Chasing Excellence

Are you an asset to the people around you, or are you unknowingly becoming a burden? In this conversation with Chris Irwin and Mark England, we explore the surplus value mindset—the difference between those who add more than they take and those who don't. Discover how to become the person everyone wants on their team, in their family, and in their community.We break down the simple question that transforms how you show up: in this situation, am I an asset or a burden? Learn how physical and mental fitness both come down to your capacity to respond, why breathing is the baseline skill for leadership and contribution, and how self-awareness is the first step toward creating real value in the world.

What if you could train your body to stay calm under pressure the same way Navy SEALs do? In this conversation with Level 3 Wim Hof Method instructor Brandon Powell, we explore the three-pillar system of breath work, cold exposure, and mindset training that elite athletes and military operators use to control their stress response and perform when it matters most.You'll discover how cold exposure triggers a 500% dopamine boost, why five breaths can shift you from panic to calm, and the science-backed protocols you can start today with nothing more than a cold shower and your breath. This is about building resilience from the inside out—training your nervous system to become your competitive advantage rather than your limitation.

What if the aches, stiffness, and limitations you've been accepting as "just part of getting older" aren't inevitable at all?In this conversation with Scott Hogan, author of Built from Broken, we explore the five root causes of feeling physically broken — from posture and movement patterns to tendinopathy and muscle imbalances — and the one mindset shift that changes everything: refusing to accept pain as your new normal.You'll learn why load training is the only way to actually heal connective tissue, why quarterly PT visits should be as routine as dental checkups, and how being your own mechanic means taking proactive ownership of your body's longevity.This isn't about surviving the next decade — it's about building a body that's capable, resilient, and ready for whatever life throws at you. If you've been training around pain instead of through it, this episode will show you a better way forward.

Why do the best athletes train less intensely than you might think — and still get better results?In this episode, Ben, Cole, and Jamison break down the seven training principles that separate elite performance from burnout: warming up like you mean it, lifting with intention instead of ego, and understanding that pacing is the actual secret to getting fitter.You'll discover why training at 60% effort builds more capacity than going all-out every session, why rest days aren't optional, and how discipline beats intensity every single time.These aren't hacks — they're the fundamentals that create sustainable, lifelong strength. If you're training hard but not seeing results, this episode will change how you show up in the gym tomorrow.

What if the real problem with America's health crisis isn't a lack of guidance — but too much noise? In this special crossover episode from The Consistency Project podcast, EC Synkowski joins us to break down the latest USDA dietary guidelines and FDA labeling rules, revealing why neither will actually move the needle on public health. You'll discover why the government keeps getting nutrition guidance wrong, what's really driving our health crisis, and why you already have everything you need to cut through the confusion.This is about more than nutrition policy — it's about reclaiming your agency to make simple choices in a system designed to overwhelm you. EC brings her signature clarity to help you shut out the noise and get back to what actually works: whole foods, proper amounts, boring basics. If you've ever felt paralyzed by conflicting nutrition advice, this conversation will set you free.

What if the greatest threat of AI isn't economic — it's emotional? In this conversation with Zack Kass, former head of Go-to-Market at OpenAI and author of The Next RenAIssance, we explore why work will change too frequently to anchor your identity, and what that means for living with your heart on fire.You'll discover why the future belongs to those who anchor on mission but adapt their methods, why learning how to learn matters more than any specific skill, and why the most valuable qualities in an AI-driven world aren't intellectual at all — they're deeply humanistic. This is your roadmap for thriving when everything changes.

What if the challenges that knock you down could actually make you stronger? In this episode, we sit down with Brian Johnson, founder of Heroic and author of Arete, to explore the concept of anti-fragile confidence—the ability to use life's hardest moments as fuel for your growth. You'll discover why your protocol matters more than your motivation, and how to forge the kind of confidence that gets stronger under pressure.We dive into the ultimate game of life—living with arete, or virtue—and how closing the gap between who you could be and who you're actually being creates deep fulfillment. Learn why rule number one of a heroic life is that it's supposed to be hard, and how dominating the fundamentals (eating, moving, sleeping) drives both your physiology and psychology. This is about building anti-fragile confidence: knowing that no matter what life throws at you, you have what it takes to respond with excellence.

