"Take charge of you. You are 100% in charge. Don’t stop learning. Don’t stop looking. Don’t stop exploring."
— Dr. Joseph Dituri

🎙️ Meet Dr. Joseph Dituri — Navy Diver. Hyperbaric Pioneer. Brain Rebuilder.

What happens when a Navy diver and hyperbaric researcher locks himself underwater for 100 days to heal his brain?

Dr. Joseph Dituri—better known as Dr. Deep Sea—is a retired U.S. Navy Commander, hyperbaric researcher, and biomedical pioneer who quite literally dove headfirst into scientific exploration by living 100 days underwater to study its effects on the human body and brain. With over 28 years of military service and a relentless drive to heal veterans suffering from brain injuries and PTSD, Dr. Dituri is on a mission to merge deep-sea science, hyperbaric medicine, and space exploration. From battling brain trauma to preparing humans for Mars, his work isn't just about surviving extreme environments—it's about unlocking human potential in the most extraordinary ways.

You can find the show-notes at: https://www.nextlevelguy.com/drjosephdituri219/

Dr. Joseph Dituri—aka Dr. Deep Sea—did just that, not only to test the limits of human physiology but to revolutionize how we approach mental health, traumatic brain injury, and optimal performance. The results? Life-changing. And he’s just getting started.

Commander Joseph Dituri enlisted in the U.S. Navy in 1985. He served continuously on active service upon various ships and shore stations where he was involved in every aspect of diving and special operations work from saturation diving and deep submergence to submersible design and clearance diving.

Now that he is retired from 28 years of active service to the United States, he is the president of the International Board of Undersea Medicine. He also volunteers his time as the CEO of the Association for Marine Exploration. He is an invited speaker on medical, motivational, sea and space related topics.

Joseph earned a bachelor's degree in Computer Science from the University of South Carolinaas well as a masters degree in Astronautical Engineering from Naval Post Graduate School inCalifornia. Additionally, he is a graduate of the Advanced Management Program at the University of Virginia Darden School of Business and earned a Ph.D. in Biomedical Engineering from theUniversity of South Florida.

Joseph is the author of numerous diver-training manuals, a co-author of the book “Tao of Survival Underwater”, a contributing author to the Navy Diving Manual, and has been published in several journals including those produced by the American Society of Naval Engineers and American Institute of Aeronautics and Astronautics. He is a class "D" Licensed Sky Diver, a one atmosphere suit Pilot and a Level three certified Systems Engineer and Level three Program Manager for the Department of Defense.

Commander Dituri has 11 personal awards / (medals) earned from his time in the U.S. Navy, enjoys writing books, skydiving and has a long-term goal of being a civilian Astronaut.

#brainhealing #drdeepsea #humanperformance #drjosephdituri #navydiver #hyperbaric #research #liveunderwater #projectneptune #biomedical #scientificexploration #braininjuries #ptsd #medicine #health #mentalhealth #navy #mars #space #astronaut #diving #marineexploration

"Every time I’ve gone through something difficult, it’s cracked me open—and from that space, something new could grow."
— Carly Wopat

What happens when everything you thought defined you—athlete, twin, high achiever—is suddenly gone?

For Carly Wopat, the answer wasn’t to break. It was to rebuild.

After the devastating loss of her twin sister, Carly didn’t just survive—she started a relentless journey of transformation. From volleyball stardom to the deep introspection of breathwork, from raw grief to the mental and physical grind of Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu and firefighting, Carly has reinvented herself time and time again. Every challenge became a doorway to another version of who she could be.

You can review the show-notes at:

Carly Wopat is no stranger to pressure. A former U.S. National Team volleyball player and 3-time First-Team All-American at Stanford, Carly excelled at the highest level of sport while earning a degree in Human Biology. But it was personal tragedy—not podiums—that would shape the most important chapter of her life.

In the years since, Carly has become a hybrid athlete and a force of nature. From boxing and BJJ to trail running and earning the Top Recruit Award in fire academy, she’s proof that strength isn't just built in the gym—it's built in the moments you choose to keep going. Whether she’s coaching, competing, or serving her community as a firefighter, Carly brings a rare blend of heart, grit, and wisdom to everything she does.

In this episode, Carly shares her powerful story—of loss, resilience, reinvention, and what it means to live a life of real impact. If you’re navigating change, chasing purpose, or trying to find your way through pain, this one’s for you.

#carlywopat #grief #volleyball #twins #identity #loss #resilience #reinvention #competing #winning #change #purpose #firefighter #heartandgrit #gym #health #mentalhealth #fireacademy #followyourownjourney #personaltragedy #saveothers #serveothers #breathwork #bjj

#217 – Erika Ettin: Fix Your Dating Profile, Stop Overthinking & Master Online Dating

"If you’re struggling with dating, the problem isn’t the apps, the city, or your age—it’s how you’re using them. Be intentional, be confident, and most of all—be yourself." – Erika Ettin

Dating in the modern world is a battlefield of swipes, texts, and ghosting—and if you’re not playing the game right, you’re getting left behind. That’s where Erika Ettin comes in. She’s not just a dating coach; she’s a strategist, a game-changer, and the secret weapon behind thousands of successful relationships.

