PODCAST · education
Level Setting with Antwan Smith
by Antwan Smith
Which way is up?! Level Setting is your guide to unlocking your true potential. This is your space for growth and self-discovery. We'll equip you with the tools and insights to:* *Identify what truly drives you:* Uncover the hidden forces shaping your life.* *Gain clarity on your direction:* Determine if your current path aligns with your goals.* *Make impactful changes:* Whether it's improving your well-being, strengthening relationships, or achieving financial freedom, Level Setting provides the roadmap.Join us on this transformative journey and discover the power of living a life that truly reflects your values and aspirations.
Episodes
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THE RECOVERY DEBT (Why Rest Is Not Optional)
You aren't behind because you aren't working hard enough. You're behind because you aren't recovering enough. High-performers often treat rest like a luxury, but biological debt works exactly like financial debt—it compounds, and it charges interest. In this episode of Level Setting, we discuss...
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THE GLUCOSE GATE (Fueling Your Prefrontal Cortex)
Your brain consumes 20% of your body's energy, and the fuel it runs on determines the quality of every decision you make. If you are experiencing afternoon crashes, brain fog, or sudden irritability, it is probably not a personality flaw or unavoidable stress—it is a blood sugar roller coaster.…
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THE SLEEP ARCHITECT (Building Your Nightly Defrag)
You wouldn't run a server without a nightly backup, yet most of us are running our brains without one. Sleep isn't just rest; it is essential biological maintenance. In this episode of Level Setting, we break down the neuroscience of sleep architecture. If you are sleeping six hours a night but...
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THE THREAT LOOP AUDIT (Anxiety as a System Bug)
Is your brain constantly scanning for danger that isn’t actually there? You aren’t broken—your software is just glitching. In this episode of Level Setting, we’re performing a Threat Loop Audit. We are reframing anxiety: taking it out of the realm of "personal flaw" and looking at it for what it...
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THE DOPAMINE FAST (Resetting Your Reward System)
In this episode of Level Setting, we bread down the neuroscience behind why high-performers are rapidly losing their capacity for deep work, delayed gratification, and sustained focus. We often mistake dopamine for a "pleasure" chemical, but it is actually the neurotransmitter of wanting and...
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THE CORTISOL CURFEW (The 2 PM Rule)
You manage your calendar down to the minute, but are you managing your stress hormones with the same precision? In this episode of Level Setting, the Cortisol Curfew—a non-negotiable biological boundary that separates high-performing executives from the chronically burned out. If you want the...
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HRV AS A KPI (The Metric That Matters)
You track revenue. You track pipeline. You track churn. But are you tracking the single most important metric for your own performance? In this episode of Level Setting, we break down why Heart Rate Variability (HRV) isn't just a fitness stat—it is the ultimate executive KPI. A high HRV means…
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THE VAGAL BRAKE (Your Off-Switch)
Do you ever feel like your mind and body are stuck in overdrive, and you just can't seem to find the off-switch? This is the space where we cut through the chaos and learn how to get back to our baseline. Today, we are kicking things off with a reboot of The Vagal Brake (Your Off-Switch). We’re...
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THE EXECUTIVE OFF-RAMP
High-performing leaders derive their identity from their output, making it nearly impossible to turn the machine off. But human biology requires cyclic down-regulation. In this episode of Level Setting, we introduce The Executive Off-Ramp—a mandatory, weekly 24-hour total system shutdown. Learn…
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SOFTWARE STABILITY AUDIT
Are the patches holding? Or have you reverted to your old, redlining biology. A system is only as good as its last audit.
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THE SECOND PROCESSOR (The Gut-Brain Axis)
Did you know about 90% of your body's serotonin is produced in your gut, not your head. If your microbiome is compromised by stress and poor fueling, your cognitive processor is throttled by default. You're making high-stakes decisions, but your 'gut feeling' is clouded by brain fog and low…
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Neuroplasticity Metrics (The Friction Requirement)
In this episode we down the neurobiology of skill acquisition and introduces "The Friction Requirement." Many high performers mistake passive learning for actual growth, wasting hours consuming information without forcing the neurological strain required to adapt. Learn how to stop confusing...
