Friends & Enemies
An Axe and Sledge Supplements Podcast with Shane Healey and David Dodrill. If you’re into supplements, business, brand building, or just want an inside look at Axe & Sledge, this one’s for you.
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Friends & Enemies Podcast | Episode 10: Downloading the Arnold 2026
03/12/2026
Friends & Enemies Podcast | Episode 10: Downloading the Arnold 2026
Just got back from the Arnold Sports Festival and there’s a lot to unpack. In this episode of Friends & Enemies, we break down everything from the weekend — the meetings, the industry conversations, and how the event itself has evolved over the years. The Arnold has always been one of the biggest weekends in the fitness and supplement industry, but this year felt a little different. We talk about what stood out most at this year’s event, including the rise of influencer-driven brands, massive booth builds, and the moment everyone was talking about when the YoungLA booth was shut down due to crowd control. It’s a clear sign of how much the fitness industry has shifted toward social media, community-driven brands, and viral moments. We also take a step back and discuss how the Arnold has changed throughout the years — from the hardcore bodybuilding and supplement launches that once dominated the expo floor to the newer wave of lifestyle brands, content creators, and influencer culture. Most importantly, we break down the real value of attending the Arnold today. Is it still worth the massive investment for brands? What role do networking, relationships, and retail meetings play behind the scenes? And as the industry continues to evolve, will events like this remain a cornerstone for supplement brands? Finally, we discuss the big question: Will Axe & Sledge be back at the Arnold next year? As always, we wrap things up with questions from ambassadors and the community. Topics Covered: • What was new about this year’s Arnold • How the event has changed over the years • The YoungLA booth shutdown and influencer culture • The real value of the Arnold for supplement brands • Is the Arnold still worth the investment? • Will Axe & Sledge be there next year? Let us know your thoughts in the comments — did you attend the Arnold this year, and how do you think the event is evolving? Subscribe for more episodes of Friends & Enemies, where we talk business, supplements, and the real stories behind the industry.
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Friends & Enemies Podcast | Episode 9: Costs Are Up. Sales Are Up. Now What?
03/03/2026
Friends & Enemies Podcast | Episode 9: Costs Are Up. Sales Are Up. Now What?
Friends & Enemies Podcast – The Truth About Protein Prices, Business Costs & Arnold 2026 Protein prices are up. Raw material costs are up. Freight is up. Labor is up. Packaging is up. The cost of doing business across the board is higher than it’s ever been. And yet… Protein is still selling more than it ever has. In this episode of Friends & Enemies, we break down what’s actually happening in the protein market — without the fluff and without the panic. We talk about: • Why whey and dairy costs continue to spike • The reality of freight, warehousing, and operating expenses • Why raising wholesale without adjusting MSRP crushes retailer margins • Why strong brands survive inflation cycles • Why consumers are still prioritizing protein — even at higher price points This isn’t a complaint session. It’s a real conversation about business, margins, positioning, and long-term brand strength. Health is no longer niche. Protein isn’t a luxury. It’s a staple. We also lay out our full game plan for the 2026 Arnold — where we’ll be, what we’re highlighting, athlete appearances, product focus, and why expos still matter in an increasingly digital world. And to close it out, we answer questions directly from our ambassadors about: • Will protein hit $60+ everywhere? • Are brands cutting quality? • Should consumers stock up? • What separates premium protein from cheap protein? • Is this temporary or the new normal? No spin. Just real talk about the market, the future, and how to navigate it the right way. If you’re a retailer, brand owner, ambassador, or just someone who cares about the supplement space — this episode is for you. 👇 Drop your questions for the next episode in the comments. 👍 Like, subscribe, and share with someone in the industry. 📍 See you at the Arnold. #FriendsAndEnemies #ProteinMarket #SupplementIndustry #BusinessTalk #Arnold2026
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Friends & Enemies Podcast | Episode 8: Austin Clare – Built Different
02/23/2026
Friends & Enemies Podcast | Episode 8: Austin Clare – Built Different
Welcome back to the Friends & Enemies Podcast, presented by Axe & Sledge! 🎙️ In Episode 8, we’re joined by Austin Clare — diving deep into the real stories behind building momentum, embracing the hustle, and what it truly takes to grow both personally and professionally. In this episode, we break down: • Austin’s journey and what shaped his mindset • The challenges, lessons, and breakthroughs he’s experienced • How consistency, resilience, and relationships impact success • The unfiltered conversations that Friends & Enemies is all about Whether you're grinding in business, fitness, or life in general — this talk is packed with honest perspectives and practical takeaways. 👉 Comment below what resonated with you, like if you enjoyed it, and subscribe for more raw conversations from Friends & Enemies. #FriendsAndEnemies #Podcast #AxeAndSledge #AustinClare #HustleMindset #GrowthJourney
