Shows
Unmasking GreatnessIron Will: The Powerlifting Journey of Brandon JonesSend us a textStrength isn't just measured in pounds on a barbell—it's forged through dedication, self-discovery, and the willingness to evolve. In this riveting conversation, host Chris Kakouras welcomes powerlifting phenom Brandon Jones, whose journey from high school football player to elite strength athlete reveals what it truly takes to become exceptional.At just 23 years old, Brandon has already established himself as one of America's premier powerlifters, competing in the 205-pound weight class with jaw-dropping numbers: a 716.5-pound squat, 485-pound bench press, and 733-pound deadlift. What makes these achievements even more remarkable? He co...2025-06-021h 12Unmasking GreatnessInterview IFBB Pro Austin Hodges: GLP-1s, Diet Fads, and Finding Your CoachSend us a textEver wondered why some people transform their physiques while others stay stuck despite their best efforts? This episode with professional bodybuilder and coach Austin Hodges unlocks the secrets that separate successful fitness journeys from frustrating cycles of failure.Austin's story begins with adversity—three consecutive knee surgeries that ended his athletic career. Rather than accepting defeat, he channeled his competitive drive into bodybuilding, eventually becoming a pro despite physical limitations many would consider career-ending. His resilience offers a powerful reminder that our greatest challenges often reveal unexpected paths to excellence.2025-05-0555 minUnmasking GreatnessMastering Your Nutritional Budget: Understanding Calories and Macros for Successful Weight LossSend us a textCoach Chris Kakouras breaks down the critical yet often misunderstood concepts of calories and macronutrients, explaining why they matter for successful weight loss and how to track them effectively.• Understanding calories as a financial budget for your body• The importance of tracking accurately when maintaining a calorie deficit• Common tracking mistakes including underestimating intake by up to 40%• Why weighing food with a scale is superior to using measuring cups• Pre-tracking meals versus post-tracking for better compliance• How to develop caloric awareness through consistent practice• The importance of...2025-03-2430 minUnmasking GreatnessAre You Dying For Your Family, Or Finally Ready to Live For Them?Send us a textChris shares deeply personal stories about his parents' cancer diagnoses and brings important perspective on health priorities even in the face of serious illness. His honest conversation about his mother prioritizing work over health despite her cancer diagnosis highlights a common struggle many face.• Different phases of health journey from ground zero to optimizing metabolism to fat loss to getting lean• Need to change your identity before tactical changes can stick• Distinction between surface metrics (weight, inches, photos) and deep metrics (bloodwork, hormones, sleep)• Why tracking is essential - what g...2025-03-1732 minUnmasking GreatnessThe Truth Behind Your Goals: Are You Really Committed?Send us a textChris Kakouras challenges you to examine the real reasons behind your inability to achieve your goals. Forget the typical excuses of time and motivation; it's time to get serious about personal growth.• Addressing the importance of health and fitness in achieving success • Understanding the impact of your excuses on personal progress • Unpacking the top five excuses that hinder action • Insight into how to overcome the "no time" mentality • Strategies for combating fears of failure and seeking validation • Utilizing available resources to take action towards your goals subscribe...2025-03-0325 minUnmasking GreatnessBuilding a Resilient Path to Achieving Your DreamsSend us a textEver wondered why chasing instant results might be the biggest obstacle to your long-term success? Discover the evolution of "Unmasking Greatness" as Chris Kakouras share his journey from a spontaneous idea to a full-fledged production studio at Carolina Iron Gym. We're committed to excellence, not just by upgrading our equipment for a professional podcast experience but by nurturing an environment that encourages achieving one's dreams with relentless dedication. We'll take you behind the scenes of our podcast, sharing our plans for expanding guest interviews and joining YouTube, all the while inspiring you to...2025-02-2423 minUnmasking GreatnessMindset Over Results & The Journey To FulfillmentSend us a textThis episode delves into the essential principle that success relies more on the inputs we control rather than solely on the outcomes we desire. Chris Kakouras shares personal stories from his journey in fitness and skateboarding to emphasize the importance of resilience, patience, and actionable steps toward achieving goals.