EP 23 The Mental Resilience of a Dog : The Intention of a Cat

EP 23 The Mental Resilience of a Dog : The Intention of a Cat

The Level Up Guys explore mental, emotional, and physical health to help you improve your quality of life and level up. In this episode of The Level Up Guys podcast, hosts Billy and Jarrett continue their discussion about personal growth—this time through an unexpectedly joyful lens: pets. From dogs to cats (and even the occasional lizard), the hosts unpack how animals support emotional regulation, mindfulness, and healing. Billy shares insights from his background in dog training, explaining how pets mirror our energy and teach us about calm leadership, communication, and co-regulation. Jarrett reflects on how pets can motivate movement, combat loneliness, and even help us process grief and impermanence. Together, they explore how caring for animals deepens empathy, builds healthier routines, and reconnects us to the present moment. Blending humor and heartfelt stories, the conversation reveals that pets don’t just make life better—they model how to live it: with curiosity, presence, and unconditional love. Whether you’re a proud pet parent or simply curious about the bond between humans and animals, this episode will leave you reflecting on how our furry (and not-so-furry) companions help us level up from the inside out. DISCLAIMER The Level Up Guys podcast is for entertainment purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical or mental health advice. Please consult a qualified professional for medical advice, and remember to do your own research. RESOURCES We love sharing resources and invite you all to level up with us. Below, you’ll find a curated list of standout reads and tools we genuinely believe are worth your time (and money). If you use the links, you’ll also be supporting the Level Up Guys podcast. Thanks for being part of the journey. Martha Beck – Beyond Anxiety An easy read or listen that shares research and personal experience using right-brained creativity to combat left-brained anxious rumination. 👉 Get it on Amazon [https://a.co/d/43X4acS] - https://a.co/d/43X4acS [https://a.co/d/43X4acS] Tony Robbins – Awaken the Giant Within Explores how language shapes our emotions, energy, and actions. A must-read for understanding personal transformation through mindset shifts. 👉 Get it on Amazon [https://amzn.to/4dn8zPL] - https://amzn.to/4dn8zPL Lisa Feldman Barrett – How Emotions Are Made Breaks down the science of emotions—how they’re constructed, triggered, and felt. Perfect if you’re curious about the brain-body connection behind what we feel. 👉 Get it on Amazon [https://amzn.to/3YSnWK2] - https://amzn.to/3YSnWK2 Brené Brown – Daring Greatly A deep dive into vulnerability, shame, guilt, and courage. Explores how embracing discomfort can lead to stronger relationships and greater personal power. 👉 Get it on Amazon [https://amzn.to/3GUEkUi] - https://amzn.to/3GUEkUi Glennon Doyle – Untamed Encourages radical self-discovery and authenticity. Her take on jealousy as “admiration holding its breath” hits hard—and this book expands on that beautifully. 👉 Get it on Amazon [https://amzn.to/45jTUCT] - https://amzn.to/45jTUCT Becky Kennedy – Good Inside: A Guide to Becoming the Parent You Want to Be Grounded in emotional intelligence, this one’s not just for parents—it’s a masterclass in guilt, growth, and how to show up better for others (and yourself). 👉 Get it on Amazon [https://amzn.to/4dk66p4] - https://amzn.to/4dk66p4 CONNECT WITH US Listen on Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/6BJNUL1tZgCH9L0tRNOtQw [https://open.spotify.com/show/6BJNUL1tZgCH9L0tRNOtQw] Listen on Apple Podcast  https://podcasts.apple.com/by/podcast/the-level-up-guys/id1788795397 [https://podcasts.apple.com/by/podcast/the-level-up-guys/id1788795397] Listen on Amazon https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/4afb7cd0-cc40-44a6-a6ba-d0021dfcb10b/the-level-up-guys [https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/4afb7cd0-cc40-44a6-a6ba-d0021dfcb10b/the-level-up-guys] Get to know Jarrett : https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/therapists/jarrett-clayman-framingham-ma/1328337 [https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/therapists/jarrett-clayman-framingham-ma/1328337] We’d love to hear from you! Connect with us at levelupguyspodcast@gmail.com [levelupguyspodcast@gmail.com]. Let’s level up together! CREDITS Special thanks to the amazing people behind the scenes that make the Level Up Guys podcast possible: Producer, Moe Murillo – for steering the ship forward, keeping everything on schedule. Connect with Moe here:  https://www.linkedin.com/in/mauricio-murillo-capm-csm [https://www.linkedin.com/in/mauricio-murillo-capm-csm] Music provided by Remix Live (license free) Artwork by Billy Batten and Moe.

