The Smart Nutrition Made Simple Show with Ben Brown

Most guys don’t realize how fast their hormones can derail their energy, mindset, and marriage until it hits them.In this episode, Josh Whalen opens up about the slow slide so many men experience: the weight gain, the loss of drive, the burnout, and the hidden fear of becoming someone they no longer recognize. We unpack why traditional healthcare keeps telling men they’re “normal” —even when they feel anything but—and how mismanaged hormones can affect everything from motivation to marriage. Josh shares the moment everything fractured; his health, his identity, and nearly his relationship and the long climb back using hormone optimization, peptides, and real lifestyle change. We also break down the growing world of men’s and women’s longevity care, how to find credible practitioners, and the patterns we see in midlife clients who finally decide to take control.If you’ve been feeling slower, heavier, or just “off,” this episode might be the wake-up call you’ve been avoiding. Tune in now.Episode Timeline: 00:00 – Episode Preview01:18 – Podcast Intro 04:32 – From Rugby To Burnout05:09 – Why Joy And Blokes Exists06:58 – Why Healthcare Is Failing08:00 – Why “Normal” Isn’t Healthy10:56 – Getting Gaslit By Doctors12:55 – Divorce Was The Wake-Up13:48 – Stress, Weight, Identity Loss16:37 – Feeling Like An Outsider18:10 – Taking Ownership Of Health20:49 – Ask “Why” About Your Labs22:14 – When Testosterone Clicked24:21 – Therapies Aren’t Enough29:13 – Less Effort, Better Results30:33 – Turning Pain Into Purpose41:01 – Life After Getting Optimized42:16 – Start Small, Stay Patient47:18 – Podcast OutroConnect with Josh Whalen: Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/whalen_joshua/?hl=en Linked In - https://www.linkedin.com/in/joshua-whalen-ab7ab67/ Website - https://joiandblokes.com/ Links & Resources:Connect with Ben on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bodysystemscoaching/Learn more about Ben’s coaching program: www.bodysystems.comSubscribe to the Smart Nutrition Made Simple Show on Apple Podcasts - https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-smart-nutrition-made-simple-show-with-ben-brown/id1244912234 Spotify - https://open.spotify.com/show/4H8vUlwYvKcAXZOv84sFgT Youtube - https://www.youtube.com/@bodysystemscoaching Book Free Nutrition Strategy Call -  https://bodysystems.com/free-strategy-call/

If you’re a hard-charging guy in your 30s, 40s, or 50s who “knows what to do” but still can’t seem to look or feel the way you want… this episode is the reset you’ve been needing.In this conversation, Jeff and I dig into the real reasons high-performers get stuck even when they’re disciplined everywhere else. We talk about the identity shifts required to finally break out of the all-or-nothing loop, why accountability is the true needle-mover, and how to build a lifestyle that doesn’t fall apart the moment life gets busy. We unpack the simple nutrition and training principles that actually work long-term, the lies your metabolism has been telling you, and why learning to live in the gray is the only sustainable path forward. We also get into hormones, stress, sleep, and how to build a body and a life that reflects the standard you know you’re capable of.If you’re ready to stop starting over and start operating at your true potential, tune in now.Episode Timeline: 00:00 — Episode Preview01:21 — Podcast Intro04:33 — What Coaches Actually Do06:41 — Why Clinicians Need Coaches09:30 — My Personal Training Beginning11:50 — Who I Coach Today13:29 — Why I Needed a Coach14:01 — Accountability Is the Missing Link17:44 — The All-Or-Nothing Trap18:03 — Why Restriction Backfires21:25 — My Failed Diet Attempts22:46 — Client Success Through Flexibility25:06 — Why Real Food Matters25:31 — Skill of Eating Properly26:32 — Cardio Is a Poor Fat-Loss Tool29:50 — The Three-Step Transformation Plan37:31 — Hormones Matter More Than Ever40:08 — Environmental Impact on Hormones40:38 — Sleep and Stress Fundamentals44:54 — Hard Truths About Your Priorities46:22 — What “Superhero Training” Looks Like47:06 — Training Smarter as You Age50:41 — Leading Your Family by Example52:21 — How Kids Build Healthy Habits55:00 — Where to Find Ben Online56:17 — Podcast OutroLinks & Resources:Connect with Ben on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bodysystemscoaching/Learn more about Ben’s coaching program: www.bodysystems.comSubscribe to the Smart Nutrition Made Simple Show on Apple Podcasts - https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-smart-nutrition-made-simple-show-with-ben-brown/id1244912234 Spotify - https://open.spotify.com/show/4H8vUlwYvKcAXZOv84sFgT Youtube - https://www.youtube.com/@bodysystemscoaching Book Free Nutrition Strategy Call -  https://bodysystems.com/free-strategy-call/

