Chasing Clarity: Health & Fitness Podcast

Brandon DaCruz
  • 4.9 (48)
  • HEALTH & FITNESS
  • UPDATED WEEKLY

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. THE OVERLOOKED BENEFITS OF EATING AT MAINTENANCE | METABOLIC, PHYSIOLOGICAL, BEHAVIORAL & PSYCHOLOGICAL ADVANTAGES WITH JEFF HOEHN

    3H AGO

    THE OVERLOOKED BENEFITS OF EATING AT MAINTENANCE | METABOLIC, PHYSIOLOGICAL, BEHAVIORAL & PSYCHOLOGICAL ADVANTAGES WITH JEFF HOEHN

    In the fitness space, most conversations revolve around two things. Being in a calorie deficit to lose body fat. Or being in a calorie surplus to build muscle. But very rarely do you hear people talk about the value of intentionally spending time eating at maintenance.  And that’s a mistake. Because spending time at maintenance can provide a wide range of metabolic, physiological, behavioral, and psychological benefits that support long-term body composition progress. In this episode of the Chasing Clarity Health & Fitness Podcast, I’m joined once again by my good friend Jeff Hoehn, host of the Mind Muscle Connection Podcast, for Episode 2 of our monthly podcast collaboration. IN THIS EPISODE WE DISCUSS: INTRO TO THE TOPIC OF THE OVERLOOKED BENEFITS OF EATING AT MAINTENANCE THE METABOLIC BENEFITS OF EATING AT MAINTENANCE  THE PHYSIOLOGICAL BENEFITS OF EATING AT MAINTENANCE THE BEHAVIORIAL BENEFITS OF EATING AT MAINTENANCE  THE PSYCHOLOGICAL BENEFITS OF EATING AT MAINTENANCE  HOW CAN PERIODS OF EATING AT MAINTENANCE BE USED ACROSS THE YEAR & BETWEEN PHASES?  If you’ve ever wondered whether spending time eating at maintenance is productive or necessary, this episode will give you a much deeper understanding of why it can play such an important role in a well structured body composition plan. 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 44m

  2. 5D AGO

    AJ SIMS AKA CEMENT FACTORY: WHAT SUCCESSFUL COACHES & CLIENTS DO DIFFERENTLY | EP. 206

    What actually makes a great coach? In this episode of the CHASING CLARITY HEALTH & FITNESS PODCAST, I sit down with longtime bodybuilding coach, mentor & founder of Cement Factory Nutrition — AJ Sims. AJ is a coach, a leader, and a man who lives the standards he teaches. From training alongside Jay Cutler as a teenager to building a reputation rooted in discipline, faith, identity & high standards, AJ brings a perspective that goes far beyond macros & programming. This conversation goes deeper than training. We talk about: AJ’s early journey into bodybuilding & lessons from training with Jay Cutler What separates a real coach from someone just handing out macros The responsibility that comes with leading others The qualities that drive long-term transformation The common traits of clients who actually succeed Coaching isn’t about information. It’s about leadership, empathy, standards & helping people become someone capable of sustaining the result. If you’re a coach, athlete, or someone serious about leveling up your physique & life, this episode will hit.  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

    51 min

  3. MAR 4

    WHY YOU CANNOT MAXIMIZE MUSCLE GROWTH IN A CALORIE DEFICIT: LEAN GAINS SERIES PART 1 | EP. 205

    A lot of people think they can diet their way to the body they want. But if your goal is to look lean, strong, and muscular, here’s the truth: You cannot maximize muscle growth in a calorie deficit. In this episode of the Chasing Clarity Health & Fitness Podcast, I break down why living in a deficit year-round keeps you stuck, why building a foundation of muscle has to be prioritized and how to approach your phases with a long-term strategy that actually changes your physique. If you’ve ever dieted down and still felt disappointed with what you saw, this episode will connect the dots. HERE’S WHAT WE COVER: WHY YOU’RE NOT GOING TO DIET YOUR WAY INTO A MORE MUSCULAR PHYSIQUE HOW CALORIE DEFICITS REDUCE MUSCLE PROTEIN SYNTHESIS LEVELS & LIMIT MUSCLE GROWTH  THE THRESHOLD WHERE LEAN GAINS STOP IN A DEFICIT THE BENEFITS OF GOING UP TO MAINTENANCE, OR INTO A SLIGHT SURPLUS WHY A SLIGHT SURPLUS CREATES A MORE ANABOLIC ENVIRONMENT FOR GROWTH THE RATE OF MUSCLE GAIN VS THE RATE OF FAT LOSS &  WHY MOST PEOPLE GET THIS BACKWARDS WHY CUTTING FAT IS EASIER THAN GAINING MUSCLE & WHY THAT SHOULD CHANGE YOUR TIMELINE WHY SLOW & STEADY WINS FOR BOTH MUSCLE GAIN & FAT LOSS 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

    36 min

  4. FEB 25

    COACHING ROUNDTABLE Q&A: PHYSIOLOGICAL FACTORS THAT DETERMINE FAT LOSS READINESS, HOW TO IMPROVE RECOVERY & REDUCE SORENESS WITH JEFF HOEHN OF THE MIND MUSCLE CONNECTION | EP. 204

    On this episode of the Chasing Clarity Health & Fitness Podcast, Jeff Hoehn and I kick off a new monthly collaboration series where we break down listener questions and dive into the strategies that actually move the needle for physique progress, fat loss, recovery & long-term health. We start with personal updates, then move into one of the most important conversations in physique coaching — why most people try to diet before their body and lifestyle are ready. THIS EPISODE COVERS: JEFF’S “HOLDING PHASE” APPROACH TO TRAINING & HEALTH BRANDON’S 24–28 WEEK BUILDING PHASE, TRAINING SPLIT & CALORIE INTAKE WHY A PRIMER PHASE IS CRITICAL BEFORE FAT LOSS PHYSIOLOGICAL FACTORS THAT DETERMINE FAT LOSS READINESS METABOLIC ADAPTATION & DIETING HISTORY HUNGER & APPETITE REGULATION BEFORE DIETING THE NEED FOR TIME OUT OF A DEFICIT BUILDING MUSCLE BEFORE GETTING LEAN MANAGING A TIGHT SCHEDULE WHILE TRAINING CIRCADIAN RHYTHM, MEAL TIMING & EVENING TRAINING ADVICE FOR TAKING BETTER CHECK-IN PHOTOS HOW TO IMPROVE RECOVERY & REDUCE SORENESS PERI-WORKOUT NUTRITION & PERFORMANCE RECOVERY WHAT TO LOOK FOR IN A HIGH-QUALITY SUPPLEMENT COMPANY THIRD-PARTY TESTING, LABEL TRANSPARENCY & GMP STANDARDS If you’re someone who wants to approach fat loss, physique development & performance with a health-centric, evidence-based strategy, this series 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

    1h 39m

  5. FEB 18

    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
  6. 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

  7. 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

  8. 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
See All (209)

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

Information

You Might Also Like