Savage Perspective Podcast

Robert Sikes

The "Savage Perspective Podcast" is hosted by Robert Sikes, WNBF Pro Natural Bodybuilder. Robert has been deconstructing human performance and is willing to push the envelope to see what is possible. He's been following a ketogenic lifestyle for over a decade, is the founder and formulator of Keto Brick, and has a passion for helping others achieve their highest potential. In the show, he brings on guests to dive deeper into what has led to their successes and failures in all walks of life from fitness to business, relationships to spirituality so you can learn and take action!

  1. Male Fertility: How Hormones, Microplastics, and Chemicals Are Destroying Your Health

    18H AGO

    Male Fertility: How Hormones, Microplastics, and Chemicals Are Destroying Your Health

    Your health is being secretly destroyed by everyday items in your home, directly attacking male fertility and hormones. A shocking one in ten people are metabolically healthy, and this episode reveals how your diet and environment impact sperm quality and testosterone levels. In episode 844 of the Savage Perspective Podcast, host Robert Sikes and fertility expert Rachel Swanson expose the hidden dangers of microplastics and chemicals in our food and household products. They provide a vital roadmap to reclaim your health, optimize your body’s core functions like mitochondrial energy production, and understand the true impact of your lifestyle on your family's future with simple, actionable steps. Ready to build a powerful physique and optimize your health? Join Robert’s FREE Bodybuilding Masterclass to learn the proven system for building muscle and achieving your goals. Sign up here: https://www.ketobodybuilding.com/registration-2 Follow Rachel on IG: https://www.instagram.com/rachelsrx/ Get Keto Brick: https://www.ketobrick.com/ Subscribe to the podcast: https://open.spotify.com/show/42cjJssghqD01bdWBxRYEg?si=1XYKmPXmR4eKw2O9gGCEuQ Chapters: 0:00 - The Biggest Fertility Mistake You're Making  0:50 - Introducing Rachel Swanson: Author & Fertility Expert  2:13 - Why Is Traditional Fertility Advice Failing Women?  5:05 - How A Pro Bodybuilder Optimized for a Healthy Pregnancy  7:10 - Is the Male Fertility Crisis Real? The Alarming Statistics  11:16 - The Man's Role: How Your Health Impacts Her Pregnancy  13:40 - The Shocking Link Between a Father's Health and Miscarriage  17:42 - The 5 Pillars of Maximum Fertility  19:02 - Pillar 1: How to Optimize Your Metabolic Health  20:44 - Pillar 2: Is Your Gut Health Destroying Your Fertility?  22:20 - Pillar 3: Do Everyday Plastics Make You Infertile?  26:17 - The Best Diet for Optimal Health and Fertility  29:05 - How to Avoid Hormone-Disrupting Chemicals (The Easy Way)  33:18 - A Message from the Host, Robert Sikes  35:03 - The 5 Pillars of Fertility (Full Breakdown)  37:05 - How to Supercharge Your Mitochondria for More Energy  40:01 - Why We Ignore the Fundamentals for Advanced Treatments  44:04 - What is The Optimal Diet for Conception?  49:31 - Can You Get Pregnant on a Keto or Carnivore Diet?  54:01 - What Blood Tests Should You Get Before Trying to Conceive?  58:37 - Does TRT (Testosterone Replacement) Affect Male Fertility?  1:02:20 - Is Infertility a Litmus Test for Your Overall Health?  1:08:03 - The Surprising Link Between Oral Health and Nitric Oxide  1:09:38 - Where to Find Rachel Swanson's Book

    1h 10m
  2. The Work Podcast Episode 39 - Merry Christmas!

    3D AGO

    The Work Podcast Episode 39 - Merry Christmas!

