Savage Perspective Podcast

We kick this one off AMA-style and with a tasty update: Buttered Maple Bacon Keto Brick is back as a seasonal drop this Sunday, the 14th, at noon Central. We talk fall vibes, pecan butter and chunks, and why the cacao-butter version hits just right. We also run through how we’re leveling up the Natural State Savages show: bigger medals and trophies (plus a fun surprise), premium venue with dedicated dressing rooms and a backstage livestream, on-site shirt printing, top-tier vendors and a DEXA Fit tie-in, a smoother running order, and even family-friendly touches like getting the kids involved. My dad’s smoking barbecue butts all night and Stan’s grilling chicken, and judges’ feedback will happen upstairs in a single session. Competitor registration closes Sunday the 21st so we can finalize bios and peak-week logistics; spectator tickets are on the same site.In the AMA, we cover a lot: sucralose isn’t doomsday but we still lean to stevia/monk fruit; you don’t need carbs to run if you’re deeply fat-adapted (we reference our VO2 testing and staying mostly in Zone 3). For building, accept a reasonable body-fat window—about 12–15 percent for most guys—while pushing progressive overload. We reframe “cheat days” into on-plan free meals during non-prep phases. On a budget? Eggs, ground beef, and buying from local farmers still win, and bricks are cost-effective per calorie. Protein shakes are overrated versus real food, especially when isolates crank up GI issues. We close with a reverse-diet playbook (bump protein first, then fats, progress weekly, phase out refeeds as daily intake rises) and advice for perimenopause/menopause: eat enough, lift with intent, and prioritize muscle and bone.If this one sparks more questions, send them our way for the next AMA.Greg Mahler is also a lifetime natural bodybuilder, and can be followed on Instagramhttps://www.instagram.com/ketogreg80/Register For My FREE Masterclass: https://www.ketobodybuilding.com/registration-2Get Keto Brick: https://www.ketobrick.com/Subscribe to the podcast: https://open.spotify.com/show/42cjJssghqD01bdWBxRYEg?si=1XYKmPXmR4eKw2O9gGCEuQ

Discover the truth about your body fat percentage and why your bathroom scale is lying to you. In episode 813 of the Savage Perspective Podcast, host Robert Sikes sits down with Dexafit's Jerry Bylers to reveal what a DEXA scan truly says about your body composition, visceral fat, and bone density. They analyze Robert's personal results from years of a ketogenic diet, exploring his resting metabolic rate, VO2 max, and how his body has become incredibly efficient at burning fat for fuel, offering a deep dive into understanding the data that drives real progress.Ready to transform your own body composition? Join Robert’s FREE Bodybuilding Masterclass to learn the proven strategies to build muscle and burn fat effectively. Sign up here: https://www.ketobodybuilding.com/registration-2Get Keto Brick: https://www.ketobrick.com/Subscribe to the podcast: https://open.spotify.com/show/42cjJssghqD01bdWBxRYEg?si=1XYKmPXmR4eKw2O9gGCEuQChapters:0:00 - What is a DEXA Scan? 0:35 - Navy Vet's New Mission in Arkansas 1:48 - From Navy Retirement to Fitness Expert 2:54 - How a Simple Chat Started a Business 4:15 - No More 3-Hour Drives For This Test 5:24 - Hospital-Grade Tech For Everyday People 8:28 - See Your Body Data on a Big Screen TV 10:53 - Stop Guessing, Start Knowing Your Body 12:15 - My Exact Body Fat Percentage Revealed 14:20 - How Much "Bad" Fat Am I Storing? 15:59 - The Muscle Index That Predicts Longevity 19:45 - Are You "Big Boned?" The Truth 22:47 - Your Skeleton Weighs HOW MUCH?! 24:51 - How Often Should You Get a DEXA Scan? 27:32 - Find Out Your TRUE Calorie Burn (RMR) 31:43 - My Shocking Cardio Fitness Score 34:12 - The Ultimate Fitness Marker Explained (VO2 Max) 39:17 - Sugar-Burner vs. Fat-Burner: What Fuel Do You Use? 43:30 - 10+ Years on a Ketogenic Diet Did THIS to My Metabolism 46:32 - The Keto Advantage: A "Nearly Unlimited" Fuel Source 50:12 - Why All Lifters Need Good Cardio 52:25 - Finding Out My "Biological Age" 55:32 - Special Offer: FREE 3D Body Scan 58:39 - The Winning Combo for Bodybuilders 1:01:40 - Why Every Athlete Needs This Data 1:02:45 - How To Book Your Own DEXA Scan