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The Adrenaline Flush
This episode explores the biology of high-pressure execution and introduces "The Adrenaline Flush." Whether you are a high-stakes day trader or leading a global team, you cannot sustain peak performance without mastering somatic regulation. Learn how to clear the biological tax of acute stress…
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Focus Architecture (Monastic Block)
Are you checking your inbox every six minutes and saving your "real work" for after 8 PM? You might be putting in 10-hour days, but if you aren't moving the needle on major projects, you are mistaking kinetic activity for actual productivity. In this episode we break down the biological tax of...
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The Digital Toxin Audit
"Every time you open an app without a specific purpose, you drain your baseline dopamine. You are training your nervous system to require constant, cheap stimulation, making deep work physically impossible. Stop letting an algorithm dictate your neurochemistry. In this episode, we execute the...
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Tactical CO2 Management
This episode reframes performance anxiety and pre-meeting panic not as a psychological weakness, but as a mechanical issue rooted in CO2 imbalance. It explores how adrenaline spikes in high-stakes environments trigger shallow breathing, trapping the body in a state of autonomic dysregulation and...
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The Executive Tax
This concept frames the friction high-performers experience at home not as a failure of character, but as a symptom of severe biological depletion. It analyzes how relentless, high-stakes decision-making exhausts the prefrontal cortex throughout the day, effectively driving the nervous system…
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Cognitive Offload
This episode frames cognitive overload not as a failure of time management, but as a symptom of nervous system dysregulation. It analyzes how uncompleted tasks function as "open threat loops," effectively trapping the sympathetic nervous system in a state of continuous arousal and degrading...
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Key Man Risk
In this episode, we’re pivoting from the boardroom to the living room. We’re diving into a vulnerability that haunts startups and Fortune 500 companies alike: Key Man Risk (or Key Person Risk). Now imagine what happens when that "single point of failure" is a parent, a spouse, or the glue of a...
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Legacy vs Inheritance
An inheritance is what you leave for someone; a legacy is what you leave in someone. In this episode of Level Setting, we audit your succession plan. Transferring wealth to the next generation without transferring the operating system required to manage it isn't a gift—it's a liability. Unearned...
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The Relational Operating System
In this episode of Level Setting, we audit the highest-stakes joint venture in your portfolio: your relationship. A marriage doesn't survive on romance; it survives on regulated nervous systems and clear communication protocols. If you walk through the front door redlining from work, you are...
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Clearing the Cache: Nervous System Architecture and Task Offloading
You cannot out-schedule a dysregulated nervous system. If you are operating with a hundred open tabs in your brain, your hardware is locked in a sympathetic redline—draining your energy and manifesting as physical joint pain. In this episode of Level Setting, we audit the "System Overload"…
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The "Weekend Warrior" Fix: Avoiding Common Injuries
You cannot leave your hardware in standby mode for 50 hours at a desk and then demand maximum kinetic output on a Saturday morning. In this episode of Level Setting, we are auditing the "Weekend Warrior" glitch. Spiking your physical load without proper system initialization is the fastest way to...
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Recovery as a Weapon: Sleep and the Plunge
Grind culture tells you that sleep is a liability. The telemetry tells a different story: recovery is your highest-ROI operational weapon. In this episode of Level Setting, we are auditing your downtime. We break down the biology of high-fidelity sleep—your brain’s non-negotiable nightly "defrag"...
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Hip & Ankle Mobility: The Foundation of Strength
You cannot build a high-performance engine on a collapsing chassis. In this episode of Level Setting, we are auditing your structural baseline. Restricted ankles and locked-up hips aren't just signs of "getting older"—they are critical biological bottlenecks that throttle your force output,...
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The Knee Suspension System: Saving Your Joints
We break down why your knee pain isn't just a symptom of "getting older"—it's a structural failure usually caused by dormant glutes and locked-up hips. Your knees are precision suspension systems taking the brunt of your mechanical debt. Tune in to learn the exact "System Patches" and daily...
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The Metabolic GPS: Fueling the Machine
Most men treat their bodies like a rental car—driving it into the ground and only looking under the hood when the "check engine" light flashes. But for the audacious man, your body isn't just a vehicle; it’s a high-performance machine that requires a precise internal map. In this episode, we dive...
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Identity & The Audit: Casting Votes for the Man of 2026
What if the most dangerous version of yourself is the one you’ve become by default? In this episode of Level Setting, we move beyond the superficial metrics of year-end reviews to perform a surgical Identity Audit. Instead of auditing your revenue or your productivity, we audit the person behind...
