
The HigherUp Podcast
The HigherUp Podcast has one mission - to share easily implementable ways to improve your life. The host of this podcast is Michael Smoak, or HigherUpWellness on social media. I will be breaking down concepts and principles in the health and wellness space that are often complex and convoluted into easily digestible, actionable steps that you can do for low or no cost.
This podcast will be a combination of solo episodes and interview episodes of guests who embody the HigherUp lifestyle.
Latest episodes

Apr 17, 2025 • 45min
Reverse Dieting, Balancing Running and Lifting & More: Follower Q&A | The HigherUp Podcast Ep. 45
Drop your #StepCheck in the comments! Answering the following questions:How to reverse diet effectivelyHow to be a hybrid athleteWhy is REM sleep important?How do you calculate your calorie deficit? How to get to somebodys "Why" in a Sales processBreaking through weight loss plateaus"Big back" hunger strategies to stay fullWhat achievement in my life am I most proud of?Resources to learn about fitnessHow to deal with "being stuck"How to handle self doubtHow to properly bulkWhat is the line between healthy and eating disorders?Link to join the waitlist for my coaching | higherupwellness.com/bio

Mar 29, 2025 • 1h 9min
How to Use a Nutrient Dense Diet to Tap into Your Full Potential | The HigherUp Podcast Ep. 44
Dive into the world of micronutrients and their transformative effects on health and performance. Discover the benefits of a nutrient-dense diet, tackling misconceptions about bland eating. Explore essential supplements like vitamin D and the surprising superfood status of kiwis. The discussion also challenges the carnivore diet, advocating for balanced nutrition. Personal anecdotes bring the topic to life, making the journey towards optimal health both insightful and enjoyable.

9 snips
Mar 21, 2025 • 1h 18min
How to Build Self Confidence Through an Evidence Based Life W/ Cru Mahoney | The HigherUp Podcast Ep. 43
In this engaging discussion, Cru Mahoney, a content creator and coach famous for his daily mile running streak, shares insights on building self-belief. He reflects on the resilience required to maintain his running discipline despite challenges. The duo explores the balance between discomfort and personal growth, emphasizing the need for self-awareness and aligning daily actions with long-term goals. They delve into the power of mindfulness, the importance of honest conversations, and the value of navigating life's choices with intention.

Mar 12, 2025 • 50min
Follower Q&A: Debunking The Biggest Myths in Fitness | The HigherUp Podcast Ep. 42
The host dives into the world of fitness myths, addressing popular misconceptions like the inefficacy of spot-reducing fat and the truth about muscle toning. Energy balance, progressive overload, and training intensity are emphasized as keys to success. The discussion moves on to nutrition, debunking the importance of meal timing and clarifying myths about red meat and weight gain. Listeners learn about metabolic adaptation, calorie misreporting, and the real factors that influence metabolism, all while being encouraged to adopt a balanced, evidence-based approach to fitness.

Feb 25, 2025 • 1h 24min
Discussing Entrepreneurship, Grief, Faith, and More | The HigherUp Podcast Ep. 41
Drop your #StepCheck in the comments!This episode was unplanned between myself, Gabriel Pinto, and Marten Jenkins. We discuss our businesses, personal lives, how to cope with death, and finding god amongst it all. Marten Jenkins is an Atlanta based entrepreneur with a background in Division 1 College sports as well as the creation of NIL in College Football.Gabriel Pinto is an Atlanta based Men's purpose coach, helping guys find their faith and clarity on their purpose in life.

Feb 10, 2025 • 27min
How to Grow Organically on Social Media | The HigherUp Podcast Ep. 40
Discover the secrets of growing your social media presence organically! The speaker shares insights from their journey of gaining over a million followers in just 18 months. Authenticity is the key to success in today's digital landscape. Plus, they dive into the complex interplay between gratitude and emotional challenges, showcasing how self-reflection can enhance personal growth. Tune in for practical tips and inspiring stories!

Jan 28, 2025 • 20min
Keep Showing Up | The HigherUp Podcast Ep. 39
The host opens up about personal struggles and the importance of staying connected with listeners. A heartfelt recounting of navigating grief highlights the crucial role of family support and communication during tough times. Strategies for transforming grief into purpose and resilience are shared, emphasizing health and gratitude. The conversation shifts to the power of choice and personal accountability, inspiring listeners to persevere and embrace their own journeys with commitment and strength.

10 snips
Jan 6, 2025 • 26min
How to Set Goals (And Actually Achieve Them) | The HigherUp Podcast Ep. 38
Delve into the art of realistic goal setting and discover how to achieve success by 2025. Learn the SMART criteria to transform your dreams into practical steps with the engaging 'U 10.0' visualization exercise. Explore the importance of accountability through written goals and embrace intentions to foster personal growth. Personal insights and a heartfelt call to community involvement create an inspiring atmosphere, encouraging listeners to reflect and share their own journeys in reaching their aspirations!

8 snips
Dec 23, 2024 • 21min
Your New Life Is Going to Cost You Your Old One | The HigherUp Podcast Ep.
Dive into the transformative journey of personal growth and the necessity of shedding old identities for new beginnings. Discover the commitment required to overcome challenges such as obesity, illustrated through personal stories and the journey of a notable actor. Embrace the discomfort and resilience that comes with change as essential steps towards a brighter, fulfilled life. This engaging discussion encourages listeners to accept the sacrifices necessary for lasting transformation.

9 snips
Dec 15, 2024 • 24min
6 Non-Negotiables I Use to Work Through Adversity | The HigherUp Podcast Ep. 36
The host shares personal challenges, including a breakup and a loved one's illness, emphasizing the importance of gratitude and perspective. They outline five key non-negotiables for navigating adversity, highlighting self-care and discipline as crucial for mental health. Routines and community support are discussed as vital tools for emotional well-being. The role of social connections and faith in fostering resilience is explored, along with strategies for setting goals and processing emotions to find purpose and peace during tough times.
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