The Level Up Life: Muscle and Mindset Mastery

Adam Wittbrodt, CEO & Founder

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.

  1. 6D AGO

    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 up instead of stay comfortable. Matt shares his perspective on accountability… not as punishment, but as structure. As something necessary for growth in every area of life: fitness, work, relationships, and personal integrity. The guys talk openly about how easy it is to drift without accountability, and how progress stalls when standards are unclear or optional. The conversation also dives into mindset approaches to both life and fitness. Not chasing motivation, but building discipline. Not relying on emotion, but committing to consistent action. They discuss how training becomes a mirror for life, exposing excuses, reinforcing resilience, and teaching you how to show up even when things feel heavy or inconvenient. Matt brings a no-nonsense but relatable outlook on growth, highlighting the importance of ownership, honest self-reflection, and doing the work when no one is watching. Adam and Waz add their own experiences, tying recovery, personal development, and leadership into the bigger picture of becoming someone you can respect. This episode is raw, practical, and grounded in real life. It’s for anyone who knows they’re capable of more, but also knows that potential means nothing without action. If you’re in a season of tightening your standards… If you’re tired of making excuses and ready to take responsibility… If you believe fitness and mindset are tools for building a better life, not just a better body… This conversation is for you. Because leveling up isn’t about hype. It’s about accountability, consistency, and choosing to do the work… every single day. #LevelUpLife #MuscleAndMindset #AccountabilityMatters #MindsetMastery #DisciplineOverMotivation #WeDoRecover Sponsored by Pine Haven Senior Assisted Living in Hemlock, Michigan and Level Up Fitness and Training. Support the show https://linktr.ee/theleveluplife

    1h 11m
  2. JAN 25

    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 their sentence ends. They speak candidly about how prison changes you, how survival patterns don’t automatically shut off, and why rebuilding a life requires far more than just staying out of trouble. The conversation dives into identity: Who are you when the label “inmate” is gone, but society still sees your past? How do you build confidence, trust, and purpose when your record follows you everywhere? Sonny and Percy share honest reflections on accountability, discipline, and the daily choices required to move forward without falling back into old cycles. Adam brings perspective from his own journey, highlighting why reentry isn’t just an individual responsibility, it’s a community issue. Employment barriers, fractured relationships, and internalized shame make reentry one of the most vulnerable phases of a person’s life. Success isn’t about perfection; it’s about structure, support, and refusing to give up on yourself when setbacks happen. In this episode, they explore: The mental and emotional shock of reentering society How prison survival instincts can work against you on the outside Rebuilding identity after incarceration The role of accountability, routine, and purpose Why support systems matter more than motivation What real second chances actually require This isn’t a “feel-good” story. It’s a real one. Part Two completes the picture started in last week’s episode, showing that leaving prison doesn’t mean the struggle is over, but it does mean a new chapter is possible. With honesty, effort, and the right support, a life after prison can be built, not perfectly, but intentionally. If you care about real reform, real recovery, and real second chances… this episode is essential listening. #LevelUpLife #MuscleAndMindset #Reentry #LifeAfterPrison #SecondChances #WeDoRecover #JusticeReform #Identity #MindsetMatters Sponsored by Pine Haven Senior Assisted Living in Hemlock, Michigan and Level Up Fitness and Training. Support the show https://linktr.ee/theleveluplife

    1h 3m
  3. JAN 18

    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 unspoken rules, the social hierarchy, and what respect really means when your safety, identity, and survival depend on it. This isn’t a glamorized version of incarceration, nor is it filtered through fear… it’s honest, grounded, and eye-opening. The conversation explores how prison culture shapes behavior, mindset, and decision-making. What earns respect? What puts you at risk? How do you navigate constant tension, hyper-awareness, and the need to protect yourself without losing who you are? Sonny and Percy share firsthand stories that reveal how quickly mistakes can escalate… and how discipline, awareness, and self-control become necessities, not options. Adam adds perspective on why conversations like this matter… especially for people who have never been inside. Understanding prison culture isn’t about sympathy or judgment; it’s about context. It’s about recognizing how environments shape people, and why leaving prison is only the beginning of the work. In this episode, they unpack: What prison culture really looks like beyond the stereotypes The true meaning of respect behind the walls How rules are enforced socially, not just institutionally The mental and emotional toll of living in constant survival mode Why understanding prison culture matters for real reform and reentry This is Part One of a two-part series. It sets the foundation for Part Two, where the conversation shifts to reentry, rebuilding identity, and what it actually takes to build a life after incarceration. If you’ve ever wondered what prison is really like… or why reentry is so complex… this episode delivers truth without filters. #LevelUpLife #MuscleAndMindset #PrisonCulture #JusticeReform #LivedExperience #RespectMatters #SecondChances #WeDoRecover #MindsetMatters Sponsored by Pine Haven Senior Assisted Living in Hemlock, Michigan and Level Up Fitness and Training. Support the show https://linktr.ee/theleveluplife

