EP731 - Stop Doing These 5 Things If You Want 2026 to Be Your Breakthrough Year

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

On this month's Q and A episode of The Brad Jensen Show, Craig and I sat down and answered a stacked lineup of questions you all sent in. We kicked things off by diving into GLP medications and the big conversation around sustainability. We talked about who they actually make sense for, the mindset traps people fall into, and what long term success looks like beyond just the scale. From there, we broke down my three rules for life and how those simple principles can anchor you when everything else feels chaotic. We also got into the most overrated exercises in the gym and why the flashy stuff you see on social media rarely moves the needle like people think. Another big part of the discussion was the overlap between fitness and relationships How your habits affect your partner, how communication matters more than macros, and how to stay aligned when you and your significant other might be in different "seasons." We wrapped with practical strategies for balancing a busy life Running businesses, being parents, staying consistent, and not losing your identity in the chaos. And of course, there were a handful of other questions we hit that we left out on purpose You will have to tune in to hear the rest.     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

On this week's episode, Craig and I kick things off with a solid twenty minutes of pure holiday chaos and friendly rambling while we try to settle one of the most important debates of our generation. We attempt to figure out what the best Christmas movie of all time actually is. We share some nostalgia, some questionable takes, and way too many opinions for two grown men. From there, I shift gears and play a viral clip from an influencer on Instagram that got both of us thinking. We dive into the whole idea of "pretty privilege," how it shows up in real life, and what having actual standards looks like today. We also start talking about the "skinny tok" wave that's popping up on Instagram. I break down why these extreme aesthetic trends always seem to come in cycles, why they can be dangerous when you make your looks your entire identity, and how easy it is to get wrapped up in something that's only one small part of the overall truth. At the end of the day, that's the whole theme of this episode. Something can be true, but that doesn't mean it's the whole truth. And when any one thing becomes your whole personality — whether it's fitness, looks, validation, or even self-improvement — it usually becomes the thing that breaks you instead of builds you. It's a mix of humor, honesty, and real talk.   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

Today I sat down with Chris Martin, a trainer who has built a massive presence online by doing something rare in today's fitness space. Telling the truth. Chris holds multiple personal training certifications and has made a name for himself by calling out the nonsense that keeps people stuck. He is blunt. He is honest. And he does not sugarcoat a thing. You probably know him from his viral reel where he said that if you are obese, maybe you should not be personal training people yet. That clip blew up for a reason. Chris says what most people are thinking but are too afraid to say. He is not scared of controversy because he cares more about helping people than protecting feelings. This was a real conversation. Two guys who love this industry. Two guys who want it to get better. And two guys who are not interested in status quo advice. We talked about the problems in the fitness space today, why honesty is the greatest form of respect, and what people actually need if they want to change their life. Not coddling. Not hand holding. Truth. There are going to be takeaways for trainers. Takeaways for everyday people trying to get healthy. And takeaways for anyone who wants to see fitness through a clearer, more grounded lens. Chris and I covered everything from identity to accountability to how the online world has distorted what real coaching even is anymore. If you are tired of watered down messages. If you want straight talk. If you want to hear two people who are not afraid to say the uncomfortable thing if it helps someone grow. You are going to love this episode. Tune in. Share it with a friend who needs the wake up call. And let me know your biggest takeaway.   Next Level Nutrition Coaching Black Friday Special - Get The Deal Here   Try Thrive  Lab Free For One Month - Start Here   Next Level Links Nutrition Coaching Free Consultations - Schedule Here Nutrition Coaching - www.becomenextlevel.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 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 solo episode I unpack one of the most misunderstood topics in all of fat loss. Starvation mode. Or better stated. The myth of starvation mode. I break down what most people actually mean when they say they are "in starvation mode" and why the vast majority simply are not in a consistent calorie deficit. I also get into why honesty in tracking and daily habits matters way more than blaming your metabolism. But I also address the very small subset of people who really do experience something real. What I call conservation mode. I explain exactly what is happening in the body when you diet aggressively for long periods of time. How metabolic adaptation works. How stress, low calories, and low energy intake can down regulate output without you noticing. And why this can create the illusion that fat loss has stalled. I walk through the key signs of conservation mode and how to course correct. More movement. Better recovery. Smarter refeeds. Tightening up tracking. Giving your metabolism and stress system some breathing room so the body feels safe to let go of fat again. This episode will help you understand the truth behind starvation mode, the difference between excuses and physiology, and how to get fat loss moving again if you are truly stuck. Tune in. Take notes. And take ownership of your results.   Next Level Nutrition Coaching Black Friday Special - Get The Deal Here   Try Thrive  Lab Free For One Month - Start Here   Next Level Links Nutrition Coaching Free Consultations - Schedule Here Nutrition Coaching - www.becomenextlevel.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 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

This one runs deep. Pornography is not the fun or flashy topic most people want to talk about, but it is one that needs to be talked about. In this episode Craig and I dive into the real dangers of porn, the darker side of the industry, and why it quietly destroys so many lives. I opened up about my personal experience and the moment years ago that made me stay as far away from porn as possible. It was something I witnessed that changed the way I see the entire industry and the energy behind it. There is a darkness there that I just cannot ignore. Craig brought a powerful perspective as a licensed clinical therapist who has worked with countless people battling pornography addiction. He breaks down what porn actually does to the brain, why it is so addictive, and the subtle but significant ways it impacts relationships, intimacy, confidence, and self worth. This episode is raw, uncomfortable, honest, and absolutely necessary. A must listen for anyone who wants to protect their relationships, their mental health, and their integrity. Tune in. This one matters.   Black Friday Special - Get The Deal Here   Next Level Links Nutrition Coaching Free Consultations - Schedule Here Nutrition Coaching - www.becomenextlevel.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 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