EP725 - Pretty Privilege, Standards, and The Rise of Skinny Tok

On this week's episode, Craig and I kick things off with a solid twenty minutes of pure holiday chaos and friendly rambling while we try to settle one of the most important debates of our generation. We attempt to figure out what the best Christmas movie of all time actually is. We share some nostalgia, some questionable takes, and way too many opinions for two grown men. From there, I shift gears and play a viral clip from an influencer on Instagram that got both of us thinking. We dive into the whole idea of "pretty privilege," how it shows up in real life, and what having actual standards looks like today. We also start talking about the "skinny tok" wave that's popping up on Instagram. I break down why these extreme aesthetic trends always seem to come in cycles, why they can be dangerous when you make your looks your entire identity, and how easy it is to get wrapped up in something that's only one small part of the overall truth. At the end of the day, that's the whole theme of this episode. Something can be true, but that doesn't mean it's the whole truth. And when any one thing becomes your whole personality — whether it's fitness, looks, validation, or even self-improvement — it usually becomes the thing that breaks you instead of builds you. It's a mix of humor, honesty, and real talk.   Next Level Links Nutrition Coaching Free Consultations - Schedule Here Nutrition Coaching - www.becomenextlevel.com   Try Thrive  Lab Free For One Month - Start Here Order Supplements From Transform Order from Cured Supplement Order from Legion Supplements and get 20% off your first order by using discount code: keynutrition   Free Guides: Eating Out Guide - Get The Guide High-Protein Fast Food Orders - Get the Guide Macro Food Options Guide - Get The Guide   Join Us On Patreon - Join Here   Submit your questions to be featured on our Q&A episodes.   Connect with us on Instagram Host Brad Jensen – @thesoberbodybuilder Co-Host Craig Smith - @greatestdaymindset Next Level Nutrition – @mynextlevelnutrition

Today I sat down with Chris Martin, a trainer who has built a massive presence online by doing something rare in today's fitness space. Telling the truth. Chris holds multiple personal training certifications and has made a name for himself by calling out the nonsense that keeps people stuck. He is blunt. He is honest. And he does not sugarcoat a thing. You probably know him from his viral reel where he said that if you are obese, maybe you should not be personal training people yet. That clip blew up for a reason. Chris says what most people are thinking but are too afraid to say. He is not scared of controversy because he cares more about helping people than protecting feelings. This was a real conversation. Two guys who love this industry. Two guys who want it to get better. And two guys who are not interested in status quo advice. We talked about the problems in the fitness space today, why honesty is the greatest form of respect, and what people actually need if they want to change their life. Not coddling. Not hand holding. Truth. There are going to be takeaways for trainers. Takeaways for everyday people trying to get healthy. And takeaways for anyone who wants to see fitness through a clearer, more grounded lens. Chris and I covered everything from identity to accountability to how the online world has distorted what real coaching even is anymore. If you are tired of watered down messages. If you want straight talk. If you want to hear two people who are not afraid to say the uncomfortable thing if it helps someone grow. You are going to love this episode. Tune in. Share it with a friend who needs the wake up call. And let me know your biggest takeaway.   Next Level Nutrition Coaching Black Friday Special - Get The Deal Here   Try Thrive  Lab Free For One Month - Start Here   Next Level Links Nutrition Coaching Free Consultations - Schedule Here Nutrition Coaching - www.becomenextlevel.com   Free Guides: Eating Out Guide - Get The Guide High-Protein Fast Food Orders - Get the Guide Macro Food Options Guide - Get The Guide   Join Us On Patreon - Join Here   Submit your questions to be featured on our Q&A episodes.   Order Supplements From Transform Order from Cured Supplement Order from Legion Supplements and get 20% off your first order by using discount code: keynutrition   Connect with us on Instagram Host Brad Jensen – @thesoberbodybuilder Next Level Nutrition – @mynextlevelnutrition

