(Ep 27) The Road to Redemption: How A.J. Whipple Found a New Path in Life
Release Date: 02/12/2025
(Ep. 55) How To Eliminate Suffering
Burn Up
In this episode, host Adam Nugent challenges one of the most ingrained beliefs in personal development: that suffering is unavoidable. While pain is a natural part of being human, Adam explains why suffering is largely self-created through resistance, attachment, and refusal to accept what is. Using powerful personal stories—including addiction, financial collapse, and a flooded basement—he breaks down how acceptance instantly reduces emotional intensity and how avoidance multiplies pain into prolonged suffering. Adam also exposes how numbing behaviors temporarily relieve discomfort while...
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(Ep. 54) For The Married Man That Is Struggling
Burn Up
In this episode, host Adam Nugent speaks directly to married men who feel disconnected, unseen, and painfully lonely inside their relationship. Drawing from his own 17-year marriage, divorce, and hard-earned self-awareness, Adam unpacks how avoidance, people-pleasing, numbing behaviors, and misaligned masculine energy quietly destroy intimacy and trust over time. He challenges men to stop blaming their wives, stop hiding behind money or provision, and take radical accountability for their role in the disconnect. This episode is a practical, no-BS roadmap for rebuilding polarity, trust, and...
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(Ep. 53) Building Confidence One Hard Thing At A Time
Burn Up
In this episode, host Adam Nugent breaks down the most misunderstood—and most attractive—human quality: confidence. Stripping away hype and bravado, Adam explains why real confidence is quiet, earned, and rooted in self-trust built through action. Drawing from his own weight-loss journey, business experience, relationships, and coaching conversations, he shows how confidence is forged by keeping promises to yourself, stacking small wins, and leaning into fear instead of avoiding it. He also exposes why most people stay stuck in shame and comparison, why motivation always fades, and why...
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(Ep. 52) What Religion Misses About Truth and Freedom
Burn Up
In this episode, host Adam Nugent pulls back the curtain on his spiritual journey—from being raised Mormon and immersed in organized religion to forging a belief system rooted in truth, integrity, and radical honesty. Adam challenges rigid religious frameworks, certainty without experience, and the dangers of outsourcing spiritual authority. He argues that real connection with God—or source, or truth—is not found through doctrine, rituals, or intermediaries, but through facing your darkness, telling the truth, and taking radical accountability for your life. Drawing from loss, addiction,...
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(Ep. 51) 2026: The Year Everything Changes (If You’re Willing)
Burn Up
In this episode, host Adam Nugent discusses why most people stay stuck. As 2026 approaches, most people will do what they always do: set goals, make promises, and hope this year feels different. But hope doesn’t change a year. Willingness does. In this episode, Adam Nugent delivers a raw, deeply honest reflection on what actually creates real change—not vision boards, not motivation, and not another fresh start, but the courage to face what you’ve been avoiding. Drawing from his own experiences with divorce, addiction, financial collapse, obesity, and moments of near-suicidal...
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(Ep. 50) Becoming Yourself: Father & Son Unfiltered
Burn Up
In this episode, the 50th of the Burn Up Podcast, host Adam Nugent welcomes his son, Cole, for a raw and honest conversation about authenticity, fatherhood, and personal transformation. Together, they unpack Cole’s evolution—from struggling through school, identity, and societal pressure, to stepping fully into his creative purpose as he launches his first clothing line. The two explore the impact of divorce on their relationship, the power of vulnerability, and the courage required to be your true self despite judgment. Cole also shares how hitting rock bottom sparked a renewed drive,...
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(Ep. 49) From Rig To Riches: The Journey Of Brett Chell
Burn Up
In this episode of the Burn Up Podcast, host Adam Nugent welcomes Brett Chell and they discuss resilience, the emotional toll of success, and the importance of personal growth through adversity. Brett shares his experiences of overcoming challenges, the lessons learned from failures, and the significance of identity beyond professional titles. They highlight the journey of rebuilding your identity after a significant loss, emphasizing the importance of self-awareness, acceptance, and taking action. They explore the challenges of anxiety and attachment styles in relationships, and how...
