The Next Level Health & Fitness Podcast

In this episode of the Next Level Health & Fitness Podcast, I begin by addressing the heartbreaking tragedy here in Utah involving the killing of Charlie Kirk. It’s important to pause and acknowledge the weight of events like this before moving into our regular health and fitness discussions.

From there, we shift into the main focus of today’s show: how to get the most out of a high-protein diet without suffering from the digestive issues that often come with it. A common pushback I hear from clients is that eating more protein makes their stomach hurt or leaves them feeling bloated. The truth is, there are real reasons behind those symptoms—and they can be addressed.

In this episode, I break down:

• Why high-protein diets sometimes cause digestive discomfort
• The key factors that contribute to bloating, cramping, or sluggish digestion
• Five tactical, science-backed ways to optimize digestion while still reaping the benefits of a high-protein approach

Whether you’re an athlete, busy parent, or just someone looking to eat better and feel better, these strategies will help you get the most out of your nutrition without the unpleasant side effects.

 

Join The Next Level Dad Project - Schedule a Discovery Call Here

 

Next Level Links

Nutrition Coaching - www.becomenextlevel.com

Nutrition Coaching Free Consultations - Schedule Here

Next Level Experience Waitlist - Join Here

 

Free Guides:

• Eating Out Guide - Get The Guide
• High-Protein Fast Food Orders - Get the Guide
• Macro Food Options Guide - Get The Guide

 

Join Us On Patreon - Join Here

 

Submit your questions to be featured on our Q&A episodes.

 

Order Supplements From Transform

Order from Cured Supplement

Order from Legion Supplements and get 20% off your first order by using discount code: keynutrition

 

Connect with us on Instagram

Host Brad Jensen – @thesoberbodybuilder

Co-Host Craig Smith - @greatestdaymindset

Next Level Nutrition – @mynextlevelnutrition

In this episode of the Next Level Health and Fitness Podcast, Craig and I sit down to answer your questions in a wide-ranging Q&A. We cover everything from how to help friends and family get motivated to live a healthier lifestyle, to dialing in the mental health side of the journey, and what type of training is best for fat loss.

We also share the best advice we’ve ever received, our top five favorite books, and dive into several other topics you guys sent in.

This one’s packed with practical takeaways, mindset shifts, and a few laughs along the way. Tune in, and let’s keep pushing to that next level together.

 

Order Supplements From Transform - Order Here

 

Next Level Links

Nutrition Coaching - www.becomenextlevel.com

Nutrition Coaching Free Consultations - Schedule Here

Next Level Experience Waitlist - Join Here

 

Free Guides:

• Eating Out Guide - Get The Guide
• High-Protein Fast Food Orders - Get the Guide
• Macro Food Options Guide - Get The Guide

 

Join Us On Patreon - Join Here

 

Submit your questions to be featured on our Q&A episodes.

 

Order Supplements From Transform

Order from Cured Supplement

Order from Legion Supplements and get 20% off your first order by using discount code: keynutrition

 

Connect with us on Instagram

Host Brad Jensen – @thesoberbodybuilder

Co-Host Craig Smith - @greatestdaymindset

Next Level Nutrition – @mynextlevelnutrition

In this short but powerful solo episode, I share an important reminder: our kids are always watching us. Every choice we make around health, fitness, and lifestyle sets the tone for what they’ll grow up believing is “normal.”

I tell a quick story about my son Dominic that perfectly shows how much our kids absorb—even hours later. They may not say something right away, but they’re paying attention to how we eat, move, and take care of ourselves.

This isn’t about going to extremes or being obsessed—it’s about modeling balance, consistency, and self-respect. As parents, it’s our job to lead by example.

I also talk about our upcoming Back-to-School Fat Loss Challenge, but whether you join or not, the message stands: with kids back in school, now is the time to reclaim your schedule, prioritize your health, and step back into being the leader your family needs.

This is a fiery and passionate call to action for every parent who’s ready to step up—not just for themselves, but for the next generation watching.

Order Supplements From Transform - Order Here

 

Back To School Challenge Weight Loss Challenge

• Starts September 8th
• 8-Week challenge
• Enter for a chance to win $1500

Learn More About The Challenge Here

 

Next Level Links

Nutrition Coaching - www.becomenextlevel.com

Nutrition Coaching Free Consultations - Schedule Here

Next Level Experience Waitlist - Join Here

 

Free Guides:

• Eating Out Guide - Get The Guide
• High-Protein Fast Food Orders - Get the Guide
• Macro Food Options Guide - Get The Guide

 

Join Us On Patreon - Join Here

 

Submit your questions to be featured on our Q&A episodes.

