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

In this episode, Greg and I get real about parenthood, patience, and why toddlers have a talent for testing every ounce of it. We talk about Rigel's latest boundary-pushing phase and the fine line between teaching independence and not losing your mind. Spoiler: there's a lot of grace required.

We also cover what's going down with Keto Brick—price changes going live, restocks in the works, and gearing up for Meatstock in Gatlinburg. Plus, we dive into the "sugar diet" trend that's been making the rounds on social media. You know I've got thoughts on that.

From discussing grass-finished steaks and the leanest elk meat you've ever seen, to why supporting your local farmers matters way more than eating 3D printed steaks, this one's packed with everything from family life to food philosophy.

Oh, and if you want to get in on the next episode, drop a legit topic suggestion in the comments. If we use it, I'll hook you up with a surprise mystery box—bricks, swag, who knows? Let's get those comments rolling!
Timestamps & Highlights:

• Rigel's defiant streak & toddler life lessons
• Keto Brick price updates & Meatstock prep
• The sugar diet trend: why I'm not buying it
• Real food > fake food: local sourcing & sustainable choices
• Weird foods we've tried (hint: lots of animal parts)
• Company updates, loyalty programs & big restocks coming
  https://www.instagram.com/ketogreg80/
  
  If you enjoy the show, let us know in the comments what you want us to cover next. And hey—maybe, just maybe, Greg will be a man by the next episode.

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”)

Do you dream of turning your small gym into a thriving business that members love? Are you ready to elevate your gym’s vibe, create a strong community, and balance your personal life while running a profitable fitness empire? This episode is for you. Join Robert Sikes, host of the Savage Perspective Podcast, and special guest Will Anthony in episode 777 as they reveal the strategies and tools you need to transform your gym into the go-to place for fitness enthusiasts.

In this eye-opening conversation, Robert and Will dive deep into the secrets behind building a powerful gym atmosphere, finding and maintaining top-tier equipment, and creating a sense of community that keeps your members coming back for more. You’ll also hear their honest take on juggling business responsibilities with family life, the importance of setting boundaries, and tips for fostering deep connections with clients and staff. Whether you’re a small gym owner or someone considering starting your fitness business, this episode is packed with insights to help you grow.

Ready to take control of your fitness business and start building something exceptional? Join Robert’s FREE Bodybuilding Masterclass today and learn how to fine-tune your gym’s strategy, design, and atmosphere for lasting success.

Here are the 5 Steps Robert and Will discuss:

1. Start Small and Scale Gradually - Begin with essential equipment and space you can afford, adding more as the business grows to avoid overwhelming initial costs.

2. Create an Inviting Vibe - Focus on curating the gym's atmosphere through quality equipment, staff interactions, and overall environment to enhance member experiences and retention.

3. Implement Strategic Pricing - Set prices that reflect the value of your offerings, allowing for better control over the gym's culture and attracting committed members who appreciate the investment.

4. Foster a Strong Community - Build and maintain a positive community by prioritizing member interactions, addressing issues promptly, and ensuring the space supports everyone's goals without exclusivity.

5. Maintain Personal Involvement and Balance - Stay actively involved in operations while managing personal life to set a positive example and sustain long-term motivation for both owners and members.

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 Balancing success, fitness, and life

1:00 Build your gym’s winning vibe

2:53 Find top-tier gym equipment

5:01 Choose smarter equipment for happy members

6:44 Create a gym atmosphere members love

10:06 Build a strong gym community

11:38 Host events to grow your gym

14:57 Balance family and business

16:46 Use tools to manage your gym remotely

19:42 Work-life struggles revealed

21:01 Handle gym issues after hours

24:03 Why self-sufficient women stand out

25:31 Teach kids gun safety responsibly

28:35 Secure firearm storage tips

30:01 Educate kids: Guns are tools

32:55 Protective instincts of pets

34:17 Socialize your dog with patience

37:27 Bonds formed through military life

39:17 Civilian life after the military

42:46 Ego vs. real growth

44:20 Combat lessons: Appreciate life

47:51 Sacrifices of military roles

49:05 Understand military responsibilities

52:03 Prioritize family during business stress

53:43 Balance life with the 80/20 rule

56:39 Plan an epic Yellowstone trip

58:06 Wildlife spotting tips for Yellowstone

1:01:11 Chase big goals, balance commitments

1:02:36 Push limits for personal growth

1:05:16 Explore Northwest Arkansas nature

1:06:45 Make your gym easy to join

Crystal’s second trimester hasn't been pain free. From battling relentless pain to navigating crucial decisions about childbirth, this episode dives deep into the raw, unfiltered truth of her journey. Joined by her husband, and Savage Perspective Podcast host, Robert Sikes, Crystal opens up about surviving severe SI and sciatic pain while making tough choices about fitness, nutrition, and shifting birth plans. This is a powerful and personal look into the challenges of balancing health, family, and ambition.

