The Upgraded Man

We dive into an honest conversation with Roy Ward, CEO, President, and Founder of Pre-Game Athletics, on why he moved from a 20-year career in the reactive medical device industry to pioneer a proactive movement focused on preparing for peak performance. It’s not about just "warming up"—it’s about committing to a ritual that fuels you mentally and physically.

In this episode, we challenge the idea of preparation as a forced habit, exploring the three-step process of making it a ritual you feel. Roy details how music integration and new sports tech wearables are central to this shift, helping entrepreneurs, athletes, and "movers" of all kinds optimize their performance without taking extra time out of their day.

It’s time to move beyond the Band-Aid fixes of a reactive lifestyle and embrace proactivity. Discover the secret sauce behind the Pre-Game community, the power of a "voluntary discomfort" ritual (sauna and cold plunge), and the vital role of recovery—because your recovery is the start of your warm-up for the next event.

Roy's final message: "Appreciate every moment. Make the most of every moment. Prepare to be your best at everything you do, and always stay in the saddle."

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⚡️For Support inquires or Business inquiries, please email us at ➡︎ [email protected]

Our mission here at Elevate Media is to help purpose-driven entrepreneurs elevate their brands and make an impact through the power of video podcasting.

Disclaimer: Please see the link for our disclaimer policy for all our episodes or videos on the Elevate Media and Elevate Media Podcast YouTube channels. https://elevatemediastudios.com/disclaimer

This episode may or may not be sponsored. Some product links are affiliate links, meaning we'll receive a small commission if you buy something.

===========================

⚡️ PODCAST: Subscribe and listen on all major platforms

⚡️ Want to be a guest on The Upgraded Man? Apply here ➡ https://upgraded-man.com/guest

⚡️ For support or business inquiries, email us ➡ [email protected]

Our mission at The Upgraded Man is simple — help men upgrade every area of their life through real conversations, honest stories, and actionable insight from men who have done the work.

Want to be a guest on The Upgraded Man? Send Chris Anderson a message on PodMatch, here: https://www.podmatch.com/hostdetailpreview/upgradedmanpodcast

The content on The Upgraded Man is for informational and entertainment purposes only. The views expressed by the host and guests are their own and do not constitute professional legal, financial, medical, or therapeutic advice. Always consult a qualified professional before making decisions based on information discussed on this podcast.

Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Chris Anderson speaks with Dr. Brian McCarley about his journey from a head athletic trainer to a long-time successful chiropractor, guiding entrepreneurs, business leaders, and families.

• From Athletic Training to Chiropractic: Dr. Brian recounts his career shift, explaining that the late-night, intense lifestyle of an athletic trainer was incompatible with being a newlywed. This led him through a brief stint in the business world before choosing chiropractic—a more natural, faith-aligned healthcare approach—necessitating a difficult move to Texas for three years of school.
• The Entrepreneurial Decision Cascade: Success after the initial leap requires navigating a continuous series of smaller, difficult decisions that, when stacked together, can feel overwhelming. Dr. Brian advocates for prioritizing based on what's urgent versus what's truly important, and learning to make the "least bad decision" when all options are challenging. He suggests using whiteboards and Post-it Notes to visualize and prioritize tasks, and to always assess how one decision will affect others down the road.
• The Value of Advisors: Having a team of trusted advisors is crucial for gaining an outside perspective, simplifying complex issues, and identifying personal "blind spots" or ego-driven blocks that cloud judgment. Dr. Brian sees his role with patients and clients not as an educator, but as a "guide" to help them become the "hero of their own life."
• Overcoming "Brain Fog" with Health: The episode dives into the connection between health and entrepreneurial performance. Dr. Brian pinpoints "bright shiny syndrome" and neglecting self-care as common causes of mental clarity issues that compromise business-critical decisions.
• Practical Health Strategies for High-Achievers:
  • Efficient Exercise: Focus on activities that offer the greatest benefit in the shortest time, citing rucking (walking with a weighted vest) as an effective, low-impact method.
  • Time Management & Delegation: Calculate your effective hourly rate and delegate tasks that cost less than that rate to a VA or part-time help, freeing up the entrepreneur for high-value work and personal time.
  • Hourly Brain Breaks: Set a timer to take a 5-minute break every hour to step away from the computer. This prevents neurological burnout and increases efficiency and problem-solving.
• The Logic of Intermittent Fasting: Dr. Brian shares his thoughts on intermittent fasting, noting that three meals a day is a product of the industrial revolution and that bodies are designed for periods of fasting. He advises anyone trying it to be deliberate, prepare for mental shifts, and learn to distinguish between true hunger and boredom by drinking water.

