Episodes
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To wrap up the competition season, I invited my lovely wife Crystal to the podcast to share her experience living with me during the last 33 weeks. Those who have followed me for a while know that Crystal is a source of strength and support in my life, and I couldn't have made it through this prep season without her.
What we discussed:
Prepping all of my meals and the little annoyances that come along with that (4:50) The importance of meal prepping during a competition prep season and Crystal's experience with that over the years (6:48) Relationship dynamics during the prep and the challenges we faced (12:11) Becoming intimate in different ways when my libido took a dive (18:39) Handling the total chaos of running a business and traveling with Rigel (20:29) Childcare challenges on the road and the differences between managing Rigel in a controlled environment vs. a public setting (23:22) Traveling in the rig vs. flying and which was more convenient (28:39) What it was like for Crystal to live with me during the entire competition prep phase and her opinions on the outcome (34:40) Focusing on what I'm grateful for and wrapping up this competition season (40:18)If you loved this episode and our podcast, please take some time to rate and review us on Apple Podcasts, or drop us a comment below!
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I recently competed in the last of five competitions this season, the World's Competition for the natural bodybuilding world. It has been a long journey and for this episode, I'm giving you a recap of the competition season, my experience at world's, and everything that went along with it.
What you'll hear:
My nutrition and and other prep during peak week (2:21) Vascularity, muscle definition, and body fat percentage (5:07) Pre-show routine and backstage chaos (7:55) Disadvantageous grouping during competition (11:06) Judges' feedback (12:08) Feeling pride in what I've accomplished these past few months despite competition results (18:01) Post-competition choices for optimal physiological and psychological response (21:38) Disconnecting with the family after the competition and maintaining a workout routine (26:57) Upcoming plans and podcast episodes (29:24)If you loved this episode and our podcast, please take some time to rate and review us on Apple Podcasts, or drop us a comment below!
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Missing episodes?
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With the holidays around the corner, the temptation to over-indulge can be intense. For this episode, I welcomed back good friend and client, Greg Mahler, to help coach us on how to enjoy ourselves over the holidays without overdoing it.
What you'll hear:
Navigating holiday nutritional challenges (2:31) Planning for holiday gatherings and not sacrificing relationships for food (7:47) Incorporating more lenient macronutrient goals, allowing for occasional deviations for flavor and enjoyment (13:59) Avoiding disordered eating during the holidays (18:00) Why it's not wise to make extreme New Year's resolutions (26:27) Our experiences with family during a ketogenic Thanksgiving meal (29:07)If you loved this episode and our podcast, please take some time to rate and review us on Apple Podcasts, or drop us a comment below!
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Due to my busy travel and competition schedule, I haven't been able to schedule podcast interviews like usual. As a result, I've been documenting my experiences during this competition season, and for this episode, I'll discuss how I maintain a positive pre-show mindset.
What you'll hear:
The psychology of preparing for a big endeavor and how it affects dopamine (1:34) How I'm feeling as I'm about to step onto the largest stage I've ever been on (2:44) The importance of mental preparation in bodybuilding (3:52) Winning a major competition in 2012 and the period of depression and disordered eating that followed (4:46) How I've made this prep season more sustainable to avoid the downfall postseason (7:39) Post-competition meal-planning and mental well-being (10:11) My nutrition plan post-competition and macronutrient targets (14:12) The importance of having a plan and support to cope with the stress after the competition season is over (18:03) My plan to relax, enjoy the moment, and be present with my supporters (22:24)If you loved this episode and our podcast, please take some time to rate and review us on Apple Podcasts, or drop us a comment below!
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If you've listened to me for a while, you know how much I value good, quality sleep, but the fact remains that I lack in the slumber department. For this episode, I'm solo again and I discuss the importance of quality sleep and announce the details for our next giveaway.
What you'll hear:
Sleep quality vs. sleep quantity (2:33) Sleep optimization techniques for better rest and performance (4;00) Devices I use to track sleep (6:59) Reasons for sleeping in a separate bed during the prep season (7:35) Details about the Eight Sleep Pod Cover (10:03) How to win you own Eight Sleep Pod Cover (15:16)How to win:
Every $10 you spend throughout the month of November at www.ketobrick.com will get you entered to win the cover!If you loved this episode and our podcast, please take some time to rate and review us on Apple Podcasts, or drop us a comment below!
