The B.rad Podcast

I welcome my old friend, and longtime audio mentor Brock Armstrong, host of the Get Fit Guy podcast and co-creator of an innovative weight loss coaching course at weighless.life. Brock, the pride of Vancouver, B.C., Canada, has had a wild ride through life as a former professional ballet dancer turned heavy smoking band roadie, turned extreme endurance athlete, and recently has modified his approach to fitness to emphasize general fitness, functionality, and longevity. Brock is an enlightened dude who reports walking over to the gym for a planned session of heavy lifting, and then following an urge to bail on the gym and instead taking a 7-kilometer walk. Ever do anything similar? Why or why not? This podcast will get you pondering the deeper questions of life, health, fitness, and getting over yourself en route to ambitious peak performance goals. Ah, the beauty of podcasts where you get real insights and authentic conversation that extend far off the pages of a book or a magazine article. We attempt to steer the discussion to the interests of endurance athletes at times, for the show was syndicated for the Primal Blueprint endurance podcast. But hang on for a wild ride, because we take you where health and fitness podcasts have never gone before with no punches pulled. We ask you to ponder the elephant in the room question: Should you keep pursuing your competitive athletic goals? What about your career? Do you have an exit strategy? Are your identity and self-esteem intertwined with what you do? We get super deep talking about thoughts and energy fields influencing cellular function, how an intuitive approach to training trumps biohacking and biotechnology (or at least enhances the effectiveness of tech tracking), how fat loss is best achieved through mindset instead of calorie burning and calorie counting, and how to make recovery the central element of your fitness pursuits, and how an energizing morning routine (check on my morning routine video on YouTube and you can also see my step-by-step breakdown of cold therapy here) will help you build focus and discipline in all areas of life, and much more. Enjoy listening to wild times with my man Brock! TIMESTAMPS: Brock discusses his professional ballet career and why ballet can be considered an endurance sport [7:45]. The importance of having an exit strategy for anything in life [15:00]. Brad shares a story about the origins of the ancient Olympics [20:50]. Athletes are finding that sleep is almost half of their training [25:55]. The knowledge you gain through tracking biometrics is beneficial and empowering [28:30]. Sometimes (healthy) vanity can be a good measurement of fitness [41:00]. The importance of getting over yourself and going with the flow (whether you’re an athlete or not) [45:00]. The purpose of Brock’s Weighless program being a 1 year-long commitment [52:00]. Why Brad started fasting in the mornings again [55:45]. “Active couch potato syndrome” and what the endurance community needs to watch out for [1:01:30]. Should you really load up on calories post-workout? [1:10:45].Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/the-get-over-yourself-podcast/donationsAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

(Breather) This breather show is all about examining work ethic and work-play balance through the lens of legendary golfer, Tiger Woods. An athlete since he was a very young child (check out his first TV appearance in 1978!) Tiger loves to train every day for golf, to compete, and is on a constant quest to get better. A far cry from the golfer of the past who played hard, got rich, and got soft. And sure, we see still see him fist pumping and his unmistakable competitive intensity, but behind the wizard’s curtain, Tiger is viewing his competitive endeavors from a more complex perspective. Yes, the object of the game is to win, but the value and the meaning is found in the process, not in the mere holding of the trophy. Thinking about the trophy during the journey is a lethal distraction – as many of Tiger’s less-evolved opponents have discovered painfully. Extending your focus outward – worrying about opponents or what the world thinks of you – is also a distraction. Tiger steps on plenty of throats, but it’s inadvertently while trying to get a good stance to hit his shots. His enlightened competitive fire focuses on the process of peak performance, and it is directed entirely inward. In contrast, the prevailing psycho-emotional disposition of the modern competitor that we have been socialized to adopt in pursuit of success is to obsess on external variables and determine our self-worth according to results. He also showed this by being the tour’s greatest ‘grinder,’ still trying hard even when way back. Furyk said, “Most guys in that position aren’t still trying to win the tournament, but Tiger was still thinking he had a chance. He believes he can win even when he’s 10 down. He never makes a frustrated, hasty play. He always plays the correct shot. He never says, ‘Shit, I’m two back!’ and pulls the driver and hits it anywhere. He plays the course the way it should be played.” When I talk about work-play ethic, what I mean is that this really is a game to him; he’s playing Monopoly in real life with vicious competitive intensity, instead of fear of losing his buildings or being conservating with his 9 shot lead. His father Earl once gave him a very valuable piece of advice: “You know what? Just go to sleep. You know it’s going to be the most important round of your life, but you can handle it. Just go out there and do what you do. Just get in your own little world and go out there and thrash ‘em.” Note the contrast between another popular coping mechanism used by athletes facing pressure, the old, “Just pretend it’s an ordinary competition!” admonition. This probably messes up the subconscious more than anything! But