The Leo Alves Podcast

Ep. 244 Nov 18, 2025

If you've ever treated the gym like a side quest—hyped at first, then ghosted halfway through the campaign—this episode's for you. I break down how to turn your fitness into a real-life RPG. You'll build an XP system for workouts, design your own quest log, track streaks like achievements, and even unlock "difficulty modes" when you're ready for a challenge. Whether you're grinding ranked matches, chasing shiny pulls, or just trying to feel more like your in-game main character, this is your full guide to levelling up IRL.

Ep. 243 Nov 11, 2025

When I first started lifting, I wasted nearly two years doing things the hard way—repeating poor workouts, trusting bad nutrition advice, and chasing quick fixes that never worked. In this episode, I share the exact mistakes I made early in my lifting journey and what I'd do differently today. From skipping form feedback and overusing supplements to believing coconut oil was "magic," these are the lessons that'll save you time, frustration, and money if you're still figuring things out.

Ep. 242 Nov 4, 2025

In this episode, I answer your fitness and life questions—from training frequency, motivation, and nutrition to card collecting, mindset shifts, and fictional heroes. Whether you're trying to lose fat, build muscle, or stay consistent, this episode breaks down the fundamentals in a way that's both practical and relatable.

Ep. 241 Oct 28, 2025

In this episode, I explain why trading card collectors already have the mindset to crush it in fitness—they just don't realise it yet. From patience and consistency to tracking and long-term thinking, collectors already live by the same principles that build a strong, lean body.

Ep. 240 Oct 17, 2025

I've spent years talking about fitness, fat loss, and strength training—and that won't stop. But lately, I've realised this podcast needs to evolve with me. In this episode, I explain why The Leo Alves Podcast is niching down—combining my worlds of fitness, card collecting, gaming, anime, and Marvel. I talk about creative burnout, staying authentic as a coach, and why it's okay to let your content evolve as you do. If you've ever felt torn between different passions, this episode will show you that you can bring them together and still stay true to your mission.

Ep. 239 Oct 10, 2025

Most people quit their fat loss journey right before things finally start working. In this episode, I break down the biggest reasons why people give up, from plateaus, scale obsession, and boredom to all-or-nothing thinking—and what actually happens if you stick it out long enough for fat loss to "click." I'll share personal experiences, client lessons, and practical strategies so you can stay consistent and finally see results that last. If you've ever felt like giving up because fat loss feels too slow or too hard, this episode will help you understand why and give you the tools to push through.

Ep. 238 Oct 3, 2025

In this episode, I'm answering 15 of your most asked questions on fat loss, fitness, nutrition, and lifestyle. From the biggest fat loss mistakes and breaking through plateaus, to whether fad diets like keto or intermittent fasting really work, I cover it all. I also mix in some fun personal questions—like my go-to cuisine, surprising foods I've tried while travelling, and even the TV shows I can rewatch endlessly. If you've ever wondered about cardio for fat loss, supplements like creatine, gym machines vs free weights, or how to stay consistent when motivation drops, this Q&A has you covered.

Ep. 237 Sep 26, 2025

In this episode, I answer the 10 most common questions about muscle growth so you can finally stop second-guessing your training. From how often you need to work out, to whether soreness matters, to if you can grow muscle on 6 hours of sleep, I break it all down in a simple and practical way. Whether you're a beginner or experienced lifter, this Q&A will give you the clarity and confidence to build muscle effectively.

Ep. 236 Sep 19, 2025

Turning 30 has me reflecting on the last three decades and the biggest lessons I've learned along the way. In this special episode, I share 18 lessons from 30 years of life, spanning fitness, mindset, and personal growth. From my early injuries in South London gyms, to living in Japan, Vermont, and Texas, to mistakes I made with overtraining, calorie tracking, and balance, I cover the insights that shaped me as a coach and as a person. Whether you're here for fitness takeaways or life perspective, these lessons will help you avoid the mistakes I made and give you clarity on how to move forward with confidence.

Ep. 235 Sep 12, 2025

In this episode, I answer the 10 biggest protein questions people ask when trying to build muscle, lose fat, or improve their health. From how much protein you really need, to whether shakes are necessary, when to eat it, plant vs animal proteins, and even the cheapest ways to hit your protein goals. Everything is covered here!

Ep. 234 Sep 5, 2025

In this solo episode, I share my personal experience with American food culture as a European who studied, travelled, and lived in the USA—especially the unexpected digestive chaos I faced during my 10-week stay in Texas. From shocking portion sizes and hyper-sweetened cereals to a complete shift in walkability and environment, I break down how these differences impacted my body, my fat gain, and my overall health—even while staying active and eating relatively balanced. I also reflect on how New England felt completely different, and why so many Americans are unknowingly fighting an uphill battle with their food environment. If you've ever felt confused or frustrated by your own digestion, portion control, or progress… this one might hit close to home.