This episode may or may not be sponsored. Some product links are affiliate links, meaning we'll receive a small commission if you buy something.

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⚡️ PODCAST: Subscribe and listen on all major platforms

⚡️ Want to be a guest on The Upgraded Man? Apply here ➡ https://upgraded-man.com/guest

⚡️ For support or business inquiries, email us ➡ [email protected]

Our mission at The Upgraded Man is simple — help men upgrade every area of their life through real conversations, honest stories, and actionable insight from men who have done the work.

Want to be a guest on The Upgraded Man? Send Chris Anderson a message on PodMatch, here: https://www.podmatch.com/hostdetailpreview/upgradedmanpodcast

The content on The Upgraded Man is for informational and entertainment purposes only. The views expressed by the host and guests are their own and do not constitute professional legal, financial, medical, or therapeutic advice. Always consult a qualified professional before making decisions based on information discussed on this podcast.

Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

What if we told you that the whole concept of work-life balance sets us up for disappointment? Brace yourselves for an enlightening discussion where we challenge the narratives surrounding pursuing a harmonious life and the misconceptions about entrepreneurship. We dive into honest conversations about the grind in reaching our life goals and the sacrifices we need to make for long-term success. It's not about working 24 hours a month and expecting a rosy life, it’s about understanding that success demands effort.

We're not here to sugarcoat things. Starting a business is not as simple as leaving your 9 to 5 job and suddenly having a Ferrari in your garage. We must prioritize and manage our time effectively, making strategic decisions about what we're willing to give up for the sake of our dreams. And most importantly, how we spend our time now will determine our growth and success in the future. So, are you spending time on activities that fuel your growth, or are you wasting your potential? 

Let's take a hard look at ourselves and our routines. It's time to break free from the illusion of work-life balance and step into the reality of what it takes to elevate ourselves, our brand truly, and our agency.

This episode may or may not be sponsored. Some product links are affiliate links, meaning we'll receive a small commission if you buy something.

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⚡️ PODCAST: Subscribe and listen on all major platforms

⚡️ Want to be a guest on The Upgraded Man? Apply here ➡ https://upgraded-man.com/guest

⚡️ For support or business inquiries, email us ➡ [email protected]

Our mission at The Upgraded Man is simple — help men upgrade every area of their life through real conversations, honest stories, and actionable insight from men who have done the work.

Want to be a guest on The Upgraded Man? Send Chris Anderson a message on PodMatch, here: https://www.podmatch.com/hostdetailpreview/upgradedmanpodcast

The content on The Upgraded Man is for informational and entertainment purposes only. The views expressed by the host and guests are their own and do not constitute professional legal, financial, medical, or therapeutic advice. Always consult a qualified professional before making decisions based on information discussed on this podcast.

Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

In this episode of the Elevate Media Podcast, Chris Anderson sits down with viral marketing expert and AI creator Austin Armstrong to break down the real art of going viral without chasing shortcuts. From posting 20 to 25 times a day on Facebook to building micro SaaS with vibe coding, Austin shares exactly how he has generated billions of views, built multiple seven-figure businesses, and stacked numerous streams of income using social media the smart way.
 

In this episode, you will learn: 

• Why “the algorithm hates me” is really a discipline and longevity problem.
• How Austin went from 600 “failed” YouTube uploads to 100K subscribers in three days by narrowing his content and doubling down on what worked 
• The power of creating a repeatable content series with the same hook and structure but fresh “meat in the middle.”
• Why most creators should stop starting over and instead refine their niche and audience on the channel they already have
• How to niche down, define your ideal client persona, and choose the right platform and format for them. 
• Austin’s “START” video framework for turning views into trust and leads
• Why he posts 20 to 25 times a day on Facebook and how collaboration pods and simple text threads are driving tens of millions of views
• How to walk the line between clickbait, controversy, and ethical engagement
• Why perfectionism is just procrastination in disguise and how quantity leads to quality over time 
• What vibe coding is and how non-technical creators can build micro SaaS tools that generate recurring revenue
• The mindset, sacrifices, and consistency required to replace your job income with content and online offers

This episode may or may not be sponsored. Some product links are affiliate links, meaning we'll receive a small commission if you buy something.

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⚡️ PODCAST: Subscribe and listen on all major platforms

⚡️ Want to be a guest on The Upgraded Man? Apply here ➡ https://upgraded-man.com/guest

⚡️ For support or business inquiries, email us ➡ [email protected]

Our mission at The Upgraded Man is simple — help men upgrade every area of their life through real conversations, honest stories, and actionable insight from men who have done the work.

