Chasing Clarity: Health & Fitness Podcast

Brandon DaCruz

The Chasing Clarity Health & Fitness Podcast aims to bridge the gap between complexity and clarity within the health and fitness space. Brandon and Jeff have a relatable synergy that allows them to go deep and wide on all topics related to nutrition, training, health, and fitness. We will cover both information and application for anyone interested in improving their health, fitness, and body composition throughout our journey together and with you all. Follow Brandon on IG: https://www.instagram.com/brandondacruz_/ Follow Jeff on IG: https://www/instagram.com/jeffunbreakableblack

  1. 4D AGO

    OVERCOMING ADVERSITY, BUILDING THROUGH BODYBUILDING & LIVING WITH RADICAL OWNERSHIP WITH BEN MAYFIELD-SMITH | EP. 203

    In this episode of the Chasing Clarity Health & Fitness Podcast, I’m joined by Ben Mayfield-Smith for a raw and honest conversation that goes far beyond reps, macros, and training splits. We dive deep into the pivotal moments that shaped who we are from career-altering accidents to caring for terminally ill family members and how adversity became the catalyst for personal growth, mindset evolution, and purpose. Together, we unpack: How major life events reshape your identity The mindset shift required to rebuild yourself after trauma What bodybuilding teaches beyond the stage Time management, work ethic & using failure as feedback What it means to live with radical extreme ownership Turning personal pain into purpose, leadership & service This one’s for anyone who’s ever been knocked down and had to rebuild from the ground up. WHERE TO CONNECT WITH ME: Follow Brandon on IG: https://www.instagram.com/brandondacruz_/ Email: Bdacruzfitness@gmail.com For Info on Brandon’s Coaching Services: https://form.jotform.com/bdacruzfitness/coachinginquiry Brandon’s Website: https://www.brandondacruzfit.com My Reading Recommendations:  THE MUSCLE & STRENGTH PYRAMIDS  https://getdpd.com/cart/hoplink/25469?referrer=1l54og96lf1ccw

    1h 14m
  2. BODY RECOMP FOR HIGH PERFORMERS: MY COACHING FRAMEWORK FOR BUILDING MUSCLE & LOSING FAT SIMULTANEOUSLY | EP. 202

    FEB 11

    BODY RECOMP FOR HIGH PERFORMERS: MY COACHING FRAMEWORK FOR BUILDING MUSCLE & LOSING FAT SIMULTANEOUSLY | EP. 202

    Most people still think about physique transformation in black & white: you’re either cutting or you’re bulking. But in my coaching, I use a third strategy—body recomposition—when it’s the right client, at the right time, under the right conditions. This episode breaks down exactly how I coach recomp phases to help high performers improve both ends of the spectrum—gain muscle & lose fat at the same time—while optimizing their health, recovery & long-term sustainability. If you’re a high performer, physique enthusiast or high-level lifestyle client looking to elevate your approach, this episode will give you the full framework. WE COVER: WHEN & WHY I USE RECOMP PHASES WHO RECOMP PHASES ARE BEST FOR & WHO THEY’RE NOT FOR THE CLIENT CONDITIONS I LOOK FOR BEFORE DEPLOYING RECOMP SETTING THE FOUNDATION FOR RECOMPING NUTRITION STRATEGY FOR BODY RECOMP TRAINING STRATEGY FOR RECOMPING LIFESTYLE, STEPS & RECOVERY STRATEGY PSYCHOLOGY OF RECOMPING HOW THIS FITS INTO MY HEALTH-CENTRIC COACHING MODEL TO BUILD A BODY THAT’S BOTH RESPONSIVE & RESILIENT If you’ve ever been stuck between wanting to build but not wanting to gain fat or wanting to lean out but not sacrifice muscle, this episode is for you. WHERE TO CONNECT WITH ME: Follow Brandon on IG: https://www.instagram.com/brandondacruz_/ Email: Bdacruzfitness@gmail.com For Info on Brandon’s Coaching Services: https://form.jotform.com/bdacruzfitness/coachinginquiry Brandon’s Website: https://www.brandondacruzfit.com My Reading Recommendations:  THE MUSCLE & STRENGTH PYRAMIDS  https://getdpd.com/cart/hoplink/25469?referrer=1l54og96lf1ccw

