Podcast appearances and mentions of Steve Kamb

Get the 200+ Page Optimal Living Daily Workbook (PDF) - Free. Want to turn today's episode into an actionable plan? Join the Optimal Living Weekly newsletter and I'll send you our 200-page digital workbook immediately. It's packed with the best takeaways from the show, formatted for easy reading and implementation at home. Get your free PDF workbook here: https://oldpodcast.eo.page/join Discover all of the podcasts in our network, search for specific episodes, get the Optimal Living Daily workbook, and learn more at: OLDPodcast.com Episode 3517: Steve Kamb makes the case that life responds well to being treated like a game, and offers nine of his own, from finishing a shower before the song ends, to knocking out push ups during loading screens, to sprinting tree to tree on a run. Each one turns a mundane task into something with a rule, a timer, or a target. He leaves the tenth game to the listener. Read along with the original article(s) here: https://www.nerdfitness.com/blog/gameify-your-life/ Quotes to ponder: "As kids, we create games to make the most mundane tasks seem exciting." "Today, I want to teach you how to gameify even the smallest tasks and activities and make them (and your life) more enjoyable." Optimal Health Daily is a daily health and wellness podcast where we narrate the best articles on nutrition, fitness, weight loss, and healthy habits, read to you by a professional narrator so you can improve your health a little more every day. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Get the 200+ Page Optimal Living Daily Workbook (PDF) - Free. Want to turn today's episode into an actionable plan? Join the Optimal Living Weekly newsletter and I'll send you our 200-page digital workbook immediately. It's packed with the best takeaways from the show, formatted for easy reading and implementation at home. Get your free PDF workbook here: https://oldpodcast.eo.page/join Discover all of the podcasts in our network, search for specific episodes, get the Optimal Living Daily workbook, and learn more at: OLDPodcast.com Episode 4128: Steve Kamb explains why personal responsibility is the skill that every other improvement depends on. He separates responsibility from fault, arguing that a situation does not have to be someone's fault for it to be theirs to fix, and describes how that shift removes the need to wait for anyone else's permission to start changing. The takeaway is an honest audit of the areas where blame has been passed outward, followed by small steps toward personal growth. Read along with the original article(s) here: https://www.nerdfitness.com/blog/challenge-yourself-upgrade-yourself/ Quotes to ponder: "Once we stop blaming outside forces for our misfortunes or predicaments, there's only one place to look: the mirror!" "Because you are the reason that you are where you are, you ALSO get to be the reason that you move forward." "Identify the things in your life that you're unhappy with, then start taking steps, even teeny tiny ones, to start improving them." Optimal Living Daily is a daily personal development and self-improvement podcast where we narrate the best self-help articles on minimalism, productivity, and intentional living, read to you by a professional narrator so you can live your best life a little more every day. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Retirement can create an unexpected form of pressure. With more freedom and fewer work constraints, shouldn’t this be the moment when we finally perfect our health, routines, relationships, and long-delayed ambitions? Steve Kamb argues that this all-or-nothing mindset often produces an all-then-nothing result. Steve is the founder of Nerd Fitness and author of How to Try Again. In this conversation, he explains why setbacks are not proof that we are failures; they are information about what to try differently. He shares lessons from the Museum of Failure, reframes treading water as a legitimate success during certain seasons, and makes the case that no one truly returns to square one. Every previous attempt leaves us knowledge and data we can use going forward. If we pay attention. Steve also introduces his PACT framework – Pause, Accept, Change, Try – and explains why permission to start can be more powerful than waiting for confidence. Whether you want to rebuild fitness, develop a new interest, strengthen relationships, or design a more purposeful retirement, this episode offers a compassionate and practical way to begin again. Steve Kamb joins us from Massachusetts. _________________ Time for an Upgrade? The honeymoon period doesn’t last forever in retirement. It dawns on you that there are more Wednesdays ahead than items on your Bucket List. I’ve created a brief online tool to highlight the key areas that need your attention the most. It’s based on what I’ve learned about my clients who thrive in retirement – and what they make sure to get right. The free Retirement Drift assessment takes five minutes. It’s not a report card. No right answers. Just where you stand today and a starting point for the retirement you really want to live. Take the Free Retirement Drift Assessment → “Something was missing and I couldn’t quite put my finger on it. Now I know.” That’s from a podcast listener who took it last week. If you want to get started on working on the new Future You, that’s exactly what the Designing Your New Life in Retirement program is built for. Six group sessions with 6 to 10 people doing the same, and a structured way to move from putting it off to designing. The September cohort is enrolling now with two scheduling options. Learn more here | Sign up here __________________ Bio Steve Kamb is the author of How to Try Again (St. Martin's Press) and Level Up Your Life (Rodale). He's also the founder of Nerd Fitness, a worldwide community of nerds leveling up their lives. Since 2009, he's helped busy people get stronger, live healthier, and build heroic habits. He's published a thousand articles backed by scientific research and full of nerdy references that have been read by tens of millions. Kamb writes a weekly “Level Up with Steve Kamb” newsletter read by more than 100,000 super humans. He's given talks at some of the world's biggest companies and guest lectured at Vanderbilt University. He currently resides in Nashville, TN, where he plays golf decently and music poorly. __________________ For More on Steve Kamb How to Try Again: An Approachable Guide to Navigating Chaos and Making Change THAT STICKS Website __________________ Retirement Podcast Conversations You'll Also Love Self-Compassion – Dr. Kristin Neff How to Begin – Michael Bungay Stanier The Joy of Movement – Kelly McGonigal _______________________ About The Retirement Wisdom Podcast There are many podcasts on retirement, often hosted by financial advisors with their own financial motives, that cover the money side of the street. This podcast is different. You'll get smarter about the investment decisions you'll make about the most important asset you'll have in retirement: your time. About Retirement Wisdom I help people who are retiring, but aren't quite done yet, discover what's next and build their custom version of their next life. A meaningful retirement doesn't just happen by accident. Schedule a call today to discuss how the Designing Your Life process created by Bill Burnett & Dave Evans can help you make your life in retirement a great one — on your own terms. About Your Podcast Host Joe Casey is an executive coach who helps people design their next life after their primary career and create their version of The Multipurpose Retirement.™ He created his own next chapter after a 26-year career at Merrill Lynch, where he was Senior Vice President and Head of HR for Global Markets & Investment Banking. Joe has earned Master's degrees from the University of Southern California in Gerontology (at age 60), the University of Pennsylvania, and Middlesex University (UK), a BA in Psychology from the University of Massachusetts at Amherst, and his coaching certification from Columbia University. In addition to his work with clients, Joe hosts The Retirement Wisdom Podcast, ranked in the top 1% globally in popularity by Listen Notes, with over 2 million downloads. Business Insider recognized Joe as one of 23 innovative coaches who are making a difference. He's the author of Win the Retirement Game: How to Outsmart the 9 Forces Trying to Steal Your Joy. ________________ Wise Quotes On Self Compassion “It’s not how you succeed with discipline, but really how you fail with compassion.” On Mindset “An all or nothing mindset creates all then nothing results.” On Action “Action creates motivation, which creates self-efficacy, which creates more action…You don’t need a membership. You don’t need to make a big deal out of it. You can just put on your shoes and go do it.” ______________________ The views and opinions expressed by guests on The Retirement Wisdom Podcast are solely those of the guests and do not reflect the opinion of the host or Retirement Wisdom, LLC. The Retirement Wisdom Podcast primarily covers the non-financial aspects of retirement. From time to time we may invite guests who discuss other aspects of retirement planning, solely for educational purposes. Listeners are advised to consult qualified financial and/or medical professionals on those matters. Consult your doctor before starting any exercise routine.  