Want to be a guest on The Upgraded Man? Send Chris Anderson a message on PodMatch, here: https://www.podmatch.com/hostdetailpreview/upgradedmanpodcast

The content on The Upgraded Man is for informational and entertainment purposes only. The views expressed by the host and guests are their own and do not constitute professional legal, financial, medical, or therapeutic advice. Always consult a qualified professional before making decisions based on information discussed on this podcast.

Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

A deep dive into data-driven marketing and entrepreneurship with Dr. Alexa D'Agostino, covering two decades of experience and insights.

• Persistence vs. Delegation: The biggest hurdles to scaling are a lack of persistence for those under $1 million and a CEO's inability to delegate and focus on strategy for those over $5 million.
• Data is More Than Numbers: Data is defined as buying behavior, what customers hate, when they click, and why they don't buy—it’s crucial to listen to what the data is screaming, not to guess.
• The Shift in Content: Polished, overproduced content is hurting conversions. What converts now is "raw, real, fast, unedited" content like screenshots and behind-the-scenes looks, which builds trust and transparency.
• AI as an Amplifier: AI will not take over marketing teams but will change their roles, requiring more strategists. AI is only as good as the knowledge it's trained on, and it amplifies what you know.
• Relentless Execution: Dr. Alexa’s secret sauce is "relentless execution"—moving faster, testing faster, and launching, learning, and tweaking instead of waiting for perfection.
• Avoiding Shiny Object Syndrome: Founders should focus on one offer and scale it to the $750K to $1.5M range to ensure enough profit to hire a dedicated team member before expanding to a second offer.
• Tracking Traction: Traction isn't always revenue; it can be momentum, interest, waitlist sign-ups, or acquisition interest, which indicates the need to pivot or double down.
• Single Channel Focus: Beginning entrepreneurs should focus on mastering one channel (e.g., TikTok for product, LinkedIn for education) where their consumer is, to build community, drive traffic, and avoid burnout.
• Top 3 Data Points: The most important metrics to track are Traffic (are they staying?), Conversion Rate (is the campaign working?), and Cost Per Sale/Lead.
• Low vs. High Ticket Sales Funnel: Social media acts as the top of the funnel to build trust. Low-ticket sales are a volume play, while high-ticket sales require deeper trust and a longer engagement journey (often six months or more).
• Essential Business System: Every founder needs a CRM (even starting with a basic spreadsheet like Excel) to capture leads, keep them warm, and follow up, as leads don't just "pop up."
• Value in the Age of AI: The true value an expert provides is in context, knowledge, and perspective, which AI cannot replicate because it has not lived the experience.

This episode may or may not be sponsored. Some product links are affiliate links, meaning we'll receive a small commission if you buy something.

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⚡️ PODCAST: Subscribe and listen on all major platforms

⚡️ Want to be a guest on The Upgraded Man? Apply here ➡ https://upgraded-man.com/guest

⚡️ For support or business inquiries, email us ➡ [email protected]

Our mission at The Upgraded Man is simple — help men upgrade every area of their life through real conversations, honest stories, and actionable insight from men who have done the work.

Want to be a guest on The Upgraded Man? Send Chris Anderson a message on PodMatch, here: https://www.podmatch.com/hostdetailpreview/upgradedmanpodcast

The content on The Upgraded Man is for informational and entertainment purposes only. The views expressed by the host and guests are their own and do not constitute professional legal, financial, medical, or therapeutic advice. Always consult a qualified professional before making decisions based on information discussed on this podcast.

Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

In this episode, Chris breaks down Elon Musk’s Neuralink: the promises, the problems, and the real concerns no one’s talking about. From medical skepticism to ethical red flags, data transparency, past animal testing issues, hacking risks, and the spiritual implications of tampering with the brain, Chris unpacks whether Neuralink is a revolutionary idea or a dangerous overreach.
 

MAIN TALKING POINTS:

• What Neuralink claims it can do vs. what’s actually proven
• Lack of transparency and peer-reviewed data
• Skepticism from the medical community
• Ethical concerns and past monkey deaths
• Big Pharma comparisons and bias
• Risks of hacking and mind manipulation
• AI, robotics, and the future of medical breakthroughs
• The spiritual and moral danger of modifying the mind
• Personal reasons Chris isn’t on board with brain implants
• Why believers must stay discerning with new technology

This episode may or may not be sponsored. Some product links are affiliate links, meaning we'll receive a small commission if you buy something.

