Primal AF

Jimmy Napolitano

Welcome to the Primal AF Podcast with your host, Jimmy Napolitano, where we explore the journey of self-discovery, personal growth, and transformation in pursuit of a balanced and fulfilling life. Join Jimmy and his guests as they share powerful and raw personal stories of breaking free from non-serving habits, overcoming adversity, and evolving into stronger, better versions of themselves. This podcast is for those seeking inspiration and guidance in their own personal development journey, especially men looking to overcome their struggles and discover the greatness within themselves. If you're ready to ignite your own transformation and embrace a life of fulfillment, purpose, and authenticity, tune in to the Primal AF Podcast.

  1. 2D AGO

    Dangerous, Disciplined, and Built to Protect: Training, Masculinity, and Mental Resilience with Mitch

    Episode Summary In this episode, Jimmy reconnects with long-time coach and brother-in-arms Mitch for an unfiltered conversation on modern masculinity, physical readiness, survival mindset, testosterone optimization, and why real strength is about protection, discipline, and emotional control—not ego. They explore what would happen if modern men had to survive without technology, why “dangerous” is a mindset every man needs, and how physical conditioning, mental resilience, and purpose all stack together. From zombie apocalypse scenarios and home defense stories to functional training systems and hormone health, this episode is both entertaining and deeply practical. At its core, this is a conversation about becoming the man who can carry the load—physically, mentally, and emotionally—when it matters most. Key Topics Covered “Being dangerous” as a mindset: peaceful but capableWarrior in a garden vs. gardener in a warWould modern men survive without society?Survival skills: hunting, shelter, fire, enduranceProtection instinct: family, community, responsibilityReal-life home defense and situational awarenessDiscipline vs. ego in conflict situationsHealthy masculinity vs. toxic masculinityEmotional release through movement and trainingThe “antelope principle”: shake it off and regulateTestosterone optimization through lifestyleSleep, lifting, sprinting, nutrition, and estrogen avoidanceFunctional training vs. “show muscles”Consistency over hypeStructured weekly training systemsNature, long runs, and mental clarityInternal validation vs. social media metricsBrotherhood, coaching, and long-term accountabilityGuest Bio Mitch a European OCR Champion and is a Primal Performance coach specializing in functional strength, endurance training, and lifestyle-based hormone optimization. With military experience and years of coaching, he focuses on building men who are physically capable, mentally resilient, and emotionally grounded. He has worked with Jimmy and the Primal AF community for over five years, helping athletes and everyday men develop sustainable performance systems. Connect with Mitch Instagram: @pfmitchfits Facebook: Liam Mitchell Email: Coach_Mitch@livingprimal.co.uk Programs/Coaching: Primal Performance / MSP Training

    57 min
  2. FEB 8

    Cacao as Heart Medicine: Purpose, Masculinity, and Healing with Martha Wright

    Episode Summary In this episode, Jimmy sits down with Martha Wright—shamanic medicine woman and cacao ritual guide—for a live ceremonial cacao experience and a deep conversation on healing, purpose, emotional integration, and modern masculinity. Martha explains what ceremonial cacao is (and what it isn’t), how psychoactive “heart medicine” differs from psychedelics, and why intention, safety, and openness determine the depth of any healing practice. They move from cacao sourcing and “personalities” by region into real-life applications: emotional release, inner child work, slowing down, redefining masculinity, building secure partnership dynamics, and how achievement culture conditions men to equate worth with output. The result is a grounded, practical masterclass that connects spirituality to daily life—without bypassing the hard parts. Key Topics Covered A guided cacao opening ritual: gratitude, lineage, land, water, ancestors, and heart-opening intention Ceremonial cacao vs. “store chocolate” (and why they’re not the same) Psychoactive vs. psychedelic: coherence, control, and the “depth of intervention” ladder Cacao “personalities” by origin (Mexico/Guatemala vs. South America vs. Africa) Placebo vs. real medicine: why cynicism + under-dosing looks like “it didn’t work” Masculine/feminine energy as being vs. doing (beyond gender) Anger as social currency for men—and what’s under it (grief, fear, loneliness, disconnection) Why healing requires safety: non-judgment, space to be seen, and nervous system permission Jimmy’s story: shame identity, overachievement, and the “bag of potatoes” metaphor Slowing down as a skill: output vs. alignment, speed vs. resonance Legacy reframed: not accomplishments—impact and how people felt around you Parenting effort (not outcome): rewiring the next generation’s relationship to failure Relationship dynamics: listening vs. fixing, tenderness, and creating emotional safety A practical partnership exercise: “What I love about you / I dream for us / I’m afraid of…” Resources & Links Martha’s Website: MarthaMW.com Instagram: @MarthaMedicineWoman YouTube: Martha Wright Shaman (video repository)