Most people drift through life reacting to whatever comes their way. But what if you could stop drifting and start directing — building a life that moves toward something meaningful instead of just away from discomfort?In this episode, we walk you through the three-part system that makes that possible: your vision (where you're headed), your anti-vision (what you refuse to become), and your core values (how you make decisions in between). You'll learn how these three elements work together as an integrated framework for clarity, intention, and direction.

The three factors that get deprioritized most often - mindset, sleep, and connection - are the ones that quietly determine everything else.In Part 2 of our Year in Review, we tackle why winning your morning actually starts the night before, how to build emotional resilience by returning to center faster, and why deepening friendships as an adult requires the same intentionality you'd give to training.We explore what it means to make health your organizing principle in a culture where the default path leads to dysfunction, and why 70-80% of people now live with at least one chronic disease.You'll learn the daily practices that keep us grounded - from check-in questions to Sunday brain dumps - and why connection through service strengthens relationships more than grand gestures ever could. Being healthy today isn't about optimization - it's about swimming against the current just enough to not drift downstream.

After 20+ years of focusing on health, you might think we'd have it all figured out. But the truth is, the best gains still come from small, strategic tweaks - not dramatic overhauls.In Part 1 of our annual Five Factors Year in Review, we explore why structured intensity beats "just go hard" training, how mobility might be the unlocking factor you're ignoring, and why the simple nutrition habit of 30 grams of protein before 9am can transform your consistency.You'll discover why the Five Factors aren't independent pillars but ingredients in a stew - when you adjust one, you have to rebalance everything else. We break down the essential 20% across all five factors that deliver 80% of the results, and why going deeper into any single area actually works against you. This is about continuous refinement, not arriving at perfection.

What if the pressure you feel before a big moment isn't a lack of confidence - it's proof you're alive and engaged?Most of us wait to feel confident before we act, but elite performers know the truth: confidence isn't a feeling, it's a choice you make through your actions.In this conversation with Laura Ianello, head women's golf coach at the University of Texas, we explore the practical mental skills that separate those who perform under pressure from those who collapse.You'll learn a simple four-step protocol to recenter yourself when the stakes are high, why losing can be exciting, and how to build routines that carry you through moments when motivation fails.

As we close out 2025, here's the question that matters most: do you have both the map and the crew for the year ahead?In this benchmark episode, we revisit two of our most foundational conversations from early 2025—the complete framework from daily habits to peace of mind, and why the people around you determine 95% of your success or failure.You'll learn how health gives you freedom, why context-independent peace of mind is the only destination worth chasing, and why surrounding yourself with the right people isn't optional — it's the difference between theory and transformation.This is both the map and the crew you need for a great 2026.

If you've ever felt like raising kids and staying healthy are competing priorities, this episode will change how you think about both.We're bringing together six of our most powerful conversations on parenting — from applying the Five Factors to family life, to helping kids navigate adversity, to designing environments where healthy choices happen naturally.Last week, we published an essay called Your Ceiling Becomes Their Starting Point **— a complete guide to building healthy family habits.This compilation episode is the raw material behind that essay: years of conversations about how to raise resilient kids while maintaining your own health.We explore the frameworks, tactics, and daily practices that transform abstract principles into real family culture.

What if every triumph and disaster you face is just a temporary imposter - neither defining you nor derailing you?In this episode, we explore Rudyard Kipling's timeless poem "If" and uncover how emotional intelligence, resilience, and warrior-like composure can help you navigate life's highest highs and lowest lows with grace.We dive into the mindset that lets you stay centered when others panic, rebuild humbly when things crumble, and risk freely without being attached to outcomes - so you can live with intentionality and purpose no matter what comes your way.

