Advertise on podcast: The Your Level Fitness Podcast: Real People. Real Stories. Real Life.

What happens when you stop worrying so much about how other people see you and start taking ownership of your own story? In this conversation, I’m joined by David, a motivational speaker, podcaster, disability advocate, adaptive athlete, and someone who has spent years learning how to talk openly about life with cerebral palsy. David shares how graduating from UCF became one of the turning points that pushed him toward motivational speaking after growing up with predictions about what he supposedly would never be able to do. We talk about how long it can take to actually find your message, why he eventually decided to address disability directly, and what happened when he stopped trying to control whether everybody accepted him. We also get into podcasting and why David shifted from primarily telling his own story to creating a platform for other people to tell theirs. That has taken him into conversations with athletes, authors, people with disabilities, and even professional wrestlers, with a focus on understanding the person behind what everyone sees on the surface. A big part of our conversation centers around disability advocacy and education. David shares why he is comfortable answering respectful questions about cerebral palsy, how a simple conversation can change someone’s perception of disability, and why there is a meaningful difference between genuine curiosity and treating someone differently because of their disability. We also talk about staying active, David’s background as a three sport adaptive athlete and three time state champion cyclist, and what he would tell someone who knows they have a story worth sharing but is still hesitant to put themselves out there. Ultimately, this is a conversation about appreciating yourself, deciding that your story has value, letting the right people find you, and understanding that you do not need everyone to approve of who you are. Connect with David on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/davidironman_11/ Subscribe to his YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/@davidscpfitness

Rachel has lost 100 pounds more than once. She has also regained it, gone through cancer treatment, dealt with steroids, stress, major life changes, and reached a point where the strategies that had worked for her in the past were no longer giving her the same results. In this conversation, Rachel shares what led her to start exploring GLP 1 medications, what happened when insurance would not cover the prescription her doctor wrote, and why her first experience with a compounded option left her feeling extremely sick and unable to eat. We also talk about what changed when she found an approach that felt more manageable, why she views GLP 1 medication as another tool in the toolbox, and how she responds to people who call medication assisted weight loss “cheating” or “the easy way out.” Rachel is very open about emotional eating, food addiction, weight regain, social media judgment, and the reality that knowing what worked before does not always mean it will work the same way now. One of the biggest themes in this conversation is adaptability. Life changes. Bodies change. Circumstances change. The plan may need to change too. Rachel is not promising that this is the final answer forever. She is sharing what is helping her right now, what she has learned along the way, and why she continues to focus on movement, nutrition, and using the tools available to her while figuring things out one step at a time. Follow Rachel on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/rachels_journey3.0/

GLP-1 medications have changed the weight loss conversation, but what happens when we move beyond simply asking how much weight someone can lose? In this conversation, I sit down with my longtime friend Rob of Busy Bariatrics to talk about GLP-1s, food noise, bariatric surgery, sustainable weight management, resistance training, body composition, and the mental and emotional side of changing your life. Rob shares his own experience with bariatric surgery and eventually starting a GLP-1 medication after discussing it with his doctor, researching it for about a year, and considering more than just the number on the scale. We talk about his experience navigating weight regain during an incredibly difficult period of injury, grief, and major changes in his everyday life, and why knowing what to do does not make us immune to what happens when life changes. We also get into one of the biggest questions surrounding GLP-1s. What happens to the habits, routines, and relationship with food while the medication is working? There can be tremendous value in having relief from thoughts and feelings around food, especially when those experiences have consumed mental energy for years. I also think there is room to simply experience that relief without immediately turning it into another project that needs to be optimized. At the same time, long-term health still involves building a lifestyle around the tool you are using. Rob and I discuss resistance training, preserving lean tissue during weight loss, using blood work and other health markers to look beyond scale weight, and why sustainable change does not require being all in every minute of every day. Then we dig into food noise. The term can be extremely useful because it gives people language for experiences they may have struggled to describe before. But that does not mean every thought about food is automatically food noise, or that every thought and feeling around food needs to disappear. Sometimes hunger is hunger. Sometimes someone may simply not be eating enough. Sometimes thoughts around food are connected to emotions, habits, culture, family, social experiences, or memories. And sometimes there may genuinely be persistent food noise that deserves further exploration. Food is nuanced because our relationship with food is connected to our relationship with ourselves. This conversation is not about telling you whether you should or should not use a GLP-1. It is about giving you more to consider as you figure out what sustainable health, weight management, and your relationship with food look like for you. Continue With Rob and Busy Bariatrics Listen on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/56aD8jQHxIys99itoSyyIQ Listen on Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/pl/podcast/bariatrics-and-glp-1s-for-busy-people-with-rob-dimedio/id1765407351 Watch on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLwZvWAbVrj0ANxI9uufcfwsGGbSexdkAU Follow Rob on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/myweightishistory/ Follow Daryl on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/daryltperry

