As we usher in 2025, we're thrilled to embark on a fitness journey filled with excitement and inspiration. Have you ever wondered how personal stories of transformation can spark your own motivation? Join us as Faith gears up for the Gate River Run, her ambitious 9.3-mile race in Jacksonville, while Andrew Coleman Smith returns to share the creative process behind his latest fitness documentary. Together, we dive into the themes of motivation, the crucial role of rest days, and the power of sharing our personal stories with the world, all through the lens of a supportive fitness community.

We also uncover the creativity and joy found in crafting fitness content, with a spotlight on Orange Theory workouts. Imagine finding a fitness home that welcomes you with open arms, thanks to its inclusive coaching and diverse class offerings. From the dynamic challenges of the Orange 60 to personal insights on balancing indulgence with fitness goals, we explore how structured workouts and community support can transform your fitness journey. Learn how embracing your unique story and sharing it with others can create meaningful connections and inspire personal growth.

This episode is a celebration of "aha moments" that drive us to change, an exploration of the emotional tapestry of weight loss, and a conversation on embracing mental and emotional vulnerability. We highlight the mental shifts that accompany physical transformation and the profound impact of understanding and balancing nutritional advice. From our favorite treats to the exhilaration of intense workouts like the "tornado" class, we share the ups and downs of our fitness adventures. Join us in this engaging dialogue, where personal growth, community support, and the joy of storytelling come together to redefine our approach to wellness.

Navigating the complexities of setting effective New Year's resolutions is the focus of our latest discussion, revealing why so many of us fall short in achieving our goals and how we can avoid those pitfalls in the coming year. We explore the significance of setting specific goals, creating actionable plans, and finding accountability to conquer the inherent challenges of the resolution-setting process.

• Discussing reflections from a holiday trip and workouts 
• Importance of changing your environment for motivation 
• Common pitfalls of New Year’s resolutions 
• The significance of setting specific and realistic goals 
• Exploring the issues of motivation and reliance on willpower 
• Addressing the problem of the all-or-nothing mentality 
• Practical strategies to avoid failure in resolutions 
• The need for accountability and support in goal achievement 
• Promoting the idea of setting standards versus resolutions 
• Sharing tips for long-term success and consistency in achieving goals.

This episode dives into the world of GLP-1 medications and their role in weight loss and functional medicine. Our guest, Caroline Snelwar-Fletcher, explains the mechanisms of GLP-1s, their benefits, potential side effects, and the importance of a comprehensive approach to health, emphasizing sustainable lifestyle changes through nutrition and exercise rather than relying solely on medications.

• Discussion on expectations for the new year and personal fitness goals 
• Introduction of guest expert Caroline Snowworth-Fletcher 
• Exploration of the transition from traditional to functional medicine 
• Overview of GLP-1 agonists and their mechanisms 
• Breakdown of the three main types of GLP-1s: Semaglutide, Tazepatide, and Retatotride 
• Comparison of benefits and side effects of each GLP-1 medication 
• Importance of maintaining muscle mass during weight loss 
• Discussion on nutrition and hydration needs for GLP-1 users 
• Recommendations for supplements to enhance health 
• Addressing cravings and support for transitioning off GLP-1s 
• Alternative medications and peptides in weight management

Ever wonder how the magic of consistency could transform your life? Join us on the Forge and Fortitude Fitness Podcast as we kick off the holiday season with a festive spirit and a touch of nostalgia. Our dear friend Jeremy Oliver joins us, and together we reminisce about our frosty Christmas adventures in Asheville and swap stories from our early days at Gold's Gym. We’re heading to the mountains this year, braving the chilly weather with excitement and anticipation, ready to create new memories and share our insights on the journey through the fitness industry.

In this episode, we explore the intricate tapestry of our careers, from navigating the rough waters of a pandemic at Orange Theory to the exhilarating experience of being part of an IPO at F45 Training. As the Vice President of Operations at Perspire Sauna Studio, I’ve gathered a trove of experiences that highlight the power of dedication and strategic management in the wellness industry. Listen in as Jeremy and I discuss how habitual consistency and resilience have been the backbone of our professional growth, even as we’ve crossed paths with celebrities and embraced cutting-edge fitness trends. 

