The Odyssey of a Former Fat Kid

What happens when the identity you built your life on disappears? In this in-person episode of The Odyssey of a Former Fat Kid, Bryan Butler sits down with Solomon Dixon, founder of Southside Jiu-Jitsu Club, to talk about faith after ministry, entrepreneurship without guarantees, and why jiu-jitsu became a powerful tool for healing, discipline, and community. They discuss: - Leaving pastoral ministry and losing a core identity - Why discomfort doesn’t mean you’re outside God’s will - Alignment vs. security in career and calling - Marriage, fatherhood, and choosing risk together - Why jiu-jitsu builds trust in a fractured culture - Sales as service and business as stewardship This episode is for anyone navigating uncertainty, rebuilding purpose, or learning to trust who they’re becoming. ⚠️ Disclaimer: This content is for educational and informational purposes only and is not medical, psychological, or professional advice. Please consult a qualified professional for personalized guidance. Solo is the founder of the Southside Jiu Jitsu Club in Woodlawn - the first premium Brazilian Jiujitsu club established on the southeast side of Chicago. He's passionate about seeing more people pursue their potential through the practice of martial arts. Jiu Jitsu has been a transformative and stabilizing force in Solo's life since 2008 as a practitioner, instructor and competitor. The lack of access to services like Jiu Jitsu on the Southside has been present since Jiu Jitsu arrived in Chicago in the late 90s. SJJC has been open since 2023 and has served hundreds of southsiders over the past 2 years. The club currently serve nearly 300 individuals, families and youth. He lives in Woodlawn with his wife Ellie and 3 small children. Connect with Solo: https://www.instagram.com/solodollo_bjj [email protected] http://www.southsidejiujitsuclubchicago.com Connect with Bryan: IG: linkedin.com/in/bryanbutlerstudio LI: instagram.com/bryanbutlerstudio Work With Me: bryanbutlerstudio.com The Odyssey Continues…

Bryan Butler joins host Jenny Pena on her podcast "Path to Better A1C" to share his journey from nearly 400 pounds as a teenager to a sustainable, healthy lifestyle built on mindset, enjoyment, and stewardship. Rather than promoting restriction or quick fixes, Bryan explains why lasting change starts in the mind, why fat loss matters more than weight loss, and how faith, environment, and habit-building shape long-term health. A grounded, honest conversation about what it really takes to maintain results. IG: linkedin.com/in/bryanbutlerstudio LI: instagram.com/bryanbutlerstudio Work With Me: bryanbutlerstudio.com ⚠️ Disclaimer: The content in this podcast/video is for educational and informational purposes only. It is not intended as medical or therapeutic advice. Please consult a qualified professional for personalized support.

What happens when your health becomes the price of success? In this honest and insightful episode of The Odyssey of a Former Fat Kid, Bryan Butler talks with Jenny Peña, a lifestyle coach and podcast host who helps high-performing professionals prevent and reverse prediabetes through simple, sustainable habits. Together, they discuss: - How Jenny’s corporate lifestyle led to her prediabetes diagnosis - The moment she decided to change her life and career - How to manage health while balancing motherhood and business - Why boundaries and structure protect both your family and your health - The 1-1-1 Method: Jenny’s simple framework for lasting lifestyle change ⚠️ Disclaimer: This content is for informational and educational purposes only and is not medical advice. Always consult your healthcare provider before making any changes to your diet, medication, or exercise routine. _____________ Connect with Jenny: [email protected] Path to Better A1C Podcast - https://open.spotify.com/show/4b92IWgHyUwqRvSY0G0N8t?si=W1fAKFj7RhCC6EroKAkEog IG: @coachjenp: https://www.instagram.com/coachjenp/ LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/coachjenp7 Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61569284337496 Special Offer: Free clarity call with Jenny: https://calendly.com/coachjenp7/call The Sugar Reset Fix - A 5 Day Program: https://www.subscribepage.io/energy _____________ Connect with Bryan: IG: linkedin.com/in/bryanbutlerstudio LI: instagram.com/bryanbutlerstudio Work With Me: bryanbutlerstudio.com

