Arnold Classic, it was a moment that everyone predicted was impossible. Kai noted that many other now-famous bodybuilders chose not to compete that year to avoid losing to Victor. But in the end, Kai held strong and ultimately defeated Victor. It’s a moment that stuck with Kai – and why he is reluctant to ever make definitive predictions for major bodybuilding shows.
Dr. Mike Israetel’s Tribute to Kai Greene
Kai Greene also responded to a video made by Dr. Mike Israetel, in which the respected coach and bodybuilder praised Kai’s training style, physique, and dedication. Kai expressed genuine appreciation for Israetel’s passion, humor, and knowledge. Reflecting on his journey, Kai emphasized that his physique was the result of years of incremental progress and discipline, not overnight success.
Openness About Steroid Use in Modern Bodybuilding
The episode took a serious turn when addressing the modern trend of openly discussing steroids and PEDs (performance-enhancing drugs) in the bodybuilding community. Kai Greene offered a balanced perspective.
He acknowledged that transparency can be valuable, allowing for a more informed and realistic understanding of the sport. However, he cautioned that influencers must recognize their responsibility to their audience. While information should not be censored, it should be presented carefully to avoid glamorizing dangerous practices to impressionable young fans.
Kai explained that he chooses not to discuss PEDs publicly, mainly to protect his audience and brand. He believes in providing inspiration and motivation without unnecessarily exposing young listeners to the dangers associated with drug use.
Wrap Up
This episode of The Kai Greene Effect highlights why Kai remains one of the most respected voices in bodybuilding. His views are shaped by years of experience, humility, and an unwavering commitment to personal growth. Kai Greene’s emphasis on mindset — whether it’s about competition, diet, training, or public responsibility — shows that his impact on bodybuilding extends far beyond the stage.
You can watch the latest full episode at the top of this article. And don’t forget to check back every other week for new episodes on the Generation Iron Fitness Network or wherever podcasts are downloaded!
