The Your Level Fitness Podcast: Real People. Real Stories. Real Life.

What happens when you stop worrying so much about how other people see you and start taking ownership of your own story?

In this conversation, I’m joined by David, a motivational speaker, podcaster, disability advocate, adaptive athlete, and someone who has spent years learning how to talk openly about life with cerebral palsy.

David shares how graduating from UCF became one of the turning points that pushed him toward motivational speaking after growing up with predictions about what he supposedly would never be able to do. We talk about how long it can take to actually find your message, why he eventually decided to address disability directly, and what happened when he stopped trying to control whether everybody accepted him.

We also get into podcasting and why David shifted from primarily telling his own story to creating a platform for other people to tell theirs. That has taken him into conversations with athletes, authors, people with disabilities, and even professional wrestlers, with a focus on understanding the person behind what everyone sees on the surface.

A big part of our conversation centers around disability advocacy and education. David shares why he is comfortable answering respectful questions about cerebral palsy, how a simple conversation can change someone’s perception of disability, and why there is a meaningful difference between genuine curiosity and treating someone differently because of their disability.

We also talk about staying active, David’s background as a three sport adaptive athlete and three time state champion cyclist, and what he would tell someone who knows they have a story worth sharing but is still hesitant to put themselves out there.

Ultimately, this is a conversation about appreciating yourself, deciding that your story has value, letting the right people find you, and understanding that you do not need everyone to approve of who you are.

Connect with David on Instagram:

https://www.instagram.com/davidironman_11/

Subscribe to his YouTube channel:

https://www.youtube.com/@davidscpfitness

Rachel has lost 100 pounds more than once.

She has also regained it, gone through cancer treatment, dealt with steroids, stress, major life changes, and reached a point where the strategies that had worked for her in the past were no longer giving her the same results.

In this conversation, Rachel shares what led her to start exploring GLP 1 medications, what happened when insurance would not cover the prescription her doctor wrote, and why her first experience with a compounded option left her feeling extremely sick and unable to eat.

We also talk about what changed when she found an approach that felt more manageable, why she views GLP 1 medication as another tool in the toolbox, and how she responds to people who call medication assisted weight loss “cheating” or “the easy way out.”

Rachel is very open about emotional eating, food addiction, weight regain, social media judgment, and the reality that knowing what worked before does not always mean it will work the same way now.

One of the biggest themes in this conversation is adaptability.

Life changes. Bodies change. Circumstances change. The plan may need to change too.

Rachel is not promising that this is the final answer forever. She is sharing what is helping her right now, what she has learned along the way, and why she continues to focus on movement, nutrition, and using the tools available to her while figuring things out one step at a time.

Follow Rachel on Instagram:

https://www.instagram.com/rachels_journey3.0/

GLP-1 medications have changed the weight loss conversation, but what happens when we move beyond simply asking how much weight someone can lose?

In this conversation, I sit down with my longtime friend Rob of Busy Bariatrics to talk about GLP-1s, food noise, bariatric surgery, sustainable weight management, resistance training, body composition, and the mental and emotional side of changing your life.

Rob shares his own experience with bariatric surgery and eventually starting a GLP-1 medication after discussing it with his doctor, researching it for about a year, and considering more than just the number on the scale. We talk about his experience navigating weight regain during an incredibly difficult period of injury, grief, and major changes in his everyday life, and why knowing what to do does not make us immune to what happens when life changes.

We also get into one of the biggest questions surrounding GLP-1s.

What happens to the habits, routines, and relationship with food while the medication is working?

There can be tremendous value in having relief from thoughts and feelings around food, especially when those experiences have consumed mental energy for years. I also think there is room to simply experience that relief without immediately turning it into another project that needs to be optimized.

At the same time, long-term health still involves building a lifestyle around the tool you are using.

Rob and I discuss resistance training, preserving lean tissue during weight loss, using blood work and other health markers to look beyond scale weight, and why sustainable change does not require being all in every minute of every day.

Then we dig into food noise.