Get the 200+ Page Optimal Living Daily Workbook (PDF) — Free. Want to turn today's episode into an actionable plan? Join the Optimal Living Weekly newsletter and I'll send you our 200-page digital workbook immediately. It's packed with the best takeaways from the show, formatted for easy reading and implementation at home. Get your free PDF workbook here: ⁠⁠https://oldpodcast.eo.page/join⁠ Discover all of the podcasts in our network, search for specific episodes, get the Optimal Living Daily workbook, and learn more at: OLDPodcast.com. Episode 3481: Steve Kamb encourages treating an injury as a chance to improve neglected areas rather than abandoning training altogether. By making smart exercise substitutions, prioritizing recovery through sleep and nutrition, and seeking medical guidance, you can continue making progress while giving your body the best opportunity to heal. Read along with the original article(s) here: https://www.nerdfitness.com/blog/injuries/ Quotes to ponder: "When you get injured, start thinking outside of the box to find the opportunity in the obstacle." "So instead, try to look at an injury as an opportunity for you to focus on a weakness. Strengthen your weaknesses, become more well rounded and better equipped to deal with rigorous activity." "Start slow, start light, and back off the second you feel any pain." Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Get the 200+ Page Optimal Living Daily Workbook (PDF) — Free. Want to turn today's episode into an actionable plan? Join the Optimal Living Weekly newsletter and I'll send you our 200-page digital workbook immediately. It's packed with the best takeaways from the show, formatted for easy reading and implementation at home. Get your free PDF workbook here: ⁠⁠https://oldpodcast.eo.page/join⁠ Discover all of the podcasts in our network, search for specific episodes, get the Optimal Living Daily workbook, and learn more at: OLDPodcast.com. Episode 3481: Steve Kamb encourages treating an injury as a chance to improve neglected areas rather than abandoning training altogether. By making smart exercise substitutions, prioritizing recovery through sleep and nutrition, and seeking medical guidance, you can continue making progress while giving your body the best opportunity to heal. Read along with the original article(s) here: https://www.nerdfitness.com/blog/injuries/ Quotes to ponder: "When you get injured, start thinking outside of the box to find the opportunity in the obstacle." "So instead, try to look at an injury as an opportunity for you to focus on a weakness. Strengthen your weaknesses, become more well rounded and better equipped to deal with rigorous activity." "Start slow, start light, and back off the second you feel any pain." Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Get the 200+ Page Optimal Living Daily Workbook (PDF) — Free. Want to turn today's episode into an actionable plan? Join the Optimal Living Weekly newsletter and I'll send you our 200-page digital workbook immediately. It's packed with the best takeaways from the show, formatted for easy reading and implementation at home. Get your free PDF workbook here: ⁠⁠https://oldpodcast.eo.page/join⁠ Discover all of the podcasts in our network, search for specific episodes, get the Optimal Living Daily workbook, and learn more at: OLDPodcast.com. Episode 3480: Steve Kamb explains that the key to training through an injury is knowing when to stop, carefully testing pain-free movement, and prioritizing recovery over pushing through discomfort. He also shares practical advice on rest, sleep, nutrition, and seeking sports-focused medical care so you can heal faster while staying as active as safely possible. Read along with the original article(s) here: https://www.nerdfitness.com/blog/injuries/ Quotes to ponder: "You cannot “suck it up” and just grind through joint pain without hindering healing at best and causing further damage at worst." "Two often overlooked components of recovery that can be controlled even if you do not seek medical care are sleep and nutrition." "Something to keep in mind: just because you have pain with a push movement, does not necessarily mean you will have pain with a pull." Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Get the 200+ Page Optimal Living Daily Workbook (PDF) — Free. Want to turn today's episode into an actionable plan? Join the Optimal Living Weekly newsletter and I'll send you our 200-page digital workbook immediately. It's packed with the best takeaways from the show, formatted for easy reading and implementation at home. Get your free PDF workbook here: ⁠⁠https://oldpodcast.eo.page/join⁠ Discover all of the podcasts in our network, search for specific episodes, get the Optimal Living Daily workbook, and learn more at: OLDPodcast.com. Episode 3480: Steve Kamb explains that the key to training through an injury is knowing when to stop, carefully testing pain-free movement, and prioritizing recovery over pushing through discomfort. He also shares practical advice on rest, sleep, nutrition, and seeking sports-focused medical care so you can heal faster while staying as active as safely possible. Read along with the original article(s) here: https://www.nerdfitness.com/blog/injuries/ Quotes to ponder: "You cannot “suck it up” and just grind through joint pain without hindering healing at best and causing further damage at worst." "Two often overlooked components of recovery that can be controlled even if you do not seek medical care are sleep and nutrition." "Something to keep in mind: just because you have pain with a push movement, does not necessarily mean you will have pain with a pull." Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

So what of building incorruptible routines and goals!? Steve Kamb is a personal trainer and founder of Nerd Fitness, an online fitness coaching company aimed at busy people who struggle to stick to their health and nutrition goals. His new book, "How To Try Again," is based on the lessons he's learned of helping people create consistent habits.

Some people wake up at 4 AM, run fifteen miles barefoot, and then meditate in an ice bath. Today's author promises to help the rest of us transform our lives by giving up more often, failing faster, and mastering the art of starting over.Support the ShowBookworm #252: The Book of ElonHow to Try Again by Steve KambNerd FitnessThe Case for Delusional ConfidenceMuseum of FailureThe Growth IntensiveBookworm #219: Tiny ExperimentsAntifragile by Nassim Nicholas TalebFour Thousand Weeks by Oliver BurkemanDark SoulsInside the Box by David EpsteinRange by David EpsteinThe Psychology of Money by Morgan HouselBandersnatchRecommend a BookMike's Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐Cory's Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

What do you do after things fall apart—and what do you do in the split second before you make the same choice again? In this episode, Steve Kamb's How to Try Again and Jonathan Rhodes and Joanna Grover's The Choice Point offer a practical guide to getting unstuck. Kamb shows why failure doesn't send us back to square one, while Rhodes and Grover explain how the small decision points in everyday life can move us closer to the future we actually want. Together, these books make a reassuring case for self-compassion, clearer choices, and beginning again—on purpose.

If you've ever wondered what it's actually like to attend one of the best conferences in the online business space, I'm bringing you along this week. Every June, I pack my bags for Boise, Idaho to attend Kit's Craft + Commerce Conference, and this year I recorded real-time clips along the way so it would feel like we were just hanging out in the hallway together.This is officially my fifth Craft + Commerce, and in this episode I'm sharing my full recap: why I keep going back, what my week actually looked like behind the scenes, the tactical tips I'm already using in my own business, and the bigger mindset shifts I'm walking away with this year, including a few things I picked up from a private mastermind with James Clear. You'll also hear some of my favorite on-the-street interviews including a quick chat with Kit founder Nathan Barry.In this episode, you'll hear…Why I keep going back to Craft + Commerce every year, and why Boise (yes, Boise) might be part of the magicOn-the-street interviews with Mallory Rowan, Nathan Barry, Steve Kamb, and Barrett BrooksThree tactical takeaways from the conference, including Kit's new Signals feature and a workaround for connecting Substack and KitThe mindset shifts I'm walking away with around quality versus quantity, wanting something versus working for it, and finally feeling like I belongJames Clear's "category killer" concept, and the difference between his concentrated strike and tailwind marketing strategiesClick here to find the full show notes and transcript for this episode.EPISODE RESOURCES:Get your first month of Kit free (affiliate link)Steve Kamb's book, How to Try AgainFollow Barrett Brooks on Instagram or visit barrettbrooks.com Follow Mallory Rowan on Instagram or visit malloryrowan.comGet Sam's weekly newsletter, Sam's SidebarIf you have a question you'd like Sam to answer on a future podcast episode, you can submit it here.Click here to be notified when new episodes of On Your Terms® come outCONNECT:Get Sam's weekly newsletter, Sam's SidebarFollow Sam on InstagramFollow Sam on YouTubeSubscribe to Sam's SubstackTake Sam's free legal workshop "5 Steps to Legally Protect & Grow Your Online Business"DISCLAIMER

