Hacking The Fat Man

Drew Maness

What drives someone to contemplate ending their life at nearly 550 pounds, and what unexpected insight transforms that same person into someone who loses over 300 pounds? Drew Maness, an information security professional with 25 years of experience and former elite water polo player, takes you through his journey from rock bottom to remarkable transformation.Drew opens his heart completely, revealing how he walked into a motel room in August 2022 with the intention of taking his life. Trapped in a body that caused constant, excruciating pain and believing he had exhausted every possible weight loss method, he had reached his breaking point. What happened next changed everything.With raw honesty, Drew shares his breakthrough realization: what if he approached his body like a computer system to be hacked? This shift in perspective led to a revolutionary approach to weight management that finally worked after decades of struggling. His most powerful innovation? A cyclical diet framework that rotates different nutritional approaches throughout the week, preventing the metabolic adaptation that dooms most diets to failure.The podcast delves into Drew's strategic use of supplements to combat inflammation, his experiences with GLP-1 medication, and the life-changing moment he realized his struggles weren't about willpower at all. This revelation freed him from the depression rooted in self-hatred that had plagued him for years. Join Drew in his continued journey from 550 to see if he makes 175.

  1. EPISODE 1

    Breaking Free: From Suicidal Thoughts to Losing 300 Pounds

    What drives someone to contemplate ending their life at nearly 550 pounds, and what unexpected insight transforms that same person into someone who loses over 300 pounds? Drew Maness, an information security professional with 25 years of experience and former elite water polo player, takes you through his journey from rock bottom to remarkable transformation. Drew opens his heart completely, revealing how he walked into a motel room in August 2022 with the intention of taking his life. Trapped in a body that caused constant, excruciating pain and believing he had exhausted every possible weight loss method, he had reached his breaking point. What happened next changed everything. With raw honesty, Drew shares his breakthrough realization: what if he approached his body like a computer system to be hacked? This shift in perspective led to a revolutionary approach to weight management that finally worked after decades of struggling. His most powerful innovation? A cyclical diet framework that rotates different nutritional approaches throughout the week, preventing the metabolic adaptation that dooms most diets to failure. The podcast delves into Drew's strategic use of supplements to combat inflammation, his experiences with GLP-1 medication, and the life-changing moment he realized his struggles weren't about willpower at all. This revelation freed him from the depression rooted in self-hatred that had plagued him for years. Beyond weight loss techniques, this episode examines the complex relationship between our subconscious thoughts, perceived failures, and physical health. Drew's story isn't just about losing pounds—it's about gaining self-forgiveness and understanding the true nature of his struggle. Whether you're battling weight issues, fascinated by innovative approaches to health challenges, or simply drawn to stories of remarkable human resilience, Drew's journey offers profound insights that challenge conventional thinking about weight loss, willpower, and personal transformation. Listen now to discover how a hacker's mindset might hold the key to solving your own seemingly impossible problems. Send us a text Discover daily tips and updates on the Hacking Fat Man journey. Follow on Facebook, Instagram, and YouTube for transformation deep dives and more insights. Support the show Link to download the Hacking The Fat Man Diet, Schedule and Supplements Hacking The Fat Man 2025 Diet