    1h 3m
  4. JAN 11

    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 becoming. They talk candidly about the difference between who someone was and who they’re choosing to be now… and why real recovery is about identity, not just abstinence. From there, the conversation flows into what it means to truly coach people, not just in the gym, but in life. Adam shares how working with clients through fitness, mindset, and recovery requires understanding the full human behind the program. Progress isn’t just about reps or macros… it’s about self-trust, consistency, and learning how to show up for yourself even when it’s hard. Waz brings his own insight into what accountability really looks like, and how success stories aren’t built on perfection, but on people being willing to own their choices, learn from their setbacks, and keep going anyway. Together, they unpack: What happens when people stop seeing themselves as broken How structure and support create space for growth Why accountability is one of the most powerful tools for transformation And how small daily choices quietly build a completely different life This episode feels like sitting in on a late-night conversation between two people who have lived it… the struggle, the rebuilding, the wins, and the work that never really stops. It’s honest, thoughtful, and grounded in the belief that no one is stuck where they started. If you’ve ever wrestled with labels, struggled with consistency, or wondered if real change is possible, this episode will hit home. #LevelUpLife #MuscleAndMindset #RecoveryCulture #BeyondLabels #AccountabilityMatters #PersonalGrowth #CoachingLife #MindsetShift #WeDoRecover #SecondChances Sponsored by Pine Haven Senior Assisted Living in Hemlock, Michigan and Level Up Fitness and Training. Support the show https://linktr.ee/theleveluplife

    46 min
  5. JAN 4

    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, the setbacks, and the quiet battles that don’t always get talked about. Rather than framing the experience as something that “broke” him, Chris reflects on how it became a catalyst for deeper self-awareness, resilience, and purpose. Throughout the conversation, Adam, Jordan, and Chris explore practical mindset approaches that can improve everyday life, from reframing hardship and taking ownership of your response, to learning how to slow down and make intentional decisions instead of reacting on autopilot. They discuss how growth often comes from discomfort, and how clarity is built through consistent, honest self-reflection. A major theme of this episode is the impact of our circles, the people we surround ourselves with, the environments we allow ourselves to stay in, and the conversations we normalize. Chris speaks candidly about how supportive relationships, accountability, and distancing from limiting influences played a crucial role in his evolution. The group breaks down why proximity matters, why energy is contagious, and how choosing the right circle can either reinforce old patterns or help you build a new life. Chris also shares insight into the work he’s involved in today, the values that guide him, and how adversity reshaped his perspective on success, fulfillment, and contribution. His story is a reminder that healing and progress don’t happen all at once, they happen through alignment, patience, and daily choices. This episode is raw, grounded, and deeply relatable. It’s for anyone who has faced a major setback, questioned their identity after hardship, or is actively trying to build a better life through intentional mindset shifts and healthier relationships. Because leveling up isn’t about pretending the pain didn’t happen. It’s about learning from it, choosing better circles, and moving forward with purpose. #LevelUpLife #MuscleAndMindset #MindsetMastery #Resilience #AdversityToStrength #GrowthThroughChallenge #CircleMatters #WeDoRecover #PurposeDriven #PersonalDevelopment #FromSetbackToComeback Sponsored by Pine Haven Senior Assisted Living in Hemlock, Michigan and Level Up Fitness and Training. Support the show https://linktr.ee/theleveluplife

