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FORGE - Fitness, Nutrition, Habit

FORGE - Fitness, Nutrition, Habit

By: Michael S. Parker
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About this listen

The Forge Podcast is where science, controversial opinions, and expert guests meet to clear the clutter. Hosted by Michael S. Parker, a wellness professional with over two decades of experience, the author of “The 90 Day Habit Transformation” and founder of Forge Fitness and Nutrition Coaching, one of the top-ranked online coaching companies. This show dives into fitness, nutrition, habit change, and the cultural chaos around wellness. Hard-hitting, honest, and entertaining, it’s your dose of truth in a world full of fads. Remake Yourself with Forge.

© 2025 Forge Fitness and Nutrition, LLC
Hygiene & Healthy Living Personal Development Personal Success
Episodes
  • E12 - Overcoming Addiction, Eating Disorders, and Fear of Failure - With Christine Van Patten
    Nov 25 2025

    Summary

    In this episode, Michael S. Parker interviews Christine Van Patten, who shares her transformative journey from struggling with eating disorders and unhealthy habits to embracing a healthier lifestyle through pregnancy, support systems, and the right fitness guidance. Christine discusses the importance of commitment, discipline, and nutrition in her journey, as well as the emotional challenges she faced along the way. The conversation highlights the significance of redefining self-image and building a sustainable lifestyle, emphasizing that true transformation requires consistent effort and support. In this conversation, Christine Van Patten shares her transformative journey through fitness, emphasizing the importance of consistency, self-trust, and the joy found in the process of personal growth. She discusses overcoming challenges, the significance of longevity and health, and the balance between discipline and enjoyment in life. Christine highlights the need for self-awareness and the power of setting goals, while also addressing the misconceptions surrounding self-punishment and addiction. Ultimately, she inspires listeners to embrace their journeys and strive for their personal bests.

    Takeaways

    • Christine's journey began with pregnancy as a catalyst for change.
    • Overcoming eating disorders required a shift in mindset and support.
    • Support from loved ones, especially partners, is crucial in personal transformation.
    • Finding the right fitness guidance can make a significant difference.
    • Commitment to a fitness journey requires discipline, not just motivation.
    • Navigating challenges and setbacks is part of the transformation process.
    • Redefining self-image is essential for long-term success.
    • Nutrition plays a vital role in overall well-being and fitness.
    • Building a sustainable lifestyle involves making conscious choices.
    • Creativity and consistency are key in maintaining motivation for fitness. Consistency and discipline are essential for motivation.
    • Building self-trust is crucial for personal growth.
    • Longevity and health should be prioritized over aesthetics.
    • Finding balance in fitness and life is key to sustainability.
    • Self-punishment can be a tool for correcting behavior.
    • Overcoming addiction requires understanding and support.
    • Setting clear goals is vital for self-discovery.
    • The journey is more important than the destination.
    • Embracing the process leads to true fulfillment.
    • You can achieve anything if you're willing to put in the work.


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    1 hr and 31 mins
  • E11 - Move Well, Live Strong: Mobility, Mindset, and Longevity – With Rex Owens
    Aug 31 2025

    Summary
    In this episode, host Michael S. Parker interviews fitness veteran Rex Owens, who shares insights from his extensive experience in the fitness industry. The conversation covers the critical role of mobility in healthy aging, misconceptions about flexibility, practical mobility drills, and the importance of sustainability in fitness and nutrition. Rex emphasizes the need for personalized approaches to training, the significance of education for both trainers and clients, and the value of celebrating small wins in the journey towards health and fitness. The discussion also touches on dietary changes with age and the common mistakes people make when starting new fitness plans. They also delve into various aspects of nutrition, fitness, and health, discussing the myths surrounding eating habits, the impact of childhood experiences on adult choices, and the importance of planning and strategy in maintaining a healthy lifestyle. They share personal anecdotes about fast food experiences, client transformations, and the significance of movement in enhancing quality of life. The discussion also touches on the obesity epidemic, generational shifts in fitness attitudes, and the role of parents in promoting active lifestyles for their children. Ultimately, they emphasize the need for personal responsibility and proactive measures in health management.

