The Upgraded Man

Latest Episodes:

Why Liking Yourself Is the Hardest Work a Man Will Ever Do May 11, 2026

Show notes

Welcome to the very first guest episode of The Upgraded Man Podcast. Host Chris Anderson sits down with Dr. Bobby Shelton, a researcher and speaker on self-leadership theory, for a conversation about what it actually takes for a man to like himself again, and why so many high-achieving men are quietly running on empty.

Bobby opens up about the morning he sat in a chair for an hour and a half, refusing to stand until he gave himself permission to start liking who he was. He shares how a wife's blunt comment, 180 pounds of weight loss, a doctoral program he chose because he hated reading, and the funeral of yet another friend lost to suicide led him to a breaking point and a complete rebuild. The conversation moves into Bobby's signature framework, easy hard versus hard hard, and why most men exhaust themselves on the wrong battles.

In this episode:

The chair moment that changed Bobby's life and what it means to give yourself permission
Why losing 180 pounds and earning a doctorate didn't fix the anger or the depression
The self-leadership principle: you cannot lead others until you lead yourself
How men outsource their identity to jobs, social media, religion, and the opinions of strangers
Easy hard versus hard hard, and how to tell which one you are actually living in
The daily writing practice Bobby uses to end every morning with "I love you, Bobby"
Why saying no to good things is the price of saying yes to your real purpose
Bobby's next mission with the George W. Bush Institute supporting veteran mental health

Connect with Dr. Bobby Shelton through Self Leadership Lab, available on YouTube, Apple, and major platforms, and on LinkedIn. His website and email are open for anyone who wants to start the work.

Subscribe to The Upgraded Man Podcast for weekly conversations built for men who refuse to be complacent.

This episode may or may not be sponsored. Some product links are affiliate links, meaning we'll receive a small commission if you buy something.

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⚡️ PODCAST: Subscribe and listen on all major platforms

⚡️ Want to be a guest on The Upgraded Man? Apply here ➡ https://upgraded-man.com/guest

⚡️ For support or business inquiries, email us ➡ chris@upgraded-man.com

Our mission at The Upgraded Man is simple — help men upgrade every area of their life through real conversations, honest stories, and actionable insight from men who have done the work.
Want to be a guest on The Upgraded Man? Send Chris Anderson a message on PodMatch, here: https://www.podmatch.com/hostdetailpreview/upgradedmanpodcast

The content on The Upgraded Man is for informational and entertainment purposes only. The views expressed by the host and guests are their own and do not constitute professional legal, financial, medical, or therapeutic advice. Always consult a qualified professional before making decisions based on information discussed on this podcast.

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The Arena Is Lonely. Stay Anyway. | A Solo Episode on Roosevelt, Failure, and the Cost of Staying In May 04, 2026

Show notes

In 1910, a former president stood at the Sorbonne and delivered what would become one of the most quoted passages in American history. But Theodore Roosevelt wasn't a polished motivational speaker that day. He was a man who had buried his wife and mother on the same day, disappeared into the Badlands for two years, and rebuilt himself from nothing. That's the man behind "The Man in the Arena" — and that context changes everything.

In this solo episode of The Upgraded Man, Chris Anderson reads Roosevelt's full passage and breaks it down into six movements every man needs to hear. This isn't a coffee mug quote anymore. This is a roadmap for the man who's tired of keeping a tally of his shortcomings and quietly wondering if he's built for any of this.

In this episode, Chris unpacks:

The real story behind Roosevelt's 1910 Sorbonne speech and why context changes the meaning
Why the loudest critic in your life isn't on the internet — he's between your ears
The difference between wanting the credit and being willing to take the bruises
Why the polished man is the suspicious one, and what dust, sweat, and blood actually prove
A direct word for the man keeping a running ledger of every place he's fallen short
The critical difference between being exhausted and being spent — and why the cure isn't more rest
Why neutrality, not failure, is the real opposite of being in the arena
A three-part challenge: name the arena, text it to a brother, do one thing this week that risks failure

If you've been circling something for months — a hard conversation, a decision at work, a prayer, a confession — this episode is the nudge to step in.

The Upgraded Man Podcast is hosted by Chris Anderson and focuses on men's personal development across five life pillars. Recently rebranded after 500 episodes from The Elevate Media Podcast, the show is built for men who are done coasting and ready to do the work.

Subscribe, share this episode with a brother who needs it, and come back in 30 days to see what changed.

