The Brad Jensen Show

On this week's episode, Craig and I kick things off with a solid twenty minutes of pure holiday chaos and friendly rambling while we try to settle one of the most important debates of our generation. We attempt to figure out what the best Christmas movie of all time actually is. We share some nostalgia, some questionable takes, and way too many opinions for two grown men. From there, I shift gears and play a viral clip from an influencer on Instagram that got both of us thinking. We dive into the whole idea of "pretty privilege," how it shows up in real life, and what having actual standards looks like today. We also start talking about the "skinny tok" wave that's popping up on Instagram. I break down why these extreme aesthetic trends always seem to come in cycles, why they can be dangerous when you make your looks your entire identity, and how easy it is to get wrapped up in something that's only one small part of the overall truth. At the end of the day, that's the whole theme of this episode. Something can be true, but that doesn't mean it's the whole truth. And when any one thing becomes your whole personality — whether it's fitness, looks, validation, or even self-improvement — it usually becomes the thing that breaks you instead of builds you. It's a mix of humor, honesty, and real talk. Next Level Links Nutrition Coaching Free Consultations - Schedule Here Nutrition Coaching - www.becomenextlevel.com Try Thrive Lab Free For One Month - Start Here Order Supplements From Transform Order from Cured Supplement Order from Legion Supplements and get 20% off your first order by using discount code: keynutrition Free Guides: Eating Out Guide - Get The Guide High-Protein Fast Food Orders - Get the Guide Macro Food Options Guide - Get The Guide Join Us On Patreon - Join Here Submit your questions to be featured on our Q&A episodes. Connect with us on Instagram Host Brad Jensen – @thesoberbodybuilder Co-Host Craig Smith - @greatestdaymindset Next Level Nutrition – @mynextlevelnutrition

Chris Martin, a personal trainer and the founder of CMartyFit, is known for his blunt approach to fitness. In this engaging conversation, he discusses the importance of honesty in coaching and why trainers should embody the lifestyle they promote. Chris critiques the fitness industry, debunking fad diets and advocating for sustainable habits over quick fixes. He also tackles the complexities of cultural narratives surrounding dieting and discusses how socioeconomic factors influence healthy eating. Expect straight talk and real insights that challenge the status quo.

In this solo episode I unpack one of the most misunderstood topics in all of fat loss. Starvation mode. Or better stated. The myth of starvation mode. I break down what most people actually mean when they say they are "in starvation mode" and why the vast majority simply are not in a consistent calorie deficit. I also get into why honesty in tracking and daily habits matters way more than blaming your metabolism. But I also address the very small subset of people who really do experience something real. What I call conservation mode. I explain exactly what is happening in the body when you diet aggressively for long periods of time. How metabolic adaptation works. How stress, low calories, and low energy intake can down regulate output without you noticing. And why this can create the illusion that fat loss has stalled. I walk through the key signs of conservation mode and how to course correct. More movement. Better recovery. Smarter refeeds. Tightening up tracking. Giving your metabolism and stress system some breathing room so the body feels safe to let go of fat again. This episode will help you understand the truth behind starvation mode, the difference between excuses and physiology, and how to get fat loss moving again if you are truly stuck. Tune in. Take notes. And take ownership of your results. Next Level Nutrition Coaching Black Friday Special - Get The Deal Here Try Thrive Lab Free For One Month - Start Here Next Level Links Nutrition Coaching Free Consultations - Schedule Here Nutrition Coaching - www.becomenextlevel.com Free Guides: Eating Out Guide - Get The Guide High-Protein Fast Food Orders - Get the Guide Macro Food Options Guide - Get The Guide Join Us On Patreon - Join Here Submit your questions to be featured on our Q&A episodes. Order Supplements From Transform Order from Cured Supplement Order from Legion Supplements and get 20% off your first order by using discount code: keynutrition Connect with us on Instagram Host Brad Jensen – @thesoberbodybuilder Next Level Nutrition – @mynextlevelnutrition

Craig Smith, a licensed clinical therapist specializing in pornography and sex-related addictions, brings vital insights to the discussion. They explore the hidden dangers of pornography, emphasizing its impact on mental health, intimacy, and self-worth. Craig explains the neurobiological hooks that contribute to addiction, while Brad shares a personal experience that shaped his views on the industry. They highlight the urgency of addressing root causes, the addictive cycle, and the importance of honesty and support for recovery.

This was one of those solo episodes where I just hit record and let it rip. A little humor. A little education. A little ranting. A little real life. I kicked things off talking about how insanely hard it actually is to accidentally get too jacked in the gym. The amount of people who are terrified of getting bulky from a few weeks of lifting still blows my mind. If only it were that easy. If anything, it was your reminder that building real muscle takes intention, consistency, and way more effort than most people think. I also shared a funny story from my trip to Scottsdale and the conversation I had on the plane with a gentleman who clearly needed Nutrition 101. It was a great reminder that we forget how confusing this whole world of macros, calories, and food choices still is for the average person. Sometimes we have to slow down and keep things simple. There are still a lot of people out there just trying to figure out the basics. And of course, I touched on tipping culture and how wild it has gotten. When the screen flips around asking for a twenty five percent tip and the person literally did nothing but hand you a bottle of water. It drives me crazy and I had some thoughts to get off my chest. Overall it was a hog posh of topics. Me talking some shit. Having some laughs. Hopefully giving you a little infotainment along the way. Tune in for a lighthearted episode with a few reminders that matter. Next Level Links Nutrition Coaching Free Consultations - Schedule Here Nutrition Coaching - www.becomenextlevel.com Free Guides: Eating Out Guide - Get The Guide High-Protein Fast Food Orders - Get the Guide Macro Food Options Guide - Get The Guide Join Us On Patreon - Join Here Submit your questions to be featured on our Q&A episodes. Order Supplements From Transform Order from Cured Supplement Order from Legion Supplements and get 20% off your first order by using discount code: keynutrition Connect with us on Instagram Host Brad Jensen – @thesoberbodybuilder Next Level Nutrition – @mynextlevelnutrition