In this episode of Daily Creative, we explore the nuanced experience of failure and the creative courage required to start over. We open with a story about recognizing when to let go of failed dreams and the importance of closure—giving our abandoned ambitions the dignity of a “decent burial” rather than carrying emotional residue into our next ventures.We're joined by Steve Kamb, founder of Nerd Fitness and author of How to Try Again. The conversation focused on the modern misconception that achievement is only about relentless forward momentum. Instead, we dig into what happens after things don't go as planned, and how to move forward with intention.One concept discussed was identity and how the language of failure has shifted over centuries—from being seen as an event to being seen as a statement about who we are. We unpack the psychological weight behind this shift and how it can paralyze us from trying again.Steve shared research-backed approaches and a pragmatic framework called PACT: Pause, Accept, Change, Try. Rather than reflexively doubling down or giving up, this approach urges us to create space, honestly examine our circumstances, investigate what went wrong with curiosity (not self-loathing), and experiment with new methods.A key theme that emerged was the value of collective vulnerability and perspective—realizing our failures aren't so unique, and that growth comes from standing on the shoulders of our setbacks, not being buried beneath them.Five Key LearningsClosure is Undervalued: If we don't fully mark the end of a failed project or dream, we risk dragging its emotional baggage into our next pursuit. Sometimes “burying the butterfly” is what frees us for genuine renewal. (02:29)Failure and Identity are Not the Same: We too often internalize failure as a flaw in who we are, rather than seeing it as something that happened. Recognizing this distinction is critical for resilience. (09:08)Healthy Pausing Beats Reflexive Action: Jumping immediately back in or attempting more brute-force effort often leads to burnout and stagnation. Pausing creates space for honest self-assessment and recalibration. (13:44)Success Comes from Tactical Experimentation: Treating setbacks with the dispassion of a detective or scientist allows us to refine methods without self-judgment. Success stems from iterative learning, not from following a fixed blueprint. (15:27)Vulnerability is a Shared Human Experience: By sharing failures—both trivial and profound—we open ourselves to community, lessen stigma, and build collective strength. Our failures become data, not shames to be hidden. (11:32)Get full interviews and bonus content for free! Just join the list at DailyCreativePlus.com.

Discover all of the podcasts in our network, search for specific episodes, get the Optimal Living Daily workbook, and learn more at: OLDPodcast.com. Episode 3441: Steve Kamb breaks the fitness journey into memorable milestones that capture both the victories and setbacks people experience on the road to better health. From losing the first pound and completing a first 5K to overcoming plateaus and becoming someone others look to for advice, he shows how long-term transformation is built through consistent progress rather than perfection. Read along with the original article(s) here: https://www.nerdfitness.com/blog/22-fitness-milestones-to-mark-your-journey-from-chump-to-champ/ Quotes to ponder: "You run in your first 5k, and survive. Who cares that you lost to an 80 year old grandmother pushing a stroller with two grandkids in it. You signed up for a race, you trained for it, and then you did it." "You do a pull up. You struggle, sweat, and squirm your way until your chin is above the bar before dropping like a sack of hammers to the floor." "Whatever that big number was in your head, you're actually THERE. Now, instead of focusing on the scale, you're solely focused on getting stronger and faster." Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Discover all of the podcasts in our network, search for specific episodes, get the Optimal Living Daily workbook, and learn more at: OLDPodcast.com. Episode 3441: Steve Kamb breaks the fitness journey into memorable milestones that capture both the victories and setbacks people experience on the road to better health. From losing the first pound and completing a first 5K to overcoming plateaus and becoming someone others look to for advice, he shows how long-term transformation is built through consistent progress rather than perfection. Read along with the original article(s) here: https://www.nerdfitness.com/blog/22-fitness-milestones-to-mark-your-journey-from-chump-to-champ/ Quotes to ponder: "You run in your first 5k, and survive. Who cares that you lost to an 80 year old grandmother pushing a stroller with two grandkids in it. You signed up for a race, you trained for it, and then you did it." "You do a pull up. You struggle, sweat, and squirm your way until your chin is above the bar before dropping like a sack of hammers to the floor." "Whatever that big number was in your head, you're actually THERE. Now, instead of focusing on the scale, you're solely focused on getting stronger and faster." Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Have you ever poured years into building something only to watch it fall apart right when you thought you'd finally figured it out? That's where Steve Kamb was when he wrote How to Try Again, his new book on starting over after failure.Steve, founder of Nerd Fitness, wrote this book on how to try again while actually trying again himself, navigating a divorce, a cancer diagnosis, and a full reinvention of the business he'd spent 20 years building.In this episode You'll Learn: :-Steve's PACT framework for trying again after failure -Why self-compassion beats self-criticism when you're starting over-How perfectionism keeps your best work hidden-Why sometimes progress isn't the goal, staying afloat isIf you're in the middle of starting over, or just need permission to try again, this one's for you.More on Steve: founder of Nerd Fitness, author of How to Try Again, a guide to starting over after failure. Get How to Try Again here: https://stevekamb.com/howtotryagain/ 

Why did this founder fire himself from his own company? That's what I wanted to find out when I sat down with Steve Kamb, founder of Nerd Fitness. We've known each other for a long time, and I've watched him build an incredible audience and business. But then, to my surprise, he "fired" himself – twice! Steve shares the surprising truth about chasing growth, the pitfalls of wearing the wrong hat in your own business, and how he rediscovered his passion for writing. His journey is a powerful reminder that sometimes, the true path to fulfillment means stepping away from the very thing you've so diligently built.Timestamps:00:00 Introduction01:10 Firing myself (twice!) from Nerd Fitness05:37 The five years I spent in the wrong seat07:20 The "If you're not growing, you're shrinking" myth10:37 How I realized writing is what lights me up12:55 When to double down on strengths vs. fix weaknesses18:19 The curated "all I do is win" internet vs. real life20:20 Sharing my failures: cancer, Google changing, divorce23:09 The overwhelming positive response to vulnerability24:06 How my book was born and evolved30:17 My visit to the Museum of Failure33:55 My PACT framework: Pause, Accept, Change, Try40:22 Everything old is new again in content49:00 The value of Craft + Commerce and community56:14 Longevity in creative work: falling in love with the craft1:02:43 How to Try Again: Where to find the bookIf you enjoyed this episode, please like and subscribe, share it with your friends, and leave a review. I read every single one.Learn more about the podcast: https://nathanbarry.com/showFollow Nathan:Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/nathanbarryLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/nathanbarryX: https://twitter.com/nathanbarryYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@thenathanbarryshowWebsite: https://nathanbarry.comKit: https://www.kit.comFollow Steve:How To Try Again (Book): https://howtotryagain.comInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/stevekambLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/stevekambYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/stevekambX: https://x.com/SteveKambNerd Fitness: https://www.nerdfitness.comFeatured in this episode:Kit: https://www.kit.comHow to Try Again: https://howtotryagain.comNerd Fitness: https://www.nerdfitness.comThe Museum of Failure: https://failuremuseum.com

On episode 751 of the 40+ Fitness Podcast, Coach Allan sits down to discuss restarting a health and fitness regimen with Steve Kamb, the founder of Nerd Fitness. The conversation focused on how to create lasting change in health and fitness, especially for individuals over 40 facing the unpredictable realities of life. One concept discussed was the "back to normal fallacy"—the tendency to believe that perfect circumstances are just around the corner and that change will be easier then. A key theme that emerged was embracing failure as a normal, even necessary, part of progress, and recognizing that setbacks offer valuable lessons rather than defining personal worth. The discussion explored the PACT framework (Pause, Accept, Change, Try), offering a practical system for navigating obstacles and trying again with self-compassion and flexibility. Several points were raised, including the importance of setting realistic expectations, using strategies like "strategic half-assing" for sustainable progress, and learning to accept imperfections as part of a meaningful, successful journey. Time Stamps: 03:29 Introducing Steve Kamb of Nerd Fitness 09:19 Steve's fitness journey and insights 12:53 Learning from past mistakes 15:39 Writing and editing the book 17:54 Importance of Pausing and Reflecting 23:20 Trying a 30-day diet plan 25:02 High expectations and personal growth 29:03 Finding joy in healthy habits 31:43 Jody's Journey and Resilience 36:07 Kintsugi and life philosophy 38:22 Breaking my favorite mug 40:48 Strategically half-assing workouts https://howtotryagain.com  https://40plusfitness.com/stick 

What do you do when you did everything right… and life blows up the plan anyway? This week, Wendy sits down with her friend Steve Kamb, founder of Nerd Fitness and author of the brand-new book How to Try Again — for a funny, tender, deeply human conversation about failing, flailing, and finding your way back. While writing a book about navigating failure, Steve got hit with three life-altering blows at once: a skin cancer diagnosis, the collapse of his business's traffic, and a heartbreaking divorce. What he learned became the heart of this episode — that failure is the first step, not the last; that there's no “hierarchy of suck”; and that sometimes the bravest thing you can do is tread water instead of pushing harder. Steve walks us through his four-part PACT — Pause, Accept, Change, Try — and why you should give yourself permission to start ugly. If you're in a hard season, consider this your permission slip to breathe.