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I'm short on time, short on sleep, and short on podcast episodes, so I welcomed my good friend and client, Greg Mahler, on the show to recap my competition at the Monster Mash.
What you'll hear:
My performance at the show and improved vascularity and symmetry (2:32) Lessons I learned during this last show, including being more personable on stage during posing (7:57) Training and nutrition strategies for my upcoming competition (10:23) Greg's experience working with me and the importance of reverse dieting after a prep (18:06) Not comparing oneself to others on social media (20:14) The growth plan for Keto Brick (23:49) Working with a coach during a competition prep (26:48) Post-competition celebration meals and meal prep (28:00) The importance of keeping your recovery meal on-plan and not being too lenient (32:56)If you loved this episode and our podcast, please take some time to rate and review us on Apple Podcasts, or drop us a comment below!
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If you've followed me for a while, you know that disordered eating is an issue that I have struggled with and an issue that I have also helped multiple clients work through. For this episode, I welcome Dr. David Wiss, an expert on nutrition and healthy food relationships. It was a pleasure speaking with him and I'm thrilled to share our conversation with you.
What you'll hear:
What got Dr. Wiss into the nutrition field (1:50) The link between gut health, nutrition, and addiction (2:49) Food addiction, nutrition, and mental health (5:30) Food addiction as a neurobiological disorder (9:25) Body positivity, stigma, and recovery (14:29) Behavior change and sustainability in mental health counseling (20:10) The spectrum of clients he's seeing in regards to disordered eating (25:22) Treatment for eating disorders and rebuilding nutrition and the relationship with food (27:34) Complexity of food choices (34:34) Gender differences and eating disorders (38:52) The need for more individualized care when it comes to eating disorders (45:51) The importance of reflection and personal growth when healing from disordered eating (54:06)Where to find out more about Dr. David Wiss and his work:
Wise Mind Nutrition Nutrition in Recovery InstagramIf you loved this episode and our podcast, please take some time to rate and review us on Apple Podcasts, or drop us a comment below!
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Being a professional athlete may be a dream come true for a lot of people, and it certainly was for Chris Manderino. He was a fullback in the NFL for a few years before transitioning to the position of CEO of his own company. He shares his story and experiences with us for this episode, and it was a pleasure chatting with him–I'm excited to share our conversation with you.
What you'll hear:
Chris's experience in the NFL and transitioning to being a business owner (1:01) Performance-enhancing drugs and painkillers (6:57) Entrepreneurship, nutrition, and health (12:29) The motivation behind starting Lyfe Fuel (14:40) Product options and ingredients (18:00) Why he chose the plant-based route (21:12) The importance of food source (26:36) Phytochemicals and controversy (29:07) What sets Lyfe Fuel apart (35:09) Nutrient absorption (42:25) Business and marketing wins (47:48) Direct-to-consumer sales (54:00) What he's excited about (58:21) Progress over perfection (1:00:38)Where to find out more about Chris and Lyfe Fuel:
LYFE FuelIf you loved this episode and our podcast, please take some time to rate and review us on Apple Podcasts, or drop us a comment below!
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Do you have questions about hormone health or hormone replacement therapy? For this episode, I welcome back Christian Unger, who is well-versed in hormone health, specifically sex hormones and muscle tissue. He is a PhD candidate and has a wealth of information on his subject. This was a very informative episode and I know you'll take something from it.
What we discussed:
His excitement over becoming a father (2:04) Preparing for fatherhood and his wife's pregnancy (5:10) Powerlifting (6:54) His dissertation topic (9:33) Exercise and nutrition with a focus on metabolism (10:09) Explosive training for fitness and aging (13:30) Muscle strength, hormone levels, and diet (19:35) How leanness affects testosterone levels (23:07) Hormone levels and the importance of reverse dieting after a competition prep (25:42) Exogenous hormone therapy vs. lifestyle changes (29:03) The downfalls of hormone replacement therapy and how to combat them (32:16) The importance of prioritizing sleep (40:38) Sleep hacks (42:31) Data that he's seen with sex hormones in muscle tissue (44:54) Supplementation (52:47) Importance of expanding the knowledge on hormone replacement therapy (53:57) The dangers of "majoring in the minors" (57:08) What he's excited about going forward (1:00:52)Where to learn more from Christian:
InstagramIf you loved this episode and our podcast, please take some time to rate and review us on Apple Podcasts, or drop us a comment below!
