

Savage Perspective Podcast
Robert Sikes
The "Savage Perspective Podcast" is hosted by Robert Sikes, WNBF Pro Natural Bodybuilder. Robert has been deconstructing human performance and is willing to push the envelope to see what is possible. He's been following a ketogenic lifestyle for over a decade, is the founder and formulator of Keto Brick, and has a passion for helping others achieve their highest potential. In the show, he brings on guests to dive deeper into what has led to their successes and failures in all walks of life from fitness to business, relationships to spirituality so you can learn and take action!
Episodes
Mentioned books

Aug 28, 2023 • 1h 2min
Welcoming Back Colt Milton
For this episode, we welcome back repeat guest and friend, Colt Milton. I've known Colt for a while now and finally had the opportunity to hang out with him in person this summer. He's an incredible person and such an inspiration to many. I've got no doubt you'll take something from this episode. What we discussed: Our background and meeting up this summer (1:57) Training modalities and spirituality (3:56) Importance of having a good physique (9:36) Fat consumption and hormone health (13:44) How healthy relationships contribute to our overall well-being (15:40) His experience with Keto Bricks (18:52) The differences in my training and nutritional protocol for my current prep (24:21) Low-volume, nutrient-dense foods as opposed to high-volume, low-calorie foods (26:29) Sodium consumption (30:37) Competing vs. coaching (34:16) Focusing on physique and nutrition more (38:52) Cardio and spirituality (41:23) Competition categories (49:11) Competitive camaraderie (54:55) Colt's workout setup and home gym (59:10) Where to find Colt: Instagram 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!

Aug 25, 2023 • 57min
Celebrating 600 with Crystal Sikes
What better way to celebrate our 600th episode than with my lovely wife, updating everyone about all things Savage? We are so grateful to you for listening to this podcast and supporting us over the years. I hope you enjoy this episode as much as we enjoyed recording it for you. What you'll hear: The growth the podcast has seen over the years (1:43) Crystal's powerlifting training and competition and why she decided to dive back in (3:14) The differences in training styles for bodybuilding vs. powerlifting competitions (7:19) Dogma surrounding powerlifting (11:34) Feeding before a competition (12:54) Structure of the competition and lifting schedule (17:02) Setting a state record (19:12) Planning her next competition (19:25) What a handler does (21:10) How my prep has been affecting me (25:17) Making things work now that we're parents (29:14) Maximizing sleep quantity and quality (31:01) 50 Mile March right before peak week (34:06) What the March means to us and why we do it (35:55) Competition schedule (41:34) Homesteading, gardening, and chickens (45:10) Rigel check up (49:48) Exciting things we've got in the pipeline coming up (56:09) Where to find us and support what we're doing: Donate to the 50 Mile March 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!

Aug 21, 2023 • 53min
Following a Ketogenic Diet After Bariatric Surgery
Have you had bariatric surgery and are perhaps worried about the safety of a ketogenic diet? Kirk Shelley suffered from type 2 diabetes which almost left him blind. He has undergone bariatric surgery and adopted a ketogenic lifestyle to maintain his weight loss and overall health. He's got a very inspiring and interesting story and I know you'll take something from this episode. What we discussed: Kirk's background and why he chose bariatric surgery (1:39) The variations of bariatric surgery (3:47) Following a version of keto prior to undergoing surgery and the weight loss he experienced (5:44) Processed foods and high carbohydrate diets (8:12) The downsides and challenges of bariatric surgery (11:03) When he decided to follow keto post-surgery (18:39) A typical day of eating for him (19:16) His feelings on Ozempic (21:45) Carbohydrates as an addictive substance (27:31) Benefits of an elimination diet (33:26) Total food freedom (35:08) Weight training (41:08) Being a positive role model for his children (49:52) Where to follow Kirk: Twitter Bariatric Carnivore 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!

Aug 18, 2023 • 1h 30min
From Veganism to Proper Footwear with Chris Bates
If you've got questions about various dietary protocols, hormonal health, the education system, and more, then this is the episode for you. Chris and I formally met at Keto Con this year, but it turns out he's been loosely following the Savage brand for a little while now. He has tried the gamut of nutritional protocols, experimenting in a smart, controlled way, and he has a wealth of information to share on everything from veganism to shoes. It was a pleasure speaking to him and I know there's something in this episode for everyone. What you'll hear: His back story and how he ended up as a coach with Heart and Soil (2:51) The details of his nutritional experiments, including paleo and vegan (4:51) What his animal-based protocol looks like now (8:04) Bullying in the nutrition space (10:18) What a typical week looks like for him (12:26) Macronutrient distribution (14:14) His transition to Heart and Soil (16:57) The addition of fruit and honey (19:50) Adjusting to keto (28:49) Having a healthy relationship with food (32:25) Keeping an open mind and the importance of flexibility (33:38) Liver supplements and vitamin A toxicity (39:47) Blood level testing during his nutritional experimentation (43:10) Hormone health (45:53) Psychological benefits of bodybuilding and the importance of rest periods (51:41) "Rising tide raises all ships" (57:30) Holding coaching clients accountable (1:01:19) Certifications (1:04:19) The future of education (1:09:15) Earth Runner shoes (1:12:29) Foot health and training (1:16:24) Natural hygiene products (1:21:52) Where to follow Chris: 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!

