The Nick Bare Podcast

In this episode, I walk through my full Ironman Arizona 2025 experience—from the weeks of prep to crossing that finish line. I break down how I approached carb loading, packing, and race-week logistics, and how I handled curveballs like getting into a car accident as soon as we arrived.

I take you through each leg of the race, how I managed my nutrition, hydration, pacing, and transitions, and what was happening physically and mentally along the way.

CHAPTERS:

00:00 Introduction

01:57 Pre-Race Preparations and Travel

02:20 Story Time

07:41 Traveling with Family and Car Accident

12:08 Bike Setup and Nutrition Planning

19:47 Final Preparations Before Race Day

29:31 Pre-Race Preparations

31:49 Swim

35:53 Transition to the Bike

36:54 Bike

41:53 Transition to the Run

46:29 Run

50:22 Crossing the Finish Line

53:12 Post-Race Reflections

55:07 Recovery and Future Plans

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IG: instagram.com/nickbarefitness/

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In this episode, I break down how I approach tapering for big efforts, especially an Ironman.

We talk about pulling back volume and intensity without losing fitness, handling the mental itch to keep pushing, and why that restraint actually sets you up to win. I also walk through how I set up my carb load to top off muscle glycogen so I’m not leaving anything on the table.

I share what’s worked, what hasn’t, and the practical strategies I use so you show up on race day.

CHAPTERS:

00:00 Introduction

01:15 The Importance of Tapering

03:46 Defining a Taper

06:40 Benefits of a Proper Taper

18:34 Common Mistakes During Tapering

29:11 Setting Up a Proper Taper

33:10 Tapering Training Volume

35:21 Race Week Training Schedule

36:26 Experiencing the Taper

46:35 Carbohydrate Loading Strategy

58:28 Final Thoughts on Tapering and Carb Loading

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IG: instagram.com/nickbarefitness/

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Today I sit down with 22-year-old Dylan Mandell, who is walking through his fourth cancer diagnosis with unshakable faith in Jesus. We talk trials, daily prayer, Scripture, surrender, and the strength of family as Dylan shares why he believes his healing was already paid for on the cross in full.

CHAPTERS

00:00 Introduction

06:13 Facing Cancer with Faith

11:27 Dylan's Journey: From Diagnosis to Faith

15:24 The Role of Family and Upbringing

31:22 The Importance of Discipline and Preparation

41:41 Choosing Pain Over Medication

44:31 Miraculous Recovery

45:09 Keeping the Fire of Faith Alive

49:50 The Potter and the Clay: Embracing Suffering

57:48 The Power of Words and Discipline

01:06:38 Living with Integrity and Faith

01:10:31 Finding Peace in Faith

01:18:56 Trusting God's Plan

01:22:52 Conclusion and Final Thoughts

ORDER MY BOOK HERE:

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IG: instagram.com/nickbarefitness/

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In this episode, I'm covering five crucial lessons I've learned from over 20 years of my fitness journey. I outline the importance of combining strength and cardiovascular training, the differences between fueling for aesthetics versus performance, the necessity of balancing hard and sustainable training seasons, and the perils of overtraining. 

CHAPTERS:

00:00 Introduction

00:41 My Fitness Journey: From High School to Now

02:55 Current Focus: Ironman Arizona Prep

04:29 Five Key Lessons from My Fitness Journey

06:25 Strength and Cardiovascular Training: A Balanced Approach

08:31 High Rocks Training: The Perfect Balance

12:34 Bodybuilding Prep: The Challenges and Learnings

14:36 Marathon and Ironman Training Insights

23:57 Post-Ironman Training Plans

29:41 Fueling for Performance vs. Aesthetics

37:09 Introduction to Bodybuilding Nutrition and CrossFit Performance

39:40 The Role of Food as Fuel

42:58 Balancing Hard and Sustainable Seasons

55:29 The Importance of Doing Less

01:06:12 Redefining Progress Beyond PRs

ORDER MY BOOK HERE:

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IG: instagram.com/nickbarefitness/

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Today, Stef joins me to talk openly about how our faith has changed everything — our marriage, how we parent, how we see purpose. Stef walks through her journey from growing up Catholic to pursuing a real relationship with Jesus. I share the moment I got saved and how that forced me to realign priorities, identity, and how I lead at home. 

