In this fifth installment of the 'Building the Brand' series, I'm taking us through Chapter Five, titled 'The Hybrid Athlete,' covering pivotal moments from April 2019 to 2020. Highlighting my transition from bodybuilding to endurance training, I discuss the profound impact of discovering 'Go One More' and the growth of BPN. We'll cover personal stories, from marathon training to my mother’s battle with cancer. Also covered are key learnings on branding, team building, and the explosive growth o...
Dec 09, 2024•1 hr•Ep. 98
This returning guest needs no introduction, but we will honor her with one. Today I'm joined by Sally McRae for another deep conversation, which is common for us, about the unglamorous aspects of growth, resilience, and character-building. We discuss the vital role of patience, the misconception of overnight success, and the importance of navigating through difficult seasons. Sally and I share personal anecdotes from our toughest times, emphasizing the power of focusing on foundational habits an...
Dec 02, 2024•1 hr 34 min•Ep. 97
I welcome back Jason Khalipa to dive into a conversation on the importance of fitness as a family value and the responsibilities of being a father and leader. Khalipa shares insights into his training regimen, personal experiences with professional CrossFit, and the necessity of leading by example both in fitness and family life. We discuss managing time, the significance of exposing oneself and one’s children to intense physical exertion (RPE10), and fostering mental resilience through regular ...
Nov 25, 2024•1 hr 30 min•Ep. 96
In this episode, we talk competitive hybrid athletics, specifically preparing for HYROX Dallas on November 23 with RMR Training's Rich Ryan and Ryan Kent. We kick off with the inclusive and inspiring fitness culture in Austin, specifics about the Elite 15 qualification system, and the importance of proper training, nutrition, and mental preparation. We also share personal anecdotes and insights from our individual journies, including the evolution of training methodologies, the importance of sta...
Nov 18, 2024•1 hr 21 min•Ep. 95
In this episode, Lucy Davis, who recently became a BPN athlete, discusses her journey as a hybrid athlete, the importance of setting challenging goals, and the satisfaction that comes from the struggle rather than the achievement itself. Lucy also opens up about her experience with imposter syndrome and how she's learning to combat it by setting both performance and personal goals. The conversation revolves around the evolving mission of BPN and its focus on creating an inspiring training enviro...
Nov 11, 2024•1 hr 17 min•Ep. 94
In the fourth chapter of the 'Building the Brand' series, I take you through my return to the U.S. after a nine-month training rotation in South Korea in October 2016, this chapter details the pivotal moments and lessons learned in expanding Bare Performance Nutrition (BPN). From moving into our second warehouse to the trials and triumphs during the transition period, the emphasis is on the commitment and mindset necessary to achieve success. Chapters 00:00 Introduction 01:30 Recap of Chapter Th...
Nov 07, 2024•1 hr 16 min•Ep. 93
This week I'm sharing my journey and insights from preparing for HYROX Dallas, set for November 23rd in Dallas, Texas. This episode covers what HYROX is, my training regimen, and dietary changes since I started training in June. I discuss the structure of a HYROX race, the importance of purposeful training, and how to balance different workout modalities. We will walk through what I've learned about fueling effectively, tracking progress, auto-regulation, and more. Chapters 00:00 Introduction an...
Nov 04, 2024•50 min•Ep. 92
This episode is a change of pace, but one I've been very excited to share. Jess Pryles, is a live fire cook, author, meat expert and the creator of the internationally-acclaimed line of meat seasonings, Hardcore Carnivore®. We explore Jess’s journey from Melbourne to Texas and spend a majority of the time discussing techniques for cooking with live fire, understanding meat tenderness and flavor, and choosing the best meat cuts. We cover the differences between grass-fed and grain-fed beef, metho...
Oct 28, 2024•1 hr 32 min•Ep. 91
In this third chapter of the series, join me as I revisit my journey from a struggling soldier balancing military duties with building a business, to a thriving entrepreneur with a successful YouTube channel. I cover my experiences overcoming setbacks, like failing Ranger School and banking issues while deployed in South Korea. Learn how seeking discomfort and relentless self-investment led to Bare Performance Nutrition's growth from humble beginnings to tackling financial challenges. Chapters 0...
Oct 21, 2024•1 hr 13 min•Ep. 90
In this episode, we dive into the story of Amanda Kimiko—military veteran, cancer survivor, and ultra-endurance athlete. Amanda’s mantra, Unbreakable, is more than just a word; it’s how she approaches life’s toughest moments. From overcoming cancer to taking on the Leadville 100 Ultra Marathon, she’s proof of what’s possible when you push your limits. Amanda recaps Leadville, shares how ultra running became a path to personal growth, overcame cancer twice, and how it shaped her in ways beyond th...
