KNP394 - It's Okay to Suck at Things Before You Get Good at Them

In this episode of The Next Level Health & Fitness Podcast, Craig and I dive into one of the most debated topics in the fitness world — protein. Is there really such a thing as too much protein? Are people in the fitness space chronically over-feeding themselves in the name of muscle gain? And more importantly, are they sacrificing other key nutrients just to hit massive protein goals? We break it all down — the pros, the cons, and the context that actually matters. You'll hear our personal opinions, what we've seen with clients, and what we believe is the sweet spot for optimal protein intake. If you've ever wondered whether you're overdoing it or under-fueling your body with protein, this episode will give you clarity and practical takeaways you can apply right away.   Next Level Open Enrollment - 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 Co-Host Craig Smith - @greatestdaymindset Next Level Nutrition – @mynextlevelnutrition

In this episode of the Next Level Health & Fitness Podcast, I sat down with my longtime coach and friend, Jenn Pinnell — our longest-standing coach at Next Level Nutrition. Jenn and I dove deep into a topic that's at the core of real transformation: intentionality. We talked about what it actually means to be mindful with your food, your goals, and your life as a whole. This isn't about perfection — it's about awareness, presence, and making decisions that align with who you want to become. We broke down real-life examples like how to keep your goals front and center while traveling or on vacation, and how to find that balance between enjoying yourself and staying true to your standards. We also shared tools and techniques to help you regulate your nervous system when emotions hit hard and you feel the urge to eat just to cope. Being mindful and intentional with everything you do will get you to your goals faster — not because you're hustling harder, but because you're finally aligned. If you've been feeling distracted, reactive, or disconnected from your goals, this episode is going to hit home.   Schedule a Free Consultation with Coach Jenn - Schedule Here   Next Level Webinar Registration - Register Here   Next Level Links Nutrition Coaching - www.becomenextlevel.com Nutrition Coaching Free Consultations - Schedule Here Next Level Experience Waitlist - Join 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 Coach Jenn Pinnell - @berealstrong Next Level Nutrition – @mynextlevelnutrition

In this episode, Brad and cohost Craig Smith dive into one of the biggest traps we see people fall into on their fitness and personal growth journey—settling for mediocrity. We unpack how clients often start out with decent but not great effort—and because they still see some results, they start to believe that "good enough" actually is good enough. But that's where real progress starts to stall. Brad and Craig break down: The difference between progress and potential Why partial effort can yield just enough results to keep you stuck How to recognize when you've fallen into the comfort zone of mediocrity Why sometimes a "bad week" that you kept together is a huge win—but staying at that level isn't The mindset shift required to break through from average to excellent If you've ever found yourself coasting on autopilot or wondering why your results have plateaued, this episode will challenge you to look in the mirror and get brutally honest with your level of effort.   Next Level Webinar Registration - Register Here   Next Level Links Nutrition Coaching - www.becomenextlevel.com Nutrition Coaching Free Consultations - Schedule Here Next Level Experience Waitlist - Join 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 Co-Host Craig Smith - @greatestdaymindset Next Level Nutrition – @mynextlevelnutrition

On today's episode of The Next Level Health & Fitness Podcast, I sat down once again with two of our incredible Next Level Experience life coaches, Frank Young and Cass Zimmerman. We dove deep into all things growth — reflecting on our biggest lessons from the last round of The Next Level Experience and the transformation that happens when you truly start to accept and surrender to life on life's terms. Most people live in denial of reality, and that denial creates massive resistance. We broke down how to shift that resistance, release the need to control everything, and ultimately find sovereignty — that grounded place where you can just be you. The real, raw, authentic you. This conversation is packed with insights, stories, and takeaways that'll help you grow into the next version of yourself.   Apply For The Next Level Scholarship - Apply Here   Next Level Links Nutrition Coaching - www.becomenextlevel.com Nutrition Coaching Free Consultations - Schedule Here Next Level Experience Waitlist - Join 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 Frank Young - @frankthetankyoung Guest Cass Zimmerman - @casofras Next Level Nutrition – @mynextlevelnutrition

It's that time again — our monthly Q&A with me and Craig. These episodes are always some of my favorites because we get to hit a variety of topics and just riff off what's real and relevant for you guys. We started by talking about the biggest lie we've been told about success, and what true success actually looks like when you strip away all the noise. From there, we dove into how to navigate nutrition in social settings — how to stay on track without being the weird one at dinner, and how to get rid of that all-or-nothing mindset when you're out with friends or family. Craig shared some insight on how to find time to eat as a busy therapist, which honestly applies to anyone juggling work, family, and life. It turned into a bigger conversation about how to actually prioritize yourself even when things feel chaotic. And we wrapped up by getting into what men struggle with most emotionally and why — the stuff most guys don't talk about, but really should. This one covers everything from mindset and success to nutrition and emotional growth. It's honest, it's raw, and it'll definitely make you think.   Join our Next Level Presale - Schedule Here   Next Level Links Nutrition Coaching - www.becomenextlevel.com Nutrition Coaching Free Consultations - Schedule Here Next Level Experience Waitlist - Join 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 Co-Host Craig Smith - @greatestdaymindset Next Level Nutrition – @mynextlevelnutrition

In this episode of the Next Level Podcast, I sit down with Ethan Benard — a young man who has quickly become an internet sensation by sharing his weight loss journey with the world. Ethan started at 660 pounds and is already down into the 400s. But what makes his story so powerful isn't just the weight he's lost — it's how raw, real, and vulnerable he's been in bringing all of us along for the ride. We dive into: What it's like to grow a massive following online almost overnight How he deals with the haters and outside noise that come with visibility Why he's failed in the past, and what feels different this time around The importance of staying locked in on your own plan instead of being distracted by everyone else's opinions Ethan is passionate, fiery, and destined for big things in his life. This conversation will inspire you, make you laugh, and most importantly, help you connect to your own journey through his. Whether you're chasing a health transformation or just need a shot of real talk and inspiration, this one's for you.   Next Level Links Nutrition Coaching - www.becomenextlevel.com Nutrition Coaching Free Consultations - Schedule Here Next Level Experience Waitlist - Join 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 Ethan Benard - @ethanbenard Next Level Nutrition – @mynextlevelnutrition

