Derek Schell

The Fit Dad Project

Health EN ↓ 32 episodes

The Fit Dad Project is the podcast for busy dads and men over 40 who are tired of feeling overweight, exhausted, and stuck in the cycle of starting over every Monday. Hosted by Derek Schell, certified nutrition coach, fitness trainer, and founder of The Minimalist Gym, this show cuts through the noise and delivers practical, no-BS strategies to help you lose fat, build muscle, and reclaim your energy without spending hours in the gym or following restrictive diets. Each episode focuses on the fundamentals that actually move the needle:  Simple, high-protein nutrition   Efficient 30–45 minute w...

Author

Derek Schell

Category

Health

Podcast website

www.buzzsprout.com

Latest episode

Jun 12, 2026

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Episodes

EP 32: Why You Know What to Do But Still Aren't Doing It 12.06.2026

"I know what to do... so why the hell am I not doing it?" Most dads don't need another nutrition podcast. They need help understanding why knowing and doing have become disconnected. In this episode, Derek discussed how to put knowledge into action and breaks down three keys to success: 1. Simplicity 2. Systems 3. Identity. 

EP 31: The 5 Nutrition Habits That Change Everything 09.06.2026

"If I had to start over tomorrow, these are the five habits I'd focus on first." In this episode, Derek breaks down his top 5 nutritional habits that will have the biggest impact on your health, fitness, and body composition. These are the same habits we put the majority of our focus towards in phase 1 of my S4 System. For more content similar to this, please give me a follow on IG...

EP 30: Why Successful Men Struggle to Ask for Help 02.06.2026

Most men don't struggle because they lack information. They struggle because they've attached their identity to being the guy who figures everything out himself. The problem is that health and fitness doesn't reward stubbornness. It rewards awareness. In this episode, Derek discusses why it's so hard for successful men to ask for help. and why true strength means knowing when t...

EP 29: Can You Drink Alcohol and Still Get Lean? 22.05.2026

Can you drink alcohol and still reach your fitness goals?  Can alcohol be a part of a healthy lifestyle?   In this episode, Derek covers:   How alcohol is metabolized in the body   Why alcohol can interfere with fat loss and muscle building   The effects of alcohol on sleep, hormones, recovery, and appetite   The difference between occasional moderate drinking and habitual overconsumption   Practi...

EP 28: How To Set Your Calorie and Macro Targets 20.05.2026

Derek goes over the process of setting calorie and macro targets for fat loss and muscle building.   By the end of this episode, listeners will understand:  Why calories are the foundation of body composition   How to estimate maintenance calories   How to set a calorie target for fat loss or muscle gain   How to calculate protein, fats, and carbohydrates   How to adjust intake based on progress ...

EP 27: The Non-Negotiables Code 15.05.2026

This final episode in a 3-part series is designed to help listeners understand that lasting transformation has very little to do with motivation and almost everything to do with systems. By the end of this episode, you will understand:  Why consistency breaks down during stressful seasons   How to define a set of minimum standards   Why flexibility is more important than perfection   How to recove...

EP 26: The Best Workout Strategy for Men Over 40 14.05.2026

Part 2 of a special three-part podcast series leading up to my upcoming workshop, The Minimalist Method for Men . In Episode 1, we covered The Metabolic Primer and why many men over 40 are accidentally sabotaging their metabolism through chronic under-eating and inconsistent nutrition. Today, we're tackling the second major pillar of the system. I call it: The 30-Minute Muscle Method. If you&...

EP 25: The Truth About Your Slowing Metabolism 13.05.2026

This first episode of a 3 part series that introduces listeners to the foundational concept of The Metabolic Primer , which is Key #1 of my upcoming workshop. The goal is to help busy men realize:  Their metabolism is not "broken"   Chronic under-fueling is sabotaging fat loss   Muscle is the key to metabolic health   Protein and structured eating are the first steps to recovery   Your w...

EP 24: You’re Majoring in the Minors (And It’s Killing Your Progress) 06.04.2026

Derek discusses one of the biggest progress killers for guys in their 40s.  Putting too much emphasis on minor details, while ignoring some of the big rocks that will actually move the needle.  We call this "majoring in the minors."  

