This is a potentially new ongoing series I wanted to try. I'm calling it, "Inside My Mind." 

The goal is to have more open and honest reflection into some of my personal thoughts and developments and have the podcast be the driver of that. Today, I'm opening up about what I’m building, what I’m processing, and what life feels like in this season. I share what we’re working on at BPN and how this chapter has me thinking differently about growth, leadership, and where my energy is going.

I also talk about how becoming a husband and father continues to change the way I see my work, my purpose, and the kind of man I want to be. This episode touches on the tension between what I say matters and how I actually live, learning to lead through example, enjoying training without a finish line in front of me, and trying to hold life with a little more gratitude and a little less seriousness. It’s a conversation about growth, patience, perspective, and who I’m becoming along the way.

CHAPTERS:

00:00 'The Why' Behind This Episode

03:12 Whey Isolate Launch

05:45 Strength Line Reboot

09:35 New Product Tease

15:56 Upcoming Events

19:22 Pittsburgh Marathon Plans

23:59 YouTube Season Shift

33:29 Learning Manhood Values

39:29 Closing Value Action Gap

44:27 Embracing Household Chaos

47:07 Training Without Prep

53:51 Half Marathon Run Plan

54:35 Cooking Season Returns

01:00:39 Bring This 90s Resturant Experience Back

01:06:39 Stop Taking Life So Serious

01:09:54 Becoming Over Achieving

01:13:33 Waiting For New Challenge

01:16:09 Closing Thoughts

ORDER MY BOOK HERE: ⁠https://www.amazon.com/Go-One-More-Intentional-Life-Changing/dp/1637746210

FOLLOW:

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https://www.bareperformancenutrition.com/collections/performance-nutrition

IG: ⁠instagram.com/nickbarefitness/⁠

YT: ⁠youtube.com/@nickbarefitness

This podcast is for informational purposes only and should not be considered legal [health or profession] advice. Bare Performance Nutrition (BPN) is not responsible for any losses, damages, or liabilities that may arise from the use of this podcast. This podcast is not intended to replace professional medical advice.

This podcast may not be republished without the written consent of Bare Performance Nutrition (BPN)

In this episode, Stef and I sit down for a real conversation about our family, faith, routine, and the season we’re currently in right now. We reflect on the chaos and gift of parenting, why we’ve chosen to disconnect from social media on weekends, and how that decision is reshaping our presence, priorities, and creativity. It’s as honest of a look that we can give at what we’re building behind the scenes and the values guiding where we go next.

CHAPTERS:

00:00 Intro

01:00 The Catch Up

02:06 Weekend Social Media Fast

07:42 Creativity and AI Fears

15:20 Homeschooling and Time Back

22:54 Morning Routine Overview

25:03 Night Before Prep

30:32 Early Wake and Workouts

37:24 Baby Three?

45:36 Fitness Reset

54:11 Our Current Faith/Life Direction

01:03:42 Vision for Stef's Studio

01:16:36 Parenting Season Reflections

ORDER MY BOOK HERE: ⁠https://www.amazon.com/Go-One-More-Intentional-Life-Changing/dp/1637746210

FOLLOW:

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https://www.bareperformancenutrition.com/collections/performance-nutrition

IG: ⁠instagram.com/nickbarefitness/⁠

YT: ⁠youtube.com/@nickbarefitness

This podcast is for informational purposes only and should not be considered legal [health or profession] advice. Bare Performance Nutrition (BPN) is not responsible for any losses, damages, or liabilities that may arise from the use of this podcast. This podcast is not intended to replace professional medical advice.

This podcast may not be republished without the written consent of Bare Performance Nutrition (BPN)

Protein isn’t just about building muscle. In this episode, I break down why protein plays a critical role in performance, recovery, body composition, and long-term health. It helps repair tissue, support hormones and enzymes, strengthen your immune system, and even protect bone health.

At the end of the day, if you want to perform better, recover stronger, and build a body that lasts, you have to start by getting the fundamentals right.

