The Odyssey of a Former Fat Kid

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…

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.

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

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

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