Hardbat Athletics: Inside and Out

Delve into the fascinating world of nutrition science with David Mathas, an army combat medic turned nutrition expert. David shares his inspiring journey from military service to becoming a renowned figure in the field of nutrition. From navigating the challenges of the financial crisis to finding his passion for health and wellness, David's story is a testament to resilience and determination. With host Derek Batman, David sheds light on the foundational principles of nutrition and the importance of understanding individual needs. With a focus on science-backed approaches and practical insights, David dismantles myths and empowers listeners to make informed choices about their health. Tune in to discover how embracing simplicity and prioritizing health can lead to sustainable transformations both inside and out.

In this episode, host Derek and guest Melissa Capurro dive deep into the challenges and intricacies of preparing gyms for the CrossFit Open. Transitioning to their experiences in physical therapy and athlete management, Melissa shares insights into navigating egos and building trust with athletes. They discuss the importance of communication and alignment of goals between the therapist and athlete, emphasizing the need for mutual understanding and cooperation in addressing challenges and implementing changes in training routines. Throughout the episode, Derek and Melissa provide valuable insights into fostering effective communication and trust in athlete management. Their discussion sheds light on the intricate dynamics involved in preparing athletes for high-level competition while addressing individual needs and challenges.

In this episode, guest Chris Williams joins host Derek as they dive into a wide-ranging conversation that touches on everything from ninja training for potential Godzilla encounters to the intricacies of building a successful fitness empire. Chris, the owner of two thriving gyms, shares his journey from stumbling into CrossFit to redefining his relationship with fitness after losing over a hundred pounds – not once, but twice. From battling through weight loss hurdles to facing the unexpected challenge of Gillian Barr syndrome, Chris opens up about the transformative power of love and the importance of seizing the moment in life and in business. With insights into the common misconceptions around fitness and nutrition and the operational differences between CrossFit and his strength and conditioning facility, Chris offers a candid look at the joys and challenges of balancing entrepreneurship, family life, and personal growth. Tune in for an inspiring conversation that proves resilience, determination, and a healthy dose of humor can conquer any obstacle.

Episode 54 delves into the intricate world of mental fitness with Bonnie J. Skinner, an accomplished executive coach with a background in psychotherapy. Host Derek engages in a thought-provoking conversation with Bonnie as she shares her journey from psychotherapy to executive coaching, driven by a desire to address the unique struggles faced by business owners and executives. Bonnie's passion for entrepreneurship shines through as she discusses her belief in the exponential impact of helping individuals who are determined to make a difference. She emphasizes the importance of mental fitness, drawing parallels between physical and mental health and highlighting the necessity of optimizing psychological capabilities for sustained high performance. Throughout the episode, Bonnie breaks down her framework of six pillars of mental fitness, offering valuable insights into areas such as problem-solving, emotional regulation, and relational awareness. She stresses the significance of building awareness as the first step towards regulation, guiding listeners on a journey of self-discovery and growth. With practical advice and relatable anecdotes, Bonnie encourages listeners to embrace restorative practices and prioritize mental recovery, challenging the notion that success comes solely from relentless productivity. Tune in to gain valuable strategies for enhancing mental acuity, fortitude, and endurance, and discover how cultivating mental fitness can unlock your full potential in both personal and professional realms.

Marcus Filly returns to the podcast and takes listeners on a journey through his recent deep dive into traditional bodybuilding-style lifting following a shoulder injury. Reflecting on a year of cutting out high-intensity training and embracing bodybuilding workouts alongside a significant shift in nutrition, Filly shares invaluable lessons learned and insights gained. With the resurgence of bodybuilding's appeal in the fitness world and the evolution of his own approach from a focus on CrossFit performance to a more bodybuilding-centric methodology, Filly explores the intersection of functional fitness and bodybuilding. From redefining what constitutes functional exercises to the importance of balanced strength and full range of motion, Filly challenges conventional notions and emphasizes the ultimate goal of building muscle and strength regardless of the training tools utilized. Furthermore, they dissect the concept of functional fitness, emphasizing the importance of achieving balanced strength, full range of motion, and coordination, rather than fixating on specific exercises or modalities. Through their discussion, Filly and Derek offer a refreshing perspective that prioritizes results over the tools used to achieve them, challenging listeners to rethink their approach to fitness and embrace a more holistic view of functional training.

John Berardi, the co-founder of Precision Nutrition, shares his journey of starting the company and the vision behind it. He emphasizes the importance of curiosity and exploring one's interests in building a successful career. John also discusses the need for finding believable mentors and adapting their advice to fit one's unique situation. He reflects on the evolution of his nutrition approach and the dangers of rigid rules in the industry. In this conversation, John Berardi and host Derek Batman discuss various topics related to health, fitness, and longevity. They explore the superstition surrounding carbohydrates and the importance of finding a balance between practical and optimal choices in life. They also discuss the impact of fitness commitments on parenting and the importance of modifying training routines as priorities change. The conversation delves into the concept of healthspan and the measurement of various health markers. Additionally, they touch on the importance of genetic analysis and the potential for creating real-world communities.

