The Grizzly Life Podcast

Episode 127 is about how to handle the unexpected without letting it ruin your day. Colton talks about the curveballs life throws at all of us, why “it could always be worse” is such a powerful mindset, and how learning to let go faster can help you deal with stress in a healthier way. He also shares why focusing on small daily wins can completely shift your attitude and help you move through hard moments with more perspective.

Episode 126 is a reminder that without your health, you have nothing. Colton talks about why so many people delay taking care of themselves, hide behind the excuse of “no time,” and lose sight of what they actually want out of life. He breaks down the importance of defining your why, making your health a real priority, and building habits now that will carry you into the future.

Episode 125 is a real-time fitness update on peptides, recovery, and what it looks like to actually track your results. Colton shares what he’s currently taking, why he’s testing certain peptides and GLP-1s on himself first, and what his latest InBody scan revealed about body fat, muscle loss, and where adjustments need to be made. He also talks about why quality matters, why this stuff should be taken seriously, and why the goal is never to push products—but to help people do things the right way if they choose to go down that road.

Episode 124 is a real conversation about perspective, ambition, and the habits that keep you moving forward. Colton talks about the “must be nice” mindset and why it’s so easy to judge someone else’s life from the outside without understanding the work, sacrifice, and pressure behind it. He challenges listeners to stop comparing, stop assuming, and start thinking deeper about what success actually takes. From there, he dives into the danger of complacency—how easy it is to get comfortable, settle for “good enough,” and slowly drift away from the bigger goals you once had. He also shares a simple mindset shift that can make a big difference: end each day on a win. Whether it’s getting your workout in, reading before bed, or setting tomorrow’s plan, those small wins build momentum, confidence, and a stronger standard for yourself over time.

Episode 123 is a reminder to not let summer throw you off track. Colton talks about how easy it is to let nice weather, travel, and busy schedules become excuses to stop training, and why staying consistent matters if you care about your long-term health, strength, and progress. He also shares why even a maintenance routine is better than intentionally falling backwards.

Episode 122 is about getting back on track, keeping the right people close, and making decisions for yourself. Colton talks about getting back into running, tightening up his routine, and why real friendships matter more than having a long list of fake connections. He also shares why you need to stop worrying about outside opinions, do what’s best for you, and build a life around the people and values that actually matter.

Episode 121 is a full behind-the-scenes update on everything happening across the gyms, Priority Fitness, and Grizzy’s Diner & Tavern. Colton breaks down new projects, better systems, warehouse progress, upgrades at the gyms, and the next steps for the restaurant as everything continues to grow. He also shares a simple reminder: action always beats inaction when you’re trying to build something better.

Episode 120 is about self-reflection, better leadership, and learning how to communicate more clearly as things grow. Colton opens up about the importance of being open to criticism, having honest conversations early, and recognizing where things can get missed when you’re leading multiple teams and moving fast. He also shares why taking care of yourself first is necessary if you want to show up better for everyone else.

Episode 119 is a real behind-the-scenes look at what business ownership actually feels like when growth gets messy. Colton talks through the first day of moving into the new Priority Fitness warehouse, the unexpected problems that come with expansion, and the reality of running a business when there is always another issue to solve. He also opens up about what people don’t see from the outside—the pressure, the reinvestment, and the work it takes to build something the right way.

Episode 118 is all about momentum, business growth, and big-picture thinking. Colton breaks down the excitement behind Priority Fitness officially getting its new warehouse, the business lessons that came with the process, and why this next step feels like a full-circle moment. He also touches on discipline, personal routines, and the importance of making time for life outside of work.

Episode 117 is about discipline, self-awareness, and getting out of your own way. Colton talks about the importance of doing what you say you’re going to do, building confidence through consistency, and stopping the habit of caring too much about what other people think. He also shares why growth starts when you get uncomfortable, reflect honestly, and focus on winning the day one step at a time.He shares lessons on:Keeping promises to yourselfLetting go of outside opinionsBuilding better habits through self-awarenessWhy small daily wins create big long-term growthHe also gives a big business update on Priority Fitness, including a new warehouse in Berlin and the next phase of growth across the gyms and restaurant.

