Chasing Excellence

❤️ Weekly Newsletter & the Chase Club We answer a listener's question on how society can collectively pursue better health. We delve into the sickness-wellness-fitness continuum popularized by CrossFit, discuss the importance of bravery, and explore schools' role in creating a healthier world. We also examine the significant impact of big food, big soda, and big pharma on public health and consider how individual efforts and systemic changes can help move people from sickness to wellness and, ultimately, to fitness. 00:00 Introduction and Overview 01:43 Listener Question: Defining Acceptable Health 03:44 The Sickness-Wellness-Fitness Continuum 04:44 Fitness Metrics and Behaviors 06:59 Nutrition and Lifestyle Mapping 10:48 Challenges in Achieving Wellness 16:36 Thanks to our Sponsors: Lumen & Bespoke Post 19:44 The Need for Bravery 21:17 The Role of Education and Policy THANKS TO OUR SPONSORS

❤️ Weekly Newsletter & Premium Subscription We’re talking about five characteristics of high performers, exploring concepts such as having a ridiculous work ethic, staying accountable, prioritizing what's important now, taking ownership, and initiating above and beyond expectations. We share insights and anecdotes from renowned high achievers, including athletes and business leaders, to illustrate how these traits drive exceptional performance and success. 00:00 Introduction and Welcome 00:28 Overview of High Performers' Habits 01:37 Defining High Performers 01:58 Ridiculous Work Ethic 10:42 Accountability and Self-Management 15:44 Thanks to our Sponsors: DUER & Shopify 18:06 Prioritizing the Most Important Task 25:08 Taking Ownership of Your Actions 31:56 The Little Brother Story: Going Above and Beyond THANKS TO OUR SPONSORS

❤️ Weekly Newsletter & the Chase Club We're talking about the simplest yet most powerful recipe for success: showing up and not complaining. We discuss how being present and maintaining a positive mindset can significantly impact various aspects of life, from fitness and relationships to professional endeavors. 00:00 Welcome to Chasing Excellence 01:06 Join the Chase Club and Book Club Updates 02:01 Moments of Joy: Running and Rucking 05:30 Thanks to our Sponsors: OneSkin, Notion, & LMNT 08:27 The Power of Showing Up and Not Complaining 16:35 Real-Life Application: CompTrain Rebuilding Journey 19:47 The Importance of Mindset in Achieving Success 26:21 Hope and the Reticular Activation System THANKS TO OUR SPONSORS

❤️ Weekly Newsletter & Chase Club Subscription We delve into one of our favorite discussions: the 100 Words of Health, inspired by CrossFit's 100 Words of Fitness. Our conversation explores the principles behind these words, emphasizing the importance of environment, intentionality, passion, challenges, and various health factors like nutrition, sleep, and connections. We discuss the significance of recognizing health as a mix of choices and luck while focusing on what can be controlled. We also highlight the pitfalls of fixating on single health metrics, the influence of environment and social media, the impact of stress, and the importance of treating oneself with care and respect. TIMESTAMPS: 00:00 Welcome to Chasing Excellence 00:34 Revisiting the Hundred Words of Health 01:30 Listener Questions and Premium Membership Updates 03:23 Introduction to the Hundred Words of Health 03:30 Defining Health Beyond the Absence of Disease 06:48 Creating a Healthy Environment 15:21 The Importance of Intentionality

We’re revisiting a past discussion that focused on the basics of simplifying nutrition. We explore the two primary considerations for creating a nutrition plan: understanding personal goals and determining one's eating style. We discuss three essential buckets of nutrition—quality, quantity, and macronutrient balance—and how they align with different health and performance objectives. 00:00 Introduction and Episode Overview 02:29 Recommendation: Celebrating Your Wins 06:58 Thanks to our sponsors: The Defender & Washington Post 09:32 Starting the Nutrition Conversation 24:20 The Importance of Crunchy Foods 25:22 Tracking and Measuring Nutrition 26:12 Personal Nutrition Routine 28:47 Summer vs. Winter Diet 31:15 The Power of Food Choices 36:44 Simplifying Nutrition 42:00 Conclusion and Farewell ❤️ Weekly Newsletter & Premium Subscription THANKS TO OUR SPONSORS

We’re exploring how to train alone effectively by breaking down four key elements: self-discipline, necessary equipment, having a structured plan, and moving with proper technique. 00:00 Introduction and Welcome 01:02 Listener Shoutouts 02:38 Topic Introduction: Training Alone Effectively 04:16 Key 1: Self-Discipline 11:15 Key 2: Necessary Equipment 19:15 Barbells vs. Dumbbells: Finding the Sweet Spot 20:08 Strength Training: Maximizing Variety and Gains 21:59 Conditioning and Consistency: The Key to Success 22:46 Thanks to our Sponsors: LMNT & DUER 25:18 Key 3: The Training Plan 32:24 Balancing Enjoyment and Discipline in Workouts 34:43 Key 4: Technique and Intensity 39:18 Final Thoughts: Environment and Community ❤️ Weekly Newsletter & Premium Subscription THANKS TO OUR SPONSORS

We’re revisiting a conversation from March 2023 about the ten pillars of trusting the process. These pillars, originally created for elite athletes, are just as applicable to anyone pursuing meaningful goals. We explore each pillar in depth, covering topics like defining success for ourselves, maintaining perspective, maximizing our time, and cultivating curiosity. ❤️ Weekly Newsletter & Premium Subscription THANKS TO OUR SPONSORS

