157: 5 Traits of Highly Successful People

I sit down with Michael Chernow to talk discipline that protects what matters: faith, family, fitness, and business. We unpack his non-negotiable morning routine, recovery and sobriety, hard boundaries with technology, and why leaders control the temperature at home. Simple isn’t easy. Apply it every day, starting now.CHAPTERS00:00 Introduction02:47 Morning Routine Insights12:49 The Power of Prayer and Sobriety29:04 Faith and Spiritual Journey37:49 Transformative Power of Faith44:28 Overcoming Addiction and Finding Purpose48:39 Setting Boundaries with Technology54:47 Balancing Work and Family Life01:05:50 The Power of Discipline and Commitment01:21:12 Entrepreneurial Journey and Curiosity01:32:41 Hitting Rock Bottom01:38:53 The Turning Point01:42:45 Rebuilding Through Wellness01:49:03 Kreatures of Habit and Future Goals01:56:29 The Power of Habits01:58:50 Final ReflectionsORDER MY BOOK HERE: ⁠https://www.amazon.com/Go-One-More-Intentional-Life-Changing/dp/1637746210FOLLOW:Become a BPN member FOR FREE - Unlock 20% off FOR LIFE ⁠https://bpn.team/member⁠IG: ⁠instagram.com/nickbarefitness/⁠YT: ⁠youtube.com/@nickbarefitness

In this episode, I break down five traits that consistently show up in people who win—then challenge you to apply them immediately. We talk thinking bigger, taking smart risks, staying consistent, and locking in focus when it gets hard. I pull lessons from leaders like Jeff Bezos and Phil Knight to show what those traits look like in real life—and how you can build them through daily reps.CHAPTERS:00:00 Introduction01:14 The Importance of Traits for Success12:46 Jeff Bezos and the Power of Thinking Big24:02 BPN's Journey and Vision31:06 Calculated Risks and Success41:03 The Birth of Nike43:19 The Early Days of BPN49:40 The Importance of Consistency54:24 The Trap of Blind Consistency01:00:01 Focus: Identifying Opportunities vs. Distractions01:10:46 Adaptability and Resilience01:15:19 The Day One Mentality01:21:02 ConclusionORDER MY BOOK HERE:https://www.amazon.com/Go-One-More-Intentional-Life-Changing/dp/1637746210FOLLOW:Become a BPN member FOR FREE - Unlock 20% off FOR LIFE⁠https://bpn.team/member⁠IG: ⁠instagram.com/nickbarefitness/⁠YT: ⁠youtube.com/@nickbarefitness

I’m sharing the standards, the strategy, and the unseen work it takes to keep building BPN the right way. This episode includes the 2026 “Burn the Boats” manifesto, our five key initiatives, and the standards behind quality and product development going into 2026.CHAPTERS0:00: Intro 7:53: 2026 Brand Manifesto: Burn the Boats 17:25: 5 Key Initiatives (Overview) 18:44: Initiative #1: Unique Brand Positioning 25:36: Initiative #2: Intentional Product Development 30:45: Initiative #3: BPN Podcast Network Expansion 31:19: Initiative #4: Strategic Channel Strategy 36:34: Initiative #5: Position the Business for Scale 1:00:52: Quality Systems You Don’t See 1:14:27: The Truth About Grass-Fed Whey Isolate ORDER MY BOOK HERE:⁠https://www.amazon.com/Go-One-More-Intentional-Life-Changing/dp/1637746210⁠FOLLOW:Become a BPN member FOR FREE - Unlock 20% off FOR LIFE⁠https://bpn.team/member⁠IG: ⁠instagram.com/nickbarefitness/⁠YT: ⁠youtube.com/@nickbarefitness