    This week we’re coming off a solid crew Christmas party with the Keto Savage crew—good food, good company, and a surprisingly competitive keto dessert showdown. We talk through some of the highlights, including a few creative “brick-based” desserts, cast-iron chaos baking, and why consistency always beats perfection, even when you’re experimenting in the kitchen. We also get into holiday logistics around the office—skeleton crew operations, shipping timelines, inventory drops, and how we’re handling fulfillment with people traveling. If you’re placing orders this week, everything will go out as soon as we’re back in the normal workflow, so appreciate everyone’s patience around the holidays. On the training side, we break down how things are progressing right now—strength is climbing, bodyweight is stable, and offseason macros are doing their job. We talk deloads, CNS fatigue, training while traveling, and why listening to objective performance markers matters more than just “feeling tired.” There’s also some discussion around trail running, endurance work, and getting prepped for upcoming challenges like the mud run. Nutrition-wise, we dig into fasting protocols, including multi-day fasts, water vs. dry fasting, and why neither of us uses fasting as a fat-loss tool. For us, it’s about cognitive reset, gut health, and long-term sustainability—never starvation. We also talk through how higher intake, consistent training, and repeatable food choices remove decision fatigue and make progress inevitable. We wrap things up with a broader mindset conversation heading into the new year—why we don’t really believe in “resolutions,” why progress is the most motivating force there is, and how committing to small daily actions compounds over time. Whether it’s training, nutrition, business, or relationships, you’re either moving forward or falling behind—so focus on something you can execute every single day and build from there. Merry Christmas, happy holidays, and we’ll see you heading into World Carnivore Month and the start of another strong year. Greg Mahler is also a lifetime natural bodybuilder, and can be followed on Instagram https://www.instagram.com/ketogreg80/ Register For My FREE Masterclass: https://www.ketobodybuilding.com/registration-2 Get Keto Brick: https://www.ketobrick.com/ Subscribe to the podcast: https://open.spotify.com/show/42cjJssghqD01bdWBxRYEg?si=1XYKmPXmR4eKw2O9gGCEuQ

    30 min
  3. Master Reverse Dieting to Keep Your Gains! (Avoid These Mistakes)

    5D AGO

    Master Reverse Dieting to Keep Your Gains! (Avoid These Mistakes)

    Don't let your diet go to waste by making the same post-diet mistakes everyone else does. Professional bodybuilder Joshua Bradshaw reveals the secrets to a successful reverse diet, showing you how to strategically increase calories to build more muscle while staying incredibly lean. In episode 843 of the Savage Perspective Podcast, host Robert Sikes and Joshua Bradshaw share the truth about long contest preps, macro strategies for fat loss, and proper post-show recovery. Learn what it truly takes to build a winning physique and maintain your hard-earned gains year-round. Want to learn the exact steps to build muscle and lose fat? Join Robert Sikes's FREE Bodybuilding Masterclass for a simple, step-by-step guide to optimize your health and transform your body. Sign up here: https://www.ketobodybuilding.com/registration-2 Follow Josh on IG: https://www.instagram.com/joshtbrad/ Get Keto Brick: https://www.ketobrick.com/ Subscribe to the podcast: https://open.spotify.com/show/42cjJssghqD01bdWBxRYEg?si=1XYKmPXmR4eKw2O9gGCEuQ Chapters: 0:00 - The Secret to Maintaining Gains Between Shows: Reverse Dieting  0:39 - Guest Introduction: Meet Natural Pro Bodybuilder Joshua Bradshaw  1:11 - Is a 30+ Week Bodybuilding Prep Worth It?  2:47 - Why 12-Week Preps Are a Huge Mistake  3:23 - Joshua Bradshaw's Journey: From Baseball to Pro Bodybuilder  6:14 - The "Dreamer Bulk": A Common Bodybuilding Mistake?  8:16 - How a Post-Show Reverse Diet Can Make You Leaner  9:32 - The Ideal Body Composition to Start a Contest Prep  11:27 - Competing as a New Pro: Navigating Federation Rules  13:07 - Classic Physique vs. Bodybuilding: Which is the Better Fit?  13:59 - How to Plan Your Competitive Seasons for Long-Term Success  15:14 - What It's Really Like Backstage with Top Natural Pros  17:42 - A Pro's Full Day of Eating: Calorie & Macro Breakdown for Prep  19:25 - How to Use a Reverse Diet Between Two Competitions  22:25 - The "Conditioning vs. Fullness" Dilemma  24:24 - How to Adjust Your Macros for Fat Loss Without Losing Muscle  26:02 - How to Modify Your Training at the End of a Prep  28:30 - Meal Timing & Food Choices: What a Pro Eats During Prep  29:53 - The Post-Show "Celebration Meal": How to Avoid a Setback  33:43 - Feedback from the Judges: How to Improve Your Physique  35:41 - Why Stay Natural in an Enhanced World?  38:00 - Is Natural Bodybuilding the Healthiest Sport?  39:36 - How Top Athletes Overcome Unforeseen Obstacles During Prep  41:12 - How a Bodybuilding Prep Exposes Your Life's Inefficiencies  43:14 - The Research Is In: A Scientific Look at Myo-Reps  44:56 - Study Results: Achieving the Same Gains with 30% Less Volume  47:56 - What Are "Junk Volume" and "Effective Reps"?  49:03 - What Does Earning a Pro Card Actually Mean?  50:43 - How to Overcome Performance Anxiety on Show Day  52:01 - Does a Top Bodybuilding Coach Coach Himself?  55:55 - The #1 Mistake Preventing People from Reaching Their Fitness Goals  58:44 - Is Tracking Macros a Waste of Time?  1:00:02 - The Importance of Camaraderie in Bodybuilding  1:01:04 - Why Competing Every Year Can Ruin Your Progress  1:03:09 - Where to Find Joshua Bradshaw

