The Max Effort Podcast

The return of the podcast— A mild recap of the last year of my life and an encouraging message to anyone in a season of doubt for their goals, future, or day to day life. 

2023 for me has started off with some serious momentum in my life. Big ideas and bigger goals.. And a big amount of fear of both.. But I love that. Because I believe that if fear is the only thing holding me back, then it's probably the most important thing I pursue right now. In this episode I discuss the importance of risk taking, how it changed my life, mental frameworks, and overall just trying to psyche myself for what comes next !Hope it helps you do the same!Find it where you get your podcasts!

New opportunities, while exciting, can also be terrifying and met with hesitation. Whether it's imposter syndrome, fear of failing(or succeeding), negative self-belief systems, or maybe just fear of taking the first step through the doorway..  Other times, we might feel like opportunity has passed us by, we're experiencing crippling discouragement and the perception of our desired goals or outcomes feel further away, thus creating a mirage like effect to what it is we want. I believe both scenarios  are an amazing position to be in and I share some insight as to why I believe that!

This is such a special topic for me because of my own journey in pursuing fulfillment in what matters most to me, how the difficulties, setbacks, and rock bottom experiences empowered and ignited so much of who I am today. --For anyone who feels discouraged, stagnant, or plateaued in any area of importance in your life, whether it's a fitness/diet related goal, career, creative passion, or just general state of being.I encourage you to give this episode a listen!

In today's episode, I dive into some of the personal battles I've had when it comes to taking ownership in areas I want to succeed in.A relatable episode to anyone who may be struggling! As always, I hope this is encouraging! 

Unfortunately, in the process of doing anything worthwhile, we're going to lose quite a bit before we start landing the wins. Even worse, the things that beat us are generally just the minor inconveniences of daily life. Small in comparison, but when repeated daily, we find ourselves back at the beginning. In this episode, I talk about some of the new mental strategies I've implemented to help aid in my own journey of fitness, my career in fitness, Virtue, and baseball. Hope this provides some encouragement! 

Sometimes starting from zero is the best thing we can ask for. Instead of limiting ourselves by what we lack (or perceive we lack) the ignition for greater things starts as soon as you do. As always, I hope this episode encourages you in this season of your life. 

I want this episode to be an encouraging reminder for those facing problems within their relationships, at work, in their finances, physical injuries or other health related issues, etc. -Like many of the topics that I discuss, they're often a reflection of my own experiences and what I've I learned and continue to learn on how to think differently when up against a problem that feels immovable or unsolvable. As always, I hope this encourages you in whatever season your in right now!

One of the biggest changes that I've made to my routine of continuous self-improvement- Changing the way that I speak about myself. Meaning, I no longer aim to speak negatively or look to validate areas of struggle or weakness or certain bad habits. But instead, focus on using empowering words of encouragement to reinforce the belief that I can overcome or see it through. It's not always easy, but it is always worth it. I hope this encourages anyone who has struggled with negative self-image, been made to feel inadequate or worthless, felt any kind of imposter syndrome, etc. Remember, YOU are your most worthy investment in your life. It's time step into that way of thinking. 

There are going to be many difficult days in the journey ahead and you won't always be able to rely on short term resources to keep moving forward. However, in this episode, I share some personal experiences and insight of why I feel it is so important to define the purpose behind your “why” and how attaching it as your foundation, changes things in powerful ways. As always, hope you enjoy!

Friend/Bandmate Michael Fischer is back as we discuss and promote his upcoming short film “Up on the Housetop'' as they prepare to start an Indiegogo to help fund the project. As well as other topics such as how surrounding yourself with the right people makes a big impact, lessons learned from the wins and losses, and much more! You can follow the films Instagram for updates IG: @Up_on_the_housetop_official Facebook: Up On The Housetop-Film Fake Trailer: https://youtu.be/OWopIBL6Uf4Michael's IG: @Michaelsfischer | @Mikeyfish_horror

 This a love letter to anyone who feels like they've had to place their dreams on hold either lately or over the last couple of years. You have such great gifts of creativity and passion and nothing can change that. Not even the difficulty of whatever season you're in, no matter how hard it tries to. Hope you enjoy it! 

On today's episode of the podcast, I had the pleasure of chatting with my friend Alex Christian, who is one of the most genuine, hard working guys I've ever met. In this episode we talk about his journey into his now full time acting and modeling career, the ups and downs that came along with it, and what's to come. A really encouraging episode that reinforces the idea that devotion to yourself and what you want is absolutely possible, despite whatever setback or voice you have coming against you. Be sure to follow him to keep up with what he has going on! The dude is a literal renaissance man!IG:@alexchristianfitWebsite: alexchristianfit.com

On today's episode of the podcast I chat with Kyle Woods, who is a writer and a new author that recently self-published his first book. We talk about that, the challenges faced when sitting down to face a blank sheet of paper, finding your voice as a writer, and more! Really fun conversation! Be sure to follow him as well as pick up his book‘'A Whistle On The Waves”.Instagram:@kmwoods1 Website:http://www.kmwoodsauthor.com

Uncertainty without hope always assumes the worst. In today's episode, I set out to remind and encourage you that even in challenging seasons there's an opportunity to establish a hopeful and persevering mindset. One that consistently builds upon itself and creates powerful momentum into better outcomes. 

