📖 Episode Summary
What does it mean to steward your body as a temple when you're also shepherding a congregation? In this powerful conversation, Pastor and Revelation Wellness instructor Wes Scheu (pronounced "Shoy") joins Coach Alex VanHouten to explore the deep intersection of faith and fitness—and why the Church cannot afford to stay silent about it.

As a husband, father, and leader in both pastoral ministry and the health coaching world, Wes brings a rare blend of biblical wisdom, theological depth, and real-life practicality. Together, he and Alex discuss why physical stewardship isn’t about vanity, but availability—why God created us not just with bodies, but for embodied living in relationship with Him.

They explore what it means to bear God's image, how the enemy attacks our view of the body, and why the Church must reclaim holistic discipleship that includes our physical health. This episode also gives listeners a glimpse into Alex’s new Faithful Fitness Devotional, including why healing your relationship with your body begins with Truth, not trends. Whether you’re a pastor wondering how to care for your flock without burning out—or a believer trying to align your health habits with your walk with Christ—this episode will challenge and equip you.

🔍 Main Discussion Themes
-Why most pastors neglect physical health—and what changes when they don’t
-What it means to be made in God's image bodily, not just spiritually
-How fitness becomes a tool for freedom, not self-focus
-The role of movement in spiritual and emotional healing
-Lies the enemy tells about the body—and how to fight them with truth
-Insights from the Faithful Fitness Devotional on stewarding the temple
-Practical encouragement for busy believers to prioritize health

⏱ Timestamped Outline
00:00 – 03:32 – Intro & why Wes stands out as a pastor who embraces fitness
03:33 – 09:15 – Wes’s testimony: how pastoral ministry led to coaching at Revelation Wellness 09:16 – 15:04 – Why the Church has to reclaim the body as part of discipleship
15:05 – 20:42 – What “made in God’s image” really means for your physical body
20:43 – 27:55 – Lies the enemy tells about health, shame, and body stewardship
27:56 – 34:10 – Why movement is medicine—Wes’s definition of “fitness”
34:11 – 40:05 – The cost of not stewarding your health in ministry or parenthood
40:06 – 45:15 – Practical rhythms, real struggles, and Wes’s own habits of discipline
45:16 – 49:47 – Sneak peek into the Faithful Fitness Devotional: healing starts with Truth
49:48 – 54:10 – Final encouragement: you don’t need to be perfect to be faithful
54:11 – END – Resources, prayer, and closing with “Train Hard. Pray Harder.”

📣 Suggested Calls to Action
🙏 Download your copy of the Faithful Fitness Devotional: https://betterdaily.live/devo
💪 Explore Revelation Wellness training and free tools: revelationwellness.org/resources
🎧 Subscribe to the Faithful Fitness Podcast for weekly conversations that blend science, Scripture, and sweat
👥 Join our Better Daily community: https://betterdaily.live/invite

Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/faithful-fitness-by-better-daily--5150768/support.

Episode Summary:
What if every mile you ran was a prayer for a sick child? In this deeply inspiring episode of the Faithful Fitness Podcast, Coach Alex sits down with ultra-endurance athlete and founder of the Praying Ninja Warrior Foundation, Nick Apicella.

Together, they explore how prayer, suffering, and radical endurance can become powerful expressions of faith, love, and support for children facing life-threatening illness. Nick shares his recent completion of the grueling Tahoe 200—a 200-mile ultra-marathon run in honor of over 900 children battling cancer and rare diseases.

But this isn’t about medals or personal records. It’s about sacrifice. It's about holding space for suffering. It's about carrying the weight of grief, hope, and intercession with every step. Listeners will hear raw stories of loss and healing, including families impacted by pediatric cancer, the miracle of a unified praying community, and how prayer itself can draw us into deeper dependence on God—even when the outcome isn't what we hoped.

