175: How Bodybuilding Went from Freak Show to Fitness Empire

Hi friends, happy Wednesday! You know, lately I’ve noticed something strange. It feels like every celebrity these days is... jacked. Like, not just in “good shape.” I’m talking veins popping out of places I didn’t even know veins existed. I mean, back in the day, you had, what? 2 or 3 action stars. But now? Even the comedians are huge. Like, why is Jim from the Office looking like he’s training for the Olympics?? All this got me thinking… When did we get so obsessed with muscles? Because I don’t remember Leonardo DiCaprio or Harrison Ford being jacked. They were just normal dudes. Where did it start? And is it even healthy to be so muscular? Today, we’re taking a little trip back in time to talk about the sweaty, sexy, and strange and Dark History of… bodybuilding. I appreciate you for coming by, and tune in next week for more Dark History. I sometimes talk about my Good Reads in the show. So here's the link if you want to check it out. IDK. lol: ________ FOLLOW ME AROUND Tik Tok: Instagram: Facebook: Twitter: Pinterest: Youtube: Snapchat: Discord: * RECOMMEND A STORY HERE: cases4bailey@gmail.com Business Related Emails: bailey@underscoretalent.com Business Related Mail: Bailey Sarian 4400 W. Riverside Dr., Ste 110-300 Burbank, CA 91505 ________ This podcast is Executive Produced by: Bailey Sarian & Kevin Grosch and Joey Scavuzzo from Made In Network Head Writer: Allyson Philobos Writer: Katie Burris Additional Writing: Jessica Charles Research provided by: Coleen Smith Special thank you to our Historical Consultant: Natalia Mehlman Petrzela, Professor of History at The New School and author of “Fit Nation: The Gains and Pains of America's Exercise Obsession” Director: Brian Jaggers Editing: Julien Perez Additional Editing: Maria Norris Post Supervisor: Kelly Hardin Production Management: Ross Woodruff Hair: Angel Gonzalez Makeup: Bailey Sarian ________ Get started today at to get $20 off your first order, and they’ll waive your styling fee. That’s . Head to for a free trial. And when you’re ready to launch, use OFFER CODE DARK HISTORY to save 10% off your first purchase of a website or domain.

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175: How Bodybuilding Went from Freak Show to Fitness Empire is an episode from Dark History by Audioboom.

This episode is 37:01 long.

This episode was published on Jul 9, 2025.

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