
Chasing Excellence
Looking to build more than just physical fitness? Join Ben Bergeron and Patrick Cummings as they explore how daily practices create the foundation for lasting peace of mind. Through practical frameworks and honest conversations, discover how deep health unlocks the freedom to chase what truly matters. Learn the five essential factors - training, eating, thinking, sleeping, and connecting - that transform fleeting moments of clarity into a life of sustained fulfillment. If you're ready to move beyond quick fixes and build context-independent peace of mind, this is your guide.
Latest episodes

9 snips
May 20, 2025 • 59min
3 Distractions Keeping You From Health (The Supplement Trap, Your Social Circle, & The Perfect Plan)
Discover the distractions hampering your health goals, from seductive quick fixes to the noise of consumerism. Explore how your social circle influences your well-being and the importance of cultivating a supportive environment. Learn to shift away from perfectionism and embrace a sustainable, balanced approach to health. The psychological impact of our surroundings on dietary choices is dissected, debunking the stress paradox of pursuing health while emphasizing the value of incremental progress.

25 snips
May 16, 2025 • 20min
Fighting Stress: Why the 5 Factors of Health Are Our Best Weapon
Explore how understanding stress can transform overall health and well-being. Discover practical strategies to manage stress and its distinction between beneficial eustress and harmful chronic stress. Delve into the body's response to immediate threats versus everyday challenges, uncovering how misinterpretation can harm productivity. Learn why balancing stress and relaxation is crucial for maintaining a strong immune system and achieving a fulfilling life.

21 snips
May 13, 2025 • 34min
Scaling Back to Move Forward: How Modulating Intensity Creates More Fitness
The hosts dive into maintaining consistency in fitness while adjusting intensity. They tackle the challenges of staying healthy in toxic work environments, promoting resilience and positive mindset. Listeners are guided on how to overcome insecurities and start strength training from scratch. A systematic approach to transitioning from inactivity to an active lifestyle is emphasized, along with practical tips for training for the Murph workout without sacrificing overall health. It's a mix of motivation and practical advice for every fitness journey!

May 6, 2025 • 54min
Less Training, More Life: How Cole Sager is Redefining What Matters Most
Cole Sager, a former CrossFit Games competitor and the president of CompTrain, shares his journey of transitioning from intense competition to a balanced approach to fitness and life. He discusses the impact of rigorous training on personal relationships and emphasizes the need for a fulfilling life beyond athletic pursuits. Sager highlights the importance of efficiency in workouts, integrating fitness into family life, and learning valuable lessons from sports that apply to everyday challenges. His insights remind us to prioritize well-being while supporting others in our journeys.

24 snips
May 2, 2025 • 30min
Values Over Vanity: Why Health Might be the Best Dating Filter
Discover how aligning health and fitness values can deepen romantic connections. Explore tips for managing the physical changes that come with aging and maintain a balanced fitness regime. Learn about essential supplements like creatine and vitamin D that support health. Uncover the truth about protein intake and shift from tracking macros to intuitive eating. Finally, delve into the hidden calories in supposedly healthy foods and how they impact our nutrition.

13 snips
Apr 29, 2025 • 43min
April’s Big Ideas: Facing Fear, Why Teams Matter, & Daily Excellence
Something of an experiment this week: We’ve collected some of the best moments and biggest ideas from our April episodes. 👉🏼 Get the Episode Guide & all relevant links here=== ❤️🔥 Free Newsletter & the Chase Club 👋 New to Chasing Excellence? Start here! === 👋 THANKS TO OUR SPONSORS 🔗 Momentous - High-quality supplements 🔗 The Defender - Adventure-ready vehicle === 🤙 ABOUT US 📍 Ben Bergeron is a best-selling author, coach to 7 CrossFit Games champions, and founder of CompTrain. Find him on Instagram. 📍 Patrick Cummings is a long-time CrossFitter, writer, and podcaster. Find him on Instagram.

67 snips
Apr 22, 2025 • 56min
The Turtle Principle: Why Resistance Makes Fear & Anxiety Worse
In this engaging discussion, Chris Irwin, a retired Navy SEAL and the communications director for the Navy SEAL Foundation, shares insights on overcoming fear and anxiety. He emphasizes the impact of self-awareness on mental health, offering practical strategies like breathing exercises to combat fear. The conversation delves into the significance of vulnerability in building resilience. Irwin also introduces the turtle analogy, encouraging active participation in life rather than avoidance, highlighting how embracing our fears can lead to personal growth.

7 snips
Apr 18, 2025 • 21min
The Raised Hand Rule: How to Know Who You Can Help
Explore the emotional complexities of supporting friends struggling with addiction and unhealthy behaviors. The conversation highlights the balance between personal well-being and the urge to help, emphasizing the power of simply being present. Guilt and responsibility are examined, especially in long-term relationships. The speakers discuss the importance of genuine connection and knowing when to step back versus engage. Understanding and trust play crucial roles in navigating these challenging dynamics.

37 snips
Apr 15, 2025 • 43min
What Makes a Worthy Challenge? (The Truth About Goals, Growth, & Everyday Excellence)
Explore the concept of worthy challenges and their role in personal growth. Discover how everyday struggles can become opportunities for character development. Delve into the balance between ambition and achieving inner peace. Learn that significant challenges aren't just about outcomes but the internal lessons they provide. Ultimately, find out how facing adversities shapes resilience and self-actualization, redefining what it means to pursue excellence in daily life.

50 snips
Apr 8, 2025 • 57min
Why Your Motivation to Get Fit Might be Your Biggest Obstacle
In this conversation, Mark England, co-founder of Enlifted and expert in dismantling victim mentalities, shares transformative insights on fitness and mindset. He emphasizes shifting from punishment to celebration in our fitness journeys. Mark highlights practical steps to reshape self-image and overcome negative self-talk. The power of language in influencing motivation is a key topic, along with practical exercises to foster self-recognition and encourage positive narratives. This enlightening chat offers listeners tools for genuine personal growth.