EP769 - The Four Agreements: A Fitness Mindset Playbook

In this episode I break down The Four Agreements by Don Miguel Ruiz and show you how each one applies directly to your fitness journey. Be Impeccable with Your Word: the promises you keep (or break) with yourself shape whether you follow through. Don't Take Anything Personally: a bad workout or a stalled scale is data, not a verdict on your worth. Don't Make Assumptions: stop deciding what will or won't work for your body and start testing it, like I did with my own 30-day recomposition experiment. Always Do Your Best: your best changes day to day, and that's the antidote to all-or-nothing thinking. If you've ever felt stuck in guilt, comparison, or perfectionism around your training, this episode will change how you think about consistency for good.   Next Level Links: Work With a Nutrition Coach - Schedule A Consultation Nutrition Coaching - www.becomenextlevel.com   Partner Links: Try Thrive Lab Free For One Month - Start Here Order Supplements From Transform - Shop Here Order Supplements From Cured Nutrition - Shop Here Order Supplements From Legion (use code keynutrition for 20% off first order) - Shop Here   Be Featured on the Show: Apply to be a live calller guest on the show - Submit Application Here Submit Q&A Questions to be read live on the show - Submit 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   Connect with us on Instagram: Host Brad Jensen – @thesoberbodybuilder Next Level Nutrition – @mynextlevelnutrition

whether high volume or low volume training is better for building muscle — and honestly, I think most people are asking the wrong question. In this episode I break down what the research actually says about training volume and proximity to failure, because these are two separate things that constantly get lumped together, and conflating them is where a lot of the confusion comes from. The short version? Both camps are right about something. Low volume taken to failure works. High volume with a couple reps left in the tank works. The newest meta-analyses — including Pelland, Refalo, Martikainen, and Hermann — all point to the same thing: there's no one-size-fits-all answer, and the differences between these approaches are a lot smaller than the internet would have you believe. What I really want you to take away from this one is that experimenting with different styles isn't a sign you don't know what you're doing — it's actually a skill. Pick an approach, run it honestly for 6-8 weeks, see how your body and your life respond, and don't be afraid to adjust. That's not wishy-washy. That's just smart training.   Next Level Links: Work With a Nutrition Coach - Schedule A Consultation Nutrition Coaching - www.becomenextlevel.com   Partner Links: Try Thrive Lab Free For One Month - Start Here Order Supplements From Transform - Shop Here Order Supplements From Cured Nutrition - Shop Here Order Supplements From Legion (use code keynutrition for 20% off first order) - Shop Here   Be Featured on the Show: Apply to be a live calller guest on the show - Submit Application Here Submit Q&A Questions to be read live on the show - Submit 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   Connect with us on Instagram: Host Brad Jensen – @thesoberbodybuilder Next Level Nutrition – @mynextlevelnutrition

In this episode, Craig Smith and special guest co-host Grant Dziak join me for a rapid-fire round of overrated and underrated topics across fitness, nutrition, supplementation, personal development, business, and more. From popular diet trends and training methods to mindset strategies, recovery tools, and everyday habits, we break down what we think deserves more attention—and what might be getting a little too much hype. This one is fast-paced, opinionated, and a lot of fun. Grant brought a unique perspective to the conversation, which made for some great discussion, debate, and laughs along the way. Whether you're looking to improve your health, grow your business, or simply challenge some of your current beliefs, this episode will give you plenty to think about.   Next Level Links: Work With a Nutrition Coach - Schedule A Consultation Nutrition Coaching - www.becomenextlevel.com   Partner Links: Try Thrive Lab Free For One Month - Start Here Order Supplements From Transform - Shop Here Order Supplements From Cured Nutrition - Shop Here Order Supplements From Legion (use code keynutrition for 20% off first order) - Shop Here   Be Featured on the Show: Apply to be a live calller guest on the show - Submit Application Here Submit Q&A Questions to be read live on the show - Submit 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   Connect with us on Instagram: Host Brad Jensen – @thesoberbodybuilder Co-Host Craig Smith - @greatestdaymindset Guest Grant Dziak - @grantdziak Next Level Nutrition – @mynextlevelnutrition

