Honestly, I thought I had done my last "before and after" transformation podcast. I mean, it's hard to top Josh LaJaunie, Tim Kaufman, Anthony Masiello, Heather Goodwin, and so many others.
Then I saw Dan Carraciolo's pre-post photos on my Facebook feed, and I was like, "Bullshit! This isn't even the same guy." It looked like the episode of "Nathan For You" where the author of a fake fitness book hires an overweight guy to be his "before" photo. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LkNxvUrWQ_Q
But as I dove into Dan's feed, and saw the slow and steady progression from overweight and sick to fit - and not just fit, but happy, and not just happy, but like way younger-looking and more vibrant and more, I don't know, present, maybe - I became a believer.
And so Dan and I jumped on a Zoom call to talk about his transformation from unhappy, overweight diabetic to ebullient athlete. And yes, that's the first time since high school English class that I've ever used the word ebullient.
We spoke over his favorite exercise, rowing, and he gave me a bunch of tips. (I can row for like an hour, and not move an inch on that machine - it's really frustrating.)
We chatted about food, and the mindset required to completely shift his dietary patterns.
We talked about mental health, and how important it is to destigmatize mental health challenges, so we can address them individually and as communities.
We also spoke about Dan's commitment to social justice, including supporting the Black Lives Matter movement, and offering a lifeline of safety to non-gender-conforming youth (which is why Dan's Facebook name is Dan Caracciolo He).
A note of warning: the audio isn't the best, for reasons best known by Zoom and sound engineers everywhere. Dan's still audible, thought you might have to turn down the heavy machinery to really get the most out of the conversation.
Enjoy, and let us know what you think in comments!