If you are a business owner, entrepreneur, or driven man who keeps telling yourself you will “get back on track” when things calm down, this episode is for you. Because for most men, things do not calm down. Work stays heavy, family stays busy, and your health gets pushed to the side until low energy, extra weight, poor focus, and stress start showing up in your business performance and at home.I sat down with Coach Rob Wheeler, founder and CEO of Battle Harder and host of the Battle Harder Podcast. Rob is the creator of Operation Relentless, a coaching framework built for people who have been knocked off course by real life. Career shifts, burnout, divorce, identity loss, business setbacks, personal loss. We talk about how to rebuild purpose, discipline, and mental toughness when motivation is gone and you still have to lead.This conversation is for men who want fat loss, better energy, and sharper focus without pretending they have unlimited time. We get into fitness, nutrition, discipline, and mindset, and how small micro adjustments in training, food choices, sleep, and daily structure can move you forward even in your busiest seasons. We also talk about emotional fitness, loneliness, and why men need community, not another hype speech.In this episode, we cover:Why “waiting to feel ready” keeps men stuck, and how action creates clarityHow to build discipline when work pressure and family responsibilities are highSimple fitness and nutrition moves that support fat loss without overcomplicating your scheduleStress management for high performers who keep running hot and burning outThe real role of mindset and reframing when pressure starts spilling into your marriage and leadershipWhy strong men still need other men, and how community protects your health and your work-life balanceIf you want to be the kind of man who leads his home and leads his business with more energy, more control, and less chaos, press play. And if a guy comes to mind while you are listening, text him. That one move might matter more than you think.Coach Rob WheelerCEO, Battle HarderHost, Battle Harder PodcastWebsite: ⁠https://www.battleharder.com⁠

55: Why High Performers Choose the Hard Path With Their Health

Week 3 is where most New Year’s resolutions fall apart, especially for business owners, entrepreneurs, and driven men who live in a full calendar. Work ramps up, travel happens, sleep gets shorter, stress goes up, and the plan that felt easy on January 2 suddenly feels hard to keep.In this episode of Driven For Health, I’m talking to the guy who wants fat loss and better health, but also wants to keep winning at work and showing up at home. If you’re a man over 40 who feels your energy drop by mid-afternoon, your focus gets scattered, and your routine disappears the second business gets busy, this is for you.You’ll learn how to stop building your health on motivation and start building it on fundamentals that hold up in real life. We connect goal setting to a simple weekly system that supports men’s health, fat loss, energy, focus, productivity, and business performance without turning your life into a fitness project. This is about fitness, nutrition, and stress management that fits a real work-life balance, even if you’re running an online business, managing a team, or traveling.In this episode, you’ll learn:Why Week 3 is the real test of your New Year’s resolutionThe “fundamentals” that drive fat loss and better energy for men over 40How to plan for the obstacle that always shows up (work stress, travel, late nights, weekends)What to do after a messy day so it doesn’t turn into a messy weekThe 24-hour move that creates momentum when motivation is goneIf you’re tired of restarting every January and you want a simple system that makes your health automatic, press play.Want my help?Apply for The Call To Rise, my 100-day program for busy men over 40 who want fat loss, better energy, better focus, and better labs with a plan that works with business, travel, and family life.Go to thecalltorise.com and apply.

54: Make It Past Week 3 of Your New Year’s Resolution

In this episode of Driven For Health, I sit down with Andy, a busy family man and frequent traveler who dropped 38 pounds in 100 days inside The Call To Rise. If you’re a business owner, entrepreneur, or driven man who’s been trying to “get it together” but keeps getting pulled back into long workdays, travel, fast food, and stress, this conversation will hit home.Andy started at 212 pounds, dealing with the classic dad body, low energy, and a real wake-up call when his blood sugar started trending the wrong way and diabetes felt like a threat. We talk through what his life actually looked like, why Googling and AI plans didn’t solve the problem, and what finally worked when he committed to a simple system that fit a packed schedule. You’ll hear how we used consistent daily movement, smarter portions, realistic nutrition, and accountability to drive fat loss without turning his life upside down. No crazy long workouts. No Sunday meal preps. Just habits that support real men’s health, better energy, stronger focus, and better work-life balance when business and family demands stay high.If you want fat loss that carries over into better productivity, better business performance, and more confidence in your body, this episode lays out what actually matters: a plan you can follow when you’re busy, stressed, traveling, and tempted to fall back into old patterns. Andy’s story is proof that you don’t need more motivation. You need structure that works in real life, especially if you’re trying to lead at work and show up at home.If you want to learn more about The Call To Rise 100-Day Fat Loss Transformation Experience, visit www.thecalltorise.com.