In this episode of The Brad Jensen Show, I'm joined by Craig Smith and Grant Dziak for a free-flowing conversation that took us in a direction I didn't expect—but one that I think will resonate with a lot of people. We dive deep into the topic of identity and the role labels play in our lives. We talk about how some labels can be incredibly damaging, keeping us stuck in patterns and beliefs that no longer serve us, while others can be empowering and help us become the person we want to be. We also discuss some of the biggest mistakes people make when trying to figure out who they are. Too often, we attach our identity to what we do, our accomplishments, our failures, or what other people think of us. But true growth happens when we start understanding who we are at our core—not just what we do. This conversation goes beyond fitness and gets into personal development, self-awareness, and the process of building an identity that supports the life you want to create. If you've ever felt limited by a label, struggled with self-doubt, or wondered how to become the person you're capable of being, I think you'll get a lot out of this episode.   Next Level Links: Work With a Nutrition Coach - Schedule A Consultation Nutrition Coaching - www.becomenextlevel.com   Partner Links: Try Thrive Lab Free For One Month - Start Here Order Supplements From Transform - Shop Here Order Supplements From Cured Nutrition - Shop Here Order Supplements From Legion (use code keynutrition for 20% off first order) - Shop Here   Be Featured on the Show: Apply to be a live calller guest on the show - Submit Application Here Submit Q&A Questions to be read live on the show - Submit 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   Connect with us on Instagram: Host Brad Jensen – @thesoberbodybuilder Co-Host Craig Smith - @greatestdaymindset Guest Grant Dziak - @grantdziak Next Level Nutrition – @mynextlevelnutrition

In this episode of The Brad Jensen Show, Craig Smith and I sit down for a candid conversation about life, growth, and the importance of taking risks. We discuss Craig's decision to step into a new career opportunity, the fear and uncertainty that come with major life changes, and why so many people never give themselves the chance to see what's possible because they're unwilling to bet on themselves. This wasn't a structured episode with one main topic. Just two friends talking shop, sharing lessons, and exploring what it means to pursue growth even when it's uncomfortable. If you've ever felt stuck, scared to make a move, or needed a reminder to trust yourself, you'll enjoy this conversation.   Next Level Links: Work With a Nutrition Coach - Schedule A Consultation Nutrition Coaching - www.becomenextlevel.com   Partner Links: Try Thrive Lab Free For One Month - Start Here Order Supplements From Transform - Shop Here Order Supplements From Cured Nutrition - Shop Here Order Supplements From Legion (use code keynutrition for 20% off first order) - Shop Here   Be Featured on the Show: Apply to be a live calller guest on the show - Submit Application Here Submit Q&A Questions to be read live on the show - Submit 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   Connect with us on Instagram: Host Brad Jensen – @thesoberbodybuilder Co-Host Craig Smith - @greatestdaymindset Next Level Nutrition – @mynextlevelnutrition

Peptides are everywhere right now. They're one of the hottest topics in the health and fitness space, but there's a side of the industry that most people aren't talking about. I break down some recent findings on gray market research peptides and why the results were alarming, even if they weren't entirely surprising. The reality is that this remains a largely unregulated industry where consumers are often forced to trust vendors without knowing what's actually inside the vial. During my own research and due diligence, I was shocked to discover that some well-known peptide suppliers either don't test their products at all or rely on basic in-house testing methods that leave plenty of room for error. I also share why we decided to launch Ethos Bio Labz for research purposes only. The goal wasn't to create another company jumping on the peptide trend. It was to solve a problem I kept seeing with clients who had no reliable way to verify the quality, purity, or accuracy of what they were purchasing. Most importantly, this is not a sales pitch. Whether you ever choose to do peptide research or not, my goal is to help you become a more informed consumer. I walk through what third-party testing actually means, what questions you should be asking before purchasing from any company, and why transparency matters. I also discuss something many people in the peptide space won't say out loud: not every peptide deserves the hype. While some have promising research behind them, others simply don't have enough quality data yet to justify the claims being made online. My commitment is to give you the truth as I see it, not just tell you what people want to hear. If you've been curious about peptides, considering peptide research, or simply want to understand what's really happening behind the scenes, this conversation will help you separate fact from fiction.   15% off your first order coupon code: pod15 Ethos Website: www.ethosbiolabz.com   Peptide Study: https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC11582493/ Impurity Profiling Study: view here   Next Level Links: Work With a Nutrition Coach - Schedule A Consultation Nutrition Coaching - www.becomenextlevel.com   Partner Links: Try Thrive Lab Free For One Month - Start Here Order Supplements From Transform - Shop Here Order Supplements From Cured Nutrition - Shop Here Order Supplements From Legion (use code keynutrition for 20% off first order) - Shop Here   Be Featured on the Show: Apply to be a live calller guest on the show - Submit Application Here Submit Q&A Questions to be read live on the show - Submit 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   Connect with us on Instagram: Host Brad Jensen – @thesoberbodybuilder Next Level Nutrition – @mynextlevelnutrition

