Barbell Buddha Podcast - with Chris Moore from Barbell Shrugged

This week my actual dream came true. That's right. It's not perfect or as imagined. Realized dream's never are. But it is real, and it's mine, and in my hands now, it means far more than I ever dreamed it could. I hope my story gives you a few ideas for your own. Enjoy the show. Cheers, Chris

Julien doesn't need much of an introduction.  Just let him start talking and I guarantee, you'll be hooked. You'll quickly get why I like hanging out with this guy so much. And of course, why I've turned my training over to him.  It feels very good to be a student again. Thanks, Julien.  Chris

Time for Saturday night Sangha. I’d like to teach and share a bit, if that’s alright with you.  This time around… 1.“What the hell is #BarbellShrugged up to?” I will tell you clearly, but you must listen! We’ve got cool shit cooking, but you’ve only seen a small bit.  2.I’ve lost something like 40 pounds since coming to Cali. I’ll share what I did, or do, every morning to trigger that.  3.“Chris, what would you tell your childhood self now?” Great question, I’ll answer it!  4.“What book should you read to transform your life?” …Well, let me teach again about looking too closely at pointing fingers.  I hope you enjoy the show. Cheers, :)Chris

I wanted to take a moment and share my 2016 resolutions. I think you'll dig it.  Happy Holidays, friend.  Chris

What habits increase your chances of success the most? There's training, great conversation, and reading is great. But also, there's the power of writing.   This episode is all about the written word, and how you can harness it for greater effect.   Enjoy :) Chris

I attended a Tony Robbins event two months or so ago. Yes, it's true. And tonight I finally have something to say about it.  Also, I've had two cups of coffee and one very strong margarita. So, I'm certain not to bore you. :)  Cheers, Chris

This week let's talk about the frustrations of not getting the effect you want from your training - and from your life - and what to do about that.  I hope you enjoy the show, Cheers,  Chris

Morning ritual, the rememdy to self-doubt, and a quick football story to make you laugh. I hope you enjoy the show :) Chris

The key to reaching your full potential is great coaching. On this episode of Get Change, we'll chat about the real power of coaching, how you can find mentorship in absolutely everything you read and do, and why it's YOUR responsibility to maximize the number of intereactions you have with impactful minds. I hope you dig the show, Chris     

The vodka and grapefruit is poured. Let's do this. Chris

It's been a while since the last episode of Get Change. What can I say, it’s been a wild spring. I’ve only now felt the urge to ramble on a bit. In between episodes, my family and I have managed to complete a wild cross-country move from our hometown in Memphis, Tennessee to Encinitas, California, the brand new HQ of Barbell Shrugged. I think you’ll get a kick out of the story. After catching up, I thought we’d talk a bit about inspiration, creativity, and how to make shit that you’re proud of. That’s all anyone is after, right? My story is pretty cliche at this point. I’ve come out to California for the same reason any writer/loud-mouth would - To find a big spark, a new muse, and a shot at changing the world in some tiny Chris-shaped way. That wasn’t going to happen by swimming around in the same comfortable, small ponds, feeling the same feelings, thinking and expressing the same perspective. As Tolstoy wrote, “Everyone thinks of changing the world, but no one thinks of changing themselves.” If you want to say something new, start by finding brand new ways to think and feel. Go out and gather new experiences from within some new, more spacious lake. Build new routines and daily rhythms. And instead hurrying yourself, why not focus on doing just one small, cool, obviously good thing today instead? There's all that and more on this week's show. We'll chat again next week. Until then, if you have questions or comments, just leave them in the thread below. I'd love to hear what you have to say. Cheers, Chris

This is the story of how the greatest episode of Barbell Shrugged ever ALMOST happened.  No, seriously, we were 5-minutes and 10-feet from bringing you an exclusive interview with the Governator himself, Arnold Schwarzenneger...Like, for real. That almost happened, and as surreal as the event was, the lessons we took from the experience are priceless. That's what this story is about. I hope you dig the show.  Chris P.S. I have a brand new plan to get Arnold on Barbell Shrugged this year. This one's even better than before, because it might just buy us an extended interview on his home turf. Do you hear that, Governor, Sir? Make it easy on yourself and just come on the show already. We don't ever give up, so it's only a matter of time. Let's get this out of the way now. It will be fun, I promise you.  If it helps at all, I can bring plenty of beer and legit pretzels. I know how important it is to serve a proper pretzel.  Mach's gut, 