Episode 116 is about what it really means to become a rockstar on a team. Colton breaks down the difference between simply showing up for a paycheck and becoming someone a business can truly rely on. He talks about ownership, accountability, communication, and why the most valuable people are the ones who solve problems, step up, and think bigger than their job title.He shares lessons on:What separates a rockstar from an average employeeWhy trust, reliability, and availability matterHow to think like an owner, not just a workerWhy creating value leads to bigger opportunitiesIf you want to stand out, grow into leadership, and become more valuable in any job — this episode will hit home.

Episode 115 is a real, unfiltered conversation about growth, mindset, and why too many people stay stuck because they focus on cost instead of value.Colton opens up by sharing a rough start to the day—getting hit with chills, lack of sleep, a pounding headache, and still choosing to show up and record anyway. From there, he builds on the previous episode’s message about lifelong learning and challenges listeners to stop making excuses when it comes to reading, listening, and improving during everyday moments. He then dives into a bigger mindset shift: asking not just “how much does it cost?” but “what is it worth?” Whether it’s books, live events, new experiences, or boxing lessons, this episode is all about understanding the long-term value of investing in yourself. He also speaks on abundance, the danger of negativity, and why continuing to challenge yourself is one of the biggest keys to staying sharp, motivated, and alive in every season of life. He shares lessons on:Why reading and learning give you an edgeFinding time to grow instead of making excusesLooking past the price tag and focusing on long-term valueAvoiding negative mindsets that drain momentumStaying uncomfortable so life doesn’t get staleInvesting in skills, discipline, and personal growthThis episode is about more than books or boxing—it’s about becoming the kind of person who keeps growing, keeps learning, and keeps pushing forward no matter what.

Back from Florida and recharged, Colton dives into a high-energy episode covering growth, mindset, and what it really means to keep leveling up.He shares updates on the Grizzly Baraboo training studio relaunch, including rebuilding from the ground up and creating a fresh vision for success. From there, the episode shifts into a powerful message on learning, self-improvement, and staying open-minded—something many people lose as they get older.Colton breaks down why continuous learning is one of the biggest advantages you can have, how to approach every conversation with a mindset of growth, and why surrounding yourself with the right people (and actually listening to them) can change your trajectory.He also challenges listeners to bring back curiosity, have more fun, and stop taking life so seriously—while still pushing to become a better version of themselves every single day.If you’re feeling stuck, unmotivated, or just need a reset, this episode is a reminder to stay curious, stay humble, and never stop learning.

Episode 113 is a raw, real-time reflection on accountability, perspective, and what truly matters.After missing his usual release schedule, Colton records this episode on the go—not to be perfect, but to stay consistent and hold himself accountable. That moment sets the tone for a deeper conversation around discipline, ownership, and not letting small slip-ups turn into bigger patterns.He then shares a personal experience from a family trip that quickly shifted perspective—highlighting how fragile life can be and how fast plans can change. It becomes a powerful reminder of something many overlook: time with family is limited, and nothing is guaranteed.In this episode, Colton breaks down:Why accountability matters, even when it’s inconvenientThe danger of “starting over later” mentalityHow quickly life can shift your prioritiesWhy time with family and loved ones should never be delayedThe importance of disconnecting, resetting, and being presentThis isn’t a structured or polished episode—it’s real, in-the-moment perspective. A reminder to slow down, appreciate what’s in front of you, and stop putting off what actually matters.If you’ve been caught up in the grind or pushing things off “until later,” this one will hit home.