Steve Kamb joins me to talk about the ideas from his new book, How to Try Again: An Approachable Guide to Navigating Chaos and Making Change.Steve shares wisdom about:Which is harder: starting, or starting againThe "Back to Normal" fallacyThe importance of a bias toward actionDo people wait for optimal timing?Do people believe it will go smoothly this time?Do people fail to anticipate obvious and predictable obstacles?Do people fail to allow for unforeseen obstacles?When do we need to try again and when do we need to try something different?How much do people try to control the wrong things?How much of success comes down to one's attitude toward struggle and failure?If you're someone who's been trying and faltering, this is for you—whether in fitness and health, career, or life.Instagram: @stevekambCHAPTERS01:15 Starting vs Starting Over03:01 The Back to Normal Fallacy06:18 Why Treading Water Still Counts08:34 Letting Go of the Perfect Future13:05 The Too Many Options Trap17:25 Procrastination and the Five Whys19:53 Identity and Imposter Syndrome22:53 Failure as Feedback24:14 Keep Doing the Thing28:17 New Year's Goals and Self-Efficacy32:37 Pause, Accept, Change, Try Again37:32 Control What You Can Control41:36 The "Yes And" Philosophy of Life47:41 Struggle, Capacity, and Resilience51:04 Updating Your Fitness Identity53:37 Book Launch and Where To Find SteveSUPPORT THE SHOWIf this episode helped you rethink failure, setbacks, or personal growth, you can support the show by:Subscribing and checking out more episodesSharing it on social media (tag me and I'll respond)Sending it to someone who needs encouragement to keep goingFOLLOW ANDREW COATESInstagram: @andrewcoatesfitnesshttps://www.andrewcoatesfitness.comPARTNERS AND RESOURCESRP Strength App (use code COATESRP)https://www.rpstrength.com/coatesJust Bite Me Meals (use code ANDREWCOATESFITNESS for 10% off)https://justbitememeals.comMacrosFirst – FREE Premium TrialDownload MacrosFirst and during setup select ANDREWKNKG Bags (15% off)https://www.knkg.com/Andrew59676Versa Grippshttps://www.versagripps.com/andrewcoatesTRAINHEROIC – FREE 90-Day Trialhttps://www.trainheroic.com/liftfreeReply to the email you receive (or email trials@trainheroic.com) and let them know Andrew sent you

Get Steve Kamb's new book How to Try Again: An Approachable Guide to Navigating Chaos and Making Change THAT STICKS (Amazon link) ----- Steve Kamb is the author of the brand new book How to Try Again: An Approachable Guide to Navigating Chaos and Making Change THAT STICKS. In this conversation (and in his book) Steve helps us learn about life and golf and the many parallels between the two. We talk about failure, redefining, reframing and better understanding failure, the relationship between failure and fear and our deep need for survival, the importance of self-compassion and acceptance while also navigating change, finding the balance of playing the game you currently have and improving the game you currently have, practical strategies for letting go of control and expectations, theories Steve talks about like Expectation Bankruptcy and Failing Compassionately, and how to use experimentation and taking small steps to foster growth. The mission of The Mental Golf Show is to explore high performance through the lens of golf, and this conversation hits right in the strike zone of that mission. ----- Timestamps & Topics: 00:00 - Intro 3:16 - Redefining and Having a Better Relationship with Failure 13:06 - ⛳️ The Divot Board: Get 10% off at divotboard.com/mentalgolfshow using code 'MentalGolf10'. 14:43 - Expectations, Plans for the Future, and Acceptance to Play Golf More Freely 33:42 -

In this conversation, I sit down with Steve Kamb to explore what it really means to keep moving forward when things don't go according to plan. We talk about why success in business development, leadership, fitness, and creative work often has less to do with having the perfect strategy and more to do with developing the ability to adjust, learn, and make another attempt. Steve shares lessons from stand-up comedy, golf, entrepreneurship, and his own experiences building businesses and writing his latest book, How to Try Again, offering a practical framework for navigating setbacks without getting stuck in them. A major theme throughout our conversation is the tension between outcome-focused thinking and process-focused action. We discuss Steve's PACT framework, the role of self-compassion after disappointment, why experimentation lowers the stakes of trying something new, and how high performers recover from setbacks more quickly by learning rather than dwelling. Whether you're pursuing new clients, launching a project, building relationships, or simply trying to make progress in an uncertain situation, this episode offers a thoughtful perspective on resilience, adaptation, and the long game of meaningful growth.   Topics We Cover in This Episode:  Why comedians, entrepreneurs, and business developers all rely on repetition more than perfection How the concept of "pre-accepting any outcome" can reduce anxiety and improve performance The difference between persistence and continuing to push in the wrong direction What Steve's PACT framework teaches about responding to setbacks constructively Why treating challenges as experiments can make change feel more approachable How curiosity can be more useful than self-criticism when evaluating past failures What separates people who recover quickly from disappointment from those who stay stuck Why genuine generosity and relationship-building often outperform transactional networking approaches If you've ever found yourself wondering what to do after a missed opportunity, a failed initiative, or a result that didn't match your expectations, I think you'll find this conversation both practical and encouraging. Tune in, subscribe so you never miss an episode, and share it with someone who could benefit from a fresh perspective on learning, adapting, and trying again.   Resources Mentioned: Steve's Website: stevekamb.com Order Steve's Book: https://stevekamb.com/howtotryagain/ https://www.nerdfitness.com/ Sign up for Bunnell Idea Group's free AI Business Development tool, GrowBIG AI: growbig.ai Sign up for Mo's weekly newsletter: GrowBigPlaybook.com Free Give to Grow Training and Downloadable Materials: Givetogrow.info Give to Grow Amazon Order Link:  https://a.co/d/ec8DTzc Follow Mo's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mobunnell/  

In this conversation, I sit down with Steve Kamb to explore what it really means to keep moving forward when things don't go according to plan. We talk about why success in business development, leadership, fitness, and creative work often has less to do with having the perfect strategy and more to do with developing the ability to adjust, learn, and make another attempt. Steve shares lessons from stand-up comedy, golf, entrepreneurship, and his own experiences building businesses and writing his latest book, How to Try Again, offering a practical framework for navigating setbacks without getting stuck in them. A major theme throughout our conversation is the tension between outcome-focused thinking and process-focused action. We discuss Steve's PACT framework, the role of self-compassion after disappointment, why experimentation lowers the stakes of trying something new, and how high performers recover from setbacks more quickly by learning rather than dwelling. Whether you're pursuing new clients, launching a project, building relationships, or simply trying to make progress in an uncertain situation, this episode offers a thoughtful perspective on resilience, adaptation, and the long game of meaningful growth.   Topics We Cover in This Episode:  Why comedians, entrepreneurs, and business developers all rely on repetition more than perfection How the concept of "pre-accepting any outcome" can reduce anxiety and improve performance The difference between persistence and continuing to push in the wrong direction What Steve's PACT framework teaches about responding to setbacks constructively Why treating challenges as experiments can make change feel more approachable How curiosity can be more useful than self-criticism when evaluating past failures What separates people who recover quickly from disappointment from those who stay stuck Why genuine generosity and relationship-building often outperform transactional networking approaches If you've ever found yourself wondering what to do after a missed opportunity, a failed initiative, or a result that didn't match your expectations, I think you'll find this conversation both practical and encouraging. Tune in, subscribe so you never miss an episode, and share it with someone who could benefit from a fresh perspective on learning, adapting, and trying again.   Resources Mentioned: Steve's Website: stevekamb.com Order Steve's Book: https://stevekamb.com/howtotryagain/ https://www.nerdfitness.com/ Sign up for Bunnell Idea Group's free AI Business Development tool, GrowBIG AI: growbig.ai Sign up for Mo's weekly newsletter: GrowBigPlaybook.com Free Give to Grow Training and Downloadable Materials: Givetogrow.info Give to Grow Amazon Order Link:  https://a.co/d/ec8DTzc Follow Mo's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mobunnell/