This week I thought I would do something different.  It's storytime again, but this week I'm reading an easter egg from my book, Get Change. It's actually the very first story I ever wrote for the blog...The Debauchery Diary. I hope you dig it. I recommed a few red grapefruit margaritas with this, it only makes the show that much better.  Cheers, Chris

This week on Get Change we start with the best thing you can do – Learning to knock over the big dominos. Tim Ferriss discussed this idea on episode 162 of Barbell Shrugged. If you want to maximize your effectiveness in the gym, your career, in life, then you have to get better and better at doing the right things. You don’t need to be perfect, not even close. So that’s a relief. Actually, you don’t need to be anything at all…other than yourself. The only trick is learning where to focus your limited efforts. Don’t work harder and harder for incremental reward, that’s not sustainable. The immediate payoff is OK, but that kind of thinking will only limit your ability to grow and prosper down the road. We’re not after OK, are we? The much wiser effort is to focus everything on knocking over the most important domino first – your highest value opportunity. Avoid the trappings of immediate reward and gratification. Don’t over think the plan, you don’t have to have everything figured out up front. Maybe just remind yourself… Don’t do as you’re told, your lifespan is far too short for such shenanigans. And do not get distracted by the intentions and plans of other people. Instead, focus 100% on what’s best for you, the actions you just MUST take. That’s more than enough to point you in the right direction.

This week on Get Change we talk training. Specifically, I want to help you get as strong as possible. So, I thought I would share how I approach strength work.  First, you need to understand that tension is very important. When we manipulate sets, reps, load, all that, what we’re really doing is adjusting the dose of tension. We increase the load to raise the tension, and we add reps or sets or sessions so that we can extend the amount of time we spend under tension. This is a great way to get strong, but it’s not the only way. When you a struggling to make progress in the gym, try adjusting tension in other ways. Try simple moving the barbell faster, for example. Make the movement much harder by just increasing the range of motion, or you can add a pause to the lift to increase the time under load.  These are effective strategies. But still, it’s not the only thing that matters in the gym. You can also get much stronger simply by spending some time on smaller accessory exercises. Pistols, rows, presses, sled dragging, you name it. These movements are not as important as squats and snatches, but they are great for building work capacity, identifying and correcting weaknesses, and maintaining balance in programming. 

This week on Get Change we have a special show for you.    The Barbell Shrugged team just finished their first Spartan Race in Temecula, California. On this episode, Chris, Mike and Doug share their race day experience, which you’re sure to enjoy. Plus, we are joined by professional Spartan Racer, Isaiah Vidal, who was kind enough to run with us and share some coaching tips.    Trust me, you don’t want to miss his story. It’s incredible.    Here’s all you need to know about these races - If you’ve ever thought about doing an obstacle course event, you really should. Yes, it’s a very hard thing to do. There’s no point in denying it. Your limbs will largely be reduced to sore hamburger meat. Of course you’ll be relieved when it’s all over. However, we can guarantee that you’ll be smiling when you cross that finish line.    Once you’ve finished a race like this you know that you’re capable of much more. Just prove it to yourself and see. This is an experience that could change your life for the better.    I know we’re all better off for having done it. 

This week I tell a story about a high school experiment in strongman training, and why that made a huge impact on the rest of my training and coaching career. I think you'll dig it.  Also, some of your training questions answered... The best way to learn the basics of human physiology and nutrition. Thoughts on strongman training methods. How to train for strength if you work crazy shifts. Firemen and police officers can relate.  How do you know when you're ready for more advanced programming? My best advice for aspiring writers. My favorite squat program. How to gain weight for weightlifting  How can you isolate and strengthen the thoracic spine? If I could go back, how I would train different and why. What to do if your lower back get's super pumped and uncomfortable during training, etc.  I hope you enjoy the show. Cheers! Chris

How are your resoutions going so far? ...I hope well.  Maybe you're kicking ass, or maybe you're freaking out. In any case, it's super helpful to keep the limits of your own vision in mind.  Everyone faces a long series of challenges in life - your career, the gym, your relationships or otherwise. That's most all there is, so, it's critically important for you to get better and better at facing challenges. Be composed. Be confident as fuck! Before you start, believe that the thing is possible.  Attitude is everything, afterall.  Ultimately you have to find a solution that make sense and works for you. Do not copy what others do. Do not lose sight of the daily rhythym of chopping wood and carrying water, that's how the work of progress get's done. And most importantly, load your edges hard! If you are not willing to invision and fight hard for the progress you want then you will never have it.  Keep going. 

