The Level Up Life: Muscle and Mindset Mastery
Level Up Life is a podcast that blends fitness, mindset, and personal growth. We share stories, strategies, and interviews focused on transforming both mind and body, empowering listeners to take control of their lives and achieve their goals.
How Much Can One Small Compromise Change Your Life?
In the Season 3 Finale, Episode 26 of Level Up Life: Muscle & Mindset Mastery, Adam Wittbrodt and Dave “Waz” Wazny sit down with Tara LaFramboise from Anomalous Expeditions for a powerful conversation about addiction, recovery, personal transformation, and the experiences that shape who we become.
Tara shares her journey from struggling with addiction at a young age to eventually finding recovery and becoming a counselor, using her experiences to help others navigate their own challenges.
We talk about how the trajectory of our lives isn't always chan...
Can Fitness Change More Than Your Body?
In Season 3, Episode 25 of Level Up Life: Muscle & Mindset Mastery, Adam Wittbrodt and Dave “Waz” Wazny sit down with Derrick Sturgeon for a raw and honest conversation about addiction, recovery, transformation, and rising from the ashes of a life that once seemed hopeless.
Derrick shares his journey through addiction, the challenges he faced, and what it took to begin building a different life.
We talk about turning points and how they don't always look the way we expect them to.
Change Starts With Humility
In this episode of Level Up Life: Muscle & Mindset Mastery, Adam Wittbrodt and Dave “Waz” Wazny sit down with Donny Warner for a raw and unfiltered conversation about addiction, recovery, humility, and what it really takes to change your life.
Donny opens up about his past, the darkness that comes with addiction, and the changes he had to make to build a different life.
We talk about why real change often starts with humility. At some point, we have to be willing to admit that...
Finding Connection in the Darkness
In this episode of Level Up Life: Muscle & Mindset Mastery, Adam Wittbrodt and Dave “Waz” Wazny sit down with Zack Peterson for an honest conversation about fatherhood, loss, mental health, connection, and finding hope during some of life’s darkest moments.
Zack shares what led him to start the Midland Dad Club and why he felt there was a need to create a place for dads to connect, build relationships, and support one another.
But the conversation goes much deeper.
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What Happened to You?
In this episode of Level Up Life: Muscle & Mindset Mastery, Adam Wittbrodt and Dave “Waz” Wazny sit down with Ryan Griffus for a powerful conversation about childhood trauma, homelessness, mental health, masculinity, resilience, and the impact of finally feeling seen.
From the outside, Ryan appeared to have everything together. He was a talented athlete who helped his high-school football team win a state championship at the Pontiac Silverdome. Behind that image, however, was a young man struggling with neglect, homelessness, depression, loneliness, and suicidal thoughts.
Ryan open...
The Fall Is Not the Finish
In Episode 21 of Season 3 of Level Up Life: Muscle & Mindset Mastery, Adam Wittbrodt and Dave “Waz” Wazny sit down with Andrew Ortiz for a powerful conversation about addiction, recovery, faith, family, and rebuilding a life with purpose.
Addiction can take someone further down than they ever imagined. It can damage relationships, separate families, destroy trust, and make it difficult to believe there is still a way forward. Throughout the episode, Andrew opens up about the fall that came with addiction - and the rise that became possible through recovery.
What Comes After the Darkness?
In Episode 20 of Season 3 of Level Up Life: Muscle & Mindset Mastery, Adam Wittbrodt and Dave “Waz” Wazny sit down with Carole Evans for a powerful conversation about addiction, recovery, fitness, mindset, and finding purpose after some of the darkest years of life.
Recovery is about more than simply stopping the substance. Throughout the episode, Carole shares her journey through active addiction, the darkness that came with it, and what it took to begin rebuilding a life on the other side.
We talk openly about the...
Recovery Takes More Than Recovery
In Episode 19 of Season 3 of Level Up Life: Muscle & Mindset Mastery, Adam Wittbrodt sits down with Ashley Endline, Beth Ureche, and Sam Price from 1016 Recovery Network for a powerful conversation about recovery, community, stigma, and one of the most debated questions surrounding addiction: Is addiction a disease or a choice?
Recovery doesn't happen in isolation. Throughout the episode, we explore why having a support system is important—but why true recovery-friendly communities require something much bigger. It's not only about having a recovery group, treatment program, or handful of people in yo...
What If the Story You Believe Is the Problem?
In Episode 18 of Season 3 of Level Up Life: Muscle & Mindset Mastery, Adam Wittbrodt and Dave "Waz" Wazny sit down for a powerful conversation about identity, self-talk, perseverance, and the stories we tell ourselves that ultimately shape the direction of our lives.