    27 min

  3. FEB 3

    ERIC HELMS: APPLYING THE TRAINING VOLUME RESEARCH IN THE REAL WORLD | EP. 201

    Training volume makes sense on paper. Applying it in the real world is where most lifters get stuck. In this episode, I’m joined by Dr. Eric Helms for part two of our training volume discussion. In the previous episode, we broke down the research, dose-response relationships, and what the hypertrophy literature actually shows. Today, we shift to the applied side. We cover: HOW MUCH TRAINING VOLUME BODYBUILDERS ACTUALLY DO IN THE REAL WORLDPRACTICAL TRAINING VOLUME RECOMMENDATIONS FROM THE 3RD EDITION OF THE MUSCLE & STRENGTH PYRAMIDSA FRAMEWORK FOR PROGRESSING VOLUME WITHOUT BLINDLY ADDING MORE SETS Too often, volume discussions get stuck at the extremes. Either doing as little as possible because it feels easier to justify, or piling on volume without a framework for recovery, progression, or sustainability. This episode is about clarity. We talk about what successful physique athletes actually do, how to interpret volume recommendations intelligently, and how to progress training over time without burning out or stalling. If your goal is long-term muscle growth, better performance, and sustainable progress, this episode will help you bridge the gap between research and real-world training. WHERE TO CONNECT WITH ME: Follow Brandon on IG: https://www.instagram.com/brandondacruz_/ Email: Bdacruzfitness@gmail.com For Info on Brandon’s Coaching Services: https://form.jotform.com/bdacruzfitness/coachinginquiry Brandon’s Website: https://www.brandondacruzfit.com My Reading Recommendations:  THE MUSCLE & STRENGTH PYRAMIDS  https://getdpd.com/cart/hoplink/25469?referrer=1l54og96lf1ccw

    1h 42m

  4. JAN 28

    BODY RECOMPOSITION EXPLAINED: CAN YOU REALLY LOSE FAT & BUILD MUSCLE AT THE SAME TIME? | EP. 198

    Body recomposition — the process of losing fat and building muscle simultaneously — is one of the most sought-after goals in all of fitness. But it’s also one of the most misunderstood.In this solo episode, I break down the science, physiology and strategy behind body recomposition and explain exactly what it takes to achieve it in the real world. WE COVER: WHAT BODY RECOMPOSITION REALLY IS & THE 3 FORMS IT CAN TAKE WHY THE SCALE OFTEN MISLEADS YOU DURING A RECOMP PHASE THE TRUTH ABOUT BUILDING MUSCLE WHILE DIETING (BACKED BY RESEARCH) WHO IS MOST LIKELY TO RECOMP THE FACTORS THAT DETERMINE YOUR ABILITY TO LOSE FAT & BUILD MUSCLE AT THE SAME TIME WHY MOST PEOPLE WHO THINK THEY’RE TOO ADVANCED TO RECOMP… ACTUALLY AREN’T WHY WOMEN OFTEN HAVE A PHYSIOLOGICAL ADVANTAGE WHEN IT COMES TO RECOMPOSITION WHAT THE LATEST RESEARCH SHOWS ABOUT HIGH PROTEIN, RESISTANCE TRAINING & RECOMP This episode is for anyone who wants to understand how to take their body composition to the next level without constantly toggling between bulking and cutting. If your goal is to look leaner, feel stronger, and improve your physique year-round this episode will bring the clarity you’ve been missing. WHERE TO CONNECT WITH ME: Follow Brandon on IG: https://www.instagram.com/brandondacruz_/ Email: Bdacruzfitness@gmail.com For Info on Brandon’s Coaching Services: https://form.jotform.com/bdacruzfitness/coachinginquiry Brandon’s Website: https://www.brandondacruzfit.com My Reading Recommendations:THE MUSCLE & STRENGTH PYRAMIDShttps://getdpd.com/cart/hoplink/25469?referrer=1l54og96lf1ccw

