
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

Jan 21, 2025 • 30min
The Crew Effect: Why Healthy People Obsess About Who's Around Them
Explore how the quality of relationships shapes our health and well-being. Discover practical steps to create a supportive community that uplifts you. Uncover the impact of social connections on personal growth and fitness. Delve into the psychological effects of toxic relationships versus positive ones, and understand why social isolation can be detrimental. Learn how nurturing intentional relationships can foster better life choices and overall health.

5 snips
Jan 17, 2025 • 26min
3 Psychological Traps Ruining Your Best Moments (& They All Start with ‘E’)
The discussion dives into how ego can simultaneously empower and restrict our growth. It sheds light on the dangers of unrealistic expectations and how they can skew our perception of happiness. Personal stories illustrate the tension between lofty aspirations and the appreciation for simpler victories. The concept of end games is tackled, revealing the importance of embracing the journey rather than fixating on outcomes. Ultimately, the speakers emphasize living in the present and accepting life's challenges as keys to true fulfillment.

Jan 14, 2025 • 28min
The Hidden Path from Pull-Ups to Peace of Mind (The Complete Roadmap)
Discover how to cultivate sustainable peace of mind amidst life's chaos. Explore practical steps to align health and fitness routines with your deeper values. Delve into the ten components of health, focusing on what you can control, and learn the five essential pillars for achieving peace of mind. The hosts emphasize the importance of introspection and authentic living to foster resilience and fulfillment in everyday life.

Jan 10, 2025 • 28min
[ 💭 ] Reminders from Ryan Holiday, Steven Kotler, & Greg McKeown
This episode features Steven Kotler, a peak performance expert known for his insights on flow states, and Greg McKeown, author of "Essentialism," who focuses on productivity. They dive into the dichotomy of control, emphasizing the importance of focusing on what we can influence for true freedom. Kotler shares tips on achieving flow for sustainable success, while McKeown advocates for effortless progress. Their discussion also draws lessons from the competition to the South Pole, highlighting the value of sustainable strategies over short-term wins.

34 snips
Jan 7, 2025 • 33min
[ 💭 ] Reminders from James Clear, Robert Waldinger, & Nate Zinsser
In this enlightening discussion, James Clear, author of "Atomic Habits," emphasizes the supremacy of systems over mere goals, showcasing how clear priorities can lead to lasting success. Robert Waldinger delves into the concept of social fitness, urging listeners to cultivate meaningful relationships amid a success-driven world. Meanwhile, Nate Zinsser shares practical exercises for mental resilience, highlighting the importance of reframing feedback for growth. Together, they provide a powerful toolkit for personal development and fulfillment.

12 snips
Jan 3, 2025 • 14min
[ 💭 ] Cultivating Hope: Strategies for Personal Agency & Success
Discover how hope transforms mindset and actions, distinguishing it from mere optimism. Explore a spectrum of mindsets from victimhood to ownership, emphasizing how hope fosters personal agency and responsibility. Engage with the vital role hope plays in resilience, especially in competitive settings, pushing individuals to confront challenges head-on. Learn how recognizing control over life circumstances can promote character development during adversity, advocating for a hopeful and proactive approach to personal success.

33 snips
Dec 31, 2024 • 29min
[ 💭 ] The Power of Storytelling: Shifting Mindsets from Victim to Competitor
Dive into the fascinating world of storytelling and how it influences our mindset. Discover the shift from victimhood to optimism, and learn how perceptions shape our reality. A unique comparison between lottery winners and paraplegics reveals surprising truths about happiness. Embrace challenges as opportunities for personal growth while transforming your internal narrative for resilience. Find the power of perspective in navigating life's complexities and take control of your experiences.

31 snips
Dec 27, 2024 • 33min
[ 💭 ] Year-End Reflections: Embrace Growth & Let Go of Expectations
The discussion centers on embracing growth while letting go of rigid expectations, particularly through the lens of year-end reflections. Negative visualization is explored as a mental tool to build resilience and readiness for challenges. The conversation encourages self-awareness and acceptance, inspiring listeners to navigate emotions of disappointment and hope. It also emphasizes the importance of focusing on personal achievements rather than unmet goals, advocating for patience and persistence in the journey of growth.

5 snips
Dec 24, 2024 • 41min
[ ❤️🔥 ] The 3 Varieties of Deadlift, Redefining Our Purpose, Fostering a Gym’s Community, & More
Dive deep into the world of deadlifts as different variations like trap, sumo, and Romanian are explored for their unique benefits and safety considerations. Discover how to foster a welcoming gym community through family initiatives that engage both parents and kids. The hosts tackle the emotional journey of managing a gym, focusing on identity shifts brought on by parenthood and the importance of cultivating meaningful connections. Learn the value of hydration and supplementation for peak performance, all while nurturing an inclusive atmosphere.

18 snips
Dec 20, 2024 • 25min
[ 💭 ] Breaking Bad (Habits): 10 Things We Shouldn't Do in 2025
Explore ten habits to ditch for a more fulfilling life. Learn how a 'not-to-do' list can boost your productivity and the pitfalls of hitting snooze. Discover strategies to manage stress reactions and how gossip can derail your focus. The importance of withholding judgment about others and cultivating meaningful connections is discussed. Embrace being present in social interactions while minimizing digital distractions, and reflect on your morning routines to take charge of your choices.
Remember Everything You Learn from Podcasts
Save insights instantly, chat with episodes, and build lasting knowledge - all powered by AI.