The term can be extremely useful because it gives people language for experiences they may have struggled to describe before. But that does not mean every thought about food is automatically food noise, or that every thought and feeling around food needs to disappear.

Sometimes hunger is hunger.

Sometimes someone may simply not be eating enough.

Sometimes thoughts around food are connected to emotions, habits, culture, family, social experiences, or memories.

And sometimes there may genuinely be persistent food noise that deserves further exploration.

Food is nuanced because our relationship with food is connected to our relationship with ourselves.

This conversation is not about telling you whether you should or should not use a GLP-1. It is about giving you more to consider as you figure out what sustainable health, weight management, and your relationship with food look like for you.

Continue With Rob and Busy Bariatrics

Listen on Spotify:

https://open.spotify.com/show/56aD8jQHxIys99itoSyyIQ

Listen on Apple Podcasts:

https://podcasts.apple.com/pl/podcast/bariatrics-and-glp-1s-for-busy-people-with-rob-dimedio/id1765407351

Watch on YouTube:

https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLwZvWAbVrj0ANxI9uufcfwsGGbSexdkAU

Follow Rob on Instagram:

https://www.instagram.com/myweightishistory/

Follow Daryl on Instagram:

https://www.instagram.com/daryltperry

What if fitness was built around what your body can do instead of forcing your body into a program that was never designed for you?

In this episode of The Your Level Fitness Podcast, I sit down with Richard Harrison, founder of Able Fitness & Nutrition, to talk about the training business he is building for people with cerebral palsy, physical disabilities, limitations, and anyone who needs a more individualized approach to fitness.

Richard has cerebral palsy himself and began training seriously after realizing that cookie cutter exercise programs simply did not work for his body. Over time, he learned how to adapt exercises to himself, and that experience eventually became part of a much larger vision.

For Richard, ABLE means All Abilities Welcome.

We talk about why so many adults with cerebral palsy and other disabilities lose access to support as they get older, why traditional gyms can feel intimidating, and why confidence can be just as important as the exercises themselves.

Richard also shares why he does not believe disability needs to become someone’s entire identity or automatically determine what they are capable of doing. There may be movements that need to be changed. There may be physical hurdles to navigate. But that does not mean there is not another way to approach the goal.

That philosophy is now becoming the foundation of Able Fitness & Nutrition.

Richard currently works with people one on one and is building toward helping clients beyond his local community through individualized programming that can reach people around the world. Instead of relying on automated, one size fits all plans, his goal is to understand the person in front of him and adapt the training accordingly.

We also talk about Richard’s own confidence, the support system he had growing up, what it means to become comfortable doing things differently in the gym, and the opportunity for disabled trainers to help other people with disabilities see what may be possible for themselves.

If you have cerebral palsy, another physical disability or limitation, or simply want to follow what Richard is building, connect with him below.

Connect With Richard Harrison and Able Fitness & Nutrition

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/able.fitness1/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61575858020520

TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@able.fitness1

Richard encourages anyone interested in working with him to reach out directly through one of his social media accounts to start a conversation about individualized training.

Connect With Daryl Perry

Instagram: https://instagram.com/daryltperry

In this conversation, Betsy Garrety  returns to share what life has really been like since retiring from education. We talk about the unexpected transition from the fast paced life of a classroom teacher to a completely different work environment, the anxiety that can come with major life changes, and how our identity can become closely tied to the work we do.

We also explore how transferable skills can open doors you never expected, why asking for help during life's transitions matters, and how Betsy's personal faith journey eventually led her to create the Chosen Retreat for Women. Through honest conversation, she shares how difficult seasons, including burnout and personal loss, helped shape a new sense of purpose centered on connection, reflection, and hope.

Whether you're approaching retirement, considering a career change, navigating a new season of life, or simply looking for encouragement, this conversation is a reminder that growth often begins where we least expect it.

Links Mentioned

Learn more about the Chosen Retreat for Women (December 10 through 13):

gcretreats.org

Connect with Betsy on Facebook:

https://www.facebook.com/betsy.garrety

What does discipline actually look like in real life?

