

Chasing Clarity: Health & Fitness Podcast
Brandon DaCruz Jeff Black
The Chasing Clarity Health & Fitness Podcast aims to bridge the gap between complexity and clarity within the health and fitness space. Brandon and Jeff have a relatable synergy that allows them to go deep and wide on all topics related to nutrition, training, health, and fitness.
We will cover both information and application for anyone interested in improving their health, fitness, and body composition throughout our journey together and with you all.
Follow Brandon on IG: https://www.instagram.com/brandondacruz_/
Follow Jeff on IG: https://www/instagram.com/jeffunbreakableblack
We will cover both information and application for anyone interested in improving their health, fitness, and body composition throughout our journey together and with you all.
Follow Brandon on IG: https://www.instagram.com/brandondacruz_/
Follow Jeff on IG: https://www/instagram.com/jeffunbreakableblack
Episodes
Mentioned books

Jan 23, 2025 • 20min
THE MOST EFFECTIVE STRATEGIES FOR IMPROVING METABOLIC FLEXIBILITY, INSULIN SENSITIVITY & METABOLIC HEALTH | EP. 146
TOPICS COVERED:⁃ NUTRITION FOR METABOLIC FLEXIBILITY⁃ HOW YOUR DIET & HORMONES IMPACT WHAT MACROS YOU USE FOR ENERGY & YOUR DEGREE OF METABOLIC FLEXIBILITY⁃ STRATEGIES FOR IMPROVING METABOLIC FLEXIBILITY, PERFORMANCE & BODY COMPOSITION PROGRESS⁃ STRATEGY 1: USE CALORIE & CYCLING TO IMPROVE METABOLIC FLEXIBILITY, PERFORMANCE & FAT LOSS⁃ STRATEGY 2: USE NUTRIENT TIMING TO FUEL FOR THE WORK YOU’RE DOING⁃ STRATEGY 3: ENGAGE IN MULTIPLE FORMS OF EXERCISE TO ENHANCE METABOLIC FLEXIBILITY & INSULIN SENSITIVITY⁃ STRATEGY 4: DO AEROBIC WORK & FASTED CARDIO FOR BETTER METABOLIC FLEXIBILITY⁃ STRATEGY 5: DIAL IN SLEEP FOR GREATER INSULIN SENSITIVITY & METABOLIC FLEXIBILITY
WHERE TO CONNECT WITH ME:
Follow Brandon on IG: https://www.instagram.com/brandondacruz_/
Email: Bdacruzfitness@gmail.com
For Info on Brandon’s Coaching, Consultation & Mentorship Services: https://form.jotform.com/bdacruzfitness/coachinginquiry
Brandon’s Website: https://www.brandondacruzfit.com

Jan 16, 2025 • 27min
ACHIEVING OPTIMAL BODY COMPOSITION & METABOLIC HEALTH THROUGH IMPROVING METABOLIC FLEXIBILITY | EP. 145
TOPICS COVERED:⁃ DEFINING THE CONCEPT OF METABOLIC FLEXIBILITY⁃ THE IMPORTANT ROLE METABOLIC FLEXIBILITY PLAYS IN OPTIMIZING TRAINING PERFORMANCE, BODY COMPOSITION & METABOLIC HEALTH⁃ THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN FAT BURNING & FAT LOSS⁃ WHEN WE WANT TO USE FAT FOR ENERGY VERSUS WHEN WE WANT TO USE CARBS FOR ENERGY⁃ THE BENEFITS OF BEING METABOLICALLY FLEXIBLE⁃ CURRENT STATS ON METABOLIC HEALTH⁃ THE DRAWBACKS OF BEING METABOLICALLY INFLEXIBLE⁃ THE LINK BETWEEN INSULIN RESISTANCE & METABOLIC INFLEXIBILITY
WHERE TO CONNECT WITH ME:
Follow Brandon on IG: https://www.instagram.com/brandondacruz_/
Email: Bdacruzfitness@gmail.com
For Info on Brandon’s Coaching, Consultation & Mentorship Services: https://form.jotform.com/bdacruzfitness/coachinginquiry
Brandon’s Website: https://www.brandondacruzfit.com

Jan 9, 2025 • 60min
JOE JEFFERY: FEMALE PED USE, TRT & GH THERAPY & MAXIMIZING MUSCLE GAIN WHILE MINIMIZING FAT ACCRUAL | EP. 144
TOPICS COVERED:⁃ BIGGEST MISTAKES MANY MAKE WHEN IT COMES TO FEMALE PED USE⁃ WHY ANAVAR SHOULD NOT BE YOUR FIRST CYCLE AS A FEMALE⁃ WHAT CONTRIBUTES MOST TO VIRILIZATION; DOSE OR DURATION?⁃ THE BENEFITS OF ESTROGEN⁃ THE POTENTIAL DRAWBACKS OF CRUSHING ESTRADIOL⁃ WHAT TO FOCUS ON WHEN LOOKING TO REGAIN YOUR CYCLE POST-CONTEST⁃ HRT CONSIDERATIONS FOR WOMEN⁃ TRT FOR WOMEN⁃ GH FOR WOMEN⁃ SEX DIFFERENCES BETWEEN MEN & WOMEN IN TERMS OF GH RESPONSE
WHERE TO CONNECT WITH ME:
Follow Brandon on IG: https://www.instagram.com/brandondacruz_/
Email: Bdacruzfitness@gmail.com
For Info on Brandon’s Coaching, Consultation & Mentorship Services: https://form.jotform.com/bdacruzfitness/coachinginquiry
Brandon’s Website: https://www.brandondacruzfit.com