EP 23: The Real Reason You’re Still Stuck (It’s Not Your Diet or Workout) 01.04.2026

Derek discusses what really keep busy men in their 40s stuck and the action steps to make real sustainable change.  

EP 22: Why Driven Men Lose Their Health (And How to Fix It) 07.03.2026

In this episode Derek discusses why otherwise successful men find themselves struggling to control their health and fitness. There's still time to join my next 30-day challenge, The Fit Dad Project! Deadline to register is 3/8/26.  Here is the link:   https://info.theminimalistgym.com/fit-dad-project

EP 21: Why Most Fitness Challenges Fail(And How to Make Them Work) 27.02.2026

Derek talks about how most fitness challenges fail and how to succeed by doing challenges the right way. And a shameless plug for my 30-day challenge, the Fit Dad Project.   Join here(deadline is 3/8/26):  https://info.theminimalistgym.com/fit-dad-project Use code S4 for $10 off.

EP 20: Avoiding the "Provider" Trap for Busy Dads 19.02.2026

Derek discusses the topic of the "provider" trap that causes many busy fathers to prioritize career success while watching their health and vitality decline.

EP 19: Dialing In Your Nutrition Without Tracking Macros 02.09.2025

In this episode, Laura and Derek discuss strategies for improving your eating habits for fat loss and muscle building without meticulously weighing and tracking all your food.  Follow us on IG @minimalist.gym, derek.minimalist.gym, laura.minimalist.gym  

EP 18: Fueling for Longevity: Why Restrictive Diets Backfire 22.08.2025

Laura and Derek discuss why restrictive diets are so appealing and how they often lead to undesirable results.   Follow us on Instagram @minimalist.gym 

EP 17: The Aging Myth: Why Getting Older Doesn't Have to Mean Getting Softer 20.08.2025

Laura and Derek discuss the idea that we all have to accept that just because we're getting older, doesn't mean we should give up on our fitness goals.  For more content on all things health and fitness, follow us on the gram @minimalist.gym!

EP 16: The Impact of Social Media on Fitness 06.08.2025

Laura and Derek discuss the impact social media is having on fitness today.   Follow us on Instagram @minimalist.gym

EP 15: Consistency is King: Why Do So Many Struggle With It? 04.08.2025

Laura and Derek discuss the topic of consistency.  We all know it's the key to fitness success, but why is it one of the number 1 obstacles people face? Follow us on Instagram @minimalist.gym!

EP 14: The Most Immediate Constraint 28.07.2025

In today's episode, Derek discusses how to identify the most immediate constraint that is keeping you stuck and why skipping over the mastery of this in leu of more complex protocols is the source the demise for most people.  

EP 13: What's Your "Why"? 21.07.2025

Derek discusses gaining ultimate clarity on your health and fitness goals.  Finding your "why" and digging deep below the surface to find an emotional connection to what reaching certain goals within your fitness journey actually mean to you.  

EP 12: The Truth About Protein 16.07.2025

In this episode, Derek and Laura discuss some common misconceptions around the benefits and possible negative side effects of protein consumption.  

EP 11: Should You Be Tracking Calories & Macros? 14.07.2025

Derek and Laura discuss the science behind fat loss and the 2 ways to ensure you are actually in a calorie deficit.  They also touch on some of the misconceptions and negativity surrounding tracking calories and how to determine if it's the right strategy for you.  

EP 10: How to Build Muscle 09.07.2025

In this episode, Derek and Laura discuss both the science and physiology behind muscle building as well as the practical application for those with busy schedules and limited access to gym equipment.  

EP 9: Getting "Back on Track" After a Holiday Weekend 07.07.2025

Derek and Laura discuss the July 4th weekend and how to enjoy yourself without the guilt and fear of losing all your hard earned progress.

EP 8: The 4-Week Summer Challenge 27.06.2025

In this episode, Derek introduces this years 4-Week Summer Challenge and talks about why it's different from most challenges.  You can register starting today! The challenge officially starts on Monday 7/7.  https://info.theminimalistgym.com/4-week-summer-challenge-2427 Use code SOF10 at checkout to save $10.

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