    1h 22m
  3. JAN 11

    Primal AF Lessons from '25

    Episode Description  This episode is a deep, personal reflection on what a full year of disciplined journaling revealed about identity, performance, relationships, health, and alignment. Rather than chasing motivation, productivity hacks, or surface-level self-improvement, this conversation explores what actually changes when you sit with yourself long enough to tell the truth. Across 25 hard-earned lessons, I unpack how discipline without direction leads to burnout, why confidence comes from removing lies rather than adding belief, how the body signals misalignment before the mind catches up, and why real transformation is almost always subtractive. This is not a motivational episode.  It’s a clarity episode. If you’re high-performing but restless… disciplined but questioning direction… productive but not fully present — this one is for you. What This Episode Covers Why winning can improve while identity quietly erodesThe difference between discipline and directionHow productivity can become a socially acceptable form of avoidanceWhy your body tells the truth before your thoughts doHow fear disguises itself as patienceThe hidden cost of being needed instead of respectedWhy recovery, not effort, determines long-term performanceThe real fear behind overachievement: irrelevanceHow boundaries protect standardsWhy clarity requires braver questions, not better answersHow environment beats motivation every timeThe cost of choosing stimulation over stillnessWhy clean nutrition without intention still falls shortHow journaling exposes the gap between values and calendarWhy the most meaningful growth comes from removal, not reinventionKey Themes Identity over outcomesAlignment over intensityPrecision over performancePresence over productivitySubtraction over self-reinventionWho This Episode Is For High performers who feel internally misalignedLeaders navigating identity shiftsAthletes and disciplined individuals feeling stuckAnyone using journaling for personal growthPeople who’ve “done everything right” and still feel off

    40 min
  4. 05/03/2025

    Modern Primal: How the Same Disciplines That Build Your Body Can Build Your Life

    🎙️ Episode Overview – “Laying Down the Law” (Primal AF Podcast) 📍 Topic: A raw, no-BS reset on the Primal AF lifestyle—why we exist, where we’re going, and what laws we live by. 🔥 Vibe: If you’ve ever felt flat, restless, or out of sync with what you’re meant for—this one’s for you. 👣 Mission: This isn't just fitness. This is about rebellion. About presence. About leading your tribe with intention. 🎯 Core Message: You were built to protect, hunt, create, adapt. And when you stop doing that—you suffer. ⚔️ The 8 Primal AF Laws (Modern Blueprint Edition) Move with PurposeEvery day. Barefoot walks. No phones. Just movement and presence. Dopamine + connection = momentum.Lift Heavy Things—Physically & EmotionallyNot about burnout. About discomfort. About preparing for the invisible weight: fatherhood, marriage, leadership.Sprint OccasionallyOnce a week. Short bursts. Fast twitch. Testosterone spike. And staying faster than your kids—forever.Eat Real FoodDitch processed poison. Stick to the perimeter. Grass-fed, pasture-raised. Get strong from the inside out.Sleep Like It’s Your Job7+ hours. Deep sleep = testosterone production. Ditch blue light, wind down, and own your morning.Play Without ApologyTag. Pillow fights. Monkey bars. Roam barefoot. Stay wild. Build the reflexes that aging tries to steal.Avoid Stupid Sh*tBars, drama, seed oils, and self-sabotage. Think like a modern-day hunter. Stay sharp. Stay alive.Get Sunlight Every Damn DayMorning sun on skin = better sleep, more energy. Nature made us. Let her charge you.Primal AF on Spotify - https://open.spotify.com/show/65yvHgIQThWFTnSIjKVr4U?si=0035234e4a004d86 IG Primal.af.jimmy FB -https://www.facebook.com/share/g/1BYiDcyr8k/

    22 min
  5. 01/06/2025

    Lessons from 2024 with Jimmy Napolitano

    Episode Overview Jimmy Napolitano returns to share key lessons from his transformative year, 2024. From personal growth retreats to tough races, he dives into how challenges, mistakes, and insights shaped his mindset and performance. This episode is packed with valuable takeaways for anyone looking to level up. Key Highlights Emotional Learning and CortisolEmotional highs and lows are pivotal learning moments.Example: Spotting a rattlesnake teaches caution—cortisol sharpens our instincts.The Role of Negative EmotionsFailure is a teacher: Lessons from a challenging Savage Race.Overcoming mistakes, like misjudging caffeine intake, to refine processes and excel later.Redefining HumilityNew definition: Ownership with awareness and service.Embrace greatness without diminishing yourself, while maintaining context in leadership.Patience and Trusting the Journey"Don't judge the book or movie halfway through."Focus on controlling what you can while letting the story unfold.From Underdog to OverdogThe hero’s journey involves going through, not avoiding, challenges.Shift perspective: What if it were easy? Reframing for a positive mindset.Journaling Tools for ResilienceLife is fleeting; appreciate the good and endure the bad knowing it will pass.Journaling as a tool for clarity during tough times.Key Takeaway Growth often comes from discomfort. By embracing challenges, reframing struggles, and staying grounded in personal accountability, you can achieve remarkable progress. Jimmy’s Final Thought "Life won't stay the same forever—good or bad. Learn, adapt, and enjoy the ride." Tune in to hear the full breakdown of lessons, laughs, and pivotal moments that shaped Jimmy's 2024!

