FORGE - Fitness, Nutrition, Habit

Michael S. Parker

The Forge Podcast is where science, controversial opinions, and expert guests meet to clear the clutter. Hosted by Michael S. Parker, a wellness professional with over two decades of experience, the author of “The 90 Day Habit Transformation” and founder of Forge Fitness and Nutrition Coaching, one of the top-ranked online coaching companies. This show dives into fitness, nutrition, habit change, and the cultural chaos around wellness. Hard-hitting, honest, and entertaining, it’s your dose of truth in a world full of fads. Remake Yourself with Forge. 

  1. May 22

    Forged Under Pressure: What Extreme Endurance Teaches About Discipline, Faith, and Resilience

    Summary  In this episode, JD Tremblay shares insights on how identity, faith, and discipline drive high performance and resilience. He discusses the importance of aligning values with actions, fueling effort, and the role of faith in overcoming extreme challenges. JD Tremblay shares his insights on mental resilience, faith, and the importance of mindset in overcoming pain and achieving greatness. This conversation explores the role of self-criticism, faith, and personal responsibility in transforming lives and reaching peak performance.   Key Topics  ·       The concept of identity as a foundation for high performance  ·       The importance of fueling for effort and understanding energy stability  ·       The role of faith and spiritual discipline in resilience  ·       How values shape behavior and long-term success  ·       Lessons from ultra endurance events like the DECA Mental resilience and self-criticism among endurance athletes  ·       The role of faith and spirituality in overcoming pain  ·       Practical strategies for mental and physical endurance  ·       The importance of mindset and personal responsibility  ·       The impact of pain and sacrifice on success  Support the show Subscribe and Follow! All socials are the same handle: @forgefitcoach Follow on Instagram Follow on Facebook Follow on YouTube Follow on X (Twitter)

    1h 45m
  2. Feb 13

    E17 - The Price of Consequences and The Road to Earned Redemption with Josif Todorovits

    Summary In this episode, Michael S. Parker interviews Josif Todorovits, who shares his incredible journey from a life of crime and incarceration to becoming a successful fitness coach and mentor. Josif discusses the pivotal moments that led to his transformation, emphasizing the importance of discipline, resilience, and the power of perspective. He highlights how pain can serve as a catalyst for growth and how he now empowers others to overcome their challenges. Josif Todorovits shares his profound insights on identity, personal growth, and the duality of human nature. He discusses the importance of self-advocacy, personal responsibility in fitness and nutrition, and the impact of social media on our lives.  Takeaways Josif's journey from pain to prosperity is relatable to many.Survival is not enough; thriving is the goal.Education and self-discovery can happen even in prison.Perspective is key to overcoming life's challenges.Real strength is built from within, not from external circumstances.Pain can lead to personal growth and transformation.Coaching is about empowering others to change their mindset.Success in fitness requires genuine connection and understanding.Embracing discomfort is essential for growth.Fitness and nutrition require personal responsibility.Social media should not dictate our self-worth.We need to step away from social media influences.The fitness industry often promotes gimmicks over real change.Boundaries are essential in modern society.Identity is complex and multifaceted beyond professions.Overcoming hardship is a continuous journey.Advocacy for oneself is crucial for personal growth.Long-lasting change comes from consciousness and necessity.Support the show Subscribe and Follow! All socials are the same handle: @forgefitcoach Follow on Instagram Follow on Facebook Follow on YouTube Follow on X (Twitter)

    1h 25m
  3. Feb 1

    E16 - Doing It for More Than Yourself: Fitness, Family, and the Long Game with Kelvin Stewart

    SUMMARY  In this episode, Michael S. Parker interviews Kelvin Stewart, who shares his transformative journey in fitness and nutrition. Kelvin discusses the motivations behind his lifestyle change, the importance of family support, and how coaching has played a pivotal role in his success. He emphasizes the significance of consistency, mindset, and the impact of physical fitness on mental clarity and work performance. Kelvin's story serves as an inspiration for anyone looking to make a positive change in their lives, highlighting that it's never too late to start and that small, incremental changes can lead to significant results.  TAKEAWAYS  Fitness and nutrition are essential for overall well-being.A strong motivation can drive significant lifestyle changes.Family plays a crucial role in maintaining fitness goals.Mindset is key to overcoming obstacles in fitness journeys.Consistency in workouts leads to long-term success.Coaching can provide valuable guidance and accountability.A shift in perspective can enhance motivation and performance.Physical fitness impacts mental clarity and work performance.Small, incremental changes can lead to significant results.It's never too late to start a fitness journey. Support the show Subscribe and Follow! All socials are the same handle: @forgefitcoach Follow on Instagram Follow on Facebook Follow on YouTube Follow on X (Twitter)

    48 min
  4. 12/19/2025

    E15 - Redefining Fitness for Women: Strength, Self-Love, and Sustainable Change with Nicole Quarto

    Summary  In this episode, Michael S. Parker interviews Nicole Quarto, a long-time client of Forge Fitness and Nutrition, working with Coach Samantha Ostarello. Nicole shares her transformative journey through fitness, nutrition, and mindset. She discusses her early struggles with body image, the societal pressures she faced, and how she shifted her focus from weight loss to strength and mental well-being. She emphasizes the importance of sustainable habits, the impact of fitness on her family life, the breakthroughs she has experienced along the way, and why to ignore social media trends. Nicole's story serves as an inspiration for others, particularly women, to embrace their journeys and prioritize their health and happiness.   Takeaways  Nicole's journey highlights the importance of mindset in fitness.She emphasizes that fitness is about mental and emotional health, not just aesthetics.Sustainable habits are key to long-term success in fitness and nutrition.Nicole's relationship with food has evolved to be more positive and mindful.She encourages others to focus on strength rather than weight loss.The impact of fitness extends beyond the gym into family and career.Nicole's story illustrates that breakthroughs can happen at any age.She advocates for self-love and acceptance in the face of societal pressures.Tracking nutrition can be beneficial, but it should not lead to obsession.Nicole believes that everyone deserves to feel worthy and capable. Support the show Subscribe and Follow! All socials are the same handle: @forgefitcoach Follow on Instagram Follow on Facebook Follow on YouTube Follow on X (Twitter)

    1h 5m
  5. 12/12/2025

    E14 - From Postpartum Struggle to Strength: How Cassie Rebuilt Her Body, Habits, and Confidence

    Summary  In this episode, host Michael S. Parker interviews Cassie Kidder, a long-time client of coach Samantha Ostorello. Cassie shares her journey through fitness, motherhood, and the challenges of maintaining a healthy lifestyle. She discusses her athletic background, the impact of pregnancy on her physical and mental health, and the importance of seeking structured support to regain her strength. The conversation highlights the emotional struggles many face in fitness, the significance of breakthrough moments, and the ongoing challenges of nutrition, especially while traveling. Cassie's story serves as an inspiration for listeners to find their own paths to health and wellness. In this conversation, Cassi Kidder and Michael S. Parker discuss various aspects of nutrition, fitness, and personal growth. They explore Cassi's focus on protein goals, her challenges with cardio, and her journey of overcoming emotional barriers related to self-image. The discussion emphasizes the importance of patience, accountability, and support systems in achieving wellness goals.   Takeaways  Cassie struggled with consistency in her fitness journey after having children.She realized the importance of structured support in achieving her fitness goals.Pregnancy and postpartum challenges significantly impacted her physical and mental health.Emotional struggles are common in fitness, and it's important to acknowledge them.Finding motivation through family and children can lead to breakthroughs in fitness.Traveling poses unique challenges for maintaining nutrition and fitness.Meal prepping has been a key strategy for Cassie to meet her nutritional goals.Protein intake is a common struggle for many, including Cassie.It's essential to focus on small, manageable changes in nutrition.Support from a coach can make a significant difference in achieving fitness goals. Cassi is focusing on her protein intake as a new nutrition goal.Traveling can complicate maintaining a consistent fitness routine.Cassi prefers strength training over cardio, which she finds challenging.She has made significant progress in her fitness journey, losing multiple pants sizes.Cassi emphasizes the importance of community support in her fitness journey.She has learned to add nutritional value to her homemade pasta and bread.Michael discusses the importance of reducing processed foods for better health.Cassi acknowledges the emotional challenges of body image after having children.The conversation highlights the need for patience in achieving fitness goals.Cassi's husband supports her fitness journey, providing accountability. Support the show Subscribe and Follow! All socials are the same handle: @forgefitcoach Follow on Instagram Follow on Facebook Follow on YouTube Follow on X (Twitter)

    1 hr
  6. 12/05/2025

    E13 - Finding Peace, Balance, and Joy with Fitness and Nutrition – Sarah Stapleton

    Summary  In this episode of the Forge Fitness, Nutrition and Habit podcast, host Michael S. Parker interviews a long-time Forge client, Sarah Stapelton. She shares her transformative journey through mental health struggles, an eating disorder, and her path to recovery. Sarah discusses the importance of mindset shifts, the impact of social media on body image, and the significance of finding a supportive coach. She emphasizes the need for a holistic approach to fitness that prioritizes well-being over aesthetics, and shares her breakthrough moments that have redefined her relationship with food and her body. The conversation concludes with Sarah offering advice to listeners about trusting themselves and seeking support in their fitness journeys.  Takeaways  Sarah's journey began during a critical point in her mental health.She struggled with an eating disorder for over a decade.The realization of overdoing fitness came gradually for Sarah.Mindset shifts from rigidity to flexibility were crucial for her recovery.Aesthetic results often overshadow functional health in fitness culture.Social media pressures contribute to unhealthy body image perceptions.Catalysts for change can come from external support and guidance.Navigating recovery involves understanding reasonable expectations.Lifelong fitness should focus on joy and well-being, not just aesthetics.Breakthrough moments can redefine one's relationship with food and body. Support the show Subscribe and Follow! All socials are the same handle: @forgefitcoach Follow on Instagram Follow on Facebook Follow on YouTube Follow on X (Twitter)

    50 min

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About

The Forge Podcast is where science, controversial opinions, and expert guests meet to clear the clutter. Hosted by Michael S. Parker, a wellness professional with over two decades of experience, the author of “The 90 Day Habit Transformation” and founder of Forge Fitness and Nutrition Coaching, one of the top-ranked online coaching companies. This show dives into fitness, nutrition, habit change, and the cultural chaos around wellness. Hard-hitting, honest, and entertaining, it’s your dose of truth in a world full of fads. Remake Yourself with Forge.