• Exploring the balance between motivation and foundational habits • The significance of focusing on inputs as opposed to outcomes • Personal anecdotes illustrating lessons from skateboarding and fitness • Encouraging listeners to detach from immediate results • Providing actionable steps for sustainable growth and lea...2025-02-0327 minUnmasking GreatnessHarnessing Cortisol: Transform Stress into Your Ally for Health and PerformanceSend us a textUnlock the true power of cortisol and boost your health and performance with our latest episode of Unmasking Greatness. Have you ever wondered how the stress hormone—often painted as the villain—could actually be your ally in achieving your fitness goals? Join me, Chris Kakouras, as we explore cortisol's essential role in your daily rhythm and how understanding its cycle can transform stress from a stumbling block into a stepping stone. From balancing work demands to prioritizing your well-being, we dive into how managing this hormone is crucial for busy professionals striving for...2025-01-2721 minUnmasking GreatnessUnlock Your Mind From Prison To ParadiseSend us a textWhat if your mind could either imprison you or set you free? Join me, Chris Kakouras, as we explore the transformative power of mindset and how the stories from our recent giveaway shed light on the silent struggles many face. Many find themselves caught in a cycle of negative thoughts, but through resilience and a positive outlook, we can break free and unlock our true potential. By sharing personal experiences, I highlight the importance of reaching out for help and the role of mindset in overcoming life's hurdles.Embark on a...2025-01-2020 minUnmasking GreatnessTransformative Tips for a Balanced and Healthy LifeSend us a textThis episode focuses on essential insights for achieving health and fitness goals, emphasizing the importance of understanding your “why,” prioritizing progress over perfection, and creating a supportive environment. Chris shares practical advice that covers everything from nutrition and alcohol consumption to positive self-talk and workout tracking. • Understanding your “why” to anchor your fitness journey • The importance of progress over perfection • Mindful consumption of alcohol and its impact on health • Focusing on adding quality foods rather than restrictions • Tracking workouts for sustained progress and motivation • Clarifying that supplements cannot replace...2025-01-1328 minUnmasking GreatnessEmbracing the Entrepreneurial Rollercoaster for Growth and ResilienceSend us a textEver felt like you're building a parachute while free-falling? That's the essence of entrepreneurship we unpack in this episode of "Unmasking Greatness." Promising more than just survival tips, we explore the emotional rollercoaster of running a business and how to embrace its highs and lows. Join me, Chris Kakouras, as I share a coaching session with a client struggling with consistency and the entrepreneurial whirlwind. We touch on the fundamentals of planning, preparation, and understanding your 'why,' offering strategies to bolster resilience and personal growth. This conversation is a must for any...2024-12-2321 minUnmasking GreatnessHarnessing Positivity Amidst Life's StormsSend us a textChris Kakouras shares a deeply personal story of resilience, one that starts with the harrowing night his family was told they might lose his father to stage four lung cancer. This episode invites listeners into Chris's world as he navigates the emotional upheaval of a loved one's illness, highlighting the strength drawn from family ties and the role of health and fitness in building a foundation for enduring life's unexpected challenges. Chris's journey is a testament to finding gratitude amidst turmoil and the transformative power it holds in shifting perspectives when the road...2024-12-1630 minUnmasking GreatnessConquering Procrastination with Morning MasterySend us a textEver found yourself hitting snooze a few too many times, even though you know better? Join me, Chris Kakouras, as I confess my own struggles with mornings and time management, especially when life gets hectic around the holidays. Together, we'll navigate the chaos of festive gatherings and business commitments, and discover how to reclaim control of our schedules with intention and purpose. You'll even hear my thoughts on ramping up our podcast frequency to