In this conversation, Jeremy shares how sobriety, purpose, and consistent daily action have completely transformed the way he approaches fitness and life. From running a single mile to completing a full marathon on a treadmill and consistently logging more than 50 miles each week, he explains why discipline isn't about motivation. It's about keeping the promises you make to yourself.

We also discuss why most people place limits on themselves long before they reach their true potential, how to gradually push beyond your comfort zone, and why building confidence comes from repeatedly following through on your commitments.

Whether you're working toward a fitness goal, building a business, pursuing personal growth, or simply trying to become more consistent, this conversation is a reminder that meaningful progress comes from showing up, taking action, and believing you're capable of more than you think.

In this episode, we discuss:

• What discipline really means beyond motivation

• Why keeping promises to yourself builds lasting confidence

• Going from one mile to marathon distance through consistent progression

• Using fitness to strengthen your mindset for every area of life

• Why purpose naturally creates discipline

• The role sobriety played in creating long term change

• How to stop comparing yourself to others and focus on your own progress

Connect with Jeremy on TikTok:

https://www.tiktok.com/@jeremygrap22

Sometimes the greatest transformations don't begin with a workout plan or a new diet.

They begin with surviving your darkest day.

In this episode, I'm joined by Kyle Fry, who shares an incredibly honest conversation about living through chronic pain, surviving suicidal thoughts, rebuilding his life after multiple back surgeries, and ultimately losing more than 75 pounds by changing far more than his body.

Together, we explore how mindset, personal responsibility, supportive relationships, and daily action helped Kyle move from simply surviving to creating a life he genuinely enjoys living.

In this episode, we discuss:

• Kyle's battle with chronic pain and multiple back surgeries

• The day he nearly lost his life to suicide

• How one unexpected moment changed everything

• The mental and emotional side of long-term weight gain

• Why rock bottom became the turning point in his journey

• Losing more than 75 pounds through sustainable lifestyle changes

• Food addiction, habits, and rebuilding a healthier relationship with yourself

• The importance of surrounding yourself with people who genuinely want to see you succeed

• Why small, consistent goals often lead to the biggest transformations

• Making peace with your past without allowing it to define your future

This conversation goes far beyond weight loss. It's about resilience, choosing hope during incredibly difficult seasons of life, and recognizing that lasting change begins long before you see it reflected on the scale.

Whether you're navigating your own health journey, struggling with your mental health, or simply looking for encouragement to take the next step, I believe you'll find something meaningful in Kyle's story.

Connect with Kyle Fry

TikTok

https://www.tiktok.com/@kilofree86

Instagram

https://www.instagram.com/kilofree86

Facebook

https://www.facebook.com/kyle.fry.9210

Mental Health Resources

If you or someone you know is struggling with thoughts of suicide or experiencing a mental health crisis, please know that help is available.

United States & Canada

988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline

Call or text 988 to connect with a trained crisis counselor 24 hours a day.

https://988lifeline.org

If you believe someone is in immediate danger, call 911 or your local emergency services immediately.

You are not alone. Reaching out for help is a sign of strength, and support is available.

Life rarely unfolds exactly the way we expect.

In this episode of The Your Level Fitness Podcast, I'm joined by Bill Streetman for a conversation about identity, resilience, adapting to change, and learning to move forward when life takes an unexpected turn.

While many people know Bill through his remarkable weight loss journey, this conversation goes much deeper. We explore how major life events can reshape our identity, why flexibility often matters more than having the perfect plan, and how trusting yourself becomes one of the most important skills you can develop.

Bill shares the story of having a non-cancerous tumor removed from his carotid artery, the unexpected complications that followed, and how losing his voice forced him to redefine not only how he communicated with others, but how he viewed himself. Rather than allowing that challenge to become the end of his story, he found a new way to continue speaking, teaching, and encouraging others.

Throughout our conversation, we discuss what it means to adapt when life changes, why proper planning and flexibility go hand in hand, and how our body, mind, and spirit all influence our ability to navigate difficult seasons.

