Episodes

In the season one finale of The Next Level Freedom Podcast, host Ray Mertens reflects on an incredible journey filled with inspiring guests and transformational conversations. This special episode is a heartfelt thank-you to the listeners who have supported the podcast, provided valuable feedback, and pursued their next level of freedom in life.Ray announces a short holiday break to focus on creative contemplation and strategic planning for season two, which will debut in the first quarter of ...

On this episode of The Next Level Freedom Podcast, host Ray Mertens welcomes back Dr. Darla, an expert in hormone health and wellness, for an in-depth conversation on testosterone replacement therapy (TRT). After the tremendous response to their previous discussion, Dr. Darla returns to address listeners’ burning questions about TRT, its benefits, potential side effects, and natural ways to optimize testosterone levels.Dr. Darla tackles common concerns like whether starting TRT means a lifelon...

In this episode of the Next Level Freedom Podcast, host Ray Mertens introduces his girlfriend, Tracy Harrison, and invites listeners to dive into their journey of growth, faith, and love. Tracy, a passionate educator and entrepreneur, shares her experiences as the founder of True Nature Kids, a nature-based enrichment program, and her role as the director of an Early Learning Center in Seattle. Together, Ray and Tracy explore how their relationship has become a platform for reaffirming and balan...

In this episode of the Next Level Freedom Podcast, host Ray Mertens pauses to express his gratitude to each listener who’s joined him on this journey. After a working vacation last week, Ray returns with a short message of appreciation for the ever-growing community that tunes in weekly to explore ways to reach the next level in faith, finances, fitness, family, and fun.No regular episode this week—just a warm thank you to every listener who’s been part of the podcast’s journey toward freedom ...

In this special episode of the Next Level Freedom podcast, host Ray Mertens joins Claudia Klann on her podcast, the Abundant Joy Podcast, where he shares his personal journey through inner healing and transformation. Ray has spent the past decade on a journey of restoration, from dealing with deep wounds of fatherlessness and abandonment to reclaiming his masculinity and purpose through God’s guidance. Guided by Claudia’s inner healing sessions and grounded in the supportive brotherhood of the 1...

In this episode of the Next Level Freedom Podcast, host Ray Mertens sits down with Dr. Darla Logan, an accomplished physician, best-selling author, and the medical director and owner of Cell Med Clinics in Phoenix, Arizona. Dr. Darla, a graduate of Sonoran University with an MBA from New Mexico State University, brings her expertise as a naturopathic medical doctor to a discussion focused on the often-overlooked aspects of men’s health and mental well-being. Together, they dive into the ways low...

In this episode of Next Level Freedom, Host Ray Mertens and guest Tim Holloway dive deep into the transformative journey of renewing the mind through Christ, inspired by Romans 12:1-2. They discuss how true spiritual transformation isn’t about fitting God into our busy lives but rather living with God at every moment. Ray emphasizes the importance of pausing and connecting with the Holy Spirit, recommending tools like the Wild at Heart Pause app, which helps create space for stillness and commun...

In this episode of the Next Level Freedom Podcast, host Ray Mertens, a flooring contractor from Whitefish, Montana, and guest Tim Holloway, shares his profound journey of heart healing and transformation. With over 15 years of experience on this personal journey, Ray discusses the powerful role of the heart in unlocking true freedom and potential in men. As he dives into the pillars of masculinity and the importance of heart work, Ray emphasizes how men can break free from external pressures and...

In this episode of the Next Level Freedom Podcast, host Ray Mertens welcomes his close friend and fellow warrior, Lindsay Levesque. With a rich history together, including their time in Warrior, led by Garrett J. White, Ray and Lindsay dive deep into the topic of work-life balance and share how their faith has shaped their approach to managing the pressures of life. Ray and Lindsay discuss their shared journey, their connection through mutual friends, and the personal lessons they’ve learned abo...

In this episode of the Next Level Freedom podcast, host Ray Mertens takes listeners on a heartfelt journey as he shares a personal reflection on his own challenges, growth, and the question many of us face: “Am I enough?” As Ray juggles six-figure projects in his flooring business, the development of his podcast, and the launch of a consulting and coaching venture, he confronts the question of worthiness that so many grapple with across various areas of life. Through an honest look at his experi...

