#222 Reinventing Yourself with Style: Eva Schubert on Art, Identity & Living Off-Script

"You don’t need to justify your existence with utility. Beauty is enough." — Eva Schubert

What if the key to a meaningful life isn’t success — but reinvention? In this episode, jazz singer and creator Eva Schubert reveals how she’s rewritten her story again and again to live with passion, presence, and purpose.

Level Up with the Show-Notes at: https://www.nextlevelguy.com/evaschubert222/

🎙️ Meet Eva Schubert — jazz singer, podcast host, historian, and modern-day storyteller.

Eva defies labels. She’s the voice behind soul-stirring jazz albums and the creator of the Villains and Virgins Podcast, where history and myth collide. Whether through music, conversation, or reinvention, Eva shows us how to live a life of art, intellect, and unapologetic joy.

Eva Schubert is a college instructor and the creator of Villains and Virgins podcast on all things historical.  She is also a songwriter, with 4 albums to her credit, and a self-confessed fitness fanatic.   #EvaSchubert #villainsandvirginspodcast #podcaast #nextlevelguypodcast #history #music #singing #songwriter #passion #purpose #presence #beauty #meaningfullife #jazz #art #changeyourlife #makeyourownsoundtrack

#221 Yoga for BJJ: The secret sauce for flexibility, injury prevention and and amazing Performance

"Yoga isn't just stretching — it's learning how to move better, recover smarter, and stay on the mats longer." — Bianca Ilea

What if the secret to becoming better at Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu wasn’t more time rolling — but learning to breathe, move, and feel your body differently? Bianca Ilea shares how Yoga for BJJ can unlock hidden strength, resilience, and longevity both on and off the mats.

🎙️ Meet Bianca Ilea — Yoga for BJJ Instructor, Judo Black Belt, and Movement Specialist.

For the show-notes, please visit: https://www.nextlevelguy.com/biancailea221/

Bianca Ilea is a yoga teacher and BJJ practitioner who is passionate about helping people—especially fellow BJJ athletes—improve their bodies, physical performance, and mental resilience through yoga. With a background in Judo and experience in other martial arts, she eventually found her true passion in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu. Today, she merges her love for BJJ with her deep commitment to yoga, mindfulness, and mental strength, creating a powerful and holistic approach to training and recovery.

After years of pushing her body through elite judo competition, Bianca discovered that recovery and mindfulness were the missing pieces. Now, she helps grapplers unlock better movement, breathwork, and resilience through Yoga for BJJ. Whether you’re a beginner or seasoned athlete, Bianca shows how you can move better, recover faster, and roll longer—on and off the mats.

#biancailea #yoga #bjj #grappling #judoi #flexibility #mobility #betterhealth #feelbetter #movebetter #recovery #prehab #rehab #knowyourbody #mentalstrength #breathwork #mindfulness #training #bjjtraining #physicalperformance #bjjgame #levelupyopurbjjgame #nextlevelguypodcast #injury prevention #notjuststretching #recoversmarter #trainforlonger #stophurting #moveeasier #mentalresilience 

#220 — George Kamel: Break Free From Debt, Ditch the Credit Score Game & Build Real Wealth  

“The borrower is slave to the lender. If you owe someone money, you’re not fully free.” — George Kamel

What if your credit score obsession, buy-now-pay-later plans, and lifestyle creep are actually what’s keeping you broke? What if everything you’ve been told about money—credit scores, student loans, even buying your dream home—was a lie?

George Kamel used to be broke, stressed, and buried in debt. Today, he’s a millionaire helping millions break free from the financial traps society celebrates. In this episode, he reveals the truth about money that no one else is telling you—and how to reclaim your financial freedom, one step at a time.

You can find the show-notes at: https://www.nextlevelguy.com/georgekamel220/

🎙️ Meet George Kamel — Debt-Ditcher. Mindset-Flipper. Financial Freedom Fighter.

Once buried in $40,000 of debt and living paycheck to paycheck, George Kamel discovered the Ramsey plan, paid off everything in 18 months, and transformed into a net-worth millionaire by his mid-30s. Now, he's on a mission to help others break free from the myths that keep them broke—like the obsession with credit scores, lifestyle creep, and “normal” debt. Through his book Breaking Free From Broke and his wildly popular podcast and YouTube channel, George empowers everyday people to take back control of their money—and their life.

George Kamel is a national bestselling author of Breaking Free From Broke and a personal finance expert. Following Ramsey Solutions' proven money plan, George went from negative net worth to a millionaire in under 10 years. 

Since 2013, he has served on the Ramsey team, speaking across the country, co-hosting top-ranked Ramsey Network podcasts, like Smart Money Happy Hour and The Ramsey Show. George has been featured on Fox News, Fox Business, and The Iced Coffee Hour, among other networks. 