keep you motivated with more frequent tidbits of wisdom and tactical strategies to overcome procrastination. It's time to take...2024-12-0922 minUnmasking GreatnessStrategic Thinking Beyond Fitness: 6 Rules To Live BySend us a textWhat if life were a game of chess, where mastering the rules and thinking several moves ahead could unlock your true potential? I'm Chris Kakouras, and I recently had the chance to speak at the Upstate Health and Fitness Seminar in Greenville, South Carolina, where I shared insights from teaching my son chess on a giant board. Instead of sticking to the usual fitness narratives, I ventured into the realm of strategic thinking and mindset, showing how these lessons can transcend the gym and optimize success in all walks of life....2024-11-1124 minUnmasking GreatnessCultivating Confidence Through Commitment in Challenging TimesSend us a textDiscover how I transformed my life from a timid young man into a confident, committed individual ready to tackle any challenge. Join me, Chris Kakouras, on a journey through Unmasking Greatness as I reveal the secrets behind my confidence journey and how you can unlock similar potential in your life. By focusing on relentless practice and perseverance in skateboarding and fitness, I've built a foundation that has propelled my personal growth. Together, we'll explore how these experiences taught me the importance of following through on promises, laying the groundwork for lasting self-improvement.2024-11-0426 minUnmasking GreatnessMaximize Your Busy Lifestyle: Balancing Health and Wealth for Lasting SuccessSend us a textUnlock your greatest potential by mastering the art of balancing health and wealth. I, Chris Kakouras, share my transformative journey of addressing a group of realtors about overcoming self-limiting beliefs, particularly those surrounding time management, and the crucial role of prioritizing health. Discover how our 30-day challenges and coaching programs demonstrate that education, communication, and networking are key to achieving your fitness goals. You'll hear firsthand how optimizing your health can empower both your personal and professional life, with practical insights into managing nutrition and exercise amidst the hustle of a busy lifestyle. 2024-10-1431 minUnmasking GreatnessNavigating Roadblocks to Achieve Well-BeingSend us a textWhat happens when the car of your dreams turns into a bit of a nightmare? Picture this: the thrill of a brand-new car purchase quickly deflates as the digital dashboard blacks out, leaving you in the dark—literally. Join me, Chris Koukouris, on Unmasking Greatness as I recount the unexpected rollercoaster of emotion that began with my excitement over a new vehicle, only to be followed by the frustration of a malfunctioning cockpit. Through this adventure, I explore how new purchases can often come with unforeseen challenges and why it's crucial to tackle th...2024-10-0722 minUnmasking GreatnessDiet Struggles to Lasting Success in Weight Loss "Food Freedom Mater Class"Send us a textImagine redefining your relationship with food and unlocking the secrets to a metabolism that works for you, not against you. Join me, Chris Kakouras, founder of Kak Performance, as I guide you through the transformative principles of the Food Freedom Masterclass. This episode is packed with strategies to abandon fad diets and create sustainable nutrition plans that incorporate enjoyable food choices, all while keeping guilt at bay. I'll share my journey in the fitness world and the lessons I've learned along the way, providing you with the tools to take control of your...2024-09-231h 02Unmasking GreatnessTransform Your Fitness Journey with Community and BalanceSend us a textWhat if embracing a community-driven approach could transform your fitness journey? Explore the newest updates on Chris Kakouras and his fitness/coaching company "Kak Performance" as he announce thrilling changes and initiatives designed to boost your motivation and results.From welcoming diverse and thought-provoking guests to enhancing our coaching platform, we're dedicated to better supporting your path to greatness. Plus, don't miss out on our exciting monthly meet-ups at Carolina Iron in Greenville – a chance to train, bond, and create lasting connections with fellow fitness enthusiasts, friends, and family.2024-08-0519 minUnmasking GreatnessEpisode 58 - Who Do You Talk To?Send us a textIdentifying a good friend involves recognizing certain qualities and behaviors that contribute to a positive and supportive relationship. Remember that friendships can evolve and change over time, and