Today on Clean Plates I sat down with professional MMA fighter Jon Kunneman.

Jon has competed in Bellator MMA, but what makes his story truly remarkable is that he’s done it all while living with Type 1 diabetes.

We talk about blood sugar management, insulin, weight cuts, fight camps, mental toughness, and what it means to compete at an elite level when your body requires constant attention.

This is a conversation about far more than fighting, it’s about resilience.

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

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

• 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