On his YouTube channel, George educates and entertains, exposing the financial system designed to keep you broke. His goal is to help people spend less, save more, and avoid money traps so they can live a life with more margin, options and freedom.

#GeorgeKamel #Money #debt #savings #pension #getcontrolofyourfinances #ramseyplan #smartmoneyhappyhour #breakingfreefrombroke #broketomillionnaire #moneysolutions #moneysavingtips #moneytraps #ditchdebtfast #studentloans #savingforthefuture #learnaboutmoney #buyingahouse

🎙️ Hard Truths #1 — No One’s Coming to Save You

In this short, no-nonsense solo episode, I’m kicking off a brand-new series called Hard Truths—raw, honest insights that cut through the noise and get straight to the point.

This week’s truth: No one is coming to save you. It sounds harsh, but it’s actually the most empowering mindset shift you can make. Once you stop waiting for permission, validation, or a lifeline… you start taking full control of your life.

Because here’s the truth: It’s all on you now. And that’s exactly how it should be.

🔑 In This Mini-Episode:

• Why waiting to be rescued is keeping you stuck

• How to flip “no one is coming” into personal power

• A challenge to step up and own your path starting today

🧠 Key Quote:

“No one is coming. And that’s your greatest power—because you are the one you’ve been waiting for.”

⚔️ Your Challenge:

Look at one area of your life you’ve been waiting on—waiting for motivation, waiting for the right time, or waiting for someone to fix it. Stop waiting. Start acting. Today, even if it’s a small step.

Start the action snowball to success and one day it'll be bigger than the moutain of regret that eats you up currently!

📬 Like This Format? Want More?

Sign up for my [newsletter] for exclusive insights and challenges, or join the [Patreon] to get early access to future Hard Truths and behind-the-scenes content.

🔗 Connect With Me:

• 📸 Instagram: @nextlevelguypodcast

• 🌐 Website: NextLevelGuy.com

• 🎧 Subscribe for more episodes every week

Please leave a comment to let me know what you think of the new series and reviews are always thoroughly appreciated! Cheers mate!

219 – Brain Healing, Deep Sea Living & Human Performance with Dr. Deep Sea

"Take charge of you. You are 100% in charge. Don’t stop learning. Don’t stop looking. Don’t stop exploring." — Dr. Joseph Dituri

🎙️ Meet Dr. Joseph Dituri — Navy Diver. Hyperbaric Pioneer. Brain Rebuilder.

What happens when a Navy diver and hyperbaric researcher locks himself underwater for 100 days to heal his brain?

Dr. Joseph Dituri—better known as Dr. Deep Sea—is a retired U.S. Navy Commander, hyperbaric researcher, and biomedical pioneer who quite literally dove headfirst into scientific exploration by living 100 days underwater to study its effects on the human body and brain. With over 28 years of military service and a relentless drive to heal veterans suffering from brain injuries and PTSD, Dr. Dituri is on a mission to merge deep-sea science, hyperbaric medicine, and space exploration. From battling brain trauma to preparing humans for Mars, his work isn't just about surviving extreme environments—it's about unlocking human potential in the most extraordinary ways.

You can find the show-notes at: https://www.nextlevelguy.com/drjosephdituri219/

Dr. Joseph Dituri—aka Dr. Deep Sea—did just that, not only to test the limits of human physiology but to revolutionize how we approach mental health, traumatic brain injury, and optimal performance. The results? Life-changing. And he’s just getting started.

Commander Joseph Dituri enlisted in the U.S. Navy in 1985. He served continuously on active service upon various ships and shore stations where he was involved in every aspect of diving and special operations work from saturation diving and deep submergence to submersible design and clearance diving.

Now that he is retired from 28 years of active service to the United States, he is the president of the International Board of Undersea Medicine. He also volunteers his time as the CEO of the Association for Marine Exploration. He is an invited speaker on medical, motivational, sea and space related topics. 

Joseph earned a bachelor's degree in Computer Science from the University of South Carolinaas well as a masters degree in Astronautical Engineering from Naval Post Graduate School inCalifornia. Additionally, he is a graduate of the Advanced Management Program at the University of Virginia Darden School of Business and earned a Ph.D. in Biomedical Engineering from theUniversity of South Florida.

Joseph is the author of numerous diver-training manuals, a co-author of the book “Tao of Survival Underwater”, a contributing author to the Navy Diving Manual, and has been published in several journals including those produced by the American Society of Naval Engineers and American Institute of Aeronautics and Astronautics. He is a class "D" Licensed Sky Diver, a one atmosphere suit Pilot and a Level three certified Systems Engineer and Level three Program Manager for the Department of Defense.