This episode may or may not be sponsored. Some product links are affiliate links, meaning we'll receive a small commission if you buy something.

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⚡️ PODCAST: Subscribe and listen on all major platforms

⚡️ Want to be a guest on The Upgraded Man? Apply here ➡ https://upgraded-man.com/guest

⚡️ For support or business inquiries, email us ➡ chris@upgraded-man.com

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The 5 Pillars of an Upgraded Man | Welcome to the Upgraded Man Podcast Apr 27, 2026

Show notes

In this debut episode of the newly rebranded Upgraded Man Podcast, host Chris Anderson lays out the foundation for everything to come. After years of running the Elevate Media Podcast, Chris is honing in on a clear mission: helping men who refuse to stay complacent become better versions of themselves, one day at a time. This solo episode introduces the five pillars that will guide every future conversation, every guest interview, and every solo breakdown on the show.

Chris speaks openly about why men today need this conversation more than ever, from the alarming rates of male suicide to the cultural pressure to chase transactions over real relationships. He shares personal stories from his own journey, including his college mental health struggles, his experience playing soccer in Holland as a teenager, and standing on the Great Wall of China during a leadership mission trip.

Key topics and takeaways from this episode:

Why mindset and mental health are the foundation of every other area of growth, and how to drop the labels that keep men stuck
The truth about health: it's invisible until you lose it, and why nutrition, fitness, and recovery have to be non-negotiable
Relationships over revenue, and why investing in people first opens doors that chasing sales never will
How financial stress impacts every other area of life, and the difference between spending to impress and building real freedom
The forgotten pillar of living fully, and why experiences compound in ways that possessions never do
Why time speeds up as life goes on, especially with kids, and how to be present in the moments that actually matter
A preview of upcoming guests including Olympians, gold medalists, ultra marathoners, and entrepreneurs who have pushed the limits of what is possible

The goal of this show is not just success. It is becoming a better man, husband, father, friend, and leader. If that resonates with you, follow the show and share it with a guy in your life who would benefit from the journey.

Host: Chris Anderson, founder of the Upgraded Man Podcast and former athletic trainer with a master's degree in athletic training.

This episode may or may not be sponsored. Some product links are affiliate links, meaning we'll receive a small commission if you buy something.

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⚡️ PODCAST: Subscribe and listen on all major platforms

⚡️ Want to be a guest on The Upgraded Man? Apply here ➡ https://upgraded-man.com/guest

⚡️ For support or business inquiries, email us ➡ chris@upgraded-man.com

Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

500 Episodes, 3 Lessons, and a Big Rebrand Announcement Apr 20, 2026

Show notes

This is a milestone moment. In episode 500, host Chris Anderson pulls back the curtain on what it actually takes to stay consistent for nearly a decade of podcasting, the relationships that changed the trajectory of his business, and the biggest announcement in the show's history: the Elevate Media Podcast is officially becoming The Upgraded Man Podcast.

Chris gets candid about starting in the corner of his living room with Captain America kid headphones and a laptop mic, interviewing millionaires before he ever looked the part. He shares why most podcasters quit before episode eight, what 500 episodes of guest conversations have taught him about building a real life, and why the show is narrowing its focus to serve the audience that kept showing up: men who refuse to stay complacent.

Chris also introduces the five pillars that will anchor every future episode and invites listeners into a community built around becoming better tomorrow than you are today.

In this episode:

Why consistency beats talent every single time, and how showing up weekly compounds into something bigger than you imagined
The relationships-over-revenue principle that opened doors Chris never expected
Why "done is better than perfect" is the only way to actually start something
The embarrassing early days of the podcast, from kid headphones to a built-out studio
How to recognize when you're stuck on autopilot in business, marriage, health, or finances
Why the Upgraded Man is a journey, not a destination, and what that means for listeners
The official announcement of the podcast rebrand and what's changing (and what isn't)
A preview of the five pillars that will shape every future episode and conversation
Practical ways to stop coasting and start evolving in your nine-to-five, your workouts, and your relationships
Why Chris believes the next 500 episodes will matter more than the first

Whether you've been listening since the living room days or you're finding the show for the first time, this episode is a reset, a thank-you, and an invitation. Hit follow so you don't miss episode 501 and the first full episode of The Upgraded Man Podcast.

Host: Chris Anderson, founder of Elevate Media and host of The Upgraded Man Podcast (formerly the Elevate Media Podcast).