In this solo episode I unpack one of the most misunderstood topics in all of fat loss. Starvation mode. Or better stated. The myth of starvation mode. I break down what most people actually mean when they say they are "in starvation mode" and why the vast majority simply are not in a consistent calorie deficit. I also get into why honesty in tracking and daily habits matters way more than blaming your metabolism. But I also address the very small subset of people who really do experience something real. What I call conservation mode. I explain exactly what is happening in the body when you diet aggressively for long periods of time. How metabolic adaptation works. How stress, low calories, and low energy intake can down regulate output without you noticing. And why this can create the illusion that fat loss has stalled. I walk through the key signs of conservation mode and how to course correct. More movement. Better recovery. Smarter refeeds. Tightening up tracking. Giving your metabolism and stress system some breathing room so the body feels safe to let go of fat again. This episode will help you understand the truth behind starvation mode, the difference between excuses and physiology, and how to get fat loss moving again if you are truly stuck. Tune in. Take notes. And take ownership of your results.   Next Level Nutrition Coaching Black Friday Special - Get The Deal Here   Try Thrive  Lab Free For One Month - Start Here   Next Level Links Nutrition Coaching Free Consultations - Schedule Here Nutrition Coaching - www.becomenextlevel.com   Free Guides: Eating Out Guide - Get The Guide High-Protein Fast Food Orders - Get the Guide Macro Food Options Guide - Get The Guide   Join Us On Patreon - Join Here   Submit your questions to be featured on our Q&A episodes.   Order Supplements From Transform Order from Cured Supplement Order from Legion Supplements and get 20% off your first order by using discount code: keynutrition   Connect with us on Instagram Host Brad Jensen – @thesoberbodybuilder Next Level Nutrition – @mynextlevelnutrition

This one runs deep. Pornography is not the fun or flashy topic most people want to talk about, but it is one that needs to be talked about. In this episode Craig and I dive into the real dangers of porn, the darker side of the industry, and why it quietly destroys so many lives. I opened up about my personal experience and the moment years ago that made me stay as far away from porn as possible. It was something I witnessed that changed the way I see the entire industry and the energy behind it. There is a darkness there that I just cannot ignore. Craig brought a powerful perspective as a licensed clinical therapist who has worked with countless people battling pornography addiction. He breaks down what porn actually does to the brain, why it is so addictive, and the subtle but significant ways it impacts relationships, intimacy, confidence, and self worth. This episode is raw, uncomfortable, honest, and absolutely necessary. A must listen for anyone who wants to protect their relationships, their mental health, and their integrity. Tune in. This one matters.   Black Friday Special - Get The Deal Here   Next Level Links Nutrition Coaching Free Consultations - Schedule Here Nutrition Coaching - www.becomenextlevel.com   Free Guides: Eating Out Guide - Get The Guide High-Protein Fast Food Orders - Get the Guide Macro Food Options Guide - Get The Guide   Join Us On Patreon - Join Here   Submit your questions to be featured on our Q&A episodes.   Order Supplements From Transform Order from Cured Supplement Order from Legion Supplements and get 20% off your first order by using discount code: keynutrition   Connect with us on Instagram Host Brad Jensen – @thesoberbodybuilder Next Level Nutrition – @mynextlevelnutrition

This was one of those solo episodes where I just hit record and let it rip. A little humor. A little education. A little ranting. A little real life. I kicked things off talking about how insanely hard it actually is to accidentally get too jacked in the gym. The amount of people who are terrified of getting bulky from a few weeks of lifting still blows my mind. If only it were that easy. If anything, it was your reminder that building real muscle takes intention, consistency, and way more effort than most people think. I also shared a funny story from my trip to Scottsdale and the conversation I had on the plane with a gentleman who clearly needed Nutrition 101. It was a great reminder that we forget how confusing this whole world of macros, calories, and food choices still is for the average person. Sometimes we have to slow down and keep things simple. There are still a lot of people out there just trying to figure out the basics. And of course, I touched on tipping culture and how wild it has gotten. When the screen flips around asking for a twenty five percent tip and the person literally did nothing but hand you a bottle of water. It drives me crazy and I had some thoughts to get off my chest. Overall it was a hog posh of topics. Me talking some shit. Having some laughs. Hopefully giving you a little infotainment along the way. Tune in for a lighthearted episode with a few reminders that matter.   Next Level Links Nutrition Coaching Free Consultations - Schedule Here Nutrition Coaching - www.becomenextlevel.com   Free Guides: Eating Out Guide - Get The Guide High-Protein Fast Food Orders - Get the Guide Macro Food Options Guide - Get The Guide   Join Us On Patreon - Join Here   Submit your questions to be featured on our Q&A episodes.   Order Supplements From Transform Order from Cured Supplement Order from Legion Supplements and get 20% off your first order by using discount code: keynutrition   Connect with us on Instagram Host Brad Jensen – @thesoberbodybuilder Next Level Nutrition – @mynextlevelnutrition