    1h 5m
  4. Health Scares at 40: Why I Transformed My Body and Mind Forever

    DEC 22

    Health Scares at 40: Why I Transformed My Body and Mind Forever

    At 40, Terry Tateossian was 210 lbs, facing terrifying health scares, and trapped in a cycle of failed diets. She discovered the secret to lasting fat loss and building muscle during menopause isn't endless cardio or starvation, but a powerful nutrition and weight training strategy most people overlook. In episode 842 of the Savage Perspective Podcast, host Robert Sikes and Terry reveal how she completely transformed her body and mind, losing 80 pounds by ditching common myths and embracing a bodybuilding approach to health that anyone can use to get results. Ready to build your best body? Join Robert’s FREE Bodybuilding Masterclass to learn the exact system for building muscle and losing fat. Sign up here: https://www.ketobodybuilding.com/registration-2 Follow Terry on IG: https://www.instagram.com/how.good.can.it.get Get Keto Brick: https://www.ketobrick.com/ Subscribe to the podcast: https://open.spotify.com/show/42cjJssghqD01bdWBxRYEg?si=1XYKmPXmR4eKw2O9gGCEuQ Chapters: 0:00 - How I Transformed My Body and Mind Forever After 40  0:56 - Morning vs. Evening Workouts: What's the Best Time to Train?  1:42 - The Catalyst: How I Lost 80 Pounds During Menopause  3:04 - How to Get Fit When Your Family Doesn't Support You  4:45 - Why Everyone Should Adopt a "Bodybuilder Mindset" for Health  5:13 - A Beginner's Guide to Gym Lingo (What is a "DB RDL"?)  7:21 - What Was the Real Reason I Decided to Change My Life?  8:02 - The Biggest Weight Loss Mistake: Endless Cardio & Calorie Restriction  8:41 - How a Bodybuilding Coach Changed My Life (The Plan She Gave Me)  10:42 - Why Would a Beginner Hire a Bodybuilding Coach?  12:34 - The Truth About Building Muscle and Losing Fat Efficiently  14:23 - Will Lifting Weights Make Women Bulky? The Truth Revealed  15:29 - What My Diet Looked Like Before My Transformation (The "Terry Diet")  18:29 - Is a Ketogenic Diet the Answer for Weight Loss?  20:30 - Is Tracking Your Macros a Form of Disordered Eating?  23:45 - Sponsor: The Keto Bodybuilding All-In-One System  25:28 - Why You Can't "Just Wing It" With Nutrition in the Modern World  28:40 - The Most Overlooked Key to Sustainable Fat Loss  29:35 - A Coach's First Step: How to Audit Your Current Diet  31:20 - The Unspoken Truth About Disordered Eating & Food Addiction  35:34 - Good Foods vs. Bad Foods: Should You Demonize Certain Foods?  37:38 - Is HRT the Answer for Menopause? Or Is It Something Else?  42:33 - Why Are Quick-Fix Solutions Like GLP-1s So Seductive? 45:18 - How to Help Women Who Are Chronically Undereating  48:15 - The Shocking Amount of Protein Your Body Actually Uses Daily  50:02 - What Are the Best Sources of Lean Protein?  53:03 - Why Your Doctor Won't Give You This Life-Changing Advice  54:52 - What's Next for Terry: Retreats for Women in the Smoky Mountains  58:09 - Where to Find Terry Tateossian Online

    59 min
  5. The Work Podcast Episode 38 - Mud Run Meat-Up!