It's resolution time, baby.  This week on the podcast we talk about some strategies for setting better goals for 2015. Also, there's more than a little bit of IPA fueling this weeks broadcast, so, you can expect a little bit of everything. You're going to dig it.  Happy New Year!  Chris  

This week we are coming to you live from Halmstad, Sweden.  It's Thanksgiving! Tonight, I thought I would take the oppurtunity to gather some of my dearest friends so that we could say thank you. This life is a wild ride. We could not do it without the amazing support from our families, our friends, and our amazing audience.  A million times over, thanks you, thank you.  P.S. We've been drinking plenty of Schnapps tonight. We get honest, we have fun, and we share just what it has taken for us to get to this spot.  Happy Thanksgiving! Chris

Plenty of people want something better. They're trying to change their lives, find a passion, all that. But plenty of people also never get what they want. They never faced their fears, never discovered what was really possible.  There's a Ralph Emerson quote that sums up our needs perfectly. "Always do what you are afraid to do."  Learn to fight for what you want. At the very least, grab some Scotch and join me for a quick chat. I think it will do you some good.  Enjoy,

This show comes in two parts. At first, we talk about the 7 questions that will help you train better and get stronger, starting right now.  The second part of the show is personal. Today is dia de los muertos, or the day of the dead. I thought I would take some time and remember what's been lost. Also, it's a good time to appreciate what you still have.  I hope you enjoy the show, Chris

There are 4 key lessons that will allow you to do awesome things in this life, no matter what you're path ends up being.  1. You have to get really good at giving before you'll get a lot of value in return.  2. You have to be able to get peoples attention. 3. Stretch your boundries and challenge yourself. 4. Keep it up. The real rewards in life go to those that persist.  Here's to success.  Cheers!

Here's the truth. You will set a ton of goals in your life. You'll acheive a lot of stuff, which is exciting. But othertimes you're going to try really hard and fail. You'll get let down. Sorry to say, but you'll fuck-up. Acutely it will feel like the greatest pain of your life, but long-term you will hardly remember the thing happening at all. Some of life's greatest rewards follow intense pain and embarassing waywardness. Really.   I hope you dig my red wine fueled rant. I went with the Bogle Vineyards Petite Sheraz tonight. It's cheap, tasty, and apparently,100% capable of "doing the job." So it goes. Cheers! Chris    

This is an honest, open, motivating interview with Travis Mash, world class lifter, coach, podcaster and buddy. I think the content of this show could change your life. You cannot miss this discussion.  Enjoy,

Yeah, he'd tell everyone that he planned on changing the world. And he would mean every word of it. 

Chris Moore talks about how to get passed plateaus in work, training, and life. “Sometimes you feel like you’ve made a wrong turn, or that the current barriers and plateaus are just too high. But, they are not. Be patient…take a quick step back, brew some coffee, think it over, press on. There’s always a path upward and onward.”

On this show, we're getting our shit together. I won't waste your time, friends. This is how you do exactly what you want to do.  Get change!

Tonight, stories from the three books that changed my life and point of view forever.  1. The meaning of it all, by Richard Feryman 2. Kitchen Confidential, by Anthony Bourdain 3. On Writing, by Stephen King I hope you enjoy the tale, Chris

This week on the Barbell Buddha podcast the homie CTP joins me for a wide-ranging chat about... - The power of travel - A little Memphis music history - Elvis and his damn peanut and banana sandwhiches - Warrior yoga and the joys of beach PT - The most intense meditation session of my life, and just how it went down Enjoy, Chris  

We went so hard on this episode. We go deep into everything, folks.  - Finding passion - The crazyness that is existence and life - Buddhism, Christianity, and everything in between - What is trainging and self-improvement, reall? It's epid. Listen, listen now! Chris

This week on the Barbell Buddha podcast Chris talks all about... - Suffering gladly - The secrets of getting strong - A strategy for picking exercises in your training - The secret trip...you actually can do whatever you want. How righteous indeed.  Enjoy!

