FIND A WAY with DUSTY

Starting a weight loss journey can feel overwhelming. Tracking calories, weighing food, learning portions, and building new habits all take time, and at first, they can feel exhausting. In this episode, I share how learning to swim reminded me of the weight loss journey. In the beginning, you’re just trying to stay afloat. Everything feels awkward. But with repetition, you find your rhythm. I also...

Five months ago, I recorded an episode about one simple decision: lock in. In this follow up, I’m sharing what happened after that decision. From losing nearly 60 pounds and reaching the smallest weight of my adult life, to learning why the small daily habits matter far more than big motivational moments, this episode is an honest look at what finally worked. I talk about: * Why “locking in” is mo...

After a season of pacing races and slowly gaining weight despite “doing everything right,” I hit a turning point. In this episode, I break down the honest truth about fat loss, even when you’re eating healthy, training hard, and staying consistent. I share how eating too much of the right foods was holding me back, and the mindset shift that helped me get back on track. I walk you through what’s w...

In this episode, Dusty kicks off 2026 with an honest, unfiltered check-in on life, training, grief, and the weight loss journey. Fresh off a half marathon and looking ahead to the year, he talks about why planning matters more than motivation, how small calorie creep can undo even “good” habits, and why you can’t out-train a misaligned diet. Dusty opens up about navigating stress, loss, and long-t...

It’s been a minute. In this episode, Dusty gives a real, unfiltered update on where his journey is right now, physically, mentally, and emotionally. After years of marathon pacing, long-distance running, and living in constant training cycles, things are shifting. Recovery from skin surgery has been longer than expected. Strength has faded. Nutrition has drifted. And the old routines that once wor...

In this powerful and reflective episode of The Find A Way Podcast, Dusty shares what became a deeply emotional experience at the Monumental Marathon. From witnessing heartbreaking moments on the course to hearing about the loss of two runners, Dusty opens up about gratitude, perspective, and the reminder that every step is a gift. He reflects on his own transformation from 534 pounds to pacing mar...

In this episode of The Find A Way Podcast, Dusty dives into how marathon pacing and the weight loss journey share the same heartbeat: progress built one step at a time. Fresh off pacing the Bowling Green Marathon and navigating post-surgery recovery, Dusty opens up about the challenges of swelling, water retention, and feeling heavier—but also the perspective that comes with endurance. He breaks d...

In this milestone episode of Find A Way with Dusty, I open up about hitting episode 300 and what that number means in my journey from losing 300 pounds to learning that perfection isn’t the goal. After two major skin surgeries, I’ve realized the scars, swelling, and imperfections tell a far more powerful story than any “after photo.” Survival, not perfection, is what drives inspiration. I talk abo...

In this short but powerful episode, Dusty dives into what it really means to find a way when life throws you off track. Using the metaphor of an old radio dial, he compares the weight loss journey, recovery from surgery, and day-to-day life to constantly adjusting your frequency to get a clear signal. From post-surgery struggles and shifting routines to the unpredictable chaos of raising two young...

In this deeply personal episode, Dusty returns after a long break to share some of the toughest challenges he’s ever faced — from recovering after his second skin removal surgery, to a traumatic car accident, to the heartbreak of a miscarriage. Through it all, he opens up about the power of habits and coping mechanisms that have kept him grounded during the darkest moments. Dusty talks about why b...

It’s been a minute, but Dusty is back behind the mic with a raw, unfiltered update on life post-skin removal surgery — and it’s been a ride. In this episode, Dusty opens up about the last two wild months, including the reality of recovering from chest skin removal (eight pounds gone!), the mental challenge of jogging again for the first time, and what it’s like navigating stress, setbacks, and fam...

Welcome back to another episode of The Find a Way Podcast with Dusty! In this episode, I’m diving into the pros and cons of home gyms vs. commercial gyms—what I love about each, what’s worked for me, and how my own setup has evolved since building a DIY squat rack out of wood back in 2020. I talk about how the Find a Way Garage was born, how my partnership with Force USA came together, and why the...

