Brief Summary

In this conversation, Ashton Pienaar shares his journey from reality TV star on Below Deck to becoming a personal development advocate and author. He discusses the therapeutic process of writing his book, the transformation he experienced through the show, and the impact of his childhood on his current life. Ashton emphasizes the importance of self-awareness and personal growth, aiming to help others through coaching that focuses on nutrition, training, and emotional well-being.

Ashton Pienaar and Jake Barrena explore themes of self-discovery, emotional health, and the significance of vulnerability in personal growth. Ashton shares his understanding of emotions, the need for men's groups, and the importance of building meaningful relationships. They discuss the challenges of parenthood and the desire for personal development, highlighting the importance of legacy and nurturing relationships.

Jake Barrena and Ashton Pienaar delve into profound themes of legacy, authenticity, emotional awareness, and the significance of empathy. They examine how personal experiences shape one's understanding of success and the impact of living authentically. The dialogue underscores the need for self-discovery, the pursuit of passion, and individuals' responsibility in shaping their emotional responses and interactions with others. Ultimately, the conversation serves as a reminder of the power of connection and the legacy we leave behind.

Guest Speaker

Ashton Pienaar is a health coach, transformation specialist, and the founder of AP Elite Health. He is five years sober, a former reality TV cast member, and someone who knows firsthand what it feels like to hit rock bottom and rebuild from the ground up. After years of burnout, toxic habits, and a complicated relationship with food, Ashton embarked on a personal journey to reclaim his health—physically, mentally, and emotionally. What began as a path to recovery evolved into a mission: to help others create a body and life they are proud of without restriction, shame, or confusion.

Today, Ashton leads AP Elite Health and The Healthing Collective, a platform that has helped hundreds of people achieve real results through personalized nutrition, training, mindset work, and accountability. His approach is rooted in sustainable change rather than quick fixes, and his honest, human-first coaching style has become his trademark.

Whether you’re starting from scratch or starting over again, Ashton’s message is clear: you don’t have to face it alone, and it’s never too late to become who you aspire to be.

Ashton's Instagram: LINK

Chapters

00:00 Introduction and Background

03:00 The Journey of Writing a Book

05:48 Transformation Through Reality TV

09:54 Personal Struggles and Growth

14:03 Finding Purpose in Coaching

17:48 Childhood Influences and Their Impact

22:52 Coaching Approach and Clientele

25:25 The Journey of Self-Discovery

32:30 Validating Emotions and Seeking Help

37:32 Building Meaningful Relationships

42:33 The Drive for Personal Growth and Parenthood

49:36 Understanding Legacy and Its Impact

50:08 The Concept of Legacy

52:31 Finding Passion and Purpose

54:28 Building an Impactful Legacy

56:54 Authenticity and Self-Discovery

01:01:23 Emotional Awareness and Responsibility

01:07:52 Empathy as a Superpower

Connect with Host: JakeBarrena.com