The Daryl Perry Podcast

Why do you still see the old you in the mirror?For many people, changing their body doesn't automatically change how they see themselves. Even after losing weight, improving fitness, or making significant lifestyle changes, the old thoughts, emotions, and self-perceptions often remain.In this episode of Body Image Shift, we explore why that happens and how learning to appreciate, accept, and love yourself at every stage of life can help close the gap between physical change and self-perception. We discuss the emotional nature of body image, why the "old version" of you often feels so present, and a simple mirror exercise that can help you begin creating a healthier relationship with yourself.This conversation is a reminder that body image isn't just about what you see. It's about how you feel about the person looking back at you.Topics Covered:• Why you still see the old you in the mirror• The connection between body image and self-perception• Why weight loss doesn't automatically change self-image• Learning to appreciate every version of yourself• The emotional side of body image work• Building self-compassion and self-acceptance• A practical mirror exercise to improve body image• Redirecting old thought patterns• Why kindness matters during the process• Creating a healthier relationship with yourselfContinue The ConversationIf you'd like to continue the conversation around shifting your body image, join the live streams at:yourlevelfitness.com/streamThe live streams provide an opportunity to explore body image, self-confidence, self-worth, weight loss, and the inside/out approach to building a forever active lifestyle.Thank you for listening to Body Image Shift.The goal isn't to erase who you used to be. The goal is to appreciate and love yourself at every stage, so that when you look in the mirror, you simply see you.

Is it time to let it go?Whether it's a grudge, resentment, disappointment, or a story you've been telling yourself for years, holding on can take a tremendous amount of energy. It can impact your relationships, your peace of mind, and your ability to move forward.In this episode of The Almost Daily Podcast, I explore the idea of forgiveness, letting go, and the expectations we place on both ourselves and others. We discuss why people hold on to old hurts, how our stories become reinforced over time, and why seeing our own blind spots can be one of the most challenging and rewarding parts of personal growth.This isn't a conversation about excusing bad behavior or pretending difficult experiences didn't happen. It's a conversation about the freedom that can come from releasing what no longer serves you and deciding what kind of life you want to carry forward.Topics Covered:• Is it time to let go?• The emotional cost of holding grudges• Why forgiveness can be difficult• The stories we tell ourselves• Expectations and disappointment• Seeing your own blind spots• Extending an olive branch• Taking responsibility for your part• Letting go without reconciliation• Social media and reinforced beliefs• Choosing peace over being right• The value of self-reflectionThank you for listening to The Almost Daily Podcast.Sometimes the heaviest things we carry are the stories, resentments, and disappointments we've held onto for years. Letting go doesn't change the past, but it can change what you carry into the future.

Today on The Your Level Fitness Podcast, I'm joined once again by Kevyn J for a conversation that goes far beyond weight loss.We discuss Kevyn's nearly 10-year wellness journey, including his experience using a GLP-1 medication as one tool to improve his health, the importance of strength training, working alongside your healthcare team, and what it really means to pursue long-term wellness instead of chasing quick fixes.From there, the conversation naturally expands into men's mental health, emotional awareness, community, lifelong learning, artificial intelligence, social media, and why genuine human connection may be one of the most important parts of living a healthy life.Some of the topics we explore include:• Viewing GLP-1 medications as one tool within a broader wellness strategy.• Building strength, protecting muscle, and improving long-term quality of life.• The importance of finding healthcare professionals who truly partner with you.• Why men need safe spaces to talk openly about mental and emotional health.• Creating authentic community instead of relying solely on social media.• Lifelong learning, adapting to change, and embracing new technology without losing human creativity.• Finding common ground with others through fitness, music, conversation, and shared experiences.This episode is a reminder that wellness isn't just about changing your body. It's about building a life that allows you to stay active, stay curious, develop meaningful relationships, and continue growing into the person you want to become.A huge thank you to Kevyn for joining me again and for continuing to advocate for wellness, inclusion, and authentic connection.Follow Kevyn and continue the conversation:Instagram:https://www.instagram.com/kevyn_j/TikTok:https://www.tiktok.com/@kevyn_j/If you enjoyed this conversation, be sure to follow Kevyn on social media and stay connected with the positive work he's doing in the wellness and advocacy communities.

How do you know the difference between food noise, hunger, cravings, and emotions?It's a question that becomes increasingly important as you work to build a healthier and more sustainable relationship with food.In this episode of The Food Noise Podcast, we explore the importance of noticing and naming the thoughts, feelings, cues, and emotions that influence your eating decisions. Rather than judging yourself or trying to eliminate every thought about food, this conversation encourages you to become a curious observer of your own experience.We discuss the difference between food noise and hunger cues, how cravings show up, the role emotions play in eating, and why not every thought or feeling around food is necessarily a problem. We also talk about how building awareness can help you move from feeling out of control around food to feeling more empowered in the choices you make.The goal isn't perfection.The goal is understanding.Topics Covered:• Defining food noise for yourself• Hunger cues versus food noise• Understanding cravings• Identifying emotional triggers• The skill of noticing and naming• Observing without judgment• Why food is emotional• The role of emotional eating• Building awareness around eating habits• Taking ownership of food choices• Moving away from all-or-nothing thinking• Creating a healthier relationship with foodContinue The ConversationIf you'd like to continue the conversation around food noise, join the live streams at:yourlevelfitness.com/streamThe live streams provide an opportunity to explore food noise, eating habits, emotional eating, body image, confidence, and building a forever active lifestyle that works for you.Thank you for listening to The Food Noise Podcast.The more clearly you can identify what you're experiencing, whether it's hunger, cravings, emotions, or food noise, the more empowered you'll become in making choices that align with the life and lifestyle you're trying to build.

What expectations are you placing on other people?And more importantly, are those expectations fair?In this episode of The Almost Daily Podcast, I explore the role expectations play in our relationships and why so much disappointment often stems from standards that may never have been communicated, agreed upon, or even consciously recognized.We discuss the popular idea of having zero expectations of others, why that can be difficult in practice, and how learning to notice and name the expectations we carry can help us better understand ourselves and the people around us. I also talk about blind spots, self-awareness, emotional reactions, and the opportunity we have to reassess whether the standards we're holding others to are actually reasonable.The goal isn't necessarily to eliminate expectations entirely. The goal is to become aware of them so we can decide what serves us, what serves others, and what may be worth letting go.Topics Covered:• Why expectations often lead to disappointment• The idea of having zero expectations• Recognizing unspoken standards• Notice and name your expectations• Self-awareness and personal blind spots• Emotional reactions versus logical evaluation• Fairness in relationships• Holding others to unrealistic standards• The expectations we place on ourselves• Letting go of unnecessary frustration• Reframing disappointment• Finding victories in personal growthThank you for listening to The Almost Daily Podcast.The more aware we become of the expectations we carry, the more opportunity we have to create healthier relationships, reduce unnecessary frustration, and approach ourselves and others with a little more understanding.

Today on the podcast, I am joined by Memo, a runner, content creator, and one of the most genuine people I've had the opportunity to connect with online.What started as a conversation about running quickly became a deeper discussion about identity, fatherhood, mental health, social media, personal growth, and the moments that change the direction of our lives.Memo shares how the COVID years led to unhealthy habits, weight gain, and a growing disconnect from the person he wanted to be. After becoming a father, everything changed. Faced with the reality of the choices he was making and the future he wanted for his daughter, he made a decision that would eventually lead him to running.We talk about the difficult first steps, the lessons learned during his first year as a runner, and how slowing down ultimately helped him make more progress. We also explore the supportive running community on TikTok, the power of documenting your journey, and why connecting with others can make a difficult process feel a little less lonely.In this episode, we discuss:• How the pandemic impacted habits, health, and daily life• Becoming a father and finding a new sense of purpose• The frightening moment that motivated Memo to make a change• Why slowing down helped him become a better runner• Recovery runs, pacing, and avoiding burnout• Using social media to document progress and build community• The connection between running, mental health, and self-reflection• Finding beauty in everyday life and appreciating the journey• Why consistency matters more than perfection• The lessons running teaches about patience, growth, and resilienceThis conversation goes far beyond running. It's about becoming the person you want to be, appreciating where you are today, and continuing to move forward one step at a time.To continue following Memo's journey, connect with him on TikTok:https://www.tiktok.com/@memoruns26