Had the absolute pleasure of chatting with my dude Joseph James on this latest episode of the podcast. Joseph is a Powerlifter, Coach, and founder of Counteract Training Systems, as well as the drummer for Knowsuffer.In this episode, we talk about how consistency and growth in the gym has impacted many other areas in our own lives and the lives of our clients. We also talk about our own personal growth as coaches, where we made mistakes early on, and how we learned from them. Be sure to follow @jayelly12 and check out @knowsuffer and @counteracttraining

Had a great time chatting with Eliza Grace on this brand new episode of the podcast. This was a really cool opportunity to learn about the ins and outs of her journey into becoming a full time Musician, Entrepreneur, Youtuber, and all around creative powerhouse! The conversation itself was very relatable, vulnerable, and offered up some powerful insight, that I'm stoked to share with everyone.  And in the true fashion of this podcast, the scope of the discussion goes far beyond what is even listed in the title, as we discussed so many more good topics.Really enjoyed this episode and I know you will too! Be sure to follow her, check out her music, and subscribe to her Youtube Channel!IG: @elizagracemusicYoutube:Eliza Grace

Had the pleasure of chatting with Andy Atkins of A Plea For Purging on this week's episode of the podcast. We dove into what he's up to now, the band, food, being a hard worker in all you do, self-improvement, devotion to your craft, touring, and literally SO much more.  A really fun conversation with a lot of great advice and insight. Hope you enjoy!Be sure to follow him as well as subscribe to his YouTube channel to keep up with the party! IG:@apleaforandyYoutube: Party On Forever!

Podcasting in it's true form is skype crashing 4 times in the span of an hour and having to piece together the conversation to make an episode. Luckily, I didn't have to face the hilarity on my own! That being said- on today's episode, I had the pleasure of talking to Jake Moix, Co-Host of the Dummy Thicc Gamer Show and Blog writer. This was a very deep and vulnerable conversation about the ins and outs of coming to terms with the dream(s) you have for your life, going through challenging seasons, dealing with loss, and more! Really stoked on it and as always, I hope you enjoy! P.s. Jake was the one who saved the episode by recording it on his end and editing it together like a champ! 

Had a really great discussion with Sean Mott on this episode of the podcast. Sean is a full time booking agent, freelance graphic designer, and host of the Metalcore Nerds Podcast. In this episode, we dove into a wide array of topics surrounding the(metalcore/hardcore)music industry, primarily in the scope of the business side of things, as well as strategies for growing and succeeding in your band. On top of that, we also touched on small tidbits like eating and training on the road, strategies for combating the post tour mental battles, movies, comics, breaking down the character of Batman, and more! Like I said, great discussion! A lot great wisdom is shared in this episode and I encourage anyone who is looking to be successful in their musical project to give it a listen. Hope you enjoy! 

Having a grand vision and laser focus for your future is a wonderful thing, so long as your present self doesn't suffer as a result. In today's episode I discuss the importance of strengthening your current state, even if it's not where want to be, but  by doing so, it becomes a true investment for today, tomorrow, and the years to come! As always, I hope this encourages you! Thanks for listening. ✊

Today's episode is short, but it's just a straight up hype message for those of you looking to move forward into the areas you feel called to. I believe that if you have a greater vision for the present and your future, you owe it to yourself to chase that vision and bring it to life. These things don't just appear out of meaninglessness, they are gifted in you because you have the capability. And you are more than deserving of it.  

Many of us often reach a point in our creativity, Fitness, business, personal relationships, or even our emotions, where things just aren't going how we'd like. We feel stuck, apathetic, discouraged or even angry, and the solution is hard to come by. In today's episode, I break down some ways as to why we might feel stagnant and how to overcome it! If you feel this relates to you in any way, I hope it encourages you to get back at it with a fresh insight and a willingness to keep going. ✊

Had a great chat with my man Austin Greco on today's episode! We talk about the impact that significant weight loss has had in our lives, dealing with insecurity then and now, our favorite fast food orders from the big dog days, and more! I encourage those of you looking to make the same change to check it out and as always, hope you enjoy!

Really excited to have had my good friend and band mate Michael Fischer on the podcast. Mikey is a jack of all trades, in that he is an actor, musician, co-host of the YouTube channel Slam n Salmon, and an up and coming filmmaker! We talk about all of that, our process in becoming better writers, being straight edge and more! A super fun chat that I hope you all enjoy! 

