It’s been a minute, but Dusty is back behind the mic with a raw, unfiltered update on life post-skin removal surgery — and it’s been a ride. In this episode, Dusty opens up about the last two wild months, including the reality of recovering from chest skin removal (eight pounds gone!), the mental challenge of jogging again for the first time, and what it’s like navigating stress, setbacks, and family chaos while trying to stay consistent.

From dealing with swelling and strange nipple placement to finding peace in finally feeling “normal” in his own skin, this one gets personal. Plus, Dusty talks about his upcoming race goals, his son’s post-accident trauma, and why consistency isn’t always sexy — but it’s always necessary.

If you’ve ever struggled to bounce back after a big life shift, this one’s for you.

Welcome back to another episode of The Find a Way Podcast with Dusty! In this episode, I’m diving into the pros and cons of home gyms vs. commercial gyms—what I love about each, what’s worked for me, and how my own setup has evolved since building a DIY squat rack out of wood back in 2020. I talk about how the Find a Way Garage was born, how my partnership with Force USA came together, and why the right space can make or break your consistency. Whether you’re chasing privacy, convenience, or accountability, I break down how to find what works for you. Oh, and if you’ve been waiting for a sign to build your home gym—this might just be it.

In this episode, Dusty opens up about the unexpected turns in his 300+ pound weight loss journey—from running form shaped by decades of obesity to the mental shift required when reality doesn’t match the original vision. He dives deep into how embracing imperfection, pivoting when plans fall apart, and building resilience can be the difference between quitting and finding a way forward. Whether you’re just starting, stuck in the middle, or navigating maintenance, this raw and real talk will help you accept that it won’t go perfectly—and that’s exactly how progress is made.

In this episode of The Find A Way Podcast, Dusty tackles the controversy surrounding weight loss influencers who use GLP-1 medications or surgery without full transparency. He shares a recent comment from a listener that sparked this conversation and opens up about his own journey, including the ethics of coaching when assistance like surgery or medication has played a role. Dusty emphasizes the importance of integrity, personal responsibility, and mental health in weight loss—and warns against following influencers purely motivated by profit. It’s a real, raw, and necessary conversation about the difference between helping and harming in the world of weight loss support.

In this episode of Find A Way with Dusty, I’m checking in from St. Louis—just one day before running the St. Louis Marathon. I dive into the importance of anchor routines while traveling and how staying consistent with workouts and nutrition keeps me grounded, even away from home.

You’ll hear how I’ve been fueling up this week (yes, Costco nuggets made the cut), why prioritizing protein matters—even on vacation—and how I’m mentally and physically preparing for 26.2 miles.

Plus, I talk through the tapering process, trusting your training, and my go-to recovery routine before race day. Whether you’re chasing a goal, planning a trip, or just trying to stay consistent, this one’s for you.

In this episode of The Find A Way w/ Dusty Podcast, I open up about the real reason I’ve been able to keep moving forward in my weight loss journey — and it has nothing to do with a perfect plan. I share how I’ve learned to eliminate stress, protect my peace, and mentally train for the punches life throws. This isn’t just about losing weight — it’s about becoming unshakable.

Let’s talk about boundaries, mindset, and the raw reality that no one’s coming to save you — it’s on you to find a way.

In this episode of Findaway with Dusty, we zoom out from the glamor of influencer highlight reels and zoom in on real life. Dusty drops a heavy dose of perspective for anyone juggling marriage, kids, a 9-to-5, and still showing up for their health journey. He reminds us that your 30-minute workout amidst the chaos of life is just as powerful—if not more—than a three-hour influencer training session. Plus, Dusty gives an update on his upcoming skin removal surgery, his cookbook grind, and the truth about long-term success in weight loss. If you’ve ever felt “less than” because your journey doesn’t look like theirs, this one’s for you.

In this quick-hit episode of The Findaway Podcast, Dusty challenges the idea that success is only found on the scale. He breaks down 20+ alternative markers you can use to track your progress—like blood pressure, heart rate, sleep, clothing size, and even how you respond to stress. Dusty also shares a personal story about crash dieting and its long-term consequences, driving home why sustainable, holistic health matters. If you’re stuck measuring your journey by just pounds lost, this episode will help you shift your mindset, find new motivation, and track victories that actually last. Let’s find a way—together.

In this raw and revealing episode of Find A Way with Dusty, I take you back to one of my most extreme weight loss attempts — dropping 40 pounds in just 30 days using HCG drops and a 500-calorie-a-day crash diet. Spoiler: it didn’t end well. I gained all the weight back (plus more) and developed gout from the damage I did to my body.

This episode dives into the long-term consequences of fast fixes, the mental traps of “just 20 more pounds,” and why sustainable change always beats short-term wins. I also unpack how to mentally prepare for setbacks, and how asking “What if this doesn’t work?” can help you make smarter choices now.

PLUS: Quick updates on my cookbook launch, skin surgery fundraiser, and a heads-up about Legion’s sleep aid — spoiler: it works too well.

I’ve been getting a lot of messages and comments lately about how I started running and what that looked like in the beginning. Now that I’m nine years into my weight loss journey, it’s easy to forget just how hard those early days were. But I never want to lose touch with where I started because that’s what keeps me from getting complacent.

Starting at a Higher Weight

When I was at my heaviest, running wasn’t even a thought. Just walking was a struggle. But every time I lost weight—whether it was 75 or 100 pounds—I always had the desire to run. It was something I really wanted to do, but my body just wasn’t ready.

I remember the first time I really tried to run, I was around 350 pounds. It wasn’t smooth, it wasn’t easy, and honestly, it wasn’t even much faster than a speed walk. I’d go for a run and then be so sore in my knees and hips that I’d need two or three days to recover. That inconsistency made it tough to progress.

How the Stair Machine Helped Me Build Endurance

One of the biggest game-changers for me was the stair machine. I realized that using the stair climber helped me build strength and endurance without the same impact that running had on my joints.

I would run, get sore, then switch to the stair machine while I recovered. That cycle allowed me to stay active without stopping completely and eventually made running more manageable.

This is why I always recommend the stair machine for anyone at a higher weight who wants to run. Start with the stair machine, build up your stamina, and then transition to running.

How I Started Running

In the beginning, my runs weren’t structured. There were no races, no 5K plans—just one mile at a time. Sometimes I’d push for two miles, but five miles felt impossible.

When I finally started getting serious about running (years later), I realized I could have approached things differently. I wasn’t tracking my times or setting goals, but looking back, having a structured plan might have helped me improve faster.

Overcoming Mental Barriers

Running in public was tough. I knew people might stare or judge, so I did everything I could to block out distractions. I’d wear a hat, sunglasses, headphones, even a hoodie—whatever it took to stay in my own world.

If you’re worried about what people think, just remember this: they’re not the ones putting in the work—you are.

My Advice If You Want to Start Running

1. ​ If you’re at a higher weight, start with the stair machine to build strength and endurance.
2. ​ Use whatever helps you feel comfortable—hats, headphones, sunglasses—to tune out distractions.
3. ​ Start small. Running a mile is still progress.
4. ​ Take rest days when needed. In the beginning, soreness is normal.
5. ​ Forget about times or races at first—just focus on movement.

Final Thoughts

Looking back, I’m grateful for the process. Running has taken me places I never imagined—literally and figuratively. But it all started with small, painful, inconsistent runs. If you want to run, start where you are. Use tools like the stair machine to build your base. And most importantly, don’t be afraid to take that first step.