    DEC 19

    The Work Podcast Episode 38 - Mud Run Meat-Up!

    In this week's episode of The Work, Greg kicks things off with a whirlwind recap of his quick trip up to Minnesota to see family — freezing temps, snow everywhere, and a reminder of how weird it feels spending Christmas somewhere without a white blanket on the ground. Meanwhile, I held things down in Arkansas with a weekend full of farm work, heavy lifting, and the kind of soreness you don't fully feel until the next morning. We also dive into sleep optimization — grounding sheets, cool-sleeping mattress toppers, and the little tweaks that keep recovery on point. One of the big highlights this week: White Chocolate Peppermint Keto Brick is officially live. This flavor hasn't released in years and instantly reminded both of us why it's a favorite — smooth, minty, refreshing, and dangerously easy to stockpile. Once this batch is gone, it's gone for a long while. We also talk about rolling out our new backend software system that updates inventory in real time. Translation: keep an eye on your restock notifications… some flavors might pop back up the moment we produce them. Then we get into a deeper discussion about the nutrition space — the noise, the negativity, and the influencers who build their platforms by tearing others down. We break down why we stay focused on positive, educational, sustainable messaging and why creativity and authenticity always beat reaction-based content. To wrap things up, we run through details on our upcoming Mud Run Meat-Up & Retreat happening Feb 27–Mar 1 near Austin, Texas. A small group, big steak dinners, an epic Tough Mudder run, and guest speaker Dr. Jaime Seeman — it's shaping up to be an unforgettable weekend. White Chocolate Peppermint Bricks are live, the holidays are coming quick, and January's World Carnivore Month is right around the corner. Hit play, enjoy the episode, and thanks for being part of the journey. Greg Mahler is also a lifetime natural bodybuilder, and can be followed on Instagram https://www.instagram.com/ketogreg80/ Register For My FREE Masterclass: https://www.ketobodybuilding.com/registration-2 Get Keto Brick: https://www.ketobrick.com/ Subscribe to the podcast: https://open.spotify.com/show/42cjJssghqD01bdWBxRYEg?si=1XYKmPXmR4eKw2O9gGCEuQ

    32 min
  6. Mastering Fitness Goals: Tips for Consistency and Motivation to Transform Your Life!

    DEC 17

    Mastering Fitness Goals: Tips for Consistency and Motivation to Transform Your Life!

    Learn the simple habits for consistency and fitness motivation that a 62-year-old CEO uses to stay in incredible shape while building an 800-location empire. He reveals the mindset trick that makes it easy to stick to your goals, plus the truth about intermittent fasting and infrared training for fat loss. In episode 841 of the Savage Perspective Podcast, host Robert Sikes talks with Hotworx founder Stephen Smith about his journey from champion bodybuilder to successful entrepreneur. Stephen shares his personal routine, his approach to diet and macros, and the business strategies that scaled his company, giving you a roadmap for your own health and professional success. Ready to build a powerful physique? Join Robert’s FREE Bodybuilding Masterclass to get the exact strategies for building muscle and achieving your ideal body composition. https://www.ketobodybuilding.com/registration-2 Get Keto Brick: https://www.ketobrick.com/ Subscribe to the podcast: https://open.spotify.com/show/42cjJssghqD01bdWBxRYEg?si=1XYKmPXmR4eKw2O9gGCEuQ Chapters: 0:00 - The #1 Habit for Insane Fitness Results  0:36 - The Unlikely Origin Story of a Fitness Giant  1:32 - How the Tanning Industry Was Wiped Out (And Why)  3:53 - The Truth About Tanning Beds & Skin Cancer  5:05 - Infrared vs. UV: The "Good" Sunlight Explained  6:07 - The Biohack That Gets You More Results in Less Time  8:22 - What Kind of Exercise Do You Do in a Sauna?  9:45 - What Temperature is a Hotworx Sauna?  10:24 - From Champion Bodybuilder to Fitness CEO  12:10 - How Bodybuilding Knowledge Built the Hotworx Empire  13:38 - Who Is Hotworx Actually For? (The Ideal User)  15:16 - Who is The Target Customer for Hotworx?  17:02 - How a Franchise Stays Consistent Across 800 Locations  18:01 - Why He Left the Traditional Gym Business  21:07 - How a 62-Year-Old Stays in Peak Physical Condition  22:00 - The Mindset Trick to Never Miss a Workout  24:04 - Is Intermittent Fasting a "Cheat Code" for Fat Loss?  24:37 - How 80s Bodybuilding Diets Compare to Today  27:44 - How He Found a Passion for Mountaineering at  52 31:23 - "Am I Too Old For This?" - Pushing Limits After 60  33:17 - The Next Big Goal: 2,000 Locations by 2030  34:18 - Is the Fitness Industry Headed in the Right Direction?  35:00 - The Problem with Using Drugs for Weight Loss  37:01 - The Secret to Making Fitness Fun & Addicting  40:00 - Going to Try Hotworx For The First Time  41:27 - Final Thoughts & Where to Find Hotworx Chapters:

