Digital Social Hour: Episode #1276 Summary

Title: Fitness Industry Secrets: Are Pro Athletes Really Natty? | Greg Doucette

Release Date: March 28, 2025

Introduction

In this episode of Digital Social Hour, host Sean Kelly engages in a candid conversation with renowned fitness influencer and former competitive bodybuilder, Greg Doucette. The discussion delves deep into the murky waters of the fitness industry's relationship with performance-enhancing drugs (PEDs), the authenticity of pro athletes' physiques, and Greg's personal journey with steroids and hormone replacement therapy (HRT).

1. Greg's Legal Battle and Social Media Influence

Greg opens up about his past legal troubles related to steroid sales and his determination to use his experience to educate others about the dangers of PEDs.

• Legal Struggles: Greg recounts being on house arrest for selling steroids, emphasizing his low reentry chance into the U.S. despite legal advice:

  "With the crime that you did, you have maybe a 5% chance of getting it... I'm trying to make a difference." [00:00]

• Social Media Role: As a popular influencer, Greg feels uniquely positioned to speak against steroid use, leveraging his firsthand experience:

  "Who better than the person who did them, that sold them, how do people think I know so much about them?" [00:27]

2. Steroid Use in the Fitness Industry

A significant portion of the conversation addresses the prevalence of steroid use among pro athletes and bodybuilders, questioning the authenticity of their physiques.

• Prevalence Among Athletes: Greg contends that many pro athletes, including those in mainstream sports like NBA and NFL, may use PEDs to enhance performance:

  "I think most people think that every superstar is on steroids. Like LeBron James or Lionel Messi, I'm like, I don't think so." [40:37]

• Pro Athlete Authenticity: He highlights his skepticism towards the natural claims of several high-profile figures, arguing the improbability of their physiques without PED use:

  "There's no way I'm natural... He's never honored a test." [46:00]

3. Impact of Social Media on Body Image

Greg discusses how social media pressures both men and women to achieve unrealistic body standards, often leading to increased steroid use.

• Gender Differences: While steroid use among men is more openly discussed, women face stigmas that prevent them from admitting PED use:

  "It's kind of a secret thing... most women are lying." [02:53]

• Evolution of Body Standards: Over the years, the ideal body image has shifted, making it harder for individuals to achieve desired physiques naturally:

  "There's so many different looks that people have to go for. Very hard to get when being natural." [04:28]

4. Greg's Personal Journey with Steroids and HRT

Greg provides an in-depth look into his own experiences with steroids and HRT, sharing the physical and psychological impacts.

• Steroid Use and Side Effects: He openly discusses the adverse effects of Trenbolone (Tren), detailing the severe side effects he endured:

  "The Tren, Tren was for sure the worst for me... the night sweats were horrendous." [21:21]

• Transition to HRT: To mitigate the negative effects of steroid use, Greg transitioned to HRT, maintaining his testosterone levels within a controlled range:

  "I'm cycling it on and off for probably 11 years. And right now, I've been on a steady dose of HRT for about five years." [22:39]

• Erectile Dysfunction Post-Steroids: Greg shares the detrimental impact steroids had on his libido and sexual health, underscoring the long-term consequences:

  "50% of them involve libido issues from coming off steroids... you can't get a hard on." [24:58]

5. Opinions on Pro Athletes and Notable Figures

Greg critiques several high-profile athletes and fitness personalities, questioning their natural status and the ethics of their methods.

• Sam Sulek and Other Influencers: He praises Sam Sulek for his dedication but expresses doubts about his natural status, alongside criticism of others like Togi:

  "He is so open, honest... but I don't like the fact he has to abuse steroids." [10:44]

• The Rock and WWE Stars: Greg asserts that celebrities like Dwayne "The Rock" Johnson and most WWE stars are almost certainly using PEDs to maintain their physiques:

  "I think the Rock keeps doing bigger and bigger doses... 95% would be." [46:09]

• Public Figures like RFK Jr. and Jake Paul: He analyzes RFK Jr.'s use of bioidentical hormones and Jake Paul's physique, attributing their muscular builds to PED use:

  "RFK Jr. is openly taking testosterone... Jake Paul is not natty as well." [50:37]

6. Health, Lifestyle, and Society's Pressure

The discussion shifts to broader societal issues, including healthcare in Canada, taxation, and the pressures of modern lifestyles on health.

• Canadian Healthcare and Taxes: Greg criticizes Canada's high taxes and the inefficiencies of its free healthcare system, advocating for private healthcare:

  "We pay 54% tax... free healthcare means you wait months or years for surgery." [18:10]

• Social Media Censorship: He touches on the challenges influencers face in Canada, such as shadow banning for controversial topics like testosterone therapy:

  "If you get shadow banned on Instagram for saying too much... it's happened a few times." [19:57]

• Lifestyle Choices: Emphasizing the importance of cardio over excessive weightlifting, Greg ties in his passion for cycling as a means to maintain heart health:

  "I'm a bike rider who lifts weights more because the heart is the most important muscle." [23:36]

7. Reflections and Advice

Towards the end, Greg reflects on his past choices, offering advice to younger generations about the long-term consequences of steroid use.

• Regrets and Lessons Learned: He expresses regret over his steroid use, highlighting the importance of prioritizing long-term health over short-term gains:

  "I would trade in a heartbeat... it's not worth it." [31:46]

• Encouraging Natural Fitness: Greg urges listeners to pursue natural fitness goals, sharing success stories of those who have avoided PEDs:

  "If I had children and they said, I watch Toby, I want to be like him... thanks to you, I didn't use steroids." [34:44]

• Handling Criticism: Despite facing backlash for his outspoken stance, Greg remains steadfast, emphasizing the positive impact he has on his followers:

  "My DMs are filled with such love and support for what I do... I can handle it." [35:04]

Conclusion

Greg Doucette's transparent and forthright discussion in this episode sheds light on the often-hidden realities of steroid use within the fitness industry. By sharing his personal experiences and critiquing both mainstream athletes and fitness influencers, Greg aims to foster a more honest and health-conscious community. His insights serve as a valuable resource for anyone navigating the complex interplay between fitness, health, and societal pressures.

Notable Quotes with Timestamps:

• "With the crime that you did, you have maybe a 5% chance of getting it... I'm trying to make a difference." [00:00]
• "Who better than the person who did them, that sold them, how do people think I know so much about them?" [00:27]
• "It's going to take a lot longer before more women come out." [02:56]
• "There are 5% of people that are that stupid." [48:29]
• "I absolutely think that if you're morbidly obese... that's the same as being on steroids." [37:03]
• "You're on HRT. It’s probably prescribed by my doctor." [47:21]
• "I can handle it." [35:04]

Stay Connected with Greg Doucette:

• YouTube: Search for Greg Doucette or Coach Greg for daily content.
• Instagram: Follow Coach Greg for updates and insights.
• Bilibili (China): Available for Mandarin-speaking audiences.
• Snapchat: Search for Greg Doucette or Coach Greg.

Join the Conversation:

For those interested in diving deeper into the topics discussed, consider tuning into the full episode of Digital Social Hour with Greg Doucette. Whether you're a fitness enthusiast, a professional athlete, or someone curious about the realities of the fitness industry, this episode offers a wealth of knowledge and honest perspectives.