In this episode of the Grow or Die podcast, I sit down with my CEO coach, Nickie Froiland, to unpack the power of perspective and the pivotal role it plays in leadership, business, and personal growth. We discuss how expanding your perspective can lead to smarter decisions, deeper relationships, and more effective leadership. Nickie introduces the concept of "being a drone" — zooming out to see the full picture — and how it can help navigate tough challenges like payment processing issues and team alignment.

We explore key topics like how to recognize early warning signs in business, the importance of clarity in decision-making, and the shift from being reactive to being proactive. This episode is a powerful guide for leaders looking to refine their decision-making process and approach challenges with a broader, more strategic mindset.

Timestamps:

- [00:00:00] - Nickie introduces the theme of expanding perspectives and explains how travel and new experiences change our views.

- [00:01:40] - Justin discusses the emotional anticipation of visiting his hometown for the first time in over a decade and reflects on the town's decline.

- [00:06:00] - Justin reflects on a missed vacation to Vegas due to issues with Stripe and PayPal. He discusses how his decision to stay and manage the crisis instead of taking a trip modeled leadership for his team.

- [00:10:00] - Justin shares his hopes for visiting his hometown with his partner, Sammi, and his thoughts on introducing her to his extended family.

- [00:16:00] - Justin discusses his experiences at Central Market, from observing customer behavior to noticing marketing tactics that inspire his business strategies.

- [00:20:00] - Nickie introduces the idea of "being a drone" — a metaphor for zooming out from problems to see the bigger picture, allowing for clearer thinking and better decision-making.

- [00:25:00] - Justin explains the crisis his business faced with Stripe and PayPal, how he knew it was coming, and why he failed to prepare. He reflects on the power of foresight and accountability in leadership.

- [00:31:00] - Nickie coaches Justin on how to shift from being the central problem-solver to a true CEO, guiding his team to bring solutions instead of problems.

- [00:35:00] - Justin details the challenges of transitioning all current clients to a new payment system and how it creates operational friction.

- [00:40:00] - Justin discusses the scarcity mindset often held by trainers and how it impacts decision-making and leadership.

- [00:48:00] - Justin reflects on the quote "Mo' money, mo' problems" and how he now feels the weight of larger responsibilities as his business scales.

- [00:52:00] - Nickie helps Justin reflect on his role as a leader, noting the shift from being "the guy" to leading a team of independent problem-solvers.

- [00:56:00] - Nickie and Justin wrap up with a call for leaders to "be a drone" — to zoom out from problems, gain perspective, and approach challenges with objectivity.

Links & Resources:

Work With Nickie: https://motus9.com/contact/

Follow Me On Instagram: @jmihaly_

Follow "Grow or Die" On Instagram: @growordiepodcast

Work With Me: https://www.togethermorefit.com/founder

Join Substack For More Exclusive Content: https://justinmihaly.substack.com/

Sign Up For The Together More Elite Mentorship: https://togethermorefit.com/elitepurchase

In this episode of the "Grow or Die" podcast, I am joined by Dr. Ashley Dwyer, a pharmacist-turned-functional health coach. Together, we unpack some of the most pressing issues in women's health, including metabolic dysfunction, PCOS (Polycystic Ovary Syndrome), and the dangers of hormonal birth control. Dr. Dwyer shares her personal journey of breaking free from the traditional pharmaceutical path to focus on functional medicine and holistic health. This conversation is filled with practical advice, health hacks, and insights into how lifestyle changes can address root causes instead of just treating symptoms.

Timestamps:

[00:00] - Intro - Our Current Health Crisis: The growing prevalence of metabolic dysfunction and the hidden impact of hormonal birth control on women’s health.

[02:34] Podcast Introduction.

[03:08] Reversing Autoimmune Issues & Misconceptions About PCOS.

[04:45] Why PCOS Is on the Rise.

[07:01] The Misconceptions of Genetic Predisposition.

[10:10] Dangers of Statins and Cardiovascular Misconceptions.

[12:32] PCOS Methodologies.

[15:14] The Role of Stress in Health and Hormonal Imbalances.

[18:00] Dr. Ashley's Journey From Pharmacy to Functional Medicine.