then what does he do after? He retools his swing, and while studying videos, realizes he relied on timing more than optimal swing mechanics. This is a guy who says he’s obsessed with winning, but unlike many of his competitors, he’s answering to a higher calling REPRESENTED by winning - get the difference? At a press conference two days before the 2007 Masters (where he was runner-up to Zach Johnson) Tiger – holding trophies from the previous two major championships (’06 British Open and PGA) - was asked if he was thinking about another Tiger Slam (holding all four major titles at once, but not in the same calendar year ala the so-called Grand Slam). He replied: “No. I’m thinking about trying to place my golf ball around this course, that’s about it. My whole preparation is getting the ball in play and putting the ball on the correct parts of the green and getting the speed of these things…and that’s it.” Tiger gives the gift of this perspective to all of us, over and over, and we, with the help of the superficial media, keep ignoring it in favor of pressing the issue of our results-obsessed mentality. No wonder Tiger has little patience for the media! Here are some tips on how to cultivate a strong work/play ethic:   Make Work Fun: It’s not enough anymore to put your head down, work hard and produce results. Reject the “just make it through the day” mentality rooted in narrow values like puritanical social climbing. The most powerful competitive stance is to get the biggest rush from the battle itself. By releasing your attachment to the outcome, you can experience the pure joy of competition and push your limits without distraction in pursuit of peak performance. Cultivate a pure motivation that extends beyond winning and losing, as Tiger demonstrated when he overhauled his swing despite competitive success. Pursue endeavors that you love and represent the highest expression of your talents. Have fun at all costs, understanding that this is the true secret of champions.   Expand Your Horizons: Discard society’s harmful programming that values shortcuts, decadence, and conformity. Forget moderation in this context - take risks and push limits to realize true peak performance Transcend the energy struggle to beat opponents and the repetition of control dramas that you developed as coping mechanisms throughout your life. Realize that pursuing something bigger than your selfish needs will lead to performance breakthroughs thanks to the “love is power” concept. A selfless, evolved approach will create a collective escalation of passion among those around you and provide a more powerful, pure and long-lasting source of motivation than focusing narrowly on personal gain.   Be Comfortable With Competition. The negative emotional baggage connected with results-oriented competitiveness has led many to loathe putting it all on the line due to fear of failure. Winners contribute to the peak performance and personal growth of all competitors, so don’t be afraid to enjoy victory and the yachts and mansions that you might accumulate as a consequence; “you don’t have to apologize for anything.” Become comfortable “going for the throat in competition, then sportsmanship after.” If you’re seven shots back with seven holes to play, don’t give up; relish the opportunity to chase. If you are ahead or running neck and neck with a competitor, savor the opportunity to push each other to greater heights.   Work Smart – Having fun and working hard will not lead to success unless your work is focused, guided by expert coaching and directly applicable to your peak performance goals. Be brutally honest with yourself and make a clear decision to align your behavior with your stated goal of peak performance. Understand that this entails sacrificing things that bring you and your ego a certain measure of satisfaction, but will lead to more fulfillment, productivity and less stress. Pay particular attention to the importance of focusing on one endeavor at a time and achieving a smooth transition to the next. Seek out coaches, experts and friends who will tell it like it is. Do the same when you look into the mirror and then take specific and decisive action to address your weaknesses. Witness the example of scrawny Tiger and Annika venturing into the weight room and emerging with another distinct advantage over their rivals. TIMESTAMPS: Tiger Woods has just won his 82nd tournament on the PGA tour. It’s quite a record! [3:30] After so many setbacks and injuries, Tiger is undisputedly the greatest comeback athlete. [05:19] Tiger has set an example as a competitor. [08:00] The value and the meaning is found in the process, not in the mere holding of the trophy. [11:34] Focus on the process, not the result. [13:33] You play each shot independent on whatever happened before. [16:59] Tiger looked at the competition at the Masters as the most important thing in his life, rather than heeding some coaching advice that would say, “Just pretend it is an ordinary day.” [19:26] Four tips to cultivate your own strong work/play ethic are: make work fun, expand your horizons, be comfortable with competition, and work smart. [23:50]Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/the-get-over-yourself-podcast/donationsAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Get ready for a very unusual podcast with my old friend and former professional triathlon circuit cohort Rip Esselstyn. After our swim, bike, and run journeys ended in the 1990s, Rip and I both continued the world of diet, health, and peak performance, and have been working hard to help people get healthy and fit for decades since. Here’s where the story gets interesting: Rip has gone on to become a bestselling author and advocate...for the plant-based lifestyle! This honors the legacy of his father, mother, and sister, who are all involved in the movement and do cookbooks and retreats