Level Up with Cat Bradshaw
Hi! My name is Cat Bradshaw and I am a certified personal trainer and health coach living and working in Los Angeles. I also work as a model and actress. In this podcast, my guests and I will be sharing our knowledge and personal experiences with nutrition, fitness, stress management, mental health, and all things related to health and wellness. My goal is to help you level up all areas of your life!
Episodes

5 days ago
5 days ago
In this engaging conversation, Cat and Richard Lee explore a variety of topics ranging from personal growth, health, and fitness to the complexities of dating high-profile women and navigating fame. Richard shares his experiences in the modeling industry, the importance of therapy, and the challenges of maintaining a healthy lifestyle while indulging in personal pleasures like sugar. The discussion culminates in advice for aspiring models, emphasizing the need for resilience and authenticity in a fickle industry.
Takeaways:
Richard Lee emphasizes the importance of personal growth and therapy in his life.
He shares insights on dating high-profile women and the unique challenges it presents.
Richard discusses the impact of fame and the value of anonymity.
He believes that food was a form of love in his upbringing, influencing his relationship with it.
Richard highlights the importance of being genuine and true to oneself in the modeling industry.
He encourages aspiring models to reach out to agencies and be themselves.
Richard acknowledges the need for thick skin in the modeling world, but also stresses not to take rejection personally.
He discusses the balance between health and indulgence, particularly regarding sugar consumption.
Richard reflects on the importance of having a plan B while pursuing modeling.
He concludes that happiness comes from within and not from external validation.
Chapters:
00:00 Introduction and Legal Release
01:21 Personal Background and Physical Description
03:43 Dating High-Profile Individuals
06:00 Navigating Fame and Relationships
08:16 Lifestyle and Personal Growth
10:41 Therapy and Mental Health
13:06 The Nature of High-Profile Relationships
15:11 The Pressure of Fame
17:34 Desires in Relationships
19:41 Self-Sufficiency and Independence
21:56 The Importance of Personal Growth
24:21 Cultural and Societal Influences on Relationships
30:26 The Contradictions of Modeling
33:10 Professionalism in the Modeling Industry
36:37 Diverse Experiences in Fashion
38:16 Selflessness vs. Self-Consumption in Modeling
39:46 Finding Happiness and Contentment
41:10 Coping with Life's Challenges
43:05 The Role of Substance Use
45:31 The Sweet Temptation of Sugar
48:40 Finding Balance in Diet
51:33 Embracing Body Diversity in Modeling
53:01 Advice for Aspiring Models
55:21 The Importance of Perspective in Rejection
58:55 Different Paths to Success
01:00:29 Introduction and Personal Connections
01:00:33 Exploring Legacy and Influence

Tuesday Apr 08, 2025
Tuesday Apr 08, 2025
In this conversation, Cat and Jamila explore the profound impact of emotional distress on health, emphasizing the importance of relationships and boundaries. They discuss personal growth, the necessity of trusting one's gut, and the challenges of navigating toxic relationships. The dialogue highlights the healing power of supportive connections and the significance of self-care in maintaining overall well-being. They also touch on trauma bonds and the importance of setting boundaries in all types of relationships to foster a healthier lifestyle.
Takeaways:
Emotional distress can lead to physical dis-ease.
The body communicates its needs; we must listen.
Setting boundaries is crucial for healthy relationships.
Personal growth is essential for overall health.
Trusting your gut is key to making decisions.
Toxic relationships can drain your energy and health.
Supportive relationships enhance personal growth.
Healing is a lifelong journey that requires effort.
Trauma bonds can complicate relationships.
Self-care is vital for maintaining health and well-being.
Chapters:
00:00 The Impact of Emotional Distress on Health
02:32 Navigating Relationships and Their Effects on Well-being
05:05 Recognizing When to Let Go
07:43 The Importance of Personal Growth in Relationships
09:55 Understanding Trauma Bonds and Their Effects
12:44 The Role of Support in Personal Development
15:09 Saying Yes to Opportunities
17:57 Trusting Your Intuition in Relationships
29:08 The Importance of Positive Surroundings
30:19 Trusting Your Gut and Intuition
33:11 Healing and Trauma Awareness
34:20 Cleansing the Gut for Better Intuition
37:24 Establishing Healthy Boundaries
43:10 Navigating Client Relationships and Boundaries
#emotionaldistress #health #relationships #boundaries #personalgrowth #traumabonds #selfcare #intuition #supportiverelationships #healing #healthpodcast

