Lean & Lionhearted
The Lean & Lionhearted Podcast with Fitness Coach & IFBB Pro AJ Quimson. In this podcast, we’re here to equip you with the essential tools you need not just for temporary change, but to maintain your transformation for the rest of your life. We believe in building people up to become champions of their own self-care, fostering a deep connection with their bodies and overall health.
Episodes
39 episodes
I Looked Good. I Just Didn't Believe It. | Post-Show Truth - #39
Six days post-show and we're giving you the full honest debrief. The imposter syndrome backstage, the binge week aftermath, and the moment Evan realized his old "normal life" eating habits were basically the reason people stay fat.We als...
You Phony, Bro: An Honest Conversation About Why You're Not Where You Want to Be | #38
Most people think they're failing at fitness because they don't have enough discipline, the right program, or enough time. AJ says the real problem is simpler, and more uncomfortable than that.In this episode, AJ sits down with Omar for ...
Tired of Settling: A Raw Conversation 15 Days Out - #37
In this episode, AJ talks with Evan Mao who is 15 days out of his first bodybuilding show. The two go over what prep is like, the mental struggles of dieting, and rediscovering the "why". Being able to see beyond looking good or losing weight i...
From “I Know Better” to Better Results (Client Interview) - #36
In this episode, AJ sits down with John, a 38-year-old dad and nurse from Southern California, to talk about what really happens when you stop trying to do it all yourself.After years of yo-yo diets, crash cuts, and thinking “I’ve got th...
Letting Go of Control: Asian Upbringing, Fear of Failure & Finding Real Peace | #35
In this episode, I sit down with my good friend Felix to talk about letting go of control and finding the real path to growth. We dive into growing up Asian and terrified of failure, how that turns into perfectionism and overthinking as adults,...
GENIUS Fitness Advice For Parents | #34 - Lean & Lionhearted
In this episode of Lean & Lionhearted AJ talks with Dario Tejo about helpful tips to stay fit as a parent. Dario is the owner and founder of Train Origin, a gym in the Bay Area of California, that specializes in strength and powerlifting. A...
#33 - How Losing 30 lbs Helped Him Be More Social Again | Jeremy Bohol
In this episode, AJ sits down with his client Jeremy Bohol, who just finished up his 6 month program. Jeremy talks about what it was like gaining a bunch of weight and becoming less social because he was self conscious and how it is for him now...
#32 - The Secret to Consistency in Fitness | Jason Huynh
In this episode, AJ sits down with Jason Huynh, to discuss the topic of motivation. The two used to compete against each other as professional bodybuilders and since AJ's retirement, Jason has gone on to go to the Olympia 5x and win multiple pr...
#31 - How We Adjusted to Her Pregnancy | Mary Quimson
In this episode, AJ sits down with his wife, Mary, and the two talk about their journey of getting pregnant and the difficulties they faced. The two also talk about how they've decided to handle pregnancy together with all the life changes goin...
#30 - The Difference Between Great Results and No Results in Fitness | Ash Kholghy
In this episode, AJ brings back Ash Kholghy, owner of Team Form Fit, to talk about qualifying for the Olympia for the second time and what the difference is between people who get GREAT results in fitness and people who get little to no results...
#29 - Getting over body insecurities | Dale Tu
In this episode, AJ talks with Dale Tu, fitness photographer and fitness hobbyist. Dale talks about feeling uncomfortable in his body after attending a wedding with mostly bodybuilders there and the steps he took to take back control of his lif...
#28 - The Worst Things About The Fitness Industry | Rich Rosete
In this episode, AJ and Rich talk about some of the worst thing sin the fitness industry that they just can't stand anymore. They also go over the most common ways people mess up their diets, how to come back from falling off their diet, and so...
#27 - Peaking for Shows, Being an Asian Bodybuilder, Needing a Coach - Tony Duong & Jason Huynh
In this episode, AJ talks with Tony Duong and Jason Huynh about bodybuilding. The three start the episode talking about the rules of maintaining your IFBB pro card and how AJ might lose his pro card. They then talk about their experiences with ...
#26 - What is Lionhearted? Becoming a Coach, Sensitive People - Rich Rosete
In this episode, AJ introduces one of the Team Lionhearted coaches, Rich Rosete. The two talked about why Rich was brought on as a coach and what Lionhearted means. Rich tells us why he gained an interest in fitness and in bodybuilding and what...
#25 - Losing 86 lbs, winning his first show, & getting the competitive fire back | Rodney Reagans
In this episode, AJ catches up with his client Rodney Reagans, days after he competed in his first bodybuilding show. Rodney competed at the 2024 Emerald Cup in the men's physique division and placed 4th in open and won 1st in his class and the...
#24 - How Steven Lost 6 Inches Off His Waist & Got 6-Pack Shredded
In this episode, AJ talks with his client Steven who just finished up his program. Steven originally had trouble following a diet plan seriously but was frustrated that he kept hitting plateaus and couldn't lose the gut. Throughout the 7 months...
#23 - Q&A Why Does The Scale Fluctuate? (And What To Do About It)
In this episode AJ answers a question he got from one of his clients this week about why the scale fluctuates so much. AJ goes in depth on why the scale fluctuates, what it can mean, the most typical reasons, and what you should do about it whe...
#22 - How Asian Culture Makes You Fat & Then Shames You | Brandon's First Bodybuilding Show
In this episode, AJ sits down with one of his clients, Brandon Lee, who just competed in his first bodybuilding show. Brandon explains how he grew up as a fat kid who lacked confidence and what starting his fitness and bodybuilding journey did ...
#21 - Gaining 100 lbs After Leaving The Military (How He Lost 64 lbs Again) - Adam Miller
In this episode, AJ talks with his client Adam Miller about gaining 100 lbs since leaving the military. Adam details the struggles he faced gaining so much weight and how that effected his life. The two talk about Adam's transformation and how ...
#20 - Staying Fit as a New Parent - Dale Laudencia
In this episode, AJ sits down with Dale Laudencia again and the two talk about Dale's experience becoming a parent and how he manages fitness, business, and family into his life. AJ also goes into his plans and expectations as an expecting fath...
#19 (Q&A) - When to do Cardio For Fat Loss? How Much? What Kind?
In today's episode, AJ goes over a question he got during the week about when to do cardio for fat loss? Before a workout? After a workout? It can get a little confusing when you're trying to build out your own program to get rid of your fat. A...
#18 - How Patrick Lost 40 Lbs as a Picky Eater
In this episode, AJ talks with his client Patrick who just finished up his 6 month program. Patrick was able to lose 40 lbs & 6.65 inches off his waist during his time in the program. The two talk about how it was for Patrick at the start b...
#17 - Ant Trang - Fixing Back Problems From Desk Jobs, Doing Bodywork on Professional Athletes and Celebrities, Growth Mindset, And More!
In todays episode, AJ sits down with Ant Trang to talk about mobility, why your body hurts doing certain movements, and how to prevent that muscle tightness. Ant gives us a little insight on building his business of sports massage therapy and s...
#16 - How Moanna Lost 3 Inches Off Her Waist |
In this episode, AJ sits down with his client Moanna who just finished up her first 6 months in the program. She details what things were like for her before she joined the program, what she was struggling with in terms of making progress with ...
#15 - Thoughts on Fat Trainers, Intermittent Fasting, The ILLUMINATI And More w/ Will Sage
In this episode, AJ talks with one of his closest friends and CEO of Precision Elite, Will Sage. They take off the filter and gives their true thoughts on fat trainers, intermittent fasting, the illuminati, and more! AJ and Will detail their fr...