EP 22 Attachment Styles: The Push and Pull of Love

The Level Up Guys explore mental, emotional, and physical health to help you improve your quality of life and level up. In this episode of The Level Up Guys podcast, hosts Billy and Jarrett continue their discussion about attachment styles — how they form in childhood and how they shape our adult relationships. Jarrett breaks down the four main attachment styles — secure, anxious, avoidant, and disorganized — explaining how each develops and the ways they influence communication, trust, and connection. The guys dig into how early parent-child dynamics carry into romantic relationships, why certain pairings (like anxious and avoidant) can feel like emotional tug-of-war, and what it really takes to build security with a partner. Billy adds his personal reflections and curiosity as they unpack how awareness, language, and discomfort tolerance can help anyone move toward a healthier, more securely attached relationship. They also touch on generational differences, the role of self-regulation, and how even therapists have to “do the work.” If you’ve ever wondered why you react the way you do in relationships—or why your partner does—this episode gives you the insight and tools to start connecting with more confidence and calm. The Level Up Guys podcast is for entertainment purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical or mental health advice. Please consult a qualified professional for medical advice, and remember to do your own research. RESOURCES We love sharing resources and invite you all to level up with us. Below, you’ll find a curated list of standout reads and tools we genuinely believe are worth your time (and money). If you use the links, you’ll also be supporting the Level Up Guys podcast. Thanks for being part of the journey. 1. Tony Robbins – Awaken the Giant Within Explores how language shapes our emotions, energy, and actions. A must-read for understanding personal transformation through mindset shifts. 👉 Get it on Amazon [https://amzn.to/4dn8zPL] - https://amzn.to/4dn8zPL 1. Lisa Feldman Barrett – How Emotions Are Made Breaks down the science of emotions—how they’re constructed, triggered, and felt. Perfect if you’re curious about the brain-body connection behind what we feel. 👉 Get it on Amazon [https://amzn.to/3YSnWK2] - https://amzn.to/3YSnWK2 1. Brené Brown – Daring Greatly A deep dive into vulnerability, shame, guilt, and courage. Explores how embracing discomfort can lead to stronger relationships and greater personal power. 👉 Get it on Amazon [https://amzn.to/3GUEkUi] - https://amzn.to/3GUEkUi 1. Glennon Doyle – Untamed Encourages radical self-discovery and authenticity. Her take on jealousy as “admiration holding its breath” hits hard—and this book expands on that beautifully. 👉 Get it on Amazon [https://amzn.to/45jTUCT] - https://amzn.to/45jTUCT 1. Becky Kennedy – Good Inside: A Guide to Becoming the Parent You Want to Be Grounded in emotional intelligence, this one’s not just for parents—it’s a masterclass in guilt, growth, and how to show up better for others (and yourself). 👉 Get it on Amazon [https://amzn.to/4dk66p4] - https://amzn.to/4dk66p4 1. Dr. Ethan Kross – Chatter: The Voice in Our Head, Why It Matters, and How to Harness It Unpacks the power of self-talk and how to create distance from unhelpful inner narratives. A practical guide to turning mental noise into clarity. 👉 Get it on Amazon [https://amzn.to/3Flf9cP] - https://amzn.to/3Flf9cP [https://amzn.to/3Flf9cP] CONNECT WITH US Listen on Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/6BJNUL1tZgCH9L0tRNOtQw [https://open.spotify.com/show/6BJNUL1tZgCH9L0tRNOtQw] Listen on Apple Podcast https://podcasts.apple.com/by/podcast/the-level-up-guys/id1788795397 [https://podcasts.apple.com/by/podcast/the-level-up-guys/id1788795397] Listen on Amazon https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/4afb7cd0-cc40-44a6-a6ba-d0021dfcb10b/the-level-up-guys [https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/4afb7cd0-cc40-44a6-a6ba-d0021dfcb10b/the-level-up-guys] Get to know Jarrett : https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/therapists/jarrett-clayman-framingham-ma/1328337 [https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/therapists/jarrett-clayman-framingham-ma/1328337] We’d love to hear from you! Connect with us at levelupguyspodcast@gmail.com [levelupguyspodcast@gmail.com]. Let’s level up together! CREDITS Special thanks to the amazing people behind the scenes that make the Level Up Guys podcast possible: Producer, Moe Murillo – for steering the ship forward, keeping everything on schedule. Connect with Moe here: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mauricio-murillo-capm-csm [https://www.linkedin.com/in/mauricio-murillo-capm-csm] Music provided by Remix Live (license free) Artwork by Billy Batten and Moe.

