Episode 3 | Reality TV Star, Coach & Author: The Power of Vulnerability & Authenticity | Ashton Pienaar
04/08/25 • 78 min
Brief Summary
In this conversation, Ashton Pienaar shares his journey from reality TV star on Below Deck to becoming a personal development advocate and author. He discusses the therapeutic process of writing his book, the transformation he experienced through the show, and the impact of his childhood on his current life. Ashton emphasizes the importance of self-awareness and personal growth, aiming to help others through coaching that focuses on nutrition, training, and emotional well-being.
Ashton Pienaar and Jake Barrena explore themes of self-discovery, emotional health, and the significance of vulnerability in personal growth. Ashton shares his understanding of emotions, the need for men's groups, and the importance of building meaningful relationships. They discuss the challenges of parenthood and the desire for personal development, highlighting the importance of legacy and nurturing relationships.
Jake Barrena and Ashton Pienaar delve into profound themes of legacy, authenticity, emotional awareness, and the significance of empathy. They examine how personal experiences shape one's understanding of success and the impact of living authentically. The dialogue underscores the need for self-discovery, the pursuit of passion, and individuals' responsibility in shaping their emotional responses and interactions with others. Ultimately, the conversation serves as a reminder of the power of connection and the legacy we leave behind.
Guest Speaker
Ashton Pienaar is a health coach, transformation specialist, and the founder of AP Elite Health. He is five years sober, a former reality TV cast member, and someone who knows firsthand what it feels like to hit rock bottom and rebuild from the ground up. After years of burnout, toxic habits, and a complicated relationship with food, Ashton embarked on a personal journey to reclaim his health—physically, mentally, and emotionally. What began as a path to recovery evolved into a mission: to help others create a body and life they are proud of without restriction, shame, or confusion.
Today, Ashton leads AP Elite Health and The Healthing Collective, a platform that has helped hundreds of people achieve real results through personalized nutrition, training, mindset work, and accountability. His approach is rooted in sustainable change rather than quick fixes, and his honest, human-first coaching style has become his trademark.
Whether you’re starting from scratch or starting over again, Ashton’s message is clear: you don’t have to face it alone, and it’s never too late to become who you aspire to be.
Ashton's Instagram: Link
Chapters
00:00 Introduction and Background
03:00 The Journey of Writing a Book
05:48 Transformation Through Reality TV
09:54 Personal Struggles and Growth
14:03 Finding Purpose in Coaching
17:48 Childhood Influences and Their Impact
22:52 Coaching Approach and Clientele
25:25 The Journey of Self-Discovery
32:30 Validating Emotions and Seeking Help
37:32 Building Meaningful Relationships
42:33 The Drive for Personal Growth and Parenthood
49:36 Understanding Legacy and Its Impact
50:08 The Concept of Legacy
52:31 Finding Passion and Purpose
54:28 Building an Impactful Legacy
56:54 Authenticity and Self-Discovery
01:01:23 Emotional Awareness and Responsibility
01:07:52 Empathy as a Superpower
Connect with Host: JakeBarrena.com
Brief Summary
In this conversation, Ashton Pienaar shares his journey from reality TV star on Below Deck to becoming a personal development advocate and author. He discusses the therapeutic process of writing his book, the transformation he experienced through the show, and the impact of his childhood on his current life. Ashton emphasizes the importance of self-awareness and personal growth, aiming to help others through coaching that focuses on nutrition, training, and emotional well-being.
Ashton Pienaar and Jake Barrena explore themes of self-discovery, emotional health, and the significance of vulnerability in personal growth. Ashton shares his understanding of emotions, the need for men's groups, and the importance of building meaningful relationships. They discuss the challenges of parenthood and the desire for personal development, highlighting the importance of legacy and nurturing relationships.
Jake Barrena and Ashton Pienaar delve into profound themes of legacy, authenticity, emotional awareness, and the significance of empathy. They examine how personal experiences shape one's understanding of success and the impact of living authentically. The dialogue underscores the need for self-discovery, the pursuit of passion, and individuals' responsibility in shaping their emotional responses and interactions with others. Ultimately, the conversation serves as a reminder of the power of connection and the legacy we leave behind.
Guest Speaker
Ashton Pienaar is a health coach, transformation specialist, and the founder of AP Elite Health. He is five years sober, a former reality TV cast member, and someone who knows firsthand what it feels like to hit rock bottom and rebuild from the ground up. After years of burnout, toxic habits, and a complicated relationship with food, Ashton embarked on a personal journey to reclaim his health—physically, mentally, and emotionally. What began as a path to recovery evolved into a mission: to help others create a body and life they are proud of without restriction, shame, or confusion.
Today, Ashton leads AP Elite Health and The Healthing Collective, a platform that has helped hundreds of people achieve real results through personalized nutrition, training, mindset work, and accountability. His approach is rooted in sustainable change rather than quick fixes, and his honest, human-first coaching style has become his trademark.