In this episode, we discuss:

• Why identity is constantly evolving throughout life

• The importance of adapting instead of resisting change

• What Bill learned after losing his voice

• Why flexibility often matters more than having the perfect plan

• How body, mind, and spirit work together

• Building confidence by trusting yourself to overcome challenges

• Why your "why" should be personal instead of borrowed from someone else

• Learning to adjust without giving up on your goals

• The difference between planning and expecting everything to go perfectly

• Why you're capable of more than you think

If you've ever felt like life forced you to change direction, I hope this conversation reminds you that your circumstances don't have to define your future. Sometimes the greatest growth comes from learning to adapt while continuing to move toward the life you want to build.

Connect with Bill Streetman on Facebook:

https://www.facebook.com/bill.streetman

Purchase Bill's book:

https://a.co/d/ivdughV

Thank you for listening to The Your Level Fitness Podcast. If this conversation encouraged you, please consider following the podcast and sharing this episode with someone who may need the reminder that it's never too late to adapt, grow, and keep moving forward.

Jeremy returns to the Your Level Fitness Podcast to share what's happened since our last conversation, and the progress is remarkable.

In just a few months, Jeremy has gone from building consistency in the gym to running over 100 miles in a month, preparing for a marathon, and setting his sights on an ultra marathon. But this conversation isn't just about running. It's about momentum, discipline, self-belief, and learning to remove the limits we often place on ourselves.

We discuss how his daily routine has evolved, why taking care of your mental health comes before anything else, the importance of adjusting your nutrition and recovery as your goals change, and why sustainable progress comes from showing up day after day. Whether you're working toward your first workout, your first 5K, or your biggest goal yet, this episode is a reminder that your potential is often greater than you think.

In this episode, we discuss:

• How Jeremy built an unbreakable daily routine

• Why momentum can completely change your fitness journey

• The connection between mental health and physical health

• Knowing when to adjust your nutrition as your activity increases

• Why removing self-imposed limits opens the door to new possibilities

• Building discipline through small daily actions

• Looking ahead to marathon and ultra marathon goals

Follow Jeremy on TikTok for more updates on his fitness journey and daily motivation:

TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@jeremygrap22

Thank you for listening to the Your Level Fitness Podcast. If this conversation encouraged you to take one more step toward your forever active lifestyle, be sure to subscribe, share this episode with someone who needs to hear it, and come back next time as we continue exploring the mindset, habits, and actions that help you learn to appreciate yourself from the inside/out while building a lifestyle you'll actually want to stick with.

Today on The Your Level Fitness Podcast, I'm joined once again by Kevyn J for a conversation that goes far beyond weight loss.

We discuss Kevyn's nearly 10-year wellness journey, including his experience using a GLP-1 medication as one tool to improve his health, the importance of strength training, working alongside your healthcare team, and what it really means to pursue long-term wellness instead of chasing quick fixes.

From there, the conversation naturally expands into men's mental health, emotional awareness, community, lifelong learning, artificial intelligence, social media, and why genuine human connection may be one of the most important parts of living a healthy life.

Some of the topics we explore include:

• Viewing GLP-1 medications as one tool within a broader wellness strategy.

• Building strength, protecting muscle, and improving long-term quality of life.

• The importance of finding healthcare professionals who truly partner with you.

• Why men need safe spaces to talk openly about mental and emotional health.

• Creating authentic community instead of relying solely on social media.

• Lifelong learning, adapting to change, and embracing new technology without losing human creativity.

• Finding common ground with others through fitness, music, conversation, and shared experiences.

This episode is a reminder that wellness isn't just about changing your body. It's about building a life that allows you to stay active, stay curious, develop meaningful relationships, and continue growing into the person you want to become.

A huge thank you to Kevyn for joining me again and for continuing to advocate for wellness, inclusion, and authentic connection.

Follow Kevyn and continue the conversation:

Instagram:

https://www.instagram.com/kevyn_j/

TikTok:

https://www.tiktok.com/@kevyn_j/

If you enjoyed this conversation, be sure to follow Kevyn on social media and stay connected with the positive work he's doing in the wellness and advocacy communities.