For years, I worked as a habit-based coach.The principles were simple: actions create results. The habits you repeat consistently are what ultimately determine where you end up.But over time, I became increasingly interested in a different question:Why do some people follow through while others struggle to?In this episode of The Almost Daily Podcast, I discuss the connection between mindset, emotions, habits, and actions. While understanding yourself and untangling the mental and emotional side of change is important, there is still a point where action has to happen.I also share how I'm bringing more habit-based coaching concepts back into the content I'm creating, why structure still matters, and how simple daily actions can help you build a lifestyle that feels sustainable instead of overwhelming.Topics Covered:• The role of habit-based coaching• Why actions create results• The connection between mindset and follow-through• Understanding why we do or don't take action• Building a forever active lifestyle• Why structure still matters• Simple habits that support long-term success• Water, produce, movement, and daily actions• Avoiding overwhelm in health and fitness• Creating sustainable routines• The balance between self-awareness and execution• Why following through is still essentialThank you for listening to The Almost Daily Podcast.Understanding yourself matters. Mindset matters. Emotions matter. But at some point, progress still requires action. The goal is to create a life where following through feels less like a battle and more like a natural extension of who you are becoming.

Why did Chad start running?What began as preparation for a Spartan Race became a complete transformation of his physical health, confidence, mindset, and sense of purpose.In this episode of Why Did You Start Running, Chad shares how a difficult period following COVID left him struggling with mobility, spasticity, self-doubt, and depression. Living with cerebral palsy, he found himself facing an important decision: continue down a path of inactivity or take a chance on himself and see what was possible.That decision led to his first 5K.Since then, Chad has logged more than 1,000 miles, completed dozens of races, earned a first-place age group finish, organized a charity virtual 5K, launched a scholarship program, and become a voice of encouragement within both the running and cerebral palsy communities.We also discuss the power of community, the mental health benefits of running, navigating grief, overcoming self-doubt, and how one small decision can create opportunities you never imagined.Whether you're a runner, someone living with a disability, or simply looking for a reminder of what's possible when you take a chance on yourself, this conversation is packed with inspiration and perspective.In This Episode• Why Chad signed up for a Spartan Race in 2022• Living with cerebral palsy and navigating physical challenges• How running helped improve mobility and confidence• The mental and emotional benefits of running• The importance of supportive communities• Running through grief and difficult life experiences• Finding purpose through helping others• Creating a scholarship program and charity 5K• Building confidence through personal growth• Why taking one chance on yourself can change everythingConnect With ChadInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/chadwillia1/Learn More About Cerebral Palsy PerspectiveWebsite: https://cerebralpalsyperspective.comIf this episode encouraged you, share it with someone who needs a reminder that progress doesn't require perfect circumstances. Sometimes the biggest transformations begin with a single decision to try.

What is ghost fat?If you've lost weight but still see the same person when you look in the mirror, you're not alone. Many people in weight loss communities describe a phenomenon often called "ghost fat," the experience of changing your body while still feeling connected to an earlier version of yourself.In this episode of Body Image Shift, we unpack why this happens, why rapid weight loss can sometimes make the experience even more noticeable, and why changing your physical appearance doesn't automatically change the relationship you have with yourself. We explore the emotional side of body image, the limitations of weight loss as a solution to self-perception, and why learning to appreciate and love yourself at every stage of life may be one of the most important pieces of long-term change.This conversation also dives into confidence, self-worth, identity, therapy, GLP-1 medications, and the gap that often exists between physical results and emotional healing. The goal isn't simply to change how you look. The goal is to change how you see yourself.Topics Covered:• What ghost fat actually means• Why many people still see the "old version" of themselves• Body image versus physical appearance• The emotional side of weight loss• Why rapid weight loss can amplify self-perception challenges• Ghost fat and GLP-1 medications• The difference between changing your body and changing your self-image• Why confidence doesn't automatically come with weight loss• Learning to appreciate yourself at every stage• The role of therapy and emotional support• Building a healthier relationship with yourself• Creating an alternative way of seeing yourselfContinue The ConversationIf you'd like to continue the conversation around shifting your body image, join the live streams at:yourlevelfitness.com/streamThe live streams provide an opportunity to explore body image, self-confidence, self-worth, weight loss, GLP-1 experiences, and the inside/out approach to building a forever active lifestyle.Thank you for listening to Body Image Shift.Weight loss can change your body. Lasting body image change happens when you learn to appreciate and love yourself at every stage of the journey.

What if confidence isn't something you earn?What if confidence starts with a choice?In this episode of The Confidence Podcast, we explore a different way of looking at confidence. Rather than viewing confidence as something that appears after enough success, enough accomplishments, or enough proof, we discuss why confidence often begins with a decision to trust yourself before you have all the answers.The reality is that you'll never have complete certainty. There will always be unknowns, risks, and opportunities that require you to move forward without knowing exactly how everything will work out. The question becomes: Do you trust yourself to figure it out?We also discuss how people reinforce beliefs about themselves, why many of us focus on failures while overlooking victories, and how your life experiences already provide evidence that you are more capable, resilient, and adaptable than you may realize.Confidence isn't about guaranteeing success. It's about believing in your ability to navigate whatever happens next.Topics Covered:• Why confidence starts with a choice• Trusting yourself before you feel ready• The difference between confidence and certainty• Reinforcing beliefs about yourself• Why people focus on failures more than successes• Recognizing the challenges you've already overcome• Building self-trust through experience• Taking action without having all the answers• Defining success on your own terms• Learning through setbacks and opportunities• Why confidence grows through navigation, not perfectionConfidence CollectionNeed a physical reminder of the confidence you're choosing to build?Confidence Collection:https://yourlevelfitness.shop/collections/confidenceThank you for listening to The Confidence Podcast.You do not need more proof to begin believing in yourself. You've already navigated challenges, setbacks, uncertainty, and change. Confidence starts when you choose to trust yourself to do it again.

Who are you without the weight loss goal?It's a question many people never have to ask themselves. But for those experiencing significant success with GLP-1 medications, it can become one of the most important questions of all.In this episode of Life During and After GLP-1, we explore what happens when weight loss is no longer the primary focus of your day-to-day life. For many people, years or even decades have been spent thinking about food, weight, body image, dieting, and trying to change themselves. When those thoughts become quieter and the weight begins to come off, a new challenge often appears: figuring out who you are beyond the struggle.We discuss identity, self-perception, personal growth, and the opportunity to write a new chapter for yourself. We also explore why this transition can feel both exciting and uncomfortable, and how creating a life beyond weight loss may be one of the most important parts of the journey.Topics Covered:• Who are you without the weight loss goal?• Identity during and after GLP-1• Life beyond dieting and weight loss• What happens when food thoughts become quieter• Rewriting your personal story• The emotional side of major life changes• Moving beyond the struggle• Self-discovery and personal growth• Creating a new chapter in your life• Building a life that isn't centered on weight loss• Adjusting to a new reality• Trusting yourself as you move forwardContinue The ConversationIf you'd like to continue the conversation around life during and after GLP-1, join the live streams at:yourlevelfitness.com/streamThe live streams provide an opportunity to explore topics like GLP-1 medications, weight loss, body image, food noise, identity, and building a forever active lifestyle.Thank you for listening to Life During and After GLP-1.Weight loss may change your body. But who you become afterward is a story that only you can write.

