292: Explore and exploit (with Alex Hutchinson)

Alex Hutchinson is well known for his writing on sport science, but his new books goes in a different direction by taking a detailed look at exploration: why humans explore, how much we should explore, and methods of exploration. The topic might not be directly about sports, but it is directly relevant to coaches. Coaches are often weighing the question of when to try something new, and when to keep with the old ways. Hutchinson joins us on this week's podcast to look at how some of the concepts in his book can apply to the world of coaching and high performance.

For more information on this topic, read the complete show notes at: https://www.hmmrmedia.com/2025/07/gaincast-episode-292-explore-and-exploit-with-alex-hutchinson/

The following links were also referenced in the podcast or provide some additional reading material on the topic:

• The GAINcast is sponsored by GAIN and by HMMR Media. Join HMMR Media to get access to a vast library of online training resources, video, articles, podcasts, and more.
• Hutchinson was previously a guest on GAINcast 118, where we discssed research on how the mind and body control human performance.
• We recently reviewed his new book and wrote an article about our key takeaways on exploration.
• If you haven't already, pick up his newest bookThe Explorer's Gene: Why We Seek Big Challenges, New Flavors, and the Blank Spots on the Map or his previous book Endure: Mind, Body, and the Curiously Elastic Limits of Human Performance.
• You can also follow Hutchinson on Instagram @sweat_science. He also writes frequently for Outside Magazine and puts out a great newsletter which helps you follow all his latest writings.