Episode 112 is a real, behind-the-scenes look at what it actually takes to build a business while juggling everything else in life.Colton kicks things off by walking through a chaotic morning—from early workouts and team meetings to unexpected interruptions that completely threw off his plan. Instead of forcing perfection, he leans into a key mindset: adapt, stay flexible, and keep moving forward.From there, he dives deep into a full update on Grizzy’s Diner & Tavern—breaking down everything happening behind the scenes. From new equipment, kitchen upgrades, and bar renovations to operational challenges, staffing dynamics, and customer feedback systems, this episode gives a raw look at what it really takes to transform a business in real time.He shares lessons on:Handling constant change without losing momentumWhy customer feedback is the foundation of growthThe reality of building systems across teams (kitchen, bar, servers)Investing back into the business vs. short-term profitCreating a vision while still figuring things out day-by-dayThis episode is less about theory and more about execution—what it looks like when you're in the middle of building, fixing, and improving all at once.If you’ve ever felt overwhelmed, pulled in different directions, or unsure where to start—this one will hit home.

In this episode, Colton shares his thoughts on the rising popularity of peptides and GLP-1s, breaking down why they can be a powerful tool when used correctly—and why quality, guidance, and accountability matter. He then dives into a practical conversation on productivity, explaining the difference between being busy and actually getting meaningful work done, along with simple strategies to structure your day, stay focused, and maximize your time. To close, Colton reflects on a key lesson from speaker school: tomorrow is never promised. He challenges listeners to live with intention, take action today, and make decisions that their future self will thank them for.

In this episode, Colton shares his experience attending a three-day public speaking school in Rhode Island and the lessons he took away from stepping outside his comfort zone. He breaks down what the training was like, from learning how body language, storytelling, and first impressions impact a speaker to practicing short speeches in front of a room full of gym owners. Colton talks about the nerves that come with public speaking, how quickly things can go blank when you’re on stage, and how repetition and coaching helped him become more confident throughout the weekend. He also shares insights on why storytelling is one of the most powerful tools a speaker can use and how practicing uncomfortable skills leads to real personal growth. Finally, Colton gives a quick update on his new social media strategy focused on helping small-town gym owners connect, collaborate, and compete with big franchise gyms.

In this episode, Coach Kimber takes over the podcast to sit down with three inspiring members of the Grizzly community—Heidi, Patti, and Linda—also known as the “Golden Grizzlies.” Together they share their journey through Grizzly’s personal training program and how consistency, friendship, and determination have helped them complete over 200 workouts.They talk about their decades-long friendship, overcoming injuries, building strength in their 70s, and how training together keeps them accountable and motivated. From struggling with basic movements to lifting impressive weights and gaining confidence in everyday life, their story highlights the power of strength training at any age.This conversation is a powerful reminder that it’s never too late to start, and that community, support, and consistency can lead to life-changing results.

In this episode, Colton shares a walk-and-talk about leadership, balance, and managing multiple businesses at once. As the gyms, Priority Fitness, and the new bar and restaurant continue to grow, he explains how trusting your team, developing leaders, and delegating responsibility are key to keeping everything moving forward.He also talks about making decisions with logic instead of emotion, thinking through best- and worst-case outcomes, and the realities of working closely with friends and family in business. Colton shares lessons from his own experience and why communication, trust, and a shared vision are essential when building something long term.

Colton shares updates from behind the scenes of life, business, and personal growth as he settles back into a routine after several intense weeks building the restaurant. He talks about getting back into workouts, prioritizing reading again, and preparing for an upcoming public speaking workshop in Rhode Island. Inspired by Dale Carnegie’s The Quick and Easy Way to Effective Speaking, Colton reflects on the importance of storytelling, communication, and stepping outside your comfort zone to develop new skills.He also dives into a practical conversation about money habits—how boredom and constant scrolling can lead to unnecessary spending, and why staying busy with meaningful activities can help improve financial discipline. Colton breaks down the importance of saving, building an emergency fund, and being intentional with how you spend and invest your money while still enjoying life.The episode closes with encouragement to stay productive, keep improving your habits, and continue building the skills that will help you grow long term.

Episode 106 is a behind-the-scenes catch-up on where Colton’s head is at after a hectic month of seven-day weeks and nonstop restaurant weekends. He shares what’s coming next for the podcast—including a new interview-style episode led by Coach Kimber featuring the “Golden Grizzlies,” Berlin training clients who’ve stacked 200+ sessions and completely changed their quality of life. Colton also gives real updates across the businesses: Priority Fitness is working toward a long-term warehouse “forever home,” Grizzly Fitness is running strong thanks to leaders like Gino and Ellie, and Grizzlies continues to build momentum while the team tightens systems. He closes by resetting his personal focus—back to consistent training, steps, and reading—while continuing to upgrade the restaurant through the small details that shape a great customer experience.