Tuesday Apr 01, 2025
Tuesday Apr 01, 2025
German is back! He had three months to achieve his health and fitness goals. In this conversation, we go over what the past three months have been like for him. The topics we get into are...
1. Reflecting on Health Goals
2. Navigating Life’s Challenges
3. The Impact of Stress on Health
4. Finding Balance and Moving Forward
5. The Role of Community in Fitness
6. Consistency in Workouts and Nutrition
7. The Importance of Quality Coaching and Proper Form
8. Competition vs. Working Out
9. Understanding CrossFit Movements and Their Practicality
10. Progress Over Numbers: A Personal Approach to Weightlifting
11. Making Healthier Choices on the Go
12. The Journey of Gradual Progress
13. The Role of Accountability in Achieving Goals
14. The Influence of Social Circles on Fitness Goals
15. Navigating Conversations and Interests
16. Social Drinking and Its Impact on Goals
17. Setting Realistic Fitness Goals
18. Tracking Progress and Making Changes
19. Implementing Consistency in Workouts
20. Balancing Enjoyment and Health
21. Building Healthy Habits Over Time
22. Retraining Taste Buds for Health
23. Reflecting on Progress and Future Goals
#crossfitter #healthgoals #goals #goal #goalsetting #healthpodcast #losefat

Tuesday Feb 25, 2025
Tuesday Feb 25, 2025
In this open and honest conversation, I talk with Elissa Kalver, cancer thriver and founder of WeGotThis.org about…
Introduction and Background
Navigating Cancer and Community Support
Dietary Confusion and Unsolicited Advice
Personal Experiences with Food and Cancer
Finding Balance in Nutrition
Fitness Journey and Adaptations
The Impact of Nonprofit Work
Finding Joy in the Journey
The Importance of Mental Health
Living with Cancer: A Personal Journey
Living Like I’m Alive
Navigating Depression and Finding Balance
The Power of Support and Teamwork
https://wegotthis.org/
https://wegotthis-org.myshopify.com/products/elissas-book
https://www.amazon.com/We-Got-This-Learned-Terminal/dp/B0DJHFFC88
https://www.projectkoru.org/
https://centerforcancercounseling.org/

Tuesday Feb 18, 2025
Tuesday Feb 18, 2025
In this conversation, I speak with 55-year old Masters CrossFit Competitor, Claudia Ragsdale about...
From Equestrian to CrossFit: A New Challenge
Claudia Started Her CrossFit Journey in Her Early 40s
The Competitive Spirit: First Steps in CrossFit
Team Competitions and Community
The Mental Game of Competition
Claudia Recently Competed in the CrossFit Games and The Legends Championship
Adrenaline and Performance in Competitions
Form vs. Function: The Competition Dilemma
The Thrill of Competition
Strategies for Success in Competition
Training Adaptations and Skill Development
Balancing Training and Life
The Importance of the Warmup and Injury Prevention
Dealing with Sciatica and Mobility Work
Nutrition and Aging: A Focus on Nutrition
Body Composition and Long-Term Health
Navigating Body Composition and Energy Levels
Understanding Menopause and Its Impact on Fitness
The Importance of Nutrition and Protein Intake
Preparing for Menopause: Strategies For Women
Stress Management and Mental Health Benefits of Exercise
Overcoming Fears of Lifting Weights
Changing the Narrative Around Women’s Fitness
#podcast #crossfit #strongwomen #fitnesspodcast #healthpodcast

Tuesday Feb 04, 2025
Tuesday Feb 04, 2025
In this podcast episode, I speak with CrossFitter, Ernesto Duke, about...
*How fitness (or the lack of it) can affect your sex life
*CrossFit
*Climbing Mt. Whitney
*Ernesto’s first experience with an In Body scale
*Your weight affects your wallet and ability to skydive
*His doctor says he should be 185 lbs
*Ernesto’s goals:
*Short-term: Rogue Challenge: 1,250 lbs cumulative total for a 1 Rep Max Bench/Squat/Deadlift in one hour
*Long-term: Professional fitness photo shoot in swim trunks
*Focus on one goal at a time.
*Set yourself up for success by creating REALISTIC goals
*Recruit a coach who has done what you want to do
*His experience with intermittent fasting
*What is Ernesto eating?
*Ernesto’s experience with using an AI coach/ChatGPT
*Your mindset plays a huge role in achieving your goals
*Confidence
*Get a DEXA scan