You can listen to the episode and review the show-notes at: https://www.nextlevelguy.com/erikaettin217/

As the founder of A Little Nudge, Erika has taken the guesswork out of dating. Armed with a background in business analytics and a sharp, no-nonsense approach, she helps people craft dating profiles that stand out, send messages that actually get responses, and navigate first dates with confidence. Her expertise has been featured in The New York Times, The Washington Post, NPR, and more—because when it comes to modern dating, she knows exactly what works.

If you’re tired of endless swiping, awkward conversations, and wondering why dating feels like an uphill battle, Erika is here to shake things up. Get ready for real, actionable advice that will transform your love life.

#erikaettin #dating #relationships #couples #meetnewpeople #datebetter #datingapps #onlinedating #meetonline #swiperight #textgame #ghosting #datinggame #standoutonline 'getrepliesondatingapps #craftastandoutdatingprofile #attractlikealegend #lovelife #awkwardconversations #endlessswiping #friendzone

#216 – Ermina Isanovic: Rewire Your Mind, Break Negative Patterns & Create Lasting Change

"Your thoughts create your reality. If you’re stuck in a cycle of negativity, it’s not because you’re broken—it’s because your mind has been trained that way. The good news? You can rewire it. With the right tools, you can break patterns, shift your mindset, and start living the life you actually want." – Ermina Isanovic

Today’s guest is Ermina Isanovic, a powerhouse in the world of psychotherapy, CBT, hypnotherapy, and coaching. Ermina isn’t just a skilled and compassionate practitioner—she’s someone who has lived through life’s toughest challenges. As a child war refugee, she witnessed firsthand how resilience and mindset can make or break a person. This experience ignited her passion for psychology and helping others unlock their full potential.

You can listen to the episode and review the show-notes at: https://www.nextlevelguy.com/erminaisanovic216/

Today, Ermina works with everyone from CEOs and surgeons to stay-at-home parents, guiding them to overcome self-doubt, manage stress, and break through limitations. Using a unique blend of cognitive-behavioral strategies and hypnotic techniques, she empowers clients to transform anxiety, boost confidence, and rediscover their authentic selves.

With a track record of leading mental health programs for NGOs across Europe and helping countless individuals align with their true identity, Ermina’s mission is clear: to help you thrive, not just survive. Don’t miss this conversation with a true expert in transformation and self-discovery!

#erminaisanovic #rewirethebrain #breaknegativepatterns #createlastingchange #negativity #shiftyourmindset #psychotherapy #cbt #hypnotherapy #warrefugee #resilience #mindset #psychology #selfdoubt #stress #anxiety #breakthroughlimitations #confidence #findyourtrueself #thrivenotsurvive #selfdiscovery #transformation

"Most people think history is just dates and battles, but it’s the personal stories that make it real. I wanted to create something where you don’t just learn about history—you experience it. Whether it’s marching in Napoleon’s army, standing in a Viking shield wall, or surviving in a WWII tank, Survive History is all about putting you in the moment." – Louee Dessent-Jackson

You can find the show-notes at: https://www.nextlevelguy.com/loueedessentjackson/

Today’s guest is Louee Dessent-Jackson, a multi-talented producer, presenter, and writer who’s taking the digital world by storm!

Known for his captivating storytelling and passion for the past, Louee brings history to life on his YouTube channel Survive History.

Whether it’s uncovering forgotten tales or reimagining iconic events, Louee’s work blends creativity with a unique perspective that keeps audiences hooked.

Get ready to dive into the mind of a true storyteller and discover the secrets behind creating engaging, thought-provoking content.

This is an episode you won’t want to miss!

#LoueeDessentJackson #survivehistory #learnourpasttohaveabetterfuture #history #youtube #nextlevelguypodcast #notjustdatesandbattles #storytelling #contentcreation

#214 Unbreakable: Damien Rider on Resilience, Extreme Challenges & Mental Mastery

Today’s guest is Damien Rider with a focus on Pushing Limits and Building Resilience!

You can listen to the episode and review the amazing show-notes at: https://www.nextlevelguy.com/damienrider214/

Damien Rider is an adventurer, extreme endurance athlete, and world record holder whose feats defy logic and push the boundaries of human performance. Recognized as the Men’s Health Man of the Year and a two-time Australian of the Year nominee, Damien has built himself into one of the world’s fittest endurance athletes—not just for personal achievement, but to inspire and uplift others.

As a life coach and expert in neurophysiology, Damien helps people shift their mindset from problems to solutions, empowering them to build resilience and keep moving forward. His groundbreaking One Breath Meditation technique has helped countless individuals harness focus, calm the mind, and navigate life’s toughest challenges.

