Scale Back the Bullsh*t

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Podcast by Alex

Scale Back the Bullsh*t

Ever felt like everyone’s health journey on social media is all highlight reels? Not hating—they’re cool—but what about the setbacks, the failures, the days you don’t feel like posting? Me too. This is Scale Back the Bullsh*t—no filters, no fluff, just real talk. I’m Alex, and this is the podcast where we dive into the messy, hard, beautiful parts of fitness and health. The wins, the losses, the setbacks—the good, the bad, and the ugly. I’m bringing raw stories, honest failures, brutal truths—and some laughs too. Because nobody posts their rest day panic, their mental health stuff, or the time they just quit a workout halfway through. Here, you’ll hear it all, and you’ll know: you’re not alone. Each week? I’ll share my own battles, bring on guests who’ve been through painful comebacks, and uncover the lessons behind every bruise—emotional and physical. So buckle in, and let’s scale back the bullsh*t—together.
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Latest episodes

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03 August 2025

Unedited Visit from Mom

In this heartfelt podcast episode, Host A celebrates their 37th birthday with a unique twist—having their mom narrate the story of their birth. The host's mother recounts an enduring labor of 15 hours without any epidural, vividly remembering the support from a beloved midwife. Despite the long labor, the recovery was surprisingly swift, with mom cooking in the kitchen just hours after giving birth. The conversation also unveils the ease of raising A and juxtaposes it with the challenges faced with the host's sibling due to medical conditions. A's confidence from childhood, influenced by their mother's and grandmother's affirmations, stands out as a recurrent theme.

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49:46

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31 July 2025

Fitting Fitness into Family Life: Jesse and Cates Story

In this episode of 'Scale Back the Bullshit,' we talk with Jesse and his wife Cate about their weight loss and fitness journey. Married for 21 years and high school sweethearts, the couple shares how their relationship has evolved, particularly through Jesse's weight loss transformation. Jesse discusses early marriage, his previous partying lifestyle, and the pivotal moments that led him to embrace health and fitness. He has been dedicated to the gym where he finds peace and mental therapy and explains the importance of being a true role model for his children. His wife Cate, who has loved and supported him no matter what season of life he is in, provides insights on dealing with loneliness, the impact on their family life, and how they fit family life into their fitness lifestyle.

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01:28:26

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12 July 2025

Muscle and Mirrors: A Journey from 305 Pounds to Bodybuilding

In this episode of 'Scale Back the Bullshit,' Denise Reyes, a mother of two who embarked on an inspiring fitness journey after the loss of her father. Once an athletic teenager who lost herself in the hustle of family life, Denise took back control of her health without bariatric surgery, managing to lose substantial weight while preparing for competitive bodybuilding. The discussion focuses on the challenges many moms face, from prioritizing others over themselves to rediscovering one’s personal identity. Denise’s story highlights the importance of self-care for the benefit of family well-being.

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01:09:15

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03 July 2025

Changing the Mindset with Mandy

Lets get into it-In this episode of Scale Back the Bullshit, we dive into an honest conversation with Mandy about her journey to body positivity and weight loss. Mandy shares childhood stories that shaped her relationship with food and body image. The discussion highlights the balance parents face in promoting health without instilling a negative body image. Through personal anecdotes, the episode delves into the societal shift in body acceptance, embracing diverse shapes and sizes, and the effect of social media on our perceptions of beauty.

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01:15:47

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24 June 2025

Sssshhhhh!!! Lets talk about THE SHOT!

Lets get into it- Episode two is a super engaging and heartfelt interview with Ashley, exploring her journey through food addiction, emotional masking, and weight-loss transformations—from her pivotal moment of not fitting on a Universal Studios ride to deciding on bariatric surgery and later embracing GLP‑1 therapy and body-contouring surgery. The conversation dives into the complexities of hidden struggles, the importance of mental and therapeutic support, and the courage it takes to publicly share every step—failures, victories, and all—with authenticity and joy.

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01:21:44

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23 June 2025

The Picture That Changed Everything: A Conversation with Lana

In the debut episode of 'Scale Back, the Bullshit,' host Alex opens up about her fitness journey following gastric sleeve surgery in 2020. She discusses the inspiration she found in Lana, a friend whose side-by-side transformation photo sparked her own health realization. Alex aspires to create a safe space for unfiltered conversations about health and fitness, encouraging others to share their stories. In a heartfelt conversation with Lana, they discuss the challenges and triumphs of weight loss surgery, with the hope of inspiring others through their shared experiences.

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36:35

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