53: Husband & Father of 2 Loses 38 lbs in 100 Day Challenge - Listen to How You Can Do It Too!

In this episode of Driven For Health, Coach Brian sits down with James Allen, founder of Profit Your Knowledge, for a grounded conversation about what actually drives performance for business owners, entrepreneurs, and driven men.This episode is for men who are trying to build a business, lead at work, and still show up at home, but feel stretched thin. We start with men’s health because energy, focus, and stress management determine how you perform long before strategy ever does. We talk about fitness, strength training, nutrition, fat loss, and daily habits that support consistent energy and mental clarity, not short bursts followed by burnout.From there, the conversation moves into productivity and work-life balance. James explains how poor health shows up as brain fog, short patience, and low output, and why improving physical health directly improves business performance. We discuss how structure, boundaries, and recovery allow men to be more effective at work while staying present with family.In this episode, we cover:Why energy and focus are the foundation for business performanceHow fitness, nutrition, and fat loss habits support productivity and stress managementThe connection between men’s health, leadership, and work-life balanceHow entrepreneurs reduce burnout by improving physical capacityTurning knowledge into digital products instead of trading time for moneyBuilding systems and automation that support long-term business performanceJames helps coaches and creators turn their knowledge into automated income with digital products so they can work less, earn more, and build a business that fits their life. Through his work, he has helped countless entrepreneurs move away from constant hustle and design an online business that creates freedom, leverage, and stability.The second half of the episode shifts into online business and leverage. We talk about YouTube, podcasts, long-form content, email lists, and building an automated business that continues to work even when you step away. This episode connects the dots between health, productivity, and building a business that lasts.If you care about men’s health, fat loss, energy, focus, productivity, and creating better results in both your work and your life, this conversation will give you a clearer way forward.Connect with James Allen:Website: https://www.profityourknowledge.com/Free Masterclass: Learn the system to sell digital products with automationhttps://www.profityourknowledge.com/masterclassGet 50 done-for-you viral content ideashttps://www.profityourknowledge.com/titlesYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/profityourknowledgeInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/profityourknowledge/

52: Why This Successful Business Owners Treat Health Like a Performance Tool

The U.S. just released a new food pyramid for 2026.If you are a busy man over 40 who has tried to “eat better,” followed advice from doctors, diets, or headlines, and still feels stuck with low energy, stubborn weight, or blood work that keeps trending the wrong way, this episode is for you.In this conversation, I break down the good, the bad, and the ugly of the new food pyramid and explain why public nutrition guidelines almost never translate into real results for men with demanding lives.We talk about:• Why food pyramids keep changing while obesity and chronic disease stay the same• How protein, fats, and carbohydrates keep getting misrepresented• Why ultra-processed foods, calories, and compliance matter more than any diagram• Why most men do not fail nutrition plans — the plans fail them• What actually works when your schedule is packed with work, travel, and family responsibilitiesThis is not a political episode or a diet debate.It is about helping men understand how to think about nutrition, so they can stop guessing and start building a system that works in real life.If this episode resonates, go back and listen to episodes 5 through 11, where I lay out my full nutrition framework step by step and show you exactly where to start.If you are done reacting to bad labs, low energy, and a body that does not reflect the work you put into the rest of your life, The Call To Rise is where this becomes execution.The Call To Rise is a 100-day fat loss and health transformation experience for driven men who want structure, clarity, and accountability — without wrecking their schedule.Men inside the program lose 20–30 pounds, improve blood markers like cholesterol, A1c, and blood pressure, and rebuild confidence through a system that fits real life.Learn more at www.thecalltorise.comThis episode is about understanding the problem.The Call To Rise is about fixing it.

51: New Food Pyramid 2026 and Why It Still Misses the Mark for Men

Imagine you are 29 years old with successful businesses and a family that depends on you. Your doctor tells you that your high blood pressure 160/110 means lifelong medication unless you make changes now. Drake went through this exact situation. His story starts next.Drake built and sold businesses as a driven entrepreneur. He managed high responsibility. At 29, blood pressure hit dangerous levels. Stress drained his energy. His doctor warned of medication or worse health risks like diabetes.Drake picked The Call To Rise, the 100-day fat loss experience for men. It uses strength training, personalized nutrition, and accountability. He dropped over 60 pounds. Blood pressure normalized. Confidence and leadership returned.Listen to his full story. He explains daily struggles, the simple system that worked, brotherhood support, and lasting changes. Men facing midlife weight gain, fatigue, high cholesterol, or family health fears will relate.This episode delivers real results for busy professionals. Proof from a man who leads.Join The Call To RiseDriven men drop 20-30 lbs in 100 days. Fix high blood pressure, cholesterol, or diabetes risks. Get strength training, nutrition plans, and brotherhood accountability. Rebuild your health and body. Start at www.thecalltorise.com.