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⚡️ PODCAST: Subscribe and listen on all major platforms

⚡️ Want to be a guest on The Upgraded Man? Apply here ➡ https://upgraded-man.com/guest

⚡️ For support or business inquiries, email us ➡ [email protected]

Our mission at The Upgraded Man is simple — help men upgrade every area of their life through real conversations, honest stories, and actionable insight from men who have done the work.

Want to be a guest on The Upgraded Man? Send Chris Anderson a message on PodMatch, here: https://www.podmatch.com/hostdetailpreview/upgradedmanpodcast

The content on The Upgraded Man is for informational and entertainment purposes only. The views expressed by the host and guests are their own and do not constitute professional legal, financial, medical, or therapeutic advice. Always consult a qualified professional before making decisions based on information discussed on this podcast.

Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

A deep dive into entrepreneurship with Wes Towers, covering his two decades of experience and insights.

• Early Beginnings: Wes's unconventional start in web design and his decision to launch his own business after a few years in marketing agencies.
• Taking the Leap: The apprehension and opportunities that led Wes to start his own agency, taking over a handful of clients.
• Sales Transformation: How Wes overcame his lack of confidence in sales, learned to be his authentic self, and focused on understanding client needs.
• The Power of Networking: The unexpected benefits of joining a networking group, not just for leads, but for honing his business presentation skills.
• Niche Specialization: The "horror story" that taught Wes the crucial lesson of sticking to his lane and specializing in trades and construction.
• AI and the Future of Business: Wes's perspective on AI as a disruptor and how it forced him to double down on human connections, relationship building, and expertise.
• The Entrepreneurial Rollercoaster: Navigating the ebbs and flows of business over 20 years and the importance of slowing down and refocusing.
• Key Lessons for Growth: The three most important things Wes learned: mastering sales, building and leading a team effectively, and cultivating an abundance mindset.
• Personal Growth through Business: How entrepreneurship amplifies life lessons and Wes's focus on mentoring his children to achieve their own success.
• Evolving Marketing Trends: The shift away from traditional funnels due to the changing value of information and the rise of "Search Everywhere optimization."
• The Art of Storytelling: The impact of storytelling in marketing and how a simple blog post led to a major newspaper feature.

This episode may or may not be sponsored. Some product links are affiliate links, meaning we'll receive a small commission if you buy something.

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⚡️ PODCAST: Subscribe and listen on all major platforms

⚡️ Want to be a guest on The Upgraded Man? Apply here ➡ https://upgraded-man.com/guest

⚡️ For support or business inquiries, email us ➡ [email protected]

Our mission at The Upgraded Man is simple — help men upgrade every area of their life through real conversations, honest stories, and actionable insight from men who have done the work.

Want to be a guest on The Upgraded Man? Send Chris Anderson a message on PodMatch, here: https://www.podmatch.com/hostdetailpreview/upgradedmanpodcast

The content on The Upgraded Man is for informational and entertainment purposes only. The views expressed by the host and guests are their own and do not constitute professional legal, financial, medical, or therapeutic advice. Always consult a qualified professional before making decisions based on information discussed on this podcast.

Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

A punchy mindset reset for entrepreneurs and leaders. Chris unpacks the Alan Watts quote—“You are under no obligation to be the same person you were five minutes ago”—and shows how to flip the next five minutes to your advantage.

• The Alan Watts quote that snaps you out of autopilot
• Why identity is a choice, not a sentence
• Moving vs. stagnating: “If you’re not moving, you’re dying”
• Reframing mistakes from five minutes ago (anger, fear, laziness)
• Choosing happiness, gratitude, and perspective—on purpose
• Setting boundaries and building a backbone without losing kindness
• A simple reflection prompt to break labels and rewrite your story
• Daily practice: decide who you’ll be in the next five minutes

This episode may or may not be sponsored. Some product links are affiliate links, meaning we'll receive a small commission if you buy something.

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⚡️ PODCAST: Subscribe and listen on all major platforms

⚡️ Want to be a guest on The Upgraded Man? Apply here ➡ https://upgraded-man.com/guest

⚡️ For support or business inquiries, email us ➡ [email protected]

Our mission at The Upgraded Man is simple — help men upgrade every area of their life through real conversations, honest stories, and actionable insight from men who have done the work.

Want to be a guest on The Upgraded Man? Send Chris Anderson a message on PodMatch, here: https://www.podmatch.com/hostdetailpreview/upgradedmanpodcast

The content on The Upgraded Man is for informational and entertainment purposes only. The views expressed by the host and guests are their own and do not constitute professional legal, financial, medical, or therapeutic advice. Always consult a qualified professional before making decisions based on information discussed on this podcast.

Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

In this episode of the Elevate Media Podcast, Chris Anderson delivers a wake-up call about excuses, ownership, and action. He dives deep into why most people stay stuck—blaming others, their environment, or circumstances—and how to shift into full accountability to transform your business, health, and life.

Main Talking Points:

• Why excuses keep you from growth and success
• Taking 100% ownership of your results
• Breaking free from the victim mindset
• How to respond instead of react when challenges hit
• Why success requires discomfort and persistence
• Letting go of people who don’t share your vision or work ethic

This episode may or may not be sponsored. Some product links are affiliate links, meaning we'll receive a small commission if you buy something.

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⚡️ PODCAST: Subscribe and listen on all major platforms

⚡️ Want to be a guest on The Upgraded Man? Apply here ➡ https://upgraded-man.com/guest

⚡️ For support or business inquiries, email us ➡ [email protected]

Our mission at The Upgraded Man is simple — help men upgrade every area of their life through real conversations, honest stories, and actionable insight from men who have done the work.

Want to be a guest on The Upgraded Man? Send Chris Anderson a message on PodMatch, here: https://www.podmatch.com/hostdetailpreview/upgradedmanpodcast

The content on The Upgraded Man is for informational and entertainment purposes only. The views expressed by the host and guests are their own and do not constitute professional legal, financial, medical, or therapeutic advice. Always consult a qualified professional before making decisions based on information discussed on this podcast.

Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

In this episode of the Elevate Media Podcast, host Chris Anderson sits down with Andrew Stallings, founder and president of Athelo Group. Andrew redefines athlete marketing in the modern era, having partnered with over 130 brands and properties. With over 15 years of experience shaping how athletes, brands, and media connect, Andrew shares his journey from producing NASCAR radio to building one of the fastest-growing agencies in sports. He discusses the importance of community over currency, navigating challenges in building relationships, and the evolving landscape of athlete partnerships and NIL. Tune in to learn, grow, and elevate your business with insights from a prominent figure in the sports industry.

Main talking points:

• Andrew Stallings' Background: Founder of Athelo Group, an athlete marketing agency, with 15+ years in sports branding.
• Athelo Group's Philosophy: "Community over currency" – building resources for rising sports talent.
• Business Challenges: Emphasizes value, networking, adaptability, and personal journey.
• Timing & Preparation:  Importance of planning, backup plans, and consistent work routines.
• Entrepreneurial Mindset:  Continuous improvement, managing finances, and balancing self-interest.
• Community as Network: Network extends beyond business; being a connector is key.
• Navigating Egos: Challenge egos inquisitively, offer solutions, and recognize varied approaches.
• Evolving Partnerships: Shift from "sponsorship" to "partnership" and digital engagement.
• Impact of NIL: Concerns about fragmentation and need for more structure in college sports.
• Athlete Marketing: Diversified revenue streams, engaged audiences, and understanding long-term value.
• Advice for Aspiring Professionals: Proactively find and solve problems to advance careers.

This episode is NOT sponsored. Some product links are affiliate links, meaning we'll receive a small commission if you buy something.

===========================

⚡️PODCAST: Subscribe to our podcast here ➡ https://elevatemedia.buzzsprout.com/

⚡️Need post-recording video production help? Let's chat ➡ https://calendly.com/elevate-media-group/application

⚡️For Support inquires or Business inquiries, please email us at ➡︎ [email protected]

Our mission here at Elevate Media is to help purpose-driven entrepreneurs elevate their brands and make an impact through the power of video podcasting.

Disclaimer: Please see the link for our disclaimer policy for all our episodes or videos on the Elevate Media and Elevate Media Podcast YouTube channels. https://elevatemediastudios.com/disclaimer

This episode may or may not be sponsored. Some product links are affiliate links, meaning we'll receive a small commission if you buy something.

===========================

⚡️ PODCAST: Subscribe and listen on all major platforms

⚡️ Want to be a guest on The Upgraded Man? Apply here ➡ https://upgraded-man.com/guest

⚡️ For support or business inquiries, email us ➡ [email protected]

Our mission at The Upgraded Man is simple — help men upgrade every area of their life through real conversations, honest stories, and actionable insight from men who have done the work.

Want to be a guest on The Upgraded Man? Send Chris Anderson a message on PodMatch, here: https://www.podmatch.com/hostdetailpreview/upgradedmanpodcast

The content on The Upgraded Man is for informational and entertainment purposes only. The views expressed by the host and guests are their own and do not constitute professional legal, financial, medical, or therapeutic advice. Always consult a qualified professional before making decisions based on information discussed on this podcast.

Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.