Why is it so hard to find high-quality beef, and what are ranchers up against in today’s food system? In this episode of the Savage Perspective Podcast, Robert Sikes is joined by Natalie Kovarik and Tara Vander of the Discover Ag Podcast to uncover the shocking realities behind beef production in America. From droughts decimating cattle numbers to misleading labels and imported trimmings sneaking into your burger, the challenges facing ranchers today go deeper than you may think. If you care about where your food comes from, this episode will change how you see the beef industry.

Learn how shifting consumer demands, controversial labeling laws, and global markets are impacting ranchers’ ability to provide the quality meat you deserve. Natalie and Tara bring generations of ranching knowledge to the table, exposing both the struggles and opportunities within the agricultural system. They don’t just highlight the problems; they offer actionable insights into how you can support local producers and make informed decisions about your food.

Ready to take control of your own health and nutrition? Don’t miss Robert’s FREE Bodybuilding Masterclass, designed to help you dominate fitness and balance your lifestyle.

Also, this episode dives deep into consumer misconceptions, the rise of regenerative agriculture, and how you can connect directly with farmers for transparency and better food choices. Whether you’re a fitness enthusiast, entrepreneur, or family-focused professional, you’ll find immense value in this conversation. Episode 779 is packed with actionable advice for anyone striving to align their health and lifestyle goals with better food sourcing practices. Don’t miss it!

Subscribe to Discover Ag on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@Discoveragpodcast

Follow Natalie on IG: https://www.instagram.com/nataliekovarik/

Follow Tara on IG: https://www.instagram.com/taravanderdussen/

Follow Discover Ag on IG:https://www.instagram.com/discoveragpodcast/

Register For My FREE Masterclass: https://www.ketobodybuilding.com/registration-2

Get Keto Brick: https://www.ketobrick.com/

Subscribe to the podcast: https://open.spotify.com/show/42cjJssghqD01bdWBxRYEg?si=1XYKmPXmR4eKw2O9gGCEuQ

Chapters:

0:00 Beef Supply Is Shrinking??

1:39 Generational Ranchers on Modern Farming

5:01 Beef & Cooking Oil Misconceptions

6:43 Consumers Want Food Transparency

10:08 Chemicals in Food and Your Health

11:57 Local Beef Stores: Challenges Ahead

15:38 Ranchers Struggle With Beef Processing

17:21 Buying Directly From Ranchers Helps

20:21 Raw vs. Pasteurized Milk Explained

21:48 Ensuring Quality in Beef Processing

24:50 The Truth About Imported Beef

26:34 U.S. Beef Labeling Issues

29:55 Drought and Cattle Decline

31:31 Ranching and Industry Consolidation

34:46 Subsidies and Beef Quality

36:14 Farmers, Subsidies, and Rising Costs

39:24 Consumers Choose Electronics Over Food

40:55 Debate Over U.S.-Only Beef Labels

43:54 Why Convenience Beats Quality in Food

45:17 Challenges of Promoting Quality Food

48:28 Future of Sustainable Food Practices

49:55 Fixing the Food System Slowly

53:01 Consumers Want to Know Their Farmers

54:30 Pop Culture and Agricultural Interest

From devastating lows to incredible triumphs, this episode of the Savage Perspective Podcast will leave you inspired. Robert Sikes sits down with Keegan Downer, who shares his raw and emotional story of addiction, recovery, and transforming his pain into purpose in a way that resonates deeply with anyone seeking real change in their life. Episode 778 goes beyond just telling a story, it’s a masterclass in resilience, hope, and rebuilding a life worth living.

Want to learn how to transform your own struggles into strength? Join Robert’s FREE Bodybuilding Masterclass for tools to build mental and physical resilience while pursuing your goals. Don’t wait, start redefining what success looks like for YOU today: https://www.ketobodybuilding.com/registration-2

Keegan opens up about his battle with alcoholism, the physical and mental toll it took, and the life-altering moment that pushed him to seek help. From the depths of despair to redefining his life with mindfulness practices and mission-driven goals, his journey is one of reinvention and growth. You’ll hear how he overcame depression, lost loved ones to addiction, and found the strength to build a future fueled by purpose and positivity. His transition from darkness to light is a testament to the power of the human spirit to push through adversity, inspiring everyone who listens.

Dive into this intimate and powerful conversation between Robert and Keegan as they tackle not just addiction but important mental health insights, emotional healing, and the drive to help others overcome their pain. If you’re ready to rethink what’s possible when it comes to personal transformation, you don’t want to miss this episode.