In episode 776 of the Savage Perspective Podcast, Robert and Crystal share the highs and lows of preparing for the birth of their second child. Crystal discusses how she managed her pregnancy weight gain and adjusted her fitness routine to stay healthy despite the pain. They reflect on the stress of changing from a planned home birth to a hospital birth due to new regulations, all while tackling the emotional toll of past birth experiences and C-section recovery. With a focus on informed decision-making, you’ll hear a candid discussion about V-back options, hospital policies, and trusting in the support of midwives and doctors.

If you’re interested in making better decisions about health, family, and balancing it all, this episode is for you. Don’t miss Robert’s FREE Bodybuilding Masterclass here: https://www.ketobodybuilding.com/registration-2 to continue building a stronger, healthier future.

Watch now to gain insight, inspiration, and advice from Robert and Crystal as they navigate this transformative chapter in their lives.

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 Sickness, pain, and birth plan decisions

2:24 Pregnancy pain and weight gain

6:28 Fitness and diet adjustments

8:28 Stress and changing birth plans

12:45 Emergency C-section experience

14:38 V-back safety and home births

18:40 Lack of V-back education

20:45 Hospital challenges with V-backs

24:31 Doctor insights on V-back prep

26:22 Natural hospital birth plan

29:50 Preparing first child for sibling

31:32 Excitement and balancing life

34:53 Smooth pregnancy and love

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

Pricing announcement details:https://www.ketobrick.com/pages/keto-brick-pricing-announcement

We’re back in the saddle this week with a big ol’ dose of transparency and a behind-the-scenes look at some major changes at Keto Brick. After a quick taste test of some new ketone drinks and a chat about low-acid coffee, Greg and I dive deep into why we’re raising the base price of the bricks for the first time since launching back in 2018. It’s a move we didn’t take lightly, but the math doesn’t lie—costs are up across the board, and this change is necessary to keep serving our amazing community without cutting corners or compromising on quality.

We talk about how Keto Brick started with just Crystal and me making bricks in our kitchen after hours, what’s changed since then, and why the mission has always been about offering the cleanest, most functional performance bar on the market—not just chasing profit. We also introduce our brand-new loyalty program, built to reward our most dedicated customers with perks like points, tiered benefits, and potentially early access to flavor launches.

Beyond that, we chat about parenting in a tech-saturated world, upcoming bodybuilding plans (2027, anyone?), prepping for our next show, and even a story about rescuing a stranded neighbor.

As always, it’s raw, it’s real, and it’s all about keeping it honest with the people who support us.

Appreciate y’all more than you know. Let’s keep moving forward—together.

What does it really take to succeed in natural bodybuilding? In this powerful episode of the Savage Perspective Podcast with host Robert Sikes, we dive deep into the world of natural bodybuilding alongside guest Aaron Orton, a seasoned promoter and athlete. Episode 775 explores the unique challenges, opportunities, and rewards of competing as a natural bodybuilder while offering valuable insights for ambitious listeners working hard toward their own fitness and professional goals.

Aaron shares his unmatched expertise, discussing the power of community in local posing classes, the legacy of the Cecil Phillips Classic, and the exciting changes coming to the 20th anniversary of his event. Learn how natural bodybuilding has grown into a dynamic sport focused on discipline, longevity, and fairness by emphasizing drug-free competition and rigorous judging standards. Throughout the episode, Aaron also highlights key lessons about balancing fitness with life, maintaining health, and inspiring others.

Whether you’re looking to compete, excel in your career, or simply stay motivated, this episode is packed with invaluable advice on achieving success while prioritizing professional growth, personal balance, and long-term health. Don’t miss this engaging conversation featuring real stories from the world of natural bodybuilding!

Follow Aaron on IG: https://www.instagram.com/aaron.orton/

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 Intro - Celebrating Natural Bodybuilding

1:56 April Classes - 30 Competitors Unite

5:27 Honoring the Cecil Phillips Classic

7:19 Big Changes for the 20th Anniversary

11:08 Compete for Pro Cards

13:02 New Natural Competitions in the Northwest

16:45 Cross-Federation Competition Builds Community

18:24 Men’s Physique Meets Bodybuilding

21:44 Boost Productivity with Fitness

23:28 Fulfillment Through Supporting Others

26:55 Long-Term Health and Lifestyle Tips

28:31 Balancing Fitness, Family, and Fun

31:53 Upcoming Show and Guest Posing

33:23 Stronger Relationships in Bodybuilding