Main Discussion Themes:
 The spiritual and physical burden of running 200 miles in intercession
 Founding Praying Ninja Warrior Foundation to support families of sick children
 When prayer doesn’t “work” the way we want—and how faith still holds
 Biblical endurance: running with perseverance the race set before us (Hebrews 12)
 Why suffering isn’t the end of the story for those in Christ
 The September 20th race and how to join virtually or in person
 Carrying hope, grief, and God’s love through action

⏱️ Timestamped Episode Outline

00:00 – Intro & Nick’s 1 a.m. hill runs before a 3 a.m. shift
06:00 – Running 100 miles in prayer: the birth of Praying Ninja Warrior
11:00 – Stories from the field: prayers that changed lives—and saved them
17:00 – The Tahoe 200: what it is, why it matters, how God led
24:00 – Mentors, pacers, and divine encounters along the trail
30:00 – Physical preparation meets spiritual warfare: pain, pacing, and provision
36:00 – Losing children, loving families: grief and hope as intercession
42:00 – Alex shares Izzy’s story and how grief led him to faith
49:00 – What it means to walk in suffering with God
54:00 – The September 20th 5K and Half Marathon: how to join and why it matters
57:00 – Rapid fire: blisters, tacos, Tahoe lung, and divine recovery
61:00 – Hebrews 12 and the “cloud of witnesses” who carried Nick through
66:00 – Prayer, benediction, and a call to run with purpose

Show Resources:
 Visit https//:BetterDaily.live/devo to explore the Faithful Fitness Devotional
 Race Signup: September 20th (5K / Half Marathon / Virtual) - Praying Ninja Warrior Benefit Race  Can't make it in person? Register for the virtual race and run wherever you are!
 https://www.prayingninjawarrior.com/
 Subscribe and share the Faithful Fitness Podcast with someone walking through suffering or looking to serve through their fitness

Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/faithful-fitness-by-better-daily--5150768/support.

Episode Summary

In this inspiring episode of the Faithful Fitness Podcast, Coach Alex VanHouten sits down with Casey Ruff—longtime trainer, host of Boundless Body Radio, and outspoken advocate for low-carb, keto, and carnivore nutrition.

From his early days in the corporate gym world to building his own business during the chaos of 2020, Casey shares how a crisis pushed him to rethink health, career, and the way he serves clients. Casey opens up about his journey into ketogenic and carnivore eating, the science and case studies that convinced him, and the surprising mental health benefits—what he calls “carnivore zen.”

Together, Alex and Casey explore the deep connection between faith, discipline, and stewardship of the body, even when their traditions differ. This conversation goes beyond macros and reps. They discuss the “noob phase” of fitness, how to navigate the indoctrination of nutrition dogma, and the spiritual nature of helping others reclaim health.

From client success stories to reflections on resilience, this episode challenges you to consider not just what you eat or how you train—but why. Whether you’re curious about carnivore, looking for encouragement on your own health journey, or seeking to connect your physical stewardship with a deeper purpose, this is a conversation you won’t want to miss.

Main Discussion Themes:
-The origin story of Boundless Body Radio and building a business during --COVID-19
-Casey’s transition into keto and carnivore nutrition—and why it stuck
-The “carnivore zen” effect and the emerging field of metabolic psychiatry
-Why nutrition can feel like a belief system—and how to keep it client-focused
-The parallels between starting a podcast and starting a fitness journey
-The spiritual and relational depth of personal training and coaching
-Faith as a driver for perseverance and purposeful health

Timestamped Outline
00:00 – Lighthearted opening, podcast swap banter
01:18 – Episode trajectory and topics preview
03:07 – Casey’s background and the launch of Boundless Body Radio
05:39 – Leaving the corporate gym world during COVID
07:46 – Starting a business and committing to consistent podcasting
10:05 – The learning curve of podcasting and parallels to fitness growth
17:03 – Casey’s “noob phase” in keto and carnivore nutrition
20:57 – Discovering ketosis, client transformations, and mental health benefits
23:23 – First carnivore experiment and experiencing “carnivore zen”
25:42 – Metabolic psychiatry and reversing severe mental disorders
27:04 – Nutrition as “indoctrination” and why belief systems form around diet
31:36 – Human omnivory, nutrient density, and plant compound considerations
36:11 – The long-term proof of a nutritional approach (“you will know them by their fruits”)
38:34 – The real driver behind client coaching—agency and transformation
43:08 – Removing the body as an obstacle to living fully
45:09 – Spiritual depth in Casey’s work and ritual in coaching
49:18 – Why AI won’t replace personal coaching
50:48 – Guest resources and connecting with Casey
52:55 – Casey’s reflections on the Christian faith
55:19 – Closing encouragement and prayer

If this resonated, you should:
-Subscribe to the Faithful Fitness Podcast on your favorite platform
-Check out the Faithful Fitness Devotional for deeper integration of faith and health – https://betterdaily.live/devo
-Join the Better Daily community app for coaching, resources, and accountability – https://betterdaily.live/inviteru

Featured Guest Resources:
-Website: myboundlessbody.com
-Boundless Body Radio Podcast: Available on all major platforms
-Free nutrition seminar resources: Available via the Boundless Body website
-Complimentary 30-minute consultation: Book directly through the “Book Now” button on website

Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/faithful-fitness-by-better-daily--5150768/support.