Do you really want food noise gone forever?It's a simple question, but one that deserves thoughtful consideration.In this episode of The Food Noise Podcast, we explore the relationship between food noise, GLP-1 medications, and the future lifestyle you're trying to build. While many people welcome relief from constant thoughts about food, eating, weight, and body image, it's important to ask yourself what role you ultimately want those thoughts and feelings to play in your life.We discuss the value of having a break from food-related stress, the importance of defining your own goals instead of accepting someone else's expectations, and how this quieter period can create an opportunity to build habits that support your long-term success. We also explore the emotional side of eating, the trade-offs involved with different approaches, and why your relationship with food deserves ongoing attention and care.The goal isn't to tell you what your answer should be.The goal is to help you get clear on what you want.Topics Covered:• Do you want food noise gone forever?• Defining your own relationship with food• Food noise and GLP-1 medications• The importance of personal choice• Evaluating trade-offs and side effects• Using quiet periods to build habits• Reintroducing eating routines and structure• The emotional side of food• Why food is more than fuel• Preparing for life during and after GLP-1• Building a sustainable relationship with eating• Creating a forever active lifestyleContinue The ConversationIf you'd like to continue the conversation around food noise, join the live streams at:yourlevelfitness.com/streamThe live streams provide an opportunity to explore topics like food noise, GLP-1s, eating habits, body image, confidence, and building a lifestyle you can actually see yourself living for the long term.Thank you for listening to The Food Noise Podcast.The question isn't whether someone else thinks food noise should be gone forever. The question is what role you want food, eating, and those thoughts and feelings to play in the life you're building for yourself.

In this special episode of The Cerebral Palsy Perspective Podcast, Chad Williams and Daryl Perry welcome Luke, the first recipient of the Doing Hard Things My Way Adaptive Athlete Scholarship.After reviewing hundreds of applications, Luke's story stood out because of his determination, leadership, athletic accomplishments, and commitment to helping others. A recent high school graduate from Alabama, Luke has spent the last four years competing in football and track while developing a passion for adaptive athletics and disability advocacy.During this conversation, Luke shares how he unexpectedly found his love for sports, what athletics taught him about teamwork and leadership, and how discovering adaptive sports opened new possibilities for his future. He also discusses his decision to pursue a career in physical therapy and his goal of helping other individuals with disabilities discover opportunities in adaptive athletics.The conversation highlights the power of community, the importance of creating opportunities for others, and what it means to truly do hard things your own way.In This Episode• Meet Luke, the first Doing Hard Things My Way scholarship recipient• How a friend's encouragement led him into athletics• Lessons learned through football and track and field• Why teamwork matters beyond sports• Discovering adaptive athletics and new opportunities• Attending the University of Alabama's adaptive athletics program• Pursuing a future career in physical therapy• Advocating for people with disabilities in sports• The impact of mentorship, support, and community• What it means to build a future centered around helping othersAbout The ScholarshipThe Doing Hard Things My Way Adaptive Athlete Scholarship was created to recognize adaptive athletes who demonstrate perseverance, determination, leadership, and a commitment to making a difference in the lives of others. Luke's story embodies those values and serves as an inspiration for athletes and advocates alike.Connect With Luke:https://www.instagram.com/luke__ramos_Connect With ChadInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/chadwillia1/Connect With DarylInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/daryltperryIf you enjoyed this episode, share it with someone who could benefit from hearing Luke's story. Conversations like these help create awareness, build community, and remind us of what's possible when we choose to keep moving forward.

Are you on the right path?Most people understand the importance of taking action. They know they need to start, stay consistent, and keep moving forward. But there's another part of the process that often gets overlooked.You have to periodically stop and assess where that path is actually leading.In this episode of The Almost Daily Podcast, I explore why taking action alone isn't enough. While consistent effort can help you make progress, it's equally important to evaluate whether the direction you're moving in still aligns with the life you want to build.We discuss the importance of self-trust, making adjustments along the way, changing direction when necessary, and avoiding the trap of blindly following a path that no longer fits who you are or where you want to go.Topics Covered:• Are you on the right path?• Why taking action is only part of the equation• The importance of regular self-assessment• Making adjustments as you grow• Trusting yourself to change direction• Building a forever active lifestyle• Following through versus blindly following through• Why consistency still matters• The danger of staying on the wrong path too long• Learning through experience• Creating a life that fits you• Trusting yourself to figure it outThank you for listening to The Almost Daily Podcast.Taking action will move you forward. But creating a life that truly fits you requires more than effort alone. It requires the willingness to step back, evaluate where you're headed, and trust yourself enough to make adjustments when needed.

Father's Day can be a complicated day.For some men, it's a day of celebration. For others, it's a day filled with grief, regret, distance, loneliness, unanswered questions, or relationships they wish looked different than they do today.In this special Father's Day episode of The Men's Mental Health Series, Daryl Perry shares a heartfelt message for fathers, father figures, stepfathers, adoptive fathers, and the men who have stepped into a guiding role in someone else's life.Drawing from the recent loss of his own father to ALS, Daryl reflects on the lessons his dad taught him about love, forgiveness, vulnerability, and the importance of having conversations before it's too late. He also explores the emotional weight many men carry, the burden of unresolved relationships, and why healing often begins with forgiving yourself.In this episode, we discuss:• Why Father's Day can be difficult for many men• The emotional realities of fatherhood and father figures• Lessons learned from losing a parent• Why vulnerability is a sign of strength, not weakness• The damage caused by resentment, bitterness, and keeping score• How relationships can begin to heal through ownership and conversation• The importance of therapy, connection, and emotional support• Why your presence matters more than you realizeThis episode is a reminder that many men are carrying far more than they show the world. If you're struggling today, please know that you are not alone. There are people who care about you, people whose lives have been impacted by you, and people who are glad you're still here.The Men's Mental Health Series exists to encourage honest conversations around mental health, emotional well-being, vulnerability, and the realities men face every day. Because healing starts with a conversation.If you are in immediate danger or considering harming yourself, please seek help right now:United States & Canada: Call or text 988United Kingdom & Ireland: Call Samaritans at 116 123Australia: Call Lifeline at 13 11 14Emergency Services: Call your local emergency number immediately if you are in crisis.You matter. Your story matters. And help is available. Happy Father's Day.

Why did Jeremy start running?What began as a challenge inspired by David Goggins eventually became something much bigger. In this episode of Why I Started Running, Jeremy shares how running and fitness became tools for improving his mental health, processing emotions, and showing up as a better father, husband, and man.Our conversation explores the connection between physical fitness and emotional well-being, why so many men struggle to talk about what they're feeling, and how bottling up emotions can affect every area of life. Jeremy also discusses his "How Are You, Man?" series, where he encourages men to move beyond automatic responses and have more honest conversations about what's really going on beneath the surface.We also talk about fatherhood, breaking generational cycles, emotional intelligence, and the importance of teaching the next generation of boys that it's okay to feel, communicate, and work through difficult emotions in healthy ways.Whether you're a runner, someone working on your mental health, or simply trying to become a better version of yourself, this conversation offers practical perspective and a powerful reminder that growth often starts with being honest about where you are.In This Episode• Why Jeremy started running after years of avoiding it• The influence of David Goggins and embracing discomfort• How running helps process thoughts and emotions• The connection between fitness and mental health• Why many men struggle to communicate their feelings• The dangers of bottling up emotions• Breaking unhealthy cycles through fatherhood• Teaching emotional intelligence to children• The importance of asking, "How are you, man?" and meaning it• Building healthier ways to deal with life's challengesConnect With JeremyTikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@jeremygrap22If this conversation resonated with you, share it with someone who could benefit from hearing it. Sometimes the most important conversations are the ones we avoid having.

Can everybody win?I believe they can.In this episode of The Almost Daily Podcast, I explore the idea that success is not a limited resource and that each of us is playing a slightly different game, even when our goals appear similar on the surface. Too often, people get distracted by what everyone else is doing and lose sight of the path that is uniquely theirs.We discuss the importance of consistent effort, trusting your intuition, adjusting course when necessary, and resisting the temptation to compare your journey to someone else's. I also talk about why changing direction is not failure, why it's never too late to pursue a different path, and how many people spend years believing they missed their opportunity when there is still plenty of time to move forward.Topics Covered:• Why everybody has the opportunity to win• Defining success on your own terms• The danger of comparison• Trusting yourself and your intuition• Staying focused on your path• Consistent effort and long-term progress• Making adjustments along the way• Why changing direction is not failure• Letting go of regret• Learning from your experiences• The difference between your journey and someone else's• Creating a life that fits youThank you for listening to The Almost Daily Podcast.Your path will not look exactly like anyone else's, and that's exactly the point. Stay focused on where you're going, trust yourself to navigate the twists and turns, and remember that there is more than enough opportunity for each of us to create a version of success that is meaningful to us.