50: 160/110 Blood Pressure then He Lost 60lbs While Running Businesses

ired of leaving your annual checkup with a new prescription, vague “eat better” advice, and worsening blood panels?In Episode 49, discover the 13 must-ask questions to arm yourself for your doctor’s visit. Questions that get real answers on weight loss plans, blood work targets (A1c, cholesterol, blood pressure), realistic timelines, costs, alternatives, and long-term health risks.Perfect for men in their 40s and 50s carrying extra weight, fearing heart disease, diabetes, or insulin dependency. Learn why even 20 extra pounds spikes your cardiovascular risk, drives up out-of-pocket costs (heart attack bills often hit $20K+), and robs your energy for work and family.This is not medical advice. It is your playbook to advocate for yourself, avoid the “management trap,” and walk out with a personalized plan.Plus, grab the free Improve Your Blood Panels Scorecard + 3-Day Metabolic Reset to decode your labs and start fixing them today: https://thecalltorise.com/improveyourbloodpanelsThe 13 Questions to Ask Your Doctor:	1.	How do you usually build a weight management plan with patients like me?	2.	How much weight should I lose, and what is a realistic timeline?	3.	Which weight management options do you recommend for me, and why those specifically?	4.	What other options should be on the table, and when would you consider them?	5.	How often should we check in to make sure this is working?	6.	What will this likely cost, and what is usually covered versus out of pocket?	7.	If this plan does not work as expected, what is the next move?	8.	Are you willing to partner with me on my weight and metabolic health long term?	9.	What can I start doing today, before I leave the office?	10.	Are there genetic or ethnicity related factors that change how you look at my risks?	11.	How long will it realistically take for me to reach the goals we discussed?	12.	Who else should be on my team to help me manage my weight and health?	13.	If I lose this weight and keep it off, what specific health benefits should I expect to see?

49: 13 Must Ask Questions to Stop Getting Meds When You Go To The Doctors

What do you do when life hits hard and your default is to go extreme, white knuckle it, and burn out?In this guest conversation on Sh!t Creek Survivors, we talk about “survivor mode” the right way. Not panic mode. Not crash diet mode. The kind that helps you get sober, rebuild your mind, rebuild your body, and move forward with stability.We get into the real stuff: PTSD, addiction, stress, emotional eating, and why most men keep starting over every January. I share a story from my own life when I opened my first gym and spent two years running on four to five hours of sleep, living in constant pressure, and watching it strain my marriage and relationships. That season taught me a lesson most men ignore until it costs them.You’ll also hear practical tools from this conversation, including:	•	Why the “all or nothing” approach keeps failing you	•	Middle gear mentality and how to use it to actually change	•	Simple daily standards for movement, nutrition, water, and sleep	•	Pattern interrupts for late night eating and stress habits	•	Why awareness comes before change, and why “perfect” is a trapIf you feel stuck, overwhelmed, or like you are trying to stand back up after a fall, this episode will meet you where you are and give you a next step you can actually follow.Ready to build momentum instead of starting over?Learn more about The Call To Rise, my 100-day fat loss challenge for men who want structure, accountability, and real results, in the show notes.www.thecalltorise.com

48: What Entrepreneurship Taught Me About Burnout and Health

Are Your Hormones Failing You With Your Health, Fat Loss, and Dealing With Chronic Illness?If fat loss has started to feel harder than it used to, it’s not because you suddenly lost discipline.Your hormones can turn hunger up, cravings up, energy down, and make progress feel unpredictable. And most men never learn how this actually works, so they end up white-knuckling another diet, stuck in the same loop.In this episode, Coach Brian breaks down the real fat loss equation: calories still matter, but hormones influence both sides of the equation, how much you eat and how much you burn.You’ll learn the 7 hormones that most directly impact fat loss, hunger, cravings, energy, and where your body stores fat:GLP-1 (appetite control and fullness signaling)Cortisol (stress, belly fat, cravings, and energy)Thyroid (metabolism changes during weight loss)Leptin (fullness and why hunger rises after you lose weight)Ghrelin (hunger signals and why you feel starving)Insulin (blood sugar, visceral fat, and fat storage)Testosterone and Estrogen (body composition, energy, and fat distribution)Coach Brian also shares a real client story about Victor, who needed to lose 43 pounds, lost 21, then hit a four-month stall that wrecked his mental state, made him feel like he was starving all the time, and started bleeding into his work and home life. The breakthrough wasn’t more motivation. It was understanding what his body was doing and fixing the basics that control hunger and stress signals.If you’re a man over 40 and you want fat loss to feel predictable again, this episode will give you clarity and a practical path forward.If your doctor said “watch your numbers” but gave you no plan to improve them, this is for you...Understand your blood work in plain English.A1C, cholesterol, blood pressure, triglycerides, and what actually moves them.This scorecard breaks down blood markers, plus the habits that drive them.Download it here:https://brianparana.short.gy/improveyourbloodpanels