In this conversation, I sit down with Steve Kamb to explore what it really means to keep moving forward when things don't go according to plan. We talk about why success in business development, leadership, fitness, and creative work often has less to do with having the perfect strategy and more to do with developing the ability to adjust, learn, and make another attempt. Steve shares lessons from stand-up comedy, golf, entrepreneurship, and his own experiences building businesses and writing his latest book, How to Try Again, offering a practical framework for navigating setbacks without getting stuck in them. A major theme throughout our conversation is the tension between outcome-focused thinking and process-focused action. We discuss Steve's PACT framework, the role of self-compassion after disappointment, why experimentation lowers the stakes of trying something new, and how high performers recover from setbacks more quickly by learning rather than dwelling. Whether you're pursuing new clients, launching a project, building relationships, or simply trying to make progress in an uncertain situation, this episode offers a thoughtful perspective on resilience, adaptation, and the long game of meaningful growth.   Topics We Cover in This Episode:  Why comedians, entrepreneurs, and business developers all rely on repetition more than perfection How the concept of "pre-accepting any outcome" can reduce anxiety and improve performance The difference between persistence and continuing to push in the wrong direction What Steve's PACT framework teaches about responding to setbacks constructively Why treating challenges as experiments can make change feel more approachable How curiosity can be more useful than self-criticism when evaluating past failures What separates people who recover quickly from disappointment from those who stay stuck Why genuine generosity and relationship-building often outperform transactional networking approaches If you've ever found yourself wondering what to do after a missed opportunity, a failed initiative, or a result that didn't match your expectations, I think you'll find this conversation both practical and encouraging. Tune in, subscribe so you never miss an episode, and share it with someone who could benefit from a fresh perspective on learning, adapting, and trying again.   Resources Mentioned: Steve's Website: stevekamb.com Order Steve's Book: https://stevekamb.com/howtotryagain/ https://www.nerdfitness.com/ Sign up for Bunnell Idea Group's free AI Business Development tool, GrowBIG AI: growbig.ai Sign up for Mo's weekly newsletter: GrowBigPlaybook.com Free Give to Grow Training and Downloadable Materials: Givetogrow.info Give to Grow Amazon Order Link:  https://a.co/d/ec8DTzc Follow Mo's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mobunnell/  

Mike and Eli issue a clarification from last episode; Mike stops answering Eli's phone calls; Eli tries to keep a streak alive; author Steve Kamb joins the show to talk about How to Try Again.  Interested in Steve's book? Get details here: HowToTryAgain.com  Want to add to the Wall of failure: HowToTryAgain.com/fail For a chance to win 6 free months of Nerd Fitness training, email book receipts to LGLG@stevekamb.com Want bonus content? Join the Velcro: patreon.com/chasingscratch  Kudos to Mizzen+Main: use promo code SCRATCH20 for 20% off your first purchase at mizzenandmain.com  Kudos to Lagoon Sleep: get 15% off your first purchase at lagoonsleep.com/scratch MUSIC CREDITS: "Dangerous" by Kevin MacLeod is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution license (creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/) Source: incompetech.com/music/royalty-fre…isrc=USUAN1100414 Artist: incompetech.com/ "Summer Noir" purchased via PremiumBeat.com "Meaningful Change" purchased via PremiumBeat.com "Amazing World Time Lapse" purchased via PremiumBeat.com The Lincoln Commercial: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bPLFqtV7dGY  "Epic Battle Speech" is by Wayne Jones "C Major Prelude" is by Bach "Air to the Throne" is by Doug Maxwell "Connect The Dots" purchased via PremiumBeat.com "The Latest Scandal" purchased via PremiumBeat.com "The Old Tale" purchased via PremiumBeat.com "Philosophy" by Eskimotion purchased via PremiumBeat.com Mixed by Lenny Sterner Copyright © Drupelets Media LLC 

This episode is brought to you by Your Clockwise Week—a personalized weekly structure built around your actual life, not an ideal one. If your week feels full but not fitting, you can learn more at mikevardy.com/yourclockwiseweek.There's a loop most of us know well, even if we've never named it: feel behind, find the thing that's going to fix everything, go all in for a few weeks, get derailed by life, and start over — carrying a little more shame each time. It doesn't matter whether we're talking about fitness, productivity, or building a business. The pattern is the same, and so is the trap. We keep waiting for things to get back to normal so we can try again properly. But what if that version of normal isn't coming back?Steve Kamb is the founder of Nerd Fitness, which has grown over 17 years into a platform that has coached more than 20,000 people one-on-one. His new book, How to Try Again, grew out of that work — specifically from the most universal problem he kept encountering across thousands of conversations: the all-or-nothing mindset. Steve built a four-part framework called PACT — Pause, Accept, Change, Try — to help people break the doom loop and stop waiting for ideal conditions that never arrive.Six Discussion PointsThe pause is the hardest part of PACT not because it requires effort, but because it requires restraint — and our productivity culture has no patience for it. Slowing down feels like falling behind, when it's often the only way to figure out if you're even moving in the right direction."Normal" is not a destination you return to — it's whatever your actual days look like right now, including the chaos, the interruptions, and the laundry on the floor. Waiting for a predictable routine to materialize before you start is a way of never starting.Before you commit to a goal, ask the question most people skip: What if this works? If success means you have to keep doing the thing you hate, you've picked the wrong goal. The reward for getting good at Instagram is that you have to keep doing Instagram.Treating your next attempt like a non-judgmental experiment — part scientist, part detective — removes the weight of outcome and replaces it with curiosity. You're not measuring whether you become the person you admired; you're measuring what you learned about yourself.The doom loop compounds. Every incomplete attempt doesn't just reset the clock; it adds guilt and shame to the pile you're already carrying. Recognizing the loop is the first step to using one of the escape pods Steve calls "half-assing it" — doing the most of the thing you can do today, rather than the ideal version of it.Steve effectively fired himself as CEO of his own company to get back to the work he actually loved — writing. The book that resulted is his most personal project, and it came from applying PACT to his own life: pausing, accepting who he really is, changing his role, and trying again on his own terms.Three Connection PointsHow to Try Again by Steve Kamb — howtotryagain.comNerd Fitness — Steve's 17-year-old community and platform: nerdfitness.comStop Managing Your Time, Start Crafting It — My piece on the TimeCrafting approach, which shares a lot of philosophical ground with Steve's ideas about working within your actual constraints rather than imagined ones: Read it on MediumThe conversation Steve and I had goes back sixteen years, and there's something fitting about the fact that both of us have spent that time learning — the hard way, repeatedly — that the frameworks and tools only work when they're built around the life you're actually living. PACT isn't a productivity system. It's permission to be human and then do something about it. If you've been waiting for the right moment to try again, this might be the episode that helps you stop waiting.If this episode resonated, I'm exploring ideas like these more deeply in my upcoming book, Productiveness. You can follow along as it takes shape at mikevardy.com/productiveness.