We jump into a bunch of listener questions spanning our five factors of health - nutrition, exercise, mindset, connection, and recovery. For long time listeners, this is our updated 2:00 Drill! From debating the risks and benefits of extra skill work after CrossFit classes, to cultivating grit in athletes and children, to practical tips for packing healthy lunches, we aim to provide helpful insights to empower you on your health journey. We also discuss the power of journaling and share some of our favorite techniques to make the habit stick. ❤️ Weekly Newsletter & Premium Subscription THANKS TO OUR SPONSORS

We’re diving into the practical, actionable steps you can take to optimize your health and performance across our 5 Factors of Health (movement, recovery, nutrition, mindset, and connection). We share our top four tactics for each category, providing you with a comprehensive roadmap to upgrade your daily habits and routines. From combining strength training and cardio to prioritizing sleep and recovery, eating a balanced diet rich in whole foods, cultivating a growth mindset, and nurturing meaningful relationships, we cover it all. ❤️ Weekly Newsletter & Premium Subscription THANKS TO OUR SPONSORS

In this episode, we talk about the findings of the National Weight Control Registry, an extensive study that has tracked over 10,000 individuals who have achieved significant and sustained weight loss. We explore four key habits that have emerged as common threads among those who have successfully maintained their weight loss over an extended period. ❤️ Weekly Newsletter & Premium Subscription THANKS TO OUR SPONSORS

In this episode, we dive into some thought-provoking listener questions about major life decisions, relationships, and mental health. From weighing the importance of family connections versus career opportunities when considering a move, to the challenges of dating in midlife, to the powerful combination of fitness and therapy, we explore these complex topics through the lens of Maslow's Hierarchy of Needs and the latest research on exercise and mental well-being. Join us as we discuss the importance of staying true to your values, putting in the work to achieve your goals, and the transformative power of taking on challenges one small step at a time. ❤️ Weekly Newsletter & Premium Subscription THANKS TO OUR SPONSORS

In this episode, we dive into a listener question about how to better use our downtime in the evenings when energy and focus are low, especially if we want to avoid mindlessly watching TV and instead do things that move us closer to our goals. We explore strategies for gradually improving habits, making the most of those precious first and last hours of the day, and navigating a world filled with distractions vying for our attention. Join us as we discuss the importance of awareness and intentionality in pursuing a meaningful life. ❤️ Weekly Newsletter & Premium Subscription THANKS TO OUR SPONSORS

We’re getting into the crucial topic of recovery and discussing four common ways people tend to undermine their own recovery process. We explore the importance of understanding why recovery is necessary, the different types of stress and stimuli that training places on the body, and how the time needed for recovery can be flexible based on our proactive approach. Lastly, we emphasize the interdependence of all five factors - training, nutrition, sleep, mindset, and relationships - in optimizing recovery and ultimately improving performance. ❤️ Weekly Newsletter & Premium Subscription THANKS TO OUR SPONSORS

We’re diving into the profound wisdom of Bruce Lee, a renowned martial artist, philosopher, and actor. We've curated three thought-provoking quotes from his interviews, and these quotes serve as catalysts for our discussion. Through his words, we explore themes of self-awareness, resilience, and the art of navigating life's challenges with grace and presence. ❤️ Weekly Newsletter & Premium Subscription THANKS TO OUR SPONSORS

❤️ Weekly Newsletter & Premium Subscription In this episode, we revisit a conversation from our archives, originally released in 2018. It's a discussion about parenting tactics and strategies, covering topics like building grit, developing a growth mindset, balancing vulnerability with complaining, and more. THANKS TO OUR SPONSORS

❤️ Weekly Newsletter & Premium Subscription We’re diving into our MOVE category this week, exploring the art of crafting an effective exercise routine while on vacation, striking a balance between physical demands and mental rejuvenation. Additionally, we navigate the intricate path of reintegrating training into one's lifestyle after a period of burnout, offering insights on how to approach this delicate transition with wisdom and care. Finally, we examine the unique challenges faced by endurance athletes who seek to maintain their rigorous training regimens while respecting the guidance of their coaches and the limitations imposed upon them. THANKS TO OUR SPONSORS

❤️ Weekly Newsletter & Premium Subscription This week, we dive into two listener questions that tackle the complexities of mindset and personal growth. First, we explore the challenges of navigating a relationship with a spouse who has developed a victim mindset over the years, offering insights on how to gently initiate a journey towards a more empowering perspective. Then, we dissect the nuances of the "happy" trait within the "humble, hungry, and happy" framework, contrasting it with the "smart" trait from Patrick Lencioni's work and shedding light on the profound impact of fostering a positive, enthusiastic, and uplifting energy within a team dynamic. THANKS TO OUR SPONSORS

❤️ Weekly Newsletter & Premium Subscription Starting this week, we're kicking off a fresh chapter of the show, revamping our format to bring you more frequent and concise discussions. We'll delve into thought-provoking topics, revive some beloved segments from the past, and introduce new elements to keep things exciting. This week, we explore the concept of a "health stack" – a collection of tools, resources, and practices that collectively contribute to overall well-being. THANKS TO OUR SPONSORS