Cass Zimmerman, a fitness and nutrition coach, joins the conversation to discuss her personal weight loss journey and sustainable habits. They hilariously rant about gym fashion trends while critically examining the healthcare system. The duo shares insights on finding a middle ground between Western medicine and holistic approaches, including the importance of self-advocacy. A lively debate on health messaging and basic public health strategies highlights practical steps for improving wellness. Expect laughter, honesty, and real talk about health!

In this insightful discussion, Craig Smith, a coach with a therapy-informed perspective, explores the darker aspects of fitness influencer culture. He delves into orthorexia, the obsession with eating clean, and how it stems from anxiety around food. The conversation highlights the harmful influence of social media algorithms that reward extreme behavior, like constant body updates and extremist discipline. Craig offers practical red flags to watch for in yourself and urges a transformation from self-punishment to self-respect, reinforcing that fitness should enhance life, not overpower it.

In this inaugural podcast, the host dives into his rebranding journey, emphasizing authentic and unfiltered conversations. He reflects on personal growth and the significance of accountability, urging listeners to own their mistakes and avoid victimization. The discussion touches on the impact of influencer culture on body image and addresses misleading health information. Expect a blend of personal anecdotes, communication tips, and a focus on tangible habit changes. This is just the beginning of a more engaging and real dialogue about life and growth.

In this episode, Craig and I dive into our monthly listener Q&A — covering a mix of mindset, fitness, and lifestyle topics that hit close to home for a lot of people. We covered everything from testosterone therapy and self-limiting beliefs to training styles, getting back in shape after falling off, and whether cold plunges are actually worth the hype. Some of the questions we tackled include: Testosterone only went up 10 points after 9 months on TRT — does that seem off? What are our own personal self-limiting beliefs and how have we learned to work through them? Which is more optimal: circuit-style training or traditional hypertrophy work? If you were in great shape years ago but have since fallen off, what's the very first step to take to get back on track? Our honest take on cold plunging — effective or overrated? This episode is a blend of science, experience, and real talk — no fluff. Whether you're curious about optimizing your health or just looking for a little direction, this one's packed with insight. Listen now to hear our raw, unfiltered answers and practical takeaways to apply in your own life. Next Level Experience - Schedule Your Discovery Call Here Next Level Links Nutrition Coaching - www.becomenextlevel.com Nutrition Coaching Free Consultations - Schedule Here Free Guides: Eating Out Guide - Get The Guide High-Protein Fast Food Orders - Get the Guide Macro Food Options Guide - Get The Guide Join Us On Patreon - Join Here Submit your questions to be featured on our Q&A episodes. Order Supplements From Transform Order from Cured Supplement Order from Legion Supplements and get 20% off your first order by using discount code: keynutrition Connect with us on Instagram Host Brad Jensen – @thesoberbodybuilder Next Level Nutrition – @mynextlevelnutrition

In this bonus solo episode, I take you behind the curtain of The Next Level Experience — my 4-month transformational program designed to help you level up your mind, body, and spirit. I've had countless people ask, "What's actually included inside the program?" This episode is my full walk-through — a detailed, step-by-step breakdown of each level, what we cover, and why it matters. From emotional regulation and mindset shifts to nutrition, structure, and spiritual growth — I explain exactly how each level builds on the last to create lasting change. This isn't just another fitness or mindset program; it's a full framework for transforming how you show up in every area of your life. If you've ever been curious about what makes The Next Level Experience so different — or why past clients call it life-changing — this episode will give you the full picture. What You'll Learn: The purpose behind each level of The Next Level Experience How we help you master emotional regulation and mindset rewiring The importance of synergy between your physical, mental, and spiritual growth Why this program goes far beyond macros, workouts, or motivation What kind of transformations past participants have achieved Whether you've been watching from the sidelines or wondering if this is the right time to go "all in" on yourself, this episode will give you the clarity you need to take that next step. If you're ready to finally get unstuck and live a truly Next Level life, click the link below to book your free discovery call today. Schedule Your Discovery Call - Schedule Here Next Level Links Nutrition Coaching - www.becomenextlevel.com Nutrition Coaching Free Consultations - Schedule Here Free Guides: Eating Out Guide - Get The Guide High-Protein Fast Food Orders - Get the Guide Macro Food Options Guide - Get The Guide Join Us On Patreon - Join Here Submit your questions to be featured on our Q&A episodes. Order Supplements From Transform Order from Cured Supplement Order from Legion Supplements and get 20% off your first order by using discount code: keynutrition Connect with us on Instagram Host Brad Jensen – @thesoberbodybuilder Next Level Nutrition – @mynextlevelnutrition