On this episode of the Next Level Health & Fitness Podcast, Brad Jensen and cohost Craig Smith dive into a topic that goes deeper than just workouts and macros—spiritual health. We explore how strengthening your spirit plays a powerful role in transforming not only your mindset but also your physical health journey. Many people focus only on the physical or even mental side of growth, but when your spiritual health is neglected, you're missing a key pillar that supports everything else. Craig and I break down: What "spiritual health" really means (without attaching it to any one religion). How finding your path—whatever that looks like for you—can bring clarity, resilience, and purpose. The direct ways spiritual well-being influences physical results, from motivation to stress management. Practical steps to strengthen your spiritual connection and integrate it into your daily life. If you've ever felt like you're doing "everything right" physically but still feel stuck or unfulfilled, this episode will show you why your spirit might be the missing piece—and how aligning it can unlock the next level of your health journey.   Next Level Links Nutrition Coaching - www.becomenextlevel.com Nutrition Coaching Free Consultations - Schedule Here Next Level Experience Waitlist - Join 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 Co-Host Craig Smith - @greatestdaymindset Next Level Nutrition – @mynextlevelnutrition  

Sam Miller returns for his fourth appearance on the Next Level Health & Fitness Podcast. Recognized as one of the most respected professionals in the industry, Sam has built a reputation for breaking down complex topics with clarity and depth. His Functional Nutrition & Metabolism Specialization course is considered one of the top advanced certifications available, covering gut health, hormones, autoimmune conditions, and much more. In this episode, Sam brings his signature balanced perspective as we dive into several critical areas of health and fitness. What we discuss in this episode: The ongoing debate around seed oils and where Sam stands today Things Sam has changed his mind on over the years, including the evolving value of certain training methods The complex interplay between hormones and metabolism, and why a "one-size-fits-all" approach doesn't work The importance of nuance in nutrition, training, and lifestyle strategies Actionable ways to cut through confusion and focus on what truly matters for long-term results Whether you're a health professional or simply striving to optimize your own life, this episode is packed with insight and perspective that will help you think differently about your fitness journey.   Sam Miller Learn more about Sam Miller's Metabolism School here - metabolismschool.com Get Sam's book Metabolism Made Simple - Purchase on Amazon   Next Level Links Nutrition Coaching - www.becomenextlevel.com Nutrition Coaching Free Consultations - Schedule Here Next Level Experience Waitlist - Join 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 Sam Miller - @sammillerscience Next Level Nutrition – @mynextlevelnutrition

In this solo episode, Brad gets real about the conversations most coaches wish they could have with their clients—but often don't, because they're afraid of hurting feelings. With a mix of humor and straight talk, Brad breaks down the top 10 things your coach would tell you if they weren't sugarcoating the truth. Some are funny, but every single one carries an important lesson about where people are getting stuck, why these mistakes are so common, and—most importantly—what you can do to avoid them. This episode isn't just about laughs. It's about stripping away excuses and giving you the raw truth about fitness, nutrition, and mindset so you can actually make progress. If you're tired of being stuck, this one's for you. What you'll learn in this episode: The most common mistakes people are making in their fitness journeys Why hard truths often lead to the biggest breakthroughs How to stop sabotaging yourself and start doing what actually works Practical steps to apply today so you don't keep repeating the same cycles Get ready for some tough love with a side of humor—you might laugh, you might cringe, but you'll definitely walk away with tools to take your health and fitness to the next level.   Join The Next Level Dad Project - Schedule a Discovery Call Here   Next Level Links Nutrition Coaching - www.becomenextlevel.com Nutrition Coaching Free Consultations - Schedule Here Next Level Experience Waitlist - Join 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 Co-Host Craig Smith - @greatestdaymindset Next Level Nutrition – @mynextlevelnutrition

In this episode of the Next Level Health & Fitness Podcast, Brad sits down with cohost Craig Smith, a licensed clinical therapist, to tackle a heavy but important topic: how we process emotions, grief, and potential trauma With the recent events unfolding in the United States, we felt it was the right time to open up a conversation about the different ways people work through heavy emotions. Everyone's process is unique, but when left unchecked, unresolved grief and trauma can spiral into unhealthy decisions that affect not only your mental and emotional wellbeing, but also your physical health and fitness. Craig shares strategies he's seen work best for his clients, while Brad highlights how these struggles often show up in the health and fitness space. Together, they unpack how to approach emotional processing in a way that allows you to move forward rather than stay stuck. If you've ever struggled with grief, trauma, or simply managing heavy emotions, this episode is for you. It's a reminder that healing looks different for everyone—and that caring for your emotional health is just as critical as your physical health. What You'll Learn in This Episode: Why everyone's process for handling grief and trauma is unique Strategies Craig has used with clients to process heavy emotions How unresolved emotions can spill over into poor health and fitness decisions The importance of checking in with yourself before small issues spiral into bigger problems   Join The Next Level Dad Project - Schedule a Discovery Call Here   Next Level Links Nutrition Coaching - www.becomenextlevel.com Nutrition Coaching Free Consultations - Schedule Here Next Level Experience Waitlist - Join 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 Co-Host Craig Smith - @greatestdaymindset Next Level Nutrition – @mynextlevelnutrition