CHAPTERS:

00:00 Welcome

02:40 Key Protein Takeaways

06:16 Protein Beyond Muscle

10:53 What Protein Is

13:49 No Protein Storage

16:01 Digestion and Excretion

22:25 Thermic Effect

25:54 Satiety and Body Composition

31:03 Common Protein Myths

36:46 Whey Protein Basics

50:40 Daily Protein Targets

57:40 Low Protein and Vegan Risks

01:02:34 Final Recap

ORDER MY BOOK HERE: ⁠https://www.amazon.com/Go-One-More-Intentional-Life-Changing/dp/1637746210

FOLLOW:

Become a BPN member FOR FREE - Unlock 25% off FOR LIFE ⁠

https://www.bareperformancenutrition.com/collections/performance-nutrition

IG: ⁠instagram.com/nickbarefitness/⁠

YT: ⁠youtube.com/@nickbarefitness

This podcast is for informational purposes only and should not be considered legal [health or profession] advice. Bare Performance Nutrition (BPN) is not responsible for any losses, damages, or liabilities that may arise from the use of this podcast. This podcast is not intended to replace professional medical advice.

This podcast may not be republished without the written consent of Bare Performance Nutrition (BPN)

Ken Rideout returns to the podcast to talk about his new book, Everything You Want Is on the Other Side of Hard, and the life experiences that shaped it. We discuss his rise from addiction and adversity to sobriety, business success, and a 2:28 marathon, plus his recent Austin Half Marathon win at 54. This conversation explores discipline, faith, identity, risk, and what it takes to build a meaningful life on the other side of hard.

CHAPTERS:

00:00 Intro

01:30 The Other Side of Hard

02:58 Winning the Austin Half at 54

05:49 From Addiction to Endurance

07:46 Leaving Wall Street, Starting Over

12:04 The Marathon Breakthrough

15:41 Loving the Process, Not Just PRs

18:54 Family, Roots, and Perspective

23:38 Breaking Out of Your Environment

27:06 Insecurity, Recovery, and Growth

29:24 Marriage, Fatherhood, and Real Life

31:56 Cancer Scare and Perspective Shift

36:28 Faith, Weakness, and Identity

43:41 You Are More Than Performance

53:26 Build the Life You Want

ORDER KEN'S BOOK HERE: https://www.amazon.com/Everything-Want-Other-Side-Hard/dp/1668087057

ORDER MY BOOK HERE: ⁠https://www.amazon.com/Go-One-More-Intentional-Life-Changing/dp/1637746210

FOLLOW:

Become a BPN member FOR FREE - Unlock 25% off FOR LIFE ⁠

https://www.bareperformancenutrition.com/collections/performance-nutrition

IG: ⁠instagram.com/nickbarefitness/⁠

YT: ⁠youtube.com/@nickbarefitness

This podcast is for informational purposes only and should not be considered legal [health or profession] advice. Bare Performance Nutrition (BPN) is not responsible for any losses, damages, or liabilities that may arise from the use of this podcast. This podcast is not intended to replace professional medical advice.

This podcast may not be republished without the written consent of Bare Performance Nutrition (BPN)

In this episode, I covering all things carbohydrates and why they have are one of the most important tools in your training, recovery, and performance. For me, it always comes back to this: train hard, recover well, and choose what’s sustainable.

CHAPTERS:

00:00 Welcome 

01:04 Personal Carb Philosophy

04:04 How Carbs Fuel You

05:15 Insulin and Blood Sugar

09:04 Insulin Resistance Explained

12:12 Low Carb Era and Atkins

18:41 Keto Rise and Origins

27:04 Ketosis and Why Keto Works

32:17 How Many Carbs You Need

41:35 Carbs for Endurance vs Strength

48:00 Carbs for Hypertrophy Pump

53:44 Best Carb Sources to Choose

58:09 Final Takeaways and Experiment

ORDER MY BOOK HERE: ⁠https://www.amazon.com/Go-One-More-Intentional-Life-Changing/dp/1637746210

