In this episode of The Best You Podcast, Nick sits down with Stephen Smith, the founder and CEO of HOTWORX—a fast-growing fitness franchise blending heat, infrared sauna, and virtual instruction to create one of the most unique workouts on the market. Stephen shares his entrepreneurial journey, beginning with opening a gym at just 23 years old, to successfully scaling Planet Beach and later launching HOTWORX, now a powerhouse brand in the fitness space. But this episode is about more than just business. We dive into leadership, family, personal evolution, and what Stephen’s learned by balancing the demands of growth with staying grounded at home. What You’ll Learn: ● How Stephen grew Planet Beach and HOTWORX into franchise empires ● The leadership strategies that keep hundreds of franchisees aligned ● What he's changed his mind about in fitness after decades in the industry ● How fatherhood shaped his leadership—and vice versa ● Stephen’s current workout routine and how he stays sharp 🎯 Whether you're a fitness entrepreneur, a business leader, or just someone trying to grow in both your work and personal life—this one’s packed with gold. 👉 Listen now: www.nickcarrier.com/stephensmithbestyou Website: https://www.hotworx.net/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/hotworxceo/?hl=en Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/StephenPSmithHotworx/

Does the number on the scale control your mood? In today’s episode, Nick breaks down how to stop letting your weight define you—and what to do instead. From setting more empowering goals to tracking progress without emotional spirals, this episode will give you the mindset, tools, and freedom to rebuild your relationship with the scale. 🎯 You’ll learn: ● Why the scale is only one form of feedback ● How to reframe daily fluctuations and trends ● Why avoidance often makes things worse ● The importance of data, not drama ● How to detach your worth from your weight 📅 Want to improve your health with a proven system? Join the next 10-Week Transformation, Oct 6 – Dec 12 🔗 nickcarrier.com/10wt

In this eye-opening episode of The Best You Podcast, Nick talks with Tara Vander Dussen, a fifth-generation dairy farmer and environmental scientist who’s on a mission to make farming and food production more transparent, sustainable, and understandable. Tara has spoken on stages from SXSW to the United Nations, and brings science-backed clarity to the often murky world of agriculture. We talk about what farming practices actually benefit your health and the environment, what food labels in the grocery store are meaningful, and which ones are complete nonsense. Tara also shares her perspective on the Make America Healthy Again (MAHA) movement—the good, the hype, and the nuance. If you’ve ever wanted to understand where your food really comes from—and how to shop smarter—this episode is for you. What You’ll Learn: ● The difference between sustainable and unsustainable farming practices ● How dairy farms like Tara’s manage water use and manure (yes, really!) ● What food labels actually mean—and which ones are marketing fluff ● The real story behind milk, cheese, and modern dairy production ● A science-based take on the MAHA Movement and clean eating trends 🎯 Whether you care about your food, your health, or the planet—this episode will change the way you see the grocery store. 👉 Listen now: www.nickcarrier.com/taravanderdussenbestyou Go listen and subscribe to their podcast: Discover Ag on Spotify, Apple Podcast, YouTube Follow on Instagram: @discoveragpodcast @taravanderdussen @nataliekovarik

Ready to take your nutrition beyond the basics? In this episode, Nick walks you through Steps 5–8 of his proprietary Nutrition Mastery Ladder. These are the habits that support heart health, brain health, gut health, and long-term wellness. If you’ve already nailed things like calories, protein, and real food—this is your next step. 🔑 What You’ll Learn: ● Why Omega-3s are critical for brain health and inflammation ● How to get enough antioxidants and polyphenols each week ● How to strengthen your gut with probiotics and fermented foods ● Which supplements are worth your time and money 🎯 Want to put this into practice? Join the next 10-Week Transformation 🗓️ Starts October 6th 🔗 nickcarrier.com/10wt

In this inspiring episode of The Best You Podcast, Nick sits down with Katie Van Arendonk, a seasoned marathoner, run coach, doctor of physical therapy, and mom of four. Katie has completed 30 marathons across 29 states—all while raising kids involved in all kinds of sports and moving across the country six times. This episode is packed with practical wisdom on how to stay consistent in your fitness routine no matter how chaotic life gets. From time management tips to running fundamentals, Katie offers a real-world masterclass for parents, athletes, and anyone who wants to make health a sustainable priority. What You’ll Learn: ● How Katie structures her day to balance training and motherhood ● Why Zone 2 running is critical for endurance, performance, and longevity ● The best strength exercises for runners (that most people skip) ● Common pitfalls former athletes face when transitioning to running ● How to build habits that last—even through relocations, parenting, and busy seasons 🎯 Whether you’re a parent trying to stay active, a runner wanting smarter strategies, or someone who needs permission to keep showing up, this episode is for you. 👉 Listen now: www.nickcarrier.com/katievanarendonkbestyou