Throughout the episode, we explore how the labels we accept - whether it's "addict," "failure," "fat," "broken," or "not good enough" - can quietly influence our decisions long after our circumstances have changed. We discuss the difference between your past and your identity, why so many people struggle to move forward even after making positive changes...
Everyone Supports Recovery... Until It's in Their Neighborhood
In Episode 17 of Season 3 of Level Up Life: Muscle & Mindset Mastery, Adam Wittbrodt and Dave “Waz” Wazny sit down with Lori Ziolkowski for an eye-opening conversation about recovery housing, community concerns, and why safe, stable housing is one of the most overlooked pieces of long-term recovery.
Throughout the episode, Lori explains what recovery housing really is, how it differs from halfway houses and other forms of transitional living, and why having a safe environment can dramatically improve a person's chances of maintaining sobriety. Together, we explore the barriers many people in reco...
Justice Beyond Punishment
In Episode 16 of Season 3 of Level Up Life: Muscle & Mindset Mastery, Adam Wittbrodt and Dave “Waz” Wazny sit down with Midland County Judges Michael Beale and Stephen Carras for an insightful conversation about specialty courts, accountability, rehabilitation, and what it truly means to pursue justice.
Throughout the episode, Judges Beale and Carras share what first drew them to the bench, how their perspectives on justice have evolved over the years, and the lessons they've learned about human nature through decades of serving the community. Together, we explore why punishment alone is not...
The Hidden Reason People Self-Destruct
In Episode 15 of Season 3 of Level Up Life: Muscle & Mindset Mastery, Adam Wittbrodt and Dave “Waz” Wazny sit down with Dion Elevina and Barrett Carpenter for an honest and deeply personal conversation about childhood, environment, trauma, and the journey toward change.
Throughout the episode, Dion and Barrett share their experiences growing up and the ways their environments helped shape their beliefs, behaviors, and decision-making. Together, we explore how many of the behaviors society often judges are, in reality, survival mechanisms developed in response to difficult circumstances, instability, trauma, and adversity.
Why Some People Break... and Others Become Stronger
In Episode 14 of Season 3 of Level Up Life: Muscle & Mindset Mastery, Adam Wittbrodt sits down with Brandon Hillaker for a powerful conversation about mental health, resilience, purpose, and the ongoing need for justice reform.
Throughout the episode, Brandon shares his personal experiences and perspectives on navigating mental health challenges while confronting the stigma that still surrounds these conversations today. Together, we explore why mental health struggles are often misunderstood and how creating space for honest dialogue can help break down barriers and encourage healing.
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Specialty Courts: Changing Lives Through Accountability and Support
In Episode 13 of Season 3 of Level Up Life: Muscle & Mindset Mastery, Adam Wittbrodt sits down with Briona Varner of MIHOPE, Amanda Hausmann of Recovery Court, and Andrea Diaz of Mental Health Court for an in-depth conversation about the role specialty courts play in transforming lives and strengthening our community.
This episode takes a closer look at how these programs provide an alternative path for individuals whose underlying struggles with substance use, mental health challenges, or other life circumstances have contributed to their involvement with the criminal justice system.
Throughout the conversation, we discuss how each...
Inside the Recovery Pod: Voices from Behind the Walls
In Episode 12 of Season 3 of Level Up Life: Muscle & Mindset Mastery, Adam Wittbrodt and Dave “Waz” Wazny step inside the Midland County Jail for a powerful and unique conversation with Recovery Pod participants Ben Benchley and Billy Jones.
Recorded inside the jail itself, this episode provides a firsthand look at what life is like inside the Recovery Pod and how it differs from general population. Ben and Billy openly share their experiences, challenges, and perspectives on what happens when individuals are given an opportunity to focus on recovery, accountability, personal growth, and...
Breaking the Cycle: Inside Midland County Jail’s New Recovery Pod
In Episode 11 of Season 3 of Level Up Life: Muscle & Mindset Mastery, Adam Wittbrodt sits down with Captain Amy Randall, Lt. Trent Millard, and Deputy Jason Haruska of the Midland County Sheriff’s Office to discuss the vision, structure, and purpose behind the new Recovery Pod inside the Midland County Jail.
This episode takes an inside look at a major shift happening within the correctional system — one focused not only on accountability and public safety, but also rehabilitation, structure, recovery, and long-term change.
Throughout the conv...
