The Excellence Cartel

Today we invited Alex Kikel onto the show to dive into some of the pharmacology of PEDs - anabolics, insulin, and growth hormone.  We discuss women and PEDs, virilization, usage for men over 40, and the genetic expression of unwanted side effects.

Episode 156: Masculinity and Mental Health  Today we were joined by Nick Komodina to discuss the male struggle with ego, pain, communication, emotions, and abandonment.  Men's mental health is a topic that is thankfully gaining more attention and awareness. Men are more likely to commit suicide when facing failure and many men abuse drugs, alcohol, women, and money - to escape pain.  Nick talks about the 4 pillars of life, and how most men build a lopsided foundation, often focusing on money and physical strength, especially in our industry, and how a conscious rebalancing of the 4 pillars will lead to a happier and more sustainable existence.

Episode 155: Competing With Ataxia  Today Jason's client Daniela DiSilvestro joins us along side her posing coach and trainer Kate Lane to share her motivating story of competing with Ataxia.  Ataxia describes poor muscle control that causes clumsy voluntary movements. It may cause difficulty with walking and balance, hand coordination, speech and swallowing, and eye movements.  Ataxia usually results from damage to the part of the brain that controls muscle coordination (cerebellum) or its connections. Many conditions can cause ataxia, including alcohol misuse, stroke, tumor, brain degeneration, multiple sclerosis, certain medications and genetic disorders. Enter Write to Aa

Episode 154: Perimenopause with Mere Paci This is the most comprehensive chat we've ever had on perimenopause, and we were joined by ScoobyPrep coach Mere Paci to discuss her observations and findings amongst clients of this demographic.  Together we break down symptoms, root causes, lab work, and ways to go about easing this natural transition via nutrition, training, and coaching support.  This is an episode full of science, explanations, and application that you won't want to miss.

Episode 153: Contest Prep With Andrew Berry   Today we were joined by Andrew Berry, from Jeff Su's neck of the woods up north to chat about the extremes of contest prep.  We discuss training, cardio, nutrition, and of course drugs, both PEDs and ancillary items, and how and when we would apply them or have seen them applied.

Episode 152: Optimizing Your Lipid Panel and Heart Managing lipids and lowering cardiac risk is a common theme in coaching. Competitors and general population clients alike can encounter cardiac risk, which can be increased via the use of PEDs and birth control.  Today we dive into blood pressure, heart rate, and the main elements on the lipid panel and discuss the ins and outs of risk and risk management for health and longevity. Enter Write to

Episode 151: What We Really Think About Mentorships   Today we come right out and say what we think about mentorships in our industry and the good and bad that has come from this offering from a variety of brands, including our own.  What should a mentorship offer?  Who should mentor?  What should you expect?  Who needs mentoring?  Will this offering continue to serve our industry or is it a bubble?  This is perhaps the most direct, no bullshit topics we've covered and it's packed full of jabs, insight, foresight, and personality.  We hope you enjoy it.

Episode 150: Peeling Back The Layers of PCOS   Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome affects 6-12% of women of childbearing age. According to the revised criteria, PCOS is identified via amenorrhea, polycystic ovaries on an ultrasound, or a combination of hirsutism and hyperandrogenism.  Women with PCOS often see elevated LH to FSH, high free Testosterone, low SHBG, high fasted insulin or cortisol dysregulation on serum lab work.  Because PCOS is a mix of so many different systemic dysfunctions, it can be hard to treat. Medical solutions include Metformin, birth control, spironolactone, and finasteride.  Together we discuss the pathophysiology of PCOS and how we approach it from natural coaching angles. www.theexcellencecartel.com

Episode 149: Competitive Eating with Bartley Weaver   Today we were joined by IFBB pro Bartley Weaver who is ranked 16th in the world of competitive eating, appeared in NBC's Titan Games, and is currently working on set with The Rock.  Bartley talks about the dark side of competitive eating and doing what it takes to be the best at that level.  You can find Bartley on Instagram @dreamweaveriv. www.theexcellencecartel.com

Episode 148: Social Media Do's and Don'ts with Rosa Ma   Today Jeffrey Su's client Rosa Ma joins us to discuss her role building data pipelines and creating usability dashboards for Big Social Media.  We discussed posting frequency, should you reel or carousel, and should you avoid taking about current political administrations and ongoing health pandemics.  Does the algorithm really listen?  Where will social media lead us into the future?  What drives engagement and retention?  Rosa graduated from Columbia University and studied  Finance and Mathematics and currently resides in Boston, MA.