In the latest episode of Kai Greene Effect, bodybuilding icon Kai Greene tackled a wide range of topics that blended bodybuilding philosophy, current events, and practical fitness advice. From discussing Jay Cutler’s candid comments about natural bodybuilding and the Mr. Olympia competition to sharing thoughts on the latest legal developments involving Andrew Tate, Kai offered a measured perspective rooted in experience and critical thinking.
Here’s a brief overview of the topics discussed in this week’s episode:
- Jay Cutler thinks it is impossible to win the Mr. Olympia without PEDs. Does Kai Greene agree?
- Kai reacts to the latest Andrew Tate arrest
- Kai answers: Why do I look bigger at the gym than I do at home?
- How vital are deadlifts to Kai’s bodybuilding lifestyle
- Should a parent be worried when their young child is obsessively looking at bodybuilding photos?
You can watch the full episode of Kai Greene Effect above. Keep reading for a more in-depth breakdown of each topic discussed in this week’s conversation. Let’s dive in!
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Jay Cutler Says You Cannot Win Mr. Olympia Naturally
One of the most discussed topics on the episode centered around comments made by four-time Mr. Olympia champion Jay Cutler, who recently stated:
“Can you win the Olympia natural in the Open division? No, you can’t. Because you can’t hold that size and get that condition.”
The statement immediately sparked discussion across the bodybuilding community. For decades, the question of whether a natural athlete could ever win bodybuilding’s most prestigious title has been a source of debate.
Kai Greene acknowledged that there is a significant degree of truth in what Cutler is saying.
More importantly, Kai emphasized that it takes courage for a former Mr. Olympia champion to speak so openly about the realities of professional bodybuilding. In an era where many public figures avoid controversial subjects, Cutler’s willingness to address the issue directly is something Kai respects.
According to Kai, many people in the industry prefer not to discuss the subject because it can be uncomfortable. Yet avoiding the conversation does not change reality.
Why Natural Bodybuilders Cannot Currently Win Mr. Olympia
Kai Greene believes the answer extends beyond individual athletes and reaches into the evolution of the sport itself.
From his perspective, the reason a natural bodybuilder cannot currently win the Mr. Olympia Open division is tied to the event’s need to survive and grow as an entertainment product.
Professional bodybuilding has always evolved according to audience demand. The physiques rewarded on stage are often reflections of what fans, judges, sponsors, and the broader fitness industry find exciting at a given moment.
Kai explained that Mr. Olympia, like any major sporting event, must continually adapt in order to remain relevant. The competition strives to be the biggest bodybuilding show in the world, and that requires following trends in entertainment and audience expectations.
Over time, those expectations have helped drive the pursuit of greater muscular size, conditioning, and stage presence. The result is a standard that natural athletes currently cannot realistically match in the Open division.
The Future of Mr. Olympia Could Look Very Different
While Kai Greene agrees with Jay Cutler’s assessment of today’s bodybuilding landscape, he does not believe the future is predetermined.
One of the most interesting points he raised was the idea that bodybuilding is constantly changing. What seems impossible today may not remain impossible forever.
Kai suggested that decades from now, the Mr. Olympia competition could potentially evolve in entirely unexpected ways. One possibility is the introduction of drug testing at the highest levels of competition.
In fact, he believes for the very same reason the sport became PED heavy, it can circle back around – all in an effort to keep things feeling new. Perhaps eventually, natural bodybuilding physiques will stand out as something new, exciting, and more exquisite in an effort to avoid the Mr. Olympia becoming stagnant.
While such a shift may seem unlikely to many fans today, Kai reminded listeners that bodybuilding has undergone dramatic transformations before. Thirty years ago, many of the divisions that fans now take for granted did not even exist.
Today, bodybuilding includes numerous categories that cater to different physiques and aesthetics, including:
- Men’s Physique
- Men’s 212
- Classic Physique
- Bikini
- Wellness
- Figure
- Women’s Physique
- Women’s Fit Model
The existence of these divisions demonstrates how rapidly the sport can evolve.