This episode may or may not be sponsored. Some product links are affiliate links, meaning we'll receive a small commission if you buy something.

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⚡️ PODCAST: Subscribe and listen on all major platforms

⚡️ Want to be a guest on The Upgraded Man? Apply here ➡ https://upgraded-man.com/guest

⚡️ For support or business inquiries, email us ➡ chris@upgraded-man.com

Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Stop Chasing, Start Leading: What Men Get Wrong About Relationships | A.D. the Kingmaker Apr 06, 2026

Show notes

Most men don't lose their relationships because they stopped trying — they lose them because they never understood what actually creates lasting attraction and respect. In this episode, Chris sits down with A.D. the Kingmaker Dunbar, a former engineer who invested over $200,000 and years of study into understanding relationship dynamics from every angle imaginable — from Muslim men with multiple wives to former pimps and pickup artists. What he found will challenge almost everything men have been told about love, leadership, and being a "good guy."

In this episode, you'll discover:

The three types of men — peasants, good guys, and kings — and which one you're currently operating as
Why "happy wife, happy life" is a trap that produces some of the most miserable men alive
The power dynamic hiding in every relationship — and how men unknowingly hand over control without realizing it
Why your woman can't respect you more than you respect yourself — and how self-investment changes everything in a relationship
The midlife crisis reframe — why A.D. says men should "have the crisis now" instead of waiting until 50
The difference between leading and controlling — and why sexual attraction is the only real dividing line between the two
Why men are getting more mediocre results while doing more — and the business analogy that makes it undeniable
How to flip a failing relationship dynamic — including the one conversation A.D. says you should be having every month
Why testosterone is dropping across all species — and what it means for modern dating and marriage
How to love without attachment — and why being willing to walk away is actually the most loving thing a man can do

Whether you're single, in a relationship, or a husband looking to reignite what's been lost, this conversation is a wake-up call. A.D. doesn't do shame — but he does make you feel something that leads to a decision.

Connect with A.D. the Kingmaker on all platforms: @adthekingmaker Resources for husbands and wives: thethirtydayfix.net/husband | thethirtydayfix.net/wife

This episode may or may not be sponsored. Some product links are affiliate links, meaning we'll receive a small commission if you buy something.

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⚡️ PODCAST: Subscribe and listen on all major platforms

⚡️ Want to be a guest on The Upgraded Man? Apply here ➡ https://upgraded-man.com/guest

⚡️ For support or business inquiries, email us ➡ chris@upgraded-man.com

Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Are You Quitting Too Soon? The Lesson Every Entrepreneur Needs to Hear Mar 23, 2026

Show notes

Have you been doing everything right — putting in the work, staying consistent — but you still can't break through to the next level? This episode is for you.

Chris Anderson shares the timeless "Three Feet from Gold" story from Napoleon Hill's Think and Grow Rich and unpacks what it means for every entrepreneur, business owner, and father who's on the verge of walking away.

In this episode:

📖 The full "Three Feet from Gold" story from Napoleon Hill
🧠 Why most people quit right before their breakthrough
🔍 The power of seeking wise counsel when you're stuck
💡 How failure and defeat are tests — not final verdicts
🔄 Knowing when to push through vs. when to pivot

If you're close to giving up on your business, share this episode with someone who needs to hear it.

🔔 Subscribe for new episodes every week.

This episode may or may not be sponsored. Some product links are affiliate links, meaning we'll receive a small commission if you buy something.

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⚡️ PODCAST: Subscribe and listen on all major platforms

⚡️ Want to be a guest on The Upgraded Man? Apply here ➡ https://upgraded-man.com/guest

⚡️ For support or business inquiries, email us ➡ chris@upgraded-man.com

Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

The Truth About Growth Equity: What Investors Really Look For in Founders | Jim Ferry of Volition Capital Mar 16, 2026

Show notes

In this episode, Jim Ferry of Volition Capital pulls back the curtain on growth equity — the often-misunderstood middle ground between venture capital and private equity. If you're a founder wondering whether outside capital is right for your business, this is a must-listen.

What you'll learn:

The difference between venture capital, growth equity, and private equity (and where you fit)
The 3 reasons founders seek growth equity investment
What investors are really evaluating when they meet you
How to talk about your competition without killing the deal
What a 5–7 year investment partnership actually looks like
Why Shark Tank is NOT an accurate picture of how deals work
The founder traits that correlate with successful outcomes

This episode may or may not be sponsored. Some product links are affiliate links, meaning we'll receive a small commission if you buy something.