Breaking the Silence Around Food, Body Image, and Anorexia
In Episode 10 of Season 3 of Level Up Life: Muscle & Mindset Mastery, Adam Wittbrodt and Dave “Waz” Wazny sit down with Alaina Yuker for an open and vulnerable conversation about eating disorders, body image, body dysmorphia, fitness, nutrition, and the complicated relationship many people have with food.
Alaina courageously shares her personal journey with anorexia and the mental battles that often happen behind the scenes long before other people recognize something is wrong.
Throughout the episode, we discuss how struggles with body image and food can...
Relate… Don’t Compare
In Episode 9 of Season 3 of Level Up Life: Muscle & Mindset Mastery, Adam Wittbrodt and Dave “Waz” Wazny sit down with Will Sirrine for a real and honest conversation about addiction, recovery, and what it takes to sustain long term change.
Will shares his personal journey and how addiction can slowly progress over time, often in ways people do not fully recognize until they are trapped inside the cycle themselves.
Throughout the episode, we discuss a major truth within recovery:
every story is unique, but when you simplify things down to the core, many peop...
Change From the Inside: Recovery, Rehabilitation, and Breaking the Cycle
In Episode 8 of Season 3 of Level Up Life: Muscle & Mindset Mastery, Adam Wittbrodt sits down with Buddy Yancer, Joel Hensel, and Aaron Falkowski for a powerful conversation centered around the Midland County Jail’s new Recovery Pod and the larger shift happening within the justice system.
This episode is the first in a planned series focused on rehabilitation, recovery, accountability, and what it truly takes to reduce recidivism and create lasting change.
What makes this conversation different is that all four men at the ta...
Movement, Metabolism, and Mastery: Rethinking Pain, Performance, and Health
In Episode 7 of Season 3 of Level Up Life: Muscle & Mindset Mastery, Adam Wittbrodt and Dave “Waz” Wazny sit down with Dr. Jeff Berard for a deep, no-nonsense conversation that connects movement, pain, and metabolic health in a way most people have never considered.
With Dr. Berard’s background as a doctor of chiropractic and Adam and Waz’s experience in corrective exercise, this episode dives into the overlap they see every day - people dealing with pain that often stems from postural issues, movement dysfunction, and muscle imbalances. But instead of stopping...
Strength, Structure, and Second Chances: Fitness and Mentorship Inside the System
In Episode 6 of Season 3 of Level Up Life: Muscle & Mindset Mastery, Adam Wittbrodt and Dave “Waz” Wazny sit down with Jrew Brickel and Cynthia Beres for a meaningful conversation rooted in fitness, mentorship, and the power of showing up for others.
After connecting through their work at the Midland County Juvenile Justice Center, this episode dives into the shared passion all four have for fitness - and how it goes far beyond just physical health. For each of them, fitness represents structure, discipline, consistency, and an outlet that can change the dire...
A Second Chance in Motion: Jonathan Fridegar’s Story of Recovery, Fitness, and Opportunity
In Episode 5 of Season 3 of Level Up Life: Muscle & Mindset Mastery, Adam Wittbrodt and Dave “Waz” Wazny sit down with Jonathan Fridegar for a powerful conversation about rebuilding a life from the ground up.
Jonathan shares his journey through substance use and the reality of starting over - what it takes to move forward when your past feels like it’s working against you. This episode dives into the early stages of recovery, the challenges that come with it, and the mindset required to stay on track.
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The Impact of the Right Voices with Jolene & Angela (J and A Counseling)
In Episode 4 of Season 3 of Level Up Life: Muscle & Mindset Mastery, Adam Wittbrodt and Dave “Waz” Wazny sit down with Jolene and Angela from J and A Counseling for a conversation that comes full circle.
This episode hits different.
Jolene and Angela were there at the beginning—helping lay the foundation that Adam would build on for years to come in his recovery. They were among the first to introduce concepts like thinking errors, self-awareness, and the deeper work required to truly change.
Together, they dive into the realities of addiction and recovery—what it...
From Service to Self-Awareness: A Conversation with Amir Hassan
In Episode 3 of Season 3 of Level Up Life: Muscle & Mindset Mastery, Adam Wittbrodt sits down with Amir Hassan for a real and powerful conversation around upbringing, service, addiction, and identity.
Amir shares his experiences growing up, serving in the military, and working with the United States Department of Homeland Security - and how those moments shaped his perspective on life.
They dive into the reality of addiction, and how sometimes life doesn’t show us what we want to do - but clearly shows us...