it's natural for people to grow apart. However, recognizing and nurturing positive qualities in your friendships can contribute to long-lasting and fulfilling connections.Check Out:KakPerformance - Online Fitness/Life Coach (Chris Kakouras)Join Our FREE Facebook Community - Health/Fitness Group (Chris Kakouras)More Info On >>>Fitness/Nutrition/Lifestyle CoachingInstagram>TikTokYouTube2023-12-1118 minUnmasking GreatnessEpisode 57 "Appearance and Relationships"Send us a textHow many people do you know let themselves go after they get married? They get comfortable, busy, kids, ect.Next thing you know they have all kinds of health conditions and 30lbs over weight. This takes a toll on their relationship and then the separation happens.They break up and then all of a sudden they are back in the gym working out and training to get back in shape. Funny how that works, but lets talk more about that in this episode!Check Out:2023-12-0419 minUnmasking GreatnessEpisode 56 "The Present Is Being Present"Send us a text Being present means focusing on one thing and feeling whatever emotion we feel when we feel it, even challenging ones. The more we practice being present, the more comfortable we'll feel when we experience tough emotions.Thanksgiving is less than a week away and Chris shares some thoughts with the listeners to think about going into the holidays.Check Out:KakPerformance - Online Fitness/Life Coach (Chris Kakouras)Join Our FREE Facebook Community - Health/Fitness Group (Chris Kakouras)Momentum Chiropractic - Dr P...2023-11-2012 minUnmasking GreatnessEpisode 55 - EGO SELF vs HIGHER SELF | The Secret to FULFILLMENT.Send us a textEgo is a self generated identity, consisting of every belief we belief we believe about WHO and WHAT we are. The Ego is what keeps us in an endless cycle of chatter. The goal is too detach from EGO and step into your HIGHER SELF. Your HIGHER SELF is the wise being within all of us. When we live in alignment with the inner wisdom of our Higher Selves, we become the best version of ourselves. Quotes: "Impacting people is very different than wanting to impress...2023-11-1335 minUnmasking GreatnessEpisode 54 "The World Does Not Reward MEDIOCRITY"Send us a textDo you think you can have an average mindset and get to the next level? Most people's days are mundane and meaningless because they are directionless...You cannot continue to do what your currently do to go to the next level. You must be willing to do whatever it takes. You have an opportunity to make a dream a reality...are you going to take it?!Check Out:KakPerformance - Online Fitness/Life Coach (Chris Kakouras)Join Our FREE Facebook Community...2023-11-0628 minUnmasking GreatnessEpisode 53 "Your Net Worth Is Your Network"Send us a textLet's start by breaking down the idea that "Your Net Worth is Your Network." What does this mean? It's the notion that the value of your network, the people you surround yourself with, can be a significant factor in your success and overall well-being. Chris breaks down his personal experiences to show how important it is to know the right people and sometimes you have to go out of your way to get in the view of sight.Enjoy!Check Out:KakPerformance...2023-10-3022 minUnmasking GreatnessFriday Fire - Mitri MantraSend us a textTo kick things off, let's clarify what exactly a mantra is. A mantra is a word, phrase, or sound that is repeated to aid concentration, meditation, or self-reflection. It's often used as a tool for focusing the mind and promoting positive thoughts.Why should you consider incorporating a daily mantra into your life? There are several compelling reasons. **Mindfulness and Focus**: Mantras help you stay present and centered in the moment. They direct your thoughts away from distractions and into the here and now. ...2023-10-2720 minUnmasking GreatnessEpisode 52 "Breaking Free From Anxiety"Send us a textChris discusses his experience w anxiety, its causes, and most importantly, how he has overcome it.First we must understand Anxiety.Second we want to identify the causes of AnxietyAnd Lastly what are the strategies to break free from these feelings.Buckle up and take some notes! Real life and practical application. Check Out:KakPerformance - Online Fitness/Life Coach (Chris Kakouras)Join Our FREE Facebook Community - Health/Fitness Group (Chris Kakouras)More I...2023-10-2335 minUnmasking GreatnessFriday Fire - 4 Habits To Conquer High Stress DeadlinesSend us a textChris shares his experience with stress/deadlines and breaks down the 4 single most habits that changed the game for him. Here’s where you should start:· Build the