Commander Dituri has 11 personal awards / (medals) earned from his time in the U.S. Navy, enjoys writing books, skydiving and has a long-term goal of being a civilian Astronaut.

#brainhealing #drdeepsea #humanperformance #drjosephdituri #navydiver #hyperbaric #research #liveunderwater #projectneptune #biomedical #scientificexploration  #braininjuries #ptsd #medicine #health #mentalhealth #navy #mars #space #astronaut #diving #marineexploration 

#218 Cracked Open – Carly Wopat on Turning Pain Into Purpose! 🎙️ Meet Carly Wopat — Athlete. Fighter. Soul-Seeker.

"Every time I’ve gone through something difficult, it’s cracked me open—and from that space, something new could grow." — Carly Wopat

What happens when everything you thought defined you—athlete, twin, high achiever—is suddenly gone?

For Carly Wopat, the answer wasn’t to break. It was to rebuild.

After the devastating loss of her twin sister, Carly didn’t just survive—she started a relentless journey of transformation. From volleyball stardom to the deep introspection of breathwork, from raw grief to the mental and physical grind of Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu and firefighting, Carly has reinvented herself time and time again. Every challenge became a doorway to another version of who she could be.

You can review the show-notes at: https://www.nextlevelguy.com/carlywopat218/

Carly Wopat is no stranger to pressure. A former U.S. National Team volleyball player and 3-time First-Team All-American at Stanford, Carly excelled at the highest level of sport while earning a degree in Human Biology. But it was personal tragedy—not podiums—that would shape the most important chapter of her life.

In the years since, Carly has become a hybrid athlete and a force of nature. From boxing and BJJ to trail running and earning the Top Recruit Award in fire academy, she’s proof that strength isn't just built in the gym—it's built in the moments you choose to keep going. Whether she’s coaching, competing, or serving her community as a firefighter, Carly brings a rare blend of heart, grit, and wisdom to everything she does.

In this episode, Carly shares her powerful story—of loss, resilience, reinvention, and what it means to live a life of real impact. If you’re navigating change, chasing purpose, or trying to find your way through pain, this one’s for you.

#carlywopat #grief #volleyball #twins #identity #loss #resilience #reinvention #competing #winning #change #purpose #firefighter #heartandgrit #gym #health #mentalhealth #fireacademy #followyourownjourney #personaltragedy #saveothers #serveothers #breathwork #bjj 

#217 – Erika Ettin: Fix Your Dating Profile, Stop Overthinking & Master Online Dating

"If you’re struggling with dating, the problem isn’t the apps, the city, or your age—it’s how you’re using them. Be intentional, be confident, and most of all—be yourself." – Erika Ettin

Dating in the modern world is a battlefield of swipes, texts, and ghosting—and if you’re not playing the game right, you’re getting left behind. That’s where Erika Ettin comes in. She’s not just a dating coach; she’s a strategist, a game-changer, and the secret weapon behind thousands of successful relationships.

You can listen to the episode and review the show-notes at: https://www.nextlevelguy.com/erikaettin217/

As the founder of A Little Nudge, Erika has taken the guesswork out of dating. Armed with a background in business analytics and a sharp, no-nonsense approach, she helps people craft dating profiles that stand out, send messages that actually get responses, and navigate first dates with confidence. Her expertise has been featured in The New York Times, The Washington Post, NPR, and more—because when it comes to modern dating, she knows exactly what works.

If you’re tired of endless swiping, awkward conversations, and wondering why dating feels like an uphill battle, Erika is here to shake things up. Get ready for real, actionable advice that will transform your love life.

#erikaettin #dating #relationships #couples #meetnewpeople #datebetter #datingapps #onlinedating #meetonline #swiperight #textgame #ghosting #datinggame #standoutonline 'getrepliesondatingapps #craftastandoutdatingprofile #attractlikealegend #lovelife #awkwardconversations #endlessswiping #friendzone

#216 – Ermina Isanovic: Rewire Your Mind, Break Negative Patterns & Create Lasting Change

"Your thoughts create your reality. If you’re stuck in a cycle of negativity, it’s not because you’re broken—it’s because your mind has been trained that way. The good news? You can rewire it. With the right tools, you can break patterns, shift your mindset, and start living the life you actually want." – Ermina Isanovic

Today’s guest is Ermina Isanovic, a powerhouse in the world of psychotherapy, CBT, hypnotherapy, and coaching. Ermina isn’t just a skilled and compassionate practitioner—she’s someone who has lived through life’s toughest challenges. As a child war refugee, she witnessed firsthand how resilience and mindset can make or break a person. This experience ignited her passion for psychology and helping others unlock their full potential.