This week on the podcast we chat about the wisdom of Phil Jackson, why I've decided to come back and be strong again (and how I'm training for that), and of course, there's story time...Yes, friends, magical shit can happen.  Chris

The epic story of sneaking into a licensing conference to meet THE Tony Hawk. Also, we chat on and on about why it's important to change your perspective and push onward.  You'd be suprised just what is possible.  Note: Pardon the audio troubles, and the left only audio. Just turn up the volume, it'll be worth it.  Chris

This week on the Barbell Buddha podcast I'm coming to you live from Las Vegas. Well, live enough I suppose.  This week... - The very best of Fathers Day - The secret to making the most of your time  - Your training questions answered - And so much more.  Enjoy! 

This week on the Barbell Buddha podcast... - The bay area tour, including getting to know my new friend Jackie Perez (see gratuitous pic). - Why bodybuilding exercises could be just what you're missing, even if you're a Crossfitter. No, I'm not joking. - Story time, including the best skill you could ever aquire...Getting good at jumping right in. And that's just the start of it.  Enjoy!  Chris

This week, we are coming to you live from San Jose, CA, home of the 2014 NorCal Crossfit Regionals.  We hit a little bit of everything, including... - How to eat to gain weight and strength - The joy of intoxification - Taking action in life and maximizing your impact, etc Enjoy, Chris

This week on the Barbell Buddha podcast... - The peanut butter cup ice cream sugar high - What it takes to do something extraordinary, from what I can see - Cultivating the "not know mind", which might just be the key to learning Enjoy! 

This week on The Barbell Buddha Podcast we celebrate the one year anniversay of the show. Better still, I'm joined by the whole Barbell Shrugged team for some Vice Friday fun.  Warning: In honor of the very first show, we made sure to a very good time before recording.  Enjoy,

Sometimes you feel like you've made a wrong turn, or that the current barriers and plateaus are just too high. But, they are not.  Be patient...take a quick step back, brew some coffee, think it over, press on. There's always a path upward and onward. 

This week on the show, we chat about the awesome Austin scene, tossing around Indian Clubs with Aubrey Marcus and the Onnit team, and of course, we get into a little story time.  Go straight into the tension friends, and march forward with heavy and optimistic boots. Enjoy!

When change get's tough, the tough change their perspective.  We have to step towards the high quality life we want, even when it's scary as shit to do so. At least, that's a theory worth putting to the test. 

Tonight, a specal vice Friday episode together with CTP from Barbell Shrugged.We chat cheat meals, the universe, and why it's so important to admit to what you love, and what makes your curious. 

Back at, this time with... - book talk - the practical importance of mediation - crossfit open talk, and the importance of having a good time during competition - Music as an example for how we should pursue goal setting Enjoy,

Tonight, a conversation with Michael Bledsoe, my brother from "Barbell Shrugged."  Our chat starts with the question of what matters most, then follows a wide ranging trail for an hour fifteen. I KNOW you're gonna dig this one.  Chris This episode made far more awesome by the accompanying sounds of "Howlin' for you" by The Black Keys. Buy...all...the albums. 

This week on the show...We're handing and chatting about... - The story of Crossfit's first openly transgender competitor. Fascinating stuff.  - Kevin Ogar speaks about his recovery. I dare you to not be moved.  - Quick, useful tips for acting swiftly, limiting noise, breaking the rules, and knowing when to put yourself on death ground. - Story time: Pep talk I hope you dig it. 

Something a little different. My four corners of heaven. Thanks to Sigur Ros (Track 3), Damien Dempsey (Rainy night in SoHo), and Torche (Solitary Traveler) for helping me set the mood.  Cheers, 

Shit get's real when you're expecting things to get easier. Go on anyway. There's always ice cream. 

Let's talk Paleo! - Why the diet works, but what you need to tweak to be big and strong - Applying the idea to lifestyle, changing the conditions to make success more likely - The important of getting out in the wild and being uncomfortable - Modern life, sleep loss, and how much is necessary for performance Join me, we'll have a good time.    Chris