    42 min
  7. Leading Nitric Oxide Scientist: The Unseen Factors Affecting Your Health!

    DEC 15

    Leading Nitric Oxide Scientist: The Unseen Factors Affecting Your Health!

    Your daily mouthwash routine is destroying your body’s most critical molecule for blood flow, energy, and vitality. This molecule, nitric oxide, is the foundation of your health, and its decline is linked to everything from high blood pressure to erectile dysfunction and even Alzheimer's disease. In episode 840 of the Savage Perspective Podcast, host Robert Sikes and leading scientist Dr. Nathan S. Bryan expose the common habits, like using fluoride toothpaste, that are silently wrecking your well being. Discover the truth about most bodybuilding supplements, how your diet impacts your nitric oxide levels, and the simple, effective ways to restore your body’s natural production for better health. Ready to build a body that performs as good as it looks? Join Robert’s FREE Bodybuilding Masterclass and discover the proven strategies to get results: https://www.ketobodybuilding.com/registration-2 Get Keto Brick: https://www.ketobrick.com/ Subscribe to the podcast: https://open.spotify.com/show/42cjJssghqD01bdWBxRYEg?si=1XYKmPXmR4eKw2O9gGCEuQ Chapters: 0:00 - Why Nitric Oxide Is The Key To Anti-Aging  0:39 - How a Nobel Prize Discovery Sparked a Health Revolution  1:40 - Is Age or Lifestyle To Blame for Low Nitric Oxide?  3:08 - How Nitric Oxide Works: From Blood Flow to Anti-Aging  5:16 - How To Test Your Nitric Oxide Levels (The REAL Method)  6:12 - 5 Warning Signs of Nitric Oxide Deficiency  7:54 - The Hidden Link Between Metabolic Syndrome & Nitric Oxide  9:02 - Why Standard Diabetes Treatment Is Failing Patients  9:50 - The 3 Pillars of a Healthy Life (It's Simpler Than You Think)  11:02 - The #1 Motivator To Actually Get Healthy  12:24 - Do Peptides Improve Nitric Oxide? A Biochemist Explains  13:34 - The Biggest Mistake You're Making With Your Oral Health  15:19 - Why Mouthwash Is Destroying Your Body's #1 Defense  17:06 - The Hidden Dangers of Fluoride In Your Water & Toothpaste  18:30 - Can a Toothpaste Actually Lower Your Blood Pressure?  20:44 - Does a Carnivore Diet Hurt Your Oral Microbiome?  22:24 - How Many Carbs Do You REALLY Need To Perform?  24:02 - The Truth About Nitric Oxide Bodybuilding Supplements  26:50 - How To Maximize Vascularity for Peak Performance  28:00 - A Scientist's Formula for the Perfect Pre-Workout  30:36 - Is Structured Water Worth the Hype?  32:05 - How To Build a Chemical-Free Water System At Home  33:05 - Why The "Sick Care" Medical Model is Finally Dying  34:12 - A Top Scientist's Personal Diet & Nutrition Routine  35:29 - Dr. Bryan's Non-Negotiable Daily Health Protocol  37:48 - The Real Secret to Staying Motivated on Your Health Journey  39:12 - Why Being Healthy Is Your Ultimate Responsibility  40:49 - Does Blood Flow Restriction Training Actually Work?  42:19 - How To Use Blood Flow Restriction for Maximum Gains  43:57 - The Future of Nitric Oxide: Curing Alzheimer's & More  47:08 - Why Hasn't Big Pharma Focused on Nitric Oxide?  49:51 - Where to Find Dr. Nathan S. Bryan