together. Rip’s father is Dr. Caldwell Esselstyn of the Cleveland Clinic Wellness Institute, and is famed for reversing heart disease with dietary intervention of the low fat, plant-based nature. If you come from the ancestral health camp, this show is going to be an exercise in challenging your beliefs, being open-minded, and thinking critically. This could be a growth experience, even if you object strongly to a Rip’s passionate advocacy for radically different dietary strategy than the ancestral low-carb approach. Tune in as Rip and I bounce back and forth from exploring common ground (e.g., ditch processed food like nasty vegetable oils, avoid overconsuming protein and overstimulating growth factors, watch out for allergenic dairy products and excess calories from oils and juicing, get your butt moving more in daily life, pursuing athletic peak performance goals throughout life) and into the hot button, controversial items where ancestral health and plant-based are in direct conflict. I strive to be open minded and receptive to feedback in all areas of life, and it was interesting to reflect upon how Rip and his movement have delivered great results, a passionate following, and honor the compelling goal of being good stewards to the planet. When you hear the infectious enthusiasm in Rip’s voice, you will realize that he is getting people to wake up and take charge of their health and fitness. That said, it’s often a difficult exercise to have your own belief foundation rocked, and this will happen when Rip launches into his plant strong boilerplate that all meat is bad, eggs are no bueno, saturated fat intake is a heart disease risk factor, sugar is a scapegoat instead of public enemy number one, and so forth. Wild times! I always enjoy engaging with Ripper and absorbing his positive energy.  Who knows, maybe some of your own beliefs will be reaffirmed, and maybe you’ll come away with a renewed appreciation for being open-minded and seeing all sides of the coin. Backing up a few steps, it’s easy to conclude that any step away from the Standard American Diet, where an estimated 71% of calories come from highly processed edible food-like substances, you are going to be a big winner. Enough about diet, hang in there until the end when Rip talks about “The Feel,” a magical and metaphysical concept he exposed me to when we were athletes, that can be relevant in all areas of life. Sometimes when you try too hard, things get more difficult. And sometimes when you relax, go with the flow, you can get into the flow-like state that Rip calls “The Feel,” you access a higher peak performance state. Get ready for the one and only Rip Esselstyn and check out his Plant Strong podcast and website some time. PS – a short while after recording this show, Rip broke the world record in the men’s 55-59 swimming 200-meter backstroke with a time of 2:21! TIMESTAMPS:  We all agree that the first step is to get rid of all the shit in your diet. [04:49] Rip describes a study where patients with bad heart disease were using a plant-based diet to lower cholesterol. [14:25] When he was an athlete at UT between 1982 and 1986, the athlete’s dining hall was an “abomination!” [20:03] The packaged foods we buy are loaded with sugar, salt and fat repeatedly layered on each other that get us addicted. [21:51] Can different approaches work? [28:21] The danger is excessive protein which can overstimulate the growth factors. [39:06] We’ve been misled about milk. Olives have more nutrients that milk! [44:30] Can you consume carbohydrates without jacking up your blood sugar? [48:18] According to the American Heart Association, you should get around 10 percent of calories from fat which is lower that the Keto people. [58:10] What does it truly mean to eat healthy? [0:00:11] Does Rip, while espousing the plant-based diet, allow for any animal products? [01:02:15] Rip’s wife has made an amazing success story in the Texas school system. [01:10:24] Rip talks about “the feel”. [01:12:48]Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/the-get-over-yourself-podcast/donationsAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

(Breather) As promised on the Get Over Yourself podcast, we go where no modern media has gone before. After wrapping up a great interview about the carnivore diet, I decided to record William Shewfelt talking about his strategies for focus, discipline, and productivity in daily life. It starts with an “anchor’—in William’s case it’s waking up at 4:30am and getting to the gym for a nice workout before the crowds arrive and the day gets too busy. In this show, I wanted to get into the necessary balance between prioritizing sleep, being disciplined to get up and kick ass during the day, and also being gentle and nurturing to yourself and not pushing things too hard. In my case, I’m wondering if I’m harboring latent rigid programming from my days as a professional triathlete, whereby I am a little wimpy on the sleep thing instead of getting up and getting shit done like a real man? I was literally asleep for half of my 9-year career on the pro triathlon circuit: 10 hours every night and a two-hour nap every afternoon. I believed the more I slept the better I performed, and didn’t have real-life pressures to compromise my luxurious sleep practices. William says getting into the habit of getting up and moving gives him more energy for the day, not less. This Breather show will get you thinking about the relative merits of all your habits, the importance of engaging in mindful behaviors rather than let goals and focus drift (especially in today’s hyperconnected, overstimulated society), and also about the incredible wisdom of bodybuilders. Don’t laugh, the bros pumping iron have repeatedly been decades ahead of health and fitness trends. Arnold Schwarzenegger and his brethren in the golden age of bodybuilding in the 1970s and 1980s were eating keto/carnivore style diets, balancing stress and rest much more effectively than modern day endurance and CrossFit freaks, and had better physiques than today’s bodybuilders who are swole up on excessive doping regimens. Enjoy this lively and inspiring unplugged show with William Shewfelt! TIMESTAMPS: William Shewfelt has a routine that is a combination of regimen vs. nurturing yourself. [04:13] William talks about how the bodybuilders in the old days manage their carnivore diets. [09:40]Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/the-get-over-yourself-podcast/donationsAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

