"Why Not Me?" | Jo Palacio is Ready to Take on Nick Walker at the O | Ep. 7 | Dumbbells & Doobies

Jo Palacios returns to the D2 Podcast for one of our favorite conversations yet. Just weeks away from stepping on stage, Jo opens up about the mindset that's fueled his incredible improvements, why this has been his best prep ever, and what it really takes to compete against names like Nick Walker. We dive into everything from training philosophy, nutrition, recovery, building an IFBB Pro physique, and why Jo believes success starts with beating the person you were yesterday—not everyone else on stage. But this episode goes far beyond bodybuilding. Jo shares lessons on discipline, fatherhood, handling adversity, earning respect, surrounding yourself with the right people, and why the mentality of "Why not me?" can completely change your life. Whether you're chasing your first bodybuilding show, building a business, or simply trying to become a better version of yourself, this conversation is packed with practical wisdom and motivation. 🔥 Sponsors & Discount Codes: • Use code: D2 at Iron Society Apparel • Use code: DEVO10 or NICK10 at Hosstile Supplements • Use code: D2 at Bashmouth • Use code: D2 at BioPep Peptides 🔥 Don’t forget to LIKE, COMMENT, SUBSCRIBE, and turn on notifications so you never miss an episode of the D2 Podcast. #D2Podcast #Bodybuilding #Podcast #Fitness 🎥 Produced by Luke Guagliardo Productions LLC Timestamps: 0:00 - "Why Not Me?" – The mentality that changes everything 1:09 - Jo Palacios joins the podcast 2:08 - 5 weeks out: How prep is going 4:47 - Zero cheat meals & staying locked in 5:37 - Current diet, refeeds & cardio breakdown 7:01 - Why this prep is completely different 8:24 - Training by feel vs. chasing numbers 10:03 - Watching years of hard work finally pay off 11:09 - Paying your dues in bodybuilding 14:12 - The biggest physique improvements this offseason 15:13 - Jo's current training philosophy 17:00 - Keeping a tight waist without waist trainers 18:12 - Building bigger legs & improving proportions 22:00 - Going head-to-head with Nick Walker (competition discussion) 31:30 - Social media, business & building a personal brand 38:00 - Confidence vs. arrogance in bodybuilding 45:12 - Family support, sacrifice & earning respect 47:30 - Why giving back matters 48:17 - Fatherhood & finding purpose outside bodybuilding 50:00 - Would Jo want his son to bodybuild? 52:20 - Why every kid should play sports 56:09 - "Execution beats effort" mindset 57:29 - Ranger School story & overcoming adversity 1:00:00 - Perspective changes everything 1:03:30 - Why adversity creates stronger people 1:10:00 - Listener Q&A & rapid-fire bodybuilding discussion 1:30:00 - Favorite gym machines of all time 1:34:38 - What Jo watches during cardio 1:38:53 - Favorite energy drinks & closing thoughts Links: Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/6K6rUwa... Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast... Follow us on Instagram:   / dumbbells.and.doobies   Support the podcast: Hosstile Supplements: https://hosstile.com Iron Society Apparel: https://theironsocietyapparelco.com/?... Bashmouth website: https://bashmouth.com Use code: D2 at check out! Follow us! Follow Zach:   / zachdevo56   Follow Lance:   / lancehephner   Follow Nick:   / _nickjustice   Nick Justice: https://nickjusticeifbb.com Follow Luke:   / luke_guagliardo