In this episode, Dusty opens up about the unexpected turns in his 300+ pound weight loss journey—from running form shaped by decades of obesity to the mental shift required when reality doesn’t match the original vision. He dives deep into how embracing imperfection, pivoting when plans fall apart, and building resilience can be the difference between quitting and finding a way forward. Whether yo...

In this episode of The Find A Way Podcast, Dusty tackles the controversy surrounding weight loss influencers who use GLP-1 medications or surgery without full transparency. He shares a recent comment from a listener that sparked this conversation and opens up about his own journey, including the ethics of coaching when assistance like surgery or medication has played a role. Dusty emphasizes the i...

In this episode of Find A Way with Dusty, I’m checking in from St. Louis—just one day before running the St. Louis Marathon. I dive into the importance of anchor routines while traveling and how staying consistent with workouts and nutrition keeps me grounded, even away from home. You’ll hear how I’ve been fueling up this week (yes, Costco nuggets made the cut), why prioritizing protein matters—ev...

In this episode of The Find A Way w/ Dusty Podcast, I open up about the real reason I’ve been able to keep moving forward in my weight loss journey — and it has nothing to do with a perfect plan. I share how I’ve learned to eliminate stress, protect my peace, and mentally train for the punches life throws. This isn’t just about losing weight — it’s about becoming unshakable. Let’s talk about bound...

In this episode of Findaway with Dusty, we zoom out from the glamor of influencer highlight reels and zoom in on real life. Dusty drops a heavy dose of perspective for anyone juggling marriage, kids, a 9-to-5, and still showing up for their health journey. He reminds us that your 30-minute workout amidst the chaos of life is just as powerful—if not more—than a three-hour influencer training sessio...

In this quick-hit episode of The Findaway Podcast, Dusty challenges the idea that success is only found on the scale. He breaks down 20+ alternative markers you can use to track your progress—like blood pressure, heart rate, sleep, clothing size, and even how you respond to stress. Dusty also shares a personal story about crash dieting and its long-term consequences, driving home why sustainable,...

In this raw and revealing episode of Find A Way with Dusty, I take you back to one of my most extreme weight loss attempts — dropping 40 pounds in just 30 days using HCG drops and a 500-calorie-a-day crash diet. Spoiler: it didn’t end well. I gained all the weight back (plus more) and developed gout from the damage I did to my body. This episode dives into the long-term consequences of fast fixes,...

I’ve been getting a lot of messages and comments lately about how I started running and what that looked like in the beginning. Now that I’m nine years into my weight loss journey, it’s easy to forget just how hard those early days were. But I never want to lose touch with where I started because that’s what keeps me from getting complacent. Starting at a Higher Weight When I was at my heaviest, r...

In this episode of the Findaway Podcast, Dusty discusses the next step in his health journey—getting his biomarkers and testosterone levels checked. He explains that he partnered with HONE Health to undergo blood work, as he wants to better understand his hormone levels, especially after turning 40 and having two kids. Key Takeaways: • Why Check Biomarkers? • Hormones play a significant role in ov...

Thanks for turning in

In this episode of The Find A Way Podcast with Dusty, we break down a powerful mindset shift: You’ve already proven your strength. If you’ve ever doubted your ability to push through tough moments in your journey, this is your reminder that you’ve already carried the heaviest load—literally. Dusty reflects on the weight he once carried daily and how his body adapted and persevered. If you were str...

In this episode of The Find A Way Podcast with Dusty, we dive into a powerful yet often overlooked tool for managing stress, anxiety, and emotional eating—breathing techniques. Inspired by a recent reflection on a past marathon training run, Dusty shares insights on how our breath plays a crucial role in weight loss, stress regulation, and overall well-being. He revisits the concept of box breathi...

Podcast Episode Summary – “Acclimating to the Journey” In this episode of the Find a Way Podcast, Dusty reflects on his return to the gym after three months of working out at home. He shares how winter, past experiences with illness, and concerns about gym cleanliness led to a break from his regular gym routine. Now, stepping back into the gym environment, he realizes how much it has positively im...