Episode 105 is a mindset-driven solo episode from Colton focused on getting out of your own way and stopping the habit of caring what everyone else thinks. He reflects on how a full year of podcasting, consistent posting, and showing up imperfectly has built confidence, clarity, and momentum in his life and businesses. Colton challenges listeners to start the thing they’ve been putting off—whether it’s a new project, sharing their voice online, changing their habits, or simply being more authentic—without waiting for approval. He talks about losing people along the way, why that’s part of growth, and how confidence compounds when you choose discomfort over staying stuck. The core message is simple: be yourself, take the leap, and focus on becoming 1% better each day.

Episode 104 marks one full year of The Grizzly Life Podcast—two episodes a week for 52 weeks. Colton shares a quick anniversary update and recaps key takeaways from his Orlando mastermind trip, including powerful lessons on customer experience, employee retention, and building a team-first culture. He breaks down insights from Joey Coleman on creating an onboarding experience that prevents “new job remorse,” and from Jeff Hoffman on why hiring rockstars, protecting team energy, and defining one clear brand “talent” can change everything. Colton also shares a real-time win from Grizzy's: while he was away, the team ran a strong fish fry and proved how far they’ve come in just a few weeks. He closes by teasing Episode 105, where he’ll re-tell the full story from the beginning—how everything started and how it led to this point.

In Episode 103 of The Grizzly Life Podcast, Colton shifts back into the fitness basics and talks through a topic that’s often overlooked: how to warm up, cool down, and stretch the right way. He breaks down dynamic vs. static stretching, when each actually matters, and why taking a few extra minutes before and after your workout can make a big difference long term—especially as you get older.Colton also shares personal updates on getting back into the gym, balancing fitness with running the restaurant, and preparing for a mastermind trip to Orlando. The episode blends practical training advice with real-life context, reinforcing the importance of consistency, recovery, and building habits now that pay off later.

In Episode 102 of The Grizzly Life Podcast, Colton reflects on nearly a full year of releasing two episodes a week and what the process has taught him about growth, discomfort, and learning through action. He talks about why doing something new and challenging—like starting a podcast—forces personal development, sharper communication, and better leadership. Colton shares honest updates on balancing Grizzy's, the gyms, Priority Fitness, travel, and health, including navigating sickness, falling slightly out of routine, and refocusing on fitness and habits. He dives into the idea of building a “toolbox” through life experiences, learning a little about many things, and why curiosity and adaptability matter. The episode closes with reminders about phases of life, seeing goals instead of obstacles, and committing to becoming 1% better each day.

Episode 101 is a short, audio-only check-in from Colton as he pushes through being sick while staying committed to releasing two episodes a week.He talks honestly about being in a different phase right now—fully invested in building Grizzlies while some of his usual routines like consistent workouts, reading goals, steps, and sleep have taken a temporary hit. Instead of pretending everything is perfectly “dialed,” he explains how life comes in seasons. There are times to push hard in one area, and times to recalibrate. The key isn’t perfection—it’s returning to center and not letting a phase turn into a permanent excuse.Colton also shares a powerful mindset reminder: there are two types of people—those who see the vision, and those who only see the obstacle. Which one are you becoming?

Episode 100 is a milestone moment and a thank-you from Colton to everyone who’s supported The Grizzly Life Podcast from day one. He reflects on the journey from episode one to now, why the podcast is still about growth and practice, and how even one listener being impacted makes it all worth it. Colton shares a powerful mindset reminder about reconnecting with curiosity, imagination, and the willingness to learn—like we had as kids—and challenges listeners to think bigger about what they really want out of life. He closes with a brief update on Grizzlies, sharing wins from recent events, progress in the kitchen, and how the team continues to improve week by week with customer feedback and support.

