I sit down with Colonel Edward Arntson III, who has 24 years of military service, to unpack what leadership really demands when it counts. We start with self-leadership: how you show up, how you carry yourself, and why humility isn’t optional.

We get into competence, intellectual curiosity, and the overlooked power of energy and tone. What you tolerate becomes the standard. Colonel Arntson shares hard-earned lessons from leading in garrison and in combat, including moments that tested his decision-making, confidence, and character.

If you’re building a team, leading a family, or trying to lead yourself better, this episode delivers practical takeaways you can apply immediately.

More about Colonel Ed Arntson:

Ed Arntson, from Buffalo Grove, Illinois, graduated from Concordia College (2002) and commissioned as a Distinguished Military Graduate infantry officer through NDSU. He led rifle and company units in Alaska, Afghanistan, and Iraq, was wounded in combat, and later served with The Old Guard, including a landmark deployment to Taji, Iraq. After CGSC and SAMS, he held planning and operations roles with 1st Cavalry Division, deployed to Korea and Baghdad, and served on the Joint Staff. He commanded 3-187 Infantry and 3rd Brigade, 1st Cavalry Division. His education includes Ranger and airborne schools. He’s married with two children.

CHAPTERS:

00:00 Introduction

05:07 The Importance of Leadership Development

15:31 The Role of Feedback in Leadership

27:22 The Power of Tone in Leadership

41:59 The Power of Tone in Communication

48:25 Building Effective Teams Through Peer Leadership

52:37 The Importance of Humility and Tone in Leadership

01:06:04 Early Military Career and Deployment Experiences

01:21:01 Dedication and Commitment in the Military

01:39:26 The Impact of 9/11 on ROTC and Military Careers

01:45:54 The Importance of Physical and Mental Readiness

01:52:27 A Formula for Effective Leadership

02:00:06 Final Thoughts on Leadership and Inspiration

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This episode is all around laying out my 2026 diet + training philosophies. I’m in a caloric surplus, training hard with intention, and choosing food quality over empty volume. We get into running and eating with purpose, and why the goal isn’t a finish line—it’s building a lifestyle you can sustain.

I also break down the practical plays to take ownership of your diet: simple meal prep, portion control, 1g protein per pound, and a plan for late-night cravings. If you want to get stronger, leaner, and more consistent this year—try this framework.

CHAPTERS:

00:00 Introduction

03:35 Taking Ownership of Your Diet

05:09 Meal Prep and Food Prep Tips

08:59 Appropriate Meal Portions

14:37 Making Protein a Priority

16:30 Late Night Snacking Strategies

20:22 Caloric Surplus Explained

31:18 Training Hard for Strength and Growth

36:00 Avoiding the Easy Run Mindset in the Gym

38:50 Balancing Strength Training and Recovery

44:11 Prioritizing Food Quality Over Quantity

01:02:45 Running with Purpose, Not for Numbers

01:06:13 Maintaining a Healthy Relationship with Food

01:14:44 Training for the Love of the Lifestyle

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I sit down with Michael Chernow to talk discipline that protects what matters: faith, family, fitness, and business. We unpack his non-negotiable morning routine, recovery and sobriety, hard boundaries with technology, and why leaders control the temperature at home.

Simple isn’t easy. Apply it every day, starting now.

CHAPTERS

00:00 Introduction

02:47 Morning Routine Insights

12:49 The Power of Prayer and Sobriety

29:04 Faith and Spiritual Journey

37:49 Transformative Power of Faith

44:28 Overcoming Addiction and Finding Purpose

48:39 Setting Boundaries with Technology

54:47 Balancing Work and Family Life

01:05:50 The Power of Discipline and Commitment

01:21:12 Entrepreneurial Journey and Curiosity

01:32:41 Hitting Rock Bottom

01:38:53 The Turning Point

01:42:45 Rebuilding Through Wellness

01:49:03 Kreatures of Habit and Future Goals

01:56:29 The Power of Habits

01:58:50 Final Reflections

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/⁠

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