EP750 - Health and Fitness Made Simple with Mike Illias

Sat down with Mike Illias for a real, no BS conversation about what it actually looks like to take ownership of your health and your life. We got into why we both entered this industry in the first place, the importance of cutting through all the outside noise, and how to stop overcomplicating the process. At the end of the day, this episode is about taking control, trusting yourself, and getting back to the fundamentals that actually move the needle.   Register for our Masterclass on March 23, 2026 - Register Here   Next Level Links: Nutrition Coaching Free Consultations - Schedule Here 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 Guest Mike Ilias - @justmikeilias Next Level Nutrition – @mynextlevelnutrition

On this episode of The Brad Jensen Show, Craig and I pulled back the curtain a bit. Instead of just telling you what to do, we talked about where we still struggle. We each broke down three areas in our own fields where we don't always have it dialed in… the habits that trip us up, the patterns we catch ourselves falling back into, and the stuff we're actively working on. Because the truth is… you don't need perfect coaches. You need real ones. We also flipped it and shared our best habits. The ones that have made the biggest impact on our lives, our health, our relationships, and our businesses. This episode is a mix of honesty, self-awareness, and practical takeaways you can actually apply. If you've ever felt like you "know what to do" but still struggle to do it… this one will hit. What we cover: The worst habits we still battle in health, mindset, and life The patterns that keep high performers stuck (even when they know better) How self-awareness is the first step to real change The best habits that have created the most growth for us How to take what we've learned and apply it to your own life   Register for our Masterclass on March 23, 2026 - Register Here   Next Level Links: Nutrition Coaching Free Consultations - Schedule Here 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

On this episode of the Brad Jensen Show, I sit down with one of the world's leading experts on hormone optimization and therapeutic peptides, Jay Campbell. We take a deep dive into the world of peptides and break down what's actually happening right now in the industry. With new regulations and increasing popularity, there's a lot of confusion around peptides, what's legal, what's effective, and what consumers should be paying attention to. Jay shares his perspective from decades of experience working with peptides and helping people optimize their health, performance, and longevity. In this episode we cover: The new peptide regulations and what they actually mean for consumers Why peptides still scare so many people and where that fear comes from Some of the most underrated peptides people aren't talking about The truth about GLP peptides like semaglutide and tirzepatide How to use GLP peptides responsibly while minimizing side effects Where the future of hormone optimization and peptide therapy is headed   If you've been curious about peptides, confused by the headlines, or just want to understand how these compounds are being used for fat loss, recovery, longevity, and metabolic health, this episode clears up a lot of the noise. Jay Campbell's GLP-1 Book If you want to go deeper into GLP peptides, Jay just released a new book called Metabolic Awakening with GLP-1 Peptides, which breaks down the science behind GLP-1 medications and how they can be used responsibly for fat loss and metabolic health.   You can check it out here: Order on Amazon   Register for our Masterclass on March 23, 2026 - Register Here   Next Level Links: Nutrition Coaching Free Consultations - Schedule Here 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 Guest Jay Campbell - @jaycampbell1971 Next Level Nutrition – @mynextlevelnutrition

On this episode of The Brad Jensen Show, Craig and I dive into our monthly Q&A where we answer a wide range of listener questions. We cover topics like ulcerative colitis and peptides, what it looks like mentally when you know you need to gain weight but you're struggling with the idea of it, and how to navigate a relationship when you're sober but your spouse is dealing with alcoholism. We also talk about the best type of creatine, along with several other health, fitness, and mindset questions that came in from you guys.   Register for our Masterclass on March 23, 2026 - Register Here   Next Level Links: Nutrition Coaching Free Consultations - Schedule Here 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 of The Brad Jensen Show, I'm joined by my regular cohost Craig Smith and we dive into a pattern we see all the time with high performers. A lot of people are crushing it in business, leadership, or other areas of life… but their health, relationships, or personal life are falling behind. Craig and I break down some of the biggest reasons this happens. From getting completely lopsided into one area of life to neglecting the habits that actually keep everything running well long term. Between my experience coaching thousands of clients and Craig's background as a therapist, we unpack why high achievers often struggle to transfer the same discipline and focus they have in business into their health and other meaningful goals. If you feel like you're winning in some areas of life but other important areas keep slipping through the cracks, this episode will help you understand why and what to do about it. Topics we cover: Why high performers often struggle with their health The problem with living a "lopsided life" Why success in business doesn't automatically translate to health The identity shifts required to level up all areas of life How to start creating balance without losing your edge   Register for our Masterclass on March 23, 2026 - Register Here   Next Level Links: Nutrition Coaching Free Consultations - Schedule Here 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

This episode started with a conversation about the Olympics. When an athlete wins bronze instead of gold, the interviews can feel almost disappointing… like anything less than first place is failure. And that mindset shows up everywhere in life. In health. In business. In relationships. If you didn't dominate, you feel like you lost. Craig and I break down the fine line between having high expectations and destroying yourself when you fall short. How do you stay competitive and driven… while still respecting solid effort? Because here's the standard: Attitude and effort are the expectation. Not perfection. Not gold every time. Between my experience coaching thousands of clients and Craig's clinical therapy background, we help you find that balance so you can push hard, stay grounded, and keep moving forward. If you're wired to win, this one is for you.   Next Level Links: Nutrition Coaching Free Consultations - Schedule Here 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