Unshakable Morning Routine so that you start every day focused and energized.Build the End of Day Routine so that you are perfectly prepared for the next morning—no matter how crazy things get.Build the Pre Bed Time Strategy that allows you to quickly fall into deep sleep, even when your bedtime hours are limited.Build the Prioritization and Time Blocking...2023-10-2024 minUnmasking GreatnessEpisode 51 "Fighting CANCER with Iscella Macias"Send us a textSpecial guest Iscella Macias shares her story with going through Cancer and the obstacles she had to overcome.Going from a happy adventurous young female in her mid 20s living her best life to going in for a routine doctors visit tell her she needs to be admitted into the hospital ASAP.Iscella breaks down how things unfolded from happiness, shock, to anxiety, to depression, to sadness, to inevitably coming to peace that she may die.You're going to want to settle in for this one.2023-10-161h 00Unmasking GreatnessFriday Fire - How To Express GratitudeSend us a textFinding gratitude in your life is a valuable practice that can lead to increased happiness and well-being. Here are some strategies to help you cultivate and find gratitude: 1. **Keep a Gratitude Journal**: Regularly write down things you are grateful for in a journal. This can be daily, weekly, or whenever you feel inspired. Reflect on both big and small things that bring you joy or make your life better. 2. **Practice Mindfulness**: Mindfulness meditation and practices can help you become more aware of the present moment. Th...2023-10-1329 minUnmasking GreatnessEpisode 50 "The Power Of Self Care"Send us a textIt's often said that you can't pour from an empty cup. This episode we will explore why self-care and prioritizing yourself are not just acts of selfishness but essential steps toward a healthier and happier life.When you take care of yourself—physically, emotionally, and mentally—you become better equipped to handle life's challenges and support your loved ones.Listen to Chris break down his thoughts on Self Care. Check Out:KakPerformance - Online Fitness/Life Coach (Chris Kakouras)Join Our FREE Facebook Commu...2023-10-0916 minUnmasking GreatnessFriday Fire - What's Your EXTREME?Send us a textFriday Fires are that gut punch you need going into the weekends to make a change. To draw the line in the sand and make that one decision that will change the trajectory of your life.Are you extreme in some of your actions and decisions and do they live in alignment of the life you want??Lets talk about it!Check Out:KakPerformance - Online Fitness/Life Coach (Chris Kakouras)Join Our FREE Facebook Community - Health/Fitness Group (Chris...2023-10-0613 minUnmasking GreatnessEpisode 49 "Inside The Athletes Mind"Send us a textYou can learn a lot through bodybuilding and you can learn a lot about yourself. Being a "bodybuilder" is not just about the muscles and the competition, its about the mindset and extreme ownership of the life they live. This is extreme for many, but there are some big golden nuggets to take away from this.Chris shares some ideology of himself and some of his athletes that just competed at a show this past weekend.Buckle up as it gets heavy!Check Out:2023-10-0241 minUnmasking GreatnessFriday Fire - The fast track could be the reason your failing...Send us a textAnything you get that is easy never lasts. Mostly because you don’t value it.“You want to go across the grand canyon on a tight rope OR take the designated path knowing that’s what’s necessary to get to the other side efficiently?”We all have choices and its time to stop rewarding the outcome but start rewarding the behaviors that got you there.If we can take out EMOTIONS and inject LOGIC into our decision making, you will get much further in life and in your go...2023-09-2920 minUnmasking GreatnessEpisode 48 "You're Not Scared Of Failing, You're Afraid Of The Unknown"Send us a textFailure is an integral part of personal growth and learning. Many great inventions, discoveries, and achievements came after numerous failures. What truly terrifies us is not knowing how we'll cope with the aftermath, whether we'll recover, or if we'll be forever defined by that failure.By shifting our mindset and recognizing that the unknown is an essential part of life's journey, we can reduce our fear of failure and embrace the opportunities it presents.Enjoy this episode to continually UNMASK your greatest potential! Check Out:2023-09-2527 minUnmasking GreatnessFriday Fire - Stop Living Your Life In A "Off-Season"Send us a textWhen you’re serious there is no off season! Your life is not a ON and