In the latest episode of the Cult of Recreationalism podcast, hosted by Nathan Morris, we dive into a delightful conversation with Evan Slaughter, also known as @fit2serve1. Episode 11 brings a unique blend of humor, fitness, and personal growth as Evan shares his journey from military service to becoming a beloved content creator in the fitness and pickleball communities.
Nathan kicks off the episode with a light-hearted introduction, highlighting Evan's impressive mustache, his love for pickleball, and his knack for creating hilarious, relatable content. Evan's videos often poke fun at the fitness world and pickleball enthusiasts, resonating with a broad audience. Nathan quips, “If you haven't seen any of his videos online, your friends have, or you've sent them to your friends with the caption, 'this is you or this is us.'”
Evan's path to becoming a social media sensation was anything but linear. He shares his background, from studying exercise science and working as a personal trainer to serving in the army and battling addiction. His journey to sobriety and mental health played a significant role in his decision to leave traditional jobs behind and pursue a career in comedy and content creation. Reflecting on this transition, Evan explains, “I've always been into comedy. It's kind of my thing... I definitely knew I wanted to do something entertainment. When I started making people laugh and having success on the internet, I was like, this is the first time I have a job where I actually enjoy it and it doesn't feel like work.”
Evan's comedic approach is rooted in his ability to find humor in everyday situations, even the challenging ones. He talks about how laughter has been a constant in his life, from his time in the military to his current role as a content creator. Emphasizing the importance of humor, Evan says, “If you can't laugh at yourself and what you enjoy, then I just don't see how you go through life.”
A significant portion of Evan's content revolves around pickleball, a sport he discovered while in rehab. He shares how this sport became a passion and a source of inspiration for his videos. Evan recalls, “I learned pickleball while in rehab, getting sober off opiates... First time I was introduced to it and loved it.” He adds, “Getting just to go play pickleball or just going to work out or going on a walk around where I live... getting outside is huge.”
Evan's candid discussion about his struggles with opiate addiction and the challenges of transitioning to civilian life after the military provides a powerful narrative of resilience and determination. His openness about these experiences adds depth to his comedic persona. “I've got addiction issues in my family... The only thing for me that ever was a struggle were opiates. Finally, I got sober and decided I'm going to do what I love. I'm no more beating my head against the wall at an office job,” Evan shares.
Despite his comedic focus, fitness remains a cornerstone of Evan's life. He talks about his weight loss journey, losing 70 pounds, and how fitness has played a crucial role in his overall well-being. Evan explains, “I'm down 70 pounds since October last year... I just started doing comedy stuff around that, and it was from that where the companies started reaching out.”
Evan's social media handle, Fit to Serve One, carries a deeper meaning that has evolved over time. Initially created for a free workout group, it now represents his broader mission to serve others through humor and inspiration. Reflecting on this evolution, Evan says, “My concept of what it means to be fit to serve changed... I think we all have purpose. We all are built in some way to be of service.”
This episode of Cult of Recreationalism offers an insightful and entertaining look into Evan Slaughter's life and career. His ability to blend humor with personal growth and fitness makes for an inspiring listen. As Nathan wraps up, he encourages listeners to check out Evan's content on Instagram and TikTok, promising more laughs and motivation.
Evan's story is a testament to the power of humor and resilience, reminding us all to find joy in the journey and to embrace our unique paths to fulfillment.