The Next Level Health & Fitness Podcast (Formerly The Key Nutrition Podcast)

In this episode, Craig and I dive into an important distinction when it comes to mental health: Are you truly protecting your well-being, or are you using “mental health” as an excuse to avoid discomfort? We discuss a recent post from a well-known therapist on Instagram that challenges the common narrative around mental health days. While it’s crucial to take care of yourself, there’s a fine line between honoring your needs and simply taking the easy way out. We break down how to use discernment when deciding whether to push through a challenge or step back for self-care. What We Cover in This Episode: The difference between protecting your mental health vs. avoiding difficult situations How to recognize when “taking a break” is really just self-sabotage Why discomfort is often a necessary part of growth Craig’s perspective as a therapist and how he helps clients navigate this balance Practical strategies to check in with yourself and make the right call This is a conversation we all need—because personal growth isn’t just about knowing when to rest, but also knowing when to rise. Tune in, share with a friend, and let us know your thoughts!   Interested in working with a coach? Get a free nutrition consultation - Schedule Here   Join Us On Patreon - Join Here   Submit your questions to be featured on our Q&A episodes.   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 Co-Host Craig Smith - @greatestdaymindset Next Level Nutrition – @mynextlevelnutrition   Episode Timestamps 00:00 Mental Health as a Convenient Excuse 06:23 Fitness Influencer's Mental Health Impact 07:02 "Social Media Trigger Warnings?" 10:57 "Struggling with Genuine Self-Reflection" 15:53 Balancing Mental Health and Toughness 16:23 Balancing Mental Health and Responsibilities 22:23 "Embrace Connection for Mental Health" 25:49 Hormones and Emotional Perception 26:15 "Rejuvenate with a Mental Health Day"

In this episode of The Next Level Health & Fitness Podcast (formerly The Key Nutrition Podcast), I’m answering more of your burning questions! We’re diving into a wide range of topics, including: The benefits of red light therapy – is it worth the hype? The best sleep supplements and my personal recommendations for better rest What to do when your weight loss stalls – should you lower your calorie deficit? Tips for waking up early and becoming a morning person And much more! I also share an exciting opportunity for dads looking to level up their health and fitness. I’m running a case study for The Next Level Dad Project—a small group coaching experience designed to help busy dads take control of their fitness, nutrition, and mindset while building a strong community of like-minded men. If you’re a dad who’s ready to stop putting yourself on the back burner and start making real progress, this is for you!   Schedule a Free Consultation for The Next Level Dad Project case study: Schedule Here   Interested in working with a coach? Get a free nutrition consultation - Schedule Here   Join Us On Patreon - Join Here   Submit your questions to be featured on our Q&A episodes.   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 Co-Host Craig Smith - @greatestdaymindset Next Level Nutrition – @mynextlevelnutrition   Episode Timestamps 00:00 Rapid Fire Podcast Q&A Session 04:16 Calories and Macros: The Connection 09:23 Balancing Muscle Gain and Body Fat 11:00 Promoting Sleep-Enhancing Products 14:28 Red Light Therapy Benefits 17:43 "Finding Support in AA for Alcohol Issues" 22:15 Friendships Evolve with Shared Interests 22:59 "Determining True Friends and Health Choices" 26:45 Gratitude After 700 Episodes

In this episode, we’re diving into a Q&A session, tackling some of your most asked questions about health, fitness, and mindset. We cover everything from how to navigate weekend eating without undoing your progress to our favorite exercises and whether weighted vests are actually worth it. Plus, we talk about working out while sick, staying consistent, and a whole lot more. This episode is packed with practical tips, personal insights, and some fun tangents along the way. Tune in and get ready to level up! Topics Covered: How to approach weekend eating without derailing progress Our favorite exercises (and why they made the cut) Should you work out when you’re sick? The benefits (and potential downsides) of weighted vests And much, much more!   Interested in working with a coach? Get a free nutrition consultation - Schedule Here   Join Us On Patreon - Join Here   Submit your questions to be featured on our Q&A episodes.   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 Co-Host Craig Smith - @greatestdaymindset Next Level Nutrition – @mynextlevelnutrition   Episode Timestamps 00:00 Podcast Sound Challenges and Improvements 06:34 Managing Exercise When Sick 09:08 Exercise-Induced Coughing Struggles 12:52 Current Favorite Exercise Realization 13:51 Embrace Help for Growth 16:54 "Embracing Presence in Life" 22:30 Viral Success Through Walking Transformation 24:39 "Self-Inventory: Five Life Pillars" 28:04 "Composed Communication Approach" 29:40 "Forgiveness Limits and Boundaries" 35:05 Cardio's Impact on Hunger and Fat Loss 37:24 Consistent Calorie Deficit Benefits 42:06 Processing Emotions Beyond Hate 43:27 Optimal Workout Cadence 48:10 Tactical Meal Planning Mindset 49:47 Breaking Unhealthy Snacking Habits 52:31 Subscribe & Share With Friends

