This news has come with mixed reviews, as the hardcore bodybuilding fan base can be heard complaining that the contests are too long as it is and adding another division will only water everything down more and that it has only been introduced to elicit more money from the competitors. Then you have the other side of the coin, where the fans will have a more diverse field to cheer for in both the men and women’s categories now.

What do you think? Where do you fall into the above categories? Why not pick up the phone and call in live and let us know. The call-in number is (347) 884-8157.

Cologlu recently won the NPC Eastern USA’s and has kicked off his career on the right foot. Tune in live or via free download to hear what he has in his sights for his future and what he feels is the benefit of the new division. Be sure to check out his recent interview on www.rxmuscle.com.

MuscleSport Radio can be heard live every Tuesday from 1:00 to 1:30 PM Eastern time on www.blogtalkradio.com and all episodes are archived on Blog Talk Radio, MuscleSport Mag and iTunes.

MuscleSport Radio has enjoyed a steady flow of special guests since launching, with famous names in the bodybuilding and sports industry such as Samir Bannout, Bill Grant, Boyer Coe, Troy Brown, Ronnie Coleman, Gunter Schlierkamp, Leo Ingram, Heather Mae French, Cathy LeFrancois, Colette Nelson, Cathy LeFrancois, Dena Westerfield, Marshall Faulk, Bill Romanowski, Tony Mandarich, “Leapin’” Lanny Poffo, Taylor Boyd, Steve Michalik, Dan Lurie, Emy Silvagni, Rae Holitt, Tom Terwilliger, Dan “The Beast” Severn, Kevin Levrone, Layne Norton, Randy Roach, Debi Laszewski, Heather Armbrust and more.

Photo Courtesy of Melih F. Cologlu

Obviously a major portion of the show will be a review of WWE’s Summer Slam, which will take place on August 15.

Besides writing for us, Silberkleit’s work can also be seen on www.sportsgrumblings.com

MuscleSport Radio can be heard live every Tuesday from 1:00 to 2:00 PM Eastern time on www.blogtalkradio.com and all episodes are archived on Blog Talk Radio, MuscleSport Mag and iTunes.

Please feel free to join us and give us your opinion, ask Jared a question or make a comment. Our call-in number is 347-884-8157.

MuscleSport Radio has enjoyed a steady flow of special guests since launching, with famous names in the bodybuilding and sports industry such as Samir Bannout, Bill Grant, Boyer Coe, Troy Brown, Ronnie Coleman, Gunter Schlierkamp, Leo Ingram, Heather Mae French, Cathy LeFrancois, Colette Nelson, Cathy LeFrancois, Dena Westerfield, Bill Romanowski, Tony Mandarich, “Leapin’” Lanny Poffo, Taylor Boyd, Steve Michalik, Dan Lurie, Emy Silvagni, Rae Holitt, Tom Terwilliger, Dan “The Beast” Severn, Kevin Levrone, Layne Norton, Randy Roach, Debi Laszewski, Heather Armbrust and more.

This will be an exclusive to MuscleSport Mag and MuscleSport Radio. Coleman will let everyone know if he is in fact going to compete again or possibly retire forever from the sport that he once ruled.

It was MuscleSport Radio that first broke the news live on the air that Coleman was going to forego the 2009 Olympia due to travel commitments with BSN and don the posing trunks once again in Las Vegas this year. Not much has been heard from Coleman on the subject since then and we are honored to have him give us the opportunity to once again be the first in the industry to hear of his plans.

Be sure to see the original article from June 30, 2009: http://www.musclesportmag.com/2009/06/30/breaking-news-coleman-comeback-confirmed-for-2010/

***PLEASE NOTE THE SPECIAL DAY AND STARTING TIME FOR THIS EPISODE – FRIDAY/4:00 PM EASTERN TIME***

Visit Ronnie Coleman’s official website, www.bigroncoleman.com.

MuscleSport Radio can be heard live every Tuesday from 1:00 to 2:00 PM Eastern time on www.blogtalkradio.com and all episodes are archived on Blog Talk Radio, MuscleSport Mag and iTunes.