What is your definition of food noise?Not the definition you've heard on social media. Not the definition used in marketing campaigns. Not the definition someone else gave you.Your definition.In this episode of The Food Noise Podcast, we explore one of the most talked-about terms in the health, fitness, and weight loss space today. Food noise has become a powerful marketing phrase, especially alongside the rise of GLP-1 medications, but what does it actually mean in your day-to-day life?We discuss the thoughts, feelings, anxieties, and experiences that may contribute to food noise, how outside influences shape our relationship with food, and why your experience may be very different from someone else's. We also examine the connection between food noise and modern weight loss marketing, while encouraging you to develop a deeper understanding of what is actually driving your thoughts and feelings around food.Rather than accepting someone else's definition, this episode invites you to get curious about your own.Topics Covered:• What food noise means to you• Why definitions matter• The marketing behind food noise• Food noise and GLP-1 medications• Thoughts and feelings around eating• Anxiety and decision-making around food• Environmental influences on eating• Social media and food messaging• Building awareness around food-related thoughts• Why everyone's experience is different• Creating a sustainable relationship with food• Building a forever active lifestyleContinue The ConversationIf you'd like to continue the conversation around food noise, join the live streams at:yourlevelfitness.com/streamThe live streams provide an opportunity to dive deeper into topics like food noise, eating habits, body image, confidence, and building a lifestyle you actually want to live.Thank you for listening to The Food Noise Podcast.The goal isn't to blindly accept someone else's definition of food noise. The goal is to understand your own experience, identify what is actually impacting your day-to-day life, and build a relationship with food that works for you.

What if one of the biggest obstacles to improving your body image isn't what you see in the mirror today, but how you view yourself from the past?In this episode of Body Image Shift, we explore why so many people spend years trying to run from previous versions of themselves and why that approach often leaves them feeling stuck, even after significant physical changes.From weight loss and fitness transformations to personal growth and life experience, many of us are taught to focus entirely on the future. But when it comes to body image, the past often continues to shape how we see ourselves, our worth, and our value. The challenge isn't simply changing your appearance. The challenge is learning how to appreciate yourself at every stage of your journey.We discuss the unrealistic standards that have been passed down through generations, why chasing approval rarely creates lasting self-acceptance, and how self-appreciation requires both logical understanding and emotional work. We also explore why previous versions of yourself deserve compassion, why trying to escape your past often reinforces negative body image, and how your perception of yourself can completely change the meaning behind the same life experiences.Topics Covered:• Why body image is about more than appearance• The connection between self-worth and self-perception• How societal standards shape body image• Why many people try to run from their past selves• Appreciating previous versions of yourself• The emotional side of body image work• Self-compassion and personal growth• Why changing your body doesn't automatically change how you see yourself• Reframing your relationship with the person in the mirror• Learning to appreciate yourself at every stage of lifeContinue the Body Image ConversationYLF Livestreams:https://yourlevelfitness.com/streamIf you're ready to continue exploring body image, self-appreciation, confidence, and the inside/out approach to personal growth, join us for the YLF Livestreams where we dive deeper into these conversations and work through them together.Thank you for listening to Body Image Shift.The goal isn't to become a completely different person. The goal is to appreciate the person you've always been, recognize how you've evolved, and learn to see every version of yourself with greater compassion, understanding, and appreciation.

What if the change you're hoping to see in the world starts with a single interaction?In this episode of The Almost Daily Podcast, I explore the importance of connection, optimism, self-belief, and finding commonality with others. We discuss why fitness can be a powerful springboard for personal growth, how confidence is built through trust and consistent action, and why meaningful relationships often begin with a single shared interest.I also share why I believe people are capable of creating positive change one conversation, one act of kindness, and one connection at a time. In a world that often encourages division, there is tremendous value in choosing compassion, maintaining your softness, and looking for what brings people together rather than what pushes them apart.Topics Covered:• Why connection matters• Choosing optimism and hope• Trusting yourself to navigate life• Fitness as a springboard for growth• Building confidence through action• Finding commonality with others• The value of meaningful relationships• Protecting your softness without losing it• Kindness, compassion, and human connection• Creating positive change one interaction at a time• Being intentional about who has access to your energy• Why we need each other more than we realizeThank you for listening to The Almost Daily Podcast.The world changes through people. Through conversations. Through kindness. Through connection. The opportunity to create that change exists every day, one interaction at a time.

What happens when you finally reach your goal weight?For many people, weight loss becomes the focus for years, sometimes decades. You spend so much time working toward a number that it's easy to assume everything will fall into place once you get there. But what happens when you actually arrive?In this episode of Life During and After GLP-1, we explore the often-overlooked reality of what comes after successful weight loss. We discuss why it's important to celebrate your accomplishment, how to begin building a lifestyle that feels sustainable for the long term, and why reaching your goal weight is often the beginning of a new chapter rather than the end of the story.We also dive into the relationship many people have with food, the role of trigger foods, why restriction often creates more problems than it solves, and how to begin creating a way of eating that you actually want to maintain. Beyond the scale, we discuss body image, self-perception, self-compassion, and the importance of cultivating a healthier relationship with yourself at every stage of your journey.Finally, we explore one of the most important questions you can ask yourself after weight loss:What do you want your new normal to be?Whether you're currently taking a GLP-1 medication, considering one, actively losing weight, or maintaining weight you've already lost, this conversation will help you think about what comes next and how to build a lifestyle that supports the life you want to live.Topics Covered:• What happens after you reach your goal weight• Why celebration is an important part of the process• Trigger foods and food freedom• Building an eating plan around your preferences• Creating a sustainable forever active lifestyle• Weight loss versus self-acceptance• Why body image challenges can remain after weight loss• The difference between old you and new you• Self-compassion and personal growth• Life after GLP-1 medications• Defining your new normal• Long-term weight maintenanceContinue the ConversationWant to continue the conversation around Life During and After GLP-1?Join the YLF Livestreams where we explore topics like weight loss, maintenance, food noise, body image, confidence, self-trust, and building a lifestyle you actually want to live.YLF Livestreams:https://yourlevelfitness.com/streamThank you for listening to Life During and After GLP-1.Reaching your goal weight is a tremendous accomplishment. Celebrate it. Then remember that your life continues moving forward. The goal isn't simply to lose weight. The goal is to build a lifestyle that allows you to stay active, independent, and engaged in the life you want to live for years to come.

What happens when life makes you want to put your guard up and never let it down?In this episode of The Almost Daily Podcast, I explore the importance of holding onto your softness, kindness, and humanity in a world that often encourages us to become bitter, defensive, and disconnected.As we navigate difficult experiences, challenging relationships, disappointments, and setbacks, it's easy to become guarded. While healthy boundaries are important, there's a difference between protecting yourself and losing the parts of yourself that allow you to connect with others.We talk about the role of boundaries, emotional protection, connection, trust, and why many people are exhausted from feeling like they always have to be on the defensive. Most of us crave genuine connection, understanding, and a sense of belonging. The challenge is learning how to protect ourselves without allowing the world to harden us.Topics Covered:• Why it's easy to become callous over time• The difference between boundaries and emotional walls• Protecting yourself without losing your kindness• The role of softness in human connection• Letting go of bitterness and resentment• Why many people are tired of being on the defensive• Trust, vulnerability, and relationships• Maintaining compassion in a difficult world• Choosing connection over isolation• Why softness is a strength, not a weaknessThank you for listening to The Almost Daily Podcast.Life will give all of us reasons to become harder, more guarded, and more distant. The challenge is learning how to protect yourself while still holding onto the parts of yourself that allow you to connect, care, and show up for others. Don't lose your softness. The world needs more of it.

