In Moderation

• When Your Coach Is Actually A Robot With A Six Pack

  Ever wonder if your fitness coach is actually a sophisticated AI program pretending to be human? In this eye-opening conversation, we pull back the curtain on the growing problem of influencers using artificial intelligence to sell "personalized" fitness plans to hundreds or even thousands of clients simultaneously.Mike from "Mike Needs a Plan" joins us to share disturbing industry insights, including how a prominent fitness celebrity (described as "the Paul McCartney of our industry") was caught sending generic, recycled workout plans to clients who had specifically requested customized programs. We discuss the ethics of AI coaching, the reasonable client load for dedicated coaches, and how to spot red flags that suggest you might be paying premium prices for automated guidance.The conversation takes fascinating detours into the absurdity of current health priorities - politicians removing red food dye while loosening regulations on forever chemicals in our water supply. We explore how disability systems create impossible "brick walls" where people lose benefits faster than they can earn income, and share practical advice about what food banks actually need (hint: it's not just canned goods).For anyone trying to get back into fitness after a break, Mike offers refreshing perspectives on taking a more measured approach rather than diving into six-day-a-week routines. His moderate method has yielded better results without making the gym his entire personality.Whether you're navigating the confusing world of fitness advice, concerned about environmental policies, or simply trying to build healthier habits, this episode delivers straight talk with just enough humor to make the hard truths digestible. Join us for a conversation that might just save you from being scammed by a robot masquerading as your next fitness guru. Support the showYou can find us on social media here:Rob TiktokRob InstagramLiam TiktokLiam Instagram

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• Cheap Eats: From Struggle Meals to Survival Dinners

  Ever wondered what people eat when money is tight or cooking enthusiasm is at an all-time low? This episode dives deep into the fascinating world of "struggle meals" - those budget-friendly dishes that keep us alive when times get tough.From the humble can of chili (which gets our highest rating, especially when topped with avocado) to questionably "budget-friendly" dishes that require sautéing ginger and making a roux, we rate them all with brutal honesty and plenty of laughs. We discover that not all struggle meals are created equal - some are genuinely brilliant combinations of affordable staples, while others are elaborate recipes masquerading as simple solutions.The humble egg on rice earns high marks for its simplicity and satisfying nature, while canned tuna emerges as the protein hero of budget cooking, making multiple appearances throughout our list. We debate whether frozen meals deserve their place in the struggle meal pantheon (they do) and share our surprisingly passionate opinions about frozen pizza brands.What makes these meals so compelling isn't just their affordability - it's their ability to provide comfort during challenging times. Many represent culinary ingenuity at its finest: creating something delicious from whatever limited ingredients are on hand. These aren't just meals of last resort; they're cultural touchstones that connect us through shared experiences of making do with less.What's your go-to meal when your wallet is thin or your energy is low? Share your favorite struggle meals with us - we promise not to judge if they involve copious amounts of instant noodles or questionable combinations of pantry staples! Support the showYou can find us on social media here:Rob TiktokRob InstagramLiam TiktokLiam Instagram

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• Transforming America's Favorite Foods into Healthier Meals

  The comfort foods we grew up with don't deserve their bad reputation. From cereal and hamburgers to mac and cheese and fried chicken, America's favorite dishes can actually be part of a balanced diet with some thoughtful modifications.Breakfast becomes a nutritional powerhouse when you add fresh fruit to cereal, use high-protein milk, or mix in fiber-rich options. Even the humble peanut butter and jelly sandwich – which University of Michigan researchers found adds more years to your life than almost any other food – proves that comfort and nutrition can coexist.Those classic hamburgers? They're already a balanced combination of protein, carbs, and fats – the problems come from preparation methods and proportions. By choosing leaner beef, whole grain buns, and generous vegetables, you transform fast food into real nutrition. The same goes for pizza, chili, and spaghetti with meatballs. These aren't inherently "bad" foods; they just need some rebalancing.The air fryer revolution has breathed new life into fried favorites. Chicken coated in cornflakes and air-fried delivers that satisfying crunch without excessive oil. Homemade french fries get crispy exteriors and soft interiors without deep-frying. Even simple swaps like mixing Greek yogurt with mayonnaise in potato salad maintain the creamy texture while improving the nutritional profile.American cuisine doesn't need to be abandoned for health – it just needs thoughtful modifications. Try our tuna mac and peas recipe with protein-enhanced pasta for a quick meal that satisfies comfort food cravings while delivering balanced nutrition. What American classic will you reimagine tonight? Support the showYou can find us on social media here:Rob TiktokRob InstagramLiam TiktokLiam Instagram

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• Money-Saving Grocery Hacks That Actually Work

  With SNAP benefits facing cuts and grocery budgets tightening across America, our deep dive into money-saving grocery strategies couldn't be more timely. Armed with a Buzzfeed list of 35 budget grocery shopping tips, we evaluate each recommendation on a scale from 1-10, separating genuinely helpful advice from less practical suggestions.The standout strategies earning our highest ratings include making detailed shopping lists, checking price-per-ounce rather than just looking at sticker prices, and embracing store brands for substantial savings. We explore how ethnic markets consistently offer lower prices on produce and staples, while discount racks provide opportunities that blow past the conventional wisdom of "shop the perimeter." The simple act of organizing your refrigerator can prevent costly food waste, while bringing only cash to the store creates a physical spending barrier that curbs impulse purchases.Our conversation reveals some surprising findings, including the effectiveness of requesting "rain checks" when sale items are out of stock, the dramatic savings potential of vegetarian meals built around beans and lentils, and digital coupon strategies through apps like Ibotta. We debate the practicality of extreme measures (buying an entire cow with friends?) versus accessible everyday habits that consistently save money. Whether you're shopping on a suddenly tighter budget or simply trying to stretch your grocery dollars further, you'll find practical, immediately applicable strategies to implement on your next shopping trip. Support the showYou can find us on social media here:Rob TiktokRob InstagramLiam TiktokLiam Instagram

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• From Fire Department to Fame: ScottyKFitness' Remarkable Path

  Remember that mustache guy who made you spit out your coffee laughing about beef jerky and HOA disputes? Scotty K returns to the podcast where it all began, bringing us along for the wild ride his life has become since our last conversation.From quitting his firefighter job to reaching nearly 4 million TikTok followers in just over a year, Scotty's transformation has been nothing short of extraordinary. But what stands out isn't the follower count—it's what he's done with it. Through marathon livestreams and ruck marches, he's raised over $143,000 for the American Heart Association. His fitness company now employs 25 full-time coaches (including actual doctors) and helps clients like Eric, who at 800 pounds is working toward standing up for the first time in four years.The conversation takes us through Scotty's adventures across America, from being recognized everywhere he goes to jumping out of planes with Army paratroopers. We get the inside scoop on his upcoming apparel brand, Fault Line Apparel, designed to combat toxic masculinity with a "brutalist survivalist" aesthetic. There's also his unexpected partnership with Bethesda, where he'll be cosplaying as an NCR Ranger from Fallout at gaming conventions.What makes this episode special is the genuine reflection on what it means to suddenly have influence. As Scotty puts it, "I didn't anticipate the impact some of my videos would have on people." Whether he's making viewers laugh with outlandish food reviews or moving them to tears with vulnerable moments, his authenticity shines through. Because as he learned in therapy: "I don't deserve it, but I belong here."Ready to laugh, be inspired, and maybe shed a tear? Press play and discover what happens when a mustached fitness guy decides to weaponize his audience—not for personal gain, but for making the world better, one video at a time. Support the showYou can find us on social media here:Rob TiktokRob InstagramLiam TiktokLiam Instagram

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