[22:24] COVID's Impact on the Healthcare Industry.

[26:11] Hormonal Birth Control: The Long-Term Impact.

[28:27] The Runway Approach to Coming Off Hormonal Birth Control.

[31:13] How to Support Women Mentally Through the Transition.

[34:08] Alleviating Androgen Symptoms in PCOS.

[37:42] The "My Doctor Said I Couldn't Get Pregnant" Myth.

[40:16] Debunking PCOS Myths.

[45:04] The Role of Gluten and Dairy in Hormonal Imbalance.

[50:26] How Stress Impacts Gut Health and Hormones.

[54:45] Histamine Intolerance and PMDD.

[1:00:00] Closing Remarks and Call-to-Action.

Links and Resources:

Work With Dr. Dwyer: https://teambdncoaching.com/programs/

Follow Dr. Dwyer On Instagram: @dr.dwyer

Follow Me On Instagram: @jmihaly_

Follow "Grow or Die" On Instagram: @growordiepodcast

Work With Me: https://www.togethermorefit.com/founder

Sign Up For The Together More Elite Mentorship: https://togethermorefit.com/elitepurchase

In this episode of the Grow or Die podcast, I sit down with my CEO coach, Nickie, to reflect on personal growth, the evolving nature of leadership, and the changes I’ve experienced in both my business and personal life over the past few months. We delve into what it means to step into a CEO role, the power of delegation, and the importance of investing time versus merely spending it. Nickie challenges me to think about ways to create fulfillment outside the hustle while keeping a balanced approach to work, wellness, and relationships. Tune in as we discuss learning, building habits, and the journey toward creating a sustainable and impactful legacy.

Timestamps:

- [0:00] Introduction and the power of self-manifestation. - [1:14] Reflecting on recent accomplishments and personal growth. - [2:07] Handling chaotic moments while staying centered. - [3:10] Coaching insights on embracing inner messages. - [5:01] Discussing the concept of "triggers" and scarcity mentality. - [7:45] The role of “happy triggers” in shifting perspectives. - [9:10] Evolution of the mentorship program and scaling Together More. - [11:49] Transitioning out of direct client service and creating IP-driven impact. - [14:26] Insights into integrative health consulting and its broader impact. - [16:46] The mentorship program as a feeder for growth. - [18:18] Learning to set boundaries and the importance of team expansion. - [20:13] Examining shifts in my personal life and finding peace in daily moments. - [23:29] Reflecting on the abundance mindset and the significance of relationships. - [26:52] Striving for balance between power versus force in decision-making. - [32:58] Creating intentional downtime and redefining how to spend free time. - [42:09] Embracing curiosity and learning in new areas, like nutrition and cooking. - [50:20] Exploring new ways to contribute to the business and refining the CEO role.

If you enjoyed this episode, don’t forget to rate, follow, and share the Grow or Die podcast! Your support helps us keep the content coming. See you next time!

Links & Resources:

Work With Nickie: https://motus9.com/contact/

Follow Me On Instagram: @jmihaly_

Follow "Grow or Die" On Instagram: @growordiepodcast

Work With Me: https://www.togethermorefit.com/founder

Join Substack For More Exclusive Content: https://justinmihaly.substack.com/

Join Patreon For More Exclusive Content: https://patreon.com/JustinMihaly?utm_medium=unknown&utm_source=join_link&utm_campaign=creatorshare_creator&utm_content=copyLink

Sign Up For The Together More Elite Mentorship: https://togethermorefit.com/elitepurchase

In this episode of Grow or Die, I sit down with my CEO coach, Nickie Froiland, to dive into the importance of protecting momentum in business partnerships and the power of alignment and role clarity. We discuss strategies for sustaining growth, including establishing clear job roles, managing risk in partnerships, and having honest discussions about business goals. Nickie and I explore how decision-making and efficiency can make or break a team and the practical steps to ensure everyone remains on the same page.

This conversation offers valuable insights into the art of partnership dynamics, balancing assertiveness with collaboration, and the ways leaders can focus on what truly matters to create sustainable success. 