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Friends & Enemies Podcast | Episode 7: Hustle Hard, Snack Harder
02/17/2026
Friends & Enemies Podcast | Episode 7: Hustle Hard, Snack Harder
The Snack King himself… Dean Perrone is in the building. In this episode of Friends & Enemies, we sit down with one of the longest-tenured members of the Axe & Sledge family — athlete turned sales rep, entrepreneur, and full-time dad of four girls. Dean has been with the brand longer than almost anyone, and his journey is a real look at loyalty, growth, and what it actually means to build a life while building a career. We talk about: • The early days of Axe & Sledge • Transitioning from athlete to sales rep • What being on the road in sales is really like • Side hustles and creating multiple income streams • Being a father of four daughters • Balancing fitness with… loving food (Snack King status 👑) • Pressure, responsibility, and providing for your family • Real life lessons from years of experience This episode is funny, real, and honest — exactly what Friends & Enemies is about. Dean represents something a lot of people need to hear: You don’t need to be perfect… you just need to keep showing up. If you’re a dad, entrepreneur, sales rep, or just someone trying to figure life out — there’s something in here for you. 👇 Drop a comment and let us know your biggest takeaway. 🎧 Listen on all platforms 📲 Follow Axe & Sledge 📲 Follow Dean Perrone The Snack King #FriendsAndEnemies #Podcast #Entrepreneur #Sales #Fatherhood #AxeAndSledge #FitnessLifestyle
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Friends & Enemies Podcast | Episode 6: What really happens in a room.
02/10/2026
Friends & Enemies Podcast | Episode 6: What really happens in a room.
This episode is all about real meetings and real negotiations — the ones that actually move the needle. We break down how conversations really happen behind the scenes in business… how deals actually get done… and why most people walk into meetings completely unprepared for what really matters. We talk through: • how to control the tone of a meeting without being the loudest person in the room • how to read the other side before numbers ever get discussed • and how to negotiate without burning relationships you still need long-term Like always, we go a little off the rails here and there — but that’s because this is a real, unfiltered conversation. No scripts. No fake guru talk. Just how we actually operate in rooms with retailers, partners, and decision makers. If you’re in sales, leadership, brand building, or trying to grow something bigger than yourself — this one will hit.
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Friends & Enemies Podcast | Episode 5: 1000 Minutes in Your Day
02/04/2026
Friends & Enemies Podcast | Episode 5: 1000 Minutes in Your Day
What you do with your 1,000 minutes every day says everything about who you really are. In this episode of Friends & Enemies, we get real about the current fitness industry drama — an influencer changing his name, doxing people online, and ultimately getting dropped by sponsors. But instead of piling on, we use it as a bigger conversation starter about something that actually matters: 👉 Authenticity in the fitness and performance space. 👉 Building a brand and a career on who you truly are — not who you’re pretending to be. 👉 Why fake personas always get exposed… eventually. 👉 And how short-term attention can cost you long-term trust. We also talk openly about how fast things can unravel when your character doesn’t match your content — and why, in today’s industry, integrity is currency. If you’re trying to build something real… a brand, a career, or a platform that lasts — this one’s for you. You don’t need more time. You already have 1,000 minutes. How are you using them? 👇 Drop your thoughts in the comments and let us know what authenticity means to you. #FriendsAndEnemiesPodcast #FitnessIndustry #Authenticity #BrandBuilding #InfluencerCulture #BusinessPodcast #RealOverHype #AxeAndSledge
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Friends & Enemies Podcast | Episode 4: Culture, Retail & Growth
01/21/2026
Friends & Enemies Podcast | Episode 4: Culture, Retail & Growth
Welcome back to the Friends & Enemies Podcast. In today’s episode, Shane and David sit down for an honest, behind-the-scenes conversation about what it really takes to build and grow a brand — without losing the culture that got you there in the first place. We dive into: • What “culture” actually means inside a growing company • Why alignment matters at every level — team, partners, and retail • The role GNC and Vitamin Shoppe play in expanding your message • Why growth isn’t just about distribution, but about finding the right customer • The real differences between a GNC shopper and a Vitamin Shoppe shopper • How brands can speak to both audiences without watering themselves down This episode isn’t about hype or shortcuts — it’s about longevity, trust, and building something that lasts. If you’re a brand owner, retailer, entrepreneur, or someone who cares about doing business the right way, this conversation is for you. 👇 Drop a comment with your thoughts, subscribe for future episodes, and let us know what topics you want us to cover next.