Wednesday Jan 22, 2025
Wednesday Jan 22, 2025
**I apologize for the wonky audio during the last 15 minutes.
In this episode, I talk with Pat Cummins, who is a former Top 10 UFC Light Heavyweight fighter and a 2X NCAA Division 1 All-American. We talk about all things related to his health and fitness including...
*Nutrition - What he eats and what he doesn't eat
*Fitness - What he does to stay in shape
*Alcohol use
*Drugs use
*Mental Health - What he does for his mental health
*Finding Balance in his life
*His creative outlets
*College life and wrestling
*Fighting in the UFC
*Becoming a gym owner - ALL IN ACADEMY
We also talk about Pat's childhood and what life looked like being raised by two teachers, the way he ate, and the role sports played in his early life.
We finish our conversation talking about Pat's new gym in LA. Pat and his partner, Dave Puhky, will be opening their own jiu jitsu and kickboxing gym which will also offer personal training this Saturday, January 25, 2025.
For the month of January 2025, you can attend classes for FREE. Due to the devastation from the Los Angeles wildfires and the incredible stress that they have caused, Pat and Dave want to give back to LA residents with free classes for the rest of the month. Check out their class schedule and just show up. They are creating a welcoming, fun, good hearted community of folks committed to their health and fitness. Everyone is welcome.
Visit their gym near Mid-City and Beverly Hills on Pico Blvd:
ALL IN ACADEMY, 5801 W Pico Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90019
They will have a Soft Opening/Open House this Saturday, January 25, 2025 from 10:30 AM -2 PM.
Website: https://www.allinacademyla.com/
Follow them on Instagram: @allinacademyla

Monday Jan 13, 2025
Monday Jan 13, 2025
In this episode, I have a very candid conversation with the owner of CrossFit Synapse, Jimmy Lujan. Listen in as we talk about things like...
*Jimmy moving away from a sedentary lifestyle
*Humble beginnings in the North Hollywood projects
*How Jimmy found CrossFit
*Jimmy was a fitness model for a hot minute!
*Dealing with severe GI/Abdominal pain, dietary changes and health improvements
*His experience and his client’s experience with a Carnivore-ish diet
*Jimmy knows how to figure shit out because he has to
*Chicken winging is a No Rep!
*”I will learn everything about you by how you work out.”
*How you act if you take CrossFit seriously
*The reality of who you are training when you open a gym
*Jimmy’s first official CrossFit client
*”Man up.”
*Jimmy attracts Russians and Israelis and loves them and everyone.
*CrossFit Synapse is his baby, his second home and real friendships are made there.
*CrossFit Synapse Co-op on the horizon?
#crossfit #gymowner #crossfitter #podcast #inspiration

Tuesday Dec 31, 2024
Tuesday Dec 31, 2024
*German’s stats
*His experience with the scale
*His work commute
*His current workout schedule
*His fitness and nutrition during COVID
*His current food, coffee, and alcohol habits
*What does German need in order to reach his health and fitness goals?
*”Mindful eating”
*German’s vice
*What can German do right now to work towards his health and fitness goals?
*German is COACHABLE
*German and I come up with a plan
*Who you surround yourself with matters
I use LifeForce for my at-home bloodwork and health coaching. Use this link to learn more:
https://www.mylifeforce.com/checkout?coupon=lftrainer1

Monday Dec 30, 2024
Monday Dec 30, 2024
Listen in as Health Coach Jamila Tyson and I talk about....
*Childhood and adulthood trauma
*The mind-body connection
*The impacts of negative self-talk
*Your body is talking to you in whispers or shouts
*You have the power to change
*Would you rather know or not know?
*A rigid mindset is not sustainable
*Are you proactive when it comes to your health?
*Emotional stress taxes your immune system
*Stress from relationships affects your health
*Prioritize your sleep
I use LifeForce for my at-home bloodwork and health coaching. Use this link to learn more:
https://www.mylifeforce.com/checkout?coupon=lftrainer1