🎧 Episode Title
 Raising Warriors: Faith, Fitness, and the Fight for Our Youth How the Power In Me movement is awakening identity, healing, and purpose

📖 Episode Summary

In this episode, Coach Alex VanHouten sits down with Melanie Thurnau and Nathan Remole—co-leaders of the Power In Me ministry and creators of Missouri’s largest youth obstacle course event, the Warrior Course.

What started as a grief-stricken mother's obedience to God has grown into a transformative movement to restore identity, confidence, and calling in today’s youth. Melanie shares how multiple child losses and spiritual depression forged in her a fire to fight the enemy’s lies with truth—truth about the body, about purpose, and about God’s love.

Nathan, a licensed Christian counselor, brings deep insight into how trauma, broken relationships, and lack of movement are robbing a generation of their God-given identity—and how movement as medicine can help.

Together, they unpack why fitness and faith are inseparable in this fight, how The Warrior Course has impacted hundreds of youth and families, and how churches can move beyond the walls to meet people in their battle zones—physically, emotionally, and spiritually.

This conversation is a call to arms for parents, pastors, and leaders who are tired of watching young people flounder in confusion and shame. It’s also a beautiful testimony to how God brings beauty from ashes and uses everyday believers to spark revival—one obstacle, one prayer, one redeemed life at a time.

🔍 Main Discussion Themes
 -Why the Warrior Course was born from suffering—and why that matters
-Teaching youth confidence through identity in Christ and embodied truth
-How movement and challenge restore dignity, agency, and healing
-Connecting modesty, wellness, and spiritual warfare
-Why churches must break outside the walls to meet real needs
-The power of equipping “quiet conversations” around hush-hush issues
-Reclaiming fitness as ministry for the next generation

⏱ Timestamped Outline
00:00 – 03:15 – Intro: Why this conversation matters for Christian families and youth
03:16 – 08:49 – Melanie’s story: loss, depression, and the seed of Power In Me
08:50 – 13:55 – Nate’s heart for family healing and restoring relationships
13:56 – 19:18 – What is the Warrior Course and how it impacts youth spiritually and physically 19:19 – 24:34 – Why confidence must come from Who made you, not performance
24:35 – 29:55 – The role of physical hardship in overcoming spiritual strongholds
29:56 – 35:42 – What churches are missing when they separate wellness from worship
35:43 – 42:07 – Stories of healing, tears, and transformation on the course
42:08 – 47:26 – Practical ways to get involved and bring Warrior Course to your city
47:27 – END – Final encouragement + resources, prayer, and “Train Hard. Pray Harder.”

📣 Suggested Calls to Action

💥 Want to walk through spiritual and physical restoration yourself? Grab the Faithful Fitness Devotional: https://betterdaily.live/devo

🙌 Get Tickets For The Warrior Course: https://www.itickets.com/events/483508.html Learn More About The Power In Me Movement: powerinmeconference.com

🧠 Explore Christian counseling with Nate: oakringscounseling.com

🎧 Subscribe and share the Faithful Fitness Podcast for more interviews at the intersection of faith and embodied stewardship

👥 Join our growing community at: https://betterdaily.live/invite

Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/faithful-fitness-by-better-daily--5150768/support.

📖 Episode Summary

In this solo episode of the Faithful Fitness Podcast*, Coach Alex VanHouten tackles one of today’s most controversial health trends: the rise of GLP-1-based weight loss drugs like Ozempic, Wegovy, Mounjaro, and ZepBound.

As a faith-based health coach and exercise scientist, Alex unpacks the science behind peptides—what they are, how they work, and the pros and cons of using them in a health journey rooted in stewardship and discipleship.

But more importantly, this conversation goes deeper than biology and brand names. Should Christians be using these drugs? Can they be tools of stewardship—or are they shortcuts that skip the spiritual transformation required in our walk with God?