Beyond personal achievement, Damien has dedicated himself to humanitarian efforts, using his platform to advocate for men’s health, mental well-being, and positive transformation. His journey has been captured in documentaries aired on National Geographic, and he has taken the stage at TEDx talks across the Asia Pacific and the U.S., sharing his insights on mental strength and perseverance.

Whether he’s tackling grueling endurance challenges, guiding others to unlock their full potential, or speaking on global stages, Damien’s message is clear:

BREATHE. ACCEPT. ADAPT. KEEP MOVING FORWARD.

Some of Damien's amazing accomplishments include:

• Pulled a 2.8 tonne pick-up truck 8 miles solo in 3 hours 30 minutes
• Paddled 480km over 9 days on a Stand Up Paddleboard in Maldives
• Climbed out of a Hot Air Balloon basket, to the top by rope ladder, with no parachute at 10,000 feet, 30% less oxygen, -1 degree temp, 40 kph wind movement
• Skydive off the Top of a Hot Air Balloon 7500 feet above the ground
• Paddling 500 miles for 17 days in shark-infested waters along the Australian Coast
• Skateboarding for 56 days along the entire Route 66 through the scorching Mojave Desert
• Pushing a 3 tonne truck down the Gold Coast highway
• Running a marathon with a mattress on his shoulder with the words “Never lay down, Never give up”, all for his cause

#damienrider #adventure #tedx #nextlevelguypodcast #challenges #pushyourself #breathe #onebreathmeditation #accept #adapt #keepmovingforward #unbreakable #mentalmastery #resilience #pushinglimits #turnpainintopower #menshealth #mensmentalhealth #harnessfocus #calmthemind #navigatechallenges

#213 Stephan Kesting: Surviving the Wild – Perseverance, Problem-Solving & Mental Strength

Today’s guest is Stephan Kesting, who is an adventurer, firefighter, and lifelong martial artist who thrives in high-pressure situations. Whether navigating the remote Arctic, making split-second decisions as a firefighter, or battling on the mats as a Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu black belt, he has spent his life mastering the art of resilience.

You can review the show-notes at: https://www.nextlevelguy.com/stephankesting213/

For over 40 years, Stephan has crisscrossed the Canadian North, leading wilderness expeditions and completing solo journeys into the Arctic’s most unforgiving landscapes. With an honours BSc in Biology from McGill University and an MSc in Arctic Botany specializing in climate change from the University of British Columbia, his deep connection to the natural world is both academic and personal. His seven years as a field biologist further sharpened his understanding of survival, adaptation, and perseverance.

A martial artist since the age of 12, Stephan has been a black belt in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu for nearly two decades, helping tens of thousands of practitioners worldwide through his books, courses, and YouTube channel. In the fire service, he serves as a captain, and in 2001, he was awarded the National Medal of Bravery for saving two trapped firefighters from a burning warehouse.

His latest book, Perseverance: Life and Death in the Subarctic, chronicles his grueling 1,000-mile solo journey through the Canadian wilderness following a life-threatening illness. Facing storms, bears, and his own self-doubt, he rediscovered the strength to endure in the raw solitude of the North. Part survival epic, part personal transformation, Perseverance is a gripping and deeply human story of pushing past limits, embracing uncertainty, and finding the will to keep going.

#newbook #author #transplant #health #bjj #grappling #grapplearts #stephankesting #perseverance #1000miletrip #grit #bravery #mentalstrength #survival #adaptation #perseverance #nature #artic #firefighter

#212 Spencer Hoffman: Unlocking Nature’s Secrets – The Hidden World of Insects, Wildlife & YouTube!

Today's guest is: Spencer Hoffman-Edminster! Today's topic is 'MyWildBackyard: Uncovering Nature’s Hidden World'!

The show-notes (and other goodies) can be found at: https://www.nextlevelguy.com/spencerhoffman212/

Welcome to MyWildBackyard, where Spencer explores the secret lives of the tiny creatures living all around us! From the hidden corners of your yard to the most overlooked spaces in your home, an entire world of fascinating insects and spiders is waiting to be discovered.

Join biologist Spencer Hoffman from North Carolina as he takes you on wild adventures to reveal the strange and incredible creatures that share our planet. Whether it's up-close encounters with amazing arachnids or deep dives into the world of bugs, snakes and so much more, MyWildBackyard brings you nature like you've never seen before. Subscribe to his YouTube and let Spencer show you how your backyard is wilder than you think!

In this video, you will learn a lot about wildlife, and also creating a career on YouTube by making videos and so much more! This one is a real deep dive and masterclass on building a YouTube channel based on your passions that will change your life as much as the wonders you can find in your backyard!

#spencerhoffman #insects #spiders #wildlife #mywildbackyard #nature #youtube #arachnids #podcast #nextlevelguypodcast #contentcreation #bugs #snakes #venom #poison #poisonous #venomous #weirdplanet #strangeworld