292: Alex Thieme - Motivation, identity & building better habits

May 11, 2026

01:34:46

forum

Ask episode

view_agenda

Chapters

auto_awesome

Transcript

info_circle

Episode notes

In this episode, I sit down with coach Alex Thieme to talk about the psychology behind sustainable fat loss, behavior change, motivational interviewing, self-belief, and why changing your environment often matters more than relying on willpower. We also dive into identity, self-talk, parenting, decision fatigue, grocery shopping, and how to build habits that actually stick long-term.

---

Guest

Alex Thieme is an online coach and educator known for his thoughtful approach to behavior change, mindset, and sustainable fitness. His work focuses heavily on helping people build self-belief, improve their relationship with health and fitness, and create realistic systems that fit into real life.

---

What We Cover

03:55 – Becoming a parent, purpose, creativity, and life changes after kids

10:56 – Why we tell ourselves stories that may not actually be true

14:46 – Alex’s coaching philosophy and helping clients build self-belief

18:20 – Motivational interviewing, asking better questions, and behavior change

27:20 – The “five whys” framework and uncovering deeper motivations

30:58 – Optimizing your environment instead of relying on willpower

35:49 – Practical examples of reducing friction and improving habits

43:10 – Grocery shopping, convenience foods, meal structure, and reducing decision fatigue

56:03 – Identity, self-talk, and why “all or nothing” thinking keeps people stuck

---