In this episode of The Next Level, I sit down with Dr. Erika Schwartz to dive deep into bioidentical hormone replacement therapy (BHRT)—what it is, why it matters, and why so many general physicians are hesitant to address hormone imbalances. Dr. Schwartz is the founder of Evolved Science, a world-renowned medical practice in New York City, built on the principle that balancing hormones is the foundation for better health. From there, her practice focuses on optimization, longevity, disease prevention, and patient advocacy to help people live their best lives. We break down some of the biggest misconceptions about hormone therapy, why traditional medicine tends to resist it, and what you need to know if you’re considering BHRT for yourself. Dr. Schwartz also shares her insights on the negative effects of alcohol, including its well-documented links to cancer risk and overall health decline. This is a must-listen if you’ve ever felt dismissed by a doctor when asking about your hormones or if you’re curious about how to optimize your health through a proactive, science-based approach. Episode Highlights: Why general physicians are reluctant to address hormone imbalances The truth about bioidentical hormone replacement therapy and its misconceptions How balanced hormones lay the foundation for better health and longevity The negative effects of alcohol on hormones and cancer risk How Dr. Schwartz helps patients take control of their health through prevention and optimization   Connect with Dr. Erika Schwartz: Website: eshealth.com Instagram: @drerikaschwartz   Interested in working with a coach? Get a free nutrition consultation - Schedule Here   Join Us On Patreon - Join Here   Submit your questions to be featured on our Q&A episodes.   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 Guest Dr. Erika Schwartz - @drerikaschwartz Next Level Nutrition – @mynextlevelnutrition   Episode Timestamps 00:00 From Trauma Center to Medicine Skeptic 05:33 Patient-Inspired Prescription Discovery 11:56 Testosterone, Prostate Cancer, Unproven Myths 20:37 "Advocating Beyond Blind Trust" 24:06 Demand Honest Medical Advice 26:39 Rethinking Testosterone and Blood Tests 35:35 "CDC and Big Pharma Dynamics" 38:21 Patient Reactions to Nasal Peptides 45:38 Alcohol Abstinence Boosts Health 49:58 Questioning Drinking Culture Norms 54:41 Weed, Alcohol, and Low Testosterone 59:20 AI in Medicine and COVID Mystery

Let’s be real—most people don’t fail because they aren’t capable. They fail because they quit. And why do they quit? Because things get hard. In this episode, I bring you a fire message on why you have to stop giving up when obstacles arise. Whether it’s your fitness goals, personal growth, or career aspirations, the biggest difference between success and failure is your ability to keep going when it’s uncomfortable. I break down: Why quitting has become your default reaction (and how to shift that). The truth about challenges—they aren’t signs to stop; they’re signs you’re on the right path. Tactical solutions to push through when motivation fades and resistance kicks in. How to rewire your mindset so that discipline and resilience become your new normal. If you’re tired of starting over, tired of making excuses, and tired of letting yourself down—this episode is for you. It’s time to commit, push through, and level up. Subscribe & Review: If this episode fired you up, let me know! Leave a review and share it with someone who needs to hear it.   Interested in working with a coach? Get a free nutrition consultation - Schedule Here     Join Us On Patreon - Join Here   Submit your questions to be featured on our Q&A episodes.   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   Episode Timestamps 00:00 Bonus Patreon Episode Released 05:04 Exclusive Business and Dads Coaching 08:35 Unsustainable Goals Lead to Failure 12:11 Persistence and Discernment in Challenges 13:17 "Remember Your Why" 19:41 Journey: Heaven Feels Like Hell 20:37 Pursue Big Goals Relentlessly

