In this powerful and raw episode, Brad sits down with special guest Paul Casey, whose story of redemption will leave you inspired and fired up to take full ownership of your life.

Paul spent 10 consecutive years in some of the toughest prisons in the California Department of Corrections. But instead of letting that time break him, Paul used it as fuel for transformation. Toward the tail end of his sentence, he got sober, dove into fitness and nutrition, and began helping others with their macros and training—all from behind bars.

Upon release, Paul wasted no time jumping headfirst into the fitness industry—training clients at Orangetheory and leading group fitness classes. Today, he’s the proud owner of The Better You, a thriving personal training business in the Bay Area offering private and group coaching.

We talk about:

• What prison really taught him about discipline and character
• How fitness and sobriety became his anchor
• The mindset it takes to turn rock bottom into a launching pad
• His transition from incarceration to entrepreneurship
• Why daily habits and structure are non-negotiable in building a better life

Paul’s story is proof that your past does not define you—and that with purpose, discipline, and a vision, you can rewrite yours.

Follow Paul on Instagram - @the_coach_paul

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Order from Cured Supplement

Order from Legion Supplements and get 20% off your first order by using discount code: keynutrition

Connect with us on Instagram

Host Brad Jensen – @thesoberbodybuilder

Guest Paul Casey - @the_coach_paul

Next Level Nutrition – @mynextlevelnutrition

Episode Timestamps

00:00 "From Victim to Predator"

08:05 Assault and Terrorist Threat Conviction

14:11 Numbness and Hustle After Loss

17:01 Drug Dealing Descent Into Addiction

22:36 Transformation Through Inmate Mentorship

29:50 Discovering Passion Through Helping Others

35:19 "Sobriety Journey: In and Out"

40:08 Sacrifices for Fitness Success

46:47 Self-Neglect Due to Overcommitment

50:03 Hormonal Differences: Impact on Fitness

54:21 Ego-Free Transformation Journey

59:18 Identity Transformation Steps

01:05:54 Overcoming Negative Self-Image

01:09:47 Sharing Stories Boosts Business

01:14:06 Embracing My Past as an Asset

01:20:28 "Comparison as Joy's Thief"

If you’ve ever felt fired up on a Monday and totally off the rails by Thursday, you’re not alone — I’ve been there too. In this solo episode, I’m breaking down why motivation is one of the most overrated tools in your toolbox… and what actually keeps you going when motivation fades (because it will).

I’ll walk you through a powerful mindset shift that’s changed everything for me — how identity, discipline, and simple systems are what really drive lasting results. We’re diving into James Clear’s concept of identity-based habits, and I’ll show you exactly how I apply this in my life, my fitness, and how I coach others to do the same.

If you’re tired of riding the motivation rollercoaster, this one’s for you.

Apply For The Next Level Scholarship - Apply Here

Interested in working with a coach? Get a free nutrition consultation - Schedule Here

Join Us On Patreon - Join Here

Submit your questions to be featured on our Q&A episodes.

Order from Cured Supplement

Order from Legion Supplements and get 20% off your first order by using discount code: keynutrition

Connect with us on Instagram

Host Brad Jensen – @thesoberbodybuilder

Next Level Nutrition – @mynextlevelnutrition

In this episode of the Next Level Health & Fitness Podcast, Brad Jensen and cohost Craig Smith dive into Mel Robbins’ popular “Let Them” theory that’s been making the rounds on social media. You’ve probably seen it—someone disrespects you or doesn’t meet your expectations and the advice is: “Let them.” But is it that simple?

We unpack the potential benefits of this mindset—especially when it comes to releasing control, protecting your peace, and avoiding unnecessary emotional burnout. But we also challenge the idea and explore the dangers of oversimplifying complex relationships or bypassing healthy boundaries.

This is a conversation rooted in nuance, not black-and-white thinking. We talk about how to discern when “letting them” is empowering… and when it’s actually enabling.

Even when it comes from someone we admire—like Mel Robbins—we believe it’s worth slowing down and looking at the full picture.

What you’ll hear in this episode:

• What the “Let Them” theory really means
• Where this mindset can be empowering and liberating
• The risk of using it to avoid conflict or ignore hard conversations
• How to tell when to let go vs. when to lean in
• Why it’s healthy to question even advice from people you respect

If you’ve ever struggled with people-pleasing, setting boundaries, or navigating emotional fatigue in relationships—this one’s for you.

Join The Collective - Join Here

Interested in working with a coach? Get a free nutrition consultation - Schedule Here

Join Us On Patreon - Join Here

Submit your questions to be featured on our Q&A episodes.

Order from Cured Supplement

Order from Legion Supplements and get 20% off your first order by using discount code: keynutrition

Connect with us on Instagram

Host Brad Jensen – @thesoberbodybuilder

Next Level Nutrition – @mynextlevelnutrition

Episode Timestamps

00:00 Mel Robbins' Rapid Rise

06:00 "Mel's Unique Approach: Acceptance"

09:36 Book Critique: Oversimplified, Lacks Boundaries

10:32 "Setting Healthy Boundaries"

16:45 "Regret Over Quitting Baseball"

19:33 Coping with Uncontrollable Outcomes

22:25 "Reflecting on Family and Self"

24:53 "Understanding Cognitive Behavioral Responses"

28:37 "The Cost of 'One More'"

31:20 Parental Control and Stress Response

33:46 "Grateful for Your Support"