The Nick Bare Podcast

Over the last five years, I’ve learned five lessons that changed how I lead, train, and live. In this episode, inspired by Pastor Craig Groeschel, I break down purpose, leadership “altitude,” selflessness, pride, and the cost of a rushed life through the lens of building BPN. We’ll hit the difference between complex vs. complicated problems, the dopamine drive, and how to build a culture that empowers people. I also share personal reflections, what I’m working on next, and how these lessons translate into real decisions at work and at home.CHAPTERS00:00 Intro01:40 Purpose18:52 Rise/Dive30:38 Selflessness37:53 Pride45:13 Hurried life58:14 Final thoughtsORDER MY BOOK HERE: ⁠https://www.amazon.com/Go-One-More-Intentional-Life-Changing/dp/1637746210FOLLOW:Become a BPN member FOR FREE - Unlock 25% off FOR LIFE ⁠https://www.bareperformancenutrition.com/collections/performance-nutritionIG: ⁠instagram.com/nickbarefitness/⁠YT: ⁠youtube.com/@nickbarefitness

I sit down with Colonel Edward Arntson III, who has 24 years of military service, to unpack what leadership really demands when it counts. We start with self-leadership: how you show up, how you carry yourself, and why humility isn’t optional. We get into competence, intellectual curiosity, and the overlooked power of energy and tone. What you tolerate becomes the standard. Colonel Arntson shares hard-earned lessons from leading in garrison and in combat, including moments that tested his decision-making, confidence, and character. If you’re building a team, leading a family, or trying to lead yourself better, this episode delivers practical takeaways you can apply immediately.More about Colonel Ed Arntson:Ed Arntson, from Buffalo Grove, Illinois, graduated from Concordia College (2002) and commissioned as a Distinguished Military Graduate infantry officer through NDSU. He led rifle and company units in Alaska, Afghanistan, and Iraq, was wounded in combat, and later served with The Old Guard, including a landmark deployment to Taji, Iraq. After CGSC and SAMS, he held planning and operations roles with 1st Cavalry Division, deployed to Korea and Baghdad, and served on the Joint Staff. He commanded 3-187 Infantry and 3rd Brigade, 1st Cavalry Division. His education includes Ranger and airborne schools. He’s married with two children.Tone Range Fan: https://fromthegreennotebook.com/2025/09/08/the-tone-range-fan-a-tool-for-leaders-at-all-levels/CHAPTERS:00:00 Introduction05:07 The Importance of Leadership Development15:31 The Role of Feedback in Leadership27:22 The Power of Tone in Leadership41:59 The Power of Tone in Communication48:25 Building Effective Teams Through Peer Leadership52:37 The Importance of Humility and Tone in Leadership01:06:04 Early Military Career and Deployment Experiences01:21:01 Dedication and Commitment in the Military01:39:26 The Impact of 9/11 on ROTC and Military Careers01:45:54 The Importance of Physical and Mental Readiness01:52:27 A Formula for Effective Leadership02:00:06 Final Thoughts on Leadership and InspirationBecome a BPN member FOR FREE - Unlock 25% off FOR LIFE ⁠https://www.bareperformancenutrition.com/collections/performance-nutritionFOLLOW:IG: instagram.com/nickbarefitness/YT: youtube.com/@nickbarefitness

This episode is all around laying out my 2026 diet + training philosophies. I’m in a caloric surplus, training hard with intention, and choosing food quality over empty volume. We get into running and eating with purpose, and why the goal isn’t a finish line—it’s building a lifestyle you can sustain.I also break down the practical plays to take ownership of your diet: simple meal prep, portion control, 1g protein per pound, and a plan for late-night cravings. If you want to get stronger, leaner, and more consistent this year—try this framework.CHAPTERS:00:00 Introduction03:35 Taking Ownership of Your Diet05:09 Meal Prep and Food Prep Tips08:59 Appropriate Meal Portions14:37 Making Protein a Priority16:30 Late Night Snacking Strategies20:22 Caloric Surplus Explained31:18 Training Hard for Strength and Growth36:00 Avoiding the Easy Run Mindset in the Gym38:50 Balancing Strength Training and Recovery44:11 Prioritizing Food Quality Over Quantity01:02:45 Running with Purpose, Not for Numbers01:06:13 Maintaining a Healthy Relationship with Food01:14:44 Training for the Love of the LifestyleORDER MY BOOK HERE: ⁠https://www.amazon.com/Go-One-More-Intentional-Life-Changing/dp/1637746210FOLLOW:Become a BPN member FOR FREE - Unlock 25% off FOR LIFE ⁠https://www.bareperformancenutrition.com/collections/performance-nutritionIG: ⁠instagram.com/nickbarefitness/⁠YT: ⁠youtube.com/@nickbarefitness

I sit down with Michael Chernow to talk discipline that protects what matters: faith, family, fitness, and business. We unpack his non-negotiable morning routine, recovery and sobriety, hard boundaries with technology, and why leaders control the temperature at home. Simple isn’t easy. Apply it every day, starting now.CHAPTERS00:00 Introduction02:47 Morning Routine Insights12:49 The Power of Prayer and Sobriety29:04 Faith and Spiritual Journey37:49 Transformative Power of Faith44:28 Overcoming Addiction and Finding Purpose48:39 Setting Boundaries with Technology54:47 Balancing Work and Family Life01:05:50 The Power of Discipline and Commitment01:21:12 Entrepreneurial Journey and Curiosity01:32:41 Hitting Rock Bottom01:38:53 The Turning Point01:42:45 Rebuilding Through Wellness01:49:03 Kreatures of Habit and Future Goals01:56:29 The Power of Habits01:58:50 Final ReflectionsORDER MY BOOK HERE: ⁠https://www.amazon.com/Go-One-More-Intentional-Life-Changing/dp/1637746210FOLLOW:Become a BPN member FOR FREE - Unlock 20% off FOR LIFE ⁠https://bpn.team/member⁠IG: ⁠instagram.com/nickbarefitness/⁠YT: ⁠youtube.com/@nickbarefitness

In this episode, I break down five traits that consistently show up in people who win—then challenge you to apply them immediately. We talk thinking bigger, taking smart risks, staying consistent, and locking in focus when it gets hard. I pull lessons from leaders like Jeff Bezos and Phil Knight to show what those traits look like in real life—and how you can build them through daily reps.CHAPTERS:00:00 Introduction01:14 The Importance of Traits for Success12:46 Jeff Bezos and the Power of Thinking Big24:02 BPN's Journey and Vision31:06 Calculated Risks and Success41:03 The Birth of Nike43:19 The Early Days of BPN49:40 The Importance of Consistency54:24 The Trap of Blind Consistency01:00:01 Focus: Identifying Opportunities vs. Distractions01:10:46 Adaptability and Resilience01:15:19 The Day One Mentality01:21:02 ConclusionORDER MY BOOK HERE:https://www.amazon.com/Go-One-More-Intentional-Life-Changing/dp/1637746210FOLLOW:Become a BPN member FOR FREE - Unlock 20% off FOR LIFE⁠https://bpn.team/member⁠IG: ⁠instagram.com/nickbarefitness/⁠YT: ⁠youtube.com/@nickbarefitness