In this episode of The Best You Podcast, Nick breaks down the first 4 habits of the Nutrition Mastery Ladder—his step-by-step framework to help you eat better, without confusion or extremes. You’ll learn how to: ● Eat real food most of the time (and why it matters) ● Manage calories without obsessing ● Get enough fiber for gut and digestive health ● Eat the right amount of protein to build and protect muscle 📌 These 4 habits are simple, science-backed, and powerful enough to create major health transformations. 🎯 Join the next 10-Week Transformation 🗓️ October 6th - December 12th 🔗 nickcarrier.com/10wt 📺 Watch this next: How to Eat for Longevity

In this episode of The Best You Podcast, Nick sits down with Dr. Jonathan Carp, a dermatologist, lifestyle medicine expert, and CEO of Miracle Noodle—a product line now available in over 22,000 stores. Dr. Carp has dedicated his life to helping people prevent and even reverse chronic conditions through nutrition, lifestyle, and an often overlooked, unknown tool: imagination. We dive deep into how dietary changes can heal skin conditions, extend your life, and transform how you feel day to day. Dr. Carp also shares the health science behind shirataki noodles—made from the konjac plant—which are ultra-low calorie, low-carb, and promote satiety and gut health. But what truly sets this episode apart is the conversation on mental imagery—and how one of Dr. Carp’s patients used it to cure her cancer. What You’ll Learn: ● Which foods help (and hurt) your skin’s health ● Why Miracle Noodles are more than a guilt-free pasta alternative ● The role of the konjac plant in gut and metabolic health ● How mental imagery and imagination can accelerate healing ● Why Dr. Carp believes food and thought are more powerful healers

Stress doesn’t just happen—it’s the result of neglect. In this episode, Nick breaks down how to eliminate unnecessary stress by using his Hexagon of Competence framework. You’ll learn how managing six core areas of life proactively—Health, Personal, Professional, Financial, Spiritual, and Relational—helps you feel more in control and less overwhelmed. Nick shares real examples from his own calendar to show how small actions in each area build a strong foundation and reduce mental chaos. 🔑 What You’ll Learn: ● Why stress is often a delayed consequence of neglect ● How to spot the area of life you’ve been ignoring ● Why weekly planning is your best defense against stress ● What to do this week to regain control and reduce overwhelm

The scale isn’t moving—and you’re frustrated. But here’s the thing: that doesn’t mean what you’re doing isn’t working. It just means it’s time to adjust your approach. In this episode, Nick breaks down both sides of the fat loss equation—calories out and calories in—and shows you exactly what to look at when the scale seems stuck. From metabolism to macros, snacking to stress, this episode gives you the practical tools to move forward. 🔑 What you’ll learn: ● How to increase your TDEE with simple daily habits ● Why protein and fiber are your two best fat loss allies ● How things like alcohol, mindless snacking, and weekend overeating sabotage progress ● What it really means when the scale won’t budge—and how to shift momentum 🎯 Join the Fat Loss Forever Workshop 🗓️ Wednesday, August 13th at 12pm CT ➡️ nickcarrier.com/fatloss

In this special episode of The Best You Podcast, Nick sits down with longtime mentor and friend Scott Miller and his 15-year-old son Thatcher for a refreshingly honest conversation about parenting. Scott and Thatcher have just released a book sharing 30 raw insights into his experiences as a father—complete with mistakes, missteps, and meaningful lessons. At the end of each chapter, Thatcher shares his own candid thoughts, giving us a rare glimpse into how parenting choices feel from the child’s perspective. If you’re a parent in the thick of it, this episode and book is for you. If you’re a soon to be parent and want to get a jumpstart on some best practices, then tune in. Or if your kids have grown up and you want to learn how to transition to more of a friend to them, then tune in, too. This conversation is equal parts heartwarming, humorous, and profoundly insightful. What You’ll Learn: ● What it’s been like for Scott and Thatcher to write this book together ● How to find the balance of “controlling” vs. “responsible boundaries” as a parent ● How to raise respectful kids (even when it’s hard) ● How to raise gentlemen in an increasingly ungentlemanlike world ● Tools and exercises you can do with your own family like “tech-free Sunday,” how to come up with core values as a family ● How to teach your kids financial responsibility