OFF Switch. It should be a lever that you slow increase the power output.The Old You MUST DIE for the New & Better version to be BORN!It’s time kill off that little inner toxic voice that has been negotiating your inaction to accomplish all your hopes and dreams.Get FIRED UP and get focused this weekend! Know your WHY!Check Out:KakPerformance - Online...2023-09-2219 minUnmasking GreatnessEpisode 47 "Inside The Mind Of Olympian Athlete & Influencer Jeremy Potvin"Send us a textJeremy Potvin has accomplished some BIG goals! He has served his country in the Military, to becoming top 5 IFBB Pro Olympian multiple times, and also a social media influencer with over 1 millions followers on Instagram.From an outsider many would say he is lucky or they may even want his life, but they don't know what Jeremy has sacrificed nor how this has changed the way he thinks/believes in himself.Chris Kakouras starts asking the real questions of how being watched all the time for his...2023-09-1849 minUnmasking GreatnessFriday Fire - The Power Of SupportSend us a textYour home environment is where you spend a significant portion of your time. Having a supportive home environment can provide you with the necessary foundation and motivation to work towards your goals. It can make the journey more enjoyable and less daunting. It's about surrounding yourself with people and an atmosphere that encourages and enables you to pursue your dreams.Chris Kakouras goes into a few supporting pillars how significant this can be. Everything from your emotions, accountability, overcoming challenges, ect.Buckle up and regain the power!2023-09-1524 minUnmasking GreatnessEpisode 46 "Jakob Davis Going From Young College Kid To CEO of The Nutrition Store (TNS)"Send us a textSpecial guest on Unmasking Greatness with Jakob Davis CEO of The Nutrition Store!Listen to Jakobs story of how he went from being a young high school/college kid that didn't know exactly what he wanted to how his vision got more clear to direct him to opening up the top supplement store in the Upstate SC, The Nutrition Store!Jakob breaks down his journey, the risks he had to take, commitment to his decisions, and life lessons on the way.You can find more about Jakob...2023-09-1147 minUnmasking GreatnessFriday Fire - Find Your CourageSend us a textGaining courage is a process that involves developing self-confidence, resilience, and a willingness to face your fears.Chris goes over 5 practical tips to help you build your courage to help you conquer your goals!Remember that gaining courage is a journey, and it's okay to take small steps. Be patient with yourself, and don't be discouraged by setbacks. Over time, as you continue to face your fears and build your confidence, you'll find that your courage grows stronger.Check Out:KakPerformance - Online Fitness/Life...2023-09-0820 minUnmasking GreatnessEpisode 45 "Identity Shift To Living A Healthy Lifestyle As A Wife & Mom w/ Liliana Kakouras"Send us a textLiving a "Healthy Lifestyle" is not something most are born into. Depending on your back ground, cultural norms, and surroundings could be a huge impact on your outlooks. Liliana Kakouras speaks on meeting Chris Kakouras and how the world around her was slowly molded into a more health conscious and confident way of living. Her thoughts and feelings towards exercise and nutrition, but also how the seasons of her life have changed from "College Party Girl" to "Wife/Mother" and the motives behind her.Check Out:KakPerformance...2023-09-0424 minUnmasking GreatnessFriday Fire - 1 Degree Can Result In Massive ResultsSend us a textMany people think that just one degree difference, or just one percent change is a small, barely noticeable thing. But the truth is there are huge ripple effects to changing course by just one degree.Chris goes into what it's like not being aligned and how he got re-centered to his values.Just because you may get an outcome, doesn't mean it was the right way to do it...or will it yield the ultimate goal you once had.Check Out:KakPerformance - Online...2023-09-0118 minUnmasking GreatnessFriday Fire - One Habit That Will Change Your LifeSend us a textHABITS!"Where should I start?!""What habit is good for me?!""Should they big or small habits?"Today Chris Kakouras is going to share the single most crucial habit that changed the game for him and in hope this may be the Key Stone Habit to craft the life you want!Enjoy!Check Out:KakPerformance - Online Fitness/Life CoachMomentumChiropractic - Upper Cervical Chiropractor in the Upstate South Carolina More Info On >>>Fitness/Nutrition/Lifestyle C...2023-08-1818 min