593: Natural Bodybuilding Secrets for Achieving Your Fitness Goals: Effective Muscle Growth Strategies with Cliff Wilson

A science-based body blueprint for successful men over 40 to lose fat, build lean muscle, and feel 10 years younger in 2026 (without sacrificing their business or lifestyle)

What if you could lose 20 or even 30 pounds—and still be marching straight toward diabetes, fatty liver disease, or early heart disease?  In Part 1 of this New Year Series, Ted reframed the entire conversation around aging by explaining why longevity isn't about living longer, but about extending healthspan—the years you remain strong, mobile, mentally sharp, and independent.  >>> Click here for part 1  In Part, he tackles one of the most dangerous misconceptions in modern health: the belief that weight loss automatically equals health. In an era of GLP-1 medications, more people are losing weight than ever—but metabolic disease continues to rise. Ted explains why this disconnect exists and why weight loss is only the lowest bar of health, not the finish line.   He also breaks down what metabolic health actually means and explains the critical role of muscle, cardiovascular fitness, blood sugar control, and lifestyle habits in determining how you feel today and how you'll age tomorrow.  If you've ever assumed that losing weight was enough, this discussion will challenge that belief—and show you what needs to come next.    You'll learn:  Why weight loss alone does not guarantee metabolic health  How obesity rates can fall while diabetes and fatty liver disease rise  What metabolic health really means—and why only a small percentage of adults have it  Where GLP-1 medications fit—and where they fall short   Why healthspan—not lifespan—should be the real goal after 40    What Ted discusses in this episode:    (00:00) Introduction   (02:19) The Reality of Metabolic Health   (03:51) Understanding Metabolic Health and Its Importance   (16:16) The Role of GLP-1 Medications   (21:05) The Importance of Muscle and Preventing Muscle Loss   (23:19) Weight Regain and Long-Term Health   (25:48) Conclusion: Building Real Health Beyond Weight Loss 

Most people don't actually want to live to 90 or 100. Not because they don't love life—but because they're afraid of what those extra years might look like. Loss of independence. Chronic pain. Medications. Watching their world slowly shrink. When people say, "I don't want to live that long," what they're really saying is, "I don't want to live like that."   In the first episode of this new Year series, Ted reframes the entire conversation around aging. Instead of asking how long you'll live, he asks a more important question: How well will you live? Ted talks about healthspan—the years you remain strong, mobile, mentally sharp, and independent—and explains why it matters far more than lifespan alone.   He also breaks down why so much age-related decline is driven by lifestyle, not genetics, why modern healthcare focuses on crisis instead of prevention, and which core pillars actually determine how you age.   If you want 2026 to be the year you stop fearing the future and start building a body—and a life—that lasts, this is where the conversation begins. Listen now!    You'll learn:  How metabolic dysfunction silently accelerates aging  The role of muscle, strength, and power in maintaining independence  Why cardiovascular fitness and VO₂ max are strong predictors of longevity  How visceral fat drives inflammation and chronic disease  Why weight loss alone doesn't fix metabolic health    What Ted discusses in this episode:   (00:00) Introduction  (02:00) The Reality of Aging and Healthcare  (04:38) The Longevity Masterclass: Healthspan vs. Lifespan  (14:32) The Importance of Metabolic Health  (17:12) Muscle Strength and Power: Your Aging Insurance Policy  (18:36) Heart Aging and VO2 Max  (19:50) Brain Aging and Lifestyle Factors  (21:45) Series Overview and Conclusion 