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Friends & Enemies Podcast | Episode 3: A Puff the Endurance w/Bobby Dautrich
01/14/2026
Friends & Enemies Podcast | Episode 3: A Puff the Endurance w/Bobby Dautrich
On this episode of the Friends & Enemies Podcast presented by Axe & Sledge Supplements, Shane and David sit down with Bobby Dautrich for a raw, behind-the-scenes conversation about what it actually takes to build something meaningful. We break down Bobby’s story from the beginning — where he came from, how he got into the fitness world, and the real grind behind building a successful apparel brand. We talk about the first time he met Seth, the balancing act between life and training, and the weight-loss journey that forced discipline, sacrifice, and accountability. This episode hits hard on the heart and soul behind the endurance line Bobby is most proud of — why it exists, why it matters, and why it’s bigger than just another product on a shelf. Shane, David, and Bobby also get into the realities most people don’t see: • Building brands the hard way • Mental pressure behind leadership and growth • Staying consistent when motivation fades • Mental health conversations men don’t have enough No gimmicks. No sugarcoating. Just honest conversations about business, fitness, purpose, and pushing forward when things get heavy. If you’re building something, chasing progress, or trying to level up — this one’s for you. 👇 Subscribe, drop a comment, and let us know what part of this episode resonated with you.
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Friends & Enemies: Episode 2: the Good, the Bad, and the Ugly
01/06/2026
Friends & Enemies: Episode 2: the Good, the Bad, and the Ugly
In this episode of Friends & Enemies, we kick off the new year with a real, behind-the-scenes conversation about what it actually takes to run a supplement company. We break down the realities of leadership—setting new goals, building and protecting company culture, and making tough decisions that don’t always feel good but are necessary for long-term growth. From managing employees to navigating the hardships of parting ways with people for the betterment of the business, this episode dives into choosing the brand first over personal emotions. We also open the floor and answer direct questions from our ambassadors—addressing transparency, expectations, and what it truly means to be aligned with the mission. This isn’t drama. This is business, accountability, and growth. If you’re an entrepreneur, leader, brand builder, or someone trying to balance people and principles, this episode is for you. 👇 Drop your thoughts in the comments and let us know what you want us to cover next. 🔔 Like, subscribe, and stay locked in for more unfiltered conversations. #FriendsAndEnemies #AxeAndSledge #Leadership #SupplementIndustry #BusinessReality #CompanyCulture #EntrepreneurMindset #BrandFirst #NewYearNewGoals
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Episode 1: The Pilot is lit
12/21/2025
Episode 1: The Pilot is lit
Axe & Sledge Year in Review | Innovation, Launches & Favorite Moments In this episode, Shane, President of Axe & Sledge Supplements, and David, VP of Sales, sit down to recap an absolutely insane year for the brand. From game-changing innovation and reformulations to some of our biggest product launches yet, we break down what went into building, evolving, and scaling Axe & Sledge over the past year. We talk about the wins, the lessons, the behind-the-scenes moments you don’t see on social media, and what it really takes to bring products from idea to shelf. We also dive into: • 🚀 Our favorite product launches • 🏆 The moments that stood out the most • 💡 Innovation that pushed the brand forward • 🛠️ Lessons learned from growth, challenges, and execution • 🔮 What we’re excited about heading into the next year If you’re into supplements, business, brand building, or just want an inside look at Axe & Sledge, this one’s for you.
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