Life rarely unfolds according to plan. A relationship implodes. A move or job change doesn't work out. Or you simply fail in a goal you've set for yourself.My guest has spent almost two decades researching and field-testing how to get back on track when smaller slip-ups and larger upheavals knock you off course. His name is Steve Kamb, and he's the founder of Nerd Fitness and the author of How to Try Again: An Approachable Guide to Navigating Chaos and Making Change THAT STICKS. Today on the show, Steve shares practical principles for dealing with life's frustrating and demoralizing setbacks. We discuss why sometimes the best move is to pause rather than push harder, how to accept reality without resigning yourself to it, why treating change as an experiment can help you beat paralysis and take action, why you should treat consistency with your goals the way you do showering, and more.Resources Related to the PodcastSteve's previous appearances on the AoM podcast:Episode #42: Level Up Your Life With Nerd Fitness & Steve KambEpisode #170: Level Up Your LifeSteve's AoM guest posts:Don't Be That Guy: The Taxonomy of Lousy Male FriendsHow Superheroes, Movies, and Video Games Taught Me to Conquer FearNerd FitnessMuseum of FailureSunday Firesides: Good Times Are Not Around the Corner (And That's Great News!)Sunday Firesides: Treat Life Like an Experiment"Lightning Fields" by the KillersConnect With Steve KambSteve's websiteSteve on IGSteve on LinkedInSteve on SubstackSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Discover all of the podcasts in our network, search for specific episodes, get the Optimal Living Daily workbook, and learn more at: OLDPodcast.com. Episode 3395: Steve Kamb breaks down the most common squat mistakes that quietly sabotage strength, balance, and long-term joint health. By dialing in simple adjustments, from stance and depth to knee tracking and core control, you'll unlock safer, more effective movement that carries over to everything from workouts to daily life. Mastering these fundamentals sets the stage for stronger lifts and a more resilient body. Read along with the original article(s) here: https://www.nerdfitness.com/blog/5-common-mistakes-when-doing-a-proper-squat/ Quotes to ponder: "Your knee is supposed to be a hinge. Putting sideways stress on your knee is a bit like hanging off of a swinging door." "Keeping your feet on the ground is essential for a strong and balanced squat." "If you have any interest in ever being able to do a barbell squat, you need to first nail the mechanics for a proper bodyweight squat." Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Discover all of the podcasts in our network, search for specific episodes, get the Optimal Living Daily workbook, and learn more at: OLDPodcast.com. Episode 3395: Steve Kamb breaks down the most common squat mistakes that quietly sabotage strength, balance, and long-term joint health. By dialing in simple adjustments, from stance and depth to knee tracking and core control, you'll unlock safer, more effective movement that carries over to everything from workouts to daily life. Mastering these fundamentals sets the stage for stronger lifts and a more resilient body. Read along with the original article(s) here: https://www.nerdfitness.com/blog/5-common-mistakes-when-doing-a-proper-squat/ Quotes to ponder: "Your knee is supposed to be a hinge. Putting sideways stress on your knee is a bit like hanging off of a swinging door." "Keeping your feet on the ground is essential for a strong and balanced squat." "If you have any interest in ever being able to do a barbell squat, you need to first nail the mechanics for a proper bodyweight squat." Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Discover all of the podcasts in our network, search for specific episodes, get the Optimal Living Daily workbook, and learn more at: OLDPodcast.com. Episode 3363: Steve Kamb breaks down the reality behind achieving a “Troy”-like physique, emphasizing disciplined nutrition, frequent protein intake, and balanced carbs to fuel intense training. He also highlights the importance of realistic expectations, reminding readers that consistency and sustainable habits matter more than chasing celebrity-level transformations. Read along with the original article(s) here: https://www.nerdfitness.com/blog/how-to-look-like-brad-pitt-in-troy/ Quotes to ponder: "Removing carbs from his diet robbed him of necessary energy to get through these grueling workouts." "Expect to get less successful results if you're picking a routine while working a full-time job raising a family and not having the time money to eat 10 professionally prepared meals a day." "If setting the goal of looking like a celebrity will help get you motivated that's perfectly fine but let's just be clear that you may not look exactly like that." Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Discover all of the podcasts in our network, search for specific episodes, get the Optimal Living Daily workbook, and learn more at: OLDPodcast.com. Episode 3363: Steve Kamb breaks down the reality behind achieving a “Troy”-like physique, emphasizing disciplined nutrition, frequent protein intake, and balanced carbs to fuel intense training. He also highlights the importance of realistic expectations, reminding readers that consistency and sustainable habits matter more than chasing celebrity-level transformations. Read along with the original article(s) here: https://www.nerdfitness.com/blog/how-to-look-like-brad-pitt-in-troy/ Quotes to ponder: "Removing carbs from his diet robbed him of necessary energy to get through these grueling workouts." "Expect to get less successful results if you're picking a routine while working a full-time job raising a family and not having the time money to eat 10 professionally prepared meals a day." "If setting the goal of looking like a celebrity will help get you motivated that's perfectly fine but let's just be clear that you may not look exactly like that." Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Discover all of the podcasts in our network, search for specific episodes, get the Optimal Living Daily workbook, and learn more at: OLDPodcast.com. Episode 3362: Steve Kamb breaks down the realistic path to building a lean, powerful physique like Brad Pitt in Troy, emphasizing sustainable training over Hollywood myths. Learn how combining heavy compound lifts, strategic bulking and cutting phases, and disciplined consistency can help you build muscle effectively, without needing a team of personal trainers. Read along with the original article(s) here: https://www.nerdfitness.com/blog/how-to-look-like-brad-pitt-in-troy/ Quotes to ponder: "Everything you'll find is either misleading or incorrect information." "You'll need to eat more than you're currently eating lift heavy weights and keep your basic cardio to a minimum." "What you want to do is concentrate on compound exercises moves like the benchpress pull-ups deadlifts and squats to promote growth throughout your whole body." Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Discover all of the podcasts in our network, search for specific episodes, get the Optimal Living Daily workbook, and learn more at: OLDPodcast.com. Episode 3362: Steve Kamb breaks down the realistic path to building a lean, powerful physique like Brad Pitt in Troy, emphasizing sustainable training over Hollywood myths. Learn how combining heavy compound lifts, strategic bulking and cutting phases, and disciplined consistency can help you build muscle effectively, without needing a team of personal trainers. Read along with the original article(s) here: https://www.nerdfitness.com/blog/how-to-look-like-brad-pitt-in-troy/ Quotes to ponder: "Everything you'll find is either misleading or incorrect information." "You'll need to eat more than you're currently eating lift heavy weights and keep your basic cardio to a minimum." "What you want to do is concentrate on compound exercises moves like the benchpress pull-ups deadlifts and squats to promote growth throughout your whole body." Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

You ever feel like the mental game advice you try doesn't stick? That's because most mental game advice is superficial and not effective in high-pressure moments. Including some of the stuff I've put out. That's because there has to be a deeper layer underneath that advice for your mental game to actually be effective. In this episode, we dive into that. Key topics: The Ineffectiveness of Common Mental Game Advice Understanding Yourself: The Key to Improvement The Five Whys: A Deep Dive into Self-Reflection Processing Emotions: Closing the Loop on Bad Shots The Long-Term Benefits of Self-Inquiry ----- Pre-order How to Try Again by Steve Kamb -----