Ever wasted months on something four minutes could’ve solved?I share a story that had me laughing at myself and realizing just how often we waste time trying to fix the wrong thing. What started as a dumb Zoom glitch turned into a much bigger lesson about blindspots, stubbornness, and the real cost of doing it alone. Just like in our health and fitness journey, we can be doing all the right things and still miss the one piece that changes everything. Sometimes it’s not about working harder, it’s about getting the right perspective.If you're feeling stuck despite your effort, this episode is exactly what you need.Episode Timeline: 00:00 – Episode Preview01:29 – Podcast Intro02:20 – The Zoom Background Story04:40 – What It Revealed About Our Habits05:42 – Doing Everything Right but Still Stuck07:18 – The Real Cost of Blind Spots08:47 – Asking for Help Isn’t Weakness10:20 – Shortcutting Struggle Through Coaching12:15 – Clarity Is Priceless13:35 – What’s Your “Orange Background”?14:35 – Don’t Wait to Ask for Help15:09 –  Outro and Free Ways to Get SupportLinks & Resources:Connect with Ben on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bodysystemscoaching/Learn more about Ben’s coaching program: www.bodysystems.comSubscribe to the Smart Nutrition Made Simple Show on Apple Podcasts - https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-smart-nutrition-made-simple-show-with-ben-brown/id1244912234 Spotify - https://open.spotify.com/show/4H8vUlwYvKcAXZOv84sFgT Youtube - https://www.youtube.com/@bodysystemscoaching Book Free Nutrition Strategy Call -  https://bodysystems.com/free-strategy-call/

Life’s not slowing down for you to catch up. You either adapt or get left behind.The chaos isn’t going anywhere. And the version of you that keeps saying ‘once things settle, I’ll start’ is what I call delusional optimism. The belief that things will magically get better without you actually changing. I’ve been there. My clients have been there. And it’s the single biggest killer of progress I see every day.In this episode, I break down why comfort is the enemy, how chaos is actually the training ground for your next level, and the simple four-step process we use in our Prime Fit Coaching program to shift from wishful thinking to deliberate execution.Tune in if you’re done negotiating with your excuses. It’s time to step up, take ownership, and get your edge back.Episode Timeline: 00:00 – Episode Preview01:52 – Podcast Intro02:04 – Why Optimism Can Work Against You03:30 – Client Story: Tim’s “Too Busy” Excuse08:45 – When Life Forces a Wake-Up Call10:40 – The Hard Truth About Priorities12:05 – Why Desire Isn’t Enough for Change13:40 – Comfort Is the Enemy of Progress16:45 – The Role of Discomfort and Risk in Growth18:10 – The Only Certainty: How You Show Up Daily20:55 – From Delusional Optimism to Deliberate Execution22:58 – Final Thoughts & Free Resources.Links & Resources:Connect with Ben on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bodysystemscoaching/Learn more about Ben’s coaching program: www.bodysystems.comSubscribe to the Smart Nutrition Made Simple Show on Apple Podcasts - https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-smart-nutrition-made-simple-show-with-ben-brown/id1244912234 Spotify - https://open.spotify.com/show/4H8vUlwYvKcAXZOv84sFgT Youtube - https://www.youtube.com/@bodysystemscoaching Book Free Nutrition Strategy Call -  https://bodysystems.com/free-strategy-call/

