This isn't your average self-help podcast. I provide an unfiltered look into health, fitness, nutrition, entrepreneurship, and human optimization through the perspectives of the world's most incredible individuals. These are powerful, deep conversations designed to educate, inspire, and challenge you to unlock your full potential to create the life you desire. Please rate and review the podcast if you enjoy it. Thanks for listening! Follow for more: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/nickbarefitness/ YouTube: https://www.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
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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
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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
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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
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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.
CHAPTERS
0:00: 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
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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 Introduction
01:46 The Evolution of My Diet
21:25 Common Obstacles in Nutrition
36:21 Understanding Macronutrients
44:42 Meal Plan Overview
49:31 Tracking Your Macros: To Track or Not to Track?
56:29 Setting Up Your Macros
01:02:51 Planning and Preparation for Success
01:10:44 Power Bowls: Quick, Nutritious, and Convenient
01:13:57 Importance of Food Sourcing
01:23:34 Pre and Post-Workout Nutrition
01:28:22 Consistency and Long-Term Success
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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 Introduction
02:22 Defining Hybrid Training
07:33 Addressing Criticisms of Hybrid Training
13:15 Historical Influences on Hybrid Training
16:24 Personal Journey and Training Philosophy
27:27 Flexibility in Hybrid Training
33:46 Adapting Training to Different Goals
36:11 Current Training Focus and Routine
40:34 Sample Weekly Training Schedule
47:25 Adjusting Training Based on Goals
51:37 Balancing Strength and Endurance
54:32 Optimizing Training Sessions
58:24 Managing Lower Body Strength and Running
01:04:01 Personalizing Your Hybrid Training
01:06:03 Conclusion and Future Content
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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 Introduction
02:25 The Impact of Books and Personal Growth
07:42 The Journey to Law and Mental Collapse
12:55 Spiritual Habits and Life Changes
23:40 Identity and Vocation
34:56 The Gospel's Core Message
38:30 Identifying and Overcoming False Idols
43:02 The Role of the Body in Spirituality
48:01 The Call to Serve Others
55:20 The Journey of Intentional Fatherhood
01:06:55 The Dual Nature of Strength
01:13:04 The Role of Sabbath in Modern Life
01:31:26 The Cornerstone of a Good Life
01:36:47 Final Thoughts and Reflections
JUSTIN WHITMEL EARLEY
Website: https://www.justinwhitmelearley.com/
Socials: @justinwhitmelearley
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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 Introduction
02:03 The Power of Discipline, Commitment, and Consistency
05:57 Call to Action for 2026
11:02 Embracing Life's Repetitiveness
21:42 Consistency in Health and Fitness
27:24 Going All In
31:17 The Power of Going All In
35:43 The Importance of Pruning for Success
39:05 Stand Firm and Act Like Men
41:18 Understanding True Discipline
44:21 The Dangers of Pride
48:56 Commitment Has No Finish Lines
53:50 Lessons from Ranger School
59:58 The Journey of Sanctification
01:01:47 Obedience: The Ultimate Goal
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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 Introduction
01:04 Call to Action: Why You Should Take Creatine
02:36 About Creapure: The Purest Creatine
08:01 Understanding Creatine: What It Is and How It Works
17:16 The History and Evolution of Creatine
25:31 Creatine Benefits: Athletic Performance and Beyond
41:25 Debunking Common Creatine Myths
49:11 How to Use Creatine Effectively
54:11 Conclusion and Final Thoughts
Creatine Monohydrate sourced from Creapure®, shown to increase strength, power and performance.
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