Have you've ever felt overwhelmed by conflicting fitness advice—VO2 max, zone 2, strength, intervals—and wondered how to put it all together without burning out?  In this episode, Ted interviews Alex Viada, one of the leading experts in hybrid training, known for helping athletes and everyday people blend strength and endurance in a sustainable way. Alex breaks down hybrid training in a way that finally makes sense for busy entrepreneurs who want longevity, performance, and efficiency. He reveals the real science behind hybrid performance, what most people get wrong, and how to train efficiently so you can build muscle, improve your cardiovascular fitness, and support long-term health.  Whether you want to lift better, run better, or simply create a well-rounded fitness routine that fits your life, this conversation gives you practical, evidence-based strategies you can start using today.  Today's Guest  Alex Viada  Alex Viada is the founder of Complete Human Performance, a Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist, a USA Triathlon Coach, and one of the world's leading hybrid training experts. A lifelong athlete, he has coached thousands across powerlifting, ultra-running, triathlon, and elite military selection programs. Today, he works with a select group of clients while continuing his research and developing educational resources on blending strength and endurance safely and effectively.  Connect to Alex Viada:  Website: Completehumanperformance.com   Instagram: @alex.viada    You'll learn:  How to combine strength and endurance without overtraining  The simple rules for balancing high-intensity work, Zone 2, and strength training  The biggest programming mistakes people make when following influencers  The truth about VO₂ max, 4×4 intervals, and where to start if you're not an elite athlete  How to think about longevity, health, and performance after age 40    What Ted and Alex discuss:  (00:00) Introduction  (03:00) Guest Introduction: Alex Viada and Hybrid Athlete Concept  (04:33) The Evolution of Hybrid Training  (06:25) The Importance of Hybrid Training for Longevity  (08:06) Common Mistakes and Misconceptions in Training  (10:59) The Norwegian 4x4 and Other HIIT Protocols  (16:23) Tracking Performance and Adjusting Intensity  (37:19) Wearables and Tracking Tools for Training  (43:37) Supplements and Peptides for Enhanced Performance  (43:41) The Importance of Tracking Performance and Subjective Feelings  (45:29) Challenges and Mistakes in Hybrid Training  (50:24) Effective High-Intensity Interval Training (HIIT) Strategies  (50:58) Wearables and Tracking Tools for Performance Improvement  (53:17) Debunking Myths and Confusion Around Training Zones  (64:00) Supplements and Peptides for Enhanced Performance  (81:06) Conclusion and Final Thoughts   

In today's episode, Ted interviews Chris Naugle, former pro snowboarder turned wealth strategist and America's #1 money mentor. Chris has helped thousands of people rethink the way they save, invest, and build long-term security through simple, proven financial principles.  Together, Ted and Chris break down the traps most people fall into: relying on traditional banks, following outdated financial advice, letting emotions drive decisions, and misunderstanding how wealth is really created. Chris also introduces the "infinite banking" concept, explaining how high performers can grow their money, protect themselves from downturns, and create generational wealth—without taking unnecessary risks.  If you're ready to take control of your financial future and make smarter decisions with your hard-earned money, this conversation will give you the clarity and confidence you've been missing. Listen now!  Today's Guest  Chris Naugle  Chris Naugle is a wealth strategist, author, and the nation's top expert in privatized banking and infinite banking strategies. A former professional snowboarder turned entrepreneur, he has built multiple businesses, managed millions in assets, and helped thousands rethink how they save, invest, and create long-term financial security by using simple, effective wealth-building principles.  Connect to Chris Naugle:  Website: ChrisNaugle.com   YouTube: Chris Naugle  X: Chris Naugle  Facebook: Chris Naugle    You'll learn:  Why most people follow broken financial advice without realizing it  How traditional banks profit while consumers stay stuck  Why liquidity, control, and safety matter more than high returns  How to protect your wealth from market volatility  Practical steps to start taking control of your financial future today   Chapters:  (00:00) Introduction  (02:26) Meet Chris Noggle: From Snowboarder to Money Mentor  (02:58) The Connection Between Financial and Physical Health  (04:43) Chris Noggle's Journey to Financial Freedom  (16:28) The Infinite Banking Concept Explained  (29:07) Understanding Inflation and Whole Life Insurance  (30:44) The Drawbacks of Whole Life Policies  (31:54) The Importance of Financial Discipline  (32:36) The Role of Technology in Financial Management  (37:02) The Psychology of Money and Personal Stories  (41:31) Chris's Personal Health Journey  (43:50) The Power of Giving and Mindset  (47:28) Building Healthy Habits and Routines  (52:31) Conclusion and Final Thoughts 