You can train six days a week and still not lose fat and it’s not your fault.For decades, we’ve been told to “move more and eat less,” but that advice doesn’t hold up anymore. Our food system has completely changed, and so has the way our metabolism responds to it. Ultra-processed foods are everywhere; cheap, convenient, and biologically addictive and they are undoing the work we put in at the gym. Once you understand that fat loss is driven by what you eat, not how hard you work out, you can finally start working with your body instead of against it.Stick around, this one might change how you think about fat loss forever.Episode Timeline: 00:00 – Episode Preview01:39 – Podcast Intro02:30 – The Global Study Explained04:10 – Why “Move More, Eat Less” Fails06:00 – The Body Rebalances Energy Use07:30 – Processed Foods: The Real Culprit09:50 – How Processed Foods Trick the Brain11:50 – “Healthy” Snacks That Sabotage Progress13:40 – What Processed Foods Do to Digestion15:30 – Metabolism Breakdown in Modern Diets18:00 – The Real Value of Exercise19:40 – Why Muscle Changes Everything22:10 – Fat Loss Isn’t About Calorie Burn24:30 – 3 Pillars: Food, Movement, Recovery26:50 – When Training Less Helps More28:40 – Aligning Habits With Your Biology29:44 – Final Thoughts & Free ResourcesLinks & Resources:Connect with Ben on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bodysystemscoaching/Learn more about Ben’s coaching program: www.bodysystems.comSubscribe to the Smart Nutrition Made Simple Show on Apple Podcasts - https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-smart-nutrition-made-simple-show-with-ben-brown/id1244912234 Spotify - https://open.spotify.com/show/4H8vUlwYvKcAXZOv84sFgT Youtube - https://www.youtube.com/@bodysystemscoaching Book Free Nutrition Strategy Call -  https://bodysystems.com/free-strategy-call/

Everyone wants results, but few people are empowered with tools to build the habits that get them there.Kylie’s story is one I think a lot of people will see themselves in. She tracked every calorie, followed every diet, nailed her cardio, and still found herself stuck in the same loop—losing weight, gaining it back, feeling guilty, starting over.In this conversation, we chat about what helped Kylie move past the yo-yo cycle of tracking, restricting, and starting over. We also unpacked the mindset shifts that allowed her to shed the guilt and make confident “adult” choices in everyday life and in the gym. Having the permission to live, enjoy the cookie, and know she was still moving forward is what finally set her free.If that’s something you’ve been struggling to find, tune into this episode. It’s a reminder that progress isn’t about perfection, it’s about learning to trust yourself again.Episode Timeline: 0:18 – Why Kylie reached out for coaching1:29 – Post-COVID struggles and weight gain2:13 – Tracking food and early habits5:46 – First impressions of the coaching program6:46 – Shifting from tracking to building tools10:12 – Viewing tracking as liberation, not control11:34 – Learning adult ownership and flexibility14:56 – Falling in love with the gym18:46 – 60 pounds lost and sustained for good21:48 – How her mindset and body transformed22:38 – How health changed her family dynamic25:57 – Shared values and partnership in health27:56 – What would’ve happened without coaching30:16 – Learning to live in the gray31:31 – Integration as a personal operating system32:15 – Why investing in yourself is non-negotiable34:39 – Closing gratitude and final reflectionsLinks & Resources:Connect with Ben on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bodysystemscoaching/Learn more about Ben’s coaching program: www.bodysystems.comSubscribe to the Smart Nutrition Made Simple Show on Apple Podcasts - https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-smart-nutrition-made-simple-show-with-ben-brown/id1244912234  Spotify - https://open.spotify.com/show/4H8vUlwYvKcAXZOv84sFgT Youtube - https://www.youtube.com/@bodysystemscoaching Book Free Nutrition Strategy Call -  https://bodysystems.com/free-strategy-call/ 