What if fitness was built around what your body can do instead of forcing your body into a program that was never designed for you? In this episode of The Your Level Fitness Podcast, I sit down with Richard Harrison, founder of Able Fitness & Nutrition, to talk about the training business he is building for people with cerebral palsy, physical disabilities, limitations, and anyone who needs a more individualized approach to fitness. Richard has cerebral palsy himself and began training seriously after realizing that cookie cutter exercise programs simply did not work for his body. Over time, he learned how to adapt exercises to himself, and that experience eventually became part of a much larger vision. For Richard, ABLE means All Abilities Welcome. We talk about why so many adults with cerebral palsy and other disabilities lose access to support as they get older, why traditional gyms can feel intimidating, and why confidence can be just as important as the exercises themselves. Richard also shares why he does not believe disability needs to become someone’s entire identity or automatically determine what they are capable of doing. There may be movements that need to be changed. There may be physical hurdles to navigate. But that does not mean there is not another way to approach the goal. That philosophy is now becoming the foundation of Able Fitness & Nutrition. Richard currently works with people one on one and is building toward helping clients beyond his local community through individualized programming that can reach people around the world. Instead of relying on automated, one size fits all plans, his goal is to understand the person in front of him and adapt the training accordingly. We also talk about Richard’s own confidence, the support system he had growing up, what it means to become comfortable doing things differently in the gym, and the opportunity for disabled trainers to help other people with disabilities see what may be possible for themselves. If you have cerebral palsy, another physical disability or limitation, or simply want to follow what Richard is building, connect with him below. Connect With Richard Harrison and Able Fitness & Nutrition Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/able.fitness1/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61575858020520 TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@able.fitness1 Richard encourages anyone interested in working with him to reach out directly through one of his social media accounts to start a conversation about individualized training. Connect With Daryl Perry Instagram: https://instagram.com/daryltperry

In this conversation, Betsy Garrety  returns to share what life has really been like since retiring from education. We talk about the unexpected transition from the fast paced life of a classroom teacher to a completely different work environment, the anxiety that can come with major life changes, and how our identity can become closely tied to the work we do. We also explore how transferable skills can open doors you never expected, why asking for help during life's transitions matters, and how Betsy's personal faith journey eventually led her to create the Chosen Retreat for Women. Through honest conversation, she shares how difficult seasons, including burnout and personal loss, helped shape a new sense of purpose centered on connection, reflection, and hope. Whether you're approaching retirement, considering a career change, navigating a new season of life, or simply looking for encouragement, this conversation is a reminder that growth often begins where we least expect it. Links Mentioned Learn more about the Chosen Retreat for Women (December 10 through 13): gcretreats.org Connect with Betsy on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/betsy.garrety

What does discipline actually look like in real life? In this conversation, Jeremy shares how sobriety, purpose, and consistent daily action have completely transformed the way he approaches fitness and life. From running a single mile to completing a full marathon on a treadmill and consistently logging more than 50 miles each week, he explains why discipline isn't about motivation. It's about keeping the promises you make to yourself. We also discuss why most people place limits on themselves long before they reach their true potential, how to gradually push beyond your comfort zone, and why building confidence comes from repeatedly following through on your commitments. Whether you're working toward a fitness goal, building a business, pursuing personal growth, or simply trying to become more consistent, this conversation is a reminder that meaningful progress comes from showing up, taking action, and believing you're capable of more than you think. In this episode, we discuss: • What discipline really means beyond motivation • Why keeping promises to yourself builds lasting confidence • Going from one mile to marathon distance through consistent progression • Using fitness to strengthen your mindset for every area of life • Why purpose naturally creates discipline • The role sobriety played in creating long term change • How to stop comparing yourself to others and focus on your own progress Connect with Jeremy on TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@jeremygrap22