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The Longevity Baseline: Understanding Your Engine
In this episode we dive into the "Longevity Baseline," a set of core biological markers that dictate how well you are aging and, more importantly, how much "road" you have left. Whether you're a data-driven athlete or someone just looking to feel better in your daily "commute," this episode...
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YOUR Health Audit v1
We spend hours auditing our bank statements and our business P&Ls, but most of us have no idea what’s happening under the hood of our own skin. Today, we’re kicking off the new year by walking my talk. We’re doing a "Health Audit," treating your blood work like a financial statement. Because when...
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The 5 Fs: Your Scorecard for a High-Performance, Well-Rounded Life
Is your career crushing it while your health or home life slips? This episode introduces the 5 Fs Scorecard—Family, Finances, Fitness, Faith, and Fun. Learn how to audit these five pillars to move from the myth of "work-life balance" to true life integration, ensuring your success is sustainable...
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The Health Audit: Numbers Don't Lie v1
Walking my talk: I'm opening up my own blood panel results for a deep dive we're calling the Health Audit. Stop guessing about your internal well-being. This episode unpacks my key metrics—from cholesterol and liver enzymes to inflammatory markers—to uncover the truth about your body's…
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Financial Alert: The Holiday Spending Hangover Prevention Plan
Are you ready to beat the holiday debt cycle? This episode delivers a Financial Alert, teaching you how to use strategic boundaries and the 'Anchor to a Number' technique to manage emotional spending. Learn how to prioritize presence over price, prevent the New Year's debt hangover, and maintain...
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Men's Health: Kidneys - Your Unsung Engine of Longevity
Your kidneys are the silent engine of your health, managing blood pressure and filtering toxins 24/7. This episode reveals why these vital organs are prone to silent damage and how you can use simple blood tests (eGFR) and crucial lifestyle adjustments—like controlling blood pressure and sugar—as...
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Book Review: 'It's Who Not How' - The Leverage of Delegation
Stop getting bogged down by details. This episode reviews the powerful philosophy of "It's Who Not How," showing you how to accelerate your career, achieve financial goals, and reduce burnout by leveraging the expertise of others. Learn to outsource the 'how' to experts so you can focus only on...
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The Foundation of Movement: Knee Health, Longevity, and Graceful Aging
Discover the secret to staying active without joint pain. This episode treats your knees like a suspension system, revealing why strength in your hips and ankles is the true key to longevity. Learn practical mobility exercises and how to use pain as an early detection signal to ensure you move...
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The Male Mid-Life Hormonal Shift: Understanding Testosterone and Energy
Feeling constantly drained, less motivated, or finding it tougher to stay lean? This episode cuts through the "just getting older" myth to explain the real impact of testosterone levels in your 30s, 40s, and 50s. Learn the subtle signs of imbalance and the proactive steps—beyond medication—you…
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Nooo-vember Revisited: The Power of Strategic Boundaries
Stop letting holiday obligations and guilt dilute your focus. Discover the power of strategic boundaries, turning a simple, respectful 'no' into a profound 'yes' for your well-being, financial discipline, and commitment to the relationships that truly matter.
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Breast Cancer Awareness Month: It's a Men's Health Issue, Too
When you think of Breast Cancer Awareness Month, you see pink ribbons and focus on supporting the incredible women in our lives. But there's a crucial, often-overlooked side to this conversation: men get breast cancer, too. Because awareness is dangerously low, men are often diagnosed at later...
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Effective Communication: Connecting with Clarity and Confidence
Stop feeling misunderstood! This level-setting episode breaks down the foundational skills of effective communication. We'll move beyond just talking and focus on three essential areas: Clarity in your message, the art of active listening, and projecting confidence to ensure your ideas land and...
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The Psychology of Money: What Really Drives Your Financial Life?
The Psychology of Money is not a book about formulas; it's a deep dive into the "soft skill" of finance. It argues that doing well with money has less to do with intelligence and spreadsheets, and everything to do with how you behave. Housel uses 19 short stories to illustrate how our unique...
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Cultivating Emotional Intelligence: Understanding and Managing Your Emotions
Ever wonder why some people navigate stress with ease or build strong relationships effortlessly? The answer often lies in their EQ. We're breaking down the core pillars of emotional intelligence: how to recognize your own emotions as they happen (Self-Awareness), how to manage those feelings so...