    33 min

  5. JAN 21

    ERIC HELMS: THE TRAINING VOLUME DEBATE: WHAT ACTUALLY BUILDS MUSCLE LONG-TERM | EP. 199

    Training volume has become one of the most misunderstood and oversimplified topics in fitness. Over the last few years, there’s been a strong push toward low-volume training. It’s often framed as more efficient, more recoverable and even superior for long-term muscle growth. And while that idea sounds appealing, especially if you’re short on time, the science tells a more nuanced story. In this episode, I’m joined once again by Dr. Eric Helms to break down where the training volume research actually stands as we move into 2026. WE COVER:• THE LATEST TRAINING VOLUME RESEARCH, INCLUDING THE 2025 PELLAND META-REGRESSION • WHY THE LOW VOLUME VS HIGH VOLUME DEBATE IS A FALSE DICHOTOMY• WHAT THE HYPERTROPHY LITERATURE ACTUALLY SHOWS ABOUT DOSE-RESPONSE & DIMINISHING RETURNS This conversation isn’t about doing the most volume possible or the least volume possible. It’s about understanding what the evidence supports, how training volume actually drives adaptation over time and how to apply it intelligently based on your goals, training age, and recovery capacity. If your goal is long-term muscle growth, better performance, and sustainable progress, this episode will give you clarity. WHERE TO CONNECT WITH ME: Follow Brandon on IG: https://www.instagram.com/brandondacruz_/ Email: Bdacruzfitness@gmail.com For Info on Brandon’s Coaching Services: https://form.jotform.com/bdacruzfitness/coachinginquiry Brandon’s Website: https://www.brandondacruzfit.com My Reading Recommendations: THE MUSCLE & STRENGTH PYRAMIDShttps://getdpd.com/cart/hoplink/25469?referrer=1l54og96lf1ccw

    1h 25m

  6. JAN 14

    13 LESSONS FROM 13 YEARS OF ONLINE COACHING | EP. 198

    In this solo episode, I’m sharing 13 of the most important lessons I’ve learned after over a decade of coaching clients across all walks of life from IFBB pros to lifestyle clients, corporate execs, entrepreneurs, and fitness professionals. These lessons weren’t pulled from textbooks. They were earned through experience. Through the wins, the failures, the hard conversations, and the real-life transformations. Whether you’re a coach, an athlete, or someone serious about personal growth, this episode will give you the clarity, perspective, and systems to level up your results and longevity in this game. INSIDE THIS EPISODE, I COVER: 1. LEAD CLIENTS FROM THE FRONT 2. THINK COACH, TALK CLIENT 3. NO ONE CARES HOW MUCH YOU KNOW UNTIL THEY KNOW HOW MUCH YOU CARE 4. CONSISTENCY CREATES TRANSFORMATION 5. SEE POTENTIAL IN CLIENTS THEY CAN’T YET SEE THEMSELVES 6. COACHING IS AN ART AS MUCH AS A SCIENCE 7. A HEALTHY BODY IS A RESPONSIVE BODY 8. HABITS & SYSTEMS BEAT WILLPOWER & MOTIVATION 9. HONESTY & HARD CONVERSATIONS DRIVE BREAKTHROUGHS 10. COACHING IS A CRAFT THAT MUST BE REFINED 11. THE MORE YOU LEARN, THE MORE YOU CAN SERVE 12. INVEST IN YOURSELF TO EARN CLIENT INVESTMENT 13. YOU CAN’T WANT THE RESULTS MORE THAN YOUR CLIENTS DO If you’ve ever wondered what it really takes to create long-term results, this episode is for you. WHERE TO CONNECT WITH ME: Follow Brandon on IG: https://www.instagram.com/brandondacruz_/ Email: Bdacruzfitness@gmail.com For Info on Brandon’s Coaching Services: https://form.jotform.com/bdacruzfitness/coachinginquiry Brandon’s Website: https://www.brandondacruzfit.com My Reading Recommendations: THE MUSCLE & STRENGTH PYRAMIDShttps://getdpd.com/cart/hoplink/25469?referrer=1l54og96lf1ccw