    59 min
  6. 12/28/2025

    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 candidly about how trauma, stress, and unresolved experiences live in the body… and how true recovery requires more than just removing substances or changing habits. It requires awareness, compassion, and intentional practices that support both the nervous system and the mind. Together, Adam, Waz, and Tara explore the intersection of fitness and holistic healing. They talk about movement not just as exercise, but as medicine. About breath, presence, and listening to your body instead of constantly overriding it. About how fitness can either become another form of control… or a powerful tool for reconnection and self-trust. The conversation also dives into the realities of recovery… how linear progress is a myth, why setbacks don’t erase growth, and how building a life in alignment often means unlearning before relearning. Tara brings a grounded, calming perspective to the idea that healing isn’t about “fixing” yourself… it’s about remembering who you are beneath the noise. This episode is reflective, honest, and deeply human. It speaks to anyone navigating recovery, burnout, chronic stress, or that quiet feeling of being disconnected from their own body and intuition. If you’ve ever felt like traditional approaches weren’t addressing the whole picture… if you’re curious about blending fitness, mindset, and holistic healing… or if you’re simply in a season of learning how to slow down and heal with intention, this conversation will meet you where you are. Because leveling up isn’t always about doing more. Sometimes it’s about tuning in, softening, and choosing alignment over survival. #LevelUpLife #MuscleAndMindset #GreenTaraHolistics #HolisticHealing #WeDoRecover #MindBodyConnection #HealingJourney #FitnessForRecovery #NervousSystemHealing #MindsetMastery #FromSurvivalToAlignment Sponsored by Pine Haven Senior Assisted Living in Hemlock, Michigan and Level Up Fitness and Training. Support the show https://linktr.ee/theleveluplife

    1 hr
  7. 12/21/2025

    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 quietly fuel unhealthy coping mechanisms. They talk candidly about substance use, the normalization of excess, and the moments when lifestyle choices start colliding with long-term health. Chris shares his deeply personal experience of being diagnosed with a pituitary gland tumor, walking through the physical, emotional, and mental toll of navigating serious health challenges while still showing up as an artist, a bandmate, and a human being. His story is a powerful reminder that health is never guaranteed… and that listening to your body matters. Stevie brings equal vulnerability, opening up about his recovery from alcohol, the turning points that forced honest self-reflection, and what sobriety has changed—not just in his life, but in his creativity, relationships, and sense of purpose. Adam, Waz, Chris, and Stevie dive into conversations that matter: How does the music industry shape identity, habits, and mental health? What happens when health issues force you to slow down and reevaluate everything? How does recovery impact creativity rather than limit it? And how do discipline, fitness, and self-awareness become anchors during seasons of uncertainty? This conversation is raw, grounded, and refreshingly real. It highlights the reality that growth doesn’t require perfection… it requires honesty, accountability, and the willingness to evolve. Chris and Stevie’s stories show that you don’t have to choose between being an artist and being healthy… between creativity and structure… between passion and longevity. You can build a life that supports all of it. If you’re navigating your own relationship with substances, health challenges, or the pressure to perform in any area of life, this episode offers perspective, hope, and proof that transformation is possible. Because leveling up isn’t about abandoning who you are… it’s about becoming who you’re capable of being. #LevelUpLife #MuscleAndMindset #Redburn #MusicAndRecovery #WeDoRecover #HealthIsWealth #SobrietyJourney #CreativeResilience #MindsetMastery #FromSurvivalToStrength Sponsored by Pine Haven Senior Assisted Living in Hemlock, Michigan and Level Up Fitness and Training. Support the show https://linktr.ee/theleveluplife

    1h 6m
  8. 12/14/2025

    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 adolescence, and how those battles shaped the people they were becoming. But what makes this episode truly special is what comes next. Together, Nick and Danielle share how they chose to break the cycles they were raised in… how they fought for sobriety, for stability, and for a life they could be proud of. Their journey is raw and real, but also filled with the kind of hope that only comes from lived experience. Adam, Waz, Nick, and Danielle explore questions that matter: How do childhood wounds influence the choices we make as teens? What does real accountability look like in recovery? How does a couple heal individually while rebuilding together? And how can two people turn their hardest chapters into a foundation for purpose and partnership? Because today, Nick and Danielle aren’t just rebuilding their lives… they’re building something bigger. They’ve created a family construction business, working side by side to provide for their family, serve their community, and turn their past struggles into present strength and future opportunity. Their business isn’t just a means of income… it’s proof of what’s possible when two people commit to growth, discipline, and each other. Their story is a reminder that no matter where you start, you can rewrite the script. You can heal. You can rebuild. You can rise. If you’ve ever wondered whether two people can climb out of rock bottom and build a healthy, purpose-driven life together… this episode will show you that they can. #LevelUpLife #MuscleAndMindset #RecoveryJourney #WeDoRecover #BreakingCycles #FromStruggleToStrength #AddictionRecovery #FamilyBusiness #ResilienceInAction #MindsetMatters Sponsored by Pine Haven Senior Assisted Living in Hemlock, Michigan and Level Up Fitness and Training. Support the show https://linktr.ee/theleveluplife

    1h 6m

About

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.