Lean & Lionhearted

I Looked Good. I Just Didn't Believe It. | Post-Show Truth - #39

Six days post-show and we're giving you the full honest debrief. The imposter syndrome backstage, the binge week aftermath, and the moment Evan realized his old "normal life" eating habits were basically the reason people stay fat. We also get into what discipline actually is, why we don't always want to work out, and how Evan is really doing on the reverse diet. If you've ever felt like you didn't belong somewhere you worked hard to be, this one's for you. Follow AJ on ig: https://instagram.com/lionhearted_aj

You Phony, Bro: An Honest Conversation About Why You're Not Where You Want to Be | #38

Most people think they're failing at fitness because they don't have enough discipline, the right program, or enough time. AJ says the real problem is simpler, and more uncomfortable than that. In this episode, AJ sits down with Omar for an unfiltered conversation about why smart, driven people stay stuck in their health and fitness. They get into why your goals might be working against you, why eating healthy isn't actually as expensive as you think, and why the version of yourself you see in the mirror might not match the version you claim to be. The moment that hits different: when Omar admits he's not at the place of hating what he sees, but he's not proud of it either. And AJ calls it exactly what it is. If you've ever felt like you're capable of more but keep finding reasons not to start, this one's for you. Topics covered: Why unrealistic goals kill momentum before you even begin · The real cost of eating cheap · Why the scale is lying to you · Seed oils, keto, carnivore...what actually matters · Home gym vs. the real gym · Why discipline in fitness bleeds into every other area of your life · What it means to be the premium version of yourself Follow AJ on instagram: https://instagram.com/lionhearted_aj

Tired of Settling: A Raw Conversation 15 Days Out - #37

In this episode, AJ talks with Evan Mao who is 15 days out of his first bodybuilding show. The two go over what prep is like, the mental struggles of dieting, and rediscovering the "why". Being able to see beyond looking good or losing weight is what most men are missing for long term results.  Follow Evan: https://instagram.com/evanmao01 Follow AJ: https://instagram.com/lionhearted_aj

From “I Know Better” to Better Results (Client Interview) - #36

In this episode, AJ sits down with John, a 38-year-old dad and nurse from Southern California, to talk about what really happens when you stop trying to do it all yourself. After years of yo-yo diets, crash cuts, and thinking “I’ve got this,” John realized the biggest unlock wasn’t a new program — it was letting go of control. Together, we break down how surrendering to structure, trusting the process, and being coached with accountability turned six months into one of the most peaceful, productive seasons of his life. If you’ve ever felt like you should know what to do by now but still aren’t getting the results you want, this one’s for you. My instagram: https://instagram.com/lionhearted_aj

Letting Go of Control: Asian Upbringing, Fear of Failure & Finding Real Peace | #35

In this episode, I sit down with my good friend Felix to talk about letting go of control and finding the real path to growth. We dive into growing up Asian and terrified of failure, how that turns into perfectionism and overthinking as adults, and why so many of us would rather not try than risk finding out we’re “not good enough.” We get into: using pain as a path to growth, breaking out of the “emotional home” of fear and victimhood, and how fitness/bodybuilding became a testing ground for building self-belief. Felix opens up about indecision, temptation, exploring faith, and why he’s slowly stepping away from the “safe” corporate path to pursue food and service. We also talk fatherhood, leadership vs being a “boss,” social media, comparison, and why you can’t tell your kids to chase their dreams if you never chased yours. If you’ve ever felt stuck, scared to fail, or obsessed with staying in control, this one’s gonna hit. My Instagram: https://instagram.com/lionhearted_aj Felix's Instagram: https://instagram.com/liferecipesbyfelix