Please feel free to join us and give us your opinion, ask Ronnie a question or make a comment. Our call-in number is 347-884-8157.

MuscleSport Radio has enjoyed a steady flow of special guests since launching, with famous names in the bodybuilding and sports industry such as Samir Bannout, Bill Grant, Boyer Coe, Troy Brown, Ronnie Coleman, Gunter Schlierkamp, Leo Ingram, Heather Mae French, Cathy LeFrancois, Colette Nelson, Cathy LeFrancois, Dena Westerfield, Bill Romanowski, Tony Mandarich, “Leapin’” Lanny Poffo, Taylor Boyd, Steve Michalik, Dan Lurie, Emy Silvagni, Rae Holitt, Tom Terwilliger, Dan “The Beast” Severn, Kevin Levrone, Layne Norton, Randy Roach, Debi Laszewski, Heather Armbrust and more.

Photo courtesy of Ron Coleman

Besides writing for us, Silberkleit’s work can also be seen on www.sportsgrumblings.com.

MuscleSport Radio can be heard live every Tuesday from 1:00 to 2:00 PM Eastern time on www.blogtalkradio.com and all episodes are archived on Blog Talk Radio, MuscleSport Mag and iTunes.

Please feel free to join us and give us your opinion, ask Jared a question or make a comment. Our call-in number is 347-884-8157.

MuscleSport Radio has enjoyed a steady flow of special guests since launching, with famous names in the bodybuilding and sports industry such as Samir Bannout, Bill Grant, Boyer Coe, Troy Brown, Ronnie Coleman, Gunter Schlierkamp, Leo Ingram, Heather Mae French, Cathy LeFrancois, Colette Nelson, Cathy LeFrancois, Dena Westerfield, Bill Romanowski, Tony Mandarich, “Leapin’” Lanny Poffo, Taylor Boyd, Steve Michalik, Dan Lurie, Emy Silvagni, Rae Holitt, Tom Terwilliger, Dan “The Beast” Severn, Kevin Levrone, Layne Norton, Randy Roach, Debi Laszewski, Heather Armbrust and more.

Terwilliger has been extreme;y successful on the bodybuilding stage and since he hung up the posing trunks and his latest book is merely another example of that.

Be sure to visit the official website of Terwillger’s new book, www.7RulesofAchievement.com.

MuscleSport Radio can be heard live every Tuesday from 1:00 to 2:00 PM Eastern time on www.blogtalkradio.com and all episodes are archived on Blog Talk Radio, MuscleSport Mag and iTunes.

Please feel free to join us and give us your opinion, ask Tom a question or make a comment. Our call-in number is 347-884-8157.

MuscleSport Radio has enjoyed a steady flow of special guests since launching, with famous names in the bodybuilding and sports industry such as Samir Bannout, Bill Grant, Boyer Coe, Troy Brown, Ronnie Coleman, Gunter Schlierkamp, Leo Ingram, Heather Mae French, Cathy LeFrancois, Colette Nelson, Cathy LeFrancois, Dena Westerfield, Bill Romanowski, Tony Mandarich, “Leapin’” Lanny Poffo, Taylor Boyd, Steve Michalik, Dan Lurie, Emy Silvagni, Rae Holitt, Tom Terwilliger, Dan “The Beast” Severn, Kevin Levrone, Layne Norton, Randy Roach, Debi Laszewski, Heather Armbrust and more.

Darrow, who has opened up Attica MMA Gym (www.atticamma.com) in Farmingville, New York, has come under fire by having numerous questions surrounding him, his gym and claims of being an “undefeated prison fighter” remain unanswered. The UG and Bullshido communities have been very active in asking these and other questions, such as Darrow publicizing that he has been signed by the USFC and is MMA’s number one ranked superfighter.

We here at MuscleSport Mag intend on finally putting this issue to bed by posing these questions to Darrow that have been the topic of discussion on the MMA message boards since November and will also make this an open forum. The call-in number is (347)884-8157 for anyone who would like to add to the discussion.

Will Darrow be vindicated? The only way to find out is to tune in and hear for yourself.