What does healthy manhood look like when the world tells men to hide their emotions? In this episode of The Odyssey of a Former Fat Kid, Bryan Butler sits down with Ashanti Pettaway — husband to Amanda Raquel, father of three, counselor at Optimum Joy Clinical Counseling, and founder of A Clearer View — to explore: - Redefining manhood through faith and emotional honesty - Lessons from 16 years of marriage and fatherhood - Grieving loss and leading with empathy - The difference between strength and control - How faith guides emotional healing - Why “A Clearer View” exists to build mentally and spiritually healthy people ⚠️ Disclaimer: The information in this podcast/video is for educational and informational purposes only. It is not intended as medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always consult with a qualified healthcare professional before making changes to your diet, exercise, or treatment plan. Connect with Ashanti: email: [email protected] https://optimumjoy.com/therapist/ashanti-pettaway/ _____________ Connect with Bryan: IG: linkedin.com/in/bryanbutlerstudio LI: instagram.com/bryanbutlerstudio Work With Me: bryanbutlerstudio.com

In this special episode filmed on my birthday I dig into the social, racial, political, emotional, and spiritual context for the creation of a 2015 self portrait titled "Identity." I'd love to hear from you in the comments. Thanks For a Behind The Scenes look: https://bryanbutlerstudio.com/identity-bts

What is a doula—and why are they changing the birth experience for families everywhere? In this episode of The Odyssey of a Former Fat Kid, Bryan talks with Ashley, founder of Doula Strong Births, about: - What a doula really does (and doesn’t do) - The difference between a doula and a midwife - Why her own traumatic first birth led her to become a doula - How doulas help partners feel confident and involved - The misinformation problem in birth education today - Why community and conversation can transform how we experience birth ⚠️ Disclaimer: The information in this podcast/video is for educational and informational purposes only. It is not intended as medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always consult with a qualified healthcare professional before making changes to your diet, exercise, or treatment plan. _____________ Connect with Ashley IG: @ashleyinthemiddleofitall Website: https://doulastrong.co _____________ Connect with Bryan IG/FB/LinkedIn: @BryanButlerStudio Website: https://bryanbutlerstudio.com

What holds most health entrepreneurs back from building a business that lasts? In this special Blueprints episode of you'll hear from fellow founders about the four bottlenecks that stall growth: - Lack of direction and unclear goals - Inconsistent leads and weak client pipelines - Awkwardness around pricing and sales - Getting stuck doing everything alone You’ll also hear three lessons from launching a health business: 1️⃣ Survey your audience. 2️⃣ Simplify your language. 3️⃣ Detach from the outcome—focus on what you can control. Access your free blueprint worksheet at the following link. https://bryanbutlerstudio.com/ep13-blueprint

Hector Barajas is a cybersecurity leader with over 15 years of experience, currently overseeing Application Security and Data Loss Prevention at the College of American Pathologists. A Chicago native, Hector has also undergone a transformative weight loss journey that reshaped his body, mindset, and lifestyle. A husband, father, and passionate advocate for family and health, his story is one of resilience, reinvention, and staying true to what matters most. _____________ This conversation shares personal experiences and should not be considered medical advice. Please consult a qualified healthcare professional before making changes to your diet, exercise, or medication _____________ From Hector: https://www.youtube.com/@DrJasonFung Dr. Jason Fung is a specialist physician and bestselling author known for his science-based approach to weight loss and type 2 diabetes reversal through diets and intermittent fasting. _____________ Connect with Hector: https://www.linkedin.com/in/hectorbarajas/ https://www.instagram.com/sodeaf/ https://www.facebook.com/sodeaf _____________ Connect with Bryan: IG: ⁠https://www.instagram.com/theodysseyofaformerfatkid/⁠ IG: ⁠https://www.linkedin.com/in/bryanbutlerstudio/⁠ LI: ⁠https://www.instagram.com/bryanbutlerstudio/⁠