Episode 99 is a quick, behind-the-scenes Grizzy's update from Colton as the first weeks of new ownership get rolling. He shares how the bar/restaurant has taken over his headspace, why he “failed” 75 Hard after celebrating, and what he’s learning about balancing big goals with real life. Colton walks through major early priorities: deep-cleaning and reorganizing the kitchen, upgrading tools and equipment, and making the back-of-house run smoother. He tells the story of a griddle accident that snapped a gas line—and the creative fix that got service back on track fast. You’ll also hear what’s being improved right now: refreshed bar stools, brighter lighting, new TVs for the big game, and ongoing staff meetings focused on speed, teamwork, and customer service. Colton previews incoming changes like a trial menu, new specials, salad bar plans, and a revamped fish fry. He closes by asking the community to come in, test the experience, and give honest feedback so Grizzy's can level up quickly.

Episode 98 is a short solo reflection from Colton focused on two core ideas: identity and wisdom. He breaks down how the labels you give yourself shape your behavior, habits, and follow-through—and why saying “I can’t” becomes a self-fulfilling limit. Colton explains how committing mentally (and verbally) to your actions builds discipline and credibility, both with yourself and others. He then shifts to the importance of chasing wisdom early through reading, learning, and seeking perspective instead of quick dopamine hits. The episode is a reminder to redefine who you are, commit to what you say you’ll do, and intentionally build knowledge that compounds over time.

Episode 97 is a behind-the-scenes update from Colton recorded inside the newly rebranded Grizzy's Diner & Tavern (formerly Izzy’s). He breaks down how the deal came together, what closing day looked like, and why this project fits the bigger Grizzly vision even though it’s outside the gym world.Colton shares his “customer-first” mindset and explains why stepping into a new industry helps him see business through a fresh lens again. He recaps meeting the staff for the first time, setting expectations, and building a stronger culture through clear communication and teamwork. You’ll hear what’s staying the same immediately (menu, hours, staff) and what will change over time (service standards, branding, paint, decor, and upgrades). Colton also lays out the early priorities: faster service, better feedback loops, and tightening up back-of-house operations. Finally, he teases longer-term ideas like improving food quality and potentially using the commercial kitchen to support meal prep options connected to the gyms.

Episode 96 is a solo update from Colton covering major behind-the-scenes moves at Grizzly. He shares progress on the new headquarters and podcast studio, announces the acquisition and rebrand of Izzy’s Dockside to Grizzy's in Berlin, and explains how this new venture is sharpening his customer-first mindset. Colton also breaks down improvements across gym locations, the rollout of an AI-powered phone system to improve customer service, and closes with lessons on goal-setting, discipline, and stacking small wins.

In Episode 95 of The Grizzly Life Podcast, Colton sits down with special guest Sandra Frye, an Appleton-area paramedic and Army National Guard combat medic. Sandra shares her journey from growing up rural to navigating college, joining the military, and finding her calling in EMS. They talk about discipline, response time, community first responders, and what it’s really like working 12-hour shifts on an ambulance. Sandra also opens up about volunteer work, balancing motherhood, and her long-term goal of moving into critical care and PA school. It’s a grounded, real conversation about service, resilience, and taking initiative instead of waiting for life to hand you a plan.

In Episode 94 of The Grizzly Life Podcast, Colton sits down with Jacob Colburn — founder of O Town Iron and Colton’s business partner — to unpack the real story behind building a gym from scratch. Jacob walks through growing up in Oshkosh, going to UW–Madison, falling in love with the culture at MadTown Fitness, and how a “what if we opened a gym?” idea during Country USA turned into a full-blown obsession. They dig into the messy middle: getting denied by every bank, finding alternative funding, signing leases before the money was guaranteed, learning hard lessons about landlords and communication, and then getting hit with COVID just months after moving into a bigger facility. Along the way, Jacob shares how loss, stress, and sleepless nights shaped his mindset, why perseverance matters more than the perfect plan, and what he’d tell his younger self about playing the long game. It’s an honest, behind-the-scenes conversation about risk, leadership, growth, and what it really takes to build something that lasts in a small-town market.