Coaching in Real Time: A Conversation with Lisa Tarkington (Part Two)
In Episode 2 of Season 3 of Level Up Life: Muscle & Mindset Mastery, Adam Wittbrodt continues the conversation with Lisa Tarkington - but this time, it moves from discussion to action.
Lisa coaches Adam live on camera, giving a real look at what effective coaching actually feels like. Through intentional questions and honest reflection, she helps uncover blind spots, challenge assumptions, and create clarity in real time.
Adam leads by example, showing vulnerability and stepping fully into the process. No script. No filters. Just the work.<...
Coaching, Confidence, and Change: A Conversation with Lisa Tarkington (Part One)
In the Season 3 premiere of Level Up Life: Muscle & Mindset Mastery, host Adam Wittbrodt sits down with Lisa Tarkington for a powerful conversation centered around coaching, behavior change, and what it truly takes to build lasting habits.
Adam and Lisa dive into the reality of working with people who want change - but often struggle to follow through. They break down the gap between knowing what to do and actually doing it, and why behavior change is less about information and more about identity, consistency, and environment.
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Reflection, Growth, and the Mission: A Season 2 Finale with Adam Wittbrodt
In this season finale of Season 2 of Level Up Life: Muscle & Mindset Mastery, host Adam Wittbrodt reflects on the journey of the past year — the growth of the podcast, the moments of doubt, and the lessons learned along the way.
Adam talks about what it really means to build something from the ground up. The uncertainty, the quiet progress that comes from consistency, and the importance of showing up even when the path forward isn’t perfectly clear.
He also reflects on the mission behi...
Purpose, Perspective, and the People Around Us: A Conversation with Adam Wittbrodt & Dave “Waz” Wazny
In this reflective episode of Season 2 of Level Up Life: Muscle & Mindset Mastery, host Adam Wittbrodt and co-host Dave “Waz” Wazny sit down for an open conversation that moves through a wide range of topics - recovery, purpose, the people who shape our lives, and the lessons that come from both success and failure.
Adam and Waz reflect on the journey of recovery and how life begins to look different once you start rebuilding from a place of honesty and accountability. They talk about how recovery is not just about removing subs...
Finding Purpose Through Recovery: A Conversation with Chancy Eastman
In this impactful episode of Season 2 of Level Up Life: Muscle & Mindset Mastery, host Adam Wittbrodt and co-host Dave “Waz” Wazny sit down with Chancy Eastman for a deeply honest conversation about addiction, recovery, and what it truly means to rebuild a life from the ground up.
Chancy opens up about the reality of addiction—the isolation, the internal battles, and the slow erosion of identity that can occur when substances become a way to cope, escape, or survive. The discussion explores how addiction is rarely about the substance itself, but about...
Healing the Roots: A Conversation with Camile Gerace Nitchsky
In this powerful episode of Season 2 of Level Up Life: Muscle & Mindset Mastery, host Adam Wittbrodt sits down with Camile Gerace Nitchsky for an honest conversation about trauma, addiction, recovery, and rebuilding a life driven by purpose.
Camile shares how trauma often begins long before addiction—shaped by early experiences, emotional wounds, and environments that leave lasting imprints. The discussion explores how addiction is often an attempt to cope, to numb pain, or to escape unresolved emotions. What begins as relief can slowly disconnect people from themselves and their potential.
...Turning Crisis Into Purpose: A Conversation with Brady Kosberg
In this impactful episode of Season 2 of Level Up Life: Muscle & Mindset Mastery, host Adam Wittbrodt and co-host Dave “Waz” Wazny sit down with Brady Kosberg for a powerful and timely conversation about adversity, awareness, and stepping into purpose after facing a personal crisis.
Brady opens up about a defining moment in his life—one that forced him to confront fear, uncertainty, and the weight of responsibility. Instead of allowing the crisis to shrink him, he chose to let it shape him. What emerged was a mission: to speak up, spread awaren...
Building a New Foundation: A Conversation with Stephen Douglas
In this powerful episode of Season 2 of Level Up Life: Muscle & Mindset Mastery, host Adam Wittbrodt and co-host Dave “Waz” Wazny sit down with Stephen Douglas for an honest, grounded conversation about upbringing, mindset, and the responsibility that comes with building a new life, for yourself and for your kids.
The episode starts at the beginning. Stephen shares his background and the environment he was raised in, giving context to the challenges, patterns, and beliefs that shaped his early years. What unfolds is a real discussion about how those early experiences don’...