William enjoys the extreme honor of being on the show for a third time, a great opportunity to check back in and get refocused because this dude is super focused and superconscious. Our conversation kicks off with some great commentary from William about the importance of developing an “anchor” for a productive day, which in his case is waking up at 4:30am and getting to the gym. We did a whole Breather show about that deal, and I ponder the fine line between taking care of yourself and not overstressing, but also getting focused, disciplined, and getting shit done. Could me not wanting to awaken at 4:30am be a self-limiting belief that I manifest by being too tired to wake up at 4:30am? Could I manifest a more productive day from my wussy boy fragile ex-athlete mindset by waking up at 6:00am and kicking some butt, instead of waiting for that perfectly graceful awakening at 6:45-7:15am usually? After all, when I loosened my dietary guidelines in the experimental phase of eating more overall calories, including starting my day with a big green super nutrition smoothie instead of fasting, I admit that this became a slippery slope of indulgence and diminishing discipline. On the flip side, I share the benefits of my morning cold plunge and recent experiment of fasting until 12 noon every day being mainly to ingrain pro-active patterns and self-discipline. William definitely knows first-hand how essential discipline is, and as we discuss what it is that makes Tiger Woods such an exceptional athlete, William makes the astute observation that, “He has a mental edge that so many of the other guys don’t have.” Yes, being physically committed to your fitness is important, but if you don’t have discipline, how can you expect to get anything done? How can you expect to push yourself beyond what you think your limits are? William points out that, “Adhering to your goals comes down to understanding what your priorities are, and that comes from a certain awareness: What are your health circumstances, what are your goals, what’s important to you?”  He then shares the inspiring mindset he applied to his acting career, which he says anyone can apply to basically any circumstance in life. Once William got the “burning desire” to act, he focused on the vision he had of himself booking a starring role in a TV show to work towards. He broke it down extremely practically: he knew he needed an agent, credits on a resume, acting skills, but also to clear up his skin, since he had severe acne at the time. But he knew all of these steps, no matter how big or small, were crucial moves he had to make in order to achieve his goals. His priorities shifted, and he committed big time to pursuing his dreams, showing up to every audition he could, and creating a great daily routine in the process. What’s interesting is that William discovered during this extremely hectic time in his life that, “Putting my health and fitness at the forefront is the only thing that allowed me to work so hard my last year of college without having burnout or health issues.” He was dealing with an enormous workload while pursuing a career in an industry that is infamously difficult to break into, but his commitment to his fitness allowed him to balance his priorities as he steadily made moves in the right direction.  Yes, it’s turned out pretty well for William so far, and because of his success and positive perspective, he often gets asked for advice on his Instagram about what people can do to start making seriously affective changes in their life. A lot of the time people want all the answers and they want to start implementing every change they need to make in one day. But William’s outlook is much more realistic and relaxed: just change one thing - like starting to do as many pushups as you can in the morning, right after waking, for 1 month - and then get back to him. William believes starting people off with one specific fitness ritual is really where massive change can occur, because once people start being mindful about their fitness routine, then that bleeds over to their diet, which carries over to all areas of their consciousness. Once you start eating better and feeling better, you find that you have more energy, and then you realize you’re literally happier, and actually motivated to set goals and go after whatever it is that you want out of life. For William, the goal is to wake up excited about whatever it is you can accomplish that day, and not to feel like there’s this mountain of responsibility and doom looming over you, and the best way to do that is through discipline and self-awareness. This show will help you leverage your best intentions for diet, fitness, and lifestyle goals, and follow William’s policy of “take action, then ponder things later!”   TIMESTAMPS: Brad and William discuss outstanding sports performances. [05:01] Putting yourself in pressure situations teaches you a lot. [10:26] It depends on self-awareness of who you are that determines what your priorities are. [13:15] Putting health and fitness to the forefront is the thing that allowed him to work so hard. [16:36] You have to commit to something. [20:42] William’s wake up time is 4:30 a.m.  