47: The 7 Weight Loss Hormones For Men That Control Fat Loss, Cravings, and Hunger (& How to Influence Them)

Getting bad blood work back can be unsettling, especially when you are told to “watch your numbers” but are not given clear direction on what to do next.Download Herehttps://brianparana.short.gy/improveyourbloodpanels In this episode of Driven For Health, Coach Brian Parana breaks down what it actually means when your blood panels start trending the wrong way and how men can take practical action before chronic illness becomes the default.This episode walks through the most important blood markers men over 40 need to understand, including A1c, fasting glucose, blood pressure, triglycerides, waist size, and weight trends. You will learn what these numbers reflect, why they change slowly over time, and which daily habits reliably move them in the right direction.If you have ever looked at your lab results and felt confused, frustrated, or unsure where to start, this episode connects the dots between blood work, metabolic health, and real life behavior.This is not medical advice and it is not about extreme dieting or short-term fixes. It is a practical conversation about structure, consistency, and taking control of your health while you still have room to move.This episode pairs directly with the Improve Your Blood Panels Scorecard and is designed to help men understand their labs, reduce long-term health risk, and take the next step with confidence.This breaks down blood work in plain language.A1c, cholesterol, blood pressure, and what affects them.Here’s the scorecard you asked for.https://brianparana.short.gy/improveyourbloodpanels This is not a medical diagnosis or replaces a doctor in any way.

46: What Men Should Do When Their Blood Work Comes Back Bad

The Holiday Reset After a 30+ Pound Transformation (Lucas Roundtable)In this Call To Rise Round Table coaching session, Brian sits down with Lucas after he wraps up the 100-Day Fat Loss Challenge where he dropped 30+ pounds. Then real life hits. Lucas spends nearly two weeks back home for the holidays, surrounded by parties, sweets, salty food, and a broken routine. The scale jumps up 7 pounds.This episode is the honest behind-the-scenes of what happens next.You will hear how Lucas got results in the first place with a simple system (10,000 steps, 1,800 calories, consistency, and weekly accountability), why the holidays feel like “cold turkey” when you try to snap back fast, and what most men miss about rapid weight regain (water, glycogen, inflammation, and extra calories).Lucas also shares the biggest win: he can feel the difference now. Energy, sleep, focus, productivity, and mood all drop when the food quality slips. That awareness is what makes long-term success possible.The conversation ends with a clear recalibration plan, a new goal to see a “1” on the scale soon, and the next challenge: marathon prep for the Columbus Marathon while still leaning out and building strength in the offseason.What you’ll learn in this episode:How Lucas lost 30+ pounds with a simple repeatable systemWhy holiday “weight gain” happens fast and what it really isHow to reset after a diet break without spiralingThe role of accountability when motivation disappearsHow to balance fat loss with strength training and endurance goalsLucas’s plan to get under 200 and push toward 190 before marathon day

45: Live Client Coaching Session (Listen NOW)

Most men in their 40s and 50s look “successful” on paper. Good career. Family. Nice house. But behind the scenes, the weight is piling up. Not just physical weight. Mental and emotional weight too.In this episode of Driven for Health, Coach Brian sits down with Jonathan Sheldon, former Marine infantry squad leader and owner of Bellwood Coaching, to talk about authentic leadership, men’s mental health, and why high-performing men quietly hit a breaking point.Jonathan shares a simple but powerful analogy: every time a man says “I’ll take care of it” or “I’ll figure it out,” he’s putting another rock in his pack. Eventually, the pack gets too heavy. That’s when men shut down, isolate, lose energy, and feel like they are stuck.You’ll hear practical ways to catch the warning signs earlier and a framework to get back on track:Purpose: what you are here to doVision: where you are goingEnvironment: who and what you surround yourself withMotivation: what drives your daily actionsWe also cover why doing hard things with other men matters, how “guy time” supports mental health, and why sending the check-in text to a struggling friend is strength, not weakness.If you’ve been carrying too much, this conversation is your wake-up call and your next step.Men’s mental health in midlife and why men go quiet when it gets heavyAuthentic leadership vs. borrowed leadershipThe “ruck pack” analogy for stress, pressure, and burnoutHow to build a life that feels lighter and more alignedWhy fitness, brotherhood, and shared hardship matterHow to check in on a friend the right wayMore on Coach JonCoach Jon is leadership, growth, and small unit coach who helps high-performers lead with authenticity, operate in alignment, and grow with purpose. My background as a Marine squad leader and Fortune 500 sales executive shaped how I approach clarity, discipline, and resilience, especially under pressure. Now, Coach Jon works with individuals and teams to build performance systems that scale sustainably, without losing what matters most. His coaching is grounded in Stoic calm, radical honesty, and a belief that real growth starts with owning the truth.Social links:Instagram: @Belleauwood_coachingLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jonathan-sheldon-82760a51/Jonathan’s coaching practice: Belleauwood CoachingVisit https://www.belleauwood.coach/ for his free PDFs: Authentic Blueprint and Battle Plan frameworks.The Call To Rise is a 100-day fat loss transformation experience designed for driven men ready to get back to a healthy body, boost their energy, and lead as a powerful man. Through a proven system of strength training, personalized nutrition, and radical accountability, you’ll drop 20–30 pounds and rebuild confidence from the inside out. It’s more than a fitness program, it’s an body transformation experience with a Brotherhood of like-minded men committed to showing up, leveling up, and leading in a body they are excited about. T