Oct 14, 2024•1 hr 14 min•Ep. 89
Today, I take a unique approach with this episode and sit down with my tattoo artist, Andy Pho of Upside Tattoo in Hutto, Texas. We chat through how Andy integrates mindfulness into his art through his 'High Frequency, Low Energy' approach, crafting a serene and customer-focused environment. Learn about his inspiring journey, from family heritage to profound experiences as a monk, and how these shape his unique tattooing philosophy. Andy shares insights on mastering his craft and the balance of ...
Oct 07, 2024•1 hr 33 min•Ep. 88
In this chapter of Building the Brand, I cover my time from landing in Fort Benning, Georgia in October 2013, to arriving at Fort Hood, Texas in October 2014. I share how my severe eating disorder led me to fall in love with fitness and start Bare Performance Nutrition (BPN). I recount my Army ROTC experiences, graduating college, and the challenges faced during Ranger School. This chapter reflects on the importance of solitude, resilience, and the life lessons learned, paving the way for BPN's ...
Oct 03, 2024•59 min•Ep. 87
Luke comes back for a round two on the podcast to recap his experience of Ironman Wisconsin, and the crucial role of nutrition and intentional training in achieving athletic success. We discuss the significance of mental resilience, the champion mindset, community support, and transforming passion into performance. Learn how to maximize and optimize your efforts, whether you're preparing for a competition or striving for personal and professional growth. Chapters 00:00 The Power of Self-Belief 0...
Sep 30, 2024•1 hr 22 min•Ep. 86
In this episode, I kick off a multi-part podcast series sharing the in-depth stories and lessons learned since starting Bare Performance Nutrition in 2012. I discuss the foundation of BPN, focusing on confidence, curiosity, and courage, recounting pivotal moments like battling an eating disorder as a teenager, discovering a passion for fitness and nutrition, joining the Army ROTC, and finally deciding to launch BPN. This episode covers the early challenges, key milestones, and the initial steps ...
Sep 23, 2024•1 hr 15 min•Ep. 85
Dr. Andy Galpin and I explore everything related to human performance. From advanced training regimens and the science behind strength and power to the history and evolution of fitness trends, we cover it all. Understand the unique coaching methods used to optimize athletic performance and the importance of personalized training programs. Discover how to enhance VO2 max without running, and gain a balanced perspective on fitness that includes strength, endurance, and flexibility. 00:00 Welcome a...
Sep 16, 2024•1 hr 23 min•Ep. 84
Today, I'm joined by Pastor Joe Champion, Senior Pastor of my church, Celebration Church. He and I share our life experiences, touching on leadership in ministry, balancing family responsibilities, and having a strong foundation in faith. We specifically navigate building both a brand and a church while handling criticism and pressure. Pastor Joe's personal anecdotes, disciplined upbringing, and emphasis on stability and consistency in parenting offer deep insights into achieving greater fulfill...
Sep 09, 2024•1 hr 11 min•Ep. 83
For this conversation, I wanted to share personal updates about my expanded family and the challenges and joys of welcoming my newborn son, Niko. I dive into the significant changes that come with having a second child, drawing parallels from a conversation with our COO and his running analogy. This episode explores the importance of patience, endurance, and growth during life's stressful seasons. I reflect on what legacy means, moving beyond material wealth to focus on impact, character, and te...
Sep 02, 2024•53 min•Ep. 82
In this episode, I sit down with BPN athlete Luke Hopkins, a pro natural bodybuilder and hybrid athlete currently training for an Ironman. He recently graduated from USC with a degree in neuroscience. Luke shares how a positive mindset and psychological strategies impact high-level sport performance. He and I cover the physical and mental challenges of Ironman training, the importance of progressive overload, and the benefits of group training. This conversation is all about pacing, setting real...
Aug 26, 2024•1 hr 25 min•Ep. 81
These are five essential traits you need to master in order to truly go all-in on your goals and purpose. I'm exploring the importance of operating at "Level 12," where intensity outweighs mere volume, and how building resilience through hardship can be a game-changer. I'll also emphasize the power of owning your focus by eliminating distractions and playing the long game for lasting success. You can challenge the norm by rejecting conformity and leading with your values. CHAPTERS: 00:00 Introdu...
Aug 19, 2024•59 min•Ep. 80
I discuss my new training journey for the HYROX competition set for November 23, 2024, in Dallas, Texas. I'll talk about what HYROX is, how it differs from CrossFit, and detail my current training structure and dietary adjustments. Also, I'll touch on my motivation for entering the competition, transition from strength training and marathons to a hybrid athlete lifestyle, and the importance of staying a student in the fitness world. This update will cover intense workout routines, team involveme...