In this powerful episode of Next Level Freedom, host Ray Mertens returns to the microphone after a much-needed break to dive deep into the emotional and mental challenges that come with pursuing new levels of freedom. Joined by his long-time friend and brother-in-arms, John McArn, Ray opens up about hitting a wall while managing multiple moving pieces in his life, including his flooring business, podcast, and social media efforts. He shares how feelings of imposter syndrome, inadequacy, and emot...

In this episode of the Next Level Freedom Podcast, host Gates Adams welcomes back Jon Carlson for part two of their discussion on faith and finances. Jon continues to share from the heart, focusing on the importance of hearing God’s voice and how it plays a pivotal role in not only faith but in all five key pillars of life. Jon recounts his journey of leaving a successful career in medical sales to take on the challenge of owning a property management business—an endeavor that lasted eight years...

In this episode of Next Level Freedom, host Ray Mertens sits down with his good friend Jon Carlson for part one of a two-part series focused on faith, finances, and the voice of God. Jon, a dedicated follower of Jesus Christ and podcaster of Original Glory, shares his personal faith journey and the impact it has had on his life and career. Together, Ray and Jon explore the connection between faith and finances, and how integrating these pillars of masculinity can help men walk out their purpose....

In this week's episode of the Next Level Freedom podcast, host Ray Mertens continues the powerful three-part series with guest John McArn, diving deep into the themes of fitness and family. Building on their previous discussion of faith and finances, the conversation shifts to the often painful process of personal transformation, shedding feelings of unworthiness, and embracing grace in a society driven by performance. John candidly shares his journey of overcoming financial struggles, the chall...

In this week's episode of the Next Level Freedom podcast, host Ray Mertens continues the powerful three-part series with guest John McArn, diving deep into the themes of fitness and family. Building on their previous discussion of faith and finances, the conversation shifts to the often painful process of personal transformation, shedding feelings of unworthiness, and embracing grace in a society driven by performance. John candidly shares his journey of overcoming financial struggles, the chall...

In this episode of the Next Level Freedom Podcast, host Ray Mertens teams up with his longtime friend, John McArn, to kick off a compelling three-part series on the five pillars of masculinity: faith, finances, fitness, family, and fun. As Ray and John delve into these foundational aspects, they highlight their importance in a man's life and hint at a deeper, underlying principle that will be revealed in the final installment of the series. The episode captures the dynamic energy between the two...

In the latest episode of the Next Level Freedom podcast, host Ray Mertens welcomes Coach Bob Turner from Summit Coaching and Consulting. Bob, an accomplished endurance athlete and a recent coaching certification graduate under Ben Newman, shares his insights on mindset and mental toughness derived from over two decades in business and his Iron Man marathon experiences. Bob discusses the significance of knowing when to take breaks, the wisdom of resilience, and the importance of maintaining balan...

In this episode of the Next Level Freedom podcast, host Ray Mertens welcomes his coach, Wes Chenault, to explore the crucial yet often overlooked pillar of fun within the framework of masculine freedom. Wes, a seasoned entrepreneur and veteran, shares insights drawn from his extensive experience in men's ministry, leadership, and coaching. He introduces listeners to his multifaceted life, including his ventures in consulting and the cigar business. The conversation dives into the importance of i...

In today's episode of the "Next Level Freedom Podcast," host Ray Mertens is joined with Tim Holloway, where they take a deep dive into the challenges and transformations men face. Tim shares his journey from victimhood to empowerment, highlighting the common tendency for men to externalize their problems, such as blaming women, and the necessity of self-reflection and taking personal responsibility. The conversation explores the cycle of victimhood and its antidote—owning one’s actions and makin...

In today's episode of the "Next Level Freedom" podcast, host Ray Mertens dives into his personal journey from rock bottom to remarkable success, sharing the transformative story that led him to his current life in Whitefish, Montana. Ray, a flooring contractor by trade, recounts hitting a wall back in 2010 when his business in Walla Walla, Washington, was floundering, his marriage was in turmoil, and he felt a profound sense of dissatisfaction. This pivotal moment sparked an introspective journe...