The Enhanced Reality - Aaron Burke

In this episode of The Enhanced Reality Podcast, Jason and Tolga sit down with British bodybuilder Aaron Burke — a 300-pound athlete who went from rugby fields to bodybuilding stages across the world.
They dive into his journey through England, China, Thailand, and finally Las Vegas, discussing training philosophy, gym culture, fake “science-based” lifters, and what it really takes to become an elite bodybuilder in 2025.

00:00 – The British bodybuilder who left rugby to chase the American dream
06:15 – “Blood & Guts” changed everything — how Dorian Yates made him obsessed with bodybuilding
09:00 – He met his wife in China while bulking to 250 lbs naturally
11:30 – Vigorous Steve convinced him to compete — the 12-week transformation that changed his life
17:45 – What bodybuilding in Thailand is really like and why Muscle Factory isn’t what you think
22:10 – Inside Vegas’ elite gyms: why New Tech and Dragon’s Lair are on another level
27:40 – “Science-Based” lifters exposed — Aaron’s take on fake fitness experts online
35:15 – Going clubbing with Jared Feather and Dr. Mike — the wildest Arnold Expo story ever
43:20 – Jared fixes Aaron’s bicep connection in 10 seconds (crazy training hack)
45:40 – How many calories a 300-lb bodybuilder really eats to stay that big
1:06:00 – Why he finally hired Justin Harris and what makes a world-class coach
1:34:00 – The mindset shift that separates pros from amateurs — real talk to end the pod