If bodybuilding continues to reinvent itself in order to remain entertaining and relevant, it is entirely possible that future generations will witness changes that are difficult to imagine today.
In that context, Kai believes there may eventually be circumstances where a natural bodybuilder could realistically contend for bodybuilding’s highest title.
Andrew Tate Arrested in the United States: Kai Greene Shares His Thoughts
The second major topic discussed on the podcast involved controversial internet personality Andrew Tate, who was reportedly arrested in the United States and may face possible extradition proceedings to the United Kingdom.
Kai began his comments by making something very clear. He stated that he does not personally know the facts behind the case and is not in a position to determine guilt or innocence.
He acknowledged that Andrew Tate has been at the center of controversy for many years. Public attention intensified following previous allegations and legal investigations in Europe, including accusations related to human trafficking that resulted in periods of detention and house arrest.
Ultimately, Kai returned to the same core principle: let the legal system do its job and allow the truth to emerge through due process. Though he also admitted that becoming a celebrity in the spotlight can attract some shady individuals. But Kai stops short of casting real doubt on the victims.
Lightning Round: Fitness and Life Questions
The episode concluded with a series of listener-submitted questions covering bodybuilding, training, and personal development.
Q1: Why Do I Look Bigger After the Gym Than I Do at Home?
One listener described a common experience. After finishing a workout, they look in the mirror and appear muscular, full, and pumped. But a few hours later, that appearance seems to fade, leaving them feeling much smaller.
The listener wanted to know whether there was a supplement capable of keeping that pumped look for days – but Kai Greene intentionally avoided recommending specific products.
He explained that without understanding the person’s unique circumstances, training history, and nutritional habits, it would be irresponsible to push a supplement.
Instead, Kai redirected the conversation toward fundamentals:
- Consistent training
- Proper nutrition
- Recovery
- Long-term discipline
The better a person becomes at managing these foundational elements, the more consistently their physique will look impressive throughout the day.
But without Kai knowing the specifics of this individual – he could not provide deep specifics. However, what is most important for this person to know is that there is no magic bullet or supplement. It simply takes dedication and work.
Q2: What Is Kai’s Opinion on Deadlifts?
Another listener asked whether Kai Greene used deadlifts during his competitive career and whether concerns about injury are justified.
Kai confirmed that deadlifts were a major component of his training during his prime bodybuilding years. In fact, he noted that many respected trainers in the early 2000s considered deadlifts an essential movement.
While he still incorporates deadlifts into his training today, he no longer performs them with the same intensity or volume he used when he was younger and competing at the highest level.
Q3: My Son Looks at Bodybuilding Photos Constantly. Should I Be Concerned?
The final question came from a parent who expressed concern that their son frequently looks at photos of bodybuilders on his phone.
The parent noted that these images often feature minimally clothed men and wondered whether this behavior should raise concerns.
Kai’s response was compassionate and direct. He believes that the simplest explanation is usually the most likely one.
If a young person spends significant time looking at bodybuilding photos, it probably means they are interested in bodybuilding. Nothing more. Nothing less.
Kai then reflected on his own childhood experiences. Explaining how important it can be for a adult figure to encourage the budding passion of a young child. If it wasn’t for someone taking the time to encourage Kai’s bodybuilding interest – he may not be the successful athlete that he is today.
For that reason, Kai believes parents should avoid shaming or suppressing a child’s healthy interests. Instead, they should seek to understand and encourage those passions.
Wrap Up
This episode of Kai Greene Effect combined honest discussion about professional bodybuilding with thoughtful commentary on current events and personal development.
Whether discussing the future of bodybuilding, the realities of elite competition, or the challenges of personal growth, Kai’s message remained consistent throughout the episode: stay committed to the process, remain open to change, and allow truth to emerge through patience and perseverance.