Could you row 2,700 miles across the Pacific Ocean fueled by nothing but fat? In episode 812 of the Savage Perspective Podcast, host Robert Sikes sits down with Virta Health CEO Sami Inkinen, a man who did just that to expose the truth about sugar and carbohydrates. Sami shares his incredible story of going from a world class triathlete to pre-diabetic, a journey that led him to question everything about nutrition. He explains how he now helps thousands reverse type 2 diabetes and achieve incredible health, proving that you don't need carbs to thrive. This conversation will challenge everything you thought you knew about diet, metabolic health, and human potential.Inspired to build a powerful physique using the right fuel? Join Robert’s FREE Bodybuilding Masterclass to learn the exact strategies for building muscle and getting lean without carbohydrates. Sign up here: https://www.ketobodybuilding.com/registration-2Get Keto Brick: https://www.ketobrick.com/Subscribe to the podcast: https://open.spotify.com/show/42cjJssghqD01bdWBxRYEg?si=1XYKmPXmR4eKw2O9gGCEuQChapters:0:00 - Rowing 2,400 Miles on ZERO Carbs?! 0:51 - The 45-Day Rowing Trip That Changed Everything 1:50 - Why He Did The Impossible 3:28 - How They Slept, Ate, and Survived at Sea 5:32 - The One Question You NEVER Answer 6:03 - The Moment They Almost Gave Up 8:15 - The Secret to Overcoming Extreme Pain 10:34 - He Did This With ZERO Experience 12:05 - What The Middle of The Ocean is REALLY Like 14:22 - From World-Class Athlete to Pre-Diabetic 16:23 - The SHOCKING Truth About Carbs 17:40 - Why "Calories In, Calories Out" is a Lie 21:45 - Are Some Carbs "Healthier" Than Others? 24:00 - The TRUTH About Long-Term Keto 27:54 - How a Top Athlete FUELS for Performance 29:34 - The Most Important Training Metric to Track 32:38 - The Mission to Reverse Diabetes in 1 BILLION People 39:10 - Why Isn't The Government Fixing This? 40:24 - The Vicious Cycle Keeping America Sick 44:06 - How The Virta Health Protocol Works 46:16 - How They Get Patients to Stick to The Plan 51:23 - Have We Lost Our Common Sense? 57:09 - The Truth About Ozempic & GLP-1s 1:00:35 - Why You SHOULDN'T Exercise for Weight Loss 1:05:08 - The Tattoo That Proves This Works

We open loose and light—think random earworms and inside jokes—then tee up next week’s format: a full-on Work AMA. We’ve got a stack of questions coming in, so send yours and we’ll fold them in.Life update: a teen flipped a truck, wiped out our mailbox, and mangled a few fence posts outside the house in the middle of the night. Everyone was okay, we stayed calm, patched the fence, hammered the mailbox back into shape, and even got a chuckle out of the “just junk mail today” timing. Perspective > panic.Show news: Natural State Savage is getting real—venue walk-throughs, lights, audio, trophies, the works. Parking could be wild with a Notre Dame home game in town, so plan to walk a bit (follow the smell of meat on the grill). If you’re on the fence about competing: pull the trigger. First shows are about growth, not perfection, and our stage vibe is zero ego.Cutting/Reverse update: Robert’s alternate-day fasting experiment is dialed. Feast days: ~5,500–6,000 kcals; “fat-fast” days: coffee with heavy cream to keep sanity without sliding backward. Scale target: ~174 lbs after fasting, ~179 lbs after feasting—steady, strong, and psychologically easier when you expect those fluctuations.Client wins: Ralph hit his first strategic refeed (+1,000 mg sodium), woke up three pounds lighter and looking sharp. Momentum’s real.Product pipeline: Cookie Dough (tallow) and Mocha Cream are back—new rendering technique brings a firmer set and (we think) a bump in stearic acid for a slightly different bite. Fresh from the fridge is elite.Ops & brand: International shipping is still a slog—Norway customs drama, and a big India endurance project got hung up despite premium shipping. We’ll re-run the numbers on whether the juice is worth the squeeze. On a happier note, apparel’s moving: we found a Pima-cotton blank that fits and performs, and we’ll launch it right when it’s truly ready.That’s the vibe this week: keep it calm under pressure, train hard, eat with intention, and build things the right way. Drop your questions—we’re stacking them for the AMA.Greg Mahler is also a lifetime natural bodybuilder, and can be followed on Instagramhttps://www.instagram.com/ketogreg80/Register For My FREE Masterclass: https://www.ketobodybuilding.com/registration-2Get Keto Brick: https://www.ketobrick.com/