44: Why Authentic Leadership Starts With Men's Personal Health

Losing 30+ Pounds Through the Holidays with Accountability and a Different ApproachIn Episode 43 of the Driven for Health Podcast, Coach Brian sits down with Mike Trenk, a men’s mental health counselor and host of the DadEnial Podcast, for a real, unfiltered conversation about sustainable fat loss, mental health, and doing things differently.This episode is a recorded crossover conversation from Mike’s show, where the roles reverse and the focus turns to Mike’s own transformation. After joining Coach Brian’s Call to Rise 100-Day Fat Loss Challenge, Mike lost over 30 pounds while navigating work, family life, and the holiday season. No extreme workouts. No rigid dieting. No starting over every Monday.You’ll hear exactly what worked, including:How accountability and weekly group calls changed everythingWhy walking, simple food structure, and portion awareness beat gym obsessionThe mental health impact of progress without burnoutWhy flexible nutrition beats restriction, guilt, and GLP-1 shortcutsHow sustainable habits carry over into family life and leadershipThis episode is especially relevant for men over 40 who feel stuck, overwhelmed, or frustrated by years of false starts and short-term fixes. Mike’s story proves that fat loss does not require perfection. It requires structure, support, and consistency.If you are tired of white-knuckling your health and want a process that fits real life, this episode will hit home.Connect with Mike TrenkWebsite: https://miketrenk.comPodcast: DadEnial PodcastMike focuses on men’s mental health, fatherhood, identity, and breaking unhealthy cycles. If you are a dad trying to do better for yourself and your family, his work is worth your time.Ready to Lose 20+ Pounds in 100 Days?If Mike’s story resonates and you want the same structure, accountability, and results, learn more about the Call to Rise 100-Day Fat Loss Challenge.It's designed for driven men with demanding careers who are READY to lose 20+ lbs and FIX bad blood work without sacrificing family time or work.Through a proven system of strength training, personalized nutrition, and radical accountability, you’ll drop 20–30 pounds and rebuild confidence from the inside out. It’s more than a fitness program, it’s an body transformation experience with a Brotherhood of like-minded men committed to showing up, leveling up, and leading in a body they are excited about. This is your wake-up call to rise.www.thecalltorise.com

43: Mike Loses 30 lbs in 100 Day Fat Loss Challenge - Here's How...

Ranking the 5 Most Popular Diets (And Why Most Diets Fail)Everyone is searching for the best diet.Mediterranean. Keto. Plant-based. Paleo. Intermittent fasting.But most people don’t fail because they chose the “wrong” diet.Nobody understands proper nutrition and as a result they don’t reach their health goals such as maintaining weight loss.They also fail because they were never taught how to evaluate a diet in the first place.In this episode, Coach Brian breaks down the five most popular diets in 2025 and scores each one based on real-world coaching experience, not trends or influencer hype.Each diet is ranked on:	•	Fat loss	•	Muscle gain	•	Longevity	•	SustainabilityYou’ll learn which diets work short-term, which ones fall apart long-term, and why the “perfect diet” doesn’t actually exist.More importantly, you’ll learn how to stop chasing plans and start building a personal system that fits your body, lifestyle, and goals.In This Episode, You’ll Learn:	•	Why most diets fail even when they “work” at first	•	The pros and cons of Mediterranean, Keto, Plant-Based, Paleo, and Intermittent Fasting	•	Which diet is best for fat loss vs muscle gain vs long-term health	•	The hardest diet to coach clients through (and why)	•	Whether you actually need to be “on a diet” to lose weight	•	The one dietary change that helps most people lose 10–15 pounds without tracking caloriesThis episode is especially relevant if you’ve:	•	Tried multiple diets and always regained the weight	•	Felt confused by conflicting nutrition advice	•	Wanted a sustainable approach instead of another reset or challengeIf you’re tired of guessing and ready to understand what actually works, this episode will give you clarity.Best For:Men over 35Busy professionals and parentsAnyone focused on fat loss, muscle retention, and long-term health Listen now and stop letting diets run your life.The Call To Rise is a 100-day fat loss transformation experience designed for driven men ready to get back to a healthy body, boost their energy, and lead as a powerful man. Through a proven system of strength training, personalized nutrition, and radical accountability, you’ll drop 20–30 pounds and rebuild confidence from the inside out. It’s more than a fitness program, it’s an body transformation experience with a Brotherhood of like-minded men committed to showing up, leveling up, and leading in a body they are excited about. This is your wake-up call to rise.www.thecalltorise.com