Alex McElroy joins Bryan to share his powerful journey from brokenness to purpose. Growing up without a father, facing anger and rejection, and falling into destructive choices, Alex eventually found freedom in Christ and discovered his mission: helping others build a confirmed, confident, and eternal relationship with God. Together, they explore purpose, fellowship, leadership, and how to move past comparison to live with clarity and conviction. Alex McElroy is an international speaker, TEDx speaker, leadership advisor, pastor, Apologist, author and creator for Relentless Pursuit of Purpose on YouTube. Alex has been instrumental in implementing his message of leadership and purpose in the ministry, non-profit and business world and has enjoyed tremendous success in the mortgage industry, insurance and financial services. He is also a dedicated husband to his supportive wife of 17 years and a loving father to two beautiful daughters. Though living in his purpose now, Alex has experienced and overcome significant struggles and setbacks in life. He suffered the loss of his father at a young age, the loss of his mother more recently, dealt with drug and alcohol abuse in his college years, and found himself in an angry, depressed and lonely place as he endured financial hell that resulted in bankruptcy and desperation. Thankfully, these arduous moments served to reveal Alex’s purpose. Now Alex travels the world coaching and training others to discover their unique purpose and lead with purpose, because he is a firm believer that everyone has been created on purpose with a purpose! _________ Connect with Alex: Email: [email protected] IG & FB: @alexrmcelroy Website: www.proofforthetruth.org YouTube: @relentlesspursuitofpurpose

What happens when you hit rock bottom at 17 and weigh 400 pounds? In this special 10th episode of The Odyssey of a Former Fat Kid, host Bryan “Grizz” Butler tells his own story. He'll explore: - Growing up active but struggling with weight. - Chronic foot pain and the identity struggles that came with it. - The wake-up call from a surgeon that changed everything. - How COVID exposed the deeper connections between mental, physical & spiritual health. The pivot to serving health professionals through Brian Butler Studio Why this podcast exists and what’s next in the journey 👉 If you’ve ever struggled with health, identity, or purpose, this is for you. ______________ IG: https://www.linkedin.com/in/bryanbutlerstudio/ LI: https://www.instagram.com/bryanbutlerstudio/ Work With Me: https://bryanbutlerstudio.comFree Assessment: brand-health-assessment.scoreapp.com The Odyssey Continues…

Jennifer Bryant, RD & diabetes care specialist, reveals how faith and science intersect in her counseling practice. From overcoming diet culture and body image struggles to launching Nourish Nutrition Counseling, she shares lessons on behavior change, business, and integrating biblical principles into health. Jennifer’s story highlights balance, freedom from food rules, and the importance of aligning values with community Jenn owns Nourished Nutrition Counseling in Albuquerque, NM where she uses a faith-based nutrition approach to inspire people to find freedom and joy in eating. Jenn does one on one Counseling, small group programs and leads workshops. She is married with 2 children and enjoys traveling and trying all different kinds of foods. _________________ Connect with Jennifer Email: [email protected] Website: http://nourishednutritioncounseling.com FB: Facebook.com/nourishednutritioncounseling/ IG: @jennbryantnnc 10% off programs through the end of September. Just mention you heard this podcast! ________________ ⚠️ Medical Disclaimer The information in this podcast/video is for educational and informational purposes only. It is not intended as medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always consult with a qualified healthcare professional regarding any questions about your health, medical conditions, or before making changes to your diet, exercise, or treatment plan.

