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
Jan 10, 2025 • 29min
[ 💭 ] 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 • 35min
[ 💭 ] 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 • 15min
[ 💭 ] 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.
4 snips
Dec 17, 2024 • 26min
[ 🎒 ] AMQAP20: Sleep vs Training, CrossFit’s Safety, The Definition of Intensity, & More
Discover how busy parents can balance sleep and training for better wellness. Explore the importance of safe practices in CrossFit, especially for those with prior injuries, highlighting the power of proper coaching. Dive into the intriguing relationship between training intensity and consistency, and learn how simple tools like the assault bike can elevate your workouts. Plus, the benefits of biking for low-impact endurance training and overall performance are discussed. All this while navigating the hustle culture's impact on personal fulfillment.
12 snips
Dec 13, 2024 • 35min
[ 💪🏾 ] Our 5 Factors Year in Review: Mindset, Recovery, & Connection (Part 2)
The discussion dives into the transformative power of sleep, connection, and mindset. Discover effective sleep habits that can improve overall health. The speakers reflect on the profound impact of building connections, whether through family activities or self-reflection practices. They emphasize celebrating small victories during tough times, likening the journey to a marathon. Additionally, innovative health monitoring and the importance of continuous self-improvement are explored, all aimed at enhancing personal wellness and growth.
9 snips
Dec 10, 2024 • 28min
[ 💪🏾 ] Our 5 Factors Year in Review: Training & Nutrition (Part 1)
The hosts reflect on their growth in training and nutrition over the past year. They discuss the positive impact of increased protein intake and structured workouts on their fitness journeys. Discover the benefits of rucking and a simplified approach to meal planning with 'lazy macros.' Personal stories about food sensitivity testing reveal transformative dietary changes that have enhanced their health. Listeners are encouraged with practical strategies to improve their own fitness and well-being.