What happens when a simple goal to lose weight turns into a running journey that changes how you see yourself, your work, and the people around you?In this episode of Why Did You Start Running?, I sit down with Jeremy Lundmark to talk about how a daily walking habit during the early days of COVID eventually led him into running, endurance events, content creation, and building the Uncredible community.What started as a practical attempt to burn calories and lose weight quickly became something much bigger. We discuss consistency, identity, efficiency, work ethic, social media, authenticity, family, leadership, and why ordinary people are often doing extraordinary things every single day without getting any recognition for it.Jeremy also shares the story behind his Uncredible project, his podcast, Substack, and why he believes regular people deserve a platform to share their experiences.This conversation goes far beyond running and explores what it means to show up, stay curious, and build something meaningful while balancing work, family, and life.Topics Covered:• Why Jeremy started running• Weight loss and habit building• Running during the COVID years• Walk-to-run progression• Half marathon training and endurance running• The concept behind Uncredible• Leadership and workplace culture• Efficiency, problem-solving, and manufacturing• Family, parenting, and personal growth• Social media authenticity• Why regular people deserve a voice• Building community through runningGuest Links:Jeremy's Substack:https://jeremylundmark.substack.com/Jeremy on Instagram:https://www.instagram.com/jeremylundmark/Thank you for listening to Why Did You Start Running?Every runner has a story. Sometimes that story starts with a goal to lose weight. Sometimes it starts with curiosity. Sometimes it starts with simply taking the first step. Jeremy's story is a reminder that ordinary people are capable of extraordinary things when they consistently show up and keep moving forward.

You've lost the weight. Maybe you're still losing it. But when you look in the mirror, you still feel like the same person.Many people call this body dysmorphia. While body dysmorphia is a real clinical condition, many people are actually experiencing something different. They're discovering the gap between changing their body and changing the relationship they have with themselves.In this episode of Body Image Shift, we explore why weight loss doesn't automatically create self-confidence, self-acceptance, or self-love. For years, many of us were taught that changing our appearance would finally make us happy, worthy, or good enough. But when the weight comes off and those feelings remain, we're forced to confront a deeper reality.We discuss why so many people spend years trying to run from previous versions of themselves, how weight loss solves a weight problem but not necessarily a body image problem, and why true healing often begins when we stop trying to escape our past and start appreciating every version of ourselves.You'll also learn a simple mirror exercise that can help you begin rebuilding how you see yourself and why patience, kindness, and self-appreciation are essential parts of changing your body image for the long term.Topics Covered:• Why weight loss doesn't automatically fix body image• The difference between changing your body and changing your self-perception• Why many people still feel the same after losing weight• The connection between body image and self-worth• Appreciating previous versions of yourself• Weight loss versus self-acceptance• The role of emotions in body image• Rebuilding your relationship with yourself• Using mirror work to improve self-perception• Creating a healthier internal dialogueContinue the Body Image Conversation:YLF Livestream:https://yourlevelfitness.com/streamThank you for listening to Body Image Shift.The goal isn't to love yourself once you reach a certain weight. The goal is to appreciate and love yourself at every stage of the journey. When you stop trying to run from previous versions of yourself and start appreciating the person who got you here, everything begins to change.

Can health and fitness improve your life without becoming your entire identity?In this episode of the Almost Daily Podcast, I explore the idea that while health and fitness are incredibly important, they are only one part of building a fulfilling life.Inspired by my friend Chad Williams and the work he's doing to create more inclusive communities through fitness, I discuss why some of the most meaningful things we can do involve supporting others, creating connections, and using our experiences to contribute to something larger than ourselves.We talk about the role fitness plays in personal growth, why recovery and longevity matter, and how health and fitness can serve as a catalyst for building relationships, discovering new interests, and creating positive change in the lives of others.I also share my thoughts on why it's important to avoid making fitness your entire identity and how focusing on community, encouragement, and connection can lead to a richer and more meaningful life.Topics Covered:• Making fitness bigger than yourself• Building community through health and fitness• Why connection matters• Supporting and encouraging others• The importance of recovery and longevity• Finding common ground with people• Health and fitness as a catalyst for growth• Avoiding an all-consuming fitness identity• Creating a fulfilling life beyond exercise• The future direction of Your Level FitnessEmail Daryl:daryl@yourlevelfitness.comHealth and fitness can help you build a better life, but the goal isn't simply to become healthier. The goal is to create a life that feels meaningful, connected, and worth living while bringing others along with you.

What do you want your new normal to be?If you're currently taking a GLP-1 medication, you've probably heard people talk about reduced appetite, fewer thoughts about food, lower energy levels, nausea, and significant weight loss. For many people who have struggled with weight management for years, those changes can feel like a welcome relief.In this episode of Life During and After GLP-1, I explore an important question that often gets overlooked: what do you ultimately want your day-to-day life to look like?We discuss the trade-offs that can come with GLP-1 medications, the importance of thinking beyond short-term weight loss, and why it's worth considering how your energy, strength, activity levels, and overall quality of life fit into the bigger picture.This isn't about telling you whether GLP-1 medications are right or wrong. Those conversations belong between you and your healthcare provider. Instead, this episode is about helping you think critically about the lifestyle you're building and whether it aligns with the life you want to live long-term.Topics Covered:• Defining your new normal• Life during and after GLP-1 medications• Appetite changes and food noise• Energy levels and daily activity• Strength, muscle mass, and performance• Long-term lifestyle considerations• Weight loss versus quality of life• Marketing messages around GLP-1 medications• Building a sustainable active lifestyle• Appreciating yourself at every stage of the journeyLinks Mentioned:Your Level Fitness:https://yourlevelfitness.comJournal Prompts:https://yourlevelfitness.com/emailEmail Daryl:daryl@yourlevelfitness.comThank you for listening to Life During and After GLP-1.My goal isn't to tell you what your journey should look like. My goal is to encourage you to think about the lifestyle you're building, the trade-offs you're making, and the version of normal you ultimately want for yourself. The more intentional you are about those decisions, the more likely you are to create a lifestyle you'll actually want to maintain for the long term.

What does it mean to adapt, advocate, and build a life on your own terms while living with cerebral palsy?In this episode of The Cerebral Palsy Perspective Podcast, Chad Williams and Daryl Perry sit down with Gillian Jasper, a writer, advocate, public speaker, and storyteller who shares her experiences navigating life with cerebral palsy, epilepsy, and other challenges.Gillian discusses growing up with disabilities, learning to accept and adapt to the realities of cerebral palsy, the impact of seizures and mobility challenges, and how writing became an important outlet for sharing her story with the world. She also shares her passion for disability advocacy, creating awareness, and helping others better understand what it means to live with a disability.Throughout the conversation, Gillian opens up about overcoming self-doubt, finding confidence in her own voice, and why she refuses to let a diagnosis define who she is or what she can accomplish.Topics Covered:• Growing up with cerebral palsy and epilepsy• Being born premature and overcoming long odds• Physical therapy and adapting to daily challenges• Disability advocacy and awareness• Writing as a form of self-expression• Living with seizures and mobility limitations• Social media and finding community• Public speaking and storytelling• The importance of self-acceptance• Why disability does not define a personGuest Links:Gillian Jasper Instagram:https://www.instagram.com/gillianjasper_Cerebral Palsy Through My Lens:https://www.jewishnewhaven.org/press-releases/cerebral-palsy-through-my-lens-the-hand-i-have-been-dealtHost Links:Chad Williams:https://www.instagram.com/chadwillia1Daryl Perry:https://www.instagram.com/daryltperryThank you for listening to The Cerebral Palsy Perspective Podcast. If this conversation resonated with you, please share it with someone who could benefit from hearing Gillian's story and perspective.

As we start a new week, I've been reflecting on how much my approach to health, fitness, and life has changed over the years.For a long time, I tried to force my way through everything. Whether it was training, work, or simply navigating life with cerebral palsy, I believed that pushing harder was always the answer. What I've learned recently is that recovery, rest, sleep, and hydration may be just as important as the effort itself.In this episode of the Almost Daily Podcast, I talk about the importance of recovery, why I'm finally prioritizing rest without guilt, and how that shift is helping me move through life from a calmer headspace and at a more deliberate pace.I also share why I'm excited about the future of Your Level Fitness, the importance of building inclusive communities, and why supporting and encouraging one another is one of the most powerful things we can do.We also discuss Chad Williams' Doing Hard Things My Way Virtual 5K, why I created the YLF Community Team, and how events like this can help bring people together while promoting inclusion and awareness around cerebral palsy.Topics Covered:• Recovery and rest• The importance of sleep and hydration• Living with cerebral palsy• Moving at a deliberate pace• Building an inclusive fitness community• The future of Your Level Fitness• Why connection matters• Supporting and encouraging others• The Doing Hard Things My Way Virtual 5K• Building something bigger than yourselfLinks Mentioned:Join the YLF Community Race Team:https://runsignup.com/Race/Register/RaceGroup-1?raceId=187209Journal Prompts:https://yourlevelfitness.com/emailEmail Daryl:daryl@yourlevelfitness.comThank you for listening to the Almost Daily Podcast.