EP 21 Facing Yourself: Reflections on Mirrors

The Level Up Guys explore mental, emotional, and physical health to help you improve your quality of life and level up. In this episode of The Level Up Guys podcast, hosts Billy and Jarrett continue their discussion about mirrors—not just the glass ones on the wall, but the deeper reflections they invite in our daily lives. From yoga studios lined with floor-to-ceiling mirrors to the subtle ways we project ourselves onto others, the conversation dives into how self-reflection can move us from ego to acceptance. Billy shares his perspective as a yoga studio owner, where mirrors are both a tool for alignment and a challenge for self-compassion. Jarrett, a therapist, connects this practice to emotional mirroring in parenting, therapy, and relationships—highlighting how being seen and understood shapes our ability to regulate emotions and build healthy connections. Together, they unpack the difference between what’s visible and what’s truly valuable, exploring concepts like proprioception, subconscious beliefs, and how we choose the “mirrors” in our lives. This episode invites you to consider the reflections you encounter—whether in glass, in others, or within yourself—and how they can guide your growth, healing, and ability to level up in life. The Level Up Guys podcast is for entertainment purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical or mental health advice. Please consult a qualified professional for medical advice, and remember to do your own research. Resources We love sharing resources and invite you all to level up with us. Below, you’ll find a curated list of standout reads and tools we genuinely believe are worth your time (and money). If you use the links, you’ll also be supporting the Level Up Guys podcast. Thanks for being part of the journey. Tony Robbins – Awaken the Giant Within Explores how language shapes our emotions, energy, and actions. A must-read for understanding personal transformation through mindset shifts. 👉 Get it on Amazon - https://amzn.to/4dn8zPL Lisa Feldman Barrett – How Emotions Are Made Breaks down the science of emotions—how they’re constructed, triggered, and felt. Perfect if you’re curious about the brain-body connection behind what we feel. 👉 Get it on Amazon - https://amzn.to/3YSnWK2 Brené Brown – Daring Greatly A deep dive into vulnerability, shame, guilt, and courage. Explores how embracing discomfort can lead to stronger relationships and greater personal power. 👉 Get it on Amazon - https://amzn.to/3GUEkUi Glennon Doyle – Untamed Encourages radical self-discovery and authenticity. Her take on jealousy as “admiration holding its breath” hits hard—and this book expands on that beautifully. 👉 Get it on Amazon - https://amzn.to/45jTUCT Becky Kennedy – Good Inside: A Guide to Becoming the Parent You Want to Be Grounded in emotional intelligence, this one’s not just for parents—it’s a masterclass in guilt, growth, and how to show up better for others (and yourself). 👉 Get it on Amazon - https://amzn.to/4dk66p4 Dr. Ethan Kross – Chatter: The Voice in Our Head, Why It Matters, and How to Harness It Unpacks the power of self-talk and how to create distance from unhelpful inner narratives. A practical guide to turning mental noise into clarity. 👉 Get it on Amazon - https://amzn.to/3Flf9cP ------------------------- Connect With Us Listen on Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/6BJNUL1tZgCH9L0tRNOtQw Listen on Apple Podcast https://podcasts.apple.com/by/podcast/the-level-up-guys/id1788795397 Listen on Amazon https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/4afb7cd0-cc40-44a6-a6ba-d0021dfcb10b/the-level-up-guys Get to know Jarrett : https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/therapists/jarrett-clayman-framingham-ma/1328337 We’d love to hear from you! Connect with us at levelupguyspodcast@gmail.com. Let’s level up together! -------------------------- Credits Special thanks to the amazing people behind the scenes that make the Level Up Guys podcast possible: Producer, Moe Murillo – for steering the ship forward, keeping everything on schedule. Connect with Moe here: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mauricio-murillo-capm-csm Music provided by Remix Live (license free) Artwork by Billy Batten and Moe.