In this episode of The Next Level Podcast, I sit down with Dr. Joey Munoz (@dr.joeymunoz) for a no-BS conversation about one of the biggest problems in the health and fitness space—misinformation. We dive into: The villainization of certain foods and single ingredients—why so many people fear specific foods without understanding the full picture. How research studies actually work and why most people misinterpret them (spoiler: just because you read a study headline doesn’t mean you know the science). Why most diets fail—hint: it has a lot to do with extreme, polarizing opinions in the nutrition space. Practical, evidence-based guidelines to help you succeed without falling into the latest diet trend rabbit hole. The importance of nuance in fitness and nutrition—because nothing is ever black and white. Dr. Joey is an expert in nutrition, metabolism, and evidence-based fitness. His approach cuts through the noise and helps people focus on what truly matters for long-term success. This episode is packed with insights to help you develop a sustainable, balanced approach to nutrition—without getting caught up in misinformation.   Brad's Fit Dad Case Study - Schedule Here   Interested in working with a coach? Get a free nutrition consultation - Schedule Here     Join Us On Patreon - Join Here   Submit your questions to be featured on our Q&A episodes.   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 Guest Dr. Joseph Munoz - @dr.joeymunoz Next Level Nutrition – @mynextlevelnutrition   Episode Timestamps 00:00 Finding Passion in Nutrition Studies 04:14 PhD Insights: Embracing Uncertainty 06:32 Avoid Reading Studies: It's Complex 10:37 Processed Foods: Moderation and Nuance 13:53 Nutrition Missteps and Coaching Clarity 17:35 The Myth of Quick Fixes 19:49 "Orthorexia and Lifestyle Extremes" 24:46 Bread Myths and Weight Misconceptions 27:39 Excess Fat's Impact on Health 30:26 "Diet Quality vs. Health Impact" 33:31 Protein Intake Recommendations in Deficit 38:34 Understanding Metabolic Adaptation 41:14 Weight Loss Lowers Energy Expenditure 42:50 Sustainable Step Tracking for Weight Loss 46:05 Mindless Snacking and Physical Activity 50:38 Quality of Life vs. Weight Loss 53:29 Prescription Profit Concerns 57:34 "Sustainable Health & Fitness Guide"

In this episode of The Next Level Health & Fitness Podcast (formerly The Key Nutrition Podcast), Craig and I dive into the growing conversation around ADHD diagnosis. Craig, a licensed clinical therapist, has worked with countless individuals diagnosed with ADD/ADHD, and through his experience, he’s discovered that not everyone who receives this diagnosis truly has it. Before jumping to labels and medication, he believes in first addressing key health and wellness factors that can play a massive role in focus, attention, and overall mental health.   We also break down a powerful mental health supplement stack that can help support cognitive function, mood, and focus—things that everyone, diagnosed or not, can benefit from. If you’ve ever wondered whether you (or someone you know) really have ADHD or if other lifestyle and nutrition factors are at play, this is an episode you won’t want to miss.   At the end of the episode, I also share an exciting new case study I’m running with a group of dads looking to get in great shape while balancing the challenges of fatherhood, partnership, and life. If you’re a dad who wants to level up physically without sacrificing the things that matter most, stay tuned!   Brad's Fit Dad Case Study - Schedule Here   Interested in working with a coach? Get a free nutrition consultation - Schedule Here     Join Us On Patreon - Join Here   Submit your questions to be featured on our Q&A episodes.   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 Co-Host Craig Smith - @greatestdaymindset Next Level Nutrition – @mynextlevelnutrition   Episode Timestamps 00:00 "Super Bowl Ad: Girls Flag Football" 05:34 Fitness Community for Busy Dads 08:24 Shifting Perspectives: A Quick Change 11:35 End of Dominance for Tight End 15:11 Referrals for Accurate ADHD Diagnosis 16:19 ADHD Misdiagnosis Realization 21:35 Misdiagnosis of IBS and ADHD 24:55 Fish Oil Buying Tips 27:16 Vitamin D and Mental Health 31:36 Vitamin Mutation and Conversion Limits 32:05 Methylation Issues and B Vitamin Deficiency 35:11 ADHD Rise: Distraction & Screens Influence 39:28 Sleep's Impact on Health and Recovery 43:45 L-Theanine for Relaxation and Calm 45:53 Supplements for Lifestyle Optimization 50:45 Daily Habits and Mental Health 51:25 Consider Medication If Challenges Persist

Ben Carpenter has been a personal trainer since 2006, working with a diverse range of clients—from young athletes aiming to become fitness models to elderly individuals striving to improve their longevity. Over time, he specialized in fat loss, recognizing it as the most common goal among his clients. To reach a broader audience, Ben began sharing content on social media in 2009, providing free, evidence-based fitness information. His videos now reach millions weekly. A self-described ‘research nerd,’ Ben excels at translating complex scientific concepts into practical advice. He is the author of Everything Fat Loss and the recently released Fat Loss Habits: The No Bullsht Guide to Losing Weight*. Originally from the UK, Ben now resides in California with his wife. You can find him on various social media platforms under the handle @bdccarpenter and on his website, bdccarpenter.com.   Interested in working with a coach? Get a free nutrition consultation - Schedule Here Ready to transform your life? Book a discovery call today and join the next round of the Next Level Experience!  - Book My Discovery Call   Join Us On Patreon - Join Here   Submit your questions to be featured on our Q&A episodes.   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 Guest Ben Carpenter @bdccarpenter Next Level Nutrition – @mynextlevelnutrition   Episode Timestamps 00:00 Client-Driven Fitness Research Journey 05:43 Navigating Sarcasm in Debunking Myths 08:51 Pivot to Scalable Content Creation 13:11 Passion Over Profit: A Choice 16:10 Influencer Fame and Changed Behavior 19:44 "Social Media's Engagement Trap" 21:22 "Reflecting on a Military Legacy" 23:51 Nerdy Exercise Science Chats 27:57 "Scientific Literacy vs. Health Scams" 32:18 Simplify Content for Audience 34:22 "Sustaining Long-Term Healthy Habits" 37:01 Environment Shapes Habits 41:19 "Rethinking 'Same 24 Hours' Myth" 45:30 Understanding Life's Priorities Beyond Fitness 48:28 "Excitement About Marriage Commitment" 52:13 Finishing PhD and Fatherhood Advice 53:30 Authenticity Over Expertise on Social Media 57:58 Cocaine-Themed Memoir Promotion

