Reminder: I’m starting every podcast episode by addressing one topic or answering one question that you bring to my attention via our WLC Podcast email address: podcast@wholelifechallenge.com. Send anything you think would be of value for me to see or any thought or question you’d like me to talk about or answer. While I can’t guarantee your question or topic will get addressed on the podcast, I do promise to read what you send!
You may not recognize Jay Jacobs from his name, but many of you would recognize his face, body, and story. Jay and his daughter, Jennifer, were contestants on season eleven of NBC’s hit weight-loss reality show The Biggest Loser.
Jay and his daughter lost a combined total of 295 pounds! But Jay barely made it onto the show after being diagnosed in his pre-contestant medical screening with near fatal heart arrhythmia due to a severe case of sleep apnea.
Over the course of the show, he became one of America’s favorite contestants. In fact, against all odds and competing against an Olympic gold medalist, Jay made it to the coveted final four as the only man left standing and after losing an amazing 181 pounds in eight months. He’s a testament to the phrase “where there is a will, there’s a way.”
Unlike many of the other contestants, Jay has maintained his weight loss through a combination of commitment, consistent exercise, entering events like the Spartan Race and the New York City marathon, and by keeping no secrets. He puts his life in the light so he’s got nothing to hide.
Some of the things we covered in this episode include:
Behind the scenes of The Biggest Loser- Applying for and getting chosen for the show (fifteen out of about 200,000 applicants get selected)
- The importance of your “why?”
- Secret eating
- Training with Jillian Michaels
- Realizing he was the cause of his entire family’s weight problem
- The difference between Biggest Loser and real-life training
- His strategies for keeping the weight off
- How he continued losing weight even after he was voted off
- Eliminating the negative effects of shame and guilt by being absolutely transparent
This episode is full of inspiring nuggets to carry you into the New Year and beyond. Enjoy!
P.S. If you only have five minutes, click here to learn why Jay keeps nothing secret and why telling the truth is important regardless of the challenge you’re facing.
And If you like this podcast, consider listening to my conversation with Tinier Tim Bauer:
Links Mentioned
Follow Jay on Twitter and Instagram.
Email Jay at Jay@couchkills.com for a free copy of his e-book Smartphone Fit.
Couch Kills — Jay’s wellness website.
The Biggest Loser — NBC’s reality TV phenomenon.
Sleep Apnea — What is it and why is it dangerous?
Jillian Michaels — Website for the personal trainer and The Biggest Loser star.
Andy is a certified CHEK Practitioner and holistic lifestyle coach. He holds a spectrum of certifications from CrossFit and is also a Vivobarefoot certified running coach. He has trained as a Zen buddhist and graduated with a Master’s degree in spiritual psychology from the University of Santa Monica.
Andy founded CrossFit LA one of the first and most successful CrossFit training centers in the world and the first to be featured in national media. He is the co-founder of the Whole Life Challenge, Inc, currently its president, and is also a consultant and life/business coach. Andy lives in Los Angeles with his wife, Julia, and son, Dashel.