FOLLOW:

Become a BPN member FOR FREE - Unlock 25% off FOR LIFE ⁠

https://www.bareperformancenutrition.com/collections/performance-nutrition

IG: ⁠instagram.com/nickbarefitness/⁠

YT: ⁠youtube.com/@nickbarefitness

This podcast is for informational purposes only and should not be considered legal [health or profession] advice. Bare Performance Nutrition (BPN) is not responsible for any losses, damages, or liabilities that may arise from the use of this podcast. This podcast is not intended to replace professional medical advice.

This podcast may not be republished without the written consent of Bare Performance Nutrition (BPN)

In this episode, I’m answering your Instagram Q&As. I talk leadership, hiring with the three Cs, fitness tips for new dads, and setting boundaries with tech. I lastly address racing after The Last Dance.

CHAPTERS:

00:00 Why This Q&A Episode Exists

10:17 Q1: The Mentor Who Shaped Me (Captain Angove)

17:51 Q2: Hiring Red & Green Flags — The 3 C’s + ‘Energy Vampires’

27:07 Q3: Fitness Advice for New Fathers (Routine vs Responsibility)

34:54 Q4: Leadership Lessons From the Last Year

46:20 Q5: How BPN Operations Evolved: Vision, Focus, Systems, and ‘Unpurposeful Activity’

52:42 Q6: Phone & Tech Boundaries: Social Media Fasts and App Blocking

01:00:52 Final Q: Are Races/Preps Over? The ‘Last Dance’ Mindset + Wrap-Up

ORDER MY BOOK HERE: ⁠https://www.amazon.com/Go-One-More-Intentional-Life-Changing/dp/1637746210

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https://www.bareperformancenutrition.com/collections/performance-nutrition

IG: ⁠instagram.com/nickbarefitness/⁠

YT: ⁠youtube.com/@nickbarefitness

Over the last five years, I’ve learned five lessons that changed how I lead, train, and live.

In this episode, inspired by Pastor Craig Groeschel, I break down purpose, leadership “altitude,” selflessness, pride, and the cost of a rushed life through the lens of building BPN. We’ll hit the difference between complex vs. complicated problems, the dopamine drive, and how to build a culture that empowers people.

I also share personal reflections, what I’m working on next, and how these lessons translate into real decisions at work and at home.

CHAPTERS

00:00 Intro

01:40 Purpose

18:52 Rise/Dive

30:38 Selflessness

37:53 Pride

45:13 Hurried life

58:14 Final thoughts

ORDER MY BOOK HERE: ⁠https://www.amazon.com/Go-One-More-Intentional-Life-Changing/dp/1637746210

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I sit down with Colonel Edward Arntson III, who has 24 years of military service, to unpack what leadership really demands when it counts. We start with self-leadership: how you show up, how you carry yourself, and why humility isn’t optional. 

We get into competence, intellectual curiosity, and the overlooked power of energy and tone. What you tolerate becomes the standard. Colonel Arntson shares hard-earned lessons from leading in garrison and in combat, including moments that tested his decision-making, confidence, and character. 

If you’re building a team, leading a family, or trying to lead yourself better, this episode delivers practical takeaways you can apply immediately.

More about Colonel Ed Arntson:

Ed Arntson, from Buffalo Grove, Illinois, graduated from Concordia College (2002) and commissioned as a Distinguished Military Graduate infantry officer through NDSU. He led rifle and company units in Alaska, Afghanistan, and Iraq, was wounded in combat, and later served with The Old Guard, including a landmark deployment to Taji, Iraq. After CGSC and SAMS, he held planning and operations roles with 1st Cavalry Division, deployed to Korea and Baghdad, and served on the Joint Staff. He commanded 3-187 Infantry and 3rd Brigade, 1st Cavalry Division. His education includes Ranger and airborne schools. He’s married with two children.