Timestamps: - [0:00] – Sneak peek into the episode. - [1:08] – Opening remarks and welcome to the episode. - [1:30] – Nickie’s thoughts on decaf coffee and breaking habits. - [2:17] – Discussing Justin’s supplement company and recent business partner meeting. - [3:28] – Launch hierarchy and the challenges of supplement formulation. - [5:14] – Product refinement issues and Justin’s sleep formula experience. - [6:36] – Unique delivery method for supplements and its effectiveness. - [8:12] – Justin's team achieved their best financial day with three big contracts secured. - [9:20] – Nickie explains the value of partner meetings for alignment and efficiency. - [11:50] – The importance of being in the “honeymoon stage” in partnerships and how to maintain momentum. - [14:00] – Identifying transitions in business and moving from idea generation to implementation. - [16:30] – Justin reflects on gaining momentum after starting work with Nickie. - [19:40] – Protecting momentum and maintaining team alignment through regular updates. - [20:55] – Justin’s role in formulation and scaling within the company. - [23:15] – The importance of each partner’s role for sustainable growth. - [26:00] – Balancing risks and rewards, and the need to make strategic moves. - [28:22] – Partner dynamics and defining each person’s strengths and responsibilities. - [30:14] – Nickie emphasizes the need for defined roles and reducing role overlap. - [32:45] – Reflecting on Casey and Lesly’s strengths and how they complement Justin’s. - [35:40] – Strategies for managing impulsive decision-making in business. - [37:50] – Nickie advises establishing job descriptions for clarity. - [39:25] – The importance of reviewing agreements and alignment post-meetings. - [41:10] – Practical tips on ending meetings with “What did we agree on?” to ensure clarity. - [44:30] – Nickie encourages the practice of “protecting momentum” through consistency and agreement.

Links & Resources:

Work With Nickie: https://motus9.com/contact/

Follow Me On Instagram: @jmihaly_

Follow "Grow or Die" On Instagram: @growordiepodcast

Work With Me: https://www.togethermorefit.com/founder

Join Substack For More Exclusive Content: https://justinmihaly.substack.com/

Join Patreon For More Exclusive Content: https://patreon.com/JustinMihaly?utm_medium=unknown&utm_source=join_link&utm_campaign=creatorshare_creator&utm_content=copyLink

Sign Up For The Together More Elite Mentorship: https://togethermorefit.com/elitepurchase

In this episode of Grow or Die, I sit down with my CEO coach, Nickie Froiland, for another impactful coaching session where we dive into the concept of vulnerability in leadership, setting clear boundaries, and honing emotional intelligence. We explore the journey to self-awareness, managing emotions in high-stakes situations, and how true transparency can elevate both personal and professional relationships. Nickie shares strategies to approach difficult conversations with authenticity and respect, emphasizing the balance between power and grace in leadership.

This episode is filled with actionable advice on achieving emotional maturity, improving interpersonal communication, and ensuring the impact of your words aligns with your intentions. If you're working on improving your leadership skills or looking to cultivate meaningful connections, this episode is packed with valuable lessons.

Timestamps:

- [00:00] – Sneak peek into the episode.  - [2:33] – Introduction to the episode: CEO Coaching Session #7 with Nickie Froiland. - [3:06] – Reflections on vulnerability, why it isn’t scary, and its importance in relationships. - [6:15] – Dealing with financial pressures in business and how big investments can drive growth. - [8:45] – Breaking down high revenue and understanding operational expenses in business. - [10:10] – Insights on sales and adjusting agency percentages in business partnerships. - [13:05] – Setting a pattern for difficult conversations and the importance of honesty in breakups and business exits. - [16:00] – Navigating the Austin dating scene and the practice of pattern disruption in relationships. - [19:00] – Learning about honesty from family dynamics and the struggle to unlearn old habits. - [22:35] – Self-awareness and emotional intelligence: Improving responses versus reactions. - [24:25] – Nickie’s inspiration for becoming more emotionally intelligent through a role model. - [27:30] – Balancing authenticity with emotional intelligence and avoiding inauthentic responses. - [30:50] – Setting boundaries and asking intentional questions in relationships. - [33:15] – Refining communication to enhance the impact rather than forcing it. - [36:45] – Building elegance in communication and developing self-awareness for positive impact. - [41:05] – Addressing triggers in relationships and work; balancing immediate responses and internal processing. - [47:15] – Practicing patience and choosing silence to enhance emotional intelligence. - [50:20] – Implementing mindfulness techniques to maintain authenticity in difficult conversations. - [55:35] – Final reflections on elegance, intentionality, and setting a loving tone in transparent communication.