The heart of our conversation lies in the art of balancing dedication with the need for variation to stay motivated. Together, we delve into personal anecdotes and actionable strategies for setting and maintaining accountability in your goals, whether personal or professional. From understanding different motivational triggers to maintaining productivity through environmental changes, we touch on practical ways to keep the momentum going. As you tune in, discover the secrets to not just fitness success, but a holistic approach to life's challenges, all wrapped up in holiday cheer and the warmth of friendship.

Michael Antonelli, founder and CEO of Healthgevity, unveils the next frontier in health optimization with oral peptides and bioactives. Join us as we explore the myriad ways these innovations are reshaping how we think about longevity and gut health, offering groundbreaking potential for athletes and anyone aiming to enhance their daily healthspan. Discover the unique peptide stack featuring BPC-157, KPV, and PEA, which promises to revolutionize how we address pain, inflammation, and gut health through their powerful regenerative effects.

Faith, my wife and new co-host, brings her refreshing insights to the table, introducing her upcoming online coaching venture designed to transform lifestyles through nutrition and daily habits. Together, we tackle the often-overlooked nuances of probiotic use, emphasizing the need for ID-verified, DNA-sequenced strains supported by human studies. How can the gut's health be restored effectively post-COVID, and is inundating it with probiotics the best strategy? We delve into these crucial questions, aiming to provide clarity in the complex world of gut health.

As we navigate the expanding universe of health supplements, we shift our focus to NAD and its vital role in mitochondrial health and energy. Our innovative Cardio NAD formula, featuring the unique NAD3 ingredient, is at the forefront of combating vascular aging. Transparency in the supplement industry is critical, and we discuss the significance of trademarked ingredients versus the pitfalls of proprietary blends. The episode closes with a glimpse into PeptiStrong, a revolutionary peptide for muscle health discovered through AI, underscoring the promising path forward for longevity and wellness.

Ever wondered how a chance meeting at the YMCA could lead to a flourishing fitness business and podcast? That's exactly how our journey began, resulting in a partnership in both life and business with my wife, Faith, now joining me as co-host. We’re rebranding the Forge & Fortitude Fitness Podcast with a fresh perspective, blending fitness, mindset, and resilience. Faith’s experience and her understanding of my attention deficit challenges add a dynamic layer, ensuring our conversations remain engaging and insightful. Together, we’ll dive into our story of navigating career transitions, breaching non-compete clauses, and the communication chasms bridged by our shared experiences.

Our early days managing a gym taught us invaluable lessons about fostering community through initiatives like BroFit and FitChix, where both men and women strengthen together. As we transitioned from single studio management at Orange Theory Fitness to franchise ownership, the journey was marked by growth, leadership challenges, and the unforeseen turbulence of a global pandemic. Each pivot included reflections on leadership, adaptability, and balancing personal endeavors with professional responsibilities.

This episode also introduces our transformative online fitness platform, born from a desire to break free from traditional gym constraints. Through our Balanced Boundaries & Breakthroughs Fitness Program, we offer the 3B method as a tool for sustainable success, focusing on balancing fitness, relationships, and personal growth. As we explore the digital space, we’re focused on expanding horizons with mindset and habit coaching. Hosting this podcast with Faith allows us to draw from our own shared life experiences, offering listeners authentic insights and inspiration for living intentionally and achieving personal breakthroughs. Join us on this vibrant journey as we share stories, lessons, and the drive to live a fulfilling life.

Ever wondered what it takes to catch the eye of Gordon Ramsay without even applying? Meet Rose, the trailblazing founder of Twisted Dough, who found herself unexpectedly thrust into the culinary spotlight as a contestant on Ramsay's "Food Stars." Experience her exhilarating journey from the initial surprise of being chosen to the rigorous vetting process, and the unique challenges of running her thriving healthy dessert business from afar. Rose opens up about her passion for innovation, sharing notable milestones like developing a new protein formula and expanding her business, all while maintaining her niche in the market.