 

Order Supplements From Transform

Order from Cured Supplement

Order from Legion Supplements and get 20% off your first order by using discount code: keynutrition

 

Connect with us on Instagram

Host Brad Jensen – @thesoberbodybuilder

Next Level Nutrition – @mynextlevelnutrition

In this episode of the Next Level Health and Fitness Podcast, Craig and I sat down to recap the brand-new Biggest Loser documentary on Netflix. It’s a three-part series that dives into one of the most controversial weight loss shows ever — and we went deep breaking it all down.

We talked about the pros, the cons, and what the show got completely wrong when it comes to creating lasting results. More importantly, we shared what you can actually take away from watching it — and how those lessons apply to dieting and choosing a more sustainable approach.

We also dug into the 2016 research study that followed Biggest Loser contestants years after the show. We gave our take on the findings, what they revealed about metabolism, and what it means for anyone out there trying to lose weight and keep it off.

Here’s what you’ll hear in this episode:

• Our honest thoughts on Netflix’s Biggest Loser documentary
• The good, the bad, and the ugly of the show’s approach
• Why extreme dieting never works long-term
• Insights from the 2016 metabolism study
• Why ownership and sustainability are the real keys to success

If you’ve ever felt frustrated with dieting, struggled to keep weight off, or wondered what really happens when you take extreme approaches to weight loss, you’re going to get a lot from this one.

 

Back To School Challenge Weight Loss Challenge

• Starts September 8th
• 8-Week challenge
• Enter for a chance to win $1500

Learn More About The Challenge Here

 

Cured Nutrition's Birthday Sale - Up To 40% Off Sitewide - Order From Cured Here

 

Next Level Links

Nutrition Coaching - www.becomenextlevel.com

Nutrition Coaching Free Consultations - Schedule Here

Next Level Experience Waitlist - Join Here

 

Craig's Links

Focus Journal - Order Here

www.greatestdaymindset.com

 

Free Guides:

• Eating Out Guide - Get The Guide
• High-Protein Fast Food Orders - Get the Guide
• Macro Food Options Guide - Get The Guide

 

Join Us On Patreon - Join Here

 

Submit your questions to be featured on our Q&A episodes.

 

Order from Cured Supplement

Order from Legion Supplements and get 20% off your first order by using discount code: keynutrition

 

Connect with us on Instagram

Host Brad Jensen – @thesoberbodybuilder

Co-Host Craig Smith - @greatestdaymindset

Next Level Nutrition – @mynextlevelnutrition

 

Valerie Lusvardi is back on the show, and since her last appearance over a year ago, she’s become not only a good friend but someone I’ve worked with in a professional capacity. We even teamed up to help a girl prep for a bodybuilding show.

Val is one of the sharpest minds in the game when it comes to training and programming, and she’s just as dialed in with nutrition. Not to mention—she’s an IFBB pro, a coach, a wife, and a mom to three boys.

In this episode, we covered a lot of ground:

• Val’s journey through 17 bodybuilding shows and the lessons she’s taken away from competing.
• The real power of maintenance calories for women—how to optimize maintenance to build muscle without forcing a huge surplus.
• How long you can (and should) keep certain lifts in your program before switching things up.
• The balancing act of being a coach, competitor, wife, and mom—and how Val shows up strong in every role.

Valerie's Links

Work with Valerie - Learn More

Follow on Instagram - @valerielusvardi

 

Next Level Links

Nutrition Coaching - www.becomenextlevel.com

Nutrition Coaching Free Consultations - Schedule Here

Next Level Experience Waitlist - Join Here

 

Craig's Links

Focus Journal - Order Here

www.greatestdaymindset.com

 

Free Guides:

• Eating Out Guide - Get The Guide
• High-Protein Fast Food Orders - Get the Guide
• Macro Food Options Guide - Get The Guide

 

Join Us On Patreon - Join Here

 

Submit your questions to be featured on our Q&A episodes.

 

Order from Cured Supplement

Order from Legion Supplements and get 20% off your first order by using discount code: keynutrition

 

Connect with us on Instagram

Host Brad Jensen – @thesoberbodybuilder

Guest Valerie Lusvardi - @valerielusvardi

Next Level Nutrition – @mynextlevelnutrition