In Episode 51, host Derek Batman sits down with special guest Joelle Cavagnaro to delve into the complexities of the weight loss merry-go-round. In this insightful discussion, Joelle explores the nuances of navigating fitness and nutrition, shedding light on common pitfalls and misconceptions that often lead individuals into cycles of starting and stopping their health journeys. Joelle emphasizes the importance of breaking free from the all-or-nothing mindset and setting realistic expectations, highlighting the significance of sustainable approaches to health and fitness. Drawing from their wealth of experience in the fitness industry, Derek and Joelle provide invaluable insights into finding joy in the journey, making adjustments based on individual circumstances, and prioritizing practicality over perceived optimal strategies. Tune in as they debunk myths, share personal anecdotes, and empower listeners to forge their paths toward long-term health and wellness.

Join host Derek Batman and special guest Mark England, the co-founder and head coach of Enlifted, as they dive into the transformative power of words and stories. Mark sheds light on the revolutionary potential of breathing, emphasizing the importance of observing and shaping our internal dialogue. He shares insights on how to help individuals navigate their stories, even if those stories have fueled their success thus far. Mark also discusses the unique approach of the Enlifted program, where coaches are trained to guide clients through profound self-exploration, recognizing the importance of personal development in their professional practice. Discover how mastering the art of good breathing and listening translates into effective coaching and creates a safe space for transformation. Join us for an enlightening and thought-provoking episode that explores the profound impact of words, stories, and self-awareness on our journey to health and self-improvement.

In this episode, host Derek interviews Jordan Zarour, where the exploration of strength transcends gym walls. Jordan shares insights into his passion for adventure sports athletes, delving into the niche that drives him. From working with the general population to specializing in adventure sports, Jordan unveils the gap in knowledge and training, shedding light on the unique challenges these athletes face. Dive into the conversation as they discuss the importance of education, not just in the gym but in preparing athletes for real-life scenarios in sports like surfing and snowboarding. Join them as they simplify the complexities of strength training, offering practical advice for physical resiliency. If you're curious about unlocking the secrets to strength, resilience, and aging gracefully, this podcast is your guide to a holistic approach to fitness.

In a thought-provoking exchange, Derek and Kimberly dissect the nuances of self-reflection in podcasting. Derek's revelation about self-critique as a host contrasts with the liberating experience of being a guest. The podcast takes an unexpected turn as Kimberly shares her transformative encounter with Mark England and how his enlisted method became a game-changer in her coaching journey. Join Kimberly and Derek as they explore the profound impact of mindset coaching, the shift from motivational quotes to tangible tools, and the unexpected path that led Kimberly to join the enlifted team. This podcast is a riveting exploration of vulnerability, authenticity, and the transformative power of mindset in the world of health coaching.

In this inspiring episode of our podcast, we delve into the multifaceted life of Nick Habich, a distinguished army veteran, entrepreneur, and fitness enthusiast who has made a significant impact in South West Florida. Join us as we explore Nick's journey from his brave service as an infantryman with two deployments to Iraq, earning multiple leadership awards, to his academic achievements in the realm of Athletic Training. Discover how Nick, with a Bachelor of Science in Athletic Training, has successfully founded Shark Bite Fitness and Nutrition, and Athletic Recovery Services, growing them into two thriving locations. His passion for fitness and business shines through as he discusses the joy of coaching group fitness, developing staff, and mentoring fellow business owners. As a Two Brain Business mentor and a Tinker Coach, Nick shares his insights on the challenges and rewards of the business world. He believes that the constant challenges and the impossibility of boredom are what make business exciting. His perspective is not just about achieving success, but also about enjoying the journey and helping others to do the same. Nick's personal life in Cape Coral, Florida, with his wife and two dogs, adds a layer of warmth to his story, making this episode a compelling blend of professional achievements and personal contentment. Whether you're a fitness enthusiast, aspiring entrepreneur, or simply looking for motivation, Nick's story is sure to inspire and energize you. Tune in to hear how Nick Habich shapes his success and helps others to do the same, proving that with hard work and passion, the sky's the limit.

Jennifer Broxterman is a Registered Dietitian & Sports Nutritionist. She’s the founder of Prosper Nutrition Coaching, a world-class nutrition certification designed specifically for gym owners and coaches. She's also a Foods & Nutrition university prof, writer for Precision Nutrition, and owns her own private practice called NutritionRx. She's worked with clients from NHL hockey players and Olympic athletes, to everyday folks looking to eat and feel better.

Derek Batman faces off against Chat GPT to answer the 10 most popular fitness questions presented by this AI.

