

Chasing Excellence
Ben Bergeron & Patrick Cummings
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 peace of mind, this is your guide.
Episodes
Mentioned books

12 snips
Sep 16, 2025 • 47min
Being Normal is Making Us Sick. It's Time to Embrace Being Weird
This discussion dives into the empowering notion of embracing individuality as a pathway to better health. It encourages rejecting societal norms in favor of personal well-being, celebrating what makes us 'weird.' Listeners are urged to redefine health beyond status and material success, recognizing that authenticity often clashes with societal expectations. By prioritizing unique lifestyles and nurturing deeper connections, the conversation highlights the richness of living true to oneself, ultimately promoting a more fulfilling life.

20 snips
Sep 9, 2025 • 1h 4min
The ABCDs of Real Health: Attitude, Basics, Consistency & Discipline
Delve into the complexities of health amidst social media noise, particularly TikTok's influence. Discover how to use social platforms wisely, focusing on boundaries and the basics. Explore the shift from traditional exercise to purposeful training, emphasizing gentler activities like Pilates. Unpack key health components, including hydration and strength training. Learn about creating structured fitness routines that balance various elements, alongside the significance of mindset in financial and mental well-being for overall health.

21 snips
Sep 2, 2025 • 1h 5min
Stop Choosing the Wrong Discomfort: 10 Lessons from The Comfort Crisis & Netflix's Biggest Loser Doc
EC Synkowski, a nutrition coach with a rich background in fitness expertise, shares transformative insights inspired by 'The Comfort Crisis' and Netflix's 'The Biggest Loser'. She discusses how embracing discomfort is essential for personal growth and sustainable weight loss. The conversation critiques the unrealistic portrayals of weight loss in media and emphasizes the critical role of consistent exercise over dieting. EC also highlights the need for a healthier relationship with food and challenges listeners to confront modern comforts that hinder progress.

37 snips
Aug 26, 2025 • 1h 4min
Training vs Exercising: Why the 5-3-1 Method Destroys Random Workouts
The podcast discusses the growing trend of fitness among adults, shifting focus from high-intensity workouts to gentler options like yoga. It clarifies the distinction between training and casual exercise, emphasizing structured training for specific outcomes. Key topics include enhancing strength with explosive power and endurance, the evolution of training methodologies like the 5-3-1 method, and the importance of self-assessment in recognizing personal strengths and weaknesses. A holistic approach is advocated for achieving balanced growth in fitness.

18 snips
Aug 19, 2025 • 1h 2min
Asking Better Questions, Getting Better Results: The 5 Enemies Blocking Your Progress
In a lively chat, EC Synkowski, founder of Optimize Me Nutrition and creator of the 800-Gram Challenge, shares insights on the power of asking better questions to transform health journeys. She delves into the five barriers that block progress, like fear and bias, and emphasizes the role of mindset in healthy eating. With practical tips, she illustrates how small, incremental changes can build trust in dietary habits. EC encourages listeners to prioritize progress over perfection, pushing for manageable steps toward lasting results in fitness.

39 snips
Aug 12, 2025 • 1h 11min
From Raised Hands to Real Change: A Step-by-Step Guide to Being a Better Change Agent
Discover how to effectively initiate conversations about health and fitness, even with those unfamiliar with these concepts. Dive into strategies for personal growth and the importance of meeting people where they are. Learn about the nutritional consequences of cooking oil choices and manage finances around health. Explore the role of change agents and the impact of environment and mentorship on personal development. Finally, uncover actionable steps in training, nutrition, and mindset, fostering connection for transformative change.

48 snips
Aug 5, 2025 • 1h 1min
Your Ferrari Brain: Stop Idling in Mental Traffic
Chris Irwin, a mental fitness expert, dives into the pitfalls of stagnation and how curiosity can ignite personal growth. He reveals practical strategies for breaking free from mental blocks, emphasizing the power of a personal mission statement. The conversation critiques traditional mindfulness and highlights the balance between creation and consumption in a distractive world. Irwin champions the importance of ongoing learning and resilience, urging listeners to embrace curiosity and flexibility for a fulfilling life.

37 snips
Jul 29, 2025 • 1h 5min
Vision & Anti-Vision: The Push-Pull Framework for Living on Purpose
Explore the powerful frameworks of vision and anti-vision that can guide your life choices. Discover practical strategies for defining your purpose and setting clear goals. Learn to recognize what you want to avoid through anti-vision, turning past experiences into future motivation. Embrace personal non-negotiables to cultivate fulfillment. Integrate vision with daily actions, ensuring your lifestyle aligns with your core values. Finally, gain insights on creating intentional living to break abstract desires into actionable steps.

Jul 22, 2025 • 1h 4min
The Anti-Modern Neighborhood: A Radical Prescription for Deep Health
Explore how shared values and community connections can boost individual health and happiness. The discussion dives into radical health concepts, emphasizing the need for meaningful relationships to combat modern isolation. Delve into the importance of prioritizing peace of mind and managing stress in our fast-paced lives. The speakers also highlight innovative educational methods that promote emotional and experiential learning, and the role of intentional environments in shaping a fulfilling life.

22 snips
Jul 15, 2025 • 55min
The Mental Gym: 3 Simple Tools to Kill Your Victim Mindset (Before It Kills Your Dreams)
Explore how awareness can break the victim mentality and promote mental fitness. Learn the importance of reframing your narrative to embrace responsibility, transforming blame into ownership. The discussion highlights the need to surround yourself with supportive communities and take proactive steps toward resilience. Dive into the sky and clouds metaphor to differentiate between thoughts and identity, and discover the 21 Day Story Shift Challenge to reshape your mindset. Emphasizing curiosity over perfectionism, it advocates for personal growth through constructive internal dialogue.