    34 min
  6. 01/22/2024

    Aaron Velky on How to Get Out of Your Own Way

    Welcome to another episode of Primal AF.   And I'm thrilled to have an extraordinary guest with us today. He is a true specialist in guiding individuals towards unlocking their full potential, both personally and professionally.  He doesn't need much of an introduction, but Aaron Velky, and he's not just a mindset guru. He's a force to be reckoned with when it comes to challenging traditional beliefs and transforming lives. His expertise extends beyond the conventional and he's here to share some insights that will reshape the way that you approach your journey of self discovery.   On the Episode you'll Hear about: Self-Sabotage and Negative Mindset: The hosts discuss their personal experiences with self-sabotage, negative inner dialogue, and how it impacted their personal and athletic journeys.Identification of Behavioral Patterns: They identify five common ways people self-sabotage, including not taking responsibility, binary thinking, fear of exile, designing goals without knowing values, and creating limiting stories based on past events.Awareness of Self-Sabotage: The hosts emphasize that individuals may not always be aware of their self-sabotaging behaviors, and it often involves making excuses or blaming external factors.Challenging Beliefs and Humility: The conversation explores the concept of humility, challenging limiting beliefs, and finding a balance between confidence and humility. The hosts discuss a new definition of humility as ownership with awareness and service.Constantly Evaluating Beliefs: The hosts share personal beliefs they constantly challenge, such as the need for personal involvement in every aspect of their work, the importance of having a coach, and the belief that productivity equals value.Balancing Work and Personal Life: They stress the importance of finding a balance between work and personal life, avoiding the belief that constant work equals success, and recognizing the need for rest and enjoyment.Dynamic Partnership: The hosts reflect on their partnership, highlighting how their different personalities complement each other and contribute to their effectiveness as a team.Discovery of Coaching Relationship: The hosts share the story of how they met, with one reaching out to the other for coaching, leading to a coaching relationship that significantly impacted personal growth.Find Aaron on IG @aaronvelky and online getoutofyourownway.coach.  Also follow Aaron on his Get Out of Your Own Way Podcast on Apple and Spotify. PrimalAFPodcasts - on IG

    53 min
  7. 12/25/2023

    Zack Gray - Mastering Discipline, Real Estate, and Building Relationships

    Zach, the owner of Gray's Anatomy Academy, delves into the intricacies of building a successful business, leveraging real estate, and the power of relationships. Key Points: Discipline and Real Estate: Zach shares how discipline became his bedrock, integrating real estate into his life to alleviate personal expenses. By buying a multifamily property, he eradicated mortgage payments, redirecting that money into business growth.Operational Mindset: He emphasizes the importance of operating from abundance rather than scarcity, freeing oneself from financial constraints to make more impactful business decisions.Relationship Building: Zach narrates an encounter where proving discipline to a client opened an avalanche of opportunities, expanding his network through referrals and connections.Military Background: Reflecting on his military experience, Zach acknowledges the discipline and efficiency instilled but highlights the difference between military leadership and its application in civilian life.Journey into Personal Training: Transitioning from the military, Zach ventured into personal training, leveraging his interest and experience to carve a path that aligned with his health and financial aspirations.Business Expansion during COVID: Amid the pandemic, Zach creatively utilized the market demand for activities, expanded his training services, ventured into a youth program, and eventually scaled up to co-own a larger fitness facility.Insights and Learnings: Negotiation and Attention to Detail: Zach emphasizes the pivotal role of negotiation and attention to detail in securing advantageous terms, especially during critical business decisions like lease agreements.Real Estate Early on: Given a chance to advise his younger self, Zach would advocate for entering the real estate market sooner, emphasizing the liberating effects it has on fostering creativity and breaking free from a scarcity mindset.Connect with Zach: Business: Gray's Anatomy Academy, located in Boston. Open-door policy for fitness enthusiasts!Instagram: @the1099mindset for insights into fitness, real estate, and business.

    29 min
5
out of 5
7 Ratings

About

Welcome to the Primal AF Podcast with your host, Jimmy Napolitano, where we explore the journey of self-discovery, personal growth, and transformation in pursuit of a balanced and fulfilling life. Join Jimmy and his guests as they share powerful and raw personal stories of breaking free from non-serving habits, overcoming adversity, and evolving into stronger, better versions of themselves. This podcast is for those seeking inspiration and guidance in their own personal development journey, especially men looking to overcome their struggles and discover the greatness within themselves. If you're ready to ignite your own transformation and embrace a life of fulfillment, purpose, and authenticity, tune in to the Primal AF Podcast.