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Are you interested in more naturally-based skin care products? Matthew Stillman is the CEO of Primal Derma and he challenges us to get back to connection to the earth and our ancestors, and that includes our skincare. Their products are amazing and I'm excited to share them, and Mathew, with you.
What we discussed:
The backstory of Primal Derma and tallow-based skin care products (1:57) Nourishing skin from the inside out (9:54) How their skin care can help with calluses and rough hands from lifting weights (11:59) The ingredients and scent of Primal Derma (14:20) The products they offer (16:51) How the process looks for creating Primal Derma (18:27) Regulations for skin care products (19:50) Making an impact with small changes (20:45) Growing up in New York City (24:10) Sourcing his materials (27:21) Competition in his industry of naturally-minded skin care (28:58) The cost of producing plant-based products, including environmental impacts (30:01) Business wins and losses and what he's excited about going forward (34:43)Where to learn more about Primal Derma and purchase products:
Primal DermaIf you loved this episode and our podcast, please take some time to rate and review us on Apple Podcasts, or drop us a comment below!
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Thanks for tuning in to part two of my series on competition wins and losses, and lessons I've learned. It has been a memorable competition season thus far and I'm so grateful for your support.
What you'll hear in this episode:
The pros and cons of all the travel involved with these competitions (1:18) Polygraph anxiety prior to competitions (6:05) Feedback from judges about posing (9:16) Hormone level issues and a drop in testosterone and libido (13:18) Positive relationship with food holding steady, but hunger is increasing due to low body fat and consumption (17:42) Feeling depleted working outdoors at home (20:01) High travel expenses (22:08) Being spread thin with this busy schedule and obligations (24:05) Looking forward to reallocating energy and time to other aspects of life once the competitions are over (25:38)If you loved this episode and our podcast, please take some time to rate and review us on Apple Podcasts, or drop us a comment below!
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I'm straying from the traditional interview format for this episode, as we're traveling back from a competition and short on episodes. Today, you'll learn about my wins and what I've learned throughout this competition cycle.
What you'll hear:
The three competitions I've done thus far (0:54) Switching gears at my first competition and winning the best poser category (2:25) Winning my class in the second competition (3:39) My win in Washington (5:06) Meal prep and travel (7:55) Peak week nutrition strategies (13:09) Successfully maintaining a positive attitude (19:09) The preservation of strength and power despite my weight loss (24:43) Judges' feedback (28:30) Maintaining my positive relationship with food (32:45) Feeling excited and not miserable for the remaining two competitions (37:20) Having fun and enjoying the entire process (38:09)If you loved this episode and our podcast, please take some time to rate and review us on Apple Podcasts, or drop us a comment below!
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Do you or someone you know suffer from PTSD? Dr. Eugene Lipov and Jamie Mustard co-authored the book The Invisible Machine and together they are working to change our understanding of trauma & post-traumatic stress and why it matters to society. This is a very worthwhile conversation to listen to and it may help you or someone you know who may be struggling.
What we discussed:
The catalyst for their groundbreaking research on improving PTSD treatment with sympathetic nervous system blocks (2:31) PTSD treatment and nervous system repair (4:58) Trauma and its effects on the body (8:09) The impact of modern living on mental health (15:17) The impact of social media on mental health and the body's response to chronic stress (21:32) Changing the name of PTSD to PTSI (post-traumatic stress injury) and the reasons for that change (26:01) Trauma therapy and the effectiveness of VSR for treating various types of trauma (34:45) Injections for autonomic nervous system regulation (37:59) The use of technology to improve mental health (44:09) Pain management and the sympathetic nervous system (50:17) The challenges PTSD researchers face (53:21) How the book has helped to change the lives of trauma victims (59:09)Where to learn more:
The Invisible MachineIf you loved this episode and our podcast, please take some time to rate and review us on Apple Podcasts, or drop us a comment below!