CHAPTERS:

00:00 Welcome / why this conversation

01:21 Ironman prep, strength work, and family

04:22 Stef’s faith journey

09:45 How faith changed our marriage and home

14:18 My spiritual wake-up call

20:44 Growth and struggle

27:52 Salvation story

40:45 Purpose and identity

41:25 Marriage shift

47:51 Training in a changing household

50:02 Identity and control

54:14 Raising kids to know God

01:00:24 Daily rhythms from “Habits of the Household”

01:12:05 Community and accountability

01:17:54 Encouragement for husbands and wives

01:21:11 Final thoughts

ORDER MY BOOK HERE:

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IG: instagram.com/nickbarefitness/

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In this episode, I break down the real costs when volume is mismanaged. I share what I’ve learned firsthand while building toward Ironman Arizona—how I fuel hard work without under-eating, protect muscle, keep hormones in check, and use recovery and sleep as performance tools. This isn’t fear—it’s a framework. If you’re pushing big miles, you need a plan that matches your ambition: smart nutrition, balanced programming, intentional recovery.

CHAPTERS:

00:00 Introduction

03:47 Balancing Strength and Endurance Training

09:58 Energy Deficiency in Endurance Training

24:57 Nutrient Deficiency and Endurance Essentials

36:38 Muscle Wasting and Reduced Strength

45:04 Disordered Eating in Endurance Athletes

52:59 Hormone Disruption from High Volume Training

58:49 High Risk of Injury in Endurance Training

01:03:49 Conclusion and Final Thoughts

ORDER MY BOOK HERE:

https://www.amazon.com/Go-One-More-Intentional-Life-Changing/dp/1637746210

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IG: instagram.com/nickbarefitness/

YT: youtube.com/@nickbarefitness

In this episode, I walk through the six stages of evolving as an entrepreneur — from a passion for fitness to building a purpose-driven brand. I share how adaptability, leadership, and clarity of purpose fuel long-term success. Whether you're just starting out or scaling your vision, this episode will help you stay rooted in why you began while pushing toward what’s next.

CHAPTERS:

00:00 Introduction

02:38 Seeking Inspiration from the Team

04:55 Turning Passion into a Business

07:28 The Importance of Adaptability

08:42 John Maxwell's Insights on Adaptability

12:47 Reflecting on BPN's Evolution

16:33 Starting BPN: The Early Days

35:39 From Passion to Process

40:14 Choosing Your Path: Hands-On or Hands-Off?

43:43 Building Momentum: From $2K to $10K

47:28 Stage Two: From Passion to Process

47:48 Stage Three: Momentum Makes It Real

54:06 Stage Four: Survival of the Fittest

01:05:41 Stage Five: From Process to People

01:13:02 Stage Six: From People to Purpose

01:18:23 Full Circle: Passion and Purpose

ORDER MY BOOK HERE:

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IG: instagram.com/nickbarefitness/

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Over the last decade, I’ve learned lessons that changed the way I lead, train, and live. These five takeaways from my thirties are built on experience—earned through challenges, failures, and growth. If you’re chasing clarity in your own journey, these insights will help you move with purpose and go all in.

CHAPTERS:

00:00 Introduction

02:39 John C. Maxwell's Influence

07:59 Influence vs. Popularity

19:16 Building Trust and Competence

25:20 The Ranger School Experience

35:09 The Importance of Reward and Passion

35:54 Protecting Your Priorities

40:00 Building Your Inner Circle

45:53 Balancing Sacrifice and Success

59:37 Impress Less, Impact More

01:06:41 Final Thoughts on Leadership

ORDER MY BOOK HERE:

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IG: instagram.com/nickbarefitness/

YT: youtube.com/@nickbarefitness

In this episode, I answer various questions from a Q&A posted on Instagram, sharing insights on my training regimen, nutrition strategies, and reflections on personal growth through faith. But first, you'll get a good story for laughs.

CHAPTERS:

00:00 Introduction and Episode Overview

00:36 Ironman Prep and Family Challenges

01:18 Running and Training Insights

06:19 Fuel Strategy for Long Runs

09:36 New Product Launch and Brand Evolution

11:09 Story Time

20:00 Q&A: The Importance of Mentors

29:28 Q&A: Consistency and Motivation

37:12 Core Values and Decision Making

38:41 Faith Journey and Bible Reading

41:01 Transformation Through Christ

45:48 Faith's Impact on Leadership

49:51 Lessons in Obedience and Change

54:21 Contentment and Ambition

01:01:52 Post-Ironman Training Plans

01:06:56 Managing Sickness During Training

ORDER MY BOOK HERE:

https://www.amazon.com/Go-One-More-Intentional-Life-Changing/dp/1637746210

FOLLOW:

Become a BPN member FOR FREE - Unlock 20% off FOR LIFE

https://bpn.team/member

IG: instagram.com/nickbarefitness/

YT: youtube.com/@nickbarefitness