Get a backstage pass to the high-stakes world of reality TV, where Rose faced off against fierce competitors in pursuit of culinary glory. Discover how she navigated the intense dynamics of the show, learned from the legendary Ramsay himself, and found her stride amidst the pressure. Despite the challenges, including a birthday double elimination, Rose emerged with newfound skills, lasting friendships, and a personal victory, showing us all what resilience and determination look like.

Join us as Rose takes us through the evolution of Twisted Dough, embracing rebranding and innovation to steer her business toward a sweet future. Learn about the art of crafting seasonal holiday treats, the strategic journey toward FDA certification, and the critical role of customer relationships in growing a loyal fan base. Whether you're an entrepreneur, a fan of reality TV, or simply a lover of delicious, healthy desserts, this episode is packed with insights and inspiration that you won’t want to miss.

Imagine investing in a stock that offers lifelong benefits—this is what prioritizing health, gratitude, and reliability can do for you. Discover how setting a bedtime, choosing healthier food options, and committing to daily movement aren't just small changes, but powerful habits that can transform your life. We explore these ideas through personal stories and insights, emphasizing how being reliable not only earns the trust of others but also deepens your trust in yourself. And when it comes to gratitude, we highlight its role in fostering resilience during life's toughest moments.

But that's not all! We're stepping into a new season with exhilarating changes and incredible guests. Next Monday, we're thrilled to chat with Rose, the dynamic CEO and founder of Twisted Dough, as she shares her exciting journey, including her experience on Gordon Ramsay's "Food Stars." Following Rose, we'll bring you insights from innovators in the supplement industry, primed to spark your curiosity and inspire change. Our dedicated community has been our backbone, and with your support, we're eager to unveil these promising transformations together.

Uncover the mindsets that turn aspirations into achievements as we dissect the power of action and resilience. Ever wondered how a simple change in your goal-setting approach could lead to unstoppable progress? With the SMART goals framework as our compass, we share personal insights on breaking down big dreams into small, actionable steps. You'll hear how discipline and consistency can propel you through the toughest days, proving that the mantra "consistency beats intensity" isn't just a catchy saying but a genuine path to success. From planning productive movement sessions to mastering meal prepping, we explore how intentional actions can redefine your journey toward your goals.

Networking and mentorship might just be the hidden forces behind success, and we dive into our experiences to show you why. Picture this: 157 people on a connect call, each with the potential to be your next mentor or source of inspiration. I recount a moment of serendipity, where a simple idea shared during a chat with a dance studio owner sparked new motivation. This episode is a testament to the power of staying open to learning from unexpected places. As we reflect on these stories, we'll underscore the importance of clear goals, unwavering commitment, and the invaluable role mentorship plays in shaping successful paths. Don't miss out on these transformative insights that set the stage for our upcoming discussion on the final mindsets of successful people.

Ever wondered how embracing gratitude and a growth mindset can transform your life? Join us on Afterburn After Hours as we explore these powerful themes, inspired by personal milestones from the rollercoaster of 2024. We share heartfelt stories, including saying goodbye to a cherished pet and the heartwarming chaos of welcoming a new puppy. Plus, a memorable journey to Costa Rica reminds us to cherish simple, tech-free joys. As Thanksgiving approaches, we encourage you to reflect on gratitude, perhaps sparking a new tradition at your holiday table.

In this episode, we also uncover how stepping beyond comfort zones and taking smart risks can catapult your personal growth and success. Through lessons from Orangetheory Fitness, we draw parallels between fitness challenges and life's unpredictable hurdles. By adopting a beginner’s mindset and focusing on problem-solving over complaining, you can break through plateaus and stagnation. We'll dive into key mindsets of successful individuals, offering actionable insights to revitalize your lifestyle and fitness journey. Get ready to embrace growth, outsmart challenges, and take calculated leaps towards success.