Eating less is not better—and in this episode, Nick breaks down why that mindset could be hurting your fat loss, your energy, and your metabolism. You’ll learn what actually happens to your metabolism when you chronically under-eat, why “skinny” doesn’t mean “healthy,” and what to do if you feel like your body has stopped responding after years of restrictive eating. 🔑 What you’ll learn: ● How your body adapts to low calorie intake ● Why chronic under-eating stalls fat loss long-term ● How to fix a damaged metabolism and fuel your body with confidence 🎯 Workshops You Can Join: ● Fat Loss Forever Workshop – Wednesday, August 13th at 12pm CT ➡️ nickcarrier.com/fatloss ● Build Your Intentional Life Workshop – Wednesday, August 20th at 5pm CT ➡️ nickcarrier.com/intentional

In this episode of The Best You Podcast, Nick sits down with Nick Pellegrino, the heart and soul behind Mangia Nashville—a three-hour, family-style Italian feast that’s more than just a dinner; it’s a cultural experience. Inspired by his roots in New York catering, Italian travels, and holiday meals with family, Pellegrino has created a restaurant environment that exudes warmth, tradition, and belonging. What began as a pop-up event in 2011 has become a must-have experience in Nashville. We discuss how Nick built Mangia’s one-of-a-kind culture, the challenges he faced during COVID (including announcing a closure), and why his approach to food, family, and service continues to leave a lasting impact. What You’ll Learn: ● How Mangia Nashville started as an experiment and turned into a movement ● Why the experience matters more than just the food ● The intentional culture of family, joy, and service Nick created with his team ● Lessons in resilience from almost closing post-COVID ● How to lead with passion and stay true to your roots in business 🎯 If you love food, family, or want to learn how to build a business with heart—this one’s for you.

Wondering how many reps you should be doing in the gym? In this solo episode, Nick clears up one of the most common questions in fitness: Should you lift heavier for fewer reps—or go lighter for more? You’ll learn exactly how many reps to do for your goal (strength, muscle growth, or endurance), what triggers actual results, and how to adjust based on where you’re at today. 🔑 What you’ll learn: ● The truth about rep ranges and what they actually do ● How to adjust your weight, reps, and assistance to match your goal ● Why “lean muscle” isn’t a real thing—and what actually makes you look fit 🎯 Join the Fat Loss Forever Workshop 🗓️ Wednesday, August 13th at 1pm ET / 12pm CT ➡️ nickcarrier.com/fatloss 📺 Watch this next: The Pre-Workout Meal Guide: Timing, Macros, and Common Pitfalls https://youtu.be/ET-Wn2-kIPk

In this episode of The Best You Podcast, Nick sits down with Andres Ayesta, Registered Dietitian and founder of Planos Nutrition, to unpack his ambitious new self-experiment. Andres is undergoing 60 days of rigorous dietary testing—30 days on a modified Whole30 diet, followed by 30 days on a Carnivore Diet. What makes this journey unique is the depth of tracking and intention behind it: from body composition and bloodwork to sleep, recovery, hunger levels, and mental clarity. We dive into the science behind metabolism—how to heal it, speed it up, and avoid the most common mistakes that sabotage it. Whether you're a health nerd, someone struggling with consistency, or curious about diet trends, this conversation is full of eye-opening insights. What You’ll Learn: ● Why Andres is doing a Whole30-to-Carnivore transition ● Key biomarkers he’s tracking and what he's already seeing ● How metabolism works (and how to fix a "slow" one) ● The 3 most common mistakes people make with their health ● Why restrictive diets don’t work—and what to do instead 👉 Learn more about Andres at Planos Nutrition 🎯 Sign up for the next workshop at https://nickcarrier.com/fatloss

You’ve been told that fasted cardio burns more fat… but does it really? In this episode, Nick breaks down one of the most popular fitness myths and explains the real science behind fasted cardio. You’ll learn what it’s good for, what it’s not, and how to actually make it work for your goals. 🔑 What you’ll learn: ● Whether fasted cardio leads to more fat loss ● Why burning fat during a workout ≠ burning body fat ● The truth about fasting and fat loss ● When fasted cardio can be a good idea—and when it’s not 🎯 Join the Fat Loss Forever Workshop 🗓️ Wednesday, August 13th at 12pm CT ➡️ nickcarrier.com/fatloss 📺 Watch this next: Gary Brecka - Anti-Aging and Longevity Habits For More Energy, Improved Blood Work, & A Longer Life https://youtu.be/RRJ4njY6rPQ?si=LuLaoNV5HDSBSGiK