Aug 14, 2023 • 8min
Brick by Brick 2023
If you've been with us for a while, you know we don't regularly offer discounts on our Keto Bricks for many reasons. However, back in 2021, we hosted our first Brick-by-Brick promotion to honor those of you who supported us during our warehouse move. We repeated that promotion in 2022, and will be doing the same this year. What you'll hear in this episode: Our reasons for not regularly hosting sales on our Keto Bricks (0:27) The backstory of the brick-by-brick promotion (1:08) The details of the promotion (1:40) Brick pricing structure (2:49) Additional bonus gift for spending $250 or more (3:53) Requirements for getting the bonus gift (5:10) Our gratitude for all you've done for us over the years (5:51) To take advantage of the 10% discount, enter the code brickbybrick when you check out at www.ketobrick.com. 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!

Aug 11, 2023 • 1h 6min
Improving Global Health with Dr. Josh Levitt
Have you ever considered alternatives to traditional Western medicine? Dr. Josh Levitt is a naturopathic physician based in Connecticut. In practice, Dr. Levitt draws upon the science of both conventional and natural medicine and artfully combines the two into a "best of both worlds" treatment strategy. He employs a unique blend of nutritional therapy, herbal medicine, and physical medicine to treat a wide range of common and complex medical problems. His patients praise him for his ability to educate, motivate, and inspire them with stories and guidance that help them help themselves. (https://www.truehealthinitiative.org/council_member/joshua-levitt/) It was a pleasure to learn from him, and I know you'll take something from this episode. What you'll hear: Dr. Levitt's backstory and why he pursued the naturopathic path (1:41) Spontaneity and how he's settled down (5:01) The shift to acceptance of a blended approach to medicine and the catalyst for that shift (7:19) Preventative care vs. treatment (9:40) "Woowoo" in alternative medicine (11:32) The field of study he's most interested in and a field that needs more attention than it's getting (13:09) Barriers to access to traditional medical treatment in the US (14:55) His typical client and their ailments (17:02) The increase in the awareness of and interest in naturopathic medicine (19:20) Reasons for the decline in the overall health of our population as a whole (21:03) Obesity in America (23:58) How to approach the overall declining health of our population (25:50) The epigenetic effect of our declining health (28:35) Flipping the script and having people live more in line with their evolutionary past (29:46) Ketogenic diet from a biological and nutrient availability standpoint (32:47) The importance of building and maintaining muscle tissue (37:13) Biohacks to incorporate to get relatively quick results and benefits (38:43) Hormone replacement therapy (41:38) The aging process (45:36) Chiropractic work (48:52) Taking a holistic approach to treat clients (51:27) Knee health and training (51:55) Compression boots (54:43) What he's excited about (59:24) Where to learn more from Dr. Levitt: Up Wellness 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!

Aug 7, 2023 • 54min
The Carnivorous Side of YouTube with Lillie Kane
If you're aspiring to create your own YouTube channel, then this episode is for you! Lillie Kane is a ketogenic follower and spreads nothing but positivity on her YouTube channel. It was a pleasure to chat with her about the ins and outs of running a successful channel as well as her journey following a ketogenic nutritional protocol. I've got no doubt you'll enjoy this episode. What we discussed: The secret behind her seemingly overnight success on YouTube (2:11) Her experience with keto/carnivore and how she structures her content (5:21) The process of creating and editing a video (7:02) The catalyst for her beginning keto (8:00) Food waste and good vs. bad carbs (13:56) How she and her husband structure their eating (15:31) Tracking macros vs. eating intuitively (16:46) Hot topics that are trending now in the keto and carnivore spaces (17:43) Reverse dieting and the dangers of under-consuming (20:33) Fat and protein ratios based on her viewership and target audience (24:40) How she navigates the waters of sensationalism when it comes to online content creation (27:58) Topics she avoids discussing (29:11) The advice she'd give to someone hoping to start their own successful YouTube channel (30:58) Short-form and long-form content (34:01) Market research and analytics (36:03) The technical side of filming (37:23) Editing content and getting straight to the point (40:14) Being present in the moment instead of always shooting and posting content (44:44) What she has in the works for the near future (45:46) Where to find Lillie: YouTube 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!

