Imagine you’re a motivational speaker for a living (I know, it’s a stretch for me too), and you’re asked to give a talk to a bunch of college students about unhealthy addictions — one of which is overeating. Now imagine you weigh over 450lbs, have a 58-inch waist and wear size XXXXXL clothing. See the problem?
This was the exact scenario my guest this week faced. That moment was his rock bottom. It was also the point from which his life really began.
Meet Tinier Tim Bauer. He is a fraction of the man he used to be, having lost almost 250lbs since that moment a few years ago. Tim is now on a crusade to change the world — telling his story with complete transparency to inspire others to take charge of their life through action.
During the podcast, I asked Tim all sorts of questions like, “What is it like to sit down in coach on an airplane weighing 450lbs, knowing exactly what that means for others seated around you?” Tim is completely honest, sharing both what he showed on the outside during these moments and what he was feeling on the inside — hurt, pain, fear, and suffering.
Tim’s transformation, and subsequent willingness to share it with the world, is a miracle. His story will affect and inspire you no matter your personal history — because it’s the same story for all of us on some level.
We all have our issues, some obvious and some invisible to the eyes of others. It’s human to be afraid, to have been hurt, to be struggling, to judge, and to get angry. Just as it’s human to use things that feel good to avoid dealing with our issues, like alcohol, drugs, food, sugar, shopping, gambling, or sex.
That’s why when one man steps out of the crowd and has the courage to walk in the opposite direction like Tim Bauer has, it touches us all.
This is an incredibly powerful podcast. Buckle up and grab a box of tissues — you’re not going to want to miss a word.
Links Mentioned
Follow Tinier Tim on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter.
Tinier Tim — Tim’s website chronicling his weight loss and skin loss journey.
Skin Tight — The Wrap Article profiling Tim’s appearance on the TLC show.
I Lost Weight — Article about Tim’s journey featured on the Huffington Post.
Everyday Paleo Chile Verde — Paleo recipe that got Tim excited about healthy eating habits.
Everyday Paleo Family Cookbook — by Sarah Fragoso.
Weight Watchers — Weight loss meeting groups and accountability.
Og Mandino — Popular inspirational quotations from Og Mandino.
Tower 26 — Swim technique training to “be race ready.”
Total Immersion Swimming — Swim training videos.
Andy is a certified CHEK Practitioner and holistic lifestyle coach. He holds a spectrum of certifications from CrossFit and is also a Vivobarefoot certified running coach. He has trained as a Zen buddhist and graduated with a Master’s degree in spiritual psychology from the University of Santa Monica.
Andy founded CrossFit LA one of the first and most successful CrossFit training centers in the world and the first to be featured in national media. He is the co-founder of the Whole Life Challenge, Inc, currently its president, and is also a consultant and life/business coach. Andy lives in Los Angeles with his wife, Julia, and son, Dashel.