    53 min
  2. EPISODE 2

    Finding Joy in Dieting: My Journey to Sustainable Weight Loss and Wellness

    What if the secret to sustainable weight loss isn't found in rigid meal plans or punishing restrictions, but in a flexible framework designed to adapt to life's inevitable curveballs?  After experimenting with over 30 different diets throughout my life, I've discovered something revolutionary in its simplicity: diets fail when they demand perfection. In this eye-opening episode, I share my journey from 275 pounds to the 230s and reveal the mindset shift that finally made sustainable weight loss possible. The breakthrough came when I made a powerful decision: everything in my life, including the food I eat, must bring joy. This meant no more choking down bland "diet foods" or denying myself simple pleasures. Instead, I created a flexible weekly framework that combines the most effective elements from various nutritional approaches—incorporating fasting, micro-fasting, keto principles, and modified zone eating depending on what my body needs each day. My approach isn't about willpower or discipline—it's about forgiveness and adaptability. I explain how I rotate through different nutritional strategies throughout the week, starting with more restrictive days early in the week and building in flexibility for weekends and social events. This rotation has allowed me to lose weight steadily while still participating fully in life's pleasures. Whether you're struggling with plateaus (like my current one), trying to overcome rigid thinking about food, or simply tired of diets that collapse the moment life gets complicated, this framework offers a refreshing alternative. Join me as I break down exactly how I structure my week, handle cravings, and maintain consistency without demanding perfection. Ready to transform your relationship with food while still enjoying the journey? Subscribe now and discover a sustainable path to weight loss that bends with life's demands rather than breaking under pressure. Send us a text Discover daily tips and updates on the Hacking Fat Man journey. Follow on Facebook, Instagram, and YouTube for transformation deep dives and more insights. Support the show Link to download the Hacking The Fat Man Diet, Schedule and Supplements Hacking The Fat Man 2025 Diet

    23 min
  3. EPISODE 5

    How Citrus, Dirt, and Kindness Are Transforming My Weight Loss Journey

    Ever wondered why certain foods make you feel happier? Or why gardening seems to boost your mood? The answers might surprise you – and they could transform your weight loss journey. After my recent gallbladder removal surgery, I'm sharing fascinating discoveries about how our mental and physical health intertwine on the path to weight loss success. From temporary post-surgery weight fluctuations to unexpected digestive improvements, my body continues to reveal new insights two weeks into recovery. Groundbreaking research from Harvard Medical School suggests daily citrus consumption may reduce depression risk by 20% by stimulating beneficial gut bacteria that influence mood-enhancing neurotransmitters. This explains the joy I've always found in my morning lemon water! Meanwhile, University of Colorado Boulder researchers discovered that just ten minutes of contact with certain soil bacteria measurably improves brain activity – validating why gardening and outdoor activities consistently boost my motivation. Perhaps most relevant to anyone struggling with weight is UC San Francisco's "Big Joy Project" finding that just 5-7 minutes of daily kindness toward yourself or others significantly improves wellbeing, stress levels, and sleep quality. These small, consistent acts of self-compassion produce remarkable results without requiring hours of effort. Throughout my journey from 550 pounds toward my goal weight, I've learned that sustainable transformation comes from simple, consistent actions rather than dramatic overhauls. As Van Gogh wisely noted, "Greatness doesn't happen overnight. It is a bunch of smalls brought together." By shifting my eating schedule, adding citrus to water, practicing self-kindness, enjoying outdoor activities, and finding joy in nutritious foods I genuinely love, I've created lasting change that works anywhere in the world. What small step could you take today that might change everything tomorrow? Join me in discovering how tiny, consistent choices create extraordinary transformations. Subscribe to follow my ongoing journey and learn practical strategies you can implement immediately – no expensive equipment or extreme measures required. Links to articles discused Eating citrus may lower depression riskPhysician-researcher outlines gut-brain clues behind ‘orange a day’ findinghttps://news.harvard.edu/gazette/story/2025/02/eating-citrus-may-lower-depression-risk/ CUriosity: Why does playing in the dirt feel so good?https://www.colorado.edu/today/2024/10/09/curiosity-why-does-playing-dirt-feel-so-good?fbclid=IwY2xjawLX8x5leHRuA2FlbQIxMQBicmlkETFrTnM0QkhVcnYxOXhwVHdXAR60lGRD_Ce_sqPp7SSxtwBr2rfGi85CWnNbxOtX_jQ32qMYgb4h9fv2fBpPew_aem_fy8GWLseS7mgp7nWYmQWdQ Fast-Track to Happiness: One Week of Micro-Acts Makes a Differencehttps://neurosciencenews.com/micro-acts-happiness-psychology-29253/?fbclid=IwY2xjawLX_YBleHRuA2FlbQIxMQBicmlkETFrTnM0QkhVcnYxOXhwVHdXAR7h92zBfHK3ktMZnzHo14TShPOIXjs31pepR8oTykyRitGX4VVwZIchrNJfSA_aem_CW8XCeTYoSTSZ_F7zGEk-A Send us a text Discover daily tips and updates on the Hacking Fat Man journey. Follow on Facebook, Instagram, and YouTube for transformation deep dives and more insights. Support the show Link to download the Hacking The Fat Man Diet, Schedule and Supplements Hacking The Fat Man 2025 Diet

