Kai Greene reacts to the entire Joey Swoll & Hulk Hogan controversy and explains why he believes that Swoll’s apology was unnecessary
In the latest episode of the Kai Greene Effect, legendary bodybuilder Kai Greene dives into several hot-button topics stirring up the fitness world—from Joey Swoll’s social media fallout to the pressures of maintaining mental peace in professional bodybuilding. Packed with real talk, insight, and Kai’s signature perspective, this episode delivers more than just gym talk—it delivers a full philosophical workout.
Here’s a brief breakdown of the topics discussed in this week’s episode:
- Untangling Joey Swoll’s tribute, apology, and fallout revolved around Hulk Hogan.
- Kai Greene reacts: can retiring Men’s Open pro bodybuilders walk away from the sport healthy?
- Kai relates to Chris Bumstead’s statements about the champion mindset and the loss of mental peace.
- Kai details his ultimate cheat meal post bodybuilding competition.
You can watch the full episode of the Kai Greene Effect above. Keep reading for more in-depth recap of the podcast. Let’s dive in!
Joey Swoll’s Hulk Hogan Post Sparks Backlash—and Speculation
One of the most talked-about moments from this episode is Kai Greene’s take on the recent controversy involving fitness influencer Joey Swoll. Swoll posted a tribute to pro wrestling icon Hulk Hogan, which immediately drew backlash due to Hogan’s past racist comments. Swoll then issued a public apology, only to receive even more criticism—this time from fans who thought he had nothing to apologize for.
Shortly after apologizing, Joey Swoll claimed he was quitting social media, sparking speculation. Was this an emotional response—or a calculated move? A day later, Swoll returned to social media, leaving many wondering if this was all part of a plan to stay in the spotlight.
Kai Greene didn’t mince words about the situation. “I think Joey understands trends. He saw how the wave was breaking and figured out how to ride it,” Kai said. While he believes Swoll was initially caught off guard by the backlash, Kai credits him with regaining composure and using the moment to maintain relevance.
Was the Apology Necessary?
Vlad, co-host of the podcast, raises a sharp question: Should Swoll have apologized in the first place?
Kai Greene’s take is direct: “It wasn’t necessary. But the apology wasn’t a big deal either.” According to Kai, this entire event wasn’t worth the drama it created—and Swoll’s quick return to social media shows that.
Kai himself posted a tribute to Hulk Hogan and stood by it. “He was a legend that inspired a lot of people—long before anyone knew about those comments,” Kai said. He emphasized the need to look at people as whole human beings and not judge them based on isolated sound bites. “I don’t think what he said is something he should be vilified for,” Kai stated.
Jay Cutler on Retiring Healthy from Bodybuilding: A Grim Outlook?
The conversation shifts to a quote from four-time Mr. Olympia Jay Cutler, who said bluntly: “No, not in the Open. Not in today’s era.” The question? Whether or not bodybuilders can retire healthy.
Kai Greene doesn’t totally disagree, but he adds some important nuance. While he acknowledges the toll that Men’s Open bodybuilding can take, he notes that the sport has evolved. With more divisions and more pro cards being handed out, athletes now have multiple avenues to go pro—some of which don’t require extreme training or the health risks associated with the top-tier Open division.
“You can identify what the integrity is going to look like for you,” Kai says, suggesting that success in bodybuilding doesn’t have to mean destroying your body in the process. The takeaway: Yes, Open bodybuilding at the elite level can wreck your health, but with smart choices, it’s still possible to retire with your mind and body intact.
Chris Bumstead and the Cost of Mental Peace
Another topic that hits hard in this episode is Chris Bumstead’s candid reflection on the price of success: “There’s a lot that comes with success. It doesn’t come for free. I’ve reflected over the years on how much of my mental peace I had to sacrifice…”
Kai Greene relates. Deeply.
He shares how, in his early career, he too believed success meant going “all or nothing.” That mentality, while effective, can tear at your peace of mind. Kai recalls a conversation where Lee Haney discussed Rich Gaspari’s laser-focused, no-room-for-peace approach to greatness. Haney offered a counterpoint—that it was possible to become a champion while keeping your inner peace intact.
That idea resonated with Kai. Maybe it doesn’t have to be all or nothing. Maybe it depends on the individual.
“Some people have to say ‘fuck inner peace’ to push further,” Kai says. “Others can compartmentalize and give themselves peace while still going hard when it counts.” It’s not one-size-fits-all. It’s about finding what works for you while pursuing greatness.
The Ultimate Cheat Meal: Kai Greene’s 40-Pound Post-Show Feast
In a lighter (or heavier?) moment, Kai talks about an upcoming documentary on competitive eating and shares his own experience with post-competition binges.
After the brutal discipline of contest prep—where he would measure out “six cashews per meal”—Kai would sometimes gain 40 pounds in one day after a show. Why? Because he could.
“That first meal after a show is like feeding your soul,” he said. The satisfaction isn’t just physical—it’s emotional and spiritual after months of denial. He ate past the point of fullness, not because he had to, but because he earned it.
Lightning Round Highlights: Kai Gets Real
The episode wraps with a fan-favorite segment: the lightning round. Here are some key takeaways:
Q1: What’s Kai’s take on gluten and fat loss?
Kai Greene says that as you get older, your body can change how it responds to food—including gluten. While gluten has never been an issue for him personally, he acknowledges that cutting it can help some people. But unless you have a medical reason, there’s no need to villainize gluten just for fat loss.
Q2: Does Kai use calisthenics?
Absolutely. Kai Greene incorporated push-ups, pull-ups, and dips into his routine, especially in his early days. He sees calisthenics as a foundation-builder that improves overall strength and complements weight training.
Q3: Was Kai scared to try PEDs?
Kai Greene doesn’t answer directly—but makes it clear that PEDs aren’t what make a champion. “That comes from within,” he says. PEDs can be a tool, but belief in yourself and the will to push through hardship are what truly build greatness.
Wrap Up
This episode of The Kai Greene Effect was more than just gossip or gym talk—it was a look at the real-world complexity of being a public figure, a pro athlete, and a human being. Whether it’s Joey Swoll navigating the cancel culture minefield, or the eternal question of mental peace versus ambition, Kai Greene provides perspective that’s honest and grounded.
If you’re looking for raw truth about bodybuilding, mindset, and living with purpose, The Kai Greene Effect remains essential listening.