Sometimes the greatest transformations don't begin with a workout plan or a new diet. They begin with surviving your darkest day. In this episode, I'm joined by Kyle Fry, who shares an incredibly honest conversation about living through chronic pain, surviving suicidal thoughts, rebuilding his life after multiple back surgeries, and ultimately losing more than 75 pounds by changing far more than his body. Together, we explore how mindset, personal responsibility, supportive relationships, and daily action helped Kyle move from simply surviving to creating a life he genuinely enjoys living. In this episode, we discuss: • Kyle's battle with chronic pain and multiple back surgeries • The day he nearly lost his life to suicide • How one unexpected moment changed everything • The mental and emotional side of long-term weight gain • Why rock bottom became the turning point in his journey • Losing more than 75 pounds through sustainable lifestyle changes • Food addiction, habits, and rebuilding a healthier relationship with yourself • The importance of surrounding yourself with people who genuinely want to see you succeed • Why small, consistent goals often lead to the biggest transformations • Making peace with your past without allowing it to define your future This conversation goes far beyond weight loss. It's about resilience, choosing hope during incredibly difficult seasons of life, and recognizing that lasting change begins long before you see it reflected on the scale. Whether you're navigating your own health journey, struggling with your mental health, or simply looking for encouragement to take the next step, I believe you'll find something meaningful in Kyle's story. Connect with Kyle Fry TikTok https://www.tiktok.com/@kilofree86 Instagram https://www.instagram.com/kilofree86 Facebook https://www.facebook.com/kyle.fry.9210 Mental Health Resources If you or someone you know is struggling with thoughts of suicide or experiencing a mental health crisis, please know that help is available. United States & Canada 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline Call or text 988 to connect with a trained crisis counselor 24 hours a day. https://988lifeline.org If you believe someone is in immediate danger, call 911 or your local emergency services immediately. You are not alone. Reaching out for help is a sign of strength, and support is available.

Life rarely unfolds exactly the way we expect. In this episode of The Your Level Fitness Podcast, I'm joined by Bill Streetman for a conversation about identity, resilience, adapting to change, and learning to move forward when life takes an unexpected turn. While many people know Bill through his remarkable weight loss journey, this conversation goes much deeper. We explore how major life events can reshape our identity, why flexibility often matters more than having the perfect plan, and how trusting yourself becomes one of the most important skills you can develop. Bill shares the story of having a non-cancerous tumor removed from his carotid artery, the unexpected complications that followed, and how losing his voice forced him to redefine not only how he communicated with others, but how he viewed himself. Rather than allowing that challenge to become the end of his story, he found a new way to continue speaking, teaching, and encouraging others. Throughout our conversation, we discuss what it means to adapt when life changes, why proper planning and flexibility go hand in hand, and how our body, mind, and spirit all influence our ability to navigate difficult seasons. In this episode, we discuss: • Why identity is constantly evolving throughout life • The importance of adapting instead of resisting change • What Bill learned after losing his voice • Why flexibility often matters more than having the perfect plan • How body, mind, and spirit work together • Building confidence by trusting yourself to overcome challenges • Why your "why" should be personal instead of borrowed from someone else • Learning to adjust without giving up on your goals • The difference between planning and expecting everything to go perfectly • Why you're capable of more than you think If you've ever felt like life forced you to change direction, I hope this conversation reminds you that your circumstances don't have to define your future. Sometimes the greatest growth comes from learning to adapt while continuing to move toward the life you want to build. Connect with Bill Streetman on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/bill.streetman Purchase Bill's book: https://a.co/d/ivdughV Thank you for listening to The Your Level Fitness Podcast. If this conversation encouraged you, please consider following the podcast and sharing this episode with someone who may need the reminder that it's never too late to adapt, grow, and keep moving forward.

Jeremy returns to the Your Level Fitness Podcast to share what's happened since our last conversation, and the progress is remarkable. In just a few months, Jeremy has gone from building consistency in the gym to running over 100 miles in a month, preparing for a marathon, and setting his sights on an ultra marathon. But this conversation isn't just about running. It's about momentum, discipline, self-belief, and learning to remove the limits we often place on ourselves. We discuss how his daily routine has evolved, why taking care of your mental health comes before anything else, the importance of adjusting your nutrition and recovery as your goals change, and why sustainable progress comes from showing up day after day. Whether you're working toward your first workout, your first 5K, or your biggest goal yet, this episode is a reminder that your potential is often greater than you think. In this episode, we discuss: • How Jeremy built an unbreakable daily routine • Why momentum can completely change your fitness journey • The connection between mental health and physical health • Knowing when to adjust your nutrition as your activity increases • Why removing self-imposed limits opens the door to new possibilities • Building discipline through small daily actions • Looking ahead to marathon and ultra marathon goals Follow Jeremy on TikTok for more updates on his fitness journey and daily motivation: TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@jeremygrap22 Thank you for listening to the Your Level Fitness Podcast. If this conversation encouraged you to take one more step toward your forever active lifestyle, be sure to subscribe, share this episode with someone who needs to hear it, and come back next time as we continue exploring the mindset, habits, and actions that help you learn to appreciate yourself from the inside/out while building a lifestyle you'll actually want to stick with.