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The Power of Positive Self-Talk: Your Inner Dialogue Matters
What's the story you tell yourself when you face a challenge, celebrate a win, or make a mistake? That inner dialogue, or self-talk, is a powerful force that shapes your confidence, resilience, and reality. This week, we explore The Power of Positive Self-Talk, moving beyond simple affirmations…
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Conquering Procrastination: Breaking the Cycle of Delay
We're tackling the silent ambition killer that affects us all: procrastination. Do you ever find yourself on a Sunday afternoon, staring down a deadline you've known about for weeks? Have you ever chosen to organize your entire apartment instead of making that one important phone call? You're not...
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Understanding Your Risk Factors for Prostate Cancer
Knowledge is power, and understanding your personal health landscape is the first step toward taking control. In the next episode of Level Setting, we're having a crucial conversation about prostate cancer and the factors that could put you at risk. We'll break down the key non-modifiable risk...
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Know Your Numbers (Part 2): Understanding Blood Sugar (A1c) and Body Mass Index (BMI)"
This is the essential follow-up to our first episode. This episode focuses on two more critical health metrics: blood sugar (measured by the A1c test) and Body Mass Index (BMI). We'll explain what your A1c number means, how it gives a long-term snapshot of your blood sugar levels, and why it's a...
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Know Your Numbers (Part 1): Decoding Blood Pressure and Cholesterol (LDL, HDL, Triglycerides)
This episode of Know Your Numbers, "Decoding Blood Pressure and Cholesterol," is the first part of a series focused on understanding your health metrics. We'll demystify key indicators like blood pressure, LDL (bad cholesterol), HDL (good cholesterol), and triglycerides. 🩺 We break down what…
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The Modern Man's Annual Physical: What to Expect and What Specific Questions to Ask
How can you make the most of your annual physical? This episode moves beyond simply showing up for the appointment to teach you what to expect and, crucially, what specific questions to ask your doctor. The goal is to empower you to take an active role in your health and turn a routine visit into…
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Why Men's Health Matters: Beyond the Stereotypes and "Toughing It Out"
Join us as we confront the silent epidemic of neglected men's health. We unpack the harmful stereotypes that often prevent men from seeking care and the pervasive "tough it out" mindset that can have serious consequences. This isn't just about physical ailments; it's about mental resilience,...
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What is Strength? Unpacking the True Meaning of Resilience and Power
Let's explore the multifaceted nature of strength—going beyond physical power to include emotional resilience, courage, and growth. Strength is about facing fears, practicing vulnerability, and building resilience daily. Join in as we redefine what it means to be strong and discover practical…
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ABOUT THIS SHOW
Which way is up?! Level Setting is your guide to unlocking your true potential. This is your space for growth and self-discovery. We'll equip you with the tools and insights to:* *Identify what truly drives you:* Uncover the hidden forces shaping your life.* *Gain clarity on your direction:* Determine if your current path aligns with your goals.* *Make impactful changes:* Whether it's improving your well-being, strengthening relationships, or achieving financial freedom, Level Setting provides the roadmap.Join us on this transformative journey and discover the power of living a life that truly reflects your values and aspirations.
HOSTED BY
Antwan Smith
CATEGORIES
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Frequently Asked Questions
How many episodes does Level Setting with Antwan Smith have?
Level Setting with Antwan Smith currently has 74 episodes available on PodParley. New episodes are automatically indexed when they're published to the podcast feed.
What is Level Setting with Antwan Smith about?
Which way is up?! Level Setting is your guide to unlocking your true potential. This is your space for growth and self-discovery. We'll equip you with the tools and insights to:* *Identify what truly drives you:* Uncover the hidden forces shaping your life.* *Gain clarity on your direction:*...
How often does Level Setting with Antwan Smith release new episodes?
Level Setting with Antwan Smith has 74 episodes. Check the episode list to see recent publication dates and frequency.
Where can I listen to Level Setting with Antwan Smith?
You can listen to Level Setting with Antwan Smith on PodParley by clicking any episode. We provide an embedded audio player for direct listening, and you can also subscribe via your preferred podcast app using the RSS feed.
Who hosts Level Setting with Antwan Smith?
Level Setting with Antwan Smith is created and hosted by Antwan Smith.
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