MuscleSport Radio can be heard live every Tuesday from 1:00 to 2:00 PM Eastern time on www.blogtalkradio.com and all episodes are archived on Blog Talk Radio, MuscleSport Mag and iTunes.

Please feel free to join us and give us your opinion, ask a question or make a comment. Our call-in number is 347-884-8157.

MuscleSport Radio has enjoyed a steady flow of special guests since launching, with famous names in the bodybuilding and sports industry such as Samir Bannout, Bill Grant, Boyer Coe, Troy Brown, Ronnie Coleman, Gunter Schlierkamp, Leo Ingram, Heather Mae French, Cathy LeFrancois, Colette Nelson, Cathy LeFrancois, Dena Westerfield, Bill Romanowski, Tony Mandarich, “Leapin’” Lanny Poffo, Taylor Boyd, Steve Michalik, Dan Lurie, Emy Silvagni, Rae Holitt, Tom Terwilliger, Dan “The Beast” Severn, Kevin Levrone, Layne Norton, Randy Roach, Debi Laszewski, Heather Armbrust and more.

Steele has been featured in numerous fitness magazines and websites and has also appeared on several episodes of “Fear Factor.” One of her tag lines is – ‘If you can believe it, you can achieve it.’ After hearing her inspiring story and how she is thriving with the BodyProud lifestyle, you will wholeheartedly agree with her.

For more information on Steele and to view her amazing photos, visit her personal website, www.staceysteele.com.

UPCOMING GUESTS:

Tuesday, December 15 – IFBB pro bodybuilder and 2009 Ms. Olympia runner-up Heather Armbrust

MuscleSport Radio can be heard live every Tuesday from 1:00 to 2:00 PM Eastern time on www.blogtalkradio.com and all episodes are archived on Blog Talk Radio, MuscleSport Mag and iTunes.

Please feel free to join us and give us your opinion, ask a question or make a comment. Our call-in number is 347-884-8157.

MuscleSport Radio has enjoyed a steady flow of special guests since launching, with famous names in the bodybuilding and sports industry such as Samir Bannout, Bill Grant, Boyer Coe, Troy Brown, Ronnie Coleman, Gunter Schlierkamp, Leo Ingram, Heather Mae French, Cathy LeFrancois, Colette Nelson, Cathy LeFrancois, Dena Westerfield, Bill Romanowski, Tony Mandarich, “Leapin’” Lanny Poffo, Taylor Boyd, Steve Michalik, Dan Lurie, Emy Silvagni, Rae Holitt, Tom Terwilliger, Dan “The Beast” Severn, Kevin Levrone, Layne Norton, Randy Roach, Debi Laszewski and more.

Starting on Friday, November 6, the 4th Annual FAME International World Championships will take place over the entire weekend with pre and post contest events being held at the W Hotel and the War Memorial Auditorium hosting the show.

MuscleSport Radio can be heard live every Tuesday from 1:00 to 2:00 PM Eastern time on www.blogtalkradio.com and all episodes are archived on Blog Talk Radio, MuscleSport Mag and iTunes.

Please feel free to join us and give us your opinion, ask a question or make a comment. Our call-in number is 347-884-8157.

MuscleSport Radio has enjoyed a steady flow of special guests since launching, with famous names in the bodybuilding and sports industry such as Samir Bannout, Bill Grant, Boyer Coe, Troy Brown, Ronnie Coleman, Gunter Schlierkamp, Leo Ingram, Heather Mae French, Cathy LeFrancois, Colette Nelson, Cathy LeFrancois, Dena Westerfield, Bill Romanowski, Tony Mandarich, “Leapin’” Lanny Poffo, Taylor Boyd, Steve Michalik, Dan Lurie, Emy Silvagni, Rae Holitt, Tom Terwilliger, Dan “The Beast” Severn, Kevin Levrone, Layne Norton, Randy Roach, Debi Laszewski and more.

MuscleSport Radio can be heard live every Tuesday from 1:00 to 2:00 PM Eastern time onwww.blogtalkradio.com and all episodes are archived on Blog Talk Radio, MuscleSport Mag and iTunes.