42: Best Diets For Men in 2026

Most men over 40 do not lose their health overnight.They slowly trade it for long workdays, stress, late nights, and a busy family schedule.In this episode of the Driven For Health Podcast, Coach Brian Parana sits down with Cliff Beach to break down what Cliff calls the “Hollywood Shuffle,” the grind lifestyle that feels normal until your body starts pushing back.Cliff shares how a routine doctor visit turned into a wake-up call. He was diagnosed with type 2 diabetes, high blood pressure, and high cholesterol. The answer he was given was more medication and no clear plan.Cliff decided that was not going to be his future.You will hear how he lost 50 pounds in five months, built structure around his eating and movement, tracked his nutrition consistently, and made changes that improved his energy, focus, and confidence. He also talks about sobriety, stress coping, and why health is the foundation for performance at work and at home.If you are a man in your 40s or 50s dealing with fatigue, weight gain, poor bloodwork, or a doctor recommending medication, this episode will hit home.In this episode, we cover:	•	What the “Hollywood Shuffle” looks like in real life and why it wrecks health	•	The warning signs most men ignore until labs get worse	•	Why “manage it with pills” leaves men stuck	•	The nutrition and movement changes that supported Cliff’s turnaround	•	How tracking and simple structure create long-term consistency	•	Why more energy and mental clarity change how you show up at work and at home	•	How to stop waffling and start following throughConnect with Cliff Beach:	•	Blog: sidehustleflow.net	•	Books: Side Hustle and Flow, and Shape Up	•	New book: The Daily Grind, releasing in FebruaryIf this episode helped you, leave a five-star review and share it with a man who needs to hear it.

41: Diagnosed With Diabetes After 40: Why He Refused to Just Take the Pills

26 Brutally Honest Questions Men Over 40 Need to HearIf you’re a man over 40 who works hard, carries a lot of weight on your shoulders, and knows your health has slipped, this episode is for you.Instead of another “New Year, new me” pep talk, Coach Brian walks through 26 real questions men send him in DMs and emails. These are the things you think about late at night but rarely say out loud:	•	“Why am I not losing weight when I barely eat?”	•	“Why do I blow it every night after 9 PM?”	•	“Do I really need cardio, or can I skip it?”	•	“Is my blood pressure actually a problem?”	•	“What do my A1c and cholesterol numbers really mean for my future?”You’ll hear straight answers about late‑night eating, belly fat, motivation, soreness, cardio, tracking, and the chronic health issues that start to creep in during your 40s: high blood pressure, rising A1c, and cholesterol that keeps “creeping up” on lab work. This episode is a New Year gut check. No shame. No hype. Just clarity, context, and simple next steps so you can protect your health, lose fat, and still show up for your family and career.Coach Brian Parana’s &quot;30 Tips in 30 Days&quot; offers simple, actionable strategies to improve nutrition, fitness, and overall self-care. Each day introduces one practical tip, empowering you to build sustainable habits, boost confidence, and feel your best without overwhelm.Highlights Include:* Nutrient-packed meal ideas and grocery list optimization.* Quick workouts and movement habits for busy schedules.* Small daily routines like hydration and gratitude journaling for lasting health improvements.Ready to take control of your health? Visit https://go.brianparana.com/30days to jumpstart your health journey today!Sources[1] Blood Pressure: Types, Ranges &amp; Readings - Cleveland Clinic https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diagnostics/17649-blood-pressure[2] High Blood Pressure–Understanding the Silent Killer | FDA https://www.fda.gov/drugs/special-features/high-blood-pressure-understanding-silent-killer[3] Top 10 Things to Know About the New AHA/ACC High Blood ... https://www.heart.org/en/health-topics/high-blood-pressure/the-facts-about-high-blood-pressure/high-bp-top-10[4] A1C Test for Diabetes and Prediabetes - CDC https://www.cdc.gov/diabetes/diabetes-testing/prediabetes-a1c-test.html[5] The A1C Test &amp; Diabetes - NIDDK https://www.niddk.nih.gov/health-information/diagnostic-tests/a1c-test[6] Diabetes Diagnosis &amp; Tests | ADA https://diabetes.org/about-diabetes/diagnosis[7] Understanding A1C Test | ADA - American Diabetes Association https://diabetes.org/about-diabetes/a1c[8] Borderline Cholesterol: What It Is and What to Do About It - WebMD https://www.webmd.com/cholesterol-management/what-is-borderline-cholesterol[9] Cholesterol Levels: By age, LDL, HDL, and More - Healthline https://www.healthline.com/health/high-cholesterol/levels-by-age[10] Normal LDL Cholesterol: What It Means for Y