What if the person you're trying to leave behind is the very person who needs your compassion the most?In this episode of the Almost Daily Podcast, I talk about self-acceptance, body image, self-worth, and why so many people spend years trying to distance themselves from past versions of themselves.We often believe that changing our appearance, losing weight, reaching a goal, or becoming "better" will finally allow us to leave the past behind. But what if that isn't how healing works?I share my thoughts on why appreciating and loving yourself at every stage of life matters, how unresolved pain can continue showing up even after external changes occur, and why many of the struggles people describe as body image issues may actually run much deeper.We also discuss the importance of self-compassion, personal growth, therapy, and creating a healthier relationship with yourself so that you can offer the same grace and support to others.Topics Covered:• Self-acceptance and self-appreciation• Body image and self-worth• Why losing weight doesn't automatically create happiness• Letting go of labels from the past• Learning from mistakes without defining yourself by them• Therapy and emotional healing• The connection between self-love and personal growth• Why every version of you deserves compassion• Building a healthier relationship with yourself• Extending that same compassion to othersLinks Mentioned:Journal Prompts:https://yourlevelfitness.com/emailEmail Daryl:daryl@yourlevelfitness.comThank you for listening to the Almost Daily Podcast.I believe you're going to figure it out. I believe you're capable of growth, healing, and change. Most importantly, I hope you learn to appreciate and love yourself through every stage of the journey.

What happens when life knocks you down repeatedly and you have to decide whether you're going to stay there or rebuild?In this episode of The Daryl Perry Podcast, I sit down with Scott French for a conversation about resilience, discipline, recovery, and the lessons that come from rebuilding yourself after years of setbacks.Scott shares his journey through chronic pain, injuries, depression, alcohol abuse, and personal loss. We discuss the mindset shifts that helped him regain control of his life, why discipline is often misunderstood, and how helping other people became an important part of his own recovery.We also explore the realities of mental health, personal responsibility, community, and what it means to keep moving forward even when life feels uncertain.This conversation goes far beyond fitness. It's about learning how to navigate difficult seasons, finding purpose through service to others, and trusting that it's never too late to start over.Topics Covered:• Resilience and personal reinvention• Chronic pain and recovery• Alcohol abuse and sobriety• Depression and anxiety• The true meaning of discipline• Building habits that support long-term change• Community and connection• Helping others as part of the healing process• Life after major setbacks• Learning to start overMental Health Support Resources:If you are experiencing a mental health crisis or are concerned about your safety, please seek immediate professional support.United States & Canada:Call or text 988United Kingdom & Ireland:Samaritans: 116 123Australia:Lifeline: 13 11 14Outside the United States:Contact your local emergency services, crisis hotline, mental health provider, or nearest emergency department.Guest Links:Scott French Facebook Profile:https://www.facebook.com/scott.french.792Tiger Battalion Fitness Facebook Group:https://www.facebook.com/groups/298716897756947Thank you for listening to The Daryl Perry Podcast.If this conversation resonated with you, share it with someone who may need the reminder that setbacks do not define your future. Sometimes the most powerful thing you can do is take the next step and keep moving forward.

Life moves fast.One day turns into a week. A week turns into a month. A month turns into a year. Before we know it, opportunities to say what we wanted to say, express how we feel, or reconnect with someone we care about can slip away.In this episode of the Almost Daily Podcast, I talk about the importance of letting people know how you feel about them while you still have the chance. I also discuss the other side of that conversation, learning how to let go of grudges that continue to weigh you down.That doesn't mean inviting everyone back into your life. Some people have shown us exactly why they shouldn't have a place in our lives moving forward. But holding onto resentment, replaying old situations, and carrying emotional weight year after year often hurts us more than anyone else.I also share an update on the future of the Daryl Perry Podcast feed, why you'll be seeing more episodes appear here, and how I plan to use this feed as a home for conversations, interviews, audio journals, and the projects I'm creating moving forward.In this episode:• Why it's important to tell people how you feel• The difference between letting go and letting someone back in• How grudges can quietly drain your energy• Why life is too short to assume people already know how much they matter• The evolving vision for the Daryl Perry PodcastIf there's someone you appreciate, care about, or haven't spoken to in a while, consider reaching out. Sometimes the conversations we put off are the ones that matter most.Your Level Fitness Links:New to YLF?https://yourlevelfitness.comBuild Your Forever Active Lifestyle:https://yourlevelfitness.com/find-your-levelWeekday Journal Prompts:https://yourlevelfitness.com/emailEmail Me:daryl@yourlevelfitness.com

Most people think confidence is something they earn.Take enough action, achieve enough goals, collect enough proof, and eventually you'll believe in yourself.But what if confidence doesn't work that way?In this episode of The Daryl Perry Podcast, I explore why confidence isn't something you build after you've figured everything out. It's a choice to trust yourself before you have all the answers. It's believing that no matter what happens, you'll find a way through it.I talk about the difference between confidence and proof, why self-doubt doesn't disappear even for confident people, and how trusting yourself creates the foundation for taking action in the first place.If you've been waiting to feel ready, waiting to feel qualified, or waiting for enough evidence that you belong, this episode is for you.Confidence isn't about knowing exactly how things will work out.It's about trusting yourself to figure it out along the way.Links Mentioned:Journal Prompts:https://yourlevelfitness.com/emailYLF Community:https://yourlevelfitness.com/communityConfidence Collection:https://yourlevelfitness.shop/collections/confidence

What happens when life takes you down a path you never expected?In this powerful conversation, Chad Williams and Daryl Perry sit down with Simon Dyson, father, caregiver, endurance athlete, author, and founder of Billy's Farm of Hopes and Dreams.Simon shares the story of his son Billy, who was diagnosed with cerebral palsy following complications at birth, and how decades of caregiving challenges, family struggles, endurance racing, alcoholism, recovery, faith, and self-discovery ultimately led him to a new purpose.From Ironman races to one of the toughest endurance cycling events in the world, Simon spent years searching for answers, trying to outrun pain, and searching for meaning. What he discovered along the way transformed not only his own life, but the lives he hopes to impact through Billy's Farm of Hopes and Dreams.This is a conversation about resilience, caregiving, recovery, faith, hope, purpose, and what can happen when we decide to keep moving forward, even when life feels impossible.Connect with Simon and Learn More About Billy's Farm of Hopes and Dreams:https://billysfarmsofhope.org/Follow Chad Williams:https://www.instagram.com/chadwillia1Follow Daryl Perry:https://www.instagram.com/daryltperry

Welcome to the very first episode of Why Did You Start Running?Before hearing the stories of runners from all walks of life, I wanted to share my own. In this episode, I talk about how I started running in college despite not enjoying cardio, how walk/run intervals helped me get started, and how running became less about performance and more about community, connection, and staying active for life.I also share my experience of running with cerebral palsy, leading Couch to 5K and 10K training groups, completing races, finishing last more than once, and why none of that ever mattered as much as the people I met along the way.This podcast isn't about pace charts, shoe reviews, or chasing personal records. It's about stories. It's about the moments that convinced someone to take that first step, and the lessons they learned after they did.Whether you've been running for years, you're thinking about starting, or you're simply looking for a supportive community, I hope these conversations encourage you to keep moving forward.Links Mentioned:Your Level Fitness Podcasts:https://yourlevelfitness.com/podcastsEmail Daryl:mailto@yourlevelfitness.comWebsite:https://yourlevelfitness.comThank you for listening to the first episode of Why Did You Start Running. I'm excited to start sharing the stories behind the first step.