It's time for another monthly Q&A episode with Craig and me. In this episode, we answer some of your biggest questions around fitness, mindset, health, and personal development. We dive into what self sabotage really means, why so many people unknowingly get in their own way, and the fitness hill I'm willing to die on. We also discuss how much of weight loss is truly physical versus emotional and whether GLP-1 medications are actually making people healthier or simply making people smaller. In this episode, we cover: What self sabotage really looks like and how to stop it The fitness belief I'm not backing down from How much of weight loss is physical versus emotional Why mindset plays such a massive role in long term success My thoughts on GLP-1 medications and their place in health and fitness The difference between getting smaller and getting healthier Several listener questions and real world coaching insights As always, Craig and I keep it real, share our honest perspectives, and give you practical takeaways you can apply to your own life. Thanks for listening. If you enjoy the show, please subscribe, leave a review, and share this episode with someone who could benefit from it.   Next Level Links: Work With a Nutrition Coach - Schedule A Consultation Nutrition Coaching - www.becomenextlevel.com   Partner Links: Try Thrive Lab Free For One Month - Start Here Order Supplements From Transform - Shop Here Order Supplements From Cured Nutrition - Shop Here Order Supplements From Legion (use code keynutrition for 20% off first order) - Shop Here   Be Featured on the Show: Apply to be a live calller guest on the show - Submit Application Here Submit Q&A Questions to be read live on the show - Submit 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   Connect with us on Instagram: Host Brad Jensen – @thesoberbodybuilder Co-Host Craig Smith - @greatestdaymindset Next Level Nutrition – @mynextlevelnutrition

After a little two week hiatus, we're back. In this episode, Craig and I catch up on life, talk through my recent trip to California, share some laughs, and dive into a handful of conversations around health, mindset, social media, and the kind of content people need to be more careful consuming online right now. Honestly, this one was a little bit of everything. No super structured agenda. Just two friends having real conversations, sharing perspectives, talking some shit, and hopefully giving you a few takeaways along the way. If you've been waiting for us to get back on the mic together… here you go.   Next Level Links: Work With a Nutrition Coach - Schedule A Consultation Nutrition Coaching - www.becomenextlevel.com   Partner Links: Try Thrive Lab Free For One Month - Start Here Order Supplements From Transform - Shop Here Order Supplements From Cured Nutrition - Shop Here Order Supplements From Legion (use code keynutrition for 20% off first order) - Shop Here   Be Featured on the Show: Apply to be a live calller guest on the show - Submit Application Here Submit Q&A Questions to be read live on the show - Submit 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   Connect with us on Instagram: Host Brad Jensen – @thesoberbodybuilder Co-Host Craig Smith - @greatestdaymindset Next Level Nutrition – @mynextlevelnutrition

In this episode, I sit down with Deborah Rozman from HeartMath to dive into emotional regulation, stress, nervous system health, and the connection between the heart and brain. We talk about why so many high performers are successful externally but still internally dysregulated, how chronic stress impacts physical and emotional health, and practical tools to create more coherence, resilience, and alignment in everyday life. We also get into leadership, parenting, burnout, breathwork, emotional mastery, and what true high performance actually looks like beyond just hustle and achievement. If you constantly feel "on," struggle to slow your brain down, or feel like success still hasn't brought peace, this episode will hit home.   Next Level Links: Work With a Nutrition Coach - Schedule A Consultation Nutrition Coaching - www.becomenextlevel.com   Partner Links: Try Thrive Lab Free For One Month - Start Here Order Supplements From Transform - Shop Here Order Supplements From Cured Nutrition - Shop Here Order Supplements From Legion (use code keynutrition for 20% off first order) - Shop Here   Be Featured on the Show: Apply to be a live calller guest on the show - Submit Application Here Submit Q&A Questions to be read live on the show - Submit 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   Connect with us on Instagram: Host Brad Jensen – @thesoberbodybuilder Next Level Nutrition – @mynextlevelnutrition

On this month's Q&A episode, Brad and Craig go off-script and dive into a wide range of real-life topics that are actually affecting people right now. They kick things off with a bigger-picture conversation around life—how perspective shapes everything, why most people overcomplicate things, and where they see people getting in their own way the most. From there, they get into a real and necessary discussion about coaching as an unregulated industry. The pros, the dangers, and what people should actually be looking for before trusting someone with their health, mindset, or life direction. Not all "coaches" are created equal—and they don't hold back here. They also tackle a tough but relatable question: what to do when someone doesn't want you in their life anymore. Whether it's relationships, friendships, or family—this turns into a conversation about self-respect, boundaries, and emotional maturity. Peptides come back into the conversation with more listener questions—clearing up confusion, calling out misuse, and giving practical insight into how they should be approached versus how most people are currently using them. As always, the episode is a mix of mindset, truth, and real talk—no fluff, no sugarcoating.   Next Level Links: Work With a Nutrition Coach - Schedule A Consultation Nutrition Coaching - www.becomenextlevel.com   Partner Links: Try Thrive Lab Free For One Month - Start Here Order Supplements From Transform - Shop Here Order Supplements From Cured Nutrition - Shop Here Order Supplements From Legion (use code keynutrition for 20% off first order) - Shop Here   Be Featured on the Show: Apply to be a live calller guest on the show - Submit Application Here Submit Q&A Questions to be read live on the show - Submit 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   Connect with us on Instagram: Host Brad Jensen – @thesoberbodybuilder Co-Host Craig Smith - @greatestdaymindset Next Level Nutrition – @mynextlevelnutrition