Ep. 233 Aug 29, 2025

In this solo Q&A episode, I unpack the key differences between eating for performance and eating for fat loss, and whether cheat meals help or hurt your progress. I dive into underrated gym tips, how to stay active while travelling without ruining the trip, and why intuitive eating might not be the best choice for fat loss. You'll hear my thoughts on training when tired, whether meal prep is actually essential, and how I approach programming workouts for busy people. I also share a small habit that unexpectedly improved my life, a travel experience that totally caught me off guard, and what three possessions I'd keep if I could only choose a few.

Ep. 232 Aug 22, 2025

In this solo Q&A episode, I'm answering your questions about the biggest fitness misconceptions, including why people obsess over the "perfect workout split" when it rarely matters, and how to know if you're actually eating enough protein. I'll share a funny, awkward story from my early gym days, my honest take on cardio for fat loss, and a recent mistake I made that taught me a valuable lesson. You'll also hear my thoughts on breaking strength plateaus, whether supplements are truly worth it, and how random habits from Japan and Portugal still shape my daily routine. To wrap up, I'll discuss how to bounce back after an injury, why "eating healthy" doesn't automatically mean fat loss, and how to handle social pressure when no one else around you cares about fitness. 'The Ultimate Guide to Tracking Calories' YouTube Video

Ep. 231 Aug 15, 2025

In this solo Q&A episode, I tackle the most common fat loss mistakes people make when they avoid food tracking, why "doing more" isn't always the answer to stalled progress, and how to know if your workout plan is actually working. I also share personal stories, including a 'bad' habit that taught me a life-changing lesson, nostalgic memories from my childhood, and how living in Portugal has shaped my approach to fitness and life. We'll debunk frustrating fitness myths, expose overrated fat loss hacks, and I'll give you practical advice for staying consistent when life gets busy—without derailing your goals at holidays, weddings, or social events. If you've ever wondered about 'tone up' workouts, why weight fluctuates even when you're consistent, or the real difference between clean eating and fat loss eating—this episode is for you.

Ep. 230 Aug 8, 2025

Today, I'm joined by Chris Gates, a fitness coach who specialises in helping busy parents build sustainable health and fitness routines. We break down why doing "more" isn't the answer, how flexible dieting can be incredibly effective for parents, and how even two workouts a week can transform your strength. Chris also dives into simple nutrition habits, the importance of behaviour change, and why leading by example for your kids matters more than you think. If you're a parent struggling to balance fitness with family, this episode is for you. Chris' Instagram Chris' Website

Ep. 229 Aug 1, 2025

This week, I chat with fitness coach Nolan Vannata about the growing health and obesity crisis in America. We explore how the modern food environment, from chemical-laced ultra-processed foods to fear-mongering around fruit, is fuelling confusion and poor health outcomes. Nolan breaks down key mindset shifts for long-term success, the common traps beginners fall into, and why so many people tie their identity to their diet. We also touch on Threads as a rising platform, Nolan's love of cooking, and why most people need to rethink how they train and eat. Nolan's Instagram

Ep. 228 Jul 24, 2025

This week, I'm joined by Adam Pecoraro — a no-BS fitness coach who's been helping men lose body fat sustainably. We dive into the biggest lies still being pushed in the fitness industry, why extreme methods like carnivore still get attention, and how social media fuels unrealistic physique standards through hidden steroid use. Adam shares what a bare-minimum realistic week looks like for busy men, and what actually sets apart clients who lose 30+ pounds and keep it off for good. Adam's Instagram Adam's TikTok

Ep. 227 May 29, 2025

Beth Feraco joins me to talk about everything from the absurdity of the "all sugar diet" trend to why basic nutrition advice—like "eat vegetables"—is now controversial online. We dive into personal responsibility, food deserts, shady supplement marketing, and her own photoshoot prep journey. If you're tired of fitness fluff and want real talk, this is the episode for you. Beth's Website Beth's Instagram Beth's TikTok

Ep. 226 May 22, 2025

In this episode, I'm joined by Tokyo-based fitness coach Andy Morgan, from Ripped Body, known for cutting through the noise with practical, evidence-based advice. We discuss Japan's unique health culture, the downside of misleading supplements, how "victim mentality" is holding people back, and why simple nutrition advice often gets overlooked. Andy also shares what successful clients actually do differently, the problem with forcing kids to finish their plates, and how to train effectively when you've only got 2–3 days a week. Whether you're a seasoned lifter or a beginner stuck in a rut, this episode will give you clarity, perspective, and actionable takeaways. Andy's Website

Ep. 225 Apr 24, 2025

In this episode, I'm joined by fitness coach Daniel Yores—just weeks after his wedding—to chat about nutrition, training, and the mindset needed for fat loss. We dive into how Daniel prepped for his big day, how things are changing now that he's married, and why most people wait too long to start their fitness journey. You'll also learn: ✅ What aggressive fat loss phases are and when they're appropriate ✅ The #1 mistake people make during and after a diet ✅ Whether steps and cardio are essential ✅ What to do if you're starting your journey morbidly obese ✅ And why having a plan after your calorie deficit is essential for long-term success If you're stuck in start-stop cycles or unsure whether an aggressive fat loss phase is right for you, this is a must-listen. Daniel's Instagram Daniel's X