Savage Perspective Podcast

Our last episode was cut a bit short when Rigel woke up from his nap, so for this episode, I focus on how my spirituality was affected by my recent competition season. I don't discuss things like this on the podcast, but I'm planning to incorporate more Live Savage principles into the show and I thought this was a good place to start.   What you'll hear:   Pushing my body to the limit during the prep and the spiritual awakening I experienced as a result (5:18) The solace I find in pushing myself to the brink and the resulting self-reflection (10:14) Leaning on God for support (12:02) Struggling to find clarity on my beliefs in my younger years and working with Crystal to come to a deeper spiritual understanding (15:24) Valuing objectivity and data-driven pursuits of knowledge but acknowledging the limitations of science (20:33) The benefits of meditation during a challenging competition prep (26:21) Finding peace and clarity by surrendering my burdens to God (31:44) The importance of gratitude (37:50) If you loved this episode and our podcast, please take some time to rate and review us on Apple Podcasts, or drop us a comment below!

Now that the competition season is over, Crystal and I have a lot to look forward to and be excited about in the coming months. For this episode, we finish up our recap of the competition season and begin looking forward to things ahead.   What we discussed:   How things have changed over the past eight years (2:01) Structuring time and resources for personal growth (5:51) Homesteading, prioritizing nutrition, and business goals (9:36) Progress on the ketogenic bodybuilding course and upcoming keto brick launches (14:54) Fostering relationships and friendships (21:44) Goals outside of homesteading (29:09) The sacrifice that being a good parent requires (31:02) The spiritual component of competition prep (35:18) If you loved this episode and our podcast, please take some time to rate and review us on Apple Podcasts, or drop us a comment below!

Are traditional Western medical solutions just not working for you anymore? Dr. Pfleghaar (Dr. Jen) attended medical school at Lake Erie College of Osteopathic Medicine. She then went on to residency at St Vincent's Mercy Medical Center for Emergency Medicine. Dr. Jen spent one year flying with Life Flight as a flight physician. She now works at local emergency rooms in the community and her office in Perrysburg, OH practicing Integrative Medicine. Having children sparked Dr. Jen's interest in Integrative Medicine, and she is passionate about helping her clients heal their bodies from the inside out. It was an absolute pleasure to speak with her and I know you'll take something from this episode.   What we discussed:   Dr. Jen's backstory, including her battle with Hashimoto's Thyroiditis and her experiences in medical school (1:12) What she believes was the catalyst for developing Hashimoto's (7:36) How her colleagues reacted when she made the switch to integrative medicine (12:27) The outlook for bridging the gap between traditional and integrative medicine (16:26) How food choices impact health (18:42) Common health issues in the US and their root causes (26:24) Her opinion on nicotine in isolation and energy drinks (34:28) Appetite suppression and nutrition for bodybuilding (36:17) Eating healthy and the social blowback (42:11) Suggestions for what to do if you suspect you may have thyroid issues (44:27) Fasting benefits (48:50) Continuous glucose monitoring (53:07) Parenting and nutrition choices for a healthy childhood (59:59)   Where to learn more about Dr. Jen:   IntegrativeDrMom YouTube If you loved this episode and our podcast, please take some time to rate and review us on Apple Podcasts, or drop us a comment below!

How do you find strength and fortitude when you're struggling? Dilan Abeya is a well known and up and coming fitness model from the UK who has created a brand around inspiring others. Using himself as an example, he gives free advice on how other people could also transform their lives just by changing habits. (www.dilanabeya.com) We've recorded many episodes on getting your life together, but it was a pleasure to get Dilan's perspective and learn about his experience.   What you'll hear:   What got Dilan into the fitness space to begin with (1:40) The dark time he experienced in a past relationship and the trauma of the breakup (3:54) The importance of controlling one's own thoughts and actions rather than placing blame or allowing others to fix your problems (5:42) Overcoming heartbreak through exercise and nutrition (8:37) Mental health, habits, and energy management (16:23) Consistency in nutrition and training (20:09) Daily mindfulness practices and the importance of routines (25:25) Breaking down large goals into smaller, more manageable steps (40:26) Finding your purpose and avoiding societal pressures (43:15) Take social media breaks and being discerning with the types of media we consume (51:42) Leveraging social media to provide a platform for helping others (57:41) Managing distractions (1:00:01)   Where to learn more about Dilan:   Dilan Abeya Instagram If you loved this episode and our podcast, please take some time to rate and review us on Apple Podcasts, or drop us a comment below!  