Episode 93 features special guest Kaylie Wilcox — Colton’s high school classmate turned chiropractor (and managing partner) at Strive to Move in New Jersey — for a real conversation on why “traditional” chiropractic often gets a bad rap, what actually causes chronic back pain, and how to fix the root issue instead of living in the endless cycle of weekly adjustments. Kaylie breaks down her movement-based approach (think chiropractic + physical therapy), why she focuses on how you move instead of just where it hurts, and how strength training, tendon loading, and better core pressure management can keep you out of pain long-term. If you’ve ever been told to “just rest,” to stop squatting, or you feel stuck relying on appointments to feel normal, this episode will shift how you think about pain, movement, and longevity — and give you a smarter, more sustainable path forward.

Episode 92 brings on special guest Taylor Hutchinson, a small-town gym owner from Michigan, to talk straight about what it actually takes to get started in the gym—especially if you’re nervous, out of shape, or haven’t trained in years. Colton and Taylor break down what most people are afraid of (time, soreness, intimidation), why small-town gyms are built for real people (busy moms, dads, and “gen pop” clients), and how a good coach “prescribes” the right starting point—whether that’s personal training first, small group, or a simple beginner plan. They also hit the big rocks outside the gym that drive results—nutrition basics, hydration, daily movement, and sleep—and explain why paying a little more for coaching isn’t an “expense,” it’s an investment that makes you show up and actually change your life.

Episode 91 kicks off with an update on the new "Grizzly HQ" office space—electric is in, next up is paint and floors, and we’re building it out in phases (because progress beats perfection and we’re always reinvesting). Then I get into a mindset shift: sometimes you find what you need by doing the opposite, and even “falling off” your routine can remind you how good you had it and fuel a stronger comeback. We talk goals as tools (not pass/fail), why your strategy is just as much about what you stop doing as what you start, and how thinking about the future reshapes who you are today. I also touch on that weird-but-real feeling of looking back at old conversations and cringing (that’s growth), why progress photos and tracking matter, and what I’m doing to calm my brain down at night—including reading Forrest Gump as a bedtime shutdown book.

In Episode 90 of The Grizzly Life Podcast, Colton continues the New Year momentum by digging into what it actually takes to follow through — not just set goals and forget them.He shares personal updates from his own 2026 plans, including long-distance running progress, boxing lessons with family, public speaking training, and why learning new skills on purpose matters more than comfort. Colton breaks down how he’s organizing his goals across fitness, business, learning, travel, and personal growth — not perfectly, but intentionally.The episode closes with practical lessons on discipline vs. habit, doing hard things without immediate rewards, communicating better with people, and why logic has to come before emotion if you want real progress. It’s a grounded reminder that growth doesn’t come from motivation alone — it comes from intention, consistency, and self-awareness over time.If you’re serious about making 2026 different, this episode gives you the mindset to actually back it up.

In Episode 89 of The Grizzly Life Podcast, Colton kicks off 2026 with a hard truth: most people set goals every year—and most people quit on them just as fast.This episode isn’t about motivation that fades by February. It’s about playing the long game. Colton challenges you to think beyond the next 30 days and ask the real questions:Who do you want to be at 50, 60, or 70? Do you want energy, independence, and momentum—or excuses?After laying out the mindset behind real change, Colton walks through a practical, no-fluff goal-setting framework he uses with his team. Fitness, finances, career, travel, and personal growth—broken down into clear pillars that actually make goals stick.You’ll hear a live, workshop-style example of how to set goals that are realistic, measurable, and worth chasing—and how to revisit them throughout the year instead of forgetting them by February.If you’re tired of empty resolutions and want a plan you can actually follow, this episode sets the tone for doing 2026 the right way.