Accountability, Mindset, and Owning Your Standards: A Conversation with Matt Krawczyk
In this impactful 20th episode of Season 2 of Level Up Life: Muscle & Mindset Mastery, host Adam Wittbrodt and co-host Dave “Waz” Wazny sit down with Matt Krawczyk for a real, grounded conversation about accountability, mindset, fitness, and the standards we choose to live by.
This episode starts at the beginning… how Adam, Waz, and Matt first crossed paths… and quickly opens into something deeper. What begins as a story of connection turns into a conversation about why who you surround yourself with matters, and how the right people can challenge you to step...
Beyond the Walls: Reentry, Identity, and Building a Life After Prison – Part Two
In this powerful and deeply human 19th episode of Season 2 of Level Up Life: Muscle & Mindset Mastery, host Adam Wittbrodt reunites with Derrick “Sonny” Sturgeon and Percy Glover for Part Two of their two-part conversation, this time shifting the focus to life after prison.
This episode is about what happens when the gates open… and the real work begins.
Adam, Sonny, and Percy unpack the realities of reentry, the shock of freedom, the weight of stigma, and the invisible challenges that follow people long after...
Inside the Walls: Prison Culture, Respect, and Survival - Part One
In this raw and unfiltered 18th episode of Season 2 of Level Up Life: Muscle & Mindset Mastery, host Adam Wittbrodt sits down with Derrick "Sonny" Sturgeon and Percy Glover for Part One of a powerful two-part conversation that pulls back the curtain on prison culture and life on the inside.
This episode doesn’t rely on headlines or assumptions… it’s built on lived experience.
Together, Adam, Sonny, and Percy dive deep into what prison is actually like day to day. They talk about the unspok...
Beyond Labels, Beyond Limits: A Real Talk with Adam & Waz
In this reflective and wide-ranging 17th episode of Level Up Life: Muscle & Mindset Mastery Season 2, host Adam Wittbrodt and co-host Dave “Waz” Wazny kick back for a raw, unscripted conversation that touches on everything from recovery culture to coaching, accountability, and what it really means to grow.
This episode doesn’t follow one single story… it follows the truth.
Adam and Waz dive into the way society defines the word “addict” and how those labels often trap people in identities that no longer fit who they’re...
Resilience, Perspective, and Purpose: A Conversation with Chris Keefer
In this powerful and reflective 16th episode of Level Up Life: Muscle & Mindset Mastery, Season 2, host Adam Wittbrodt and co-host Jordan sit down with Chris Keefer for an honest conversation about adversity, mindset, and the people who shape the trajectory of our lives.
This episode goes far beyond surface-level motivation.
Chris shares his story of a life-altering car accident in 2007 and the long road that followed. He opens up about the physical, mental, and emotional trials that came in the aftermath, the identity shifts, t...
Healing, Recovery, and Alignment: A Conversation with Tara Moreno of Green Tara Holistics
In this powerful and grounding 15th episode of Level Up Life: Muscle & Mindset Mastery Season 2, host Adam Wittbrodt and co-host Dave “Waz” Wazny sit down with Tara Moreno of Green Tara Holistics for an open and thoughtful conversation on recovery, fitness, healing, and the deeper work of coming back into alignment with yourself.
This episode goes far beyond surface-level wellness.
Tara shares her personal journey through recovery and healing, offering insight into what it really means to rebuild from the inside out. She speaks cand...
Creativity, Recovery, and Resilience: A Conversation with Chris Redburn & Stevie Lee Kinzer from Redburn
In this powerful and wide-ranging 14th episode of Level Up Life: Muscle & Mindset Mastery Season 2, host Adam Wittbrodt and co-host Dave “Waz” Wazny sit down with Chris Redburn and Stevie Lee Kinzer of the band Redburn for an honest conversation at the intersection of music, health, recovery, and personal growth.
This episode goes far beyond the stage and the studio.
Chris and Stevie open up about life inside the music industry… the pressure, the identity, the grind… and how creative environments can both inspire and quie...
Breaking the Past, Building What’s Next: A Conversation with Nick & Danielle Hale
In this powerful and deeply personal 13th episode of Level Up Life: Muscle & Mindset Mastery Season 2, host Adam Wittbrodt and co-host Dave “Waz” Wazny sit down with a couple whose story embodies grit, growth, and generational change… Nick and Danielle Hale.
This conversation goes far beyond addiction. It reaches back into early childhood, the environments that shaped them, and the moments… big and small… that pushed them toward destructive coping mechanisms. Nick and Danielle open up with honesty and vulnerability about the struggles they faced with substances, the pain they carried into adole...