Doesn’t recommend it for everyone. [22:41] When you compromise, it leads to more compromise. [25:42] Instill the habit of ACTION. [32:55] William describes his transition from vegan to carnivore diets. [33:57] If you want to try carnivore, it’s important to check off some boxes. [39:19] If you have a compromised immune system, consuming those plant anti-nutrients can be a problem. [40:46] Is broccoli the miracle food? [44:15] There are many ways to supplement for calcium like eggshells or bone supplements. [47:48] Everything is up-regulated when we are fasting. [49:22] What is someone doing carnivore actually eating? [52:21] Brad wonders about the long term effects. [57:17] There’s a lot less to think about if you commit to this diet. [01:01:48] Food is an experience. [01:04:27] To do it right, a “cheat day”, is a social experience. [01:07:41] What is carnivore shredding? [01:09:42]Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/the-get-over-yourself-podcast/donationsAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

(Breather) Writer Michael Simmons breaks everything down everything for us in this fantastic Medium.com article so we can incorporate the most useful and effective tips that will help us be more like Buffett. Enjoy this 13-step process to help you become more focused, strategic, and prioritized in investing and in life.  The first step is determining your true values and goals, otherwise, you’ll find yourself wondering, “Why do my goals leave me feeling so empty?” Well, here’s the thing: you need to reflect on where your values come from: are they truly your own, or are they the result of the culture and environment you grew up in? From your peers to your parents to the consumerist agenda permeating modern society, who knows how deeply ingrained certain ideas are into your mind, without you even realizing it?! It’s also crucial to make to-do lists and prioritize; go for the big rocks first a la Steven Covey and get good at it through repetition; identify your very top priority, do it first, and measure results carefully; filter out unnecessary stuff by getting better at saying “no;” and get expert coaching and accountability partners. Check in with yourself and your habits, and determine if you are guilty of “Procrasticlearing” - a term coined by Gretchen Rubin - as a way to avoid doing the necessary tasks on your to-do list. This is something so many people are guilty of, and it’s understandable: you’ve got a ton of tasks to tick off on the list, with no idea where to start. The pressure starts to mount, and it gets overwhelming. “I know,” you think to yourself. “I’ll organize all my utensils! Or my sock drawer! No, wait - I’ll wrap up all my holiday gifts, or clear out my computer…Then I’ll feel accomplished, like I really did something.” Wrong! That’s not the road to take, especially when you’re getting anxious about the things that you really need to just get done. Just focus on what you need to do, and do it.  Also, something that I don’t think a lot of people realize is that you need to make time for organizing your priorities. We’re so used to having calendars and reminders and all kinds of apps and tools on our devices, but what about investing in a plain old fashioned calendar? Yes, I’m talking about a literal calendar, one that allows you to physically block out your time and see how you’re balancing your priorities throughout the day and week. And if a physical calendar is not your thing, give Evernote a try, if you haven’t already. Evernote has been by far my favorite way to effectively organize all my thoughts, notes, schedule, to-do list, etc. Having a combination of a calendar, to-do list and notebook on a digital platform really helps me stay focused and clear, because it’s something I can update and have access to anywhere, which helps me keep myself accountable. Another important thing to note that Simmons says is that, “Prioritizing is a skill” and that every time you see all your priorities, it’s an opportunity to get better at prioritizing. Once you start to incorporate prioritizing into your daily habits, you’ll see that you get better and better at it the more you do it. A great example of truly incorporating prioritizing into your daily life is to, “Do your priority first,” something I’ve adopted from my friend Andre Obradovic. In the mornings, straight after my cold plunge and stretching routine, I went straight into a few hours of super-focused work (book writing) before even daring to check my emails and messages. Once I did the one priority I knew I needed to get done, I would email him to confirm that I did this, and then I would go on with my day. This kind of discipline is really integral to accomplishing things, and sometimes you simply can’t do it alone - having someone who holds you accountable just makes it a lot easier for you to actually follow through. Commit to doing that one thing first, because if you push it off for later in the day, you’ll often find that you just keep pushing it to tomorrow, day after day. Another thing that will help you stay focused and disciplined is by making an “Avoid At All Costs” list. These are the things you know that you can’t do without getting distracted, frustrated, or losing a big chunk of time out of your day. It takes a lot of energy and self-restraint to not do the things on this list, but the thing is, when you’re not deliberate in your actions, you’re likely to fall into old habits and lose time. Eliminate potential distractions before they can happen, so you’re not forced to confront them - this is why saying “No” is such a great skill to cultivate. We all have situations in life that we need to start saying no to, but you shouldn’t wait for the stress of battling those situations to drain you, simply remove them. Essentially: take the problem out of the equation for yourself. At the end of the day, we’re all guilty of putting off the most important item on our to-do lists. Why? Simmons, the author of the article, says he’s guilty of this because, “I often resist the thing that is most important, because it requires me to confront my fears and self-sabotaging beliefs. Therefore, I always operate more effectively when I share my priorities with others, every day, and every week. Accountability forces me to be brutally honest with myself...it helps me put my foot on the accelerator.”  