NLP710 - From 660 Pounds to the 400s: Ethan Benard’s Raw Weight Loss Journey

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

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