#31 Evan Slaughter - Rewriting the Narrative: Addiction, Identity, and Authenticity

#31 Evan Slaughter - Rewriting the Narrative: Addiction, Identity, and Authenticity

In this powerful episode of Clean Plates, I sit down with Evan Slaughter (fit2serve1). Evan is a comedian, veteran, and fitness influencer. We unpack his journey through addiction, recovery, and the evolving relationship he’s had with food, fitness, and self-worth. Evan opens up about how food became both a source of comfort and a coping mechanism post-rehab, mirroring the addictive behaviors he was trying to overcome. From fast food and emotional eating to developing a healthy, mindful approach to nutrition, Evan’s transformation is one rooted in authenticity and self-awareness. Through laughter and vulnerability, Evan shares how comedy became his most authentic outlet, helping him inspire others while staying grounded in his own journey. This episode is a raw and real look at mental health, physical transformation, and the power of being true to yourself in life, on stage, and online. * Early eating habits were unintentional, often revolving around fast food and school lunches. * Food became emotionally tied to joy, and later, a replacement for drugs during recovery. * Weight gain became a new challenge as comfort eating mirrored addictive patterns. * Shifted focus from appearance to overall health and longevity. * Comedy serves as a tool for connection, healing, and staying authentic. * Mental health is the foundation for any lasting physical change. * Real brand relationships are built through honest, relatable content. * Understanding the cycle — from fit to unfit and back — creates empathy and relatability. "Food was not deliberate." "Post-rehab, food replaced drugs." "Comedy is my authentic voice." "Mental health first, then physical." "Authenticity builds brand relationships." "From fit to unfit and back." "Food linked to happiness and joy." "Healthy relationship with food is key." "Comedy connects and inspires." "Focus on health, not just looks." 00:00:03 – Introduction to Evan Slaughter 00:00:17 – Evan's Early Relationship with Food 00:03:05 – Post-Rehab and Food as Comfort 00:05:25 – Mental Health and Fitness Journey 00:12:22 – Comedy and Authenticity 00:21:05 – Building Brand Relationships 00:28:36 – Current Fitness and Health Goals Evan Slaughter, fitness, sobriety, mental health, comedy EVAN'S INSTAGRAM: @fit2serve1 FOLLOW EVAN'S YOUTUBE: https://l.instagram.com/?u=https%3A%2F%2Fyoutube.com%2F%40fit2_serve%3Fsi%3DK75rLaF1Ba1x5PwJ%26fbclid%3DPAZXh0bgNhZW0CMTEAAadaIrOxj5HJnJHZD8fsD2uEo78uVIVRLyTbhQ6I4RWsK_NIuJ4TZXnnSA448w_aem_cUDMU6VQmf-rqQ344nsJqA&e=AT3IE5GfAx49Sl2P8R_T42Giyk9zzUchRIZm3xPrTUDLeAlq6amkNhl_9tAyEaEUKZH0--K89XHlqdK25vYhpikz3ciIQtWR2DpnDiWUk7ts3qtMOSQpAhcSjA FIT2SERVE WEBSITE: https://l.instagram.com/?u=http%3A%2F%2Ffit2serve.co%2F%3Ffbclid%3DPAZXh0bgNhZW0CMTEAAaeiD8UGfDm0rTEYTqmQa91A1HkX-Cqlg5jpcg18l29OdT6IaHWA1Zc31oXvXQ_aem_kyovPzVdwDOio7wLvIiQLw&e=AT0S_SPg3Q8-LT8LK7SBnykNRTQYtZFrrVFkPTKKICV7c9t3goBt_2WCb3I36ZbYkwJgXxcG8Ew-qOd9ok3Z_engY037J8n8EnwqfUG96vw1gv8OM13x2TjIxQ

#30 Ryan Sprague - The Birth of a Parent: Lessons in Love, Loss, and Lifestyle Shifts

In this powerful and heartfelt episode, I sit down with Ryan Sprague to unpack the life-altering experience of becoming a new parent. Together, we explore the emotional, psychological, and physical changes that come with fatherhood, and how embracing intentional lifestyle shifts can lead to deeper wellness. From managing sleepless nights to making conscious dietary choices, and from finding moments of peace amidst chaos to redefining your identity, this episode offers relatable insight, inspiration, and actionable advice for parents and wellness-seekers alike. Whether you’re a new parent, expecting, or simply curious about how parenthood impacts your health and mindset, this episode is filled with real talk, vulnerability, and transformative takeaways. * The emotional and spiritual impact of becoming a new parent * Ryan’s personal journey into fatherhood * How to stay grounded during the early days of parenting * The connection between diet, energy levels, and emotional stability * Mental health tools for navigating overwhelm and burnout * Strategies for integrating wellness practices into a chaotic schedule * Letting go of perfection and embracing presence * Why community and vulnerability are vital for new parents Time Stamps: 00:00 – Intro & welcome 03:12 – Ryan shares his initial experience as a new parent 08:45 – Identity shifts and the emotional rollercoaster of fatherhood 14:10 – The unexpected lifestyle changes that come with parenting 18:30 – Nutrition hacks for new parents: eating for energy & clarity 25:50 – The role of mental health in physical wellness 31:00 – Mindset tools for staying present under pressure 37:20 – How to ask for help and create a support system 43:10 – Letting go of the “old self” to embrace transformation 48:00 – Ryan’s message to new and expecting parents 52:00 – Outro & where to connect with Ryan Ryan Sprague is a passionate advocate for conscious living, and the owner of Rhino Coffee Co. * Instagram: @rhinotothemoon [https://www.instagram.com/theryansprague] * Podcast: Highly Optimized * Ryan’s meditation practice recommendation If you enjoyed this episode, please consider rating and reviewing the podcast on your favorite platform. It helps us grow and reach more listeners on their wellness journey. 👉 Follow the podcast on [Spotify] / [Apple Podcasts] 👉 Share this episode with a friend or parent in your life