From acne and underweight struggles to becoming The Kale Crusader, dietitian and writer Andy DeSantis shares how soccer, kale, and persistence shaped his life. We dive into gut health, fatty liver, inflammation, magnesium, and the myths of quick-fix diets. Andy also reveals lessons from building a practice, writing books, and learning to specialize in a crowded industry. A raw look at food, health, and entrepreneurship with humor and heart. 00:00 – Introduction: Meet Andy DeSantis, the Kale Crusader 01:09 – Gut health, humor, and making nutrition fun 01:41 – How soccer and skin struggles led to nutrition 04:32 – Living underweight & developing empathy as a dietitian 07:20 – Why kale? The origin story behind his brand 11:34 – The PowerBar phase & early mistakes in nutrition 14:22 – Polyphenols, flavonoids, and anti-inflammatory foods 15:32 – Inflammation explained: acute vs chronic 18:16 – Why quick fixes don’t work in nutrition 19:12 – Working at Diabetes Canada & the early career shift 20:16 – Launching private practice with a blog & Wix site 22:46 – Observing entrepreneurship in his family 23:28 – Rest, balance, and what “recovery” means as a business owner 24:44 – How his business evolved: writing → video, courses, graphics 26:48 – In-person vs online clients: why personal connection still matters 27:50 – From generalist to specialist: why focus is key today 28:54 – Why fatty liver disease became his specialty 31:27 – Fatty liver explained: what it is & why it matters 33:11 – The connection to diabetes & hormone health 38:41 – First steps in reversing fatty liver: movement & supplements 40:04 – Omega-3s, probiotics & the high-polyphenol Mediterranean diet 45:48 – The importance of magnesium & where to get it 53:34 – Magnesium, cognition & dementia risk 55:44 – Why dark chocolate is part of his routine Andy has been a registered dietitian in private practice for the last 10 years, combining his desire for private client coaching with reaching a larger audience via his books and social media content. A master's nutrition graduate from the University of Toronto School Of Public Health, Andy started his career in the R&D department of Diabetes Canada before starting his own general private practice and beginning the road towards focusing on liver and metabolic health. Connect with Andy Email: [email protected] IG & TikTok: @andytherd Course: https://www.fatty-liver-masterclass.com/watch Website: https://andytherd.com ______________ IG: https://www.linkedin.com/in/bryanbutlerstudio/ LI: https://www.instagram.com/bryanbutlerstudio/ Work With Me: https://bryanbutlerstudio.com Free Assessment: brand-health-assessment.scoreapp.com _______________ ⚠️ Disclaimer The information in this podcast/video is for educational and informational purposes only. It is not intended as medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always consult with a qualified healthcare professional regarding any questions about your health, medical conditions, or before making changes to your diet, exercise, or treatment plan.

What does it take to walk away from a “dream job” and create a new path? In this episode of The Odyssey of a Former Fat Kid, Dr. Joyce Grant—dietitian, professor, mom of three, and founder of the Nutrition Counseling Academy—shares her journey from growing up in Honduras to becoming a leader in nutrition counseling and education. We discuss: - Growing up in Latino culture & early exposure to diet culture - Body image, sports, and pursuing nutrition as a career - Navigating burnout, motherhood, and career shifts - Why cultural humility is essential in healthcare - Building the Nutrition Counseling Academy & teaching others to lead with empathy - The mindset shifts behind true transformation ___________ Connect with Dr. Joyce Website: www.nutritioncounselingacademy.com Save 20% off of any program through end of 2025 with code: Bryan2025 IG: www.instagram.com/nutrition.counseling.academy Free Facebook Group:https://www.facebook.com/groups/nutritioncounselingfordietitians _____________ Connect with Bryan Butler Studio IG: https://www.linkedin.com/in/bryanbutlerstudio LI: https://www.instagram.com/bryanbutlerstudio Free Assessment: brand-health-assessment.scoreapp.com The Odyssey Continues…