    Takeaways

    • Mobility is essential for healthy aging and injury prevention.
    • Flexibility and mobility are not the same; specificity is key.
    • Assessments should guide mobility training for individuals.
    • Practical mobility drills can enhance everyday function.
    • Training approaches differ for aging populations and athletes.
    • Sustainability in fitness and nutrition is crucial for long-term success.
    • Building routines that stick requires understanding client motivations.
    • Common mistakes include an all-or-nothing mindset in fitness.
    • Dietary needs change with age, focusing on fiber and calcium is important.
    • Education is vital for both trainers and clients to foster growth.
    • Childhood eating habits can have lasting impacts on health.
    • Personal experiences with fast food can lead to significant lifestyle changes.
    • Clients often seek to reduce fast food and processed foods.
    • Planning and strategy are crucial for successful nutrition management.
    • Regular health monitoring is essential for proactive health management.
    • Movement is key to maintaining quality of life as we age.
    • Facing mortality can motivate healthier lifestyle choices.
    • Generational shifts show promise in improving fitness attitudes among youth.
    • Gamifying fitness can engage children and promote healthier habits.


    Support the show

    Subscribe and Follow! All socials are the same handle: @forgefitcoach

    Follow on Instagram

    Follow on Facebook

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    Follow on X (Twitter)

    Show More Show Less
    1 hr and 31 mins
  • E10 - Fitness Education: The Information Overload in the Wellness Industry with John Bauer
    Aug 22 2025

    Instagram: @John__bauer (double underscore)

    Lionel University: global.lionel.edu

    Course: Lionel University Certified Personal Trainer (CPT). Normally $999, but use code FORGE for a huge discount to $299 with no certification expiration.

    Summary

    In this episode, Michael S. Parker interviews John Bauer, a seasoned health and wellness professional with over 25 years of experience in the fitness industry. They discuss the evolution of fitness, the importance of mentorship, and the challenges of navigating misinformation in health and wellness. John shares valuable insights on the significance of simplicity and consistency in achieving fitness goals, the role of technology in shaping the future of personal training, and the necessity of mastering the basics for long-term success. The conversation emphasizes the importance of personal relationships in client retention and the diverse skills required for future fitness professionals.

    Takeaways

    • Simplicity plus consistency leads to success in fitness.
    • Finding mentorship early can accelerate career growth.
    • The fitness industry has evolved to include more diverse training methods.
    • Wellness is a growing focus in health and fitness.
    • Technology is reshaping how fitness professionals operate.
    • Clients often struggle with unrealistic expectations from fitness programs.
    • Mastering the basics is crucial for long-term health and fitness success.
    • Personal relationships with clients enhance retention and success.
    • Critical thinking is essential when evaluating fitness information.
    • The future of fitness professionals requires a blend of skills beyond exercise.

    Chapters

    00:00Journey Through the Fitness Industry
    07:03The Importance of Consistency in Achieving Goals
    09:15Shifts in Fitness Culture and Gender Dynamics
    13:06The Role of Mentorship in Professional Growth
    18:48Navigating Information Overload in Fitness
    28:20Evolving Expectations of Fitness Professionals
    36:11Leveraging Technology in Fitness Coaching
    41:22Mastering the Basics of Health and Fitness
    48:58The Role of Technology in Fitness
    55:13Debunking Fitness Myths
    01:00:13Essential Exercises for Longevity
    01:11:01The Importance of Mentorship and Personal Growth

    Support the show

    Subscribe and Follow! All socials are the same handle: @forgefitcoach

    Follow on Instagram

    Follow on Facebook

    Follow on YouTube

    Follow on X (Twitter)

    Show More Show Less
    1 hr and 18 mins
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