Really enjoyed this chat with my dude Brandon Wells about the definite peaks and valleys of being passionate in multiple areas such as music and fitness. We discuss the emotional cost that comes with being passionate, creative approaches and setbacks, staying devoted to your vision, and balancing passion in relationships as well as your own physical/mental well being. Give it a listen and be sure to check out Brandon's music by clicking the link below. https://shor.by/4289

Setbacks, Inconveniences, and Discouragement are never an easy experience. However, the experience often results in a stronger version of the self when it's all said and done. It's just tough to see the end, when you're going through it. In today's episode I discuss the difficult challenges I faced last year and the impact they had on my life today, as well some insight into re-framing the way we look at hard times. I encourage you to check it out, if you're going through a period of adversity. Thanks for listening! 

Anxiety is a thief of opportunity and personal breakthrough and so many of us tend to struggle with it on a daily basis. However, developing a greater sense of confidence provides a new kind of strength against even the harshest anxiety. In this episode, I discuss some strategies for empowering your own self confidence in areas of struggle. 

In today's episode I discuss some useful insight and strategy to help break the habit of procrastinating when you're faced with things that need to get done, or even more so- goals you are looking to achieve. Procrastination is something I've struggled with for as long as I can remember, in ways that were debilitating to some extent. I always had this belief that it was this unchangeable characteristic of who I was and who I was meant to be. But part of changing for the better is acknowledging, confronting, and aiming to understand areas that need growth, in a way that allows for greater breakthrough and victory. I really encourage you to check it out, if this is an area you feel you're struggling with! As always hope you enjoy! 

In this episode, I sit down with my longtime friend and bandmate Tyler Johnston and talk all about balancing inspiration and comparison in our creative endeavors. We discuss ways in which we've struggled  with the negative effects of social media, dealing with our own insecurities, and practices we've put in place for developing a healthier approach to our passions. As always, hope you enjoy! Note: The Audio is a bit echoey, due to the way we recorded. 

-New Podcast Episode- Oftentimes in our creative, business, or fitness related pursuits we tend to experience a somewhat debilitating form of discouragement. One that challenges our love and our passion for what it is we're doing, even to a point where we contemplate giving up. In this episode, I discuss my belief that when you return to the roots of why you started in the first place, there is an opportunity to reignite, renew, and restore your vision! Hope you enjoy it! Instagram: @xlifecoachx

This episode was entirely unplanned. So much so that it was recorded in an empty gym, right after a run on the treadmill. However, the topic was weighing heavily on my mind and felt I should take advantage of it and bring it to light. We are up against a wild time, but hope powers through all seasons. I hope this encourages you and brings about a greater peace of mind! *FYI- the audio is a little rough, this was unknowingly recorded through the mic of my headphones(I could've sworn I turned them off)that were further away from where I placed my phone. 

Episode 5 is live! As corny as the old saying “Believe in Yourself” is, actually putting it into practice can truly be life changing. If all I ever did was doubt myself, in an attempt to be better, I would've never gotten to where I am today.  What you believe about yourself can influence the perception of your own self worth. If there is self doubt, or a lack of self worth, the result is significant limitation to obtaining a better lifestyle, mental health, relationships, etc.  In today's episode I discuss ways to help improve your self-belief system in a way that empowers you on a deeper level. Because you deserve to feel better about yourself! Thanks for listening. 

When you're passionate about something, it's easy to allow that one thing to dictate all of your time, all of your emotions, and even your livelihood, in a way that it basically becomes your full identity inside and out. It feels like that's what it takes to be successful.. right? A life devoted to your passion- that sounds nice, but when that passion you have isn't flourishing, falls apart, or is completely stagnant, it seems like your emotional state tends to follow in its direction. In today's episode I discuss this in detail about my own personal struggle of giving too “much of myself” to my passions in the past and how my more recent mindset has helped create a healthy balance between my identity and my own passionate investment. This is a topic I feel most can relate to, but more specifically my musician friends. Hope you enjoy!Facebook- Christian McGahanInstagram -@xlifecoachx

In today's episode, I sit down with my first guest Melanie Smadi, who works alongside me as a trainer at Anytime Fitness, as well as a fellow online coach. We dive into the topic of balancing ‘'free time'' when it comes to owning your own business, having passion projects, fitness related goals, or just everyday life. We feel this is a very relatable topic to most people because free time can often feel like a missed opportunity to be productive. We dive into the guilt surrounding that and how to know when it's time for play and when it's time to knock things out. Hope you enjoy! Be sure to follow us on IG: Christian - @xlifecoachx Melanie- @lift_with_heart

In this Episode I discuss in detail my personal journey of losing a 124lbs, the set backs I faced along the way, how I overcame them, and some useful tips for creating better, more sustainable progress and success in your journey. 

A quick introduction into the direction of this podcast, what to expect, and what to look forward to! Thank you for taking the time to listen.