In this powerful and personal episode of The Best You Podcast, Nick sits down with Gary Anderson, Pastor at Midtown Granny White in Nashville and someone who’s had a big impact on Nick and Kennedy’s life—including walking them through pre-marital counseling. Gary shares his journey from a successful business career to answering a deeper call—leaving the corporate world to attend seminary and become a pastor. Together, they unpack what it means to discern a true calling, how faith shapes our definition of success, and how to raise kids with conviction—without being forceful. Whether you’re wrestling with your own purpose, seeking clarity around your faith, or just wanting to live more aligned with what matters most—this episode will resonate deeply. What You’ll Learn: ● How Gary transitioned from the business world to full-time ministry ● The difference between a calling and a motivation ● When and how he became bold in sharing his faith ● How he and his wife navigated the career transition with 4 kids ● His approach to raising kids in faith without coercion ● What it means to be successful in God’s eyes—not just the world’s 🎯 If you’re craving purpose, peace, and perspective—this episode is for you. 👉 Listen now: www.nickcarrier.com/garyandersonbestyou

You don’t have to let travel destroy your fitness progress. In this episode, Nick breaks down how to stay on track when you're out of routine, whether you're on the road for work, traveling with family, or heading off on vacation. You’ll learn 7 simple strategies to stay grounded without being perfect. 🔑 What you’ll learn: ● The mindset shift that changes everything ● 7 prep steps that keep your workouts and nutrition on track ● How to feel in control no matter where your travel takes you 👉 If you want to lose fat in a way that lasts, download this free PDF: 5 Steps to Sustainable Fat Loss Get it for free at: https://nickcarrier.com/5stepstofatloss

In this episode of The Best You Podcast, Nick sits down with Stacie Kinder, who served as the head coach of the Tennessee Titans Cheerleaders for 15 years. During that time, she developed her leadership skills, and she mentored, challenged, and supported hundreds of young women on and off the field. This conversation is packed with real talk on leadership, confidence, body image, and parenting. Stacie opens up about how she grew as a leader, how she kept egos in check in a high-stakes environment, and how she approached conversations around body image - I’m excited to see what you think about her take on this issue. She also shares some powerful parenting wisdom about setting high expectations for those you love most. What You’ll Learn: ● How to evolve as a leader and build trust over time ● The keys to managing ego in a high-pressure team culture ● How to talk to young women about body image in a REAL way ● Why high expectations are an act of love—not pressure ● How Stacie applies her leadership principles to parenting 🎯 If you lead others, raise kids, or want to grow into a more impactful leader—this episode will light a fire under you. 👉 Listen now: www.nickcarrier.com/staciekinderbestyou Links: https://www.instagram.com/staciekinder/

You’re eating great all day… then falling apart at night. Sound familiar? In this episode, Nick dives into one of the most common—and frustrating—fat loss issues: staying on track until evening hits. You’ll learn why this pattern happens, what emotional and physiological triggers drive it, and most importantly, what to do instead. 🔑 What you’ll learn: ● Why your willpower tanks at night ● How under-eating and stress fuel cravings ● 6 tactical ways to stop sabotaging your progress after dark 👉 If you want to lose fat in a way that lasts, download this free PDF: 5 Steps to Sustainable Fat Loss Get it for free at: https://nickcarrier.com/5stepstofatloss 📺 Watch this next: https://youtu.be/J3S67tupw8w?si=9fckfFZmwjVn22m2

You’re starting a new fitness goal—but how do you actually set yourself up for success? In this solo episode, Nick walks you through the 4 essential steps you need to take before chasing your next health or fitness goal. You’ll learn how to build early momentum, stay consistent, and mentally prepare for the challenges ahead. 🔑 What you’ll learn: ● How to set a goal that motivates you and keeps you going ● What weekly habits actually move the needle ● The mindsets and systems that separate finishers from quitters 🎯 Join the Fat Loss Forever Workshop 🗓️ Wednesday, August 13th at 12pm CT ➡️ nickcarrier.com/fatloss 📺 Watch this next: https://youtu.be/MkjBgClxseA?si=VHltaAcaJrX1C4Jb