Pharmacist Sawyer Duffey joins Meredith and Dez for a deep dive into peptides—what they are, how they work in the body, and the real science behind the hype. From injury recovery and metabolism to anti-aging and libido, this episode breaks down the mechanisms, benefits, and risks of peptides in a way that’s digestible and honest.

You’ll learn:

• The difference between FDA-approved and research-grade peptides
• Why BPC-157 is called the “Wolverine compound”
• Which peptides impact growth hormone, metabolism, and sleep
• What to know before you ever try one

👀 Meredith teases her personal experience with peptides—more on that in a future episode!

In this episode of The Maximized Podcast, Meredith and Dez are joined by Clay Roelle, Nurse Practitioner at OptiLife Medical in Roswell, Georgia—a regenerative and wellness practice specializing in hormone optimization, peptide therapy, and more.

Peptides are one of the buzziest topics in the health and fitness world right now, but what are they really? Clay breaks down peptides in plain language—what they are, how they work, and who might benefit from them. We dive into popular peptides like NAD, BPC-157, and Sermorelin, explore their potential benefits for energy, inflammation, recovery, sleep, and body composition, and discuss the importance of having the right foundation in place first.

We also touch on GLP-1 medications like Ozempic and the rising trend of combining them with peptides to support muscle preservation and metabolic health.

Whether you're curious about peptides for performance, recovery, or overall wellness, this episode provides the balanced, science-backed insight you need to make informed decisions.

In this episode of the Maximize Podcast, Meredith and Dez sit down with CrossFit Games athlete, coach, and all-around powerhouse Griffin Roelle. 

From football fields to the CrossFit floor, Griffin shares how failure shaped his athletic journey—and why it’s essential for growth. 

We dive into the mental and hormonal differences between training men and women, how Griffin coaches female athletes around their cycle, and why understanding the “why” behind nutrition matters more than ever. Whether you're a weekend warrior, seasoned competitor, or just trying to feel better in the gym, this one’s packed with practical takeaways (and a few good laughs too).

This week on the Maximized Podcast, Meredith and Dez kick things off by celebrating some huge wins from their athletes — from qualifying for the CrossFit Games to running the Boston Marathon! Then they dive into a surprising topic: how eating kiwi fruit before bed could dramatically improve your sleep. They break down the research, personal success stories, and why sleep is so crucial for athletic performance and daily health. Plus, they tackle the hidden impacts of energy drinks and magnesium supplements on recovery, weight loss, and sleep quality. If you’re ready for better nights and bigger days, this one’s for you!

In this episode, Meredith and Dez take a deep dive into one of the most talked-about topics in nutrition—protein! From Instagram trends to conflicting medical advice, it can be hard to know how much protein you actually need. They cover common misconceptions, offer starting points based on goals like fat loss and muscle building, and share practical tips for getting enough protein (including Dez’s genius hack for egg whites 🥚). Whether you're plant-based, dairy-free, or just trying to get more consistent, this episode is packed with actionable advice—and a few laughs along the way.

🔹 How much protein is too much?
🔹 Why the “1g per pound” rule might not be for you
🔹 Protein sources for dairy-free and vegan diets
🔹 The truth about collagen and raw egg whites
🔹 How digestive enzymes can help you absorb more

In this episode of The Maximized Podcast, Dez and Meredith welcome Dr. Sara Ronhovde, a clinical psychologist with a background in exercise science, counseling, and teaching. Sara dives into the deep-rooted beliefs we hold about food, the difference between disordered eating and eating disorders, and how to cultivate a truly balanced relationship with nutrition.

They break down common misconceptions, the role of emotions in eating habits, and why more food—not less—can actually be the key to achieving health goals. Whether you’ve struggled with diet culture, emotional eating, or the all-or-nothing mindset, this conversation will help you shift your perspective and reclaim food as fuel.

Tune in for an insightful, no-BS discussion on food, mindset, and making sustainable health changes. Plus, a teaser for Part 2—where they’ll tackle body positivity, shifting cultural norms, and how to have healthy conversations around nutrition without shame.

Welcome to Season 3 of the Maximized Podcast! In this episode, Dez and Meredith are back to kick off the new year with a conversation about the importance of meal planning and why keeping it simple is often the key to success. They break down how meal repetition can help reduce stress, improve consistency, and lead to better results. Plus, they dive into the underrated benefits of walking—not just for physical health, but for mental well-being, stress reduction, and even trauma processing. Whether you’re looking to streamline your nutrition or find a sustainable way to boost your movement, this episode is packed with practical takeaways to help you stay on track in 2025!

🎧 Tune in now and start maximizing your health and fitness!

🎙️ “Back and better than ever!” Meredith and Dez return to the Maximize Podcast to share their personal journeys through life’s ups and downs. From managing injuries and finding movement through walking to groundbreaking insights on gut health and probiotics, this episode is packed with relatable stories and practical advice.

Whether you're recovering from a setback or just trying to maintain balance during life’s chaos, tune in for tips on:
✅ Staying active without overdoing it
✅ Why gut health and probiotics are game-changers
✅ Lifting weights for long-term health and vitality
✅ Giving yourself grace while staying consistent

In this episode of the Maximized Podcast, host Meredith welcomes Ellia Miller, a three-time semifinals games athlete, two-time fittest military service member, and ten-year Army veteran with a master's degree in neuroscience from Princeton. We discuss Ellia's recent participation in the NorCal Classic and her journey with running while training with Sean Sweeney in Nevada. 

Ellia shares her experiences with nutrition coaching and how it transformed her athletic journey. They also discuss Ellia's involvement with RISE, a nonprofit organization aimed at helping females thrive through fitness, and the upcoming Rise Up and Move event in partnership with 'Compete for a Cure' to support breast cancer research.

We help our clients heal.

More than anything, our goal is to help our clients heal their relationship with food, heal their mental outlook on their body, and heal their outlook on life.

Sometimes Coach Dez and Coach Meredith have to practice what they preach as Coach Meredith shares a story about life getting in the way and her food and wellness...

...But don't worry. We have to trust the process and heal.