#29 Michael Miraglia - The Art of Endurance: A Fitness Revolution

In this episode of Clean Plates, we dive deep into the world of extreme endurance and creative expression with Michael Miraglia, a fitness visionary who breaks all the rules of traditional training. Michael has carved out a unique path in the fitness world, treating endurance challenges not just as athletic feats, but as immersive, expressive experiences. Whether he's running ultra-distances in unconventional gear or choreographing physically demanding stunts, he uses his body as a canvas to tell stories, provoke thought, and challenge norms. Join us as we explore: * How Michael redefines fitness as an art form * The mental and emotional aspects of extreme endurance * Why creativity is key to lasting motivation * Lessons learned from pushing beyond physical limits * How you can find deeper purpose in your own fitness journey If you're looking to reignite your passion for movement, get inspired to break boundaries, or simply hear a fascinating story of human grit and creativity — this episode is for you. Michael is a performance athlete, creative strategist, and endurance artist known for his unconventional approach to fitness. With a background that blends sports, art, and performance, Michael turns endurance challenges into bold expressions of personal identity and storytelling. Through viral stunts, ultra-endurance events, and deeply personal projects, he encourages others to view physicality not just as training, but as transformation. Time: * 00:00 – Intro * 02:15 – Who is Michael Miraglia? * 07:45 – How fitness became a form of art * 14:30 – Mental strategies for extreme endurance * 21:50 – The role of creativity in pushing limits * 29:00 – Stories from the most outrageous challenges * 36:20 – Advice for those wanting to reinvent their own fitness * 42:10 – Final thoughts + what's next for Michael * Michael's Instagram @michaelmirag * Michael’s Featured Projects / Website If this episode inspired you, share it with a friend, leave a review, or tag us on social @cleanplatespodcast. Want more creative takes on fitness? Subscribe and don’t miss future episodes!

#28 James Barry - Eat Well, Live Better: The Power of Eating with Intention

🎧 Episode Summary: In this episode of Clean Plates, I sit down with Chef James Berry, founder of Pluck, a company that blends functional nutrition with flavorful eating. Together, we explore the importance of consistent eating habits in our busy, modern lives. You’ll hear personal stories, expert tips, and practical advice on how to bring more structure, intention, and nourishment to your daily meals. Whether you're a wellness enthusiast or just trying to eat a little better, this episode offers tools to help you transform your approach to food, one habit at a time. 🧠 What You’ll Learn in This Episode: * Why consistency matters more than perfection in your eating habits * How to build a sustainable routine around meals * The connection between consistent eating and mental clarity * How Chef James created Pluck and the philosophy behind it * Simple, realistic changes that can improve your overall health * How to stay grounded in your wellness journey amid life’s chaos 👨‍🍳 Guest Spotlight: Chef James Berry Chef James is a seasoned culinary expert and the founder of Pluck, a line of seasoning blends that infuse organ meats into your meals, making nutrient-dense eating both easy and delicious. With a passion for helping people reconnect with food in a nourishing way, James brings both heart and science to the table. 🌐 Learn more: EatPluck.com [https://www.eatpluck.com/] 🧩 Resources & Mentions: * Pluck Organ-Based Seasonings [https://www.eatpluck.com/] * Chef James Berry on Instagram: @chefjamesberry [https://www.instagram.com/chefjamesberry] * Follow Clean Plates for more episodes and healthy tips 📝 Call to Action: If you enjoyed this episode, please rate and review the podcast on your favorite platform! And don’t forget to subscribe so you never miss an episode of Clean Plates. 🎵 Music by: Supa Nova 🎤 Produced by: Supa Nova

#27 Bryce Brenton - From Pasture to Plate: A Rancher’s Role in Food Leadership

📌 Description: In this episode of Clean Plates, host Brian Romain sits down with Bryce Brenton, the passionate owner of Frank's Butcher Shop in Wyoming. Together, they explore the journey of beef from the open range to your dinner plate—and why it matters. Bryce shares his experience running a family-owned butcher shop, diving into the values of sustainable ranching, transparency in food sourcing, and the art of high-quality butchery. Whether you're a meat enthusiast or just curious about where your food comes from, this conversation offers an honest look into modern cattle operations and the importance of community-driven food systems. 🎧 Key Highlights: * Life behind the counter at a Wyoming-based butcher shop * Why knowing your food source matters more than ever * Grass-fed vs. grain-finished: what’s the real difference? * The year-round hustle of cattle ranching and local partnerships * Bryce’s mission to educate and empower meat buyers 🔗 Connect with Bryce Brenton & Frank’s Butcher Shop: 🌐 Website: franksbuttershop.com [http://franksbuttershop.com/] 📱 Social: Follow on Facebook and Instagram