Links & Resources:

Work With Nickie: https://motus9.com/contact/

Follow Me On Instagram: @jmihaly_

Follow "Grow or Die" On Instagram: @growordiepodcast

Work With Me: https://www.togethermorefit.com/founder

Join Substack For More Exclusive Content: https://justinmihaly.substack.com/

Join Patreon For More Exclusive Content: https://patreon.com/JustinMihaly?utm_medium=unknown&utm_source=join_link&utm_campaign=creatorshare_creator&utm_content=copyLink

Sign Up For The Together More Elite Mentorship: https://togethermorefit.com/elitepurchase

In this episode of the Grow or Die podcast, I sit down with Casey and Lesly, the powerhouse duo behind Eminent Nutrition, to uncover the complexities of the supplement industry. We delve into the importance of integrity, transparency, and quality in supplement production, discussing how Eminent Nutrition ensures its products truly deliver. Casey shares the journey that led to founding Eminent, his experiences with subpar industry practices, and how Eminent's focus on optimal dosing and transparency sets it apart. Lesly also gives a unique perspective on balancing personal and business life, sharing the challenges and rewards of working alongside a partner.

Throughout the episode, we tackle topics such as the misuse of proprietary blends, the science behind quality ingredients, and the journey of building a brand based on integrity. This episode is packed with valuable insights for fitness enthusiasts, entrepreneurs, and anyone interested in the “behind-the-scenes” of the supplement industry.

Timestamps:

- [0:00] – Introduction to Casey and Lesly of Eminent Nutrition, and the importance of transparency in supplements.

- [3:00] – Discussing the supplement industry’s lack of transparency and Casey’s motivation to found Eminent.

- [5:45] – Challenges in maintaining product integrity and using premium ingredients.

- [8:12] – Explaining the problem with proprietary blends and their impact on product quality.

- [10:30] – Casey shares his journey in the industry and the importance of transparency with consumers.

- [13:05] – Lesly’s perspective on balancing business and personal life as a partner and business co-owner.

- [16:40] – Importance of dosing, bioavailability, and ingredient choice at Eminent.

- [19:15] – The science behind amino acids like taurine and their role in high-quality supplements.

- [21:55] – The risks of low-quality supplements and Casey’s mission to create effective, clean products.

- [24:30] – Lesly’s focus on creating an enhanced consumer experience through product flavor and texture.

- [27:20] – Upcoming products from Eminent, including an electrolyte blend and unique sublingual options.

- [30:15] – Casey on continuous innovation, integrity, and customer education at Eminent.

- [33:40] – Reflecting on the role of delayed gratification in building a sustainable business.

- [36:00] – Discussion on ensuring product quality through certifications and adherence to industry standards.

- [39:10] – Insights into quality control at Eminent, including testing for potency and purity.

- [42:00] – The importance of consistency in formulations and how it impacts consumer trust.

- [45:30] – Casey talks about long-term vision for Eminent and how he plans to impact the supplement industry.

- [49:00] – Lesly on the role of brand authenticity and community building in creating a lasting business.

- [52:15] – Casey explains the key differences between Eminent and typical mass-market brands.

- [55:10] – How Eminent Nutrition integrates consumer feedback and community support into product development.

- [58:30] – Final reflections from Casey and Lesly on the future of Eminent and their dedication to quality and integrity in the supplement industry.