Discover all of the podcasts in our network, search for specific episodes, get the Optimal Living Daily workbook, and learn more at: OLDPodcast.com. Episode 3329: Steve Kamb encourages embracing the present moment and letting go of the fear of judgment that keeps many people from fully living their lives. He highlights how avoiding photos or experiences because of insecurity often erases meaningful memories that could have been captured. By adopting a “Zero F***s Given” mindset, Steve challenges readers to enjoy today, document their journey, and appreciate the chance to grow. Read along with the original article(s) here: https://www.nerdfitness.com/blog/do-you-avoid-photos-announcing-zfg-day/ Quotes to ponder: "Today is the only time ever that this moment will happen. We don't get extra lives, we don't get to replay on an easier difficulty, and we are only allowed to play the character that we've rolled." "Don't forget, today is a pretty freaking awesome day. You woke up, which is more than 99.9% of people that have ever existed can say." "Be proud of your life AND where you're heading." Episode references: The Lord of the Rings by J.R.R. Tolkien: https://www.amazon.com/Lord-Rings-J-R-R-Tolkien/dp/0544003411 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Discover all of the podcasts in our network, search for specific episodes, get the Optimal Living Daily workbook, and learn more at: OLDPodcast.com. Episode 3329: Steve Kamb encourages embracing the present moment and letting go of the fear of judgment that keeps many people from fully living their lives. He highlights how avoiding photos or experiences because of insecurity often erases meaningful memories that could have been captured. By adopting a “Zero F***s Given” mindset, Steve challenges readers to enjoy today, document their journey, and appreciate the chance to grow. Read along with the original article(s) here: https://www.nerdfitness.com/blog/do-you-avoid-photos-announcing-zfg-day/ Quotes to ponder: "Today is the only time ever that this moment will happen. We don't get extra lives, we don't get to replay on an easier difficulty, and we are only allowed to play the character that we've rolled." "Don't forget, today is a pretty freaking awesome day. You woke up, which is more than 99.9% of people that have ever existed can say." "Be proud of your life AND where you're heading." Episode references: The Lord of the Rings by J.R.R. Tolkien: https://www.amazon.com/Lord-Rings-J-R-R-Tolkien/dp/0544003411 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Discover all of the podcasts in our network, search for specific episodes, get the Optimal Living Daily workbook, and learn more at: OLDPodcast.com. Episode 3299: Steve Kamb offers a powerful reminder that progress in health and life often means navigating uncertainty with action, not perfection. Instead of getting stuck analyzing every option, he urges us to make a choice, test it, and adjust, because momentum, not mastery, is what ultimately leads us out of the maze. Read along with the original article(s) here: https://www.nerdfitness.com/blog/lost-in-a-labyrinth-getting-healthy-isnt-a-straight-shot/ Quotes to ponder: "Sometimes, we're going to be at a point in our lives where there are many options laid out before us." "It's tough to solve a maze when you are sitting still. It's time to pick a path." "With enough perseverance, crossing off enough possibilities, and continuing to push ahead…you will find the center of the maze." Episode references: The Fellowship of the Ring: https://www.amazon.com/Fellowship-Ring-Being-First-Rings/dp/0547928211 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Discover all of the podcasts in our network, search for specific episodes, get the Optimal Living Daily workbook, and learn more at: OLDPodcast.com. Episode 3299: Steve Kamb offers a powerful reminder that progress in health and life often means navigating uncertainty with action, not perfection. Instead of getting stuck analyzing every option, he urges us to make a choice, test it, and adjust, because momentum, not mastery, is what ultimately leads us out of the maze. Read along with the original article(s) here: https://www.nerdfitness.com/blog/lost-in-a-labyrinth-getting-healthy-isnt-a-straight-shot/ Quotes to ponder: "Sometimes, we're going to be at a point in our lives where there are many options laid out before us." "It's tough to solve a maze when you are sitting still. It's time to pick a path." "With enough perseverance, crossing off enough possibilities, and continuing to push ahead…you will find the center of the maze." Episode references: The Fellowship of the Ring: https://www.amazon.com/Fellowship-Ring-Being-First-Rings/dp/0547928211 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Discover all of the podcasts in our network, search for specific episodes, get the Optimal Living Daily workbook, and learn more at: OLDPodcast.com. Episode 3298: Steve Kamb reframes the journey to better health as navigating a labyrinth rather than running a marathon, emphasizing the need to embrace detours, dead ends, and course corrections along the way. Drawing inspiration from video games, pop culture, and a powerful analogy by Oliver Emberton, he encourages readers to see failure not as defeat but as data, guiding them toward smarter, more personalized strategies for growth. Read along with the original article(s) here: https://www.nerdfitness.com/blog/lost-in-a-labyrinth-getting-healthy-isnt-a-straight-shot/ Quotes to ponder: "It turns out, life, and your quest for a healthier lifestyle, has a lot more twists and turns than expected." "Sometimes, heading in a new direction is the best thing you can do." "We oftentimes let our stubbornness force us down a losing path because we've already started it." Episode references: Life is a Maze, not a Marathon: https://oliveremberton.com/2014/life-is-a-maze-not-a-marathon Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Discover all of the podcasts in our network, search for specific episodes, get the Optimal Living Daily workbook, and learn more at: OLDPodcast.com. Episode 3298: Steve Kamb reframes the journey to better health as navigating a labyrinth rather than running a marathon, emphasizing the need to embrace detours, dead ends, and course corrections along the way. Drawing inspiration from video games, pop culture, and a powerful analogy by Oliver Emberton, he encourages readers to see failure not as defeat but as data, guiding them toward smarter, more personalized strategies for growth. Read along with the original article(s) here: https://www.nerdfitness.com/blog/lost-in-a-labyrinth-getting-healthy-isnt-a-straight-shot/ Quotes to ponder: "It turns out, life, and your quest for a healthier lifestyle, has a lot more twists and turns than expected." "Sometimes, heading in a new direction is the best thing you can do." "We oftentimes let our stubbornness force us down a losing path because we've already started it." Episode references: Life is a Maze, not a Marathon: https://oliveremberton.com/2014/life-is-a-maze-not-a-marathon Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Discover all of the podcasts in our network, search for specific episodes, get the Optimal Living Daily workbook, and learn more at: OLDPodcast.com. Episode 3458: Steve Kamb reminds us that the books, games, and heroes we once idolized as kids don't have to be forms of escapism, they can be powerful sources of real-world inspiration. By shifting our mindset from fantasy to action, we can use those same stories to build strength, courage, and adventure in our own lives. Read along with the original article(s) here: https://www.nerdfitness.com/blog/dont-escape-get-inspired/ Quotes to ponder: "We can daydream about becoming Superman, the man of steel, or we can find a way to get stronger." "Every time we make a decision to get lost instead of inspired, we are telling ourselves 'imagination land is better than reality.'" “We use those books and movies as blueprints to start planning our own adventure.” Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Discover all of the podcasts in our network, search for specific episodes, get the Optimal Living Daily workbook, and learn more at: OLDPodcast.com. Episode 3458: Steve Kamb reminds us that the books, games, and heroes we once idolized as kids don't have to be forms of escapism, they can be powerful sources of real-world inspiration. By shifting our mindset from fantasy to action, we can use those same stories to build strength, courage, and adventure in our own lives. Read along with the original article(s) here: https://www.nerdfitness.com/blog/dont-escape-get-inspired/ Quotes to ponder: "We can daydream about becoming Superman, the man of steel, or we can find a way to get stronger." "Every time we make a decision to get lost instead of inspired, we are telling ourselves 'imagination land is better than reality.'" “We use those books and movies as blueprints to start planning our own adventure.” Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Discover all of the podcasts in our network, search for specific episodes, get the Optimal Living Daily workbook, and learn more at: OLDPodcast.com. Episode 3908: Steve Kamb reflects on the fragility of life through the loss of a dear friend and the joy of celebrating another's wedding, urging us to live fully today instead of waiting for tomorrow. He challenges readers to prioritize meaningful connections and adventures over excuses and distractions, reminding us that we only get one life, and it's happening right now. Read along with the original article(s) here: https://www.nerdfitness.com/blog/there-are-no-extra-lives-make-this-one-count/ Quotes to ponder: "You can make excuses, or you can get what you want. But not both." "Although we don't get to pick how much time we get to have, we do get to choose two things: Who we spend our time with. What types of stories we have with those people." "You MUST find a way to be happy today, because tomorrow is not guaranteed." Episode references: Sixthman (music cruise company): https://www.sixthman.net/ Gaelic Storm (band mentioned): https://www.gaelicstorm.com/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Discover all of the podcasts in our network, search for specific episodes, get the Optimal Living Daily workbook, and learn more at: OLDPodcast.com. Episode 3908: Steve Kamb reflects on the fragility of life through the loss of a dear friend and the joy of celebrating another's wedding, urging us to live fully today instead of waiting for tomorrow. He challenges readers to prioritize meaningful connections and adventures over excuses and distractions, reminding us that we only get one life, and it's happening right now. Read along with the original article(s) here: https://www.nerdfitness.com/blog/there-are-no-extra-lives-make-this-one-count/ Quotes to ponder: "You can make excuses, or you can get what you want. But not both." "Although we don't get to pick how much time we get to have, we do get to choose two things: Who we spend our time with. What types of stories we have with those people." "You MUST find a way to be happy today, because tomorrow is not guaranteed." Episode references: Sixthman (music cruise company): https://www.sixthman.net/ Gaelic Storm (band mentioned): https://www.gaelicstorm.com/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Discover all of the podcasts in our network, search for specific episodes, get the Optimal Living Daily workbook, and learn more at: OLDPodcast.com. Episode 3908: Steve Kamb reflects on the fragility of life through the loss of a dear friend and the joy of celebrating another's wedding, urging us to live fully today instead of waiting for tomorrow. He challenges readers to prioritize meaningful connections and adventures over excuses and distractions, reminding us that we only get one life, and it's happening right now. Read along with the original article(s) here: https://www.nerdfitness.com/blog/there-are-no-extra-lives-make-this-one-count/ Quotes to ponder: "You can make excuses, or you can get what you want. But not both." "Although we don't get to pick how much time we get to have, we do get to choose two things: Who we spend our time with. What types of stories we have with those people." "You MUST find a way to be happy today, because tomorrow is not guaranteed." Episode references: Sixthman (music cruise company): https://www.sixthman.net/ Gaelic Storm (band mentioned): https://www.gaelicstorm.com/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Marc shares five recommended books that he read in 2025, and the big takeaways from them!   What You'll Hear In This Episode: -       Why waiting for inspiration is killing your coaching business - and what to do instead according to legendary music producer Rick Rubin. -       The Matthew McConaughey strategy: How cutting two major priorities helped him go from B-level performance in everything to A-level success (and why you're probably doing too much) -       Why Ray Kroc didn't achieve massive success until age 52 - and what that means if you think you're "too late" to the game! -       The video game approach to building your coaching business - gamification tactics that actually work, from Nerd Fitness founder Steve Kamb … -       "Be judged or be ignored" - why haters and trolls might actually be a sign you're doing something right. -       Marc's #1 book recommendation of all time came from a random Facebook post … and it's one you've probably never heard of! -       Why reading books from completely different industries (like fast food empires) can give you better business ideas than another coaching book …   LINKS Book a no-obligation 1:1 strategy call with Marc for your coaching business: http://www.chatwithmarcm.com   If you'd like more coaching clients without sending cold messages or spending money on ads, the Natural Born Coach Program is for you. Get the details here! http://www.nbcprogram.com Join The Coaching Jungle Facebook Group! http://www.thecoachingjungle.com   Become a Coaching Jungle VIP member which includes special posting perks in the group to reach almost 30,000 potential clients! http://www.myjunglevip.com   Grow your business with The Coaching Jungle Mastermind! http://www.coachingjunglemastermind.com If you have a product or service that helps coaches, and you'd like to get it in front of 100,000 of them: http://www.jvwithmarc.com  