    28 min
  4. EPISODE 7

    Why Extreme Diets Fail: Lessons from a Former Fat Man

    That extreme weight loss transformation you saw on The Biggest Loser? It wasn't sustainable—and Drew Maness knew it from the start. Fresh from his 40th high school reunion and recent birthday celebrations, Drew finds himself examining why dramatic weight loss approaches almost always fail long-term. When news broke that Danny Cahill—the contestant who lost the most weight in Biggest Loser history—had regained everything, it confirmed what Drew had experienced firsthand through decades of yo-yo dieting. Contestants working out 6-8 hours daily while eating barely 800 calories weren't creating sustainable habits; they were setting themselves up for the devastating rebound that 13 out of 14 winners experienced. Drew pulls back the curtain on his own sustainable approach that's allowed him to lose 320 pounds over three years. Rather than extreme measures, he embraces a cyclical framework: fasting early in the week, transitioning to moderate keto mid-week, and allowing more flexibility on weekends. This rotation prevents his body from fighting back with the hormonal and metabolic weapons it deploys against crash diets. The proof? Even after three weeks vacationing in Portugal and Spain plus reunion festivities, Drew maintained his weight—something impossible during his previous diet attempts. The key difference is building a system that works with your biology rather than against it, creating habits that become second nature rather than exhausting your willpower. Real weight loss isn't about punishment or shame—it's about progress and kindness to yourself. It's about creating a lifestyle that fits YOU, not one that makes for dramatic television. Ready to change your approach to weight loss? This episode will shift your perspective on what actually works for long-term success. What weight loss methods have you tried that worked—or didn't—for keeping the pounds off? Share your experience and join the conversation about sustainable approaches to health. Send us a text Discover daily tips and updates on the Hacking Fat Man journey. Follow on Facebook, Instagram, and YouTube for transformation deep dives and more insights. Support the show Link to download the Hacking The Fat Man Diet, Schedule and Supplements Hacking The Fat Man 2025 Diet

    25 min

Ratings & Reviews

5
out of 5
2 Ratings

About

What drives someone to contemplate ending their life at nearly 550 pounds, and what unexpected insight transforms that same person into someone who loses over 300 pounds? Drew Maness, an information security professional with 25 years of experience and former elite water polo player, takes you through his journey from rock bottom to remarkable transformation.Drew opens his heart completely, revealing how he walked into a motel room in August 2022 with the intention of taking his life. Trapped in a body that caused constant, excruciating pain and believing he had exhausted every possible weight loss method, he had reached his breaking point. What happened next changed everything.With raw honesty, Drew shares his breakthrough realization: what if he approached his body like a computer system to be hacked? This shift in perspective led to a revolutionary approach to weight management that finally worked after decades of struggling. His most powerful innovation? A cyclical diet framework that rotates different nutritional approaches throughout the week, preventing the metabolic adaptation that dooms most diets to failure.The podcast delves into Drew's strategic use of supplements to combat inflammation, his experiences with GLP-1 medication, and the life-changing moment he realized his struggles weren't about willpower at all. This revelation freed him from the depression rooted in self-hatred that had plagued him for years. Join Drew in his continued journey from 550 to see if he makes 175.