Aug 12, 2024•55 min•Ep. 79
In this episode, I deep dive into my favorite running gear, accessories, gadgets, and apps that have stood the test of time and proven to be essential for training and races. As marathon season gets closer and closer, let's walk through some must-have running gear that I use that will help you elevate your performance. Topics I cover: -The best GPS running watch and why I trusts Garmin for all my runs. -Top running shoes for training and racing, including Hoka, Saucony, and Nike. -Essential fuel...
Aug 05, 2024•1 hr 2 min•Ep. 78
In this episode, I’m talking with the founder of SISU Lifestyle, Pete Nelson II, as he shares the incredible journey of building his brand while maintaining a balanced family life. I discuss with Pete the health benefits of sauna therapy, the dynamic practice of combining saunas with cold plunges, and the crucial role of solitude and reflection for mental clarity. Pete’s story is committed to showing us all how to build a life rooted in resilience and simplicity. We discuss his upbringing and th...
Jul 29, 2024•1 hr 23 min•Ep. 77
I'm deep-diving into the recent whirlwind of activity both in my personal life and at BPN. From celebrating our most successful 4th of July sale ever to gearing up for our 12th anniversary next month, there's so much to share. Firstly, a huge thank you to all our listeners and supporters for making our 4th of July sale a record-breaking success. Your love for our products fuels everything we do at BPN, and we couldn't be more grateful. Today, we'll discuss the importance of omega-3 fatty acids i...
Jul 22, 2024•1 hr 26 min
Max Lugavere is a renowned health and science journalist, filmmaker, podcaster, and New York Times bestselling author. Max's journey into researching brain diseases began with personal motivation and has led to groundbreaking insights on how nutrition can impact the preventability of brain diseases. This episode discusses how Max has transformed our understanding of brain health by highlighting key risk factors such as genetics, ultra-processed foods, pollution, and chemical exposure. Now is the...
Jul 15, 2024•1 hr 41 min
There's a difference between being all-in and all-consumed. Marcus Filly joins the podcast to discuss his functional bodybuilding program. Marcus has a remarkable talent for making muscle-building and fat loss achievable for everyone. We discussed foundational training principles like the mind-muscle connection, establishing a training culture, and the controversy surrounding "the pump. Save 10% at BPN Supps: https://bit.ly/nickbare10audio Follow for more: IG: instagram.com/nickbarefitness/ YT: ...
Jul 08, 2024•2 hr 4 min
Today, I'm sitting down with Jordan Syatt, a world-record powerlifter and expert trainer for losing fat and building muscle. In this episode, we didn't just scratch the surface-we went deep, got practical, and covered a lot of ground in between. Our discussion on eating habits and disorders, particularly the impact of binge eating and succumbing to social media influence, will equip you with actionable advice. We also explored how the habits we form today can set the trajectory for our future an...
Jul 01, 2024•1 hr 38 min
Today, Hope and Tony are joining me to relive the adventure of BPN's 50-mile overnight ultra. This race truly embodied who we are as a brand—a gritty race where runners are challenged to hold the standard. Not only were the runners unaware of the course or location until the day of, but we also had to contend with loose bulls, rugged terrain, and a significant course change just an hour before the race started. This race was another milestone in shaping the BPN brand that I and the BPN community...
Jun 24, 2024•1 hr 31 min
This week's podcast guest is CrossFit champion Jason Khalipa. Jason inspires through his fitness achievements and the wisdom he has accumulated as a father, business owner, and community member. This episode discussed fatherhood and what it means to show up, protect, and provide for your family. We also discussed how to maintain momentum in your daily life and how work ethic is caught rather than taught. Jason's perspective is truly inspiring, and I am excited for you to hear his wisdom and appl...
Jun 17, 2024•1 hr 33 min
In today's podcast, I am sitting down with my friend and legendary ultra runner, Sally McRae. Sally most recently won the Moab 240 after completing the "Grand Slam of 200s." She's admired for her mental fortitude, hardcore training tactics, and ability to push through extreme discomfort. Whenever I have the opportunity to talk with Sally, it is not only insightful but also uplifting. I'm sure you will feel the same after listening. Save 10% at BPN Supps: https://bit.ly/nickbare10audio Follow for...
Jun 10, 2024•1 hr 41 min
In this week's episode, I am excited to welcome world champion powerlifter Russel Orhii. Russ was the first athlete I ever signed, and he truly embodies the DNA and culture of BPN. His incredible work ethic and commitment to authenticity are revolutionizing the sport of powerlifting. During our conversation, we covered everything from training tips to the culture of his sport and the sacrifices required to achieve greatness. This is an inspiring and informative conversation you won't want to mis...
Jun 03, 2024•1 hr 19 min