Whether you’re starting from scratch or starting over again, Ashton’s message is clear: you don’t have to face it alone, and it’s never too late to become who you aspire to be.
Ashton's Instagram: Link
Chapters
00:00 Introduction and Background
03:00 The Journey of Writing a Book
05:48 Transformation Through Reality TV
09:54 Personal Struggles and Growth
14:03 Finding Purpose in Coaching
17:48 Childhood Influences and Their Impact
22:52 Coaching Approach and Clientele
25:25 The Journey of Self-Discovery
32:30 Validating Emotions and Seeking Help
37:32 Building Meaningful Relationships
42:33 The Drive for Personal Growth and Parenthood
49:36 Understanding Legacy and Its Impact
50:08 The Concept of Legacy
52:31 Finding Passion and Purpose
54:28 Building an Impactful Legacy
56:54 Authenticity and Self-Discovery
01:01:23 Emotional Awareness and Responsibility
01:07:52 Empathy as a Superpower
Connect with Host: JakeBarrena.com
Previous Episode
Episode 2 | Resilience & Growth: Overcoming Challenges with a Successful Entrepreneur & Elite Ironman Competitor | Jared Carver
Brief Summary
In this conversation, Jake Barrena and Jared Carver delve into their profound friendship, the challenges of managing businesses during the pandemic, and Jared's journey with chronic fatigue syndrome. They discuss the importance of family dynamics, the role of pain in personal growth, and the significance of mentorship and leadership in business. Jared shares his experiences with mental health, including suicidal thoughts, and emphasizes the importance of faith and gratitude in overcoming challenges. The conversation concludes with insights about setting future goals and the necessity of continuous learning and personal development.
Guest Speaker
Jared Carver is the President and Founder of Millennial Media Group, Orange County’s top creative agency known for transforming brands into social media powerhouses. Under his leadership, MMG has established a reputation for excellence, managing content, strategy, and lead generation for some of Southern California’s most respected businesses.
Outside the agency world, Jared is an All-World Ironman Athlete, having competed in eight Ironmans and consistently performing at an elite level—both in sports and business. He brings the same discipline and drive from endurance racing into every venture he leads.
Jared is also a dedicated husband to Megan Carver and a proud father, balancing family life with entrepreneurial success. With a sharp business mind, a creative edge, and an athlete’s mentality, Jared is building more than a business—he’s building a legacy.
Jared’s Instagram: Link
MMG Instagram: Link
MMG Website: Link
Chapters
00:00 The Power of Connection
04:15 Facing Health Challenges
10:07 Family Dynamics and Business Growth
13:54 Pain as a Catalyst for Growth
21:09 Faith and Perspective in Adversity
25:15 Faith and Resilience in Adversity
27:01 Facing Mental Health Challenges
31:25 Defining Goals and Personal Growth
36:41 The Importance of Mentorship and Learning
42:10 Leadership in the Age of AI
Connect with Host: JakeBarrena.com
Next Episode
Episode 4 | Defining Success on Your Terms with Bestselling Author | Kayla Logue
Brief Summary
In this engaging conversation, Jake Barrena and Kayla Logue explore the themes of authenticity, personal growth, and the importance of journaling. Kayla shares her journey from life challenges to becoming a multi-unit franchise owner and nonprofit founder, emphasizing the significance of defining one's own success. They discuss the power of physical and mental health, the impact of life experiences, and the transformative process of writing a book. Kayla advocates daily movement and journaling as essential tools for clarity and well-being while highlighting the importance of thriving in chaos rather than merely surviving it.
Guest Speaker
As a personal development expert, Kayla Logue is dedicated to empowering others to become their best versions by taking charge of their lives. Kayla says, “When you’re showing up for yourself at your fullest potential, you do the same for others. It starts with you.”
Today, Kayla helps young professionals and entrepreneurs tap into their true confidence to shape their destinies and redefine success on their terms so they can be the heroes of their own stories. She is the bestselling author of "Always Squeezing Lemons," a keynote speaker, and the founder of the non-profit Move Into Words.
Kayla's Website: LINK
Kayla's Instagram: LINK
Kayla's LinkedIn: LINK
Chapters
00:00 Authenticity and Genuine Connections
02:58 Kayla's Journey and Current Endeavors
06:01 The Nonprofit: Move Into Words
08:57 The Power of Journaling
11:50 Overcoming Adversity: Kayla's Divorce Story
14:56 Defining Success and Personal Growth
17:54 Vision for the Future and Legacy
25:03 Facing Mortality and Finding Purpose
29:08 The Journey of Writing a Book
32:33 Self-Publishing vs. Traditional Publishing
42:42 Thriving vs. Surviving in Chaos
47:46 Practical Tools for Success
Connect with Host: JakeBarrena.com
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