From Self-Doubt to World Stage: Andy Black on Pressure, Purpose & Progress

"What if the people hyping you up are the very reason you're stuck? You don't need hype — you need people honest enough to tell you when you can do better."

What does real strength look like when the hype is stripped away?

In this episode of The Next Level Guy Podcast, I sit down with elite Scottish strongman and World's Strongest Man competitor Andy Black to talk about what actually drives long-term progress — in training, performance, and life.

Meet Andy Black — elite Scottish strongman and World's Strongest Man competitor who proves that simple systems, honest brotherhood, and emotional control beat ego every time.

Most people think strength is about numbers, noise, and ego.
This conversation proves it isn't.

Level up with the show-notes at: https://www.nextlevelguy.com/andyblack231/

Andy breaks down why being the strongest guy in the gym can hold you back, why honest training partners matter more than motivation, and how elite performers handle nerves and pressure instead of trying to eliminate them. We dive into keeping things simple, competing against yourself, and shifting focus from ego and validation to legacy, family, and doing the work the right way.

This isn't a highlight-reel conversation. It's a grounded, no-BS look at discipline, accountability, emotional control, and building something meaningful — whether you lift, compete, or just want to show up better in your own life.

In this episode, you'll learn:

• Why honest feedback beats praise every time

• How to use nerves as fuel instead of fear

• Why most people overcomplicate progress

• How to stop chasing validation and trust your own effort

• What happens when you shift from ego-driven goals to legacy-driven ones

If you're tired of surface-level motivation and want principles that actually stick — this episode will reset how you think about strength and progress.

#AndyBlack #Strongman #Scottish #Scotland #Pressure #weights #weighlifting #motivation #brotherhood #principles #legacy #kids #fatherhood #ego #strength #truth #competition #recordholder #defeatnerves #liftbigbutlovebigger #friendships #itsyouvsyou #family

Michael "The Monster" Todd: Faith, Grit & Finding Your Way Back

"Mediocrity disgusts me. Being normal never made sense."
— Michael "The Monster" Todd

🎙️ Meet Michael "The Monster" Todd — world champion arm wrestler, founder of The Monster Factory, and proof that grit, faith, and consistency can turn pain into power.

Level Up with the Show-notes at: https://www.nextlevelguy.com/michaelthemonstertodd230/

This isn't just about arm wrestling — it's about what it takes to rebuild yourself when life breaks you.

Michael "The Monster" Todd has faced shattered bones, brutal losses, and rule changes designed to stop him — yet every time, he's adapted, rebuilt, and risen stronger.

Beyond the table, he's built a space where athletes and everyday people come together to push limits, find purpose, and reject mediocrity.

His philosophy is simple: hard work, consistency, and faith over excuses.

If you've ever felt beaten down or ready to quit, this one will relight the fire.

#armwrestling #monstermichaeltodd #recovery #reigniteyourfire #bounceback #comebackstronger #liveforyourprinciples #faith #purpose #grit #consistency #rebuildyourself #monsterfactory #risestronger

The White Belt in Your Head: Overcoming Self-Doubt at Every Level

"You can't have negative self-talk while someone's trying to strangle you." — Daniel Schuardt

Level Up with the show-notes at: https://www.nextlevelguy.com/danielschuardt229/

🎙️ What if the secret to silencing your inner critic… was letting someone try to strangle you? Today, Daniel Schuardt joins me to talk ego death, imposter syndrome, and how getting choked can actually change your life.

🎙️ Meet Daniel Schuardt — elite jiu-jitsu black belt, ADCC veteran, and creator of The Man Child, whose mix of high-level technique, humour, and raw honesty is redefining what it means to fight, teach, and think on the mats.

#themanchild #DanielSchuardt #BJJ #grappling #competing #nextlevelguypodcast #levelupyourlife #jiujitsu #highleveltechnique #impostersyndrome #elitetraining #stopnegativity #chokeoutnegativeselftalk #emotions