Between his artistic costumes and posing routines and his verbose statements and constant comeback rumors – is Kai Greene often misunderstood?
In the latest episode of The Kai Greene Effect, bodybuilding icon Kai Greene dives into a wide range of topics—from a controversial trophy awarded to a disabled athlete, to the philosophy behind posing, to the eternal tug-of-war between health and legacy. As always, Kai brings his unfiltered wisdom, his philosophical insight, and his unwavering respect for the sport and its community.
Here’s a brief recap of the topics dicsussed in this week’s episode:
- Kai reacts to the surprising controversy formed around disabled bikini competitor Nadia Lauricella.
- Are genetics more important than hard work in bodybuilding?
- Kai reacts to Jay Cutler and Phil Heath’s latest posing video together.
- Kai’s psychological mindset post-retirement from bodybuilding.
- Did Kai really try to go vegan?
- Kai weighs in on the latest prize money battle between Arnold Classic and Olympia.
- Kai answers another lightening round of fan questions.
You can watch the latest episode of the Kai Greene Effect above. Keep reading to get a deep dive into the podcast discussion below. Let’s jump in!
Nadia Lauricella and the Trophy That Divided the Internet
The heart of this episode revolves around Nadia Lauricella, a disabled bikini competitor in Italy who made headlines for receiving a trophy despite missing both her arms. Her participation in the competition sparked a heated debate online. Some applauded the move as an act of inclusion and recognition of her perseverance. Others dismissed it as a “pity award,” arguing that there’s no fair way to judge someone in her position alongside able-bodied competitors.
Kai Greene didn’t shy away from this controversy. When asked by host Vlad about his stance, Kai made it clear: to be an athlete isn’t about perfect genetics or so-called “ideal” traits—it’s about willpower, discipline, and the drive to transform. “If you’re willing to do the work, if it means enough to you to break through barriers and reshape your life with effort, then that’s what it takes to be a pro,” he said.
For Kai, Nadia represents the essence of athleticism. Despite her disability, she found a way to make bodybuilding work in a world that isn’t designed for her. And that, according to Kai, deserves real recognition—not condescension. Her trophy is not charity. It’s a symbol of her grinding work and unwavering commitment.
The Role of Genetics in Bodybuilding
Vlad followed up with a nuanced question: where do genetics fit into this? Kai Greene acknowledged that genetics can provide advantages, but emphasized that they are not a free pass to success. A genetically gifted athlete who lacks the discipline to train hard will never outperform someone less “blessed” who outworks them day in and day out.
“The real separator,” Kai explained, “is mental toughness. It’s the capacity to push through limits. Whether you’re disabled, average, or genetically elite—it’s that internal engine that sets you apart.”
This take reinforces a core belief Kai often returns to: bodybuilding, and greatness in general, is about self-mastery—not just biology.
Jay Cutler and Phil Heath: Still Bringing the Heat
On a lighter note, Kai Greene also reacted to a trending video featuring legends Jay Cutler and Phil Heath striking poses together. While it was meant to be a fun, nostalgic moment, Kai saw something deeper.
“There are people that competed in the NY Pro last weekend who didn’t have the same kind of striations those two were showing,” Kai pointed out.
It’s a powerful reminder that champions never stop being impressive. Even out of competition, Jay and Phil’s physiques still command respect, and their longevity is a testament to how deep bodybuilding runs in their veins.
Life After the Stage: Kai’s Mindset Post-Retirement
Kai Greene opened up about the psychological tension he feels now that he’s no longer actively competing. He still feels a deep responsibility to his fans, many of whom follow him to see the physique that made him famous. So yes, he continues to post physique updates—but it’s not always easy.
“I think I still have some unresolved issues,” he admitted.
He went on to say that he still wants to be as big and muscular as possible. But with also getting older he notes that the heavy weight makes everyday life harder.
He shared how being that large affects basic tasks—tying shoes, climbing stairs—and that carrying that much muscle for decades puts stress on internal organs. For Kai, aging isn’t just physical; it’s also mental. Learning to dial it back is a challenge he’s still working through.
RELATED: Watch Kai Greene’s Last Ever Competition Appearances in ‘Kai Greene: The Return.’
Fast Food? No Thanks—Kai’s Meal Prep Obsession
When asked about his favorite fast food chain, Kai gave a very “Kai Greene” response: he doesn’t eat it. Instead, he’s obsessed with structure and control in his nutrition. He prefers to eat at home, weighing every meal to match his specific dietary needs.
He did give a shoutout to Hummus Fit, a gourmet meal prep service he praises for offering nutrient-rich, well-balanced meals.
The Vegan Experiment: Game Changer or Not?
Fans also asked whether Kai Greene was trolling when he claimed he was going vegan after watching The Game Changers documentary five years ago. His answer? Not at all. He seriously tried it.
With decades of nutrition experimentation under his belt, Kai thought maybe a plant-based approach could offer a new angle to stay massive while being healthier. It didn’t stick, but it wasn’t a joke—it was part of his ongoing evolution as an athlete and as a human.
Arnold Classic vs. Mr. Olympia: Battle of the Giants
Kai Greene was also asked about the prize money battle between the Arnold Classic and Mr. Olympia. Is this rivalry good for the sport—or just a pissing contest?
Kai stayed neutral on motives but firm on results: “Whatever the reason, if it leads to better conditions for the athletes, then it’s a win.” He believes competition—even between event brands—can help raise the bar for the entire sport.
Fan Q&A Lightning Round: Raw and Unfiltered
Do you feel misunderstood by fans?
Kai Greene believes that being misunderstood is part of public life. Fans project ideas onto public figures—sometimes inaccurate ones. It comes with the territory, and the key is to stay grounded in who you are.
How to drop water weight like a bodybuilder?
Kai Greene made it clear he’s not a doctor, but for stage prep, his go-to tricks include:
- Wearing layers to increase sweating
- Increasing water intake 16 hours before the event
- Using caffeine to help shed water weight
These methods are temporary, and should always be approached cautiously.
Ego lifting: Guilty or not?
Kai Greene shared an honest story: yes, he’s ego-lifted. He once trained with a woman who started her workout with heavier weights than he expected. Feeling challenged, he matched her weight—even though it wasn’t his usual protocol. It was a rare moment of pride overtaking discipline.
How did you develop your posing style?
Kai’s posing—widely praised for its artistic flair—was born from watching the greats. He mastered the basics first. Then, over time, he let his spirit and personality shape the routine. “Once you stop worrying about the mechanics, you can focus on the art,” he said.
Final Thoughts: Kai Greene’s Legacy is Still Growing
This episode of The Kai Greene Effect was a masterclass in insight, honesty, and perspective. From addressing sensitive topics like disability in sports, to tackling mental health and aging in bodybuilding, Kai brought depth to every discussion.
Whether you’re a hardcore bodybuilder or just someone striving to improve, there’s a lot to take from Kai’s words. He doesn’t just lift weights—he lifts the conversation around what it means to push boundaries, break stereotypes, and stay true to your journey.
