In this episode of The Lab Podcast, Kel and Cody dive into everything from setting realistic goals in 2025 to dissecting the chaos of current events—including Cyber Trucks, social media fact-checking, and navigating mental health in a world that feels like it’s on fire (literally and metaphorically). Tune in for their personal fitness goals, insights into staying consistent when life throws curveballs, and a few hilarious tangents about aliens, dystopian marketing tactics, and the importance of taking control where you can. Whether you’re looking to refine your fitness goals or just want to laugh about the madness of 2025, this episode has it all.

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In this episode, Cody and Kel discuss various topics, starting with personal updates and reflections on the year. They then delve into current events, particularly the recent fascination with drones and UFOs, exploring theories and public reactions. The conversation shifts to a critical discussion on trans youth and healthcare, addressing the complexities of transitioning, the importance of therapy, and the societal implications surrounding these issues. In this conversation, Kel and Cody discuss the importance of mentorship programs, the science of muscle and metabolic adaptation, and how these concepts relate to fitness and nutrition. They explore common misconceptions about metabolism, the components that make up metabolic processes, and strategies to mitigate metabolic adaptation. The discussion also touches on the mindset around food, especially during the holiday season, emphasizing the importance of balance and awareness in dietary choices.

In this episode of The Lab, Kel and Cody dive into how stress impacts your fitness goals – from cortisol spikes and fat storage to poor sleep and disrupted training. They share personal experiences, actionable tips, and mindset shifts to help you manage stress and prevent it from sabotaging your gains.

They also discuss the importance of knowing when to pivot your training, how to balance life stress without adding more pressure to fitness, and why sometimes “pulling back” can push you forward.

Plus, stay tuned for an honest (and relatable) conversation about healthcare, life challenges, and why resilience matters when things feel overwhelming.

What You’ll Learn:

• The effects of stress on fat loss and muscle gain.

• How cortisol impacts your progress.

• Practical ways to manage stress and still hit your goals.

• Why small changes and rest days are not setbacks.

Timestamps:

• 00:00 – Intro and Cody’s 10-Year T Milestone

• 08:00 – Stress, Healthcare, and Life’s Challenges

• 27:00 – The Science Behind Stress and Gains

• 32:00 – Practical Tips to Reduce Stress and Improve Recovery

• 42:00 – Recognizing When to Pivot in Training

• 47:00 – Power Talk: The Importance of Resilience

In this episode, Cody and Kel discuss strategies for navigating the holiday season without losing track of health and fitness goals. They emphasize the importance of planning, setting boundaries, and making smart choices during social gatherings. The conversation covers how to handle holiday anxiety, the significance of treat meals, and managing leftovers effectively. Listeners are encouraged to enjoy the holidays while maintaining a balanced approach to nutrition and self-care. In this conversation, Kel and Cody discuss strategies for navigating food choices during the holiday season, addressing emotional eating, the impact of alcohol on fitness goals, and practical tips for maintaining healthy habits at gatherings. They emphasize the importance of self-care, flexibility in food choices, and the need to be gentle with oneself during this time of year.

Chapters

00:00 Holiday Survival Guide Introduction

09:48 Navigating Holiday Anxiety and Social Gatherings

19:58 Setting Boundaries and Making Smart Choices

29:58 Managing Leftovers and Maintaining Balance

27:00 Emotional Eating and Coping Strategies

29:58 The Impact of Alcohol on Fitness Goals

34:58 Practical Tips for Healthy Holiday Gatherings

39:00 Nurturing Body and Soul During the Holidays

In this episode, Kel and Cody dive into the complex topic of self-sabotage, unpacking why we often stand in our own way and how to break free from those cycles. They explore the root causes, such as fear of failure, perfectionism, and low self-worth, while sharing actionable tips like building awareness, setting small goals, and practicing gratitude. Both hosts share personal stories of overcoming self-sabotage and the power of reframing negative self-talk.

The episode also features a heated discussion about Sarah McBride, the first openly transgender member of Congress, and the controversy surrounding her compliance with discriminatory rules. Cody and Kel share differing views on advocacy, strength, and the responsibility of public figures, offering a balanced perspective on the challenges faced by marginalized communities in leadership.

The episode wraps up with a reminder of your inherent worth and a call to support yourself and others through challenges, especially during the holiday season.

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In this episode of The Lab Podcast, hosts Cody and Kel tackle the nuanced topic of obesity, exploring whether it should be classified as a disease. They dive into the societal and healthcare implications of this classification, discussing the pros and cons while reflecting on personal experiences and the broader societal climate.

The conversation sheds light on the complexities of the obesity epidemic, examining the healthcare system's treatment approach, the role of GLP-1 medications, and the influence of capitalism and marketing on food choices. Cody and Kel emphasize the importance of balancing personal responsibility with systemic change, advocating for a standardized treatment approach that prioritizes lifestyle changes over medication. Along the way, they touch on the challenges of adult friendships, the stigma surrounding obesity, and how recent events have shaped mental health and community connections.

Join the discussion as they explore the intersection of health, society, and personal growth in this thought-provoking episode.

In this episode, we take a deep dive into RFK’s “Make America Healthy Again” (MAHA) movement, breaking down its key points, potential benefits, and the major concerns surrounding it. We talk about chronic disease prevention, regenerative agriculture, food safety, and what it really means to make America “healthy” again.

We also share our thoughts on how misinformation, political agendas, and corporate interests complicate these health initiatives. Along the way, we reflect on our own experiences with healthcare challenges and discuss the balance between staying informed and protecting your mental health.

To wrap it up, we offer a power talk to remind you to give yourself credit for making it through the hard days—and encourage you to keep pushing forward no matter what’s ahead.

In this episode, Cody and Kel discuss the aftermath of the recent election, reflecting on their personal feelings and the broader implications for the trans community. They emphasize the importance of community support, resilience, and activism in the face of political challenges. The conversation touches on the need for empathy, the complexities of voting, and the ongoing fight for healthcare and rights. Ultimately, they encourage listeners to stay hopeful and engaged, reminding them that they belong and have the power to effect change.

In this conversation, Kel and Cody discuss their personal experiences and insights on various topics, including the challenges of hiring business coaches, the impact of Kratom as a supplement, and reflections on personal growth and motivation. They delve into the benefits and risks associated with Kratom, its uses in the fitness community, and the importance of taking small steps towards self-improvement.

Takeaways

Cody shares his experience with a business coach that didn't align with his values.

It's important to find a mentor who aligns with your values.

Kratom is gaining popularity for its potential benefits in pain relief and focus.

Different strains of Kratom serve different purposes: pain relief, energy, and relaxation.

Kratom is not heavily regulated, so it's essential to buy from reputable sources.

Dependency and addiction are risks associated with Kratom use, especially in high doses.

Kratom can help with mental health issues like depression and anxiety.

Starting with a low dose of Kratom is advisable to avoid negative side effects.

Personal growth takes time, and it's important to be patient with yourself.

Time will pass regardless, so it's better to start your journey now.

In this conversation, Cody and Kel discuss personal experiences with health, grief, and the complexities of being part of the trans community in today's political climate. They share stories about their pets, the emotional toll of loss, and the challenges of navigating societal expectations. The discussion shifts to the use of Ozempic for weight loss and its implications, emphasizing the need for holistic health solutions that address underlying issues rather than just symptoms. They conclude with a focus on self-care and the importance of being gentle with oneself during difficult times.