Links and Resources:

Shop Eminent Nutrition: https://www.eminentnutrition.com/

Follow Eminent On Instagram: @eminentnutrition

Follow Casey On Instagram: @caseybarnette

Follow Lesly On Instagram: @leslylovefit

Follow Me On Instagram: @jmihaly_

Follow "Grow or Die" On Instagram: @growordiepodcast

Work With Me: https://www.togethermorefit.com/founder

Join Substack For More Exclusive Content: https://justinmihaly.substack.com/

Join Patreon For More Exclusive Content: https://patreon.com/JustinMihaly?utm_medium=unknown&utm_source=join_link&utm_campaign=creatorshare_creator&utm_content=copyLink

Sign Up For The Together More Elite Mentorship: https://togethermorefit.com/elitepurchase

In this episode of "Grow or Die", I sit down with my CEO coach, Nickie Froiland, to discuss the real meaning of success and how redefining it can lead to a more fulfilling life. We explore the contrast between material success and true bliss, unpacking how we often chase societal definitions of achievement without stopping to define our own values. Nickie challenges me to connect deeply with my authentic self, and we dive into concepts like embracing discomfort, balancing entrepreneurship with personal well-being, and the importance of consistent authenticity.

This episode is full of insights on letting go of guilt, understanding your body’s signals, and shifting from a stress-driven lifestyle to one of purpose and peace. If you’re a business owner or anyone trying to balance success and personal fulfillment, this episode will give you actionable steps to grow and thrive.

Timestamps:

- [00:28] – Introduction to the episode and reflections on true success versus perceived success. - [3:06] – Nickie and I explore the concept of happiness as a better measure of success. - [6:14] – Defining entrepreneurship: betting on your innovative ideas and mindset. - [9:46] – Learning from role models like Elon Musk and the importance of innovative thinking. - [11:50] – Nickie introduces the idea of after-action reviews and learning from mistakes. - [14:30] – Authenticity and the value of knowing who you are—and who you are not. - [16:50] – Consistency as a foundation for trust in business and relationships. - [20:45] – Justin shares about investing in a new sales strategy and the discomfort it brings. - [24:15] – Discussing materialism versus meaningful connections and memories. - [28:10] – Finding joy in simplicity: how decluttering opens up mental space. - [31:20] – Nickie’s advice on listening to your body to make mindful decisions. - [35:05] – Using authenticity as a tool for business growth and aligning with your audience. - [38:00] – Understanding the link between mental stress and physical health. - [43:00] – Nickie’s take on idolizing values like bliss and happiness instead of external markers. - [46:45] – Justin’s reflections on scaling, growth, and the tension that comes with responsibility. - [54:00] – Final thoughts on turning guilt into gratitude and connecting with your body’s needs.

Links & Resources:

Work With Nickie: https://motus9.com/contact/

Follow Me On Instagram: @jmihaly_

Follow "Grow or Die" On Instagram: @growordiepodcast

Work With Me: https://www.togethermorefit.com/founder

Join Substack For More Exclusive Content: https://justinmihaly.substack.com/

Join Patreon For More Exclusive Content: https://patreon.com/JustinMihaly?utm_medium=unknown&utm_source=join_link&utm_campaign=creatorshare_creator&utm_content=copyLink

Sign Up For The Together More Elite Mentorship: https://togethermorefit.com/elitepurchase

In this episode of the Grow or Die podcast, I sit down with Justin Cross, the founder of Earn Your Booze, to talk about entrepreneurship, personal growth, and the challenges of breaking away from a conventional career path. Justin shares his personal story of leaving a secure aerospace engineering job to pursue his passion for fitness and business, despite the doubt and skepticism he faced from friends and family.

We dive into the mindset required to make such a bold transition and how to overcome the negativity that often comes with chasing a dream. Justin also gives valuable insight into the concept of “earning” your rewards in life—whether it’s fitness, success, or even relaxation—through hard work and delayed gratification. This episode is filled with motivational tips, discussions on building resilience, and practical advice for anyone looking to take control of their life, especially those ready to break away from the status quo and start their own ventures.