Register For My FREE Masterclass: https://www.ketobodybuilding.com/registration-2

Get Keto Brick: https://www.ketobrick.com/

Subscribe to the podcast: https://open.spotify.com/show/42cjJssghqD01bdWBxRYEg?si=1XYKmPXmR4eKw2O9gGCEuQ

Chapters:

0:00 Keegan’s life-changing decision and struggles

1:16 Building a business based on personal challenges

1:26 Keegan’s early success and ambitions

2:00 Redefining success in life

3:00 The decision that changed everything

3:34 Struggles with long-term drinking

4:10 Depression and anxiety deepen

4:23 Considering suicide in New York City

5:02 A promise that helped Keegan keep going

5:14 A painful nine-year battle

5:40 Keegan’s hidden alcoholism

5:58 The moment that led to seeking rehab

6:33 Family history of alcoholism

6:57 Physical struggles and health collapse

8:15 Diagnosed with diabetes at the hospital

10:57 Realizing the impact of his potential death

11:22 Entering rehab to start recovery

15:06 Mindfulness-focused rehab approach

16:08 Lessons learned from high achievers in rehab

18:17 Decision to help others in the community

19:00 Starting over after rehab

20:13 Losing six rehab peers in six months

21:04 Continuing his father’s work in helping others

22:39 Managing anxiety after quitting alcohol

23:46 Discovering micro-dosing with mushrooms

25:24 A breakthrough journal experience

27:00 Micro-dosing study results

28:12 Testimonial from a study participant

29:20 Brain-healing benefits of micro-dosing

32:27 Benefits of Lion’s Mane mushrooms

33:31 Heroic doses and their effects

34:29 Mushrooms used in sports recovery

36:10 How psilocybin helps rewire the brain

38:44 Breaking free from negative thinking patterns

40:20 Mushroom safety versus other substances

41:57 Alcohol as the most harmful substance

44:01 Mushrooms are non-addictive

47:06 How micro-dosing protocols work

49:01 Legal challenges in the mushroom space

51:13 Mindful Meds’ unique approach to quality

55:20 Lasting results from proper micro-dosing

58:00 Using intuition for micro-dosing breaks

59:33 The importance of family and relationships

1:01:16 Closing thoughts and lessons learned

Register For My FREE Masterclass: https://www.ketobodybuilding.com/registration-2

Get Keto Brick: https://www.ketobrick.com/

Subscribe to the podcast: https://open.spotify.com/show/42cjJssghqD01bdWBxRYEg?si=1XYKmPXmR4eKw2O9gGCEuQ

Greg Mahler is also a lifetime natural bodybuilder, and can be followed on Instagram

https://www.instagram.com/ketogreg80/

In this episode of The Work, Greg and I kick things off with a little fashion roast, a solid gym session recap, and then get into the nitty gritty behind the scenes at Keto Brick. We talk about the recent price change, and honestly, the response from y’all has been incredible. So much support. It just reaffirms that our community gets it—we’re never going to cut corners on quality just to save a buck.

We also talk about sourcing quality meat locally and feeding our families with intention. I helped coordinate a cow share for my men’s group and ended up with over 400 pounds of grass-finished beef at just over $8 a pound. It’s about more than macros—it’s about how we fuel our people.

From homemade egg wraps and protein pancakes to craving chaffles and planning a massive post-show barbecue with pork butts and roasted lamb—this one’s full of good food and even better conversation. We also share macro breakdowns, talk about smart refeeds after competitions, and give updates on the loyalty program, inventory, and our upcoming free posing seminar on May 24th.

At the end of the day, we’re here to build something meaningful—rooted in real food, real transparency, and a community that actually gives a damn. Thanks for showing up with us.

Timestamps & Highlights:

• 00:00 – Gym talk & peanut butter jelly bricks
  

• 04:00 – Price change recap & community feedback
  

• 10:00 – Cow shares, local sourcing, and freezer logistics
  

• 17:00 – DIY egg wraps, protein pancakes & chaffle memories
  

• 25:00 – Post-show refeeds done right
  

• 34:00 – September show barbecue: pork butts & lamb
  

• 40:00 – Redmond Salt joins the party
  

• 43:00 – Loyalty program + inventory updates
  

• 49:00 – Rigel’s keto birthday menu (spoiler: “the biggest steak of my life”)