Aug 4, 2023 • 54min
Total Transformation with Serena Musick
Do you suffer from the effects of Covid or other health issues? Serena Musick contracted long Covid back in 2020, suffering from extreme nausea and loss of taste and smell. She tried many different nutritional plans, to no avail, until she decided to try the carnivore lifestyle. She has since recovered and continues to follow a strict carnivore protocol to maintain her health. It was a pleasure to have her on the podcast and I know you'll enjoy this episode. What we discussed: Her backstory and motivation for going carnivore (1:45) Her nutritional protocol prior to switching to carnivore and how she felt (8:20) Researching carnivore and seeing the other end of the spectrum in regards to dietary needs after Covid (10:27) How long it took for her cravings to subside after starting carnivore (12:50) Her past binging and purging habits (14:59) Macros and her rocky start with carnivore (17:50) Reverse dieting, disordered eating, and fasting (22:16) The importance of fasting and how she structures her eating (26:56) Fat to protein ratio (31:46) Navigating nutrition with children (34:26) Homeschooling and curriculum (37:18) The best part of homeschooling (40:57) The costs of daycare (44:40) Downsides to her homeschooling experience (46:42) What she's excited for in the coming months (50:39) Where to follow Serena: Instagram Website 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!

Jul 31, 2023 • 53min
Living Life to the Fullest with Dr. Mike Van Thielen
Do you play it safe or grab life by the horns to live a more vibrant, fulfilling life? As a top swimmer in his country of origin, Belgium, Dr. Mike Van Thielen gained interest in optimizing health and athletic performance. Dr. Mike graduated from the University of Brussels in '93 as a Bachelor in Physical Education and in '95 as a Master in Physical Therapy. He served as the assistant coach and therapist for Belgian Olympic Swimmers in preparation for the Olympic Games in Atlanta ('96). Dr. Mike moved to Florida in '97, and after managing several pain management clinics, he received his PhD. in Holistic Nutrition. He is a licensed Physical Therapist, a licensed Acupuncture Physician and a Doctor of Oriental Medicine, with Certifications in Homeopathy & Chinese Herbal Medicine. (https://books.friesenpress.com/store/title/119734000010709215/Mike-Van-Thielen%2C-PhD.-Health-4-Life) While we have a different approach to nutrition, it was a pleasure to speak to Dr. Mike, and I know you'll take something from the conversation. What we discussed: His background and what brought him into the athlete sphere initially (1:25) The reasoning behind moving to America and his road to success here (3:50) How he got started in the health field and how his practice and interests evolved (7:51) Confusion and lack of clarity in today's society (13:12) Actionable things you can do to keep your mind and body in sync (18:09) Productivity apps he uses on a daily basis (22:04) His meditation routine (24:56) His nutritional protocol (27:01) The importance of not putting restrictions on yourself when it comes to dietary classification (29:19) How he structures his diet throughout the day (35:32) Blood tests and cholesterol (39:18) Instilling a sense of purpose in his clients (42:47) His message from the mountaintop (48:13) How having kids has shaped his passion and purpose (49:50) Where to find out more about Dr. Mike: Biohacking Unlimited 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!

Jul 28, 2023 • 1h 7min
The Keto Lifestyle with Al Reeves and Richard Smith
For this episode, I welcome special guests Alan Reeves and Richard Smith. Alan was a former client of mine a few years back, and we've both been following a ketogenic lifestyle for about the same amount of time. Richard has an impressive background in competitive bodybuilding and has been taking the world by storm. We discussed everything from fueling strategies to training, so I know you'll take something away from this episode. What you'll hear: Richard's switch from bodybuilding to endurance training and his fitness journey (2:04) Building muscle with carbs vs. without (4:19) Fluid retention and body composition (8:50) Endurance training following a ketogenic protocol (14:20) Fat as fuel gives more energy per minute than carbohydrates (19:36) Macro distribution and protein consumption (21:33) Keto and energy levels (26:15) Where to find out more about Richard (who had to hop off to perform daddy duties) (32:54) Alan's carbohydrate and electrolyte intake, and how it varies based on weather and training (34:54) The secret to his fountain of youth (40:12) Dorian Yates protocol for training (41:07) The many different ways to approach strength training (44:41) How he tracks his training (45:35) Competitive endeavors he has in the pipeline (47:28) Building a solid foundation of health (52:15) The beginning of his ketogenic journey (53:25) Consuming vegetation (54:55) Fruit consumption (56:22) The trajectory of the ketogenic diet (59:13) Addressing unhealthy lifestyles (1:02:43) Where to find out more about Richard: YouTube The Keto Pro Where to find out more about Alan: Instagram 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!