40: 26 Real Health Questions Men Over 40 Asked Me (Answered for January 1 2026)

Most men don’t lose control of their health overnight. It happens slowly as work gets heavier, stress builds, and health keeps getting pushed down the list.In this New Year 2026 episode of the Driven For Health Podcast, Coach Brian Parana speaks directly to men over 40 who are doing well in life but know their body is not keeping up. Weight keeps creeping up. Energy is lower than it used to be. Blood work is starting to raise concerns. Starting over every January is getting old.This episode is about a clear 6 step strategy for you to Win Big with your Health.Coach Brian breaks down 6 practical strategies to help men take control of their health in a way that fits real life. The conversation covers sustainable weight loss, improving blood panels, simple nutrition, strength training, daily movement, sleep, stress, and the habits that actually matter. Real stories are shared from men who reached a point where drifting was no longer an option.If you are a man over 40 looking for:Sustainable weight lossBetter energy and focusHealthier cholesterol, blood sugar, and blood workNutrition and fitness that fit a busy scheduleA lifestyle you can maintain without burning outThis episode is for you...If you are ready to stop starting over and want structure and accountability, learn more about The Call To Rise, Coach Brian’s coaching program for men over 40, at thecalltorise.com.2026 is about finally following through on your long-term health goals

39: How Men Will Win Big With Their Health and Waistline in 2026

Can Guy Over 40 Actually Speed Up Your Metabolism?Also Metabolism Myths Busted: What Really Moves the Needle for Men 40+In the 38th episode, Coach Brian breaks down what “metabolism” actually is, why middle-age weight gain is almost never about a “dead metabolism,” and which strategies truly affect calorie burn and which are marketing hype. We dive into decades of scientific research, client stories, and real-world coaching. If you want clear answers and actionable steps for fat loss after 40, this episode is for you.What you’ll learn:The four components of metabolism (BMR, TEF, EAT, NEAT) and why most people get it wrongWhy metabolism stays surprisingly stable from age 20 to 60Which of the 12 most common “metabolism hacks” actually move the needle and which don’tThe most effective REAL strategies for fat loss and metabolic health in your 40s and 50sA simple weekly action planTwo real client storiesA no-B.S. truth about sustainable fat lossResearch + Study Links (as cited in the episode):Daily Energy Expenditure Through the Human Life Course, Pontzer H. et al., Science, 2021. Finds that total and basal energy expenditure remains stable from ages 20 to 60. Science+1Nonexercise Activity Thermogenesis in Human Energy Expenditure, Levine JA. et al., Science, 1999. Demonstrates that NEAT (non-exercise activity) can drive major calorie expenditure and explain differences in fat gain with overfeeding. PubMed+1Non‑exercise Activity Thermogenesis, von Loeffelholz C. et al., Endotext / Endocrinology Textbook, 2022. Explains wide individual variation in NEAT, up to ~2,000 kcal/day differences between similar-sized people. NCBI+1	• Energy Compensation and Adiposity in Humans, Careau V. et al., Current Biology, 2021. Shows that humans often compensate for exercise by reducing other activity and basal expenditure about 28% average compensation, meaning cardio doesn’t always give the burn you expect. The Call To Rise is a 100-day fat loss transformation experience designed for driven men ready to get back to a healthy body, boost their energy, and lead as a powerful man. Through a proven system of strength training, personalized nutrition, and radical accountability, you’ll drop 20–30 pounds and rebuild confidence from the inside out. It’s more than a fitness program, it’s an body transformation experience with a Brotherhood of like-minded men committed to showing up, leveling up, and leading in a body they are excited about. This is your wake-up call to rise.www.thecalltorise.com 

38: Can Guys Over 40 Actually Speed Up Their Metabolism?