EP 20 THIS is How to Lose Your Dadbod w/ Steve Lutsk (#dadbodsteve)

The Level Up Guys explore mental, emotional, and physical health to help you improve your quality of life and level up. In this episode of The Level Up Guys podcast, hosts Billy and Jarrett continue their discussion about health and fitness with special guest Steve Lutsk, known as DadBodSteve, a fitness coach who specializes in helping dads navigate their wellness journey. The trio dives deep into the cultural phenomenon of the "dad bod" and its broader societal implications, examining what this trend really means for men's health and self-perception. Steve shares his personal journey into health coaching and reveals powerful insights about nervous system regulation and its critical role in overall wellness. Steve also provides actionable advice on healthy snacking alternatives and clarifies the often-misunderstood difference between weight loss and fat loss. Throughout the episode, personal anecdotes and hard-earned life lessons illuminate the transformative journey of self-improvement, offering listeners concrete tools to level up their health game. The Level Up Guys podcast is for entertainment purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical or mental health advice. Please consult a qualified professional for medical advice, and remember to do your own research. RESOURCES We love sharing resources and invite you all to level up with us. Below, you’ll find a curated list of standout reads and tools we genuinely believe are worth your time (and money). If you use the links, you’ll also be supporting the Level Up Guys podcast. Thanks for being part of the journey. 1. Tony Robbins – Awaken the Giant Within Explores how language shapes our emotions, energy, and actions. A must-read for understanding personal transformation through mindset shifts. 👉 Get it on Amazon [https://amzn.to/4dn8zPL] - https://amzn.to/4dn8zPL 1. Lisa Feldman Barrett – How Emotions Are Made Breaks down the science of emotions—how they’re constructed, triggered, and felt. Perfect if you’re curious about the brain-body connection behind what we feel. 👉 Get it on Amazon [https://amzn.to/3YSnWK2] - https://amzn.to/3YSnWK2 1. Brené Brown – Daring Greatly A deep dive into vulnerability, shame, guilt, and courage. Explores how embracing discomfort can lead to stronger relationships and greater personal power. 👉 Get it on Amazon [https://amzn.to/3GUEkUi] - https://amzn.to/3GUEkUi 1. Glennon Doyle – Untamed Encourages radical self-discovery and authenticity. Her take on jealousy as “admiration holding its breath” hits hard—and this book expands on that beautifully. 👉 Get it on Amazon [https://amzn.to/45jTUCT] - https://amzn.to/45jTUCT 1. Becky Kennedy – Good Inside: A Guide to Becoming the Parent You Want to Be Grounded in emotional intelligence, this one’s not just for parents—it’s a masterclass in guilt, growth, and how to show up better for others (and yourself). 👉 Get it on Amazon [https://amzn.to/4dk66p4] - https://amzn.to/4dk66p4 1. Dr. Ethan Kross – Chatter: The Voice in Our Head, Why It Matters, and How to Harness It Unpacks the power of self-talk and how to create distance from unhelpful inner narratives. A practical guide to turning mental noise into clarity. 👉 Get it on Amazon [https://amzn.to/3Flf9cP] - https://amzn.to/3Flf9cP CONNECT WITH US Listen on Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/6BJNUL1tZgCH9L0tRNOtQw [https://open.spotify.com/show/6BJNUL1tZgCH9L0tRNOtQw] Listen on Apple Podcast https://podcasts.apple.com/by/podcast/the-level-up-guys/id1788795397 [https://podcasts.apple.com/by/podcast/the-level-up-guys/id1788795397] Listen on Amazon https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/4afb7cd0-cc40-44a6-a6ba-d0021dfcb10b/the-level-up-guys [https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/4afb7cd0-cc40-44a6-a6ba-d0021dfcb10b/the-level-up-guys] Get to know Jarrett : https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/therapists/jarrett-clayman-framingham-ma/1328337 [https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/therapists/jarrett-clayman-framingham-ma/1328337] We’d love to hear from you! Connect with us at levelupguyspodcast@gmail.com [levelupguyspodcast@gmail.com]. Let’s level up together! CREDITS Special thanks to the amazing people behind the scenes that make the Level Up Guys podcast possible: Producer, Moe Murillo – for steering the ship forward, keeping everything on schedule. Connect with Moe here: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mauricio-murillo-capm-csm [https://www.linkedin.com/in/mauricio-murillo-capm-csm] Music provided by Remix Live (license free) Artwork by Billy Batten and Moe.