In this episode I sit down with guest cohost Cass Zimmerman for a real conversation about MAHA, the healthcare system, and where the middle ground actually lives between modern western medicine and the holistic side of fitness and nutrition. We rift, we talk some shit, we laugh, and we give you a few insights along the way. This one is laid back, honest, and exactly the kind of conversation you'd expect when two friends get behind the mic.   Next Level Experience - Schedule Your Discovery Call Here   Next Level Links Nutrition Coaching - www.becomenextlevel.com Nutrition Coaching Free Consultations - Schedule Here   Free Guides: Eating Out Guide - Get The Guide High-Protein Fast Food Orders - Get the Guide Macro Food Options Guide - Get The Guide   Join Us On Patreon - Join Here   Submit your questions to be featured on our Q&A episodes.   Order Supplements From Transform Order from Cured Supplement Order from Legion Supplements and get 20% off your first order by using discount code: keynutrition   Connect with us on Instagram Host Brad Jensen – @thesoberbodybuilder Guest Cass Zimmerman - @casofras Next Level Nutrition – @mynextlevelnutrition

Today Craig and I are talking about the dark side of the fitness influencer world. Orthorexia. The obsession with eating perfectly clean. The belief that discipline equals restriction and punishment. The extreme routines that get praised online while people silently struggle with guilt fear and anxiety around food. We pull back the curtain on what really goes on behind the "grind" and "no excuses" mentality When discipline becomes obsession Exercise bulimia and feeling like you have to earn or burn your food The influencer pressure to stay shredded year round How the algorithm rewards extreme behavior We give real red flags to watch for in yourself or in the people you follow Panic when you cannot track a meal Cardio as punishment No rest days ever Constant body updates and weigh ins We also talk about how to heal. How to shift from self punishment to self respect. How to build an identity that is not dependent on your macros or your physique.   Fitness should support your life Not take it over   Next Level Experience - Schedule Your Discovery Call Here   Next Level Links Nutrition Coaching - www.becomenextlevel.com Nutrition Coaching Free Consultations - Schedule Here   Free Guides: Eating Out Guide - Get The Guide High-Protein Fast Food Orders - Get the Guide Macro Food Options Guide - Get The Guide   Join Us On Patreon - Join Here   Submit your questions to be featured on our Q&A episodes.   Order Supplements From Transform Order from Cured Supplement Order from Legion Supplements and get 20% off your first order by using discount code: keynutrition   Connect with us on Instagram Host Brad Jensen – @thesoberbodybuilder Next Level Nutrition – @mynextlevelnutrition

