Fahad chats with Justin Saroyan, co-founder of iRecreate and organizer of the Mare Island Half Marathon, about the event's evolution from triathlons to family-friendly runs, the rich history of Mare Island, community impact, and inspiring stories like an 80-year-old triathlete dominating the course.

They dive into planning challenges, historical course highlights, getting started as a runner, the "Burn Your Couch" mantra, and how events like this build Vallejo's positive vibe—plus a nod to Energy Pods as perfect runner fuel.

Key Takeaways

• From lifeguard events to marathons: Started in 2014 as triathlons, now an annual half marathon drawing nearly 1,000 runners.

• Mare Island's WWII naval legacy adds epic scenery—oldest West Coast base, historic ships, Tiffany glass chapel, and more.

• Inclusive for all: Walk the 5K, join kids' runs, or aim for PRs—no swimming/biking required anymore.

• Community first: Strong family involvement, local partners like Mare Island Brewing Co., and groups like Vallejo Run Club.

• Challenges: Adapting to island changes (roadwork, art installs), but reputation eases permits.

• Inspiring tale: 80s woman in a bathing suit outpacing 20-30s in Olympic triathlons—zero hesitation in cold water. • "Burn Your Couch": Ditch lazy habits, get active—rooted in college antics and health mindset.

• Drive: Giving back to Vallejo through fun, safe events that boost reputation and unite people.

Chapters

00:00 – Inspiring 80-Year-Old Triathlete Story

00:45 – Welcome to the Energy Podcast + Intro to Justin

05:21 – From Lifeguards to Race Founders: Origin Story

09:54 – Behind the Scenes: Planning, Permits, and Challenges

13:56 – Marketing, Word-of-Mouth, and Building a Vibe

15:53 – Running Through History: Mare Island's Unique Course

20:16 – Mare Island's WWII Legacy and Naval Impact

22:13 – Getting Started: Tips for Beginners and Run Clubs

27:36 – Community Impact, Partnerships, and Local Love

30:37 – Standout Moments from 11 Years of Races

33:32 – Justin's Drive: Giving Back to Vallejo

36:30 – Kids' Run Magic and Family Involvement

38:54 – The "Burn Your Couch" Story and Mantra

45:24 – Thoughts on Energy Pods and CocoZen 47:09 – How to Register and Get Involved

48:18 – Shoutouts to Supporters + Wrap-Up

Plugs

• Register for the Mare Island Half Marathon at irecreate.org

• Follow on Instagram @burn.your.couch

• Energy Pods & CocoZen at kgfoodco.com (sugar-free, almond-based fuel for runners)

Fahad welcomes back one of the very first supporters of the business – Dustin Cade (@KetoSimple)—for a heartfelt, long-overdue catch-up. From weighing 421 lbs and facing hernia + CPAP reality in 2016 to now living a simple, free, and deeply contented low-carb life, Dustin shares the real story: the early zealotry, the massive simplification, surviving skyrocketing meat prices, and why constant happiness is a myth (but lasting contentment is very real).

They talk rising food costs, buying half-cows, the birth of CocoZen (yes, Dustin is literally the reason that 12-oz jar exists), favorite easy recipes, family, freedom, and the ultimate lesson they’ve both learned after almost a decade in this space: keep it stupidly simple and know yourself.

Key Takeaways

• Happiness is fleeting; aim for contentment instead.
• Simplify everything – food, message, life. Complexity kills long-term success.
• Keto/low-carb doesn’t have to be fancy ingredients or hours in the kitchen (hamburger patties, eggs, and frozen thighs still win).
• Meat prices are insane everywhere, but ground beef, chicken thighs, turkey, Costco rotisserie chickens, and buying direct from farmers or splitting a cow are current lifesavers.
• The CocoZen jar exists because Dustin literally asked for “a bigger Energy Pod” years ago.
• True freedom today isn’t just money – it’s controlling your own time and being able to help the people you love.
• Get to know yourself deeply (your triggers, your strengths) so you can design the simplest system that actually works for YOU forever.
• Community > perfection. None of us are perfect, and that’s exactly why we need each other.
• A raw, real, brotherly conversation full of hard-earned wisdom.

Chapters

00:00 – Happiness vs. Contentment – Dustin opens with the big truth bomb

00:40 – Welcome Back to the Energy Podcast! Fahad’s return, winter in Napa, and introducing Dustin Cade

05:41 – Dustin’s Origin Story – 421 lbs in 2016, hernia, CPAP, and the first low-carb decision

10:15 – From Complicated Keto to Stupid-Simple Eating

11:29 – The Great Meat Price Crisis of 2024/2025 – Why beef is insane and real-world survival hacks

18:30 – Freedom as the New Currency – Grandkids, coffee with the wife, and owning your time

22:22 – What Happiness Actually Is – Dustin’s full answer + helping others

24:18 – The One Big Lesson After 8+ Years – Simplify everything and know yourself

30:57 – Energy Pods & CocoZen Origin Story – Dustin explains the products + how he literally created the 12-oz jar

39:45 – Where to Find Dustin, Live-Stream Schedule & Wrap-Up

Plugs:

• Follow Dustin everywhere @KetoSimple and get all links at ketosimple.shop
• Grab KetoSimple merch and free recipes at ketosimple.shop
• Energy Pods & CocoZen: www.kgfoodco.com