Discover the surprising truth that extreme physical discipline and self-imposed hardship are the keys to building unbreakable mental resilience. In episode 811 of the Savage Perspective Podcast, host Robert Sikes sits down with natural pro bodybuilder Josh Lay to reveal how the intense sacrifices of competitive bodybuilding teach invaluable life lessons. They explore how dieting to extreme levels of leanness, managing a demanding career, and navigating the psychological challenges of prep can forge a powerful mindset that translates directly to success in business and life. This conversation reveals the raw, unfiltered truth about what it truly takes to succeed.Ready to build your own foundation of discipline and transform your physique? Join Robert’s FREE Bodybuilding Masterclass to learn the exact strategies used by top natural athletes to build muscle and get lean. Sign up here: https://www.ketobodybuilding.com/registration-2Get Keto Brick: https://www.ketobrick.com/Subscribe to the podcast: https://open.spotify.com/show/42cjJssghqD01bdWBxRYEg?si=1XYKmPXmR4eKw2O9gGCEuQChapters:0:00 Why Bodybuilding is The Ultimate Life Hack 1:41 Inside a First-Time Competitor's Season 3:50 The Dangers of Extreme Dieting 5:28 What Pushes a Lifter to Finally Compete? 6:55 The Hidden Sacrifices of a Bodybuilder 8:58 Balancing a Demanding Career & Bodybuilding 11:10 My Plan To Earn a Pro Card 13:25 Off-Season Bulk vs. Shredded Stage Weight 15:30 My Exact Training & Nutrition Philosophy 18:40 The Brutal Reality of a No-Carb Diet 21:25 How Extreme Prep Affects Your Mood 25:05 How Dieting Craters Your Testosterone 27:26 The #1 Mistake Natural Bodybuilders Make 30:53 The Most Overlooked Aspect of Competing 35:16 Why I Refuse to Take Steroids 39:30 What Your Body Can Do Without Excuses 42:27 How Bodybuilding Impacts Your Relationships 49:52 The Hardest Part of Bodybuilding (It's Not The Prep) 52:45 Your Prep is a Reflection of Your Off-Season 58:20 My Old-School Training for Maximum Muscle

Is the tuna you eat truly healthy fish or just high in mercury? Learn the truth about sustainable fishing, omega-3s, and high-protein albacore tuna that supports your health goals. In episode 810 of the Savage Perspective Podcast, Robert Sikes and guest Jessica Rhodes expose the secrets of the commercial fishing industry. They reveal how pole and line fishing methods result in safer, more nutritious fish compared to mass-market brands. Discover her family's journey in building a craft business founded on quality, from battling giant corporations to embracing a regenerative lifestyle that provides truly superior food.If you demand the same high standards for your body as you do for your food, it's time to build a physique with a no-nonsense approach. Join Robert’s FREE Bodybuilding Masterclass to learn the methods for constructing a powerful and healthy physique. Sign up here: https://www.ketobodybuilding.com/registration-2Use Code "SAVAGE" to get 15% offhttps://www.craftfishco.com/Get Keto Brick: https://www.ketobrick.com/Subscribe to the podcast: https://open.spotify.com/show/42cjJssghqD01bdWBxRYEg?si=1XYKmPXmR4eKw2O9gGCEuQChapters:0:00 - Is Your Tuna Toxic? The Truth About Mercury 0:52 - This Tuna Converted a Hater 1:54 - It’s Not Just Tuna, It’s a Craft 2:35 - From Hobby to a High-Stakes Family Business 4:22 - The "Regenerative Farming" of the Ocean 5:42 - The Fishing Industry Lie You’re Falling For 9:16 - The Real Answer to the Mercury Question 10:35 - Our Tuna vs. "Low Mercury" Brands (The Real Numbers) 12:29 - How a Small Fish Brand Competes With Giants 15:23 - The Secret Process That Makes Our Tuna Different 20:21 - A Day in the Life of a Fisherman (It’s Brutal) 24:30 - The Unglamorous Reality of a 5-Month Season 26:31 - You Won't Believe How Many Fish They Catch 28:22 - The "All-In" Moment We Bought Our Boat 30:28 - What It’s Like When Dad Is Gone for 5 Months 36:10 - Juggling a Business and Raising a Family 37:57 - Our Approach to Homeschooling Future Leaders 42:30 - Will the Next Generation Take Over? 46:43 - Why We’ll Never Be in Big Box Stores 52:18 - What a Real "Seafood Snob" Eats 54:15 - 5-Minute High-Protein Tuna Burgers 59:10 - Where To Get The Best Tuna (Listener Discount)

