Shawn Ray’s Secrets to Bodybuilding Success
Behind the Scenes with Lee Labrada: My Journey in Bodybuilding and Beyond
Thank you to The Lee Labrada Show for the original interview with Shawn Ray. The video was sourced from their official platform and is used with respect for their copyright.
It was an honor to sit down with my longtime friend and competitor, Lee Labrada, for an episode of The Lee Labrada Show. We talked about so much—my career, the highs and lows of life on and off the stage, and everything in between.
For those of you who’ve followed my journey, you know I’ve always been driven by a passion for excellence. From the days of playing high school football to stepping onto the Olympia stage year after year, my focus has always been on staying consistent, adapting to challenges, and giving my best. In this conversation with Lee, we dug deep into those moments and reflected on how they shaped who I am today.
Key Takeaways from Our Talk
🏆 Resilience Matters
Life will throw curveballs, but staying focused and bouncing back is what separates winners from the rest.
🎯 Set Clear Goals
Having a target, like my dream of competing at the Olympia, keeps you on track—even when things get tough.
💪 Discipline Over Motivation
Motivation comes and goes, but discipline gets the job done.
🌱 Adapting After Retirement
Leaving the stage isn’t the end—it’s the start of a new chapter. Find your next passion and run with it.
🤝 The Power of Community
Having a strong support system—family, friends, and fans—makes the journey worthwhile.
Here are some of the highlights:
My Start in Bodybuilding
I shared how I transitioned from a football player with big dreams to becoming one of the most consistent top-five competitors at the Mr. Olympia for over a decade.
Olympia Rivalries and Lessons
Lee and I reminisced about our legendary rivalries—me beating him for the first time in the ’90s, the fierce competition we shared with greats like Lee Haney and Dorian Yates, and the lessons we took away from those experiences.
Funny and Heartfelt Memories
From pro muscle camps to our first encounters, we looked back at some hilarious and touching moments that defined our careers.
Life Beyond the Stage
Bodybuilding doesn’t stop when you leave the stage. We talked about how I transitioned to promoting, mentoring, and building new opportunities while staying connected to the fitness world.
Insights for the Next Generation
Whether it’s about staying resilient through setbacks like injuries and suspensions or learning to navigate social media criticism, I hope my story inspires you to push forward no matter what.
Lee and I also touched on some deeper topics—family, fitness, and how balancing personal fulfillment with professional goals is essential for long-term success.
Key Takeaways from Our Talk
Resilience Matters
Life will throw curveballs, but staying focused and bouncing back is what separates winners from the rest.
I’ve created a video where I dive deeper into this topic, sharing my personal experiences and strategies. You can purchase the video here on BuildWithPros: Buy Now.
Set Clear Goals
Having a target, like my dream of competing at the Olympia, keeps you on track—even when things get tough.
Setting goals isn’t just about dreaming big; it’s about creating a roadmap to turn those dreams into reality. To help you stay focused and motivated, I’ve created a special bodybuilding motivation video all about goal setting. In it, I share practical tips, mindset strategies, and my personal approach to setting and achieving big goals. You can purchase the video here on BuildWithPros: Buy Now.
Discipline Over Motivation
Motivation comes and goes, but discipline gets the job done.
Adapting After Retirement
Leaving the stage isn’t the end—it’s the start of a new chapter. Find your next passion and run with it.
The Power of Community
Having a strong support system—family, friends, and fans—makes the journey worthwhile.
I hope you’ll check out the full interview and take something meaningful from our conversation. Whether you’re a bodybuilder, a fan, or just someone chasing a dream, remember this: success is a marathon, not a sprint.
Thanks again to Lee for having me on the show—it’s always a pleasure to reflect on our shared history and the future of this incredible sport.
Let me know what resonated most with you from our talk!