NLP706 -  Grief, Healing, and Health: How Unresolved Emotions Can Hurt Your Fitness Journey

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

In this episode of the Next Level Health & Fitness Podcast, I begin by addressing the heartbreaking tragedy here in Utah involving the killing of Charlie Kirk. It’s important to pause and acknowledge the weight of events like this before moving into our regular health and fitness discussions. From there, we shift into the main focus of today’s show: how to get the most out of a high-protein diet without suffering from the digestive issues that often come with it. A common pushback I hear from clients is that eating more protein makes their stomach hurt or leaves them feeling bloated. The truth is, there are real reasons behind those symptoms—and they can be addressed. In this episode, I break down: Why high-protein diets sometimes cause digestive discomfort The key factors that contribute to bloating, cramping, or sluggish digestion Five tactical, science-backed ways to optimize digestion while still reaping the benefits of a high-protein approach Whether you’re an athlete, busy parent, or just someone looking to eat better and feel better, these strategies will help you get the most out of your nutrition without the unpleasant side effects.   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 and Fitness Podcast, Craig and I sit down to answer your questions in a wide-ranging Q&A. We cover everything from how to help friends and family get motivated to live a healthier lifestyle, to dialing in the mental health side of the journey, and what type of training is best for fat loss. We also share the best advice we’ve ever received, our top five favorite books, and dive into several other topics you guys sent in. This one’s packed with practical takeaways, mindset shifts, and a few laughs along the way. Tune in, and let’s keep pushing to that next level together.   Order Supplements From Transform - Order 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 short but powerful solo episode, I share an important reminder: our kids are always watching us. Every choice we make around health, fitness, and lifestyle sets the tone for what they’ll grow up believing is “normal.” I tell a quick story about my son Dominic that perfectly shows how much our kids absorb—even hours later. They may not say something right away, but they’re paying attention to how we eat, move, and take care of ourselves. This isn’t about going to extremes or being obsessed—it’s about modeling balance, consistency, and self-respect. As parents, it’s our job to lead by example. I also talk about our upcoming Back-to-School Fat Loss Challenge, but whether you join or not, the message stands: with kids back in school, now is the time to reclaim your schedule, prioritize your health, and step back into being the leader your family needs. This is a fiery and passionate call to action for every parent who’s ready to step up—not just for themselves, but for the next generation watching. Order Supplements From Transform - Order Here   Back To School Challenge Weight Loss Challenge Starts September 8th 8-Week challenge Enter for a chance to win $1500 Learn More About The Challenge 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 Next Level Nutrition – @mynextlevelnutrition

In this episode of the Next Level Health and Fitness Podcast, Craig and I sat down to recap the brand-new Biggest Loser documentary on Netflix. It’s a three-part series that dives into one of the most controversial weight loss shows ever — and we went deep breaking it all down. We talked about the pros, the cons, and what the show got completely wrong when it comes to creating lasting results. More importantly, we shared what you can actually take away from watching it — and how those lessons apply to dieting and choosing a more sustainable approach. We also dug into the 2016 research study that followed Biggest Loser contestants years after the show. We gave our take on the findings, what they revealed about metabolism, and what it means for anyone out there trying to lose weight and keep it off. Here’s what you’ll hear in this episode: Our honest thoughts on Netflix’s Biggest Loser documentary The good, the bad, and the ugly of the show’s approach Why extreme dieting never works long-term Insights from the 2016 metabolism study Why ownership and sustainability are the real keys to success If you’ve ever felt frustrated with dieting, struggled to keep weight off, or wondered what really happens when you take extreme approaches to weight loss, you’re going to get a lot from this one.   Back To School Challenge Weight Loss Challenge Starts September 8th 8-Week challenge Enter for a chance to win $1500 Learn More About The Challenge Here   Cured Nutrition's Birthday Sale - Up To 40% Off Sitewide - Order From Cured Here   Next Level Links Nutrition Coaching - www.becomenextlevel.com Nutrition Coaching Free Consultations - Schedule Here Next Level Experience Waitlist - Join Here   Craig's Links Focus Journal - Order Here www.greatestdaymindset.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 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  