Welcome back to another episode of the Next Level Podcast. Today, I'm thrilled to dive deep into the fascinating world of dopamine and its impact on our daily lives, health, and fitness journeys. I'm joined by the insightful Craig Smith as we explore how seemingly mundane routines can actually lead us to success and why it's important to understand our cravings for those dopamine hits. We'll share personal anecdotes and societal observations, addressing the common challenges of maintaining balance in a society driven by instant gratification. Whether you're chasing fitness goals or navigating the complexities of addiction recovery, this discussion promises to offer valuable insights for everyone. So, tune in and let's take your life to the next level together!   Interested in working with a coach? Get a free nutrition consultation - Schedule Here Ready to transform your life? Book a discovery call today and join the next round of the Next Level Experience!  - Book My Discovery Call   Join Us On Patreon - Join Here   Submit your questions to be featured on our Q&A episodes.   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 Co-Host Craig Smith - @greatestdaymindset Next Level Nutrition – @mynextlevelnutrition   Episode Timestamps 00:00 Afternoon Positivity Strategy 05:07 Oxcon Express: A Journey to Addiction 08:47 Men's Coaching and Fitness Routine 11:11 "Chasing Dopamine vs. Consistency" 14:45 Dopamine's Role in Risky Behaviors 18:24 Phone App Habit Loop 20:58 Dopamine Addiction in Daily Life 24:37 "Dopamine Dependency Recognition" 27:48 Sleep Habits and Priorities Shift 29:25 Embracing Challenging Pursuits 32:39 "Addicted to Progress, Not Dopamine" 38:46 "Choosing Discipline Over Impulse" 39:34 Micro Decisions for Long-Term Success 42:30 Moderation Over Deprivation Strategy

In this episode of The Next Level Podcast, I sit down with my friend James Cappola, a rising force in the fitness space who’s built a massive social media following by standing up for people getting bullied online and calling out the BS in the industry. James has become a bridge between education, integrity, and no-nonsense truth-telling—something that’s sorely needed in today’s fitness world. We dive deep into: ✅ How James carved out his space in the fitness industry by standing up for others and holding influencers accountable. ✅ The rise of misinformation in fitness and how to spot the BS. ✅ Why social media can be both a blessing and a curse when it comes to fitness advice. ✅ The latest trends (and fear-mongering) in nutrition—like the demonization of seed oils—and James’ take on whether they really deserve the villain status they’ve been given. ✅ How to develop a mindset that cuts through the noise and helps you make informed health decisions. If you’re tired of the nonsense in the fitness industry and want real, no-BS conversations, this episode is for you.   Interested in working with a coach? Get a free nutrition consultation - Schedule Here Ready to transform your life? Book a discovery call today and join the next round of the Next Level Experience!  - Book My Discovery Call   Join Us On Patreon - Join Here   Submit your questions to be featured on our Q&A episodes.   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 James Cappola - @james_cappola Next Level Nutrition – @mynextlevelnutrition   Episode Timestamps 00:00 "Meeting Through Instagram Alter Egos" 03:49 Networking Connections with Influencers 06:39 Infotainment and Public Perception 10:25 Empathy in Fitness Advocacy 13:16 "Overcoming Lifelong Obesity" 18:59 Unbothered by Criticism 21:38 Questioning Absolutes and Critical Thinking 23:13 Mocking Arguments on Diet Choices 26:39 Balanced Diet Misunderstood 30:33 Flexibility in Dietary Choices 33:58 Rise of Ultra Masculinity 37:16 "Training Everyday People, Not 'Alpha Bros'" 41:52 Misunderstanding Toxicity and Carcinogens 44:28 Authenticity Over Unsound Advice 45:55 Coaching Availability and Contact Info