You’ll learn what peptides do in the body, how they impact satiety, insulin response, and lean muscle mass—and why none of that matters if you haven’t laid a strong foundation first.

 With biblical encouragement and practical wisdom, Alex walks listeners through three critical prerequisites before considering these drugs: consistent weight training, high-nutrient eating, and adequate protein intake.

Whether you’ve considered taking these medications, are already on them, or are supporting a loved one who is—this episode offers clarity, caution, and Christ-centered perspective.

🔍 Main Discussion Themes

• What GLP-1 and GIP peptides do in the body—and why they matter for weight loss
• The difference between semaglutides (Ozempic, Wegovy) and tirzepatides (Mounjaro, ZepBound)
• The role of satiety, delayed gastric emptying, and insulin regulation in peptide function
• Three non-negotiables before considering peptides: training, nutrition, and protein
• How to talk to your doctor about side effects, thyroid risks, and family history
• Why peptides should not be a “first step” in a faith-based health journey
• A prayer of surrender and discernment over your body and its care

📣 Call to Action

🎓 Ready to build a strong foundation?
Start the 10-Part Faith & Fitness Foundations Series today.This beginner-friendly course is designed to help you:

• Establish a consistent exercise routine
• Learn the basics of nutrient-dense eating
• Understand biblical principles of fasting and rest
• Make your fitness journey part of your walk with God

Start now: https://BetterDaily.live/Beginner

*There are several visuals through the video version of this podcast. Check out the video here! https://youtu.be/L0JJskaybYk

Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/faithful-fitness-by-better-daily--5150768/support.

📖 Episode Summary

In this deeply moving episode of the Faithful Fitness Podcast, Coach Alex sits down with Jennifer Neufeld, a registered nurse, Revelation Wellness instructor, and founder of Fresh Journey—a grief-focused hiking ministry.

Jennifer shares how her own decade-long experience with grief transformed into a soul-healing mission to help others process pain through nature, movement, and faith.

Together, they explore how hiking becomes both metaphor and method in navigating the valleys of sorrow—illuminating how the physical act of moving forward mirrors the spiritual journey of trusting God through loss.

Jennifer introduces the CORE framework (Completely Honest, Open to the Spirit, Responsible for Self, and Empathetic) and describes how it empowers grievers to walk with integrity and purpose, even through pain.

If you or someone you love is carrying unresolved grief, this conversation offers practical hope, grounded truth, and an invitation to walk with Christ—literally and figuratively—on the path to healing.

💬 Main Discussion Themes

-Why grief isn’t something to “fix,” but to walk through—with Jesus beside you
-How hiking provides physical, emotional, and spiritual processing space
-The science of grief and how exercise helps the brain reconcile loss
-Jennifer’s CORE framework for building inner strength in hard seasons
-The role of journaling and nature in trauma recovery
-Why Christians must grieve differently—not less—than the world
-How Fresh Journey is inspiring new grief-walking ministries across the U.S.

⏱️ Timestamped Episode Outline
00:00 – Introduction and show setup
02:30 – How Fresh Journey was born from Jennifer’s decade of grief
10:15 – The three-circles method: physical, emotional, spiritual healing
14:00 – Grand Canyon training and the trail as metaphor for grief
17:45 – The science of grief and why movement matters (Dr. Mary Frances O'Connor)
22:00 – Daily journaling as a healing tool (Jennifer’s personal prompt)
25:30 – How God speaks through nature: birds, waterfalls, rooted trees
30:15 – How Fresh Journey has multiplied into new hiking ministries
34:00 – Introducing Jennifer’s new workbook: Hiking to Explore Grief
36:00 – Grieving with hope vs. grieving like the world (1 Thessalonians 4:13)
43:00 – The CORE acronym for Christ-centered healing
52:10 – Lightning round: trail snacks, worship music, waterfalls, and community tips
57:30 – Prayer for the grieving and encouragement for listeners
59:00 – Close: Train Hard. Pray Harder.

🧰 Additional Resources

📖 Visit https://BetterDaily.live/devo to explore the Faithful Fitness Devotional

🎧 Subscribe to the Faithful Fitness Podcast for more real conversations at the intersection of faith and health

📬 Share this episode with a friend or church leader who’s walking through loss or leading others in grief

🥾 Connect with Jennifer at Fresh Journey’s Journal Prompt

• Https://sites.google.com/view/fresh-journey-selfcare/home

Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/faithful-fitness-by-better-daily--5150768/support.