Derek Ward played college football at Amherst College (#2 liberal arts school in the world), won 3 championships, ranked #22 in nation my junior year, broke consecutive win record there, degree in psychology, after graduating, worked for CBRE, Fortune 250 company, within 6 months was offered a potential 6 figure position at 22, turned it down, quit and pursued dream of owning a gym, 2 years in, was failing, unhappy, broke, and getting married lol... 2 years after that, business boomed, went from losing $3000 a month net, to grossing over $50k and netting $15k a month profit... 2 year old boy, one more boy on the way, married, working on starting other companies and passions To learn more about Derek, check out: Instagram: @coachderekward YouTube: @coachdward

Steve Bart is the Co-Owner of CF Reconstructed in Hockessin, DE. Holistic Health and Fitness State Coordinator, Delaware Army National Guard. Newlywed to Becky Bart. Dog dad to Maxwell. Avid BJJ enthusiast and competitor. Max Kutler is the Head Coach of Thrive Athletics, former collegiate football player and competitive CrossFit athlete. Striving to change the way humans move and approach fitness and nutrition as a whole. To learn more about Steve and Max, check out: Instagram: @maxkutler19 Instagram: @katiekutler Instagram: @cfstevebart

After three years as a commercial gym personal trainer, Larry left for the obvious reasons: it's nearly impossible to make the kind of income you want and need to live a real life in the hours that avoid burnout in a commercial gym. Focused on becoming the most valuable person his clients could find, he left and built a $120,000/year PT business in a hole-in-the-wall public rec center. Larry left this business to go all in at Active Life so he could leverage the skills he learned to help professionals all over the world create the same freedom of purpose, money, and relationships that he was able to create for himself. He just got engaged on an awesome vacation, is stoked about it, and is grateful for the opportunity to help others do the same. To learn more about Larry, check out: Instagram: @larry_thehuman Instagram: @activeliferx Instagram: @activelifeprofessional Website: activelifeprofessional.com

Kenny was born and raised in Huntington Beach, CA. Moved to Santa Barbara, CA for college, where he met his wife Jenn and started a career in outside sales for a fortune 1000 company. He sucked at it, hated every second of it and lived every minute of every day waiting for the bell at 5 o’clock so he could go to Jiu Jitsu. About a year into the job and about 5 years into jiu jitsu, he found CrossFit, which slowly morphed into Kenny's new passion, replacing jiu jitsu. Soon he started casually teaching others what he was doing; and an idea started to form. He realized how much he'd always loved Fitness and how much he loved helping others with their fitness. Jenn, on the other side of things always loved nutrition. So, they hatched a plan to start a gym. This plan included moving across the country to a tiny town in North Idaho, where they knew exactly zero people, but had always loved spending time in. A few months later, they'd saved up some money, packed up all their things and moved. Long story short, 11 years later, that gym is thriving as Sandpoint Strength and Conditioning with roughly 300 members and 5 full time staff members. Outside of the gym, Kenny is a mentor for two brain business, he do some small business coaching and he's started doing longevity focused fitness coaching, due to his newfound enthusiasm for preparing others (and myself) to kick ass at the centenarian Olympics. To learn more about Kenny Markwardt, check out: Website: www.coachkennym.com Website: Www.sandpointstrength.com Instagram: @coachkennymarkwardt Facebook: @coachkennymarkwardt

Jenna Lesser is originally from NY, but she's been a Baltimore resident since she began her undergrad at Johns Hopkins in 2011. She earned her Bachelor's degree with a major in biology and a minor in bioethics. After working as a laboratory technician in neurogastroenterology for two years, she began graduate school at the University of Maryland Baltimore. She studied the impact of aging on osteocyte biology, mechanisms by which bones respond to mechanical load, and the contribution of a protein called Calcium/calmodulin-dependent Kinase 2 on the homeostasis of bone mass. She just completed her PhD! She hopes to take her expertise into a career in science policy. When she's not in the lab, teaches and practices yoga, staying connected to her roots as a dancer and gymnast, and plays field hockey. To learn more about Dr. Lesser, check out: Instagram: @jleser

Bradley McKee's path to the coaching industry was similar to many in that it started with passion. It was unconventional in that it started with a career as a corporate sales coach. This taught him the skill of truly listening to the needs of the person in front of him and acting as an advocate on their behalf. He leveraged this career into gym ownership with the belief that the fitness industry was not serving the needs of the individual, and he has been on a mission since to help change that. Bradley has worked with hundreds of clients over the last decade, and it has given him a steadfast belief that every client is able to improve their quality of life. he says, "It’s our responsibility as coaches to help make that a reality." Bradley's facility focuses on constantly delivering unexpected value and serving our people. To learn more about Bradley McKee, check out: Instagram: @MidwesternHuman

Iris is a Hardbat Athletics coach, seasoned personal trainer, multi open competitor CrossFit athlete, and an alumni from the University of Delaware. After finishing up her studies at the University of Delaware she jumped into the world of CrossFit, personal training, health and wellness with Hardbat Athletics. She's trained hundreds of clients, coached hundreds group classes, competed in several CrossFit opens, and now successfully manages Hardbat Athletics. Anyone who has grown around Hardbat Athletics will tell you that Iris isn't just one hell of a coach, but she is one of the lasting foundations of the mission and is truly the embodiment of the Hardbat Athletics family. To learn more about Iris and how she could help you reach your goals, check out: Instagram: @irishelena96 Website: hardbatathletics.com