After two decades of trying to lose weight and get healthy, recovering from a heart attack, and navigating the stress of travel, work events, and major family losses, David reached a point where he knew something had to change. For years, progress would come and go — a few pounds lost, then gained back. Strict diets, all-or-nothing phases, bursts of motivation followed by long periods of inconsistency. Nothing ever stuck, untill he discovered our program.  In this episode, Ted talks to our client, David, a 51-year-old executive who turned his life around by breaking free from 20 years of failed diets and time-consuming workouts. He shares how our coaching program helped him overcome a health scare, lose 20 lbs, and become his best version in his 50s, all while juggling a busy travel schedule and social life. His story is a powerful reminder that it's never too late to rewrite your future when you commit to yourself and follow a plan built for longevity.  You Will Learn:  The mindset shift that helped David break free from restrictive dieting  How to stay on track during business trips, vacations, and social events  Why accountability works best when it creates self-reflection, not guilt   How winning in one area fuels confidence and success in others    Chapters:  (00:00) Introduction  (00:38) The Problem: Out of Shape and Lacking Confidence  (02:24) Meet Dave  (02:39) Dave's Fitness Journey: Challenges and Achievements  (07:37) Starting the Program Amidst Life Events  (08:28) Adjusting Diet and Mindset  (09:11) Balancing Social Life and Fitness Goals  (10:00) Learning from Setbacks  (11:23) Sustainability and Long-Term Success  (12:07) Impact Beyond Health and Fitness  (13:20) Advice for Potential Clients  (14:24) Coaching Style and Effectiveness  (15:16) Parting Words and Lessons  (16:06) Conclusion 

Some years lift you up. Others stretch you, test you, and force you to grow in ways you didn't expect.  And 2025? It was the kind of year that does all three.  In this powerful episode, Ted shares an honest reflection on what worked, what failed, what hurt, and what ultimately made him stronger in 2025. From the explosive start to the year, to the sudden collapse in social media traction, to a $20,000 mistake, and finally to rebuilding the business with clarity and intention—Ted opens the curtain on the real journey behind the scenes.   You'll hear how losing momentum in his main acquisition channel forced him to confront blind spots, rethink his strategies, and rebuild the foundations of his business. You'll learn why the right coach matters, how the wrong partnership can derail months of progress, and how returning to his true strengths—podcasting, connection, and speaking—brought his mission back into alignment.  This episode is a reminder that growth doesn't come from the easy seasons. It comes from the messy chapters, the setbacks, and the moments when you're forced to evolve.   You'll learn:  Why your hardest years often become your most transformative  What happens when you rely too heavily on one platform for leads   How to evaluate coaches and business mentors with a clear mind  Why setbacks often point you back to your true strengths  The mindset shift needed to navigate chaos without losing direction  If 2025 tested you too, you're not alone. Let this episode help you see your challenges through a lens of gratitude—and step into 2026 with renewed clarity and purpose.  In this episode, Ted discusses: (00:00) Introduction  (00:52) Reflecting on 2025: A Year of Growth  (03:05) How Ted Overcame Challenges in His Business  (05:26) Lessons from a Failed Coaching Investment  (09:43) Pivoting to a New Business Coach  (11:14) Embracing Podcasting and Future Plans  (16:03) Gratitude and Personal Growth  (21:21) Conclusion and Looking Forward to 2026 

Every December, millions of people gain weight — not because they "fall off the wagon," but because they never recover from holiday habits. A few extra pounds here, a few extra pounds there… and suddenly a decade has gone by. But it doesn't have to be that way.  In this episode, Ted breaks down the exact approach he uses to stay lean, feel good, and enjoy the holiday season without dieting or acting like a fitness weirdo. Whether he's eating brisket in Texas or pasta in Italy, Ted follows a simple framework that keeps him healthy while still being present with family, enjoying good food, and making memories.  You'll learn why the key to holiday success starts before the holidays even begin, how to eat strategically without restricting yourself, and how to turn movement into connection instead of isolation. Ted also shares stories from clients who traveled, enjoyed every moment, and came back without gaining weight — proving that you really can have both fun and results.  In this episode, you'll learn:  Why holiday weight gain happens — and how to prevent it  The mindset shift that keeps you from becoming the "fitness weirdo" at family gatherings  The simple nutrition formula Ted uses when traveling or visiting family  How to stay full and satisfied without restricting your favorite holiday foods  And much more...  If you want to finish the holidays feeling good in your body — not guilty or bloated — this episode gives you a practical, stress-free plan anyone can follow.  What Ted Shares in This Episode:  (00:00) Introduction  (02:35) The Holiday Weight Gain Dilemma  (04:13) Bring the Good Energy: Avoid Being a Fitness Weirdo  (07:41) Preparation Beats Willpower  (13:00) Important Nutrition Tips  (15:49) Turn Fitness into Connection  (19:09) Accept Imperfection: Get Back on Track Fast  (21:50) Conclusion: Design a Lifestyle That Bends Without Breaking 