In this very first episode, I break down why I decided to rebrand from The Next Level Health & Fitness Podcast to The Brad Jensen Show. I wanted a space where I could speak more raw, more real, and represent my name — and my name only. No filters. No fluff. Just honest conversations about life, health, growth, and everything in between. I share a few current things going on in my world, talk about what it really means to take ownership instead of playing the victim, and even call myself out for trying to cut back on filler words when I speak. This episode is short and simple — a quick intro to what's ahead. Expect deeper conversations, more real talk, and the kind of perspective that helps you level up in every area of life.   Next Level Experience - Schedule Your Discovery Call Here   Next Level Links Nutrition Coaching - www.becomenextlevel.com Nutrition Coaching Free Consultations - Schedule Here   Free Guides: Eating Out Guide - Get The Guide High-Protein Fast Food Orders - Get the Guide Macro Food Options Guide - Get The Guide   Join Us On Patreon - Join Here   Submit your questions to be featured on our Q&A episodes.   Order Supplements From Transform Order from Cured Supplement Order from Legion Supplements and get 20% off your first order by using discount code: keynutrition   Connect with us on Instagram Host Brad Jensen – @thesoberbodybuilder Next Level Nutrition – @mynextlevelnutrition

In this episode, Craig and I dive into our monthly listener Q&A — covering a mix of mindset, fitness, and lifestyle topics that hit close to home for a lot of people. We covered everything from testosterone therapy and self-limiting beliefs to training styles, getting back in shape after falling off, and whether cold plunges are actually worth the hype. Some of the questions we tackled include: Testosterone only went up 10 points after 9 months on TRT — does that seem off? What are our own personal self-limiting beliefs and how have we learned to work through them? Which is more optimal: circuit-style training or traditional hypertrophy work? If you were in great shape years ago but have since fallen off, what's the very first step to take to get back on track? Our honest take on cold plunging — effective or overrated? This episode is a blend of science, experience, and real talk — no fluff. Whether you're curious about optimizing your health or just looking for a little direction, this one's packed with insight. Listen now to hear our raw, unfiltered answers and practical takeaways to apply in your own life.   Next Level Experience - Schedule Your Discovery Call Here   Next Level Links Nutrition Coaching - www.becomenextlevel.com Nutrition Coaching Free Consultations - Schedule Here   Free Guides: Eating Out Guide - Get The Guide High-Protein Fast Food Orders - Get the Guide Macro Food Options Guide - Get The Guide   Join Us On Patreon - Join Here   Submit your questions to be featured on our Q&A episodes.   Order Supplements From Transform Order from Cured Supplement Order from Legion Supplements and get 20% off your first order by using discount code: keynutrition   Connect with us on Instagram Host Brad Jensen – @thesoberbodybuilder Next Level Nutrition – @mynextlevelnutrition

In this bonus solo episode, I take you behind the curtain of The Next Level Experience — my 4-month transformational program designed to help you level up your mind, body, and spirit. I've had countless people ask, "What's actually included inside the program?" This episode is my full walk-through — a detailed, step-by-step breakdown of each level, what we cover, and why it matters. From emotional regulation and mindset shifts to nutrition, structure, and spiritual growth — I explain exactly how each level builds on the last to create lasting change. This isn't just another fitness or mindset program; it's a full framework for transforming how you show up in every area of your life. If you've ever been curious about what makes The Next Level Experience so different — or why past clients call it life-changing — this episode will give you the full picture. What You'll Learn: The purpose behind each level of The Next Level Experience How we help you master emotional regulation and mindset rewiring The importance of synergy between your physical, mental, and spiritual growth Why this program goes far beyond macros, workouts, or motivation What kind of transformations past participants have achieved Whether you've been watching from the sidelines or wondering if this is the right time to go "all in" on yourself, this episode will give you the clarity you need to take that next step. If you're ready to finally get unstuck and live a truly Next Level life, click the link below to book your free discovery call today. Schedule Your Discovery Call - Schedule Here   Next Level Links Nutrition Coaching - www.becomenextlevel.com Nutrition Coaching Free Consultations - Schedule Here   Free Guides: Eating Out Guide - Get The Guide High-Protein Fast Food Orders - Get the Guide Macro Food Options Guide - Get The Guide   Join Us On Patreon - Join Here   Submit your questions to be featured on our Q&A episodes.   Order Supplements From Transform Order from Cured Supplement Order from Legion Supplements and get 20% off your first order by using discount code: keynutrition   Connect with us on Instagram Host Brad Jensen – @thesoberbodybuilder Next Level Nutrition – @mynextlevelnutrition