Jan 2, 2025 • 35min
THE MOST IMPORTANT TRAINING PRINCIPLE FOR PHYSIQUE DEVELOPMENT: PROGRESSIVE OVERLOAD | EP. 143
Discover the crucial principle of progressive overload and how it drives muscle growth. Explore the key training variables to maximize gains and differentiate between casual working out and goal-oriented training. Learn about various progression models and the debate over the best methods for hypertrophy, including whether to add weight or increase reps. Uncover the importance of adopting a proactive mindset towards progression and the factors that influence your gym performance!

Dec 26, 2024 • 23min
ARE YOU SENSITIVE TO GLUTEN OR IS IT A FODMAP INTOLERANCE CAUSING YOUR GI ISSUES? BREAKING DOWN THE RESEARCH ON THE TRUE CAUSE OF GI SYMPTOMS | EP. 142
TOPICS:⁃ WHAT IS GLUTEN⁃ HOW COMMON IS CELIAC DISEASE & NON-CELIAC GLUTEN SENSITIVITY⁃ RESEARCH ON THE PREVALENCE OF INDIVIDUALS MISDIAGNOSING THEMSELVES WITH NON-CELIAC GLUTEN SENSITIVITY⁃ WHAT IS THE PREVALENCE OF IBS⁃ WHAT ARE FODMAPS⁃ MANY MISATTRIBUTE THE SYMPTOMS THEY GET FROM EATING FODMAPS & BLAME GLUTEN FOR THOSE SYMPTOMS⁃ DETERMINING IF YOUR GI ISSUES ARE DUE TO NCGS OR IBS/FODMAP INTOLERANCES
WHERE TO CONNECT WITH ME:
Follow Brandon on IG: https://www.instagram.com/brandondacruz_/
Email: Bdacruzfitness@gmail.com
For Info on Brandon’s Coaching, Consultation & Mentorship Services: https://form.jotform.com/bdacruzfitness/coachinginquiry
Brandon’s Website: https://www.brandondacruzfit.com

Dec 19, 2024 • 26min
THE POWER OF THE PLACEBO EFFECT: HOW YOUR PSYCHOLOGY IMPACTS YOUR PHYSIOLOGY WHEN IT COMES TO DIETING, APPETITE REGULATION, TRAINING PERFORMANCE & BLOOD GLUCOSE LEVELS | EP. 141
TOPICS COVERED IN EP. 141:⁃ WHY WE CANNOT SEPARATE OUR PSYCHOLOGY FROM OUR PHYSIOLOGY⁃ RESEARCH ON THE POWER OF THE PLACEBO EFFECT⁃ HOW YOUR BELIEFS AROUND FOOD INFLUENCE YOUR PHYSIOLOGICAL RESPONSES⁃ YOUR BELIEFS AROUND THE NUTRITIONAL CONTENT OF WHAT YOU CONSUME CAN IMPACT THE SATIETY YOU EXPERIENCE⁃ HOW YOUR BELIEFS AROUND YOUR GENETICS INFLUENCE YOUR PHYSIOLOGY⁃ YOUR PERCEPTION OF WHAT A SPECIFIC FOOD WILL DO TO YOUR BLOOD SUGAR LEVELS CAN SPIKE YOUR BLOOD SUGAR MORE THAN THE FOOD ITSELF⁃ HOW YOUR BELIEFS AROUND EXERCISE & PHYSICAL ACTIVITY IMPACT THE BENEFITS YOU RECEIVE FROM ENGAGING IN THESE ACTIVITIES⁃ STEROID STUDIES THAT DEMONSTRATE THE POWER OF THE PLACEBO⁃ WHY YOU NEED TO STOP LIVING IN THE PAST & SHED YOUR SELF LIMITING BELIEFS TO MAKE PROGRESS GOING FORWARD
WHERE TO CONNECT WITH ME:
Follow Brandon on IG: https://www.instagram.com/brandondacruz_/
Email: Bdacruzfitness@gmail.com
For Info on Brandon’s Coaching, Consultation & Mentorship Services: https://form.jotform.com/bdacruzfitness/coachinginquiry
Brandon’s Website: https://www.brandondacruzfit.com