Discover all of the podcasts in our network, search for specific episodes, get the Optimal Living Daily workbook, and learn more at: OLDPodcast.com. Episode 3245: Steve breaks down the science behind muscle fibers, Type I, Type IIa, and Type IIb, and how they determine your natural strengths in endurance versus explosive power. With the right training, you can shift your muscle composition to align more closely with your goals, proving that genetics set the stage, but effort shapes the performance. Read along with the original article(s) here: https://www.nerdfitness.com/blog/fast-twitch-vs-slow-twitch-what-kind-of-muscles-do-you-want/ Quotes to ponder: "Type I fibers are 'slow twitch' fibers. They use oxygen to fire, and they take longer to get going, but they can go for a longer period of time without getting tired." "Type IIb fibers are 'fast twitch' fibers. These fire anaerobically (without oxygen), they fire extremely quickly, but they get tired easily." "Your muscle fiber composition is already built into your genetics." Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Discover all of the podcasts in our network, search for specific episodes, get the Optimal Living Daily workbook, and learn more at: OLDPodcast.com. Episode 3225: Steve Kamb reveals how to stop relying on fragile willpower and start building real systems for habit change by structuring your environment to work for you, not against you. Whether your goal is weight loss, learning a new skill, or becoming more productive, his strategy shows how to create momentum by removing friction and surrounding yourself with allies who level you up. Read along with the original article(s) here: https://www.nerdfitness.com/blog/how-to-fix-new-years-resolutions/ Quotes to ponder: "The fewer the steps, the greater the chance you'll actually do it." "Don't leave it up to the whims of inspiration or motivation." "Surround yourself with people who positively influence you." Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Discover all of the podcasts in our network, search for specific episodes, get the Optimal Living Daily workbook, and learn more at: OLDPodcast.com. Episode 3224: Steve Kamb challenges the traditional approach to New Year's resolutions by urging you to ditch vague goals and instead focus on building systems and habits that actually stick. By understanding how motivation fades and discipline is built through structure, you'll learn how to turn fleeting intentions into lasting routines that drive real progress. Read along with the original article(s) here: https://www.nerdfitness.com/blog/how-to-fix-new-years-resolutions/ Quotes to ponder: “We are creatures of habit. We are products of our environment. We are the average of the people we associate most with.” “Systems don't rely on motivation, willpower, or inspiration to operate once they're set up. They are emotion-free.” “When you are looking to build a new habit, start by keeping the habit small and actionable.” Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Discover all of the podcasts in our network, search for specific episodes, get the Optimal Living Daily workbook, and learn more at: OLDPodcast.com. Episode 3200: Steve Kamb critiques the weight-loss reality show The Biggest Loser, revealing how its unsustainable methods set people up for long-term failure. He explains why slow, steady habit-building triumphs over extreme, short-term fixes, and how real change comes from mindset shifts, not willpower alone. Read along with the original article(s) here: https://www.nerdfitness.com/blog/why-the-biggest-loser-is-making-us-into-losers/ Quotes to ponder: "People are taught that success is based on willpower, determination, and working harder than everybody else." "Success comes from building small habits that last a lifetime." "Stop beating yourself up for past failures. Stop thinking you need to starve yourself and run yourself ragged to get healthy." Episode references: Atomic Habits by James Clear: https://jamesclear.com/atomic-habits The Biggest Loser Study: https://www.nytimes.com/2016/05/02/health/biggest-loser-weight-loss.html Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Discover all of the podcasts in our network, search for specific episodes, get the Optimal Living Daily workbook, and learn more at: OLDPodcast.com. Episode 3362: Steve Kamb reveals how true personal growth lies just beyond our comfort zone, right where failure, fear, and challenge live. By embracing the discomfort of trying and stretching ourselves at the edge of our capabilities, we build resilience, confidence, and real progress over time. Read along with the original article(s) here: https://www.nerdfitness.com/blog/growth-happens-at-our-limits-embrace-it/ Quotes to ponder: "Growth comes from the edge of our capabilities, where we try something we're not good at and improve over time." "You can't become stronger without pushing yourself beyond what you can currently do." "If you only ever do the things you're good at, you'll never grow." Episode references: Can't Hurt Me by David Goggins: https://www.amazon.com/Cant-Hurt-Me-Master-Your/dp/1544512287 Atomic Habits by James Clear: https://www.amazon.com/Atomic-Habits-Proven-Build-Break/dp/0735211299 Grit by Angela Duckworth: https://www.amazon.com/Grit-Passion-Perseverance-Angela-Duckworth/dp/1501111108 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices