The Odyssey of a Former Fat Kid

Bryan (Grizz) Butler
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  • Entrepreneurship
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The Odyssey of a Former Fat Kid is a straight-talk podcast about rebuilding health the right way—mind, body, and spirit. I was 17, 400 lbs, and convinced “healthy” meant bland misery. A surgeon’s blunt warning—and later, COVID—made the stakes obvious. Now I sit down with clinicians, coaches, founders, and pastors who are actually moving the needle. You’ll get: - Practical playbooks for eating, moving, thinking, and living better (not perfect). - Brand and growth insights for health entrepreneurs and Christian orgs serious about discipleship. - Real next steps and ways to connect or work with each guest. No shame. No fluff. Just stewardship, accountability, and hope aimed at an abundant life.
Hosted by Bryan “Grizz” Butler—brand designer and recovered former fat kid. The Odyssey Continues… IG: https://www.linkedin.com/in/bryanbutlerstudio/ LI: https://www.instagram.com/bryanbutlerstudio/ Work With Me: https://bryanbutlerstudio.com

  1. 12/18/2025

    Why Alignment Matters More Than Security

    What happens when the identity you built your life on disappears? In this in-person episode of The Odyssey of a Former Fat Kid, Bryan Butler sits down with Solomon Dixon, founder of Southside Jiu-Jitsu Club, to talk about faith after ministry, entrepreneurship without guarantees, and why jiu-jitsu became a powerful tool for healing, discipline, and community. They discuss: - Leaving pastoral ministry and losing a core identity - Why discomfort doesn’t mean you’re outside God’s will - Alignment vs. security in career and calling - Marriage, fatherhood, and choosing risk together - Why jiu-jitsu builds trust in a fractured culture - Sales as service and business as stewardship This episode is for anyone navigating uncertainty, rebuilding purpose, or learning to trust who they’re becoming. ⚠️ Disclaimer: This content is for educational and informational purposes only and is not medical, psychological, or professional advice. Please consult a qualified professional for personalized guidance. Solo is the founder of the Southside Jiu Jitsu Club in Woodlawn - the first premium Brazilian Jiujitsu club established on the southeast side of Chicago. He's passionate about seeing more people pursue their potential through the practice of martial arts. Jiu Jitsu has been a transformative and stabilizing force in Solo's life since 2008 as a practitioner, instructor and competitor. The lack of access to services like Jiu Jitsu on the Southside has been present since Jiu Jitsu arrived in Chicago in the late 90s. SJJC has been open since 2023 and has served hundreds of southsiders over the past 2 years. The club currently serve nearly 300 individuals, families and youth. He lives in Woodlawn with his wife Ellie and 3 small children. Connect with Solo: https://www.instagram.com/solodollo_bjj info@southsidejiujitsuclubchicago.com http://www.southsidejiujitsuclubchicago.com Connect with Bryan: IG: linkedin.com/in/bryanbutlerstudio LI: instagram.com/bryanbutlerstudio Work With Me: bryanbutlerstudio.com The Odyssey Continues…

    Why Alignment Matters More Than Security

  2. 12/15/2025

    How to Lose Fat Without Losing Yourself

    Bryan Butler joins host Jenny Pena on her podcast "Path to Better A1C" to share his journey from nearly 400 pounds as a teenager to a sustainable, healthy lifestyle built on mindset, enjoyment, and stewardship. Rather than promoting restriction or quick fixes, Bryan explains why lasting change starts in the mind, why fat loss matters more than weight loss, and how faith, environment, and habit-building shape long-term health. A grounded, honest conversation about what it really takes to maintain results. IG: linkedin.com/in/bryanbutlerstudio LI: instagram.com/bryanbutlerstudio Work With Me: bryanbutlerstudio.com ⚠️ Disclaimer: The content in this podcast/video is for educational and informational purposes only. It is not intended as medical or therapeutic advice. Please consult a qualified professional for personalized support.

    How to Lose Fat Without Losing Yourself

  3. 11/21/2025

    Rebuilding a healthy life after corporate burnout

    What happens when your health becomes the price of success? In this honest and insightful episode of The Odyssey of a Former Fat Kid, Bryan Butler talks with Jenny Peña, a lifestyle coach and podcast host who helps high-performing professionals prevent and reverse prediabetes through simple, sustainable habits. Together, they discuss: - How Jenny’s corporate lifestyle led to her prediabetes diagnosis - The moment she decided to change her life and career - How to manage health while balancing motherhood and business - Why boundaries and structure protect both your family and your health - The 1-1-1 Method: Jenny’s simple framework for lasting lifestyle change ⚠️ Disclaimer: This content is for informational and educational purposes only and is not medical advice. Always consult your healthcare provider before making any changes to your diet, medication, or exercise routine. _____________ Connect with Jenny: hello@jennypena.com Path to Better A1C Podcast - https://open.spotify.com/show/4b92IWgHyUwqRvSY0G0N8t?si=W1fAKFj7RhCC6EroKAkEog IG: @coachjenp: https://www.instagram.com/coachjenp/ LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/coachjenp7 Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61569284337496 Special Offer: Free clarity call with Jenny: https://calendly.com/coachjenp7/call The Sugar Reset Fix - A 5 Day Program: https://www.subscribepage.io/energy _____________ Connect with Bryan: IG: linkedin.com/in/bryanbutlerstudio LI: instagram.com/bryanbutlerstudio Work With Me: bryanbutlerstudio.com

    Rebuilding a healthy life after corporate burnout

  4. 11/09/2025

    It’s not about control. It’s about care.

    What does healthy manhood look like when the world tells men to hide their emotions? In this episode of The Odyssey of a Former Fat Kid, Bryan Butler sits down with Ashanti Pettaway — husband to Amanda Raquel, father of three, counselor at Optimum Joy Clinical Counseling, and founder of A Clearer View — to explore: - Redefining manhood through faith and emotional honesty - Lessons from 16 years of marriage and fatherhood - Grieving loss and leading with empathy - The difference between strength and control - How faith guides emotional healing - Why “A Clearer View” exists to build mentally and spiritually healthy people ⚠️ Disclaimer: The information in this podcast/video is for educational and informational purposes only. It is not intended as medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always consult with a qualified healthcare professional before making changes to your diet, exercise, or treatment plan. Connect with Ashanti: email: ashantipettaway@gmail.com https://optimumjoy.com/therapist/ashanti-pettaway/ _____________ Connect with Bryan: IG: linkedin.com/in/bryanbutlerstudio LI: instagram.com/bryanbutlerstudio Work With Me: bryanbutlerstudio.com

    It’s not about control. It’s about care.

  5. 11/09/2025

    Identity: Much More Than Melanin

    In this special episode filmed on my birthday I dig into the social, racial, political, emotional, and spiritual context for the creation of a 2015 self portrait titled "Identity." I'd love to hear from you in the comments. Thanks For a Behind The Scenes look: https://bryanbutlerstudio.com/identity-bts

    Identity: Much More Than Melanin

  6. 10/24/2025

    Why I became a Doula, and how I can help you.

    What is a doula—and why are they changing the birth experience for families everywhere? In this episode of The Odyssey of a Former Fat Kid, Bryan talks with Ashley, founder of Doula Strong Births, about: - What a doula really does (and doesn’t do) - The difference between a doula and a midwife - Why her own traumatic first birth led her to become a doula - How doulas help partners feel confident and involved - The misinformation problem in birth education today - Why community and conversation can transform how we experience birth ⚠️ Disclaimer: The information in this podcast/video is for educational and informational purposes only. It is not intended as medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always consult with a qualified healthcare professional before making changes to your diet, exercise, or treatment plan. _____________ Connect with Ashley IG: @ashleyinthemiddleofitall Website: https://doulastrong.co _____________ Connect with Bryan IG/FB/LinkedIn: @BryanButlerStudio Website: https://bryanbutlerstudio.com

    Why I became a Doula, and how I can help you.

  7. 10/17/2025 ·  Bonus

    Business Roadmaps from previous clients

    What holds most health entrepreneurs back from building a business that lasts? In this special Blueprints episode of you'll hear from fellow founders about the four bottlenecks that stall growth: - Lack of direction and unclear goals - Inconsistent leads and weak client pipelines - Awkwardness around pricing and sales - Getting stuck doing everything alone You’ll also hear three lessons from launching a health business: 1️⃣ Survey your audience. 2️⃣ Simplify your language. 3️⃣ Detach from the outcome—focus on what you can control. Access your free blueprint worksheet at the following link. https://bryanbutlerstudio.com/ep13-blueprint

    Business Roadmaps from previous clients

  8. 10/10/2025

    I weighed 495 lbs

    Hector Barajas is a cybersecurity leader with over 15 years of experience, currently overseeing Application Security and Data Loss Prevention at the College of American Pathologists. A Chicago native, Hector has also undergone a transformative weight loss journey that reshaped his body, mindset, and lifestyle. A husband, father, and passionate advocate for family and health, his story is one of resilience, reinvention, and staying true to what matters most. _____________ This conversation shares personal experiences and should not be considered medical advice. Please consult a qualified healthcare professional before making changes to your diet, exercise, or medication _____________ From Hector: https://www.youtube.com/@DrJasonFung Dr. Jason Fung is a specialist physician and bestselling author known for his science-based approach to weight loss and type 2 diabetes reversal through diets and intermittent fasting. _____________ Connect with Hector: https://www.linkedin.com/in/hectorbarajas/ https://www.instagram.com/sodeaf/ https://www.facebook.com/sodeaf _____________ Connect with Bryan: IG: ⁠https://www.instagram.com/theodysseyofaformerfatkid/⁠ IG: ⁠https://www.linkedin.com/in/bryanbutlerstudio/⁠ LI: ⁠https://www.instagram.com/bryanbutlerstudio/⁠

    I weighed 495 lbs
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About

The Odyssey of a Former Fat Kid is a straight-talk podcast about rebuilding health the right way—mind, body, and spirit. I was 17, 400 lbs, and convinced “healthy” meant bland misery. A surgeon’s blunt warning—and later, COVID—made the stakes obvious. Now I sit down with clinicians, coaches, founders, and pastors who are actually moving the needle. You’ll get: - Practical playbooks for eating, moving, thinking, and living better (not perfect). - Brand and growth insights for health entrepreneurs and Christian orgs serious about discipleship. - Real next steps and ways to connect or work with each guest. No shame. No fluff. Just stewardship, accountability, and hope aimed at an abundant life.
Hosted by Bryan “Grizz” Butler—brand designer and recovered former fat kid. The Odyssey Continues… IG: https://www.linkedin.com/in/bryanbutlerstudio/ LI: https://www.instagram.com/bryanbutlerstudio/ Work With Me: https://bryanbutlerstudio.com

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