EP736 - The Science of Resilience, Human Behavior, and Real Change with Dr Robyn Hanley Dafoe

On this episode of The Brad Jensen Show, I sit down with Dr Robyn Hanley Dafoe, one of the leading voices in human behavior and resiliency research. Dr Robyn has spent her entire career studying why humans behave the way they do, what actually drives real behavior change, and why some people seem naturally more resilient than others. We get into the science behind resilience, but also the very real, very practical application of it in everyday life. We talk about why motivation alone is unreliable, how environment and identity shape our choices far more than willpower, and what resilient people are doing differently when life gets hard. We also unpack how resilience is not something you either have or don't have, but a skill set that can be intentionally built over time. This conversation goes deep into stress, emotional regulation, adaptability, and how our nervous system plays a role in how we respond to adversity. We also discuss common misconceptions around resilience, why pushing harder is often the wrong answer, and how small shifts in awareness and behavior can create massive long term change. If you've ever felt stuck in old patterns, burned out, overwhelmed, or frustrated that you know what to do but struggle to follow through, this episode will hit home. It's an honest, grounded, and science backed conversation about becoming more resilient, more self aware, and more equipped to handle whatever life throws your way.   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 Dr Robyn Hanley Dafoe - @dr_robynehd Next Level Nutrition – @mynextlevelnutrition

On this episode of The Brad Jensen Show, the tables get turned. A couple weeks back, I put Craig Smith in the hot seat with our Therapy After Dark rapid fire questions and this time he flipped the script and hit me with rapid fire health and fitness questions that I had zero prep for. No outline, no filters, no rehearsed answers, just real time thoughts on health, fitness, nutrition, mindset, and how I actually think through decisions when put on the spot. If you have ever wanted a sneak peek into my brain when it comes to health and fitness, this episode gives you exactly that with fast paced questions, honest takes, and plenty of nuance instead of black and white answers. We cover a wide range of topics, some light, some serious, some that might challenge your thinking, but all of it is real and unscripted. This one is fun, a little chaotic in the best way, and packed with perspective for anyone who enjoys candid conversations and quick hitting questions.   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 month's Q and A episode is one of those conversations that went everywhere it needed to go. Craig Smith and I sat down and answered real questions from real people. Just honest perspectives from years in the trenches coaching humans through health, fitness, mindset, and life. We covered things like how to actually find a good personal trainer and what red flags to watch for before you waste your time or money. We had a real conversation around sobriety versus recovery and why those two things are not the same even though people use them interchangeably. This one always opens up some nuance and perspective. We dug into why so many people sabotage their fat loss even when they know exactly what to do. Not from a willpower angle, but from an identity, comfort, and self protection standpoint. We also talked about how to influence your kids to eat better and slower without creating anxiety, pressure, or a weird relationship with food that follows them into adulthood. And of course, we answered a few other questions that always seem simple on the surface but go a lot deeper once you actually unpack them. If you're a parent, someone working on your own health, or someone who wants to understand why change can feel so hard even when the path is clear, this episode will land. Listen in and let us know which part hit home 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 Next Level Nutrition – @mynextlevelnutrition

On today's solo episode of The Brad Jensen Show, I brought back one of my old and most requested segments 10 Minutes of Fire. This is a short, raw, and unapologetically real message meant to light a fire under you and get you moving in the right direction. I dive deep into radical accountability. The uncomfortable truth that no one is coming to save you. No one is showing up to fix your health, your mindset, your finances, or your life. And while that can feel heavy at first, it's actually the most empowering realization you can have. Because the moment you take extreme ownership over your actions, your habits, your decisions, and your standards you put yourself back in the driver's seat. This episode is about dropping excuses, calling yourself forward, and realizing that winning the game of life starts with ownership. If you've been feeling stuck, frustrated, or waiting for motivation to magically appear, this episode is for you. Turn it up and Get uncomfortable. And take responsibility for the life you say you want.   Join Our New Year's Weight Loss Challenge  (Starts January 12th) - Learn More 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 Next Level Nutrition – @mynextlevelnutrition