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⚡️ PODCAST: Subscribe and listen on all major platforms

⚡️ Want to be a guest on The Upgraded Man? Apply here ➡ https://upgraded-man.com/guest

⚡️ For support or business inquiries, email us ➡ chris@upgraded-man.com

Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Unlocking Dyslexia: Why Your Child Is Smarter Than the System Thinks | Russell Van Brocklen Mar 09, 2026

Show notes

Did you know 15 to 20% of the population has dyslexia, yet most schools are still failing these students? In this episode of the Elevate Media Podcast, host Chris Anderson sits down with Russell Van Brocklen, a dyslexia educator and researcher with over a decade of experience helping students overcome learning differences through a brain-based approach rooted in Yale research.

Russell breaks down exactly why the traditional school system is built for a brain that dyslexic students simply don't have and what to do instead. He walks through his step-by-step writing method that can take a child writing random, misspelled words to producing well-structured sentences with correct grammar in a single session. He also shares how he's helping students with dyslexia, ADD, and ADHD find their "specialty" (their narrow area of deep interest) and use it as the engine for advanced academic achievement, including peer-reviewed research and AI-era career readiness.

Whether your child is struggling in school, you suspect dyslexia in yourself, or you're just fascinated by how different brains learn, this episode will change the way you think about intelligence, education, and potential.

Connect with Russell and access a free guide: dyslexiaclasses.com

This episode may or may not be sponsored. Some product links are affiliate links, meaning we'll receive a small commission if you buy something.

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⚡️ PODCAST: Subscribe and listen on all major platforms

⚡️ Want to be a guest on The Upgraded Man? Apply here ➡ https://upgraded-man.com/guest

⚡️ For support or business inquiries, email us ➡ chris@upgraded-man.com

Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

How to Stop Hustling and Start Growing: Productivity & Clarity with Chanda Coston Mar 02, 2026

Show notes

In this episode of the Elevate Media Podcast, Chris Anderson sits down with Chanda Coston, business strategist, CEO, and founder of the HEB Foundation, to explore how high-achieving entrepreneurs can regain control of their time and focus on what truly moves the needle. Chanda shares her proven methods for calendar audits, time blocking, task batching, and the “automate, delegate, eliminate” approach to simplify business operations and reduce overwhelm.

They dive deep into finding clarity amidst distractions, setting boundaries, avoiding burnout, and leveraging AI without losing the human connection that drives business growth. Whether you’re balancing a 9-to-5, a growing business, or family responsibilities, this episode provides practical insights to help you take focused action, increase productivity, and design a business that aligns with your life and legacy.

This episode may or may not be sponsored. Some product links are affiliate links, meaning we'll receive a small commission if you buy something.

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⚡️ PODCAST: Subscribe and listen on all major platforms

⚡️ Want to be a guest on The Upgraded Man? Apply here ➡ https://upgraded-man.com/guest

⚡️ For support or business inquiries, email us ➡ chris@upgraded-man.com

Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Build a Business That Runs Without You Feb 23, 2026

Show notes

Are you building a business… or did you accidentally build a job?

In this episode of the Elevate Media Podcast, Chris Anderson sits down with entrepreneur and investor Chaz Wolfe to break down how to build a business that doesn’t own you. From mindset shifts to delegation, hiring, systems, and profit planning, this conversation is a blueprint for entrepreneurs who want freedom without sacrificing growth.

Chaz shares how he scaled multiple businesses, built a multi-million dollar construction company without swinging a hammer, and why clarity, intentionality, and profit on purpose are non-negotiables for long-term success.

In this episode, we cover:

Why owner dependency is killing your growth
The mindset shift required to build systems early
How to know when to hire your first team member
The difference between hustle culture and intentional growth
Why profit must be planned — not hoped for
Balancing family, faith, and entrepreneurship
Building businesses with exit potential
How to think bigger even if you’re just getting started

If you want to stop being the hero in your business and start building something scalable, this episode is for you.

This episode may or may not be sponsored. Some product links are affiliate links, meaning we'll receive a small commission if you buy something.

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⚡️ PODCAST: Subscribe and listen on all major platforms

⚡️ Want to be a guest on The Upgraded Man? Apply here ➡ https://upgraded-man.com/guest

⚡️ For support or business inquiries, email us ➡ chris@upgraded-man.com

Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

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