In this honest and hope-filled conversation, Coach Alex sits down with Holly Tucker—faith-based health coach, trauma-informed nutritionist, and host of the Wholly Well podcast—for a deep dive into what it means to pursue wholeness over hustle in today’s wellness world.

Holly shares her personal journey through religious rigidity, chronic illness, and body shame, toward a grounded faith where healing flows from identity in Christ—not perfectionism. With wisdom rooted in Scripture, neuroscience, and lived experience, she exposes the dangers of spiritualized diet culture and invites listeners into a deeper, gentler view of health rooted in truth, not trends.

They explore the subtle idols of body image, the power of nervous system regulation, and the beauty of being Spirit-led in nutrition, movement, and life. Whether you’re burned out from “doing all the right things” or just yearning to honor your body as a temple without shame, this episode offers a new framework of grace, stewardship, and trust.

🔑 Main Discussion Themes

-Breaking free from hustle culture and religious performance
-What “wholeness” actually means—spiritually, mentally, and physically
-Body image, shame, and finding your worth in Christ alone
-How trauma and nervous system dysregulation impact health habits
-Holly’s personal health journey: from burnout to balance
-Redefining stewardship in the realm of food, fitness, and recovery
-Discernment in faith-based health spaces and social media

⏱️ Timestamped Episode Outline 
00:00 – 03:32 — Intro and heart behind the conversation
03:33 – 10:00 — Holly’s story: from disordered striving to divine surrender
10:01 – 16:45 — Understanding trauma and nervous system patterns
16:46 – 23:10 — What religious shame does to the body and spirit
23:11 – 29:40 — The difference between stewardship and striving
29:41 – 35:20 — Spirit-led habits and health rhythms
35:21 – 41:55 — Wholeness vs. wellness: reframing our pursuits
41:56 – 45:00 — How to discern healthy voices online
45:01 – End — Closing encouragements and “Train Hard. Pray Harder.”

📣 More Faithful Fitness? 
Subscribe to the Faithful Fitness Podcast for more Christ-centered health content 

Pick up your copy of Faithful Fitness here: https://betterdaily.live/devo

Join the Better Daily community for support on your health journey: https://betterdaily.live/invite

Connect with Holly Tucker - The Lies we believe about Joy! - Revelation Wellness

Train Hard. Pray Harder. 💪🙏

Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/faithful-fitness-by-better-daily--5150768/support.

What does it take to be a high-performing athlete, a dedicated father of four, and a man of faith—without compromising any of it?

In this inspiring episode of the Faithful Fitness Podcast, Coach Alex VanHouten sits down with Phil Thompson, an optometrist, father of four, and accomplished Ironman triathlete.

 Phil shares how endurance training became a tool not just for physical transformation—but for spiritual growth, fatherhood, and character development.

From overcoming multiple knee surgeries to racing in full Ironman events while juggling work and family life, Phil’s story is a masterclass in discipline, faith, and grit.

Whether you’re a parent struggling to find time for fitness, an aspiring triathlete, or someone just needing encouragement to keep going—this episode will remind you that you were made for more.

🔥 Topics Covered:
-How Phil went from hockey injuries to Ironman finishes
-Building grit through endurance and how it reflects biblical faith
-Using training to teach your kids how to overcome hard things
-Time management secrets from a dad who trains 15–18 hours a week
-Why the garage gym is a sacred family space
-The spiritual power of not giving up—and how God meets us in the pain
-Fueling for long races while showing up at work and home
-“Take the pain to get rid of the pain”—a family mantra for grit