Timestamps:

- [00:28] – Sneak peak into the episode. - [06:14] – Exploring the dopamine-driven society and how men are becoming trapped in instant gratification cycles. - [10:45] – The connection between physical fitness, discipline, and success in business and life. - [13:19] – Breaking away from distractions such as sports and entertainment to focus on personal and professional growth. - [16:50] – The origin of *Earn Your Booze* and the challenges Justin faced when launching the brand. - [19:00] – Discussing Elon Musk's recent accomplishments and how his perseverance serves as inspiration for entrepreneurs. - [22:35] – Justin Mihaly and Justin Cross talk about dealing with criticism and learning to brush off negativity in business. - [24:10] – Testosterone and male health: How low testosterone levels contribute to poor mental and physical performance in men. - [27:30] – Why testosterone replacement therapy (TRT) is important for men over 30 and how it impacts health and performance. - [30:25] – The benefits of optimized testosterone levels, beyond physical appearance—covering motivation, drive, and success. - [33:06] – Curiosity and critical thinking as key traits of high-functioning men: Why men with low testosterone lose these qualities. - [36:50] – Justin Mihaly’s experience building a personal brand and overcoming obstacles in the social media space. - [38:15] – Discussion on how society and environmental factors impact male health, specifically testosterone. - [41:32] – Exploring Justin Cross’s aerospace engineering background and how working with fighter jets shaped his perspective. - [44:15] – Insights into Justin’s time spent in the Middle East during his Navy service and how those experiences influenced his mindset. - [49:30] – Transitioning from a stable career to entrepreneurship: The critical mindset shifts required to succeed. - [52:15] – How Justin balanced working multiple jobs and his side hustle before fully committing to entrepreneurship. - [55:12] – Justin Cross’s approach to personal development, and how childhood influences shaped his path toward entrepreneurship. - [58:00] – The importance of resilience and hard work in overcoming challenges during career transitions. - [1:02:18] – The long-term payoff of choosing personal fulfillment over financial security in the early stages of entrepreneurship.

Links & Resources:

Follow Justin Cross On Instagram: @justin.j.cross

Work With Justin Cross: https://www.earnitall.com/

Follow Me On Instagram: @jmihaly_

Follow "Grow or Die" On Instagram: @growordiepodcast

Work With Me: https://www.togethermorefit.com/founder

Join Substack For More Exclusive Content: https://justinmihaly.substack.com/

Join Patreon For More Exclusive Content: https://patreon.com/JustinMihaly?utm_medium=unknown&utm_source=join_link&utm_campaign=creatorshare_creator&utm_content=copyLink

Sign Up For The Together More Elite Mentorship: https://togethermorefit.com/elitepurchase

In this episode of the "Grow or Die" podcast, I sit down once again with my coach, Nickie Froiland, for our fifth CEO coaching session. We dive deep into the complexities of leadership and the pitfalls that can hold back business growth, particularly for founders. We break down the "7 Types of Founders Disease" and talk about the ways leaders can hinder their company's progress, even when they believe they’re pushing it forward. This session is packed with actionable insights, focusing on overcoming control issues, making smarter financial decisions, and creating a culture of trust and empowerment within your team.

You’ll hear personal stories about my growth as a leader, the hard lessons I’ve learned in business, and how I’m applying these lessons to ensure the success of my company. If you're a business owner or aspiring leader looking to take your company to the next level, this episode will give you the tools and strategies to move past common obstacles.

Timestamps:

- [00:26] – Sneak peak into the episode. - [3:15] – Working hard vs. working dumb: Recognizing low-impact tasks that stall business progress. - [4:45] – Justin talks about hiring a new CEO and lessons learned from his previous experiences. - [6:02] – The seven types of "founders disease" that can hurt business growth. - [7:15] – Founder Disease #1: Control, and how it stifles both creativity and business expansion. - [9:05] – Founder Disease #2: Improper funding and lack of financial controls, and how Justin learned hard lessons in this area. - [10:30] – Founder Disease #3: Poor people management and hiring practices, and how to structure 90-day trial periods with new hires. - [11:50] – Founder Disease #4: Decision paralysis and over-analyzing, leading to business stagnation. - [13:00] – Founder Disease #5: Lack of a go-to-market growth strategy and the need for clear KPIs. - [15:12] – Founder Disease #6: Applying limited resources to unlimited opportunities, and the danger of chasing too many things at once. - [16:30] – Founder Disease #7: Culture and how to foster a supportive, growth-driven environment within your company. - [18:50] – Control as an illusion: How white-knuckling the steering wheel doesn’t get you to your destination any faster. - [20:00] – Understanding why the need for control is rooted in fear, and how letting go can speed up outcomes. - [22:45] – Justin discusses empowerment within his company and how to trust his managers to fully take the reins. - [25:00] – How to shift from “allowing” to “empowering” your team for long-term success. - [30:18] – The importance of living within your means and Justin’s personal approach to financial discipline.

