

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

20 snips
Jan 23, 2024 • 1h 6min
Mastering the Five P’s of Decision-Making, the CrossFit L1, Handling Rep Shavers, & More
Integrity in the gym, strategies for faster recovery, decision-making frameworks, focus and flow, realization of athletes getting younger, introduction of premium membership with ad-free episodes, five P's of decision-making, trusting your gut, gratitude to sponsors, activities that make you lose track of time, flow state in a movie theater

Jan 16, 2024 • 1h
Helping Who We Can Help, Navigating Negativity, Sunday Runday, & More
Importance of maintaining endurance in CrossFit, balancing health and indulgences, managing emotional journey of job hunting, navigating long-time friendships, and sharing favorite books, podcasts, movies, and activities.

Jan 9, 2024 • 57min
A Realist’s Approach to Health, Lessons from Elite Athletes, & More (Food, We Need to Talk Replay)
Learn from elite athletes about the five foundational behaviors for optimal health and performance, the different stages of mindset, and the interdependence of exercise on other areas of life. Explore the importance of love, balance, and choosing the right path for fulfillment. Discover the impact of personal training, setting goals, and finding excitement for personal growth.

8 snips
Jan 2, 2024 • 1h 7min
The State of CrossFit Affiliates, Getting Your Mom to Seek Therapy, Assessing Recovery, & More
They discuss the changing state of CrossFit affiliates, training strategies for demanding jobs, and the importance of vulnerability in relationships. They also talk about using old photographs to start conversations, the evolution and impact of CrossFit, and building meaningful male friendships.

7 snips
Dec 26, 2023 • 53min
Must-Do Daily Actions, Building Discipline, & More (Top Episode of 2023)
Power of daily actions in pursuing a fulfilling life, significance of nasal breathing in workouts, strategies for cultivating discipline, daily actions that strengthen the 5 factors of health, sponsors Neurohacker and Electric E-Bikes, recommendation roundup, podcast recommendations, flu vaccine advertisement.

Dec 19, 2023 • 54min
The Power of Influence, Bionic Shoulders, Leadership in the Midst of Bureaucracy, & More
They discuss navigating the influence on kids, strengthening shoulders, improving ankle mobility, and transformational leadership. They also talk about optimal health factors, prioritizing movement over screens, and sharing lifestyles. Additionally, they mention pain relief tools, a grateful listener's note, and parenting joys and blended family Thanksgiving.

7 snips
Dec 12, 2023 • 54min
Climbing the Second Mountain, the Power of Breathwork, What We’re Proud Of, & More
Explore the importance of maintaining a well-rounded approach to health, the impact of muscle mass on well-being, and strategies for Halloween candy indulgence. Discover insights on ambition, complacency, and climbing the second mountain. Reflect on the past year and what the hosts are most proud of.

21 snips
Dec 5, 2023 • 58min
Active Recovery, Soreness vs Pain, Wim Hoff, & More (Benchmark)
This podcast explores the importance of recovery, distinguishing between soreness and pain and providing strategies for optimizing recovery. They discuss the five factors of excellent health and interrupt the episode to thank their sponsors. They explore the benefits of Normal Tech for recovery, as well as electric stimulation and cold immersion. They emphasize finding balance in fitness and performance.

Nov 28, 2023 • 54min
Passion vs Obsession, a Plan for Getting Pull-Ups, the Real Definition of Competition, & More
Maintaining priorities and values in the face of criticism, achieving fitness goals and improving recovery, dealing with clashes of values in relationships, the importance of balance and compromise, recommendations for boosting energy and improving skin health, benefits of Spotify's audio book feature, the power of mindset and competition

8 snips
Nov 21, 2023 • 1h 5min
Underestimating Decades, Embracing the New Year, Negative Visualization, & More
In this podcast, the hosts discuss the importance of finding stillness and embracing discomfort for personal growth. They explore topics such as negative visualization, setting realistic expectations, and reframing situations. They also address listener questions about the risks of weightlifting and offer practical tips for coaching classes. The hosts reflect on the past year and upcoming year, introduce sponsors, and emphasize the importance of recognizing and handling adversities. They discuss the power of taking action and having courage, as well as trusting your instincts in decision-making.