In this episode, Craig and I introduce a new rapid fire segment where we put a licensed therapist in the hot seat. No long explanations. No therapy jargon. Just quick, honest takes on mental health, emotions, relationships, masculinity, and the chaos of modern culture. We touch on common therapy myths, social media psychology, emotional regulation, boundaries, and where personal responsibility actually fits into the healing conversation. There's humor, some uncomfortable truths, and a few moments that might challenge how you think about "healing." This segment is fast paced, unfiltered, and meant to separate real growth from excuses. If you've ever wondered whether you're actually doing the work or just labeling everything, this episode is for you.   Join Our New Year's Weight Loss Challenge  (Starts January 12th) - Learn More 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, Craig Smith and I sit down to talk about the top five things you absolutely need to avoid this January if you want 2026 to be the year you finally get your health and fitness dialed in. Not another list of hacks. Not another 30 day reset. Not another motivation speech that fades by February. We break down five very clear and distinct mistakes we see people make every single year that quietly sabotage their progress before it ever really starts. These are the traps that look productive on the surface but end up keeping people stuck in the same cycle year after year. If you're tired of starting strong and falling off. If you want results that actually last past January. If you're ready to stop repeating the same patterns and finally play the long game. This is a must listen. Hit play, listen all the way through, and be honest with yourself about which one you've been guilty of before.   Join Our New Year's Weight Loss Challenge - Learn More 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 sit down with one of my best friends and one of the top life coaches in the country, Grant Dziak. Grant is a life optimization coach who helps people break through self limiting beliefs and finally start believing in themselves again. This wasn't a surface level conversation. We went deep into why so many people wait until their life is on fire before they finally decide to change, and how to take action before things completely fall apart. We also got into the whole ice bath conversation. Why ice plunges have become so polarizing, why so many people talk shit on them now, and Grant's real world experience doing one almost every single day for the past four years. No hype. No dogma. Just honest perspective on what it's done for him mentally, emotionally, and physically and what he says to the critics. We wrapped things up touching on masculine and feminine energy, personal responsibility, and what it actually looks like to live an optimized life instead of just talking about it online. This episode is honest, grounded, and very real. If you're feeling stuck, unmotivated, or waiting for a wake up call you don't actually need, this one will hit home   The Forged Method Scholarship - Apply 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 caller 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 Grant Dziak - @grantdziak Next Level Nutrition – @mynextlevelnutrition

In this episode, Craig and I kick things off with some classic back and forth, including a spirited debate on Christmas music and which songs should probably be banned forever. It's light, it's sarcastic, and it sets the tone fast. From there, we shift into the world of social media, online comments, and people's deep rooted need to share their opinions whether anyone asked for them or not. We talk about the good, the bad, and the flat out ridiculous when it comes to interacting online and how easy it is for negativity to creep in if you're not intentional. The core of the episode dives into relationships, boundaries, and the people you choose to keep around you. With the new year approaching, we talk about the importance of auditing your circle, both in real life and online. This isn't about aggressively cutting people out or burning bridges, but learning how to set healthy boundaries and protect your energy. We share personal stories and perspectives on dealing with negative influences, surrounding yourself with people who elevate you, and being honest about who actually supports your growth versus who drains it. We also talk about how this applies to your social media feeds and why curating what you consume mentally matters just as much as who you spend time with physically. We wrap things up with a reminder to be intentional as you head into the new year. Your goals, your growth, and your peace are all influenced by who you allow close to you. Choose wisely. As always, plenty of laughs, real talk, and honest conversation along the way.   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, Craig Smith and I dive into a conversation most people are afraid to have out loud. We start by breaking down the recent firing of University of Michigan head coach Sherone Moore and the ripple effect that happens when integrity slips. Not just in leadership or sports, but in life. We talk about how fast things can unravel when your actions and values stop lining up, and why integrity always catches up to you, one way or another. From there, we transition into the core of the episode and it's a big one. We tackle the taboo topic of losing physical attraction to your partner after they've let themselves go. This is something so many people experience, but almost no one talks about honestly. We break down why this happens, how resentment quietly builds, and why pretending it's not an issue only makes things worse. We talk about personal responsibility, standards, and the difference between unconditional love and enabling unhealthy behavior. We also get into the hard but necessary conversation around when and how to communicate this with your partner. How to approach it with honesty instead of cruelty. Leadership instead of criticism. And how attraction, effort, and self respect are deeply connected. This episode isn't about shaming anyone. It's about truth. Growth. And having the courage to address things before they quietly destroy relationships. If you're in a relationship, this is one you need to hear.   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 caller 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 solo episode of The Brad Jensen Show, I go on one of my classic rants while answering two of the most common questions I get asked all the time. First, we talk metabolism. What it actually is. Why almost everyone misunderstands it. And why blaming your metabolism is usually a convenient excuse instead of the real problem. I break down what's really driving fat loss, energy, and body composition and why the internet has completely overcomplicated this topic. Then I shift gears into a conversation most people need to hear but don't want to. The difference between true burnout and plain old laziness. I walk through how to honestly assess where you're at, when rest is actually earned, and when you need to stop negotiating with yourself and channel your inner David Goggins. If you've been feeling stuck, tired, frustrated, or confused about why progress feels harder than it should, this episode will hit home. What I Cover In This Episode What metabolism actually is and what it is not The biggest misconceptions keeping people stuck and frustrated Why most "slow metabolism" claims are misunderstood The real levers that drive fat loss and energy How to tell the difference between burnout and avoidance Signs you genuinely need rest versus when discipline is missing Why comfort is often disguised as self care How to know when it's time to push instead of pause   Next Level Links Nutrition Coaching Free Consultations - Schedule Here Nutrition Coaching - www.becomenextlevel.com   Try Thrive  Lab Free For One Month - Start Here Order Supplements From Transform Order from Cured Supplement Order from Legion Supplements and get 20% off your first order by using discount code: keynutrition   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.   Connect with us on Instagram Host Brad Jensen – @thesoberbodybuilder Co-Host Craig Smith - @greatestdaymindset Next Level Nutrition – @mynextlevelnutrition