Here’s a fun one with a hard stop at the end. We kick things off recapping the 50-Mile March for Veterans—166 of us trekking from Lincoln to Omaha through the night. We talk prep, mindset, and why this year’s trail change saved our feet, plus the little systems that make a big difference (compression socks, Salty Britches, electrolytes, and elevating at every stop). There’s a powerful moment about a veteran who completed the whole thing in a wheelchair—one of those reminders that the body follows the mind when the cause is bigger than you.From there we shift into community: quarterly Savage retreats (small, intimate, one expert, one big Airbnb) and ideas for an obstacle-race edition. We also give you a behind-the-scenes update on our September show—venue, flow, and a stacked competitor swag bag that genuinely overdelivers. Think full-size Performance Gains Peaceful Dreams, Redmond Re-Lyte Immunity and Energy, Keto Brains samples, a full Keto Brick, premium shirt and bottle, plus a few surprise adds. The goal: treat competitors like royalty and set a new standard for show-day experience.On the product front, we launched Carnivore Cake Pop and Carnivore Primal Fudge at the same time (finally!) and talk through a small tweak to the Cake Pop tallow rendering on batches dated Aug 19–21. Same macros, slightly firmer, extra clean mouthfeel—honestly awesome straight from the fridge. With cooler weather rolling in, we’re also past the worst of summer melt drama; the new packaging keeps things tidy if a brick does soften in transit.We round it out with trail talk from Devil’s Den, situational awareness, why carrying yourself with confidence matters, and a little father-son jiu-jitsu daydreaming. Heads up: the episode ends abruptly due to a technical hiccup, but we’ll pick up the thread next week.Greg Mahler is also a lifetime natural bodybuilder, and can be followed on Instagramhttps://www.instagram.com/ketogreg80/Register For My FREE Masterclass: https://www.ketobodybuilding.com/registration-2Get Keto Brick: https://www.ketobrick.com/Subscribe to the podcast: https://open.spotify.com/show/42cjJssghqD01bdWBxRYEg?si=1XYKmPXmR4eKw2O9gGCEuQ

What if you could completely transform your body and mind without spending a fortune on unproven fads? Discover the simple, science-backed habits that can sharpen your focus, speed up recovery, and dramatically improve your health for years to come. In episode 809 of the Savage Perspective Podcast, host Robert Sikes sits down with scientist and endurance athlete Thoryn Stephens to reveal the most effective biohacking strategies. They discuss how to use data from wearables like Garmin and Oura to fine-tune your biology, which peptides actually work for reducing inflammation, and how building powerful micro habits is the true secret to lasting success in health and business. This conversation separates fact from fiction, giving you practical tools to enhance your daily life.Ready to build a stronger, more powerful body? Join Robert’s FREE Bodybuilding Masterclass to learn the exact systems and strategies to build muscle and optimize your health. Sign up here: https://www.ketobodybuilding.com/registration-2Follow Thoryn on IG: https://www.instagram.com/ragearea/Get Keto Brick: https://www.ketobrick.com/Subscribe to the podcast: https://open.spotify.com/show/42cjJssghqD01bdWBxRYEg?si=1XYKmPXmR4eKw2O9gGCEuQChapters:0:00 - The Biohacks With The Biggest Bang For Your Buck 0:50 - The Thrill of Backcountry Adventures 1:40 - Surviving Grizzlies in Alaska's Final Frontier 2:30 - Racing Triathlons For a Cause 2:58 - The Scientist Who Hacked His Own Body 4:55 - The Best Wearable For Sleep vs. Activity (Oura vs. Garmin) 6:35 - Using Data to Dominate Triathlons8:18 - Why This Athlete Needed 4 Knee Surgeries 10:16 - The Hot Workout That Changed Everything 11:05 - The App That Creates Your Perfect Health Plan 13:51 - How AI Tracks Your Health Habits For You 16:16 - A Top Biohacker's Daily Non-Negotiables 18:55 - The Secret to Making Good Habits Stick 21:25 - Using Video Games to Build a Healthier Life 23:57 - Why Doctors Don't Understand Nutrition 26:46 - Cutting Through Conflicting Health Advice 28:02 - Your Voice Can Reveal Your Health Secrets 32:10 - Is Modern Life Making Us Sick? 36:21 - Ancient Secrets to Modern Health Problems 39:00 - Are Most Biohacks a Waste of Money? 42:41 - When Will Brain One Be Available? 44:28 - The One Habit This Biohacker Struggles With 46:18 - The Shocking Power of Russian Bath Houses

