Advertise on podcast: The Nick Bare Podcast

In this episode, I sit down with BPN Athlete from the land down under Bailey O’Brien to talk about why he quit CrossFit, building a gym, protecting its culture, and making the kind of sacrifices that shape who you become. We unpack the early days that were long days filled with hustle, choosing marriage over personal ambition, why your inner circle matters, and what it takes to build something meaningful for the long haul. CHAPTERS: 00:37 Austin, Ultra Weekend, and First Impressions 03:00 Australia to Austin: Different Pace, Same Values 08:50 Backstory 10:24 Building Be All In With Purpose 17:59 Why Consistency Always Wins 23:59 Letting Go of the CrossFit Dream 31:40 Mentors, Brotherhood, and the Inner Circle 37:34 What Modern Masculinity Really Looks Like 41:39 How Strong Leaders Build Strong Culture 45:57 Hiring People Who Take Ownership 49:52 Scaling Standards Without Losing the Standard 53:24 Trusting the Team When You Step Away 59:49 Leadership Requires Sacrifice 01:07:13 Going All In Without Losing Yourself 01:15:51 When the Platform Gets Bigger, So Does the Responsibility 01:18:00 Building a Personal Brand for the Long Game 01:28:08 What’s Next FOLLOW Bailey: @baileyobrien_ 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 sit down with Nate Pontius of Pontius Ranches to talk about what it really takes to build a ranch in central Texas. Adapting through drought, raising animals with intention, and producing better food from the ground up. We also get into Nate’s journey from the Marine Corps to ranch life, and how hard seasons, family, and purpose reshaped the way he trains, works, and lives. CHAPTERS: 00:00 The Rhythm of Rain and Ranch Life 02:03 Adapting in Drought Season 03:25 Better Feed, Better Animals 11:48 Why Quality Pork Tastes Different 16:33 The Farmer’s Bowl 29:08 From Marine to Rancher 34:02 How Fatherhood Changes a Man 39:08 The Reality of Building a Life 45:49 Building What Money Can’t Buy 54:21 Life After Service 01:03:23 Training for Health, Not Ego 01:14:29 Rebuilding Land the Right Way Order from Pontious Ranches - Mob Grazing Enterprise: https://www.pontiousranches.com/ FOLLOW NATE AND REMI: @nates_beard @rrayyme 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)

I’ve changed the way I think about success. I don’t see it as a finish line anymore, but as a pursuit rooted in purpose, obedience, and who I’m becoming along the way. In this episode, I reflect on failure, legacy, faith, and why chasing money, status, or approval will always leave you empty if the mission behind your work isn’t clear. CHAPTERS: 00:00 Why This Matters 02:40 Success Is a Pursuit 06:28 Stop Being Impressed 09:04 Character Over Strategy 13:15 Mission Not Milestones 17:29 Hard Work Without Hustle 22:28 Heath Evans Wake Up Call 28:41 Legacy for My Kids 32:57 Ecclesiastes Chasing Wind 35:33 Rest Without Guilt 40:07 Envy Drives the Grind 41:28 Final Charge Purposeful Work 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)

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: 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, 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: 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)

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 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

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 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

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 Become a BPN member FOR FREE - Unlock 25% off FOR LIFE ⁠ https://www.bareperformancenutrition.com/collections/performance-nutrition FOLLOW: IG: instagram.com/nickbarefitness/ YT: youtube.com/@nickbarefitness

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: 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

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 FOLLOW: Become a BPN member FOR FREE - Unlock 20% off FOR LIFE ⁠ https://bpn.team/member⁠ IG: ⁠instagram.com/nickbarefitness/⁠ YT: ⁠youtube.com/@nickbarefitness

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 ⁠https://bpn.team/member⁠ IG: ⁠instagram.com/nickbarefitness/⁠ YT: ⁠youtube.com/@nickbarefitness

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 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 ⁠https://bpn.team/member⁠ IG: ⁠instagram.com/nickbarefitness/⁠ YT: ⁠youtube.com/@nickbarefitness