Please feel free to join us and give us your opinion, ask a question or make a comment. Our call-in number is 347-884-8157.

UPCOMING GUESTS

August 25 – IFBB pro bodybuilder Debi Laszewski

September 1 – “The Giant Killer” Dan Padilla

(Dates to be announced) – Paul Dillet, Leo Ingram

MuscleSport Radio has enjoyed a steady flow of special guests since launching, with famous names in the bodybuilding and sports industry such as Samir Bannout, Bill Grant, Boyer Coe, Troy Brown, Ronnie Coleman, Gunter Schlierkamp, Heather Mae French, Cathy LeFrancois, Colette Nelson, Cathy LeFrancois, Dena Westerfield, Bill Romanowski, Tony Mandarich, “Leapin’” Lanny Poffo, Taylor Boyd, Steve Michalik, Dan Lurie, Emy Silvagni, Rae Holitt, Tom Terwilliger, Dan “The Beast” Severn, Kevin Levrone, Layne Norton, Randy Roach and more.

Be sure to check on the MuscleSport Mag website for information on future guests.

When he first put together the idea of making a documentary about steroid use and the public’s reaction – or better yet overreaction – to it, Chris Bell never figured on the finished product coming out the way it eventually did, let alone having the opportunity to do another movie.

“I’m really surprised that the reaction has been this big,” he said of the 2008 Magnolia Films release he co-wrote and directed, “but in a way I also thought when we started making the movie that it was such an important issue to explore.”

The Poughkeepsie, New York native envisioned getting the marquee names that garnered the headlines on the front and back pages of the tabloids and getting their opinions to lead “Bigger, Stronger, Faster*.”

“We tried to get Jose Canseco, that was a no-brainer,” Bell said of the baseball slugger/steroid user turned author. “But he’s always out for himself and wanted money. We also tried to get (BALCO’s) Victor Conte, but he told us that he was coming out with a ‘tell-all’ book and didn’t want to do anything before it was released.

“We reached out to other ball players and even Arnold (Schwarzenegger), but no one wanted to talk about it not to tarnish their reputation,” Bell continued. “I wanted to interview (former NFL offensive lineman) Tony Mandarich. At the time he didn’t want to talk about steroids. Then he came out with a book. We tried to talk with (former Pittsburgh Steeler) Rocky Bleier, who was a Vietnam veteran and came out and said he used steroids through a doctor.”

Because he kept hitting a wall trying to convince strangers that his intentions were genuine, he went in a completely different direction, one that came with a huge question mark.

He decided to base the film on himself and his two brothers but thought, “By using the family aspect and steroids, how do you make people want to see this film?” That turned out to be a stroke of genius, even if it wasn’t obvious to Bell at the time.

“I know that performance-enhancing drugs affected a lot of people and also in America a lot of out heroes that we find out are using them – it kind of relates to everybody on some level,” said Bell. “Everybody has a baseball player that they love, a football player that they love, some sort of athlete that’s been caught using performance-enhancing drugs.”

By bringing the issue to a grass-roots environment that everyone could relate to made it feel as real as it was and not antiseptic like many documentaries end up being. By the time you finish watching the movie, you feel as if you’re part of the Bell household. When he explains that all three of the Bell boys have at one time or are still using steroids, it isn’t just Barry Bonds or Marion Jones anymore, but someone just like yourself.

(Tragically, the oldest of the three brothers was found dead in a California drug rehabilitation center in December, three months after the film was released on DVD. Mike Bell, who at one time wrestled under the nickname of Mad Dog in the World Wrestling Federation, was 37 and his addiction to painkillers and alcohol was chronicled in the film. Eerily, Chris Bell states during a scene that he would not be surprised if his brother winds up dying young.)

Bell knew the main reason why he his requests were met with so much resistance. “Steroids are so demonized in the media and they (the people that declined to be included) really didn’t know what we were doing, thinking the movie was going to be one-sided.”