To sum it up: Determine your true values. Determine your true goals. Set aside time for prioritization: daily, weekly, monthly, and yearly. Make a list of everything you have to do. Get your to-do list out of your head, and physically put it onto paper. Practice the 80/20 rule in all areas of your life. Identify your single most important priority, and do that thing first, every day. Message your accountability partner to confirm you did it. Collect and measure metrics primarily on that “one thing.” Put (mostly) everything else on your “Avoid At All Costs” list. Prepare for, and envision what will happen if you get distracted by things on the “Avoid” list. This will help illuminate just how difficult and energy-consuming it is to stay away from distracting stuff. Practice saying “No.” Get both accountability and coaching. TIMESTAMPS: Brad presents a 13-step process to get inspiration. Numbers 1 and 2 are: determine your true values and goals. [03:43] Set aside time for prioritizing. [06:54] Make a list of everything that you have to do.  Getting it out of your head and onto paper is cathartic. [09:46] Do your top priorities first.  [10:24] If you leave your one thing for later in the day, it probably won't get done that day. [14:23] Measure the metrics of the items on your list. [15:13] Put everything else on your avoid at all costs list. [18:04] Practice saying “no.” [19:52] Get both accountability and coaching. [20:43] Brad summarizes these steps from the article. [22:52]Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/the-get-over-yourself-podcast/donationsAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Scott Nelson is the co-founder of Joovv, makers of photobiomodulation devices, aka red light therapy. If you have biohacking fatigue by now, don’t worry. Red light therapy is a simple and scientifically validated way to improve cellular function and will help you get in closer alignment with your circadian rhythm. In this show, you will learn a nice overview of the different types of light on the UV spectrum, the disastrous impact of spending an average of 90% of our time indoors under artificial light, the importance of minimizing blue light exposure after dark, in favor of yellow/orange/red light sources, and the therapeutic benefits of exposure to the correct spectrums of both visible red light and (invisible) near-infrared light.  You may have seen small red lights used in beauty salons for years - because they are known to help fight wrinkles by stimulating collagen production and speeding the healing of damaged skin. But the big success here is that red light exposure has been proven to enhance mitochondrial function – essentially you get better at generating cellular energy and clearing out metabolic waste products from your cells.  Going from handheld wands to total body red light therapy is definitely cutting edge, and worth checking out - especially for the benefit of improving your circadian rhythm alignment when you use near sunrise or sunset. In this show, you will learn a nice overview of the different types of light on the UV spectrum, the disastrous impact of spending an average of 90% of our time indoors under artificial light, the importance of minimizing blue light exposure after dark, in favor of yellow/orange/red light sources, and the therapeutic benefits of exposure to the correct spectrums of both visible red light and (invisible) near-infrared light. Exposure to the correct wavelengths of visible red light (~660nm) and near-infrared light (~800nm) helps your cells produce more ATP energy and also to clear waste products more efficiently, by mobilizing nitric oxide trapped in the mitochondria and allowing oxygen to return to the cell and increase ATP production. This is so beneficial today because our cellular function is under assault by crap like EMFs at a level unlike any other time in human history. We necessarily get a little sciency at times to help you understand the different forms of light on the UV spectrum and how they impact health, but don’t worry—this show is great for the casual listener who is looking for simple, straightforward, sustainable ways to improve health. After all, a five-minute session each day is all you need to succeed. Scott’s Joovv operation is dedicated to education, so visiting their website is an excellent first step, and then you can decide for yourself if you want to try the product. As listeners may be aware, I have been an enthusiast of red light therapy for close to three years now, but I have used a handheld device for the specific purpose of optimizing testosterone production (yes, the wand is applied down the front of my pants!). After more reading and research, I decided to go all-in with full-body red light therapy. There are not many health optimization strategies that can deliver undisputed results with absolutely no negative side effects, so consider learning more and trying out red light therapy. TIMESTAMPS: Photobiomodulation is known as red light therapy that benefits cellular repair. [03:29] Exposure to this red light therapy can be a couple of times a day. [07:48] There have been very few negative comments about this therapy. [09:49] We spend 90% of our time indoors which is the blue light which is really artificial light. [11:28] Our bodies respond differently to different wavelengths of light. [13:31] If we are working in an area with nice window exposure to outside, is the window interfering with our healthy exposure to sunlight? [16:23]The warmer the color at night in terms of oranges and reds, the less disruptive it is to your, your circadian rhythms. [19:57] We are talking about the therapeutic use of red and near-infrared products as well as candlelight and orange glasses. [21:28] These wavelengths of red and near-infrared light help the mitochondria of our cells produce more energy. [24:32] There is research on the impact of this therapy on cancer patients and people wanting fewer wrinkles. [27:23] Why are we only hearing about this now? [29:26] Someone who is interested in this can learn what is best for their own therapeutic window.  [31:47] How is this different than an infrared sauna? [34:12] Is there a do-it-yourself way of getting these benefits? [37:44] What about ocular health? [42:48] Our cells respond very favorably metabolically to both the ketogenic diet and red light therapy. [45:51] There are many devices available; all sizes and prices. [51:00]Is there some way to kind of mitigate the damage by spending some evening exposure time in front of the red lights? [53:07]  Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/the-get-over-yourself-podcast/donationsAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

(Breather) On the heels of the previous breather show about the constrained model of energy expenditure, I talk about what happens when you ignore these insights and try to power through hectic modern life like a rock star. You fall into what top MMA trainer (and previous GOY podcast guest) Joel Jamieson calls “recovery debt,” where important body functions get compromised as you overdo it. This can include immune function, inflammation control, and muscle repair, leading to the dreaded breakdown, burnout, illness, and injury. If you at times feel superhuman in go go go mode, realize that these highs of sustained work performance or training volume are fueled by the chronic overproduction of stress hormones — a state of “Adrenalin Dominance” as detailed by Dr. Michael Platt in his book of the same name. I mention briefly how Dr. Platt recommends applying progesterone cream to blunt the production of adrenalin, estrogen, and insulin, and how “adrenal fatigue” is misunderstood; the cause of this condition is actually adrenalin dominance. Insufficient attention to recovery, however, is the true cause of your demise here; maybe it’s not the workout itself, but what you did for the remainder of those 22 hours that day affects your body on a deeper level. Does the body like to be pushed hard and challenged? Of course, it does...but when you challenge your body (either in training or just in life, at work), then you do need to compensate with the amount of energy you exert. We know that anything that is stimulating to the body is a form of stress (positive or negative) and should be countered by restful, low-stress activities, but people often forget how important it is to make time for rest and recovery. Now, there are plenty of people who feel like they have an endless source of energy, who never get tired, who think, “I can go all day without taking breaks and I’m still energized by evening!” Unfortunately, that’s really not the case. People who have massive energy output at all times probably achieve this (in part) due to the fact that their bodies are overproducing stress hormones. They’re in flight or flight mode, and don’t even realize it, in spite of all the obvious signs: increased alertness, energy levels, and endurance… Some people can sustain this for days, some people can live like this for weeks, months, even years! But at what price? This overstimulation of your body’s natural stress response has serious long term health effects; suppressing your immune system and compromising your ability to control inflammation. To be clear, this is not just about workouts — there are other very important environmental stimuli people often forget even count as stress. An obvious one? The workplace. The moment you enter your place of work, you’ve entered high-stress mode, and regardless of if you love your job, your coworkers, and your work environment, your body still reacts to all the stimuli in your environment. Are you currently dealing with symptoms of adrenaline dominance? Do you crash out of pure exhaustion on weekends, crave sugar, or suffer from cold hands and feet? Another thing you can watch out for is salivary cortisol levels. According to Dr. Platt, when you test salivary cortisol and find it to be low, that’s a symptom of adrenaline dominance, not adrenal insufficiency, because your body has shut down “superfluous metabolic processes,” like immune function, good digestion, and circulation to your hands and feet, because your body is just trying to deal with the issues at hand: your stress. If you do suffer from any of these symptoms, it’s time to make some changes. This show will inspire you to examine your energy expenditure and also get real with yourself about how you’re really feeling, so you can make the necessary changes to ensure you’re prioritizing rest and recovery and functioning at peak performance. TIMESTAMPS: Do you turn a blind eye to your limit on maximum energy expenditure? [03:34] When you challenge your body, you need to compensate with the rest of your life behaviors to tone down your energy expenditure. [06:04] Re-bound workouts are specially designed workouts that can actually speed your recovery. [08:48] When you overstimulate the stress response, you are looking at a long-term repercussions with the suppression of immune function [10:45] Overproduction of adrenaline appears to be related to mental illness. [15:38] Around age 50, males stop producing normal levels of progesterone which leads to the spare tire! [17:59] Watch out for those overstress patterns. [19:16]Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/the-get-over-yourself-podcast/donationsAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Scott