The Pat Flynn Show

"Knowing you suck is a great thing. It excites me to know I can improve." Jordan Syatt, strength coach, world record holding powerlifter, personal trainer to Gary Vaynerchuk, and my co-host of the seasonal Online Fitness Business Podcast, joins me to talk about sucking, or in some cases stumbling, your way to success. On this eclectic and sarcastic episode, Jordan and I press each other with a series of uncomfortable questions. We also dig into how success/achievement can be a snare, and how embracing the suck and remaining "in process" is the way ahead. We also talk about business mistakes we've made, social media strategy, and all that sort of thing. This was a great episode, and I know you're going to get a ton out of it. Enjoy!

Aleks "The Hebrew Hammer" Salkin is a strength coach and world-traveler living in Jerusalem. He journeys the globe delivering sermons on how not to suck. It's a pretty sweet gig. In this episode we solve all the usual world problems, such as: The ultimate post workout meal that nobody seems to be eating, what surprising lessons Aleks has learned moving from Nebraska to Jerusalem, and how crawling like a baby can unlock hidden strength. This is a wild one folks. Hope you enjoy!

Lou Schuler is an award winning journalist, co-author of The New Rules of Lifting series, fiction writer, and history buff. I wanted to bring Lou onto the show because I've long admired his abilities behind a keyboard, and how he's been able to find success in unconventional ways, by combining skills that, from a view, appear unrelated. He's a great example of a generalist. Our discussion was as eclectic as I hoped it to be. First, we talked about whether someone can lead a happy/productive/meaningful life in a state of delusion--what Lou calls Magical Thinking. (Short answer: Yes.). But we also discussed how such gullibility presents grave danger if ever it attaches itself to something like believing your diet should be based on the length of your big toe. We also talked on writing a bit, as well, and how Lou handles such impediments as writer's block. His response is as straightforward and as effective as it gets--classic Lou. Lou also trotted out his Rule of 80%, which so far stands as the opening statement of my upcoming book: If you want to be happy in life, know what you want, and get 80% of it. Listen in and we'll explain!

Dr. Spencer Nadolsky (aka The Doc Who Lifts) is a specialist in obesity medicine, and renowned weight loss coach. He's also one of my business partners and close friends. I brought Dr. Spencer on to discuss evidence based approaches to eating and exercise, the benefits, as well as the drawbacks, and to help us dissect an interesting new study that came out around the idea of "nutritional periodization", which we've both been advocates of for some time. We also talk a bit about fasting, and give some real, practical ways that people can start losing weight. A short but powerful episode. Hope you enjoy.

Michael Malice, author of Dear Reader, is an authority on North Korea, full time writer (also celebrity ghost writer), radio show host, columnist for The Observer, and political commentator. He's also one of my online clients. Michael Malice encapsulates what it means to be a generalist. He's developed skills in many areas to create a successful, thriving career around what he loves--running his mouth. (Who wouldn't love that?) On this episode, Michael and I discuss everything from how to effectively self-publish through a Kickstarter campaign, outsource decision making around working out, and cure writer's block, all the while getting an off-the-cuff history lesson on North Korea. We even dip our toes into philosophy and networking as well. You're going to love this episode.

You can't be successful in life without a proper proportion and understanding of what's important: Work, rest, play, and pray/meditation. This episode discusses how to approach balance without losing productivity. In fact, the strategy I give of "rotational specialization" increases productivity AND balance. They're not mutually exclusive. One ultimately enhances the other. Generalism is about balance. You can't be better than most people, at most things, if you aren't well-balanced. But you don't, paradoxically enough, achieve balance by trying to do all things at once. Hence the need for pockets of specialization. How you get there may surprise you. Hope you enjoy this discussion.

Dan John, strength coach, author, professor of theology, discus thrower--sounds like a generalist to me! Dan John, as many of you know, is one of the greatest minds in strength and conditioning today. He even invented the goblet squat, for heaven's sake. But more impressive, is Dan John's generalist attitude, of wanting to enjoy "the buffet of life", as he calls it. In this episode we cover it all. Dan John tells us why what you measure matters, how to best approach strength training, how to become a better, more productive writer, and more. I love everything about this episode.

Chris Brogan, CEO of Owner Media Group, NYT Bestseller, is is a master communicator. I've been following and learning from Chris for years--he's one of my top "business guys." I was excited to have Chris on to ask him all the meaty questions. What does his writing process look like? How in the heck has he written ten books and lived to promote them? What are his favorite lifts in the gym? What is the essential stack of skills needed to succeed in the online business world? We cover a lot in a short amount time, which is no surprise. Chris is one of the most helpful people I've ever met.

Arjuna Ashaya, a Bright Path Ishaya monk and meditation teacher, shares his insights on the transformative power of meditation. He reveals how meditation can alleviate anxiety, enhance mental clarity, and connect us with our life’s purpose. Arjuna contrasts traditional austere monastic practices with modern life, emphasizing practicality and joy. He discusses practical tips for beginners, including the importance of comfort and integrating mindfulness into daily routines. Arjuna's techniques foster gratitude, presence, and personal growth, making meditation accessible and beneficial for everyone.

If you're looking for immediate steps you can take to start growing your business, this episode is for you. I had the pleasure to sit down with New York Times bestselling author Yuri Elkaim as we discussed "scaling the unscalable" or how Yuri makes small, personal, grassroots efforts to build his high end consulting business--from personal messages on Facecbook, to building reciprocity among his already established network. These are tactics anyone can use and get started with. I think you're going to love this one.