Tone Range Fan:

https://fromthegreennotebook.com/2025/09/08/the-tone-range-fan-a-tool-for-leaders-at-all-levels/

CHAPTERS:

00:00 Introduction

05:07 The Importance of Leadership Development

15:31 The Role of Feedback in Leadership

27:22 The Power of Tone in Leadership

41:59 The Power of Tone in Communication

48:25 Building Effective Teams Through Peer Leadership

52:37 The Importance of Humility and Tone in Leadership

01:06:04 Early Military Career and Deployment Experiences

01:21:01 Dedication and Commitment in the Military

01:39:26 The Impact of 9/11 on ROTC and Military Careers

01:45:54 The Importance of Physical and Mental Readiness

01:52:27 A Formula for Effective Leadership

02:00:06 Final Thoughts on Leadership and Inspiration

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This episode is all around laying out my 2026 diet + training philosophies. I’m in a caloric surplus, training hard with intention, and choosing food quality over empty volume. We get into running and eating with purpose, and why the goal isn’t a finish line—it’s building a lifestyle you can sustain.

I also break down the practical plays to take ownership of your diet: simple meal prep, portion control, 1g protein per pound, and a plan for late-night cravings. If you want to get stronger, leaner, and more consistent this year—try this framework.

CHAPTERS:

00:00 Introduction

03:35 Taking Ownership of Your Diet

05:09 Meal Prep and Food Prep Tips

08:59 Appropriate Meal Portions

14:37 Making Protein a Priority

16:30 Late Night Snacking Strategies

20:22 Caloric Surplus Explained

31:18 Training Hard for Strength and Growth

36:00 Avoiding the Easy Run Mindset in the Gym

38:50 Balancing Strength Training and Recovery

44:11 Prioritizing Food Quality Over Quantity

01:02:45 Running with Purpose, Not for Numbers

01:06:13 Maintaining a Healthy Relationship with Food

01:14:44 Training for the Love of the Lifestyle

ORDER MY BOOK HERE: ⁠https://www.amazon.com/Go-One-More-Intentional-Life-Changing/dp/1637746210

FOLLOW:

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https://www.bareperformancenutrition.com/collections/performance-nutrition

IG: ⁠instagram.com/nickbarefitness/⁠

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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.

CHAPTERS

00:00 Introduction

02:47 Morning Routine Insights

12:49 The Power of Prayer and Sobriety

29:04 Faith and Spiritual Journey

37:49 Transformative Power of Faith

44:28 Overcoming Addiction and Finding Purpose

48:39 Setting Boundaries with Technology

54:47 Balancing Work and Family Life

01:05:50 The Power of Discipline and Commitment

01:21:12 Entrepreneurial Journey and Curiosity

01:32:41 Hitting Rock Bottom

01:38:53 The Turning Point

01:42:45 Rebuilding Through Wellness

01:49:03 Kreatures of Habit and Future Goals

01:56:29 The Power of Habits

01:58:50 Final Reflections

ORDER MY BOOK HERE: ⁠https://www.amazon.com/Go-One-More-Intentional-Life-Changing/dp/1637746210

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IG: ⁠instagram.com/nickbarefitness/⁠

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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 Introduction

01:14 The Importance of Traits for Success

12:46 Jeff Bezos and the Power of Thinking Big

24:02 BPN's Journey and Vision

31:06 Calculated Risks and Success

41:03 The Birth of Nike

43:19 The Early Days of BPN

49:40 The Importance of Consistency

54:24 The Trap of Blind Consistency

01:00:01 Focus: Identifying Opportunities vs. Distractions

01:10:46 Adaptability and Resilience

01:15:19 The Day One Mentality

01:21:02 Conclusion

ORDER MY BOOK HERE:

https://www.amazon.com/Go-One-More-Intentional-Life-Changing/dp/1637746210

FOLLOW:

Become a BPN member FOR FREE - Unlock 20% off FOR LIFE

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IG: ⁠instagram.com/nickbarefitness/⁠

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