What happens when two curious people sit down and explore creativity, vulnerability, fitness, therapy, podcasting, and the fear of putting yourself out there?In this conversation, David and I discuss why so many people struggle with overthinking, the fear of being seen, and what it takes to move from planning into action. We also dive into authenticity in a world increasingly driven by algorithms and AI, the value of storytelling, the importance of real human connection, and why vulnerability remains one of the hardest skills to develop.Along the way, we explore fitness as a tool for self-discovery, the role of therapy in personal growth, how social media has changed the way we connect, and why being willing to share your story may be more important than ever.Whether you're building something, working through self-doubt, navigating grief, or simply trying to become more comfortable being yourself, there's something in this conversation for you.Connect with David:Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/d4vid_tJust Start Podcast: https://www.instagram.com/just_start_podBig Eats: https://www.instagram.com/b1g_e4tsYour Level Fitness Links:New to Your Level Fitness?https://yourlevelfitness.comCheck Out More Podcasts:https://yourlevelfitness.com/podcasts

Who taught you how to see yourself?It's a question most of us never stop to ask.In this episode, I explore where many of our negative beliefs, insecurities, and critical thoughts actually come from. The truth is that a lot of the stories we tell ourselves today didn't originate with us. They were influenced by people, experiences, industries, marketing messages, social expectations, and countless outside voices that shaped how we view ourselves over time.But that's only one side of the equation.At some point, we begin reinforcing those beliefs ourselves. We repeat them. We accept them as truth. We allow them to become part of our identity.That's where the opportunity for change begins.I talk about the balance between acknowledging the influences that contributed to your self-image and taking ownership of how you choose to see yourself moving forward. Because while you may not be responsible for where some of those beliefs started, you are responsible for deciding whether they continue to define you.This episode is a reminder that you can question those stories, challenge those assumptions, and build a healthier relationship with yourself. The goal isn't perfection. The goal is learning to appreciate who you are while continuing to grow into who you want to become.As always, I'd love to hear your thoughts.Email me at daryl@yourlevelfitness.com.If you're looking for a deeper conversation and more opportunities to engage with these topics, you can also join the community at https://yourlevelfitness.com/community.

This episode is a bit of a behind-the-scenes conversation about where this podcast is headed and why you're going to start seeing a lot more content appear in this feed.Over the years, I've experimented with different podcast formats, including interviews, daily-style episodes, long-form collections, and topic-specific shows. As I've continued to create content and connect with people, I've realized something important.At the center of all of it is conversation.Whether we're talking about fitness, body image, confidence, resilience, running, personal growth, or the stories that shape our lives, the common thread is the opportunity to learn from each other.In this episode, I share why I'm bringing more of my work into one place, what you can expect moving forward, and why I believe stories often teach us more than experts ever could.I also talk about the role interviews will play going forward and why I'm excited to introduce you to more people, more experiences, and more perspectives through this feed.If you've been listening for a while, thank you. If you're new here, welcome. Either way, I hope you'll continue to be part of the conversation.Links Mentioned:Email Me:daryl@yourlevelfitness.comYour Level Fitness:https://yourlevelfitness.comAs always, I'd love to hear your thoughts on the podcast, the format, and the topics you'd like to hear more about in the future.Thank you for listening, and I'll talk to you again real soon. Literally real soon.

In this episode, I'm sharing a personal update after the passing of my dad.About a year ago, my dad was diagnosed with ALS. A little over a week ago, he passed away peacefully, surrounded by people he loved. While I haven't spoken publicly about his diagnosis before now, I felt it was important to share where I've been, why things have been quieter lately, and some of the lessons I've been reflecting on during this difficult time.I talk about grief, how it comes and goes in unexpected waves, and what it was like to see just how many lives my dad impacted throughout his lifetime. One of the most meaningful moments from his service was realizing how many people showed up to honor him and the difference he made in their lives.I also share why ALS awareness and research have become even more important to me moving forward, and how I hope to use my platform to help bring more attention to this devastating disease.This is a shorter episode, but I wanted to personally check in, say thank you for your support, and let you know that more conversations are on the way.If you'd like to support ALS research and help fund treatments and a cure, you can donate here:https://www.als.org/donate

In this episode, I talk about a new concept I've been playing around with connected to the idea of a forever active lifestyle. What happens when you take the “I” out of failure? What if failure isn't actually the thing stopping you from building the life you want?I break down why I believe so many people become hypercritical of themselves before they've even truly given something a chance. Whether it's fitness, eating habits, business, relationships, or personal growth, we often decide we've “failed” simply because things didn't go exactly according to plan.I also talk about why building a forever active lifestyle has to be rooted in your preferences, your reality, and your ability to sustain it long term. Exercise should improve your quality of life, not punish you. Food should be part of your life and culture, not something that constantly fills you with guilt and shame.This episode is about redefining failure, avoiding regret, and giving yourself permission to actually pursue the things you want instead of talking yourself out of them before you even begin.If Almost Daily podcast episodes aren't enough for you, join the YLF Community and take part in the live streams that are not on social media:https://yourlevelfitness.com/communityThese journal prompts will help you develop your own forever active lifestyle:https://yourlevelfitness.com/emailFor all things Your Level Fitness:https://yourlevelfitness.com

In this episode of the Almost Daily Podcast, I'm talking about one of the biggest things that separates people who eventually follow through on their goals from the people who stay stuck talking themselves out of them.Most people only see obstacles.And listen, recognizing potential problems is important. If you're building something meaningful, you absolutely need awareness and perspective.But the people who actually move forward in life also learn how to look for opportunities where other people only see limitations.I also talk about:trusting yourself before you have all the answerslearning how to navigate uncertaintywhy action and adjustment matter more than perfect planningunderstanding when to keep pushing versus when to let something gothe difference between reckless persistence and self-trustwhy some ideas come back around later in life when the timing is finally rightThis episode is really about developing the ability to trust yourself through the unknown parts of building the life you want.Because no matter how much you plan, visualize, or prepare, you are still going to have to figure things out in real time.And that's okay.If you want to build your forever active lifestyle at your own pace:https://yourlevelfitness.comIf you want more guidance while building your forever active lifestyle:https://yourlevelfitness.com/communityJournal prompts to help you navigate and build your forever active lifestyle:https://yourlevelfitness.com/email

In this episode of the Almost Daily Podcast, I'm talking about where I've been the last couple weeks, the shifts happening in the fitness industry, and why I believe nuance matters more now than ever before.There's more information available around fitness, weight loss, GLP-1s, habits, and self-improvement than at any other point in time. But the challenge for most people is not a lack of information. It's figuring out how to make all of it actually fit their real life.That's the philosophy I've been talking about for years.Your approach to fitness, food, movement, and personal growth has to feel sustainable. It has to work with your schedule, your preferences, your lifestyle, and who you are as a person. Otherwise, you spend your entire life trying to force yourself into systems that were never designed for you.In this episode, I talk about:the evolving conversations happening around fitness and GLP-1swhy emotional and behavioral nuance mattersthe shift away from rigid “just do this” fitness advicewhy I'm bringing more regular episodes back to this podcastthe importance of creating a lifestyle you actually want to liveI also talk about why I still believe there's a place for more conversational, less overproduced podcasting and why I want this show to continue feeling natural, reflective, and real.If you want to start building your forever active lifestyle at your own pace:https://yourlevelfitness.comIf you want more guidance while building your forever active lifestyle:https://yourlevelfitness.com/communityJournal prompts to help you navigate and build your forever active lifestyle:https://yourlevelfitness.com/email

You're going to figure it out.But it's going to happen on your time, not when someone else tells you it should.In this episode, I'm talking about the reality of change, especially when it comes to fitness, personal development, and the decisions we know we need to make but haven't made yet.Because let's be honest, most of us already know what to do.We've heard the advice. We've seen the plans. We understand the logic.But knowing isn't the same as doing.Real change doesn't happen just because something makes sense. It happens when you become aware that something isn't working anymore, and then uncomfortable enough to actually do something about it.That connection has to be made on your own.You can't force it. No one else can force it for you.And if you've ever tried to push someone else, or even yourself, into making a change before you were ready, you already know how that goes.This episode is a reminder that there's nothing wrong with you for not having it all figured out yet.You're in the process.And when it clicks, when you truly connect the dots for yourself, that's when things start to change in a way that actually lasts.

