Episode 9

Choosing Your Hard: Curtis' Journey, From 5-time Cancer Survivor to Bodybuilder

The episode begins with introductions and a curiosity about Curtis's unique Instagram name, "Slappy the squirrel," which he credits to a character from the Animaniacs cartoon. The conversation quickly transitions into Curtis's inspiring fitness journey, highlighting his significant achievements, including overcoming major health challenges and winning his first bodybuilding competition.

Curtis shares his battle with bladder cancer, diagnosed when he was 32 and weighing 350 pounds, which acted as a catalyst for his fitness transformation. He emphasizes the importance of proactive health management, detailing his decision to quit smoking and adjust his lifestyle significantly after his diagnosis and his experience with type 2 diabetes.

Curtis's narrative illustrates his resilience through multiple cancer recurrences and treatments, maintaining a positive and learning-oriented mindset despite these challenges. He also touches on the personal aspects of his journey, such as the impact of his fitness transformation on his family life and his children's perceptions.

The podcast delves into Curtis's motivations for running a marathon and competing in a bodybuilding contest, reflecting his goal-oriented approach and determination to challenge himself despite physical adversities, including plantar fasciitis and the intense preparation for the bodybuilding show.

Curtis candidly discusses his diet and training regimen, providing insights into the discipline and dedication required for bodybuilding, including the significance of the tanning process for competitions. He also shares his views on TRT (testosterone replacement therapy), emphasizing his goal for balance and health rather than extreme enhancements.

The episode concludes with Curtis offering motivational advice, urging listeners to embrace the challenges of fitness and to choose their 'hard,' reinforcing the theme that perseverance and a positive mindset can lead to transformative life changes.

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Mindful Muscle
The Body Does What The Mind Tells It

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About your hosts

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Gio Marin

Gio is a fitness enthusiast and dedicated weightlifter, passionately committed to a plant-based lifestyle. He challenges the norms of physical health and strength training with his rigorous six-day-a-week gym regimen. As a co-host of the Mindful Muscle Podcast, Gio explores and shares innovative fitness strategies, nutrition tips, and personal growth tactics aimed at enhancing physical well-being and athletic performance. His goal is to inspire others to achieve their fitness objectives through resilience and disciplined living.
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Jodi Dolo

Jodi is a dedicated advocate for healthy living, having conquered a health scare and losing about 90 pounds. She's committed to inspiring and helping others in reaching their goals. Recently certified as a nutritionist and personal trainer, Jodi aims to blend her passion for sustainable nutrition and weightlifting with a priority on mindset to foster enduring health transformations. Her down-to-earth approach and motivating journey form the core of her coaching philosophy, showcased on the Mindful Muscle Podcast, where she provides practical guidance on fitness, nutrition, and personal growth.