To kick off the new year, I wanted to dive deep into setting up a personalized diet to achieve health, performance, and body composition goals. I share my evolving approach to nutrition, emphasizing that there's no one-size-fits-all diet. Focusing on the importance of discipline, commitment, and consistency, I discuss various dietary methods and macronutrient setups. Additionally, I provide insights on planning, meal prepping, and managing nutrition around training sessions.CHAPTERS:00:00 Introduction01:46 The Evolution of My Diet21:25 Common Obstacles in Nutrition36:21 Understanding Macronutrients44:42 Meal Plan Overview49:31 Tracking Your Macros: To Track or Not to Track?56:29 Setting Up Your Macros01:02:51 Planning and Preparation for Success01:10:44 Power Bowls: Quick, Nutritious, and Convenient01:13:57 Importance of Food Sourcing01:23:34 Pre and Post-Workout Nutrition01:28:22 Consistency and Long-Term SuccessORDER MY BOOK HERE:⁠https://www.amazon.com/Go-One-More-Intentional-Life-Changing/dp/1637746210⁠FOLLOW:Become a BPN member FOR FREE - Unlock 20% off FOR LIFE⁠https://bpn.team/member⁠IG: ⁠instagram.com/nickbarefitness/⁠YT: ⁠youtube.com/@nickbarefitness

In this episode, I break down hybrid athlete training—how to pair heavy lifting with endurance running without burning out. I share what I’m learning from Ironman prep, why flexibility beats perfection, and the biggest myths holding athletes back. From military lessons to the post-pandemic rise of hybrid training, this is how to balance strength and endurance.CHAPTERS:00:00 Introduction02:22 Defining Hybrid Training07:33 Addressing Criticisms of Hybrid Training13:15 Historical Influences on Hybrid Training16:24 Personal Journey and Training Philosophy27:27 Flexibility in Hybrid Training33:46 Adapting Training to Different Goals36:11 Current Training Focus and Routine40:34 Sample Weekly Training Schedule47:25 Adjusting Training Based on Goals51:37 Balancing Strength and Endurance54:32 Optimizing Training Sessions58:24 Managing Lower Body Strength and Running01:04:01 Personalizing Your Hybrid Training01:06:03 Conclusion and Future ContentORDER MY BOOK HERE:⁠https://www.amazon.com/Go-One-More-Intentional-Life-Changing/dp/1637746210⁠FOLLOW:Become a BPN member FOR FREE - Unlock 20% off FOR LIFE⁠https://bpn.team/member⁠IG: ⁠instagram.com/nickbarefitness/⁠YT: ⁠youtube.com/@nickbarefitness

I sat down with author, speaker, and lawyer Justin Whitmel Earley and walked away reminded that discipline isn’t just about doing more—it’s about becoming more grounded. He shared how relentless ambition and life as a driven attorney led to panic attacks and burnout, and how he rebuilt through faith and daily spiritual rhythms. The smallest, most intentional habits shape my mind, my peace, and my purpose. Faith isn’t just what I claim—it’s what I practice every day.CHAPTERS:00:00 Introduction02:25 The Impact of Books and Personal Growth07:42 The Journey to Law and Mental Collapse12:55 Spiritual Habits and Life Changes23:40 Identity and Vocation34:56 The Gospel's Core Message38:30 Identifying and Overcoming False Idols43:02 The Role of the Body in Spirituality48:01 The Call to Serve Others55:20 The Journey of Intentional Fatherhood01:06:55 The Dual Nature of Strength01:13:04 The Role of Sabbath in Modern Life01:31:26 The Cornerstone of a Good Life01:36:47 Final Thoughts and ReflectionsJUSTIN WHITMEL EARLEYWebsite: https://www.justinwhitmelearley.com/Socials: @justinwhitmelearleyBooks: https://www.amazon.com/stores/Justin-Whitmel-Earley/author/B07P62QFW5?ref=ap_rdr&shoppingPortalEnabled=true&ccs_id=69ad8248-6298-4780-a33b-c900a2adfa62ORDER MY BOOK HERE:https://www.amazon.com/Go-One-More-Intentional-Life-Changing/dp/1637746210FOLLOW:Become a BPN member FOR FREE - Unlock 20% off FOR LIFEhttps://bpn.team/memberIG: instagram.com/nickbarefitness/YT: youtube.com/@nickbarefitness