To wrap up the competition season, I invited my lovely wife Crystal to the podcast to share her experience living with me during the last 33 weeks. Those who have followed me for a while know that Crystal is a source of strength and support in my life, and I couldn't have made it through this prep season without her.   What we discussed:   Prepping all of my meals and the little annoyances that come along with that (4:50) The importance of meal prepping during a competition prep season and Crystal's experience with that over the years (6:48) Relationship dynamics during the prep and the challenges we faced (12:11) Becoming intimate in different ways when my libido took a dive (18:39) Handling the total chaos of running a business and traveling with Rigel (20:29) Childcare challenges on the road and the differences between managing Rigel in a controlled environment vs. a public setting (23:22) Traveling in the rig vs. flying and which was more convenient (28:39) What it was like for Crystal to live with me during the entire competition prep phase and her opinions on the outcome (34:40) Focusing on what I'm grateful for and wrapping up this competition season (40:18) If you loved this episode and our podcast, please take some time to rate and review us on Apple Podcasts, or drop us a comment below!

I recently competed in the last of five competitions this season, the World's Competition for the natural bodybuilding world. It has been a long journey and for this episode, I'm giving you a recap of the competition season, my experience at world's, and everything that went along with it.   What you'll hear:   My nutrition and and other prep during peak week (2:21) Vascularity, muscle definition, and body fat percentage (5:07) Pre-show routine and backstage chaos (7:55) Disadvantageous grouping during competition (11:06) Judges' feedback (12:08) Feeling pride in what I've accomplished these past few months despite competition results (18:01) Post-competition choices for optimal physiological and psychological response (21:38) Disconnecting with the family after the competition and maintaining a workout routine (26:57) Upcoming plans and podcast episodes (29:24) If you loved this episode and our podcast, please take some time to rate and review us on Apple Podcasts, or drop us a comment below!

With the holidays around the corner, the temptation to over-indulge can be intense. For this episode, I welcomed back good friend and client, Greg Mahler, to help coach us on how to enjoy ourselves over the holidays without overdoing it.   What you'll hear:   Navigating holiday nutritional challenges (2:31) Planning for holiday gatherings and not sacrificing relationships for food (7:47) Incorporating more lenient macronutrient goals, allowing for occasional deviations for flavor and enjoyment (13:59) Avoiding disordered eating during the holidays (18:00) Why it's not wise to make extreme New Year's resolutions (26:27) Our experiences with family during a ketogenic Thanksgiving meal (29:07) If you loved this episode and our podcast, please take some time to rate and review us on Apple Podcasts, or drop us a comment below!

Due to my busy travel and competition schedule, I haven't been able to schedule podcast interviews like usual. As a result, I've been documenting my experiences during this competition season, and for this episode, I'll discuss how I maintain a positive pre-show mindset.   What you'll hear:   The psychology of preparing for a big endeavor and how it affects dopamine (1:34) How I'm feeling as I'm about to step onto the largest stage I've ever been on (2:44) The importance of mental preparation in bodybuilding (3:52) Winning a major competition in 2012 and the period of depression and disordered eating that followed (4:46) How I've made this prep season more sustainable to avoid the downfall postseason (7:39) Post-competition meal-planning and mental well-being (10:11) My nutrition plan post-competition and macronutrient targets (14:12) The importance of having a plan and support to cope with the stress after the competition season is over (18:03) My plan to relax, enjoy the moment, and be present with my supporters (22:24) If you loved this episode and our podcast, please take some time to rate and review us on Apple Podcasts, or drop us a comment below!    

If you've listened to me for a while, you know how much I value good, quality sleep, but the fact remains that I lack in the slumber department. For this episode, I'm solo again and I discuss the importance of quality sleep and announce the details for our next giveaway.   What you'll hear:   Sleep quality vs. sleep quantity (2:33) Sleep optimization techniques for better rest and performance (4;00) Devices I use to track sleep (6:59) Reasons for sleeping in a separate bed during the prep season (7:35) Details about the Eight Sleep Pod Cover (10:03) How to win you own Eight Sleep Pod Cover (15:16)   How to win:   Every $10 you spend throughout the month of November at www.ketobrick.com will get you entered to win the cover! If you loved this episode and our podcast, please take some time to rate and review us on Apple Podcasts, or drop us a comment below!

I'm short on time, short on sleep, and short on podcast episodes, so I welcomed my good friend and client, Greg Mahler, on the show to recap my competition at the Monster Mash.   What you'll hear:   My performance at the show and improved vascularity and symmetry (2:32) Lessons I learned during this last show, including being more personable on stage during posing (7:57) Training and nutrition strategies for my upcoming competition (10:23) Greg's experience working with me and the importance of reverse dieting after a prep (18:06) Not comparing oneself to others on social media (20:14) The growth plan for Keto Brick (23:49) Working with a coach during a competition prep (26:48) Post-competition celebration meals and meal prep (28:00) The importance of keeping your recovery meal on-plan and not being too lenient (32:56) If you loved this episode and our podcast, please take some time to rate and review us on Apple Podcasts, or drop us a comment below!