    19 min

  7. JAN 7

    DERRICK VAN EVERY: THE SCIENCE OF BUILDING MUSCLE: MECHANISMS, MYTHS & MISCONCEPTIONS | EP. 197

    Muscle hypertrophy is one of the most researched topics in exercise science. And yet, it’s still one of the most misunderstood.In this episode, I’m joined by exercise scientist and researcher Derrick Van Every, author of the 2025 review Load-Induced Human Skeletal Muscle Hypertrophy: Mechanisms, Myths, and Misconceptions, to separate what actually drives muscle growth from what simply shows up alongside hard training.Together, we break down the human evidence, challenge long-standing myths, and clarify how lifters and coaches should actually approach hypertrophy-focused training.In this episode, we cover:MECHANICAL TENSION AS THE PRIMARY DRIVER OF HYPERTROPHYWHAT ROLE IF ANY DOES METABOLIC STRESS PLAY IN MUSCLE GROWTHDOES THE PUMP CONTRIBUTE TO MUSCLE GROWTH?DO ACUTE CHANGES IN HORMONES FROM TRAINING INFLUENCE HYPERTROPHY OUTCOMESHOW SHOULD WE APPROACH TRAINING TO MAXIMIZE MUSCLE HYPERTROPHY?If you want a clear, evidence-based understanding of how muscle is actually built and how to structure your training around the variables that matter most, this conversation will bring clarity.WHERE TO CONNECT WITH ME:Follow Brandon on IG: https://www.instagram.com/brandondacruz_/For Info on Brandon’s Coaching Services: https://form.jotform.com/bdacruzfitness/coachinginquiryEmail: Bdacruzfitness@gmail.comBrandon’s Website: https://www.brandondacruzfit.com

    1h 10m
  8. METABOLIC & PHYSIOLOGIC FLEXIBILITY: BUILDING A BODY THAT ADAPTS WITH DR. MIKE T. NELSON | EP. 196

    12/30/2025

    METABOLIC & PHYSIOLOGIC FLEXIBILITY: BUILDING A BODY THAT ADAPTS WITH DR. MIKE T. NELSON | EP. 196

    Most people think of metabolic health as just managing blood sugar or burning fat efficiently but the ability to adapt to stress, perform under pressure, and recover from it all… that’s the true definition of a resilient body. On this episode of THE CHASING CLARITY HEALTH & FITNESS PODCAST, I’m joined once again by Dr. Mike T. Nelson to break down metabolic flexibility, physiologic flexibility, and how building adaptability across multiple systems of the body creates a healthier, more responsive physique. HERE IS WHAT WE COVER️ WHAT METABOLIC FLEXIBILITY ACTUALLY MEANS & WHY IT’S CRITICAL FOR PERFORMANCE, RECOVERY & BODY COMP️ HOW TO IMPROVE FUEL ADAPTABILITY THROUGH NUTRITION, TRAINING, MOVEMENT, ETC. WHAT PHYSIOLOGIC FLEXIBILITY IS THE 4 SYSTEMS OF PHYSIOLOGIC FLEXIBILITY THAT DETERMINE STRESS RESILIENCE  • TEMPERATURE REGULATION  • OXYGEN & CO₂ TOLERANCE  • FUEL USAGE  • ACID-BASE BALANCE️ HOW TO USE COLD, HEAT, BREATHWORK, HIIT & NUTRITION TO BUILD A BODY THAT’S HARDER TO DERAIL If this episode gives you a new lens on health & performance, share it with a friend, post it on your stories, and tag us with your biggest takeaway. A HEALTHY BODY IS A RESPONSIVE BODY. A FLEXIBLE BODY IS A RESILIENT BODY. WHERE TO CONNECT WITH ME: Follow Brandon on IG: https://www.instagram.com/brandondacruz_/ Email: Bdacruzfitness@gmail.com For Info on Brandon’s Coaching, Consultation & Mentorship Services: https://form.jotform.com/bdacruzfitness/coachinginquiry Brandon’s Website: https://www.brandondacruzfit.com

    1h 2m
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4.9
out of 5
48 Ratings

About

The Chasing Clarity Health & Fitness Podcast aims to bridge the gap between complexity and clarity within the health and fitness space. Brandon and Jeff have a relatable synergy that allows them to go deep and wide on all topics related to nutrition, training, health, and fitness. We will cover both information and application for anyone interested in improving their health, fitness, and body composition throughout our journey together and with you all. Follow Brandon on IG: https://www.instagram.com/brandondacruz_/ Follow Jeff on IG: https://www/instagram.com/jeffunbreakableblack

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