In this episode, I break down the three traits I come back to when the goal feels heavy: discipline, commitment, and consistency. From Ironman Arizona to military training, I’ve learned success is built in the reps—showing up when it’s boring, repetitive, and hard. I also share how faith has strengthened my commitment to Go One More.CHAPTERS:00:00 Introduction02:03 The Power of Discipline, Commitment, and Consistency05:57 Call to Action for 202611:02 Embracing Life's Repetitiveness21:42 Consistency in Health and Fitness27:24 Going All In31:17 The Power of Going All In35:43 The Importance of Pruning for Success39:05 Stand Firm and Act Like Men41:18 Understanding True Discipline44:21 The Dangers of Pride48:56 Commitment Has No Finish Lines53:50 Lessons from Ranger School59:58 The Journey of Sanctification01:01:47 Obedience: The Ultimate GoalORDER MY BOOK HERE:https://www.amazon.com/Go-One-More-Intentional-Life-Changing/dp/1637746210FOLLOW:Become a BPN member FOR FREE - Unlock 20% off FOR LIFEhttps://bpn.team/memberIG: instagram.com/nickbarefitness/YT: youtube.com/@nickbarefitness

In this episode, I break down creatine in a way that actually makes sense—what creatine is, how creatine works in your body, and the real creatine benefits you should care about. We walk through the science in simple terms, its rise as a staple supplement, and how it supports muscle growth, performance, and everyday life.CHAPTERS:00:00 Introduction01:04 Call to Action: Why You Should Take Creatine02:36 About Creapure: The Purest Creatine08:01 Understanding Creatine: What It Is and How It Works17:16 The History and Evolution of Creatine25:31 Creatine Benefits: Athletic Performance and Beyond41:25 Debunking Common Creatine Myths49:11 How to Use Creatine Effectively54:11 Conclusion and Final ThoughtsCreatine Monohydrate sourced from Creapure®, shown to increase strength, power and performance.https://www.bareperformancenutrition.com/products/creatine-monohydrate?srsltid=AfmBOor45H8LbefuyPJdo3ga7WBC812wxJmpvNg1yFaCcC-Ky5Rk9UTdORDER MY BOOK HERE:https://www.amazon.com/Go-One-More-Intentional-Life-Changing/dp/1637746210FOLLOW:Become a BPN member FOR FREE - Unlock 20% off FOR LIFEhttps://bpn.team/memberIG: instagram.com/nickbarefitness/YT: youtube.com/@nickbarefitness

In this episode, I walk through my full Ironman Arizona 2025 experience—from the weeks of prep to crossing that finish line. I break down how I approached carb loading, packing, and race-week logistics, and how I handled curveballs like getting into a car accident as soon as we arrived. I take you through each leg of the race, how I managed my nutrition, hydration, pacing, and transitions, and what was happening physically and mentally along the way.CHAPTERS:00:00 Introduction01:57 Pre-Race Preparations and Travel02:20 Story Time07:41 Traveling with Family and Car Accident12:08 Bike Setup and Nutrition Planning19:47 Final Preparations Before Race Day29:31 Pre-Race Preparations31:49 Swim35:53 Transition to the Bike36:54 Bike41:53 Transition to the Run46:29 Run50:22 Crossing the Finish Line53:12 Post-Race Reflections55:07 Recovery and Future PlansORDER MY BOOK HERE:https://www.amazon.com/Go-One-More-Intentional-Life-Changing/dp/1637746210FOLLOW:Become a BPN member FOR FREE - Unlock 20% off FOR LIFEhttps://bpn.team/memberIG: instagram.com/nickbarefitness/YT: youtube.com/@nickbarefitness

In this episode, I break down how I approach tapering for big efforts, especially an Ironman. We talk about pulling back volume and intensity without losing fitness, handling the mental itch to keep pushing, and why that restraint actually sets you up to win. I also walk through how I set up my carb load to top off muscle glycogen so I’m not leaving anything on the table. I share what’s worked, what hasn’t, and the practical strategies I use so you show up on race day.CHAPTERS:00:00 Introduction01:15 The Importance of Tapering03:46 Defining a Taper06:40 Benefits of a Proper Taper18:34 Common Mistakes During Tapering29:11 Setting Up a Proper Taper33:10 Tapering Training Volume35:21 Race Week Training Schedule36:26 Experiencing the Taper46:35 Carbohydrate Loading Strategy58:28 Final Thoughts on Tapering and Carb LoadingORDER MY BOOK HERE:https://www.amazon.com/Go-One-More-Intentional-Life-Changing/dp/1637746210FOLLOW:Become a BPN member FOR FREE - Unlock 20% off FOR LIFEhttps://bpn.team/memberIG: instagram.com/nickbarefitness/YT: youtube.com/@nickbarefitness