Valerie Lusvardi is back on the show, and since her last appearance over a year ago, she’s become not only a good friend but someone I’ve worked with in a professional capacity. We even teamed up to help a girl prep for a bodybuilding show. Val is one of the sharpest minds in the game when it comes to training and programming, and she’s just as dialed in with nutrition. Not to mention—she’s an IFBB pro, a coach, a wife, and a mom to three boys. In this episode, we covered a lot of ground: Val’s journey through 17 bodybuilding shows and the lessons she’s taken away from competing. The real power of maintenance calories for women—how to optimize maintenance to build muscle without forcing a huge surplus. How long you can (and should) keep certain lifts in your program before switching things up. The balancing act of being a coach, competitor, wife, and mom—and how Val shows up strong in every role. Valerie's Links Work with Valerie - Learn More Follow on Instagram - @valerielusvardi   Next Level Links Nutrition Coaching - www.becomenextlevel.com Nutrition Coaching Free Consultations - Schedule Here Next Level Experience Waitlist - Join Here   Craig's Links Focus Journal - Order Here www.greatestdaymindset.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 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 Valerie Lusvardi - @valerielusvardi Next Level Nutrition – @mynextlevelnutrition

This milestone episode is a special one. Brad and Craig dive deep into a topic that separates people who stay stuck from those who create real transformation: choosing hard on purpose. We live in a world designed for comfort—but comfort rarely produces growth. In this conversation, Brad and Craig unpack the art of designed discomfort and why leaning into hard things is the gateway to the life you want. They cover: The science behind discomfort and what it does to your brain. Why intentionally putting yourself in uncomfortable situations builds resilience and confidence. How to reframe “hard” so you stop avoiding it and start using it as a tool for growth. The truth that everything you want is on the other side of uncomfortable. This episode will challenge you to stop waiting for change to magically appear and start seeking out the hard things that sharpen you into the person you’re meant to be. If you’re ready to get unstuck, break through plateaus, and live at your next level—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   Craig's Links Focus Journal - Order Here www.greatestdaymindset.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 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

If you’ve been stressing over every tiny detail in your health and fitness journey… this episode is your permission slip to chill out. I’m breaking down six things you just don’t need to waste your mental energy on anymore — from obsessing over your friend’s macros, to comparing your progress to someone else’s transformation timeline, to that outdated BMI chart that’s about as useful as a flip phone in 2025. This is part straight talk, part humor, and part motivational kick to remind you: your journey is yours. The less you stress over the wrong stuff, the more you can focus on what actually moves the needle. By the end, you’ll walk away with less noise in your head and more clarity on what matters.   Next Level Links Nutrition Coaching - www.becomenextlevel.com Nutrition Coaching Free Consultations - Schedule Here Next Level Experience Waitlist - Join Here   Craig's Links Focus Journal - Order Here www.greatestdaymindset.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 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 Q&A episode of the Next Level Podcast, Craig and I dive into a variety of real-life questions you’ve sent in. We talk about how to genuinely help loved ones when you can see they’re struggling, whether getting 15,000 steps one day and 5,000 the next still evens out to your goal, and what to do when you’re trying to help a client who clearly doesn’t want to do the work. We also cover how to get your menstrual cycle back after it’s gone missing, ways to maintain a healthy social life while living sober, and a handful of other topics that hit on health, mindset, and life balance. Throughout the conversation, we share straightforward solutions and tactical action plans so you can walk away with steps to take — not just ideas to think about.   Next Level Links Nutrition Coaching - www.becomenextlevel.com Nutrition Coaching Free Consultations - Schedule Here Next Level Experience Waitlist - Join Here   Craig's Links Focus Journal - Order Here www.greatestdaymindset.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 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

If you’ve ever been curious about peptides but feel overwhelmed by the science — this episode is for you. I sat down with my good friend Liz Roman, who’s not only a gut health ninja but also a wealth of knowledge when it comes to peptides. And we didn’t just talk about the usual suspects like BPC-157 or TB-500. Nope. We’re diving into 5 up-and-coming peptides you probably haven’t heard of — but need to. From improving your cellular health, to boosting libido, to supporting fat loss, these lesser-known compounds could be game changers if used strategically. Liz broke everything down in a super approachable way — backed by research but easy to digest (pun intended if you’re a gut health nerd). Whether you’re new to peptides or looking for the next-level edge, you’ll get a ton out of this one. GLP-1 Done Right - Download Guide   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 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 Liz Roman - @thepoopqueen Next Level Nutrition – @mynextlevelnutrition