https://www.instagram.com/shaygrounded/In this episode of The Brad Jensen Show, I sat down with Shay, known as Shaygrounded on Instagram and TikTok. Shay is currently on a weight loss journey that started at nearly 400 pounds. She's already down over 30 pounds, but that's not the most impressive part of her story. What made me want to bring her on the show is the stance she has taken from day one. Radical accountability. Radical ownership. No excuses. No blame. No victim mentality. In a world where it's easy to point fingers at genetics, society, trauma, the system, or the body positivity movement, Shay has done something different. She has publicly said, "I am responsible for where I am." And that hasn't made everyone happy. Some within the body positivity space have pushed back on her message because she refuses to play the victim. She doesn't blame anyone else for being in the position she's in. She owns it. Fully. Not only that, she started documenting her journey publicly on Instagram and TikTok to hold herself accountable. She shares the wins. The struggles. The hard truths. The uncomfortable realizations. All of it. It's a breath of fresh air. Other creators have taken notice. And for good reason. Because ownership is powerful. And as you guys know, victims never win. Shay is the furthest thing from a victim. In this conversation we talk about: What it actually feels like to top out at almost 400 pounds Why radical ownership changed everything for her The backlash she has received for refusing to blame anyone else Using social media as an accountability tool instead of a highlight reel The mindset shifts required to create real, sustainable change Why brutal honesty is one of the most underrated transformation tools This episode will challenge you. It will empower you. And most importantly, it will force you to look in the mirror and ask yourself where you might still be outsourcing responsibility in your own life. If you are serious about changing your body, your mindset, or your life, this one is for you. Own your shit. Change your life.     Next Level Links: Nutrition Coaching Free Consultations - Schedule Here 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 Guest Shaylyn - @shaygrounded Next Level Nutrition – @mynextlevelnutrition

In this episode of The Brad Jensen Show, Craig and I break down the top five mistakes people are making while on GLP 1 medications. This episode is a spinoff from the masterclass I taught earlier this month, but we go much deeper here. We unpack not just what the mistakes are, but why they are happening and how to fix them. GLP 1s can be powerful tools. But they are not magic. And if you do not approach them with intention, structure, and a long term strategy, you can easily create bigger problems down the road. Craig shares his firsthand experience being on a GLP 1 and gives honest insight into mistakes he now realizes he made along the way. That perspective alone makes this episode incredibly valuable. Here's what we cover: The biggest nutrition mistake people make on GLP 1s and why low appetite does not mean low responsibility Why muscle loss is a very real risk and how to protect your metabolism The training errors that sabotage long term results The psychological trap of relying on the medication instead of building identity based habits Why most people have no exit strategy and what happens when they come off We also talk about sustainability, protein targets, resistance training, biofeedback, mindset shifts, and why GLP 1s should enhance your discipline, not replace it. If you are currently on a GLP 1, considering one, or coaching clients who are, this is a must listen. Our goal is simple: Use the tool intelligently. Build the habits permanently. Keep the results long term. As always, if this episode helped you, share it with someone who needs to hear it and tag us on Instagram with your biggest takeaway.   Next Level Links: Nutrition Coaching Free Consultations - Schedule Here 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 of The Brad Jensen Show, I sit down with my friend Jack Hollow, a nutrition coach and personal trainer out of the great country of Australia. Jack and I originally connected on Instagram because we realized we see the world of health and fitness through a very similar lens. No fluff. No extremes. No chasing trends. Just principles that actually work. This conversation goes way beyond sets, reps, and macros. We break down some of the most dangerous trends circulating in the fitness industry right now. From extreme dieting approaches to all-or-nothing mindsets, we talk about why so many people are being pulled in the wrong direction and what actually creates sustainable results. We also dive into something that doesn't get talked about enough: mental health as a coach. What does it really look like to hold space for clients? How do you manage your own stress while helping others manage theirs? Where is the line between coaching, therapy, and responsibility? Jack shares his perspective from working with clients in Australia, and I share what I've seen building Next Level Nutrition and working with driven dads who are trying to balance performance, family, and identity. Toward the end, the conversation naturally shifts into something deeper. We talk about growth outside of fitness. Identity. Purpose. Faith. Responsibility. What it actually means to live in alignment. It turned into one of those conversations that reminds you this work is about so much more than body fat percentage. If you're a coach, a high performer, or someone trying to build a stronger body and a stronger mind at the same time, this one will hit.   Next Level Links: Nutrition Coaching Free Consultations - Schedule Here 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 Guest Jack Hallows - @jackhallowsfitness Next Level Nutrition – @mynextlevelnutrition

In this week's Q&A episode on The Brad Jensen Show, Craig and I sat down and answered some of the most real world questions we see from clients, coaches, and high performers trying to level up across life. We talked about the hardest part of starting a business and honestly, it usually is not strategy. It is managing uncertainty, self doubt, and staying consistent when results are not immediate. We shared what challenged us the most early on and what we wish we knew sooner. We also dug into client retention as a personal trainer or coach. I broke down what actually keeps people long term and it is not just workouts or macros. It is connection, trust, and helping people become someone new, not just do something new. We answered the question of whether lifting six days per week is too much. Like most things in fitness, it depends. We talked about recovery, training intent, life stress, and how to know if you are progressing or just surviving workouts. Another big topic was how long someone should realistically work with a coach. We talked about when coaching becomes less about information and more about identity, accountability, and long term lifestyle integration. Craig brought a really powerful lens to the conversation around avoidant tendencies and how they show up everywhere. Not just relationships, but business, health, communication, and even goal setting. We talked about how to recognize those patterns and what to do when you see them. We also touched on a handful of other training and nutrition questions that came up from listeners and clients this week. If you are trying to build something, improve your body, or just become more self aware in how you move through life, this episode will hit.   Next Level Links: Nutrition Coaching Free Consultations - Schedule Here 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