Dec 12, 2024 • 24min
THE MENTAL SIDE OF DIETING: HOW YOUR BELIEFS AROUND DIETING IMPACT YOUR SUBJECTIVE PERCEPTION OF THE EXPERIENCE | EP. 140
TOPICS COVERED ON EP. 140:⁃ INTRO⁃ HOW THE MINDSET YOU APPROACH YOUR NEXT DIETING PHASE WITH CAN MAKE OR BREAK YOUR EXPERIENCE⁃ MOST COMMON MINDSET MISTAKES MANY MAKE WHEN STARTING A DIET⁃ MISTAKE 1: ASSOCIATING DIETING WITH RESTRICTION BEFORE IT EVEN STARTS⁃ MISTAKE 2: MANY PEOPLE NOCEBO THEMSELVES WHEN GOING ON A DIET⁃ MISTAKE 3: MANY ARE MORE MENTALLY RESTRICTED FROM A MINDSET PERSPECTIVE THAN THEY ARE RESTRICTED FROM AN ENERGY DEFICIT PERSPECTIVE⁃ DIETING CAN OFTEN BE A MENTAL BATTLE ALTHOUGH IT DOESNT HAVE A DIRECT EFFECT ON MENTALITY⁃ DOES WEIGHT LOSS IMPACT PSYCHOLOGICAL STRESS?⁃ RESEARCH ON HOW BEING IN A DEFICIT AFFECTS COGNITION⁃ MISTAKE 3: YOUR NEGATIVE MINDSET CAN RESULT IN A SELF-FULFILLING PROPHECY
WHERE TO CONNECT WITH ME:
Follow Brandon on IG: https://www.instagram.com/brandondacruz_/
Email: Bdacruzfitness@gmail.com
For Info on Brandon’s Coaching, Consultation & Mentorship Services: https://form.jotform.com/bdacruzfitness/coachinginquiry
Brandon’s Website: https://www.brandondacruzfit.com

Dec 4, 2024 • 1h 29min
PROTEIN MYTHS & MISTAKES WITH MIKKI WILLIDEN PHD: FIGHTING FRAGILITY NARRATIVES WITH FACTS | EP. 139
TOPICS COVERED:⁃ MYTH 1: HIGH PROTEIN DIETS LEAD TO FAT GAIN⁃ MYTH 2: HIGH PROTEIN DIETS INCREASE THE RISK OF INSULIN RESISTANCE⁃ MYTH 3: HIGH PROTEIN DIETS STIMULATE VASOMOTOR SYMPTOMS⁃ MYTH 4: YOU CAN ONLY DIGEST, ABSORB & USE 20-30 GRAMS OF PROTEIN PER MEAL⁃ MYTH 5: HIGH PROTEIN DIETS ARE HARMFUL TO KIDNEY HEALTH⁃ MYTH 6: HIGH PROTEIN DIETS ARE HARMFUL TO BONE HEALTH⁃ THE MOST COMMON MISTAKES MANY MAKE WITH THEIR PROTEIN INTAKE
WHERE TO CONNECT WITH ME:
Follow Brandon on IG: https://www.instagram.com/brandondacruz_/
Email: Bdacruzfitness@gmail.com
For Info on Brandon’s Coaching, Consultation & Mentorship Services: https://form.jotform.com/bdacruzfitness/coachinginquiry
Brandon’s Website: https://www.brandondacruzfit.com
Mikki’s IG Account:https://www.instagram.com/mikkiwilliden?igsh=eHJzNDk1NTU4cWJ1

Nov 27, 2024 • 1h 7min
BLOOD FLOW RESTRICTION MASTERCLASS WITH BFR RESEARCHER DR. NICK ROLNICK | EP. 138
TOPICS:⁃ WHAT IS BLOOD FLOW RESTRICTION & WHAT’RE THE ORIGINS OF THIS APPROACH?⁃ WHAT IS THE PROPER WAY TO PERFORM BFR & HOW DOES IT WORK?⁃ HOW DOES LOW LOAD BFR TRAINING COMPARE TO HIGH LOAD TRADITIONAL TRAINING WHEN IT COMES TO MUSCLE GROWTH?⁃ THE BENEFITS OF BFR TRAINING⁃ PRACTICAL APPLICATION SECTION: HOW CAN THOSE LOOKING TO MAXIMIZE MUSCLE GROWTH INCORPORATE BFR INTO THEIR TRAINING PROGRAM?⁃ MYTHS RELATED TO BFR
WHERE TO CONNECT WITH ME:
Follow Brandon on IG: https://www.instagram.com/brandondacruz_/
Email: Bdacruzfitness@gmail.com
For Info on Brandon’s Coaching, Consultation & Mentorship Services: https://form.jotform.com/bdacruzfitness/coachinginquiry
Brandon’s Website: https://www.brandondacruzfit.com
Nick’s IG Account:https://www.instagram.com/thehpm?igsh=cGpiYTIxN2tzZTJq

Nov 21, 2024 • 25min
STRATEGIES TO SUCCESSFULLY NAVIGATE THE UPCOMING HOLIDAY SEASON & PREVENT WINTER WEIGHT GAIN | EP. 137
Discover effective strategies to prevent winter weight gain during the festive season. Explore eye-opening statistics about holiday weight trends. Learn actionable tactics like meal planning and mindful eating to enjoy celebrations without overindulging. The importance of approaching each holiday as a unique occasion and prioritizing meaningful events is emphasized. Additionally, practical tips such as pre-loading techniques and bringing healthy dishes can help you stay aligned with your wellness goals.