You’re not failing because you lack discipline. You’re failing because your approach isn’t sustainable.This solo conversation is about one of the biggest mindset traps that keeps people stuck: the all-or-nothing mentality. We talk about why extreme restriction always leads to burnout, how guilt and shame keep you in the yo-yo dieting cycle, and what it really means to live in the gray. I share lessons from my own experience with rigid eating, the patterns I see in clients every day, and how learning to take ownership (instead of chasing perfection) creates real, lasting change.If you’re tired of the highs and lows of dieting, this one’s going to hit close to home.Episode Timeline: 0:00 – Episode Preview1:31 – Podcast Intro 2:31 –  What the all-or-nothing mindset is3:42 – The client stuck in a yo-yo diet cycle7:05 – Why restrictive diets always backfire9:40 – My personal struggle with rigid eating13:15 – The real reason we bounce between extremes15:45 – Why it’s not about food, it’s about mindset18:50 – Learning to take ownership and eat like an adult21:35 – Building systems that work in real life24:15 – How to live in the gray without guilt26:30 – Podcast Outro and invitation to take actionLinks & Resources:Connect with Ben on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bodysystemscoaching/Learn more about Ben’s coaching program: www.bodysystems.comSubscribe to the Smart Nutrition Made Simple Show on Apple Podcasts - https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-smart-nutrition-made-simple-show-with-ben-brown/id1244912234  Spotify - https://open.spotify.com/show/4H8vUlwYvKcAXZOv84sFgT Youtube - https://www.youtube.com/@bodysystemscoaching Book Free Nutrition Strategy Call -  https://bodysystems.com/free-strategy-call/ 

What do you do when your body forces you to hit pause?In this episode, I share my recent battle with back pain that quite literally knocked me off my feet. From the frustration of not being able to move, to sitting with a spinal specialist and hearing words like ‘bulging discs’, it’s been a humbling reminder that none of us are invincible.I’ll talk about the treatments I’ve considered, the mental rollercoaster of dealing with injury, and the gratitude I’ve found through support from family, friends, and my community. More than anything, this experience has shown me that setbacks can become powerful opportunities to learn, adapt, and move forward in a smarter way.If you’ve ever felt stuck by injury or just life, I think this conversation will give you some perspective you can carry into your own journey.Episode Timeline:0:00 – Episode Preview 1:32 – Podcast Intro2:43 – Back pain knocks me down3:25 – How it happened (ego lifting + deadlifts)5:10 – Living with pain and frustration7:15 – Overwhelmed by too many treatment options9:40 – “Even professionals get confused”11:30 – Nobody has it all together13:55 – MRI results explained simply16:20 – Considering regenerative medicine18:40 – Lessons in gratitude and ego22:30 – Training smarter with core stability26:00 – Injuries as opportunities to pivot28:45 – Learning to be vulnerable and ask for help30:45 – Community support and closing thoughts30:45 – Podcast OutroLinks & Resources:Connect with Ben on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bodysystemscoaching/Learn more about Ben’s coaching program: www.bodysystems.comSubscribe to the Smart Nutrition Made Simple Show on Apple Podcasts - https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-smart-nutrition-made-simple-show-with-ben-brown/id1244912234 Spotify - https://open.spotify.com/show/4H8vUlwYvKcAXZOv84sFgT Youtube - https://www.youtube.com/@bodysystemscoaching Book Free Nutrition Strategy Call - https://bodysystems.com/free-strategy-call/