Most men only think about their spine when something hurts.Neck pain. Back stiffness. Shoulder problems. Headaches that never fully go away.But by the time pain shows up, the damage has usually been building for years.In this episode of Driven For Health, Coach Brian sits down with spine specialist Dr. Ryan Wohlfert, who has spent over 25 years helping men correct spinal dysfunction before it turns into chronic pain, low energy, and long-term health problems.Dr. Ryan is a Certified Mindset Specialist, Certified Chiropractic Sports Physician, and Certified Chiropractic BioPhysics® physician. He uses a precise spinal correction protocol designed to restore proper alignment, reduce stress on the nervous system, and help men move, breathe, and function the way they were designed to.In this conversation, you will learn:Why spinal degeneration starts far earlier than most men realizeHow poor posture increases stress on your nervous system and drains energyThe hidden link between posture, breathing, mood, and confidenceWhy chronic neck and shoulder pain often has nothing to do with the musclesHow screen time and daily habits quietly accelerate spinal breakdownSimple posture and movement checks you can do at home todayPractical corrective strategies to reduce pain and protect long-term healthThis episode goes beyond pain relief.It connects spinal health to leadership, energy, mental clarity, and longevity. If you sit for long hours, train hard but still feel stiff, or rely on pain meds just to get through the week, this conversation will hit home.Resources from Dr. Ryan:Spinal Hygiene Miniclass Downloadhttps://www.drwohlfert.com/spinalhygieneVirtual House Callhttps://www.drwohlfert.com/house-callListen in, apply one change immediately, and start treating your spine like the foundation of your health, not an afterthought.--------Ready to take control of your health instead of reacting to pain?If you are a man over 40 who knows your body is not keeping up with your responsibilities, The Call To Rise is my 100-day coaching experience designed to rebuild strength, energy, and confidence without chaos or guesswork.You do not need more information for what to eat. You need a system, accountability, and leadership over your health.Learn more and apply here:https://www.thecalltorise.comThis episode is your wake-up call.What you do next is the decision that matters.

37: How Poor Posture and Screens Are Destroying Your Spine, Men’s Health After 40

Most men over 40 think aging is just something that happens. More fatigue.More belly fat.Less strength.Less drive.They chalk it up to stress, work, kids, or genetics.In this episode of Driven For Health, Coach Brian sits down with Janet McConnell, a Healthy Longevity Advocate and Senior National Champion Bodybuilder who is turning 70 and thriving, to break down why men feel older every year and what actually stops the decline.Janet shares her wake-up call at 46 when a doctor slid prescriptions across the desk and told her she was on track for early heart disease. Instead of accepting that future, she took control of her health and rebuilt her body, strength, and energy over the next two decades.This conversation goes deep into:Why aging is inevitable but physical decline is optionalHow strength training protects your brain, not just your musclesWhy leg training matters more than most men realize after 40The real reason belly fat becomes stubborn and dangerousHow insulin resistance quietly accelerates aging and diseaseWhy retirement without purpose destroys health faster than stressHow men can rebuild strength, energy, and identity at any ageThis is not about extreme workouts, biohacks, or chasing abs.It is about building a body that can carry you through work, family, travel, and the next chapter of life without breaking down.If you are a man over 40 who feels tired, stiff, heavier than you should be, or worried about where your health is heading, this episode will hit home.Aging is happening either way.The question is whether you let it weaken you or you train for what comes next.Listen in and decide who you want to be ten years from now.------Janet McConnell is a Healthy Longevity Advocate and Empowerment Speaker who helps men and women in midlife and beyond reclaim their strength, confidence, and vitality. After facing a serious health crisis in her 40s, Janet transformed her life through sustainable strength training and lifestyle change, a journey that ultimately led her to become a Senior National Champion Bodybuilder in her 60s.Today, she blends her personal story, decades of fitness expertise, and research-backed strategies to teach people how to age with intention. She specializes in the connection between strength training, metabolic health, and cognitive resilience, helping adults understand how their choices in their 40s, 50s, and 60s shape their quality of life for decades ahead.She is also the author of Elements of Aging Well and the creator of the AgingStrongforLife platform, where she delivers practical, achievable habits for long-term health.Her mission is simple: stay strong, stay sharp, stay engaged at every age.🎬 YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@AgingStrongforLife💼 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/janet-mcconnell-65703a1b2/📘 Book: https://tinyurl.com/2bs4m7mv🚀 Website: www.ignitefitnesswithjanet.com📧 Email: janet.mcconnell@gmail.comAbout the GuestConnect with Janet

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