EP 19 The Belief That Will Help You Make the Hard Decisions (Self-Trust)

The Level Up Guys explore mental, emotional, and physical health to help you improve your quality of life and level up. In this episode of The Level Up Guys podcast, hosts Billy and Jarrett continue their discussion about self-trust and what it means to develop an authentic relationship with yourself. Chapters 00:00 Exploring Self-Trust: A Deep Dive 03:36 The Four Pillars of Self-Trust 06:11 Building Self-Trust Through Experience 08:46 Navigating Mistakes and Self-Trust 11:47 The Role of Practice in Self-Trust 14:41 Rebuilding Trust After Betrayal 17:25 The Impact of Validation on Self-Trust 20:09 Parenting and Cultivating Self-Trust in Children 22:55 The Interconnectedness of Self-Trust and Life Experiences 01:01:28 Key Insights and Takeaways Drawing from Emily Romero's compass framework, they explore the four pillars of self-trust: radical honesty, keeping promises to yourself, nervous system regulation, and deep self-knowledge. The conversation examines how external validation can undermine authentic decision-making and offers practical ways to access your inner knowing through stillness and body awareness. Billy and Jarrett share personal examples from motorcycle riding to yoga practice, illustrating how self-trust develops through experience rather than perfectionism. They address rebuilding trust after self-betrayal and discuss why those who've lost self-trust often become the most self-trusting individuals. The Level Up Guys podcast is for entertainment purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical or mental health advice. Please consult a qualified professional for medical advice, and remember to do your own research. RESOURCES We love sharing resources and invite you all to level up with us. Below, you’ll find a curated list of standout reads and tools we genuinely believe are worth your time (and money). If you use the links, you’ll also be supporting the Level Up Guys podcast. Thanks for being part of the journey. 1. Tony Robbins – Awaken the Giant Within Explores how language shapes our emotions, energy, and actions. A must-read for understanding personal transformation through mindset shifts. 👉 Get it on Amazon [https://amzn.to/4dn8zPL] - https://amzn.to/4dn8zPL 1. Lisa Feldman Barrett – How Emotions Are Made Breaks down the science of emotions—how they’re constructed, triggered, and felt. Perfect if you’re curious about the brain-body connection behind what we feel. 👉 Get it on Amazon [https://amzn.to/3YSnWK2] - https://amzn.to/3YSnWK2 1. Brené Brown – Daring Greatly A deep dive into vulnerability, shame, guilt, and courage. Explores how embracing discomfort can lead to stronger relationships and greater personal power. 👉 Get it on Amazon [https://amzn.to/3GUEkUi] - https://amzn.to/3GUEkUi 1. Glennon Doyle – Untamed Encourages radical self-discovery and authenticity. Her take on jealousy as “admiration holding its breath” hits hard—and this book expands on that beautifully. 👉 Get it on Amazon [https://amzn.to/45jTUCT] - https://amzn.to/45jTUCT 1. Becky Kennedy – Good Inside: A Guide to Becoming the Parent You Want to Be Grounded in emotional intelligence, this one’s not just for parents—it’s a masterclass in guilt, growth, and how to show up better for others (and yourself). 👉 Get it on Amazon [https://amzn.to/4dk66p4] - https://amzn.to/4dk66p4 1. Dr. Ethan Kross – Chatter: The Voice in Our Head, Why It Matters, and How to Harness It Unpacks the power of self-talk and how to create distance from unhelpful inner narratives. A practical guide to turning mental noise into clarity. 👉 Get it on Amazon [https://amzn.to/3Flf9cP] - https://amzn.to/3Flf9cP CONNECT WITH US Listen on Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/6BJNUL1tZgCH9L0tRNOtQw [https://open.spotify.com/show/6BJNUL1tZgCH9L0tRNOtQw] Listen on Apple Podcast  https://podcasts.apple.com/by/podcast/the-level-up-guys/id1788795397 [https://podcasts.apple.com/by/podcast/the-level-up-guys/id1788795397] Listen on Amazon https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/4afb7cd0-cc40-44a6-a6ba-d0021dfcb10b/the-level-up-guys [https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/4afb7cd0-cc40-44a6-a6ba-d0021dfcb10b/the-level-up-guys] Get to know Jarrett : https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/therapists/jarrett-clayman-framingham-ma/1328337 [https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/therapists/jarrett-clayman-framingham-ma/1328337] We’d love to hear from you! Connect with us at levelupguyspodcast@gmail.com [levelupguyspodcast@gmail.com]. Let’s level up together! CREDITS Special thanks to the amazing people behind the scenes that make the Level Up Guys podcast possible: Producer, Moe Murillo – for steering the ship forward, keeping everything on schedule. Connect with Moe here:  https://www.linkedin.com/in/mauricio-murillo-capm-csm [https://www.linkedin.com/in/mauricio-murillo-capm-csm] Music provided by Remix Live (license free) Artwork by Billy Batten and Moe.