Is your child’s diet silently destroying their future? The truth about ultra-processed foods is shocking. In this powerful episode of the Savage Perspective Podcast, host Robert Sikes dives deep with nutrition expert Ali Miller to uncover how these foods are not just fueling obesity, but also affecting children’s mental health, behavior, and learning. By replacing nutrient-empty processed snacks with whole, real foods, you can transform your child’s health, development, and potential. From identifying “God foods” to decoding food labels, this episode is packed with practical tips to give your family the energy, focus, and resilience they deserve.Ready to take full control of your health and fitness? Join Robert’s FREE Bodybuilding Masterclass today: https://www.ketobodybuilding.com/registration-2. Discover the tools you need to fuel your body, achieve your goals, and live the life you’ve imagined!Follow Ali on IG: https://www.instagram.com/alimillerrd/Get Keto Brick: https://www.ketobrick.com/Subscribe to the podcast: https://open.spotify.com/show/42cjJssghqD01bdWBxRYEg?si=1XYKmPXmR4eKw2O9gGCEuQChapters:0:00 - The #1 Problem With Your Kid's Food 0:52 - She Wrote THE Book on Child Nutrition 1:59 - How She Turned a Client into a Business Partner 3:52 - The 5-Year Journey to Write This Book 5:55 - Why Kids NEED This More Than Ever 7:21 - Are We Getting Healthier or Sicker? 8:10 - The Truth About Your Child's Potential 9:22 - Parents Are Finally Saying NO to This 10:25 - The Horrifying Reality of Kids' Health Today 12:06 - The ONLY Food Rule That Matters 12:32 - What is "God Food"? 15:26 - Processed Food is WORSE Than You Think 16:23 - The First Healthy Swap EVERY Parent Should Make 17:07 - The Secret to Stable Moods & Behavior 18:13 - Should Your Kid Be KETO? 20:39 - How to Stop Toddler Meltdowns for Good 22:35 - We Recommend DOUBLE The Protein For Kids 24:41 - The Lie of "Neutral" Food Choices 25:54 - How to Handle Junk Food at School 27:34 - Will Healthy Eating Cause an Eating Disorder? 28:54 - She Was Bullied For Eating "Dog Food" 30:07 - The "Superhero" Method to Get Your Kids to Eat Healthy 32:03 - The Parenting Hack for Zero Pushback 34:04 - The ONE Thing That Changes Everything 36:45 - The Easiest Way to Get Your Kids to Help 37:30 - How to Reverse a "Junk Food" Palate 40:22 - The Food Industry is Rigged Against You 41:49 - What To Do When People Make Fun of Your Kid's Lunch 45:48 - The Challenge of Setting Food Boundaries 46:40 - The "God Food" Philosophy 49:54 - "I Don't Have Time to Cook Healthy Meals" 52:11 - The #1 Mistake Parents Make in the Kitchen 55:41 - How to Eat Healthy at Restaurants 59:24 - The TRUTH About Seed Oils 1:04:10 - What to do When You Accidentally Eat Bad Food 1:08:24 - Why Knowing Your Farmer is a Superpower 1:09:37 - Where to Get Ali Miller's New Book

This week’s episode is a mix of nostalgia, laughs, and some exciting updates. Greg and I kicked things off reminiscing about childhood memories—Saturday morning cartoons, Halloween costumes, Christmas gifts, and even old-school Nintendo. It’s funny how those little moments, like blowing into a game cartridge or trying to outsmart your parents with Christmas presents, stick with you forever.We also got into some bigger picture topics—parenting, traditions like Santa Claus, and even a lighthearted dive into conspiracy theories. At the end of the day, we both agreed: focus your energy where it actually moves the needle in life.On the business side, we’ve got big things happening. For the first time ever, both Primal Fudge and Carnivore Cake Pop are dropping together, which has been highly requested. We also shared some behind-the-scenes updates on the upcoming Natural State Savage bodybuilding show—killer swag bags, full-size Keto Bricks, barbecue smoked by my dad, and a ton of support from amazing brands and community members.And of course, I talked about gearing up for this weekend’s 50 Mile March for Veterans. This is my fifth year participating, and it’s powerful every time. We’ve already raised over half a million dollars this year, with funds going directly toward building housing and resources for displaced vets.It’s always fun to ramble a bit, share stories, and then bring it back to what really matters: family, community, and building something worthwhile.Greg Mahler is also a lifetime natural bodybuilder, and can be followed on Instagramhttps://www.instagram.com/ketogreg80/Register For My FREE Masterclass: https://www.ketobodybuilding.com/registration-2Get Keto Brick: https://www.ketobrick.com/