Born in Chicago’s Englewood, Lamar Brown Sims—The Chocolate Theologian—shares how faith, therapy, and creativity shaped his journey. From losing friends to gun violence to launching Thriving Minds, Lamar reveals how resilience, mentorship, and the arts can transform trauma into purpose. A powerful story of healing, service, and building hope for the next generation. __________ Connect with Lamar Website: www.legacydisciple.org/thriving-minds IG: www.instagram.com/thrivingminds_chi IG: www.instagram.com/lamarbrownsimms __________ The Odyssey Continues… IG: linkedin.com/in/bryanbutlerstudio LI: instagram.com/theodysseyofaformerfatkid Work With Me: bryanbutlerstudio.com Free Assessment: brand-health-assessment.scoreapp.com

Lina shares her journey from chasing perfection to finding her true identity in God. She opens up about insecurities, breaking points, and the freedom that comes from embracing faith and authenticity. This honest conversation reveals how transformation begins within—and how we can all walk in truth, grace, and confidence in who we were created to be. Connect and work with Lina Website: https://www.trueimage.fit IG: https://www.instagram.com/trueimage.fit

Retired Marine Lt. Colonel KJ Johnson—now Chicago Director at the C.S. Lewis Institute—shares how “spiritual CrossFit,” peer-to-peer mentorship, and the global church reframed his faith and leadership. We cover Marine grit, Okinawa deployments, Lewis without the fandom, patriotism vs. discipleship, and 30 years of marriage. Practical formation for pastors, founders, and everyday believers who want depth over hype—and a life that looks like Jesus, not just talks about Him. Connect with KJ Website: https://www.cslewisinstitute.org/chicago/ LI: https://www.linkedin.com/in/karl-kj-johnson FB: https://www.facebook.com/karl.kj.johnson/ IG: https://www.instagram.com/kj7562

Buzz (“Aldrin”), founder of ProForm Physiotherapy in Sydney, shares how a blown ACL and Filipino grit led him from treating clients in his parents’ living room to a multi-location, design-forward practice. He breaks down his 4 bottlenecks to sustainable growth (vision, predictable leads, sales that deliver value, hiring/CEO mindset), why clinics should feel like Aesop—not a dusty office—and how faith and his accountant-turned-teacher wife became the backbone of the business. We wrap with what to look for in a physio: be free of pain, strong therapeutic alliance, and methods that fit you. Connect with Buzz
 Website: proformphysiotherapy.com.au practiceofone.beehiiv.com/subscribe Instagram: @aldrinocsing - DM the word "COACH" to learn more about his coaching cohorts!

Dr. Sara (Clinic Director, Chiro One Old Town) breaks down what chiropractic actually treats—the nervous system—not just joints. She shares how a chiropractor caught her mom’s kidney disease, how chiropractic solved her own IBS (via a lumbar anomaly compressing the colon), and why imaging + a thorough exam matter. We cover low back pain, headaches, tech neck, biomechanics, and why pairing adjustments + PT + home work is the long-term fix. Perfect for health entrepreneurs, women founders, and anyone serious about prevention over pills. Connect with Dr. Sara To schedule an assessment visit: https://www.chiroone.com/doctors/sara-siddiqui or call: 312.584.2799

Chef Lisa Shaw traces her journey from a food-loving childhood split between Brooklyn and coastal South Carolina to a Wall Street career she ultimately abandoned after 9/11. She explains how emancipation at 16, mentorship from a local nonprofit, and her Christian faith broke generational trauma and set her on a culinary path. After culinary school—and two children—Lisa found the restaurant scene hostile to women, so she pivoted into corporate food service, then launched Lisa’s Boutique Catering in Chicago just before COVID-19. The conversation dives into holistic health after losing her mother to heart disease, practical ways to cook flavorful low-sodium meals in food deserts, strategies for keeping a catering business afloat during the pandemic, and the power of redemption, grace, and community. Throughout, Lisa offers actionable tips for healthy eating, entrepreneurship, and partnering with local communities through food education. Connect with Chef Lisa
 Website & catering inquiries: [email protected] lisasboutiquecatering.com
 Instagram: @LisasBoutiqueCatering