Today on The Your Level Fitness Podcast, I'm joined once again by Kevyn J for a conversation that goes far beyond weight loss. We discuss Kevyn's nearly 10-year wellness journey, including his experience using a GLP-1 medication as one tool to improve his health, the importance of strength training, working alongside your healthcare team, and what it really means to pursue long-term wellness instead of chasing quick fixes. From there, the conversation naturally expands into men's mental health, emotional awareness, community, lifelong learning, artificial intelligence, social media, and why genuine human connection may be one of the most important parts of living a healthy life. Some of the topics we explore include: • Viewing GLP-1 medications as one tool within a broader wellness strategy. • Building strength, protecting muscle, and improving long-term quality of life. • The importance of finding healthcare professionals who truly partner with you. • Why men need safe spaces to talk openly about mental and emotional health. • Creating authentic community instead of relying solely on social media. • Lifelong learning, adapting to change, and embracing new technology without losing human creativity. • Finding common ground with others through fitness, music, conversation, and shared experiences. This episode is a reminder that wellness isn't just about changing your body. It's about building a life that allows you to stay active, stay curious, develop meaningful relationships, and continue growing into the person you want to become. A huge thank you to Kevyn for joining me again and for continuing to advocate for wellness, inclusion, and authentic connection. Follow Kevyn and continue the conversation: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kevyn_j/ TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@kevyn_j/ If you enjoyed this conversation, be sure to follow Kevyn on social media and stay connected with the positive work he's doing in the wellness and advocacy communities.

Today on the podcast, I am joined by Memo, a runner, content creator, and one of the most genuine people I've had the opportunity to connect with online. What started as a conversation about running quickly became a deeper discussion about identity, fatherhood, mental health, social media, personal growth, and the moments that change the direction of our lives. Memo shares how the COVID years led to unhealthy habits, weight gain, and a growing disconnect from the person he wanted to be. After becoming a father, everything changed. Faced with the reality of the choices he was making and the future he wanted for his daughter, he made a decision that would eventually lead him to running. We talk about the difficult first steps, the lessons learned during his first year as a runner, and how slowing down ultimately helped him make more progress. We also explore the supportive running community on TikTok, the power of documenting your journey, and why connecting with others can make a difficult process feel a little less lonely. In this episode, we discuss: • How the pandemic impacted habits, health, and daily life • Becoming a father and finding a new sense of purpose • The frightening moment that motivated Memo to make a change • Why slowing down helped him become a better runner • Recovery runs, pacing, and avoiding burnout • Using social media to document progress and build community • The connection between running, mental health, and self-reflection • Finding beauty in everyday life and appreciating the journey • Why consistency matters more than perfection • The lessons running teaches about patience, growth, and resilience This conversation goes far beyond running. It's about becoming the person you want to be, appreciating where you are today, and continuing to move forward one step at a time. To continue following Memo's journey, connect with him on TikTok:https://www.tiktok.com/@memoruns26

Why did Chad start running? What began as preparation for a Spartan Race became a complete transformation of his physical health, confidence, mindset, and sense of purpose. In this episode of Why Did You Start Running, Chad shares how a difficult period following COVID left him struggling with mobility, spasticity, self-doubt, and depression. Living with cerebral palsy, he found himself facing an important decision: continue down a path of inactivity or take a chance on himself and see what was possible. That decision led to his first 5K. Since then, Chad has logged more than 1,000 miles, completed dozens of races, earned a first-place age group finish, organized a charity virtual 5K, launched a scholarship program, and become a voice of encouragement within both the running and cerebral palsy communities. We also discuss the power of community, the mental health benefits of running, navigating grief, overcoming self-doubt, and how one small decision can create opportunities you never imagined. Whether you're a runner, someone living with a disability, or simply looking for a reminder of what's possible when you take a chance on yourself, this conversation is packed with inspiration and perspective. In This Episode • Why Chad signed up for a Spartan Race in 2022 • Living with cerebral palsy and navigating physical challenges • How running helped improve mobility and confidence • The mental and emotional benefits of running • The importance of supportive communities • Running through grief and difficult life experiences • Finding purpose through helping others • Creating a scholarship program and charity 5K • Building confidence through personal growth • Why taking one chance on yourself can change everything Connect With Chad Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/chadwillia1/ Learn More About Cerebral Palsy Perspective Website: https://cerebralpalsyperspective.com If this episode encouraged you, share it with someone who needs a reminder that progress doesn't require perfect circumstances. Sometimes the biggest transformations begin with a single decision to try.