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(Ep 48) Beyond the Baseline: Practicing Authenticity, Confidence, and Discipline in Life
Burn Up
In this episode of the Burn Up Podcast, host Adam Nugent welcomes Brandon West to share his inspiring personal journey from grappling with divorce, and overcoming addiction, to finding his authentic self. The conversation centers around the power of authenticity, the process of self-discovery, and how life's challenges can illuminate the path to success. Brandon and Adam discuss the importance of being true to oneself, even when it means facing difficult truths and letting go of external validation. Brandon West offers insights into how authenticity plays a crucial role in navigating life's...
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(Ep 47) Navigating Business Integrity and Investment Strategies with Mark McCormack
Burn Up
In this compelling episode of the Burn Up Podcast, host Adam Nugent is joined by Mark McCormack, where they engage in an enriching discussion on business, investment, and personal transformation. Mark shares his journey from working in his father's company as a young boy to acquiring it and implementing innovative strategies that exponentially grew the business. This episode offers an insightful glimpse into the mind of a data-driven entrepreneur, emphasizing the importance of strategic investments and the power of numbers in decision-making. The conversation takes a turn into personal realms...
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(Ep 46) Exploring Truth: Beliefs, Lies, and Radical Accountability
Burn Up
Welcome to this intriguing solo episode of the "Burn Up Podcast," hosted by Adam Nugent. In this installment, Adam dives into the multifaceted nature of truth and how it impacts individual lives. From questioning what constitutes truth to discussing the fine line between belief and fact, this episode offers a thought-provoking exploration of a concept that influences every aspect of our lives. Adam shares personal anecdotes, including his religious upbringing, his struggles with self-worth, and the powerful epiphanies that shaped his current understanding of truth. As the episode unfolds, Adam...
info_outlineAdam Nugent pulls back the curtain on the real-life transformation of A.J. Whipple, a man who journeyed from a life of illegal activity to becoming a positive force in the community. Once thriving in the shadows of unsanctioned steroid manufacturing, A.J. shares his harrowing experiences and the personal revelations that followed his 18-month incarceration. Amidst struggles with substance abuse, guilt, and an identity crisis, A.J. found his way back to purpose and contribution, demonstrating that even the darkest chapters can conclude with redemption.
This episode delves deeply into the gritty realities of living a double life and the consequences that follow. Throughout this powerful conversation, keywords such as "substance abuse recovery," "prison transformation," "mental health struggles," and "reclaiming life purpose" resound as A.J. recounts his battle with alcoholism and depression. Emphasizing vulnerability and the power of genuine connections, A.J. reveals his post-prison dedication to building a meaningful future and helping others avoid his past mistakes. This episode serves as both a warning and a guide to understanding the complex layers of self-improvement.
About the Guest:
A.J. Whipple is a former steroid manufacturer and dealer who has transformed his life since serving an 18-month federal prison sentence. Initially involved in athletics and football at Dixie State University, A.J. eventually drifted into unauthorized activities in the supplement and steroids industry. Today, A.J. is a successful software engineer and CrossFit coach, contributing positively to society by participating in initiatives like the Keala Foundation, which supports drug prevention programs for youth.
Episode Summary:
Key Takeaways:
- Even in the face of serious legal and personal setbacks, transformation and redemption are possible.
- Substance abuse often serves as an escape from deeper mental health issues and stressors.
- Connection and authenticity are crucial in overcoming personal demons and facilitating recovery.
- Life’s challenges, regardless of their severity, can be reframed as opportunities for growth and transformation.
- Support systems and honest self-reflection are key elements to rebuilding life post-adversity.
Resources:
- A.J. Whipple Instagram: @a.j.whipple
- Keala Foundation: A non-profit organization offering support and fitness programs for youth affected by drug epidemics.
Discover the full journey and draw inspiration from A.J. Whipple's story of redemption and resilience. Tune in to the full episode for more transformative stories and subscribe to the Burn Up Podcast for further compelling insights.