    51 min
  8. The Work Podcast Episode 37 - Competition, Retreat, and White Chocolate Peppermint

    DEC 12

    The Work Podcast Episode 37 - Competition, Retreat, and White Chocolate Peppermint

    Happy Monday, y'all. Hard to believe we're already in the last month of 2025. It feels like I just blinked and now I'm gearing up for 2026. Time flies when you're building, growing, and pushing the boundaries every single day. This week's episode is a full-speed update on everything happening behind the scenes — and right now, everything is hitting at once. It's chaotic, but honestly, it all makes sense. Every project on our plate matters, and none of them can be put on the back burner. We just need more bandwidth. First big announcement:Natural State Savages is officially set for September 19th, 2026, same venue, TheaterSquared in Fayetteville. People have already been messaging, planning their 2026 season around it. We're going to run through last year's competitor, judge, and audience feedback with a fine-tooth comb, but overall the reviews were incredibly positive — so the foundation is solid. Tanning is lined up, venue confirmed, still waiting on polygraph and photography confirmations, and we'll lock in the host hotel soon. Only drawback is that Lisa Lum's show lands the same weekend, so we may lose a judge or two — but rest assured, we will still have an A-team judging crew. The retreat is officially happening the last weekend of February through March 1st.I booked the Airbnb — and this place is unreal. Sleeps 21, sits on nearly 100 acres, has longhorns, horses, a pool, a huge kitchen, a billiards room, a mule you can drive around the ranch… It's a whole experience in itself. Group Tough Mudder package is booked.Food is covered.Gym access close by.BBQ spot just down the road. Price: $1500 general public$1000 for tribe membersWe're not trying to profit off retreats. The goal is simple: create meaningful experiences, build relationships, and give people memories that stick. By the time you factor in race fees, food, lodging, and the expert speaker, we're basically breaking even — and that's by design. Landing page goes up this week, and Chip and I still need to film the promo video for it. Y'all have been asking… and it's back.White Chocolate Peppermint launches Sunday, December 14th at noon CST. This is my personal favorite flavor — the one I could eat every day. We tried making a tallow version to see if it could beat the cacao butter base, but when it comes to white chocolate, cacao butter just wins. We even blind-taste-tested it with the team, and cacao butter was the unanimous choice. We made thousands last week, making thousands more this week. This batch is good. I hit a Dexa scan thanks to a crazy good Black Friday deal and came in around 13.1% body fat, with an A-plus score across the board. My weight's been hovering in the low 210s, calories around 2700–2800 on average, and lifts are steadily climbing — all signs are pointing in the right direction. I've opened up a new AMA system via Instagram — you can submit questions through the link in my bio, and I'll respond with short video clips. Chip and I are batching a ton of these today so we can start rolling them out throughout the week. This is exactly why we created The Work Podcast — to document the real-time grind. The mess, the momentum, the deadlines, the adaptations, the wins, and the chaos that comes with building something meaningful. And don't forget:White Chocolate Peppermint drops Sunday at noon. Get some. Greg Mahler is also a lifetime natural bodybuilder, and can be followed on Instagram Register For My FREE Masterclass: https://www.ketobodybuilding.com/registration-2 Get Keto Brick: https://www.ketobrick.com/ Subscribe to the podcast: https://open.spotify.com/show/42cjJssghqD01bdWBxRYEg?si=1XYKmPXmR4eKw2O9gGCEuQ Thoughtshttps://www.instagram.com/ketogreg80/

    23 min
4.7
out of 5
427 Ratings

About

The "Savage Perspective Podcast" is hosted by Robert Sikes, WNBF Pro Natural Bodybuilder. Robert has been deconstructing human performance and is willing to push the envelope to see what is possible. He's been following a ketogenic lifestyle for over a decade, is the founder and formulator of Keto Brick, and has a passion for helping others achieve their highest potential. In the show, he brings on guests to dive deeper into what has led to their successes and failures in all walks of life from fitness to business, relationships to spirituality so you can learn and take action!

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