
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

6 snips
Feb 4, 2025 • 28min
No Training Partner? The Surprising Solution to Home Gym Motivation
Discover how to tackle ankle mobility issues for better lifting and CrossFit performance. The discussion shifts to staying motivated while working out alone at home, with personal stories that resonate. Strategies for creating engaging routines are shared, alongside insights into community and mindfulness in health. The hosts address partnership conflicts in gym ownership and provide tips for navigating nutrition disputes in families managing cognitive decline. It's a blend of fitness, motivation, and family dynamics that keeps listeners engaged!

Jan 28, 2025 • 55min
The Inner Echo Chamber: When Suppression Amplifies Negative Storytelling (& How to Break Free)
In a thought-provoking discussion, Chris Irwin, creator of Rare Sense and expert in mental fitness, dives into the impact of storytelling on mental health. He explores how reframing personal narratives can empower individuals, sharing powerful anecdotes like the Boston Red Sox's 'curse.' The conversation highlights the dangers of emotional suppression, emphasizing the importance of healthy emotional processing. Irwin also advocates for gratitude practices and mindful techniques to enhance resilience, reminding listeners that they can control their narratives for better well-being.

6 snips
Jan 24, 2025 • 30min
Hunger, Habit, or Hydration? The Real Reason You Can't Stop Late-Night Snacking
Explore the secrets behind late-night snacking and the surprising link to sleep quality. Discover strategies to manage cravings that go beyond just dietary changes. Learn how athletes can optimize their eating windows with intermittent fasting. Get insights into designing effective workouts for skiing season that focus on core fitness, and enhance coaching techniques through motivational discussions. Finally, uncover ways for coaches to develop their unique voice in delivering content.

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.