Jamison Price returns to discuss his new guide on self-mastery, "On Dragons, Lions, & Wolves."He shares three metaphors that define the path from inner transformation to outer impact: facing your dragons (the shame, addiction, and fear within), chasing your lions (the external threats that demand courage), and taming your wolves (integrating strength and wisdom to belong).This conversation explores why self-actualization isn't the end goal—it's shared-actualization, becoming someone dangerous to darkness and dependable in the light.

What if the problem isn't your problems — it's how you're categorizing them?In this episode, we share a five-category framework for complaints (from drizzle to hurricane) that will change how you respond to life's challenges. Learn how to calibrate your emotional responses, stop suffering from small stuff, and build the resilience you need when real storms hit.The wisdom is in the calibration. Most things don't matter at all, and the things that do matter matter a ton. Learn the difference.

Discover how to unlock your capacity to learn anything and break free from limiting beliefs that keep you stuck.You'll learn why combining a growth mindset with the right approach to stress creates the foundation for lasting change in every area of your life. Trevor Ragan from The Learner Lab shares the neuroscience of neuroplasticity, the three building blocks for developing a growth mindset, and the Pygmalion Effect, which shows how our beliefs about others can become reality. Learn the powerful equation for reframing discomfort, why the learner identity beats the knower identity, and how exposure to challenges is a trainable skill that transfers across all domains. 

Discover how clarity in questioning can unlock better outcomes and transform your mindset. In this episode, we explore Kidlin's Law with Mark England: any question sufficiently worded and written down is half answered. You'll learn practical techniques to draft, craft, and supercharge your questions, leading to greater clarity and actionable insights in your personal and professional life. 

Over the past year, Chris Irwin — retired Navy SEAL and creator of RareSense — has walked us through his complete framework for training your mind like you train your body. In this supercut, we're bringing all four conversations together to cover the five MindKillers (oblivion, storytelling, suppression, fear, and stagnation) and their countermeasures — the specific tools you can use to stop sabotaging your mental fitness. 

Alongside Robert Glazer, we explore the importance of identifying and living by your core values to create a fulfilling life and make better decisions. You'll gain practical insights and exercises to help you articulate your values and align them with your personal and professional choices.

With Dr Rich Joseph, we delve into the concept of performance medicine and how it promotes resilience and proactive healthcare before issues arise. You'll learn practical strategies to monitor your health, identify early signs of dysfunction, and implement lifestyle changes for improved well-being and longevity. 

The 3 Big Questions We're Answering: 1. What are the key distractions that prevent us from living with passion and purpose, and how can we overcome them? 2. How can we develop awareness of our true desires and align our actions with our values to achieve a fulfilling life? 3. In what ways can we break free from busyness and numbing behaviors to create meaningful habits that support our health and happiness? 

The 3 Big Questions We're Answering: 1. How can athletes effectively transition from competitive sports to new life stages while maintaining a healthy mindset and purpose? 2. What are the key lessons learned from high-level competition that can be applied to everyday life, particularly in terms of resilience and goal setting? 3. How does the importance of community and supportive training environments contribute to an athlete's success and overall well-being? 

The 3 Big Questions We're Answering: 1. How can we effectively cope with the challenges of personal safety and well-being while balancing work demands and relationships? 2. What strategies can we implement to redefine success in our lives, especially when facing significant personal obstacles? 3. How does vulnerability in our relationships enhance connection and understanding, and how can we leverage this to foster a supportive environment? 

The 3 Big Questions We're Answering: 1. How can embracing discipline lead to personal growth and a stronger sense of self? 2. What are practical strategies for incorporating hard challenges into our daily routines to foster resilience and character development? 3. In what ways can mindfulness practices, such as breath work and meditation, enhance our emotional and mental well-being? 