Supplements can either be a complete waste of money or the cutting-edge tool that takes your health and performance to the next level.In this conversation with Christian LaValle, co-founder of Metabolic Elite and son of James B. LaValle, an internationally recognized clinical pharmacist, board-certified clinical nutritionist, and leading authority in integrative medicine and human performance. We dig into the real science of supplementation and why delivery systems matter more than flashy labels.We cover the difference between traditional products and premium formulas, and how unconventional technology like liposomal delivery can radically improve absorption. Christian shares his journey immersed in foundational practices like good diet and performance health, and how growing up with his father shaped the vision behind Metabolic Elite. We also explore on-the-ground insights on recovery, cognitive support, immune health, and how to think strategically about supplements in the context of nutrition, training, and lifestyle.If you want to stop guessing and start using supplements with purpose, this is the episode that will help you cut through the noise and focus on what really works.Timestamp00:00 – Episode Preview01:13 – Podcast Intro04:09 – Christian LaValle joins the conversation05:14 – Growing up in performance health08:17 – Graduate studies in kinesiology & research10:03 – DEXA vs. bioelectrical impedance for body comp15:08 – Body fat % isn’t everything15:58 – Launch of Metabolic Elite19:58 – Building an expert advisory team22:01 – Liposomal technology explained23:11 – Why capsules often fail & absorption challenges25:24 – Practitioner and consumer use of Metabolic Elite products27:43 – Recovery, inflammation, and immune support30:57 – Synapsin: from nasal spray to chewable35:02 – Supplements are a tool, not a fix40:06 – Balance between research and real-world health43:13 – Industry problems: gimmicks vs. biochemistry47:12 – How to think about premium supplementation52:16 – The real trade-offs in health investment55:05 – Ben’s offer for supplement audits55:41 – Where to find Christian & Metabolic Elite55:57 – Podcast OutroConnect with Christian LaValle:Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/christianlavalle5/ Website: https://www.metabolicelite.co/ Jim LaValle’s Website: https://www.jimlavalle.com/Jim LaValle’s Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/therealjimlavalle/ Use code BodySystems for 10% off any order: Metabolic EliteLinks & Resources:Connect with Ben on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bodysystemscoaching/Learn more about Ben’s coaching program: www.bodysystems.comSubscribe to the Smart Nutrition Made Simple Show on Apple Podcasts - https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-smart-nutrition-made-simple-show-with-ben-brown/id1244912234  Spotify - https://open.spotify.com/show/4H8vUlwYvKcAXZOv84sFgT Youtube - https://www.youtube.com/@bodysystemscoaching

What does it really take to build unshakable resilience in sport, in health, and in life?Lisa Tamati has lived a life defined by grit, from running ultramarathons across the world’s toughest terrains to facing her mum’s near-fatal aneurysm head-on. We dive into the mindset that carried her through seven-day desert treks, the years-long fight to bring her mum back from a coma, and how those experiences led her to explore hyperbaric oxygen therapy, genetic testing, and the science of longevity. She shares why gut health and the immune system sit at the core of healthy aging, and how she’s using her biotech work to give people tools to measure and improve their “immune age.” This conversation blends raw resilience with cutting-edge health insights. The kind of lessons you can actually use to live stronger, longer, and with more purpose.If you’re ready for a raw, inspiring look at how mindset, science, and self-belief can change your life, you don’t want to miss this episode.Timestamp00:01 – Podcast Preview01:14 – Podcast Intro02:25 – Meet Lisa Tamati05:03– Lisa’s Backstory and Grit08:37– Adventures Before Ultramarathons11:45 – Crossing the Libyan Desert20:06 – Building Entrepreneur Skills From Ultramarathons24:19 – Mum’s Collapse and Aneurysm28:54 – Doctors Predict Massive Brain Damage29:35 – Spotting Sleep Apnea Signs30:48 – Discovering Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy33:39 – Early Recovery With Oxygen Therapy34:56 – Years to Full Recovery37:52 – Mum’s Cancer Diagnosis40:48 – Developing Cancer Expertise42:27 – Importance of Personalized Health44:22 – Immune System at the Core of Aging46:15 – Gut Health Drives Immunity47:12 – Environmental Toxins and Gut Health51:11 – Lisa’s Biotech Company57:08 – Why Genetic Testing Matters58:31 – Genetic Insights for Health1:00:20 – Exercise, Genetics, and Weight Struggles1:04:45 – How to Connect With Lisa1:06:00 – Podcast Outro  Connect with Lisa Tamati: Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/6mc5BfQispXYMxd4AaYXYL?si=97a6e75469cd45dbYoutube: https://www.youtube.com/@Lisa_Tamati Instagram: @lisatamatiPersonal Website: https://www.lisatamati.com/ Company Website: https://aevumlabs.co.nz/  Links & Resources:Connect with Ben on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bodysystemscoaching/Learn more about Ben’s coaching program: www.bodysystems.comSubscribe to the Smart Nutrition Made Simple Show on Apple Podcasts - https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-smart-nutrition-made-simple-show-with-ben-brown/id1244912234  Spotify - https://open.spotify.com/show/4H8vUlwYvKcAXZOv84sFgT Youtube - https://www.youtube.com/@bodysystemscoaching