⏱️ Timestamps:
00:00 – Intro & Welcome
01:42 – Phil’s background, family life, and love for endurance sports
04:32 – Why he started triathlon after hockey injuries
09:56 – Raising boys, wrestling, and staying strong for your kids
12:57 – How training as a dad is a different kind of discipline
14:25 – Phil’s first sprint triathlon to first Ironman
20:08 – Distances broken down: Sprint → Ironman
23:55 – Recovery when you still have to be dad the next day
26:54 – The why behind pushing through pain
28:52 – “Take the pain to get rid of the pain” and other wisdom
31:53 – Mindset shifts: “Is this an Ironman? No? Then I can do it.”
34:29 – Chasing the sub-10-hour Ironman: goals & strategy
36:48 – Fueling for performance & life beyond the race
40:12 – Time management: making time, not finding it
44:38 – Making fitness normal in the household
46:34 – Active fatherhood as the ultimate fitness goal
51:20 – Passing the torch to the next generation
53:43 – Teaching kids pacing, resilience, and endurance
55:46 – The role of faith in endurance training and parenting
57:16 – Relying on God when there’s nothing left in the tank
59:03 – Coaching new triathletes: “If I can do it, you can too.”
01:00:16 – Why grit changes everything

📣 Calls to Action:
🎯 Ready to Get Stronger in Mind, Body, and Spirit?
👉 Take the Faithful Fitness Assessment for just $7: https://BetterDaily.live

🏋️‍♂️ Start Your Fitness Journey With Purpose → Join the Better Daily Beginner Series to lay a strong foundation: https://BetterDaily.live/beginner

📕 Pre-Order the Devotional: Get your copy of Faithful Fitness: A 40-Day Devotional for Christian Fitness and Stewardship launching Sept 1, 2025. Visit https:/BetterDaily.live/devo

📲 Follow Phil on Instagram: Connect and be inspired: https://instagram.com/HealthyEyes365 🎧

Subscribe + Review the Podcast: If this conversation encouraged you, hit subscribe, share it with a friend, and leave a review so others can find Faithful Fitness!

Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/faithful-fitness-by-better-daily--5150768/support.

🎧 Episode Title: Breaking the Chains of Disease: Healing, Hormones, and Holy Stewardship with Coach Amanda Jabczynski

📝 Episode Summary: In this episode of the Faithful Fitness Podcast, Coach Alex sits down with Coach Amanda Jabczynski—also known as Coach AJ—a retired Navy veteran, homeschooling mom, and certified health coach with a transformative story of reclaiming her health and faith.

Diagnosed with prediabetes after following a wellness protocol that was supposed to prevent it, Coach AJ found herself at a critical crossroads. Rather than succumbing to medication and generational patterns of illness, she turned toward a radically different approach—anchored in Scripture, rooted in fasting, and empowered by Christ.

Together, Alex and Amanda explore:
-How women’s bodies respond differently to fasting—and why fasting “like a girl” matters
-What it means to put Christ at the center of your health journey
-The tension between "vanity" vs. "ability" in modern fitness culture How Amanda broke generational cycles of disease and how you can too
-The emotional and spiritual awakening of seeing yourself honestly, sometimes for the first time
-Practical ways spouses can support one another in stewardship—not sabotage

Whether you're battling burnout, managing hormones, or simply looking to realign your body with your beliefs, this conversation will bless, challenge, and inspire you.

⏱️ Timestamps:
[00:00] Intro, VBS chaos & migraine faithfulness
[07:00] Meet Coach Amanda Jabczynski: Retired Navy, Mom of Two, Coach AJ
[10:15] Her post-military health crash and the "Mandatory 10 lbs"
[13:45] Discovering her prediabetic diagnosis while being a health coach
[17:30] When your health program fails you: processed carbs and the fasting breakthrough
[23:45] Fasting Like a Girl: Why female bodies need a different approach
[26:30] Homeschooling, adolescence, and stewarding health while mothering teens
[29:50] Her "Damascus Moment": Seeing the truth in a Facebook photo
[33:00] Fasting vs Starving: Fueling well in a shorter window
[37:15] Frankenfoods, real nourishment, and fasting as spiritual clarity
[42:40] The link between mineral depletion, stress, and hormonal breakdown
[46:00] Shifting from "vanity" to "ability": health that lasts to age 90
[49:30] Your body is not your own: stewarding God’s temple
[52:10] From diagnosis to destiny: Her decision to break the generational cycle
[56:15] When a diagnosis becomes an identity—and why that’s not of God
[57:50] Scripture is full of fitness wisdom—once you have eyes to see it
[59:42] Amanda’s free resource: Mastering Your Insulin guide
[1:03:00] How husbands can support the women in their lives well
[1:07:15] Final prayer and blessing for Coach AJ, her ministry, and your journey

📢 Featured Resource:

🎁 Free Gift from Coach AJ:
Download her free guide “Mastering Your Insulin” to learn how to balance blood sugar, fast effectively, and nourish your body with purpose. 👉 Get the Guide Here: https://fierce-mover-1157.kit.com/products/guide-to-mastering-your-insulin?promo=FF100

📣 Calls to Action:
✅ Enjoyed this conversation? Share it with a woman you love.
✅ Subscribe to the podcast on Spotify, Apple, or YouTube.
✅ Grab your copy of the upcoming Faithful Fitness Devotional → https://betterdaily.live/devo
✅ Train Hard. Pray HARDER. Join our free Better Daily community → https://BetterDaily.live

Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/faithful-fitness-by-better-daily--5150768/support.

🔥 Episode Summary:

In this power-packed episode, Coach Alex sits down with Ben Barker—husband, father of four, fitness coach, and host of Real Talk with Ben & Kim—to explore what it means to be a fit father who follows Christ.

Their conversation weaves humor, hard-won wisdom, and raw encouragement for every man striving to lead his home with strength, humility, and purpose.

Ben shares how his own fitness journey evolved from chasing performance to prioritizing presence—at home, in his community, and in his walk with Jesus. They dive deep into the spiritual conviction behind fitness, what it looks like to lead through play and service, and how the world is desperately hungry for present, powerful fathers.

If you've ever wondered how to balance faith, fitness, and fatherhood—or you’re a dad who feels stuck on the sidelines—this episode will ignite your heart, convict your soul, and give you practical tools to get in the game.

⏱️ Timestamps:
1:06 – Ben’s introduction & fatherhood hilarity (pull-ups and sibling rivalries)
4:54 – Warrior Kid stories and lighting the fire in our sons
7:12 – Ben’s journey from fitness influencer to faith-centered leader
11:32 – Wrestling with platform, purpose, and reaching both believers and skeptics
16:51 – Serving in your community even when it’s inconvenient
19:54 – Fitness as ministry: showing up for your kids and your neighborhood
24:21 – The hunger for father figures in a fatherless generation
35:22 – Encouragement for the dad who wants to get back in the game
45:05 – “Mud Moments” that change everything (including Ben’s dad’s transformation)
50:53 – Alex’s own defining dad bod moment
53:10 – Balancing purpose and family without sacrificing either
54:28 – Ben’s top fitness time hacks for busy dads
58:00 – Why backyard dumbbells and kid chaos still count
1:00:40 – The power of active family values & consistency over perfection
1:02:13 – What Ben’s working on & how to connect with him
1:05:14 – Big lifts, bigger lessons, and a prayer over the Barker family

🙌 Key Takeaways:

Fitness is service: Your strength isn’t for aesthetics—it’s for presence, play, and protection.
Your kids need your body and your heart: Wrestling, running, and engaging physically are acts of love.
Be the Neighborhood Alpha Dad: When dads show up strong, kids are safer and the community flourishes.
Start where you are: You don’t need a perfect program—just consistency, humility, and the willingness to begin.

Mud moments matter: When you realize “I wasn’t made to live like this,” change becomes possible.

📣 Connect with Ben Barker:
🏋️ Train Heroic Program Launching This Week! – A new, accessible strength program for dads.
✉️ Subscribe to Ben’s Weekly Newsletter: BenBarkerFitness.com/contact Get workouts, recipes, and real encouragement straight to your inbox.
🎙️ Listen to Ben & Kim’s Podcast: Real Talk with Ben & Kim — candid conversations on marriage, parenting, and following Christ.
💪 Follow Ben on Instagram: @benbarkerfitness

📌 Coach Alex’s Resources: 
📖 Pre-Order the Faithful Fitness Devotional: A 40-Day Journey of Stewardship for Christians → https://betterdaily.live/devo
🏋️‍♂️ Start Your Fitness Journey: Access the Better Daily Beginner Series → https://betterdaily.live/beginner
🤝 Join the Community: Be part of a movement that trains hard and prays harder → https://BetterDaily.live 

🙏 Final Word: You were never meant to live in the mud. God calls you to strength—not just of body, but of purpose. Whether you’re a dad in the game or longing to get back in, this episode is your rallying cry. Let it lift you. Then go lift something heavy.

Until next time... Train hard. Pray harder.

Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/faithful-fitness-by-better-daily--5150768/support.