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There is a global population decline that could have profound implications for our generation as well as generations to come. Kevin Dolan is one of the founders of the Natal Conference and has a wealth of information on this subject. This is definitely a different episode for the podcast, but it was a fascinating conversation and I know you'll learn a lot.
What we discussed:
Causes of the population decline (2:36) Population decline and its impact on the global economy (7:14) When the population decline began and the factors that caused it (8:04) The rate of population decline in the United States (10:37) The forecasted population and the driving factors for the decline (11:57) Where the population decrease is the most significant (17:33) Causes of infertility and the decrease in sperm counts in males across the world (22:25) Marriage, divorce, and population decline (24:40) The impact of population decline on real estate and investments (29:00) The solution to this paramount problem (34:01) Parenting, cultural beliefs, and demographics (41:49) Addressing population decline through innovation and education (48:41) Spreading the word through the Natal Conference and in local communities (53:34)Where to learn more about Kevin and the conference:
Natal ConferenceIf you loved this episode and our podcast, please take some time to rate and review us on Apple Podcasts, or drop us a comment below!
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For this episode, I welcomed friend and client, Nate Joy, to discuss his experience with his cut that began in January. Nate has incredibly positive energy and it was a joy to work with him as a client. If you're thinking of starting a cut yourself, you'll definitely find this episode inspirational.
What we discussed:
Nate's backstory and why he decided to begin his bodybuilding endeavor (2:04) The importance of nutrition in bodybuilding (7:39) Working with a coach for weight loss and fitness goals (8:42) Managing knee issues (10:44) Keeping it simple and his weight loss and training progression (15:05) The power of mindset in achieving fitness goals (21:22) Reverse dieting and goal setting in bodybuilding (28:26) The importance of taking a break between competition preps (38:30) Nutrition's impact on health and fitness (40:41) The importance of tracking intake and remaining consistent and disciplined (46:06) Nate's experience working with a personal trainer and his desire to help others achieve their goals (52:41)Where to learn more about Nate's journey:
InstagramIf you loved this episode and our podcast, please take some time to rate and review us on Apple Podcasts, or drop us a comment below!
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Are you looking for ways to improve your sleep? Or do you perhaps struggle with addiction?
James Swanwick is an Australian-American entrepreneur who helps casual drinkers reduce or quit alcohol. A sleep evangelist, James is the co-founder (with his brother Tristan Swanwick) of the popular health brand Swanwick Sleep, which produces blue light-blocking glasses to improve well-being and sleep quality. (https://alcoholfreelifestyle.com/about) I thoroughly enjoyed this conversation and where it took us, and I hope you'll also take something from it.
What we discussed:
James' background and why he became interested in sleep optimization (2:04) Blue light blocking glasses and the science behind them (3:51) Benefits of blue light exposure in the morning and avoiding alcohol in the evening (10:30) Avoiding caffeine the hours before going to bed at night (12:07) How alcohol hinders sleep quality (14:26) Why James stopped drinking (18:25) My 365-day sober challenge (21:57) Living life the way nature intended (24:20) Why people become addicted to substances (26:47) Childhood stories that helped shape who he is (29:55) Being self-aware and finding fulfillment (33:57) Journaling and mindset work (35:02) Business ownership as a personal development program (37:48) His clientele (40:00) The benefits of daily gratitude journaling (43:21) Addiction recovery and human psychology (50:48)Where to find James:
Instagram Alcohol Free LifestyleIf you loved this episode and our podcast, please take some time to rate and review us on Apple Podcasts, or drop us a comment below!
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As the temperature starts to drop and we relaunch the ever-popular Buttered Maple Pecan Keto Brick, we thought it would be a fabulous idea to give away an infrared sauna to heat things up!