Happy Holidays — hope you got some real rest, time with family, or even just some quiet time to reset.In Episode 88, Colton shares a few personal holiday updates (including his “fashion era” and why looking sharp actually boosts confidence and productivity), then dives into what he’s been thinking about heading into the new year — including a potential 75 Hard run and what that challenge actually requires.From there, we get into a straight-up conversation on leadership: what real leaders do when things go sideways, why great leadership means putting yourself second, and how “extreme ownership” changes your team culture.Colton also breaks down why the average person isn’t nearly as productive as they think — and how building 60–120 minutes of uninterrupted focus time can completely change your output, value, and results.In this episode:Holiday recap + why giving feels better than buyingConfidence, appearance, and the “dress to impress” effectWhat 75 Hard is (and why Colton might do it)Leadership lessons from a real Priority Fitness situationWhy texts/emails get misread — and how to communicate betterThe productivity truth: most people waste hours dailyHow to plan your 2026 goals and actually stick to themNew year’s coming — don’t waste the momentum. Lock in.

Holden Smith is back for his 5th monthly check-in, and this one’s the perfect end-of-year reality check. We talk about what it’s actually like to rebuild your life when you finally decide you’re done making excuses — the cold mornings, the mental battles, the job change, and the pressure of a wedding coming in May 2026.Holden opens up about the trade-offs he’s made to prioritize health, how seasonal depression hits this time of year, and why discipline matters more than motivation. Then we get into the wins: he’s down to 343.7 lbs, hit his goal of 350 and under, knocked out 6 books, stayed consistent with lifting and steps, completed a brutal 36-hour fast, and is working toward running a mile without walking.We wrap it up by setting January goals: 7 books, 320 lbs, and a 1-mile jog with no walking, plus bigger 2026 targets like getting under 300, hiking Devil’s Lake, and showing up to the wedding healthier, lighter, and more confident than ever.

In Episode 86 of The Grizzly Life Podcast, Colton shares a series of real-life reflections pulled straight from recent travel, work, and day-to-day experiences.He breaks down why enjoying the climb matters more than rushing to the destination, how failure is really just learning how not to fail again, and why paying attention to the small details separates people who grow from people who stay stuck. Colton also talks about confidence — how you carry yourself, how you show up in everyday situations, and why posture, eye contact, and intention matter more than most people realize.The episode wraps with practical perspective on handling problems logically instead of emotionally, why every problem has a solution (even if that solution is patience), and how to start thinking clearly about 2026 goals without overcomplicating them. If you’re in a season of reflection, transition, or just trying to be more intentional with your time and effort, this one will hit home.

Colton’s back from Denver after the Broncos vs. Packers matchup, and he’s breaking down the trip—flight delays, mountain views in Estes Park, and the game-day atmosphere (with Packers fans showing up strong). He also drops a few quick business and gym updates, including the new window finally being fixed at the Wautoma gym, progress on the Princeton building next door, and how the Tuesday/Thursday value emails have been going.But the real message of this episode goes deeper: fulfillment. After meeting a father/son restaurant ownership team in Denver and hearing their story, Colton talks about what it really means to feel fulfilled—doing work that matters, helping people, and understanding the bigger “why” behind what you do every day. If you’ve been feeling stuck, drifting, or asking yourself “what’s the point?”, this episode is a reminder that meaning is built by impact—one person, one interaction, one good decision at a time.

In Episode 84 of The Grizzly Life Podcast, Colton looks ahead to the end of 2025 and breaks down what really matters before the year closes out. Fresh off an early morning leg day—and right before heading to Denver for Broncos vs. Packers—he talks about finishing strong, planning with intention, and setting goals that actually stick.Colton dives into why the next few weeks are the perfect time to tighten up your routines, clean up unfinished business, and choose the one habit that would genuinely change your life going into 2026. He hits on fitness, diet, finances, and the power of writing things down—plus why simple, thoughtful gestures (even at work) go a long way.If you’re ready to stop drifting into the new year and start designing it, this episode gives you the exact mindset to make 2026 your strongest year yet.

In Episode 83, Colton opens up about the last two weeks behind the scenes — the wins, the stressors, and the real-life business curveballs that hit right before the holidays.From a Priority Fitness truck-and-trailer accident the day before Thanksgiving, to navigating insurance claims, IRS penalties, and the chaos that comes with growing multiple companies at once, Colton breaks down why staying calm, staying logical, and staying forward-moving matters more than anything.He dives into:• The “emotion vs. logic” mindset and why most people sabotage themselves• How to handle unexpected problems without derailing your entire day• Why doing the hard things first creates momentum• The power of stacking “net positive days”• Building a happy life one day at a time — literally• Why everyone gets scared, and why that’s actually normal• Finding joy in the tasks you dread, and why they build the most confidenceA real, grounded, practical episode packed with the kind of mindset shifts that actually move the needle — in fitness, in business, and in life.