You're productive. You work hard. You're disciplined. But no matter how much you do, it feels like you're always behind. In this episode, Ted Ryce sits down with productivity expert Jeff Sanders to uncover what high achievers are getting wrong about productivity—and how to create real results without burning out. They dive deep into the psychology of distraction, why multitasking destroys your performance, and how to rebuild your attention span for long-term success. Jeff reveals why traditional productivity hacks fail and how to build a smarter system that keeps you healthy, focused, and performing at your best. Together, he and Ted explore how to balance business, health, and relationships while maintaining consistent energy and purpose.  Today's Guest  Jeff Sanders Jeff Sanders is a motivational keynote speaker and productivity expert who helps high achievers dominate their day before breakfast. He's the founder and CEO of 5 AM Miracle Media, author of The 5 AM Miracle and The Free-Time Formula, a creator of The Rockin' Productivity Academy and the host of The 5 AM Miracle Podcast.  Connect to Jeff Sanders: Podcast: The 5 AM Miracle Podcast   Website: https://www.jeffsanders.com   Facebook: 5 AM Miracle Media  Instagram: @jeffsanderstv  YouTube: @JeffSanders  In this interview, you'll learn: What is the real reason multitasking makes you anxious and unproductive How to choose one true priority and eliminate noise How to balance ambition with rest, family, and personal growth The mindset shifts that turn overwhelm into direction And much more... If you're ready to stop reacting to your life and start leading it — this episode will show you exactly how to get your focus, productivity, and momentum back. Listen now! What Ted and Jeff discuss: 00:00 Intro 03:25 Understanding Attention Span and Productivity 05:33 Ted's Personal Struggles with Focus 07:08 Strategies for Prioritizing Tasks 10:13 The Importance of Focus Blocks of Time 14:06 Balancing Priorities in Business 30:09 Seasonal Approach to Work-Life Balance 36:23 Balancing Health, Wealth, and Relationships 36:51 Emotional Drivers vs. Logical Decisions 38:53 The Importance of Setting Limits 43:07 Finding Motivation and Tackling Resistance 51:53 Daily Wins and Building Momentum 59:01 Experimenting with Daily Habits 01:01:27 Conclusion

You might think you're eating healthy — but what if the story you tell yourself about your diet has nothing to do with your actual health?  In this episode, Ted breaks down one of the most common mistakes high achievers make when it comes to nutrition — believing that how "healthy" your food sounds is what determines your results. Using a viral debate comparing Big Macs to salmon, Ted explains why food stories and diet labels miss the real picture.  You'll learn why calories are still king, why excess body fat destroys your health regardless of how "clean" you eat, and what data actually matters — from body composition and visceral fat to fasting glucose, hemoglobin A1C, and cholesterol levels.  Ted also shares how two people can eat the same foods and have totally different health outcomes, and why the only way to know if your diet is working is to track objective data, not rely on beliefs or feelings.  In this episode, you'll learn:  What is the real relationship between calories, food quality, and health outcomes  Why being lean and active matters more than any specific diet  What your blood work reveals about your true metabolic health  How to use DEXA scans and lab tests to track your progress accurately  How to use data, not diet dogma, to optimize your health and performance  And much more...  If you're serious about living longer, performing better, and cutting through nutrition hype, this episode will show you how to stop guessing and start measuring what truly matters. Listen now!  What Ted Shares in This Episode:  (00:00) Intro  (02:33) Think You Eat Healthy? Here's Why That Might Be a Lie You're Telling Yourself  (03:44) The Big Mac vs Salmon Debate: Can a Big Mac Be Healthier Than Your "Clean" Diet?  (04:33) Why Calories Matter More Than You Want to Believe  (08:38) Forget the Stories and Find Out What the Numbers Say About Your Health  (08:57) Understanding Body Fat and Health Metrics  (10:11) What Your Bloodwork Is Trying to Tell You  (10:52) The Simple Blood Test That Can Predict Diabetes Before It Strikes  (12:02) Client Case Study:  Misleading Health Perceptions  (13:47) Why Your Friend Can Eat Junk and Stay Fit (and You Can't)  (14:52) The Ultimate Health Check: What to Measure If You Want to Live Longer  (15:41) Moving Beyond Diet Dogma  (16:28) The Bottom Line: Stop Believing Stories About Food. Start Looking at Your Data