That is exactly what Bell wanted to avoid. However he was to present the facts in the film, he wanted the viewer to make up his or her own mind on what side of the fence they stood. “There are a couple of sides to every story,” he said. “That’s kind of what I wanted to do. Use the humor and the archival footage – things people could relate to and kind of bring it all together and let them make their own decisions at the end of the movie.

“Because I think human beings are a lot smarter than people think sometimes and as filmmakers we dumb it down for the audience and we should never do that.”

Although Bell claims that he presented it down the middle, the proof is in the pudding and even the staunchest of the anti-steroid parade has to admit that there are misnomers about the substances that have been repeated so frequently in the mainstream media that the facts sometimes don’t make it through. What Bell did was clear up some of those clouds.

Even people that have jumped sides have succumbed to the pressure of being ‘politically correct’ in today’s society. “When Arnold (Schwarzenegger) became governor, he couldn’t even say what he wants to say,” said Bell. “We took a few stabs at him in the movie, but all in all, he’s still somebody I really look up to. Because steroids have been portrayed the way they have been in the media, he can’t even say the truth.

“I guarantee that if I had Arnold alone in a room he would tell me something different than he would tell me on camera.”

Schwarzenegger has gone on record and admitted using performance-enhancing drugs throughout his bodybuilding career, namely testosterone and dianabol. The former seven-time Mr. Olympia and present governor of California wrote back in 1967 when the substances were still legal that “steroids were helpful to me in maintaining muscle size while on a strict diet in preparation for a contest. I did not use them for muscle growth, but rather for muscle maintenance when cutting up.”

Bell brought up the day in 1988 while Ben Johnson, the Canadian Olympic sprinter, was being condemned for using steroids that there were 75 reporters in the New York Giants locker room waiting for Lawrence Taylor, who had just returned after serving a suspension for using cocaine. “That’s sending a mixed message,” he said.

He commented that a major complaint of athletes using steroids is that it is a bad influence for children, but he also questioned the actions of other so-called role models for youngsters. “Are they going to start drug testing Hollywood and the rap stars?” Bell asked himself. “They may be smoking pot and that’s also illegal. They should crack down on everything then and not be selective.”

One category of substances that is commonly put on the back burner is painkillers. Many different athletes from all walks of life use them regularly and in 1996, three-time NFL Most Valuable Player Brett Favre admitted being addicted to Vicodin and entered a rehabilitation center.

Due to the vigorous work schedule and physical demand put on them, professional wrestlers are one group that has had major issues with painkillers. Bell, who previously worked for World Wrestling Entertainment as a writer, had a conversation with Vince McMahon and the WWE mogul told him “We’re not so concerned about steroids because we have a policy for that. There’s more of a concern for painkillers.”

Bell added, “A guy can get a prescription for painkillers and then buy 500 more on the black market. If you test them, they’re already covered (with the prescription).”

Shedding some light on this issue is what Bell has in mind for his next project. “I’m looking to do a narrative film, not a documentary, presented in a more dramatic fashion based on an ultimate fighter that gets addicted to painkillers,” he said of his intentions. “Instead of using them as a performance-enhancer, athletes use them to get back in the game. I wanted to examine that in a different way.

“In a dream world, I’m looking to have The Rock (actor and former WWE wrestler Dwayne Johnson), who is a friend of mine, play the lead role,” he continued. “We haven’t got to that point yet, so we’ll have to see.”

The main character is based on Mark “The Smashing Machine” Kerr, who began his Mixed Martial Arts career back in 1997. “It actually takes place in the old days of ultimate fighting, which to me makes it so much more interesting,” Bell said. “I started watching it a long time ago when it was a blood sport and it was pretty amazing back then.”

Bell and his production company are trying to obtain the rights of a 2003 HBO documentary entitled, “The Smashing Machine: The Life and Times of Extreme Fighter Mark Kerr,” which chronicled the career and addiction of Kerr and the ‘no-holds-barred’ style that Bell spoke about.

If things go the way he hopes, Chris Bell will have another opportunity to tell a story, and most likely a story within a story. He hit a home run with his first at-bat and, naturally, should go two-for-two when his next film is released.