You can listen to the episode and review the show-notes at: https://www.nextlevelguy.com/erminaisanovic216/

Today, Ermina works with everyone from CEOs and surgeons to stay-at-home parents, guiding them to overcome self-doubt, manage stress, and break through limitations. Using a unique blend of cognitive-behavioral strategies and hypnotic techniques, she empowers clients to transform anxiety, boost confidence, and rediscover their authentic selves.

With a track record of leading mental health programs for NGOs across Europe and helping countless individuals align with their true identity, Ermina’s mission is clear: to help you thrive, not just survive. Don’t miss this conversation with a true expert in transformation and self-discovery!

#erminaisanovic #rewirethebrain #breaknegativepatterns #createlastingchange #negativity #shiftyourmindset #psychotherapy #cbt #hypnotherapy #warrefugee #resilience #mindset #psychology #selfdoubt #stress #anxiety #breakthroughlimitations #confidence #findyourtrueself #thrivenotsurvive #selfdiscovery #transformation

#215 – Louee Dessent-Jackson: Bringing History to Life, YouTube Success & Following Your Passion

"Most people think history is just dates and battles, but it’s the personal stories that make it real. I wanted to create something where you don’t just learn about history—you experience it. Whether it’s marching in Napoleon’s army, standing in a Viking shield wall, or surviving in a WWII tank, Survive History is all about putting you in the moment." – Louee Dessent-Jackson

You can find the show-notes at: https://www.nextlevelguy.com/loueedessentjackson/

Today’s guest is Louee Dessent-Jackson, a multi-talented producer, presenter, and writer who’s taking the digital world by storm!

Known for his captivating storytelling and passion for the past, Louee brings history to life on his YouTube channel Survive History.

Whether it’s uncovering forgotten tales or reimagining iconic events, Louee’s work blends creativity with a unique perspective that keeps audiences hooked.

Get ready to dive into the mind of a true storyteller and discover the secrets behind creating engaging, thought-provoking content.

This is an episode you won’t want to miss!

#LoueeDessentJackson #survivehistory #learnourpasttohaveabetterfuture #history #youtube #nextlevelguypodcast #notjustdatesandbattles #storytelling #contentcreation 

#214 Unbreakable: Damien Rider on Resilience, Extreme Challenges & Mental Mastery

Today’s guest is Damien Rider with a focus on Pushing Limits and Building Resilience!

You can listen to the episode and review the amazing show-notes at: https://www.nextlevelguy.com/damienrider214/

Damien Rider is an adventurer, extreme endurance athlete, and world record holder whose feats defy logic and push the boundaries of human performance. Recognized as the Men’s Health Man of the Year and a two-time Australian of the Year nominee, Damien has built himself into one of the world’s fittest endurance athletes—not just for personal achievement, but to inspire and uplift others.

As a life coach and expert in neurophysiology, Damien helps people shift their mindset from problems to solutions, empowering them to build resilience and keep moving forward. His groundbreaking One Breath Meditation technique has helped countless individuals harness focus, calm the mind, and navigate life’s toughest challenges.

Beyond personal achievement, Damien has dedicated himself to humanitarian efforts, using his platform to advocate for men’s health, mental well-being, and positive transformation. His journey has been captured in documentaries aired on National Geographic, and he has taken the stage at TEDx talks across the Asia Pacific and the U.S., sharing his insights on mental strength and perseverance.

Whether he’s tackling grueling endurance challenges, guiding others to unlock their full potential, or speaking on global stages, Damien’s message is clear:

BREATHE. ACCEPT. ADAPT. KEEP MOVING FORWARD.

Some of Damien's amazing accomplishments include:

• Pulled a 2.8 tonne pick-up truck 8 miles solo in 3 hours 30 minutes
• Paddled 480km over 9 days on a Stand Up Paddleboard in Maldives
• Climbed out of a Hot Air Balloon basket, to the top by rope ladder, with no parachute at 10,000 feet, 30% less oxygen, -1 degree temp, 40 kph wind movement
• Skydive off the Top of a Hot Air Balloon 7500 feet above the ground
• Paddling 500 miles for 17 days in shark-infested waters along the Australian Coast
• Skateboarding for 56 days along the entire Route 66 through the scorching Mojave Desert
• Pushing a 3 tonne truck down the Gold Coast highway
• Running a marathon with a mattress on his shoulder with the words “Never lay down, Never give up”, all for his cause 

#damienrider #adventure #tedx #nextlevelguypodcast #challenges #pushyourself #breathe #onebreathmeditation #accept #adapt #keepmovingforward #unbreakable #mentalmastery  #resilience #pushinglimits #turnpainintopower #menshealth #mensmentalhealth #harnessfocus #calmthemind #navigatechallenges