Biography
Epic Cheat Day W/ Derek Strong is an irreverent podcast about weightloss, stand-up comedy, mental health and everything in between.
Derek Strong:
Derek Strong is actively going through a mid-life crisis, Derek needed to do something that didn’t cost a lot of money.
Peanut Gallery
Podcasts
Episode 19 – What Is Zenkake?
In this episode I talk about my guided meditation/ comedy album and the importance of following through no matter how silly the idea is.
I also discuss the title of the album as well as porn watching habits and kinks.
What’s the correlation?
Listen and find out
Episode 18 – I’M STARVING!!!
In this episode I talk about my experiences with intermittent and water fasting as I finish out a week where I fasted for 108 hours across 5 days.
What was it like?
How did it feel?
What happened when I broke my fast and ate roast pork and mashed potatoes?
Listen and find out
Episode 17 – Counting Calories
In this episode I talk about having an epic cheat day and it leading me to going old school with counting calories.
I discuss this method of wieght loss as well as others that I’ve tried.
Will I be successful?
Listen and find out
Episode 16 – I Am a Drone Now!
In this episode I open up about my new job working for a mega corporation and how unique it is.
I talk a bit about the Chicago comedy scene and how it compares to other social structures.
Also in the episode I ponder the notion of an American emperor.
Do I think it will ever happen?
Listen and find out!
Episode 15 – McRib Is Back and So Am I!
I’m back and I talk about eating McRibs, having Covid and living the goddamn dream!
No filler! No BS!!
What is a Strong Style McRib?
Listen and find out!
Episode 14 – The Roller Coaster
In this episode I talk about gaining and losing (and gaining) weight repeatedly and how I’m making it a focus of my life to be done with the metaphoric “Roller Coaster” forever.
Also in this episode is another edition of “5 Star Customer Service” as well as “Derek Strong Watches Chick Flicks” where I review “Life As We Know It(2010)”.
Did I like it?
You know how to find that out.
Episode 13 – Zilch, Zero, Nada AKA Now What?!
In this episode I talk about next steps after goal completion and how much of a burden they can be. The movie keeps going after the credits, folks.
Seriously, now what?
Also in this episode is the return of “5 Star Customer Service” as well as “Derek Strong Watches Chick Flicks” where I review “Sleepless In Seattle”. Was it any damn good? Listen and find out.
Episode 12 – Cleaning Up The Mess
In this episode I talk about the responsibility that we all have when it comes to our mental health. Yes, it is a lot to deal with, but ultimately the onus is on the individual to take matters in to their own hands. That is a hard pill for all of us to swallow. It took me years as well as several hospitalizations and stints of being homeless to come to terms with that and I’m still working on it to this day.
Also in this episode is another edition of “Derek Strong Watches Chick Flicks” where I review the tv series, “Sex and the City”.
Episode 11 – Conspiracy Much?
Do you believe in conspiracy theories? Do I? Should we?
On this week’s episode I discuss a couple of my favorite conspiracies, including one involving the diet industry. Who doesn’t have any favorite conspiracies?
Also in this episode is another edition of Derek Strong Watches Chick Flicks where I discuss “Dear John (2010)” and my jealousy of Channing Tatum. Find out if I liked the movie by listening.
Episode 10 – Nirvana Aggressively
In this episode I talk about the benefits of meditation. Yes, I meditate. You’re goddamn right I meditate! It feels amazing. You should try it and find you’re damn zen! Also in this episode is another edition of “Derek Strong Watches Chick Flicks” where I review “Mannequin (1987)”. The movie’s plot is literally about a department store mannequin who comes to life. Yeah. Things were different in the 80’s. Did I like it, though? Listen and find out.
Episode 9 – Paper or Plastic?
In this episode I talk about why I chose to be a grocery cashier and how working around food all day has an impact on my eating habits. I also discuss what it’s like being a cashier during these strange times. Also in this episode is another edition of “5 Star Customer Service” as well as “Derek Strong Watches Chick Flicks” where I review “Serenity (2019)”. It was one of the weirdest movies I have ever seen, but did I like it? Listen and find out.
Episode 8 – Did It Hurt When You Fell From Heaven?
In this episode I talk about dating and how it affects me and my weight loss goals. Also in this episode, we have another edition of “5 Star Customer Service” as well as “Derek Strong Watches Chick Flicks” where I review “What if (a.k.a. The F Word?”. Did I like it? Listen and find out.
Episode 7 – Pour Some Sugar On Me a.k.a. Epic Cheat Week
In this week’s episode I discuss my issues with eating high sugar foods and how I treat them like a separate vice altogether. Why can’t I just eat one Reese’s? Also in this episode is another edition of “5 Star Customer Service” as well as “Derek Strong Watches Chick Flicks” where I give you my take on the one-time chick flick turned full blown phenomenon, “Ghost”.
Did I like it?
Find out by listening
Episode 6: Strong Style Returns!
In this weeks episode I discuss the highs and lows of hosting a comedy open mic.
Why do I and other hosts do such a thankless task?
Also in this episode is another edition of “5 Star Customer Service” as well as “Derek Strong Watches Chick Flicks” where I review “Failure To Launch”.
Did I like it?
Find out by listening
Episode 5: You Goddamn Psycho
In this weeks episode, I discuss living with mental health issues and how it has impacted my need for self-improvement. I also discuss the inevitable road blocks that having mental illness places in ones path and how I have circumnavigated those roadblocks.
Also in this episode is another edition of “5 Star Customer” service as well as “Derek Strong Watches Chick Flicks” where I review “Under The Tuscan Sun”
Did I like it?
Listen and find out.
Episode 4: Fear and Self Loathing in Chicago AKA The Ill-Fitting Shoe
Can changing how you feel change your performance on stage? Of course it can!
In this episode, I’ll be discussing how self-confidence (and a lack thereof) has molded my comedy persona and how I have to change my approach to comedy.
Also, included is this weeks edition of “Derek Strong Watches Chick Flicks” where I’ll be reviewing “The Holiday”.
Did I like it? Is Kate Winslet my soulmate?
In addition, there is a new segment called “5 Star Customer Service” where I go on a rant about proper bottle etiquette. Here’s a hint: lie them down.
Episode 3: The Anaconda Vice
What’s the most addictive vice of them all? Food! It’s the one drug you can’t quit.
In this episode, I’ll be discussing the effects of food as an addictive substance and my struggles with it.
Seriously, walk outside right now and tell me how pervasive it is? Its everywhere!
Also, in this weeks edition of “Derek Strong Watches Chick Flicks”, I’ll be offering my thoughts on “Marriage Story”.
Did I like it? Does it qualify as a “chick flick”?
Listen and find out.
Episode 2: A Suit of Armor
In episode # 2, I discuss how I have used my weight as a metaphoric and literal “suit of armor”.
What do I mean by that?
Is White Castle that good?
Why am I breathing so hard in this episode(my belt was two notches too tight and I didn’t realize it.)?
Also in this episode is another edition of “Derek Strong Watches Chick Flicks” where I give you my opinion of “Safe Haven”
Did I like it?
Only one way to find out.
Episode 1: Prologue – What The Hell Is This Podcast
In the first installment of E.C.D. we cover what it is you’re actually in for with this podcast. This episode is all over the place.
It’s the first episode, give me a damn break!!
It’ll still be entertaining.
Also, as a special bonus, we added the segment “Derek Strong Watches Chick Flicks” in to this one. It was originally meant for episode 2, but why not have it here. In this one I give you my thoughts on “The Last Song”.
Did I like it?
There’s only one way to find out.
