How to Communicate Like a Pro (with Michael Smoak/HigherUpWellness)
Fitness Stuff (for normal people)Show Notes
In this episode, Tony sits down with Michael Smoak (better known online as HigherUpWellness) to unpack what it really means to communicate better. They talk about why most people struggle to express themselves clearly, how to get your point across without over-explaining, and what makes people actually listen. Michael shares the story behind his viral “HigherUp Speaking Challenge” and how it’s helped thousands overcome the fear of speaking up, in front of a crowd, or even just in conversation. From fitness to communication, this episode breaks down the simple skills that change how you connect with people, at work, in relationships, and online. If you’ve ever felt misunderstood, overlooked, or unsure how to get your message across, this one’s for you.
Sign up for Fitness Stuff PREMIUM here!! ALL of our complete 12-week training programs Bonus episodes every Friday Just $5 /month
Legion Athletics BOGO 50% off for your first order + 2X points on every order after that use code “FSPOD” at checkout
Timestamps: (04:37) Defining Communication and Common Misconceptions (06:52) The Role of Nonverbal Cues in Communication (12:07) The Power of First Impressions (20:14) Active Listening and Filler Words (25:39) The Value of Practicing Communication Skills (32:28) Facing the Fear of Public Speaking (34:10) The Viral Public Speaking Challenge (38:34) The Power of Posting Publicly (40:59) The Importance of Doing Hard Things (44:16) Coping with Personal Loss (49:18) The Role of Communication in Self-Understanding (53:46) The Art of Concise Communication (01:04:09) Balancing Authenticity and Influence (01:05:46) Understanding the Ego and Authenticity (01:06:25) The Power of Simplicity in Communication (01:06:40) The Importance of Authenticity Online and Offline (01:08:13) Personal Experiences and Sharing Vulnerability (01:10:20) The Concept of Alter Egos and Authenticity (01:18:36) Energy, Intent, and Authenticity (01:25:39) The Role of Communication Skills in Personal Growth 01:32:07 Final Thoughts and Personal Reflections
More from Fitness Stuff (for normal people)
For the final episode of Fitness Stuff (for normal people) we explain why we’ve decided to step away from the show.
It’s Microdose Monday on Fitness Stuff for Normal People which means Marianna and Tony are rapid fire breaking down multiple topics you guys have been asking about instead of spending the whole episode on just one. This week, they’re diving into reverse dieting, why creatine might actually be one of the most underrated tools for fat loss, how coffee can impact your gut health, and the sneaky things nutrition labels hope you don’t notice. If you’ve ever felt overwhelmed by conflicting health advice online, this episode is packed with quick, practical breakdowns that actually make sense. Shorter topics, real explanations, and plenty of little “wait… WHAT?” moments along the way.
On this episode of Fitness Stuff for Normal People, Marianna and Tony break down the 5 biggest dieting mistakes that keep people stuck when trying to lose fat or build muscle. They talk through why making sudden, extreme changes usually backfires, how not tracking your food can leave you guessing, and why chasing fast results slows you down long term. They also get into the trap of focusing on small details that don’t actually move the needle and how black and white thinking around food can hurt your consistency. If you’ve ever felt frustrated with your progress, this episode will help you simplify the process and focus on what actually works.
In this episode of Fitness Stuff for Normal People, Marianna and Tony break down what gut health actually means and why it impacts way more than just digestion. From metabolism to mood, your gut is tied into everything, and this episode focuses on the habits that truly make a difference. They walk through the science behind fiber and prebiotics, hydration, stress and the brain gut connection, daily movement, and how your overall eating patterns shape your microbiome. They also get into the real effects of antibiotics, probiotics, alcohol, under eating, and sleep so you can understand what is helping your gut and what might be holding you back. This is a practical, no fluff look at gut health built around realistic habits you can actually stick to.
You’re showing up to the gym, getting your steps in, being mindful with your food, and still not seeing the progress you expect. In this episode of Fitness Stuff for Normal People, Marianna and Tony break down the five most common reasons fat loss stalls, even when you feel like you’re doing everything right. They cover where calories tend to slip through the cracks, how people misjudge what they’re actually burning, why daily movement matters more than you think, and how stress, sleep, and overall lifestyle can quietly impact results. They also talk through the role of expectations and consistency, and why progress often takes longer than people anticipate. If you’ve been feeling stuck or unsure what to adjust, this episode will help you refocus on what actually moves the needle.