Zagarino is the mastermind behind the “1989TheStory.com” project, a historical account of the greatest triathlon race of all time. In the aftermath of the wonderful interview with protagonists Mark Allen and Dave Scott, I catch up with my old-time triathlon training partner, sponsor, and mentor to reflect not only on the significance of the Mark and Dave story, but how this athletic battle can translate into an assortment of life lessons and peak performance inspiration. Scott was a prominent figure in the triathlon scene for many years in the 80s and 90s. His entrepreneurial spirit ushered the sport into the modern era in many ways. He was the point man for huge sponsorship deals for the Hawaii Ironman, he dreamed up spectator-friendly competition formats and brought unique new events to life, and he was the first person to form a team of professional athletes under one sponsor and connected directly with his charity, Triathletes For Kids. His long career in sports marketing has recently returned him to triathlon for this ambitious multimedia project centered around the 1989 Ironwar. Even if you aren’t a triathlete, I think you will appreciate our discussion of how we can take inspiration from athletes putting everything on the line, dusting themselves off and carrying on after failures, and the need for all of us to pursue our passions and test our limits in daily life. TIMESTAMPS: Brad and Scott talk about the life lessons, the metaphors, and the inspiration that you can draw from the Ironman race itself. [04:08] The well known 1989 Iron War with Mark Allen and Dave Scott is historic. [07:23] There was no legacy in triathlon until the late 80s. [10:57] Did Mark’s marathon in 1989 set a record? [12:57] Scott talks about how this even taught us about real human character. [14:59] What was the level of Dave’s career at this point? [17:51] The relationship between these two men evolved over the years. [19:48] A demonstration of real human character is the way Dave Scott took his defeat. [27:56] Some folks are happy with “one and done.” [31:57] Is it mental toughness that carries the athlete above the pack? [35:25] The ability to focus has changed drastically in 30 years. [39:44] Peer pressure can discourage children. [43:14] Zagarino’s message is about building character and helping others. [44:18] Scott talks about becoming a monk. [49:17] There’s no correlation at all between triathlon and health. [56:22]Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/the-get-over-yourself-podcast/donationsAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

(Breather) I talk about my favorite subject of Speedgolf and reflect on the battle between positive and negative thoughts when pushing your body to its limits, as well as the delicate balance between unleashing your competitive intensity to kick butt in life and being sensible with your goals and pursuits such that you protect your health, and that your endeavors are appropriate and fit into your current life responsibilities, fitness level, and age. Instead of buying into the fanaticism and romanticizing of extreme goals, perhaps you can choose things you really love without regard to how they stack up tonpeer and cultural judgements. But what about when you take on a tough physical challenge and you’re confronted by the difficulty of being torn between positive and negative thoughts regarding your performance? I flash back to a hike Mia Moore and I went on one sunny day in Lake Tahoe. It was challenging, and it was pretty hot out, which prompted me to ask her, “are you doing ok?” so many times that she said, “don’t ask me that anymore - because I don’t want to distract my mind.” Sometimes, the constant checking in can open up a whole can of worms and lead you down what feels like a never ending spiral of negative thoughts: maybe I am feeling tired...maybe I am feeling dehydrated...maybe I can’t do this after all…. It was in this spirit that I chose to soldier on through the oppressive heat, a tough course I had never played before, as well as my own body’s symptoms as I committed to sticking it out to the very end with my Speedgolf game that day. However, as I learned the hard way, you never want to ignore how you’re feeling, and I experienced first hand exactly why it’s so dangerous to push yourself past your limits. Even though the balls were going long and straight, I myself could barely see straight. My arms were tingling and starting to feel numb; yes, it was that bad. While the entire ordeal was tough, so tough it had me feeling like I was hovering over the edge of death, it was also an extremely rewarding lesson to learn. One thing’s for sure though, I would have felt a lot better had I just used an RTX Cooling Glove. Sure, I felt proud of myself for finishing such a difficult course in such challenging conditions, but I also just really felt like crap for the next 14 hours. So please, do yourself a favor, and be careful about exercising in hot weather - it is the single most profound performance limiter. When striving for peak performance, make sure you do so in conditions that are both sensible and optimal for your body.   TIMESTAMPS: Brad uses the example of a recent speed golf tournament to talk about passion and competitive intensity. [04:29] It’s a battle between positive and negative thoughts. [07:06] The “Barbarian” workout is pure torture. [09:16] What your mindset is, can determine your strength under such circumstances. [10:11] Athletes need to be careful performing in heat. [11:59] Brad talks about thinking sensibly about what you do with your time and energy. [16:34] The concept of one and done has some good points. [18:07]  Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/the-get-over-yourself-podcast/donationsAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.