At some point, you're going to hit a crossroads.Stay the course or change direction.Keep going or pivot.Hold or fold.And the truth is, there's no quote, no post, no outside advice that can make that decision for you.In this episode, I'm breaking down what it actually looks like to trust yourself in those moments. Because it's easy to share the quotes, “bet on yourself,” “trust your gut,” “just go for it.” But it's a completely different experience when you're the one who has to decide.What I've realized is this, it's not about having perfect confidence or zero doubt. You're going to question yourself. You're going to feel uncertain. That's part of it.The difference is whether you let that stop you.We talk about how so many of us spend time living for other people, making decisions based on expectations, opinions, or fear of judgment. And over time, that adds up.Because when you zoom out and look at your life as a whole, the real question becomes, who have you actually been living for?That's where regret shows up.Not because you made the wrong decision, but because you didn't make your decision.And the goal here isn't perfection. It's putting yourself in a better position, making choices that align with you, and being at peace with when you decide to move.Because if you weren't ready before, you weren't ready. And that's okay.What matters is when you decide now.

If you identify as an overthinker, I want you to sit with this for a second.How deep are you actually going with your thoughts?In this episode, I challenge the idea that overthinking is the problem. Because what if it's not that you're thinking too much… what if you're not actually letting yourself process what's underneath those thoughts?We live in a world that keeps us distracted. Constant noise, constant input, constantly moving from one thing to the next. And in the middle of all that, your thoughts keep looping.But instead of trying to force answers or run through every possible scenario, what would happen if you just let your mind sit with it?Think about those moments where clarity hits you out of nowhere. That random time when everything suddenly makes sense. That's your brain doing what it's designed to do… process.In this episode, I talk about:The difference between thinking and processingWhy your thoughts keep repeatingHow distraction keeps you on the surfaceThe importance of sitting with your thoughts instead of forcing answersWhy working with a therapist can help you uncover blind spotsThis isn't about having everything figured out.It's about giving yourself the space to work through what's already there.Call To ActionIf you want to see what I'm working on and explore more of the inside/out approach:https://yourlevelfitness.com

If you're having a hard day, a hard week, or a hard season in life… this episode is for you.In this short, direct message, I want to remind you of something simple but powerful.There's always tomorrow.You might not have all the answers right now. You might not know how things are going to work out. And there may be moments where it feels like you're not going to get through it.But you will.You always have.This episode is about giving yourself permission to:Take a breath when you need itTake action when you're readyRest without guiltKeep showing up in whatever way you canBecause even when you're being hard on yourself, you're still here. You're still trying. And that matters.You are valuable. You belong. And you are worth it.If you need support beyond this episode, please don't hesitate to reach out. Getting help is not a sign of weakness, it's a sign of strength.You don't have to do this alone.Mental Health ResourcesIf you're in the United States and need immediate support:Call or text 988, the Suicide and Crisis LifelineChat via 988lifeline.orgIf you are in immediate danger, call 911Additional resources:Crisis Text Line: Text HOME to 741741SAMHSA National Helpline: 1-800-662-HELP (4357)If you are outside the United States, please check your local emergency services or crisis hotlines available in your country.If this message resonated with you, share it with someone who might need to hear it.And if you want to reach out directly, you can email me at:Daryl@yourlevelfitness.com

After more than 2,000 episodes and nearly eight years of podcasting, I found myself reflecting on what has actually stayed consistent… and what has changed.In this episode, I talk about how consistency has evolved for me over time, and why it is not about hitting a certain number of episodes, days, or milestones. It is about continuing to show up in a way that aligns with what actually matters.I also share how, despite everything changing around me in industries like fitness and marketing, I keep coming back to the same core message.Connecting with yourself.Living an inside/out life.Learning to appreciate who you are.We also get into something deeper, especially for men. Emotional awareness, vulnerability, and the importance of understanding what you feel instead of suppressing it.Because underneath everything, I believe most of us are looking for the same thing.To feel understood.And to understand others.This episode is a reflection, a reset, and a reminder of what actually matters as you continue building your life.

In this episode, I'm talking about something that I've come to appreciate more and more over time… calmness.Not just silence, but a true calm headspace. The kind where even if life is moving fast around you, your mind stays steady, clear, and grounded.I've realized that calmness is massively underrated. We spend so much time chasing excitement, progress, and constant movement that we forget how powerful it is to simply feel at peace in our own thoughts.This episode is a reminder that you don't have to be chaotic to be productive. You don't have to be overwhelmed to be moving forward.You can be calm and still be building something meaningful.You can be calm and still be motivated.You can be calm and still be excited about your life.As you head into your week, I want you to think about this…What does calmness look like for you right now?Let me know your thoughts. I'd genuinely love to hear how this is showing up in your life. Your Level Fitness Links:New to YLF? Start here:https://www.yourlevelfitness.comDaily Journal Prompt Emails (Monday through Friday):https://www.yourlevelfitness.com/emailRepresent your inside/out life:https://yourlevelfitness.shop

This week is about moving forward.Not looking back. Not overthinking. Not getting stuck.In this episode, I talk about how to reset your focus, get clear on what you actually want, and start building your week with intention. We also dive into the importance of being present, leading with kindness and compassion toward yourself, and simplifying the way you approach your goals in a world that's constantly throwing more information at you.I also share updates on what's coming across Your Level Fitness, including:A more structured weekly content approachLonger, more intentional video contentMulti-layered journal prompts designed to help you go deeperA simplified ecosystem built to help you take actionThis is your reminder that you already have what you need.Now it's about getting clear, staying present, and taking the next step forward.Brand new to Your Level Fitness? Start here:https://yourlevelfitness.comWant to represent your inside/out lifestyle?https://yourlevelfitness.shop

In this episode, I introduce something that I believe can genuinely change how you see yourself, the Inside Out Challenge. So many people go through fitness and weight loss while constantly tearing themselves down in the mirror. I want to flip that. This challenge is about building yourself up, one small moment at a time, by finding something you appreciate about yourself every single day.We've been conditioned to focus on what's wrong, but confidence and self-trust are built through repetition, and that includes how you speak to yourself. This is about shifting your mindset, improving your relationship with yourself, and using fitness as a tool to support that, not punish yourself.I also talk about the role of social media, taking breaks from it, and how we can use it more intentionally to build a supportive community instead of comparison and noise.If you're ready to start feeling better about who and what you see in the mirror, this is where it begins.Brand new to YLF? Start here:https://yourlevelfitness.comWanting to represent YLF while living your inside out, your forever active lifestyle?https://yourlevelfitness.shop

As we head into a new week, I wanted to take a moment to slow things down and just check in with you.I hope you're in a good headspace. I hope you're not overwhelmed or rushing to get somewhere you feel like you need to be. And if you're starting something new, I hope you trust yourself enough to figure it out as you go.We hear “trust the process” all the time, but for me, that just means showing up, doing the best you can, and knowing your intentions are genuine. It means not being in a rush, not living in the past, and allowing yourself to see what's in front of you as an opportunity.Time moves fast. Things can change quickly. And because of that, I hope you're able to see this week as a gift. I hope you see the good in your life, and more importantly, I hope you see the good in yourself.Have a good week.Start here: https://www.yourlevelfitness.com/find-your-levelShop YLF: https://www.yourlevelfitness.shop

Over the past few weeks, I've been rebuilding the entire Your Level Fitness ecosystem. Cleaning up the site, improving structure, connecting everything, and creating something that actually supports both you and me long term.But this isn't just about websites or marketing. This is about how we approach our lives.I talk about why hustle is a skill, not a way of life, how burnout sneaks in when we don't create boundaries, and why I've intentionally stepped away from posting on weekends.I also walk through how I'm simplifying content, restructuring emails, and focusing on clarity over noise, so you can actually use what I share instead of feeling overwhelmed by it.This episode is about building something sustainable, not just in business, but in your mindset, your habits, and your day to day life.If you've ever felt like you're always “on” or like you're falling behind, this one is for you.• Hustle and grinding are skills, not identities• Creating boundaries protects your energy and consistency• Simplicity leads to better execution and less overwhelm• Systems create freedom, not restriction• Your pace determines your sustainabilityFind Your Levelhttps://yourlevelfitness.com/find-your-levelThe YLF Frameworkhttps://yourlevelfitness.com/frameworkJournal Prompt Emailshttps://yourlevelfitness.com/journal-prompt-emails