How do Marvel actors get their superhero bodies? The trainer for Black Widow (Scarlett Johansson), Ant-Man (Paul Rudd), and Doctor Strange (Benedict Cumberbatch) reveals the industry secrets to actor transformations, steroid use in Hollywood, and the shocking truth behind Paul Rudd’s all-natural physique.

On this episode of the Becoming The 1% Podcast, Brendan Johnston details the training, diet, and mental discipline required to build the physiques for Hollywood's biggest roles. He breaks down the real timeline it takes to achieve these results, the non-negotiable habits that separate the elite from the average, and how you can apply these principles. Discover the mindset needed to overcome genetics, the pressure actors face to maintain their roles, and the training that gets them ready for their iconic shirtless scenes.

Follow Brendan on IG: https://www.instagram.com/brendanjpt/

Chapters:

0:00 Becoming The Official Trainer For Marvel

1:28 My Journey To Training Hollywood Stars

2:55 Training Scarlett Johansson

4:19 Starstruck By The Avengers?

5:24 How Long It Took To Become Marvel's Official Trainer

6:14 Why I Had No Social Media For Years

7:16 The Real Reason Actors Trust Me

8:51 Famous Trainer vs. Trainer Of Famous People

12:15 A Carpenter Is Only As Good As His Tools

14:20 How Actors Train While Filming On Set

15:52 The Insane Pressure of Hollywood Shirtless Scenes

17:35 Zac Efron's 3% Body Fat Transformation

21:22 The Most Impressive Actor Transformation I've Seen

22:24 Paul Rudd's SHOCKING All-Natural Transformation

23:34 The Power Of Non-Negotiable Habits

25:35 You're Never Too Old To Get Ripped

26:16 Why We're All Obsessed With Superhero Physiques

30:00 The Pressure To Stay In Shape For 10+ Years

30:39 Why Padded Muscle Suits Don't Work

33:19 Chris Evans Set The Bar For Superhero Bodies

35:14 Hugh Jackman's Epic 20-Year Wolverine Transformation

38:11 Our Hot Take On "Impossible Beauty Standards"

41:41 Grateful vs. Satisfied: The Mindset of Champions

43:10 The Actor Who Was Already A MONSTER In The Gym

46:46 This Is How You Make The Gym A Habit

50:10 The Unbelievable Strength of a UFC Champion

53:14 The "Crazy" Mindset You NEED To Be A Champion

55:19 How To Compartmentalize Your Life For Success

59:01 Using Fitness To Show A Character's Growth

1:01:22 How Long It REALLY Takes To Get Back In Shape

1:03:24 The One Marvel Actor I Still Want To Train

1:05:14 The Truth About Steroids In Hollywood

1:09:26 The REAL Reason Actors Won't Admit To Steroid Use

1:12:31 Why It's DANGEROUS For Actors To Hide Steroid Use From Trainers

1:15:33 This Is Why Most People Will Never Get Jacked

1:20:59 The Downfall of The Liver King

1:24:21 The Next Marvel Actor I Want To Train

1:26:55 Do Actors Know The Plot Of The Movies?

1:29:15 How Tom Holland Became Spider-Man

1:32:32 Why I'm NOT Allowed On Set During Filming

1:35:13 The Insane Method Acting of Jared Leto

1:41:28 The Dark Side of Being Famous

1:45:20 The #1 Mistake Fans Make When Approaching Celebrities

1:50:21 The Future of Celebrity Training Facilities

Are athletes really ditching the barbell squat for belt squats? On this episode of the Becoming The 1% Podcast, we sit down with Brian Henesey, the creator of SquatMax MD, to explore how this innovative piece of equipment is transforming athletic performance, improving knee health, and reducing injury risks. From NFL contracts to overcoming paralysis and designing cutting-edge products, Brian shares his incredible journey and mission to reshape strength training.

We discuss how SquatMax MD helps athletes develop explosive power, optimize biomechanics, and train smarter for long-term success. This episode dives into the science behind belt squats, ACL injury prevention, and why proper weight progression matters for injury-free strength gains.

Did you know hunters are some of the most powerful allies in wildlife conservation? This episode of the Becoming The 1% Podcast dives deep with Josh and Sarah Bowmar into the untold connection between ethical hunting and protecting endangered species. Josh and Sarah Bowmar, founders of Bowmar Bowhunting, reveal the critical role hunters play in funding anti-poaching efforts, managing ecosystems, and tackling the brutal realities of nature.We discuss the challenges of spear hunting, the ethics of primitive weapons, and the incredible stories of resilience behind grueling hunts. From the fight to save rhinos against a $23 billion global ivory trade to navigating the lion pride hierarchy, this is your inside look at the balance between conservation and hunting. Explore how sustainable hunting drives community education and supports the long-term future of wildlife and habitats.Follow Sarah on IG: https://www.instagram.com/sarah_bowmar/Follow Josh on IG: https://www.instagram.com/joshbowmar/Chapters:0:00 How trophy hunting helps fund wildlife conservation efforts.1:54 Thrills and challenges of hunting with primitive weapons.5:20 Preparing for an intense bear spear hunting experience.6:47 Surprising bear encounter during a rainy hunting trip.9:53 Silent black bear stalks for hours – tracking the untrackable.14:52 Using a spear for ethical hunting – quick, humane, and powerful.16:37 Under Armour, hunting sponsorships, and backlash explained.23:39 Debating hunting ethics – skill over weapon choice.27:56 How hunting supports conservation and educates communities.32:42 Human-wildlife conflicts – elephants, farming, and poaching.37:37 Rhino poaching, the ivory trade, and funding anti-poaching efforts.43:47 Hunting’s role in wildlife management on private lands.48:33 The harsh realities of death in the wild and poaching tactics.55:58 Hunting’s necessity in maintaining ecosystems and wildlife balance.1:00:32 Rogue lions and the brutal dynamics of lion prides.1:04:48 Challenges and dangers of hunting massive animals like hippos.1:09:20 Archery tips and fitness for successful hunting adventures.1:14:02 Grizzly bear hunting and behind-the-scenes strategies.1:15:19 From veganism to ethical hunting – focusing on animal welfare.1:19:42 Turkey hunting trips, travel stress, and unique experiences.1:23:53 Big game hunting stories and record-breaking moments in Tanzania.1:26:51 Thrilling crocodile hunting after years of searching.1:31:00 Fitness and endurance – key to bow hunting success.1:37:06 Wild game nutrition – better for fitness and health.1:39:56 Journalism misrepresentation and its personal repercussions.1:45:35 Using social platforms to promote wildlife conservation awareness.1:48:32 Giving back – food donations and community support efforts.1:52:51 Embracing controversy to spark engagement and discussion.1:56:50 Closing thoughts – Conservation, hunting, and broader perspectives.