Why did Jeremy start running? What began as a challenge inspired by David Goggins eventually became something much bigger. In this episode of Why I Started Running, Jeremy shares how running and fitness became tools for improving his mental health, processing emotions, and showing up as a better father, husband, and man. Our conversation explores the connection between physical fitness and emotional well-being, why so many men struggle to talk about what they're feeling, and how bottling up emotions can affect every area of life. Jeremy also discusses his "How Are You, Man?" series, where he encourages men to move beyond automatic responses and have more honest conversations about what's really going on beneath the surface. We also talk about fatherhood, breaking generational cycles, emotional intelligence, and the importance of teaching the next generation of boys that it's okay to feel, communicate, and work through difficult emotions in healthy ways. Whether you're a runner, someone working on your mental health, or simply trying to become a better version of yourself, this conversation offers practical perspective and a powerful reminder that growth often starts with being honest about where you are. In This Episode • Why Jeremy started running after years of avoiding it • The influence of David Goggins and embracing discomfort • How running helps process thoughts and emotions • The connection between fitness and mental health • Why many men struggle to communicate their feelings • The dangers of bottling up emotions • Breaking unhealthy cycles through fatherhood • Teaching emotional intelligence to children • The importance of asking, "How are you, man?" and meaning it • Building healthier ways to deal with life's challenges Connect With Jeremy TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@jeremygrap22 If this conversation resonated with you, share it with someone who could benefit from hearing it. Sometimes the most important conversations are the ones we avoid having.

What can a running journey teach us about consistency, identity, work ethic, and building a life that actually fits who we are? In this episode of The Your Level Fitness Podcast, I sit down with Jeremy Lundmark to discuss how a simple goal to lose weight through walking eventually evolved into running, endurance events, content creation, and a philosophy centered around what he calls the "Uncredible" life. Jeremy shares how a daily commitment to movement during the early days of COVID led him from walking one mile to running long distances, while balancing work, family responsibilities, and everyday life. Along the way, we explore the lessons that come from showing up consistently, learning through experience, and finding your own path rather than trying to follow someone else's blueprint. We also discuss leadership, workplace culture, authenticity on social media, personal growth, and why ordinary people often accomplish extraordinary things without receiving much recognition for it. At its core, this conversation is a reminder that building a forever active lifestyle isn't about perfection. It's about finding what works for you, continuing to show up, and allowing your experiences to shape who you become. Topics Covered: • Why Jeremy started running • Weight loss and habit building • From walking to endurance running • Balancing fitness with work and family life • The story behind Uncredible • Leadership and workplace culture • Authenticity in the age of social media • Consistency versus motivation • Personal growth through experience • Building a lifestyle that fits your life • Community, connection, and shared experiences Guest Links: Jeremy's Substack: https://jeremylundmark.substack.com/ Jeremy on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jeremylundmark/ Your Level Fitness Links: New to YLF? https://yourlevelfitness.com Weekday Journal Prompts: https://yourlevelfitness.com/email Thank you for listening to The Your Level Fitness Podcast. The most powerful stories are often the ones shared by ordinary people doing their best to navigate work, family, health, and life. Jeremy's story is a reminder that meaningful change doesn't usually happen through dramatic moments. It happens through consistent actions repeated over time.

What happens when injuries, chronic pain, depression, and alcohol begin pulling you away from the life you want to live? In this episode of The Your Level Fitness Podcast, I sit down with Scott French to discuss his journey from physical decline and severe back pain to rebuilding his health, avoiding spinal fusion surgery, getting sober, and creating a community that now supports hundreds of people on their own fitness journeys. We talk about discipline, depression, anxiety, recovery, DDP Yoga, weight loss, finding purpose through helping others, and why fitness is often about much more than exercise. Scott also shares how the Tiger Battalion community was created and how supporting others became an important part of his own healing process. This conversation is a powerful reminder that no matter how far you've drifted from where you want to be, there is always an opportunity to start rebuilding. Topics Covered: • Recovering from injury and chronic pain • Avoiding spinal fusion surgery • Weight loss and lifestyle change • Alcohol recovery and sobriety • Depression and anxiety • Building discipline without relying on motivation • DDP Yoga and functional fitness • The power of community and support • Why helping others can help you heal Guest Links: Scott French Facebook Profile: https://www.facebook.com/scott.french.792 Tiger Battalion Fitness Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/298716897756947 Thank you for listening to The Your Level Fitness Podcast. If this conversation resonated with you, share it with someone who needs a reminder that it's never too late to start rebuilding.