Links & Resources:

Work With Nickie: https://motus9.com/contact/

Follow Me On Instagram: @jmihaly_

Follow "Grow or Die" On Instagram: @growordiepodcast

Work With Me: https://www.togethermorefit.com/founder

Join Substack For More Exclusive Content: https://justinmihaly.substack.com/

Join Patreon For More Exclusive Content: https://patreon.com/JustinMihaly?utm_medium=unknown&utm_source=join_link&utm_campaign=creatorshare_creator&utm_content=copyLink

Sign Up For The Together More Elite Mentorship: https://togethermorefit.com/elitepurchase

In this eye-opening episode of the *Grow or Die* podcast, I take a deep dive into the oversimplified concept of "Calories In, Calories Out" (CICO). We explore why this approach to weight loss and metabolism is outdated, ineffective, and, in some cases, even harmful. I break down the science behind metabolism, dispelling common misconceptions and explaining how factors like basal metabolic rate, hormones, and nutrient absorption play critical roles in achieving and maintaining a healthy weight.

You'll hear about real-world examples, like the contestants from The Biggest Loser and their struggles with weight regain, as well as the impact of severe caloric restriction on metabolism. We also cover the importance of understanding metabolic pathways, the role of polyunsaturated fatty acids, and how crash dieting can lead to long-term metabolic damage. Whether you're looking to optimize your health or curious about the science behind metabolism, this episode has the information you need to rethink how you approach weight loss.

Timestamps:

- [00:28] – Sneak peek into the episode.

- [1:41] – What is CICO, and why is it an oversimplification of human metabolism?

- [2:41] – Why most people following CICO are unaware of metabolic dysfunctions.

- [4:10] – How biofilms in the gut can impair nutrient absorption and affect metabolism.

- [5:05] – The dangers of decreasing calories to unhealthy levels and how this impacts your metabolism long term.

- [6:18] – The decline in metabolic rate over the last century and its contribution to rising obesity rates.

- [8:09] – Explaining the second law of thermodynamics and why "a calorie is not a calorie" when it comes to metabolism.

- [9:46] – The role of macronutrients in producing ATP and how different foods impact metabolism.

- [11:54] – Debunking the idea that all fats and oils are created equal: Why polyunsaturated fatty acids may slow metabolism.

- [14:07] – Lessons from historical diets and why past generations could eat more and maintain lower body weights.

- [17:02] – The alarming rise in omega-6 intake and its negative effects on thyroid health and metabolism.

- [20:36] – Why crash dieting leads to weight regain and long-term damage to basal metabolic rate.

- [21:50] – How the body conserves energy during times of severe caloric restriction, and why this is counterproductive for weight loss.

- [23:41] – The role of hormones in regulating metabolism, and how improper macronutrient ratios can harm thyroid health.

- [27:16] – The benefits of prioritizing carbohydrates and lowering protein intake in certain health phases to boost metabolic function.

- [31:00] – Why the majority of adults experience hypothyroidism and how modern blood tests miss the signs of metabolic dysfunction.

- [35:12] – Actionable steps to improve metabolic health, including avoiding polyunsaturated fats, supporting liver function, and balancing hormones.

Links & Resources:

Follow Me On Instagram: @jmihaly_

Follow "Grow or Die" On Instagram: @growordiepodcast

Work With Me: https://www.togethermorefit.com/founder

Join Substack For More Exclusive Content: https://justinmihaly.substack.com/

Join Patreon For More Exclusive Content: https://patreon.com/JustinMihaly?utm_medium=unknown&utm_source=join_link&utm_campaign=creatorshare_creator&utm_content=copyLink

Sign Up For The Together More Elite Mentorship: https://togethermorefit.com/elitepurchase

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