Details:
Relaunching the seasonal favorite buttered maple pecan flavor (1:31) The infrared sauna and its benefits (2:27) All the bells and whistles of the two-person sauna we're giving away (3:06) How to enter to win (4:21)Spend at least $10 or more at www.ketobrick.com during the month of October and you'll be entered to win this amazing giveaway!
If you loved this episode and our podcast, please take some time to rate and review us on Apple Podcasts, or drop us a comment below!
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Do you love bacon? If you're interested in where your pork is sourced, this is the episode for you. Pork Rhyne is "The Pork Evangelist," an international livestock educator and farm marketing coach. He has been featured in Homesteaders of America, ABC's Localish, and PBS's Resilient Agriculture. Pork Rhyne has trained over 5,000 full-time farmers and homesteaders in scaling profitable farm enterprises by helping them overcome their fears of pricing and marketing their story. He is passionate about developing farmers as servant leaders on their farm, in their home, and within their community. (https://www.porkrhyne.com/) I learned a ton from this conversation and I hope you will as well.
What we discussed:
His background and what got him into raising pigs (2:49) Pig intelligence, farming, and pet ownership (4:18) The nutritional components of pigs and feeding protocol and formulation (10:41) How feed ingredients impact pork quality (16:40) The land requirements and nutritional needs to raise pigs for food (19:53) Raising pigs for land management and clearing invasive plant species (24:34) Pig breeds and their growth rate (33:34) The water and shade needed for raising pigs and how to handle wild boars (38:19) Preventing disease (44:44) Cooking and preparing the whole pig (47:20) Lard (54:12) Farming, homesteading, and business growth (59:14)Where to learn more from Pork Rhyne:
YouTube Website InstagramIf you loved this episode and our podcast, please take some time to rate and review us on Apple Podcasts, or drop us a comment below!
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Did you know that dogs and cats thrive with a lower carbohydrate diet? Daniel Schulof, founder of KetoNatural, spent four years researching the link between common pet ailments and carbohydrate consumption. Realizing that carbohydrate-conscious pet owners didn't have many options in the way of low-carb pet food, Daniel founded KetoNatural, and Ketona dog food was born. If you're concerned about your furry friend's health, this episode is definitely for you.
What you'll learn:
Pet nutrition and obesity prevention (1:11) The evolutionary history of a dog's dietary needs and the lack of information for pet owners (4:45) Wolf and dog evolution, behavior, and diet (9:57) The differences between cats and dogs and the importance of meat in their diets (14:24) The impact of nutrition on dog and cat waste (17:01) Similarities between human and dog digestive tracts (23:21) Daniel's personal motivation for researching better pet food options (24:36) Misleading pet food marketing tactics (28:20) Pet food regulations and carbohydrate content confusion (31:08) The challenges of starting and promoting a pet food company (36:12) The nutritional profile of a ketone-based pet food product (43:54) Ketogenic pet food and the market gap (49:12) What the research shows about high carbohydrate consumption and pet obesity (54:58) The grief of losing a pet (1:01:00)Where to learn more about Daniel and purchase KetoNatural products:
KetoNatural Pet FoodsIf you loved this episode and our podcast, please take some time to rate and review us on Apple Podcasts, or drop us a comment below!
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Are you confused about exogenous ketones and their benefits? On this episode, I welcomed the co-founders of Tecton Life, Mike Chesne and Udaiyan Jatar, to give us a breakdown of their products and the science behind exogenous ketones. If you've ever considered trying exogenous ketones, then this is the episode for you.
What we discussed:
Exogenous ketones and their market history (1:20) The differences between a ketone salt and a ketone ester (4:17) Gastrointestinal distress from ketone salts (9:50) Options within the ketone salt realm (13:23) Ketone supplements and their effects on the body (17:06) Exogenous ketones and brain health (22:15) The science behind exogenous ketones and their weight loss benefits (28:16) Ketones as a source of fuel and their effect on metabolic health (35:30) Improved sleep and digestion (40:59) How athletes can benefit from exogenous ketones (45:48) The dual fuel phenomenon (48:26)Where to learn more about Tecton Life and to purchase:
Tecton Life (use code KS2023 for a discount)If you loved this episode and our podcast, please take some time to rate and review us on Apple Podcasts, or drop us a comment below!
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