In Episode 82, Colton sits down before a packed travel week to talk goals, habits, and the mindset shifts that actually move your life forward. Fresh off finishing How to Have Confidence and Power in Dealing with People, he breaks down one of the biggest lessons from the book—why people perform better when their ideas matter—and how that applies to leadership, work, and everyday conversations.From there, Colton dives into fitness motivation, why most people never stick to the gym, and how to actually make working out a long-term habit you enjoy. He unpacks the power of routines, building systems that work for you, breaking bad habits, and why now—not January—is the best time to start leveling up.This episode hits goals, discipline, personal growth, and the mindset behind becoming the best version of yourself… one intentional decision at a time.

In Episode 81 of The Grizzly Life Podcast, Colton is back with a solo breakdown of Thanksgiving week — from surviving the cold five-mile Turkey Trot to tackling carbs for the first time in a long time. He talks about how the race went, what the diet switch-up felt like, and why the post-Thanksgiving pump hit different. From there, Colton dives into the new habits he’s building: a structured weekly running plan, collagen supplementation, and a tighter system for planning his workdays using time-blocked tasks. He also shares mindset shifts around aging, health, and why small wins matter more than most people think.To wrap it up, Colton pulls lessons from the human-behavior book he’s been studying — covering first impressions, confidence, low self-esteem cues, and simple persuasion tools that help you communicate better at work, at home, and everywhere in between.It’s a mix of storytelling, practical takeaways, and mindset upgrades — all centered on becoming just 1% better every day.

In Episode 80 of The Grizzly Life Podcast, Colton dives into a powerful solo session packed with mindset, discipline, and real-life momentum. Fresh off Thanksgiving — and fresh off a four-mile run and a full lift — he breaks down why “winning your day” matters more than people think. Colton opens up about routines, long-term thinking, and why your future self depends on the habits you build right now. He challenges the common “we all die anyway” mindset, pushes back on the idea that your prime is behind you, and explains why taking care of your body today determines the quality of your life decades from now. He also shares how he structures podcast topics, what he’s learning from his latest books, why first impressions matter more than most people realize, and how tracking recovery, VO₂ max, and daily behavior has helped him reverse his biological age.Plus — a quick update on Grizzly’s 7th location opening in Baraboo, the return of the weekly emails, and how you can get involved if you want more tools to level up your fitness, mindset, and discipline.

In Episode 79 of The Grizzly Life Podcast, Colton sits down with fan-favorite Holden Smith for his fourth check-in — and the results speak for themselves. Holden has officially dropped 121 pounds, crushed every goal from last month, and is leveling up again.They break down:• How Holden read five books in 30 days — and why he’s upping the goal to six• The mental grind of hitting a mile-and-a-half walk every gym day• New training goals: consistent lifting, introducing jog/walk sessions, and building real strength• His first 24-hour fast, what he learned, and why he’s tackling a 24 and 36-hour fast next• Nutrition, discipline, setbacks, small wins, and the life changes that come with losing over 120 lbsHolden also opens up about mindset, confidence, clothes fitting differently, and what it means to truly “grow through what you go through.”

Kimber shares her journey from working in schools to finding her true calling in fitness — a path that started with a pair of five-pound dumbbells, YouTube workouts, and a goal to feel strong again. As a single mom navigating life’s challenges, she found purpose in helping others build strength and confidence through movement.Colton and Kimber talk about everything from women’s health and hormone changes to why strength training is essential at every age. They dive into the mindset behind setting goals, using vision boards to dream bigger, and the importance of staying strong — physically, mentally, and emotionally — through every season of life.It’s an inspiring, real conversation about resilience, growth, and what it means to lift yourself and others up, one rep at a time.