The 3 Big Questions We're Answering: 1. How can parents balance fitness and family responsibilities without sacrificing their health and well-being? 2. What strategies can help parents maintain their training routines amidst the challenges of parenting small children? 3. In what ways can embracing the changing seasons of life enhance our understanding of identity and purpose as parents and individuals? 

The 3 Big Questions We're Answering: 1. What are the primary distractions that prevent us from achieving true happiness and fulfillment in our lives? 2. How can we identify and overcome internal psychological traps, such as judgment and unrealistic expectations, that hinder our well-being? 3. What steps can we take to prioritize our own values and desires over societal pressures and external expectations to live a more authentic and purposeful life? 

The 3 Big Questions We're Answering: 1. What are the common distractions that keep us from achieving our health goals, and how can we effectively identify and overcome them? 2. How do our social circles and environments influence our health behaviors, and what strategies can we implement to create a supportive network? 3. In what ways can we shift our focus from perfectionism and obsession with outcomes to a more balanced and sustainable approach to health and well-being? 

The 3 Big Questions We're Answering: 1. How can understanding stress impact our overall health and well-being? 2. What practical strategies can we implement to manage stress effectively in our daily lives? 3. In what ways does stress influence our pursuit of happiness and sense of purpose? 

The 4 Listener Questions We're Answering: 1. How do you maintain consistency in your fitness routine while scaling intensity? 2. How do you protect your health and wellness goals in a toxic workplace? 3. What's the smart way to start a fitness journey after a very long break? 4. Should you train for an unpartitioned Murph, and what's the best approach? 

The 3 Big Questions We're Answering: 1. How is Cole Sager transitioning from a high-level competitive mindset to a more balanced approach to fitness and life? 2. What lessons has Cole learned from years of intense training and competition that can be applied to our everyday life and relationships? 3. In what ways can we all prioritize our health and well-being while still pursuing our passions and responsibilities? 

The 4 Questions We're Answering: 1. How can aligning on health and fitness values influence your search for a life partner, and what role should these values play in dating? 2. What strategies can you use to address physical imbalances that develop from transitioning to more rotational sports as you age? 3. Which supplements are truly essential for performance and health, and how do you identify high-quality options? 4. How can you transition away from tracking macros and weighing food while maintaining your nutrition goals? 

Something of an experiment this week: We've collected some of the best moments and biggest ideas from our April episodes. 

The 3 Big Questions We're Answering: 1. How can understanding and addressing our fears improve our mental health and overall well-being? 2. What practical strategies can we implement to counteract the mind killers, particularly fear, in our daily lives? 3. In what ways can cultivating openness and vulnerability enhance our resilience against anxiety and stress? 

The 3 Big Questions We're Answering: 1. How can we navigate feelings of guilt and responsibility when a friend struggles with addiction or unhealthy behaviors? 2. What role does being present play in supporting friends who may need help, and how can we create a safe space for them to reach out? 3. How do we balance our own well-being with the desire to help others, especially when faced with difficult relationships? 

The 3 Big Questions We're Answering: 1. What constitutes a "worthy challenge" in our lives, and how can pursuing these challenges contribute to our personal growth and development? 2. How can we transform everyday struggles into meaningful opportunities for character development and fulfillment? 3. How do ambition and the desire for achievement intersect with the pursuit of internal peace and self-actualization? 

The 3 Big Questions We're Answering: 1. How can we transform our mindset around fitness from a place of punishment to one of celebration and empowerment? 2. What practical steps can we take to dismantle the victim mentality and foster a healthier self-image? 3. How can changing our language and the words we use impact our motivation and overall well-being? 

The 3 Big Questions We're Answering: 1. What are the key habits that lead to personal ineffectiveness, and how can we recognize and shift away from them in our daily lives? 2. How can understanding the difference between being reactive and proactive enhance our overall well-being and effectiveness in different areas of life? 3. In what ways can collaboration and teamwork contribute to achieving our goals and creating a more fulfilling life, rather than relying solely on individual efforts?